Ally Shields's Blog, page 96

Wickedly Good Treats

What would Halloween be without a treat or two? Here are two, tried and true, really easily recipes. And, they are sooo good!The first recipe is especially fun, as it allows you to get your hands all gooey!

Never Fail Popcorn Balls

1 c sugar
1/3 c white syrup
1/3 c water
1/4 c butter or margarine

Boil the above until a soft ball forms if you drop a tiny amount in cold water. About 270 on your candy thermometer. Remove from heat and add 1 tsp vanilla. Pour mixture over 2 quarts of freshly popped corn. Butter hands and shape into balls. Makes about 12 medium-sized balls. (Now lick your fingers. Yum, good!)


If you want (or need) something even easier, this one is a definite crowd pleaser. What's that? You say you're a minimalist? No problem. You can limit you Halloween mix to the first two ingredients. Perfecto!

Halloween Trail Mix

Mix the following in any proportions you like, although the candy corn and peanuts should be the basis of this sweet treat.

Candy corn - regular and chocolate
Dry-roasted peanuts
White yogurt covered raisins
Cashews
Craisins
Sunflower seed hearts
Chex

Mix and enjoy!

Anyone else have special treats you're willing to share?  AS

Interview with Author Jennifer Martin

Right in time for Halloween, I'd like to welcome horror writer Jennifer Martin to the blog this morning! Her story "Don't Break the Glass" appears in FEAR: A Modern Anthology of Horror and Terror .


BIO:
Jennifer lives in El Paso, TX with her husband, two children, two dogs and two kitties-none of whom are, as of yet, the living dead.  When she's not writing you can usually find her nose in a book.


Q: I can't think of a better month to interview a horror writer. Tell us how you became interested in writing spooky stories?

   Jennifer: I have, for as long as I can remember, been interested in reading horror, paranormal and urban fantasy.  I loved the stories and thought I would try my hand at it. Since I loved reading these genres it only made sense to write in them as well.

Q: We recently held a poll on favorite supernatural creatures, and the vampire won by a huge margin. What is your favorite supernatural creature or magical being?

   Jennifer: It would have to be vampires. I have always been fascinated with them. The whole concept of immortality is alluring.

Q: Are there other genres that you write or read?

  Jennifer: I would like to eventually try branching out to YA or even a children’s book.  That would be way in the future however since I’m diligently working on my novel Certain Madness at the moment and debating on whether or not it will be a series.

Q: You'll have to come back and tell us more about it, when it's ready to be published. In the meantime, can you tell us about your current book? When or where can we find it?

  Jennifer: FEAR: A Modern Anthology of Horror and Terror is a collection of 60 authors in two volumes.  All proceeds are going to charity.  It is being put out by Crooked Cat Publishing, and was just released October 3, 2012.  You can find it through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, ITunes, and from the Crooked Cat Publishing book store on their website.  My story "Don’t Break The Glass" will be in volume one with a forward given by bestselling author Peter James.

Q:  What comes after Fear? Will you continue writing horror?

  Jennifer: I totally intend to stick within the genres of horror, paranormal and urban fantasy.  My novel Certain Madness falls into these categories.  I will have it through edits and submission ready by early 2013, so be on the look out!

Q: Do you like the villains in your stories?

  Jennifer: I love the villains. "Don’t Break The Glass" is a horror story with supernatural elements (without giving too much away).  I love the whole idea of the villains.

Q: Have you had any paranormal experiences you're willing to tell us about?

   Jennifer: I have always been surrounded (or plagued) by the supernatural.  Since I was little I would have experiences with seeing or hearing things, objects moving and the like.  It used to terrify me, until I researched and learned more about what ‘ghosts’ actually are.  Now I’m so used to the activity that it’s just a regular part of the day for me and my family.  We have lovingly even named some of the regular ‘visitors’.

Q:  Do you have pets? Do they appear in your stories?

  Jennifer: I do!  I have a mini dachshund and a Tibetan grey terrier who are about to have some puppies.  I also have a white Siamese and a black kitten.  We love animals in our household.  I do have animals in my stories, but so far they have not been modeled after my own pets.  I do like to imbibe the gargoyles in my stories with traits that are funny from my pets.

Q:  Tell us about your hobbies.

  Jennifer: I love to read, obviously, and sing.  I used to sing for a living, and still love to get out there and belt out a few tunes now and then.  I also love nature, so I try to go hiking as much as possible.  It gives me great inspiration for scenes and settings in my stories. Q: How would our readers stay in touch with you?

  Jennifer:  My contact info is:

http://www.facebook.com/author.jennifermartin
http://www.twitter.com/jenmartinauthor
http://jenmartinauthor.wix.com/wordisart



The anthology can be purchased at the following:

Crooked Cat Books
Amazon paperback: http://amzn.to/RWfWls
Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.to/PEzlDe

Let's Talk Scary Movies!

