Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Inside Writer Studio

I don't have an interview this week for my book studio, too busy. Instead I have news. Woohoo! I have a huge, massive epic blog tour starting tomorrow. Make sure you stop by the varies stops and comment. Any comment will enter you to win a prize pack including: a signed copy of Dark Corners, a signed copy of my November release Secrets, $20 gift card to Amazon AND Barnes and Noble. The blogs and dates are listed under the "Liz on Tour" page.
In other news I finished my short horror story and will be submitting it for consideration to a Halloween anthology. Wish me luck. If they don't take it I have much bigger plans for the story that I will share with you later. This was without a doubt the creepiest story to research. Abandoned carnival, bloody disappearances, and killer clowns, oh my.
Liz

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Guest Post by Alan Nayes


Thank you, Liz , for the opportunity to introduce readers to my next release. SMILODON is due out in late September, and is what I term a creature thriller. I’ve always found the subgenre entertaining and the stories—whether in book version or movie—never fail to capture the public’s attention. Popular examples are JAWS, the ALIEN movies,  RELICJURRASIC PARK, and many more. You get the picture. 

Since publishing THE UNNATURAL, my first creature thriller, I’ve been dying (pun only intended) to pen another one. SMILODON is my terrestrial JAWS so to speak. I’m excited about this one. Like the huge prehistoric predator in the story, this book will grab on to the reader and not let go. The story blurb is a giant cat terrorizes a small town in the Pacific Northwest. 

I’m thrilled to give your readers a sneak peak at the cover art and synopsis for SMILODON. Hope you enjoy it.

                                                 Synopsis

Seven years after a near-fatal mauling by a grizzly bear, in which his only son was killed, Jason Bristol, a one time prize-fighter and expert animal tracker, is back in the woods tracking again--when he’s not nursing the nearest fifth of whiskey.

     Then Jason’s best friend and mentor is discovered half-buried beneath a mat of pine needles.  The prospector’s mangled corpse has been mauled virtually beyond recognition.  A rancher loses a prize thoroughbred and suddenly the nightmare responsible for Jason’s downward spiral is rekindled as Jason is thrust back into the wilderness on the trail of a predator that defies belief.

     The time clock has begun for Norah Phelps, too, daughter of multimillionaire real estate developer Richard Phelps whose recent purchase of the 95,000 acre former Clarksdale Animal Preserve has pitted environmentalist and wildlife biologist daughter against capitalist father.  Norah, responsible for relocating the local wolf population, remains unconvinced a pack of marauding wolves are accountable for the attacks and enlists Jason’s help in her quest for the real killer before the spate of killings can jeopardize not only her future but also the future of her father’s prize development project.

     Against the majestic pristine backdrop of Idaho’s Bitterroot Wilderness Area, the story unfolds.  Jason, with Norah’s assistance, soon discovers the ghosts of his past are nothing compared to the battle he’s undertaken.
    
     Smilodon.  A sabertooth cat.  He’s angry, he’s frightened, he’s hungry, and he’s 12,000 years from home.


Look for SMILODON this September at an ebook store near
you!


Alan Nayes was born in Houston and grew up on the Texas gulf coast. He lives in Southern California. He is the author of the critically-acclaimed biomedical thrillers, GARGOYLES and THE UNNATURAL. His most recent release is BARBARY POINT, a love story.
         An avid outdoorsman and fitness enthusiast, he is one of only a few individuals to  ever swim across Wisconsin’s chilly Lake Winnebago. When not working on his next project, he enjoys relaxing and fishing at the family vacation home in Wisconsin.

Alan Nayes books can be found at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords.

          BARBARY POINT 
              Amazon http://amzn.to/jwaVbN
              Barnesandnoble.com http://bit.ly/j4mUlk
              Smashwords http://bit.ly/kZwoq7

          GARGOYLES
              Amazon http://amzn.to/nUMXs4
              Barnesandnoble http://bit.ly/nBThYm
              Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/77758

            THE UNNATURAL
               Amazon http://amzn.to/oXRiNV
               Barnesandnoble http://bit.ly/oxjm4S
               Smashwords  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/80711 

Readers can contact Alan Nayes at:

                    Website http://anayes.com/                     
                    Goodreads  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/527589.Alan_Nayes
                    Facebook http://on.fb.me/mflYEU
                    Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/alannayes
             Blog   http://alannayes.blogspot.com/ 

Again, thank you Liz for having me on your blog.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Music Monday

Last night was the VMA's. I didn't watch for a variety of reasons, but mostly I just am over all music award shows. It seems like every year the celebrities involved are trying to top the crazy antics of the years before and the talent is getting lost along the way. However, this morning I heard the DJs talking about Adele's performance last night on the VMA so I went to check it out. It is a simply stunning performance with soul and heart and passion and talent that is sadly lacking in most performers. In a time of laser shows and back up dancers and distracting costumes she got out on stage just her and a piano and nailed it. Simply beautiful.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Supernatural Thursday: Fall TV

I love television and I love fall. Put the two together and sometimes there is magic (and sometimes not so much). Regardless every fall around this time, I start to get excited with the anticipation of what is to come. This fall looks particularly promising with an extra large dose of supernatural themed shows. So I will give you the run down on the shows I will be checking out this fall.

Once Upon a Time-
Emma Swan (Jennifer Morrison) is a bail bondsman living a lonely, deadbeat-chasing life in Boston. One day, she is visited by a small boy who claims to be the child she gave up for adoption ten years earlier. The precocious kid coaxes her to return to his home of Storybrooke, a community she is told is made up of fairy tale characters who don't know they are fairy tale characters. In a parallel world, we find out that Snow White's (Ginnifer Goodwin) happy ending was marred by an Evil Queen's (Lana Parrilla) curse, and that the curse is why these characters are trapped in our world. Only one person holds the key to breaking the curse and setting the beloved storybook characters free.
Liz's take- This has an awesome cast and the idea sounds cute (like a cross between Enchanted and that episode of Supernatural. If the Winchesters show up at any point they will have a fan for life!)

Grimm-Premieres:Friday, Oct. 21 at 9/8c
Nick Burckhardt (David Giuntoli) is a homicide detective from Portland who gets thrown off his game when he starts seeing gruesome, monstrous faces appearing on seemingly normal people. While investigating the brutal murder of a young jogger, he is visited by his aging aunt who explains that he is actually a descendant of the "Grimms," a group of humans with the ability to see mythological creatures known as Hexenbiests and Blutbads (which one character explains has been butchered into "big bad wolf.") Now he has to accept his legacy and protect humans against ancient evils they don't even know were real.
Liz's take- Okay I am not sure from this description how I will feel about it, but it sounds different enough for me to give it a shot this fall.


