New Year's Eve at DPA

This is fabulous, having the day where people have excuse to drink. Of course, granted, police will be out making sure the streets are safe. Hm, time to drive the back roads when heading to a dance tonight. Nothing like spending time at home, and write what comes to mind. Hopefully no demons will be out, so we do not have to call out the Slayers. Would rather give them the day off than half a day. Hm, bummer, looks like I would have to do it. Oh, nope, will be at dance. Shoot, will have to get another to cover me.

Work is coming along, and progress is made. The third story is flowing although it has a few bugs in it as expected. Lots of new discoveries to be made and even some old villains with new tricks. Adventure which the main character suffers herself to endure. Pain, sorrow, and love will be tested as Raylene and Luccas comes closer. Some surprises while some expected. The two characters will move together as one body. Each with their own personal troubles, fighting to overcome the same darkness which plagues them. How will they? That answer will be revealed.

End of Semester

Wow, now that I have completed a first semester at an university, my mind can be at ease. Well, at least until there has to be more editing to do. Been working on the third manuscript to a current series, yet have no idea if there will be a fourth or not. All depends on what happens in this one. At least some books will be read during this break. Okay, maybe not all the one I would love to finish, but half would be good. And to remember not to buy anymore books until then will be hard. Yet for the sake of not burying myself in a pile of unread ones, these will have to be read. Perferably before the next semester where a ton of books will have to be read, and will not be ones that I choose.

Anne McCaffrey dead at 85: 'Dragonriders of Pern' author 'bitten' by age - Pop2it - Zap2it

Anne McCaffrey dead at 85: 'Dragonriders of Pern' author 'bitten' by age

By Carina Adly MacKenzie

November 23, 2011 12:20 AM ET

Follow @cadlymack on Twitter

When legendary sci-fi/fantasy author Anne McCaffrey had to cancel a recent appearance at a sci-fi convention, she asked her son to write on her blog, "Sorry that old age came up and bit me on the a**."

It seems she was twice bitten, as the 85-year-old author of "Dragonriders of Pern" passed away on Monday after suffering a stroke at her home in Ireland. The house, which she called Dragonhold-Underhill, was one she designed herself.

McCaffrey was a prolific writer with an impressive list of accolades, including being the first women ever to win a Hugo Award and the first to win a Nebula Award. Wired reports that she was still writing and answering fanmail up to a few weeks before her death.

She is survived by her two sons and her daughter.

Follow Zap2it on Twitter and Zap2it on Facebook for the latest news and buzzPhoto/Video credit: Random House

News coming from DPA

Okay, it's been a while since my last post, so here goes nothing. It's been close to two months since acceptance for publication. Learning more about the company through what they do, is such a great experience. You could see how much they themselves want to show the world what they have. They've created a forum for not only their specific authors, but for those who have potential as one of their future authors. You could see through what they do if you're considering joining their team. They also have many wonderful authors who are willing to share their personal feelings on the company. Publishing is a serious business which includes much more than a contract. During my own journey, I've felt that they've answered my questions, and also weren't vague. I'm pretty sure I'll go with them once things fall into place, and when the contract comes.

Review for 'The Pineville Heist' by Lee Chambers

Blurb:

Seventeen year old Aaron Stevens stumbles into the aftermath of a five million dollar bank heist gone wrong. Hiding under a canoe, Aaron partially catches the murder of one of the robbers. In the chaos he sneaks away with the money and heads straight for the closest place of safety, his high school. Terrified, Aaron tells his shocking tale to Amanda Becker, his drama teacher, but it doesn’t take long for one of the psychotic robbers to show up. In the locked down school the pair are relentlessly pursued in a quest to get the money back and wipe out the evidence.

Rating: 4/5

For a teen-aged novel, it was good. Aaron is this teenager whose father, at first does not care, yet does. When young Aaron runs into trouble, the sheriff is called. Thus, the adventure begins. At first, the sheriff does not believe him. However, as the story unwinds, people start to listen, and twists into a journey never to be forgotten. A tale mixed with danger is exciting. It is what young readers need while getting through school, life, and to never forget even the small and insignificant things to them, matter the most. This is a story done by a creator. Blended with a surprise at the end, it proves justice can and is served. Hats off to Lee!

