Friday, December 20, 2013

The Most Stressful Time Of The Year...

I miss all of you, my wonderful blogger pals...

It's my own fault, however. Okay, well, not entirely.

I shall attempt to explain. Hubby and I moved from Alaska to Washington and are currently staying with friends. More like our friend, their parents and daughter. Our friend's father was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma prior to our getting here. They're older (I won't divulge age, that's rude) and lots of health issues. Our friend has psoriasis and the arthritis that accompanies it. So while he has done a great job of taking care of his parents, it's affecting his physical health, too.

Okay, so with that being said, "Dad" went into the hospital and we're trying to be optimistic, but it doesn't look good.

Hubby and I have been helping watch the daughter, clean, cook, well... practically anything we can help out with, we do so. We're meant to be here, to help, we know that.

So I have to say, writing and blogging have been put on hold. With the holidays and everything else, it's pretty scattered around here.

After Christmas, I'll be traveling for a week or so to go visit family in Arizona. I was trying to surprise people, but I can't keep stuff like that a secret, so the cat is out of the bag... stuff that furball back in! So I won't be around for awhile after that either. I'm hoping to have my IWSG post scheduled by then. Here's hoping.

On the off chance I don't post anything for a bit, I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Joyful Kwanzaa, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! I will definitely see you all in 2014.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Book Review: The Contaminants by Devin K. Smyth

Title: The Contaminants

Author: Devin K. Smyth

Pages: 155 File Size: 338 KB

ASIN: B00BPK0G6C

Purchase: Amazon



About the book (from Amazon):

When America attempts to "purify" earth to maintain its own dominance, it sparks a worldwide nuclear holocaust. Teen friends Jessil and Soraj are among the few survivors. They escaped on a cruiser that now orbits the planet and is designed to help regenerate the earth's ecosystem. Soraj’s father leads the regeneration process and is hopeful that he can salvage a region in North America for the cruiser’s return.

But when Jessil discovers a message indicating her own father may have survived the holocaust back on earth, she’s determined to rescue him immediately with Soraj's aid. Can they succeed even though the planet they return to is very different from the one they left—and that their success could mean failure for the regeneration process?

My thoughts:

I'm not typically a Sci-Fi reader. Don't ask me why, I have no explanation, even though I love Star Wars and other SF movies.

"The Contaminants" by Devin K. Smyth is a really well written book. You get two points of view in this story, one being Jessil's and the other is Soraj's. Each chapter alternates the point of view, so you're getting a complete understanding of just what happened to Earth.

Jessil is simply an All American girl. She lives on the base with her father, brother and adopted brother before the attack. She's athletic and likes to keep busy. She's devastated that their father was left behind and tries to make the most of what is now her life.

Soraj is, to me, a typical teen who wanted the latest technology and sacrifices an eye to have a SOLE implant. I don't remember being told what SOLE stood for, but Devin explains the use of the device well enough, that it doesn't really matter. He's not as active as Jessil, but you can tell he's got a crush.

The two teens are so different, but they have a dynamic friendship, regardless.

So the creatures that now inhabit Earth are pretty amazing. This is, to me, a typical Sci-Fi story. It's believable, there are no questions raised while reading and it's a very engaging story. I highly recommend it, if you are a Sci-Fi fan.

My Rating:

So with all that being said, I give this book

4 out of 5 skull and crossbones.

Friday, December 6, 2013

Friday Faves & Funnies...

It's Friday! And we're that much closer to Christmas.

You can throw rotten apples at me later, ha!

Being that it's the holidays, let's focus on some holiday favorites. One thing I absolute must do this time of year is watch "A Christmas Story". It isn't Christmas without it, for me.

"Stuck. Stuck! Stuck!!!"


Other traditions that have become favorites are taking the left over candy canes and crunching them up into chocolate chip cookie dough and baking cookies.

I like having spiced cider. This year I want to try mulled wine. I also like watching "It's a Wonderful Life". But most of all, it's spending time with my family that makes this my favorite time of the year.

So what traditions do you have that are your favorite?

On to the funnies!





Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Insecure Writer's Support Group...

It's that time of month again AND that time of year!

