Loren Lockner's Blog
December 14, 2014
‘Tis the season for Lists!
Oh, how we all love lists! So, I figured it was time to present two of my own top 10 lists. The first regards books I have read over the years that have stuck with me and my top ten movies. (I’ll save the movies for my next blog.) Everyone has their favorite books—these are based on ones that I read over and over again or use in my classroom. There are a hundred more I could have picked—so humor me! So, for the books first in no particular order!
1) Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte--I love this book because the main character Jane, is so strong in her convictions—though we might not agree with them today. And, Mr. Rochester, though flawed, is still a good, desirable man in every way. And, what a lesson on how 'madness' was viewed in that day and age. I try to re-read this book each year!
2) The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien—I have always found this ‘intro’ to Tolkien to be the most approachable and satisfying. Bilbo is so likeable and ‘real’ and of course, I love that Bilbo ‘writes’ about his adventures afterwards!
3) My Brother Michael by Mary Stewart. This romantic thriller set right after WWII takes place in picturesque Greece and follows two people, the narrator Camilla Haven who is lacks confidence and a teacher of classics, Simon Lester, who returns to Greece to find out the truth behind his older brother’s death. Simon was the first male character in a novel that I loved! Stewart’s writing is flawless and the scenery of Greece, breathtaking! Though published in 1960, a must read ladies!
4) Holes by Louis Sachar—So—why would I place a kid’s book here? It’s because of the impact this stream-lined book and its valuable lessons give each and every time I read it to my students. They love the quirky story and learn from uts lessons about self-esteem and racism. A modern classic.
5) Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White—Okay—so now that I’ve written about another kid’s book—why not one about a feisty little pig and a spunky spider named Charlotte. It still mesmerizes students and is a great book for helping reluctant readers.
6) The Complete Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle—Yes, I said complete. When I get on a Holmes kick, I curl up and emerge weeks later, satisfied and totally understanding the world’s fascination with the premiere detective. And, since this book propelled me into writing—that is enough to put it on my top ten list!
7) Shane by Jack Schaefer--the first time I read Shane, I completed the book, sat silently over dinner, and then promptly, reread it. It, for me, is the foremost Western, with its trying-to-reform gunslinger, strong farmer and good man, Joe, his lovely wife Marian who battles her growing attraction to Shane, and of course the hero-worshiping narrator of Bob. Oh, and all those greedy bad guys! What a stirring book that went on to be an awesome movie as well!
8) Dracula by Bram Stoker—So—you think you love vampires? Then read the original and see that ‘twilight’ it isn’t for the true vampires. They are blood-sucking, evil creatures and such good fun. It spawned the movie ‘Nosferatu’ which gives modern vampire movies a kick in the pants!
9) Sophie’s Choice by William Styron-- Never dull, always riveting, and a true illustration of how the horrors of the holocaust wrecked psychological damage on all touched by it. A book you will read and never forget!
10) Harry Potter by JK Rowling. The whole series is a delight for young and old. My favorites are The Goblet of Fire, Half-Blood Prince, and the Secret of the Deathly Hallows. I read the entire series at least once a year. Kudos to the first billionaire writer!
*** And an extra one for the Season! A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Okay, I admit to loving Dickens and I would probably have put Great Expectations and David Copperfield here—but it is A Christmas Carol I return to each year to read and enjoy. Scrooge is a classic personality and one, sadly, we all recoginize as we sense his greediness still hovering around us, everywhere. A lovely introduction to a classic writer!
And as Tiny Tim says and I repeat ‘God bless us, everyone!’
1) Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte--I love this book because the main character Jane, is so strong in her convictions—though we might not agree with them today. And, Mr. Rochester, though flawed, is still a good, desirable man in every way. And, what a lesson on how 'madness' was viewed in that day and age. I try to re-read this book each year!
2) The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien—I have always found this ‘intro’ to Tolkien to be the most approachable and satisfying. Bilbo is so likeable and ‘real’ and of course, I love that Bilbo ‘writes’ about his adventures afterwards!
