Jack Lewis Baillot's Blog, page 45
April 30, 2014
"I thought you were dead." "I thought you were smaller."
Wherein Jack puts off her review once again
I have a review of The Winter Soldier coming. It is there, I just haven't been able to write it yet. More on that later though.
Since finally recovering completely from the flu, I've been back to my six hours of sleep. (This worries people, one friend was especially disturbed. It is one of my weird talents. I don't sleep much.) Anyways, now most nights I curl up on my Star Trek Captain's chair, hide under a fuzzy blanket, sip tea, and beta read while carrying on conversations with a friend. (Talent.)
Last night I was attempting to finish up my final paper for school. I wanted to have it done so I could work on Math finals and - if it works out - get all of my school work done this week. I've been on edge for weeks over the Math final and was feeling especially grim last night. Not that all of my grimness had to do with Math. I've also been suffering Author depression. Something I thought only happened to me, and it made me feel rotten that I'd get into such a sulk over it.
This has happened before.
I don't mind writing sad scenes, because my books end happy. (Spoilers, I know. But I love happy endings and I don't think I could end a book in a horrible, heart wrenching way. Even though real life doesn't always end on a happy note, I see no reason for stories to end with everyone dying.) But I can handle a sad scene. I can write in parts were all hope is lost and everything is bleak. I then turn it around and give everyone hope again. That I don't mind.
What I have trouble handling is character deaths. I've never written a lot. I have two planned, and they just kind of happened. I almost took them out, but they are needed to move the story forward. They have to stay.
One is still a long ways off. The other, I am almost to the scene. And it is one character I absolutely LOVE. I loved him the moment he walked into the book. When I knew he was going to die I almost cried - except I kept believing I could save him. (It isn't official until the book is in print.) Sadly, I had to accept earlier that there was nothing I could do to save him.
This made me feel really depressed. (Throw in a couple of sad TV shows I've been watching - they were happy but turned sad - a beloved book series ending, and Bucky and I've been walking around with a little black cloud over my head.)
My family is used to this. They've learned I just need time to cope. My friends didn't have a heads up, and I think I surprised them a bit when I would start sulking and saying how one of our favourite shows was going to end horribly. (When I am especially sulky I like to pass on my misery to my friends. A sign of true friendship from me.)
Now, back to last night.
I thought I was the only one who did this. No one else I'd met sulked when they had to kill a character. No one ever talked about getting depressed over it. (Depressed might be the wrong word, but you get my meaning.) I felt like the odd, strange one. Until last night, when my friend said she was feeling some of my feelings over a character she had killed.
And THAT is my point behind this post.
Readers, viewers do sulk over their favourite characters who die. If a story is especially good many even cry. We spend so much time with a book - even a movie - that when someone we've grown attached to dies it makes us sad.
I know fellow Authors will probably agree, but this is ten times worse when this happens to a character of your own creation. Authors become just attached to their characters as readers and viewers do - only Authors become more so. We've spent more time with these characters. We know certain things about them readers might not ever know. We were right beside them through everything. We created them (in a sense. I saw this and then my characters laugh at me. Hopefully this isn't the case for all Authors.) And they don't just die, like they do to readers. We are the ones who have to kill them.
For the longest time I thought it was silly to put so much emotion into a story. It wasn't real. Why should I be sulking around over something I made up in my head? But I've been learning the importance of stories.
First off, if I feel nothing for the story I am writing then neither will the reader. Authors should become attached to the world they have created and their characters. If a character doesn't break the heart of their Author then they likely will not of the reader. (Warning, this might not be the case for everyone. If you haven't cried over your book, don't panic.)
Second, stories are important. I realized this when I was on pins and needles over my Math test. I didn't want to take it, I didn't think I could. Failure is looming over my head, taunting me. What chance did I have at figuring out Math when I've not been able to do so all year? On the risk of sounding like a sap, when I went in to try and conquer swirling problems I remembered all of my favourite stories. (Frodo and the ring. Peter fighting his first battle in Narnia. Rodgers trying to save Bucky. Sage standing up to Conner. Halt confronting his bother.) (For the record, I even rallied up true stories.) Anyways, my point is, Math didn't seem so terrible when I remembered stories of my favourite heroes facing things much worse than Math.
Stories can be painful, but we still love them. We still go back to them when we face our impossibilities. That is why Authors write even when their characters break their heart.
I hope that is the reason, at least. Some writers I think just do it to be evil. (I don't have to name any Author, you can all probably think of a list on your own.)
As for me? I am going to leave on that non-concluding thought, make myself a cup of tea, and read my new book.
Quote is from the first Captain America movie.
Allons-y!
I have a review of The Winter Soldier coming. It is there, I just haven't been able to write it yet. More on that later though.
Since finally recovering completely from the flu, I've been back to my six hours of sleep. (This worries people, one friend was especially disturbed. It is one of my weird talents. I don't sleep much.) Anyways, now most nights I curl up on my Star Trek Captain's chair, hide under a fuzzy blanket, sip tea, and beta read while carrying on conversations with a friend. (Talent.)
Last night I was attempting to finish up my final paper for school. I wanted to have it done so I could work on Math finals and - if it works out - get all of my school work done this week. I've been on edge for weeks over the Math final and was feeling especially grim last night. Not that all of my grimness had to do with Math. I've also been suffering Author depression. Something I thought only happened to me, and it made me feel rotten that I'd get into such a sulk over it.
This has happened before.
I don't mind writing sad scenes, because my books end happy. (Spoilers, I know. But I love happy endings and I don't think I could end a book in a horrible, heart wrenching way. Even though real life doesn't always end on a happy note, I see no reason for stories to end with everyone dying.) But I can handle a sad scene. I can write in parts were all hope is lost and everything is bleak. I then turn it around and give everyone hope again. That I don't mind.
What I have trouble handling is character deaths. I've never written a lot. I have two planned, and they just kind of happened. I almost took them out, but they are needed to move the story forward. They have to stay.
One is still a long ways off. The other, I am almost to the scene. And it is one character I absolutely LOVE. I loved him the moment he walked into the book. When I knew he was going to die I almost cried - except I kept believing I could save him. (It isn't official until the book is in print.) Sadly, I had to accept earlier that there was nothing I could do to save him.
This made me feel really depressed. (Throw in a couple of sad TV shows I've been watching - they were happy but turned sad - a beloved book series ending, and Bucky and I've been walking around with a little black cloud over my head.)
My family is used to this. They've learned I just need time to cope. My friends didn't have a heads up, and I think I surprised them a bit when I would start sulking and saying how one of our favourite shows was going to end horribly. (When I am especially sulky I like to pass on my misery to my friends. A sign of true friendship from me.)
Now, back to last night.
I thought I was the only one who did this. No one else I'd met sulked when they had to kill a character. No one ever talked about getting depressed over it. (Depressed might be the wrong word, but you get my meaning.) I felt like the odd, strange one. Until last night, when my friend said she was feeling some of my feelings over a character she had killed.
And THAT is my point behind this post.
Readers, viewers do sulk over their favourite characters who die. If a story is especially good many even cry. We spend so much time with a book - even a movie - that when someone we've grown attached to dies it makes us sad.
I know fellow Authors will probably agree, but this is ten times worse when this happens to a character of your own creation. Authors become just attached to their characters as readers and viewers do - only Authors become more so. We've spent more time with these characters. We know certain things about them readers might not ever know. We were right beside them through everything. We created them (in a sense. I saw this and then my characters laugh at me. Hopefully this isn't the case for all Authors.) And they don't just die, like they do to readers. We are the ones who have to kill them.
For the longest time I thought it was silly to put so much emotion into a story. It wasn't real. Why should I be sulking around over something I made up in my head? But I've been learning the importance of stories.
First off, if I feel nothing for the story I am writing then neither will the reader. Authors should become attached to the world they have created and their characters. If a character doesn't break the heart of their Author then they likely will not of the reader. (Warning, this might not be the case for everyone. If you haven't cried over your book, don't panic.)
