Karilyn Bentley's Blog, page 20

What's Wrong with Hollywood?

Movies! Maybe I should warn you, I’m feeling a bit cranky about this summers movies. Normally, I’m a very happy go lucky person who enjoys a good tale. Last year my favorite movie was Whiplash, an emotional story about a young man who wanted to be the best drummer and be successful professionally. It’s about his RELATIONSHIP (not sexual) with his teacher. A must see if you haven’t already watched this powerful film. Let me warn you it is a dark movie, but emotionally gripping. I also enjoyed The Imitation Game, Gone Girl, The Judge (Robert Downey Jr. you were excellent in this film) and The Theory of Everything. All great films about PEOPLE overcoming some struggle that changes them.  Emotional dramas.

Hollywood is definitely run by men because frankly I don’t know of a single romantic comedy or a romantic drama coming out this summer. Already the men in my household are planning on going to see the Avengers this weekend. They don’t know it yet, but I’m having a Marvel boycott. I’m tired of superhero action movies. I could be the only one, but I like my movies to have some internal, emotional conflict. Not be all save the world from the bad guys. I don’t care if Thor is gorgeous. And fight scenes…five minutes of them punching each other, doing unbelievable stunts is frankly boring. Yawn.
I also like to laugh. I’m looking forward to seeing the comedy Hot Pursuit. I hope that it has some credible story telling. Not just two women trash talking, but an actual laugh out loud, funny movie with maybe a small message? We saw Furious 7. I’ll miss Paul Walker, but really the movie was nothing but one unbelievable stunt action after another. Yawn.  Even when you throw in scantily clad women it still ranks a big yawn from me. There was a pinch of emotional drama/conflict, but the rest was fight or flight or cars crashing or some other action scene. Yawn. Even Van Diesel’s sexy voice was not enough to keep me interested.

I’m curious about The Age of Adaline – The synopsis from Fandango says, “After miraculously remaining 29 years old for almost eight decades, Adaline Bowman (Blake Lively) has lived a solitary existence, never allowing herself to get close to anyone who might reveal her secret.” Sounds interesting. Will there be any emotional romantic conflict?

Lately, it seems that Hollywood puts out movies without any emotional conflict, unless it’s a tear jerker. Nicholas Sparks is a good writer, but can we have a happy ever after ending occasionally? A love story does not have to be a tear jerker. Last I checked, I feel more emotions than sadness. I’d really like to see a romantic comedy, but I don’t think today's screenwriters know how to create one that’s not slapstick. And does every drama have to end with someone dying? I know I’m a Happily Ever After kind of girl, but occasionally you could have them smiling at the end. Here is what just opened:
Avengers – NO!!!!! I refuse!
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed – Bucket List movie – No!
Far From Men – War movie – No!
Far From The Madding Crowd – Literary remake. I may go to this one!
Gerontophilia – Man finding his sexuality. No!
Hyena – No! Undercover cop drug traffic movie!
Iris – Documentary about New York fashion maven. Looks at least interesting.
Ride – Helen Hunt director. Finding yourself movie. This one I’m going to! Love Helen Hunt.
Welcome To Me – Woman wins lottery and goes off her meds and buys time on an infomercial channel. This one looks interesting. Dark comedy.

Later this summer: Pitch Perfect 2 – LOVED the first one and this is a Must Go!
Mission Impossible – NO!!!! Enough already! You lost the mission years ago.
Poltergeist – I liked the first one, but I’ve been there, done that. Probably No!  Renter.
Tomorrowland – Possible. I have to see the reviews first. Is there story plus action?

Sigh…we go to the movies a couple of times a month. Sometimes 3-4 times a month, but this year…we may be sitting at home watching old movies that we enjoy. Wake up Hollywood. You’re not just producing movies for young, adolescent boys who don’t know what an emotion is.
Tell me, am I just a cranky, old woman who is stuck back in time enjoying Pretty Woman, or How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days? What kind of movies do you enjoy?   Note: Whiplash poster is from Wikipedia. "The poster art copyright is believed to belong to the distributor of the film, the publisher of the film or the graphic artist."
 
