Gwendolyn Cease's Blog, page 17

Southern Etiquette for Difficult Situations Episode 2

Gwen and Max
Hello!! Welcome once again to Southern Etiquette for Difficult Situations. This is where you learn that there's a right way, a wrong way, and a Southern way to get out of any situation you might find yourself in.

This situation was brought up by my friend Bronwyn and, I'm sure as the holidays approach, you're going to find yourself in similar straits. 



Now, let's discuss what not to do:



Here's the Southern way to handle this situation:


If you all have any situations you think need a Southern solution, let me know! I'd be happy to give you all kinds of advice. I'm really good a bossing people.

Until next time! Stay Southern -- GC

Random Wednesday Blog: I Have Mad Skills . . . Mad, Crazy, Scary Skills

Huh, mad skills? I so wish I could tell you all that I'm like a secret ninja. Leaping out of the darkness to wreak vengeance on evil-doers . . . or whatever. But yeah, that's not me.



I do have loads of pics of hot men. Is that a mad skill??



Okay, let's just say I may have some skills, but they're so not very mad, bad, or dangerous. I can knit . . . fairly well. But I will admit that the project I'm currently working on I've already ripped out and started over on it. AND, I've made this particular item twice before. AND I just realized that I screwed up the pattern both times. LOL So yeah I'm okay at knitting.

Huh, I also make jewelry, but I wouldn't say I'm awesome at it. I think my pieces look good, but you wouldn't find them in a boutique. So, no, no mad jewelry making skills.

I'm Southern and if you consider that a mad skill well then scooter I am all over that. I can bless your heart, say, "I swanee I haven't seen you in a coon's age." Then make you some incredible sweet tea all while being semi-polite. 



I do consider my writing a type of mad skill, but I think my agility to procrastinate is even more ah-mazing! Jeez Louise, I can find ten other things I should do other than the job I NEED to do, like write. Then by the time I do all those things, fiddle around, knit, stare at the TV and talk to my sister it's time to go to bed since the day's over. Yep, procrastinators you've found your Empress. 

I have a really good sense of direction, so maybe that's my mad skill. I rarely if never get lost and if I've been someplace once then I can usually find it again. Bam! It's like magic!! 

Yeah, maybe you should go check out the other Blogger Girlz and see what kind of game they have. If I figure out my official mad skill I'll give you a holler and let you know. 

Bronwyn
Jessica
Kris

See you all next week!! --GC

Random Wednesday Blog: Favorite Things - Actors and Actresses

Hey! Welcome back to the randomness that is Wednesday or, as we refer to it around these parts, Gwensday. Today we are all talking about our favorite actors and actresses. Oh, but before I jump in let's get in male hotness



I know I've mentioned before that I don't watch much TV. I have a few shows that I won't miss, but beyond that I'm just not interested. So my list of favs is fairly short and in no particular order.

1. Viggo Mortenson - yeah if you know me well you had to have seen this coming. I love him! I think he is way hot and way talented.
2. Tom Mison - I love the show Sleepy Hollow. The character of Ichabod Crane is such a great one and Mison plays him so well. Also, the man is way easy on the eyes.
3. Lauren Bacall - this woman has it all. She's sexy, talented, sexy,and was married to Bogart. Oh and did I mention she's sexy???
4. Mark Harmon - (sigh) I've been watching NCIS since the beginning and mostly because of Mark Harmon's character Gibbs.
5. Tom Hiddleston - I fell in love with Loki because of who played him. Loki isn't a likable character by any stretch of the imagination, but there's just something about the way Tom H plays him that makes you love the trickster god.
6. Katherine Hepburn - the woman is so talented and, I think, beautiful, but not in the classical sense. She was an amazing talent and so ahead of her time in her attitude.
And that's my very small list of my fav actors and actresses. If you'd like, tell me who your favorites are. I'd love to compare notes. Also, run over to the other Blogger Girlz blogs and see who they love. I can already tell you Jarman has put Merlin and Arthur on her list. LOL!

