MaryAnn Bernal's Blog, page 376
September 10, 2013
The Phil Naessens Show 9-10-2013 How Much Will the Utah Jazz Miss Jeff Hornacek?
http://phillipnaessens.wordpress.com/2013/09/10/the-phil-naessens-show-9-10-2013-how-much-will-the-utah-jazz-miss-jeff-hornacek/
On today’s Phil Naessens Show
Segment 1: SLC Dunk Lead Writer Mychal Lowman joins host Phil Naessens to discuss Utah Jazz head coach Ty Corbin and shares his thoughts about how former assistant coach Jeff Hornacek will be missed now that he is an assistant for the Phoenix Suns.
Segment 2: The Dream Shake Lead Writer Brandon Davis joins Phil to discuss which Houston Rockets never lived up to the expectations placed on them including former coach Rick Adelman.
Segment 3: SLC Dunk Lead Writer Mychal Lowman rejoins Phil to discuss some valuable Point Guards that many Fantasy Owners will be overlooking come draft time and talk about some Point Guards who may be over valued.
On today’s Phil Naessens Show
Segment 1: SLC Dunk Lead Writer Mychal Lowman joins host Phil Naessens to discuss Utah Jazz head coach Ty Corbin and shares his thoughts about how former assistant coach Jeff Hornacek will be missed now that he is an assistant for the Phoenix Suns.
Segment 2: The Dream Shake Lead Writer Brandon Davis joins Phil to discuss which Houston Rockets never lived up to the expectations placed on them including former coach Rick Adelman.
Segment 3: SLC Dunk Lead Writer Mychal Lowman rejoins Phil to discuss some valuable Point Guards that many Fantasy Owners will be overlooking come draft time and talk about some Point Guards who may be over valued.
September 9, 2013
Bargain Billionaire - Moonlight Collection $0.99 in the Kindle Store - pick up your copy today
A Maui #marriage-of-convenience goes awry when desire gets in the way of a practical arrangement ~ Dual citizenship, #Love and Romance, #travel ~US, UK and CA links: http://www.amazon.com/Bargain-Billionaire-Moonlight-Collection-ebook/dp/B008WB49HY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1378766941&sr=8-3&keywords=lelani+black http://www.amazon.ca/Bargain-Billionaire-Moonlight-Collection-ebook/dp/B008WB49HY/ref=pd_sim_b_1
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bargain-Billionaire-Moonlight-Collection-ebook/dp/B008WB49HY/ref=pd_sim_kinc_1#_ **Sale priced at .99 cents!** Their marriage-of-convenience just got complicated. They’ve fallen in love—with each other!Jiovanni Falcone
Every woman he’s ever loved has let him down. Jio stands to lose again. He can’t give his in-name only wife what she wants the most, and while he longs to share his bed with Golden, his heart belongs to no one.
Golden Falcone
Raising a toddler and running an organic farm hasn’t been a cakewalk for the young Maui coffee grower.
For two and a half years she’s grieved the loss of her fiancé, Enzo, the man who fathered her baby. After his tragic death, a pregnant Golden agreed to a marriage-of-convenience with Enzo’s enigmatic brother, Jiovanni, to protect her baby’s inheritance from Enzo’s greedy exes.
It’s high time she thinks about dating again. Trouble is, she’s still married!
One moonlit night spent in Jio’s arms is all it takes to open her eyes to what she’s been missing! Oh my, my… After one taste of his loving, there’s no turning back. Now she can’t help falling in love—with her own husband!
But as desire fuels their attraction, his secrets will tear them apart...
*Story contains explicit levels of sensuality*
Includes Hawaiian moonlight, hot coffee, one smokin' hot Italian businessman, ski lessons, a wild and wicked sleigh ride...and lusty love scenes that will make your Kindle sizzle! (Short novel 55,000 words apprx.)
