Guest Author Series - Welcome Jennifer Hartz

Jennifer Hartz is a fellow Desert Breeze Author. Her book, Future Savor Book One: Conception will be released tomorrow! Welcome Jennifer!

STEPH: Congratulations on your release of Future Savior Book One: Conception. Can you tell us a little about it?

JENNIFER: First of all, Stephanie thanks so much for having me on your blog. The Future Savior Series is the byproduct of a ridiculously long commute. I have an hour and a half drive… one-way. That's three hours in the car! One day, while driving, I started to daydream about interesting characters and the fantastical land of Meric. I would let my mind conjure up different storylines for my mystical characters, pulling out the things that really worked and filing them away in my memory bank. For three months these daydreams continued until I finally realized I needed to sit down and write.

The best way I can sum up Future Savior is to say that it is a combination of all the stories I have ever loved. It is essentially a Christian fantasy series, similar to The Lord of the Rings, but modernized and with a major romantic storyline as the main focus. There are also some subtle sci-fi elements and a huge cliffhanger that stems from the season finales of my favorite sitcoms. What? We have to wait all summer to find out if Ross and Rachel get together?!

STEPH: Do you cast your characters? If so, who plays the leads? Why do you cast your characters?

JENNIFER: Actually, I did not have particular actors in mind while writing Conception. It was only after the story was complete, and I started milling around author loops and writing chat rooms, did I start to think about who would be great in the roles.
Hands down, without a doubt, and no questions asked Shaw would be perfectly portrayed by Kellan Lutz. If you don't know who he is, he plays Emmet in the Twilight Saga.

I've had a slightly harder time casting Christina, but my mind keeps bouncing between either Allysa Milano or Kate Beckinsale. I guess it depends on my mood, but both of these ladies are fabulous.

Charis is such an interesting and intriguing character that I'm not 100% sure who I would place in that role, but Carla Gugino, the Pocahontas guru in Night at the Museum, keeps popping into my head.

Finally, I place Zak Efron in the role of the obscenely handsome Elf Prince Jonus.

STEPH: What genres do you like to write and why?

JENNIFER: Anything speculative! Or, more specifically, Speculative Christian Fiction. Speculative includes fantasy, sci-fi, horror, urban fantasy, time-travel, and all the other "not so normal" genres. I write this particular genre because this is the genre I'm drawn to. I have always loved anything speculative. From Star Wars to The Chronicles of Narnia and from Harry Potter to Twilight I just can't get enough!

STEPH: Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring writers?
JENNIFER: The best advice that I can give to anybody thinking about writing a novel is to treat your writing like a job… and not in a bad way, in a scheduling way. Set aside a certain amount of time for your writing and make sure you stick to it, even if it is for only a half an hour a day. My own writing schedule was very minimal. I work as a teacher, my husband works nights, and I have a two year old son. My writing schedule was very lean. I forced myself to write for one hour on the evenings that my husband worked after my son went to bed. Not a lot of time, but even with this meager timetable I was able to complete Future Savior: Conception in two months because I was diligent.

STEPH: Do you use beta readers? Why or why not?

JENNIFER: I have two people read my stories for me as I write them. The first person is my husband. He is NOT a reader… so why do I use him? Well, the way I look at it, if my story can captivate a non-reader then hopefully avid readers will enjoy it as well. The other person I let read my stories is a former student. She is a teenager who devours books like it's her mission in life. Plus she's really into the speculative stuff too. I know that if she likes it I won't be disappointing fans of the genre that I love.

STEPH: Print, eBook, or both?

JENNIFER: When I first learned about eBooks I was one of those people who said, "eBook? Bah! I like to hold a real book." Boy, was I mistaken! After less than twenty-four hours with my own Kindle I came to the realization that, not only are eBooks here to stay, but they're AWESOME! I love the versatility and the sheer volume of books that it can hold. The text-to-speak feature is so cool, especially when editing my own work, and I really like the built in dictionary. What is really ironic is that I actually like holding it better than a "real" book. I can easily hold it with one hand or prop it up without worrying that it will flop closed and I'll lose my place. So cool!

STEPH: What was the last movie you watched at a movie theatre?

JENNIFER: The last movie I watched in a theater was with my two year old son. It was his very first movie in a theater: Toy Story 3. Or "Ta Tum Tewee!" as he called it. ☺ But the last movie that mommy got to see was Eclipse.

STEPH: What's your favorite all time movie and why?

JENNIFER: The Goonies. What's better than a rag-tag group of misfits searching for pirate treasure, while being chased by bad guys, all to a Cindy Lauper enhanced soundtrack!

STEPH: What's your favorite time of year?

JENNIFER: Fall. I think is some strange way Fall makes me think of speculative things. Halloween, witches, ghosts, and all things spooky make me smile.

STEPH: What's your favorite TV show?

JENNIFER: My favorite show of all time was Friends. I literally cried when it ended and I've re-watched them countless times thanks to full seasons on DVD. Right now I don't have a favorite show. I honestly don't have much time for TV. Between work, my son, my husband, church, writing a new novel and promoting Future Savior: Conception, I've forgotten what the television looks like.

Thanks so much for having me on your blog, Steph. Your questions were a lot of fun!

