CC Chronicles

I'm Still Alive.....

2010-11-23T13:08:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to post a quick note to let my visitors and fans know I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. Just extremely swamped with moving and wedding planning and the business of every day life.

I will be back to blogging in January after the wedding is over. I may try to post a new Ember or two over the holidays so check back towards Christmas.

Thank you to everyone who has stopped by to see if I have posted anything new. You're the best!! I will be back!

Episode 12 - Ember's Adventure Continues...

2010-07-22T00:02:00.002-04:00

In her sleep, Ember absently swatted at the bushy tale that swished back and forth across her nose. Groggily, she moaned, “Perhluna, stop that.”

“When did you rename --- or should I ask what’s this Perhluna you’re dreaming about sleepy head?” a deep voice behind her chuckled.

Ember’s eyes flew open and she almost toppled from her chair, sending Nym, Nuet and her keyboard flying. “Wyndel!” she exclaimed launching herself into his surprised arms.

“Is it really you? I thought I’d never see you again! Especially after the Water Tart had you…and then there was the cheese and the dragon and the”

“Whoa there, little sis. Slow down. Wow, that must have been some dream.”

“Are you going to sleep all day?” Misty calls from the hall. Ember lets go of Wyndel long enough to grab Misty and pull her into the hug. “Alrighty then, nice to see you, too, sis.”

“Well, what am I chopped liver? Where’s my hug?” Fossylia teases as she enters the room.

“I’m back! You’re all here! Oh, where’s Elspeth? You’re never going to believe where I’ve been. I thought I’d be stuck… and gosh, I missed you all, but it was exciting, sorta scary at times, but…wait what day is it? How long…”

“Em, breathe. You were just dreaming. Aunt Ellie said you’ve been up here on the computer since dinner yesterday. You must have fallen asleep. You really need to stop these all night computer sessions and get outside more. You’re lucky to have a job that lets you work from here, but there is a whole world out there you are missing. We worry about you always being cooped up in here with your computer.” Fossylia admonishes.

“Yeah, you need to hit the town with us tonight. My firm is in charge of the opening of a new gallery in Epirotes Falls and I want to show off my beautiful sisters. Well, we’ll have to comb that hair of yours and see if Aunt Elspeth can do some real magic and make Fossy presentable, but….owww!” All three women playfully punch, Wyndel before he can continue. “I’m just saying. But first, I think I smell some of Ellie’s fine cooking downstairs. Race you…” The four take off for the staircase, playfully dodging and pushing each other; looking more like children than the adults they are.

“You sound like a pack of wild animals, “ Elspeth chides, shaking her head and chuckling. She removes a pie from the oven and sets it on the counter to cool, only to be grabbed from behind by Ember.

“Oh, Aunt Ellie, how I’ve missed you!” Ember gushes, as she presses herself against the woman who raised her. “And I didn’t realize how hungry I was until I smelled your roasted chicken… squash casserole and… is that your soda bread?”

“Well everybody sit down and let’s eat while it’s still hot, “ Elspeth says as she extracts herself from Ember’s embrace. “Ember, why don’t you tell us all about that adventure story you’ve been working on, “ she adds with a wink.

Ember’s jaw drops, but Elspeth just pushes her chin up to close her mouth, then pats her shoulder and gives her a knowing look.

“Is that what you were babbling about upstairs?” “Story? What story?” Fossy and Wyndel say at the same time.

Clearing her throat first, Ember begins to tell them of the adventure her “character” is experiencing. They all begin passing dishes, filling their plates and eating as they listen to her story, occasionally interrupting with comments and questions. As the meal wore on, Ember took a moment to really see her family, while they enjoyed a new animated side of their shy sister, Ember was about to tell them about the Druid Derrick, when suddenly she was jolted awake by Perhluna’s chattering.

“NO!!” she cried, “No, no, no! I can’t have been dreaming!”

Perhluna disappears from his perch on the windowsill and reappears in Ember’s lap. “Dream? Is that what you human’s call that motor sound you were making when you sleep?”

“I do not snore! And no… dreaming is…. Oh, Perhluna, I was home. I was with my family. We were eating dinner and I was telling them about you and this place. It was so real! I can still smell the peach pie…. No, no, no! It’s not fair…”

“Well, this world must not be through with you yet.” Perhluna said with a shrug as he popped back to the window, then added, “Derrick is up to something strange in those woods.There are strange sounds and lights coming from them when he goes in… look he’s about to enter them again. Come see!”

Perhluna continued chattering as Ember crossed to the window, just in time to see Derrick turn and look behind himself before he disappeared in the trees.

“We should follow him…” Perhluna encouraged.

“I don’t know. You saw how upset he got when I was wondering around before.”

“Hmm. What do you call it…hmm… oh yes… CHICKEN!”

