Thursday, August 30, 2018

5 Books That Left A Mark, Part Three...

I'm back again! Trying to keep a good pace going with the blogs. That's why I chose to do a Top 5 list and just sort of stretch it out.

Hope you all have had a good week so far! Let's get to the list!

Book Title: Elf Quest



Author: Wendy and Richard Pini

Why it left a lasting impression on me:

Oh my, where to start? I got into these books in high school. I think my Freshman year. I had just moved to a new district and was the "new girl". I didn't know anyone and all of these people had known each other since grade school. It never takes me long to make friends, but still. I didn't talk much, I didn't interact with people all that well. My parents were divorced, I was the youngest of four kids, but practically raised as an only child. You get it, right?

I met a girl named Melissa, too. We hit it off right away and she's the one who introduced me to Elf Quest. After meeting her, I met a lot more people and after reading Elf Quest, I sort of felt like I had found my clan. Melissa wrote fan fiction of Elf Quest and a few other things, as well, but it was kind of a kick when she brought me into it. She gave me a character, and we bounced ideas off each other all the time. I think that is when the writing bug really hit me, but I went the direction of drawing and working on art more than anything. It was something that stuck with me for so long, and we're still friends to this day.

The story of Elf Quest was just as amazing as the art work. I'd spend hours just looking at the pictures after reading one of the graphic novels. I even used a picture of Cutter that I drew in my portfolio to get into art school. It was one of the main reasons I wanted to become a graphic designer. It still sticks with me now.

So tell me about a book that has left a lasting impression upon you!

Thursday, August 23, 2018

5 Books That Left A Mark, Part Two...

Hi gang!

I'm continuing on this week with my top 5 books that left a lasting impression on me. I gave fair warning last week, that some of the books that impressed me were part of a series. This is true!

Without further ado, here is #4 on my list as we countdown!

Book Title: The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings


Author: J. R. R. Tolkien

Why this book left a lasting impression on me:

Oh, so, so many reasons! First of all, let me explain that I never read these books until just before the second movie came out. Yes, yes, I know. I've gotten a lot of flack about that over the years. I mean, seriously, I'm a gamer and touted about writing fantasy and never read these books??

Yes.

One of the biggest reasons these books left a lasting impression on me, is my mother in law. She's passed away a few years ago, but I always think of her when I think of these books. She gave me "The Hobbit" to read. She knew I was writing a fantasy story, asked if I had ever read them and didn't give me grief when I said no. She simply handed me her copy.

After she returned from vacation, she mailed me the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. By then, the movies were out and all of my friends and my husband were so excited to go see it, so I went as well.

I swear, I sat through the whole thing with my jaw dropped the entire time. How? How had I never read these books?!? I kept asking myself.

By the time the second movie had come out, I had read the entire trilogy along with "The "Hobbit".

The richness of the stories, the writing, the world that was created and cared for, it blew me away. I think I will always cherish these books no matter what.

So leave a comment and tell me what book left a lasting impression upon you!

Thursday, August 16, 2018

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.

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Giveaway Results...

Thanks to all who helped get the word out about "Wyndham Hall" by Midge Cline! Our drawing was a success and we have a winner!

Joseph Eakin!

You've won a free e-book of Wyndham Hall as well as a $10 gift card to Amazon.

Congratulations!

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Author Interview & Giveaway: Midge Cline...

Hey all, I'd like to introduce you to a good friend of mine. She's on the team of authors who are working to get The BREED books out through Midian Entertainment. However, this is her debut book that has nothing to do with the BREED. This is "WYNDHAM HALL", a ghost story set in Ireland with a little Irish history thrown in for good measure. Make sure to read to the end, as we're going to give away a free copy of her e-book plus a $10 Amazon Gift Card!

Ladies and Gentlemen, Midge Cline!



Please tell us a little known fact about you.

My favorite animal is the Rhinoceros - I love that they are huge, near sighted and have strong parental instincts. -- they remind me of someone. I tell myself to pull my inner rhino out when facing any obstacles. Rhinos just ram through obstacles. I love that about them.

What was your favorite genre to read growing up? 

Mystery and Horror. 

Is this the genre you currently write in? 

I write mystery, horror and have added Sci-fi fantasy for my upcoming Breed series for Midian Entertainment.

What inspires you to write? 

EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN and a few things above that.

What sort of atmosphere do you need to write? 

Quiet would be nice, does not happen often, but would be rather helpful. And coffee -- there must be coffee.

What is your all time favorite book? 

I have read every Dame Agatha Christie book ever written. She is my writing Idol. Her books are my forever favorites.

Who is your all time favorite character that is not your own? 

Miss Marple, I just love that nosy little opinionated lady. She makes me giggle.

Who is your favorite character of your own creation? 

Hmm.. That is a hard one-- I guess KERSA from the upcoming Breed series book of the same name. She is a champion, a warrior and never backs down. I love her strength and her ability to survive what the universe has thrown at her. She sees wrong and right as a black and white issue- no gray areas. She always fights for the oppressed and abused.

When did you decide to become a writer? 

I wrote my first story when I was 4 years old, in crayon. I have just always felt the need to put stories on paper.

Where are you from? 

I was born on the Oregon Coast, We moved to Eastern Washington State when I was 9. - the same time Mt. St. Helens erupted. It was exciting.

Why do you write? 

Because it is something I absolutely cannot - not do- every day. I am just a soul-driven writer.

What’s the best piece of writing advice you have ever been given? 

Write everyday - read even more.

What’s the worst thing someone has ever said about your work? 

They thought it was pathetic and boring- I was 12 - she was 20- she was my sister. She has since changed her mind. But it really hurt at the time.

Has your writing ever been compared to another, famous author? If so, who? 

A certain Publisher once compared my writing style to JD ROBB -- I am still thrilled.

What advice would you pass on to new authors/young authors? 

Write every day- I use writing prompts and keep them in a journal so I can read how much I have changed.

What is the best thing someone has said about your work? 

That I should have been published a long time ago, because they felt my work was inspiring to writers. I love writing - this makes me feel good.

And last, but not least, something really random: 

~ What is your dream vacation? IRELAND -- please?? I will beg.

~ What’s your favorite alcoholic drink? When I drank it was Amaretto Sours. Now I just like my coffee and my coke a cola.

~ Motorcycle or SUV? SUV-- I cannot fit the spawn, grandspawn, dogs and groceries on a motorcycle. -- well at least not comfortably.

~ Real books or eReader? OMG it depends-- in the tub or curled up on my sofa I prefer to hold a real book in my hands, I like audio books while I am driving or in bed, and ebooks in waiting rooms and at the beach or where ever I have a wi-fi connection. I love books so much in any form.

Thanks so much for participating in the interview! Links to Midge Cline's books are below, as well as the details for the giveaway. Good luck everyone!


Kindle Version, Paperback on Amazon, Smashwords for all other devices.


**Artwork for the book cover was done by Aimee Woodward @ DigiDawgDesigns.**