Rachel Carrington's Blog, page 50

Researching Prisons…The Joys of Research

For my latest book that I just finished, Now You See Me, which is a suspense/thriller, the heroine is tormented by a serial killer who is on death row. In order to make the book as realistic as possible, I had to do a lot of research. Now, I'm a big documentary buff so I made good use of my trusty Netflix account and saw some disturbing stuff. But nothing really prepared me for disturbed like this link to Prison Weirdness. Warning! Do not click on the link if you are easily offended.

Here are a couple that stood out to me:

Good Diet Goes a Long Way

A Texas prisoner loses 30 lbs. and flees through a vent.

Crook Prefers Jail to Wife

Rather than serve a second year of his sentence under house arrest, an Italian convict has asked to return to jail, complaining that his wife is a nag.

Two quick cleaning tips that really work!

[image error]I'm in the class of people who abhor cleaning. I like a clean house; I just don't want to be the one to have to clean it. So I'm always looking for inventive ways to get the work done in the shortest amount of time possible. Here are two tips that have worked for me.

Want a challenging and fun way to clean your house and get the exercise you need? Set a goal to clean during the commercial breaks of your favorite television show. You'll be surprised at how fast you work, and those short bursts of energy can actually improve your health and keep your stress under control.

Think you don't have enough time to clean a room in your house? Set an egg-timer for ten minutes and get busy. You'll be surprised at how much faster you work and how much more you get done when the clock is ticking.

Movie Review: Beautiful Boy

Starring Michael Sheen and Maria Bello, Beautiful Boy is an intense look at the family left behind when the son is the murderer.

Kate (Maria Bellow) and Bill (Michael Sheen) are close to separating when they get the news that their son, Sam, has taken the lives of approximately seventeen of his college classmates as well as his own life. Left to deal with the devastation and confront their own guilt, Kate and Bill take a journey that will change both of them forever.

First, let me just say that I'm usually not a fan of these types of movies because of the tearjerker factor, but I'm glad I saw this one. The performances are nothing short of phenomenal. Sheen, especially, does a wonderful job of holding his pain in until the bitter end. And when he releases it, it's truly heartbreaking.

Maria Bello really epitomizes the role of a grief-stricken mother. She goes through life woodenly for a few days, trying hard not to believe her son is really dead, that he's really committed these heinous crimes. She's a perfect combination of  frozen disbelief and eggshell fragile. And the argument she has with Sheen toward the end of the movie is so powerful you can literally feel the emotions leaping off the screen.

Those were two of the main things I liked about this movie. There were two things, though, I didn't like.

First, the brief glimpse of nudity which was nothing more than gratuitous. There was absolutely no reason to show a shot of Maria Bello's breasts in that one scene. It didn't add to the scene and removing the shot wouldn't have detracted from it, either. So that was a definite negative for me.

And second, Meatloaf as the hotel manager. I'm not a big fan of the man's acting anyway, but this particular part didn't require much acting. There was no emoting, and Meatloaf seemed like he didn't care one way or another what happened to the couple.

But overall, this was a really good movie, and I would definitely recommend it if you're in for one that will really draw you in.

You can find out more about the movie here:  http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1533013.

What's with all the fainting?

There seems to be a lot of fainting going on at American Idol this year. Is the season tougher than normal? Some of the contestants too young to take the pressure? Should there be a little more leeway for the group sessions? Personally, I think groups should be allowed more than just one evening to get their stuff together.

I think I've seen more contestants throw up, faint, and fall this season than all the other ten seasons combined. I guess I'm just wondering what's the purpose of showing all of that, especially when those contestants ended up going home anyway. Maybe AI needs to think about not sensationalizing sickness and just focus on the talent. I'll bet they could whittle those two hours down to one during Hollywood week if they left out a lot of the extraneous stuff. Just sayin'. I still love American Idol no matter how hard I try not to!

Welcome Kali Willows

Let's get to know Kali Willows!