American Horror Story- Premieres: Wednesday, Oct. 5 at 10/9c
Ryan Murphy returns to FX with Glee co-creator Brad Falchuk for this psychosexual horror mystery series. Dylan McDermott and Connie Britton star as Ben and Vivien Sherman, a couple who moves to Los Angeles to make a fresh start only to find that their new home is not exactly warm and cozy. Instead, there's a creepy creature in the basement and at least one character who may or may not be dead. Jessica Lange and Denis O'Hare co-star.
Liz's take- Honestly, there is no way in hell I wouldn't watch this show. It is part Nip/Tuck and part horror movie. It had me at hello.

A Gifted Man- Premieres: Friday, Sept. 23 at 8/7c
He sees dead people! Actually, just one dead person. Michael Holt (Patrick Wilson) is a hot-shot, arrogant surgeon whose life gets thrown for a loop when his recently deceased ex-wife, Anna (Jennifer Ehle), starts appearing to him to teach him about life from the hereafter. (Thnk House meets Eli Stone meets Ghost Whisperer.) The show was created by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Susannah Grant (Erin Brockovich), features a supporting cast that includes Julie Benz andJustified's Margo Martindale, and had Jonathan Demme at the helm of its pilot.
Liz's take- Elizabeth Bennett is going to be in a tv show with the cutey from Insidious. I am all over it though just based on description I will predict it doesn't make it a full season.

The Secret Circle- Premieres: Thursday, Sept. 15 at 9/8c
Something wicked this way comes from Kevin Williamson once again. The man who gave us Vampire Diaries has now adapted L.J. Smith's other supernatural book series. Britt Robertson is Cassie Blake, a California teen who moves to Chance Harbor, Wash., where she discovers she's a witch and joins a secret coven that includes Thomas Dekker, Phoebe Tonkin and Shelley Hennig. But don't think you will know what's coming if you've read the novels. Why? (Spoiler alert!) The show kills off someone who survived the whole book series in the opening minutes of the pilot.
Liz's take- Okay so I am not planning on watching this next show, but it is supernatural related so I feel I should mention it. The show may be great, but I read and loved the books. I don't think I should watch it because the little details that will be changed will piss me off.

That's my fall line up!

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Inside Book Studio: LeAnna Sheilds

When did you start writing?
I started writing in high school as a form of downtime from the home school routine. It started with Star Wars fan fiction (none of which will ever be seen by the public.) 


What genre do you write in?
I write in the the science fiction/ fantasy genre

What is your process? (do you plan, outline, let the characters guide you, research before or during, etc)

I let my character guide me. I have a favorite quote for that actually. I found it on facebook it says "I create the character then I take dictation."


How do you get into your character's frame of mind?
Hmmm.. That's a good question. I guess the answer would be I act out the dialog that helps me get into the frame of mind.   


Do you listen to music while you write? What is your favorite song for emotional scenes?
Yes, I can't write without listening to music. Hmmm for emotional scenes my favorite song would be Heartland by a group called Celtic Thunder.

What have you published and what are you currently working on?
The Alestrion Chronicles: Slaves Redeemed is my first published book, and it's the first in a series. I'm currently working on books 2 and 3 in the series along with a steampunk novel.

What is your favorite book?
My favorite book is definitely The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. I love his use of mythology and symbolism. 

What is your favorite movie?
Born Yesterday filmed in the 1950's. It's one of my favorite movies.


Which of your characters is your favorite and why?
I'd have to say I have two and for two different reasons 1st is Aria I love the way she grows and matures throughout the book. 2nd is Raychor I love his loyalty. 



What is your favorite word?
My favorite word is "grace"
What is your least favorite word?
Least favorite word has to be any of the 4 letter words and no I'm not typing them out.
What turns you on?
A peaceful heart.
What turns you off?
A foul mouth.
What sound or noise do you love?
I love the sound of rain.
What sound or noise do you hate?
The sound of a dentist drill.
What is your favorite curse word?
one I recently made up for my second book cricus.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Jewelry designer.
What profession would you not like to do?
Construction
If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
I believe that heaven exists, and I want to hear God say one day, "Well done good and faithful one."

Monday, August 22, 2011

NaNoWriMo and Dragon Con

I keep thinking about posting again, but I sort of like pulling up my blog to a picture of vampire Colin Farrell. I mean I think that is totally reasonable. It isn't like I have a locker to hang his picture in with heart shaped magnets. :-) But I will let him be bumped down the blog line in an effort to keep fresh content, oh the things I do for you people. It is Monday so it should be a Music Monday post, but I don't know that I am feeling very musically inclined today so instead you get a progress update. Yay!

I have completed my edit on Secrets and it awaits being sent to my editor which will be at the beginning of September. I am currently working on editing book 2, Choices, as well as thinking about what I am going to write for NaNoWriMo. Yes, I have decided to participate this year, and I am planning something spooky. I figure just coming off of Halloween and my 30 days of scary movies I will be in the correct mindset for scary.

Next weekend I am attending my first writing work shops at Dragon Con. I am very excited to see what this event will be like and to attend the classes. I am not going to geek out over the tv shows I love, well maybe only a little. I have gotten my bookmarks to give away at the Con and everything is in order. Woot woot. Nerdom here I come!

That is pretty much what is going on with me. What do you have coming up for September?


Friday, August 19, 2011

Fright Night

I skipped the normal segment Supernatural Thursday because I knew I was seeing Fright Night Friday night and I would NEED to share. So here we are with a special addition of hot vampire love.


For those who don't know Fright Night is a remake of the 1985 film with Chris Sarandon and Roddy McDowell. It is basically a funny, campy horror movie about a vampire that moves next door with his man servant and just wants to kill club girls in peace but the nosy little shit next door won't leave him alone. (I am team vampire. I am always team vampire) 



Now it is 2011 and we have Fright Night (the new class). The action is bigger, the laughter is less annoying, the girl is hotter, the cheesy tv host is funnier, and the vampire is so much hotter. Don't believe me? Watch and find out!




