Jack Lewis Baillot's Blog, page 33
March 3, 2015
"Men! Do your thing!" "We surrender!!"
Wherein Jack Announces
I might just get right to the point with this.
I will be moving at the end of the month. I should probably be excited about this, even a little excited, but right now I'm not. I'll be moving about 800 miles from home, where I've spent my whole life.
The plan is to leave the end of the month. Therefore, since I only have a month left to spend time with my family I decided cut back on writing work. I am taking part in a little NaNo thing with a friend of mine - the name should be changed I guess, but since it's the basic NaNo idea we've been too lazy to call it anything else. I'll also be reading a bit, but that's it. I plan to revisit all my favourite places in town and annoy my family to death.
This also means I won't be blogging as much. I'll be popping up off and on and doing some comments, But maybe not my normal three days a week.
I will also go into more details about the move, just at this moment there is new snow and my mum and I are going for a walk. I just wanted to explain my AWOLness...a very poor explanation now that I look at it. I will have to redeem this soon.
But SNOW! So TTFN my lovely readers!!
Quote is from Flushed Away, the French frogs
ALLONS-Y!!
I might just get right to the point with this.
I will be moving at the end of the month. I should probably be excited about this, even a little excited, but right now I'm not. I'll be moving about 800 miles from home, where I've spent my whole life.
The plan is to leave the end of the month. Therefore, since I only have a month left to spend time with my family I decided cut back on writing work. I am taking part in a little NaNo thing with a friend of mine - the name should be changed I guess, but since it's the basic NaNo idea we've been too lazy to call it anything else. I'll also be reading a bit, but that's it. I plan to revisit all my favourite places in town and annoy my family to death.
This also means I won't be blogging as much. I'll be popping up off and on and doing some comments, But maybe not my normal three days a week.
I will also go into more details about the move, just at this moment there is new snow and my mum and I are going for a walk. I just wanted to explain my AWOLness...a very poor explanation now that I look at it. I will have to redeem this soon.
But SNOW! So TTFN my lovely readers!!
Quote is from Flushed Away, the French frogs
ALLONS-Y!!
February 27, 2015
"Chocolate?"
My plan was to shorten my reading list. As you can see, that didn't happen.
But, what can I say, I love books.
That said, here is my Winter Reading List. (All of these books are reviewed except for the last few on the list. You can check out my review book or goodreads page if you want a more in-depth review on them.)
The HobbitI have read this once before, but with the last Hobbit moving coming out I determined to read it before I saw the movie. It was just as good as the first time, except for the little line about Kili and Fili's deaths. (ONE LITTLE LINE!!)
A Time to DieThis was one of those government in control of everything books. But, I was shocked by how much I enjoyed it. Of course, I wanted to throw it at someone and had to slam some doors over the ending, but nevertheless, I love it.
IvanhoeLOCKSLEY! THE BLACK KNIGHT! IVANHOE HIMSELF! JOUSTS!
Christmas at the TittletonsAnother reread. It is a great Christmas story, and a mystery which I love. It is somewhat of my Christmas tradition now to read it.
To Kill a MockingbirdI LOVE this book SO MUCH. Scout and Jem and Atticus.....anyone who hasn't read it, read it now. (ALSO the squeal is coming out this summer!!!!!!!!!!!!)
King's WarriorReread. With the feel of The Lord of the Rings, this book is one of my favourites. And it has Brant. And I love Brant.
It Took A WarA Civil War short story which left me wanting more.
The Lion, The Witch, and The WardrobeDuh, yes, reread. NARNIA!
Devil at my HeelsLouie Zamperini's book he wrote about his time as a POW. It was wonderful, and painful, hearing the story from his view point.
Fun with Kirk and SpockOne of my Christmas presents. It is written like the Dick and Jane books and had me rolling on the floor laughing.
UnbrokenThe delightfully fat book about Louie Zamperini and Russell Allen Phillips and all the amazing men who Louie met while a POW. This book. Everyone needs to read it.
Farmer Giles of HamOne of Tolkien's books for kids. I loved the charm of it.
Smith of Wootton MajorAnother of Tolkien's. I adored this one, and liked it even more than Farmer Giles.
The ChosenThis book is hard to describe. It has a wonderful feel to it, and it also has Danny and Rueven. I really enjoyed it.
Behind Enemy LinesThe true story of a French Jewish spy in Nazi Germany. An amazing woman.
Summer Dreams and the Kleig Light Gas CompanyI have mixed feelings about this book. It was written by Louie's wife. I want to review it someday when I can get my thoughts all arranged.
The Story of King Arthur and his KnightsNeed I say more? It is King Arthur. Oh yes, and Howard Pyle wrote it.
Haphazardly ImplausibleMy book, which I had to reread so I could work on the last one in the series.
Brothers-in-ArmsEveryone seems to know about this one now. My WWII book. I edited it, which I guess counts as reading it.
Orphan's SongTHIS one is so good! Charming and hard to put down. And Birdie is adorable. Also KY!
He Whistles for the CricketA short story about a girl and her dog. I laughed and cried.
Moonless NightThe true story of Jimmy James, one of the men who took part in The Great Escape. I loved reading his story
Bleeding HeartA collection of poems written by a mother and daughter.
Sabotage in the Sky
This book was written in the 1940's. It's about pilots, WWII, and sabotage...as the title implies. I loved it.
Rescued
A short allegory. I only complained because I wanted it ,longer.
A Higher Call
This book. I can't say enough about it. Just read it. It is the true story of two WWII pilots. One was an American bomber who got his plane so shot up he shouldn't have been able to keep it airborne and the other was a German who helped fly him to safety. An amazing story.
Firmament: Machiavellian
I love this series. This is the third book in it, and kept me on the edge of my seat more than the first too. It was hard to put down.
The False Prince
A reread. I love this book so much.
The Iron Duke
By the same Author as Sabotage in the Sky. While I didn't enjoy it more - I have a thing for pilots - I did really like it.
Essie
A short story about a girl who fought with the Bielski brothers. (They were three brothers in WWII who set up a camp in the woods, helped escaping Jews, and fought the Germans.)
Abolished Impracticality
Because I had to reread it to make sure book three is consistent.
A Book I Edited. (Not sure if I am allowed to share the title yet or not.)
I do a lot of books like this. I read them and then can't talk about them until they are closer to being published.
Band of Brothers
This book!!!!!!!!! I loved it so much!!! I stayed up late to try and finish it one night. I have a review coming soon.
The Song of the Wren-Falcon
While this book isn't the style I enjoy - epic fantasy or something like that? - I really ended up enjoying it. And I am looking forward to more in the series.
And there it is, my Winter Reading List. I doubt my spring list will be as long. I'm really trying to read less, ans I realized I didn't really do much else. (Though, winter was so cold off and on I couldn't get out much. I do more outside in the spring.)
Quote is from Band of Brothers, the mini series, not the book. When Roe is getting supplies and meets a nurse who gives him a chocolate bar.
ALLONS-Y!
But, what can I say, I love books.
That said, here is my Winter Reading List. (All of these books are reviewed except for the last few on the list. You can check out my review book or goodreads page if you want a more in-depth review on them.)