STEPH: Thanks for popping in, Jennifer. Bon Chance!
Smiles

Monday Blues~

How I wish things could be a little bit more different as maybe we could start work abit later and end normal. I wonder if there is anyone (working people) in this world ever do love or atleast like Mondays.

 

Well mondays are mondays. Came into office as usual to listen to all the moans and groans from everywhere. Facebook, twitter, blogs, colleagues, friends and even customers. How depressing.

 

It's sad I know. Never remember any Mondays where I've been crazy hyper or happy about. =(

That's when I actually saw this quote which says ,

 

Coming to think of it. Yea how true. LOL. The only great news so far is that tomorrow onwards my schedule has changed to 10.00 - 20-00! How glad that I could actually move around even slower in the mornings before work! I love to laze around in the mornings as am never a morning person but sadly work is daytime. 

How nice would it be if everyone works in the night? That's cool ain't it? XD

I know I did mention about a post about the most beautiful girl I've known here but I am still gathering the pics of her so hope you guys could wait till the suspend unreveals! =)

Steam Boat Night~!

Yesterday was my best friend's birthday. Thomaz Chee Chee (just joking) has officially joined the 2D club! Yep! He is 20 years old now! So to celebrate we all went out for steamboat with a couple of guys from my old condo with whom we did alot of crazy stuffs.

Since I've been to Tasty Pot Steamboat a couple of times, decided to go there again.

 

Yep! That's the place!! It's kinda cheap for how it looks though. RM26.80 per person for buffet steamboat and then plus drinks and all about 30 bucks per person? LOL I dunno... XD

The do have alot of choices of food. Though I wasn't really a fan of steamboat, I really wouldn't mind to go here and eat! It's cheap and nice!!! Plus I can eat as much I want until I wanna explode also still same price! XD

 

 

 

 

 

Well steamboat is not the only thing they have over there! They also have.......

 

Looking at all this pics am hungry already!! *drools and pat pat tummy* Gosh the food is really really awesome over here!!! Those who haven't been there, fast fast go!!!

At night this place could really be super crazy pack! Like last night it was really really packed! Though 1 of my friend was supose to upload all the pics, which he obviously didn't.... I had to steal these pics from Tastypot Steamboat Restaurant's Facebook site! *smack head*

The address for this place is :

No 9 jalan PJS 8/18 Dataran Mentari Bandar Sunway. 

2nd branch: D1-17-G, Jalan Multimedia 7/AJ,

CityPark,i-city,40000 Shah Alam

Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, 46150

 

Contact : 03-56301282

 

Mon - Sun : 16:00 - 01:00

 

So basically they are open 7 days a week! How awesome is that? Though they are open until only 1am, it's still good enough, no?

LOL!!! Still waiting for my friend to upload the pics online and once he does, would put it in!! Well for that night we had fun as after food went for Left for Dead 2 : Versus mode!! That was seriously Dope!!! More stuffs coming up soon guys!!

With next weekend Sunday planning of Sunway Lagoon waterpark coming up, alot of things are happening this next week!! Those who wanna join us for the theme park, you can contact me here!! =)

 

Guest Author Series - Welcome Danielle Thorne

I'd like to welcome fellow Desert Breeze author, Danielle Thorne to the Moonlight. Welcome come, Dani!

STEPH: Can you tell us about your latest release, BY HEART AND COMPASS?

DANI: I'd love to, Stephanie. Thanks for having me this week.

BY HEART AND COMPASS is about stepping out of your comfort zone and truly following your heart. Whether it's love, trust or the opportunity to chase adventure, most people hold back because of that niggle of doubt that tells us dreams can't come true. In this adventure, Lacy Whitman finds an antique diary that hints at the location of a long lost shipwreck, and she has to gather her courage to face making a discovery that is more than just pages in a book. She also risks falling for a cynical yet vulnerable dive instructor. Life is all about taking chances and living, and that's what I like to write about.

STEPH: I notice you are drawn to water themes. What's the attraction for you?

DANI: The first time I saw the ocean I was 19-years-old. It had a profound effect. For me, it is a gateway to another world right here on our own planet. Since getting scuba certified a few years ago, I have become very passionate about sea conservation and environmental issues. I had the chance to dive off the coast of Mexico this April, just days after the oil disaster struck in the gulf. It's hard not to wonder if I will ever be able to again down that way. The effects of this crisis break my heart—but I do have my writing to bring the joy and adventure of the sea to other people.

STEPH: What was the inspiration behind BY HEART AND COMPASS?

DANI: I published my first novel, THE PRIVATEER, after over twelve months of in-depth research. The Age of Sail is a fascinating time to me. These were a type of courageous men that you don't see often anymore. When I was finished, I knew I someday wanted to bring the past into the present. Since Blackbeard's ship, The Queen Anne's Revenge, was discovered off the coast of North Carolina, I have enjoyed following the excavation and research that is made available to the public online. These events inspired me to think about what it would be like to discover my own pirate ship. Of course as a teenager I was in love with the pirating adventure film, "Goonies," so I'm sure there was some subliminal influence there as well.

STEPH: Do you cast your characters? If so who are the leads?

