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?