Alexis Lantgen's Blog, page 11
May 29, 2020
Interview with Author K. M. Jenkins
I’m a stay at home mom to twin boys Zeek and Zayne. I work part time on my writing and have the goal to make it my career. I love dragons, wolves, and pretty much any fantasy creature known to mankind.
I do have a bachelors in Graphic Design. I do most of my book covers and some of my fellow indie author friends covers too. There are probably a thousand things to share but I’ll stick to these for right now. If you want to know more about me then please leave your question in the comments.
I would say The Inheritance Series and Dragonlance Saga books influenced me immensely. They showed me how great a world could be created and helped push me to create my own.
I love the strong female lead, magic artifacts that give their hero magic abilities, and the typical good vs. evil. Why do I love these so much? Because I love seeing a woman stick it to men and say I can be as strong as you. I love seeing a person’s life change because they were chosen or passed down a magical artifact. And you just can’t get away from the good vs. evil story line.
4. Who is your favorite character in your book? What do you like about them?I would say my favorite character out of the ones in this collection of short stories is Kerowyné Flares. She is the princess of Tarza that needs to grow up and take responsibility for her place in the world. I love her because she is a free spirit and wants to live life her way. Plus she is the one that came to me first within the world of Tarzinëa.
5. What are you doing to de-stress during the pandemic? Is there any coping mechanism you’d recommend?I would recommend reading books. I did this before the pandemic because it is one of my coping skills with my anxiety/depression and my writer’s block. Another is taking walks with the kids around the block. The fresh air revitalizes you and makes you think about good things instead of worry.
K.M. Jenkins’ new book, Tales of Ferres!
I don’t do much in the lines of a hobby since I have two soon to be 3-year-olds. Before they came into the picture I loved drawing. I would sketch out cartoons and characters from movies. Now I have to keep things out of the reach of kids so I don’t get to do that much anymore. But hopefully one day in the future I will be able to once again.
I live in Sioux City, Iowa, we don’t have much of mystery/urban legends around here. However I did find that there were reports of a vanishing hitchhiker on I-29 on your way to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A couple picked up a hitchhiker and were driving to Sioux Falls. The hitchhiker says, “The world is going to end tomorrow!” Then they look in the back seat and he is gone.
Right now we stream everything. I just invested in Hulu and love it. My favorite shows to stream are Last Man Standing and Love It or List It.
I vary, sometimes I look at a book cover and I’m like wow. Then sometimes I ignore the book cover all together and read the blurb. I don’t really read excerpts that much but I do on social media. Then if I like the authors writing style I will grab the book. I do have kindle unlimited so I do read a lot of books in a month. I tend to try them out there and will buy my favorites.
I love Greek and Norse folklore! I don’t have a favorite myth. I do love Thor and Poseidon. I didn’t really no much about the Greek mythology until I was in college taking a class on it. Then I also learned a lot from Percy Jackson!
Author K.M. Jenkins, interviewed by Alexis Lantgen of Lunarianpress.com
Where to find K.M. Jenkins:
Website - https://authorkmjenkins.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/authorkmjenkins
Twitter - https://twitter.com/authorkmjenkins
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/authorkmjenkins/
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18283505.K_M_Jenkins
Saints and Curses
May 28, 2020
Book Spotlight: Tales of Ferrês by K. M. Jenkins
Check out Tales of Ferrês by K. M. Jenkins! Years ago, I met Katie via a writing contest she was running. She choose my short stories for her anthology, The Magical Muse. We’ve kept in touch via social media since then, and I’m excited that she’s publishing her first paperback book.
Blurb:Since the beginning of time, one kingdom in the world of Tarzinëa has remained a mystery. Very few have entered its depths and survived. Walk alongside our heroes and watch their tales unfold as they enter the Forest of Ferrês. Discover everything from wolves so large they look like full grown ponies, to devil creatures that lurk in the night. Expect the unexpected as you venture into the magical land of Ferrês where not everything is as it seems.