Ummmm, yeah. Holy moly! With the hotness aside (and it is hard to overlook this much hotness) I still liked the revamp (pun totally intended). It was campy as hell, made laugh out loud several times, and just honestly an all around fun movie. Plus, I loved the vampire didn't have angst about killing people. If you want to be scared, this isn't the movie for you. But if you want a fun, horror film that is a throw back to the movie we watched as kids, buy a ticket take the ride.

Weekend Reading: Burdon of Blood by Wenona Hulsey

This weekend I am reading a completely new book. I haven't read it or started it yet so I can't tell you anything about it other than it sounds amazing! It was written by a friend of mine and recently released. I will see if Ms. Hulsey would like to be on my Wednesday segment "Inside Book Studio" this week to discuss the book and do the Proust questions. So say tuned and check out her book.

Burdon of Blood Link 



Synopsis: 
No one wants to know everyone’s darkest secrets, especially not police officer, Nicole Keenan. All she wants is a blissfully normal life in the small, Alabama town where she was born. But as generations of power running through her veins start to wake up, an ancient grudge is ignited that threatens to push her over the edge. She can hardly believe in what she is, let alone that a dark force will not stop until she's joins them. Or is dead.
Nicole Keenan's life enters into a dangerous dance with warriors and gothic fairies. Southern tradition collides with Irish folklore as she learns about love, heartbreak, and The Burden of Blood.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Good Adaptations

Tonight I was watching the older Sci Fi show Dresden Files. As you are probably aware I am in love with the book series. What you may not know is I only found out about the series because of the show. But rewatching it now is proving to be difficult because all I see are the differences. Harry's apartment isn't right, Murphy is wrong. Bob is wrong, characters are missing, the car is wrong, etc. All in all I liked the show when it was on, but I see why it failed. Dresden is about the characters and the relationships and the magic. The show was disjointed at best. The episodes don't appear to follow one another and it sort of feels from the very beginning you started about four episodes in. Any way this got me thinking about the books I loved and the movies that managed to capture some of the magic.

- Gone With the Wind (Can you go wrong with Clark Gable? I don't think so)
- Pride and Prejudice (A&E not that crap remake. Colin Firth is Mr. Darcy)
-Lord of the Rings (Missing some stuff and changed some minor details which drives me absolutely crazy, but it was still awesome)
- Harry Potter (Especially the first one. It was like my imagination coming to life)
- American Psycho (not exactly like the book but considering what the book was like it is a helluva of a adaptation)
- Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (Like I would leave that off, this is bat country)
-Sense and Sensibility (Emma Thompson did a pretty great job adapting Austen's work for this)
- Silence of the Lambs (I love the Hannibal Lecter books, but this movie kicks ass too)

And that's the list off the top of my head. What did I miss? What adaptations do you love?

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Sample Sunday: Secrets

Hello my faithful blog friends. Since it is Sample Sunday and all, I figured I would share part of the first chapter of Secrets, which will be released on November 22nd. I hope you like it.