DANI: I actually start out with names popping into my head when I create a character, and the general personality follows. Then I do think about books, film, and television and consider people, real and imaginary, that might be similar. But on a whole, no, I do not cast characters in the general sense of the word. However, I do find it very entertaining to talk and read blogs from other authors that do.


STEPH: Are you a plotter or a panster?

DANI: Plotter. I don't have that ability of being able to write and just "know" where to go. I need to plan out my story with highs, lows, and then let the characters get from A to B, all on their own. I definitely use plot points. I don't like to waste time and hope not to ramble!

STEPH: Do you write any other genres? If so, what?

DANI: Besides contemporary, I write historical, which comes natural to me with my love of research and genealogy. My first Jane Austen-inspired Regency will be released this winter and I'm looking forward to the response. I also have dabbled in juvenile fiction. I finished my first manuscript, DANNY BOY, many years ago. This Huck Finn-type adventure is my baby and we're still looking for a home.

STEPH: What types of books do you like to read?

DANI: I'm very eclectic when it comes to almost all areas of the Arts. Although I primarily pickup romances of varying sub-genres, I also like historical non-fiction and good government suspense adventures.
What's the last movie you saw?

DANIE I just saw the new "Alice in Wonderland" with Johnny Depp. Of course, I am a huge Depp admirer, but it's more of a sisterly affection, I'm not a rabid fan. Maybe it's because sometimes he reminds me of my brother? (Laughs) He is one of the most brilliant actors of our generation and it's a shame he does not get the credit he deserves. No matter what film I see him in, he always becomes his character—he is never himself. I could only hope to be able to stretch myself and write with as much abandon as that man can act. Anyway, I loved the film and thought it was brilliant. It's a new favorite.

STEPH: Do you have any Desert Breeze authors or books you'd like to recommend?

DANI: I have read several Desert Breeze titles and have never been disappointed. That's why I am thrilled to be published by this House. Currently, I am following the Future Imperfect series by P.I. Barrington. Also, the sweet romance, NO OTHER is on my reading summer list, as is THE HUNGARIAN, which is sounding like it's going to be an amazing read.

***
Dani's book is available:

By Heart and Compass, Desert Breeze Website

"This is the first book that I have read of Ms. Thorne’s but I was captured right from the beginning. I especially like the sayings before each chapter. Read as a pirate would say it. Excellent Book... You’ll be in for a great adventure."

Miss Lynne's Books and More
Rating = 5 Stars - 'A'

Grown Ups~!

The other day me and one of my good friends were supose to be hunting for our favourite satay when eventually we realized that due to Puasa, they are closed! So ended up going for nasi lemak ayam and then sudden plan for movie.

Apparently the only movie available was....

 

And it was 25th Night!!! I was so happy because I so wanted to watch this movie and I knew this wasn't a movie to be missed!

Story plot is below...

*******************************************************************************

In 1978, five friends win their junior high basketball championship. During the celebration, their coach "Buzzer" (Blake Clark) encourages them to live their lives in a similar way to how they played the game.

32 years later, the five friends have since separated. Lenny Feder (Adam Sandler) is a high powered Hollywood talent agent who is married to Roxanne (Salma Hayek), a fashion designer. Together, they have two sons, Greg and Keith, and one daughter Becky, all of whom have become spoiled, much to Lenny's annoyance. Eric Lamonsoff (Kevin James) is now a co-owner of a lawn furniture company (but he says he is just to impress his friends) who is married to Sally (Maria Bello). Together, they have one daughter, Donna and one son Bean, who still breastfeeds despite being four years old, much to Eric's chagrin. Kurt McKenzie (Chris Rock) is a stay at home father who is married to Deanne (Maya Rudolph), the primary breadwinner of the family. Together, they have a son, Andre, and a daughter, Charlotte, while Deanne is pregnant with a third child, and her mother, Ronzoni, lives with them as well. All of them harass Kurt for not being more useful. Rob Hilliard (Rob Schneider) is a thrice divorced pacifist vegan married to Gloria (Joyce Van Patten), who is 30 years older than him. Marcus Higgins (David Spade) has become a single womanizer.

When they learn that their coach has died, they all return to New England with their families for the funeral. Lenny rents the lake house for the 4th of July weekend for his friends to stay at, but Lenny can't stay for the whole weekend because Roxanne has a fashion show in Milan. While at the lake house, Lenny is annoyed that their kids would rather play video games than spend time outdoors, so he and the others force their kids to spend more time outside while at the house.
At a local restaurant, Lenny runs into his old nemesis Dickie Bailey (Colin Quinn), who works as a cook there. Dickie is still upset at Lenny because he allegedly had his foot out of bounds when he made the long-ago game winning shot and challenges him and his friends to a rematch, but Lenny declines, declaring it a waste of time. During dinner, the group discusses spreading the coach's ashes in the morning, but Lenny says he can't be there because of Roxanne's fashion show. Roxanne angrily storms off because Lenny painted her negatively. She allows him to spread the ashes, but demands they leave early the following morning.