 
 
 
 
 

#Cowboy #TBT with #RubyVines! #Western #MustRead #Yummy

I've got cowboys on my mind lately as I write the end of Book II in the Texas Tornado series! Which movie cowboy is your favorite? Let me know yours by leaving a comment or visit the #PlottingPrincesses on Facebook by clicking HERE and post a pic of YOUR favorite #TBT #Cowboy!

This is my very FAVE MOVIE COWBOY EVER! I think I've watched John Travolta in Urban Cowboy only half a million times! And who doesn't love all that amazing country music?


Check out the cover for Kickin' Up Dust...Coming Summer 2015!


Happy Friday ~ Ruby Vines

@lsfabre #Review of #LeavingTime by @JodiPicoult #mfrworg

Before Christmas, I had the opportunity to attend a special reading and discussion by Jodi Picoult of her novel Leaving Time. In the book, Jenna Metcalf searches for her mother, who disappeared after a terrible accident involving the death of a caretaker at an elephant preserve. She is convinced her mother is still alive and her search comes to a head when she enlists the help of a washed-out psychic and an alcoholic private investigator. Like many of her books, the characters are on a search for truth - what truly happened the night Alice Metcalf (the mother) disappeared, and why would she leave her daughter behind? In this particular story, the elephants come to represent the themes of memory and grief that thread through the tale.

As fascinating as the book is, and there's a twist that is one of the best I've come across (well done, Jodi!), the history and research Ms. Picoult completed for the book is just as intriguing. She visited elephant preserves in the US and Africa, spoke to researchers in their behavior, and collected stories about different beasts. As she noted in her discussion, the stories concerning the elephants are true, only the names were changed to protect the pachyderms. If you are moved by the stories of the incredible intelligence and severe danger these animals are experiencing, she lists a number of organizations accepting donations for their continued protection in an afterward.

@sloanebcollins - Kitty Love - #birthingkittens #mommacat #ourthreeboys #amwriting #MFRWorg

@sloanebcollins  #birthingkittens  #mommacat  #ourthreeboys  #amwriting
A little over a year ago, a pregnant stray cat chose us to come live with. We had no idea how far along she was, so we Googled cat births, since we didn’t know nothin’ ‘bout birthin’ kittens (having previously only had two male cats).  On that rainy Sunday afternoon, she took turns sleeping on our laps as we researched.  Having never been around pregnant animals before, it was fascinating to me to feel the babies moving in her belly as I petted her.  We watched YouTube videos on how to care for Momma, what to do when she goes in to labor, etc.
So my husband went to bed (since he works nights), and I realized she was actually in labor (thank heavens I’d watched those videos!).  My husband had already lashed two boxes together with a hole cut between them so she had extra space to move around, and we’d padded it with an old quilt and towels.  Over the course of three hours, she gave birth to three kittens, one per hour.  I was petrified something would happen, but she knew exactly what to do to care for them.  So by midnight that night, we had a momma and three babies.  And so precious! Two of them were Tabbies, miniature replicas of the mom, and one was a grey Tabby.
We had already decided we’d foster them until they were old enough to get fixed, then try to find homes for all of them.  But as time went by, we couldn’t fi
nd homes, and I thank God we couldn’t.  We named them all from the characters in my favorite Julia Quinn novel, “What Happens in London”: Sebastian (the grey one, but he’s nicknamed Scooter), Harry, and Oliver.  Well, actually, we thought Oliver was a girl at first, so the name was Olivia, but the vet corrected us so he became Oliver.  And that was after Googling “how to tell the sex of kittens”.  I’m sure they were mortified, as I was, that we kept trying to figure out boy and girl details. LOL
It’s a year later, and they are such blessings.  Even though we had to pack up all our tchotchkes, and even though I have to clean two litter boxes every week, they are blessings.  The two cats we had way back when were our children (since we don’t have children), and it broke our hearts when we lost them.  We had vowed never to have pets again because it was so hard to lose them. 
But these babies are a joy.  Each one has completely separate personalities.  Scooter is just a little hippie – easy going, calm, loves belly rubs and plays fetch with his favorite jingle ball, bringing it right to me to toss for him.  Harry is feisty, an explorer, and loves his ears scrubbed.  Oliver is a little cuddle-bunny, and loves to snuggle under the covers with me.  And Moms is a great mother.  She definitely likes her quiet time, and will race into the den as soon as my husband gets home from work.  They’ll eat, play, and sleep separately and together, and each one has a distinct meow.  Well, Oliver tends to squeak vs. meow. 
It’s been so much fun watching them grow, from their first minute to now.  I’d love to write childrens books based on their antics someday.  I usually write in my big recliner, and many times they've all piled on the chair with me.  I've had to balance the laptop on the arm of the chair and twist myself to the side to type while one or more sleep on my lap.  But it's well worth it to have them with me. 
How about you?  What are your favorite pets?  What kind of personalities do they have?
#birthingkittens  #mommacat  #ourthreeboys