The HobbitI have read this once before, but with the last Hobbit moving coming out I determined to read it before I saw the movie. It was just as good as the first time, except for the little line about Kili and Fili's deaths. (ONE LITTLE LINE!!)
A Time to DieThis was one of those government in control of everything books. But, I was shocked by how much I enjoyed it. Of course, I wanted to throw it at someone and had to slam some doors over the ending, but nevertheless, I love it.
IvanhoeLOCKSLEY! THE BLACK KNIGHT! IVANHOE HIMSELF! JOUSTS!
Christmas at the TittletonsAnother reread. It is a great Christmas story, and a mystery which I love. It is somewhat of my Christmas tradition now to read it.
To Kill a MockingbirdI LOVE this book SO MUCH. Scout and Jem and Atticus.....anyone who hasn't read it, read it now. (ALSO the squeal is coming out this summer!!!!!!!!!!!!)
King's WarriorReread. With the feel of The Lord of the Rings, this book is one of my favourites. And it has Brant. And I love Brant.
It Took A WarA Civil War short story which left me wanting more.
The Lion, The Witch, and The WardrobeDuh, yes, reread. NARNIA!
Devil at my HeelsLouie Zamperini's book he wrote about his time as a POW. It was wonderful, and painful, hearing the story from his view point.
Fun with Kirk and SpockOne of my Christmas presents. It is written like the Dick and Jane books and had me rolling on the floor laughing.
UnbrokenThe delightfully fat book about Louie Zamperini and Russell Allen Phillips and all the amazing men who Louie met while a POW. This book. Everyone needs to read it.
Farmer Giles of HamOne of Tolkien's books for kids. I loved the charm of it.
Smith of Wootton MajorAnother of Tolkien's. I adored this one, and liked it even more than Farmer Giles.
The ChosenThis book is hard to describe. It has a wonderful feel to it, and it also has Danny and Rueven. I really enjoyed it.
Behind Enemy LinesThe true story of a French Jewish spy in Nazi Germany. An amazing woman.
Summer Dreams and the Kleig Light Gas CompanyI have mixed feelings about this book. It was written by Louie's wife. I want to review it someday when I can get my thoughts all arranged.
The Story of King Arthur and his KnightsNeed I say more? It is King Arthur. Oh yes, and Howard Pyle wrote it.
Haphazardly ImplausibleMy book, which I had to reread so I could work on the last one in the series.
Brothers-in-ArmsEveryone seems to know about this one now. My WWII book. I edited it, which I guess counts as reading it.
Orphan's SongTHIS one is so good! Charming and hard to put down. And Birdie is adorable. Also KY!
He Whistles for the CricketA short story about a girl and her dog. I laughed and cried.
Moonless NightThe true story of Jimmy James, one of the men who took part in The Great Escape. I loved reading his story
Bleeding HeartA collection of poems written by a mother and daughter.
Sabotage in the Sky
This book was written in the 1940's. It's about pilots, WWII, and sabotage...as the title implies. I loved it.
Rescued
A short allegory. I only complained because I wanted it ,longer.
A Higher Call
This book. I can't say enough about it. Just read it. It is the true story of two WWII pilots. One was an American bomber who got his plane so shot up he shouldn't have been able to keep it airborne and the other was a German who helped fly him to safety. An amazing story.
Firmament: Machiavellian
I love this series. This is the third book in it, and kept me on the edge of my seat more than the first too. It was hard to put down.
The False Prince
A reread. I love this book so much.
The Iron Duke
By the same Author as Sabotage in the Sky. While I didn't enjoy it more - I have a thing for pilots - I did really like it.
Essie
A short story about a girl who fought with the Bielski brothers. (They were three brothers in WWII who set up a camp in the woods, helped escaping Jews, and fought the Germans.)
Abolished Impracticality
Because I had to reread it to make sure book three is consistent.
A Book I Edited. (Not sure if I am allowed to share the title yet or not.)
I do a lot of books like this. I read them and then can't talk about them until they are closer to being published.
Band of Brothers
This book!!!!!!!!! I loved it so much!!! I stayed up late to try and finish it one night. I have a review coming soon.
The Song of the Wren-Falcon
While this book isn't the style I enjoy - epic fantasy or something like that? - I really ended up enjoying it. And I am looking forward to more in the series.
And there it is, my Winter Reading List. I doubt my spring list will be as long. I'm really trying to read less, ans I realized I didn't really do much else. (Though, winter was so cold off and on I couldn't get out much. I do more outside in the spring.)
Quote is from Band of Brothers, the mini series, not the book. When Roe is getting supplies and meets a nurse who gives him a chocolate bar.
ALLONS-Y!
February 26, 2015
BLOG TOUR FOR THE KING'S SCROLLS!
I have been SO SO horrible at blog tours lately!! I don't know what is wrong with me, and I am thoroughly ashamed with myself.
Sadly, this post was supposed to go up on the 23rd, and the blog tour ended the 24th. It is therefore, very late. I am going to do better with these from now on. (It is no excuse, I have a lot going on right now. While I am not buried in work, I am dealing with a big change, but I won't let this happen again.)
My apologies to everyone who took part in the tour, and to Jaye.
I will now share the post. It is for the second book in the Ilyon Chronicles written by Jaye L. Knight.The first book was amazing. I plan to buy book two very soon. For those who haven't, see if you can pick up this series. You won't regret it.
* * *
About the Book
Following the harrowing events that brought them to Landale Forest, Jace and Kyrin have settled comfortably into their new lives and the mission of protecting those under the emperor’s persecution. The fast approach of winter brings with it the anticipation of a quiet few months ahead. That is until the arrival of four mysterious, dragon-riding cretes who seek aid in a mission of great importance—not only to their own people, but to all followers of Elôm.
Hidden in the vast mining valley north of Valcré, a faithful crete has spent years sharing his knowledge with the destitute miners and their families and is known to possess what may be Arcacia’s last surviving copies of the King’s Scrolls—the Word of Elôm. Joining the cretes, those in Landale must find the crete teacher and bring him to safety, but it is a race against time. Should Daican’s men find him first, execution and the destruction of the Scrolls is certain.
When disaster strikes, all seems lost. Could Elôm have a plan even in the enemy’s triumph?
Available on Amazon!Buy Now
* * * About the Author Jaye L. Knight is a homeschool graduated indie author with a passion for writing Christian fantasy and clean new adult fiction. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.
You can connect with Jaye on her website, blog, Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Etsy.
* * *
Resistance Kindle Sale (Note: Only include this if you are posting February 17-23. Kindle won’t let me list my countdown deal for more than 7 days in a row so the sale won’t last through the tour.)
Haven’t begun the adventure into Ilyon? From February 17th - 23rd, get Resistance , the award-winning first book of Ilyon Chronicles for your Kindle on sale for only 99 cents! Check it out on Amazon!