In the morning, the five guys row out to an island to spread the ashes. When Rob is spreading the ashes, he breaks down and tells the guys that he screwed up his previous marriages and that he's nervous about meeting his daughters who are coming. When they get back to the house, they finally meet Rob's daughters, two of them, Jasmine and Amber, who seem too gorgeous to be Rob's, and one, Bridget, who very closely resembles him. To calm his nerves, the five guys play a game called "Arrow Roulette", in which an arrow is shot up into the air and the last person who runs away wins. Rob wins, but the arrow lands in his foot.

 

That evening, when Roxanne is packing, Becky's tooth falls out, but Roxanne is too busy to notice and she tells her that she'll put a dollar under her pillow later. When Becky asks why she would do it instead of the Tooth Fairy, Roxanne tells Lenny that she's worried that she ruined Becky's childhood. When Lenny hears his kids supposedly talking on their cellphones, he comes into their bedroom to find them actually talking on "cup phones" with the other kids. Happy that the kids are starting to have the same kind of fun he did at their age, he asks everyone to install cup phones around the house. Roxanne then tells Becky through the cup phone the truth about the Tooth Fairy.

In the morning while packing the car, Roxanne sees all the kids having fun down by the lake and decides that they can't leave the lake house. Happy with his wife's new attitude, Lenny decides they should head to a waterpark for a day. There, Bean learns to drink milk out of a carton, while Marcus flirts constantly with Jasmine and Amber, much to Rob's dismay. The group run into Dickie again, this time with one of his friends Wiley (Steve Buscemi), who ends up in the hospital after a zip line accident.

Back out the house, Deanne becomes suspicious of Kurt when she sees him spending time with Rita, Lenny's nanny. That evening, the adults spend time together drinking and dancing, while reminiscing about their pasts. In the morning, Rob suspects that Marcus had sex with either Jasmine or Amber or both of them and confronts him. Jasmine and Amber assure him that he didn't and Marcus assures him that he never would. Roxanne then confronts Lenny about the fact that he canceled their Milan plane reservations before the funeral behind her back. Lenny claims that he felt their time at the lake house was necessary because their kids were becoming too spoiled, but was unsure if Roxanne would go along with it. He tells her he won't lie to her again. Deanne confronts Kurt about supposedly flirting with Rita. Kurt assures her that he wasn't flirting with her, but he enjoyed having an actual conversation with her because he doesn't feel like he gets that with Deanne. Deanne offers to take him out on more dates. Eric then admits to the group that he isn't co-owner of a lawn furniture company and that he was laid off two months ago. He just didn't want everyone to think of him as a failure. Lenny resolves to offer Eric an investment opportunity. Gloria then tells everyone that despite their recent hostility, she senses love between everyone.

The group then head off to a 4th of July barbecue, where they are once again challenged by Dickie and his friends to a rematch of the basketball game. Wiley, in a massive body cast, had escaped intensive care to watch. Rob suggests that their coach would want them to take the challenge and despite everyone's being out of shape and Rob's injury, they agree to a game. The game is close, but most of the players get too tired to continue, leaving only Lenny and Dickie on the court. They bring out their sons to continue playing. When Lenny has the chance to make the game winning shot, he deliberately misses and allows Dickie to win, giving him a sense of victory. Lenny and the others take the loss in stride.

While watching the fireworks, a drunken Marcus decides to play another game of Arrow Roulette, causing everyone to run away, except for Wiley, who can't move, and the arrow lands in his foot and he passes out as the movie ends.

********************************************************************************

The delight of the movie was that veteran actresses looked ever young with the two hotties in Jamie Chung and Madison Riley was all just so great combination!

 

But of all of these my eyes only to 1 who always have made my heart race whenever I watch her on screen.

 

 

God she is freaking hot and pretty!!! Salma Hayek!!

She is freaking pretty ain't she? But then I still do know someone who is even prettier and hotter than this lady over here. Someone who could literally make my heart skip beats, stop, beat faster and even make me melt! 

Post about that pretty lady is coming up guys!! So stay tuned to know who she is!!!

Unexpected!!

I am sorry if I am abit dumb over this! Recently I realized there was alot of visitors from overseas and being a newbie blogger thats freaking awesome for me!!! LOL

So I was abit curious and kinda so I went off to make a search what was it that brought foreigners to ma blog. And realized my post about Men's PMS is the popular search and eventually I was in the 2nd in the list!!! XD




 
This is the pic!!  OMG!!

I know I sound so bimbotic but this is just awesome for me!!! XD

Also managed to catch "Grown Ups" already so the review would post it up soon!!!

Attention Whore!!

The past 3 days have been really tiring for me as my car decided it's going to get all the attention it could from where ever it could!!


It all started on last Tuesday that when I just got off work and I just got past Kelana Jaya LRT when my car started to let out tiny "honks" every time I turned my steering. I thought there was something wrong with me that I actually pressed it accidentally and eventually it stopped once I passed that area there was no more problem until I just turned into Sunway.

I was just in the lane between Pyramid and Public going into Pyramid jamming, and my car just got off "BBBBBbbbbbbbbbeeeeEEeeeeeeeeEeeeePPPPpppppPPPPP" all the way and I totally panicked!! I was like wtf?! Everyone over there was already giving all kinda weird looks! *hide face under shirt*

Some even came up to me as if I was the 1 doing in purpose until they saw my hand was away from the steering that they just burst and walked away.  It was still honking non-stop until I actually reached a secluded industrial area. I was like "phew" wiping of my sweat.