3) My Brother Michael by Mary Stewart. This romantic thriller set right after WWII takes place in picturesque Greece and follows two people, the narrator Camilla Haven who is lacks confidence and a teacher of classics, Simon Lester, who returns to Greece to find out the truth behind his older brother’s death. Simon was the first male character in a novel that I loved! Stewart’s writing is flawless and the scenery of Greece, breathtaking! Though published in 1960, a must read ladies!
4) Holes by Louis Sachar—So—why would I place a kid’s book here? It’s because of the impact this stream-lined book and its valuable lessons give each and every time I read it to my students. They love the quirky story and learn from uts lessons about self-esteem and racism. A modern classic.
5) Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White—Okay—so now that I’ve written about another kid’s book—why not one about a feisty little pig and a spunky spider named Charlotte. It still mesmerizes students and is a great book for helping reluctant readers.
6) The Complete Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle—Yes, I said complete. When I get on a Holmes kick, I curl up and emerge weeks later, satisfied and totally understanding the world’s fascination with the premiere detective. And, since this book propelled me into writing—that is enough to put it on my top ten list!
7) Shane by Jack Schaefer--the first time I read Shane, I completed the book, sat silently over dinner, and then promptly, reread it. It, for me, is the foremost Western, with its trying-to-reform gunslinger, strong farmer and good man, Joe, his lovely wife Marian who battles her growing attraction to Shane, and of course the hero-worshiping narrator of Bob. Oh, and all those greedy bad guys! What a stirring book that went on to be an awesome movie as well!
8) Dracula by Bram Stoker—So—you think you love vampires? Then read the original and see that ‘twilight’ it isn’t for the true vampires. They are blood-sucking, evil creatures and such good fun. It spawned the movie ‘Nosferatu’ which gives modern vampire movies a kick in the pants!
9) Sophie’s Choice by William Styron-- Never dull, always riveting, and a true illustration of how the horrors of the holocaust wrecked psychological damage on all touched by it. A book you will read and never forget!
10) Harry Potter by JK Rowling. The whole series is a delight for young and old. My favorites are The Goblet of Fire, Half-Blood Prince, and the Secret of the Deathly Hallows. I read the entire series at least once a year. Kudos to the first billionaire writer!
*** And an extra one for the Season! A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Okay, I admit to loving Dickens and I would probably have put Great Expectations and David Copperfield here—but it is A Christmas Carol I return to each year to read and enjoy. Scrooge is a classic personality and one, sadly, we all recoginize as we sense his greediness still hovering around us, everywhere. A lovely introduction to a classic writer!
And as Tiny Tim says and I repeat ‘God bless us, everyone!’
December 13, 2014
Kindle Unlimited gets a thumbs up from me.
Well, after much preponderance about Kindle Unlimited, I have come back with a verdict--I believe it is a worthwhile thing for readers, but less so for writers. While the amount paid to writers is being reduced each month, I like the fact that readers on a budget can read to their heart's content with Kindle Unlimited. And, isn't that the point? That readers should be able to read w/o breaking the bank! My softcover books run about $13.95, my kindle books between $2.99-$3.99. And with a flat fee of $9.99 a month--if you are an avid reader--you could read 15 or so books a month for cents each. I know I'm addicted to recipe and smoothie books--and this would be a plus for me. Still, I would love your opinions on Kindle Unlimited. Please write a comment about your feelings!
December 7, 2014
Just in time for the Holidays!
I guess, just like everyone else, I want to jump on the Holiday bandwagon and offer some real deals. So, here they are!
***Amazing Holiday Special!***From now, through December 25th, my popular romantic suspense novel Under A Desert Sky has been discounted 25% on all Kindle markets to $2.99 or you can just borrow for free on Kindle Unlimited! It’s a deadly game of murder, romance, and mystery in the desert! (Also available in softcover for those who love the feel of a real book in their hands at http://www.amazon.com/Under-Desert-Sk...)******
Kindle Links below
US http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AXH357U
UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
CA http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00AX...