The Glass Serpent shop - "Never forget why you were born." -Jane

CafePress Shop - "Never forget why you were born." -Jane

Winged Pilgrim: GIVE me my scallop-shell of quiet, My staff ...

Winged Pilgrim: GIVE me my scallop-shell of quiet,
My staff ...: GIVE me my scallop-shell of quiet, My staff of faith to walk upon, My scrip of joy, immortal diet, My bottle of salvation, M...

Stepping into Character's Shoes

First confession, though I'm a young writer, there are still a number of things that I don't know. For example, character development. Okay, as writers we're suppose to know, feel, and think while we're in our character's position. We 'see' what they see and thus bring that perspective to live. Sometimes the story relates to us. Other times, the story has no sufficient meaning. However, we wouldn't be who we are if that were the case. Our characters often reflect who we are. Our personality blended with of course the art of creative writing, focuses on how we portray a specific character. From there the image is brought to life where the reader can grow with them. Some times it is difficult to let this image of what we think our persona is actually develops.

By what I mean for development is that this is one step which the character starts to take shape and form. They become 3 dimensional. Then the real fun begins.

Janice's Home (my main blog): Wolf-Ape?

Janice's Home (my main blog): Wolf-Ape?: I was born here and I've never heard of this before. According to this article we have in Madera and Fresno county, a weird creature tha...

Review for 'Reiyalindis' by Cory Poulson

Blurb:

Vaelon Sahani s destiny is about to confront him face to face and her name is Reiyalindis. To save their home from an unspeakable darkness, Reiyalindis, Vaelon, and their new allies form an unlikely band of adventurers who must put their prejudices aside to battle the evil confronting them. With shocking discoveries, bursts of humor, and danger around every corner, Reiyalindis is a thrilling fantasy, full of suspense, that will keep you guessing to the very last page.

Review: 4/5

 It is a cute story, very clean, and just one your children will love. One that does have potental to become a series. To start off with, the story begins with the meeting of Vaelon, and a High Elf, Reiyalindis. Reiyalindis is accompanied by another who she values as a friend. She tells Vaelon that she needs him. At first, he is a bit relucant to go. However, through pursuasion, he goes. While on this journey, they run into trouble, and there met a couple. The husband, Ciroy is human while his wife is a fox/human hybrid. They are a fantastic duo. I imagine the author, and his wife are too. More characters are discovered as the journey unfolds. Read, recommend, and enjoy this one! This is a winner!

Review for 'Seven Point Eight' by Marie Harbon

Blurb:

"Seven Point Eight: The most powerful number in the universe. The number that connects everything. A physicist begins a quest to measure the soul but soon finds himself drawn into the world of the enigmatic Max Richardson, where research is sold to the military at the highest bid. However, he soon discovers another purpose when an extremely talented young psychic enters his life. He devises a project and builds a team to stretch the frontiers of exploration, only to make a reality-shattering discovery… The First Chronicle is the beginning of a 5 part epic which follows the spiritual and emotional journey of five people; their quest to understand the universe and our place within it. Along the way, they address the fundamental questions we all seek answers to: why are we here? What is the purpose of the universe? Is there a God? Quantum physics meets spirituality in a tale which begins in the 1940s, unfolds during the 1960s; an era of social and spiritual transformation and reaches its conclusion in the modern age. It interweaves the human dramas of love, betrayal, bitterness and above all, courage in a world where everyone must face their own dark shadow. A clever and intriguing story with underpinning geeky science and spiritual theory intertwined, full of sub-plots and fantastical worlds."

Rating: 4/5 (Warning: Not intended for YA)

This was fasinating. Marie Harbon has done a remarkable job with this story. Set in a period where science is beginning to unfold, Seven Point Eight does test the well known question "does God exist?" It starts with a college professer teaching one of his lectures. When a young student possing information not everyone heard of comes in, he is taken by her. Then later, the main character undertakes an opportunity of his lifetime presented by another character named Max. Max sat in one of Paul's lectures with a question about the human soul. He is an interesting one with determination. All of the characters were well developed. If you're someone in the science field, you will love this. It not only travels through the years of science, but also the rest of the world's events. A blend of the two brings this among the others of its genre. The worlds are indeed ones full of life and imagination. Its rich ending will leave the reader in awe.