* * *
Giveaway Share in the excitement of the release and enter to win a themed Epic Winter giveaway! Prize pack includes an autographed copy of The King’s Scrolls, a CD by Future World Music (some of Jaye’s favorite writing music), a dragon bookmark, a stone hawk pendant (much like the ones mentioned in the book), and a few packages of Twining’s Winter Spice tea to sip while you read! (Giveaway is open to US residents only. Cannot be shipped internationally.) https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1f7330c114/)
Interview questions for Aaron
1. You are taking part in a rebellion of sorts (I call it a rebellion but maybe that isn't the right term for it.). Did you ever think you would end up joining it or did it just happen?
I figured someday something might happen with the way persecution around Arcacia has slowly increased, but I definitely didn’t plan on it. Not with how life has been the last several years. For most miners like myself, it’s hard to think too far ahead. We just work every day for our pay and hope it’s enough to keep food on the table. So, I suppose it did sort of just happen, though it wasn’t entirely unexpected.
2. What would you be doing if you weren't taking part in the rebellion?
*laughs* Working. For years I’ve worked six days a week from dawn until dusk. It’s not really much of a life, but it helps keep my family alive. That’s what’s most important to me.
3. Do you have a favourite childhood memory?
Probably when my brother Timothy was born. I was twelve years old and didn’t have any other siblings. I didn’t think I ever would, but then he came along unexpectedly. It was a difficult time because our mother died just after having him, but I’ll never forget how overjoyed I was the first time I got to hold Timothy. I swore to myself I’d be the best older brother there was. I’m still holding myself to that promise.
4. In my world there is a big debate between people about cats and dogs. Maybe you don't have the same problem where you live, but I will ask anyways. Do you consider yourself a cat or a dog person?
Well, I’ve never had either. When you can barely feed yourself and your family, the last thing you’d do is add a pet into the mix, but, if I could, I’d choose a dog. Cats are all right, I suppose, but dogs are so much more loyal.
5. And lastly, what is your biggest fear and why?
Loosing Timothy. I’ve already lost both my parents. In the end, it’s in Elôm’s hands, but I’m willing to do whatever I can to protect him. He’s my little brother, and he helps me to be a better person. I’ve never told him this outright, but I admire him. I’d probably be a much more cynical person if he wasn’t always such a great example of faith.
Again, I am so sorry for forgetting about this post.
February 24, 2015
"Fred! I will lazier hand you in the face!"
I got tagged, then I forgot I got tagged, then I remembered. So now I am doing it.
I was tagged by TYREAN with the Liebster Award
It's all pretty, but mean. It won't let me center it, so it shall hang there.
It has rules.
1. Acknowledge the blogger who nominated you. *Acknowledges Tyrean* THANK YOU!!!
2. Answer 11 questions that the blogger gives you. 1. Have you ever visited Washington State? Yes. Once. I saw some seals and rode in the back of a bitty car with tons of luggage and brothers. It was fun.
2. Do you drink coffee or tea? I drink enough tea to be British. I drink coffee if it has so much sugar it isn't really coffee. I have a special caramel coffee I drink while working on the painful parts of Brothers-in-Arms.
3. Name your favourite Winnie-the-Pooh character. Hard. It is a tie between Pooh - I get his constantly being hungry - and Eeyore, Because I love that little depressed donkey so much.
4. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? To England to visit the queen. No, just kidding. Scotland. I have a sword to steal...borrow. I meant borrow.
5. What's your favourite kind of movie? I don't know if I can answer that. I range from cartoons like My Little Pony to tragic war stories such as Unbroken.
6. What song do you sing around the house/in the car? One never really seems to stand out. I get random songs stuck in my head and sing them all day. Some I don't even listen to unless they just come on the radio or in the story. (Today's was We'll Never Be Royals which came on the radio.)
7. Have you ever seen a Giant Pacific Octopus in the wild or in an aquarium? No, and I feel like I am missing something in life because of it. Must mend this, someone get me a ship.
8. What are your top three goals in life? Unseriously? Come up with a better insult for Phil then she does for me. Write the next Great American Novel and make enough money to quit all other jobs and spend all my time writing. (MAWHAHAHAHAHA.) And become an Evil Overlord. Process in the works. I'm seeing it as a possibility by the end of the year. First act of business will be banning speedos. You're welcome.
9. What's your favourite writing utensil? A spoon. "Why a spoon, cousin? Why not a knife?" "Because, you twit. It's dull, it'll hurt more!" (See that one, Phil? Twit.) Actually, my lovely fountain pen.
10. Star Wars/ Star Trek or both? Both, both. Both is good.
11. Favourite movie soundtrack? *Grin* Unbroken. I listen to it at work to keep me from complaining, because I'm a whiner by nature.
Rule 3. Give 11 random facts about yourself. This shouldn't be hard, seeing as I am a professional randomer.
1. I have in the works a plan to break Sebastian Stan's leg. If this falls through and I bounce off him, as is likely to happen, I am moving down the line to smaller actors. Next possibility is the man who played Phil in Unbroken. If I get to him fast enough I can catch him before he gains back all the weight he had to lose for the movie. (This all came about as a dare or bet between Phil and I.)
2. I named my Book Thief Warren. (For those who forgot, someone in town reads the same books as I do, only he always gets to them first. When I met him, I am kicking him and running, then we can talk about books.)
3. I read a line from some James Bond movie about being dashing and charming and having a plan to kill everyone in the room. The only thing that stood out was the plan to kill everyone in the room. When I enter a room with strangers, this is now my favourite pass time. (PLOTTING HOW TO DO IT. Not actually killing them! I'm not yet at that level of insanity!)
4. If I had an extra thousand dollars I'd hire my Jeeves Butler.
5. I like getting dollar bills. I roll them up in a wad and stuff them in my pocket. While I am only carrying around ten dollars or so it looks like more and gives the appearance I am some kind of mafia lord or some such thing. (I live in a bitty town, for those thinking I might get mugged doing this. Also, I don't flash it around, so you may put your minds at ease.)
6. I proudly declare Russell Allen Phillips as my hero.
7, In spite of all the stupid things I do, when I die it is going to be by tripping over my own feet or choking on a strawberry seed.
8. There is a strong possibility I am going to be like the aunts in Arsenic and Old Lace when I reach the age of 80. Or 60. Maybe 40. There is also a good possibility I know the girl who will be like the other aunt.
9. I once told my friend I blew up a bridge (in Brothers-in-Arms but I didn't add that part) and she causally assumed I had gone out and blown up a real bridge.
10. If I was six foot something and had a long, frightening nose I would sneak up on people like Speirs and make causal death remarks. ("I could just hug you to death, and I just might." "Oh if only someone could bash that information out of your head, and maybe I will.") Then I would walk off. Since I am not six foot something and my nose is short and fat I put on a sweet air of innocence and lure people into a false sense of security.
11. I'm like a cat. If you feed me, let me sleep, worship me, and give me a patch of sunlight I will consider you my slave for life.
Rule 4. Nominate 11 other blogs that have less than 200 followers. I believe most of my readers have less than 200....therefore, I think I am safe in doing it this way. First 11 to comment, YOU ARE NOMINATED! NO BACKIES! If you have more than 200 you are disqualified.
