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Book Review - Lady of the Lakes
2007-04-03 18:10:00
Lady of the Lakes by JC HallPremise: Corryn has waited over a year to meet again the mysterious knight he saw near one of the cursed lakes. His own sad past has forced him to try such unusual means, and there are no guarantees of success. But when he once more meets the knight, the latter is engaged in combat, and despite Corryn's attempts to help, the warrior is wounded and the infant in his charge stolen. Worse, the knight cares not for his help or is even willing to consider having him as a liege man. Yet Corryn forces his help on the warrior as the wounds knock the latter unconscious. As Corryn bandages the wounds and tries to make the warrior comfortable, he gets an unexpected surprise - and with that his life begins to take many unexpected turns. Review : (This review is from an ARC copy - release of the book should be imminent.) A thoroughly enjoyable book. JC Hall has created a vibrant world full of magic, adventure, and intrigue. The high speech of the nobles will take a...
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For the World is Flat and you'll fall off the edge
2007-03-29 13:18:00
There are times in your life when something that never made any sense all of a sudden takes on the sharpest of meaning. An epiphany - a comprehension or perception of reality by means of a sudden intuitive realization (www.thefreedictionary.com) I've had a few of these over the years -- some have been more poignant than others. (like the one I had on writing itself!) My most recent moment of startling realization came about several weeks ago while I was traveling to Virginia Beach, VA to attend Epicon.While the plane was coming in for a landing at the airport, I saw something out the window which really got me thinking. What I saw, as we came toward the coast, was the horizon. And the more I looked at it, the more it gave the impression that it came to an end and just dropped off to nowhere, like seeing a waterfall from upriver.(hm, I seem to be on a vision kick these last two posts...could it be a trend? Naw.) :PSeeing such a view, I suddenly understood where all the old tales...
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M.D. Benoitt's Virtual Tour
2007-03-28 13:31:00
From 28 March to 11 April, M. D. Benoit will be going on a virtual book tour to promote her upcoming alternate reality novel, Synergy. During that period, ten people will host her on their blog for one day. There will be discussions on the book, Synergy, its themes, characters, interviews with the author, reviews of the book, etc.Every day, on her own blog, Life’s Weirder than Fiction, she will announce where she will be that day, as well as talk a bit about her host.Synergy’s Virt ual Book Tour will culminate with a Virtual Book Launch, on 15-16 April. M. D. can be contacted at mdbenoit (at) gmail (dot) com.Tags: Virtual Tours; M.D. Benoit; Synergy

Eye glasses - How we take the simple things for granted
2007-03-22 12:18:00
I was very lucky in that for over 40 years I had no need of glasses. If anything, my vision was better than normal. I even had these really cute gold flecks in the wood brown of my eyes that gave them a neat bit of character. My vision though got a little fuzzy after 40. I totally noticed it when watching the screen at the movies, so I had it checked. That first time the doc said my vision had downgraded from beyond good to mere 20/20 - which is till awesome vision. No glasses needed just a little of the effects of aging. Cool!A year later, I went back as I was having fuzziness again. To be honest, I expected the verdict. I had seen it happen to my mother, so figured I would follow in the family pattern - it was still a shock anyway - the vision had deteriorated again and I would need glasses. Eek! (Yeah, I know those of you who have worn glasses most of your life are just so totally laughing at me. But hey, this was a new experience for me!) :PI found a frame, they made my...
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Stephen King’s Easter Eggs for Writers
2007-03-20 17:41:00
In the world of DVD’s, an East er Egg refers to a hidden message or feature.Well Stephen King has been putting them in his books. And I don’t mean the trivia or little items he puts in that tie to his other books or works by other authors/singers, but rather revelations/insights of what it is to be a writer. Bits that will resonate with other authors for the truths they are, inserting a layer to the work just for those who share the craft or those who are becoming addicted to it.Two titles scream with this easily overlooked subtext (well easily overlooked by anyone but a writer that is) and they are Misery, and King’s latest release, Lisey’s Story.Mr. King sells millions of copies each year. The masses love him, a lot of critics hate him. I double love him, not only for his stories and the beauty of his craft, but for these extra bits of his writer’s soul he is sharing with those to whom the words also sing.His writing secret/popularity seems to stem from the awesome real l...