Wow. Last month of the year and last IWSG post for 2013. If you want to know who else is participating visit the Ninja Captain behind it all, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

So I posted a bit of an insecurity yesterday. You can see that post here if you missed it.

For today, I'd like to be a bit more on the advice giving side, than the whiny, oh-my-gah-I'm-a-writing-failure! side. (I'm talking about me, not you.)

I see lots of my friends posting links to new releases. They talk about how this, that and the other thing will be out next month and the following month, there will be more. And don't forget to stay tuned to when you can see this short piece, that short piece AND a bag of chips with it all....

I'm being facetious. And by now, you're asking where is the advice?

Well, everyone goes their own pace. All the books I've read about being a writer and making time to write every. Single. Day... just doesn't pertain to me. I know lots of people who have trouble finding time to write. On the opposite side of that coin, I know lots of people who have too much time to write.

Personally, I can't write everyday. My creative process won't allow it. I have to come up with ideas, jot down as much info as I can, and then let it marinate for awhile. Sometimes, I go months without writing a single word, then all of a sudden, I'll write eighty thousand.

Does that mean I'm less dedicated than those people who have a new book out every week?

No. It just means I work differently than everyone else.

Story of my life. I am proud of the fact that my life-long address has been The Island of the Misfit Toys.


I'll be hopping around and visiting you all today to see what your insecurities are, and/or your advice! Have a great day.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Let's Be Honest...

Writing has been put on the back burner for me for a bit now. I did work on revisions of book two for a time after the move and it went well.

Now?

Meh. I feel like I have writer's block. But we all know what stress can do to you. As much as changes in lifestyle and all those other little bits and pieces that roll into one big ball of "I-don't-wanna!!!".

Funny thing is, I've worked through stress and writer's block before. But it seems like it always changes and becomes just that much harder to write through.

It adapts.

Which forces ME to adapt even more.

So I just continue watching all these new releases come from my writer friends and try not to let it get to me. I mean... I NEED. To. Write.

It's that simple. If I don't write, I go nuts. Okay... well, I AM nuts, it just makes it worse, that's all.

Seems like my blog theme so far has been: "Whine. Complain. Repeat." Maybe I'll just start posting up some of my flash fiction that I've been doing for writing prompts. I need to do something. You're all bored of my whiney-ness, I can feel it. Ha!

I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving holiday!

And a huge congratulations to all who participated in NaNoWriMo! Like I posted on Twitter, doesn't matter if you reached the 50,000 word mark, the fact that you TRIED is good enough for me.

Friday, November 29, 2013

Black Friday Freebie...

I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving. I know I did! Time with family is always good and fun. A day spent together is always a good day.


I am sure lots of you are out shopping, but in the spirit of it all, I'm offering up "Adversarius" for free today. Why?

Well, if you happen to be  purchasing a Kindle for a family member who likes fantasy, load up the Kindle with some freebies!

So here is the link. Please feel free to share it.

And enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend!

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving...

Hey everyone! Just wanted to give you all a Turkey Day shout out!

I hope you have all had a wonderful year, lots to be thankful for. I won't be around much this weekend, but check back here on Friday. I'll be giving away my ebook, 'Adversarius' for free.

You know, so when you buy those Kindles, load them up with some free books!

Personally, I'll be hiding out on Friday. I don't do Black Friday.



Anyway, have a great, safe Thanksgiving and I will see you all next week!

Monday, November 25, 2013

It's All About Character...

So, was watching Charmed the other night. Yes, I know. Stick with me, I have a point.

It was the episode where the Elders took Leo away from Piper when they tried to secretly get hitched. Holly Marie Combs plays Piper in the series and I've always liked her best. Simply because I like her acting and how she portrays her character, Piper.

It was the end of the show and Piper was crying. But it was more than that. It was moving. I mean, I could have cried right along with her.

When any other character cries, I feel like, "Meh. Come on, get over it already." But not with Piper.

It isn't just Charmed, either.