Then thinking it was all right, I go touch my window and there it goes again!! It was so irritating and making so stressed that I eventually just sad in my car for like 15 mins not moving! (I know that the dumbest thing I could do) Then being super giler despo all of a sudden, I just went berserk as I plugged a wire from my steering thinking that was connecting the horn but eventually I was wrong and it went off again.

Then starting to be able to think straight I walked out and was looking for the place they place the horn and eventually I couldn't find it as am not so familiar with old Proton. The best what I could have ever done was that I just a wire and only to realize later that I just disconnected my vipers! Cursing my luck, I went back to work again and during then a "bangla" came up and scared the shit outa me!! I got so shocked and jump into ma hood which just came down crashing on me!

Thanks to that I've got a swollen eyebrow!! Finally ma papa came and ngam ngam he was there I found the thing and just plugged it off happily!! Thought that was it!

But I was wrong!! Went to catch a movie yesterday and since around 1 plus there was no electricity in Pyramid parking hence it was freaking dark and parking was free. The car's battery died!! *buawWwwwww!!!*

Eventually a couple of people came to help the car and hence it became popular again!!! How nice!!

This morning nobody around it was working find... Hopefully it still works when I go start it later after work!! *sweat*

Guest Author Series - Welcome N.A. Sharpe

I'd like to welcome fellow 4RV Author, N.A. Sharpe to the blog today. Ms. Sharpe is the author of "If Fishes were Wishes."

Ms. Sharpe's Bio:

N.A. Sharpe was born in Wilmington, Delaware and attended the University of Delaware studying Psychology and Elementary Education. She is a single mom and currently lives in central Florida with her son and two dogs, Scooter (a Yorkie) and NaNu (a Morkie).

Throughout high school and college, she volunteered in the elementary school system, and, after receiving her degree, taught autistic and schizophrenic children in a private school in Pennsylvania for five years before moving on to an administrative career.

She has always had a deep rooted love of storytelling and children's literature. This is her first picture book. She has one fantasy book published and is currently writing a Young Adult fantasy adventure series in collaboration with her son.

The illustrator of "If Fishes were Wishes" is Ginger Nelson.
Ms. Nelson's Bio:

Ginger Nielson is a full time children’s book illustrator who lives at the top of a hill, near the edge of a forest in a semi-rural part of New Hampshire. There is a magic wand on her desk and a dragon in her basement. Everything else is perfectly normal. You can see examples of her work at www.gingernielson.com

THE BLURB:

Illustrator: Ginger Nielson
Illustrator web site: http://gingernielson.com)
Publisher: 4RV Publishing LLC
url: http://4RVPublishingllc.com
Reading Level: Ages 4-8
ISBN-10: 0982588674
ISBN-13: 978-0982588673
Genre: Picture book
Format: Paperback
Release date: May 10, 2010
Price: $13.99
Pages: 24

-- - - -
Promo blurb:

JT Trumanowski is a six-year old with a BIG problem…his grandparents! How do you survive a whole weekend alone with them when you do exactly what they say and still end up in so much trouble?!

JT adores his grandparents and is thrilled to be invited to spend the weekend with them. He tries hard to follow their requests to a “T” with one disastrously humorous result after another. “Why can’t they just say what they mean?” he wonders. Talk about a failure to communicate! Join JT as he discovers people may mean what they say, they just don’t always say what they mean…clearly.

MY REVIEW:


"If Wishes were Fishes" is a witty little story that will put a smile on a young reader's face. It is geared for 4-7 year-olds.

JT Trumanowski is a young boy who goes to sleep over his grandparents house. JT takes everything his grandparents say literally, but they are used to speaking more figuratively. Expressions such as "get your ducks in a row," "no more monkey business," and "a penny for your thoughts," get JT into a spot of trouble.

"If Wishes were Fishes," shows children not to take everything so seriously, and to ask if they don't quite understand something. The story is sweetly illustrated by Ginger Nelson. Her illustrations are sharp and appealing.

"If Wishes were Fishes," is a book that will leave young readers with plenty of giggles and thinking of the story long after they've closed the book.

Cop Out~

Been like missing out on everything due to busy weeks with work while weekends too exhausted so end up hibernating so didn't really go out much. But eventually yesterday I managed to catch some time out with a few of my friends to go out drinking.

I so don't wanna talk about the drinking part as it was kinda lame.... But after done, we guys went to one of my mate's house to watch a movie. We had 2 options which was either Cop Out or Behind Enemy Lanes II but the rest opted to watch Cop Out.

 

Since I used to watch Bruce Willis alot, this movie was damn dumb! Hated it so much that I felt literally sober watching the movie. It was that bad! However if you were the type who loves the American Jokes then this is a movie to watch!

 

 

 

 

 

Well there isn't much to talk about this movie as it was kinda standard NYPD movie. Hoping to catch some new movies soon. Next week have 2 birthdays coming up so saturday next week seems like a busy week. Hopely would be able to get some pics so could post it up!! XD

Sorry for no updates for the past few days. Been busy and alot of things happened too...