.@VickiBatman - The amazing doodle doos? poodoos? What kind of dogs are those? #poodles #MFRWorg #RLFblog #dogs

I was raised a cat girl. I love 'em. Mine is now twenty-one years old. However, Handsome was raised with dogs. 

When #1 son was small, Handsome brought home the cutest puppy, a sheepdog. I named him Baxter (although the three year-old next door referred to him as Bastard). LOLOL. The problem with Baxter was he grew and grew and grew, finally weighing in at 150 pounds!!! I kept asking Handsome if he was supposed to get that big. And being so large also meant he was a handful and really, too big for the kiddoes.

Baxter left us when he was twelve. Most big dogs only make it to that age. And several years went by without dogs. Which was fine, we had cats. 

Eventually, Handsome would drop a comment or two or three. He circled ads in newspapers. I found where he had gone looking. Then he finally asked if we could get another dog. I laid down the law about training and care and most importantly--size. We'd discussed beagles because we liked the size and their spunky nature. Then he began telling me about malti-poos, a Maltese and Poodle mix. Poodles are the second smartest dogs (German shepherds are first). They have hair not fur and don't shed. They are pretty good-natured. 

He showed me pictures and I was sold. Coal black eyes and nose. Shaggy short hair. A bobbed tail. I agreed.

Onllllyyyy that wasn't what he came home with. 

Handsome brought home two dogs--a short white one and a taller gray one. He said he watched the white one run everywhere. He was playful and a great size. Then he noticed the gray one by himself, wanting to be in the fun, but acted shy. He couldn't say no. 


I'd been trying out names for a while, but had settled on one because the thought was he would get one dog. So he asked and I said, "Jones," for the gray one. Like Indiana Jones, but no Indy. LOL. The white one had me stumped, but not for long. He's full of might and fun and adorable. I called him Champ. He's the alpha. 

Handsome and I took them to training. Jones loves to run and has caught many a squirrel. Champ likes to play fetch with Squeaky and takes him to bed. 








What kind of pets do you have and what is their name?

Sometimes, pets show up in Vicki's stories. In her romantic comedy mystery, Temporarily Employed, there is a stray cat with a funny name. Find Temporarily Employed at: Amazon

Princess Chris Keniston has Landed--In London

The Americans have Landed—in London!
Some opportunities in life can't be turned down. So when I was asked to join a booksigning sponsored by Kobo #UksignKobo, I couldn't refuse. Which of course meant a trip to London!
First shock to British sensibilities came when a blonde from the west coast and myself sang along to Carly Simon's You're So Vain in the ladies room at Heathrow airport!  But I must say I think I'm adapting quite well. I adore the civilized practice of stopping mid afternoon for tea.    And just yesterday I heard myself comment on the peacocks at an English Manor – I believe my exact words were "Loud little buggers aren't they?"  And again leaving the country shop I heard myself say, "So many lovely bibs and bobs."
I'm not completely sure but I think a bib or bob is halfway between bits and pieces and knick knacks!  Of course there's a learning curve when speaking English.  While I was happy as a clam to have stumbled across a pair of trousers (apparently pants are underwear in England) with a high waste at the Marks and Spencers store– Had I been English I'd have been happy as Larry.  Though no one is quite sure who Larry is or why he was so happy! 
All this local fun leads up to what I'm most excited about. The book signing on Friday April 17th in London. I'm honored to be signing books with fabulous bestselling authors like Jillian Dodd and HM Ward and so many others!  If you're in the London area, pop in and say hello.  You can find more information here: bit.ly/UKSignKobo
Just in case romance in the sun is more your style, have fun with my handsome navy heroes in my contemporary romance Aloha Series.  Until next time!  Cheerio !
Find out more about Chris and her books at bit.ly/Ckpage 

