Toi Thomas's Blog, page 103

My Geekdom 02: Charlie Brown

Pins from Pinterest that inspire me and indulge my geekness.http://pinterest.com/toinette_thomas/my-geekdom/  Please do not copy this image.
Visit the Pinterest link above to
share, share, share :)Everyone likes a winner, yet people can’t seem to help from falling for losers, underdogs, or nice guys who always come up short. In rear cases like Charlie Brown, that’s a good thing. Charlie isn’t the perpetual loser because he doesn’t try. In many ways, Charlie Brown is role model. If anyone knows about not giving up, it’s Charlie…and that’s why I love him.
Deep down, though, I think there is another reason why people sometimes root for the underdog or fall in love with “losers”. They do it because sometimes it’s the right thing to do. Sometimes in the face of tremendous opposition, people will band together and do what is right even if it is the hardest thing in the world to do.
I don’t like opposition and I definitely don’t like writing about it, but I can’t seem to stop myself. Unfortunately in the world of the Eternal Curse, underdogs only win or live to face greater obstacles down the road.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Click below to share your Reactions and more. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken

Stone's Ghost by Melissa Bowersock

-Book Title: Stone’s Ghost Image provided by author-Author Name: Melissa Bowersock-Publisher: New Moon Publishing-Reading Level: Adult-Genre: Fiction, paranormal, ghost-Content Rating: Mature Adult-Available Formats: Paperback, e-book-Number of Pages: 224-Purchase Links: AmazonPaperback | Kindle
Book blurb provided by author
Matthew Stone doesn't believe in ghosts … until he meets one. He owns a successful business in Lake Havasu, Arizona, home to the famed London Bridge that was brought over stone by stone and rebuilt over the Colorado River. He has a gorgeous girlfriend, a doting mother, and more money than he needs, but no time for stories about the ghosts who were transplanted from England with the famed bridge. When a chance encounter with a female ghost leads to unexpected friendship, Matt and the ghost are forced to rely on each other as they confront the pasts that haunt them.
****
This is that rare ghost story that avoids all the pratfalls and clichés of the usual spectral and paranormal tale. Melissa Bowersock has intertwined two stories seamlessly - one a modern tale of a man taking responsibility for himself amid the shades of his own past, and the other the story of a young woman from a bygone era looking for release and redemption. You will keep turning the pages on this finely-crafted tale! —Rich Meyer, author

Excerpt

The small hairs on the back of his neck stood up, as if light fingers hovered just above them. Instantly alert, he forced himself to stand still even though he would have liked to jerk upright and look about the bridge. Controlling even his quick, shallow breathing, he kept his head still but focused on the periphery of his sight. He felt more than saw it, but thought there was something standing to his right. Something dark. Slowly, slowly, he turned his head.
That shape. Smaller, shorter than the woman who had just passed, this person was almost petite, or at least he thought she would be under the heavy black clothes. She stood—floated—just scant feet away, hovering near the balustrade with a tension that suggested to Matt she would vanish at the slightest move. At the same moment that he realized he could actually see the bridge behind her—see through her—he also noticed the almost wild light in her eyes. Eyes that were looking directly at him.
Links
AuthorWebsiteAuthorBlogAmazonAuthor Central

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Click below to share your Reactions and more. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken

Top 5: 02 TV Shows

This is a list of my top five something. Most of the time my lists are pretty static, but sometimes I do change my mind. While I do try to apply some logic to my choices, sometimes I pick things that make no sense and for no good reason other than “I like it.”  IMDB
  TV Shows1. Friends2. Cosby Show3. Golden Girls4. Bones5. Supernatural-Honorable Mention- Dexter

I don’t know exactly what this list says about me, but good shows are hard for me to find.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Click below to share your Reactions and more. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken

Author Insights 18: Ways to Follow.

Email is the best way for me to follow a blog, because it reminds me that I'm even following a certain blog and when I'm not in the mood, I simply delete the message or come back to it later.