Sensual romance by Lelani Black:
**ISLAND MOONLIGHT COLLECTION**
Bargain Bride, Billionaire Groom, Book 1 (Maui) -- Out Now
Doctor, Doctor, Book 2 (Oahu) -- Her brother steals his painting, she steals the sexy M.D.'s heart! Out Now
Erotic romance by Lelani Black:
All Hands Below -- Military widow cruises the Caribbean for Mr. Right, and goes overboard for Mr. Wrong! Out Now
Boss With Benefits -- Frumpalicious secretary shows a hot Honolulu bachelor who's boss. Come get your Lei! **#1 Amazon Bestselling Erotica Audiobook!** Also in Kindle, Out Now
Going Greek -- Supermodel and a gorgeous Greek software developer get down to mischief on the Greek island of Corfu! Out Now
Private Dancer -- Honolulu bachelor makes an indecent proposal to his Private Dancer... Out Now
(Erotic titles also on sale at B&N Nook and other major e-tailers)
The Wizard of Notts Recommends - Community Pacesetter Notts County FC Buy Leisure Centre to Improve the Lives of Troubled Kids
Marky the Wizard's has this to say, because INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW
"Notts County, the oldest football league club in the world today surprised the Nottingham Third Sector by taking over ailing Portland Leisure Centre in the Meadows. The centre will be upgraded and used for educational and charity purposes and will also continue to supply leisure facilities to local people.
One of the early projects Notts have planned is to scrap the squash courts and create a super classroom for 60 young people who are either excluded from school, or have dropped out of mainstream education. In the morning, the youngsters will play football under the supervision of specialist mentors and coaches and in the afternoon, they'll study classroom based topics including personal development, equality and diversity, confidence building, health and fitness and employability. It is one of the first initiatives of its type and typical of Notts County. Failing miserably on the pitch this past two seasons as the Board continue to cut costs, the community arm remains an acknowledged nationwide leader of community activity, particularly with young people."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-23807338
BBC NEWS: NOTTINGHAMPortland Leisure Centre: Notts County charity prepares to take over
Steve Hill said the charity had plans to offer a range of new local services at the leisure centre
Continue reading the main story
Related StoriesLeisure centre officially reopens Pool bought for £10 set to open Community's £10 centre unveiled
A charity linked to Notts County will take over a leisure centre next month, saving it from the threat of closure.
The future of the Portland Leisure Centre was in doubt because of the budget pressures faced by Nottingham City Council.
In July Notts County FC's Football in the Community (FITC) charity was chosen as the preferred bidder to take over.
It said it hoped the links with football would encourage more people to use the centre.
The charity's community director Steve Hill said: "It is pretty unusual and there is lots of interest in this nationally.
"It is about bringing us closer to the community and ensures the community continue to get access to the Portland Centre."
Continue reading the main story
Analysis John Hess Political editor, BBC East Midlands
This is an interesting example because this autumn our county councils are going to be facing some very tough spending decisions. It could result in further job losses and councils looking at alternative models for traditional services it provides like parks, museums and libraries.
There was a similar sale several years ago of a swimming pool in Lenton being run by a social enterprise and they made their funds by letting some of the surplus office accommodation that was part of the leisure centre.
As we start to get details of the scale of some of the changes in finances in local government the question is how far is the public prepared to accept the running of these council services by charities and voluntary organisations.
Read more from John
Plans to get outside help to run the centre were proposed by the city council in last year's budget as it looked at ways of saving £21m.
The centre will be leased out on a 25-year deal from 1 September.
Mr Hill said the centre would also offer health services, specialist activities for disabled children and educational support for adults and young people.
The Notts County FITC charity receives funding from the Premier League but it said it hoped extra funding could be obtained to refurbish the centre.
Tim Hatton, the charity's business development manager said the link with sport and football would encourage more people to access the health services.
"Most people in Britain like football and so clubs across the country are finding ways to attract people," he said.
"Things like mental health projects which engage men who don't like talking about mental health, we get them to talk about football and their mental health.
"Or men with weight management problems that don't like going to their doctors can come to our sessions because they see the link with football and that's why they come."
"Notts County, the oldest football league club in the world today surprised the Nottingham Third Sector by taking over ailing Portland Leisure Centre in the Meadows. The centre will be upgraded and used for educational and charity purposes and will also continue to supply leisure facilities to local people.
One of the early projects Notts have planned is to scrap the squash courts and create a super classroom for 60 young people who are either excluded from school, or have dropped out of mainstream education. In the morning, the youngsters will play football under the supervision of specialist mentors and coaches and in the afternoon, they'll study classroom based topics including personal development, equality and diversity, confidence building, health and fitness and employability. It is one of the first initiatives of its type and typical of Notts County. Failing miserably on the pitch this past two seasons as the Board continue to cut costs, the community arm remains an acknowledged nationwide leader of community activity, particularly with young people."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-23807338
BBC NEWS: NOTTINGHAMPortland Leisure Centre: Notts County charity prepares to take over
Steve Hill said the charity had plans to offer a range of new local services at the leisure centre Continue reading the main story
Related StoriesLeisure centre officially reopens Pool bought for £10 set to open Community's £10 centre unveiled
A charity linked to Notts County will take over a leisure centre next month, saving it from the threat of closure.