Review for 'Stolen" by Jodie B Cooper

Every vampire has a destined lifeMate, a mate who is a perfect match. What happens if that perfect mate is stolen?




Katrina knows Eric is her destined mate, but her high school rival has other plans for Eric.



Twisting the most ancient of Sídhí laws, Clarisse steals Eric from Katrina with binding words, knowing Katrina can't fight back. Or can she?



Dreams of death dance in Katrina's head, because no one gets between a vampire and her true mate.



Stolen: Song of the Sídhí #3

22,000 word novella

Contains minor sexual content & language

Rating: 3/5


   The story itself was pretty good despite the other stuff. The writing is good, but I wanted to know more. A lot of my questions weren't answered. Other than that, the tension between Katrina and her rival is drawn out well. Eric finally gets the picture that his best friend loves him. Still wish the author would draw the storyline out a bit more. It seems the rival would be coming after for revenge or do something.

Review for 'Perception (book 1 of the Tiger's Eye Trilogy) by Heather Cashman

Blurb:

Your perception will sharpen once you see through a tiger’s eyes.

More than five hundred years after the apocalypse, the survivors of off-grid genetic experimentation have refined their mixed DNA to the point that humans and their animal counterparts share physical and mental links. Varying species have divided into districts, living in a tenuous peace under the President of Calem. Ardana and her tiger ingenium Rijan leave their life of exile and abuse in the Outskirts, setting out with their twin brothers to redeem themselves and become citizens of the Center. But shedding their past isn’t as easy as they had hoped. When the system that shunned them becomes embroiled in political conflict and treachery, their unique abilities and experiences from the Outskirts make them invaluable to every faction. The runaways become pawns to friends as well as enemies, and with every step it becomes more difficult to tell which is which.

Review: 5/5

For first person, this was fantastic. I was blown away by the characters and their sharp image of who they are not only on the outside, but the inside as well. Ana is witty, lovable and an overall intelligent young woman. She has such passion for those she love. She is willing to take risks, but also analyze situations where danger is possible. Kade is her twin brother. He struck me as someone who lacks confidence in himself. The tigers were drawn very well. Ana's tiger Rijan, knew what she was doing. She reminds me of Pan in 'The Golden Compass'. Both knew what to say even if their counterparts didn't care. I had a clear picture of them advising their human companions what to do and not to do. It made me to want someone like that. I wouldn't mind having Rijan. Not just good characters, but the plot made sense. It was easy to read and feel out what their world is like. Every bit from the Outskirts to the Tiger District was detailed enough to 'see'. It showed me what I could do in my own writing. This is an author who allows her characters to shine forth and to take us on an unforgettable journey that will continue in the forecoming novels.

Review for 'Beloved Lifemate' by Jodie B. Cooper

Blurb:

When a powerful elvish monarch opens a doorway from Sídhí to Earth he stumbles upon a beautiful halfling who may spell doom for his entire world. When she turns out to be his predestined lifeMate, he knows without a shadow of doubt, his day has gone from bad to worse, because full-bloods, especially royals, never mate with halflings.


When a powerful elvish monarch opens a doorway from Sídhí to Earth he stumbles upon a beautiful halfling who may spell doom for his entire world.




When she turns out to be his predestined lifeMate, he knows without a shadow of doubt, his day has gone from bad to worse. Full-bloods, especially royals, never mate with halflings.



~ ~ ~



Miranda Trellick was having a fun-filled trip to Earth, celebrating her seventeenth birthday.



Well, it was fun until her lifeMate tried to kill her.



Life as she knew it was about to come down to two critical facts: Stay out of the forest after dark and stay away from sharp swords.



~ ~ ~ ~


Beloved LifeMate: Song of the Sídhí #1 - 17,000 words


My Review: 4/5
 
Okay, for an ebook this surprised me. I was expecting a sort of 'Twilight' themed, but it was more than that. It is short, but powerful. The characters were well developed I thought. You could feel what Miranda feels and be conflicted by what Collin does. It makes you be in their shoes when events come. When the two realize about each other, they do what they can to protect the other. I only wish it could be longer. I don't know if the author would like to have it continue, but I would like to see it as a full blown novel. You could read for yourself here: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/56238

Sídhí World News: Vampire in Dallas!