Second, stories are important. I realized this when I was on pins and needles over my Math test. I didn't want to take it, I didn't think I could. Failure is looming over my head, taunting me. What chance did I have at figuring out Math when I've not been able to do so all year? On the risk of sounding like a sap, when I went in to try and conquer swirling problems I remembered all of my favourite stories. (Frodo and the ring. Peter fighting his first battle in Narnia. Rodgers trying to save Bucky. Sage standing up to Conner. Halt confronting his bother.) (For the record, I even rallied up true stories.) Anyways, my point is, Math didn't seem so terrible when I remembered stories of my favourite heroes facing things much worse than Math.
Stories can be painful, but we still love them. We still go back to them when we face our impossibilities. That is why Authors write even when their characters break their heart.
I hope that is the reason, at least. Some writers I think just do it to be evil. (I don't have to name any Author, you can all probably think of a list on your own.)
As for me? I am going to leave on that non-concluding thought, make myself a cup of tea, and read my new book.
Quote is from the first Captain America movie.
Allons-y!
April 29, 2014
"Are you ready to follow Captain America into the jaws of death?" "No. A little guy from Brooklyn who was too dumb not to run away from a fight. I'm following him."
Wherein I take part in a blog tour
HA! I knew they had a name! They are tours, not parties.
This tour is to celebrate the release of To Die Once - so we can still use the party cannon. (Your Evil Overlord demands there be a party cannon! And cupcakes. And pie...and cookies.) I read this book as part of a....why are you asking me for technical terms right now?! I spent all day on finals, I can't do that much thinking in one day. You know, one of those people who reads a book early and reviews it? Yeah, that was me. Now I get to tell you about it's release and everything! PARTY CANNON AGAIN!
Author Bio
Miranda A. Uyeh is an assistant lecturer at a local college in Makurdi City, Nigeria, where she teaches two geology courses. Her love for books goes as far back as when her father placed Disney’s Rapunzel in her hands—her very first storybook! By the time she was thirteen she knew she was going to be a writer. You can find Miranda on her blog where she shares her love for books, entertainment and Christian spirituality with her readers. Miranda holds a B.Tech (Hons) in Applied Geology from ATBU, Nigeria. To Die Once is her debut novel, #1 of the Child of Grace book series.
Author Pages TwitterBlogGoogle FriendsPintrestGoodreadsFacebook
About the Book
A NOVEL Two men, one woman, a rosebush … … a terrible past, an uncertain future Jennifer, a woman unexpectedly trapped in a path of love and passion against everything she believes. Rodrigo, a man set to get what he wants at the cost of what matters most. Stefano, a man with a past, a story to tell and passion to offer. Chidi, a friend in need, a friend indeed. Or not? From a culture where good girls follow the norm and live as they’ve been told, Jennifer is no different from any other girl until by happenstance, she meets and falls in love with Rodrigo, a man who’s handsome, rich and foreign. Different. She has no idea who he is or what he does, and is swept into a world of romance and passion. It is not long before she discovers a shocking truth that shakes both her world and his. Then he is gone. Stefano shows up at a time when Jennifer has made up her mind about the rules of life. He thinks she’s beautiful and is in love with her. In a bid to convince her to give him a chance in her life, old memories once buried are brought to life. And the events that follow don’t leave anyone unaffected by the truth of the past that was left unsettled. Meanwhile, Jennifer with her friend Chidi, find themselves on a self-discovery journey that has one of them raising questions. Some just have to ask, where is God in all this? … an inspirational romance, from Lagos to Italy.
Praise for To Die Once
"A little mystery, a bit of intrigue, a lot of romance. To Die Once is a Christian romance with real characters facing deep issues. The emotional writing is truly heart-felt. This is Ms. Uyeh's debut novel and thankfully, this won't be the last." —K. Victoria Chase, Bestselling author of From Across The Divide, Virginia Justice, Raphael: volume 1, Santiago Brothers book series. "Miranda Uyeh has penned a novel full of heart. To Die Once is a story alternately thorny and tender that tackles the various forms of love - romance, friendship, and faith - in unique settings and situations. Often surprising, consistently intriguing, Uyeh's debut is a bold start to her blossoming writing career." — Amber Stokes, Author of "The Heart's Spring" Series
"A fun inspirational romance read" — Rektok Ross, Best selling YA Romance author of Prodigal
Author’s Note
This is a story centered on God’s healing power of grace and mercy. People like Jennifer, Rodrigo (and Stefano), and Chidi exist in our world today, hurting from the choices and the mistakes they’d made in the past, and seeking redemption/solace in any way possible, even from vices like alcohol. If you find yourself in such a position, or you know someone drowning in pain, please, let them know that God’s arms are wide-open to receive and heal anyone who will earnestly come to Him. He says in His Word in Heb. 4:16 that we can come boldly before the throne of grace to seek grace and mercy for when we need it. Do not lose hope that you can be healed and fully restored. There is no sin that God can’t forgive, and there’s no one He’ll turn away. Come to Him today and receive your healing
*** I will be working on my review and have it on goodreads soon. Right now it is really late and I still need to do some beta reading before bed. Miranda is having a giveaway on her blog. There is a button but I am so tired right now and nothing is wanting to work for me. I can't even think of trying to figure it out. But click on her blog and go and check it out!
Quote is from Captain America.
Allons-y!
P.S.
I have my own book party starting up. You can check out more details HERE!!!!!!!!!
HA! I knew they had a name! They are tours, not parties.
This tour is to celebrate the release of To Die Once - so we can still use the party cannon. (Your Evil Overlord demands there be a party cannon! And cupcakes. And pie...and cookies.) I read this book as part of a....why are you asking me for technical terms right now?! I spent all day on finals, I can't do that much thinking in one day. You know, one of those people who reads a book early and reviews it? Yeah, that was me. Now I get to tell you about it's release and everything! PARTY CANNON AGAIN!
Author Bio
Miranda A. Uyeh is an assistant lecturer at a local college in Makurdi City, Nigeria, where she teaches two geology courses. Her love for books goes as far back as when her father placed Disney’s Rapunzel in her hands—her very first storybook! By the time she was thirteen she knew she was going to be a writer. You can find Miranda on her blog where she shares her love for books, entertainment and Christian spirituality with her readers. Miranda holds a B.Tech (Hons) in Applied Geology from ATBU, Nigeria. To Die Once is her debut novel, #1 of the Child of Grace book series.
Author Pages TwitterBlogGoogle FriendsPintrestGoodreadsFacebook
About the Book
A NOVEL Two men, one woman, a rosebush … … a terrible past, an uncertain future Jennifer, a woman unexpectedly trapped in a path of love and passion against everything she believes. Rodrigo, a man set to get what he wants at the cost of what matters most. Stefano, a man with a past, a story to tell and passion to offer. Chidi, a friend in need, a friend indeed. Or not? From a culture where good girls follow the norm and live as they’ve been told, Jennifer is no different from any other girl until by happenstance, she meets and falls in love with Rodrigo, a man who’s handsome, rich and foreign. Different. She has no idea who he is or what he does, and is swept into a world of romance and passion. It is not long before she discovers a shocking truth that shakes both her world and his. Then he is gone. Stefano shows up at a time when Jennifer has made up her mind about the rules of life. He thinks she’s beautiful and is in love with her. In a bid to convince her to give him a chance in her life, old memories once buried are brought to life. And the events that follow don’t leave anyone unaffected by the truth of the past that was left unsettled. Meanwhile, Jennifer with her friend Chidi, find themselves on a self-discovery journey that has one of them raising questions. Some just have to ask, where is God in all this? … an inspirational romance, from Lagos to Italy.