The future of the Portland Leisure Centre was in doubt because of the budget pressures faced by Nottingham City Council.
In July Notts County FC's Football in the Community (FITC) charity was chosen as the preferred bidder to take over.
It said it hoped the links with football would encourage more people to use the centre.
The charity's community director Steve Hill said: "It is pretty unusual and there is lots of interest in this nationally.
"It is about bringing us closer to the community and ensures the community continue to get access to the Portland Centre."
Continue reading the main story
Analysis John Hess Political editor, BBC East Midlands This is an interesting example because this autumn our county councils are going to be facing some very tough spending decisions. It could result in further job losses and councils looking at alternative models for traditional services it provides like parks, museums and libraries.
There was a similar sale several years ago of a swimming pool in Lenton being run by a social enterprise and they made their funds by letting some of the surplus office accommodation that was part of the leisure centre.
As we start to get details of the scale of some of the changes in finances in local government the question is how far is the public prepared to accept the running of these council services by charities and voluntary organisations.
Read more from John
Plans to get outside help to run the centre were proposed by the city council in last year's budget as it looked at ways of saving £21m.
The centre will be leased out on a 25-year deal from 1 September.
Mr Hill said the centre would also offer health services, specialist activities for disabled children and educational support for adults and young people.
The Notts County FITC charity receives funding from the Premier League but it said it hoped extra funding could be obtained to refurbish the centre.
Tim Hatton, the charity's business development manager said the link with sport and football would encourage more people to access the health services.
"Most people in Britain like football and so clubs across the country are finding ways to attract people," he said.
"Things like mental health projects which engage men who don't like talking about mental health, we get them to talk about football and their mental health.
"Or men with weight management problems that don't like going to their doctors can come to our sessions because they see the link with football and that's why they come."
The Wizard of Notts Recommends: Magpies Goal of the Month
Notts County Fans
Magpie Player subscribers have voted Adam Coombes' finish against Liverpool as the club's Goal of the Month
Magpie Player subscribers have voted Adam Coombes' finish against Liverpool as the club's Goal of the Month
The Phil Naessens Show 9-9-2013 2013 EuroBasket Week in Review
http://phillipnaessens.wordpress.com/2013/09/09/the-phil-naessens-show-9-9-2013-2013-eurobasket-week-in-review/
On today’s Phil Naessens Show Phil is beginning what will be a new weekly feature dedicated to International Basketball. Today joining Phil is Zebulun Benbrook, lead writer at Welcome to Loud City. Please listen in as the discuss all the happenings in each of the four groups of the 2013 EuroBasket Tournament currently being held in Slovenia where the guys share their observations and make predictions for the coming weeks action plus so much more.
On today’s Phil Naessens Show Phil is beginning what will be a new weekly feature dedicated to International Basketball. Today joining Phil is Zebulun Benbrook, lead writer at Welcome to Loud City. Please listen in as the discuss all the happenings in each of the four groups of the 2013 EuroBasket Tournament currently being held in Slovenia where the guys share their observations and make predictions for the coming weeks action plus so much more.
History Trivia - Germanic tribes annihilates Roman legions
Sept 9
9 AD Arminius' alliance of six Germanic tribes ambushed and annihilated three Roman legions of Publius Quinctilius Varus in the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest.
214 Aurelian, Roman Emperior was born.
384 Flavius Honorius, emperor of the East Roman Republic was born.
999 or 1000 Battle of Svolder was a naval battle fought in the western Baltic Sea between King Olaf Tryggvason of Norway and an alliance of his enemies; the background for this battle was the unification of Norway into a single state, long-standing Danish effort to gain control of the country, and the spread of Christianity in Scandinavia. With the allied victory, Norway was partitioned and the spread of Christianity was set back.
1087 William the Conqueror died in Rouen at age 59 after an accident while riding his horse.
1513 James IV of Scotland was defeated and died in the Battle of Flodden Field, ending Scotland's involvement in the War of the League of Cambrai.