Welcome Fellow CRR Author - Barri Bryan

I'd like to welcome fellow CRR Author, Barri Bryan. Barri's latest release with CRR Publishing is "A Second Splendor."

Welcome, Barri.



BARRI: Writing is not only concerned with how a writer writes, it also includes what a writer writes. The fiction writer's aim is to communicate, not only thoughts and ideas, but also feelings and emotions. The expressing of emotions is highly valued but not easily attained. It takes imagination and creative reasoning to communicate honest convictions and to express sincere emotions.

Learning to communicate expressively is not achieved the way you assimilate facts about geography or learn by rote the meanings of symbols. It is, rather a process of practice, discovery, and creation. Writing is an art, but like any art form it has an attending craft. There are skills and abilities that can be recognized and then practiced help you hone that craft.

Expressive writing is not accomplished speedily or through half-hearted efforts. To write expressively a writer must be focused. Focus induces a state of concentration that is intense and absolute.

An expressive writer is perceptive. Perception allows you to create something where nothing existed before, thus filling a void.

Empathy for the feelings and emotions of others is important in expressive writing.

An expressive writer's work has unity. When you write about imagined occurrences, the objective is not just to relate what happened. You want to recount your vision in a way that recreates the mood, and develops the dramatic significance of the event.

An expressive writer is aware. Awareness is an integral part of expressive writing. It begins by combining sensory messages with past knowledge and personal expectations to examine more closely the blur of daily experiences. Imaginative thinking allows you to move past literal applications and discover implied analogies and relationships. This kind of writing requires time and effort because those relationships aren’t always obvious.

An expressive writer is a passionate lover who persuades and convinces with words. Wooing with words involves being able to perceive, feel, and think subtly and precisely. It also demands a good vocabulary. The more acquainted you are with a variety of words and their meanings, the more able you are to express thoughts and sentiments.

An expressive writer relates to readers with honesty and candor by using mind, feelings, and imagination to create an organized and logical work. This is always a challenge and often a trial. It is never easy to disclose personal truths and to discover and express intimate realities. Honesty, as a writer perceives it, is a deceptive concept that continuously slips away on the wings of sentiment and sensation. To be honest with readers requires that a writer be honest with himself or herself. Honesty with one's self can be disturbing and painful; however, it is perhaps, the first prerequisite to writing expressively.




The Book Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-D1gFohswc

To Read an Excerpt:
http://www.classicromancerevival.com/a-second-splendor.html

Guest Author Series - Welcome Beth Bence Reinke

I'd like to welcome fellow 4RV Author, Beth Bence Reinke to the blog today. Beth's children's novels include "In My Bath," and the recently released, "A Wish and Prayer." I've read both of Beth's books and I adore them.

STEPH: Can you tell us the inspiration behind "In My Bath?"

BETH: The first thing was reading a picture book with a little girl pretending to sleep in different animal beds – a bird nest, a cave, a hollow tree. The second was a bedtime routine with my sons where I performed silly skits using their stuffed animals, including an elephant and manatee, which appear in In My Bath.

Those two things blended together to become a little boy imagining different water-loving animals in his bathtub. My hope is that kids who don’t like bathtime will read the book and discover that they can have fun in the tub by using their imaginations.


STEPH: How did the story find it's way to 4RV Publishing?

BETH: During the Muse Online Writers’ Conference in 2008, I learned about 4RV Publishing. The idea of working with a small publisher appealed to me, so I submitted my manuscript. To my delight, it was accepted.


STEPH: How long have you been writing?

BETH: In high school, I preferred essay questions on tests instead of multiple choice, so I’ve always liked writing. By training, I’m a registered dietitian and that was my day job for a while. I still keep my finger on the pulse of nutrition by writing articles about food and health for adults magazines. You can read my articles and nutrition tips at my website.

When my younger son started second grade, about seven years ago, I started writing as a serious career. Before that were many years of learning about the craft through reading and classes and submitting a story or two to magazines. When my boys were small, I studied with the Institute of Children’s Literature and highly recommend those courses to anyone who wants to write for kids.

STEPH: Do you have any other books?

BETH: Yes, 4RV Publishing just released my second children’s book, another collaboration with illustrator Ginger Nielson. A Wish and a Prayer is about a boy named Jason whose pet parakeet flies out the window and is lost. The book explores the differences between wishing and praying.

Next spring, I have two books in the “Devotions to Go” series releasing from publisher Extreme Diva Media. My third children’s book from 4RV Publishing is slated for late 2011 or early 2012.


STEPH: Do you have a favorite children's author you like to read?

BETH: Hmm, that’s a tough one. Sooo many good authors, I have trouble picking a favorite. When my boys were little, we read Dr. Seuss books over and over and over. The rhymes and silliness were such fun and made them laugh.


STEPH: Do you have any hobbies you'd like to share with us?

BETH: I’m a “couch potato” sports fan - racing and football. Watching the NASCAR Sprint Cup race on Sunday afternoon (or sometimes Saturday night) is my relaxation time. Don’t tell anyone that I sometimes take a mid-race catnap! I like the Green Bay Packers and enjoy watching Brett Favre play, no matter what colors he wears. With two teenage boys in the house, NFL Network is on a lot so I learn a lot of football news. The best football games are the ones my sons play though. Go team!