One
Hypocrisy is the fuel of life. I watched my best friend, Juliet, perfectly execute her plan. She giggled coyly brushing against a group of young men who seemed heartened by her attention. I sat at our table alone, marveling at her ability to con fifteen-dollar drinks out of just about any man with the mere implication of hope. Had it been any other woman in the bar I would have watched with veiled disdain, but being my oldest and dearest friend her actions were excused without much of a thought. The knowledge of this hypocrisy touched the corner of my mouth leaving a trace of a smile. Juliet could do nothing so bad that I couldn’t find an excuse to dismiss it.  
Juliet pointing towards me caught my eye. I shook my head at her slightly, hoping to deter the inevitable. I didn't like being surrounded by men I didn't know, nor did I enjoy being the center of anyone’s attention. I have always been a background sort of a girl, an observer. However, soon she was leading the group of men to our table no regard for what I wanted. Typical. Perhaps not the way I would have chosen to spend my evening, but tonight was about cheering her up, not me.
Juliet and I were opposites from the first day we met. We always had different ways of coping with life’s little speed bumps. When life brought her heartache or disappointment, she sought out immediate gratification, jumping back on that proverbial horse without a moment’s hesitation. I, on the other hand, wanted nothing to do with that horse. When life struck, I preferred to hide within myself until I felt it was safe to come back out—sort of like a turtle. Our current situation was classic Juliet and Olivia. Juliet, blindly running into whatever was in front of her that looked like fun. Me, lingering back braced for what could happen while scrambling for a way to avoid it.   
Juliet slid a drink in front of me smiling, knowing exactly what I was thinking. I shook my head, “Harlot” I said under my breath, laughing.
She cocked an eyebrow at me innocently, but her grin widened. "What would you do without me?"
This was an inside joke passed between the two of us. Juliet was the sister I never had. If I was ying, she was yang, peanut butter and jelly, so on and so forth. We complemented each other perfectly. One filling in where the other lacked. Our dynamic, while not obvious, worked in a way that went beyond understanding to those on the outside. We were the best of friends, each other’s greatest supporters, and often provided the voice of reason when the other went too far. Juliet was the person I told everything.
“Olivia, this is John, Craig, Sean…and Don?”
“Ron” not Don said.
“Right, Ron. This is my friend, Olivia.”
I smiled congenially making the appropriate greetings. None of these men were really to my taste—or to Juliet's taste for that matter—but she was well beyond the point of caring. For the life of me, I could not imagine how I let her drag me here. I was past the point in my life in which meeting men in bars still seemed like a good idea. Juliet didn’t care how she met men so long as she had one waiting for her in the wings at all times. She was a perpetual dater, never going more than two weeks without a boyfriend. I was a perpetual avoider feeling little inclination to trouble myself with the drama only the male race could bring into a girl’s life. Ron settled in next to me.
“So, Olivia, what do you do for a living?”
I couldn’t suppress my laugh at the predictable question, but kept my smile warm and inviting, knowing I was in for a long night. On nights like this, she was in for the long haul, and I had to stick around to make sure she was safe. I glanced over at Jules as she was entertaining all of those around her, talking with her hands and laughing without reservation. She loved to be the center of attention, and she truly shined under the spotlight. Since junior high, she was the star, and I was the sidekick. I really didn’t mind being Tonto. It gave me a secure position in life. I wondered if this poor fellow reduced to speaking with me drew the short straw.
“I’m a photographer. How 'bout you?” I said finally answering his question.
Juliet's laughter rose above the music and noise. We both looked in her direction. It struck me exactly how pretty Juliet really was. I had seen her practically everyday for the last fifteen years, so she was just Juliet to me. It was easy to forget, but seeing the way others looked at her with such awe made it clear. Jules had silky smooth, straight blond hair that seemed to be lit from within. Her clear blue eyes sparkled with mischief, and a sunny smile that radiated from her perfect pink lips. She looked like the girl next door if you happen to live in a postcard for California. My attention drifted back to Ron, and I figured I might as well make the best of this. When my eyes met his, he smiled and put a hand on my knee. I casually removed his hand, "I'm sorry, what did you say you do?"
 “Oh, I’m in investments.” He said too importantly, too casually, and without enough hate for it to be true. I prided myself on being an excellent judge of character, so I rarely questioned my original assessments. Ol' Ron here wasn't fairing too well. He seemed shallow, conceited, and generic in the worst possible way. Cutting to chase and past the smoke screens of someone's persona were sort of my gift—not many people could surprise me.
“Investments… that’s great. Any good stock advice?” I joked with smile.
“Well none that I could give you.” He said with a wink. Oh please what a jackass. Seriously who winks?You’re a photographer. What do you photograph?”
“A little bit of everything. I have a studio and do some freelance for magazines. You can’t beat the freedom or the travel, but sometimes the clients suck. Mostly it's fantastic though. I'm lucky to be able to do something I love every day.”
He gave a hearty, fake, laugh. “Tell me about it. It's difficult having to deal with clients. They never know what they want to do.”
“Some of them know exactly what they want. The trouble is convincing them that what they want isn't always best.”
He laughed again—spare me, “That is exactly right.” Don’t roll your eyes, don’t roll your eyes, I repeated in my head until I was safe from the urge. “Have you always lived in St. Louis?” he continued unaware of the mental beating I was giving him.
“Uh yeah. Born and raised here. You?”
“No, I'm a transplant.” I forced a smile, “I like to think of it as home though.” I got a creepy salesman vibe from him. I knew this man was trying to play me, and I wasn’t biting.
“St. Louis is a great.” I agreed truthfully, “It's one of my favorite places.”
He asked a few more mundane questions, but soon enough I was able to steer the conversation back to him. He rambled on and on leaving me free to let my mind wonder as far away from him as it would take me. I often found maintaining conversations with strangers trying. I never really fit in anywhere in my life. People always liked me, but never remembered to invite me. They recognized me, but couldn’t remember my name. I simply failed at making an impression. My tombstone would probably read “Olivia Martin, that girl you met that one time”.
Perhaps it was because of my tendency to reside on the outskirts, watching interactions rather than engaging. Or perhaps it was my biting wit that scared people away. It could have been that I just wasn’t all that interesting or interested too. Here was the prime example. Ron had been nothing if not nice and attentive to me, and my mind couldn't wait to get as far away from him as possible. In the five minutes I had known him, I had already written him off. There comes a point when you have to realize maybe it isn't them it is you.
The thing is I loved watching people. Finding that moment when their true nature peeked through all the facades we humans feel the need to hide behind was exhilarating. However, when speaking with a complete stranger those moments were like catching a ghost on film. Everyone likes to put their best foot forward, so no one is exactly what they seem upon first meeting them. The first meeting with anyone is little more than one big lie, and I have no patience for liars.
My eyes searched out couple after couple in my own little game of people watching. I discerned their inner turmoil to the point that felt as if I knew them. Ron was still rambling in my ear something about his job, but he kept his hands to himself. I was certain he was attempting to impress me, but the effort was wasted. I wasn't impressed by money or power. For that matter beauty either. I was looking for something else, something I couldn’t quite name. I wanted something life altering, game changing. I wanted something unexpected.
Fifteen minutes before closing time, I caught Juliet’s eye. She seemed to be finally tiring of the tedious company. I made a slight nod towards the door which she returned with an affirmative nod. Our silent conversation went largely unnoticed. I watched for a moment as she tried to politely excuse herself from whichever man she had been talking with most intimately. Ron was beginning to move uncomfortably close so now seemed as good of time as any to extract myself from the situation.
"You're such a good listener." His breath was hot against my ear, making me cringe.
“I get that a lot." I said, leaning as far away from him as possible "I think my friend and I are going to call it a night. It was nice meeting you. Thanks for the drinks. If I never see you again, have a nice life.” I said in a friendly tone extending my hand to him.
“Oh, you’re leaving already. We were just getting to know each other.” He said, ignoring my hand and touching a piece of hair that had fallen over my shoulder. I had to repress the reflex to slap his hand, but I couldn’t keep annoyance from my face.
“I really have to go.” I said sharply, the smile melting away.
“Can I have your phone number?”
“I don’t give out my phone number.” I certainly had no intention of encouraging him further. Listening to him talk for a couple hours was bad enough, a whole date. Ugh.
He mumbled an expletive underneath his breath as he turned away shaking his head as if I was unreasonable. I shot daggers at the back of his head with my eyes as he stalked off. I was just trying to be nice to him. I was sorry if he felt lead on.
Juliet came over her face breaking into amusement when she saw my expression. “What’d he do to get that look?”
“Nothing,” I mumbled. “Boys get so irritable when you don't fall at their feet and thank God you met them.” I shrugged and smiled at her, wasting no more time on thinking about Ron. As quickly as the irritation appeared, I was over it.
“Well, who’s the harlot now?”
“It’s still you. It's always you.”
            She laughed linking her arm through mine. Relief at finally being able to leave washed over me with disappointment quick on its heels as she was stopped by another friend of hers. I tugged on her arm, "I'm going to wait outside."
            "You okay?"
            "Yeah, I just need some air."
            She nodded and turned to her other friend. I headed for the door with a singular focus. I didn't know what had come over me, but I had to get out now. Call it God, Ala, a cosmic force, destiny, whatever it was it felt like I couldn't breathe in there another moment. I needed space. The room was beginning to overwhelm me. I pushed my way out of the door and directly into the person trying to walk in. The person was an immoveable wall. I smashed into the hard body and stumbled backwards slightly.
            "Sorry," I mumbled as I squeezed past him, not at all deterred. The cool night air hit my lungs the same time a hand grabbed my arm. I inhaled deeply letting the strange claustrophobia melt away before I looked back to see who had a hold of me.
            I met intense green eyes that drilled into me as if I was both offensive and intriguing. "I said I was sorry." I grumbled and pulled my arm from his grasp. My eyes however stayed locked to his.
            He shook his head slightly and took half a step towards me. I nearly turned around and ran, but my feet stubbornly held me in place. For as intimidating as he was, there was something that held me here. Maybe it was the disproportional irritation on his face. Maybe it was the flicker of life behind his cold, dead eyes that made me want to stay. One thing was for sure I couldn't predict what this man was going to do. I couldn't even begin to grasp who he was or anything that happened under the surface of his statue-esque demeanor. I was intrigued to say the least