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Book Review -- Lisey's Story
2007-03-20 17:23:00
Lisey's Story by Stephen KingPremise: Two years after the death of her husband, Lisey is finally getting around to cleaning out the converted barn where he spent so much of his time creating books and short stories. Yet as she begins this ardous task, Lisey runs into a couple of problems - resurfacing memories of things she thought she would never have to remember again, and a man who has taken it upon himself to threaten her on behalf of an educator wanting to get a hold of her husbands papers.Review : I totally loved this book! Though as will be explained in a following post, a lot of it has to do with the fact that Stephen King has put in a lot of stuff in this one for others of the craft. Don't get me wrong though, despite the fact I found a subcurrent to add way more enjoyment and content for me, it is still a great read for anyone else too. He does his usual evil hints that keep you going as you get flashes of what will be coming and feeding you just enough to wet the appetite...
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Movie of the Week - Amazing Grace
2007-03-19 18:43:00
Amazing Grace Staring: Ioan Gruffudd, Benedict Cumberbatch, John Newton, Romola Garai, Ciaran Hinds, Ruffus Sewel, Jeremy Swift, Michael GambonPremise: William Wilberforce has reached a low point of his life after health and frustration take their toll after a fifteen year battle to abolish the slave trade in England. As some well meaning friends try to match him with a wife, Wilberforce flashes back to long term battle and how he came to be to his current point in life.Review: This film is full of people I've seen elsewhere, which made it a total treat! The second Dumbledore from the Harry Potter films, the father from Big Fish, Reed Richards from the Fantastic Four, Caesar and his trusty slave from HBO's Rome, the protagonist from Dark City. But even without that fun, this film was very very good. Slavery as regards England is not a topic often discussed, so I was eager to see it for the information it would impart. Excellent acting by all involved. And a good showing of all the ...
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Movie of the Week - 300
2007-03-19 18:30:00
300Staring: Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, Dominic West, David Wenham, Rodrigo Santoros, Vincent Regan, Michael Fassbender, Tom Wisdom, Andrew Pleavin, Andrew TiernanPremise: Persia has asked the Spartans to submit to their rule. King Leonidas has refused and killed their emissary at the insult of such a request. Now Leonidas tries to unify his people to meet the threat of Persia and the continued freedom of Sparta, only to run into stumbling blocks from traitors, greed, and others hungry for power. Having been stymied by the very laws he seeks to protect, he engineers another way of doing what he knows what must be done with the help of 300 of Sparta's greatest warriors.Review: I'd been awaiting this film's release ever since I heard about it at Comicon in San Diego. Have always loved Frank Miller's work in the comic book field, so was definitely looking forward to this. While like Titanic, the ending is a foregone conclusion, how we got there made all the difference! It was aweso...
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Movie of the Week - Wild Hogs
2007-03-04 02:56:00
Wild Hogs Staring: Tim Allen, John Travolta, Martin Lawrence, William H Macy, Ray LiottaPremise: Four middle aged men -- the rich guy, the family guy, the plumber, and the geek -- find themselves too settled in their ways and missing the men they used to be (or had wanted to be), so they get together to go on a week's road trip to the west coast. Of course, with these four, the trip sounds a lot easier than it will actually be.Review: These four guys work really well together. Travolta was quite funny, especially when squirming with guilt. Heh heh. Some gorgeous shots of the countryside and a nice feeling of what it is like to ride. Lots of funny or cute moments. Great relaxing film. ***1/2!!Tags: Movie Review; Gloria Oliver; Wild Hogs
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Movie of the Week - Bridge to Terabithia
2007-03-04 02:38:00
Bridge to TerabithiaStaring: Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb, Bailee Madison, Robert PatrickPremise: Jesse leads a very subdued life, trying to stay out of the sights of bullies or his family members, finding escape only in his drawings. When a new girl moves into town, Jesse finds himself drawn to her as her imagination sparks his own, and they create the land of Terabithia.Review: Big kuddos to Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb, and Bailee Madison! These kids were awesome! Utterly loved the very first time Jesse's imagination is fired up by Leslie. The blend of fantasy, imagination, and reality were excellent. Especially as you see how some of the real life issues Jesse is suffering to translate into the imaginary world. Awesomely done! ***3/4!!Tags: Movie Review; Gloria Oliver; Bridge to Terabithia
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Marketing Madness
2007-03-04 01:30:00
The first of this month's featured author's is JC Hall. Her upcoming book is called Lady of the Lake.Publisher: Zumaya Otherworlds, SF/F Imprint of Zumaya PublicationsPublishing Date: March 2007Genre: FantasySubgenre: romance, sword-and-sorcery"She knew only the importance of duty and honour. He understood that devotion could transcend time, space and worlds."Unwittingly burdened with a devoted new squire, Jess Lochlen must teach him the skills he must have in order to be of any use to her. For she is on a double mission—to recover her captured infant cousin, and to determine if treachery is stalking the Rogrovian throne. Her cousins and brothers-in-arms turn out to be more hindrance than help, and she's in dire need of all the help she can get. But as her young squire's feelings turn from loyalty and devotion to love and desire, and their journey across his homeland becomes a race against time—to save not just her infant cousin but the Rogrovian King—she finds herself won...