Bronwyn
Jessica
Kris
Kellie

See you next week! --GC

Random Wednesday: Best Halloween Memories . . . or Let the Spooky Times Roll!!

Hello! Welcome to Random Wednesday Spooky Halloween edition. Today we're talking about our favorite Halloween memories or traditions. But before we do, let me give you some hot guyness, man I got some shit last week for not including one.



And . . . yeah, wow, okay. So memories of Halloween. When I was a kid my all time favorite costume was Bella LaGhostly of the Groovy Ghoulies (70s kids Saturday morning cartoon). I wore it a couple of years in a row


Bella LaGhostly
My sister had a black cat costume she wore for umpteen years. It wasn't the cheap plastic pants she cared about, but the mask. The mask was totally awesome as was my Bella mask. 
Anyway, the neighborhood we lived in was built right after WWII and was fairly self-contained. It seemed like my Mom and aunt knew everyone. So when we went around on Halloween night we didn't get crappy drug store candy, but homemade candy and cookies, and cupcakes. Some of the houses had parties going on so when you got there you went in and they gave you punch and cookies and still gave you candy in the sack. I remember one lady made the best caramel apples. Yum! 
Then it all stopped when some asshole somewhere put a razor blade in an apple. No more homemade anything. :-( Then it was the nasty peanut butter candies wrapped in the orange and black paper. Bleck! I think I only went out another year or so then my sister and I decided to stay home and hand out candy.
We decorated the living room all scary and I dressed as a witch (very appropriate) and my sister wore her black cat costume. We had black lights and scary music going. We were having a ball. Our cousins came to the door and we were handing them candy, laughing and talking. I remember one of them, getting huge eyes and starting to scream and point. I turned around and out of the darkness lurches this huge, headless figure.
OMG! I think all of us about shit. There was running and screaming and flailing around like muppets.  
It turns out my dad had created this rig he put on his shoulders and then draped his huge black coat over it. I thought he and my mom were going to bust a gut laughing once all of the kids calmed down and quit running for the next state. I'd love to say he didn't fool me, but I was running and flailing with the rest of them.
So there you have it. My very favorite Halloween memories. Go check out the other Blogger Girlz and see what's up with them and share you memories down in the comments. I'd love to read them.
BronwynJessicaKris
See you next week! --GC

The Current Insanity of Blogger vs. Author . . . or What the fuck? Grow up and Grow a Pair!

I've been a silent observer over the last couple weeks of the whole Kathleen Hale insanity. Now an author named Deborah Smith has jumped into the fray. I also read a post about another author, male this time, who stalked and physically assaulted a woman who reviewed his book. All I can say about all this is What the Fuck????  Have you all lost your freaking minds?? I can't even roll out any southern "Bless Your Hearts" because you're all too fucking out of it for that. 

So, let me see if I have the story straight. A publisher (whoever) sends an author's book to be reviewed. Bloggers willingly accept the book with the knowledge that they are going to give an HONEST review of the book. The review will be posted hither and yon and tons of people will see the review. From what I can gather, no money exchanges hands, no guarantees are given that the blogger will like the book. The whole idea is that the book gets out to the public.

For those of you confused about why this situation is a positive for an author, let me spell it out for you. The posting of the review is what is called free publicity for the author. FREE publicity is a good thing.Authors like FREE publicity because that gets our name and book titles out to the public . . . for FREE!

No where in any of this exchange is an author guaranteed anything but a review. From where I sit, Kathleen Hale received a review as did the male author. They weren't promised a good review, but an HONEST review. This is where the problem lies and where the confusion has obviously set in.

I have been a published author for over 10 years. I've got a bunch of books out and I appreciate every single person who takes an interest in my books. If you are an author who has yet to be published or is being published for the first time let me give you some awesome advice. Stick with me this might hurt, but I swear once you read this you will not become crazy stalker chick.