Rule 5. Let the bloggers know they've been nominated. You first 11, you are nominated!! DO IT!
6. Give them 11 questions.
1. Have you ever listened to the Snoopy vs. The Red Baron songs? 2. What's tatters? 3. What would be your opening lines to your Great American Novel? 4. Are you over Tadashi yet? 5. How well can you crash a plane? 6. What color are the socks you're wearing right now? 7. What is the one thing you always carry with you and why? 8. Are you six foot something with a scary nose? 9. What's the stupidest thing you ever done which inflicted pain on yourself? 10. Do foods which don't go bad scare you? 11. How well do you get along with cockroaches?
That is all. Quote is from Big Hero 6, when Fred is singing his own superhero theme song.
ALLONS-Y!
I was tagged by TYREAN with the Liebster Award
It's all pretty, but mean. It won't let me center it, so it shall hang there.
It has rules.
1. Acknowledge the blogger who nominated you. *Acknowledges Tyrean* THANK YOU!!!
2. Answer 11 questions that the blogger gives you. 1. Have you ever visited Washington State? Yes. Once. I saw some seals and rode in the back of a bitty car with tons of luggage and brothers. It was fun.
2. Do you drink coffee or tea? I drink enough tea to be British. I drink coffee if it has so much sugar it isn't really coffee. I have a special caramel coffee I drink while working on the painful parts of Brothers-in-Arms.
3. Name your favourite Winnie-the-Pooh character. Hard. It is a tie between Pooh - I get his constantly being hungry - and Eeyore, Because I love that little depressed donkey so much.
4. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? To England to visit the queen. No, just kidding. Scotland. I have a sword to steal...borrow. I meant borrow.
5. What's your favourite kind of movie? I don't know if I can answer that. I range from cartoons like My Little Pony to tragic war stories such as Unbroken.
6. What song do you sing around the house/in the car? One never really seems to stand out. I get random songs stuck in my head and sing them all day. Some I don't even listen to unless they just come on the radio or in the story. (Today's was We'll Never Be Royals which came on the radio.)
7. Have you ever seen a Giant Pacific Octopus in the wild or in an aquarium? No, and I feel like I am missing something in life because of it. Must mend this, someone get me a ship.
8. What are your top three goals in life? Unseriously? Come up with a better insult for Phil then she does for me. Write the next Great American Novel and make enough money to quit all other jobs and spend all my time writing. (MAWHAHAHAHAHA.) And become an Evil Overlord. Process in the works. I'm seeing it as a possibility by the end of the year. First act of business will be banning speedos. You're welcome.
9. What's your favourite writing utensil? A spoon. "Why a spoon, cousin? Why not a knife?" "Because, you twit. It's dull, it'll hurt more!" (See that one, Phil? Twit.) Actually, my lovely fountain pen.
10. Star Wars/ Star Trek or both? Both, both. Both is good.
11. Favourite movie soundtrack? *Grin* Unbroken. I listen to it at work to keep me from complaining, because I'm a whiner by nature.
Rule 3. Give 11 random facts about yourself. This shouldn't be hard, seeing as I am a professional randomer.
1. I have in the works a plan to break Sebastian Stan's leg. If this falls through and I bounce off him, as is likely to happen, I am moving down the line to smaller actors. Next possibility is the man who played Phil in Unbroken. If I get to him fast enough I can catch him before he gains back all the weight he had to lose for the movie. (This all came about as a dare or bet between Phil and I.)
2. I named my Book Thief Warren. (For those who forgot, someone in town reads the same books as I do, only he always gets to them first. When I met him, I am kicking him and running, then we can talk about books.)
3. I read a line from some James Bond movie about being dashing and charming and having a plan to kill everyone in the room. The only thing that stood out was the plan to kill everyone in the room. When I enter a room with strangers, this is now my favourite pass time. (PLOTTING HOW TO DO IT. Not actually killing them! I'm not yet at that level of insanity!)
4. If I had an extra thousand dollars I'd hire my Jeeves Butler.
5. I like getting dollar bills. I roll them up in a wad and stuff them in my pocket. While I am only carrying around ten dollars or so it looks like more and gives the appearance I am some kind of mafia lord or some such thing. (I live in a bitty town, for those thinking I might get mugged doing this. Also, I don't flash it around, so you may put your minds at ease.)
6. I proudly declare Russell Allen Phillips as my hero.
7, In spite of all the stupid things I do, when I die it is going to be by tripping over my own feet or choking on a strawberry seed.
8. There is a strong possibility I am going to be like the aunts in Arsenic and Old Lace when I reach the age of 80. Or 60. Maybe 40. There is also a good possibility I know the girl who will be like the other aunt.
9. I once told my friend I blew up a bridge (in Brothers-in-Arms but I didn't add that part) and she causally assumed I had gone out and blown up a real bridge.
10. If I was six foot something and had a long, frightening nose I would sneak up on people like Speirs and make causal death remarks. ("I could just hug you to death, and I just might." "Oh if only someone could bash that information out of your head, and maybe I will.") Then I would walk off. Since I am not six foot something and my nose is short and fat I put on a sweet air of innocence and lure people into a false sense of security.
11. I'm like a cat. If you feed me, let me sleep, worship me, and give me a patch of sunlight I will consider you my slave for life.
Rule 4. Nominate 11 other blogs that have less than 200 followers. I believe most of my readers have less than 200....therefore, I think I am safe in doing it this way. First 11 to comment, YOU ARE NOMINATED! NO BACKIES! If you have more than 200 you are disqualified.
Rule 5. Let the bloggers know they've been nominated. You first 11, you are nominated!! DO IT!
6. Give them 11 questions.
1. Have you ever listened to the Snoopy vs. The Red Baron songs? 2. What's tatters? 3. What would be your opening lines to your Great American Novel? 4. Are you over Tadashi yet? 5. How well can you crash a plane? 6. What color are the socks you're wearing right now? 7. What is the one thing you always carry with you and why? 8. Are you six foot something with a scary nose? 9. What's the stupidest thing you ever done which inflicted pain on yourself? 10. Do foods which don't go bad scare you? 11. How well do you get along with cockroaches?
That is all. Quote is from Big Hero 6, when Fred is singing his own superhero theme song.
ALLONS-Y!
February 22, 2015
"Anymore questions?"...."Not about the dress....tunic."
Wherein Jack worked all weekend.
The end of last week fell apart on me and I got nothing done, writing work wise. So this weekend I worked. (I wrote something I am kinda pleased with, so it wasn't all torture. Also, I read Band of Brothers, again, not so bad.)
I did manage to have a nice time in spite of work, I laid around all last night and listened to classic songs. Which is why I have two songs today. Because one doesn't count, but listen to it anyways.
Look at these guys. So classy, and they knew it. Also the lead singer looks so much like my Mercenary Friend they could be twins.
So, fun story about that song. I listen to it a lot, but last night I actually watched the video and realized just how classy they were. I told my brothers and cousin as we ate breakfast in a packed hotel breakfast area, but they didn't believe me, so I made them look it up on their phone. So we huddled around a table and watched the video and made everyone else listen to My Girl.