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Feedblitz Subscription has been added!
2007-03-04 00:08:00
Just recently found out about Feed blitz! Seems this is a way to get a subscription service added to your blog where people can add themselves to receive blog updates via EMAIL!Sounded kinda spiffy, so I thought why not! So if you wish to automatically get any new postings to this blog, just add your email on the right bar and voila!Totally convenient, I say! I need to add myself to some too. HehGloria Oliverhttp://www.gloriaoliver.com/Unveili ng the Fantastic Tags: Feedblitz; Gloria Oliver; Email Subs cription
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Book Review - Glass Houses
2007-03-02 03:43:00
Glass House s - The Morganville Vampires Book 1by Rachel CainePremise: Claire Danvers is one of the youngest students at the Morganville College. Her over protective parents fear she is too young to go to the large schools out of state. Unknown by them, however, is the fact that Claire is being picked on by the bullies of the dorm. When things get out of hand, Claire decides she needs to move out before they kill her. And so she ends up at Glass House, and meets the current tenants Michael, Shane, and Eve. Through them she realizes the town has a BIG secret, and that the people targeting her have a lot of power in town.Review : This book was a blast! Claire is a genius and in college but still all teenager. As she is thrown into the complexities of Morganville and its darker denizens, she also has to deal with growing feelings for boys, how to get around the bullies, and figure out how to stay in school! A lot of questions get answered by the end, but she still leaves us in a nasty cl...
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Book Review - Strange Robby
2007-03-02 03:16:00
Strange Robbyby Selina RosenPremise: A serial killer is on the loose, except he is only killing criminals. Frustrated by the system and its tendency to not punish the guilty, Spider and Tommy are reluctant to solve the case, since the "Fry Guy" is cleaning up the streets. But when the SWTF starts sniffing around the case, everything gets a lot more complicated as hints of dark secrets enter the scene.Review : Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters are full of life, are multifaceted, and deal with several complex issues and circumstances. Loved how the seemingly simple matter of a serial killer kept enlarging into bigger and bigger things. Fast paced, exciting, exploring relationships and different aspects of life, our goals, and how things don't always work like we think they should. Blackmail, love, trust, secret organizations, psychic powers, politics, and more! ***3/4!Tags: Book Review ; Gloria Oliver; Strange Robby; Seline Rosen
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E-book Week March 4th through 10th
2007-02-21 03:29:00
As my books are both in print and e-book, I figured I should help out with Read an E-Book Week !The Madten Authors group will be having a contest during this week where visitors can read excerpts and by answering a question for each one in the comments section, will be elligle to win a that E-book for free!For those not in the know, E-Books come in a variety of formats and can be easily read on your PC, Laptop, PDA, and even dedicated E-Book hand held devices.My main publisher, Zumaya Publications will also be doing a buy 1 get 1 free promotion on the E-book version of their available titles and I will post that when I get the info here as well.Here's the Zumaya Press Release on this:More than 30 talented authors have joined forces with their publisher, Zumaya Publications, to double your ebook fun during Read an eBook Week, March 4-10. Between March 4 and March 12, buy one ebook from any of those authors and get another absolutely free. You can choose another book by the same aut...
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Book Review - A Clash of Kings
2006-09-10 00:48:00
A Clash of King sby George RR MartinPremise: Picking up where book 1 left off, we see the maneuverings come forth of the men now veying to take over the realm. War is now inevitable, yet all of them have totally forgotten the fact winter if coming.Review : A couple of new people are added to the roster of the POV chapters, and all the ones from the first book are back. More death, more destruction, betrayals, quick thinking, and more. Magic is definitely on the rise and the wheels are turning on a higher plane than the struggles of the mortals below. Well worth reading! ***3/4!!
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Movie of the Week - The Protector
2006-09-10 00:41:00
The Prot ector Staring: Tony JaaPremise: Kham, a Thai and breeder of elephants, has been brought up to believe in the importance of the animal and his role as its protector. So when his father is killed, and both the father elephant and baby son are stolen, he sets out to tract down those who've stolen his family and bring them back.Review: What I found cool right off the bat was though I was expecting a Chinese martial arts film, this was actually a Thai release! So you get a nice slice of life in Thailand at the beginning of the film and some historical culture bits. Though a few of the fights are rather slow, for the majority (especially in the garage, at the church, and up in the buildind HQ) they are quite awesome and beautifully orchestrated. There is even a cameo by Jackie Chan! The story is rather straight forward and not a lot of insight is given to the main character or some of those involved, but for pure matial arts action and excitement, it rocked! ***1/2 !