1. A book is just a book. Even if you write it. Once you finish it, it's over. As Elsa says in Frozen "Let It Go!" You finished it, it's finished, there's nothing you can do about it.

2. If your mom and dad, grandma, grandpa, aunt, uncle tell you what an amazing writer you are that's so wonderful. But they're not good judges. They love you and want to encourage you. You need to hook up with REAL authors and editors who will help you grow in your craft. If you cannot stand criticism and will not take criticism STOP NOW! You are not ready to be a real author. Real authors accept criticism and grow from it. 

3. When you see a review of your book remember it's just someone's opinion of your book. They are not judging you. They are talking about the book. It is their OPINION and everyone has a right to theirs. 

4. No one has positive book reviews all the time. Everyone, even Nora Roberts, has been dinged by someone. Shrug it off and move on. Or better yet, don't go looking for a review. If you do see a review and it hurts your feelings, you're allowed to get a bit mad. BUT and this is a big BUT once you see it remember Elsa and "LET IT GO." 

5. If you decide you want to talk to the person who reviewed your book to explain or complain or whatever. DON'T!!!  This is not healthy behavior. Remember, it's a book. Believe me, in about two or so years you may reread what you consider a masterpiece and cringe because it's so horrible. If that happens, pat yourself on the back, because you're probably a better author. 

Was Kathleen Hale wrong for stalking the blogger who reviewed her book. Hell yes!!!  It was wrong. No normal person does something like that. I was diagnosed with clinical depression many years ago and take meds each day. If what Hale did sounds crazy to me, then it's crazy, take my word for it. Let's not even get into the male author who stalked and physically attacked the female blogger who reviewed his book. That is total what the fuckery. 

If you're an author and think what Hale and the other dude did is an okay thing, I'm going going to tell you now YOU'RE WRONG! Bloggers are out there to help authors. They don't get paid, they do what they do because they love books. If you can't stand to have your tiny feelings hurt then my advice to you is go away. Do not attempt to be a published author. Go sit in your room and write stories to share with your family who will love them. But if you long to have the world read your stories grow a pair, accept criticism, and be thankful you can get anyone to read your books. If someone buys your books, even better!!

--GC

Interview with Christine Allen-Riley author of EVENTIDE!!

First of all, I'm going to say upfront that I loved this book!!! It was amazing and if you haven't read it you need to. So go out and get it right now. No, wait, not right now. Read the interview with Chris first then go out and read it. 


Chris and a sweet friend

Q: Where did you get the idea for Eventide?CAR: Well, I've always loved the fairy tale, Tam Lin, and a portion of Eventide's plot is very loosely based on that. Basically, rescuing someone from the faeries. 
Q: How much research did you have to do for it?CAR: Not a ton...I did do some research into Native American tales particularly Ojibwe, and honestly, I'm a giant nerd, so most of the Celtic faery lore, I already knew. 
Q: How many books are you planning for the series?CAR: At this point, unless something goes terribly awry, there will be three. 
Q: What else are you working on?CAR: Well, I'm working on the next Iron Falls books and also another YA series. And I'm also working on some stand alone romances. 
Q: You’ve been writing adult romance so why YA?CAR: It's my favorite thing to read, and this story just wouldn't leave me alone.
Q: When you’re not writing what do you like to do?CAR: I like to do ALL THE THINGS! Okay, that's a lie - I love to spend time with my family and friends, knit, cross stitch, sew, read (of course), work with clay, spend time by Lakes Michigan and Superior, binge watch Netflix, and one of my favorite things to do is sleep.
Q: How long have you been writing?CAR: It seems like forever, but I was first published in 2007. 
Q: What made you decide to make writing a career?CAR: There's the obvious aspect of loving writing. And there's the less obvious part of being an introvert. I genuinely like people, I even like being around them - like at conferences or retreats. But to work with people day in and day out exhausts me emotionally.  I'm just not equipped for that kind of intensity - lol!
Q: If you weren’t a writer, what would your career be?CAR: I'd probably go back to what I was doing before - which is child care. I know that sounds like I'm contradicting myself, but I really love kids of all ages. Kids have a completely different energy and there's none of that passive/aggressive backstabbing bullshit that you get with adults. 
I want to thank Christine Allen-Riley for stopping by. Like I've said, if you haven't read her book Eventide you are missing out.
The driver in a tragic car accident that killed her best friend, Devon Greer is consumed by guilt. When powerful hallucinations convince her that she’s seeing Rachael everywhere, Devon thinks she’s going crazy. But her friend isn’t truly gone.