Sídhí World News: Vampire in Dallas!: "Dallas - Fort Worth Metro, Texas: Earth A multi-car pileup in the Dallas - Fort Worth Metro (on Earth) resulted in numerous injuries and f..."

Relaxing, but working on Manuscript

Today's been a good day. Since my move, things have been a bit hectic. However, sometimes a hectic day is a day where writing comes in. I've been working on this manuscript for almost four months if not more. During this time, I saw a lot of progress shining through. I've been thinking about my first one. How far it has come since words were first place on it. My characters have developed themselves from the beginning to now. It's been an interesting process to see them come to life and hitting the pages. They do most of the work if not all of it. Sounds really odd to a non-writer, but when you think about it, it makes sense. It is for me, one of my joys. That although I know my characters aren't real, they are on the pages. With this particular manuscript, I see a lot of what Raylene goes through through her eyes. It has become a journey for me. I see what she sees, feel what she feels and progress as she progresses. This second manuscript is so much fun for me. I want to bring this to the table for readers as well. I want them to experience things that I experience. This character has taught me personally about not only about herself, but about her world. Most of them do. There isn't one character who hasn't. Granted, there are also some not very nice ones, but they teach too. I love working with all my characters. They bring talent to the table and try to prove who they are to the rest of the world.

Review for 'Nine Lives of Chloe King' the book

Blurb:

DYING CAN REALLY CHANGE A GIRL'S LIFE.

Chloe King is a normal girl. she goes to class (most of the time), fights with her mom, and crushes on a boy . . . or two. But around her sixteenth birthday, Chloe finds out that perhaps she isn't so normal after all. There's the heightened night vision, the superfast reflexes---oh, and the claws.

As she discovers who she is---and where she comes from---it is clear she is not alone. And someone is out to get her.

Chloe has nine lives, But will nine be enough?

My review:

I started watching the show on ABC and thought it would be nice to read the book. So, I bought it today along with another series. As I Began to read, one of the things that struck me was the beginning. The beginning is different in the book than the show. In the show, she is pushed off. However, in the book, she is with her friends Amy and Paul in the tower. From there, she falls out the window. Her mother finds out about this and isn't very happy. The book just makes the character more than what the show portrays her. She is a sassy, rebellious teenager. It also seems (as usual) that the book has more to offer. There is a lot of things that the show doesn't have. But then again, the show did cut out some of the language that the book has.

Rating: 3/5

Gone Fishing

Sorry, I wasn't around to update this. I had a friend give me his MS, so I can read it over. He's still in high school and he's trying to enter into a contest for a scholarship. I guess the host is Scholastics. They will publish the winner of the scholarship, so I've been busy trying to help him. The kid has potential, which is fantastic to see. Of course the story itself needs a bit more work, but that is how we learn. Still, I wish I knew about that while I was in high school, but alas, not much I can do now, but try on my own. Take a few classes, trial and error, but above all, just keep writing. I'm now up to 183 pages, so watch out 200! Here I come! It would be glad to reach it again. Now if only I can stretch myself up to 300 or 400 even. That would be nice. Well, time to sign off. Bye!

Authonomy Addict

I think I need some counciling because I love being on Autho to see what new and exciting authors can do. A lot have amazing talent and I love going there to read. There really are treasures that make me wonder why they aren't already published. One that I've been keeping tabs on is Leah written by Rose Wall. Here's the blurb:

Leah is starting college, but the nightmares are getting worse. A chance enounter results in the discovery of worlds and beings beyond your wildest dreams.

The World’s Apart series is envisaged as a collection of three books. The location for the whole series is a small Warwickshire town: reflected across alternate realities, all of which are controlled by a mysterious group called The Savants, who guide events by influencing key characters and their Life Choices, as well as controlling who is allowed to travel between the dimensions.


We begin the story with Leah, a nineteen year old girl, still mourning the recent loss of her mother. About to continue her education, her father makes the decision to uproot them both to a new location, for a fresh start. Here Leah meets a mysterious stranger whilst exploring the ruined castle near her new home. Nightmares she has experienced before intensify as this relationship deepens: but this seems to have an awful affect on Leah’s relationship with her bereaved father.


As his behaviour becomes increasingly bizarre, Leah’s fears worsen. Then an accident – was it chance?- results in her needing hospitalisation, where her father’s attempts to control her mind with drugs become apparent.