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Movie of the Week - The Wicker Man
2006-09-10 00:32:00
The Wicker ManStaring: Nicolas Cage, Ellen Burstyn, Kate Beahan, Frances Conroy, Molly Parker, Leelee Sobiesky, Diane Delano, Michael Wiseman, Erika-Shaye Gair, Christina Campbell, Emily Holmes, and more...Premise: A motorcycle cop is trying to cope with a bizarre accident steeped in mystery, when he receives a letter from his fiance, who'd run away many years before without explanation. In the letter, she explains that her daughter has gone missing, and that the people who live on Summersisle seem to have no interest in helping her find out what happened to her. She begs him to come help her, that he is the only one she can trust.Review: The film is full of images. Totally fascinating culture on the isle. Not for younger viewers as the images and topics could be disturbing. Good mystery film. Remake of the 1973 film by the same name. ***1/2!!
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Movie of the Week - The Illusionist
2006-09-10 00:25:00
The Illusion istStaring: Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, Jessica Biel, Rufus Sewell, Neil Burger, Michael London, Devid Levien, Brian Koppelman, Bob Yari, Carby Schulman, and Steven MillhauserPremise: A stage Illusionist is momentarilly reunited with his noble, childhood sweetheart. After planning to get away together, she is found dead. Suddenly Eisenheimer is seen speaking to ghosts he brings up on stage. One of them ends up being his beloved.Review: What a fun film! Some really nice effects and a great who-done-it mystery. Romance, politics, magic, class snobbery, and multiple level mystery! The clues are there, all you have to do it keep your eyes peeled! Loved the ambiance. ***1/2!!!
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Book Review -- A Game of Thrones
2006-08-25 23:05:00
A Game of Thronesby George RR MartinPremise: Winter is coming! The long Summer is ending and change is on its way. When the Hand of the King dies, the lives of the Starks are affected when King Robert decides he wants Ned to be his new Hand, bypassing others. When a mysterious letter from the previous Hand's wife insinuates the death was deliberate, and by the Queen's family, Ned is left with little choice but to take the position and go investigate.Review : Each chapter is done from the point of view of a different character. Most belong to the Starks but there are several others as well - and serve to give the reader an encompassing view of what it going on in this rich world. My daughter hooked me into the series, telling me she especially loved it because it did not matter if you had chapters of your own, this did not keep you from getting killed! It is definitely a dark time and somewhat depressing. The waste hits the fan and hits it big. But volume 1 seems to be but...
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Movie of the Week - Barnyard
2006-08-25 22:57:00
BarnyardStaring: Kevin James, Courtney Cox, Sam Elliot, Danny Glover, Wanda Sykes, and Andie McDowellPremise: Otis, who has up to now led a party life, suddenly finds himself being chosen as leader of the barnyard, when Coyotes take the life of his foster father. Can Otis live up to the resposibility or will he cave under pressure?Review: Very cute movie with deep messages and lots of fun. Though the whole concept of having boy and girl cows is rather weird (There's a bull at the farm also, but they never get into the details of how this works!) all else is fun! You get to see the whole farm get funky and loose. The boy tipping scene is definitely included and actually works well for what it was used for. Otis learns some hard lessons, but all comes out well in the end. ***1/2!
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Book Review - Windfall
2006-08-18 21:56:00
Windfall (Book 4 of the Weather Warden Series)Author: Rachel CainePremise: Joanne Baldwin is finding life outside the Wardens somewhat difficult. Her job is demeaning, her powers seem to be going, and worse of all, David doesn't seem to be healing. But if that weren't enough, throw in her now destitute sister and the beginning of a djinn civil war!Review : I think this is probably my favorite book of the series so far! Whirlwind action, mysteries, goons, family! The dominoes are still falling from the chaos of book 1 and continue to pick up steam. More is revealed about the origin of djinn and where they are going as a race. And if you thought things from her past haunted Joanne before, more are adding themselves to the pile. If there is one thing that happens around here is consequences to actions! :P ***3/4!!!!