Praise for To Die Once
"A little mystery, a bit of intrigue, a lot of romance. To Die Once is a Christian romance with real characters facing deep issues. The emotional writing is truly heart-felt. This is Ms. Uyeh's debut novel and thankfully, this won't be the last." —K. Victoria Chase, Bestselling author of From Across The Divide, Virginia Justice, Raphael: volume 1, Santiago Brothers book series. "Miranda Uyeh has penned a novel full of heart. To Die Once is a story alternately thorny and tender that tackles the various forms of love - romance, friendship, and faith - in unique settings and situations. Often surprising, consistently intriguing, Uyeh's debut is a bold start to her blossoming writing career." — Amber Stokes, Author of "The Heart's Spring" Series
"A fun inspirational romance read" — Rektok Ross, Best selling YA Romance author of Prodigal
Author’s Note
This is a story centered on God’s healing power of grace and mercy. People like Jennifer, Rodrigo (and Stefano), and Chidi exist in our world today, hurting from the choices and the mistakes they’d made in the past, and seeking redemption/solace in any way possible, even from vices like alcohol. If you find yourself in such a position, or you know someone drowning in pain, please, let them know that God’s arms are wide-open to receive and heal anyone who will earnestly come to Him. He says in His Word in Heb. 4:16 that we can come boldly before the throne of grace to seek grace and mercy for when we need it. Do not lose hope that you can be healed and fully restored. There is no sin that God can’t forgive, and there’s no one He’ll turn away. Come to Him today and receive your healing
*** I will be working on my review and have it on goodreads soon. Right now it is really late and I still need to do some beta reading before bed. Miranda is having a giveaway on her blog. There is a button but I am so tired right now and nothing is wanting to work for me. I can't even think of trying to figure it out. But click on her blog and go and check it out!
Quote is from Captain America.
Allons-y!
P.S.
I have my own book party starting up. You can check out more details HERE!!!!!!!!!
April 28, 2014
"On your left." "On your left." "Okay, I get it." "Don't you say it!" "On your left."
Wherein Jack is ready for summer
I am washing my wrist brace because, with having to study for finals, I don't have much time for writing this week and therefore don't need it. (You know life is lacking excitement when laundry updates make it into a post.)
I am ready for school to be over. I am ready for it to stop snowing. I want to go on a bike ride and sit in the sun with a book. Sadly, winter has decided - like it does every spring - that warm weather shouldn't grace us just yet. This is the time of year we keep our coats handy because you never know when your spring weather is going to be buried in snow one morning.
I was going to talk about this on Friday, but I was having too much fun talking about the CD...so I didn't. (I almost didn't do it today because I wanted to review The Winter Solder, which I finally saw. I even started the review, but I am still stuck on the BUCKY!!!! stage Once I am able to get passed that I will review.)
Back to the party.
It was voted on to have a video party. (Well, there was only one vote, but a vote is a vote, so that one wins.) Those who didn't vote...HAHAHA! Too late now! *Ahem* Sorry, Evil Overlord moment.
Here are the rules - more like guidelines than actual rules - then I have to go.
Your video can be about anything. (A trailer for your favorite book, movie. A scene from either. Or it can be a story you made up.) The main idea is to have fun with it.
As I said before, it doesn't have to be actual acting. If you need ideas you can get tons from youtube. (That is where I get all of mine.) You can do pictures, acting, music with words. Whatever your talent is.
Most computers, I believe, have a video making program already on them. (If you have trouble figuring it out I'd again recommend youtube. I know, they have instructions for everything, but I'm pretty sure I found something on there to help me figure my program out.)
I will be picking the winner by putting all eateries names in a hat and drawing one. So you don't have to make the next Avengers trailer to win. But, the more creative you get the more fun it is sure to be.
I am thinking of doing one of my own - not to try and win the contest - but just so I will be doing it with everyone else and can help out if needs be. (Something like that. My logic is a little fried at the moment.)
If the winner - or anyone else wants - I will post your videos when the contest is over. But I will not post without permission. (It might be fun for everyone to get the chance to see what everyone else came up with.)
The entry date will end May 14th, when I will be revealing the cover. (I might extend the date to the end of May though if everyone things the 14th would not be enough time. Let me know.)
If you would like to help spread word about this I would be grateful. I'd like to get word out about this book - more than I did with book one. So, pass it along if you want 8-D
I am still trying to decide between two prizes. I might have a first and second place winner. Once I have decided I will let everyone know what they are.
And now that I've gotten that done....I will probably send out emails to fellow Authors, but is there anyone who would like to take part in A Test of Loyalty's cover reveal? Please send me an email or comment. The more help I get the better 8-D
What do you all think? Sound like fun?
Quote is from The Winter Solder....but more on that later.
ALLONS-Y!
I am washing my wrist brace because, with having to study for finals, I don't have much time for writing this week and therefore don't need it. (You know life is lacking excitement when laundry updates make it into a post.)
I am ready for school to be over. I am ready for it to stop snowing. I want to go on a bike ride and sit in the sun with a book. Sadly, winter has decided - like it does every spring - that warm weather shouldn't grace us just yet. This is the time of year we keep our coats handy because you never know when your spring weather is going to be buried in snow one morning.
I was going to talk about this on Friday, but I was having too much fun talking about the CD...so I didn't. (I almost didn't do it today because I wanted to review The Winter Solder, which I finally saw. I even started the review, but I am still stuck on the BUCKY!!!! stage Once I am able to get passed that I will review.)
Back to the party.
It was voted on to have a video party. (Well, there was only one vote, but a vote is a vote, so that one wins.) Those who didn't vote...HAHAHA! Too late now! *Ahem* Sorry, Evil Overlord moment.
Here are the rules - more like guidelines than actual rules - then I have to go.
Your video can be about anything. (A trailer for your favorite book, movie. A scene from either. Or it can be a story you made up.) The main idea is to have fun with it.
As I said before, it doesn't have to be actual acting. If you need ideas you can get tons from youtube. (That is where I get all of mine.) You can do pictures, acting, music with words. Whatever your talent is.
Most computers, I believe, have a video making program already on them. (If you have trouble figuring it out I'd again recommend youtube. I know, they have instructions for everything, but I'm pretty sure I found something on there to help me figure my program out.)
I will be picking the winner by putting all eateries names in a hat and drawing one. So you don't have to make the next Avengers trailer to win. But, the more creative you get the more fun it is sure to be.
I am thinking of doing one of my own - not to try and win the contest - but just so I will be doing it with everyone else and can help out if needs be. (Something like that. My logic is a little fried at the moment.)
If the winner - or anyone else wants - I will post your videos when the contest is over. But I will not post without permission. (It might be fun for everyone to get the chance to see what everyone else came up with.)
The entry date will end May 14th, when I will be revealing the cover. (I might extend the date to the end of May though if everyone things the 14th would not be enough time. Let me know.)
If you would like to help spread word about this I would be grateful. I'd like to get word out about this book - more than I did with book one. So, pass it along if you want 8-D
I am still trying to decide between two prizes. I might have a first and second place winner. Once I have decided I will let everyone know what they are.
And now that I've gotten that done....I will probably send out emails to fellow Authors, but is there anyone who would like to take part in A Test of Loyalty's cover reveal? Please send me an email or comment. The more help I get the better 8-D
What do you all think? Sound like fun?
Quote is from The Winter Solder....but more on that later.
ALLONS-Y!
April 24, 2014
"I'm the creme in a crying sandwich."
Wherein Jack tries something new
I've reviewed movies and books and TV shows before, but never music. I was going to do Josh Groban's when his new CD, All That Echos, came out. I never got around to it though. I am attempting a CD review now though. We will see if I can pull it off.
Whispered Stories by Brittany Jean. (By? I might have that wrong. Maybe I should say composed. As you can see, I really don't know much about music.)
While writing I ALWAYS have music on. (Let's face it, no matter what I am doing I have music playing. I am worse than a teenage girl when it comes to music.) I am kind of picky, though. Picky might be the wrong word. I don't know where to find new music so I've been listening to the same three artists for the last six years. (Josh Groban, Enya, and Adam Young.) Whenever someone recommends new music I am leery about buying the CD because I never know if I will like it.
When I write I like to have inspiring music playing, often with words. (Which is why I tend to not listen to Classical music while I work.) I do movie soundtracks sometimes, but not often, and when I do it is usually just one song from a soundtrack. With How To Train Your Dragon it is always Forbidden Friendship. With Sherlock Holmes it is Brothers In Bond Not Blood. The only soundtracks I don't mind just putting on and listening to are Tintin, Narnia, and Lord of the Rings.
With Josh Groban, Enya, and Adam Young I can put on their CDs depending on what I am writing and the music just seems to fit my stories. I can fit my characters into the songs - if that makes sense. (Like music videos.) It is hard for me to find songs like this.