Wordpress is a community of bloggers and blog followers, and the follow feature is built in, but you can still customize it. If it's a blog I know I really don't want to miss, I'll set up a daily or weekly digest for my email. Other than that, I make a point to visit the Wordpress Reader a few times a week. Wordpress is ideal because it lets you see who's following you and others can see if you are following them.

Networked Blog is great if you're already using it to follow other blogs. I also like it because I can see the people who are following me and they can see that I'm following them.

For Blogger, Google Friend connect does this also, but I find that it's sometimes not the best way to follow to actually receive content. Again I can see who's following me and they and see me.

Ah, Feedly. I heart Feedly. It has become my go to blog reader. Most blogs I follow, I actually follow twice, unless I do an email subscription. I try to follow as much as possible using Worpress, Networked Blogs, and Google Friend Connect, just so my little face is there smiling at my favorite bloggers, but I find that if I'm actually reading and commenting on that bloggers content, it's because of Feedly. Feedly keeps me from having to go to all the above mentioned places to visit all the blogs I follow because they are all in one place. 

Now, there's Bloglovin. So, for once I'm really late on something I already knew about but didn't realize. Let me explain. I follow a few fashion blogs. I got into the habit because of my sister Tori who loves fashion and is constantly teaching me a thing or two about it. I follow all my fashion blogs through Bloglovin and for some reason figured that's all Bloglovin was for. How silly of me. 

Sooooo, I guess I'll be playing around with Bloglovin and Feedly to see which suits me best, but knowing me, I'll probably end up using them both. 

Follow my blog with Bloglovin


Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Click below to share your Reactions and more. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken

Book Review Etiquette by Paula Hrbacek

Authors can’t sell books without reviews.  Especially now that a lot of authors are going the self-published route, book reviews are crucial elements that authors seek and crave.  Well, good reviews are craved.
Recently, there has been a trend for readers to post reviews before they have even read the book.

“A fellow author recently received the following ONE star review: I did not read it I just downloaded it," says Raebeth Buda, author of ‘Silenced’ and host of the WritingWorld web site.  “Last year I also got a ONE star review that said, "I haven't read it yet, I will leave a review when I do" They have yet to review it. That star has been sitting there hurting my rating ever since. And with only 10 ratings on that particular site, it hurts LOT.”
It hurts the author because most book review sites give an average star rating, figuring all the reviews into one score.  It’s like getting straight A’s all semester, and then getting one F that pulls your grade average down to a C.
“It seems like common sense, but I think more people need to be aware of how much needless one star reviews can hurt. It's great you bought the book, it's great you intend to review it. But leaving a one star "placeholder" hurts the author much more than leaving no review at all.” Buda says.

Stars on a book review are pretty much equal to the five point grading system used in schools.  A five star rating is the same as an A on an essay.  It means you thoroughly enjoyed the book.  Four stars means the book was enjoyable, but had a few faults.  A three star rating means the book barely passed.  Anything below three stars warns other readers to pass the book by and buy something else.  A one star rating means the author should not have published the book in the first place.
When writing a review for a book, the reader should give a summary of the story to let the next reader know what the subject of the book is about.  It also lets the reader know that the reviewer did in fact read the book.  It should then point out the book’s virtues and weaknesses.  Is it well paced?  Does the plot make sense?  Are the clues foreshadowed, or does the answer appear out of nowhere?  Are the characters believable and likeable?  Is it well researched? 
The conclusion of the review then gives an overall reaction to the book: it was a pleasant read, it was a page turner, I couldn’t put it down, I highly recommend the book, I can’t wait for the next one.  The conclusion of the review should not be what is called a “spoiler”: the butler did it.  It’s acceptable to say that the ending was surprising, but not to say what the surprise actually was.