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Movie of the Week - The Ant Bully
2006-08-18 21:35:00
The Ant Bull y Cast: Julia Roberts, Nicolas Cage, Meryl Streep, Bruce Campbell (Oh yeah!)Premise: Lucas, a 10 year old boy, is constantly picked on by the neighborhood bully and not taken seriously by his family. Frustrated, he takes out his feelings on the local an colony. Well, the ants have had enough of that! Deciding to take steps of their own, they shrink Lucas to their size and drag him to the ant hill for judgement. Unlike what some want, however, Lucas is not killed, but told he will remain with them until he too is an ant.Review: Very cute movie! Awesome animation. The ants have their own unique look and feel even culture. Bruce Campbell is a total hoot as Fugax! Lessons are learned on all sides, not just by Lucas. May give parents a problem as their kids will no longer want them to kill ants and they spread jelly beans out on the lawn for their ant friends. :P ***!!!!
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Comic Con 2006
2006-07-28 22:50:00
Comic Con 2006I decided to actually go to a convention this year where I would NOT be working! Woot! I have a bunch of friends who meet at Comic Con in San Diego every year and get together to attend the con but also to discuss and watch episodes and incarnations of a 70’s Japanese Anime called Kagaku Ninjatai Gatchaman and see if they can find other fans to meet and congregate with.Comic Con is HUGE! Held at the San Diego convention center it sees anywhere from 70,000 to 110,000 people every year. It is a multi media convention and attracts a lot of top names. If you are in the comic book, toy, manga, movie, or TV industry, this is the place to come to generate interest.I was able to attend several panels (Battle Star Galactica, Frank Miller’s 300, Bones, TMNT, Gatch viewings, Sergio Aragones, Kyle XY) all of which had previews, interviews, and info. The dealer’s room is gigantic and not only are there goods to buy, but there are giveaways, freebies, and all sorts of things t...
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In The Service of Samurai as MP3's!
2006-07-14 23:09:00
My novel In the Service of Samurai is now being serialized as MP3's at Podiobooks.com.The first 5 chapters are up and more will be on the way.Podiobooks.com is a free MP3 site for audio books. Most are read by the author.It's been a definite experience to get myself set up for this and to get it moving, but I am committed! (Or I should be committed. :P)Check it out if you have a minute! Might just discover something new!
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MidSouthCon 2006
2006-03-28 22:55:00
At the Holiday Inn Select in Memphis, TN March 24-26th I had the pleasure once again to be a guest at MidSouth Con.I did couple of anime panels as well as the Yard Dog Road Show, a reading, and the ever popular "Dark and Stormy Night" panel.The "Dark and Stormy Night" panel is a last day panel for the enjoyment of the fans and torture of the panelists (but it is still a lot of fun as you can make your fellow panelists cringe in horror! Bwahahaha). The premise is that throughout the con, the fans have been putting quotes from movies, TV, commercials, books, whatever on pieces of paper and piling them in a bucket. On the day of the panel, a setting is chosen by the audience, then the panelists must take one of the pieces of papers and incorporate whatever is there into the tale being spun. Makes for a lot of hilarity and comedic faces. Add in Selina Rosen, Lee Martindale, myself and the two other writers (I am ashamed to say I forgot their names! Argh!) and it was a ball! If you ever g...

EPICon 2006
2006-03-21 22:43:00
From Thursday to Sunday I was in san Antonio attending EPICon 2006.A con mostly for writers and publishers interested in e-books, it is still a great venue for anyone interested in the craft, with lots of panels and demonstrations.What makes this convention even more fun are the extras that come with it. Admission gets you fed most of the weekend for one. We also got a private tour of the Alamo (which was a lot smaller than I thought it would be), and a ride on the canal on one of the riverboats. Because we were considered a tour group, we even got taken to places people do not get to see on the regular rides. Yay! Our boat driver was awesome too, had a ton of information.Of course the con is also a great place for networking and talking one on one with e-book/print publishers. The highlight of the con is the EPPIES, awards for fine writing in e-publishing, presented by the MC for Life - Jeff Strand. Normally a very shy individual, he out does himself every year causing audiences to...
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Book Review -- Howl's Moving Castle
2005-10-10 20:36:00
Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones (Which is now an animated film by Miyazaki -- for those not in the know he is Japan's version of Walt Disney).As with all her works, Howl's is a quick read which draws you into the world almost immediately, and was a lot of fun. We follow the adventures of Sophie, the oldest of three, who is sure she will never amount to anything because everyone knows it is the youngest siblings who become rich or have adventures. Yet a chance meeting and a case of mistaken identity will find Sophie cursed and out in the world cavorting with dangerous witches and wizards.The animated film closely follows most of the major components and the feel of the book and characters, but expect some deviations. I loved both!
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