Scary, creepy movies are a big topic of conversation this month. Pop the popcorn, crank up the DVD player. Everybody has a list of their all time favorites. While I usually talk about books on this blog, at least all of these movies had writers and many started from books that had already caused their readers to lock the doors and pull the covers over their heads.

So what movies made my list of all time favorites? Here they are in reverse order--the ten movies that had me cringing in my seat or peeking through my fingers. (Don't try to tell me you haven't done that!)


10. Halloween 1978               A homicidal maniac with a mask. Trick or treat anyone?

9.  Jaws 1975                         I can still hear that music whenever I go to the beach.
 
8.  The Mist 2007                   This movie was all about the intense, spooky atmosphere.

7.  The Omen 1976                What can I say about Damien? How creepy can a kid get?     

6.  The Shining 1980              Based on Stephen King's best seller. Don't go to the third floor.

5.  The Thing 1980                 It was the way the head and mouth crawled around. Shiver.

4.  Alien 1979                         They were everywhere!

3.  Psycho 1960                       Can you say "shower scene"?

2.  Silence of the Lamb 1991  Has their ever been a creepier villain than Hannibal?

1.  The Exorcist 1973               Gross, terrifying. This demon possession film gave me nightmares.

One thing I noticed while I was researching for this piece and reminding myself of all the spooky films I've watched was the large number of favorites that were produced in the 70s and 80s. Has Hollywood lost their touch for the real horror films and just gone for gruesome in recent years?

Oh, I almost forgot the favorite of many that did NOT make my list, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974). Instead of scary, my friends and I laughed all the way through this one. Maybe it was better on the big screen--or maybe it had something to do with the bottle of wine we had?

What movies scare you? Are they on this list? Do you intend to have a movie night this Halloween? Hit the comment button and tell me about your favorites. AS

Gone Trick or Treating!

I'm guest posting today at Letters From Earth blog! Join me to hear about . . .

                              Witch Myths & Candy Corn! !

               http://kath-lettersfromearth.blogspot.com/

October Will Be Witches' Month!

                  Welcome! The Witch is In . . .

In honor of Halloween, we will dedicate this month to things--living and dead--that are creepy and spooky. If you want to know what's coming, take a peek at the schedule. You'll find I'm visiting several other blogs, and we have guests who will be appearing here. Plus I may have a few surprises. Maybe a little Trick or Treat!

I start off the month on Monday, October 1, by blogging at Letters from Earth about Witch Myths. I hope you'll visit us there. I promise we'll have virtual candy corn and apple cider!

photo credit: ChrisGoldNY via photopin cc

Interview with Author Kirstin Pulioff

I'd like to welcome guest author Kirstin Pulioff to my blog today.

Kirstin was born and raised in Southern California and moved to the Pacific Northwest where she was graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Forestry. She is married and works at home raising her two children. Her first fantasy novel, The Escape of Princess Madeline, YA/MG will be released in October 2012.

Since Kirstin has agreed to be on the hot seat today, shall we get started?

Q: Tell us about your fantasy world and your debut novel.

Kirstin: The Kingdom of Soron is know for many things, its rolling landscape, haunting history, fiery sunsets, and its beautiful princess. Princess Madeline woke on her sixteenth birthday to realize that her future had been planned out, a life full of privilege, royalty, and boredom... a life with a husband and knight champion that she did not choose. Using her charm, strength and stubbornness, she defies the King at every turn, determined to keep her freedom on her terms.
Freedom quickly turns to disaster as she finds herself seized by a group of wandering bandits.
With the kingdom in turmoil over her capture, her Knight Champion eager to prove himself, a group of dedicated suitors determined to win her hand, and a group of exiled wizards join forces in the hunt to rescue her. The reader follows Princess Madeline's adventure that is full of twists and turns as she finds freedom and love.

Q: Wow, that's quite an epic adventure, very much in traditional fantasy style. How is this world you've created different than the world of an urban fantasy?

Kirstin: Fantasy is such a fun genre because it offers so many options, focuses and philosophies. In the same way that people who like pizza have different preferences--pepperoni vs. vegetarian--people who like fantasy may like the typical fantasy or urban fantasy. While both have similarities, their settings, characters and talents are completely different.
A few examples of the differences between the two worlds would be:
--medieval vs. contemporary settings;
--heroic knights, kings & princesses vs. vampires, werewolves & witches;
--wizards using magic as a tool vs. beings who are magical.

Q: Vampires and knights are worlds apart (no pun intended!), so how are the worlds similar?

Kirstin: While they are so different in terms of how their descriptions are detailed, the core of the genre remains the same. There is always a sense of magic and enchantment waiting to charm the reader. Even though some of the themes remain the same--good vs. evil and magical vs. natural, I like to think all fantasy is full of new ideas--new philosophies to explore, new worlds to create, new acceptances of people's abilities and functions, and a new way to think.