“What!?! Fine, but if he gets mad, I’m telling him it was yooouuuuur iiiidddeeeaaa!” As Ember opens the bedroom door everything goes black and she has the sensation of falling….

~~~~~~~~~~

Back in Tennessee, just outside Epirotes Falls city limits, Ember’s family is gathering around the breakfast table.

Yawning, Misty says, “man, I had the strangest dream about Ember…”

“ I had a dream about Ember. We were all eating dinner…” Fossy adds before Wyndel finishes her thought, “and she was telling us a story about a woman who gets drawn into the internet world.”

Fossy and Misty simultaneously exclaim, “Yes!”

Aunt Elspeth chuckles, “Well it seems we all had the same dream. Maybe Ember is trying to speak to us from where ever she has gone….”

Book of Souls by Glenn Cooper

2010-07-15T00:03:00.023-04:00

What do a retired FBI agent, Nostradamus, Shakespeare, John Calvin, Area 51, the granddaughter of Lord Cantwell and an order of mute monks in the middle ages have in common?

Why are a dying man, government agencies and Watchers all desperate to get their hands on an ancient book of names and dates?

The only clue as to the book's origin is the number 1527 on the spine.

Will Piper is the FBI agent forced into early retirement and trying to adjust to a life of leisure with his new wife and baby, only to be drawn into international intrigue as he begins a quest to find the origin and meaning of the book. Once the book is in his possession, he discovers even more riddles, whose answers could hold not only the key to the world's future but proof of the existence of God.

Cooper has written an excellent tale that takes the reader on a journey across continents and spans hundreds of years. He gives you a glimpse at how one book inspired not only Shakespeare and Nostradamus, but also caused the birth of Calvinism and one of the biggest mysteries in US history. What is really hidden at Area 51? Cooper has a very compelling theory on what is being kept under wraps and why politicians will do anything to keep the world from discovering the secret. He does jump back and forth to different time periods, but places them strategically so as not to confuse the reader. Not once was I left saying, "Now wait a minute, what time period is this? Who are we reading about now?" Too often less skilled authors lose the reader with this style of writing. Cooper has mastered it and his story flows beautifully from beginning to end. He combines just the right amount of action, mystery, history and human interest to make this a page turner. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Five out of five stars.

Our new addition....

2010-06-30T00:14:00.021-04:00

David and I have a new addition to our family due to the cruelty of someone out there.... yesterday I came home from work to find a severly matted half starved kitty on my doorstep. This poor little creature had been dumped on our street so this moring I took him tothe vet and had him checked out and cleaned up. unfortunately, they had to shave his long beautiful hair because it was so matted, but he feels so much better. When his hair grows back out it will be about 3" long and he will look a lot like my Merlyn. You can't tell from the picture but he has beautiful pale blue eyes just like the love of my life.

Meet Alistar Blue.....

I'll post more pictures of him in a few months, when he's less naked.

A Look at the Headlines of the Future....

2010-06-29T00:00:00.001-04:00

More fun forwards:

Ozone created by electric cars now killing millions in the seventh largest country in the world, Mexifornia, formerly known as California.

White minorities still trying to have English recognized as Mexifornia's third language.

Spotted Owl plague threatens northwestern United States crops and livestock.

Baby conceived naturally! Scientists stumped.

Couple petitions court to reinstate heterosexual marriage.

Iran still closed off; physicists estimate it will take at least 10 more years before radioactivity decreases to safe levels.

France pleads for global help after being taken over by Jamaica . No other country comes forward to help the beleaguered nation!

Castro finally dies at age 112; Cuban cigars can now be imported legally, but President Chelsea Clinton has banned all smoking..

George Z. Bush says he will run for President in 2036.

Postal Service raises price of first class stamp to $17.89 and reduces mail delivery to Wednesdays only..

85-year $75.8 billion study: Diet and exercise is the key to weight loss.

Average weight of Americans drops to 250 lbs.

Global cooling blamed for citrus crop failure for third consecutive year in Mexifornia and Floruba.

Japanese scientists have created a camera with such a fast shutter speed they now can photograph a woman with her mouth shut.

Abortion clinics now available in every High School in United States ..

Senate still blocking drilling in ANWR even though gas is selling for 4532 Pesos per liter and gas stations are only open on Tuesdays and Fridays..

Massachusetts executes last remaining conservative.

Supreme Court rules punishment of criminals violates their civil rights.

Average height of NBA players is now nine feet seven inches with only 3 illegitimate children.

New federal law requires that all nail clippers, screwdrivers, fly swatters and rolled-up newspapers must be registered by January 2030..

IRS sets lowest tax rate at 75 percent..

Floruba voters still having trouble with voting machines.

Book Reviews

2010-06-23T00:17:00.001-04:00

The following books were all provided by the authors.

Langata Rules: Pirates at Lat 10 by Ken Miller
When one thinks about a story about pirates, we generally envision the historic swashbuckling characters and adventures. Even though there is the occasional hadline, we don't think of igh seas pirates as a modern problem, yet it is. In Langata Rules, Ken Miller brings to life the modern day pirate tale. His story is a fast paced action pact story that evolves as it progresses. The author does a good job of showing all sides of the picture, including the circumstances that produce the pirates that terrorize the seas. Miller also gives a view of the political climate in Africa and how business and politics are impacted by pirates and how they all impact each other creating an endless cycle. Starting out, there are numerous characters, which can be confusing for some readers, but if pirates and political intrigue interest you, stick with it. A well written book that will appeal to many, although it is geared more toward a male audience. 3.5 out of five stars.

Web of Deceit by Darlene Cox
Web of Deceit is the story of Peter Brock and how he goes through life manipulating others until things begin to unravel. Cox has assembled and interesting cast of characters in this murder mystery/crime thriller. She weaves a tale of greed and corruption with multiple characters, flashbacks and twists. While I found the story well written and easy to read, I can't say that I liked any of the characters. Everyone seemed to have deceitful and unlikable qualities. For me this made it hard to care about what happened to any of them. Where Cox did draw me in was with the complexity of the plot. I liked the fact that there are multiple murders as well as other crimes and just when you think you have it all figured out, she surprises you. 3.5 out of five stars.

Universal Truths

2010-06-22T00:46:00.015-04:00

Words of wisdom from a forwarded email:

1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is a great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the heck are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories!

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blu Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again..

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this - ever.

15. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Dang it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What did you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

16. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

17. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

18. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

19. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Budweiser than Kay.

20. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

21. Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw it.

22. I would rather try to carry 10 plastic bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

23. The only time I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to finish a text.

24. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

25. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said

26. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

27. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty and you can wear them forever.

28. Is it just me or do high school kids get dumber and dumber every year?

29. There's no worse feeling than the millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

30. As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I hate cyclists.

31. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what times it is.

32. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey- but I'd bet my behind everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time!

Latest Update.....

2010-06-17T00:19:00.011-04:00

For those who read Update Part 2 last week... you know I recently found my soulmate. Well he is now officially my future husband as well. For anyone out there that has ever said "never" or "I'm done with romance" or "I'm happy being alone"... yep not to long ago that was me and now I'm blissfully eating those words, so never say never.

In other news... at the risk of making others annoyed with my new found bliss.... it is so awesome to work for a great company with wonderful people. Not that I didn't like the people (the majority of them were great) I worked with at my last job, it's just that things had gotten a bit unpredictable for the last 8 months or so of working there. It's nice to be at a place where I know what is expected and there is consistancy. My wish for the co-workers I left behind at the last job is that things will get back to the way they were before. For those of you ot there who are still looking or who feel stuck, hang in there, the right opportunity will find you when you least expect it...

Update Part 2- The soul mate principle....

2010-06-09T00:20:00.003-04:00

When you bring up the subject of soul mates you get mixed responses. Many people don't believe in them and many who do only think of soul mates in terms of a romantic partner. The concept of soul means different things to different people depending on where and how they were raised, cultural and religious influences. I believe that the soul takes many journeys and that it often comes back to “Earth” in different lifetimes. I believe that certain souls are destined to be connected and that when one lifetime ends it is only a matter of time before they find their way back to each other in subsequent lives. I believe that we don't have just one soul mate. I believe we have many and that each serves a certain purpose on our journey. You know that connection you feel when you meet a certain person and you feel like you have known them forever, you feel an instant unexplainable bond even if you seem to have nothing in common at first. I believe this is our souls recognizing each other. I have been lucky to find several of my soul mates... many years ago, a little girl who I am supposed to watch over as she goes through life; just last fall, a sister, with whom the connection goes beyond blood and time....
Now do I believe in a romantic soul mate? Well if you had asked my formerly jaded and guarded self at the beginning of the year, I might have told you... not so much. In the matters of romantic love, I have never had the best of luck. Don't get me wrong, my often disastrous choices did serve a purpose in my life. After the last one, I decided to try online dating. Those of you who have tried it... you know. It is nothing like the warm fuzzy commercials they show on tv. I'm sure it is “interesting for both sexes... but for women, we get bombarded with pervs, psychos, stalkers, scammers, weirdos and desperate men. After many disastrous and comical “dates” I was even going to write a satirical book about the experiences but life got busy as it often does, I took a sabbatical from men and dating then before I knew it the book just wasn't me anymore and I was done with dating finding, the mythical “one”. In case you are wondering where this is going.... never say say never.... it will come back to bite you. Spring this year brought a mischievous current in it's winds this year. Before all the drama of late April begin... boredom and a little curiosity prompted me to once again venture onto an online dating site. A dear friend and fellow singleton, had mentioned a free online dating site that he at one point asked my opinion on (I have tried most of them)... so I decided what the heck, it's not like I'm going to find anyone “normal” much less compatible but I had some time to kill so why not check it out. What I found was actually a decent site, especially for a free one. Oh there were the usual suspects lurking but as I finished loading up my profile and scanning the “available” prospects I happened upon a rather intriguing profile. Don't get me wrong, it's not that there weren't many interesting profiles to choose from but this one.... had something different about it. It was relatively simple but had one line that spoke to me... so I took a chance and sent a little note. Hmmm he responded but seemed as equally guarded as I was so wasn't sure that was really going to go anywhere. Still... although others vied for my attention, his messages were the ones I looked every time I logged on. Then just when we finally started getting to know each other and communicating more, wouldn't you know I go and get sick, work/life gets complicated.... not the best way to start a romance, if that was really where that was even headed. I mean come on, this was an online guy, nothing about him was probably even real, they rarely are, and if they are once you meet you almost wish they would crawl back in the hole they came out of. Ok, that was mean, but seriously I've dated those creatures, not fun. Still, this one was different and so we continued to let the connection develop from our safe little distance until finally we decided to be brave and meet in person. Yes, I did jokingly warn him I had mace and a stun gun... and on the big day I did have running shoes on. But as I sit here typing this while grinning like some silly school girl, I can tell you that it turns out, he wasn't a troll, far from it... in fact there really are a few princes left in the world and romantic soul mates do exist...

So, dear readers... there has been another reason for my absence from the blog world... in the midst of life's little challenges of late I have been kept busy being swept off my feet by my gentle giant. At the risk of sounding like one of those sappy commercials it truly is possible to find “the one” on an online dating site... seems the fates work in mysterious ways....

Update

2010-06-07T00:16:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to take a moment to give all my loyal followers and friends a quick update. I have only posted a few times since the end of April. In the middle of a bacterial infection I found out out my job was being downsized and I was losing my insurance. Those of you who know me well, know that put me in panic and action mode, which meant I wasn't going to have time for reviewing and blogging. I have spent a lot of the past month planning and job hunting while still giving my current albiet smaller job 100%. I also had a new preoccupation, which I will expand on later. I decided to write this post , one as an update but also as a note of encouragement for those going through similar situations in these tough economic times.

Luckily, before 2010 began I knew it was going to be a year for new things and good things. While I could look at the situation with the job and the bad timing of finding out things were going to be a little topsy turvy with despair, (ok, to be honest, I had a few moments of that) I choose to look at it as an opportunity to pursue something new and challenging. I didn't wait around and even though still under the weather, threw myself into job hunting. It paid off because this week I will be starting a challenging new job with a fabulous new company with great people, and that is closer to home. The other great thing is that the hours are almost the same as the job I've been at for the past several years. In this economy and with so many people unemployed, I recognize what a blessing this is and I hope it gives those out there still searching a little hope. Sometimes it can be as simple as keeping a positive attitude even when it's hard.

All that being said, I can't take all the credit for being able to stay positive all on my own. I have wonderful family and great friends who are there with love, encouragement, support and laughter. I know from past experience how easy it can be to shut down and shut people out when you feel like the world is closing in, but we all have to remember, that for the ones who love us, that's when they want to be there for us the most. And as we get older and hopefully wiser, we realise by letting them be there we gain the strength to face anything.

Now my lack of bloggy time hasn't been completely devoted to dealing with illness and job drama, there has also been a very surprising and wonderful new development in my life that I never saw coming.... something that deserves a post all on it's own so I will save that for later. And as this week is filled with finishing a notice at one job, starting a new one and a few other wonderful things, it may take me another week or so to get back to a regular posting schedule. I have reviews of some fabulous books and a movie or two coming, one maybe two new Ember posts on the way and a few other random things up my sleeve. Thank you all for hanging in there with me.

Two Legged Snakes by Dr. Ed Slack & Is He Lying To You by Dan Crum

2010-05-20T00:33:00.060-04:00

Dr Slack has put together a book about manipulative people, how to identify then and how to handle them or protect yourself from their deceitful ways. We have all encountered the two legged snake at some point in our lives and for some you may be dealing with them right now. Many are easy to spot, but others trick us into false security and trust. Slack has combined simple descriptions of types and traits with humorous pictures. He also provides checklist to help you become a snake watcher and to teach you how to take control back from the users of the world. An interesting, fun and informative read. Four out of five stars.

Maybe I watch one too many crime shows (Criminal Minds, Lie To Me, etc.) but the concepts of profiling and figuring out people's "tells" is fascinating to me. Dan Crum has put together a book that says it's to help women, but really the information and wisdom he imparts is knows no gender. He covers the subject matter clearly and concisely. The book's subtitle also implies it's just for dating. Again, the information Crum provides can help in all your interpersonal interactions. For those new to the dating scene it can be invaluable and for those who have been burned in the past or who are less intuitive, it can give you some skills to spot deception. I found the book fascinating and was pleasantly surprised that it didn't have a "jaded" feel, that many similar books express. Crum does say that everyone is misleading at some point or the other in life, but by explaining which deceptions are meant to cause harm he gives you the tools to trust your own judgement. Even if you don't need this in your personal life, it's a fascinating book or decoding behaviors. Five out of five stars.

Reviews

2010-05-12T00:24:00.006-04:00

Jumping on Water: Awaken Your Joy ~ Empower Your Life by Ted Karam

I have long said perception is reality. Each person has their own reality because they have their own perceptions. This book captured the essence of soul searching. Karam gives a fresh and easy to follow guide for making your life positive. Life and emotions are complicated and we can choose to let them rule us or we can take control and master them. Jumping on Water is a fabulous guide to teach you to become a master of your own journey. Karam will teach you how to take every experience, whether good or bad and find the positive in it by focusing on Who You Are, Why You Are here, What You Want, What’s Holding You Back and How To Wake Your Power Within. This isn’t just another self-help book, it’s a way to truly be alive. Five out of five stars.

Making Rounds with Oscars: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat by Dr. David Dosa
Cat lovers will rush to pick up this book about the endearing Oscar, who is known to comfort dying patients in their final hours. However, only a small part of the book is about Oscar. The real focus of the book is dementia and the experiences of the patients and families affected by it. I have to be honest and say that I originally wanted to read the story of this wonderful animal. But having watched my grandmother go thru this horrible disease, I was deeply moved by the stories of the lives Oscar and Dr. Dosa touch. If you know someone who has a loved one suffering through this, buy them this book. It has valuable insight that will help them cope. Five out of five stars.

In Honor of Satu Harris

2010-05-11T19:44:00.001-04:00

Today, I discovered that a wonderful woman who photographed me last year for a local magazine was killed this past weekend by a repeat offender drunk driver. Satu was a tiny woman whose zest for life and positive attitude made her seem larger than life. I only had the pleasure of working with her one day, but in that short time er personality made an impact. That's the type of person she was. Although she was a 38 yr. old mother of three, she could easily be mistaken for a teenage. She was a ray of sunshine and this part of the world will be a little overcast without her in it. My heart goes out to her family.

Here are some of her sights:
Artist Bio
Blog
Facebook Memorial
Website (note her website is down right now)

A to Z Reflections

2010-05-02T19:52:00.000-04:00

Monday is the official reflection post day for Arlee Bird's A to Z Challenge over at Tossing it Out. A Huge thanks to Lee for the challenge it has been fun and insightful. I have discovered many new and fabulous blogs and great people. This challenge was about more than getting us to think outside the box to come up with different post it was a way to shrink the blog universe down a little. It became a month long blog party with old friends and new. I have also learned so many new things.

Looking forward to reading everyone's reflections.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As a second order of business, there are many things currently taking up all my free time in life right now so I will be blogging sporadically until things calm down. I will try to post atleast once a week until I have time to return to a regular schedule and it will probably be at the end of each week.

Happy Blogging Everyone!!

Winners

2010-04-30T00:06:00.000-04:00

Recently some gracious authors offered copies of their books to my commenters.

For Brian Cohen's The Life O'Reilly the winner is Roland. Please email me your mailing address and the author will send you an autographed copy.

For Riddle of Berlin by Cym Lowell the winner is Maurice please let me know what you email address is so we can get the ebook to you.

Thanks to everyone for your great comments!

Neutralize Your Blogs Carbon Footprint and Help Reforest

2010-04-28T00:22:00.012-04:00

One of my favorite things is trees. They are so majestic. They have such history. The things they could tell us if they could speak. They are like giant guardians over the world. They clean our air, stabilize on ground, and provide us shelter. And then there is their beauty. Visually they signal the changing seasons with their bright green leaves and often budding flowers and fruit at winters end, the darkening of the leaves and falling of the fruit and blooms as spring progresses into summer, the kaleidoscope of colors that signal fall and the majestic trunks and branches that stand watch through the winter. Without trees the world would have long ago become a wasteland.

and the Arbor Day Foundation are partnering to reforest the Plumas National Forest in Northern California that lost nearly 23,000 acres of forest due to a fire caused by multiple lightning strikes in July 2007. Two short month’s later moonlight Fire struck and took another 65,000 acres. As bloggers we can make a huge impact on the world around us. Running a blog leaves a carbon footprint but we can help neutralize that by the planting of more trees. Here’s how you can be a part of the great reforesting project:

Go to their website and get your button.

Write a short post and send them a copy when it publishes.

How simple is that? Making a difference doesn’t have to be hard. Every effort has the power to change the world.

A to Z Challenge, Final Post

2010-04-26T00:02:00.012-04:00

For the last A to Z challenge post I’ve decided to introduce you to unusual words. Be sure to go to the place this challenge started for links to all those participating, Arlee Bird’s Tossing It Out.

U is for uranography.
Uranography is the description or the mapping of the heavens. Though many have tried to map all the heavens they are so vast we will never be able to completely map them in our lifetime. For me I’m content with uranoscopy (star-watching).

V is for vade mecum
With the invention of kindles and other such devices is now possible for for anyone to have one of these. A vade mecum is a favorite book carried everywhere.

W is for Weltanschauug and Weltschmerz
Weltanschauug is a comprehensive world view from a specific poit of view and Welschmerz is a sadness over the evils of the world.

X is for Xylophobia
Vampires are known throught out time to have Xylophobia… a fear of wooden objects.

Y is for Ydromancy
With all the types of fortunetelling out there iit is shocking that ydromancy is not well know. It is fortunetelling with water. Isn’t that how all the wizards, magicians, etc. did it in legends?

Z is for Zatetic
I hope to always have a zatetic mind. Zatetic is an adjective meaning pondering or questioning.

These words and many more interesting seldom used words can be found at Luciferous Logolepsy.

Welcome to the Weekend With.... my twisted thoughts

2010-04-23T00:38:00.000-04:00

Today is going to be a little different. It’s been a crazy busy week and I didn’t have an interview lined up. Normally when that happens I track down one of my mystical or historical friends for an interview. Alas, this week there was no free time. So, I’m going to start the weekend with Post 4 of Arlee Bird’s A to Z Challenge.

O is for Optimistic
I’m often told that people are amazed by my positive attitude, especially when they learn the kind of life I have lived over the years. Like everyone, I have a dark side and am no to go there and wallow in the land of self-pity or across the sea on the isle of anger. Luckily, those times are few and far between. Yes, I’ve been to hell and back several times. I’m sure I will even end up with an unplanned vacation there again in the future. I had my time of hating life, the world, everything… you know those times when nothing goes rights, everything you do or say is wrong and you just want to crawl in a hole somewhere. That was my world at the end of my marriage and after my divorce. God knows, I don’t know how I managed to keep the friends I had, because I was not fun to be around. But one day, I woke up, looked in the mirror and said, “I’m not this person. Growing up, I was everyone’s sunshine. I want that person back!” And I began a journey of learning to accept the things in life I couldn’t change, learn from the mistakes I made (and boy do I make a lot. Shhh… don’t tell anyone), to see the good in things instead of the bad. It wasn’t an easy road. I had to retrain the why I thought. Every time a negative thought popped in my head, I would make myself think of something good about whatever it was. Eventually, it became second nature. (Be warned I still have my moments and 5 min fits of rage and/or crying occasionally). The thing about being human is we have all these warring emotions trying to take over or get out, and for some, we bottle them inside until they explode and that’s not healthy. Being intelligent beings, we have the capability to harness those emotions, explore them, learn form them. Will I always see the brighter side? I hope so, but I will relish the good with the bad because that is what makes life worth living and being able to feel all these things is what makes us alive.

P is for Perception/ R is for Reality
I’m combining these two together because they go in hand. In the world, there is what is real... concrete, fact, data or proof to back it up. There is also, perception… how we see things. Now, those two things should be the same, but they rarely are because as individuals with the ability to think for ourselves (at least most of us) we each have unique perception based on any number of factors. For the individual, perception IS reality. This is something to remember not only in writing but also in life. By remembering this simple theory, you are able to have more patience when dealing with those whose perception or reality doesn’t match your own. Having been involved with elderly whose memory is not what it used to be, the overcommitted who often think that they are the only ones doing EVERYTHING, children who have survived neglect and abuse, and some people who, well, just don’t have a firm footing in the real world of the rest of us. I’ve dealt with egomaniacs who think they are gods, agoraphobics who think the world is out to get them, even pathological liars who have told so many lies they no longer know what the truth is. The point is there is what is Real, but sometimes we need to alter our perception and place ourselves in the other person’s shoes, to look at the world through their eyes. We do it all the time when we read. When we write we create whole new worlds for our audience to immerse themselves in. However, in life it often takes a little practice. A great way to practice is to watch people and put yourselves in their place.

Q is for Quiet Time
Ok, honestly, I can’t think of a great “Q” topic at the moment, so since I rambled on a bit on those other letter’s, let’s pause for a Quiet Moment.

S is for Satan
LOL, just kidding, some of you are going, “what the…?” Told you I have a dark side.

Seriously, “S” is for Scenery.
I’m a very visual person, when I read something or someone describes something to me I get an instant mental picture. Most of the time, this is a good thing. For some, they need to actually see something to be able to visualize it or be able to associate it with something they have already seen. That’s where our job, as authors, can get tricky. We have to set the scene and make the reader feel as if they are walking through the world in our book without be so overly descriptive that they get bored and lose interest. It’s a fine line. So I ask you, my fellow readers, how do you like to discover the scenery in a story? And my fellow authors, how do you like to unfold the scene so your reader is as captivated or emotionally effected as your characters?

T is for Titillating Plots