I heard one song from the Whispered Stories CD and I knew I would have to buy the CD someday. The song, either Daddy or Something To Miss, had a folky, country feel to it. I instant loved it. And when I finally got the CD I was not disappointed in the rest of the songs.
I wouldn't exactly call them country. They have a nicer sound to them, and Brittany Jean's voice is soothing and sweet. The songs all have a homely feel to them, something you'd expect to hear while you are sitting outside in the summer, watching the stars and counting lightening bugs. (I've been listening to it all week, which for me is a good sign. If I can listen to a song or CD over and over for a day without getting bored with it then I know I will love the song for years.)
I even let my family listen to it and they all enjoyed it. That is also saying a lot, because we all have huge different tastes in music.
Bear in mind, I know little about music. I know there are music critics who spend their lives with music and know it inside and out. I'm not one of them. So I can't give any professional feedback other than I've added it to my writing list, and few CDs ever make it there.
Brittany Jean's sister sent me the CD to listen to and write a review on. You can learn more about Brittany Jean on her website HERE!!!! You can even hear two of her songs there. So go listen, now, your Evil Overlord commands you.
Quote is from Psych....because you all needed a random Psych quote.
Allons-y!
I've reviewed movies and books and TV shows before, but never music. I was going to do Josh Groban's when his new CD, All That Echos, came out. I never got around to it though. I am attempting a CD review now though. We will see if I can pull it off.
Whispered Stories by Brittany Jean. (By? I might have that wrong. Maybe I should say composed. As you can see, I really don't know much about music.)
While writing I ALWAYS have music on. (Let's face it, no matter what I am doing I have music playing. I am worse than a teenage girl when it comes to music.) I am kind of picky, though. Picky might be the wrong word. I don't know where to find new music so I've been listening to the same three artists for the last six years. (Josh Groban, Enya, and Adam Young.) Whenever someone recommends new music I am leery about buying the CD because I never know if I will like it.
When I write I like to have inspiring music playing, often with words. (Which is why I tend to not listen to Classical music while I work.) I do movie soundtracks sometimes, but not often, and when I do it is usually just one song from a soundtrack. With How To Train Your Dragon it is always Forbidden Friendship. With Sherlock Holmes it is Brothers In Bond Not Blood. The only soundtracks I don't mind just putting on and listening to are Tintin, Narnia, and Lord of the Rings.
With Josh Groban, Enya, and Adam Young I can put on their CDs depending on what I am writing and the music just seems to fit my stories. I can fit my characters into the songs - if that makes sense. (Like music videos.) It is hard for me to find songs like this.
I heard one song from the Whispered Stories CD and I knew I would have to buy the CD someday. The song, either Daddy or Something To Miss, had a folky, country feel to it. I instant loved it. And when I finally got the CD I was not disappointed in the rest of the songs.
I wouldn't exactly call them country. They have a nicer sound to them, and Brittany Jean's voice is soothing and sweet. The songs all have a homely feel to them, something you'd expect to hear while you are sitting outside in the summer, watching the stars and counting lightening bugs. (I've been listening to it all week, which for me is a good sign. If I can listen to a song or CD over and over for a day without getting bored with it then I know I will love the song for years.)
I even let my family listen to it and they all enjoyed it. That is also saying a lot, because we all have huge different tastes in music.
Bear in mind, I know little about music. I know there are music critics who spend their lives with music and know it inside and out. I'm not one of them. So I can't give any professional feedback other than I've added it to my writing list, and few CDs ever make it there.
Brittany Jean's sister sent me the CD to listen to and write a review on. You can learn more about Brittany Jean on her website HERE!!!! You can even hear two of her songs there. So go listen, now, your Evil Overlord commands you.
Quote is from Psych....because you all needed a random Psych quote.
Allons-y!
April 21, 2014
"I'm not that kind of doctor. I don't have the-" "What? The time?" "Temperament."
Wherein Jack plots and schemes
This is not about world domination - which I am still in the process of pulling off - nor is it about some random editing ramble. I took Monday off to finish a final paper for school, and am writing this before I get back into editing and all of the randomness returns.
First thing, I am sorry to announce that A Test of Loyalty will not be out on June 14th. There is just too much going on for me to attempt it, and I got too behind on editing. I could push myself, but between the continued coming in requests for me to do beta reading and book reviews I think I'd have to give up those few hours of sleep I am getting. (This isn't a complaint. I'm one of those people who doesn't need much sleep, it is just one of my weird talents.) After giving it a lot of thought, I have decided it would work better all the way around to move the book back a month. It will now be coming out July 14th.
To add to this, I have gotten VERY bad at doing proper release announcements. I've been sending my books off into the world without the kind of recolonization to let the world know they are there. I'm going to try and fix this.
Following is what I am looking for.
I have a copy of the first book, A Stretch of Loyalty. It was the edition I had printed before the final one so I could go over it and make sure the formatting and cover look nice. Since it was not the final copy, there are some things missing from it. (Such as a complete list of the title chapters. And there are still a couple of mistakes in it that were not fixed at the time.) It has been sitting on my shelf with me uncertain what to do with it. Until my kindred spirit, Jenelle, came up with an idea which I have stolen from her. I will be giving the book away in exchange for an honest book review. (Since I only have one copy it will have to go to the first person to email me. If I had more copies I would extend this offer to more than one person, but unfortunately that won't work.) If you are interested please email me at jacklewisbaillot@gmail.com and I will be sure and send it off this week - if I get an email this week. (For the review, I don't really have a preference of where you post it. The Amazon site, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, your own personal blog...all of the above.)
I am also looking for two Authors to read and write an early review for A Test of Loyalty before it is out. (I have a couple review requests with this one, but I will send them to whoever contacts me. But, just as a heads up.) If anyone is interested in that, if you could please email me as well. If not, I might just stalk down a couple of Authors and email them. *Evil Overlord grin*
Lastly, I am wanting to do another book release party for A Test of Loyalty. For Abolished Impracticality I...my characters...held a short story contest. I know all of you are very talented, and not all of you are writers. So I've been trying to come up with another idea for this party. So far I have two options, and I'd like to take a vote on them. (I'll be doing both so even if the one you really want isn't picked, it will be coming up later.) First is to have a book trailer contest. This does not have to be for one of my books, but any of your favourite books. (Not sure what more I can say about this....except that there are no special rules on how the video would have to be made. There are all kinds of book trailers out there, and if you need ideas you can look up some on youtube, which is what I've done in the past. I've seen some which just use pictures from books, some which have real people acting, and some which just use pictures or music and words. They can be a lot of fun to make though. The more creative you get the more fun it is.) The second idea is an art contest of sorts. Where you could all send in a picture from a scene from your favourite book. The choice is up to all of you, so let me know in the comments which you'd like best.
The contest will likely start next week and go till the end of May, when I will be releasing my own book trailer for A Test of Loyalty.
What do all of you think? Sound exciting? I will also be starting up character reveals again - for the Loyalty book - and talking about some of the different creatures who appear in the series. And I will also do some posts about its history in Oleander.
And thus concludes all of my new schemes.
Quote is from the ending little clip of Iron Man Three.
Allons-y!
This is not about world domination - which I am still in the process of pulling off - nor is it about some random editing ramble. I took Monday off to finish a final paper for school, and am writing this before I get back into editing and all of the randomness returns.
First thing, I am sorry to announce that A Test of Loyalty will not be out on June 14th. There is just too much going on for me to attempt it, and I got too behind on editing. I could push myself, but between the continued coming in requests for me to do beta reading and book reviews I think I'd have to give up those few hours of sleep I am getting. (This isn't a complaint. I'm one of those people who doesn't need much sleep, it is just one of my weird talents.) After giving it a lot of thought, I have decided it would work better all the way around to move the book back a month. It will now be coming out July 14th.
To add to this, I have gotten VERY bad at doing proper release announcements. I've been sending my books off into the world without the kind of recolonization to let the world know they are there. I'm going to try and fix this.
Following is what I am looking for.