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Weekend Reading: Natural Selection by Elizabeth Sharp

The author of Natural Selection joined me here in Bat Country and brought with her a free copy of her book that releases today for one lucky reader. I have had the pleasure of reading Natural Selection before the release date. It is a book by my friend, colleague at 4 Corners Press, and critique partner, Ms. Elizabeth Sharp. *Please hold you applause until the end of the paragraph.* I do not normally read much young adult, but if they are all this entertaining then perhaps I am missing the boat. I would tell you about the story, but instead I will let her do it. I have the blurb and an author interview with Elizabeth. She is also having all types of giveaways on her blog today so make sure to check it out! 
Blurb: What do you do when you find out your family isn't your family, death is knocking at your door, and that guy you can't stop thinking about knows more about who you are than you do? Amelia Hoffman was just a normal 15 year old until she found out the truth. Now ancient myths, supernatural beings, and murder have changed everything. Tests and school dances are no longer the biggest worry in her life--she has to figure out how to save everyone she loves and accept the future in front of her before its too late.

Interview:
Liz Schulte- I am ready when you are
Elizabeth Sharp- I'm ready

Liz Schulte- I have too many questions I think. I will probably edit it before I post.
Elizabeth Sharp-  I trust you not to make me look horrible so edit away.

Liz Schulte- Ahahaahaha I am so going to make you look horrible and me look fantastic. What is that? Sharp misspelled her own name?!?
Elizabeth Sharp- lol. That is just how you are.

Liz Schulte- Just call me Mrs. Grinch. Muahahahaha, excellent. Does the story create itself as you are writing it or do you plan their journey in advance?
Elizabeth Sharp- A little of both. I usually have some points in mind when I start, but I let it flow in between them

Liz Schulte- What aspects of Amelia's character do you think will connect with teenagers today?
Elizabeth Sharp- She's very insecure, comparing herself to others around her and finding herself lacking. She's also struggling to make the transition from the good girl to an assertive adult.
Liz Schulte- Why do you think Amelia does that?
Elizabeth Sharp- Compare herself or find herself lacking?
Liz Schulte- Hmmm both perhaps
Elizabeth Sharp- It's human nature to compare yourself to others, I know I do it constantly. And it’s hard to see the positive traits around the flaws, especially when you feel surrounded by people who you feel are flawless.

Liz Schulte- What about Natural Selection would appeal to both adults and teenagers?
Elizabeth Sharp- I think its biggest selling point has to be its unique supernatural beings. I spent a lot of time and research to tie them into mythology. But it's also a good coming of age story. A girl learning to be strong on her own, despite what life is throwing at her.

Liz Schulte- What do you think is the most important message readers should take from this story?
Elizabeth Sharp- I think the overall message of the whole series really is that being strong doesn't mean you have to do it all yourself. It's not the biggest gun that wins the battle, it's the best placed one. Sometimes being strong means admitting you need help. Being strong enough to ask for help is something I've struggled with, so I think a lot of people can relate

Liz Schulte- Admitting you need help is hard for a lot of people. Especially writers, I think
Elizabeth Sharp- Definitely. It's why so much of my work has sat in drawers for years

Liz Schulte- Without giving anything away, what is your favorite scene?
Elizabeth Sharp- Probably the aftermath of the first battle. It's the first time Amelia really stands and starts to discover her own strength
Liz Schulte- That's true. I think my favorite part might be her interaction with Xander.
Elizabeth Sharp- Yeah, I definitely love writing scenes between the two of them. They have a dynamic that is a lot of fun.

Liz Schulte- Now onto my favorite part of the interview (look at that segway) the Proust questions.
What is your favorite word?
Elizabeth Sharp- Definitely

Liz Schulte- What is your least favorite word?
Elizabeth Sharp- The only ones I can think of are vulgar, hence why I don't like them...
Liz Schulte- Yeah I'm gonna need an answer. . .
Elizabeth Sharp- This might take a minute...lol
Liz Schulte- Ahahaha you have to go with what first comes to you. No thinking.
Elizabeth Sharp- Thrust. The first word dealt with the HP conversation...lol
Liz Schulte- Ahahahaha You have a problem with Newtons second and third laws
Elizabeth Sharp- lol.. I really don't like the word, there has to be a better way to say it. I go all seventh grader when I hear it and start snickering.

Liz Schulte- Well that conversation segways nicely into, what turns you on? (I am all about the segways tonight.)
Elizabeth Sharp- Everything, I think. I'm pretty simple there—laughing, stimulating conversation.  I think connection is what it comes down to. No connection, no stimulation.

Liz Schulte- What turns you off?
Elizabeth Sharp-  Ignorance. Especially willful ignorance

Liz Schulte- What sound or noise do you love?
Elizabeth Sharp- Rain or a cat purring

Liz Schulte- What sound or noise do you hate?
Elizabeth Sharp- Metal scraping on metal. Sets my teeth on edge and makes me squirm. On teeth is pretty bad too, like silverware against teeth

Liz Schulte- What is your favorite curse word?
Elizabeth Sharp- ass... badass or dumbass especially

Liz Schulte- What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Elizabeth Sharp- I always wanted to be a doctor but can't handle blood. I also wanted to be a dancer or skater but lack any grace
.
Liz Schulte- What profession would you not like to do?
Elizabeth Sharp- Used car salesmen. I'm too honest to be in sales

Liz Schulte- If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
Elizabeth Sharp- You're not supposed to be here yet. I'd be happy with anything other than outright laughter and pointing

Liz Schulte- Well that's it for the interview, but it is too long. No one likes either of us enough to read the whole thing. Thanks for stopping by Bat Country

If you would like to visit Elizabeth Sharp today and win any one of her many awesome prizes follow the links: Blog, Twitter, FacebookGoodreads


If you would like to enter to win a copy of Natural Selection all you have to do is be 13 years or older and leave a comment with your email address. Good luck!

Supernatural Thursday: Hot Vampires


Fright Night is right around the corner, so in honor of that I am talking hot vampires.  I may have done it in the past, but nevertheless I am doing it again. Who doesn’t like to talk about hot, fictional vampires . . . fascists that’s who. Also I get to make another list, and I really like to make lists. I think I will go with a top five list *drums fingers in front of me like Mr. Burns*.