Excerpt - Bonds of Friendship
Jerked back to reality, a wide-eyed and gaping Karigan followed as trees parted to reveal a path covered by undisturbed dirt littered with fallen leaves. She hesitated, knowing the path led deeper into the forest. Ralph said no one ever comes out once they go in. But what if the forest draws you in? What happens then? Curiosity won as Karigan stepped forward, taking the path deeper into the Forest of Ferrês. All Karigan knew was that a mystery awaited her, and something told her it was best to keep moving.
Moments of wonder swiftly turned into regret as the trees grew larger and the fairy’s glow fought to keep the darkness away.
“Excuse me, Alia, but where are we going?” The light swayed as Alia hovered to a stop beneath a large archway. Karigan stepped closer, eyeing the darkness within and looking over her shoulder as little Alia sat down on a nearby stump.
“Go inside,” Alia said.
“But it’s so dark.”
Giggles rang out as Alia swooped into the air, circling about her and creating particles of dust.
“Do not fear, for in darkness is light. Go inside.” The little fairy shoved her back forcefully, making Karigan stumble forward through the archway.
Nothing. All she could see was nothing. Where is the damn light! Panic gripped her. Calm, yourself, Karigan. It won’t do to lose your head. Just breathe and try to relax. Fairies are supposed to be good, trustworthy. Oh…by the gods, the damn fairy is trying to kill me!
Her eyes flew open, and her breathing grew frantic as fear pressed in on her lungs.
Snap!
“What was that?” She turned around. To her dismay, the exit had disappeared.
“How the hell?”
Snap!
I’m going to die! She faltered, stumbling over a branch. Karigan hit the ground hard, knocking the wind out of herself. Fear consumed her.
Snap!
Jumping to her hands and knees, Karigan’s eyes locked on the nearby trees. Slowly, her eyes adjusted as she watched, and waited. Silence weighed on her until a rabbit crashed through the brush beneath a nearby tree. “Oh, thank the stars…it’s just a rabbit.”
About the AuthorK.M. Jenkins is a published international bestselling author that writes epic battles, forbidden romance, and tales of fantasy and adventure. She has a big love for the fantasy genre and loves dragons above all creatures.When she is not writing, you will find her chasing her twin boys around the house. Between the three she has epic battles throughout the day and nothing ever gets boring.
K. M. Jenkins, author of the Tales of Ferrês. Book spotlight by Alexis Lantgen of Lunarianpress.com
Where to find K. M. Jenkins:
Website - https://authorkmjenkins.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/authorkmjenkins
Twitter - https://twitter.com/authorkmjenkins
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/authorkmjenkins/
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18283505.K_M_Jenkins
Saints and curses
May 22, 2020
Book Spotlight: Titanborn by Brian Schutter
Today’s book spotlight is for Titanborn by Brian Schutter! There’s a giveaway, and you can read more about the book below.
Blurb:“No more death.”
In Titanborn, Schutter weaves the vivid world of Shangri-La — a colony living in isolation on Saturn’s moon, Titan — and the genetically-engineered humans known as Titanborn, whose task is simply to prove they can survive.
Meera is just one cog in the wheel of Shangri-La. Assigned to fulfill a role, Meera struggles to find a place for herself and overcome the trauma of loss as Titan casually takes the lives of her fellow colonists.
When a friend goes missing, Meera must choose to face her fears to save not just him, but all of the Titanborn, as the colony begins to unravel.
Can Meera and her people overcome the dangers of the inhospitable moon, or will the Titanborn fall to an enemy closer to home?
Spotlight of Brian Schutter’s Titanborn, hosted by Alexis Lantgen of Lunarianpress.com
About the Author:
Brian Schutter’s fascination with the future began at a young age. He studied materials science at UC Berkeley in Berkeley, California & Cornell University in Ithaca, New York to pursue his interest in research. Schutter found himself drawn to the amazing possibilities that the technology around him offered, and wrote extensively after hours about speculative applications of machine learning, quantum computing, and bioengineering.
After graduating with his master’s degree from Cornell in May of 2018, he completed his debut novel, Titanborn. Schutter writes stories that combine the big struggles of colonizing distant worlds with the little struggles of finding the strength to be yourself. His tales are about taking ownership of our choices and writing our own stories.