So, please, write your reviews, but follow the rules and format of a good review.  Even if your opinion is bad, every review posted should be good in quality, helpful to other readers, and a true reflection of the reader’s opinions.
****Paula Hrbacek is the author of five books including: Stars Shine After Dark, a sweet Christian romance, available in paperback, Kindle and Nook, and Day Camp in Hawaii, a complete program guide for summer camp or summer school, available in paperback, Nook and Kindle.  For more information see http://paulahrbacek.weebly.com or her author page at https://www.amazon.com/author/paulahrbacek. She also writes two columns for The Examiner, a free online newspaper; Children’sArts and Crafts, and Book Reviews.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Click below to share your Reactions and more. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken

Sample Sunday 07

Sample Sunday is a weekly posting from my pre-published work in progress Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel. Each week I will post approximately 100 – 150 words from this installment of the series. Please visit the ToiBox to read samples of my other works.Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel chapter 3
Giovanni threw back his warm damp covers and swung his feet out of the bed, planting them on the floor and causing the room to rattle slightly. He stood up slowly, stretching his arms to the ceiling, which he could touch with his palms flat without even standing on his toes. He relaxed his body and looked down at his feeble friend. “Yeah, today could be the day,” he said. “Breakfast sounds good. Let’s go.” Giovanni walked over to Abraham, circled around to the back of his wheelchair, and then pushed him down the hall to head back to Abraham’s room. There they loaded into Abraham’s personal elevator, which they used as a shortcut to the kitchen. Word Count: 117

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Click below to share your Reactions and more. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken

ToiBox Update Week 8/10/13

In case you’re interested, here are some highlights from my other blog, the ToiBox. This is where I talk more in depth about my whole writing experience and other works.



Eternal Curse: Battleground, chapter1.3         





July-Fashion Films and Contemporary Art





Eternal Curse: Battleground, Tori's Bio

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Click below to share your Reactions and more. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken                                                               

Interview 23: Tina Frisco

Greetings humans, half-breeds, and everything in between. A while back, I had the pleasure to interview a wonderful author named, Tina Frisco. A good time was truly had by all and here’s how it went down.
Image provided by author
Hi there Tina! It’s so awesome to have you here at the ECS Blog. Don’t worry about the darkness, your eyes will adjust. 