Top five fictional vampire hotties:

  • Louis de Pointe du Lac- Ah, Interview with a Vampire, book or movie, this is just good entertainment. Louis is perhaps a bit whiny for my tastes, generally speaking, but Brad Pitt sold him as a hottie to me. He has remorse, he has angst, and he has quite a temper therefore Louis is the poster boy for angsty vampire hotties everywhere.
  • Dracula- The age old Achilles heel to good girls everywhere, the mysterious, lonely, broken man who wants nothing more than your blood. Seriously ladies, why do we fall for this again? Since 1897 this character has fascinated women. Countless movies, books, and dreams have laid at his feet. He was the first, the best, and the standard. 
  • Thomas Raith- My fellow Dresden fans will appreciate this, but to the rest of you I will explain. Thomas is the son of the leader of the White Court of vampires in the Dresden Files series. White court vampires are distinguished from the other courts in that they feed from emotions, preferably during sex. It doesn't hurt that Thomas is awesome, sort of sweet, and completely hot. So, yeah, he gets to be on the list.
  • Damon Salvatore- My first love. Damon was the first vampire to ever catch my fancy way back when I read the Vampire Diaries. He started a life long fascination with the bad boys in books and movies. He doesn't make apologies for who or what he is, but like any anti-hero he is good underneath and it does come shining through every now and again. Not that that really mattered. I loved him from the moment he sauntered onto the page. Stefan who?
  • Bones- I thought about not including him. I know, I know he's Bones and this is a hot vampire list, why wouldn't I include him. The thing is there are tons of hot vampires in fiction like this. How can I choose only one. Well I guess the answer to that is he's the best of the best. He has a sense of humor, he's British, he's got some mad skills, and he's all types of naughty. Bones definitely get to be on the list.
Those are mine. Who did I forget? Who is your favorite?

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Inside Book Studio: Vernon Baker



Hello friends! This week I am not interviewing my characters, instead I am interviewing my fellow author and writer group friend, Vernon Baker. I can honestly say his interview might be one of my favorite author interviews. I recently finished his book, Slow Boat to Purgatory. It is a wonderful paranormal thriller about an immortal Knight of Templar. The book takes you on a journey to many different countries and is full of excitement and intrigue. I highly recommend checking it out. Please welcome Vernon Baker to Inside Book Studio (and yes we did the Proust questionnaire as well as some book questions). 






Q: How did you come up with the idea for Slow Boat to Purgatory?

A: I had been writing little snippets of a story, about an immortal Templar Knight, for some time when I happened across Gustave Dore’s illustration of Charon, which I used for the book cover. I remember staring at that picture and wondering what that man, the boatman ferrying souls across the river styx, would be like. The two ideas gradually came together and formed Slow boat To Purgatory.

Q: The story takes place in several different countries, have you spent much time in them? How did you research the locations?

A: I’ve been to most of the places in the book although I haven’t made it to Acre in Israel yet. Venice is my favorite city in the world, so far. I spend a lot of time researching online but there is nothing like being in the place your writing about to stir the creative juices.

Q: Who is your favorite author? How has he/she influenced your writing?

A: There are several. Early on I loved Clive Cussler. As a teenage boy his books were full of adventure, danger and really cool storylines. Later on I got on an Anne Rice kick and devoured everything she wrote. I loved most of the vampire themes and her style during that time was great. The latest stuff from her I’m not so hip on. Right now I’m reading the complete collection of H.P. Lovecraft, I had read a few of his stories before, which was recommended to me by a friend who said he saw some of Lovecraft in my writing.

Q: When did you start writing?

A: The very first story I can remember writing was in early grade school. It was a horror story about two kids who fall down a hidden coal chute into the basement of a haunted mansion and end up being killed by an axe waving lunatic. I remember my teacher writing nothing on the paper other than “interesting”. That might have had something to do with it being a strict parochial school.

Q: If a book club were to read your book what topic from your book do you think would inspire the most discussion?

A: I would think the whole dynamic of Gaspar’s immortality and the crushing loneliness that engulfs him. Perhaps the whole idea of what happens to us, our souls, when we die. So far, a certain character named Dominicus is generating a lot of discussion among people who have read the book.

Proust Questions *So many of these answers made me laugh#


What is your favorite word?
I go in fazes. I had to take “traverse” out of Slow Boat about eight times. I like the “f-bomb” as well but…
What is your least favorite word?
“Can’t”
What turns you on?
Spending time with friends and family, with good food and wine.
What turns you off?
Cheap people.
What sound or noise do you love?
The sound of a really good bottle of wine being decanted.
What sound or noise do you hate?
There is nothing more annoying than the sound of a diesel engine endlessly idling away.
• What is your favorite curse word?
Shitbag. I love the word shitbag. I have a patent on it.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Attempt? That’s more interesting than “be good at”. Wine taster for Her Majesty the queen.
What profession would you not like to do?
President. I’d be blowing things up at the drop of a hat.
If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
“By the skin of your teeth, young man. By the skin of your teeth.”

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Rejecting Remakes

Ugh! I'm so tired of movies being remade. Movie making people on behalf of the world will you please stop! No more. Uncle. I was struggling for a blog topic since Tuesdays seem to be generally unassigned and then I see the article headline "'Dirty Dancing' to be remade for  a new generation". Blasphemy, I tell you. Blasphemy.

We don't want to see our favorite movies remade. We don't want to see our nostalgic television shows turned into crappy, spoofy movies. Just please stop. So in honor of this monstrosity and the fact that I have nothing else to blog about I give you:

The Top 10 Horrible Remakes.
10. Footloose (2011)- So this one isn't really fair since it hasn't come out or anything yet, but we have all seen the preview (if you haven't consider yourself lucky), and it looks craptastic. They race weirdly painted school buses rather than tractor and the bus blows up, really? Is nothing sacred. 

9. Dukes of Hazard (2005)- In all honesty, I sort of like this movie. I don't remember the television show and there are obvious problems with the movie. But I love Johnny Knoxville so I will not say anything bad about it. However, it stays on the list.

8. Nightmare on Elm Street (2010)- Now we are talking my genre. I was actually a little excited about seeing this remake. In fact, I made my family go see it while on vacation because it was opening weekend. I was behind the new Freddy (Jackie Earle Haley), but I had my doubts how they could work out the story line. My doubts were proven justified by this turd of a film. It wasn't scary. The first NoES was creepy. It was creepy because it was different, surprising, and Freddy was mysterious. Not so much with this. If anything is bordered on being boring.

7. Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights (2004)- Nobody puts Baby in the corner. Just leave Dirty Dancing alone.

6. Alfie (2004)- I wanted so much to like this. Jude Law is so adorable in it, but  it pales in comparison to the Michael Caine version. Sadly the remake lacks direction or any sort of emotional point whatsoever.


5. Godzilla (1998)- I didn't love the old one, but holy crap. I think the writing is the major downfall of this movie. It misses the campiness of the older version and goes right to bad.  Campy is always a hard genre to remake. You either have it or you don't. Godzilla doesn't.

4. Stepford Wives (2004)- I am thinking 2004 was a really bad year for remakes. The 1974 version was layered, made social commentary, a little creepy, and believable. The new one was a mockery of a genuinely decent film. It was stupid, silly, and not at all faithful to Ira Levin's novel.

3.  Psycho (1998)- This movie proves two things. You can stay too true to the original. Timing the dialogue perfectly to the original film, while a neat idea, make the acting wooden and just basically uncomfortable. And it proves the you should just leave anything made my Alfred Hitchcock alone. There should be a law.

2. Halloween (2007)- Halloween 1978 is my favorite horror movie ever. I wasn't looking forward to this remake, in fact, I was against it. Perhaps you could make the argument I never gave it a chance. But then I would argue you obviously didn't watch this horrible, horrible movie. It lost everything that made Michael Meyers scary. Michael isn't like the other super villains in the first Halloween. The body count isn't high, he doesn't talk, he isn't super human. He is a ridiculously scary escaped mental patient who is patient, motivated, and focused. He lurks and skulks and could be anywhere. In the new one Michael pulls a tombstone out of the ground with his bare hands, is like seven feet tall, and breaks through walls like they're paper. It isn't scary, it isn't suspenseful, it is pretty much just over the top and cliche.

and

1. Mission Impossible 2- I can hear your thoughts, "This isn't a remake. Liz needed another movie to add to her list and chose to pick on Tom Cruise." While technically you are correct this was never billed as a remake I would like to argue it most certainly was a remake. There is a fantastic Alfred Hitchcock movie called Notorious, starring Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman. Mission Impossible 2 took their plot directly from that movie. In fact there are scenes so close to it in the film I literally looked around at the people sitting next to me in the theater to see if anyone else noticed. This movie gets number one because it is worse than a remake. It is a thief.

*disclaimer- I could have probably filled my entire list with horror movies, but I love them too much to pick on them and this is my list so I will do what I want. :-)

Monday, August 8, 2011

Music Monday

As an indie author I feel it is important to support indies in all walks of life. I like to read other independent books (along with my traditional). I have always enjoyed independent films along with the larger studio made movies. I also like independent music. This week I have the pleasure of sharing with you a brand new indie artist who I happen to (sort of) know. Jet! is talented, nice, and seems to be all around good guy. So without further adieu here is his brand new music video, Big MO.



Make sure you drop a comment and let Jet know what you thought of his song.You can also like him on Facebook here.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

The Road Less Travelled

Saturdays here in Bat Country are to update you on my writing progress. I am working on editing my second book, Secrets, which will be released November 22nd. I am currently on chapter 17 and am about half way through. I just made it past a rather emotional part so I am happy to have that done.


This week I worked on the forming an idea for the book trailer to Secrets. I passed it along to the wonderful M.d. Christie because she did just a fantastic job with Dark Corners' trailer. I can't wait to see how this one comes out. I love it that I can give her this crazy image I have in my head and she makes it ten times better. If only everything in life were that easy!




I also have been working with Elizabeth Sharp on three covers for books that will be released in 2012. They look absolutely amazing. I can't wait for everyone to see them. So perfect, but I have at least three books coming out before I get to them so I have to shelve them for a while. Regardless they are fantastic.

I mailed out about ten books to book bloggers this week thanks to the wonderful Mandie Stevens who is organizing a big blog tour for Dark Corners in the month of September. She is part of Time 4 Mommy blog and online magazine, if you haven't checked it out you definitely should! It is a wonderful resource for moms
(online coupons, book recommendations, movies appropriate for the family, etc.). Mandie has been a Godsend. I am crazy excited about the blog tour with her. 

Dark Corners has gotten a couple new fantastic reviews this week. I am so happy people are enjoying the book. You can never be sure if people will like what you put out so the fact I have gotten a largely positive response makes me want to hug strangers walking down the street. I will try to refrain though. :-) 

I guess that has pretty much been my week. What are you working on? How was your week?

Liz 

Oh, p.s. I have also added at the very bottom of the blog a way for people to subscribe by email. It is a pretty cool feel free to sign up and never miss a moment of my insane ramblings. 

Friday, August 5, 2011

Weekend Reading: Slow Boat to Purgatory Vernon Baker

This weekend I will be finishing the fascinating book Slow Boat to Purgatory written by my friend Vernon Baker. I am really enjoying the book. It is enthralling, original, and a really good read. I highly recommend it, so I contacted Vernon and he gave me a synopsis to put on the site. He will also be featured on Wednesday's in Inside Book Studio. Be sure to check out the book and come back Wednesday to learn about the author.
 
Slow Boat to Purgatory
Alex Donovan was once a warrior. Now he spends his days in a sedate and somewhat bitter existence combing Boston's used bookshops, drinking too much fine wine, and cursing a knee crippled by a terrorist's bullet.

But when Alex's grandfather dies, he discovers the old man has left him not only a vast fortune, but a mystical, ancient book which tells the story of an immortal Templar knight; a man named Gaspar de Rouse, a man who, according to his grandfather, still walks the earth.


Bewitched by the manuscript, written and illustrated by a 16th century Venetian artist who is befriended by the enigmatic Gaspar, Alex takes a journey through history that begins in the war-ravaged city of Acre in the year 1291. It is there that Gaspar is betrayed and loses his life, only to be resurrected by an Archangel and a Demon Prince. Given a choice, to spend an eternity in Purgatory or to serve both Heaven and Hell as a hunter of wayward souls, Gaspar chooses the life of an immortal marching across time doing battle with demons, angels and crushing loneliness.