Her new friend’s real identity becomes apparent in the climax, as a final confrontation with Leah’s father reveals to her the truth.


But you don't have to take my word for it, read it yourself. Once it's finished, it will be given a rating by me. Until then, can't wait until more comes!

Book teaser trailer #4

The call crackled through the phone system. “Raylene?” it was Harold. I listened, eyes widened, closely to the urgency he displayed. However, his voice was breaking up over the phone. “We…are…crack… being under attacked…crack.”


I focused on the road and the heavy traffic ahead. People were in a hurry to get to work and school. It would suck if a demon were to attack me. At least I would have an excuse why I was late to work. Harold couldn’t get mad at me for that. I smiled, thinking how it was one part of my life that I didn’t have to worry about. The call kept cracking although I focused on our conversation. “Where?”

“Zip code…crack…93704...”

My eyes widened. “That’s Fresno High School!” I exclaimed. “Is Alex..?”

“She just…crack…called me,” he interrupted. “The principle had canceled school for the safety of the students. There was no other way to resume. She is fighting…”

The information didn’t make sense. “Why would Saain want to attack a school?”

“No idea,” he said. “Do you have any weapons on you?”

“Not my guns…” the glove compartment opened, pushing a tray with twin Beretta Storms on it. Ah, good old Tigris and Era, I thought smiling. I love transporters. Just what the good doctor ordered. “Tell Derek I said thank you.”

“Will do, just get there!”

“Roger!” the phone hung up. I focused on what to do next, reaching a hand to one of the guns. “Heng-O, take over the controls and engage cycle mode.”

“Engaging now,” she responded.

The car roof opened as I unbuckled my seatbelt. I climbed onto the roof, when I heard several guns go off. I ducked my head quickly, missing them by a few inches. Ah, Saain has hired new recruits to try to take me out. I cursed at the newest assassins behind me. The bullets flew into the Wendy’s windows next to the university. Ah wonderful, I thought and turned around, firing a few shots at the truck behind me. This just completes my day. My non-firing hand rattled on the rooftop. The car responded by speeding up. Once my legs were through the hatch, I leaped backwards into the air. The gunmen continued to fire. I landed on the truck and smashed the roof in with my fist. I fired and reached a claw in to grab one of them. I threw him out, watching the body hit the car behind us. I needed to be careful on what I was doing because the demon inside wanted out.

Let's Book It: Interview with Bobbie Pyron author of A Dog's Way ...

Let's Book It: Interview with Bobbie Pyron author of A Dog's Way ...: "As promised, Bobbie Pyron has graciously answered some of the questions I had after reading 'A Dog's Way Home' (review is here ). She is an ..."

Writer's Block

This is an interesting subject to talk about. Many people want to know how to overcome this when it does happen. The one thing that some people don't understand is that writer's block doesn't just happen to writers. It plays on essayists, poets, script writers and others who work in the field of writing. It's a skill that just happens and you have no idea how to avoid it. You can't to be honest. Granted, there might be some who claim they know how to "overcome" it, but really? I can go around to say that I know how to combat this, but I would be a hypocrite. I have no idea how, but that's because really, we all have our own ways of pushing through this. For me, when it comes to dealing with this, I try to let things sit. Few days pass and I'm back to writing. Then there are some days where I'll have an idea and start typing it as fast as I can. Other days, the idea doesn't come. Just how it works I guess. Quite the little bugger.

It is frustrating to have writer's block in the middle of working on something. Trust me, been there, done that. It happens more frequently while I'm working on a paper for school. Far as my novels, off and on. Right now, I'm working on the second book to a work in progress series using two point of views. Talk about major writing blocks. I had some major struggle with one of my characters, so I asked a friend what to do. She said to think about how I would want my children to become. I thought about it for a second and some ideas came. That is one technique that I use. Another one is that I watch things that represent characteristics that I want to develop in a specific character. That has always been one of the strongest source of inspiration. Anime, if you like it. Not the ones where the plot seems absolutely pointless, but ones where the storyline is well developed. For an exercise, I try to imagine the storyline as a novel. The I pick it apart and try to rearrange what I have back into a story. That way I know how the characters are and what I need to do to make them more realistic. I learn about setting along with trying to develop world maps if I'm starting completely from scratch. Language is also something since it is something that's a part of our lives. We need language to communicate what we're feeling and how to get things done.