Now, song for my book.
This one I listen to a lot while working on the Blade books. It reminds me of the twins, Jaysen and Jasper.
That was short. I would have said more, but there are spoilers involved.
Now I get to try and thaw my feet in one degree weather and do something fun before bed.
Quote is from Night at the Museum 2.
ALLONS-Y!
The end of last week fell apart on me and I got nothing done, writing work wise. So this weekend I worked. (I wrote something I am kinda pleased with, so it wasn't all torture. Also, I read Band of Brothers, again, not so bad.)
I did manage to have a nice time in spite of work, I laid around all last night and listened to classic songs. Which is why I have two songs today. Because one doesn't count, but listen to it anyways.
Look at these guys. So classy, and they knew it. Also the lead singer looks so much like my Mercenary Friend they could be twins.
So, fun story about that song. I listen to it a lot, but last night I actually watched the video and realized just how classy they were. I told my brothers and cousin as we ate breakfast in a packed hotel breakfast area, but they didn't believe me, so I made them look it up on their phone. So we huddled around a table and watched the video and made everyone else listen to My Girl.
Now, song for my book.
This one I listen to a lot while working on the Blade books. It reminds me of the twins, Jaysen and Jasper.
That was short. I would have said more, but there are spoilers involved.
Now I get to try and thaw my feet in one degree weather and do something fun before bed.
Quote is from Night at the Museum 2.
ALLONS-Y!
February 19, 2015
"The people of France were exceedingly poor."...."Do you have any bread?" "No! I'm exceedingly poor!"
I made a discovery.
Have you ever had a question which sits in the back of your mind, but you never really voice it until someone else does and then you realize it is the same question you've had for years?
This happened to me while watching Band of Brothers with Phil. In the middle of the series she asked me how the soldier's dog tags stayed around the soldiers' necks. I realized I'd had that question as well, always in the back of my mind, but had never brought it forward.
Just how did the tags stay on?
The chains for dog tags are really long. And soldiers run and jump and fall over and roll around a lot. But they never lose their tags.
And the soldiers in Band of Brothers did a lot of extra rolling around while dodging bombs, especially during Bastogne. So how did they manage to not lose them?
This bothered me and Phil for a few days. Along with the realization that a lot of the soldiers we were reading about and learning about were really quite handsome.
Need examples? Okay.
The real life Dick Winters - who's story is told in Band of Brothers
Doc Eugene Roe, his story is also in Band of Brothers.
Ronald Speirs, again, Band of Brothers.
Louie Zamperini, his story was told in the book Unbroken. A movie was made about it and came out in December, as I'm sure most everyone know about at this point
Russell Allen Phillips, Louie's pilot and best friend in the war. The picture is blurry, but this one is my favourite, so....I'm using it
Charlie Brown, bomber pilot who flew over Germany. His plane was badly crippled and he only survived because a German fighter pilot helped him cross the boarder. His story is told in A Higher Call
Franz Stigler, the German pilot who saved Charlie. (For those who haven't, read A Higher Call. Franz was a remarkable man and more people should read his story.)
Okay, there, point proven. Let's move along now.
The moving along is fairly brief. I'm sure you are starting to click onto the realization that hit me the other day. The mystery of the dog tags and the handsome soldiers.
The simple explanation is, what kind of dog tag would want to fall of the neck of any of these men? (And in the case of Speirs, his would have been too frightened to even think of it, handsomeness aside.)
If you have doubts about this theory I will gladly point out that in the Band of Brothers mini-series Winters dove into and swam around in a lake, and not once did his tags come close to slipping off.
I can also point out how much weight both Phil and Louie lost while POWs. Their tags could have slipped down over their shoulders, yet did not.
Point proven.
I must leave now. I have writing to do.
But you're very welcome for the solution to the dog tag mystery. I know you were all dying to have that question answered.
BUT BEFORE I GO!
I have three copies of Brothers-in-Arms I have been publishing to test out the formatting. Each is in a different draft stage, but they are sitting around my room taking up space I do not have. I am considering holding a giveaway for the books. Does the idea of that interest anyone?
That is all for real.
Quote is from Mr. Peabody and Sherman.
ALLONS-Y!
Have you ever had a question which sits in the back of your mind, but you never really voice it until someone else does and then you realize it is the same question you've had for years?
This happened to me while watching Band of Brothers with Phil. In the middle of the series she asked me how the soldier's dog tags stayed around the soldiers' necks. I realized I'd had that question as well, always in the back of my mind, but had never brought it forward.
Just how did the tags stay on?
The chains for dog tags are really long. And soldiers run and jump and fall over and roll around a lot. But they never lose their tags.
And the soldiers in Band of Brothers did a lot of extra rolling around while dodging bombs, especially during Bastogne. So how did they manage to not lose them?
This bothered me and Phil for a few days. Along with the realization that a lot of the soldiers we were reading about and learning about were really quite handsome.
Need examples? Okay.
The real life Dick Winters - who's story is told in Band of Brothers
Doc Eugene Roe, his story is also in Band of Brothers.
Ronald Speirs, again, Band of Brothers.
Louie Zamperini, his story was told in the book Unbroken. A movie was made about it and came out in December, as I'm sure most everyone know about at this point
Russell Allen Phillips, Louie's pilot and best friend in the war. The picture is blurry, but this one is my favourite, so....I'm using it
Charlie Brown, bomber pilot who flew over Germany. His plane was badly crippled and he only survived because a German fighter pilot helped him cross the boarder. His story is told in A Higher Call
Franz Stigler, the German pilot who saved Charlie. (For those who haven't, read A Higher Call. Franz was a remarkable man and more people should read his story.)Okay, there, point proven. Let's move along now.
The moving along is fairly brief. I'm sure you are starting to click onto the realization that hit me the other day. The mystery of the dog tags and the handsome soldiers.
The simple explanation is, what kind of dog tag would want to fall of the neck of any of these men? (And in the case of Speirs, his would have been too frightened to even think of it, handsomeness aside.)
If you have doubts about this theory I will gladly point out that in the Band of Brothers mini-series Winters dove into and swam around in a lake, and not once did his tags come close to slipping off.
I can also point out how much weight both Phil and Louie lost while POWs. Their tags could have slipped down over their shoulders, yet did not.
Point proven.
I must leave now. I have writing to do.
But you're very welcome for the solution to the dog tag mystery. I know you were all dying to have that question answered.
BUT BEFORE I GO!
I have three copies of Brothers-in-Arms I have been publishing to test out the formatting. Each is in a different draft stage, but they are sitting around my room taking up space I do not have. I am considering holding a giveaway for the books. Does the idea of that interest anyone?
That is all for real.
Quote is from Mr. Peabody and Sherman.
ALLONS-Y!
February 17, 2015
"As you wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiish."
Wherein Jack needs some sleep.
Because of a malfunction with my brain...actually I've just been working too much. Not book work so much as other work. It is picking up and I've been running around doing ten things at once, more or less.
That said, I had a post up today but forgot that I am joining in a blog party. (I didn't forget the party, I forgot the date.) Therefore, the post I had up is drafted till later, and I present to you....my friend Kendra! Who is releasing the third book in her Quest series, My Kingdom for a Quest.