I have a copy of the first book, A Stretch of Loyalty. It was the edition I had printed before the final one so I could go over it and make sure the formatting and cover look nice. Since it was not the final copy, there are some things missing from it. (Such as a complete list of the title chapters. And there are still a couple of mistakes in it that were not fixed at the time.) It has been sitting on my shelf with me uncertain what to do with it. Until my kindred spirit, Jenelle, came up with an idea which I have stolen from her. I will be giving the book away in exchange for an honest book review. (Since I only have one copy it will have to go to the first person to email me. If I had more copies I would extend this offer to more than one person, but unfortunately that won't work.) If you are interested please email me at jacklewisbaillot@gmail.com and I will be sure and send it off this week - if I get an email this week. (For the review, I don't really have a preference of where you post it. The Amazon site, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, your own personal blog...all of the above.)
I am also looking for two Authors to read and write an early review for A Test of Loyalty before it is out. (I have a couple review requests with this one, but I will send them to whoever contacts me. But, just as a heads up.) If anyone is interested in that, if you could please email me as well. If not, I might just stalk down a couple of Authors and email them. *Evil Overlord grin*
Lastly, I am wanting to do another book release party for A Test of Loyalty. For Abolished Impracticality I...my characters...held a short story contest. I know all of you are very talented, and not all of you are writers. So I've been trying to come up with another idea for this party. So far I have two options, and I'd like to take a vote on them. (I'll be doing both so even if the one you really want isn't picked, it will be coming up later.) First is to have a book trailer contest. This does not have to be for one of my books, but any of your favourite books. (Not sure what more I can say about this....except that there are no special rules on how the video would have to be made. There are all kinds of book trailers out there, and if you need ideas you can look up some on youtube, which is what I've done in the past. I've seen some which just use pictures from books, some which have real people acting, and some which just use pictures or music and words. They can be a lot of fun to make though. The more creative you get the more fun it is.) The second idea is an art contest of sorts. Where you could all send in a picture from a scene from your favourite book. The choice is up to all of you, so let me know in the comments which you'd like best.
The contest will likely start next week and go till the end of May, when I will be releasing my own book trailer for A Test of Loyalty.
What do all of you think? Sound exciting? I will also be starting up character reveals again - for the Loyalty book - and talking about some of the different creatures who appear in the series. And I will also do some posts about its history in Oleander.
And thus concludes all of my new schemes.
Quote is from the ending little clip of Iron Man Three.
Allons-y!
April 20, 2014
"I'll be doing whatever frozen things do in SUMMER!"
I'm going to get so many spammers because of that title.
I just reviewed the Ascendance Trilogy on my review blog, now I want to reread all three books.
I have been nicknamed Jim. (I seem to earn more boy nicknames than girls. I was even nicknamed Matthew once...) But the Jim I was nicknamed after this time is a cool Jim
I'm tempted to give that look to people at work sometimes.
I was given the nickname because someone gave my friend the nickname Ben and I insist on calling her Ben all the time now. So naturally, I had to be the Jim to her Ben
Yes, this is a fitting picture for the two of us. And yes, my hair does look that bad a lot of the time
I don't remember this part in the movie. Someone please tell me this scene wasn't in the movie. Because if it was than it means I slept through it, every single time I saw it.
I wantssss one of these now.
I really say wantsss like Gollum in real life.
Because there was NO way I was going to post Treasure Planet pictures and NOT do this one. If you don't get this we can't be friends.
If we are comparing me to Disney characters - Jim might not be Disney. If he isn't don't throw things at me, I have the flu and a fever and I can't think clearly. (Which is why I am rambling about nicknames and Treasure Planet.) Anyways, we'd have to compare me to Olaf. Because I am more alike him than should be normal.
It warmed up here...finally. It wasn't really warm, but it wasn't freezing. And I went outside, and I didn't shiver. And I didn't know what to do with the warmth. So....I've been singing Olaf's song all day.
This is my new theme song
But if I get theme songs, and I get to be Jim, then I want this one too. Because I like it for some reason, and I'd love to creep up behind someone and go, "I'm still here," in a creepy, Evil Overlord voice.
Back to the Olaf comparison.
Actually, this hug would make me happier.
Hear that, Ben? Come visit.
Olaf again. This one is me right now, actually. But it is also me a lot of the time. While trying to edit, and while characters are demanding I write their book
Things like this happen so often it gets really awkward. Life needs to be less confusing.
I was looking for another one, but I found this one and couldn't resist. If you are reading this, you know who, then you know why I almost laughed my head off. Because you know it fits
In all fairness, this fits us both
I should have just reviewed the movie....or watched it. It would have saved all of you from a lot of randomness
THIS is the one I was looking for
I don't know if this one fits us, but I am going to try it out someday. (You've been warned, you know who you are.)
I got in the Disney mood with this post. I am now listening to Disney songs.
I'm going to stop talking now and go read till I fall asleep. And then I am going to sleep and sleep because I don't have to work tomorrow. I'm going to try and not sleep all day though, because there is this thing called finals coming up, and one of them wants a paper....and I don't know why I rambled about it, because it isn't very interesting news.
Moral of this? I shouldn't post while I have the flu. But I think we all knew that already.
Allons-y!
I just reviewed the Ascendance Trilogy on my review blog, now I want to reread all three books.
I have been nicknamed Jim. (I seem to earn more boy nicknames than girls. I was even nicknamed Matthew once...) But the Jim I was nicknamed after this time is a cool Jim
I'm tempted to give that look to people at work sometimes. I was given the nickname because someone gave my friend the nickname Ben and I insist on calling her Ben all the time now. So naturally, I had to be the Jim to her Ben
Yes, this is a fitting picture for the two of us. And yes, my hair does look that bad a lot of the time
I don't remember this part in the movie. Someone please tell me this scene wasn't in the movie. Because if it was than it means I slept through it, every single time I saw it. 
I wantssss one of these now.I really say wantsss like Gollum in real life.
Because there was NO way I was going to post Treasure Planet pictures and NOT do this one. If you don't get this we can't be friends.If we are comparing me to Disney characters - Jim might not be Disney. If he isn't don't throw things at me, I have the flu and a fever and I can't think clearly. (Which is why I am rambling about nicknames and Treasure Planet.) Anyways, we'd have to compare me to Olaf. Because I am more alike him than should be normal.
It warmed up here...finally. It wasn't really warm, but it wasn't freezing. And I went outside, and I didn't shiver. And I didn't know what to do with the warmth. So....I've been singing Olaf's song all day.
This is my new theme song
But if I get theme songs, and I get to be Jim, then I want this one too. Because I like it for some reason, and I'd love to creep up behind someone and go, "I'm still here," in a creepy, Evil Overlord voice.
Back to the Olaf comparison.
Actually, this hug would make me happier.
Hear that, Ben? Come visit.
Olaf again. This one is me right now, actually. But it is also me a lot of the time. While trying to edit, and while characters are demanding I write their book
Things like this happen so often it gets really awkward. Life needs to be less confusing.
I was looking for another one, but I found this one and couldn't resist. If you are reading this, you know who, then you know why I almost laughed my head off. Because you know it fits
In all fairness, this fits us bothI should have just reviewed the movie....or watched it. It would have saved all of you from a lot of randomness
THIS is the one I was looking for
I don't know if this one fits us, but I am going to try it out someday. (You've been warned, you know who you are.)I got in the Disney mood with this post. I am now listening to Disney songs.
I'm going to stop talking now and go read till I fall asleep. And then I am going to sleep and sleep because I don't have to work tomorrow. I'm going to try and not sleep all day though, because there is this thing called finals coming up, and one of them wants a paper....and I don't know why I rambled about it, because it isn't very interesting news.
Moral of this? I shouldn't post while I have the flu. But I think we all knew that already.
Allons-y!
April 18, 2014
"Double, double, toil and trouble. Fire, burn, and cauldron bubble."
Wherein Jack has been editing, a lot.
My glasses finally came - because I know you were all dying to know that. They aren't cool Pond glasses or even Ten glasses. They are wanna be Ten glasses, but I'm so happy to be headache - less I don't really care.
I printed all of The Broken Blade off so I can better edit it. It is 328 pages long and I like to take it places and thump it down on tables. (Because it makes such a nice thumping noise.)
I need to stop scaring all my friends off. It is getting harder and harder to find people willing to help with book covers.