Author Site: https://www.brianschutter.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrianSchutter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Bernanigan/
Brian Schutter, author of Titanborn
Sapience
May 21, 2020
Review: The Regency Years by Robert Morrison
This book has a funny story about how I ended up reading it! I spotted it one day in the library ad picked it up on a whim. I’d always found the Regency (about 1810-1820, when the Prince of Wales replaced his insane father George III on the throne of England) interesting, mostly because I love Jane Austen books, and I’d also loved Susanna Clarke’s Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, which is set in an alternative magical reality in approximately the same time period.
However, I’m often one who grabs enticing history books off library shelves and renews them multiple times without having even cracked them open. So after I renewed the book for the second time, I resigned myself to once again failing to read a history book that enticed me. And then, low and behold, Covid 19. The libraries were shut down, and they sent me a very nice note about how I could keep my books until they opened back up again. This is one of the few nice things that came out of this whole quarantine/stay at home thing. I kept the book, and I had enough time to actually read it!
The Regency Years by Robert Morrison. Review by Alexis Lantgen of Lunarianpress.com
I’m gad I did, because the Regency is one of the most conflicting, interesting, and least studied periods of English history. It’s the time of Lord Byron, Jane Austen, J.W. Turner, and Sir Walter Scott, as well as many other illustrious writers, scientists, and artists. It’s also a distinctly naughty period of English history, when the Prince Regent and his comrades indulged in all kinds of excess, from opium to drinking to sex. It’s also a pivotal point in the Industrial Revolution, when the old rural agrarian way of life was dying off for good, while the poor and displaced flocked to cities where they were promptly exploited. Charles Dickens was a child then, and his inspirations for Oliver Twist and other books that depict the horrors of poverty and child labor may have come from this time period.
Robert Morrison captures something of the drama and intensity of this period in his book, and he does a good job of showing the many different points of view that people at the time had of all the events around them. For instance, his depiction of the Prince Regent himself, the future George IV. While Morrison notes the many intensive criticisms of the Regent, who was careless, profligate, and self centered, and did little to help his countrymen, he also notes that the Regent had his admirers, including Lord Byron. The book also managed to capture some of the other notable characters of the day, in including Beau Brummell and Lord Byron himself.
Overall, I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading history or is interested in learning more of a relatively ignored period of English History. As a writer, I also found the evocative descriptions and characterizations a good inspiration. Lots of fantasy/steampunk writers could benefit from reading books like this, which can give their worlds depth and a touch of vivid realism. So check out The Regency Years!
Here’s the blurb:
A surprising and lively history of an overlooked era that brought the modern world of art, culture, and science decisively into view.
The Victorians are often credited with ushering in our current era, yet the seeds of change were planted in the years before. The Regency (1811–1820) began when the profligate Prince of Wales—the future king George IV—replaced his insane father, George III, as Britain’s ruler.
Around the regent surged a society steeped in contrasts: evangelicalism and hedonism, elegance and brutality, exuberance and despair. The arts flourished at this time with a showcase of extraordinary writers and painters such as Jane Austen, Lord Byron, the Shelleys, John Constable, and J. M. W. Turner. Science burgeoned during this decade, too, giving us the steam locomotive and the blueprint for the modern computer.
Yet the dark side of the era was visible in poverty, slavery, pornography, opium, and the gothic imaginings that birthed the novel Frankenstein. With the British military in foreign lands, fighting the Napoleonic Wars in Europe and the War of 1812 in the United States, the desire for empire and an expanding colonial enterprise gained unstoppable momentum. Exploring these crosscurrents, Robert Morrison illuminates the profound ways this period shaped and indelibly marked the modern world.