(She has done a guest post.)
Required Elements of a Arthurian Retelling
The latest volume of my Bookania Quests is a retelling of Arthurian Legend. While working on it, I’ve naturally put in a lot of study into the legends themselves, including other retellings. In the process, I believe I’ve determined a list of necessary elements to include in such retellings. Please note that an Arthurian retelling doesn’t necessarily have to have every one of these. I’d say that you’d need a minimum of at least three, but preferably at least five.
1. Arthur himself. No-brainer here, after all, what we’re dealing with is Arthurian legend. You need your prince or king to be named Arthur. He should be, preferably, an orphan, and not know his true heritage, but the TV show Merlin seems to have pulled him off as acting crown prince quite well, and in My Kingdom for a Quest, while my own Arthur is very much an orphan, he does know that he’s the rightful king.
2. The Sword in the Stone (SitS) and Excalibur. You need one or the other, preferably both, but if you need to combine them, that’s fine too. The SitS is the sword which proves Arthur’s claim to the throne, and Excalibur is the sword that the Lady in the Lake gives him.
3. Merlin. The old wizard who gives young Arthur advice and helps him get settled into his role as king. Some legends state that he lives backwards, but I have no idea how that would work. About halfway through the legends Merlin does drop out (because the Lady of the Lake enchants him to a tree), so if you’re writing a retelling of the latter part of Arthur’s reign, you don’t have to include him.
4. The Round Table. Basically, a circular table has to make its appearance somewhere in your story. Don’t leave this one out, round table and Arthur go together like peanut butter and jelly.
5. The Knights Thereof. There’s quite a list of fellows, and I don’t know it off the top of my head. The most important are Lancelot and Gawain. Lancelot is the French knight who charms all of the ladies and is basically Arthur’s right-hand man. Gawain was Arthur’s nephew and the one who chopped off the head of the Green Knight.
6. Guinevere. Arthur’s wife and the source of about half of the troubles that led to the end of his kingdom because she got involved with Lancelot. I really don’t like this part of the legend, so if you want to leave out the love triangle, I’d be much obliged to you.
7. Mordred. Arthur’s illegitimate son (and nephew – he’s Gavin’s younger brother) and the source of the other half of his troubles. Lesson to be learned here is: Honor the seventh commandment and you’ll keep your kingdom.
Now there are other items that you can, and probably should, include, such as the Lady of the Lake herself, Morgan Le Fay, the Holy Grail, and Camelot, but these are the necessary ones, and seven’s a good number to stop at.
Back Cover Blurb:
(I love this cover!!!)
Arthur is the rightful king of Briton, but his Uncle Mordreth refuses to give up the regency. Arthur and Grandfather are now returning with allies to wrestle the kingdom from his uncle's grasp. But not all is as it seems among his allies, and everyone has secrets. New loves, old loves, lost loves, kingdoms conquered and kingdoms stolen. Who is the real "rightful heir" and will the nearly forgotten sword in the stone finally answer this question?
Author Person:
Kendra E. Ardnek loves fairy tales and twisting them in new and exciting ways. She's been practicing her skills on her dozen plus cousins and siblings for years, "Finish your story, Kendra", is frequently heard at family gatherings. Her sole life goal has always been to grow up and be an author of fantasy and children's tales that also glorify God and his Word. You can read more about her on her blog, knittedbygodsplan.blogspot.com .
Goodreads Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23563093-my-kingdom-for-a-quest
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Quest-Bookania-Quests-Book-ebook/dp/B00RN7T004 Paperback: https://www.createspace.com/4322491
To help promote my new book, I have my other books scheduled to be free on the various following days. Please include on your post whichever books are free on the day of your post(s).14th-18th http://www.amazon.com/Sew-Quest-Bookania-Quests-Book-ebook/dp/B005G3ZFKG/ 14th-18th http://www.amazon.com/The-Woodcutter-Quince-Other-Stories-ebook/dp/B00QHEGJEY/ 14th-17th http://www.amazon.com/Ankulen-Kendra-E-Ardnek-ebook/dp/B00EZAXWYM/ 16th-20th http://www.amazon.com/Take-This-Quest-Bookania-Quests-ebook/dp/B00CFDHFT4/ 17th-21st http://www.amazon.com/Saffrons-Big-Plan-Other-Stories-ebook/dp/B008EYY1C2/
Link to tour Schedule: http://knittedbygodsplan.blogspot.com/p/blog-tour-sign-up.html
Snippet“Only twelve hours! Leo, there is no way to escape Briton Dungeons. No way!”“That’s what they said in the dungeons of Fronce, too,” said Leo absentmindedly, taking a sip of his gruel. “Now be quiet while I think. And eat up. We’re going to need our strength!”“Dungeons in Fronce!” Gavin squeaked.“Yes, now those were dungeons! Now be quiet.”Gavin fell silent and simply stared in the direction of his friend, the look on his face (had it been visible in that dark cell) a mixture of confusion, awe, and horror.“You wouldn’t have happened to have fallen in love with any young lady who would be able to arrange for a soldier to play traitor and get us out of here, now would you?” Leo suddenly asked.“No…”“Ah, well, I suppose that not every young lady can be so obliging. And now that I think about it, it’s as good a way into the dungeon as out. Now where was I … No, bribing the guards is out of the question. All we have is gruel to call our own, and I’m sure they have much better food in the soldier’s quarters.”“We’ll never get out of here!” Gavin moaned.“That’s what you think. That’s what everyone thinks,” said Leo. “But I tell you, there’s a way out of every sticky situation. You just have to be observant and look for it.” Leo frowned as he set his now-empty bowl to the side. “It’s too bad Mordreth doesn’t have any daughters for us to charm. Only that good-for-nothing Kew, and I really don’t see him helping. And Arthur’s gone, so that’s out of the question.”“If Prince Arthur was here,” said Gavin, “we wouldn’t be in the dungeon.”“Good point,” said Leo. “As I was saying, we could always try to steal a key and unlock the door, but that can be a very tricky business, and it’s very easy to get caught. And then where would we be? Probably talking about death sentences some more. Honestly, they don’t bother me, just all this talk about them. It’s enough to drive a man mad.”
(Quote you shall have to guess. Points if you know which scene it is from.)
Because of a malfunction with my brain...actually I've just been working too much. Not book work so much as other work. It is picking up and I've been running around doing ten things at once, more or less.
That said, I had a post up today but forgot that I am joining in a blog party. (I didn't forget the party, I forgot the date.) Therefore, the post I had up is drafted till later, and I present to you....my friend Kendra! Who is releasing the third book in her Quest series, My Kingdom for a Quest.
(She has done a guest post.)
Required Elements of a Arthurian Retelling
The latest volume of my Bookania Quests is a retelling of Arthurian Legend. While working on it, I’ve naturally put in a lot of study into the legends themselves, including other retellings. In the process, I believe I’ve determined a list of necessary elements to include in such retellings. Please note that an Arthurian retelling doesn’t necessarily have to have every one of these. I’d say that you’d need a minimum of at least three, but preferably at least five.