My phone, which I use as a music player, is under the belief that I have too much music and not enough extra room for important phone stuff. Little does it know all those friends I scared off don't call me, so I really have no need for important phone stuff. (It also doesn't know that the main reason I bought it WAS to use it for a music player because mine died a cruel, early death when I left it in direct sunlight one summer.)
I haven't edited today. I should have, but when I found out I didn't have to go in into one of my jobs I came home and kind of fall into my Star Trek chair and haven't felt like moving since. I've been tired all day - which is hopefully not a sign that I am getting sick. I'm all for sick days, but the only things I've been exposed to lately are colds, and colds don't count as sick days. You still have to work with a cold.
I decided I need my own soundtrack. Imagine how exciting work would be if I had Josh Groban songs suddenly playing as I went dashing about? Unfortunately, I don't have the money for a surround sound system to follow me around. I am considering making one of my minions follow me with my music phone and cue Josh Groban songs while I'm working.
I really should go and get my book, it is getting exciting.
If any of my minions lived closer I'd make them go and get it for me.
I've found myself a general and I believe I've found a mercenary. (Because every Evil Overlord needs a mercenary. I don't even know what a mercenary is...but this guy I know looks like one and when I take over the world, I am hiring him to be my mercenary. He's got the personality for it, though he keeps it hidden.)
I am listening to Forbidden Friendship on my music phone right now.
If you don't know what song that is I am throwing you in the dungeon.
I fail at being an Author when it comes to writing an informative writer's blog. Just think, you might have followed me in the hopes of getting writing types and insight on how to complete a book.
I can give you insight into world domination if that makes you feel any better.
My mum and I are on the Ponds last series. She hasn't wanted to watch for awhile, I don't think she wants them to leave.
I used to think it was funny, River shooting the Doctor's cowboy hat off. Until I realized Craig had given it to him. It is one of the few or only things I'm mad at her about.
I need to start catching up on my book reviews. I am still way behind on them.
I'm going to shut up down and attempt to get some work done. (Attempt. Here that? Attempt. I make no promises. It is Friday, and I've been editing all week. I want ice cream and my book.)
I took the quote from Shakespeare, because you needed some sophistication after all that.
Allons-y!
My glasses finally came - because I know you were all dying to know that. They aren't cool Pond glasses or even Ten glasses. They are wanna be Ten glasses, but I'm so happy to be headache - less I don't really care.
I printed all of The Broken Blade off so I can better edit it. It is 328 pages long and I like to take it places and thump it down on tables. (Because it makes such a nice thumping noise.)
I need to stop scaring all my friends off. It is getting harder and harder to find people willing to help with book covers.
My phone, which I use as a music player, is under the belief that I have too much music and not enough extra room for important phone stuff. Little does it know all those friends I scared off don't call me, so I really have no need for important phone stuff. (It also doesn't know that the main reason I bought it WAS to use it for a music player because mine died a cruel, early death when I left it in direct sunlight one summer.)
I haven't edited today. I should have, but when I found out I didn't have to go in into one of my jobs I came home and kind of fall into my Star Trek chair and haven't felt like moving since. I've been tired all day - which is hopefully not a sign that I am getting sick. I'm all for sick days, but the only things I've been exposed to lately are colds, and colds don't count as sick days. You still have to work with a cold.
I decided I need my own soundtrack. Imagine how exciting work would be if I had Josh Groban songs suddenly playing as I went dashing about? Unfortunately, I don't have the money for a surround sound system to follow me around. I am considering making one of my minions follow me with my music phone and cue Josh Groban songs while I'm working.
I really should go and get my book, it is getting exciting.
If any of my minions lived closer I'd make them go and get it for me.
I've found myself a general and I believe I've found a mercenary. (Because every Evil Overlord needs a mercenary. I don't even know what a mercenary is...but this guy I know looks like one and when I take over the world, I am hiring him to be my mercenary. He's got the personality for it, though he keeps it hidden.)
I am listening to Forbidden Friendship on my music phone right now.
If you don't know what song that is I am throwing you in the dungeon.
I fail at being an Author when it comes to writing an informative writer's blog. Just think, you might have followed me in the hopes of getting writing types and insight on how to complete a book.
I can give you insight into world domination if that makes you feel any better.
My mum and I are on the Ponds last series. She hasn't wanted to watch for awhile, I don't think she wants them to leave.
I used to think it was funny, River shooting the Doctor's cowboy hat off. Until I realized Craig had given it to him. It is one of the few or only things I'm mad at her about.
I need to start catching up on my book reviews. I am still way behind on them.
I'm going to shut up down and attempt to get some work done. (Attempt. Here that? Attempt. I make no promises. It is Friday, and I've been editing all week. I want ice cream and my book.)
I took the quote from Shakespeare, because you needed some sophistication after all that.
Allons-y!
April 15, 2014
"How are you so good with children?" "I read Dr. Spock's book....it's not about Star Trek."
Wherein Jack wants to go on an Adventure
This happens every year when the weather turns warm. I get restless and bored and start dressing in khaki and pretending I am Indiana Jones going on an adventure. Or I dig out my Middle Ages clothing - the ones my family hates - throw on my cloak, and pretend I am taking the Ring to Mordor.
I was supposed to out grow this when I hit adult age. I know this. I think everyone who knew me as a kid was waiting eagerly for my adultness to set in so I'd stop climbing every tree I come across (and jumping out of them and hurting my ankle.) They were waiting for me to start wearing shoes all the time and not ditching them the moment the ground was no longer ice. And they were all excited for the day I'd give up my Ranger cloak and stop sneaking it up on hiking trips.
I'm not sure, but I think by this time, they've given up on the whole growing up thing.
And if they haven't, they should.
I never wanted to be one of those annoying people who acted like they were five just to pester all of their friends. I don't still climb trees just to prove I am just as childish now as I was when I was ten (I've actually gotten worse.)
I can act like an adult when it is required. I know there is a time to be responsible and not make faces at costumers at work or shoot rubber bands at them when they are being annoying. (This is hard sometimes, but I've made it a year at my job and have not shot anyone so far. Be proud.)
I believe there is a difference between being an adult and being responsible. Some people are meant to grow up. (You know the ones. Lawyers. Bankers.) They get those jobs we don't want or understand how come they keep going to them. They work from nine to five, go home, eat dinner, and watch TV with their slippers on. (I'm picking on grown ups. I shall try and behave myself.) But really, some people enjoy this life. I had a friend who couldn't wait to grow up, and I think she is having a lot of fun being an adult. I'm happy for her.
Growing up that way never fit me.
I think part of it is because I am an Author. Maybe fellow Authors will understand. (Or creative people in general. Maybe it is that one side of the brain thing.)Everything looks different when you can use it for a new world or story. Spring isn't just the time to ditch your coats, it is time for adventures! And not just pulling your bike out and taking it to work. More like the climbing trees adventures, swimming in lakes that are too cold to swim in. Climbing mountains and risk falling off them. (And let's not mention rain storms and afterward puddle jumping.) (Jumping IN the puddles, for those who think puddle jumping means jumping over them.)
I also think I just lost the point to this post. It was turning sappy there for a moment, and then my headache came back and everything ran away. (I stepped on my brilliant Pond glasses the other day and bent them. I've been getting headaches ever since, so I'm hoping my new pair will mend this problem. Even though it means I won't have Pond glasses anymore.) The best I can make out, the point of all of this was to say go put flowers in your hair and frolic in a field. Or maybe go on a treasure hunt and get chased by a treasure hunting bad guy - Rastapopoulos if you like. I think the real point behind it though is not to become a banker. "I'm used to dealing with thugs and hit men, but you bankers...you're scary."
No. I take that all back. The real, deep, hidden meaning behind this long ramble is...Don't. Step. On. Your. Pond. Glasses! Bad things happen when you step on your Pond glasses.
That is all I am going to leave you with.
Quote is from Daddy Day Care, from the Star Trek geek
Allons-y!
This happens every year when the weather turns warm. I get restless and bored and start dressing in khaki and pretending I am Indiana Jones going on an adventure. Or I dig out my Middle Ages clothing - the ones my family hates - throw on my cloak, and pretend I am taking the Ring to Mordor.