@lsfabre #SherlockHolmes' Country Squire Ancestry #mfrworg

I recently completed a manuscript about Sherlock Holmes at age 13. For those not familiar with the world's most famous consulting dectective, Doyle gave very few clues to his character's upbringing. In the short story “The Adventure of the Greek Interpreter,” Sherlock Holmes tells Dr. Watson that his ancestors were “country squires,” and his grandmother was the sister of the French portraitist Vernet. 

While this leaves an author open to speculate about how Sherlock developed his skills, knowing his background involved country squires provides insights into Holmes’ social level and certain expectations common to those of that rank. A country squire would have owned enough land to rent to tenants and have lived in a manor house. While the squire’s position was below a nobleman or large landowner, (1) he still ranked high in the local social structure.

In addition to running his estate and ensuring the welfare of those under his tenancy, the country squire also held the position of Justice of the Peace. In this capacity, the squire had both civil and legal duties. Within the local government, the justices supervised parish (or county) officials, in particular those in charge of the maintenance of roads and bridges and the enforcement of the Poor Laws. (2) As a legal position, Justices of the Peace served as magistrates during the Quarter Sessions, where they and a jury heard and decided on serious crimes such as theft, highway robbery, assault, burglary, rioting, drunkenness, profane swearing, and a variety of crimes against property (poaching, cutting estate timber and the like. Between these sessions, the justices would hold petty sessions where the least serious crimes were reviewed and decisions made without a jury. (3)

Because the English system did not include a prosecutor, the preparation of a case rested with the constable, from collecting evidence to presenting it at trial. Justices of the peace supervised and worked closely with the village constable, issued warrants, and determined whether to move a case to trial and to which court. 

As a member of the gentry, Sherlock Holmes would have been in a position of privilege. If his father was a Justice of the Peace, he would have developed a familiarity with the criminal justice system and the law. For the consulting detective, the foundation for investigating and solving crimes would have come naturally to a descendant of country squires.



(1) Daniel Pool, What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew (New York: Simon and Schuster, Inc ., 1993), 46.(2) Sally Mitchell, Daily Life in Victorian England (Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1996), 90.(3) “Victorian Crime and Punishment,” accessed February 16, 2015. http://vcp.e2bn.org/(4) J.J. Tobias, Crime and Police in England: 1700-1900 (New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1979), 125.
You can read more about award-winning author Liese Sherwood-Fabre on her Website at www.liesesherwoodfabre.com.

Friends for a Lifetime

We lost my mother-in-law going on three years ago. Yes, we still miss her and probably always will. She was a sweet woman with a sharp tongue and a great sense of humor. And I always told her I married the best one of her kids. Not that the others are shabby, but I got the best.Last year, I was contacted by a friend of Mom’s, Anita(in the middle). The woman told me that she had been a friend of Ruth (Mom on left) and Mya (Mom’s twin sister on right) since they were three years old. Since that time we’ve been corresponding back and forth and she’s been telling me stories of the three of them. At this time she’s 94 years old. Reading her stories has made me wonder how many of us can actually say we have friends from our childhood that we’re still connected with? I have friends from high school that I still talk to. I know where a friend from my childhood resides, but we haven’t spoken to each other in twenty years. Friends come and go out of our lives at different periods for different reasons. Life interferes and we aren’t able to stay connected. There were four of us in high school that ran around together, dreamed of our future lives and growing into young women. Today I had lunch with Janine. I receive a Christmas card every year from Terre-who lives in the same area I do, and see Suzanne-who lives in New York on Facebook. They’re my oldest friends.But a friend from the time you’re three? No, I don’t have any of those. Poor Anita is trying to reach Mya to talk to her one more time. Mya has dementia and recently her cell phone was turned off because she kept losing it. Anita lives in Detroit and Mya in Albuquerque, yet Anita keeps reaching out to Mya. I’m the go between.As women we bond with friends and hang onto them until we take our last dying breath. I’m hoping that when we go visit Mya this summer, we can call Anita and put the two women on the phone together. More than anything, I hope that Mya will remember Anita. A friendship that has lasted a lifetime. Do you stay in contact with friends from your childhood?