1543 Mary Stuart, at nine months old, was crowned Queen of Scots in the central Scottish town of Stirling.
9 AD Arminius' alliance of six Germanic tribes ambushed and annihilated three Roman legions of Publius Quinctilius Varus in the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest.
214 Aurelian, Roman Emperior was born.
384 Flavius Honorius, emperor of the East Roman Republic was born.
999 or 1000 Battle of Svolder was a naval battle fought in the western Baltic Sea between King Olaf Tryggvason of Norway and an alliance of his enemies; the background for this battle was the unification of Norway into a single state, long-standing Danish effort to gain control of the country, and the spread of Christianity in Scandinavia. With the allied victory, Norway was partitioned and the spread of Christianity was set back.
1087 William the Conqueror died in Rouen at age 59 after an accident while riding his horse.
1513 James IV of Scotland was defeated and died in the Battle of Flodden Field, ending Scotland's involvement in the War of the League of Cambrai.
1543 Mary Stuart, at nine months old, was crowned Queen of Scots in the central Scottish town of Stirling.
September 8, 2013
The Wizard of Notts Recommends: Notts County Supporters Live Chat With The CEO on Monday, September 9, 2013
http://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/news/article/live-chat-with-the-ceo-2-1037278.aspx
PUBLISHED 09:00 6th September 2013 Notts County supporters will have another opportunity to quiz chief executive Jim Rodwell in a live web chat. From 11am on Monday 9 September, Rodwell will spend an hour answering fans’ questions about all aspects of the club.
The chatroom will appear on the nottscountyfc.co.uk homepage for those wishing to join Jim live on the day.
Questions can also be submitted in advance by emailing media@nottscountyfc.co.uk.
A round-up of the live chat will be shown on Magpie Player.
Read more at http://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/news/article/live-chat-with-the-ceo-2-1037278.aspx#1Ve7AoZ5fToeYWmu.99
PUBLISHED 09:00 6th September 2013 Notts County supporters will have another opportunity to quiz chief executive Jim Rodwell in a live web chat. From 11am on Monday 9 September, Rodwell will spend an hour answering fans’ questions about all aspects of the club. The chatroom will appear on the nottscountyfc.co.uk homepage for those wishing to join Jim live on the day.
Questions can also be submitted in advance by emailing media@nottscountyfc.co.uk.
A round-up of the live chat will be shown on Magpie Player.
Read more at http://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/news/article/live-chat-with-the-ceo-2-1037278.aspx#1Ve7AoZ5fToeYWmu.99
History Trivia - Michelangelo's David unveiled
Sept 8
1011 St. Alphege, Archbishop of Canterbury, was captured by marauding Danes, held prisoner for months, and eventually murdered. He refused to allow himself to be ransomed because the money would have had to be raised by taxing the people. After his death he was venerated as a martyr, and the parish church of Greenwich is dedicated to him.
1157 Richard the Lion-Hearted, King of England, was born.
1504 Michelangelo's David was unveiled in Florence.
1011 St. Alphege, Archbishop of Canterbury, was captured by marauding Danes, held prisoner for months, and eventually murdered. He refused to allow himself to be ransomed because the money would have had to be raised by taxing the people. After his death he was venerated as a martyr, and the parish church of Greenwich is dedicated to him.
1157 Richard the Lion-Hearted, King of England, was born.
1504 Michelangelo's David was unveiled in Florence.
September 7, 2013
History Trivia - Solar eclipse marks the birth of Heracles
Sept 7
1251 BC a solar eclipse on this date might mark the birth of legendary Heracles at Thebes, Greece.
70 The Romans sacked Jerusalem, which ended the Jewish revolt and left only the "Wailing Wall" intact.
1191 Third Crusade: Battle of Arsuf – Richard I of England defeated Saladin at Arsuf, which ended the sultan's aura of invincibility.
1497 Sailor Perkin Warbeck becomes English King Richard IV.
1533 Queen Elizabeth I was born. The birth of a daughter was a setback to King Henry VIII in his quest for an heir, and a serious blow to his wife Anne Boleyn.
1251 BC a solar eclipse on this date might mark the birth of legendary Heracles at Thebes, Greece.
70 The Romans sacked Jerusalem, which ended the Jewish revolt and left only the "Wailing Wall" intact.
1191 Third Crusade: Battle of Arsuf – Richard I of England defeated Saladin at Arsuf, which ended the sultan's aura of invincibility.