You know the ones… the ones where the author has you so spellbound that you simply can not put the book down until the end. Having read literally thousands of books (actually I own thousands of books), sometimes I get to the point where I just don’t want to read another word of a particular book. Not because it’s bad or even boring really, but I think my fellow reviewers may agree… when you read book after book after book, if it isn’t titillating, you just want to say, “Next!” Sometimes you just need to be grabbed; sometimes you just want to lose yourself between the pages. The book I reviewed yesterday is such a book. Not because it had non-stop action, spicy hot romance, out of this world adventures… it was just so well written that once it got hold of you, you had to ride out. As a fledgling author still trying to find my voice, I haven’t mastered that quality yet. Can it be learned or is it just an innate quality some writers have?

Enjoy your weekend. I'll post the final post of the challenge on Monday.

Dead Man of the Year by Stephen Hawley Martin

2010-04-22T12:28:00.001-04:00

I don't usually review a book way before it's publication date but Oaklea Press asked me to, and those of you who know me know I love a good mystery.

Hearken back to the days of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie. When tales of mystery were so finely yet simply woven they left us spellbound. Where the characters reached out from the pages and took us along for the investigation. Those mysteries are timeless classics that will be read and loved for generations to come. Now, come back to the present and meet Stephen Hawley Martin. Don’t let it fool you, that he is co-founder of The Martin Agency, an ad agency, probably best know for the GEIKO gecko and caveman campaigns. This book isn’t a slick campaign by an ad man who thinks just because he can come up with good copy he’s a writer. Martin has written an intriguing cat and mouse mystery. Just when you think you have figured out who is the guilty party, he will surprise you. As a playwright myself, I love to break the fourth wall. Not sure what it’s called when the author of a book does it, but apparently Martin likes to break that wall himself. There are several instances where his main character is obviously talking to us, the reader. I loved this. It made me feel as if I was actually in the room with the character. Martin also writes this in the first person, which further gives the reader a sense of being a part of the action. One of the great things about the characters of this book is that they are realistic. Although, we hope to never go through these situations, it is easy to see that they could be very real. As the plot thickens, you will find it impossible to put this book down. And even when you’ve read the last page, you will want to know what happens to these individuals in the future. This is one of the best mysteries I’ve read in a long time. Dead Man of the Year is destined to become a classic murder mystery for future generations. Five out of five stars.

Be sure to check out the author's website for more information about this book and his others. It goes on sale this summer.

Here is the synopsis sent by the publisher:

The story, set in 1994, takes place in an advertising agency with its major account in review. Brian Durston, the protagonist, has recently joined the firm because his uncle, a major stockholder, has promised to bring him in as a partner. But in the first few pages, Brian discovers the uncle dead at his desk with a bullet through his brain. The police think it's suicide, but the protagonist believes otherwise. His only hope to avoid the unemployment line and salvage the situation is to solve the mystery and save the account.

The first question facing Brian is who benefits from his uncle's death? The answer seems obvious at first: The surviving partners, of course. So Brian decides some investigating is in order. In steps the beautiful and enigmatic copywriter, Nickie D'Agostino. She says she wants to help Brian save the account and find the killer. But before long, Brian begins to wonder. Could she be the one who did it? A romance tortured by suspicion follows, and a frantic, white-knuckle race to find the murderer before Brian's share of the business reverts to the surviving partners, or worse --his snooping prompts the killer to strike again, sending Brian to join his uncle in the afterlife.

Around Town... Local Sculpture

2010-04-21T00:26:00.016-04:00

Today's post will be short and... well considering the subject of the picture, maybe not so sweet, or sweet in a twisted way. I was going to do a post on the Historic Airlie Gardens in town, but was told by the people there I was not allowed to share photos of their grounds unless I want to pay $200 per picture. Ironically, you can find thousands of pictures posted online if you would like to see what it does look like. It is a shame because it is a beautiful park opened to the public but well, now owned by the city. Ah, politics and bureaucracy, the only institutions, who feel entitled to charge what mother nature provides for free.

So instead I will share a photo of this sculpture that stands outside our downtown post office. The photo doesn't do it justice. It is amazing in person and when the sunlight hits the glass the makes up the 'jaws of death', it almost appears to come to life. Unfortunately, the artist is not listed but this particular one is titled "Southern Hospitality".

To see more of our pedestrian art, click here.

Reviews

2010-04-20T00:42:00.011-04:00

Stressed in Scottsdale by Marcia Fine
Do you need to de-stress your life? Then pick up a copy of Fine’s book and escape from the chaotic pace of life with fits of laughter. Fine has taken the life of one stressed out, over committed woman and made her into someone we can all relate to and learn from. You will see parts of yourself and friends in the lead character, Jean Rubin as she faces some of life’s challenges with grace and humor. 4.5 out of five stars.

Fire Gazer: Arson at the Wolf House by Kevin Burton McGuire
Those of you who follow me know I don’t like overpriced tiny books, but if said book offers something of value to the reader or at least fulfills its promise, I try to give it two scores, one for value and one for content. Unfortunately, this is one that a single rating will cover both. At $12 for approximately 100 pages, I expected a lot. This book was a disappointment, as it followed a reporter, Ken and a self-important homeless man/conman, DC. None of the characters nor the plot are compelling or even interesting. In addition, the book is more about DC’s god complex than about the arson. One out of five stars.

2012 Maya End Date: A New Beginning by Edward Dayne Curry
Who hasn’t wondered what is in store for 2012? Are the prophecies real or hype? As the infamous date draws nearer, people either get more anxious or apathetic. For me, I don’t really worry about it one way or another because there are bigger forces than me at work and my only function is to handle what unfolds in life. That being said, being a history buff and having an innate curiosity about life and the world, I do enjoy reading all the theories and stories. In 2012 Maya End Date, Curry combines history and prophecy, fact and fiction. Curry has done his research and it shows. He is also an excellent story teller, so the reader feels like they are reading about real people and events; not something created in Curry’s mind. A compelling read. 4.5 out of five stars.

Monday Reviews

2010-04-19T00:08:00.000-04:00

The Riddle of Berlin by Cym Lowell
Lowell has written a very ambitious first novel. Riddle of Berlin is an intellectual thriller. There are terrorist, inept politicians, international intrigue and numerous satellite characters. At times it feels as though Lowell has tried to be too ambitious by throwing in too many plot twists. At times it feels like it loses its focus, or maybe as a reader I lost focus. This is one of those stories where if it were a movie you would want lots of commercials, because the plot is so complex that if you miss even a second you will be completely lost and have to start over. Overall a decent first novel and it will be interesting to see if the next novel offers more cohesiveness. 3.5 out of five stars.

Hidden Truths by Brenda Youngerman
Emotions run the gamut in this book that follows the lives of four children as they grow to adulthood. Two sets of siblings raised separately in very different environments. This book is about life and the journey it takes you on. One of Youngerman’s biggest strengths is that she gets the human psyche and when she writes not only do you feel like a fly on the wall but you become totally invested in her characters. It is a true gift to be able to put your reader into your character’s mind when the reader would normally not be able to relate. Often I read books that I just cannot get into because I can’t relate to any of the characters. With Hidden truths, I don’t relate to any of the characters but because of Youngerman’s skill, I became invested in their lives. This is not an easy read, it’s raw, it’s emotional, it is real. 4.5 out of five stars.

The Final War and 3001: Birth of a Political Renaissance by Priscilla Herochik
What if greed was so pervasive in politics and religion that corrupt religious leaders and inept narcissistic politicians caused the downfall of the world? Oh wait, we are already living in that world. This book is like two books in one. The first part leading up to a nuclear event and the second half is about what the world can become in the aftermath. Although there are an abundance of religious and political undertones, this book isn’t about either of those. It’s more about mankind’s destructive and self-serving nature and how future generations can simplify and rebuild what current generations destroy. There is a lot of drama in this book and although long, it is a relatively easy read. Four out of five stars,

Issa: The Greatest Story Never Told by Lois Drake
We know very little about the teenage years of Jesus (Issa). Drake gives us one possible accounting of those missing years. The beautiful thing about this story is that it gives us a logical journey not one biased by rhetoric or traditional dogma. Anyone who knows teenagers knows they have a natural curiosity. Issa would be no different and because of his benevolent nature it is easy to see his friends and him learning different cultures. Four out of five stars.

Welcome to the Weekend With... Author Brian Cohen

2010-04-16T00:01:00.043-04:00

Back in March, I did a brief review of Brian Cohen's book, The Life O'Reilly and today I give you the man behind the book.

First tell us a little about you-
A native New Yorker, I was born in Queens and raised on Long Island. I have been practicing law for over 12 years, specializing in complex litigation. I live with my wife and our daughters in the suburbs of New York City.

When did you first start writing and did you always want to be an author?
I have had a passion for all things creative, including film, literature, and music, since elementary school. During my Middle School and High School years, when I was introduced to literary classics such as To Kill a Mockingbird, Catcher in the Rye, Les Miserables, and The Count of Monte Cristo, I discovered both a love of fiction and a knack for creative writing. But it wasn’t until my first semester of law school that I truly caught “the writing bug” and knew I had to become a storyteller.

What is the most challenging aspect of writing? Most rewarding?
Having balance in my life is a top priority, so finding the time to write, while also having a family and a demanding legal career, is a challenge. When I'm writing, I usually wake up at 4 a.m. (as crazy as that sounds!), but with the busy life that I lead, it's not always possible to maintain that kind of schedule. After all, sleep is important!

The most rewarding aspect of writing is the wonderful reactions I get from readers!

When you sit down to start a new book do you begin with an outline or synopsis or do you just go with the flow?
I like to have biographical sketches for the main characters and a general outline that gives the novel structure, although as characters come to life during the writing process, they tend to take the story in new directions (which is a good thing!).

I know my readers really loved the cover of The Life O’Reilly. How involved do you typically get with regards to cover art for your books?
I had a vision of what I wanted the cover to look like, and shared that vision with my cover designer. She took that idea and ran with it and, after a few different drafts, we came together on the final product. She did an outstanding job, and I couldn't be happier!

Where did you get the idea for this book?
I am a huge fan of crime fiction, so as an attorney setting out to write a first novel, it naturally followed that legal suspense would be my genre of choice. I spent six months researching, plotting, outlining, and creating character sketches, and then another six months cranking out 150 pages of material. During that time, though, a lot was happening in my life – stories of people my age dying prematurely were being told with alarming frequency, the rat race had become all-consuming, and my wife and I were getting ready to welcome our first child into the world. Then one day, I appreciated that everything I’d been experiencing had inspired another story; I realized that, though writing a crime novel was something I wanted to do, telling the story of Nick O’Reilly was something I had to do. So that evening, I told my wife that I was shelving the thriller and starting on a new project and, the following morning, I began writing The Life O’Reilly and have never looked back.

How much research did you do for your book and how much ended up in the finished product?
I did a lot of research both before and during the writing process and a lot of it made it into the final version!

When a new book comes out, are you nervous about how readers will react to it? How much of yourself do you invest (emotionally and otherwise in your work)?
Sure, there is a bit of nervousness when a book comes out, but I pour my heart into what I decide to publish and do so knowing that there is an audience for my work.

What do you hope for your writing career in the next few years? Any goals that you have yet to obtain that you have set for yourself?
I hope that there will be many more books and, of course, that I will continue to connect with more and more readers!

Do you have written any other stories and yet to be published novels, when can we expect your next book?
I am currently working on my second novel. It's hard to say when it will be out, but hopefully sooner rather than later!

You can influence any one thing in the entire history, the present or the future of the world (what has occurred, how something works, etc.). What would you choose to change and why?
I would prevent The Holocaust from happening.

Thank you for joining us today, Brian.

Be sure to check out Brian's website.

Just got an email from the wonderful Brian Cohen and he is offering a signed copy to one lucky commenter. I will announce a winner on the 21st. All you have to do is leave a comment (following would be nice too, but not required.)

A to Z Challenge, Part 3... I-J-K-L-M-N

2010-04-15T00:01:00.087-04:00

Continuing the A to Z Challenge from Arlee Bird at Tossing It Out.

I is for Illiteracy
Most of us in the bloggy world are book lovers. We live to read and we take it for granted that we are able to. For us it is like breathing; we don’t even have to think about it. We are the lucky ones who are blessed with this skill. In the US our literacy rate is not that bad, but it doesn’t take into account that many are ‘functioning illiterate’. I cannot imagine graduating from high school and not being able to read. Sadly, that is more common than you might think. So next time you pick up a book or are reading a blog, take a moment to appreciate that gift.

J is for Jumping the Shark
Technically ‘jumping the shark’ is a phrase that came about in 1985. Jon Hein used it to describe that instant, that defining moment when you know your show will never be the same. It’s most often used to describe a popular show that does something so strange that it begins to go downhill. Although Jumping the Shark original referred to TV, it applies to literature as well. How many times have you been a big fan of a particular author and then they do something crazy with the characters or plots you have come to love? Have you ever been engrossed in a book only for the author to go off on a tangent that makes no sense before the conclusion? As writers, we need to make sure we don’t Jump the Shark.

K is for Kissing
Ah ..kissing. Most everyone loves doing it. It’s a sign of affection, passion, sometimes love. Most remember that first kiss no matter how many years or decades pass. And when we are reading a story or watching a movie and the authors and directors draw out that magnetic attraction, we root for the characters and our anticipation builds. A kiss is a magical moment….sigh… until you find yourself being kissed by a wretched kisser. Ladies, back me up here. We’ve all experienced it. So, here are few words of advice for those challenged in the kissing department:

-If you want to know if we still have our tonsils’, just ask.

-Teenagers in the 80’s loved the phrase, ”suck face”. It’s not the 80’s and we aren’t teenagers anymore.

-It is common knowledge women tend to be cat lovers. If we wanted to be slobbered all over we’d have dogs.

-If you have spent hours studying our mouth debating whether to kiss us, make a mental note of how big our mouth really is. Even sci-fi fans get a little freaked out when you try to wrap your lips around our entire head.

-Who doesn't love a little love nibble now and then, but we don’t want to have to call for the jaws of life to extract our bottom lips from your teeth. We may wonder if you are a cannibal who hasn’t eaten in a while, beside we prefer to be dessert not the main course.

When in doubt less is more. Start softly and let the passion build....

L is for Little Moments
Little moments… those moments that stick in our mind long after that have past. Moments that remind of where we have been. Moments that bring back memories and make us feel like a kid again. Those few minutes, when we are rushing around trying to accomplish more than humanly possible, but we pause to breathe. Those times when our minds wonder off daydreaming of that special someone or place. The seconds right before we burst out laughing when the humor is building inside. Those minutes we try in vain to hold back tears. The moments that take our breath away. We experience these moments all the time. As novice writers it can be easy to forget to incorporate little moments in out stories. All great authors do. It’s how they draw the reader in and make the characters relatable.

M is for Men
Last week Alex Cavanaugh gave us Genre Girls. So today I will give you leading men. Here are the leading men that draw me to the movies. Some of them may surprise you.

Michael Caine

Actually Sir Michael Caine. Great actor and a true gentleman. On my first film, he made me tea and wanted to know about my life & school (Wake Forest), and I was just a PA. What Academy Award winning actor today would do that?

John Cusack

Ok, I'm a sucker for all those John Hughes and 80's movies. Can't help but like Cusack, I grew up crushing on him.

Gary Oldman

Fabulous actor. There is something deep and forboding about him. In real life, I think he may be scary. He plays evil and twisted just a little too well. But I'd still love to sit down and chat with him; I'm sure the conversation would be interesting.

Clive Owen

Can't say I care for all his films but the man is just hot. Honestly, even if he didn't look like this he would still mesmorize me with that voice.

Jonathan Rhys Myers

There is just something quirky and compelling about him. His personality has many facets.

Colin Firth

I saved my favorite for last. He's the average man, the normal guy, the romantic, the not so perfect and yes, he's the nice guy. He's dependable and enduring. He'll make you laugh and hold you when you cry. He may not be able to carry a tune or dance but he'll wing it to bring a smile to your face. If men would only realize sometimes those are the sexiest qualities of all.

Now ladies, who are your leading men?

N is for Never Give Up
We all have those moments when we doubt ourselves, those of us who are newbie writers especially. Life gets in the way. Obstacles pile up. Insecurity creeps in. Writers block puts us in a fog. Time seems to disappear. No matter what challenges come up, we need to remember to never give up. That doesn’t mean that sometimes we don’t have to let go of something that isn’t working. It means always believe in yourself and your dreams. Sometimes we spend so much time building others up we forget to do that for ourselves. So make sure you are surrounded by people that encourage you to be the best you can be in whatever direction your passions and dreams take you.

Around Town... Down Island Traders

2010-04-14T00:24:00.004-04:00

Where else can you walk into what appears to be a normal gift store on the outside and be transported into Poseidon’s treasure cove?

Down Island Traders is a lovely import shop where you could spend hours and still not see everything. It truly feels like discovering a pirate’s secret treasure cave. It is sensory overload at its best. Nearly every inch is covered with something unique and wonderful, from the statues on the floors, to the dragon kites and ships hanging from the ceiling. They have exquisite jewelry, statues, furniture and hundreds of items to look at. They have wonderfully music playing to set just the right mood without being distracting. You can feel the textures of the hand carved items and smell the wonderful incense wafting through the air.

They have items that will make you smile, ones that will make you ooh and ah, and ones that will have you saying, “wow, where did they find that”. As you walk through you will find yourself picturing friends and family as you say to yourself, “… would love that.” It would be hard not to find something in here that anyone on your gift list would love. I could make a long list and still not cover everything they have to offer, so I’ll let the pictures entice you.

Down Island Traders is located in the historic downtown of Wilmington, NC. Be sure to check out their website if you don’t live locally.

Tuesday is for Romance.... sort of...

2010-04-13T00:08:00.018-04:00

As I catch up with my reviews of books sent to me, today I’m going to share some love with twists….

Forget Me Not by Vicki Hinze
What would happen if you lived your life on the run, something unexpected happens and you no longer remember you are supposed to be hiding? That is the dilemma faced by Kelly in Forget Me Not. Part murder, part drama, part action, part romance and part spirituality, Hinze has brought all the elements together in a spellbinding tale that will have you asking yourself, “how strong is my faith?” Forget Me Knot starts out a little confusing, leaving many unanswered questions. One being, “should I keep reading?” Hang in there, because the dots do start converging and you will be hooked, flying through the pages until all the questions arre answered. Despite the rough start, Hinze has woven a superb tale of suspense. Four out of five stars. This book was provided by Waterbrook Mulnomah Publishing.

Lucifer’s Last Lover by Dana Warryck
Ok, first of all you have to love the title; it screams classic bodice ripper. In a way it is a classic romance told in a new way with the last character you think of as romantic.

What if Satan walked among us and was nothing like what we have been taught to believe? What if everything we know about good and evil is wrong? Those are the premises behind Warryck’s book. After thousands of years being reviled and having casual dalliances, Lucas Santani (aka Lucifer) has finally met a woman that makes him feel human, but there are forces working against them. This book is a fun romp, but I think I enjoyed the “what if” religious connotations more than the romance. An interesting read, however if you are super religious this is one you should pass on as it will probably offend those who follow popular religious doctrine. Personally, I found it intriguing and a fresh look at an age old subject, even if a little over dramatic. 3.5 out of five stars. This book was provided by Penumbra Publishing.

Lover Avenged by J.R. Ward
Ward has given us another delectable view into the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. I have to admit Ward is one of my go to authors. I read a lot of books, different types of books. However, when I want a book I know is going to be packed with action, scintillating interpersonal connections, a touch of romance and a dash of the paranormal, there is less than a handful of authors that I grab. Because let’s face it, sometimes we just want a guaranteed great read. Ward never disappoints me. I love the Brotherhood series. The characters continue to evolve, the action propels you through the story and the books are long. Really long, yet I always end up finishing them the same day I start them. It takes a good author to make nearly 650 pages feel like 100; where on the last page you are saying, “What? That’s it? But I want more!”

Lover Avenged tells the story of Rehvenge. He may be a vampire but he’s also half sympath and is forced to keep that part of his identity secret. It is hard to live a life where you must hide who you are. For Ehlena, who has given up her life to take care of her ailing father, she hates everything Rehv stands for but finds herself drawn to him. Will they be able to overcome the obstacles standing in their way? If you are familiar with Ward’s style, you know the answer won’t be simple. Five out of five stars. Purchased

A to Z Challenge, Part 2

2010-04-12T00:26:00.010-04:00

Continuing with Tossing it Out’s A to Z challenge, today I’ll cover E, F, G H.

E is for Emergency Backup.
Recently Jemi over at Just Jemi had a laptop malfunction and she posted about it, reminding everyone to back up their files. So, do you have an emergency backup if your computer decides to be evil and not work or worse your hard drive gets wiped? For documents and files I am currently working on I keep a thumb drive and after learning these can stop working if just pulled out, I always use the “safe uninstall hardware” method now. I also back up my entire computer to an external hard drive weekly. Luckily my computer reminds me to do this every time I boot up. If you haven’t backed up your files lately, what are you waiting for?

F is for Followers.
I have cut back on the blogs I follow because I just don’t have time to read them all, and I believe that I should only advertise I’m following the ones I actually am. Jessica over at The Alliterative Allomorph recently did a fabulous post about commenters which got a lot of attention and brought up many good points. Why do you follow a certain blog and what if anything makes you stop? I only follow blogs I’m really interested in, simply because I have limited time. I’d love to follow more but just can’t. MY blog is less than a year old and judging from the number of comments I receive I’m guessing many of my “followers” don’t read my post and only started following to either win a prize I was offering or because they wanted me to follow them. I do try to follow my regular commenters and comment when I can on their blogs. Admittedly I’m not as diligent with this as I’d like to be, but I do keep track and get to their blogs eventually because it’s just common courtesy and, hey, I like making new bloggy friends. Keeps blogging fun.

G is for Girlfriends.
I grew up with boys and for most of my life my main friends have been guys. I tend to relate to guys better I guess. But, as I’ve gotten older I have developed more and more really great bonds with women. There is a sisterhood that I think develops the older we get because we struggle with many of the same issues and have similar taste and concerns. And let’s face it, no matter how close we are to the men in our lives, nothing compares to the bond women form with one another.

H is for Hiccups
Not the annoying takes you by surprise at the worst possible moment and only gets louder and more persistent the quieter you try to be and the more you try to get rid of them. They trap us. We can’t focus on anything but figuring out how to make them stop. No I mean metaphorical hiccups. Those moments that shock us and make us pause or spur us into action. Those jolts of realization. My latest hiccup came when I was sitting with a fellow writer and we were talking about a book I have been working on for a long time but just couldn’t make myself finish. She said that I didn’t have to write it. I should move on and work on the writing project I was excited about. That hit like a hiccup does. It was startling. I’m not a quitter. I started out with a goal and I should see it to the end, right? Well, she was right. I didn’t even want to write that book any more and it was taking away from me writing the one I’m passionate about. Like a hiccup it snuck up on and jolted me and like that moment when you finally stop hiccupping, the decision to let it go, move on was very freeing.

I, J, K, L, M coming later this week.

Welcome to the Weekend With... Author Jeremy McGuire

2010-04-09T00:22:00.041-04:00

The week of St Patrick's Day I reviewed a wonderful book called O'Shaughnessey, The Faerie Circle. Today I welcome the author and illustrator, Jeremy McGuire for an interview.

CC: First tell us a little about your journey to this point. How did you go from being a soldier to an actor then director to then write about leprechauns and faeries?

JM: It does seem a rather meandering path, doesn’t it? Yet, in retrospect, each of these things has contributed to who I am now. The experiences as a soldier did provide a certain discipline, but more importantly an experience of different cultures and beliefs. In the army I began to act and of course, that widened my experiences even further. You cannot enact the greatest writing in the world, embodying a wide range of ideas, and not come away altered in very profound ways.

Acting led directly into playwriting because there were stories I read that I thought would make excellent plays and I wondered why nobody had written them? Then I said, “Why not me?”

As far as leprechauns and faeries are concerned, I think that was the result of boredom. I had created this character in high school, a leprechaun called O’Shaughnessey, and when I was, as they say, between projects, I hauled him out to see if there was something, anything I could do with him. Turns out there was. And once you cross that boundary between the world of the five senses and that other imagined world, well a whole universe opens up.

CC: How do you think the backdrop of your life has helped you as an author and story teller?

JM: We all draw on our own lives; it is inevitable. We can’t help it. Even if we aren’t aware of it, we all tell our own stories. The difference is, in fiction we get to correct our lives. All the opportunities we missed in real life, we grasp in the fiction. Things we should have said, we say. It probably works better if we’re not aware of that, because we’d get all self-conscious about it if we were. But in writing as in acting the characters are, as Eugene O’Neill put it, “masks that reveal more than they hide.”

CC: You have written plays as well as stories & novels? Which one was easier for you? I have also written plays as well as stories and sometimes find that I tend to write more dialogue than action because of the script writing background. Did you find it hard to transition from one form to another and which did you start writing first?