1. Arthur himself. No-brainer here, after all, what we’re dealing with is Arthurian legend. You need your prince or king to be named Arthur. He should be, preferably, an orphan, and not know his true heritage, but the TV show Merlin seems to have pulled him off as acting crown prince quite well, and in My Kingdom for a Quest, while my own Arthur is very much an orphan, he does know that he’s the rightful king.
2. The Sword in the Stone (SitS) and Excalibur. You need one or the other, preferably both, but if you need to combine them, that’s fine too. The SitS is the sword which proves Arthur’s claim to the throne, and Excalibur is the sword that the Lady in the Lake gives him.
3. Merlin. The old wizard who gives young Arthur advice and helps him get settled into his role as king. Some legends state that he lives backwards, but I have no idea how that would work. About halfway through the legends Merlin does drop out (because the Lady of the Lake enchants him to a tree), so if you’re writing a retelling of the latter part of Arthur’s reign, you don’t have to include him.
4. The Round Table. Basically, a circular table has to make its appearance somewhere in your story. Don’t leave this one out, round table and Arthur go together like peanut butter and jelly.
5. The Knights Thereof. There’s quite a list of fellows, and I don’t know it off the top of my head. The most important are Lancelot and Gawain. Lancelot is the French knight who charms all of the ladies and is basically Arthur’s right-hand man. Gawain was Arthur’s nephew and the one who chopped off the head of the Green Knight.
6. Guinevere. Arthur’s wife and the source of about half of the troubles that led to the end of his kingdom because she got involved with Lancelot. I really don’t like this part of the legend, so if you want to leave out the love triangle, I’d be much obliged to you.
7. Mordred. Arthur’s illegitimate son (and nephew – he’s Gavin’s younger brother) and the source of the other half of his troubles. Lesson to be learned here is: Honor the seventh commandment and you’ll keep your kingdom.
Now there are other items that you can, and probably should, include, such as the Lady of the Lake herself, Morgan Le Fay, the Holy Grail, and Camelot, but these are the necessary ones, and seven’s a good number to stop at.
Back Cover Blurb:
.jpg)
(I love this cover!!!)Arthur is the rightful king of Briton, but his Uncle Mordreth refuses to give up the regency. Arthur and Grandfather are now returning with allies to wrestle the kingdom from his uncle's grasp. But not all is as it seems among his allies, and everyone has secrets. New loves, old loves, lost loves, kingdoms conquered and kingdoms stolen. Who is the real "rightful heir" and will the nearly forgotten sword in the stone finally answer this question?
Author Person:
Kendra E. Ardnek loves fairy tales and twisting them in new and exciting ways. She's been practicing her skills on her dozen plus cousins and siblings for years, "Finish your story, Kendra", is frequently heard at family gatherings. Her sole life goal has always been to grow up and be an author of fantasy and children's tales that also glorify God and his Word. You can read more about her on her blog, knittedbygodsplan.blogspot.com .
Goodreads Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23563093-my-kingdom-for-a-quest
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Quest-Bookania-Quests-Book-ebook/dp/B00RN7T004 Paperback: https://www.createspace.com/4322491
To help promote my new book, I have my other books scheduled to be free on the various following days. Please include on your post whichever books are free on the day of your post(s).14th-18th http://www.amazon.com/Sew-Quest-Bookania-Quests-Book-ebook/dp/B005G3ZFKG/ 14th-18th http://www.amazon.com/The-Woodcutter-Quince-Other-Stories-ebook/dp/B00QHEGJEY/ 14th-17th http://www.amazon.com/Ankulen-Kendra-E-Ardnek-ebook/dp/B00EZAXWYM/ 16th-20th http://www.amazon.com/Take-This-Quest-Bookania-Quests-ebook/dp/B00CFDHFT4/ 17th-21st http://www.amazon.com/Saffrons-Big-Plan-Other-Stories-ebook/dp/B008EYY1C2/
Link to tour Schedule: http://knittedbygodsplan.blogspot.com/p/blog-tour-sign-up.html
Snippet“Only twelve hours! Leo, there is no way to escape Briton Dungeons. No way!”“That’s what they said in the dungeons of Fronce, too,” said Leo absentmindedly, taking a sip of his gruel. “Now be quiet while I think. And eat up. We’re going to need our strength!”“Dungeons in Fronce!” Gavin squeaked.“Yes, now those were dungeons! Now be quiet.”Gavin fell silent and simply stared in the direction of his friend, the look on his face (had it been visible in that dark cell) a mixture of confusion, awe, and horror.“You wouldn’t have happened to have fallen in love with any young lady who would be able to arrange for a soldier to play traitor and get us out of here, now would you?” Leo suddenly asked.“No…”“Ah, well, I suppose that not every young lady can be so obliging. And now that I think about it, it’s as good a way into the dungeon as out. Now where was I … No, bribing the guards is out of the question. All we have is gruel to call our own, and I’m sure they have much better food in the soldier’s quarters.”“We’ll never get out of here!” Gavin moaned.“That’s what you think. That’s what everyone thinks,” said Leo. “But I tell you, there’s a way out of every sticky situation. You just have to be observant and look for it.” Leo frowned as he set his now-empty bowl to the side. “It’s too bad Mordreth doesn’t have any daughters for us to charm. Only that good-for-nothing Kew, and I really don’t see him helping. And Arthur’s gone, so that’s out of the question.”“If Prince Arthur was here,” said Gavin, “we wouldn’t be in the dungeon.”“Good point,” said Leo. “As I was saying, we could always try to steal a key and unlock the door, but that can be a very tricky business, and it’s very easy to get caught. And then where would we be? Probably talking about death sentences some more. Honestly, they don’t bother me, just all this talk about them. It’s enough to drive a man mad.”
(Quote you shall have to guess. Points if you know which scene it is from.)
February 15, 2015
"They said he once shot one of his own men for being drunk."
I decided that today's Music Monday should be a song which inspires a book other than Brothers-in-Arms.
So I am doing one which inspired some scenes for the Haphazard series.
I love Josh Tunner's deep voice, especially in this song. I first heard it on the station and fell in love with the song. It was only later that it began to make me think of two characters in Haphazard.
I'm not going to tell you which two. You have to guess. I will give a hint. They are two which it seems everyone is "shipping".
Quote is from Band of Brothers, the men talking about Spiers and his reputation for killing people after telling them smoke.
ALLONS-Y!
So I am doing one which inspired some scenes for the Haphazard series.
I love Josh Tunner's deep voice, especially in this song. I first heard it on the station and fell in love with the song. It was only later that it began to make me think of two characters in Haphazard.
I'm not going to tell you which two. You have to guess. I will give a hint. They are two which it seems everyone is "shipping".
Quote is from Band of Brothers, the men talking about Spiers and his reputation for killing people after telling them smoke.
ALLONS-Y!
February 12, 2015
"Well, that was disarming."
I was AWOL yesterday. Naughty me. But, if it helps, I left the house at eight and didn't get home till seven. I then had to catch up on editing work and formatting the book. (SO close to finishing. And I haven't stabbed anyone or anything. Impressed?)