The scene in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. You know the one, where Edward... I mean Cedric dies. It's a powerful scene, made more so by not just Daniel Radcliffe's portrayal of Harry, but of Jeff Rawle's portrayal as well, (Amos Diggory, Cedric's dad). The wail of a man who just lost his son. I've seen other movies where it comes across as mildly moving, but this guy nailed it. I bawled.

Maybe it's because I'm a mom. Maybe not.

We're moved by these characters, not just in movies, but in books, too.

Tell me you haven't gotten the sniffles during emotional scenes of your favorite books. When I was reading Melanie Rawn's "Dragon Prince" series, I cried when Rohan died and again, when Sioned died. The scenes were powerful, the characters, well loved.

So when you're writing, of course you want to move your readers. You want them to feel like they're right there in the scene with the characters. That they'll make your readers laugh or cry. That is something that is easily accomplished when you have good, developed characters.

Make sure you take the time to dig a little deeper into your character's psyche.

What characters have you been moved by?

Friday, November 22, 2013

Friday Faves & Funnies...

Well, it's Friday once again. It either means the end of a long week has finally come to a close, OR, you're that much closer to the end of the year.

Take your pick.

So let's see... I've been watching Charmed on Netflix these past several days. This will be like, my third or fourth time watching the series from beginning to end. I hear they want to remake it. Please, for the love of all that is holy, DON'T!! There are some shows that are just fine the way they are. Come up with something new. "Friends" was a popular, long running show, yet they're not remaking that one.

Anyway. I'm also watching 'Last Man Standing' with Tim Allen. Funny show! I like it.

But that brings me to some other favorites of mine. Favorite actors and actresses. Like, Billy Zane. ::Swoons and fans herself:: I love Billy Zane.
And Gerard Butler.

I like actresses, too. Alyssa Milano and Holly Marie Combs are two of my favorites and not just because they're in Charmed. I like Kate Beckinsale, although, not for the same reasons Alex J. Cavanaugh does. Ha! (I have something for you, Alex. Other than this pic...)

Who are your favorite actors/actresses?








On with the funnies!





And this one is just for Alex:






Ha! Hope you all have a good weekend! I'll see you on Monday.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Book Review: The Garnet Dagger by Andrea Cooper

Title: The Garnet Dagger

Author: Andrea Cooper

Pages: 202 File Size: 328 KB

ASIN: B00BS9HTBK

Purchase: Amazon

About the Book:

Forbidden to cross the Elvin barrier into human lands, Brock cannot sate his curiosity. Cursed by a vampyre bite that forces him to feed on the life-essence of others, he is unable to touch another without taking their life. Chained by prophesy, he must find a witch, pierce her heart, and draw her blood for his cure.
Celeste must escape the monks who have held her prisoner for years. Her magic has been kept dormant by her captors. An ancient powerful Warloc craves her powers. If he succeeds in devouring her magic, she and the world will die.
When Brock falls in love with Celeste before realizing her demise is his cure, will love triumph over his desire to be healed? Will he risk everything to save her from a Warloc, an oath breaker, who also wants her dead?

My thoughts:

Okay, first of all, this is a cool concept. I would never have thought about an Elf being turned into a Vampyre. Second, the way this vampyre kills is just downright awesome. Completely off the mainstream beaten path.
Andrea Cooper paints a very vivid world in "The Garnet Dagger". Her characters, Brock and Celeste, are very well developed.
Brock is a typical, curious Elf. Sadly, it is his curiosity that gets him in trouble. But he is willing to do what he must to fix his mistake.
Celeste is a very strong-willed girl. She doesn't take no for an answer, which is good. Seems like Brock needs someone like that in his life. They are the epitome of Yin and Yang.
The book has some errors, nothing major. The writing style is a little different than what I am used to, but Andrea keeps you in the story at all times.
So what am I rating this book? I give it:

3.75 out of 5 skull and crossbones

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Going Back...

Well, as I sit here, I have just sent off an inquiry to go back to school online. I'm hoping to take some online courses in computer graphics.

I have an associates degree in advertising art/marketing, but have not really done much with it, unless of course, you count the marketing I've done for my book.