I was supposed to out grow this when I hit adult age. I know this. I think everyone who knew me as a kid was waiting eagerly for my adultness to set in so I'd stop climbing every tree I come across (and jumping out of them and hurting my ankle.) They were waiting for me to start wearing shoes all the time and not ditching them the moment the ground was no longer ice. And they were all excited for the day I'd give up my Ranger cloak and stop sneaking it up on hiking trips.
I'm not sure, but I think by this time, they've given up on the whole growing up thing.
And if they haven't, they should.
I never wanted to be one of those annoying people who acted like they were five just to pester all of their friends. I don't still climb trees just to prove I am just as childish now as I was when I was ten (I've actually gotten worse.)
I can act like an adult when it is required. I know there is a time to be responsible and not make faces at costumers at work or shoot rubber bands at them when they are being annoying. (This is hard sometimes, but I've made it a year at my job and have not shot anyone so far. Be proud.)
I believe there is a difference between being an adult and being responsible. Some people are meant to grow up. (You know the ones. Lawyers. Bankers.) They get those jobs we don't want or understand how come they keep going to them. They work from nine to five, go home, eat dinner, and watch TV with their slippers on. (I'm picking on grown ups. I shall try and behave myself.) But really, some people enjoy this life. I had a friend who couldn't wait to grow up, and I think she is having a lot of fun being an adult. I'm happy for her.
Growing up that way never fit me.
I think part of it is because I am an Author. Maybe fellow Authors will understand. (Or creative people in general. Maybe it is that one side of the brain thing.)Everything looks different when you can use it for a new world or story. Spring isn't just the time to ditch your coats, it is time for adventures! And not just pulling your bike out and taking it to work. More like the climbing trees adventures, swimming in lakes that are too cold to swim in. Climbing mountains and risk falling off them. (And let's not mention rain storms and afterward puddle jumping.) (Jumping IN the puddles, for those who think puddle jumping means jumping over them.)
I also think I just lost the point to this post. It was turning sappy there for a moment, and then my headache came back and everything ran away. (I stepped on my brilliant Pond glasses the other day and bent them. I've been getting headaches ever since, so I'm hoping my new pair will mend this problem. Even though it means I won't have Pond glasses anymore.) The best I can make out, the point of all of this was to say go put flowers in your hair and frolic in a field. Or maybe go on a treasure hunt and get chased by a treasure hunting bad guy - Rastapopoulos if you like. I think the real point behind it though is not to become a banker. "I'm used to dealing with thugs and hit men, but you bankers...you're scary."
No. I take that all back. The real, deep, hidden meaning behind this long ramble is...Don't. Step. On. Your. Pond. Glasses! Bad things happen when you step on your Pond glasses.
That is all I am going to leave you with.
Quote is from Daddy Day Care, from the Star Trek geek
Allons-y!
April 14, 2014
"I will cut your heart out with a spoon!" "Why a spoon, cousin? Why not a knife?" "Because you twit, it is dull, it will hurt more."
I really have nothing spectacular to say today.
I'm supposed to be reading history, but my mind keeps wandering. Mostly to editing. I've had a hard time picking up editing since getting back...it doesn't help that there is a Diana Wynne Jones' book sitting right in front of me.
I shall therefore forgo all creative thought and share a song before I see if I can start some editing.
This is one of the songs I listen to most while working on the Haphazard books. It kind of fits all of the characters, but reminds me of two in particular. (Those who have read the books, I will let you guess which two.)
As I said, I am lacking in creativeness at the moment - editing and school work and work and everything. And today was just weird, which is why this post is late. So the extent of my creativeness is to ask, what are some of the songs you fellow writers listen to while you work. (Or everyone, even if you aren't writers, which songs do you find the most inspiring?)
Quote is from the Robin Hood movie. (The olderish one, but not the very old one, and not the Men in Tights one. The one with the Snape actor who is so wonderful.)
ALLONS-Y!
I'm supposed to be reading history, but my mind keeps wandering. Mostly to editing. I've had a hard time picking up editing since getting back...it doesn't help that there is a Diana Wynne Jones' book sitting right in front of me.
I shall therefore forgo all creative thought and share a song before I see if I can start some editing.
This is one of the songs I listen to most while working on the Haphazard books. It kind of fits all of the characters, but reminds me of two in particular. (Those who have read the books, I will let you guess which two.)
As I said, I am lacking in creativeness at the moment - editing and school work and work and everything. And today was just weird, which is why this post is late. So the extent of my creativeness is to ask, what are some of the songs you fellow writers listen to while you work. (Or everyone, even if you aren't writers, which songs do you find the most inspiring?)
Quote is from the Robin Hood movie. (The olderish one, but not the very old one, and not the Men in Tights one. The one with the Snape actor who is so wonderful.)
ALLONS-Y!
April 11, 2014
"You just decapitated your grandfather."
Wherein Jack has exciting news.
I have very exciting news for today....in case you didn't catch that in the above statement. I mentioned in the post I wrote right after I got back from my holiday that I am reading and reviewing some books which are coming out next month. (I believe all of them are for next month. Don't quote me on that.) One of them I was VERY excited to get asked to read. It is Resistance written by Jaye L. Knight.
For those of you who don't know, Jaye has published before under Molly Evangeline. I've talked about her books before. She wrote a wonderful fantasy series - Truth, Courage, and Trust. She also wrote a series on pirates which I plan to read this summer. I loved her fantasy series and when I finished it I was sad there weren't more. So I was thrilled when I found she was writing a new fantasy series, only this time under a different name. I wanted the book the moment I heard about it and was too delighted for words when she asked me to read a before published draft and review it.
I've already started it and it is just as amazing as I hoped it would be, for those wondering. (As soon as it comes out buy it!) (I feel like Bowler Hat Guy from Meet the Robinsons. "Love it! Buy it!")
Okay, now that I've said all of that....I can move on.
Today I am taking part in the cover reveal for Resistance.
About the Book “Don’t you know? Animals like you have no soul.”Could God ever love a half-blood all of society looks upon with such fear and disdain? Jace once believed so, but when a tragic loss shatters the only peace he’s ever known, his faith crumbles as the nagging doubts he’s tried to put behind him descend on his grieving heart. With them come the haunting memories of the bloodstained past he longs to forget, but can never escape.
Taken from home at a young age and raised to serve the emperor, Kyrin Altair and her twin brother live every day under a dangerous pretense of loyalty. After her unique observation skills and perfect memory place her into direct service to the emperor, Kyrin finds herself in further jeopardy as it becomes increasingly difficult to hide her belief in Elôm, the one true God.
Following the emperor’s declaration to enforce the worship of false gods under the penalty of death, many lives are endangered. But there are those willing to risk everything to take a stand and offer aid to the persecuted. With their lives traveling paths they never could have imagined, Jace and Kyrin must fight to overcome their own fears and conflicts with society as they become part of the resistance.Kindle release date: May 20, 2014
About the Author JAYE L. KNIGHT is a 25-year-old independent author with a passion for writing Christian fantasy and clean NA (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.
Jaye is a homeschool graduate and has been penning stories since the age of eight. She was previously published as Molly Evangeline. You can learn about her latest writing projects at www.jayelknight.com.
Blog Tour Announcement Excited for this book’s release? Join us for the blog tour May 20-27, which will include reviews, interviews, a giveaway, and more! Mark your calendars, and check the blog tour page in May for more information. Hope to see you there!