My next historical out in May!  Visit Sylvia's website at www.SylviaMcDaniel.comTwitter at www.twitter.com/SylviaJMcDaniel Facebook at www.facebook.com/SylviaMcDanielAuthorGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/150774.Sylvia_McDaniel  

@BarbaraMonajem 's latest book is on fire! Lady of the Flames #MFRWorg #historical #paranormal

What a wonderful day for the Princesses as we welcome author Barbara Monajem!


Barbara Monajem wrote her first story in third grade about apple tree gnomes. An embarrassing number of years later, she still sneaks magical little creatures into her books, although they’re romances for grownups now. She lives in Atlanta with assorted relatives, friends, and feline strays.
Speed Round:
Favorite movie: The Princess Bride
Favorite book: Oh, come on now. Impossible!
Last book read: Murder in Hindsight by Anne Cleeland (for the third time)
Favorite color: Red!Stilettos or flip-flops: Sneakers
Coffee or tea: Both, but not mixed together. Tea plus coffee does not equal toffee.
E-book or paperback: Both
Pencil or pen: PenFavorite song: Maybe I’m Amazed by Paul McCartneyStreak or not: Not likely!Favorite dessert: Apple crispChampagne or gin: I don’t drink. But if I did, it would be Scotch whisky.Paranormal or Historical: A mixtureGinger or Mary Ann: Mary AnnFavorite TV show: I don’t watch much TV… I’m too antsy to stay still… I’ve been known to sit all the way through Sherlock and Dr. Who.Hot or cold: In betweenPOV: 1stor 3rd. Either.I'd die if I don't have: Air, water, food…

 Perfect lady, disgraced lord, traitor, spies, magic with blades, magic with fire, and love (of course).

Excerpt from Lady of the Flames: 
Fen poured warm water into the basin and reached for Andromeda’s slippers. “I’ll wash your feet.”She slid them under her skirts. “You mustn’t. It wouldn’t be proper.”“My dear girl, nothing about this situation is proper.”True, they were alone in his bedchamber. I’m completely ruined, she thought. Word of her disappearance must be all over London.  “You
Find Barbara at: WebsiteFind Lady of the Flames at: AmazonContact Barbara at: Email
Thank you, Barbara, for being with the Princesses today!

# A Book is Born – by Phyllis Middleton

Ten years in the making.  One story.  Many revisions.  Many more times it was shelved.  Yet still, I returned to a story that I wanted to see published. I wanted that story out there for others to enjoy and maybe some will hate, but it’s there for the reading. I wanted THIS story to be the first.

My baby.  My debut novel, NINE LIVES, TWO DOWN will be available to the public tomorrow – March 27th and it’s been on pre-order since March 20th.  Needless to say, I was over the moon when I saw the email from my editor announcing the pre-order. 





Double celebration!  March 27th  also  happens to be my birthday! Who knew fate would wait until my senior years to answer a dream.  What a weekend this will be – Life, Love, Laugh, and the Pursuit of Happiness!




