Chynna T. Laird's Blog, page 22

Writing Sample Wednesday: A Snippet From a Work-In-Progress (Passing Loop)

A passing loop (UK usage) or passing siding (North America) is a place on a single line railway or tramway, often located at a station, where trains or trams travelling in opposite directions can pass each other. Trains/trams going in the same direction can also overtake, providing that the signalling arrangement allows it.

This definition is the base of one of my newest Works-In-Progress titled, 'Passing Loop'. 

It's a contemporary, coming-of-age book including three very differ...

Music Mantra Monday - Getting Through Tough Times with The Beatles (Let It Be)

Hi everyone. Yes, it has been a while since I have sat down to fulfill my blogging regimen.

We have been experiencing a tremendous amount of loss, on many levels, since the beginning of September and it got to the point where I needed to give something up in order to deal with the other 'stuff' floating around me. Unfortunately, that had to be my writing.

Throughout my life, I have turned to two powerful things to pull me through the worst of times: my writing and music. This time, these forces...

Music Mantra: Van Morrison's Brown eyed Girl

Sorry that our Music Mantra is on a Monday but we've had alot going on around here and I've been having a few technical difficulties.

Yay, technology.

For this week's Music Mantra, we've handed it over to Jaimie, as she does such a great job. She has chosen to review Van Morrison's Brown Eyed Girl, which I love. It reminds me so much of my close friend, Colleen.

Please enjoy and feel free to leave your comments. We love comments.

Happy Listening!
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“Nos·tal·gia- a sentimental longing o...

Music Mantra Monday ~ A Tribute to Nirvana

Almost 26 years ago, the grunge scene was greeted with the iconic album, Nevermind from Nirvana. It is considered one of the most prosperous albums of all time and was band members Kurt, Krist, and Dave’s ultimate rise to fame.

Years later, the now disbanded group continues to have a huge influence on people across the globe. Sadly, frontman Kurt Cobain, who committed suicide in 1994, is not around to witness his legacy. Nirvana has to be one of my all-time favourite bands. One of their LPs ar...

A review of Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane

Today is usually our Mama's Muse day but we haven't been able to get on the blog as often, which we'll write about next week. But today we're going to feature our expert reviewer, Jaimie. 
She's done a stellar job with this one. Shutter Island was a novel I thoroughly enjoyed and, from Jaimie's review, she liked it too. I hope, as always, that you enjoy her insight and thoughts about this psychological thriller.
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All I can say to start this off is- damn. The average psycholo...

Bliss in the morning dew: A review of Lauren Myracle’s Bliss

Welcome to our Tuesday segment where we talk about important subjects that need more attention. We have also included book reviews by my daughter, Jaimie.

Today, we are posting her excellent review of Bliss by Lauren Myracle. This is a fantastic example of a young adult paranormal mystery and Jaimie has done yet another fantastic job of summarizing the story in a way that does not spoil the ending, as well has sharing her insight.

Please enjoy today's review and we'll see you again tomorrow.

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Talk About It: For all werewolf fans alike: A review of Maggie Stiefvater’s Shiver

Welcome to our Talk About It Tuesday.

Today, Jaimie is doing her third review for us for the book, 'Shiver'. This looks like a great one, and I wished I'd read it first, but after her review I will finish it.

Enjoy her review and be sure to read the book. It's a good one!

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Forget about vampires and the typical take on werewolves. Shiver features an original spin on the beloved shape-shifters and a bonus likeable female lead. As someone who read a certain popular series about a love story...

Monday Music Mantra: Somebody to die for

Welcome to today's Music Mantra.

Well, you all know that I am a huge Walking Dead fan but someone very close to me posted this to my FaceBook page for three reasons: BECAUSE I am a huge fan of Daryl's, because I understand the hidden meaning in the song and...well..this song is just beautiful.

I won't make this post very long today, but please always remember those that you would die and live for.

Those close to you now.
Family.
Your closest friends.
Those who have meant so much to you and done thi...

Wednesday Writing Sample: Jaimie's Review of Newes From The Dead

Okay, we will be switching this to our regular Tuesday thing but, as you can see, kids and summer have knocked us off our schedule a bit. Oy...

So, my beautiful daughter has her second book review in the works here. Today she is reviewing Newes from the Dead by Mary Hooper. This is a book I was given a couple of years ago (so...sorry...) and she took on with her hungry and fierce love of writing and reading (wonder where she gets that from...hehehe).

Check out the book, enjoy the review an...

Wednesday Writing Sample: Dark Water

Welcome to our writing sample day!

I know that I've shared this in the past, but I am excited that I have re-newed all my books with CleanReads publishers and am celebrating.

Join us.

Stephanie and her fantastic staff gave me a shot when no one else did so I am celebrating. YAY!

Enjoy because the sequel will be out soon. <3

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September  2009 

Jagged  streaks  of  lightning  zigzag  across  the  midnight  sky.  He&n...