Kali Willows is a family focused, professional, and fun loving person who has discovered the magical world of creative writing. She creates and

weaves emotional, compelling worlds, plots and characters you can't help but love, hate and cheer for.

Now, a multi-published author, Kali loves the wee hours of the night when the house is quiet and she can type away to her heart's desire, sitting

beside the fire with a cup of tea and soft relaxation music. Writing short stories and poems since her preteens, she has delved into the powerful

genres of paranormal, fantasy, erotica, romance, suspense, intrigue and more, constructing delectable new worlds for her readers to explore and

indulge in, along with all-consuming passion on her pages of delight with most of her stories having a HEA !

Q: What made you want to become a writer?

A: As fate would have it, the montage of characters, storylines and plots that kept flooding my head, desperately required a suitable outlet…

At first, it didn't seem unusual, maybe the average imagination, turned daydreaming, but gradually, it became more specific, profound, like a

movie playing in my mind. The characters, conflicts and adventures were moving and almost surreal. (No-I don't believe I was hallucinating or

delusional, in a clinically insane capacity, but maybe borderline lol.)

One day, my sister shared that she had begun to write romance stories, after years of reading them, and like the proverbial lightbulb, something

just clicked- I wrote out one scene that was stuck in my head and it flowed, and then the next, and it never shut off.

Q: What drives you as a writer?

A: The initial drive, is to get the details out on paper, or, in my case, screen/hard drive. I can't tell you how many partials, segments and quotes

from my characters I have tabbed up on file, but THERE'S ALOT! Then, it morph's into an obession with weaving together the unfinished pieces and making sure the story fits with my muse's inspirations. Once a story, a character and a plot come to life, it drives me to get it done. The more I

write, the more I need to write. What drives me even further, is the goal of creating stories that readers enjoy, experience and never forget.

When readers/reviewers give feedback of what they liked and/or didn't like, it motivates me to give them more, and to perfect anything that

leaves them wanting. One factor I love to add to my writing is inspired by something Dolly Parton said in Steel Magnolias; "Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion." I am driven to infuse drama and humor for the ultimate reading experience.

When self-editing, I read through, and if it doesn't match the movie in my head, the story isn't right yet, and back to work I go, driven yet again.

Creating exciting new worlds, awestruck moments, and pivital, poignant characters is my ambition.

Q: If you could meet every one of your readers face to face, what would you say to them?

A: Every one of my readers? (That would be awesome!) I would say, first of all, thank you for your support. Inspirations for writing come from often unexpected sources. When you, (my readers), want more of something, I work hard to make sure you get it! If a particualr genre or story has caught your interest and you want more, be sure to let me know, something unexpected just might inspire a best seller!

Readers make the author, the author makes the story, and stories make the entertainment experience. We are interchangeable, so you, my readers, are in fact, my inspiration to be the best possible author I can be.

I must also say, editors, publishers and cover artists put just as much into making a book a work of art as the writer does. They are often the

anonymous ones who sit at the sidelines cheering and applauding, while the author gets the cudos for great entertainment. Without these integral, gifted people as a part of my writing, my books wouldn't be what they are today! Thank you to each person who has helped make my books the best they can be. You know who you are!  :-)

I hope you enjoy my stories, and I would love your feedback when you've read something you enjoyed! Every author gets even more motivated by reader feedback and reviews (when it's constructive.) We need to know when we are doing something right, and doing it well to keep on track, so keep them coming!

Q:  As a reader, what is your favorite type of story?

A: The kind that haunts me, whether during a long read, at intervols, or evena short, an intense read that the words literally come to life and become ingrained in your brain. I LOVE paranormals, of almost every kind, romance, fantasy, contemporary, suspense, and more. I enjoy stories that are well written, flowing and thought provoking. If it makes me think and ponder the outcome, anticipate and become the Shelock Holmes of readers, it's a 5-star book in my opinion.