My graphics experience is mostly hands on, old school stuff. I'm sure you all remember me talking about, a while back, using the GIMP program to do some stuff. I'm still learning. But now I want to learn more and get my degree. It's difficult to go back to work if you don't know half the stuff you need. Which, I only know half of graphic arts, I don't know computer graphics.

So wish me luck. Also, in the next few days, look for a new page on my blog. I'll be posting up my jewelry I've been working on. I'm looking into opening an Etsy store, but for now, I'll just use my blog as my website.

Hope you are all having a good week and I'll see you again on Friday!

Friday, November 15, 2013

Friday Faves & Funnies...

It's Friday! We all know what that means. Sleeping in on Saturday, unless of course you work. Sundays are somewhat better. Relaxing, going out for breakfast, but dreading Monday.

Anyway, enough first day of the work week anxiety on Friday.

So, some favorites of mine. Super Mario Brothers. I used to love playing that game. Still a favorite. Tetris is another and I actually have Tetris Blitz on my Kindle.

I've been looking at artwork these days, too. I've been getting some stuff done for people, pondering the cover for book two, things like that. So I have a couple I'd like to share.









And now for the funnies:








Okay, have a good weekend, everyone!

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Seriously...






I saw this on Facebook. And suddenly I had to share.

I tend to joke about how my characters keep me awake. The voices in my head. Getting stuck on plot points. All of it. But where would I be without writing?

Probably in a padded cell.

Writing has helped me in so many, many ways.

It's helped me find an outlet for my crazy imagination.

It's helped me through depression and anxiety.

It's helped me find an amazing group of friends and warm community.

Writing has taught me a lot about myself. I mean a LOT.

I don't think I've ever had a moment of bravery (up until we moved to Washington) before. It was a brave thing to actually release my book out into the world. It's a brave thing to face the reviews you get. Which, some of them aren't going to be nice. You have to be prepared for that. I was posting on here recently about my dealings with bad reviews.

So yeah, in a way, my book wrote me. I've changed, I've grown. I'm a heck of a lot more confident.

Even though it sounds odd, thanks, book. For all you've done.

Monday, November 11, 2013

Where I'm At...

So. It has taken me awhile to get settled in and used to our new area. Mainly because I'm not doing a lot.

A lot of driving.

A lot of cooking.

A lot of cleaning.

A lot of any. Thing.

I've shifted from having a houseful of people to me and hubby living with our friends out in a camper trailer. First of all, this is about all we can afford at the moment. Our trip here was riddled with financial issues and a very bad experience at the border that caused more financial issues.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining. Bear with me.

This past year, I became a grandmother, my son graduated high school and then we moved to another state. I'm still sort of in a state of limbo, I suppose. Not only do I have an 'empty nest', I'm not living in my own place. Me, hubby and the cats are 'camping out', so to speak while we recuperate financially.

I've had all this time thrown into my lap to do with as I please. I don't make dinner every night. Although, I do make it as often as possible. I don't have an entire house to clean, I just have the camper. I don't do loads and loads of laundry. I do maybe three. On Sunday. I don't do all of the grocery shopping.

I no longer have a house to manage. It's just me and hubby and the kitties. So I suppose it's no wonder that I find myself sleeping a lot. I'm bored. I write, I watch TV, I make some jewelry when I can. But there isn't much more for me to do. So I need to add a little more to my life. I'm slowly building up a Scentsy business. But slowly is the key word there. I'll include a link so you can see what it's all about.

Bottom line, if I want to be successful, I have to start changing things a little at a time. Again, don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining, or bragging or begging. It is just a realization that I have come to the past couple days. I'm in a totally unfamiliar stage of my life. A place I didn't think I would be at 43 years of age. It's a little tough to take. But I will adapt. I always do. Sometimes a little too slowly for my own good.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Friday Faves & Funnies...

It's Friday! For those of you who've just joined me, I do posts every Friday where I share my favorites. Favorite music, favorite movies, television shows, books, etc.

So on with it!

I finally got to see Iron Man 3. I love it. All of the Iron Man movies are good. The second one, like in ANY trilogy, wasn't exactly the best, but it was still good.