But what do you do to combat writing blocks?

Meet Aleja Bennett

     Today I had the pleasure of speaking to Ms. Aleja Bennett who is really a remarkable woman. Aleja Bennett was born in East Elmhurst Queens New York by her unknown biological mother. In 1976, she was raised in East New York Brooklyn by her church attending adopted parents who still serve as a deacon and deaconess. From the age of two through nineteen they physically-verbally and mentally abused her. She was tortured, starved and neglected all through her childhood. She has also been homeless when her adoptive parents pushed her out in the streets. She looked for all the wrong places for love. “When you’re adopted, you’re looked down.”

     Ms. Bennett is one of the everyday American heroes. Like so many of the U.S population, she has weathered through the storms of life. She is a child abuse survivor, a motivational speaker, a Singer, an Author, Song Writer, and a Poet. You have got to meet this woman. She was very nice to give me a few minutes of her time for an interview about her and her books. In 2006, her book, “Only The Strong Can Survive” was published by Published America. However, the company had messed up her reputation. The book was sold for 15.00. She decided to go into self-publishing and since has published 10 books. Before she became a writer, she was a security guard for 15 years and she had to continue to work because she only made $200.00 whereas the publisher was making more than her. “Things are changing now,” she said. It is always wonderful to hear those words. We all want to say those words when something is going our way. We all want to be like her and say, “Things are changing now.” Maybe we can and will. Ladies and Gentlemen, Ms. Bennett:

Me: Why did you become a writer?

Ms. Bennett: I believed that I had a gift. What I went through is very traumatizing and people don’t understand. Writing comes from me being scared and I was able to write.

I had to think about that for a moment, yet even as powerful as my mind is, I couldn’t comprehend just how much anguish she went through. What impressed me the most was when she’d said, “Writing saved my life.” Although I knew how therapeutic writing was, I didn’t think it could be also a tool to save someone’s life. I thought of all the reasons why I write, but to me, writing is a hobby. She had to write poetry to help her mind keep intact.

Me: What do you write?

Ms. Bennett: Poetry, self-help, true stories, bio, for all ages.

I loved how she’d stated during our conversation, “you can make it without a mom or a dad or adopted.” I started to think, “how?” Yet it is possible and she had opened my eyes to it. “I don’t write ghetto books, I write about my pain and my struggle," She said. It was fun to hear her say, "I’m getting more recognition now."
Why that particular subject?

Her answer was simple. Her goals are to encourage, empower, inspire and motivate the abuse victims, depressed and the unsaved. That is a woman who cares for much about what happens to people. “My life is still very painful, so when I help people, I feel good about myself." Shouldn't this be everyone's additude? Everyone goes through some sort of trial, so why don't we help others as well as ourselves?

Me: What age were you when you had your first book published?

Ms. Bennett: I started when I was 25 and went to an AA meeting.

Me: What’s your favorite animal?

Ms. Bennett: Fish, I love anything in the water.

She also loves birds because she feels they won’t hurt her.

Me: For fun: If you could say anything to your readers, what would you say?

Ms. Bennett: I would say, I know life can be hard, I know life can be painful I know that we will may all have to face some terrible ordeal in our life, but if you face the fear within yourself, you can find the strength to survive and stand.

Over all, this woman wants to speak to people. She continues to write and to speak out although there are people who say that she’s lying and tries to stop her. She wants to be heard and to share with others what she went through to help them.

Review Scale for Books

I decided today that I will try and add reviews for authors' books. If you've read them, then please feel free to add your comments. Always helps to have more than one comment. So, here we go:

My Scale:

5-Absolute WOW! Where can I develop this talent? I need to get with this author right away!

4-Entertaining, plot is well done and the characters are well thought out. Can see them along with the scene and recommend this book to anyone.

3-It was okay, still recommend to people, but not right away. Only if all the top recommendations are already read.

2-Meh, characters did not interest me, but not a bad book.

1-Horrible, don't recommend.

0-Don't even go there...