JM: Dialogue. Definitely dialogue. Well, it is the most natural, isn’t it? All our lives we play out these scenes to ourselves either in anticipation of an event or to re-play it afterwards. We practice job interviews, first dates, meeting the Ambassador of Slobovia, all of these things, and it takes the form of dialogue. What is she going to say? What will I say? We are running dialogues in our heads all the time. Narrative is tougher. It requires you to get out of your head and observe closely what people do, where they do it, how they move, what they actually look like … all that stuff. Then you have to be able to pick out only those most important things that move the action of the story along and describe them with some accuracy and, it can be hoped, with some imagination.

CC: What is the most challenging aspect of writing? Most rewarding?

JM: Most challenging is finding the voice. It isn’t the same for every piece. The voice for the O’Shaughnessey books is that of an Irish storyteller, to be precise, the character of Father Duddelswell in the BBC series, Bless Me Father. The voice for the book I’m writing for the adult audience now, From All Things Evil, is, if you can believe it, Alec Guinness. Yes, I steal. I’m an actor. But as Michael Caine once observed, “Only steal from the best.”

CC: What comes first for you when you sit down to write a book? Plot or Characters?

JM: Oddly enough, that varies with each book. In the first O’Shaughnessey book, A Boy and His Leprechaun, it was the characters. I had the devil’s own time coming up with an action for them! Once I got the voice, though, the story told itself, “one thing after the other.” In The Faerie Circle, what came first was, the girl at the lake being taken by faeries.. I knew I had to find a way to get there. Plot very rarely is a factor. If you create the action, the plot will take care of itself. Action is a conflict being resolved. Find the conflict and you’ll find the action. Find the action and you’ll have the plot.

CC: Do you "cast" your characters using pictures or actors to help inspire you when you're writing?

JM: Well, as I said before, when finding the voice, I sometimes depend on hearing an actor telling the story, but characters come from life. First comes the action, the conflicts that has to be resolved, then come the characters, the agents of that action. Many of the characters are composites of people I have known, some are direct portraits, but those are few. You cannot transpose someone from life and put them into an action and expect a good fit. Alterations have to be made to fit what the character has to do, but yes, I can say I draw them from life. O’Shaughnessey, though, I must confess, even when he was invented so long ago, was based on the Irish actor Barry Fitzgerald. O’Sullivan was drawn from Pat O’Brien, the other Pat O’Brien from the 1930’s

CC: I know you also do the illustrations in your books. Do you have to switch mindsets from writing to drawing? Tells us a little about your process.

JM: It's symbiotic. They both happen at pretty much the same time, each feeding the other. I sketch what I have conceived as a narrative, but if in the process of drawing I discover something that will affect the narrative I will change the writing. The process goes all the way back to my acting career; the first thing I did after getting a role and reading the script was make a drawing of the character in real life and put him into motion. It was my way of almost unconsciously discovering the character in me and at least getting the physicality. Costume designers in particular appreciated the drawings since it gave them a concrete visualization of where I was going with the character. I do the same thing in my writing. I have, by the time I am working on the first draft, a drawer full of sketches that I have used to visualize the characters in action. Only a select few of them ever make it to finished illustrations.

The first book was done in pen-and-ink, but the second in in pencil. In my public readings, I also like to demonstrate how the illustrations are drawn. I will hold up a pencil, a standard #2, and ask, "What do you think this is?" Usually the answer is the obvious: "A pencil!" I then go on to say, "If I were just a writer, I would agree, but to an artist, this is also a modelling tool. Imagine the paper is a slab of soft clay; by handling the pencil like a modelling tool, I can cut into the surface and carely shape the clay into a picture. I often hear people say, 'But, I cannot draw a straight line.' Well, my dear hearts, neither can I."

I will then start to lay down a series of smudges from which a portrait of O'Shaughnessey emerges, all without drawing a single line.

CC: When you sit down to start a new book do you begin with an outline or synopsis or do you just go with the flow?

JM: It depends. There is no one way to write a book. Sometimes, I go with Poe’s notion that a writer has to know where he is going in order to get there. Other times, I have found great success in improvisation, at least in the beginning. The Faerie Circle is made up of many different scenelets that came to me at different times and I wrote them down. Each one was a single action. I joined them together like pearls on a string to make up the final book. Of course, I mostly knew pretty much where in the story they would occur when I wrote each one, but not all the time. Above all, you cannot dictate to the story how it will present itself to you. Each one is different.

CC: How much does reader reaction mean to you as an author?

JM: While I’m writing? Not a lot. It means a great deal now that it’s finished. Being a storyteller, I do envision the audience out there “beyond the footlights,” but they are never that clear. I let the story tell itself and I write down what happens. Generally, if I am writing for an audience of children, I will imagine a group of children around me as I tell it, but it’s very general. It makes me speak in a voice that can be understood by children. I do not, however, write down to them. I don’t mind if they have to crack open the dictionary on occasion or ask their parents what a certain passage means. I think it is important to stretch them.

CC: What inspired you to write O’Shaughnessey’s stories?

JM: As I said, boredom, Looking for something to do. As Moira McCarthy says in the book, “You must cultivate boredom… It’s boredom that makes us create to keep ourselves alive and interested in life…’Tis in the silence that magic is found.” Now, some people call that meditation, but I call it boredom, the empty space, the vacuum waiting to be filled with…what? We don’t know, and that’s the greatest of all gifts, the not knowing. There’s where creativity lies. Once I remembered the character from my youth, and I gave him a human to react to, the seed of the story was planted.

CC: How much research did you do for your book and how much ended up in the finished product?

JM: Research? Enough. No more. If there was something that popped up as a result of the action, I would have to research that pretty fully. (Thank God for the Internet!) But sometimes I fudged. For example, there are few if any mountains in County Roscommon, Ireland. But I wanted Maeve, Queen of the Roscommon Faeries to live there and be part of the story. I also wanted the McCarthy farm to be on a mountain top. So, I put a mountain in western Roscommon, you know, kind of nudged it over from County Mayo. In fiction, very often, facts are agents of the action as surely as the characters are. Now, I would not allow Queen Elizabeth I to marry the King of Spain in a historical novel, but in a fantasy, anything is possible.

CC: Which character in this book most resembles you?

JM: Oh, I am Bobby Mahoney. No doubt about that. It’s highly autobiographical and all true. Okay, except for the leprechauns, the flying hat, the Ban-Shee ,the Fortress of Death or the Court of Finvarra under Knockmaa. Other than that it’s all absolutely genuine.

CC: Your story has several paranormal elements. If you had one of their abilities which one would you choose?

JM: Being a Walker Between Worlds, being able to go back and forth between the Five-Senses-World and the Invisible World. I understand there are those who can do that, can part the veil of glamour and see into Faerie, but I am not one of those. The person who Moira McCarthy was based on could, but that was a long time ago.

CC: What do you hope for your writing career in the next few years? Any goals that you have yet to obtain that you have set for yourself?

JM: Most of them. But primarily I want to keep writing. There are more stories in me and I’d like to have the time to get them out.

CC: Who are your favorite authors?

JM: At the risk of boring your audience, I have to go back to the nineteenth century. I adore Dostoyevsky and Chekov from Russia, and the American Mark Twain. Let’s see, who else? Poe, of course, and Walt Whitman whose poetry I equate almost with holy writ. And, as long as we’re talking poetry, I cannot neglect to mention Yeats and Elliot. Of twentieth century novelists, J.D. Salinger stands out. He wrote beautiful books.

CC: If you could spend the day with one person (someone in history, a favorite author, a public figure, a character in a book, etc.), who would you choose and why?

JM: Mark Twain. Hands down. I’m not all that certain he’s like me, but I’d follow him around anyway just to drink in the irreverence and the humor. Say what you like, if we want the truth, we have to depend on the humorists to give it to is. Twain was the best.

CC: I follow your blog and absolutely love your posts. Where do you get your ideas for your posts? Are they planned out in advance or do you just sit down and start writing?

JM: Everywhere from politics to the smallest observation. The fact that it is so hard to get a really good hamburger these days may develop into a history of the burger and its adulteration by the fast food chains. On the other hand, some events in the news might move me to look past the surface to examine what the fuss is really all about. I take Moira McCarthy’s observation to heart: “When crockery comes to grief, it’s not about what it’s about.” Whatever they say it’s about, if the voices are raised in anger and if violence occurs, it’s not about what it’s about. To find out what it is about requires some thought and a historical perspective. One article may take a month or so to write, others only take an afternoon. It depends.

CC: Your blog post on New Year’s Eve and the various calendars made me wonder, what is your opinion of all the 2012 hype?

JM; Not worth worrying about. If it’s going to happen, there isn’t a lot we can do about it, although I will be slightly annoyed that I put all that money into my 401k and didn’t have a good time with it.

CC: Loved the “Broke *** Christmas” post. In your end note you warned not to challenge you at Trivial Pursuit. Besides that game, what are some of your favorite games?

JM : That’s it. The only game I’m any good at. I’m not really a game-player.

CC: Finally, I know you are working on the third book on O’Shaughnessey, what's up next for the characters?

JM: The Faerie Circle centered on Margaret’s realization of her power once she got out of her own way. The next book picks her up at a very dangerous time for those who have the sight. She’s eighteen years old and, because she spent a year in Ireland, is only going into the Senior Year in high school when her summer with Moira McCarthy is over. In The Faerie Circle, the leprechauns describe how humans lose the sight as they get older and one, O’Sullivan, observes, “’Tis the fallin’ in love that is their downfall.” She has already gotten some flack from a boy at home because of the Sight and she’s tempted to give it up.

The third book is called “The Changeling” and is a love story. Michael McCarthy, Moira’s son, returns from Galway to take over the farm and because he understands people who see faeries, even though he cannot see them himself, and because he is safe, Margaret falls in love with him, and his mother, Moira McCarthy, encourages them for her own reasons. Soon after they form a romantic attachment, Michael is replaced by a changeling, a shape-shifting faerie who is sent by the Fir Bolg to use her love to steal her power and give it to them. If anyone has ever been in a relationship they thought was the answer to all their prayers only to find out they were attached to a changeling they didn’t really know who stole their power, then they will understand why I am writing the third book. It’s geared toward young adults at about the same age as Margaret.

Jeremy, Thank you so much for joining us today.

Be sure to check out his website and if you would like a MP3 of him reading the first chapter of The Faerie Circle, email me and I'll send it to you.

The A to Z Post Challenge

2010-04-08T12:20:00.050-04:00

Earlier this week I discovered a posting challenge created by Arlee Bird over at Tossing It Out. (this was right before I discovered I have the flu, which is why the post is a little late today.) The challenge was starting April 1st to write a post a day titled with each letter of the alphabet for a total of 26 posts in the month of April.

I think it’s a great challenge and although I want to take up the gauntlet, I don’t have the time to come up with a new post everyday so I’m going to cheat and do several post that cover multiple letters. Five posts to be exact, each one starting with a vowel. So for this first post we have A, B, C, D. (Arlee Bird Creates Disquisition.)

A is for Ambrosia
Literature is the ambrosia of the soul. It is food for the mind no matter what form it takes. Be it a classic novel, enlightening non-fiction, fantastical fiction, light-hearted prose, captivating plays, tempting blog posts, or even a tempestuous letter from a far off lover, the written word nurtures and sustains us. Whether enticing or repelling, it unleashes our emotions and revs our intellectual engines. It captures our histories and alludes to our futures. It can take us on faraway journeys to sometimes new dimensions and world yet can find us when we are lost and guide us home again.

B is for Baksheesh (noun- a gratuity, a tip, a bribe)
In the world of blogs we all enjoy a little gratuity from our fellow bloggers and followers, whether it comes in the form of a comment, an award, a prize or simply knowing someone is reading our thoughts. These are the things that make blogging fun and social. Really what would be the point if no one was reading. And as many have discovered, subconscious bribery is involved, in that many comment on other's blogs, offer prizes, etc. to lure them to their own. Of course our main form of bribery is in offering up tintillating posts and challenges.

C is for Capitulation (surrender)
Yes, surrender to the allure of blogging addiction. Admit it, once you start it's really hard to stop. Lose yourself in the dizzying array of posts, pictures, comments, colors, comaraderie, etc that draws to jump over and read just one more post before turning the computer off or going back to life less colorful. Surrender to the endless supply of new friends you will make, tips you will learn, fun you will have.... (okay the meds may be making me a little nutty right now, but you get the picture)

D is for Disquisition (Dialogue)
The blog world opens up a whole new way to meet new people, share ideas and have conversations/debates. What other world but the internet one, gives us the opportunity to talk with any one, of any culture, from any place and whatever did we do before we had it?

Come back next week for E-H...

and don't forget to stop by Tossing it Out for a list of all the participants and links to their blogs.

Around Town... Planet

2010-04-07T00:10:00.043-04:00

This week we are going to visit a fabulous little novelty store called Planet. If you are looking for something unusual, unique maybe even a touch bohemian, then you definitely want to stop in this shop. In additional to great little novelty items, you will also find jewelry, lunch boxes, belt buckles, cigarette/card cases, bags, cards, bohemian clothing items, t-shirts, scarves, some great Doc Marten footwear, vintage military items & suitcases, items made by local artists and of course my favorite thing… hats. Lots of fabulous hats. Like many of the downtown stores, Planet is long and narrow and packs a lot into a small space. This store is a smorgasbord of eye candy. There is something for just about everyone here. It is a great place to find that unique gift for the person who has everything, is impossible to shop for or just needs something fun & frivolous for a change. I get my nieces and nephews gifts here and have been dubbed the coolest aunt.

So next time your downtown, stop in and say hi to the lovely owner, Patrizia. If you live out of town, check out her website. It’s a work in progress, but you can contact her to order any items you see in the pictures that haven’t made it to the website yet.

The duckies greet you as you walk in the door.

The wall of novelty items

The prints on the brick wall add to the charm

Kurt would have loved this store!

Okay a little blurry, but you get the idea- lots of clothes & hats

The military & memorabilia nook

To read some customer reviews and see more pictures visit Yelp.

Planet is located at 108 North Front Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 and is open seven days a week.

Reviews

2010-04-06T00:00:00.001-04:00

The Khan Dilemma by Ron Goodreau
Why would a murderer with the still smoking gun charge the only witness instead of killing him? Why does the FBI show up before the bodies have cooled and the local police arrive at the scene? What is the Muslim factor? These are all questions , prosecutor, Max Siegel, is trying to find the answers to. With no help from his boss, interference from the government and each answer leading to more questions, will Max solve the case and get the real bad guys or will he get a toe tag and an extended stay in the morgue? Goodreau has written a compelling political thriller with more twist than a tornado. Excellently written. Four out of five stars.

Keys to the Condo by Danny D. Langone
Keys to the Condo is a book of life through poems. Langone takes us on a journey through life with his wonderfully insightful poetry. He brings the events of his life into focus with prose that will have you reminiscing about your own life. This book is written so simply and flows so well that even those who don’t normally read traditional poetry will enjoy it. To get in touch with the rhythm of life pick up a copy of Keys to the Condo. It would also make an excellent gift with Mother’s & Father’s day just around the corner. 4.5 out of five stars.

Virtually Dead by Peter May
What happens when life and virtual art mirror each other? People end up virtually dead in both lives. May gives us the story of Michael, a forensic photographer, who like many in our world, finds a way to cope with his grief by escaping into an online world. When Michael begins to build his character in the virtual world of Second Life, he realizes that the murders in Second Life and in real life are mirroring each other. May expertly moves from one world to the other without losing the reader in all the twists and turns. A very well written mystery. Five out of five stars.

Email Forwards

2010-04-05T00:53:00.012-04:00

I'm back! I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday weekend.

I have certain people in my life who are pretty relentless about sending me forwards. Irritatingly they never send me normal emails, they just forward everything they get. I rarely if ever pass them on, but every once in a while I do get a good one. Instead of annoying those on my contact list, I thought I'd share this really funny one with my readers:

I just want to thank all of you for your educational e-mails over the past year. Because of these e-mails...

• I no longer open a public bathroom door without using a paper towel or have them put lemon slices in my ice water without worrying about bacteria.

• I can't use the remote in a hotel room because I don't know what the last person was doing while flipping through the adult movie channels.

• I can't sit down on the hotel bedspread because I can only imagine what has happened on it since it was last washed.

• I have trouble shaking hands with someone who has been driving because the number one pastime while driving alone is picking ones nose.

• Eating a little snack sends me on a guilt trip because I can only imagine how many gallons of Trans fats I have consumed over the years.

• I can't touch any woman's purse for fear she has placed it on the floor of a public bathroom.

• I MUST SEND MY SPECIAL THANKS to whoever sent me the one about poop in the glue on envelopes because I now have to use a wet sponge with every envelope that needs sealing.

• ALSO, now I have to scrub the top of every can I open for the same reason..

• I no longer have any savings because I gave it to a sick girl (Penny Brown) who is about to die in the hospital for the 1,387,258th time.

• I no longer have any money at all, but that will change once I receive the $15,000 that Bill Gates/Microsoft and AOL are sending me for participating in their special e-mail program.

• I no longer worry about my soul because I have 363,214 angels looking out for me, and St. Theresa's Novena has granted my every wish.

• I no longer eat KFC because their chickens are actually horrible mutant freaks with no eyes or feathers..

• I no longer use cancer-causing deodorants even though I smell like a water buffalo on a hot day.

• THANKS TO YOU I have learned that my prayers only get answered if I forward an e-mail to seven of my friends and make a wish within five minutes.

• BECAUSE OF YOUR CONCERN, I no longer drink Coca Cola because it can remove toilet stains.

• I no longer can buy gasoline without taking someone along to watch the car so a serial killer won't crawl in my back seat when I'm pumping gas.

• I no longer drink Pepsi or Dr. Pepper since the people who make these products are atheists who refuse to put 'Under God' on their cans.

• I no longer use Saran Wrap in the microwave because it causes cancer.

• AND THANKS FOR LETTING ME KNOW I can't boil a cup of water in the microwave anymore because it will blow up in my face.. Disfiguring me for life.

• I no longer check the coin return on pay phones because I could be pricked with a needle infected with AIDS..

• I no longer go to shopping malls because someone will drug me with a perfume sample and rob me.

• I no longer receive packages from UPS or Fed Ex since they are actually Al Qaeda in disguise.

• I no longer shop at Target since they are French and don't support our American troops or the Salvation Army.

• I no longer answer the phone because someone will ask me to dial a number for which I will get a phone bill with calls to Jamaica , Uganda , Singapore , and Uzbekistan ...

• I no longer buy expensive cookies from Neiman Marcus since I now have their recipe.

• THANKS TO YOU I can't use anyone's toilet but mine because a big brown African spider is lurking under the seat to cause me instant death when it bites my butt.

• AND THANKS TO YOUR GREAT ADVICE I can't ever pick up $5.00 dropped in the parking lot because it probably was placed there by a sex molester waiting underneath my car to grab my leg.

• I can no longer drive my car because I can't buy gas from certain gas companies!

• I can't do any gardening because I'm afraid I'll get bitten by the brown recluse and my hand will fall off.

• And I now keep my toothbrush in the living room, because water splashes over 6 ft. out of the commode.

If you don't send this e-mail to at least 144,000 people in the next 70 minutes, a large dove with diarrhea will land on your head at 5:00 p.m. tomorrow afternoon and the fleas from 12 camels will infest your back causing you to grow a hairy hump. I know this will occur because it actually happened to a friend of my next door neighbors' ex-mother-in-law's second husband's cousin's beautician.

So how do you feel about "forwards" and do you send them on?

Welcome to the Weekend With... Art by Steve A Roberts

2010-03-26T00:44:00.022-04:00

Ok I admit, I'm being a tease. I don't have an interview for you today. I'm actually taking a Spring Break from posting until Monday, April 5th and as I was looking for a fabulous Spring themed dragon picture to post for you I stumbled upon an amazing artist. You have to go see his galleries, I want them all. I will be contacting him and hoping to entice him into doing an interview so please leave, go visit his site (http://preview.fantasy-graphics.com) and then come back and leave some comments and or questions. I'll try to work my magic and get an interview.

Here are two of his wonderful works:

Dragon Spring by Steve A Roberts

Magic Evening by Steve A Roberts

I wish every one a safe and happy week and Easter.

More Mini Reviews

2010-03-25T00:30:00.021-04:00

Gold Digger Nation: Why You Should Remain Single by Hal Roback

Sadly, in our modern society this book should be a must read for anyone contemplating marriage. Yes, the title implies that marriage is a bad thing and you can trust no one. But really, this book is an advocate of a true loving and trusting relationship. This book isn’t a man stereotyping women type read. Gold Diggers comes in both genders and all sexual orientations. What this book is, is a resource that will open your eyes to your, as well as others motives, in all your relationships, romantic and otherwise. Four out of five stars.

Sensitivity 101 for the Heterosexual Male by Philip Nork

When you read the title you instantly assume this is a self-help book and boy do I know some men who need this. However, Nork has written a very poignant coming of age story about a boy’s journey to manhood with an absent father figure and a strong woman in his life as a role model. It is through the telling of the story that the lessons in sensitivity are shared. These lessons could be universal. We should all strive to be more caring and nurturing individuals. Four out of five stars.

Change Your Mindset, Not Your Man: Learn to Love What’s Right Instead of Trying to Fix What’s Wrong by Sally B. Watkins

Although we may be loath to admit it, we are all guilty of wanting to change something about someone we love. As we mature, most of us hopefully realize that the only person we can change is ourselves. Therefore when you are invested in another person it is best to learn to embrace all of who they are. As women, we have a bad tendency of sabotaging out relationships because we need to “fix” the other person. Watkins shows us ourselves and teaches us how to look at why we react the way we do, what we are feeling and how we affect others. While this book sets out to help with your relationship with a significant other, it can help you with all your relationships, including the one with yourself. 4.5 out of five stars.

Here Burns My Candle by Liz Curtis Higgs

Although set in a different time a place this book reminds me of a movie series called Love Comes Softly. It is a story that portrays the good and the bad of human nature, Higgs could have been a fly on the wall in the lives of real people of the day because her story and characters portray a unparallel depth. Set in Scotland in the 1700’s, the story takes many of it’s elements from the Book of Ruth in the Bible. The story centers around a mother and daughter- the secrets they must keep, the trials and tribulations they must face and conquer. Through the joys and pains, losses and redemptions, they will find hope. Five out of five stars.

Watch the video provided by Waterbrook Multnomah:

All of these books were provided by the authors or publishers.

Around Town... Down To Earth

2010-03-24T00:01:00.033-04:00

Welcome to the wondrous apothecary Down to Earth. If you visit their website you will find their many aromatics, but to really experience what they have to offer you must step inside the store located in The Cotton Exchange (a former cotton mill). The store is a mystical delight of the senses. In addition to a vast array of aromatic items they have beautiful jewelry, statues, jars, kimonos, figurines, pendulums and more.

As you walk through the front door you will be tempted by the Buddha Board and directly to your right perking out from the displays is an enchanting dryad. The owners and staff will greet you with a smile and answer any questions you may have about the multitude of products. Watch out, you will have so much fun chatting with these lovely ladies time will slip right past you. They are also great at helping you pick out and put together gifts.

Let’s take a stroll around the store (and as always if you see anything you like that is not on the website contact them and they will be happy to help you).

Several people have asked on past Around Town Posts if I take the pictures you see and the answer is yes. With my little point and shoot camera I try to capture as much of the stores for you as I can.

Reviews

2010-03-23T00:28:00.018-04:00

Deadly Codes by JP O’Donnell

Deadly Code revolves around private investigator, Gallagher. He is torn between finding a new career to ease his new bride’s mind and continuing to do what is in his blood, investigating. This book reminded me of the classic private detective stories but with modern twists. When asked to look into the death of a woman’s sisters, Gallagher will discover things are never what they seem. A fast paced non-stop action ride with superbly written characters. Four out of five stars.

The Life O’Reilly by Brian Cohen

Nick O’Reilly is a successful attorney, enjoying all the perks that life has to offer. When his firm starts doing pro bono work to improve their image, he gets a case that will change how he looks at life. The case is a young mother, Dawn, and her son trying to find refuge and protection from her abusive husband. In this gripping legal drama, Nick will discover what is really important in life and an unexpected love. The characters and plot are so well written by Cohen, he takes you on the gamut of emotions and then he leaves you believing in the goodness in mankind and the power of love. Five out of five stars.

The Liberation of Henry Belmont by Steve Godofsky

The Liberation of Henry Belmont is one of those short books that packs the punch of a 600 page epic novel. Reading this, I was reminded of those movies where multiple stories are told, then the story brings them all together. The story reminds you that everything we do affects so many others that we are not aware of. The expertly written characters are real; you get to see all sides of human nature. 4.5 out of five stars.

The Chimera Seed by Matthew Tully

What would you do if you had discovered and controlled the fountain of youth? That is the question Michael must face when he inherits his father’s business. With twists that could have come straight from current headlines, Tully has created an action packed tale full of intriguing characters and impressive scientific data. This is a scientific political thriller at its best. Tully gives you tons of details, yet never lets it interfere with the energy of the plot. This book is sometimes graphic, sometimes gritty but with an underlying dose of realism. You won’t be able to put it down. Five out of five stars.

All of these books were provided by the authors.

Winners & Reviews

2010-03-22T00:53:00.026-04:00

First of all, Let me say thank you to everyone who stopped by for last week’s Irish festivities. I picked up an extra pin so I have two winners. B. Miller and Tami are the winners. Please email me your mailing address and I’ll get them out to you.

This week I will be posting a few days of multiple many reviews, starting today.

101 Glam Girl Ways To An Ultra Chic Lifestyle by Dawn Del Russo