Rafflecopter Giveaway Code In celebration of the epic cover reveal for Resistance, Jaye L. Knight is giving away two handcrafted bookmarks with sword charms—one each to two different winners! The giveaway is open to U.S. residentsonly, and you can enter via the Rafflecopter form below:http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MTVjZWUzOTdmNzNhZTBkM2QzNmI4OTkwN2ZjZDVhOjI1/
Excerpt from Resistance (©2014 Jaye L. Knight) Just when he lowered his guard enough to relax, a grating voice sent tension knotting across his shoulders.“Look what the excitement dragged into town.”Jace ground his teeth together and turned. He should never have stopped watching his back. Wrong move on his part.Flanked by two of his smug-faced friends, a red-haired young man smirked at him, his eyes harboring all sorts of ill will. Jace barely bit back a sharp retort, but the other man’s smirk only grew at his silence. He peered around Jace.“Rebekah, what are you doing with this . . .” He glanced back to Jace and turned up his wide nose. “. . . half-blood?”Jace balled his fists. Warmth seeped down his arms and into his muscles, pulsing with the preparation for a fight, but he fought to still it.Rebekah came to his side, her face set in a frown that looked entirely out of place. “Stop it, Morden.”He gave her a condescending little grin. “Why don’t you run along? We’ve got business here.” The grin stretched wider. “I’ll gladly come find you later.”Rebekah put her hands on her hips, glaring at him, and opened her mouth to speak, but Jace beat her to it.“A gentleman would treat a lady with more consideration.”Morden snorted. “And what would you know about that?”A blaze erupted inside that Jace struggled to contain. He breathed in hard, cursing the impulses he had to battle so often. He couldn’t let it take control of him. Not again.“Come on, Jace, we still have to find something for Kalli.” Rebekah’s soft voice quieted his growing agitation, and she tugged lightly on his stiff arm.His blood still burned hot in his veins, calling him to action, and was almost too strong to resist. He thought of Rayad who told him time and again to go to Elôm when he struggled like this. He forced himself to turn away from Morden and whispered silently, “Elôm, I need help.”But Morden, who must have caught the movement of his lips just before he turned completely, let out an incredulous laugh. “Are you praying?”Jace froze. His heart thundered.“Who could you be praying to? Don’t you know? Animals like you have no soul.”An evil pang of doubt knifed through Jace’s heart, colder and more painful than the steel of any dagger, and robbed the breath from his lungs. His eyes settled on Rebekah’s face, but it was her pitying expression that caused the weak grip on his emotions to fail. Heat flared in his muscles. He spun around and smashed his fist into the side of Morden’s jaw, sending the man reeling. Regret followed, but it was too late. Morden’s friends caught him by the arms and steadied him as he shook his head to clear his vision.
Hopefully I did all of this right, I still have trouble figuring all of the codes out. If something needs corrected, or doesn't work for all of you, let me know and I shall fix it.
And now, for the cover!
TADA! Nice, isn't it? I love all of Jaye's covers, she does a really good job on them, but I think this is my favourite so far. Though....I do have a thing for swords, so that might be a big part of it.
Quote is from Thor 2. Which I've FINALLY seen.
ALLONS-Y!
I have very exciting news for today....in case you didn't catch that in the above statement. I mentioned in the post I wrote right after I got back from my holiday that I am reading and reviewing some books which are coming out next month. (I believe all of them are for next month. Don't quote me on that.) One of them I was VERY excited to get asked to read. It is Resistance written by Jaye L. Knight.
For those of you who don't know, Jaye has published before under Molly Evangeline. I've talked about her books before. She wrote a wonderful fantasy series - Truth, Courage, and Trust. She also wrote a series on pirates which I plan to read this summer. I loved her fantasy series and when I finished it I was sad there weren't more. So I was thrilled when I found she was writing a new fantasy series, only this time under a different name. I wanted the book the moment I heard about it and was too delighted for words when she asked me to read a before published draft and review it.
I've already started it and it is just as amazing as I hoped it would be, for those wondering. (As soon as it comes out buy it!) (I feel like Bowler Hat Guy from Meet the Robinsons. "Love it! Buy it!")
Okay, now that I've said all of that....I can move on.
Today I am taking part in the cover reveal for Resistance.
About the Book “Don’t you know? Animals like you have no soul.”Could God ever love a half-blood all of society looks upon with such fear and disdain? Jace once believed so, but when a tragic loss shatters the only peace he’s ever known, his faith crumbles as the nagging doubts he’s tried to put behind him descend on his grieving heart. With them come the haunting memories of the bloodstained past he longs to forget, but can never escape.
Taken from home at a young age and raised to serve the emperor, Kyrin Altair and her twin brother live every day under a dangerous pretense of loyalty. After her unique observation skills and perfect memory place her into direct service to the emperor, Kyrin finds herself in further jeopardy as it becomes increasingly difficult to hide her belief in Elôm, the one true God.
Following the emperor’s declaration to enforce the worship of false gods under the penalty of death, many lives are endangered. But there are those willing to risk everything to take a stand and offer aid to the persecuted. With their lives traveling paths they never could have imagined, Jace and Kyrin must fight to overcome their own fears and conflicts with society as they become part of the resistance.Kindle release date: May 20, 2014
About the Author JAYE L. KNIGHT is a 25-year-old independent author with a passion for writing Christian fantasy and clean NA (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.
Jaye is a homeschool graduate and has been penning stories since the age of eight. She was previously published as Molly Evangeline. You can learn about her latest writing projects at www.jayelknight.com.
Blog Tour Announcement Excited for this book’s release? Join us for the blog tour May 20-27, which will include reviews, interviews, a giveaway, and more! Mark your calendars, and check the blog tour page in May for more information. Hope to see you there!
Rafflecopter Giveaway Code In celebration of the epic cover reveal for Resistance, Jaye L. Knight is giving away two handcrafted bookmarks with sword charms—one each to two different winners! The giveaway is open to U.S. residentsonly, and you can enter via the Rafflecopter form below:http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MTVjZWUzOTdmNzNhZTBkM2QzNmI4OTkwN2ZjZDVhOjI1/
Excerpt from Resistance (©2014 Jaye L. Knight) Just when he lowered his guard enough to relax, a grating voice sent tension knotting across his shoulders.“Look what the excitement dragged into town.”Jace ground his teeth together and turned. He should never have stopped watching his back. Wrong move on his part.Flanked by two of his smug-faced friends, a red-haired young man smirked at him, his eyes harboring all sorts of ill will. Jace barely bit back a sharp retort, but the other man’s smirk only grew at his silence. He peered around Jace.“Rebekah, what are you doing with this . . .” He glanced back to Jace and turned up his wide nose. “. . . half-blood?”Jace balled his fists. Warmth seeped down his arms and into his muscles, pulsing with the preparation for a fight, but he fought to still it.Rebekah came to his side, her face set in a frown that looked entirely out of place. “Stop it, Morden.”He gave her a condescending little grin. “Why don’t you run along? We’ve got business here.” The grin stretched wider. “I’ll gladly come find you later.”Rebekah put her hands on her hips, glaring at him, and opened her mouth to speak, but Jace beat her to it.“A gentleman would treat a lady with more consideration.”Morden snorted. “And what would you know about that?”A blaze erupted inside that Jace struggled to contain. He breathed in hard, cursing the impulses he had to battle so often. He couldn’t let it take control of him. Not again.“Come on, Jace, we still have to find something for Kalli.” Rebekah’s soft voice quieted his growing agitation, and she tugged lightly on his stiff arm.His blood still burned hot in his veins, calling him to action, and was almost too strong to resist. He thought of Rayad who told him time and again to go to Elôm when he struggled like this. He forced himself to turn away from Morden and whispered silently, “Elôm, I need help.”But Morden, who must have caught the movement of his lips just before he turned completely, let out an incredulous laugh. “Are you praying?”Jace froze. His heart thundered.“Who could you be praying to? Don’t you know? Animals like you have no soul.”An evil pang of doubt knifed through Jace’s heart, colder and more painful than the steel of any dagger, and robbed the breath from his lungs. His eyes settled on Rebekah’s face, but it was her pitying expression that caused the weak grip on his emotions to fail. Heat flared in his muscles. He spun around and smashed his fist into the side of Morden’s jaw, sending the man reeling. Regret followed, but it was too late. Morden’s friends caught him by the arms and steadied him as he shook his head to clear his vision.
Hopefully I did all of this right, I still have trouble figuring all of the codes out. If something needs corrected, or doesn't work for all of you, let me know and I shall fix it.
And now, for the cover!
TADA! Nice, isn't it? I love all of Jaye's covers, she does a really good job on them, but I think this is my favourite so far. Though....I do have a thing for swords, so that might be a big part of it.
Quote is from Thor 2. Which I've FINALLY seen.
ALLONS-Y!