I'm currently sitting on the edge of my seat to see "Catching Fire" and "The Desolation of Smaug". I know those will become favorites very quickly. Tolkien has been a favorite for years. Suzanne Collins is a new favorite too, due to the "Hunger Games" series. Which... I have to finish! Gah!

Okay, enough about me. Let's get on to the funnies!








And for those of you doing NaNoWriMo...

Have a good weekend, everyone! What are your plans?

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Strong Females...

Everyone has their idea of what a strong female character is in writing.

It can be Buffy from the series, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer". It can be Xena, the Warrior Princess. It can even be Princess Leia from "Star Wars".

Of course Princess Leia is like, the toughest Princess I know. Unless you count Princess Vespa from "Space Balls".

But some people feel that Bella from "Twilight" is a strong female character. While I have to beg to differ, like I just said, everyone has their idea of what a strong female character is.

So what would be some guidelines you could follow if you feel like you don't have a strong woman, but want one, as a character?

First of all, start looking for all the Tom Boys in your family and friends circle. Then ask them what makes them tick.

Ha! Kidding. That would take FOR. EVER.

Okay, so here we go with some serious guidelines.

A) Don't let her be afraid to throw a baseball or change a flat tire. But do allow her to break a nail during the tire change.

B) Don't make her primp every five seconds. While this is a good "girl trait", tom boys (a.k.a. strong female characters), like to throw their hair into a ponytail once in a while.

C) Let her yell and scream, threaten other people. But when she's hurt, let her cry.

D) She's still a girl, and people call women "the weaker sex", sometimes. A strong female character can throw a punch, but she's not going to slam a guy to the ground with a single punch.

There is a fine line between being a nice, sweet, frail girl and a strong woman who, quite frankly, resembles a man.

The girl who wears the short skirt with the frilly blouse can still be wearing some kick ass, platform, knee-high leather boots. Find the balance. Find the Yin to the Yang. But most of all, don't try too hard.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Insecure Writer's Support Group...

Wow, November already!

Well, if you're just joining the Insecure Writer's Support Group, you can find out details at Alex J. Cavanaugh's blog.

Around my birthday last year, I submitted my first book to a publisher and got accepted. My book came out in December. Almost one year ago!

The pressure has been on since that moment to get book two done. I've revised and polished, but not quite ready to send it off to my Beta Readers and Critiquers.

So while this is sort of a "oh my gosh, I need support" post, it's also an advice post.

Life is going to happen, regardless of how much we plan and set goals and make deadlines. I need to relax a little more. This book will get done, when it gets done. If I force it, it'll be crap. I have to take my time with it as much as I did the first one, albeit, not AS long as before. It took me almost 20 years to write my first book. I don't think my readers would appreciate the wait.

So if you're in between your first and second book or your one hundred first and one hundred second, just take it easy. It'll come. All in due time.

Monday, November 4, 2013

Writers Who Are Readers...

When you are a reader, you have a different opinion about books than you do if you're a writer who reads.

I don't know about you, but when I read these days, I find it very difficult to discuss a book with people who don't write. Before I started writing, I enjoyed a certain level of ignorance. I liked being able to discuss the book for reasons other than lack of editing.

When I read a book now, I have a totally different perspective. But when I try to discuss that perspective with someone who doesn't write...

*crickets*

Is it just me?

I've had a couple of discussions about certain paranormal books with a friend of mine who adores them. I can't stand them for lots of reasons. Even as just a reader, I didn't like them for the message they sent. But my friend adored them. Her arguments, when we would talk about it, were, "But you're a writer and you're seeing it from a writing point of view."

...

But I'm a READER, too! How come my opinion no longer matters as a reader? But it does matter, it's just. Different.

So what's changed? Has my opinion always been this way? Is it just coming out more because I'm writing? How do you connect and discuss books with people who don't write?

I can like a book just for what it is. I can enjoy reading like I used to. I just happen to pick it apart more, find the flaws a lot easier. I can pinpoint the issue I have with the books now, rather than trying to figure out what concept I'm failing to grasp.

I think I've always been a closet Writer/Reader and not just a typical Reader. It's just, up until now, I never knew it.

So do you have trouble discussing books with people who aren't writers?

Friday, November 1, 2013

Friday Faves & Funnies...

