Christine Amsden's Blog: Christine Amsden Author Blog, page 5

You, Me, and the Apocalypse: Watch at your Own Risk

I just finished a riveting 10-episode series that aired on NBC last year called “You, Me, and the Apocalypse.” It takes a run-up to your typical asteroid-destroys-the-earth and fills it with strange, exciting characters and insane twists. All counting down to the moment of truth, the moment foretold in the series intro: A man ends up in a bunker deep under Slough (England) with a most unlikely group of companions.

Were this show to have a second season, I would give it an enthusiastic 5 stars. However, as the creator has claimed (wrongly) that the show came to a logical conclusion, I must simply say, “Watch at your own risk.” Because you will be at the end of episode 10, frantically searching the internet for news of season 2. I mean, surely they couldn’t end it THERE? Not at a logical conclusion but at a veritable cliffhanger?!?!?

Alas, yes.

So if you want to enjoy a wild ride, give it a chance. Just don’t fall off the cliff at the end!

Madison’s Song Gets a Double Win at Global Ebook Awards!!

Madison’s Song scored big in this year’s Global Ebook Awards, taking home not only the silver in its category but also earning the first-ever Dan Poynter Legacy Award. The Legacy Award was added this year to remember Dan Poynter, the founder of the Global Ebook Awards, and it is given to the best fiction, non-fiction, and “best of” entries. Madison’s Song won for fiction.

And if, like me, you hover over the idea that the book earned second place in its category and first in overall fiction, I would just say this: Fantasy/Contemporary does not fit Madison’s Song like a glove. It was just the most reasonable category from a list of worse options. It’s hard to place cross-genre fiction on bookshelves, into marketing categories, and into prize categories. Which is why I feel so honored by this new and unexpected recognition in the form of the Legacy Award.

Thank you to all my fans for your support, to my publisher for standing behind me, to my beta readers, to my editors, and to the judges at the Global Ebook Awards.

Season 4: Orange is the New Black is Back!

After a disappointing third season of the unexpectedly amazing show, “Orange is the New Black,” I wasn’t in a rush to watch season 4. I noticed it was available, but I was in the middle of some other things and then I went on vacation and then … well, I finally started it a couple of weeks ago.

And all I can say is … Orange is the New Black is BACK! Better than ever. Honestly, season 4 is the best season so far, with more ups and downs than I knew what to do with. From the very first episode to the very last, I loved it!

So, one of the problems with season 3 was Piper’s insane new power trip thing. Well, that got worse but then … well, she’s not really the star of the show anymore.

The prison itself continues to reel from the management of its corporate overlords, culminating in an event that will shock you. Meanwhile, race relations are worse than ever, tension between inmates and guards is worse than ever, the crazy inmates are crazier than ever. And oh yeah, Alex kicks things off by killing someone and getting an education from another inmate in how to dispose of a body. So, that was fascinating.

If you were disappointed with season 3, forgive it and move on! I promise, you won’t be disappointed.

If you haven’t watched Orange is the New Black at all … where have you been for the past 4 years?????

Now Available in Trade Paperback!!

Universe of Creativity: A Writer’s Affirmation

Oh universe of creativity,

of light and life that dwells in me.

I see you out there vast and strong,

as curious as time is long.

Through me you’ll find a willing heart

to think and dream and do my part.

I’m a writer through and through;

my words are my gift to you.

I judge them not but set them free,

little wisps of eternity.

Please guide me as I find the strength to set aside internal restraints. I need the courage to challenge fear, that voice of doubt within my ear.

Your beauty is a part of me; I honor that so let it be.

~Christine Amsden

Feel free to share, just share the credit!

Kaitlin’s Tale BOOK LAUNCH!!!!

It’s here!!!!

The long-awaited and much-anticipated spin-off to the Cassie Scot Series starring Cassie’s best friend, Kaitlin, who was last seen running away with a vampire. How’s that working for her? Not too well, as you can see from this sneak preview. Want to know more? All the answers await in Kaitlin’s Tale.

But wait, there’s more! All day today (May 16) I’m having a book launch event, culminating in a Facebook Party this evening (5:30 CST). There will be prizes, early reviews, me reading from my first chapter, special guest appearances by Kaitlin and Matthew, among others, and much, much more! Plus, the Internet is buzzing about the book. For event details, click here.

Today is more than a release day, it’s a BOOK BLAST. I’m asking family, friends, fans, and anyone with a healthy sense of curiosity to buy the book TODAY to help me drive up those Amazon sales figures. Basically, if you plan to buy the book anyway, even if you maybe have a to-read stack ten books high, it would be super, super, super helpful if you would buy it today. And, when you do get a chance to read it, a review is helpful as well. Even if you just say, “It was okay.”

Buy Links

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

T Minus 6 Days to Launch!!!!

And the countdown begins …

Kaitlin’s Tale will be available in 6 days, on Monday, May 16. The initial cost will be $3.99 (ebook). The print launch comes in July.

Meanwhile, I’m hoping all my friends and family and fans and strangers who thing “Huh, that looks good!” and people who read the first Cassie Scot book but got sidetracked and may not know all the rest are out and really just anyone and everyone (this is an example of a run-on sentence — you’re welcome) to come to my LAUNCH PARTY Monday night.

Special guests: Kaitlin Meyer, Matthew Blair, Evan Blackwood, and Cassie Scot Blackwood

6:30-8:30 if you’re on the east coast

5:30-7:30 if you’re in the middle with me

4:30-6:30 if you’re in the mountains

3:30-5:30 if you’re out west

2:30-4:30 if you’re in Alaska

12:30-2:30 if you’re in Hawaii

Non-US citizens, I hope you can figure it out from there. You are, of course, welcome.

Kaitlin’s Tale Cover Reveal + Sneak Peek at 3 Full Chapters!

Coming May 16, 2016 …

Kaitlin Mayer is on the run from the father of her baby – a vampire who wants her to join him in deadly eternity. Terrified for her young son, she seeks sanctuary with the hunters guild. Yet they have their own plans for her son, and her hopes of safety are soon shattered.

When she runs into Matthew Blair, an old nemesis with an agenda of his own, she dares to hope for a new escape. But Matthew is a telepath, and Kaitlin’s past is full of dark secrets she never intended to reveal.

Read First Three Chapters Here

Ebook Release: May 16, 2016

Print Release: July 15, 2016

Audiobook Release: TBA

Facebook Launch

Party: May 16

5:30–7:30 pm US-CST

The Jungle Book

I have fond memories of The Jungle Book from my childhood. My favorite part from way back then: The music. The story itself was a bit flat. Which may be why I was so engrossed in the story that came to life in the 2016 remake of The Jungle Book.

The modern retelling stayed true to the cartoon. Yet the story grew up, even as modern special effects made the animals far more realistic. That visual made the danger more real. Made the struggles more real.

Warning to parents: This movie was frightening to my 7 and 9-year-olds. My 10-year-old was okay with it; I think it was a personality thing more than an age things.

But they watched the movie, and afterward they seemed to have liked it, even though they were scared.

Just like the original cartoon, this movie had some slow spots that had me looking at my watch. Not sure how they could have fixed that; I think I’m just used to too much sizzle and bling from more modern movies. This movie was far more like an old movie reanimated with modern technology.

I recommend it. Let’s called it 4/5 .

Amazon Giveaway