To save Rachael from the faeries who stole her, Devon must pit herself against the Court of the Sidhe. Once she witnesses the true form of the fey, Devon’s life is in danger—and so are the lives of everyone she loves.

Now, Devon must not only protect herself, but also Jonah Seafort, Rachael’s cousin and the only person Devon can trust to help her. While the Sidhe walk among them, no one is safe…
Buy Links:Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Kobo Books
Here's where you can fine her!!  Website│Goodreads│Twitter│Facebook


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Random Wednesday: Do You Believe In Ghosts? or . . . If You See A Ghost, Don't Call Me Call the GhostBusters

Hello! And welcome to the Randomness that is the Wednesday Blog. As we close in on Halloween our topic today is all about ghosts. Bwahahahahaha!!! 


So if you have any ghosts, you need to call the above guysbecause I don't handle that kind of crap. 
First off, I do believe in ghosts. I can't say I've had tons of encounters or anything. But I have had some odd things happen that affirmed to me that they exist.

So, my Mom had a massive stroke and lived for a week. It was utterly miserable and I was so stressed out as my sister and I tried to make decisions for her. Not something I would ever wish on my worst enemy. Anyway, after she passed of course my sister and I did the "What If" dance. You know the one. What if we would have done this or that. Totally worthless, but that's how we roll. 

It was probably . . . a month after she died and I was in bed, middle of the night, on my side kind of drifting. But a noise made me open my eyes and my mom is squatting by my bed. Now, she hadn't been able to squat in forever, because before the stroke, she was on a walker due to injuries from osteoporosis. So there she is squatting by my bed and I know I should be freaking out, but I don't. Because it's my mom and I missed her so much (still do). 

She tells me that my sister and I did the right thing and she's fine. She wants me to knock off the worrying. She calls me "love" like she always did and she smiled. She looked so good, young and just amazing. A second later, I blink and she's gone. This is the part that I roll over, sit up and freak out for about five seconds. 

Then, I realize, the guilt and stress I carried is gone. I felt so much better. She's been gone a little over 4 years and I still miss her like crazy, but I know she's okay.

And that's my "ghost" story. So tell me down in the comments if you believe. Do you have an encounter? Oh and check out the other Blogger Girlz to see what they think about ghosties. 

Bronwyn
Kris
Jessica

See you next week--GC

Random Wednesday Blog: Crushing on Fictional Characters

Hello and welcome back to the Random Wednesday Blog! This week we are talking about crushes on fictional characters. Oh, first, let me share this with you:



And you're welcome. Anyway . . . I can't even think what I was going to say. Fictional characters, right. So there's not many I have a crush on, but I will share with you my main men. And these are in no particular order.

1. Ichabod Crane from Sleepy Hollow. Wow, he is handsome, debonair and a totally snappy dresser. 



2. Aragorn from LOTR . . . what else is there to say, but oh yeah.



3. When I was much younger, maybe around 19 or so, I had a huge crush on Kid Curry as played by Ben Murphy in the show Alias Smith & Jones. Of course, I only saw the show in reruns since it went off when I was 6. 



4. Roarke from the In Death series. That man is utterly amazing, romantic, and just plain hot. I love how he is with Eve and it's a damn shame he's not real.

5. Kaleb Krychek from the Psy/Changeling series. *fanning* That man is a billion kinds of dangerous, but he is so loyal and willing to do whatever it takes for the woman he adores. 