1497 Sailor Perkin Warbeck becomes English King Richard IV.
1533 Queen Elizabeth I was born. The birth of a daughter was a setback to King Henry VIII in his quest for an heir, and a serious blow to his wife Anne Boleyn.
Marky the Wizard Stirs the Cauldron - conjuring up author Alesha Escobar
http://greenwizard62.blogspot.com/2013/09/alesha-escobararound-cauldron.html
Alesha Escobar...around the Cauldron
Master Wizards debateIn the third of the "Matt Posner*" interviews, the Wizard meets delightful fantasist, trilogist and reviewer Alesha Escobar who, when called, was busy being coralled by her four mischievous children somewhere toasting underneath the summer California sunshine. Here's what she had to say on the Wizphone.
*So called because they were all introduced to the Green Wizard by Matt Posner at the School of Ages Conference which took place in a fifth dimensional hallway deep within in a New York brownstone. http://schooloftheages.webs.com/
Hello Alesha and welcome to the show
Hi Wiz! Glad to be here.
Bloodthirsty English pirate, skullduggery merchant and intrepid circumnavigator Sir Francis
Drake was the second European to visit central California, home
of Alesha Escobar. He called it New Albion and this upset the dominant Spanish once more, an act which led directly to the Spanish Armada (1588) and the eventual defeat of
Imperial Spain.
Tell Wizardwatchers about yourself, Alesha.
I wrote my first short story at the age of seven, and I’ve never gotten it out of my system. I love telling stories and entertaining people. I enjoy books, movies, and learning from other people and experiences. I live in California with my husband, Luis, who’s a 20-year veteran artist on The Simpsons television show.
What genre do you write in?
Fantasy. There’s just something fascinating and enchanting about stepping into a story full of magic.
Tell us about the Gray Tower Trilogy? What’s it about?
The Gray Tower Trilogy is a fantasy series set in an alternate WWII where Hitler is using the occult to win the war--and so the Allies employ wizards from the Gray Tower to fight back. One of those wizards is the heroine of the series, Isabella George.
She’s a spy with the famed Special Operations Executive, and an alchemist trained by the Tower.
However, the deaths and disappearances of colleagues and friends weigh down on her, and she wants to retire, and she agrees to one final mission. Things get complicated when her cover as a spy is blown, a vampiric Cruenti warlock stalks her, and the so-called benevolent Master Wizards of the Gray Tower turn out to hold deadly secrets about her past.
I'm well aware of those Master Wizards, Alesha.
I thought you might be, Wiz.
One is a cousin of mine. Nice bloke. Does incredible things with frogs.
As Wizards do! haha. Anyway, the second book of the trilogy is currently free to download in ebook format. Have a look!
I shall do. What is your most recent work? Have you anything coming soon?
I’m finishing the final book of the Gray Tower Trilogy (Circadian Circle). I’m also working on a short story for an anthology with HDWP Books. If you enjoyed American Gods, then you’ll like this short story.
Neil Gaiman, writer of "American Gods"
became well known to American audiences through
DC Comics' "Sandman", which, along with artist Dave McKean,
proved a high water mark in the graphic fantasy genre
You have an excellent website. Tell us about that.
Thank you! I run a blog where readers can grab a cup of tea, settle down, and read some of my outlandish thoughts, be introduced to some up-and-coming authors, and read book reviews. I also keep readers up to date on the Gray Tower Trilogy.
Alesha'a Blog and Website
I understand you are a Dr Who buff? Who is your favourite Doctor and who is your favourite villain/villains?
Yes! My husband introduced me to Dr Who around the time of Eccleston (Ninth Doctor), and so I just loved him.
Shakespearean "serious" thespian, Chris Ecc.
But, damn it, he never told me that the Doctor died and regenerated with a new body, and I didn’t think I’d like the Tenth Doctor (but he became a favourite as well).
As for villains, I really enjoyed the Master and the weeping angels. Now I can’t go anywhere with statues without staring at them and backing away while avoiding blinking.
The original Master.
You are an extensive and consistent book reviewer. What three tips can you offer novice reviewers for assessing books written by people they know and like?
1. Center it on your reading experience, so you can openly share with others what worked for you and what didn’t.
2. Have fun with it. If it’s a tedious process for you, it will come across in your review. People want to read book reviews not only to find out more about a story, but to also somewhat participate in your reaction. Sometimes I’m a goofball and employ a bit of humour and sarcasm. So far, no one’s yelled at me, so I think it’s okay.