Q:  If any one of your books could be turned into movies, which would it be, and who would you chose to play the main characters?

A:

Now you've stumped me! An aligning goal in my writing is to see some of my stories be brought to screen. My first published book: Wounded Spirits, was inspired by a compilation of children, youth and families I have worked with over the years (20 +, but I'm not admitting my age!),

afflcited with FASD – (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder).

The reason I hoped to bring this to film, was to bring an awareness of an invisible, and completely preventable disease that impacts a child's

development and functioning for life, and the lives of those caring for the child. Who to play? Julia Roberts, or even Sandra Bullock as Jenna!

Steve and Megan, I'm not sure!

However, I am even more moved by paranormal/fantasy Trilogy I wrote: "Triple Water Goddess Trilogy." I hope it will become a rockin' saga in

theatres…alas, it is in need of a complete re-write! Who to play Rhianna? Hmmmm…. a fiery redhead, curvy with an attitude… can't be me,

If it were to be a YA story, I might gravitate towards Emma Stone, but I love Drew Barrymore and so many others, casting would not be my strong point! Cheveyo, was originally written for actor Billy Wirth, but if it were to become a YA book, It would without a doubt, have to be Taylor Lautner (Yes, I've been team Jacob all the way) , sssshhhh don't tell my husband

BUT… If I had to select one for now: I would really push my luck by proposing a different idea! The incredible, hot, sensual series I was

fortunate enough to be welcomed into writing with Decadent Publishing, along with a multitude of exceptional authors, is a new series, 1NS – the

1Night Stand Series. I have just contracted my 5th story in the 1NS series.

Compiled of close to 100 shorts, all able to be stand alone titles, ranging from 7k-12k stories, with a common denominator: The services of

1NS- brought to you by the ellusive and mystical match-maker, Madame Evangeline: never to be seen, only communicated with via email…(kind of a internet, dating version of Charlie's Angels.)

This series has every genre and sub-genre imaginable, with compelling, amazing stories with the HEA or HFN endings that drive readers' thirst for

more in the series. What can I envision you ask? … Picture the Tales From The Crypt Series… without the horror per say, but brought to life

on screen (likely cable, due to adult content 18+)

If it were foreseeable, I would love to have these shorts brought to screen as episodes for 1NS, wouldn't that be a phenominal show? Wait for

it… I hear… an agent? Contacting DP as I type the words? (If so, you read it here, first, so don't forget me

This way, we could indulge in a plethora of extraordinary actors/actresses to fill every story with a little something for everyone! (Yes, I am a

pleaser.)

Thank you so much for having me on your blog Rachel, your questions were thought provoking, so now, I'm off to start on my screen plays!  :-)

Happy Readding!!!

Kali

Ambrosia Thatcher is a woman with little time and a single wish; to experience passion once more. She's been given a death sentence. Seeking answers to her unbearable paralysis at three thirty three, every single morning, the enlightenment she is offered holds no solace, not from the ramblings of a crazy old gypsy. The services of 1NS is the only prescription to cure her longing for passion, but will she survive long enough to see it through?

Desmond Jacobs is an immortal haunted by the very woman he cannot find. The prospect of eternal seclusion without her has no appeal, so he has a plan. With the aid of his creator, he will to go to sleep, and never wake

up again. Despite his determination, he agrees to one last request from his friend; seek the services of 1NS to find another. Which will overpower him first; his hunger for sexual healing or his thirst for blood?