A better title for this tiny book would have been The Pocket Guide to Common Sense Glam. It contains 101 one sentence or phrase tips accompanied by a simple illustration. The tips are good tips, but they are also common sense, such as wear deodorant, wear what you love, etc. While I appreciate the presentation and the tips have value, I can’t endorse a book that literally is so small that it takes up less space than a wallet but costs more. For accomplishing its title- 4 out of 5 stars. For value and practicality (i.e. is it worth the price?)- 1 out of five stars.

The Channel: Stories from L.A. Susan Alcott Jardine

Everyone has an opinion about “LA”, whether you live there, have visited or just know it by reputation. Jardine has given us a collection of stories that not only captures the heart of LA, but it captures life. A refreshingly real read. Four out of five stars.

100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go by Susan Van Allen

For a guide written for women, it has a universal appeal. The way Allen guides you thorugh the must see attractions of Italy will have you dreaming of embarking on a traveling adventure while listening to your stomach rumble with anticipation for the delectable food she describes. This guide is all about the fantasy trip, she also offers plenty of practical advice. So pick up this book, dust off your passport and let the journey begin. Five out of five stars.

Size Eight in a Size Zero World by Meredith Cagen

Reviewing this book I am torn. The book is technically well written and I can see a lot of potential form this author. However, this particular story did nothing for me (maybe because I was expecting a light hearted, humorous tale). The book is about a NYC woman. Lindsey is a wife and mother who also has a career, which is a rarity in the Upper east Side. She is married to a high-profile attorney, who when he is working long hours tends to be self absorbed, condescending and demands peace and quiet when he is home. Lindsey feels lonely and unappreciated until she meets and falls for a player in her building that pays attention to her. By the time she finally decides to leave her loveless marriage and narcissistic affair you are just glad the story is over. Maybe it’s me, but I just could not feel for any of the characters and therefore did not like the book even though I thought the style in which it was written would have grabbed me if the characters/subject had been different. If you love The Real Housewives type shows, you will probably enjoy this book. For the way it is written- 3.5 out of five stars. For reading enjoyment (personally) two out of five stars.

All of these books were provided by the authors.

Welcome to the Weekend With.... Yeats, St Patrick and a host of Wee Folk

2010-03-19T00:14:00.007-04:00

Today we are going to use a little Celtic magic and step back in time to the early 1900’s in Ireland…

Night has fallen as we walk down the Poolbeg Street in Dublin. Across the Anna Liffey River, the Abbey Theatre is letting out a performance. Soon the patrons may wonder over to these banks for a speck of food and a pint, at Mulligan’s, one of Dublin’s oldest pub. Mulligan’s has been around since 1782 and every true Irishman knows it pours the best pint in all Ireland.

Out on the street, we can hear the sounds voices and merriment. Let’s go in, and see who’s inside. As we walk through the door into the darkened wood-paneled interior, we are jostled about by the crowd. We manage to find a spot to sit at a small table near the bar. At the long table to our left is Lady Gregory, J.M. Synge, William Butler Yeats and Ezra Pound. Flitting about their table top are a dozen or so faerie. Two of which are arm wrestling over and overturned mug, several others are reclining in a bowl of soup as if it were a steam bath. Yeats laughs as a faerie whispers in his ear.

“William, you must share the secret with the rest of us, “Lady Gregory implores. To which he replies, “All in good time, my dear. All in good time.”

At the table behind them is a transparent man in what appears to be monk’s robes deep in conversation with some small couple and what could only be twin leprechauns dressed in mossy green outfits, both have short reddish beards and curly hair, round rosy cheeks and sparkling emerald green eyes that dance with mischief. One wears a green cap and the other a green top hat.

A small group walks through the door and captures everyone’s attention.

“ Maude, my eternal love, come sit by me and tell us of the show.” Yeats called out, standing to grab her a chair.

“ The audience was boisterous and Maude was magnificent and had a line of men waiting backstage as always.” Annie Horniman quipped as she led their party to the table.

Maude spoke to the ghost of St Patrick as she passed his table. “Why, Paddy, you are looking more solid than usual. Consorting with your druid roots suits you. Watch out for Finn and Cillian, the twins always have something up their sleeve to stir up trouble.” The two leprechauns clangs their beer tankards together. Cillian winked at Annie & Maude, and Finn pronounced, “don’t you know, under me cap is where I keep me mischief, lass.”

The patrons continued to drink, caint and make merry into the wee hours of the mornin’. We sat among them enjoying the ale and atmosphere….

You Never Know What You Might Find At The End Of The Rainbow...

2010-03-18T00:01:00.001-04:00

As April sat at her desk bored and starring out her window, she longed to escape from her mundane paralegal job. She often worked through lunch and late into the evening being the force behind the lawyers who received big bucks and the glory for all the work she and the other paralegals did. She liked her job and her bosses were good to her, but some days, when the monotony got to be too much, she often wondered what the litigators would do without the dutiful slaves that made them look good. Today was one of those days. She couldn’t remember the last time she had taken a vacation or had done something fun, just for her. As she contemplated this, she ate a power bar at her desk while watching the crowds milling about outside all dressed in green for St. Patrick’s Day. Oh, how she longed to sneak out of the office and join them…

If I could have one wish right now it would be to escape these walls for an afternoon in the park to enjoy some fresh air and…

Interrupting her daydream, her boss Mr Hatami asks, “Are you done with your lunch? I need you to go across town and pick up files from Jake Dillon. Here’s his address.”

“I’m on it, sir,” April said, inwardly sighing. Just once it would be nice to have a full lunch hour.

April looked at the address and decided it wasn’t too far away so she would walk. Grabbing her purse, she headed out. After she had walked several blocks, she rechecked the address. “Well that’s odd. There is 712, and this is 714. What happened to 713?” She walked back a few steps and noticed a narrow gap between the two the two buildings that ended about eight feet in. She saw what looked like a two foot wide door at the back of what must be some sort of alley. “No, there can’t be anything in there. There’s barely enough room for me to fit.” But she decided to give it a try and edged into the tight space. Sure enough, It was a door with a faded 713 number plate. She tentatively knocked. The door opened inward and it was dark inside. As she stepped through, she called out, “Hello, Mr. Dillon?” The door abruptly shut behind her and everything lit up.

“Oh!” April found herself standing in a small field of flowers rimmed with trees. To her amazement, directly in front of her was a rainbow, or rather the end of one. She turned back towards the door but it was no longer there. In fact, there were no doors or buildings anywhere. However, the sight that made her breath hitch, her mouth go dry and her eyes blink was the most beautiful green-eyed man she had ever seen outside of her fantasies. He looked as if he had just stepped out of a romance novel. Not that she read those; well ok, occasionally, everyone needed to live vicariously sometime.

She continued to stare at the tall man before her. He was dressed in faded jeans and an emerald green plaid shirt with the sleeves rolled up exposing his well formed arms. His black hair was short, his skin was sun-kissed and seemed to almost glow. He had a mischievous grin that spelled trouble. “Um, I’m looking for Mr. Dillon?” Ok, that even sounds lame to me, maybe I fell and hit my head, this can’t be real.

Chuckling, he said, “ I’m very real and you can call me, Jake.”

“Jake? Jake Dillon?”

“Who else would I be? You made a wish and here I am.” He took hold of her shoulders and gently turned her around. On the ground before them was a tartan blanket covered with all sorts of mouth-watering foods. “ You really should take time to have a proper lunch once in awhile.”

“Wait a minute. What do you mean I made a wish? And I had a power bar,” she said defiantly.

“Did you not wish for a break from monotony; to be outdoors, enjoying some fresh air, fun?” I heard your wish and granted it. And as I said, a proper lunch… shall we?” He motioned toward the blanket and helped her take a seat. As he poured a glass a amber colored liquid and handed it to her, unexpectedly he laughed.

“ How did you know what I wished?” she asked out loud, while in her mind she was running through the past hour… Did I say that out loud? What else have I said out loud that I thought I was only thinking? Is this some sort of trick? Are they… Her rambling thoughts were interrupted as he laughed even harder.

“What is so funny?”

“I’m sorry. It’s just that your mind is speaking non-stop as if there are two of you in there having a conversation, yet you speak so few words with your lips.” He had touched her forehead and then her lips as he said this, which made April lose all train of thought, she stared at the finger that had just left her lips.

She shook her head to recover, “You can hear my thoughts? Seriously? How?

“Well, all leprechauns can hear human thoughts, of course we do try to shut them out most of the time or they would drive us mad. It is why we don’t venture into your world often. But during the week before Ostara or the Spring Equinox, we are required to walk your world and pick someone to watch over and grant favors. Over your human years, I have kept an eye on you and decided this year, you needed me.”

This time, it was April who began laughing. “I’m supposed to believe you are a leprechaun? And you are going to grant me wishes? What, like three? Wait, you watched over me?”

Jake frowned at her amusement. “Whever you see a rainbow that is us entering your world, watching. I;m sure you think those are just caused by rain. And let me guess, you think leprechauns are little three foot men with long beards, dressed in green, and always trying to hide their gold?”

At his pointed stare, April abruptly stopped laughing and said, “ a.. well… no… well… maybe.. no… I don’t believe in leprechauns.”

“ You used to believe in leprechauns and since I will be with you until midnight on the 21st, I will have to make you a believer again.” As he made this statement he placed a grape in her mouth.

She quickly chewed it and replied, “Yes, and I used to believe in the tooth fairy too. Bt none of this can be real… wait, what happens at midnight on the 21st…”

Her protest and question were cut off as he leaned forward and with his lips less than an inch from her own, whispered, “I assure you, we are very real.” And then his lips lightly brushed hers….

Around Town... The Celtic Shop

2010-03-17T00:15:00.037-04:00

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!

I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the day than to take you on a trip to Ireland. Ok, well, I can’t afford to do that, so the next best thing is to take you on a tour of The Celtic Shop in the old Cotton Mill in downtown Wilmington. No passport required for this journey, just a love of all things Irish.

Walking into The Celtic Shop is truly like teleporting to the olde country. When you walk through the doors you will be greeted by the wonderful Laura Lambert (the store proprietor), Flip (the beautiful and most lovable pit bull you’ll ever meet) and if he’s feeling social, Danny Boy (a huge- must be the Irish food and regal tabby). You will hear soothing Celtic music playing as you stroll down the aisles (if you listen really hard you may even hear a faerie or two singing along). Anything you could want, this shop has. They have t-shirt, pottery, cards, pewter, mugs, jewelry, blankets, figurines, flags, cd’s…… you name it, if it’s Irish, Scottish or Celtic you will find it. If you don’t, you really will have to go to Ireland to get it. This is where the stateside leprechauns come to shop and get in touch with their roots, so if you are in town, stop by for a chat and some wonderful gifts, you may even see one of the wee folk peaking out from behind a plate.

I could go on and on, but I'll let the pictures tell the rest of the story:

Flip

Sadly, there isn’t a web site, but if you see anything in the pictures you can’t live without or you’re looking for a particular Celtic inspired item, give Laura a call at 910-763-1990 and she’ll take care you.

Of course you know I have many items from here; my favorites being a Scottish Kilt Purse and a shamrock and ladybug pin. In fact, I think the pin is so fabulous, I picked up an extra one to give away to one lucky commenter. To be in the drawing to win one all you have to do is comment on one of the Irish inspired post this week.

O’ Shaughnessey: The Faerie Circle by Jeremy McGuire

2010-03-16T00:46:00.028-04:00

“The Five-senses-world is a small island in a vast ocean of all we do not know and cannot see; in that ocean, there may be faeries.”

(Taken from the back cover of the book.)

The leprechaun, O’Shaughnessy was first introduced to the world in O’Shaughnessey: A Boy and His Leprechaun. But like all children, the boy in that first book grew up. In The Faerie Circle, Bobby Mahoney is grown and can no longer see leprechauns. The Faerie Circle is the story of Bobby’s twelve year old daughter, Margaret. Margaret is an old soul; she may only be twelve but she acts much wiser than her years. Can a trip to Ireland allow Bobby to get his Sight back? Will the Irish storyteller, Moira, be able to show Margaret that there is a magical world the logical one doesn’t know exists?

McGuire is a master storyteller and has woven the perfect tae of leprechauns, the faerie realm and the heart of Ireland’s mystical world. This is a magical book for young and old alike; a timeless tale to be passed down for generations. If you don’t believe in the “Invisible World”, read this book and you will become a believer! This book is the pot of gold at the end of O’Shaughnessey’s rainbow. Five out of five shamrocks!!

Be sure to check out his website and blog. His posts are inspired!!
(Black and white pictures are illustrations from the book.)

Fireside with McGuire and O'Shaughnessey

This book was provided by the author. In the paperwork for the press kit was this wonderful quote:

“We are the dream-weavers, the myth-makers, the chroniclers of our world with all its joy and sorrow, mystery and magic. Of all creatures on this globe, we are the only storytellers.”

Here is an audio interview of Jeremy McGuire with BlogTalkRadio: Click here.

This St. Patrick’s Day May Your World Be Filled With All The Magic Ireland Inspires!!

The Latest on Ember....

2010-03-15T12:23:00.001-04:00

For Episode 11 go to Anna's Obsession

and for a behind the scenes look at what transpired in the faerie realm while Ember and The Kind One were in the forest and Arial & The Kind One's Reunion go to The Misty World of Arial Hollyberry Be sure to check out the comments, also!

Stay tuned for the next episode in Ember's adventure and some art work......

Welcome to a Week of Green

2010-03-15T01:05:00.002-04:00

Being predominately Scotch-Irish and Wednesday being St. Patrick's Day, I'm devoting this week to the land of my ancestors, Ireland.

Today, I'm going to share some recipes inspired by the olde country...

Dilly Corned Beef Dip

1 can (12 oz.) corned beef

2 cups (16 oz) sour cream

2 cups mayonnaise

1/3 cup minced fresh parsley

2 tablespoons finely chopped onion

2 tablespoons stripped fresh dill or 2 teaspoons dill weed

1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt

assorted crackers or vegetables

Crumble corned beef into a large bowl. In a small bowl, combine the sourcream, mayonnaise, parsley, onion, dill and seasoned salt. Pour over beef, toss to coat. Serve with crackers or vegetables. Makes 6 cups.

Slow-Cooked Cabbage Rolls

1 large head cabbage

1 egg, beaten

1 can (8oz) tomato sauce

3/4 quick-cooking rice

1/2 cup chopped green pepper

1/2 cup crushed saltines (about 15 crackers)

1 ounce onion soup mix

1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef

1 can (46 oz) V8 juice

salt to taste

grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Cook cabbage in boiling water just until leaves fall off head. set aside 12 large leaves for rolls; drain well. (Refrigerate remaining cabbage for another use), Cut out the thick vein from the bottom of each reserved leaf, making a V-shaped cut; set aside.

In a large bowl, combine egg, tomato sauce, rice, green pepper, cracker crumbs and soup mix. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Place 1/3 cup meat mixture on each cabbage leaf; overlap cut ends of leaf. Fold sides, beginning from the cut end. Roll up completely to enclose filling. Secure with toothpicks if desired.

Place cabbage rolls in a 3-qt. slow cooker. Pour V-8 juice over rolls. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until filling reaches 160 degrees. Just before serving, sprinkle with salt and cheese if desired. Yields: 6 servings.

Blarney Stones

4 eggs

1-3/4 cups sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup milk

1/4 cup butter, melted

Frosting:

2 lbs confectioner's sugar (about 7-1/2 cups)

2/3 cup milk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/8 teaspoon salt

6 cups finely chopped peanuts

In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs, sugar and vanilla extract until thick and lemon-colored, about 4 minutes. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to egg mixture. Beat on low speed just until combined. Beat in milk and butter.

Pour into a greased 13 in x 9 in x 2 in baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into squares. Cover and freeze over night.

For frosting, in a small mixing bowl, beat the confectioner's sugar, milk, vanilla and salt until smooth. frost the top and sides of frozen cake squares; roll in peanuts. Place on wire racks to set. Yields: 2 dozen.

Recipes & photos courtesy of Taste of Home Irish Food & Fun

Welcome to the Weekend With... L. Diane Wolfe

2010-03-12T00:32:00.074-05:00

This week we are going to welcome the weekend with not only a great author and speaker but my dear friend. Many of you haved followed her previous tours and follow her blog, Spunk on a Stick Tips. Interviewing someone so loved and popular could be a little tricky... all the normal questions have already been answered at one time or another. So today, I have tried to think outside the box and give you some different insights into our fabulous feisty redhead at this stop on her Heather, Circle of Friends Book V tour.

What motivated you to write the Circle of Friends series?

I’d wanted to be an author since I was thirteen. I never envisioned this series to be my first fiction effort, but after a brief dream about Lori, I felt compelled to tell her story. Before I finished, I had outlines for four more books.

I believe everyone is capable of achieving his or her dreams. Through the struggles of my characters, I show that it is possible to overcome any challenge and accomplish one’s goals. One reviewer called this series “Encouragement personified” and I like that assessment!

Of all the characters in the five books, which character embodies you the most?
Oh my goodness, Sarah!!!

I strive to be a Lori, as she’s so positive and optimistic. However, under all this ‘spunk’ is a Sarah - an adventurous tomboy struggling with her self-esteem.

Your characters have been on a journey through the five books. Tell us about your journey as a writer with each successive book?
Things I wish I knew when writing Book I? LOL My skills as a writer have improved tremendously with each book. I’ve learned so much from other authors as well, reading up on writing tips at every opportunity. I’ve learned how to compact and focus more on conflict. I certainly learned a lot from the last book! Heather was NOT my favorite character and she kicked my butt throughout the entire writing process. Ironically, I think this resulted in the strongest of the stories…

As a reader, I felt your growth as an author with each progressive book. What advice would you offer to a new author who is embarking on a series?
Create a timeline! Especially if any of the books will overlap. An outline is essential for each book, but a timeline will prevent inconsistencies. Remember that characters, like people, will grow over time. It’s not just the changes during the course of one book - think about the growth from one book to another. And trying to juggle too many characters at once will only confuse the reader. Focus on one or two main characters per book.

With Heather being the final book in your series, what is next for you?
A break???

Next, I will tackle a teen version of my non-fiction book, Overcoming Obstacles with SPUNK! There are so many issues specific to young adults. And at that age, more than ever, they need encouragement!

My next fiction project is an anthology of stories - a mixture of urban fantasy, horror, and sci-fi.

When did you first get into photography?
I got my first camera when I was twelve - a 110. Remember those? After that I was hooked, and I took photography in high school and worked on the yearbook staff.

A few years after high school, I started working in the photo dept. of a contracting company. Soon after I started taking photos professionally and maintained my own darkroom for years.

Other than your fabulously photogenic furries, what is your favorite thing to photograph and why?
I love taking pictures of my cats! I have more photos of Calvin & Hobbes and Rocko & Spunky than most people do of their kids.

I finally found my niche with close up shots. I love getting up close to a subject and shooting it in a way as to reveal something new about the object. I really have a thing for water, too. Oh, and B&W is my favorite! I love shapes, textures, and patterns.

What camera do you usually use/How many cameras do you have/Do you have a dream camera you would love to own?
I have four Nikons - an 8008 and D50 SLR and two CoolPix point & shoots. The D50 is the one I use most of the time, although when traveling, it’s the newest CoolPix. I’m hoping to upgrade my digital to a Nikon D300 by the end of the year.

I read in one of your older posts that you had taken pictures while driving to your hubby's dismay. Do you always have a camera with you and do you really take pictures as you are driving?
Yeah, I do that! At 80 mph down I-95, too. Hey, I see a gorgeous scene or sunset, I HAVE to take a photo! It’s in my blood.

And yes, I always have one if not both point & shoots with me when I travel.

I love that we share a love for dragons. If you were a dragon, what would your name be and what would you look like?
Woo-hoo! Yes, we do love our dragons, don’t we?

My favorite series is Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonriders of Pern, so I’d want to be one of those dragons. My name would be Renth and I would be white, like McCaffrey’s Ruth - only I’d be the size of a bronze!

I know you love roller coasters. Describe for us your first experience with a roller coaster and why you still love them so much. Is there a roller coaster that you have yet to ride that you want to?
I rode my first tiny coaster as a teen, but I didn’t ride again until I was about 30. It was a small wooden coaster and it scared the crap out of me! I didn’t think I would ever like roller coasters, but a few years later, my husband took me to Busch Gardens. After the initial panic, I decided I liked the rush - and that was all she wrote!

I guess it’s because I would LOVE to fly on my own wings. Steel coasters are my favorite - smooth, gliding, and occasionally looping. I love the loops, too. I have no sense of balance, but when I ride a looping coaster, my equilibrium realigns. (Weird, huh?)

My two dream coasters-
The Steel Dragon 2000 in Japan (318 feet tall and the world’s longest steel coaster)

The Dragon Khan at Port Adventura in Spain (a B&M coaster with eight beautiful loops)

If you were transported into a book, which book would you want it to be? Describe the character you would portray (it can be a character already in the book or a new character that would fit in).
Well, I’d still like to be Renth the white dragon! And my rider would be the Weyrleader. (Well, with a name like Renth, I’d be a male dragon!)

Otherwise, a Hobbit character opposite Pippin from LOTR would be a blast! He’s all about the fun. And since Pippin was kinda cute, I’d want to be a girl Hobbit!

You’ve been a foster mom. How did that come about and how has it changed you as a person?
My husband and I didn’t want to have children of our own, but we considered adopting one. That led to four years as a foster parent and most of the kids were teens.

Dealing with those teens touched upon some personal issues of my own and helped me deal with them. It also made me realize how little it takes to really mess a kid up for life! It fueled my desire to let teens know that they CAN overcome their struggles, no matter what the circumstances.

You are an inspiration and a great motivator to many people. Who motivates you? What do you do when you are feeling defeated to build yourself back up? What words of wisdom would you share with the youth of today?
Aw, thank you, CC! The people I meet on my journey motivate me - appreciation from fans of my books, thanks from those who hear me speak, and kind words from fellow authors and speakers. My husband motivates me. He’s my biggest cheerleader! And I am motivated by God. I’ll never be a missionary or a prayer warrior, but I CAN encourage and inspire - THIS is what I can do to glorify God’s love. And that is what I share with young people - find YOUR path and realize you are capable.

If you could return for one year to one age in your life, knowing what you now know, to relive the year as you wish, which year would you return to and why?
No, you can’t make me go back!!

Maybe to when I first moved to North Carolina. My self-esteem was so low at that point, I’d want to go back and let myself know that I was a worthy person. Then again, if I hadn’t struggled, would I be where I am today…?

Thanks so much, CC!!!

Diane... thank you for making me one of your stops on this blog tour and being a great inspiration!

Readers be sure to check out her Circle of Friends books available directly at Dancing Lemur Press or on Amazon or Barnes & Nobles.

And her various websites:

http://www.thecircleoffriends.net/

http://www.spunkonastick.net/

http://www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com/

More on her latest book, Heather:
The Circle of Friends, Book V...Heather By L. Diane Wolfe

When confidence turns to frustration…
A new beginning awaits Heather Jennings. The position at Clemson means she will finally realize her dream of coaching basketball. Heather is ready to focus on her duties, using sheer force if necessary to prove her independence.

Sadly, her triumph is hampered as her father and greatest advocate lies dying of cancer. Battling her grief, she must also deal with a sister who appears incapable of responsibility or achievement. And once basketball season begins, a talented but cocky player who resembles her in every manner challenges all that remains of Heather’s patience.

Heather’s life changes when she encounters a man capable of handling her bold and feisty attitude. Straightforward and smug, he entices her to date him, and despite his gruff nature shows a great capacity for compassion. However, the last thing Heather needs is a serious relationship with a man equally fixated on work and opposed to marriage…

Release date: March 16, 2010, Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.
$19.95 USA, 6x9 Trade paperback, 282 pages, Fiction/YA
ISBN 978-0-9816210-5-0 / 0-9816210-5-8
Winner of FlamingNet Reviews’ TOP CHOICE Award - a perfect 10

The Circle of Friends by L. Diane Wolfe

2010-03-11T00:34:00.022-05:00

L. Diane Wolfe has written a five book series of young adult books that chronicles a group of friends as they transition into adulthood. This series has some powerful messages for the youth of today. As a reader many years removed from this demographic, what I love most about these books is that they transported me back to that time in my own life.

Book I – Lori-

Lori is the first book in the Circle of Friends series. It introduces us to a group of high school students as they meet, mature and deal with what life can through at someone. The story of this book centers around Lori, a shy smart young woman determined to win a gold medal in swimming at the Olympics. Over the course of the book we see her face challenges, make new friends, struggle with existing ones and fall in love, all while never compromising her dream.

Book II – Sarah-
As the second book in the series, Sarah picks up in the middle of Lori’s timeframe. The reader gets to experience the events that overlap from another point of view, Sarah’s. Wolfe does an excellent job of repeating events without the story seeming repetitive. As we get inside Sarah’s head, we watch events unfold in a fresh new way. We understand more about the outgoing best friend we only got a glimpse of in Book I. In Sarah, we see the depth behind her personality and we get to watch her grow through her college years and her relationship with Matt.

Book III – James-
James has had a rough life, as we found out in Book I. In this book, we learn more about his brutal childhood. Not only does James have esteem issues to overcome, but he always seems to pick the wrong girl. We watch him struggle with himself, have his heart trampled then find strength in his friends and a devoted wife. But Wolfe doesn’t write sappy clichéd books, this couple will still face ongoing struggles, and we will watch then face those and not let the weight of their burdens bring them down.

Book IV – Mike-
Mike is a young man who is the picture of stability… on the outside. On the inside, he is struggling with doubts and guilt. Like so many of us in real life, Mike struggles with self-condemnation. He keeps a part of himself locked up because of his fear of rejection. Through the course of the book we will see is he is able to overcome these fears to truly let others in.

Book V – Heather-
We first met Heather in Book I and from the beginning she has been a force and for me, a favorite character. She never gives up no matter what life throws at her. Through her triumphs and struggles, she never loses who she is. It is a joy to watch her grow from Book I into the incredible woman she becomes in Book V. Her journey is not always easy, her determination never falters.

From the beginning, L. Diane Wolfe has given us realistic characters in compelling stories. The Circle of Friends Series is written in such a way as to make the reader a fly on the wall in the lives of these young adults. If you have teens in your life, these are excellent books for them to read. If you are past that stage but want something to send you back to memory lane or just want good uplifting dramas without the melodrama, then definitely pick up this series.

Books I-IV were purchased.
Heather, Book V was provided by the author.

Be sure to stop back here tomorrow for an interview with L. Diane Wolfe.

Around Town... Aqua Fedora

2010-03-10T00:56:00.024-05:00