The secrets of the book consume Alex and he comes to believe that Gaspar still lives. Alex's mundane world is transformed into a race to find the knight. It is a race that takes him from a quiet cove on the coast of Maine to Zurich's hidden banks and the dark waterways of Venice. Eventually helped by a warrior priest whose own secrets and quest to find the knight are shadowed in mystery, Alex struggles to distinguish between those who seek his destruction and those who would ensure his salvation.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Supernatural Thursday

I love scary movies, it isn't a secret. My friend, Jessica, and I go to see most of the horror films released in the theater so I like to stay on top of what is coming out. For August is looks like there are three scary movies. 

1. Final Destination 5 - Release Date August 12th
Synopsis from IMDB- Teen survivors of a suspension-bridge collapse soon begin to fear that there's no way you can cheat Death.

Verdict: Will not be seeing it. I watched and liked the first movie, but I didn't even watch the other ones. Sometimes Hollywood should just let a good thing be a good thing and not beat it into the ground. (See Saw)

2. Fright Night- Release Date August 19th

Synopsis from IMDB-Teenager Charley Brewster (Yelchin) guesses that his new neighbor Jerry Dandrige (Farrell) is a vampire responsible for a string of recent deaths. When no one he knows believes him, he enlists Peter Vincent (Tennant), the opportunistic host of his favorite TV show, to help him take down Jerry and his guardian.

Verdict: Hell yeah. I remember the old one fondly but recently rewatched it and there is definitely room for improvement. Here's what the new version has going for it. 1. Exponentially hotter vampire. Colin Ferrell vs. Chris Sarandon = no comparison. 2. Evil is played by McLovin'. Enough said. 3. The effects HAVE to be better. 4. Charley Brewster's girl friend does look like a boy. 5. Peter Vincent is played by Dr. Who.  

3. Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark- Release Date August 26th

Synopsis on IMDB-A young girl (Madison) sent to live with her father (Pearce) and his new girlfriend (Holmes) discovers creatures in her new home who want to claim her as one of their own. 

Verdict- When I heard a scary movie with Katie Holmes was coming out, I was like "Pfft, lame". Then I saw Guillermo Del Toro was the director, and I became more interested. Then I watched the creepy ass preview and I have been sold. It looks like solid horror film which aren't easy to come by these days. This movie is highly anticipated for me.

What movies are you looking forward to this month? 

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Workout Wednesday

So when I made my blog schedule Wednesdays were going to be devoted to posts about exercise and working out. However, this never ending heat wave has made even more LAZY. Who can go outside for a run in 109 degree weather. A crazy person can. I am not that crazy so I haven't been good about working out. You may be thinking why aren't you exercising inside Liz? You have a treadmill, an elliptical, and a kick ass yoga dvd (or maybe I am the only one thinking that) and to those very valid questions I say :-P. I don't like to exercise inside, I haven't been in the mood for yoga and I'll start tomorrow. :-)

But for real I do need to start so I am posting a blog about it. Who knows some of you might want to exercise with me then we can make Workout Wednesday a regular blog post and discuss our sore muscles and the benefits of Apercreme over Ben-gay.  Who's with me? Well, while you think about it I am going to Steak and Shake to have a milkshake or possibly a root beer float. Mmmm

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Time in a Bottle


Time management is the beast of burden that has been haunting me for a while. It may not be an awesome subject that will get us tons of blog comments, but it is something that every writer eventually has to address. Let’s start with the fact that we’re all busy (if you aren’t busy, congratulations this post does not apply to you). We have families, obligations, many of us have day jobs, friends who feel neglected, pets who need attention, household chores, and the list goes on. Basically, all the things everyone has to deal with on a daily basis. As writers though we decided to add a little bit more to the never ending list of things to do. We want to write a book in our “free” time. 

In the beginning it’s not so bad. Writing that first draft is fun—it’s a rush, exactly what you have always wanted to do. Soon though the reality hits, what are you going to do with the book once it’s written. You have to edit, find critique partners, beta readers, and reviewers, design a cover, write a blurb, write a query,  market, build a platform, social network like there is no tomorrow, critique and beta for others, write blogs, and trust me this list can go on and on forever. Soon you don’t have time for writing and you are spinning in circles so fast trying to manage everything that the inevitable melt down is nipping at your heels. This, my friends, is where time management comes in (actually it should have started ages before you got yourself into this mess, but let’s face it you believed you could handle it. We all did). 

So here are my top five tips for helping you manage your time more wisely.
  1. Don’t be afraid to say no. Honestly, there are only so many things a person can do, so many hours in a day etc. Other writers are in the same boat as you. If you don’t have time to beta/critique/edit for them, they won’t hate you for it (if they do then they probably weren’t the friend/connection you thought they were. Check the drama at the door people, this is a business).
  2. Schedule your time and stick to it. The second part of that sentence is the important one. We can all write schedules from here to eternity, but if you want to get control over your life you have to stick with it. You have to take your scheduled breaks, you have to walk away from the computer, and you have to log off facebook/twitter/Google +.
  3. Set realistic goals. Don’t say you have to write 7000 words on Friday when the most you have ever written in a day is 800. You probably aren’t going to make that goal then you will get discouraged and the above schedule you made will be one hook shot from the trashcan.
  4. Take time off. I know it is hard. You only have so much time that you can write so it seems wrong not to use it all for this one purpose, but that road will lead you to burn out. So schedule an hour for your favorite tv show, take an exercise class, have happy hour with your friends. Adjust your schedule so you can live in real life and not just your imagination. 
  5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. This is possibly the hardest of all the tips for me. I tend to be controlling and I want to do everything. But sometimes the ol’ ego has to man up, and I have to admit I could use some help. You’ll be glad when you do it.
That’s what has worked for me. What helps you manage your time?  

Monday, August 1, 2011

Music Monday

Albums that stand the test of time. We all have cds that were amazing when we first bought them but three years later are a little embarrassing that we ever liked them. Ace of Base anyone? Today's post is about the opposite of that. I am talking about the albums that are just as great and relevant ten years after their release. For me, one of my favorite albums ever made is Blood Sugar Sex Magik by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. 

Released in 1991, Blood Sugar Sex Magik was met with critical acclaim. But twenty years later (yikes that makes me feel old) it is still a kick-ass album. Blending soul-funk and blues with acid rock it is nearly impossible to place any of the songs into one musical time frame. The transitions between songs are seamless and lyrics aren't dated. I can listen to many songs and think that sounds so eighties or nineties, but not with the Chili Peppers. Their sound is so uniquely their own that they are timeless to me.

What albums do you think of as timeless?
 
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