Unfortunately, while formatting A Stretch of Loyalty is going okay, writing the final book in the trilogy is not working. I'm still pounding out words in an attempt to get the first draft done, but I never like it when first drafts have to be forced. It usually means something with the plot isn't working and I should stop writing until I figure it out.
In the meantime, I am working on the third Blade book, which makes me feel like I'm accomplishing something at least. I take what I can get most of the time.
Today I should be talking about characters. Or writing. Or Brothers-in-Arms. Or John's book. (That's right, I am editing John Boswell's first book and we will be publishing it this year.)
All of that would be something productive to talk about. But I'm not feeling productive. My hands are cold, and the rest of me is cold, and some caramel coffee sounds nice right about now but it's in the kitchen and I'm not. And this is why I need an English butler named Jeeves who pops up out of nowhere faster than Speirs from Band of Brothers, says "You rang," and moonlights as a murderer. (Because we all know its always the butler.)
Maybe I will just share my exciting, part not exciting news.
I entered the Beauty and the Beast short story contest a few months ago. (I mentioned it off and on. I wrote a WWII story of a girl who went into the country to stay and escape the German bombing on London.) My story didn't win and therefore won't be in the book coming out. (Although, I was delighted that three of my friends did win. Three friends whose stories I heard about and was dying to read.)
That said, I now have on my hands a novella, as I believe a 20,000 something word story is called. Don't hold me to that. I don't feel like looking up the proper term for it. But since I have this little story just sitting in a back file I decided I might as well let it lose on the world. Therefore, sometime this year - likely in the near future - my little tale will be making its way into print. I even have a cover idea.
TADA!
Okay, and there, this post should count for something....I don't know what, but something.
If anyone has a Jeeves for hire be sure and pass the word along to me.
I am leaving you now to continue my formatting. Think of me, pity me, and send me cookies and hot chocolate.
Quote is from Mr. Peabody and Sherman, from when they were trapped in a tomb and a mummy's arm falls off.
ALLONS-Y!
Unfortunately, while formatting A Stretch of Loyalty is going okay, writing the final book in the trilogy is not working. I'm still pounding out words in an attempt to get the first draft done, but I never like it when first drafts have to be forced. It usually means something with the plot isn't working and I should stop writing until I figure it out.
In the meantime, I am working on the third Blade book, which makes me feel like I'm accomplishing something at least. I take what I can get most of the time.
Today I should be talking about characters. Or writing. Or Brothers-in-Arms. Or John's book. (That's right, I am editing John Boswell's first book and we will be publishing it this year.)
All of that would be something productive to talk about. But I'm not feeling productive. My hands are cold, and the rest of me is cold, and some caramel coffee sounds nice right about now but it's in the kitchen and I'm not. And this is why I need an English butler named Jeeves who pops up out of nowhere faster than Speirs from Band of Brothers, says "You rang," and moonlights as a murderer. (Because we all know its always the butler.)
Maybe I will just share my exciting, part not exciting news.
I entered the Beauty and the Beast short story contest a few months ago. (I mentioned it off and on. I wrote a WWII story of a girl who went into the country to stay and escape the German bombing on London.) My story didn't win and therefore won't be in the book coming out. (Although, I was delighted that three of my friends did win. Three friends whose stories I heard about and was dying to read.)
That said, I now have on my hands a novella, as I believe a 20,000 something word story is called. Don't hold me to that. I don't feel like looking up the proper term for it. But since I have this little story just sitting in a back file I decided I might as well let it lose on the world. Therefore, sometime this year - likely in the near future - my little tale will be making its way into print. I even have a cover idea.
TADA!
Okay, and there, this post should count for something....I don't know what, but something.
If anyone has a Jeeves for hire be sure and pass the word along to me.
I am leaving you now to continue my formatting. Think of me, pity me, and send me cookies and hot chocolate.
Quote is from Mr. Peabody and Sherman, from when they were trapped in a tomb and a mummy's arm falls off.
ALLONS-Y!
February 9, 2015
"My mom does that." "A lot of people do that."
I missed the last day of the LOTR blog party. I was working all day on Friday, got home late, and then we left right away since we were spending the weekend out of town. Hopefully the four days I did join in were interesting enough to make up for it.
I've started looking forward to the weekends, mostly because I HATE formatting A Stretch of Loyalty and love taking breaks from it. If I don't stab something by the end of formatting I think I should get some kind of medal. Anyways, I spent the weekend reading three short stories, the first two chapters of Band of Brothers, and went book shopping at Bucky and Donna's. Because it is fun to go book shopping when spending the weekend out of town. Let's face it, it is fun to go book shopping any time you have spare money for books.
But now I am back. And while this post is a little late, I am here to do it.
This song, while not mentioned by title, is sung in Brothers-in-Arms. By Jimmy. (Yes, for all who have read the book and love the cocky American pilot, he sings now.) The Andrew Sisters - for those who don't know - were three sisters who put on performances for the troops in WWII. I used to listen to some of their songs before writing my book, having come across them through the Abbot and Costello show. I decided they would be Jimmy's favourite singers. In the book I mention how they were supposed to put on a show for his unit but something happened and weren't able to. (To make up for it one of the pilots dresses up in a grass skirt and dances around and sings until the men beg him to stop.)
In the first draft I didn't find a place where I could even mention the sisters, or how Jimmy liked their songs. During this last draft, with some polishing and showing instead of telling, I wiggled it in. During one point Jimmy sings this song. (He doesn't tell anyone, but he's thinking of a girl back home while he's singing it.)
Quote is from Unbroken, when Louie catches Phil praying and asks him about it.
ALLONS-Y!
I've started looking forward to the weekends, mostly because I HATE formatting A Stretch of Loyalty and love taking breaks from it. If I don't stab something by the end of formatting I think I should get some kind of medal. Anyways, I spent the weekend reading three short stories, the first two chapters of Band of Brothers, and went book shopping at Bucky and Donna's. Because it is fun to go book shopping when spending the weekend out of town. Let's face it, it is fun to go book shopping any time you have spare money for books.
But now I am back. And while this post is a little late, I am here to do it.
This song, while not mentioned by title, is sung in Brothers-in-Arms. By Jimmy. (Yes, for all who have read the book and love the cocky American pilot, he sings now.) The Andrew Sisters - for those who don't know - were three sisters who put on performances for the troops in WWII. I used to listen to some of their songs before writing my book, having come across them through the Abbot and Costello show. I decided they would be Jimmy's favourite singers. In the book I mention how they were supposed to put on a show for his unit but something happened and weren't able to. (To make up for it one of the pilots dresses up in a grass skirt and dances around and sings until the men beg him to stop.)
In the first draft I didn't find a place where I could even mention the sisters, or how Jimmy liked their songs. During this last draft, with some polishing and showing instead of telling, I wiggled it in. During one point Jimmy sings this song. (He doesn't tell anyone, but he's thinking of a girl back home while he's singing it.)
Quote is from Unbroken, when Louie catches Phil praying and asks him about it.
ALLONS-Y!