Before Aqua Fedora moved into the this small nook in our historic downtown, it was the home of 008, a trendy but over- boutique that mainly catered to the college students and the local TV actresses. Mere mortals like myself, try not to overpay that much for the items we wear, so as much as I liked the previous owner (who were exceptionally nice), I never shopped there. Luckily the new owners realize that the average buyer is looking for something reasonably priced as well as stylish. Aqua Fedora has a trendy feel, but the items they sell aren’t the latest fads even if they are displayed in such a way as to appeal to that type of shopper. (Yes, Virginia, you can look trendy without buying items that will be out of style before you cut the tags off.)

They have a lot of separates, again reasonably priced so that you can mix and match to create an unforgettable look without breaking the bank. Many of the pieces are classically cut which makes them items you can keep in your wardrobe for many years to come. At the same time, they carry unique items that you won’t see anywhere else. Like a fabulous flower ribbon necklace (see display in top picture) that would have sex and the City's Carrie Bradshaw ripping it off the mannequin.

The store also has a wonderful relaxed atmosphere that, with the construction down the street, makes it a welcome oasis. If you don’t live in Wilmington be sure to check them out online. You won’t find the fabulous necklace mentioned above but you can order many of their items online.

Raven’s Ladder by Jeffrey Overstreet /Lady Carliss and the Waters of Moorue by Chuck Black Blog Tour

2010-03-09T00:27:00.011-05:00

Raven’s Ladder:
Following the beacon of Auralia’s colors and the footsteps of a mysterious dream-creature, King Cal-raven has discovered a destination for his weary crowd of refugees. It’s a city only imagined in legendary tales. And it gives him hope to establish New Abascar.

But when Cal-raven is waylaid by fortune hunters, his people become vulnerable to a danger more powerful than the prowling beastmen––House Bel Amica. In this oceanside kingdom of wealth, enchantment, and beauty, deceitful Seers are all too eager to ensnare House Abascar’s wandering throng.

Even worse, the Bel Amicans have discovered Auralia’s colors, and are twisting a language of faith into a lie of corruption and control.

If there is any hope for the people of Abascar, it lies in the courage of Cyndere, daughter of Bel Amica’s queen; the strength of Jordam the beastman; and the fiery gifts of the ale boy, who is devising a rescue for prisoners of the savage Cent Regus beastmen.

As his faith suffers one devastating blow after another, Cal-raven’s journey is a perilous climb from despair to a faint gleam of hope––the vision he sees in Auralia’s colors.

Lady Carliss and the Waters of Moorue:
Determined, smart and a master of both the sword and the bow, Lady Carliss has proven herself as a veteran Knight of the Prince. Returning from a mission of aid, Carliss is plunged into adventure once again as she searches for the marauders responsible for kidnapping a friends’ family. Along the way she is reunited with Sir Dalton and discovers that the struggle in her heart is far from over. When Dalton falls to the vicious attack of a mysterious, poisonous creature, Carliss finds herself in a race against time. As Dalton clings perilously to life, she must find the antidote in the distant and strange city of Moorue .

While there, Carliss uncovers the master plot of a powerful Shadow Warrior that will soon overtake the entire Kingdom. Her faith in the Prince and her courage as a knight are tested as she faces evil Shadow Warriors and a swamp full of dreadful creatures. The lives of many, including Dalton ’s, depend on Carliss. But she cannot save them all, for time is running out. She faces an impossible choice: save Dalton , or let him die so that others may live.

This information provided by Water Brook Multnomah Publishing. I have not received or read these books but they sound interesting.

Ember in Wrilogonzia, Episode 10

2010-03-08T00:36:00.028-05:00

In a moment of panic, Ember struggled against the vines until one of the leaves whispered into her ear, “Be calm or the Shahinian will hear you.”

“Ember, What are we doing hanging by our feet up in the tree tops!? Oh, I think I'm getting a headache!” Ember glanced over at Tami and realized that she had heard the voice in her head, because Tami’s mouth was covered as well.

At first she tried to speak aloud and then realized her own mouth was still covered. “I think the… trees are trying to help us from something called the Shahinian” she thought to Tami. She heard Tami gasp in her mind as she heard scuffling below them.

“Those are the shifters the Queen and Arial warned me about. They are below us.”

“Why are these tree thingies hiding us from them and how can we hear each other’s thoughts and where is Perhluna?”

“Whoa, slow down. One questions at a time,” Tami thought to her. “Perhluna vanished into thin air right after he woke me by shoving a berry in my mouth. Did you eat the berries? I think that is why we can hear each other’s thoughts. You have to be careful what you eat in faerie realm. I’m not really sure what the Shahinian are exactly. Arial referred to them as shape-shifters and said they are dangerous to our kind.”

“That sounds like Perh. First sign of trouble and he does his disappearing act. I did eat the berries. They were delicious and I think it’s a good thing we ate them since we can’t speak out loud. What do we do now we can’t stay like this forever.”

Below them on the forest floor the dark shuffling forms were beginning to take shape. They seemed to grow right out of the ground and underbrush. They had a humanoid form that was stooped. Their mucky brownish skin appeared to be covered with a mixture of hair, leaves, mud and debris. Almost like a walking bird’s nest with a face. The faces were very flat and dark making their eyes seem enormous. Looking at them made Ember blink and that is when she realized they didn’t seem to have eyelids but above their eyes where eyebrows should have been they had what looked like small trees growing out of their foreheads. Their ears reminded her of a bat and seemed to move in direction of sound. Because of the darkness on the forest floor it was hard to tell how many were below them. Ember had a hard time seeing them as dangerous because they looked so sad.

Suddenly the leaves got denser and blocked the creatures from view. Tami & Ember looked at each other but before they could say anything the leaves around them began chattering. If they weren’t in the midst of all the leaves it might have sounded like wind rustling them, but this close, they could make out distinct faint voices. One of the leaves close to them began to speak to them directly.

“You must remain silent, the Shahinian must not know you are here. It will be very bad if they catch you.”

“What are they? What do they want with us?” Ember asked.

“ The Shahinian are cursed. They have lost souls and are unable to feel. They live in the swamps of the dark forest and only venture out to steal the souls of other so they can experience what it is like to feel again. You are human, therefore the most prized to them. Your life force is like a beacon that draws them out. If they catch you they will steal your souls and you will become one of them and be trapped here forever. Only the Dryad races are immune to them, which is why we are hiding you.”

Another leaf face added, “but you will not be safe here for long. We must get you out of the out of the forest.”

“How can we get out of the forest?” Tami and Ember said in unison.

“Shhhhhh. You humans are so loud. You must trust us we will move you through the tops of our limbs until you are safely away. But you must not make any sounds.” With that Ember and Tami found themselves being lifted higher and passed from vine to vine, limb to limb over the top of the forest. As they went, they would occasionally catch bits of conversations among the Dryads. Ember kept her eyes closed, never liking heights and tried not to think about being whisked through the air so quickly.

After what seemed like only a few minutes, Ember felt a change in their direction and her eyes flew open as she instinctively braced herself for the fall she sensed. She realized they were at the edge of a clearing. Stretched out before her was a kaleidoscope field of flowers. As her feet touched the ground she saw Tami running ahead of her towards a swirling cloud in the center of the field.

“Tami, wait!” Fearing for her new friend she ran after her, but as they got closer she realized what had looked like a cloud were hundreds of faeries.

“That’s Arial and the fae.” Perhluna said in her ear as he appeared on her shoulder when she came to a stop.

“Perhluna! Where did you go?”

“I was around. You know here and there.”

Ember walked slowly up to Tami and the faeries flitting around her. “Ember, come meet Arial and my friends.”

“Welcome Fiery One. We are indebted to you for saving the Kind One and bringing her safely here,” Arial said as she hovered in front of Ember’s face.

Ember giggled at being called the Fiery One. “It was the Dryads that saved us really.”

Before anyone else could say anything the wind seemed to pick up tossing the faeries about and a dark shadow crossed over them.

As she landed next to them, Illustratia called, “Ember, it’s time to go. The Druid Derrick sent me to bring you to him. Hurry, we must not make him wait!”

“But…”

“Hurry, we must go. Say your goodbyes.” Illustratia puffed at her.

Ember turned to Tami, “I guess this means goodbye…”

“For now. We will see each other again, friend. I am sure of it. Any message I can pass on back in our world? Tami said as she embraced her. “And thanks for saving my life back there.”

Fighting back tears, “we will. If you happen to run into Aunt Elspeth, tell her I’m okay and I miss her. She speaks to faeries too.”

Through a swirling pool at the edge of a lake in another realm, a darkly cloaked figure watched Illustratia take flight with Ember & Perhluna on her back…..

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Grant Bartoldus also watched the trio fly off from his computer screen. Having watched this latest adventure unfold, Illustratia’s creator had an idea and began typing code to see if he could send Ember a message…

Welcome to the Weekend With....Kathleen Albertson

2010-03-05T00:44:00.032-05:00

In February, I reviewed a great book called, Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine for Women’s Health. She was kind enough to let me pick her brain and share with you the woman behind this wonderful resource.

Tell us a little about yourself, your background.

Very ethnic, blue collar, Italian family! I grew up in Buffalo, NY. I am the second of four kids (I think that is the overachiever position)!

What did you want to be when you were a little girl?

I was more of a tomboy than a girly girl and I hated when they tried to put me in fashion shows and all that. I liked animals, reading, and playing games better.

I never saw myself being a homemaker, or even having kids. I had little guidance from my folks…my Mom would say, “You are smart, go work at a bank.”

I am 59 so back then my parents thought being a bank teller was a respectable job, and that tellers had great work hours. Since they had no education, they could not see the need for sending a daughter for more education. They didn’t hold me back, but were not able to help me move forward.

A guidance counselor pulled my aside the last week of senior year, and asked me what my plans were…I had none. He helped me apply at a 2-year college in Business and it seemed like I never stopped going to school after that! On to a BS in Business and an MA in Counseling, an MS in Oriental Medicine, and a PhD in Holistic Nutrition (not trying to blow my horn).

When did you first decide you wanted to pursue medicine?

I really had no goals of what I wanted to do, just what I didn’t want to do. So I feel I was divinely guided into this. I spent many years in corporate America when one day a friend I was having lunch mentioned how tired she was of “corporate life” and that she was going to visit an acupuncture school that evening. I went with her and was mesmerized by holistic care, and how clearing acupuncture pathways improved health with ease. I went home and told (not asked) my hubby that I was going to start acupuncture school. I was about 40! It’s never too late. I encourage you to follow your passions.

I downsized my business job, started TCM school and never looked back. It felt right and my business and marketing background proved to be invaluable in my start up.

What compelled you to write a book about combined Western & Eastern practices?

Much that is written repels these two thoughts, when clinically it is more likely that our patients use both East and West. I felt the gap needed to be bridged-hence the title. The medicine worlds differ one is linear, compartmentalized and driven by double, randomized studies, and drugs that mask symptoms—the other treats the entire body, mind and spirit and resolves root cause. One is 200 years old, the other 5000.

I see so many fertility patients- mostly female who have been so discouraged by Western medicine and have been bantered around the system for so long without good care that I wanted to educate people on how effective and successful TCM is . Originally, the book was going to be on fertility and pregnancy, but it dawned on me that the precursor to many infertility issues was menstrual irregularities, stress, overwork, fatigue, and improper nutrition. No one writes on this, in this context, so my goal was to educate more women of today and to spare younger women the frustrating journey of having symptoms that are chronically masked for decades.

If more women were treated with TCM earlier in their lives, they may not be on the infertility journey. So many women suffer from PMS, migraine headaches, painful periods, or fail to ovulate. These are (generally) easily correctable with TCM. When a 35-year-old woman tells me she has chronic migraines and they started when she was 12—I see the connection to puberty and an imbalances in her “Liver “ and “Blood” systems that can be resolved...while western medicine only offers years of medications to mask the pain. They don’t know how to resolve the root problem…TCM does. Yet too many women never receive relief. Time for education! I am amazed at how many women don’t see that connection between puberty and their headaches until I show them the correlation.

Therefore, the book needed to be more comprehensive, a heavier read. I felt it was important for readers to be somewhat aware of and grasp the TCM concepts…even thought they are complicated.

Why focus of women only?

Women seek more treatment and have more health “plumbing’ issues!

I wanted a specific approach that covered women’s health from puberty to menopause. I see many, many tears every day from discouraged, depressed, and isolated patients who have suffered without western results…and without hope.

Gynecological and reproductive problems are on the rise (how scary) and western medicine offers medications with severe side effects, or surgery. We can do so much better-- improving patient care at a completely new level if we educate through these kinds of books. TCM is legitimate--- 5000 years of clinical success and history. TCM works. It is becoming more and more mainstream. Women are more inclined to understand the process. Men sometimes want a one- time quick fix (I am generalizing). So women first and… I am just starting a book on men’s health. It will be simpler and a much easier read.

What is the biggest mistake you see women make?

-- Taking better care of their cars, kids and pets before themselves.

--Overdoing, overdoing—work and thoughts. Take a breath!

--Asking permission from a spouse to try TCM.

--Feeling as if they have no choice in their health care. Staying with inept or uncaring doctors, not speaking up, or tolerating poor care. I encourage you to make choices that support your health. Don’t feel victimized...take control and take action. Your life and health depend on it. Doctors are human too- they need to know how you feel sometimes….some will do something about it… some wont. Just worry about moving yourself forward. Many patients feel frozen in their treatment protocol or in their level of care so they don’t expect anything better. Even in an HMO system, you have the power to change physicians.

--Not acknowledging or managing the defeating effect that stress and overwork has on our physical and emotional bodies.

--Letting stress, worry, or insomnia go on for too long thinking it will go away on its own.

How much research went into this book?

It started about 6 years ago when I did my dissertation on “The Role of Acupuncture and TCM in Treating Female infertility.” That had a lot more research and was quite dry—not suitable for the layperson.

I wanted to show that yes, research is on the rise, and supports the results of TCM and that is why I included it in the book. In China, the libraries are filled with studies, and empirical data of TCM success… but it is in Chinese! We are fortunate to have a few English speaking TCM practitioners and educators that translate into English.

This has broadened our body of knowledge, clinical efforts, and increased our understanding of TCM theory and treatment.

I love that you begin the book with the role of a patient and how to be a pro-active patient. They say doctors can be the worst patients. What kind of patient are you and do you find resistance when seeing traditional doctors? How do you overcome their skepticism with Eastern and alternative medicines?

This is a good question! I am pro-active, ready, and usually know what I have (or need) when I see a western doc. I underplay or may not mention that I am an acupuncturist. It is in my paperwork, so I get annoyed if they don’t read that fact or that I don’t like taking medications and that I choose herbs and nutrition over drugs. If I needed drugs ... I would take them but it is not my first line of defense. I am not opposed, just extremely careful. I use alternative care and herbs first whether it is herbs, supplements, acupuncture, chiropractic, energy work, and oh yes…rest first!

I hate when I am dissed! I get annoyed when the doctor withholds his thoughts and findings—and shares no information, and starts writing a prescription. I expect a lot!

I walked out of a dentist office after setting up an appointment where I said: “I am sensitive. I may need more time and I will pay for it.” The receptionist said, “No problem.” When the doctor came in and said, “Open up” and started for my mouth I freaked out. He had no intention of finding out if I was sensitive. ..or to what. He started working on me without any conversation so I just got up, and said this wasn’t for me. I feel they should have respect for you, the patient. I seek out doctors that meet my needs and that I think care about helping people. They are out there! Sorry to sound rigid, and picky, but that fits me! Therefore, I try to practice, as I would want to be treated.

I never try to convince a doctor of anything. I never try to upstage their ego or their knowledge but if I can show some evidence of TCM, I do so.

If the subject allows, I like to offer the doctor a free treatment … sometimes they can’t get a way from me fast enough (ha, ha, ha), but those that have taken the offer up, are usually glad they did.

I think they are taught to be skeptic of anything they didn’t learn in med school--- maybe it’s a protective mechanism. ‘If it isn’t done scientifically it can’t work.” I say, “Bull.” I have heard some doctors say ... “well it works for some.” Or, “it can’t hurt,” or “there is no scientific proof.” When they are condescending, negative, or neutral, my feeling is that they are trying to avoid any malpractice rather than encouraging the patients’ wellness (just a speculation on my part).

If they are closed and skeptic…I move on! I can’t change them, and my time is better spent helping someone else.

If the doctor listens and seems to have respect for me, I am happy. I am looking for him/her to help me and to give me a little information that shows me he understands my ailment or problem. I want to be on that team.

Many patients hide the fact that they seek alternative treatment from their western doctor. Too scared to bring it up? Repercussions? Will the doctor change how he /she will feel toward me?

I feel the patient should tell the doctor. This may help other patients down the road. If a pain doctor hears from enough of his patients that they got better with acupuncture, he is stupid to keep his eyes closed to treatments that improve patient outcomes. If a woman’s headaches stop because went for acupuncture and herbs, she should be congratulated. Something helped. If a patient’s allergies improved, or the skin rash cleared up… wow that’s great… who else might benefit? The risk minimal and the reward very high! Generally, we have great success in over 80% of cases.

What is your view of pharmaceutical companies?

Dim- when it comes to the overuse of medications-- profit is first and may not be in the best interest of patient care.

Dim- when I see the severe side effects they have, and dim again, when I see how research studies are slanted to promote a drug. Western drugs do excel for trauma and acute conditions so I believe they have their place. In my opinion, doctors could be trained more in nutrition. They get only a few hours of schooling on it. They could address stress, poor eating habits, and lack of exercise more diligently rather than putting patients on so many drugs. It is not uncommon for patients to take five or six medications daily--- and they are still sick! Western doctors tolerate poor eating habits, overeating, and lack of exercise from their patients.

If they expected more, patients would give it to them. TCM practitioners educate, discuss and request improvements in this area…and we usually get it! The results are healthier patients…less medications needed!

I often use a “tough love” approach. The patient and I want the same thing…improved health, so we discuss all of the aspects of how to get it. We are all guilty of being over busy, but sometimes mentally lazy when it comes to certain issues we can change about ourselves. The largest room in the world?

Do you know what it is? ……………It is the room for improvement.

Don’t get me started on vaccines!

Or cancer!

Herbs are plant based and have no proprietary right… that means no company can claim them as their own and make huge profits. Drug companies have no incentive to use or research herbs for healing for this reason.

Jus think how effective herbs are… if they work, and resolve the problem (in many cases) you don’t need to stay on medications. There are no lobby groups pushing herbs (because there is no monetary gain). The FDA and pharmaceutical companies, who have little interest in knowing more about their value, mostly criticize herbs.

Herbs could ruins profits! Therefore, there is no incentive for companies to go more natural. Our health care system is based on keeping you on drugs and formulating new ones for new profits.

With your busy schedule, what do you do to unwind?

I enjoy taking walks down to the beach with my husband, and my dog, Centavo. I swim, Jacuzzi, and hit the steam room at the gym every morning before work. I love to read and now that I have more time, I can enjoy more of it. I meditate and I confess to taping reality shows!

Being Italian, I do love to eat. I went through a “fat” phase, using stress and overwork as my excuses… just like a lot of people (!).

I subsequently went back to practicing what I preach and lost the additional pounds. It is truly in the mind!

You can influence any one thing in history, the present or the future of the world (what has occurred, how something works, etc.), what would you choose to change and why?

I would add “compassion” and “the will to do good” to our DNA. I am concerned by the mistreatment, cruelty, and abuse of people and animals. It is part of my prayers every night. I would influence how we treat each other as individuals, as families, as co- workers, as communities, and countries.

You may ask any three people from history (living or dead) one question each. Whom do you choose and what is your question for each person?

To God: I understand death, but why do so many people have to suffer, lingering so painfully, before they pass?

To Oprah: When can I be on your show?!

No pressing third question! It was difficult to think of a good one, so I guess I am not ready to ask it!

Kathie- Thank you so much for such a great interview!

Be sure to check out her book and her website.

Dancing With My Father by Sally Clarkson and Mother-Daughter Duet by Cheri Fuller

2010-03-04T00:36:00.015-05:00

Dancing With My Father by Sally Clarkson

Sally Clarkson set out to find the joy missing in her life by strengthening her relationship with God. In her book, Dancing With My Father, she sets out to teach us how to do this as well. While this book is geared toward the Christian woman, Clarkson chooses to use Daniel as one of her main focal points instead of any one of the dynamic women in the Bible. She includes great quotes and references from the Bible throughout as well as personal stories. What sets out to be part memoir, part Christian self-help loses some of its inspiration for me. Clarkson seems to want to write an inspirational book and yet at the same time be liked by everyone. She tends to waffles in her convictions, which at times leaves the reader to wonder what she really believes. For someone searching for a starting point to finding joy through a relationship with God, they may enjoy this book. Three of five stars.

Mother-Daughter Duet by Cheri Fuller (& her adult daughter, Ali Plum)

One of the toughest relationships is the one between mother and daughter. It can be the most strained and volatile and at the same time most rewarding. Throughout time mothers & daughters have worked to find a balance and understand each other. Cheri Fuller and her daughter, Ali, have given us an example of how with love and a commitment to communication a mother and daughter can find harmony.

Most mothers worry too much and subconsciously feel the need to control the life of their child. Most daughters, no matter how much they may love their mother, fear becoming her, so they rebel. Cheri and Ali show how it is possible to walk in each other’s shoes, yet not lose who they are. A great book for any mother and daughter who feel they are at an impasse in their relationship. Four out of five stars.

Both of these boos were provided by Water Brook Multnomah Publishing

Around Town... The Black Cat Shoppe

2010-03-03T00:04:00.048-05:00

There are a lot of things I love. One of those things is black cats, more specifically my adorable and very fuzzy, Merlyn (although he is not my first and won’t be my last black cat). There is just something special about black cats. They are mysterious and really should be there own breed, because they are that unique and special. So with my love of black cats now known, it should be no surprise how delighted I was to discover a unique little shop half a block from my office called The Black Cat Shoppe.

The Black Cat Shoppe has recently become one of my favorite places and blow part of my paycheck. While it is a novelty store, it’s not your typical variety. Owned and operated by a super friendly couple. Kim and John are so warm and welcoming that I have spent several lunch hours hanging out and talking with them. There store is like walking into a pirates treasure cove. So many things to see and covet; and of course there are black acts galore. I feel like Willy must have felt when he walked into the chocolate factory for the first time. When I enter the store there is always something I find that I missed the last time I was there. No matter what type of day I’m having, I know I can go here and something will bring a smile to my face. Magic is definitely in the air.

Whether you are looking for the perfect unique Wilmington Souvenir, t-shirt or post card, something from our local film industry, a great gag gift, something mystical, candles, signs, jewelry or black cats, you will be enchanted by the store and its owners. A must stop for anyone visiting our port city.

They also run three fabulous walking tours that are sure to entertain and delight locals as well as tourist. They are The Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington (hear eerie tales of the past told by local actors and ghost hunters), Haunted Pub Crawl (tour Wilmington’s most actively haunted pubs and toast the spirits of yesterday while hearing their spooky and swashbuckling tales), and the Hollywood Location Walk (join an entertaining & self-important director as he takes you on a tour of “Hollywood East” and points out where some of your favorite movies and TV shows have been filmed).

For those of you from out of town, be sure to visit their website and if you see something in one of these pictures you are dying to loot but can’t find on the website, email them for pricing.

Websites:

Tours

The Store

Facebook

Store Location: 11 Market St., Wilmington, NC 28401

Store: 910-251-6663

Tours: 910-794-1866

More of the store....

Wacky gum & mints...

Incense Bottles and burners...

So many delightful goodies... so little time...

You know I had to include this one, I love dragons and I worked on The Crow...

Magic oils & candle... and where else can you find an autographed picture from one of the original Charlie's Angels (She filmed Winds of War here)...

Black cats and voodoo.. You have to love it....

Do you have sensory overload yet?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As a special bonus to anyone who comments on today’s post (except spammers), Kim, John and myself have a gift for you. Any one who leaves a comment will get one of their black cat stickers and a cool magnetic bookmark. Just email me your mailing address or leave your email at the end of the comment.

The Last Surgeon by Michael Palmer

2010-03-02T00:37:00.013-05:00

In true Michael Palmer fashion, The Last surgeon is spellbinding. Having read many of his books (and posting a few reviews last year), Palmer likes to pack a lot into his stories. Not just a lot of action, but many twists and unexpected connections. This latest book is no exception. Ride along with Nick and Junie, a doctor and nurse in a traveling RV that helps treat Vets and the homeless. Follow Jillian as she searches for answers in her sister’s supposed suicide. Get inside the mind of a hired killer who lives for his work. Find out how a renowned plastic surgeon, a sardonic medical records clerk, a terrorist and a political candidate are all connected. Like in all of his stories, Palmer saturates your senses without overwhelming you. He keeps you glued to the page wondering what he will come up with next, yet infuses the story with realism so you become invested in the outcome of these characters. A mystery/thriller at its finest! Five out of five stars.

Join me in congratulating Michael on making the New York Times Best Seller List this week.
Ok, I admit, I’m a big fan of Michael Palmer’s books and have purchased most of them. So, it was a nice surprise to receive a signed ARC of this one from the man himself. In the accompanying letter he has promised a signed copy for one of my readers. If you would like the chance to win this fabulous book then leave a comment with a question for the author.

Be sure to check out his website for a glimpse of all his titles and great tips for authors.

For reviews of Silent Treatment and The Fifth Vial (one of my very first review posts) click here.

Die Smart: Consumer Reference Guide to Death and Dying by Kathy Lane and Christine Hughes

2010-03-01T00:32:00.007-05:00