Saints and Curses
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May 13, 2020
Review: Wayward Magic from Magical Mayhem Press
Like many multi-author collections of short stories, Wayward Magic has a huge variety of different stories and writing styles, although all the stories do concern magic and fantasy. I’ll admit that not all the stories are to my taste, but that’s not to say that there aren’t plenty of people who would enjoy them. I think the anthology is also complicated by the fact that many of the stories aren’t intended to be stand alone stories. Some clearly end on cliffhangers that I understand will be finished in the next book. I think it would be helpful to think of Hidden Magic, Wayward Magic, and Forgotten Magic as being installments, with each of the stories having a beginning, middle, and end in those books. Nonetheless, some of the “installments” I read in Wayward Magic really stood out to me as being very interesting, and I’m looking forward to reading the ends of them in Forgotten Magic when it comes out.
In particular, I loved Majanka Verstraete’s “The Lair of the Red God.” It was an engaging story set in an interesting world, and I liked the main character, Saleyna. The stakes felt high, the emotions felt genuine, and it was enjoyable to read. Likewise, I ejoyed Alesha Escobar’s “The Deh’Anin Unveiled.” Her world had plenty of interesting mysteries and an enjoyably selfish and villainous main character, and I would definitely be curious to see if she gets away with her nefarious deeds or gets a serious comeuppance. ”The Mouth of the Dragon” by Devorah Fox was another story that left me wanting to know the ending. It was written in a way that reminded me of the “Voyage of the Dawn Treader” or “The Phantom Tollbooth,” which is a type of fantasy I don’t see as often anymore, and I would like to read more. “Spirit Gambit” also had interesting characters, and I liked seeing the very different take on magic Leah W. Van Dinther depicts. Some other stories I enjoyed were “The Ones Who Fight” and “Aamira.”
A few stories, however, really didn’t speak to me. “Weather Witch Worries” felt like too much teenage wish fulfillment and not enough genuine drama (she’s super powerful! and has a hot, perfect boyfriend! and OMG, now she’s royalty, too!). A couple of other stories may have been better, but it felt as though they were too incomplete for even an installment. I couldn’t follow that much of the drama or really care about the characters because I felt like I was starting the middle of a bunch of action that made very little sense. Also, in general I’m not to fond of over-powered protagonists. Maybe it’s a personal preference, but I prefer magic that feels like effort and heroes/heroines that need to earn their successes instead of just being born at the right time/with the right gifts. I also like villains who have a more compelling drive than just be evil because, I don’t know, evil? Jealousy over the perfect protagonist?
Overall, I’d recommend this book (though maybe not every story in it) to anyone who enjoys fantasy. The nice thing about collections of short stories as ebooks is that if one story doesn’t speak to you, you can always just skip ahead to another one. So check out Wayward Magic! Right now it’s only $0.99.
Wayward Magic Book Spotlight by Alexis Lantgen from Lunarianpress.com
Blurb for Wayward Magic
Wayward Magic (Magic Underground Book II) reveals stories of missing people, rescue, and most of all, magic. Our heroes will grapple with magic gone wayward in order to save themselves, their families, and often the world. This collection features:
Out-of-control magic that could destroy a young apprentice’s master and their world
A woman’s hidden magic leaving her with more freedom that she wanted
Sisters at the center of a black magic scandal must stop the city from falling to demons
Children separated from their mother must escape the castle on the most dangerous night in history
The ill are suddenly protected from death by an unlikely hero…a teenage physician
Famine-stricken subjects await precious cargo currently stranded on a ship
A holy order must save a town from a pretty poison most magical and most deadly
And more!
Fans of Patricia Briggs and Tamsyn Muir will love Wayward Magic, second of the Magic Underground trilogy of anthologies… Get it today!
Magical Mayhem Press: https://magicalmayhempress.com/
Authors:Melinda Kucsera, Joynell Schultz, Lee French, H.B. Lyne, Raven Oak, L.C. Ireland, Alesha Escobar, Tiffany Shand, C.S. Johnson, Anela Deen, Erik Kort, Devorah Fox, Stephen Wallace, Gwendolyn Woodschild, Leah W. Van Dinther, Barbara Letson, C.K. Rieke, William C. Cronk, Majanka Verstraete, Toasha Jiordano, H.M. Jones Krista Ames, A.R. Johnston
Wayward Magic Book Spotlight from Alexis Lantgen at Lunarianpress.com
R&R Book Tours hosted by Alexis Lantgen at LunarianPress.com
Saints and Curses
May 4, 2020
May the Force Be With You!
We survived April. Did it require lots of deep breathing to stop what felt like a constant panic attack? Yes. Did my sanity fracture somewhat from trying to work at home while simultaneously calming a screaming two year old? Maybe. But it’s over, and the end of the school year is in sight, which means that whatever else is going on, at least I won’t have to grade anything or teach classes over google hangouts ever again. Or at least for a couple of months.
I’ve been baking, cooking, gardening, doing yoga, taking walks while carefully social distancing, playing with my little ones—all of which is great. But the stress and anxiety is still there. I miss so many things—going to parks, museums, seeing friends, Comic Cons, the Renaissance Fair. But I’m trying to stay focused on the things I do have. And besides, this can’t go on forever—there will eventually be a vaccine and enough testing we can safely see other people again. Right?
Beltane Books is a celebration of fantasy books in Kindle Unlimited, hosted by Alexis Lantgen
Books, Books, and Books!
After finishing Lulu in Hollywood, I started reading The Regency Years by Robert Morrison, which is a fascinating look at English history from about 1810 to 1820. It’s actually a really interesting time in history, sort of a last great hurrah of sex, booze, and Lord Byron before the Victorians came in a started shutting down all the naughtiness. I’m also looking forward to reading G.M. Nair’s Duckett & Dyer: The One-Hundred Percent Solution, and Jerome K. Jerome’s Three Men in a Boat (which I’ve been curious about since Connie Willis mentions it so much in “To Say Nothing of the Dog”).
I’m also hosting a couple of online book fairs this month. Beltane Books is for fantasy books in kindle unlimited, while May Moons and Stars Books is for science fiction books on sale for less than $3.00. My books will also be in the Forgotten Magic Book Sale and the May Sci-fi Book Sale, as well as the Quarantine Sci-fi Fair for books in Kindle Unlimited.
As for writing, I’ve found it hard to do much apart from writing in a journal, which while it has been beneficial for my mental health, has not immediately paid dividends in terms of actually working on/finishing stories or other projects. Still, I hope that if I keep going eventually I get some good ideas.
Pictures of My Cats!!Because sometimes we just need to look at some cat pictures, right?
Scribbles, my cat. Unlike most cats, Scribbles is actually thrilled that we’re home right now. She’s been giving tons of cuddles ad getting lots of pets!
This is Saga, who is also gotten lots of lovey cuddles since we’ve been staying home. She loves snuggling up to me while I’m in our chair.
Such a pretty cat! Scribbles, by Alexis Lantgen at LunarianPress.com
Sapience
April 29, 2020
Queen to Ashes Book Release!
Author Mallory McCartney’s new release, the sequel to her book Heir of Lies. Check it out, and don’t forget to enter the contest to win a free, signed paperback!
“You lived your entire life feeling like half of you was missing. Fight for the missing part. Fight for this.Emory Fae has abandoned everything she thought she knew about her previous life on Earth. Stepping up to her role as Queen of Kiero she makes a startling sacrifice- feigning her allegiances to Adair Stratton, the man who murdered her parents and cast Kiero into ruin. Emory’s memories slowly piece together, and she soon realizes the Mad King may not be all he seems— and the man who was once best friend, may be fighting beneath the surface.
With the King’s attention on her, can she buy Black Dawn Rebellion enough time to recuperate their forces? And when the time comes, will she be able to kill Adair, ending his tyranny and rising herself as the rightful Queen? Fighting to hide her secret, Emory navigates the brutal trials of the Mad King, trying not to lose herself in the process.
Sequel to Heir of Lies, now a bestselling series, the sparks are ignited, as Emory learns the cost of freedom, and her heritage. Will the rebels unite in time? A sinister force has spread across the land, stripping everyone bare- their betrayals, their secrets, their intentions. But above all, what will their decisions cost? By refusing to give in to the darkness, will Emory rise as Queen?
Mallory McCartney’s Queen to Ashes
Excerpt
The darkness kissed her, embraced her. Squinting, Emory tried to make sense of where she was but was met with a black, dense wall. Sweat pooled at the base of her neck, warmth flaring through her body. Fear choked her then as she gulped down stale air. She knew she wasn’t alone because she felt them before they said anything.
“Emory, you need to wake up.” Memphis’s voice, just barely a whisper, caressed her. Right beside her left ear, another voice sounded.
“Em, wake up.” Brokk’s rough voice was harsh and clear, but she felt her body still being pulled, pulled down into the black abyss. A third voice then sounded; one she could only recognize from her dreams.
“Emory, darling, wake up.” Her mother. Her voice danced all around her, and she clawed blindly, trying to connect with her lost friends and family. Trying to find them.
Silence landed heavy, and a putrid smell enveloped her senses. It smelled of rotting meat. Bile rose in her throat as a she felt a slimy, boney hand wrap hard around her wrists, pulling her toward it. She couldn’t scream; she couldn’t move. Sweat drenched every inch of her body as the creature she couldn’t make out leaned closer, whispering right in front of her, “Emory, I have found you.”
Swiveling around, she was met with darkness until the monster pulled her closer, its breath tickling her ear.
“And you belong to me.” The knife slid in between her ribs, pain blossoming, and cackles spun around her. Then, she was dragged down into the darkness.
Screams tore from her chest as she shot up. Drenched in a cold sweat, it took her several minutes to register where she was and the guard standing at the foot of her bed, arms crossed and eyebrows raised. She screamed again, pulling her blankets around her, her nightdress clinging to her curves.
“Who gave you permission to be in here?” she demanded.
Smirking arrogantly, he said, “I did.” Blinking, she recognized the man as the same one that guarded her down in the cells. Rubbing her eyes, she tried to shake the feeling of that damp death-like hold of the creature in her dream. She pointed to the door.
“Get the hell out.” He scoffed, rolling his eyes. “It’s time to start your day. The king awaits.” Throwing a bundle at the bottom of her bed, he turned his back, briskly stating, “You have five minutes to get ready. I’ll wait outside.” Shutting the door, he left her in stark silence.
It was time. Panic clutched her heart, squeezing it, threatening to break it. She couldn’t breathe. The walls seemed stretched too thin.
She could do this—she had to do this. Emory would grant the rebels the time they needed, the time she needed. Dying wasn’t an option. Besides, she was already dead to the people who had believed in her.
Leaning forward with shaking hands, she opened the parcel. Several stacks of light black clothes spilled out, including shirts, pants, and undergarments. A blood red sash sat atop them all. Lovely. Sitting on top all of this, though, was a light, sheer, gold chest plate. Squinting, she leaned closer to inspect it. Markings she didn’t recognize adorned all the edges, and its sheerness was unearthly. She was so close, her breath was fogging it, her reflection lost. Strong leather buckles joined at the shoulders; its back plate just as impressive.
She shimmied out of bed, quickly dropping the armor. Emory went through the motions of getting dressed numbly. Braiding her long ebony hair back, she looked in the mirror behind her. She didn’t recognize the woman standing before her, the stark cheekbones, emptiness in her eyes, bruised skin underneath them. Tying her sash tightly, she set her resolve. Emory Fae of Earth was dead. Everything had led up to this moment. Her parents shaped their world, defying the paths they were told to go down: A warrior from the Shattered Isles and a Prince of Kiero were never supposed to break away and build a refuge— The Academy—for peace. In her heart, Emory knew they had made mistakes, but their life’s dream was to fight and to ensure everyone, no matter their ability, would have a place to call home. Emory loosened a breath.
She would not let her parents’ dream die. If Adair wanted a challenge, he would get one. She would make him pay. For her family. Her friends. For herself.
Author Mallory McCartney
About the Author
Mallory McCartney currently lives in Sarnia, Ontario with her husband and their three dachshunds Link, Lola, and Leonard. When she isn’t working on her next novel or reading, she can be found daydreaming about fantasy worlds and hiking. Other favorite pastimes involve reorganizing perpetually overflowing bookshelves and seeking out new coffee and dessert shops.
Find Mallory on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Goodreads! And don’t forget to sign up for the giveaway!
Organized by R&R Book Tours
SApience
April 13, 2020
Review: Lulu in Hollywood
I got the book “Lulu in Hollywood” after listening to the History Chicks podcast on Louise Brooks, an iconic movie star from the 1920s and early 1930s. Their descriptions of Louise fascinated me—her life was full of incredible highs and lows, and she observed Hollywood with a sharp eye and unusual honesty. So when at the end of the show they mentioned that Louise Brooks had written a book called “Lulu in Hollywood,” I decided to go ahead and get it. It’s apparently well-known among people who are interested inn Hollywood history or films, because Louise had such an intimate knowledge of the place, and because she herself was such an interesting character.
Louise Brook was a stunning actress and dancer who became Hollywood’s iconic flapper.
The book isn’t a traditional autobiography by any means. In fact, it includes an essay Louise wrote called “Why I Will Never Write My Memoirs.” It’s more of a collection of Louise’s writings about films and the people who made them, from Greta Garbo and Lillian Gish to W.C. Fields and the German director G. W. Pabst. Yet, Brook’s prose brings to life the people she knew and the places she visited, from their deepest, darkest flaws to their greatest triumphs. Her reverence for the great artists of her time makes the book sing with vivid memories of luminaries such as Charlie Chaplin, with whom she had a lovely three month long affair, to Martha Graham, whom she danced with in the Denishawn Dance Company. But Brooks also has a keen and unforgiving eye for weakness, and her depictions of Humphrey Bogart, William Randolph Hearst, and Marion Davies will feel honest, clear, and cold. The heart-breaking tale of Pepi Lederer, Marion Davies’ brilliant but constantly overshadowed niece is one example of Hollywood’s cruelty to those it considers “failures.” Brooks watches the destruction of many starlets and stars close up, including herself.
It’s interesting to read this book with all the modern revelations about Harvey Weinstein and other Hollywood sex abusers. Louise vividly details the sexual humiliations that she was exposed to as a star, and it’s absolutely harrowing to consider how lesser women were likely treated. She describes a frightening scene of Humphrey Bogart terrorizing her when his wife Mayo Methot couldn’t find her shoe. At other times, she describes the cruel jests and casual sexism she was subjected to by the crews she worked with, or the ugly double standards for men and women she witnessed. It’s easy to see why she fled Hollywood rather than try to stay there as an aging star.
I’d recommend this book to anyone interested in early silent movies, the 1920s, or old Hollywood. Yet, I don’t think it needs to be limited to that. Louise Brook’s sharp eye and honesty gives the book something enduring about human nature. Perhaps it has lessons about how no stars can endure living o the pedestals their fans create for them. Brook’s depictions of the intense personalities and the harrowing personal tragedies of the people who lived in the wake of Hollywood is well worth reading for anyone.
Sapience
April 1, 2020
Spring News
It’s been a tough spring. People are getting sick and dying, people have lost their jobs and are struggling, and many of us are figuring out how to homeschool our children while working from home (it’s not easy, and I actually work as a teacher!). I’m sorry for all the struggles everyone is facing, but I’m happy that so many people are coming together to help. I’m touched by the hard work and dedication of our healthcare workers, and even our grocery store workers! I’m trying to do my part by sewing homemade face masks, which I donated to my local pediatrician’s office. I found an easy YouTube tutorial that you can find here (I tried some other tutorials as well, but I felt that this one was the best). They’re easy to make with scrap material, so I used the leftovers from the crib sheets I made before my daughter was born (I figured they’d work really well for a pediatrician).
Fabric Face Masks made by Alexis Lantgen from Lunarian Press
Keeping in Touch
I know it’s hard when you can’t really leave the house much, but it’s important to keep in touch with people. I’ve met with online with my writing group these last couple of weeks, and I hope we continue to see each other, even if it’s in google hangouts or facebook video calls. I’ve been talking to my fellow teachers that way too, and it’s nice. Several of my talented artist friends have also live streamed concerts or poetry readings, which has been great as well.
Book NewsI’m hosting a few book fairs in Story Origin this month, including Spring Spec Fic: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and other Speculative Fiction for books in Kindle Unlimited and the Spring Sci-Fi and Fantasy Book Sale, for books under $3.00. My books are also in the Space Opera and Fantasy Adventures Sale and April is for Unicorns (and other fantasy creatures) Kindle Unlimited Fair.
Find my books Sapience and Saints and Curses in the Spring Sci-Fi and Fantasy Book Sale! Created by Writer Alexis Lantgen at Lunarian Press
Will it all be okay?
I’d like to conclude this post by writing about how everything is going to be okay. But I can’t write that, because it’s not honest. I don’t know how this will turn out, though I’m hoping for the best—we contain the virus until there’s a good treatment , a vaccine, or both, and everything goes back to the way it was. I don’t know if that will happen. But I do know that while everything can be scary and overwhelming and difficult, it will be a thousand times better if we’re good to one another. So be kind! Call your friends and family, or skype/google hangout/facebook message, what have you. Hug your children and tell them how much you love them. Try to do good by other people. And try to stay home, stay safe, and stay healthy!
Also, here’s a hedgehog:
Saints and Curses
March 25, 2020
That Night by Azaaa Davis
Book Three of the Nadira Holden Demon Hunter novels is about to be released in April, and the author is hosting a giveaway to celebrate. Check out That Night by Azaaa Davis!
Publication Date: April 23rd 2019
Genre: New Adult Fantasy/ Urban Fantasy/ Paranormal
All Nadira Holden wants is to preserve the last of her soul and create a new life free of magic, demons, and war.
Her involuntary bond with a succubus makes her desires impossible. The threat of this disgruntled demon possessing her urges Nadira to find the succubus’s missing body.
Nadira’s only hope of avoiding demonic possession lies with Derek, the only demon she can tolerate without slaying. Except, his hands are full trying to secure his recently-inherited title of prince. Desperate, Nadira agrees to help Derek secure his title by experimenting with the deadly magic they once generated in exchange for his aid in her investigation.
To untangle herself from the evil that surrounds her, Nadira must be willing to betray her friends and get cozy with her enemies. She may even have to do the unthinkable: break the peace treaty that allows demons and humans to coexist. If she can’t toss aside her scruples, Nadira may not make it out of this ordeal with her soul intact.
Find That Night on Amazon and Goodreads!
That Night by Azaaa Davis (A Nadira Holden Novel), giveaway hosted by Alexis Lantgen at Lunarian Press
About the Author
Azaaa Davis is an American author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance novels.
She fell in love with reading as a high school freshman and continues to read, write, and draw today. Her background in social work helps her portray realistic characters in otherworldly–and sometimes terrifying–situations. A New York native, Azaaa currently lives in New Hampshire (USA) with her husband and daughters.
She debuted with This Time, A Nadira Holden Novel, in 2018 about demon hunters, family ties and the magic of love. Azaaa is working diligently to finish writing more fantasy novels while raising her daughters. Thank you for showing an interest in her stories!
Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Author Azaaa Davis
Find Azaaa Davis on Goodreads, Twitter, and Facebook!
This Time by Azaaa Davis, Book 1 of the Nadira Holden Novels
About This Time, Book 1 of the Nadira Holden Novels
Resurrected into present-day New York, Nadira Holden is asked to save the world ... again.
Nadira achieved legendary status when she gave her life to protect humans from the demons. To her, it was yesterday. To the rest of the world, it was twenty years ago.
People have made peace with the demons, worshipping them like celebrities. No one wants to believe that the beautiful creatures who brought magic to humans could be causing the disappearance of so many. When Nadira's father goes missing, she refuses to play nice. Gloves off. She has to do what she does best. Fight.
Experience why not even death can stop her.
Nadira Holden, Demon Hunter is a fresh urban fantasy series from Azaaa Davis that combines monster-slaying action, family drama, and simmering romance.
Fans of Vampire Hunter Anita Blake, Succubus Georgina Kincaid, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, and Vampire Death Dealer Selene are enthralled and eagerly awaiting the next Nadira Holden novel.
Find This Time on Goodreads and Amazon!
Saints and Curses