3. It’s perfectly fine to take notes on the book you’re reading and reviewing, and even contact the author (if available) and ask questions for clarification or insight.
Feathery Turkeys. The one on the right is called Dan and the one
on the left is called DeanHave you ever had to review a real feathery turkey? What did you do? How did you get out of the mess?
I’ve had that experience, and it was a book that actually had an intriguing premise and great set-up. It just had a few issues that needed to be worked out before coming to me.
Daleks teleport into your penthouse apartment and, with robotic voices, say they are going to exterminate, exterminate, exterminate you unless you tip them three great books, two buzzing CD’s and a banging film they can take back to entertain Davros on Skaros while he is recuperating from a Dalekball injury. What would you suggest?
I’d hand them The Divine Comedy
Lord of the Rings,
Real LOTR Tattoo
and throw in a Shakespearean tragedy...(or a textbook)
:-)
...because I’m sure they’d appreciate the body count.
As for music, I think they could Dalek-rock-out to Muse and Portishead
There are so many good films to suggest...oooh, perhaps I’d get them hooked onto the LOST television series instead.
How do you pass the time when not writing or reviewing?
I like working with my hands, so you might find me making little pieces of jewelry, baking cakes, and even creating my own soaps. Oh yes, and I’m a mom of four, so that also keeps me quite busy!
What can visitors chez Escobar expect for dinner?
A delicious pasta dish with vegetables and sausage. You’ll be served a cool glass of mineral water, and a homemade cake or pie.
And finally, what do fans of Alesha Escobar expect from you in the coming year?
A few Gray Tower short stories (perhaps even a prequel) and a collaborative fantasy series I’m planning with my husband.
Alesha, it's been a pleasure to meet you around the Cauldron and I wish you every success in the future.
Wiz, the pleasure has been all mine.
Alesha Live - Novel Writing Seminar
Contact and sales
US http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005QSFXC6
UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dark-Rift-Tower-Trilogy
US http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AA6M7DM
UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/Towers-Alchemist-Tower-Trilogy-ebook - THIS IS FREE FOR DOWNLOAD!!
Twitter: http://twitter.com/The_GrayTower
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorAleshaE...
Blog: http://www.aleshaescobar.com
Original Cover
Alesha Escobar...around the Cauldron
Master Wizards debateIn the third of the "Matt Posner*" interviews, the Wizard meets delightful fantasist, trilogist and reviewer Alesha Escobar who, when called, was busy being coralled by her four mischievous children somewhere toasting underneath the summer California sunshine. Here's what she had to say on the Wizphone.
*So called because they were all introduced to the Green Wizard by Matt Posner at the School of Ages Conference which took place in a fifth dimensional hallway deep within in a New York brownstone. http://schooloftheages.webs.com/
Hello Alesha and welcome to the show
Hi Wiz! Glad to be here.
Bloodthirsty English pirate, skullduggery merchant and intrepid circumnavigator Sir FrancisDrake was the second European to visit central California, home
of Alesha Escobar. He called it New Albion and this upset the dominant Spanish once more, an act which led directly to the Spanish Armada (1588) and the eventual defeat of
Imperial Spain.
Tell Wizardwatchers about yourself, Alesha.
I wrote my first short story at the age of seven, and I’ve never gotten it out of my system. I love telling stories and entertaining people. I enjoy books, movies, and learning from other people and experiences. I live in California with my husband, Luis, who’s a 20-year veteran artist on The Simpsons television show.
What genre do you write in?
Fantasy. There’s just something fascinating and enchanting about stepping into a story full of magic.
Tell us about the Gray Tower Trilogy? What’s it about?
The Gray Tower Trilogy is a fantasy series set in an alternate WWII where Hitler is using the occult to win the war--and so the Allies employ wizards from the Gray Tower to fight back. One of those wizards is the heroine of the series, Isabella George.
She’s a spy with the famed Special Operations Executive, and an alchemist trained by the Tower.
However, the deaths and disappearances of colleagues and friends weigh down on her, and she wants to retire, and she agrees to one final mission. Things get complicated when her cover as a spy is blown, a vampiric Cruenti warlock stalks her, and the so-called benevolent Master Wizards of the Gray Tower turn out to hold deadly secrets about her past.
I'm well aware of those Master Wizards, Alesha.
I thought you might be, Wiz.