Death, a subject most don’t want to think about much less openly discuss and plan for. Unfortunately if you have family or simply don’t want the state to end up with everything you have worked in your life for, it’s something you should think about and plan for.

Death is a complicated. Even for those who don’t have much in the form of an estate, need to do a little planning. This book is a great starter. It guides you in the right direction. The companion website also has wonderful tools to help you protect your family and assets. No book is going to give you all the answers because each situation is completely different. This book will show you what you need to know to head in the right direction. Four out of five stars.

This book was provided by the authors.

Welcome to the Weekend With.......Marsha Sramek

2010-02-26T00:23:00.030-05:00

Back in January, I reviewed a wonderful grammar book by Marsha Sramek. (I keep her book near my desk as a handy reference, because I need all the help I can get.) I was delighted to learn that Marsha is a fellow North Carolinian and asked if she would do an interview. She agreed and I sent out my questions. To my surprise when I received her response, it was almost in the form of a letter. I thought, what a lovely way to address an interview. I think you will find her as charming as I do.

Several years ago my husband and I fell in love with Asheville, North Carolina, and we built a second home there on the side of a mountain. We can walk downtown, but our backyard is part of a forest where we see groundhogs, wild turkeys, falcons, foxes, raccoons, and bears. We’re both originally from Illinois, but in our early-married years we moved around the country a lot--from upstate New York to Hawaii--until we settled in Houston, Texas. I started teaching English over 30 years ago, pausing while our daughter was little, and then continuing until I published my book and started a new career.

The best thing about being a teacher was feeling that sometimes I was making a difference in someone's life. I was especially pleased when former students said I’d helped them learn to write better. The worst part was when I insisted that students meet reasonable achievement standards, which some students thought were unreasonable. Everyone wants to be liked.

When I first started teaching in the 1970s I was extremely disappointed with the grammar book the district used. I complained about it so much that a fellow teacher finally said, “You’re such a damn smart Yankee, you write a book.” That was my inspiration.

The diagnostic test is essential in teaching, and it evolved over the years. In terms of common grammar errors that I particularly dislike, “Me and him are . . .” might top the list. Close behind would be the mistake of confusing its and it’s or your and you’re.

An outline? I didn’t begin my book with anything as organized as an outline. I wrote the book on and off for nearly 30 years. When I’d become overwhelmed with the scope of my project, I’d put it on the shelf. But I always went back to it. Sticking with the project was my greatest challenge. Finishing it was my greatest reward.

The book cover is wonderful. One evening my husband jokingly suggested to our friend Rich Chiburis, who’d retired and become a budding artist, that he should design the book cover. The next time we were together Rich surprised us with the prototype. Later, I sent this to the graphic artist who did the interior layout and the cover, and she added the details that Rich had suggested. It was a breeze for me.

I was terribly nervous before the book came out, and intimidated about taking the book to a national English teachers’ convention where there were so many famous authors and publishers presenting their books. But the book was enthusiastically received and a top seller. One of the first teachers who came to our booth said, “I’ve been teaching 30 years and this is the best grammar book I’ve ever seen.” I wanted to jump across the table and hug her. The book reviews have all been very good, and that’s also bolstered my confidence.

I know perfectly well that I’m not a naturally gifted writer. All I can say is, “Edit and revise, and repeat the process over and over.” My next writing project will be a revised edition of the book. I’m not thinking beyond that.

Self publishing has been perfect for the book and for me. While I was writing the book I was shocked to discover that the publisher owns a book’s ISBN number and therefore absolutely controls everything else about the book, including distribution and whether or not the book will stay in print. I couldn’t turn that much control over to anyone. I’m having enormous fun learning this new skill-- publishing--at this stage of my life. I love being able to personally ship books to my customers. No distribution house would ever be as committed as I am to getting the books where they need to be. And I love directly communicating with the teachers who are using or considering using the book. I must say here that the aspects of running a small company that I would hate, such as the legal incorporation, the how, when, and where of tax collecting and filing, and establishing a banking, accounting, and billing system are all done by my husband Wayne. Without him, I would quickly land in the pokey.

My two favorite authors are J.D. Salinger and Harper Lee. Did you notice that they each wrote only one book? I also admire Edith Wharton, who wrote most of her novels in bed, dropping her hand-written pages to the floor for her maid to pick up and type. I could see myself doing that. It was my favorite fantasy.

The novel character that I would have most wanted to teach was Huck Finn--the most inventive, spunky, and plucky kid ever created. He had such a dreadful teacher. I think I could have gotten him to enjoy school, but that would have killed a pretty good book.

Be sure to check out her website and take the grammar diagnostic test.

Ember in Wrilogonzia - Episode 9

2010-02-25T00:08:00.012-05:00

....Continued from The Misty World of Arial Hollyberry...

Ember had never been so happy to see another normal person. Okay maybe not entirely normal, she did believe in faeries, she thought, then chuckled, well why shouldn’t believing in faeries be normal, Aunt Elspeth does too and would love this lady. The thought of Elspeth made her wistful yet sad. She missed her family and furries.

Tami watched the emotions playing across Ember’s face and wondered what she was thinking. Ember reminded her of a dragonfly - body of strength yet whose delicate wings hint at frailty.

“Penny for your thoughts.”

Ember smiled, “A penny? Well, for all the thoughts spinning through my head right now, that would be a bargain.” They both laughed softly. Ember began to tell her new friend of her adventures so far.

Her new friend had introduced herself as Tami, and now she explained that in the faerie realm, the fae don’t use the names of the mundane world.

“So what do they call you here? And what’s the mundane world?” Ember asked

“Here, I am known as ‘The Kind One’” laughing, she continued, “sometimes the fae refer to humans as mundanes, because we tend to get ourselves in a rut and don’t always experience life to its fullest like they do. We forget to have fun and appreciate the little things, the magick.” She then told Ember all about Arial, the faerie realm, its courts and how she came to be part of it. When she was done, Ember said, ‘So, you are the one I was told was lost.”

“Who told you I was lost? Was it Arial?”

“It said it was from Arial.”

At Tami/The Kind One’s confused look, Ember pulled a beautiful purple rose from her pocket. As the petals began to open, a soft lilting voice said, “"Hi Ember! Arial here...please, you must come help! The Kind One ran off into the forest to save her family when she found out that the portal in the ivy hedge had been breached. The whole of the faerie realm is trying to find her. Orlaith is afraid that the shape shifters will find her first... oh the humanities!"

“If I wasn’t hopelessly lost in this dark forest, I would take you through the ivy hedge and you could get home to your family, too. When Arial finds me, I’m sure she will help.”

What neither of them knew, was that the mysterious force that had pulled Ember into Wrilogonzia also kept the Kind One hidden from Arial, the Emerald Guard and the fae that were trying to rescue her. They were on their own as long as Ember stayed with her new found friend.

As their conversation abated and the night seemed to drag on endlessly, Ember felt her eyelids growing heavier. She was afraid if she fell asleep she would wake up somewhere new, and she wasn’t ready to leave her new companion just yet. Just when she thought she couldn’t resist sleeps temptation any longer, a small berry splat on her nose. Jumping, she glanced up in time to have another berry bounce off her forehead and she saw Perhluna hanging upside down from a limb above her head.

Looking over at her friend, and seeing her asleep against the tree trunk, she looked up to address Perhluna, right before he threw another berry at her. “Perrrhhhh! Stop, before I pull you out of that tree and we wake up Tami.”

“Must not fall asleep. Things are lurking and waiting for you to do just that.” Perhluna chided, wagging his finger at her.

“Well, I’m definitely awake now. Hey are those berries edible? I’m suddenly really hungry.”

Perhluna plopped down in her lap and produced a handful of berries out of his pouch. She plucked about half of the berries, “Thank you, these are yummy. Save the rest for Tami, when she wakes up. ” After she had eaten the berries, she began to notice an odd sensation. She felt like she was being watched and could hear what sounded like rustling little voices. She looked over at her new friend, who was still asleep. She slowly stood and looked around, trying to locate the sound. The rustling voices seemed to be all around her and when she squinted she thought she saw faces on the leaves and the trunk of the tree. The whispering increased as she got closer.

“Oh my, Perhluna, where did you get those berries? I’m seeing faces where there shouldn’t be any and …..” as she had moved closer studying the leaves, she failed to noticed the branches snaking around her and her companions, until leaves clamped over her mouth and the branches lifted all three high above the forest floor……..

Happy Wednesday with Wilmington's Hot Pink Cake Stand

2010-02-24T00:55:00.051-05:00

Well, after weeks of reading and reviewing books on health and life, I decided my readers needed a little sunshine and decadence today.

I live in the small coastal city, Wilmington, NC. While I wouldn’t encourage anyone to move here, especially in this economy, it is a fabulous place to visit. I’m one of the lucky ones in this town. I have a great job in the historic downtown. While we are being plagued with the construction eye sore and noise of the historic society’s beautification project, we also have a beautiful riverfront and many unique stores. I spend my lunch hours walking around and getting to know the local merchants. I have decided the world needs to see what our downtown has to offer, so each week I will be bringing you peak into a new fabulous find.

This week, being my birthday week, I decided to start with The Hot Pink Cake Stand on Front Street. Those of you who now me, know the pink is my least favorite color; however, every day as I walk past this wonderful newly opened temptation, I must admit I am growing fonder of the color. It’s like a bright smile on my way to the post office.

The Hot Pink Cake Stand is owned and operated by Jody Carmichael, a former interior designer. She has taken her background in art & love of design and turned it into a confectioner’s dream. When you walk into the shop you immediately become enveloped in warmth. Unlike many bakeries, this is one that invites you to sit and stay awhile. When you first walk in there is a small section of tables topped with flowers, perfect for catching up with a best friend over tea or coffee and a mouth watering cupcake. Or better yet one of Jody’s cake pops.

The chocolate covered cherry cake one is to die for!! It taste just like a chocolate covered cherry! YUM!!

Just past the table section is a long bar with stools that reminds me of a cross between an old-fashioned soda shop and a good friends kitchen. You know, the place where everyone loves to hang out and chat while watching the cook create and absorbing the wonderful aromas of things baking. That is exactly what sitting at the bar of the cake stand is like, because Jody and her staff are so friendly and chat with you while they work. Yes, there is the requisite shelves with product, but unlike so many bakeries that can feel cold and impersonal, at The Hot Pink Cake Stand, they make you feel like one of the family. If the delectable confections don’t keep you coming back the feeling of camaraderie will.

So the next time you find yourself in our lovely town, make a point to stop by 114 North Front Street, say hi to Jody and the girls, and try one of her baked fresh daily delights!

Be sure to check out her site and Facebook page as well. The pictures will make your mouth water. Here's one of my favorites:

The Transition: Winning in the 4th Quarter of Life by Dennis Niewoehner

2010-02-23T00:20:00.004-05:00

While I’m still in the 2nd quarter of my life (even though sometimes I feel like I’m in the 4th quarter), when I look at the current political, social and economic climate, I know I need to plan for my future security now. Niewoehner’s The Transition: Winning in the 4th Quarter of Life offers excellent advise for the retirement generation. It is also a great resource for all generations. When we are young, we think we have all the time in the world; we’ll start planning “tomorrow”. No matter what stage of planning one is in, this book offers sound advise for making the transition from one stage of life to another smoother. 4.5 out of five stars.

This book was provided by the author.

Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Memory Loss by Monica Vest

2010-02-22T00:17:00.002-05:00

There are millions of diseases out there, but few are as heart wrenching and devastating as Alzheimer’s and Dementia. When it comes to our minds, few prospects scare us as much as the thought of losing ours. For anyone who has dealt with a loved one who has suffered from one of these diseases of the mind, you know how hard it can be. These illnesses don’t just affect the victim, they affect everyone around them.

Having experienced how Alzheimer’s, Dementia and memory loss has affected those I love and the people around them, I know how hopeless and lost everyone involved can feel. In her book, Monica Vest has taken some of the despair out of these diseases. She gives practical information and advice. She offers wonderful tips that will help all of those involved communicate more smoothly by understanding all sides and perspectives. This book is an excellent resource for anyone whose life is touched by these diseases. Five out of five stars.

This book was provided by the author.

Welcome to the Weekend With... Andrew Parker

2010-02-19T00:16:00.066-05:00

At the end of January I reviewed a wonderful book called Prophecy of Power by Andrew Parker. Today, I have the honor of sharing a wonderful interview with this fascinating man.

First tell us a little about you-
My name is Andrew Parker, I'm 43 years old, born in Teddington England and unfortunately back in October 1985 had a serious car crash which resulted with me being in a wheelchair.

When did you first start writing and did you always want to be an author?
I first started to write about 4-5 years ago, a lot of ideas whirring around in my head which I thought would be fascinating to see in black and white. No didn't always want to be an author, but thought maybe there was a story waiting to come out...

What is the most challenging aspect of writing? Most rewarding?
For me is patience, I want this story on the paper and maybe I need to develop characters and expand detail a lot more. Rewarding is obviously seeing your idea turned into a book and then reading enjoyable comments from readers and critics alike.

What comes first for you when you sit down to write a book? Plot or Characters?
Definitely the plot, then you can develop characters and expand the storyline.

When you sit down to start a new book do you begin with an outline or synopsis or do you just go with the flow?
I have an outline and have the skeleton of the story from start to finish, then it requires meat to the bones.

What influenced you to get published? How long did it take for your first book to get published?
Influenced me was the challenge of trying to be as good if not better of some authors already published. It took me two years to get published, I didn't realize how difficult it was and how disheartening some publishers can be!

How much does reader reaction mean to you as an author?
Everything, reader reaction is more important to me than professional reviews.

As you know I loved your book. Where did the idea come from? Why did you choose to make the main character a rabbi?
I've always been interested in the different religions and the Bible and how it effects the lives of people around the world, so I wanted to research something that caught peoples attention and got them thinking, so a prophesied new world power I hope would do that?

A rabbi, because they believe in the old testament and not the new testament, so he took a courageous decision in his life to really examine the bible, especially Revelation. Chief Rabbi Ken Spiro in Israel is reading it at the moment, so it will be interesting to get his feedback.

What makes your characters so vulnerable yet strong? Can you describe them to us? What do you do when characters stop talking to you when writing?
Wow, good questions...maybe the readers will have a better angle on that, any character especially the main ones need to have inner strength to get the truth and battle through adversity. Jacob the main character has a roller-coaster of emotions and challenges especially when he divorces himself from the jewish faith he has held so close to go on a journey that could cost him his life. If a character stops talking, you have to draw on your own experience or friends personalities...

How involved do you typically get with regards to cover art for your books?
Very much, I wanted to be a book cover designer and still draw and paint now, but yes the cover is my idea.

Any advice for aspiring authors?
Perseverance, believe in what you've written and if its good, it will happen for you eventually...just look at JK Rowling who got rejected by three publishers.

How much research did you do for your book and how much ended up in the finished product?
A lot of research, especially on the bible book of Daniel, and most of it ended up in the book.

Which character in this book most resembles you?
Erm, blimey...don't know maybe all the characters have a little bit of me?

In your book, Rabbi has to decide whether to keep his finding secret or risk everything and let the world know. If it were you, what would you do? Do you think the world has a right to know regardless of what knowing may cause? Do you think that certain events are set in stone and whether we know or not they will still play out?
A tough call, would the world believe me anyway and if I did say, would almost certainly be killed. I think the world has a right to know a lot of things that are kept away from us by power hungry greedy world leaders who think they know best! Yes some events will always play out, especially if its Gods will.

I know you are working on the sequel, what sort of adventure/conflict can we look forward to? Will Rabbi Droutman be prominent
Yes Jacob still features and we get into the world of 'End-Timers'... a religious sect who want the second coming as quickly as possible and see the signs of earthquakes, disease, wars etc... as proof that the second coming of Jesus Christ is close at hand and will do anything to make it happen... and some of these powerful members are in the Whitehouse..

What do you hope for your writing career in the next few years? Any goals that you have yet to obtain that you have set for yourself?
It would be great to get recognition from best-selling authors, and the ultimate goal is to have a best-selling book.

I know you self-published. Why did you choose that route and what has been the best and worst aspects of that process for you?
I self-published to get a handle on reaction to my style of writing, story telling and whether it was worth pursuing as a career in the future, I think if anyone goes down that route.. then there are only worst aspects, as its a big cost to you personally, limited distribution and advertizing, plus does the book world take you seriously?

Does your environment help or hinder your writing/creativity?
My environment hinders me, I like to have my own space... peace and quiet for concentration and research... but writing from home you never know who turns up!

Who are your favorite authors?
I like the thriller world of reading, so John Grisham, Michael Connelly and David Baldacci spring to mind.

If you could spend the day with one person (someone in history, a favorite author, a public figure, a character in a book, etc.), who would you choose and why?
Have to be Jesus and the day he gave the sermon on the mount, best and most prophetic speech in history.

Andrew, thank you so much for joining us today. I don't think with your wonderful writing anyone will have a hard time taking you seriously. I look forward to reading you next book.

Be sure to visit Andrew's website for the latest updates on his work.

Awards

2010-02-18T07:11:00.000-05:00

I was actually going to take today off, but then I got a comment from the fabulous Tami Ruesch over on The Misty World of Arial Hollyberry (a blog I discovered recently and am totally addicted to). She let me know that she had written Ember's next adventure (which secretly made me so happy becuase she is a phenominal writer and I was very nervous about writing an Ember episode based on her blog stories, afriad I wouldn't do her justice being the novice that I am). Anyways, head over to Tami's blog and read the latest on Ember then stay and read the wonderful journey of the Kind One & Arial. trust me you will be hooked!!

Tami also told me I should check out Damsels in Distress by Kiley. Her blog is called My Soul Is Fairy and she just started it this past October. While I have had time to check out all her post yet, she has some great pictures with links to awesome magically inspired items.

So to honour these wonderful ladies & their blogs, I have awards for them.

For Kiley @ Damsels in Distress The Qwest Award as new blogger. Please head over and show her some blogger love.

And for the magnificent Tami @ The Misty World of Arial Hollyberry the Heart of a Dragon Award & Dragon Loyalty Award

because she definitely has the heart of a dragon

Because she so quickly picked up our Ember and wrote a wonderful episode for her.

Go check out these great blogs!!

Dual review- Your Best Body Now by Ashley Marriot and Love Your Body, Love Your Life by Sarah Maria

2010-02-17T00:09:00.014-05:00

We all know New Year Resolutions don’t work. Almost everyone who makes them, breaks them. Two of the most common resolutions are to lose weight and to exercise more. One doesn’t need to make a resolution at the beginning of each. Did you make one of those? Now that we are midway into February, how is that working for you? I didn’t make any resolutions, don’t believe in them, but have been making some lifestyle changes. That’s the key; we need to make changes in out lifestyle. Let’s look at two books that say they can help us do just that.

Your Best Body Now by Ashley Marriot
Marriot teaches you about the different body types and what type of regiment will work best for each. With clear directions, she covers programs for those who go to the gym as well as those more comfortable working out at home. She doesn’t glamorize it or make promises of instant success. She gives a realistic approach that stresses if you want the results you must commit to doing the work.

Love Your Body, Love Your Life by Sarah Maria
Maria takes a different approach; she gives you a workout for your psyche as opposed to yet another exercise boo. She addresses a problem that plagues American women of all ages, from young girls to women in their golden years. We have become a nation of women who loathe the way we look because out society sends us a steady stream of artificial perfection. Ideals no human can achieve. This negative body image that we develop for ourselves is self-sabotaging and prevents us from truly loving our body and taking care of it the way we should. Marie teaches us to identify those negative thoughts and look at them objectively. She teaches us how to reprogram our thinking and transform ourselves into a body we love.

Both of these books advocate change and both realistically stress that change takes time. They both offer sound advice and guidelines to help you lead a healthier, happier life. While each boo has merit on its own, they would also make great companions. They are assets to anyone wanting to improve their health. There are no miracles promised here. No one can change overnight. You must do the work but to truly change one must work on both their actions and their thoughts. One without the other can lead to short term results only. I give both of these books four out of five stars.

Both books were provided by the authors.

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine for Women’s Health by Kathleen Albertson

2010-02-16T00:42:00.000-05:00

When I read about this book, I knew instantly I had to have it. I didn’t know much about acupuncture but I have always been curious. However, having a fear of needles, those little pins always creeped me out a bit and I’ve been afraid to try it. Fear of the unknown can close ones mind to many things. Here in the western world we often blindly trust physicians, drugs, western treatments because we have an ailment and we fear not finding a cure, a quick fix. We are taught that only board certified and licensed doctors have the answers and that alternative medicines are just old wives tales or scams by charlatans. Ironically, many alternative medicines have held the answers for centuries. Having had my fill of western medicine that has often left me worse off, I am always interested in alternatives. The thing western medicine often fails to do is listen to the patient and find the root of the problem. To find a cure you must treat the root not just mask the symptoms. This is just one of the things Kathleen Albertson covers in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine for Women’s Health.

Albertson has taken some of the mystique and skepticism out of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. She dispels the myths and gives you the facts in a concise, easy to understand way. Her diagrams, illustrations, glossary and explanations are excellent. She answers the questions that you want to ask and because she focuses on women’s health, as a woman you feel as if she is writing this for you. If you know nothing about acupuncture and Chinese medicine, this is a great place to start. If you already know about Eastern medicine but want some clarification, this is also a great resource. Five out of five stars.

This book was provided by the author.

Ember in Wrilogonzia.... Episode 7

2010-02-15T00:52:00.003-05:00

“Duck!”

“Wha---?” Ember ducks at Perhluna’s warning, barely be missed by a stream of glowing letters, symbols and numbers flying past her head. She spins around watching other similar streams zip around them.

“Perhluna, what is this place? Where are we? Why is it so dark? What are those?” she asks, pointing to the glowing strands of digits that offer the only source of light.

Unwrapping himself from around Ember’s neck, Perhluna settles on her shoulder with his long tail encircling her neck like a fur scarf. “I would think that is obvious.”

“Obvious? Perh, I am not in the mood for your riddles. Just tell me.” Perhluna grins at her mischievously, but says nothing. “Fine, we are in some sort of black hole, dodging …. whatever those, those strands are. I feel like I’m in the twilight zone version of Sesame Street and any minute Bert, Ernie and the count are going to pop up. Seriously, what is this place?”

Perhluna sighs, “well, you can certainly stand in for Oscar, the Grouch.” Ember crosses her arms and begins tapping her foot in annoyance, which elicits a chuckle from Perhluna. “Alright, I’ll tell you where we are. Although why you can’t figure it out yourself is beyond me. Must be a human thing.” Ember glares at him, but in the dimness, it makes her look like she is squinting and fails to intimidate. “We are in cyberspace, more specifically, this is where all the HTML code is written. Call it the brain of the internet.”

“Oh” was all Ember managed as she looked around her, quickly ducking under another stream of code and then moving Perhluna’s hands away from her eyes, as he struggled to hang on. “How did we end up here?”

“That’s easy, we aren’t published.”

“We aren’t published?..... oh, you mean on someone’s site.”

“Exactly. This is where all the random things on the internet stay until someone sends or publishes.”

“So there is just a bunch of code swimming around in he….what is that?” Ember points to a multicolored glowing spot that seems to be coming towards them and growing in size.

“ I believe that would be a dragon and you might want to start running because she is headed straight for us. RUNNNNNN!”

Gasping as the dragon begins to come into focus in the darkened space, Ember begins running. Looking over her shoulder, she sees the dragon gaining on them. It’s huge wings sending ripples of air against her back. Suddenly she realizes the ground below her has given way and they are falling through the blackness; the dragon in pursuit and quickly gaining on them. Ember screams as she feels the dragon’s claws close around her arms.

“Please dear, stop that ghastly noise. You act as if I’m going to eat you.” The dragon’s voice is soft and lyrical with a slight accent Ember can’t quite place. The gentleness of it’s tone and it’s melodic chuckle, makes her go instantly silent as she gazes up at the neck and chin of this mystical creature. “This can not be happening,” Ember thinks as she is mesmerized by the iridescent scales that seem to swirl with all the colors of the rainbow under a silvery shell.

“Of course it can! Anything can happen in Wrilogonzia. The only limits are the limits of ones imagination. Oh my goodness, where are my manners? My name is Illustratia. Where can I drop you off?”

Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the surrealism of the situation, Ember decides her best bet is to introduce herself and see if Illustratia knows how to get her back to her own computer. “I’m Ember and I have somehow gotten trapped inside this…place…and I really need to get back to my own computer so I can go home. Can you take me there?”

“Dear me, I would love to be able to do that, only I don’t know where your computer is. You see, cyberspace is full of these portals and worm holes, you just have to know the right path. Can you give me directions? “

“That’s just it, I don’t know how I got to this place so I don’t know which path will take me back. And how can you find anything in this blackness. “

“Well, you have gotten yourself in a jam, but I see you have a guide. Although his type IS notorious for being a trickster.”

“Hey, I haven’t tricked her, yet.” Perhluna grumbles.

“Well Perh, you haven’t helped that much either. Illustratia, how did you get in this place?”