So tell me, who is Tina Frisco?
I’m an author, singer-songwriter-performer, RN, shaman apprentice, and activist.  I was born in the USA in Pennsylvania, attended nursing school in New York, and live in California.  I began writing as a child and received my first guitar at age 14, which launched my passion for music and song-writing.  I’ve performed publicly in many local venues.  My publishing history includes book reviews, essays, articles in the field of medicine, and my début novel - Plateau: Beyond the Trees, Beyond 2012 - published in July 2012.  Included in my pursuits are writing, reading, music, and exploring nature.
Well you sound like quite the Renaissance woman. I can tell already, that this is going to be a fun interview. 
So whacha got for me today?
smashwords.com The underlying message in Plateau: Beyond the Trees, Beyond 2012 is that we must keep our hearts open and act from love instead of react from fear, and we must practice gratitude and compassion within every moment and with every breath. In so doing, we'll help elevate the human species to a higher consciousness, facilitating both personal and global peace. And above all, we must harm none and walk in beauty. During this time of great change, the question millions are asking across the globe is "Will love prevail over fear?" Plateau proffers a dash of insight and a bounty of hope. (See a 5 star review of this book by Nancy E. Robertson)
I really like the message of this book. It sounds very inspirational. I too like to envelop my books with a sense of hope. I really like the cover of this book. It has such a wonderful use of colors.
So who’s starring is this 2 dimensional script read of Plateau?
W'Hyani, the protagonist in Plateau, is ​a 15-year-old tribal female who discovers her strengths and destiny by overcoming adversity while honoring the wisdom of her elders. Her will, fortitude, and ingenuity are tested ​relentlessly​​. She must learn to trust blindly and overcome fear exhaustively, without fully knowing why she was born the Keeper of the Crystal Heart, the requisite key to the Great Mosaic of Life. She ultimately comes face-to-face with herself in a battle that would shrink the will of the most intrepid warrior, unaware that ​realizing her destiny will irrevocably impact all beings on earth and beyond. The Great Mosaic of Life holds a message of hope that would allow us to see and live beyond the year 2012. W'Hyani's people inject humor and wisdom throughout this tale of adventure and mystery.
Wow, I was not expecting this character description after seeing the cover, but it really seems to fit. I like that your heroine is a tribal girl. I think it sounds very exotic, but have a feeling that it will be pleasantly down to earth.
Past, present, future, is there a rhyme or reason to your writing?
I’ve written many songs and performed in many local venues. When writing my books, I work at my computer and allow my thoughts to flow. I don’t create a story outline beforehand, but jot down ideas for future chapters that occur to me while I’m writing. I’m totally focused on writing and allow no distractions. The dictionary, thesaurus, and Gregg Reference Manual are my constant companions during this process. I’m currently working on a sequel to Plateau, as well as a series of children’s books.
I admire your talents and the determination in which you pursue them. You seem to be very focused and organized. I admire the fact that you use a reference manual, they are so helpful; everyone needs a little help with their writing sometimes.
What author(s) has most influenced your writing? Why or how?
Lynn Andrewshas inspired me the most. Her willingness to write about her spiritual growth in a detailed and personal way profoundly encouraged my writing. (See a review of Andrews’s Coming Full Circle by Tina Frisco)
I must admit that I’m not very familiar with Lynn Andrew’s work, though I have heard of her book Medicine Woman before. She seems like a very dynamic personality. If she has the insight and experience to help you on your writing journey, I’m glad you were able to find her work and connect with it.
Whose brain are you just itching to scratch?
I’d love to interview Albert Einstein. Not only was he a brilliant scientist, but he was also an inspiring philosopher with a wonderful sense of humor!
I agree. A man who was told he was dumb as child and then grows up to show the world something it had never seen before, definitely sounds like he’d have something interesting say.
Who is so you and why?
BarnesandNoble.com I would say I relate to Lonesome Star, the protagonist in  WomanChief , by Benjamin Capps. I find her to be particularly inspiring. The novel is based on the true story of a Crow woman who rose to the rank of Chief despite her gender. She was unrivaled as a hunter-warrior within her tribe, rejecting the traditional duties of women. Females – especially girls – in our modern society could learn a lot from her.
How very empowering she sounds and so does the book. This is one I’m adding to me TBR list right now.
What’s your ideal reading spot for your next highly anticipated read?
My ideal reading spot is my rocker chair with footstool, within a quiet environment and a cup of tea at my side. I’m about to read the paperback book, A dela , by Mary Nicol Jones. I’m eager to read Mary’s book for two reasons: 1) she’s a neighbor, and 2) it encompasses the theme of overcoming adversity with a tenacious and determined spirit.
That’s cool that you live close to another author and that you guys are friends. I’ve seen the cover of her book. It looks quite peaceful, but I guess that’s why they say don’t judge a book by its cover. An overcoming adversity story has to stir you up a little bit…Oh, and your reading spot sounds cozy.
What was your favorite book or story, pre-teen years?
Wikipedia TheLast of the Mohicans  was my favorite book in elementary school.  I love reading fiction about indigenous peoples that contains historical references.
I can see you have a great love for the life, history, and ways of indigenous peoples. I can understand why you like this book and can understand it leaving a lasting impression on you...Now this is where the questions get a little kooky; are you ready?
You becha!
Alright then, here we go.