For more about Kali and her book's, visit:

www.kaliwillows.com

www.kaliwillows.com/blog/

www.decadentpublishing.com

American Idol Addiction

Each year I tell myself I'm not going to watch next year, and each year I find myself watching it yet again. What is it about this show that keeps me watching? Is it Steven Tyler's wisecracks? Randy Jackson's laid back nature? Jennifer Lopez's kindness? I'm not quite sure, but I've already plugged it into my DVR. No predictions yet, but there is some wonderful talent this year, and some that made me wonder if the judges were hearing the same thing I was hearing.  :-D

Welcoming Stephanie Beck

For the first time ever, I'm opening my blog up to fellow authors, and my first guest is Stephanie Beck. Even before she understood what all the thrusting meant, Stephanie loved reading romance. When the stories didn't end the way she wanted, writing her own was the perfect solution. From ridiculous humor to erotica, Stephanie loves being transported within a story. When she's not elbow deep in words, her husband and two daughters command her attention. After they are sleeping, she knits or bakes cookies…or squeezes in more writing. You can visit Stephanie on her website at http://www.stephaniebeck.net.

Now for the questions:

1. What made you want to become a writer?

I've been writing for years. It started when I started reading romance and adult fiction. The stories didn't end how I wanted them to, so I started writing my own stories. I love 'meeting' new characters and building new worlds.

2. What drives you as a writer?

I love building a story that makes me smile. I only write stories, situations and characters that interest me. My overactive imagination demands satisfaction and writing is one of my very favorite outlets.

3. If you could meet every one of your readers face to face, what would you say to them?

I've met several of my readers and the first thing I say is 'thank you'. Not only do I write, I read, so I know that choosing to read a book is a time and energy commitment. That my readers wait for my stories to come out, that they jump online the second they are available and send me a note about how much they love them or what they hope happens next makes my world brighter.

4. As a reader, what is your favorite type of story?

I have to say paranormal romance. I am a werewolf kind of girl, but I love quirkiness in my paranormal romance. Quirkiness, affection and love–my favorites when it comes to any romance story.

5. If any one of your books could be turned into movies, which would it be, and who would you chose to play the main characters?

I would love to see Poppy's Passions as a movie. The brothers have such fantastic personalities that I'd adore seeing them played out in real life. I'm not great with moviestar names, but Ryan Renalds would totally make it for one of the brothers and I love Amy Adams. She'd be a fun Poppy.

An entanglement with a werewolf brings unexpected turns.






Scott, a lone werewolf expelled from his pack, bends over backward to give his kids everything he can – including knitting lessons for his daughter. Learning to knit becomes much more appealing with Lucy Jamieson as the teacher. His heightened senses tell him the compassionate and beautiful human might be what he and his little band need, yet getting involved with Lucy means exposing her to his paranormal reality.
Although Lucy's childhood skewed her expectations of family, she recognizes and respects Scott's desire to protect and provide for his kids. When Scott is hit by a truck, Lucy offers to help with the kids–and gets more than she bargained for after learning Scott's true nature…

You can buy your copy of Unraveling Midnight now at www.decadentpublishing.com.

So far so good

On December 31st, I vowed to write every night no matter what and no matter how many words. We're three weeks into the new year, and I've kept my promise to myself. That's not to say that I haven't jumped from book to book when I got bogged down in a certain scene. Right now, I'm working on three books. I get stuck and move on to another book until my head clears and the plot becomes more visible to me again. It's a weird process, but it seems to work…I think.

One of my other goals is to blog more, Tweet more, and support other authors more. Hmmm. Okay, I've been Tweeting sporadically, but a quick check of my blog will tell you I haven't done so well with it yet. This is only my second post. But I'm determined. We'll see how well it goes.

Off to write…

Things I'm looking forward to this year

Most of us create our resolutions for the year or goals, things we intend to accomplish, but what about things you're looking forward to? Are there any events or happenings that you just counting the minutes until? For me, the list is long, but here are a top few events:

Buying a house

Visiting Spain

My nephew's first birthday

Writing more books

A short vacation in less than a week!

Buying more clothes for the trips!

Meeting an online friend for the first time

Becoming more fluent in Spanish

Those are just the big ones! This year has potential written all over it!

Merry Christmas!

Since Christmas Eve begins the busiest time of the season for me, I wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas tonight! I hope your days are filled with joy, love, and peace! And may 2012 be your best year ever!