Book teaser trailer #3

Alex knew who her superiors were, yet when it came to me, she would challenge me until I acknowledged her a fighter. She wouldn’t join the slayers until she beat their best. Her choice was the one she respected. Her brown eyes glistened a joy to them like she had done throughout the years. She reminded me of her mother when they did. Same innocence, yet she had a secret as I did. She was half demon and half mortal.


“You haven’t changed little sis,” I said.

She snapped her back as if she was offended. I waited for her to respond. “You’re the one to talk,” there we go.

That’s the Alex I know and love. Hmm…must be something on her mother’s side that was the cause of it.

Her eyes narrowed into a scolding. “Where’ve you been?” she asked. “I had to fight the monster all alone Ray.”

“Sorry Alex,” I said sympathetically. “I got caught up in something that couldn’t be avoided.”

She wiggled her nose. “What’s that smell?” she asked rudely.

“Blood,” I said quickly. She smelt the wound on my ankle that I didn’t cover.

“Naturally,” she sighed. “Knowing you, you always come home with more than one wound.” She stared at me more closely as if I was lying. “Dad called, he’d said the manager at Macy’s had called him. Parentally, there was a fight that had nearly wrecked the store. What happened?”

Characters taking over!

Okay, so I thought I would try something different in this second book I'm working on, but parentlly, one of my characters are either not happy with me or is trying to tell me that the route I want to take isn't satisfying them. Hmm, what to do, what to do. Maybe I ought to allow these characters to tell their story. After all, it is their story. I'm just writing it for them.

Reading, reading and more reading

Seriously, this is another well told story. Although it is shorter than the other Dragon Riders of Pern books, Anne Mccaffrey is an astonishing storyteller and that is who I want to develop into. Her dragons are full of attitude and act like I would imagine them to. Older, wiser and even dare I say it, sarcasic? Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern is still one of my personal favorites. Sad, but nonetheless good. Good inspiration for anyone who want to create a storyline that deals with dragons. Well done, hats off to the author of this series! xo

Writing and School

Recently, I've been hearing Tatu's "All About Us" while I write. For some reason it just fits the prompt that I'm working on. But in other words, it's so nice to not be in school for a while. Homework isn't my most favorite thing in the world, but someone has to do it, right? Oh well, without it, there wouldn't be any good writers in the world. But I don't know. Maybe that's why I need school because I don't know much ado about writing outside of just experimenting. What are your thoughts on this topic?

Because we all know writers like to plan out their novels...

One of the things I think is the most interesting is when writers (you know who you are) have this tenancy to not plan out the novel first. Well, and I do it too. We see the novel in our heads and think, “that scene would be perfect!” or “I like this one better” without taking that scene and write it out separately before throwing it into a book. We think we have the novel all planned out, yet when we come to our laptop or typewriter if we prefer that way, we’ll sometimes forget what our scene was. I generally carry a small notebook around in case something interesting pops in. now do I use every single idea into my novel? Not really. Sometimes I do if I want a specific angle to the story, but most of the time not really. My "writing journal" helps me to keep all of my thoughts straight as well as planning for who I want my characters to be (wow, creative writing helped after all). No, but seriously, if you can find someone who'll take the time to plan with you, then do it. You won't regret it. Writing's an art and as an "artist" so to speak, you'll need all the extra help you can get. Trust me. I tried it and it worked. For more information: http://www.novelwritingacademy.com/ and tell them I sent you.

Book teaser trailer #2

My thoughts wouldn’t leave me although there were nights where I wanted them to. The darkness hidden deep within my breast struggled. I thought they connected to my dreams. One minute I remember screaming, the next nothing. Then it would be as if something from the other side pulled me through the bed. I was told that my hands would grasp the bed sheets. There were long nights where darkness was at its peak. Another world where mortals weren’t allowed to enter, opened to their world to mortals. Dimension Hopping? Yeah, you better believe it. That was where I came in. A huntress of the night, follows even the darkest of creatures. Her guns are locked and loaded in case any possible danger pops out of nowhere. Her teeth are sharper than a vampire’s or a werewolf’s. Her hair, darker than a raven’s that went past her shoulders. Her eyes are bluer than the sky and ocean combine. She smells even the smallest odor that a mortal might miss. Who was this strange woman? Well, you’ll have to figure it out because I’m not revealing anything. Yet.