Yay, it's Friday! I'm trying to be happy and excited over here for all you working people.

I know, rub it in, right?

Right, then, on with it before someone comes knocking on my door...

So, I'm a little behind in lots of the TV shows I have wanted to watch. Lately, I've been on a "Brothers & Sisters" kick. It was one of those shows I wanted to watch and never did due to either A) It was on at the same time something else was on that caught my attention more or B) It was on when someone else wanted to hijack the TV.

That's okay, Netflix is helping me catch up. I'm still watching House, M. D. as well. Love him. He's like my idol. I aspire to be as snarky and misanthropic as House.

I might be succeeding...

I've also been playing Sims 2 alot. It sort of keeps my blood pressure down and these days, I seriously need that.

On to the funnies!! This is my way of showing support for all you NaNoWriMo'ers out there. I have too much going on to participate this time around.









And this last one here is for you when you begin to hit the second week of NaNoWriMo:





All right! Good luck to you all, I'll be cheering you on and making sarcastic comments from the sidelines. Have a good weekend!

Are you participating in NaNoWriMo? What are your plans for the weekend?


Thursday, October 31, 2013

Good And Bad All Over...

Hmm. I sort of had a bit of a low point.

As much as I like to say that bad reviews really won't bother me, that they'll just roll like water off a duck's back...

They sort of sting.

No worries, I'm not really letting it get to me. I am looking over what is being said, and taking it all into consideration.

I tried something new in fantasy, and, well, you either love it or you hate it. Experiment done. "Mischief managed". On to the next book.

So while I am sort of sad when people don't like my book, I have a slight confession to make. I've put some of you, yes, you, up on a pedestal. Yes, my author buddies, I've sort of raised you all up in my mind, and had a slight moment of Hero Worship.

*Gasp!*

I still worship you all, don't worry. But, I did go read some of your one- and two-star reviews. Is that mean? Is that like, "Mean Girl-ish"? Catty?

Rawrrr...

No, it really just helped me put things into perspective. Not every reader out there is going to love everything they read. I do book reviews, for pity's sake. I know how hard it is to give those one, two and even three star reviews. I don't like saying I don't like a book. It's no fair to the author, but how else are you going to help the author learn and grow?

For those of you who have more than one book under your belt, I did see how the reviews got better with each book written. So there is hope for me.

Thanks for putting up with my slightly self pity party. This would have been a better post for IWSG, but I couldn't wait.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Book Review: Words of an Angel by Savannah Rayne...

Title: Words of an Angel

Author: Savannah Rayne

Pages: 159 File Size: 1301 KB

ASIN: B00DWFPCI0

Purchase: Amazon

Summary (from Amazon):

After losing her job at the local newspaper, Rayanne Bradley finally had the time to reach for one of her dreams—writing a book. What should have been an easy task end’s up getting off to a slow start, until the day her muse shows up. Now, whenever the masculine scent of musk mysteriously fills the air, her thoughts flow freely as she types them into what will become her book. As the manuscript unfolds, the mystery deepens and becomes entangled with coincidences. Could this be real? Had she met the long haired, sexy, man of her dreams? Could she believe and trust the words of an angel?

My thoughts:

Now, you all know I'm not much of a romance reader. But this was a good, fast read. It kept me up until 4 a.m. one morning, which is good. Books that pull me in and keep me turning the pages are the kind of books I love, no matter the genre. Savannah asked me to take a look at 'Words of an Angel' and I did.

I like Savannah's writing style. It's pretty concise and her characters are usually well developed. This is her first attempt at romance, and I think she did a pretty good job.

The story itself is different, and moves at a good pace. All of the characters are well developed. There isn't anything bad I can say about this story. The rating will say it all.

My rating:

4 and a half skull and crossbones.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Guest Post: Hart Johnson...

Hey all, I want you all to say hey to Hart Johnson, also known as our favorite Watery Tart! Give her a warm welcome. Take it away, Hart!

Serial Killers vs. Killer Serials

First, I really want to thank Mel for hosting me! It's fabulous to be here. There are only so many people brave enough for my insanity, so I always appreciate it when someone is, and thank you to all of YOU for indulging me today!!!