I give you TWO excerpts from NINE LIVES, TWO DOWN, a Romantic Suspense/Thriller. Enjoy!
Excerpt One Perhaps the road to their love life recovery would be rocky, but certain memories were never forgotten. He didn’t need any more prompting as his lips slightly brushed hers, gentle and slow, leaving her wanting more. A whole lot more. The simple touch of his lips ignited a fire she’d thought was long gone. Knowing what he could do to her, she wanted him in the most carnal way.She whispered his name against his mouth. It was a plea for more. She craved the full kiss she had once known and with her hand moving up around his neck, her fingers sank deep into a thickness of dark hair and she pulled him down to her.Hunger for passions they’d not had for a while took over. She melted against him as his arms tightened around her. Pure ecstasy surged through her as he deepened the kiss. His hands grasped her back and lowered to her hips. Beth welcomed his strength. Her body reacted with familiar flutters and twinges readying her for more of his attentions. She yearned for his touch in places abandoned long ago. She wanted him to take total control, to take her, and leaned into him to relay that desire.He stopped the kiss to bring his lips to her forehead and it felt like the breath left her. She cradled her head against his chest. She listened to his heart as it pounded with renewed anticipation. With every breath, his chest rocked her gently. His moan matched her hunger for him.“Oh God, Bethany. I missed you and from your reaction, I’d say you missed me too. Promise me you’ll never take off like that again.”“I had good reasons for leaving.”“There will never be a good reason for you to leave me again. I won’t give you up or give up on you. Remember that.”Beth felt a chunk of that fear break off and disappear into nothingness. She was home. She was content. This was the healing she needed. With a finger under her chin, he lifted her head and kissed her. Hard, then soft and wet. A stirring in her abdomen signaled her to move closer, letting him know what she wanted. A moan escaped from deep in her throat.Sam stepped back. All the way back. What the . . .? She could barely accomplish a whisper. “You won’t believe how bad I want you right now.”“Oh yes I would.”“But not now. Not safe.” His own words were short and breathless.Why did he have to be strong now? “Oh damn.”Beth knew this was as far as they would go, but that didn’t stop her from making one last try. “Are you sure you don’t want to make out on the sofa for a while?”“If I get you on that sofa, we’ll do more than make out.”“Promises, promises,” she said, turning to go to the kitchen.He moved so quickly, it caught her by surprise. He snatched her up into his arms, kissing her eagerly, like a man killing his thirst with water. His tongue parted her lips as he drew her closer. She felt the heat rising between them, and just as suddenly, he released her, leaving her gasping for breath and composure.“Don’t play with fire, sweetheart,” he said with that blaze in his eyes she’d seen before. The light brown of his eyes had light flickers of yellow she’d swear were flames when he’d made love to her in the past.“I need some water,” Beth said, her mouth suddenly dry, she drew in a deep breath.“I need more than that. But water will do.”
Excerpt Two “The note?” She turned her head to get a better look at the words.“We drugged you. We watched you. We touched you and took pictures and you didn’t know any of it. When it’s your turn to die, you WILL know it.” Beth backed away from the note as if shot by electricity. “Oh, shit.”Beth shivered from the tingling down her spine. She grabbed at her night shirt when she got to the part where she mentioned touching her. She looked at the note again. It said ‘we’. Who the hell is we? Isn’t it bad enough that I have a she devil after me, but now she has friends? Did they molest her? Rape her? No, she decided, she was okay there. She’d know it, wouldn’t she? She nearly threw up and checked herself. How easily they could have killed her. Oh, God, I could be dead right now and never heard them, felt them!“I could’ve been killed last night. It would’ve been easier than drawing a target on me,” Beth said, wondering how she kept her voice under control. She thought about how fast the bullet could have given her a quick death. Would she have even felt it? “Zach, this isn’t good. This is really not good.”“Beth.” She didn’t answer, her mind racing. Where? Where can I go without them finding me? Panic increased, making her heart race and her breathing faster. She needed to do something, anything.“Beth! Listen to me.” Zach tried to get her attention.“I’m here.”“Are you listening?”She closed her eyes and took several deep breaths. “Yes.”“It’s a scare tactic. That’s all.”“And it’s working very well.”“Get yourself together.”“Yeah.” Like I can do that. She took some more breaths. “My head is getting clearer now.”“Good. Is anyone with you?” Zach asked.For the first time, Beth remembered Sam. Her heart jumped to her throat. Had they killed him to get to her? She got up too fast and dizziness forced her to her knees. Using the bed post to keep her stable, she was half afraid to open the door. What if he was dead? But what if he was still alive and needed her?Beth managed to get to the bedroom door and opened it to reveal an empty sofa and she frowned. Sam wasn’t there.“Sam?” Her steps were hesitant, easing around a corner. Was he dead? Hurt? Were the bad guys still around? Her heart raced, pumping dread through her and making her face bead up with sweat. As she searched the living room, a paper caught her attention.

 NINE LIVES, TWO DOWN is available at Amazon. Here is the link: 
 http://www.amazon.com/Nine-Lives-Down...