STEPH: Can you share some links with us where we can find "In My Bath?"

Readers can order In My Bath from the children’s book page at 4RV Publishing. It’s available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books-a-Million. Any brick-and-mortar bookstore can order it, too.

Thank you so much for hosting me on your blog today, Stephanie. I appreciate your hospitality!



LINKS:

4RV Publishing: http://www.4rvpublishingllc.com/Childrens_Books.html

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/My-Bath-Beth-Bence-Reinke/dp/0982588666/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274899916&sr=1-7

Barnes & Noble: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/In-My-Bath/Beth-Reinke/e/9780982588666/?itm=4&USRI=in+my+bath

Books-a-Million: http://www.booksamillion.com/product/9780982588666?id=4795432869848

Beth Bence Reinke’s website: http://www.bethbencereinke.com
Beth’s bio: http://bethbencereinke.com/user_images/1/cms/about.cms

Ginger Nielson’s website: http://www.gingernielson.com


My review for:
IN MY BATH:

Reinke pens a clever, imaginative story with "In My Bath." A young boy takes a bath and lets his imagination help get him clean. The story is written to appeal to children between 4-8 years old.

As the young boy suds up he sees fish, dolphins, penguins, pelicans, and beavers. It's fun to play with them as he gets clean. While the boy thinks of all the different animals that live in the water, there's always a bathtub rubber ducky to remind the boy he's in the tub. The message of the story is clear: left to their imaginations, young children will have fun in the tub and get clean.

The book visually appeals to children. The illustrations will get their attention and hold it. For children who might be afraid of taking baths, this book would help them to realize all the fun to be had in the tub. "In My Bath" will soak you with smiles.

A WISH AND A PRAYER:

Jason learns the difference between wishes and prayers in "A Wish and a Prayer." Geared for 5-8 year-olds, this heartwarming story will leave young readers with smiles.

Jason loses his pet parrot, Sonny. Young readers can identify with Jason's sense of loss and his desire to see Sonny again. This is a great story for parents to share with children who have experienced that same sense of loss.

"A Wish and a Prayer' also affirms the hope and love of God's presence in our lives in a way young readers can relate to. The story's illustrations are eye-catching. Children will be cheering for Jason to be reunited with Sonny. "A Wish and a Prayer" will resonate with young readers long after they've read the book.

California Thursday - Poppies

I must admit to neglecting the blog this month, but I've been on a blog tour for "The Giving Meadow," and I've been working hard on 3 projects - 2 short stories and a novel length project, but I thought I'd pop in here and gush about the California Poppy.

Did you know it's the state flower of California? Not being a native, it's been a challege to learn about my adopted state. Maybe I'll focus on some of the basics. California is certainly a pretty state. It's a big state. New England could fit in the state at least 3 times overs. For me, personally, it's a little disconcerting to drive 6 hours and still be in the same state after growing up in New England. And I live in the desert. I kinda miss the snow, but I digress.

I find that poppies first come out in March and April in California. They are red, orange, yellow and occassionally pink. The petals close at night and open in the morning. April 6th is California Poppy Day in CA. A week long poppy festival is usually held in Lancaster, CA in April. Here's a link:http://www.poppyfestival.com/


They also have health benfits:


Sleep disturbances. Helpful for a gentle restful sleep.
Toothache. Reduces inflammation causing pain.
Anxiety. Although related to opium poppy, does not have addictive properties, gentle anti-anxiety effect.
Restless leg syndrome. Stops muscle spasms and relieves pain.


Interesting, huh, how herbal cures work. Some cautions though:
Use caution while driving or operating machines and taking calendula and sedative medications.
Do not take orally if pregnant, as it may cause uterine contractions.

I hope you find this interesting. I sure did!

Guest Author Series - Welcome Crystalee Calderwood

STEPH: Crystalee Calderwood is a fellow 4RV Publishing Author and the author of "Angeline Jellybean." Welcome to the blog, Crystalee. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

CRYSTALEE: I received my MFA in Creative Writing from Chatham University in 2008. I was primarily a poet when I enrolled there, but I took a Craft of Writing for Children class with Katherine Ayres and fell in love with children's literature. I graduated with a dual emphasis in Poetry and Writing for Children and Adolescents. My first picture book, Angeline Jellybean, was released by 4RV Publishing the same month I graduated. I also continue to publish poetry and short stories for adults. Right now, I'm working on several young adult novels. I've worked as a library assistant, computer instructor, and reader of stories to children in daycares. I love to teach and will be returning to school to get certified to teach English in the state of Pennsylvania.

STEPH: What was the inspiration behind Angeline Jellybean?


CRYSTALEE: I don't remember how I came up with the storyline. I wrote it for a picture book class at Chatham. The instructor challenged us to write a picture book in 500 words or less, and that's what I did! I normally don't write rhyming picture books, but that's how Angeline came to me.

STEPH: How did the book find it's way to 4RV Publishing?



CRYSTALEE: Vivian Zabel at 4RV and I are both members of Writing.com, and I saw her mention that they were open to submissions of children's books. I did some research, polished off the manuscript, and sent it to 4RV. I didn't tell Vivian that I was sending it, because I wanted the picture book to stand on its own. Vivian didn't know my full name at the time, so when she accepted the book I disclosed who I was. We were both delighted that they had decided to publish my manuscript.

STEPH: What other projects have you published?


CRYSTALEE: I don't have any other books (yet). Right now, I'm actively publishing poetry everywhere from Poetry Quarterly to Every Day Poets. My short story for children, "A Burning Need" has been picked up by Stories that Lift as well.

STEPH: Care to share a couple of your hobbies with us?



CRYSTALEE: I love doing anything creative. I take photographs, mostly nature scenes, and digitally manipulate them with Paint Shop Pro software, make graphics and email signatures. I occasionally scrapbook or collage. I'm an avid reader, especially of young adult novels. I write, of course. A LOT. I love wasting time on the internet and playing Facebook games.

STEPH: What's the last movie you saw?

CRYSTALEE: Oh, gee. In the theater, it was Shrek 3. At home, it as Nim's Island, which I loved.

STEPH: Team Edward or Team Jacob.

CRYSTALEE: Neither. *laughs* I don't do vampires. I've never read any of the Twilight books, nor do I want to.

STEPH: Thanks for popping into today, Crystalee.
Smiles
Steph


Crystalee on the Web

Where to buy Angeline Jellybean:

4RV Publishing: http://www.4rvpublishingllc.com/Store-Books.html

Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Angeline-Jellybean-Crystalee-Calderwood/dp/0979751381/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1280009084&sr=8-1

Barnes and Nobel: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Angeline-Jellybean/Crystalee-Calderwood/e/9780979751387/?itm=1&USRI=Crystalee+Calderwood


Contact the author:

Email: crystaleecalderwood@gmail.com

Blog: http://crystaleecalderwood.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Crystalee-Calderwood/43820141375?ref=ts

Twitter: http://twitter.com/crystaleec

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2833564.Crystalee_Calderwood

Innocent Lives~

I was actually going through some readings online and then somehow I had to come across an article about Infants being dumped here and there....

I mean I do understand that accidents happen but don't have to go all the way to throw them or dump them here and there right? This is just so insane and sickening....

The news article is as below....

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'Most infants die in dumps'

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 472 baby-dumping cases were reported nationwide in the past five years and more than half of the infants were found dead.

Federal Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk Seri Bakri Zinin said there was an alarming increase in baby-dumping cases each year since 2005.

This year, 65 cases of baby dumping were reported. Twenty-six of the cases involved baby boys, 25 baby girls and the remaining 14 were foetuses. Most of these babies died after being dumped.

"From the 65 cases, 21 individuals, mostly the babies' mothers, were arrested.

"Six of them have been charged in court while two have been sentenced," Bakri said here yesterday.

The latest case happened on Sunday, where a baby girl was found dead on the banks of Sungai Tambun, near Cova Square in Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya.

The baby, believed to be less than a day old, was found inside a black sling bag, wrapped in a piece of towel and green cloth.

Last year, a total of 79 cases of baby dumping were reported.

Twenty-nine of them were girls, 25 were boys and the remaining 25 were foetuses.

Bakri said police have identified two major factors that contribute to baby dumping, including illicit sex due to the influence of pornographic materials in the Internet.

Such pornographic materials can easily be shared through handphones.

Another factor is a poor family institution and less parenting care towards children.

Baby dumping cases are investigated for concealment of birth by secret disposal of a body, which carries a two-year imprisonment and a fine upon conviction.

Resource : Nst Online

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 If you can't take care then no need a baby! You don't wanna have 1 then freaking have safe sex! Don't simply go around throwing kids! They are your own freaking blood right?! 

Sorry kinda really pissed. That many lives just wasted like that is really depressing. Though I do understand that having a baby nowdays is freaking expensive as everything is like super priced but that doesn't mean they don't have a right, no?

Hope this article can be moved around to everyone so that we could stand up againts this problem. Let's make the world a better place to be in! Though we start small I am sure many would join in and eventually we could make it happen!

Blind because of Water?

I received this from a colleague of mine today right after I came back from lunch was kinda shocked at 1st. I mean water being harmful? Of course there is always a doubt about it, no?

Well below is the news article about it. Though it was published in 2007, still it's better to share information around, no? XD

Kinda interesting but scary at the same time hor... Yea even I am kinda sweating over this. But a thought to ponder of why this has also happened. Humans. We destroy our ownself! We are so self destructive aren't we?

Correct timing to drink water, will maximize its effectiveness on the Human body.
  2 glass of water - After waking up -  Helps activate internal organs
  1 glass of water  - 30 minutes before meal - Help digestion
  1 glass of water - Before taking a bath - Helps lower blood pressure
  1 glass of water - Before sleep  - To avoid stroke or heart attack

That is supposedly the correct method of drinking water according to the mail I received. Yet to do much research from my side though. Would certainly check on it and update it here!! Dear Readers, you could share this with your dearests as well as your friends to ensure that everyone is safe... 

Prepare the umbrella before it rains they say.  XD