Halloween is that odd season when suddenly we all love those serial killers, eh? The silver screen brings to light the Freddie Kruegers, Jasons and Hannibal Lechters. They fascinate and intrigue us and we commit to watching and reading about these sick, twisted people to our heart's palpitating aneurism... erm...

Don't get me wrong. I love a good scare, but I am here to make a point-by-point as to why THIS Halloween you should try KILLER SERIALS instead!

Before I start, a brief on what a Killer Serial IS: It is a FABULOUS STORY told in Serial!!! Just like Dickens and Dumas used to do it... small volumes, 40-100 pages that are a part of a bigger tale...

So there.

 NOW... Why YOU want to give Killer Serials a try this Halloween instead of Serial Killers...
5)  None of those pesky masks!!! (I mean seriously, who can breathe?)

4)  Still a gloriously high body count!!! (I've killed half the US population—take THAT wimpy little Freddie Krueger!)

3)  No peeing your pants!!! Seriously—you are afraid to get up and leave those serial killers because a) they might be hiding in your bathroom and b) you will miss something... Killer serials, on the other hand are bite-sized doses so you can pee between episodes!

2)  Serial Killers are only popular at Halloween. Killer SERIALS are fabulous all year long!!!

1)  Serial Killers are so 1970s... Killer Serials are the NEXT. BIG. THING.

If you want to find out MORE about the killer serials out there, a bunch of us are sharing blurbs and why we love this stuff on Thursday... we might even give a bunch of stuff away!!!

I encourage you to come see what we've got. I will be offering my first episode (about 100 pages) free Thursday and Friday.

Author note: I have written a few cozy mysteries under the pen name Alyse Carlson, but this is both my first self-publishing, and my first SERIAL adventure (but MAN, I love the serial!) Find Hart: Blog Facebook Twitter (though it is nearly fraud to claim I tweet)

Monday, October 28, 2013

You Know That Thing, With The Thing?...

So there have been some people sort of waiting for the paperback version of "Adversarius". You know, for that whole like-the-feel-of-a-real-book thing. You know how it goes.

Well, I have good news.

It's done!

The paper back version of "Adversarius" is now available on Amazon.

Took a little while to get to this point, but it is done. I received the proof copy over the weekend and checked it out inside. The formatting, I have to say, is perfect. Spaces between scenes is good and the clip art I used worked so well.

I've heard lots of horror stories out there about how formatting for Kindle and Createspace was so difficult. But I have to say, I found a couple links online and followed the instructions to the letter.

Easy peasy.

One of them was our very own Donna Hosie. The other site was Gregory Mahan.

If you just follow the steps, it isn't so hard. Hell, I'd even be happy to help you out and do it for you.

At any rate, it looks very good inside. My dedication and copyright pages are not the greatest, but that's okay. It's the rest of the book that matters. So I hope, those of you who were wanting a paper back copy, you enjoy it.

Have a great week everyone and be sure to drop by tomorrow when Hart Johnson will be dropping by with a guest post.

Friday, October 25, 2013

Friday Faves & Funnies...

I know, I KNOW! I keep dropping the ball and not posting my Friday Funnies. Please, forgive me.

I'm sort of running out of faves, but I keep getting new ones.

Like this last weekend, I discovered a new favorite movie. "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" with Emma Watson, Logan Lerman and Ezra Miller. I think Ezra's character, Patrick, was my favorite.

It's a very good movie. If you haven't seen it, I would highly suggest it. I got it through my Netflix. I've also been watching the series, "House, M. D.". Love this series. That and "The Vampire Diaries". I know, even after my rant on Wednesday, this is a decent show that I got wrapped up in before I finally hit my wall with the whole monster fiasco. I only have two words in my defense. Ian. Somerhalder.

I also love "Rules of Engagement". Patrick Warburton has been one of my favorite actors for a very long time.

So there are some new faves on the horizon. You'll have to pardon me if I repeat myself.

On to the funnies!

More Halloween inspired funnies just for you:







And on that note, I wish you a happy Halloween as well. What are some of your favorite TV shows, movies, books or music?