One is a cousin of mine. Nice bloke. Does incredible things with frogs.
As Wizards do! haha. Anyway, the second book of the trilogy is currently free to download in ebook format. Have a look!
I shall do. What is your most recent work? Have you anything coming soon?
I’m finishing the final book of the Gray Tower Trilogy (Circadian Circle). I’m also working on a short story for an anthology with HDWP Books. If you enjoyed American Gods, then you’ll like this short story.
Neil Gaiman, writer of "American Gods"became well known to American audiences through
DC Comics' "Sandman", which, along with artist Dave McKean,
proved a high water mark in the graphic fantasy genre
You have an excellent website. Tell us about that.
Thank you! I run a blog where readers can grab a cup of tea, settle down, and read some of my outlandish thoughts, be introduced to some up-and-coming authors, and read book reviews. I also keep readers up to date on the Gray Tower Trilogy.
Alesha'a Blog and Website
I understand you are a Dr Who buff? Who is your favourite Doctor and who is your favourite villain/villains?
Yes! My husband introduced me to Dr Who around the time of Eccleston (Ninth Doctor), and so I just loved him.
Shakespearean "serious" thespian, Chris Ecc.But, damn it, he never told me that the Doctor died and regenerated with a new body, and I didn’t think I’d like the Tenth Doctor (but he became a favourite as well).
As for villains, I really enjoyed the Master and the weeping angels. Now I can’t go anywhere with statues without staring at them and backing away while avoiding blinking.
The original Master.You are an extensive and consistent book reviewer. What three tips can you offer novice reviewers for assessing books written by people they know and like?
1. Center it on your reading experience, so you can openly share with others what worked for you and what didn’t.
2. Have fun with it. If it’s a tedious process for you, it will come across in your review. People want to read book reviews not only to find out more about a story, but to also somewhat participate in your reaction. Sometimes I’m a goofball and employ a bit of humour and sarcasm. So far, no one’s yelled at me, so I think it’s okay.
3. It’s perfectly fine to take notes on the book you’re reading and reviewing, and even contact the author (if available) and ask questions for clarification or insight.
Feathery Turkeys. The one on the right is called Dan and the oneon the left is called DeanHave you ever had to review a real feathery turkey? What did you do? How did you get out of the mess?
I’ve had that experience, and it was a book that actually had an intriguing premise and great set-up. It just had a few issues that needed to be worked out before coming to me.
"What I did was privately contact the author and offer to review the book once those issues were fixed. I don’t believe in attacking people’s work or trying to tear down the hard work someone has put into a story. We all have unique imaginations and stories to tell, and I can appreciate the courage of any writer who decides to take the leap and publish".
Daleks teleport into your penthouse apartment and, with robotic voices, say they are going to exterminate, exterminate, exterminate you unless you tip them three great books, two buzzing CD’s and a banging film they can take back to entertain Davros on Skaros while he is recuperating from a Dalekball injury. What would you suggest?
I’d hand them The Divine Comedy
Lord of the Rings,
Real LOTR Tattoo
and throw in a Shakespearean tragedy...(or a textbook)
:-)
...because I’m sure they’d appreciate the body count.
As for music, I think they could Dalek-rock-out to Muse and Portishead
There are so many good films to suggest...oooh, perhaps I’d get them hooked onto the LOST television series instead.
How do you pass the time when not writing or reviewing?
I like working with my hands, so you might find me making little pieces of jewelry, baking cakes, and even creating my own soaps. Oh yes, and I’m a mom of four, so that also keeps me quite busy!
What can visitors chez Escobar expect for dinner?
A delicious pasta dish with vegetables and sausage. You’ll be served a cool glass of mineral water, and a homemade cake or pie.
And finally, what do fans of Alesha Escobar expect from you in the coming year?
A few Gray Tower short stories (perhaps even a prequel) and a collaborative fantasy series I’m planning with my husband.
Alesha, it's been a pleasure to meet you around the Cauldron and I wish you every success in the future.
Wiz, the pleasure has been all mine.
Alesha Live - Novel Writing Seminar
Contact and sales
US http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005QSFXC6
UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dark-Rift-Tower-Trilogy
US http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AA6M7DM
UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/Towers-Alchemist-Tower-Trilogy-ebook - THIS IS FREE FOR DOWNLOAD!!
Twitter: http://twitter.com/The_GrayTower
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorAleshaE...
Blog: http://www.aleshaescobar.com
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