And finally, from one of my own books, Caleb Sinclair from Be Mine. The man is utterly hot and I had a lot of people think he was real. Uhhh, I wish. No, he is totally made up, mores the pity, but I can put the official claim on him since I made him up. 

And there you have it. Now check who the other Blogger Girlz have crushes on and share with us who you crush on. 

Jessica
Bronwyn
Jenny
Kris
Kayleigh
Kellie


See you next week! --GC

Southern Etiquette for Difficult Situations

Hello! And welcome to the first installment of "Southern Etiquette for Difficult Situations." I want to thank my friend Bronwyn Green for the snazzy title and my fabulous host Max for the purrs and snuggles.


We're your hosts Gwen and Max(notice the fancy bowtie, he likes to dress up)
Anyway . . . if you didn't know I'm from the south. Now my sister, for some unknown reason, swears we're in the north. Bless her heart, but she's wrong. And I'll tell you why, you can get sweet tea here all the time, we are so friendly and say hello to everyone, and we certainly bless hearts, which often leads to a small insult . . . or two. 

In my book, this means we are southern. And because we are, we have a lot of different skills to fall back on when a situation goes wrong. So I'm going to teach you what to say and what to do if you find yourself between that proverbial rock and a hard place.

This first situation was brought to me by my fellow Random Wednesday Blogger Kellie.


Okay, now that we have the situation, let's discuss what NOT to do.


And finally, let's talk about what to finally do if you find yourself in a situation such as the one Kellie did. 



Thank you so much and we hope this has helped you if you find yourself in a similar situation.

If you have a situation you wish us to cover please either email Max and me at gwendolyncease@twc.com or leave a comment down below. 

Thank you, Gwen and Max

Random Wednesday Blog: My Collections . . . or What Kind of DSA Should I Get Rid Of????

Hey! Welcome back to the Random Wednesday blog and today's topic is all about my collections. Or, as my sister and I lovingly call them, DSA -- Damn Sit Arounds. Oh!! Before we get started I need to show you male hotness:


I wish I could tell you that I collect nothing, but that would be a fat lie. I can admit that I don't collect as much as I used to . . . or as much as my Mom thought I should. For some reason, she thought I should collect things so she would buy me things as gifts. For instance, I have a series of wolf plates, dragon figurines, and Boyds Bears figurines--all of these were gifts from my mom. Now that she's passed these items are priceless to me and I will never give them up. But at the time, I had no clue what to do with them.

I actually do collect dolls, but not your normal run of the mill Madame Alexander or whatever. Nope, I collect Begoths. I'm sure most of you are thinking, "What the what??" Here are images of some of the dolls I own (they're from the Internet and not my actual dolls).

Here are some of the other dolls I own. They are part of the Barbie collection.



As you can see, I don't collect every day dolls.

Another thing I collect is music. I'm sure if you've been here before you know how much I looooooove music. So I have pretty big collection.

Books are another thing I collect. I have boxes and boxes and boxes out in my garage, stacks in my closet, and 2 huge stacks on my night stand. I also have a Nook with  . . . a lot of books on it. I will admit I've purged. Over the last maybe 15 years I've probably gotten rid of 50 or more boxes of books. But I just buy more since I love to read.

Knitting patterns and yarn are another thing I collect. I love to knit. I'm not great at it, but it's so relaxing so I'm always hunting for my next project.

Jewelry supplies!! I love to make jewelry so I have tons of beads, findings, charms . .  you name it. I haven't had much time lately, but I plan on getting back to it soon. I have some gifts to make for people. :-) And no, I'm not telling.

To go along with jewelry supplies, I collect earrings. I love earrings and I always get myself things I can't make. My sister is an awesome gift-giver so I've gotten some beautiful earrings from her.

I think, that's about it. Jeez, it's more than enough really. Check out the other Blogger Girlz and see what they collect. And if you want to tell us what you collect we'd love to know. Maybe you'll start a trend. 

Jessica
Bronwyn
Kris


See y'all next week! --GC