If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
IMDB WhaleRider  is a movie I’ve seen many times, and I anticipate watching it many times more! It’s the story of a New Zealand girl who becomes the leader of her people, despite this honor having been reserved only for males throughout their history. She’s aware of her destiny and pursues it implacably.
Ya know, I think I’m beginning to notice a pattern here (hehe). You definitely like what you like. I’ve heard nothing but good things about the story of Whale Rider and can see why you like it.
What makes you geek out?
I love crossword and variety puzzles. They not only challenge my cerebral acumen, but I also learn a lot!
What a great answer. I actually went through a phase when I was obsessed with crossword puzzles. I eventually snapped out of it, but I still enjoy them on long trips. You do learn a lot from them.
So what’s testing your patience right now?
I’ve just begun working on a series of children’s books. Writing for children is especially exacting, because you’re reaching for two audiences: children and parents. So the story line must be one that will engage the child as well as attract and meet the standards of the parent, the person buying the book.
I'm also looking forward to my dear friends' 5oth-wedding-anniversary gala in August. The entire clan will be there, a warm and jocular bunch of folks with whom I always enjoy spending time. Their celebrations are remarkably festive, and I need a little infusion of festivity right now! Book marketing/promotion is extremely time-consuming and, of late, has left little room for just plain fun!
I’ve always wanted to write a children’s book and maybe one day I will. I’m very excited for you and your journey down this special road.
Hear hear, I agree with you about book marketing. Sometimes it’s nice to have a getaway from it all. A 50 year wedding anniversary is a rare and special thing. I truly hope you have a wonderful time.  When the soundtrack of your life is playing in your head, what songs express your glee and what songs bring out your rage?
Jazz is the only genre of music that I don’t like. I actually find it irritating. Music that catches my ear has what I term, “pattern and prelude.” I have a special place in my heart for the songs I’ve written and often go about my day humming them. Joan Baez, John Denver, and Emmylou Harris are among my favorite artists. Joan’s Wind Rose, John’s Sweet Surrender, <=listenand Emmylou’s  The Pearl <=listen affect me on a deep level. And the soundtracks from  Last of the Mohicans   and Chariotsof Fire  make my heart swell and my spirit soar.
I’ve heard a lot of people say that they find Jazz to be irritating, but I like it. I also understand how after a while it could drive a person crazy. I was really looking forward to your reply to this question. I had a feeling that folk music would be involved somehow. I figured a singer-song writer like you would have something profound to say about music.
What’s the most fun experience you’ve ever had, to date?
Travelling throughout the southwest with three friends and two tents is a highlight in my life. We camped mainly on BLM land, where one doesn’t – or didn’t, at the time – need a permit. So we were out in the wide open spaces, free-spirited and enjoying every moment. At one point, we even came face to face with a herd of cows!
Travel camping does actually sound nice, but I don’t know if I could do it for very long. I bet you guys had an amazing view of the sky. I can only imagine just how non-stressful that trip must have been. Ah, nature.
Not that you can see into the future, but in your opinion, what does the future hold?
My dream for the future is to live in a little cabin in the woods, growing healing herbs, singing and playing my guitar, communing with nature, and writing whatever spirit moves me to write.
It’s so simple and I like it.
Is there a question you would like to ask me?
Q: How do you juggle your time in order to write books, maintain an exceptional blog, and simultaneously have a life?
A: I don’t always, but I’m getting better at it. As with all things, practice makes perfect and I do my homework. I take advantage of the many organizational and scheduling tools to maximize my blogging efforts. I literally have to schedule breaks and fun time for myself or I’ll just work myself crazy. As for writing, I try to schedule that too, but when my creativity is flowing, all bets are off.
Well Tina, I’ve really had a wonderful time getting to know you. Thank you so much for stopping by. I wish you the best in all your endeavors.
Ok humans, half-breeds, and everything in between, that’s all for today. Be sure to follow this blog to see who will be visiting next time. For more from Tina Frisco, check out these great links:
Website & Blog: Tina Frisco: Writing With Hope and GratitudeGoodReads: Tina FriscoFacebook:Plateau - A Novel ofAdventure and Hope Beyond 2012LinkedIn: Tina FriscoPurchase links for Plateau: Smashwords, Amazon, Barnes & Noble & Nook
Today, Tina has been so gracious as to offer Plateau  for FREE at Smashwords.com. So be sure to stop by and download your free copy. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Click below to share your Reactions and more. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken

What was the most challenging aspect of writing my book?

Not sure what's going on? Visit Who's Following up top for details.
Did you see my interview yesterday? If you can answer this guest, please do so. If not, no big deal.
Are you a writer? What's the most challenging part of writing to you?
Maybe you're not a writer, but there's something you do that's creative. What are your greatest challenges in that arena?
Don't be shy. Comment and share. 
I'll announce a winner tomorrow. 
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Click below to share your Reactions and more. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken

Toi Thomas Interview on Authors to Watch

I'm being interviewed by Tricia Drammeh today at Authors to Watch.
Go check out the interview and come back tomorrow for .
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Click below to share your Reactions and more. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken