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!!!