AU http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B...
And, as many of you know, I also write children's books, YA novels, and mysteries as Tyan Wyss. So in honor of all the kids and parents out there here you go! Here are the original ads! ***Christmas Special!***From now, until Christmas, my popular picture-book African Dream has been discounted 35% on Kindle or you can borrow for free on Kindle Unlimited! Enjoy the magic of Africa with your child. (Also available in softcover/hardcover for those who love the feel of a real picture book in their hands) http://www.amazon.com/African-Dream-T... )
Kindle links below!
US http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BGCQOYW
UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
CA http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00BG...
AU http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B...
***Amazing Holiday Special!***From now, through December 25th, my popular picture-book Night Flyer has been discounted 35% on all Kindle markets to $2.99 or you can borrow for free on Kindle Unlimited! Hitch a ride on a fantastic night dream with your child. (Also available in softcover/hardcover for those who love the feel of a real picture book in their hands-http://www.amazon.com/Night-Flyer-Tya...)
Kindle editions below
US http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DMD864Y
UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
CA http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00DM...
AU http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B...
A wonderful holiday season to all of you. I feel blessed because in less than two weeks, both of my college-age children will be home with the family to celebrate Christmas. May you be surrounded with good company and joy all of this wonderful season! Loren (Tyan)
***Amazing Holiday Special!***From now, through December 25th, my popular romantic suspense novel Under A Desert Sky has been discounted 25% on all Kindle markets to $2.99 or you can just borrow for free on Kindle Unlimited! It’s a deadly game of murder, romance, and mystery in the desert! (Also available in softcover for those who love the feel of a real book in their hands at http://www.amazon.com/Under-Desert-Sk...)******
Kindle Links below
US http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AXH357U
UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
CA http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00AX...
AU http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B...
And, as many of you know, I also write children's books, YA novels, and mysteries as Tyan Wyss. So in honor of all the kids and parents out there here you go! Here are the original ads! ***Christmas Special!***From now, until Christmas, my popular picture-book African Dream has been discounted 35% on Kindle or you can borrow for free on Kindle Unlimited! Enjoy the magic of Africa with your child. (Also available in softcover/hardcover for those who love the feel of a real picture book in their hands) http://www.amazon.com/African-Dream-T... )
Kindle links below!
US http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BGCQOYW
UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
CA http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00BG...
AU http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B...
***Amazing Holiday Special!***From now, through December 25th, my popular picture-book Night Flyer has been discounted 35% on all Kindle markets to $2.99 or you can borrow for free on Kindle Unlimited! Hitch a ride on a fantastic night dream with your child. (Also available in softcover/hardcover for those who love the feel of a real picture book in their hands-http://www.amazon.com/Night-Flyer-Tya...)
Kindle editions below
US http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DMD864Y
UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
CA http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00DM...
AU http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B...
A wonderful holiday season to all of you. I feel blessed because in less than two weeks, both of my college-age children will be home with the family to celebrate Christmas. May you be surrounded with good company and joy all of this wonderful season! Loren (Tyan)
October 15, 2014
A great day!
Hi friends: Today marks a great day for my new release, Heart of Africa. It now stands on 3 top 100 Amazon lists, Action, Thriller, and Romance and has many 5 stars reviews. A great weeks work. This book is special to me because of all my years in Africa and the love I feel for the bush and particularly, Kruger National Park. Africa made an impact on my life and this book and the children's book 'African Dream' by my other pen name Tyan Wyss, are a tribute to my wonderful decade spent there. Here's the blurb from the promotion sites! *** JUST RELEASED !*** Mandy’s perfect vacation is shattered during a hijacking and she becomes lost in the Southern African bush. Will she survive lions, elephants, fire, and poachers and ever find her way back to civilization? Enjoy another great romantic adventure by Loren Lockner! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NXHBF38