Writer's of the Future 2011--LA, CA

It was lovely to go see what writers can be produced at the L. Ron Hubbard's Writers and Illistrators International Writing and Illistration Contest awards ceremony. It was taken place at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel where the first Acadamy Awards took place. Beautiful place. It was well decorated and set up for the ceremony. The hotel interior was splended, each was done so painstakenly that it would blow away the common man. Okay, so I understand not everyone would agree with me, but back to the contest. The chairs were set up in rows and there was this blue carpet that went down the middle. Over all, get your stuff in! The contest is free and you never know what could happen.

Book teaser trailer #1

The Glass Serpent-

“Allow me to share a secret with you,” Cain walked up to me and uncovered my ear. “You’re a goddess…born of love and hate. Your mother was killed and the gods had abandoned you to us.”



The truth hit me hard in the gut and for a moment, I couldn’t breathe. It isn’t true…The shock was too intense for me to configure. The information didn’t make sense! How did Cain remember the truth and not me? I would’ve remembered that! Then it hit me, the needles were full of a liquid that had caused people to forget about their lives before Saain. The water experience had happened! I did remember who I was and forgot about it! That was why my hair was white and I had tried to run away! I’d wanted to find out who my parents were. I made a promise to myself on that day, that I wouldn’t follow my parents’ footsteps. I wouldn’t fall in love with a demon. That I wouldn’t fall like my mother had fallen.

“A goddess…I’m a…me?” I asked.

Fabulous thing in the world, DRIVING!

I absolutely love it! The way the car feels, the thrill you have, but not the idea that it's your friends. Actually, she doesn't know this, but I pictured my character Raylene driving the same road. She was having a conversation with one of the other characters about life. Scratch that, the second character, Alex, was learning to drive. Raylene was the one teaching her because her parents had to work or for some other reason. Why that idea came into my head, heaven only knows. Too bad, it won't be from Alex's POV. Oh well, we'll see what happens when we get there.

The Glass Serpent Blurb

They kept coming...a life that was supposed to be hidden and a man who knows everything about you.




As if killing demons for a living wasn't enough, the dreams kept coming, haunting a past that Raylene Greyson had tried to forget. The Greysons have done all they could to help her forget. They'd given her a new life and a fresh start with no thought of reward. But then, she starts to remember what her life was before Saain. Along comes Luccas who says he knows who she is. Forced to work with the other, the two develop a love that could not only put them in danger of hellfire, but the Greysons as well. Then one of the Greyson children is kidnapped. Raylene must save her before it's too late and the child is lost forever.


Along the way, Raylene discovers who she is and how her family is connected. She will not only have to overcome her past, but accept her future. For there can only be one, Keeper of Aurora.


Can she trust Luccas with her heart and her lost memories? Will she save the child in time? Will she accept what is in store for her?

Monday Again?

Wait, where did spring break go? How did it come and go so fast? Oh well, another day another time. Not much, but to head back to school and see what I could stuff my head with this time. Don't get me wrong, I love school. I just want to get it done already. Then again, others like me are sure of the same thing as well. So far no word on my manuscript. Oh well, 'patience is a virtue' my mother always said or maybe not. I just know I often heard it growing up. Well, time to sign off!

Spring Break

You know, it is always nice to be able to not worry about school for a while. Lately, I've beed reading some terriffic reads and I wish they would become books, so I can buy them and support the authors. Of course as we know it, working on my own writings and hopefully things will turn put right. I'm a little nervous with this second book. I wonder how this is going to end, yet perserverance is always needed. I will continue on!

Another Journey

Wow, it is interesting how time passes. Time waits for no man and man must spend what time cam give him. What strikes me is how much in a little time that I've grown. A part of me still hangs on to the strength that somehow is trying to be unlocked. It grasps onto me with its claw, wanting me to come along. When I don't think about it, it is easier to follow. Some day if not today, a great things will happen. Ordinary people will become what they dreamed to become.

Home from the mission

You know, I am grateful to the opportunity to have served. I have learned a ton. My companions were...wow, everyone are still beautiful daughters. They will probably never know how much they have taught me. I still keep in touch with them through facebook. just to see how they are and I am amazed how I will be at a lost when I want to send them a messege. I love each and everyone though a few we did not get along or I was shut off. I hope they will forgive me of my stubbornness.