“I was born in the mind of an adventurous young man with a talent for drawing. One day he must have gotten tired of me flitting about his head, so he drew me. Then he scanned me into his computer. Oh my curiosity got the better of me and I flew off to explore. Now, humans are forever trying to trap me on their blogs, websites and screens, but I am too quick to be caught. Wrilogonzia is a fascinating place and I love exploring and meeting all the interesting creatures, like yourself.” Unbeknownst to this odd party the artistic programmer is watching them with growing fascination for the girl with the hair of fire.

Ember laughs, “I’ve never been referred to as a creature before. Don’t you ever want to go home to your creator?”

Sighing, “Of course, but I have forgotten the way. I know one day he will find me and show me the way home. He is quite bright, that one. Since you don’t know your way home either, where would you like to go?”

“Wow, I have no idea. Are there any normal places?”

“Hahahaha, who wants normal when you can experience anything you’ve ever dreamed of? You need a little adventure! I know just the place to set you down.” With that, Illustratia, dives through a worm hole of code, dropping Ember and Perhluna in a hedge of lush ivy, just outside a giant tree with a small door at it’s base, before flying off.

“But wait……. where are you going…..where are we?” Ember calls after her. She hears Illustratia call back, “ you’re in the Misty World, look for Arial Hollyberry. She will show you around. I will be back later……”

Suddenly, Ember is blinded by millions of lights raining down on them………….

TO BE CONTINUED……………

Guest Post on Dames of Dialogue

2010-02-14T16:29:00.002-05:00

Monday I'm guest blogging on Dames of Dialogue about the Romance Genre. Check out their fabulous blog and my post, which is the first in a series of post I will be doing on the various genres here. Every Monday they feature a guest post, click here for the schedule of upcoming bloggers.

This is called "The Kiss"- it is an intaglio printed from a zinc plate I did many years ago. This image is copyrighted.

You can also re-read my visit from cupid on Southern City Mysteries today.

Be sure to stop in tomorrow for the newest episode of Ember's adventure.

Welcome to the Weekend With.....Amor aka Cupid

2010-02-12T00:40:00.004-05:00

With a holiday made to worship my talents only days away, CC asked me to stop by and give you some romance advice. Who am I to be giving advice on love, you ask (laughing heartily)? Maybe you envisioned a tiny naked child with wings, a bow and arrow?

I assure you I am all man, well a male god to be more precise (smirking). I am the son of Venus and Mercury, the goddess of love and the messenger god.

Don’t let mother’s title fool you. She isn’t always, how do you say it … charm and warmth. Oh yes, you females can be quite treacherous when it comes to love. Of course, we males can be too (winking). While mother is known for her jealousy, I do have to thank her for the love of my life, Psyche. It was her jealousy over the devotion Psyche’s subjects bestowed on her that caused her to order me to make Psyche fall in love with the vilest of creatures. Of, course, we all know I am more powerful than she because I also have dominion over the dead, the creatures, and of course the gods. SHHHH….they really don’t like it when I point that out.

My Psyche . . . she is quite the beauty. It’s no wonder they worship her. I fell in love the moment I laid eyes on her. Of course I couldn’t have her fall in love with another, but I knew I had to appease mother as well. So I went to her while she slept and made her fall in love with me in her dreams, but forbade her to look at me. AHHH such sweet torment I put us through. Then she had to go and listen to those hideous sisters of hers, who had convinced her I must be a monster. So she decided to gaze upon me to prove them wrong, after I told her she could not!! Well, of course I had to then punish her, so I left.

But not before dropping her in a field all alone, without harpy relatives for her to listen to. My devoted Psyche did not give up on me; she searched and searched until finally she stumbled into mother’s temple. Now you all know my mother, she knows how to charm, devious woman that she is. She gave Psyche many tests, all of which she passed easily. Would I be in love with someone not gifted? Please. Mother finally gave her one last task: Take a special box to Hades to steal some of Proserpine’s beauty and bring it back in the box. Of course, it was a trick. You have to watch out for mother-in-laws. When my darling opened the box, she was cursed with a deadly slumber from which I had to rescue her.

That’s when I knew I could never be apart from her again. We married and had a gorgeous daughter, Voluptas. Talk about giving a father nightmares! Never give your child the name for pleasure, because when she reaches her teens . . . well, that’s another story for another time.

The moral of my story, because you mortals love your morals, is that love truly does conquer all. It may bring joy, it may make you crazy; however, it will only allude you if you give up on it. True love does exist and sometimes you must fight for what you want,

PS. I don’t really shoot people with arrows. I have more clever and devious ways.

Happy Hunting Valentine's...

A romantic blast from the past - Relationship advice from the 1930's & 40's

2010-02-11T00:59:00.008-05:00

I was in a specialty gift boutique recently and came across a charming set of booksthat were originally published in the 1930’s and 1940’s. They were recently republished by the son of the original authors, Pietro Ramirez Jr. With Valentine’s Day this weekend, I felt they are the perfect books to share with you.

The Art of Kissing – Tips & Techniques from the 1930’s by Pietro Ramirez Sr. 1936

The Art of Dating – Necking, Petting & Popularity: Wisdom from the 1940’s by Pietro Ramirez Sr.

How to Get Along with Girls – Secrets, Advice & Wisdom from the 1940’s by Pietro Ramirez Sr. 1944

How to Get Along with Boys – Secrets, Advice & Wisdom from the 1940’s by Zoraido Maria de Sagarra Ramirez 1945

Every generation has their social, dating and love rituals. While some things are timeless, it is always interesting to see how people approached these situations in the past. These are small gift books, around $4-5 each. Reading them is like stepping into a classic black and white film. There is something charming in looking back. We often think of past generations as having a certain innocence or quaintness. However, like every generation, the sexes know how to manipulate each other to get what they want in the game of love. Although many of the techniques used over half a century ago would not work today, some would still be quite effective and some may make you wonder what react they would get in our modern dating world. Overall, these are fun books and interesting novelty gifts.

Hoodwinked: An Economic Hit Man Reveals Why The World Financial Markets Imploded – and What We Need To Do To Remake Them by John Perkins

2010-02-10T00:50:00.000-05:00

If you want an eye-opening look at what our government and those who are the financial elite are up to and how it affects out world and economy, then you want to pick up a copy of Hoodwinked by John Perkins. Yes, Perkins, does have a black and white view and we live in a shades of gray world. That doesn’t make this book any less shocking or compelling. We all basically know we are being hoodwinked by those in power and it’s only getting worse. We all know if we want to change we all have to do something about it other than just complaining. The beauty of this book is that Perkins was front and center, immersed in the economic villainy he writes about. This book is like a hidden camera in the offices of power and corruption. Some will love it and some will hate it, but anyone he reads it will have a definitive reaction. Yes, it seems to be a book steeped in despair and hopelessness for the economic future of anyone but the often undeserving rich, but if one reads between the lines, the message is one of hope and a call to action. Four out of five stars,

This book was provided by the author.

Over the Top Award

2010-02-09T00:12:00.061-05:00

My dearest friend, Crystal, gave me this charming award on Monday. Actually most of our answers could have been the same because we think so much alike, but I've tried to come up with original answers for most. The rules of the award are to answer the questions with one word answers, then to pass it on.

Your Hair? - Blonde
Your Favorite Food? - Chinese
Your Hobby? - Learning
Your Fear? - Spiders
Your pets? - KITTIES!
Something You Aren't? - Bored
Where Did You Grow Up? - Advance
Your Life? - Tornado
Your Mood? - Blissful!
Your Favorite Color? - Green

And I'm passing it to these little known bloggers:

Alex J Cavanaugh
An Author's Journey
Ecalyptus way
Musical Pencil
Princess of Procrastination
Snideties
The Author's Corner
terrible twos and running shoes
Just the Facts Ma'am
Jamieson Wolf
Den Page of C. June Wolf
Anna's Obsession

Please go check out their blogs and if you like what you see become a follower.

Also received this award from http://randomthoughtsofatangledmind.blogspot.com/2010/02/over-top-award.html today.

Hex in High Heels by Linda Wisdom

2010-02-08T00:39:00.002-05:00

When Hex in High Heels by Linda Wisdom appeared in my mailbox I was shocked. I hadn’t been asked to review it, I hadn’t won it and I hadn’t purchased it. Like the theme of the book, it magically appeared. Having read many non-fiction and heavier books, I decided, what the heck, I’ll give this fluff a try. I was pleasantly surprised by how engrossing and entertaining it was. The story is about a vintage shop owner, who also happens to be a witch, Blair and her lust for Jake, who as it turns out is a were-collie. A were-collie, now that’s new one, but that wasn’t what surprised me. The book is very well written and the plot is engaging. Wisdom has not only assembled an eclectic cast of characters, she also gives the reader romance, action, sibling rivalry, mystery, suspense, all with a healthy dose of humor. This is a quick read that will titillate your senses. 4.5 out of five stars.

This book was provided by a mystery source. I don’t know who you are, but I thank you.

Welcome to the Weekend with Staci Carmichael

2010-02-05T00:13:00.002-05:00

This week we have the lovely and talented Staci Carmichael joining us. Staci works in the publicity department at WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing. She graciously agreed to be interviewed and give us a glimpse into her life and the world of publishing.

First, tell us a little about yourself.

I am 25, was born in Texas, raised in Florida, and God brought me to live in the great state of Colorado! I have worked in the Publicity department at WaterBrook Multnomah for over 2 years, and have learned more about the industry than I ever thought possible, and feel like I have so much more to learn!

What made you decide to go into publishing?
Honestly, I think the best answer to that question is, God. I did not get a degree in anything related to publishing, but I am able to look back through the different steps in my life and see how God has led me to this field.

Describe for us your journey in publishing from just starting out to your current position.
It all started when a close family friend, and owner of one of the local Christian book stores in my home town (the best in my personally opinion :)), asked if I would be interested in buying her store. I was blown away considering I was 22 and had just graduated from Auburn University (War Eagle!), however I agreed to work with her for 6 months while she taught me the ins and outs of running a store. It still ranks as one of my favorite periods in life, and one of my favorite experiences with her was going to ICRS and talking with publishing reps. I decided that I was not ready to own a store, nevertheless gained amazing experience and knowledge while working with her.

Next, I decided to attend Focus on the Family Institute, a four month school that is offered through Focus. Part of my schooling involved an internship with The Christian Booksellers Association! I was very excited to be working with them, and looked forward to learning another side of the industry. When that was complete I knew God was calling me to stay in Colorado Springs (which is a big deal for a Florida girl :)) and I was extremely excited when He opened the doors for me to work at WaterBrook Multnomah Press. I have been here for over two years and have loved every minute of it! It is a fascinating and rewarding industry.

What is the role of the Publicist and why does an author need one?
The best way I heard Publicity described is “Marketing without paying for it”. Our role is to get positive press coverage for our authors. We do this by building and maintaining strong relationships with media outlets whether it is print, television, radio, or online. We handle interview/review requests for our authors and coordinate those to run around the time of the book release to generate the most buzz. It is extremely important for an author to have a good publicist working for them if they want their book to be successful in the market place.

What impact do you think digital books will have on book publishing? Are bound books destined to become endangered species?
I do agree that our world is rapidly moving toward everything digital, but I hope there will always be a market for books. There is just something comforting about curling up on the couch with a cup of tea and your favorite book that an electronic reader will never be able to provide. :)

What do you feel is the most important thing that a first-time author should know?
Looking at it from a publicity point of view, authors need to be willing to interact with the public through media outlets. The more often the public hears their name and the name of their book the better. Also it is very important to create a strong online following through Facebook, twitter, blogs, etc.

What makes WaterBrook Multnomah/Random House different from other publishing houses?
We try to acquire and publish a variety of books. I love our list because we have everything from Amish Fiction by Cindy Woodsmall to Dieting books by Chantel Hobbs, and everything in between. However, all of them having one thing in common, the message of God’s love.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to break into the publishing world (not as an author)?
Be willing to learn and read a lot. Things are always changing in this industry, so don’t become complacent. It is exciting and innovative, so make sure you are staying up on the trends!

How involved do you get with individual authors when helping them promote a book (do you offer guidance, set up a lot of things for them, etc)?
As a publicist in this industry, we work very closely with the authors whose campaigns are assigned to us. It is important for us to get to know the author and book so we can strategically decide where the book will be most successful. Each campaign is different, and should be approached in that manner. Some books will have more success in online promotion, while others have stronger radio or print campaigns.

Share with us one fun fact or event that you have encountered in the publishing world.
I am a people person, so I love talking to and building relationships with media outlets and authors. That is probably my favorite part of the job.

On a personal level, what books do you enjoy reading?
I love to read everything from biographies to fiction, but a book has to catch my interest and keep me turning the pages. Some of my all time favorite authors are Charles Martin, Kristin Heitzman, Karen Kingsbury, Lynn Austin, John Piper, Shannon Ethridge, Randy Alcorn, John Grisham, Ted Dekker, etc.

If you were stranded on a deserted island with three other people who were either authors or characters from books, who would you want them to be and what would be your topic (s) of conversation?
I would love to be stranded with C.S. Lewis, JRR Tolkien and characters from their books. I grew up reading The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe and The Lord of The Rings books and would consider it a privilege to talk with these great men. I would love to talk to them not only about their books but also the philosophies behind them.

If you were to jump in a time capsule and land 200 years into the future, what do you envision the publishing world to have evolved into?
Wow, that is a great question, and I am finding myself thinking about flying cars and space suits, but that has nothing to do with publishing. :) Honestly, I have no idea what it will look like, maybe we will all have personal robots that download all the current books and read them to us.

What do you do in your free time, for fun or to relax?
I love to be outside ALL the time, I think it is a prerequisite to live in Colorado, haha ok maybe not. :) I LOVE skiing so that is usually where you can find me on the weekends, except for the fall when college football is on. Being raised with two older brothers caused me to be completely obsessed with football and basketball! I also have a golden retriever, so I enjoy going on runs with him.

Thank you Staci for giving us a glimpse into your world. Authors are lucky to have you working for them.

Serious Doubts, Why people marry when they know it won't last by Carl Weisman

2010-02-04T00:36:00.000-05:00

Carl Weisman has spent years surveying people to compile his book, Serious Doubts. Serious Doubts gives the reader some stories for examples along with questionnaires, a type of workbook to get the reader thinking. I found the information interesting, as a divorced woman who didn’t get married because I wanted to, but because I wanted to make my ex-husband happy. Unfortunately getting married changed everything and not for the better. Of course, since the divorce we get along fine. Neither of us knew at the time it wouldn’t last, we had been together for years.

Serious Doubts is a good pre-marriage book, because the questions have you ask some of the things you should consider before you get married. But I have to say I have serious doubts that those planning marriage are going to pick up this book and those married that are having doubts have already past the stage that this will help. This is a great book for pre-marriage counselors to have and share with couples. Weisman is not a therapist or counselor, so I have to commend him for the time he put into the research and for putting this book out there. I wish him luck with his sales and maybe if enough people hear about it, this book will make it into the hands of those it can help. Four out of five stars.

This book was provided by the author.

An Award and Random Thoughts on Blog Following & Comments

2010-02-03T00:27:00.054-05:00

I received this award from L Diane Wolfe yesterday. Thank you so much Diane. You are the best. If you haven't checked out her fabulous blog, click on her name to go there.

I am supposed to list 10 things (I'm only going to do 7 because I can't think of others at the moment) about myself, then pass the award on to some other bloggers!

1. When I was younger I wanted to be a journalist. In fact I was the Feature Editor of my high school paper

2. In college, I did a cartoon for the school paper called "Smidgette"

3. I once ran a haunted movie theater. Yes, with a real ghost.

4. I'm a big fan of comic books and used to be quite a collector.

5. Speaking of collections, I also collect medieval weapon replicas, swords and daggers. You never know when you might have to do battle ( I'd never slay a dragon, love them too much)

6. I have never been camping, but I have slept out under the stars on a horse farm.

7. My first job was as a Gorgio spokes model. Scary! The perfume makes me sneeze.

The Sugar Dolls I know and love are:

Crystal at Crystal Clear Proofing
Pixie at Just Random Stuff
Zia at My Life in Not So Many Words
PJ Ray at Musical Pencil and Backspace Junkie (gotta love that blog title)

Random Thoughts of the Day:

Well, not really random... more of a heads up. After reading post on blogging yesterday at Spunk on a Stick Tips and Tossing It Out, I decided I have been a bad follower, because I really don't have time to visit and comment on all the blogs I have signed up to follow. In fact, I discovered I was following over 120 blogs, most of which, to be honest, I wasn't really following. Don't get me wrong, it's not because they weren't great blogs and their bloggers wonderful people, I just simply don't have the time. So I printed out a list of all of them and have been going through them. If they have a email subscriber button, I have signed up to follow then that way and deleted myself as a regular follower. I don't really need to follow both ways. And for a few I simply added their links to my notebook and stopped following. For those they are fun and wonderful sites but either don't post often or are not ones I will really follow diligently, but I wnated to make sure I could occasionally check on them. I know this may upset a few bloggers, and for that I apologize. In order for me to start being a better follower and commenter, I have to get my list down to a more manageable level. Please understand it's not about your blogs but my lack of time. I completely understand if you feel you need to stop following my blog for the same reason. While I love having a lot of followers, I know there are a million blogs out there and some of us are wearing ourselves thin.

I also want to say, that while I am moderator spammers, if you have a new or fabulous blog you want me and my readers to check out, feel free to leave a comment with a link for us. I will check it out and and as long as your link is legit, I will approve it so you can reach more people.

A huge thank you to all my followers, email subscribers and commenters! You make bloggng worthwile. And even though I have taken away the little giveaway widget in my sidebar, I still occasional send books to my commenters after I read them, so if you see a title that interest you, let me know. I can't promise you'll get it, but you might.

Happy Blogging, Everyone!!!

Trissa and the Necklace of Nulidor by Willow

2010-02-02T00:19:00.002-05:00

Trissa and the Necklace of Nulidor by Willow is a coming of age story. At twelve years old Trissa is a girl on the verge of leaving childhood, who must save not only the family she has come to love but her village. Her village has had a spell cast on it and she alone is unaffected. She begins a journey to find the answers to save her village. Along the way, she will meet many magical beings, some allies and some enemies. She will discover who she is. Willow has written a wonderful adventure, full of rich characters and suspenseful action that starts with the first chapter. The reader will watch Trissa grow throughout the book as she uses cunning, compassion and courage to save her world. An excellent book for pre and early teens. Four out of five stars.

This book was provided by the author. And of course I had to read it since the author has the same name as my favorite feline.

The Eleven Eternal Principles: Accessing the Divine Within by Carmen Harra

2010-02-01T00:14:00.000-05:00

Dr. Carmen Harra gives readers an owners manual to living with eleven eternal principles. Harra shows us how to bring balance and harmony to our lives by understanding the laws of the universe, The Eleven Eternal Principles.

The Law of Totality
The Law of Karma
The Law of Wisdom
The Law of Love
The Law of Harmony
The Law of Abundance
The Law of Attraction
The Law of Evolution
The Law of Manifestation
The Law of Dharma
The Law of Infinite Possibilities

There is no one answer to the question of life but multiple ones working together. To make them work for you as an individual you must understand yourself and your spiritual nature. Then through believing, you can achieve a balanced and fulfilling life. Five out of five stars.

This book was provided by the author. Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of this book.

Welcome to the Weekend With... Boyd Printing and Publishing CEO, Carl Johnson

2010-01-29T00:47:00.042-05:00

This week we Welcome the weekend with a gentleman who has spent his life in publishing. He is the CEO of Boyd printing and Publishing, Carl Johnson. He gives us a glimpse of the world of books from a publishers perspective.

What made you decide to go into publishing?
After over 30 years in book printing, and seeing all the changes, it appeared there was a need for an authors to be able to self publish effectively, which means planning and marketing. As the giant publishers gobble up or kill the medium sized independents, an author's options shrink dramatically. Many of the traditional "vanity publishers" provide no real marketing or ways for the author to succeed financially. Our goal is to fill that gap.

Describe for us your journey in publishing from just starting out to your current position as CEO at Boyd Printing & Publishing.
Having production and composition services along with fulfillment and warehousing, we added some editorial free-lancers and after much evaluation added an honest, effective book marketing partner.

How has the publishing world changed over the years?
As the large publishers acquired the independents, it appeared to me that the risk-taking of 20 years ago had given way to people in cubicles running a prospective manuscript through a spreadsheet to figure out how many units (they are not called books) will be sold and what the ROI is. This is fine if you are Dan Brown, not so good if you are unknown.

What impact do you think digital books will have on book publishing? Are bound books destined to become endangered species?
Digital books is a phrase that covers a mulitude of things. Is a digital book a POD, low res, high unit cost book that will keep an author from making any real money? Is a digital book a 100 to 200 copy, sheet fed, paperback that might allow an author with limited funds to test the market? Is a digital book a 750 run, full color hard bound book run on an expensive "digtial web"?

The answer to all is yes. So digital printing is having a big impact as it offers muliple opportunities to get started. It would be better to descibe a book by the number of copies and unit cost than the method of manufacture.

I doubt bound books will go away for a long time. Even E-books must be sold at a high enough price to allow the publisher/author to cover writing, editorial, marketing and a profit. 10 years from now, 20 years from now, who knows. But in the forseeable future, although E-books will take increasing market share, it will be a while before they have 50% of the market, let alone all of it.

What do you feel is the most important thing that a first-time author should know?
Answer the question why am I doing this - a hobby....to develop my professional standing....to make money when I give speeches or classes....to build a career as a writer. Second, do a marketing plan, and estimate all your costs, figure out how you are going to finance it.

Tell us about your current company- Boyd Printing & Publishing? What are your goals and/or mission as a publisher? And what makes your company different from others?
Boyd Printing & Publishing wants to give authors who are serious about getting a book out and making money a real way to achieve their goals. We do not trap them into contracts where they end up buying back copies of their own books. Our goal is their success. We are different because we bring all the services of a complete traditional publisher to bear on the challenges the author faces in succeeding. Although the author must pay for the services, all proceeds from the sales of all copies go directly to the author. We do not keep half of each copy for "production costs".

What advice would you give to someone wanting to break into the publishing world (not as an author)?
There are many things there - marketing, buying, editorial, general management, acquisitions. If you want to break into publishing, you will probably end up in "Corporate America". Match the various segments with your talents and go in that direction.

On a personal level, what books do you enjoy reading?
Well researched historical fiction and well done mystery/spy books.

If you were to become stranded on a deserted island with three other people who were either authors or characters from books, who would you want them to be and what would be your topic (s) of conversation?
Way too many choices here. This could be a discussion for an hour.

If you were to jump in a time capsule and land 200 years into the future, what do you invision the publishing world to have evolved into?
The only thing for sure, is that it will not be what we expect. In the 70's the movie 2001 A Space Odyssey was released. In it a man on the space station goes to a pay phone to call Earth. No one had even considered cell phones. So who knows.

What do you do in your free time, for fun or to relax?
I spend time with my wife of over 40 years and our dogs, children and grandchildren.

Be sure to check our Boyd Printing and Publishing's website.

The Creed of Violence by Boston Teran

2010-01-28T00:10:00.000-05:00

Those of who know me, know I love a good thriller; I love history, and I also love a good human interest story. In The Creed of violence by Boston Teran, I got all three. This book reminds me of the movies they made during the Golden Age of Hollywood. I can easily picture Peter Fonda in a movie version of this book. At the same time, although set in 1910 during the Mexican revolution, I can easily picture it being set in our time and being directed by Tarentino. It’s historical but the story of the journey an opposing father and son make is timeless. Teran gives you an eloquent look at the Americana of the past, adds in an element of suspense then blends it together with two beautifully human men. Four out of five stars.

This book was provided by the author.

Prophecy of Power by Andrew Parker

2010-01-27T00:16:00.012-05:00

I’m always delighted when I come across a debut novel that blows me away. There are some reviewers that feel they need to be more critical of an author’s first work, focusing on an in-depth analysis of all the technical components of the work. It’s a given that every first novel is going to have some flaws. To be honest, I read to enjoy a story not dissect it. However, we’ve all read a book where the flaws make it hard to focus on the story. Prophecy of Power is Andrew Parker’s first novel, but it is so captivating, I was instantly drawn into the story and kept enthralled until the last page. Actually, I’m still enthralled and anxiously waiting for him to finish the sequel. I read others reviews of this book before I picked it up and while they were favorable, several did make a point of focusing on minor technical flaws. For me, if there were mistakes, I was too mesmerized by the characters and story to notice.

Prophecy of Power brings to life parts of the Book of Revelations in a very timely manner. Parker takes the mysticism out of the bible’s final book and gives it modern relevance. The central character, Rabbi Jacob Droutman has led an unassuming life. As he discovers he is questioning his Jewish beliefs and exploring his curiosity of other religions, he becomes entangled in murder, missing persons, government deceptions and cover-up plots by religious powers. He begins a journey that will put his life and others in jeopardy as he tries to solve a mystery that could reveal who the final world power is that signals the end of days. There are those who will do anything to find the answers and others who will stop at nothing to keep them hidden. Parker has written an enigmatic page turner that will have you holding your breath as you wait to see what happens next. Five out of five stars.

Be sure to check out his website http://www.andrewjparker.co.uk/

This ebook was provided by the author