Q: What drew you to begin writing fantasy?

Kirstin: I have always gravitated toward the fantasy genre. Growing up, even as young as elementary school, I wanted to be whisked away to a far off land with princesses and castles and knights, escape to a magical land, but what I found was that most fantasy novels were a struggle to read due to them being above my reading level. So when I began writing, and as ideas began to flow through my mind, they naturally formed into the fantasy genre. With this story, I really wanted to capture something that a younger reader, a teen or even an adult would enjoy.

Q: Do you read or write in other genres?

Kirstin: Generally my inspiration for stories is in the fantasy realm. It might just be from the years of reading, and dreaming, but when I sit to write, I am almost always transported into that genre.

For reading, I am wide spread. I read tons of children's books to my two kids, so that is a favorite. I primarily read fantasy, but also enjoy historical romance and adventure. I love a well-developed character and the ability to lose myself in a book.

Q: Who are some of your favorite authors?

Kirstin: As silly as it sounds, my favorite author is Dr. Seuss. He has been able to charm me with his words both as a child and as an adult. Whether tackling rhymes and green eggs, or challenging you to think and dream with the Lorax and Places to Go, he writes with clear intent and a positive message.

Q: How would our readers contact you and buy your book?

Kirstin: The Escape of Princess Madeline releases in late October 2012 and will be available on amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com. If you check my website, I will post updates on the book release.
You can contact me through any of the following:
Facebook
Twitter
Kirstin Pulioff Website

Q: Thank you for joining us today. You've been a super guest!

Kirstin: Thanks for having me!

Book Review: Storm Front (Dresden Files) by Jim Butcher

I want to welcome fellow writer Kath Marsh who has agreed to appear on this blog from time to time, including providing an occasional book review. Have at it, Kath!  AS

Storm Front (Book One of the Dresden Files) by Jim Butcher:

If Ivanhoe was a wizard for hire in modern day Chicago, he’d be Harry Dresden. Harry, who owes back rent and lives on the edge of eviction, is truly good, truly a defender of the weak, and assuredly the foe of evil. 

When a woman comes to Harry’s office begging him to find out what is going on with her husband, when at the same time Lt. Murphy asks for Harry’s help in solving the murder of a couple whose hearts burst out of their chests (according to Harry, not possible for just one wizard to have this much power), Harry won’t stop until he fulfills his promises to both. Doing so puts Harry on the wrong side of a major criminal, on Lt. Murphy’s enemies’ list, in the cross hairs of a White Council warden who wants Harry dead, and next on the list of the murderer.

True to his heroic nature, (which Harry easily sees in others, but not in himself) Harry won’t quit until the murders are solved, and the evil is destroyed. Even hamstrung by the rules for a white wizard, Harry is awesomely powerful. No wonder the White Council fears him.  

Harry, with his tall good looks and his wise-cracking sense of humor, enchants. This was the third time I’ve read this book. I rarely read a book a second time, but I would read this one and the whole series over and over. To escape to Harry’s world of good and evil where good is funny, handsome, has the devotion of his thirty-pound cat Mister, and triumphs over evil is ... perfect. 

Review by  Kath Marsh. Visit her Letters from Earth blog

September Poll Results

Visitors to this blog have spoken and the results are (drum roll):

Favorite supernatural creature:
    vampire 80%  (Andreas will love that!)
    other     20% *
*No particular type in this category received more than one vote, and some were unspecified.

Favorite supernatural show:
    Buffy the Vampire Slayer  60%
    True Blood                         30%                                                 All others                          10%

My biggest question after the poll: Where were all the werewolf fans?

Watch for another poll next month. If you've got a suggestion on what we should include, please leave it in the comments. AS

Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Reader Polls

Let's do something a little different today. I and my characters talk a lot on this blog. Here's your chance to have your voice heard by voting on your urban fantasy/paranormal favorites. I'm eager to hear your opinion!
September Polls
What's your favorite urban fantasy creature? * vampire werewolf zombie Other If Other please specify: * What is or was your favorite supernatural TV show? * Buffy the Vampire Slayer Moonligting Supernatural Dark Shadows True Blood The Vampire Diaries None

Searching for Riverdale

If you're a regular visitor to this blog, you already know my fantasy series takes place  along the Mississippi River basin. Since everyone hasn't been fortunate enough to grow up in the area, I wanted to take you on a little tour.

Today we'll be visiting Olde Town, the main setting for my books and the tourist district of Riverdale, a small Midwestern city of 287,000 inhabitants. This original city core has been restored to its glory days when it was a bustling river port.
Shortly after 7:00 a.m. I backed my Rav 4 out the drive and turned east. After steady driving and only one stop for coffee, I arrived at what should have been the edge of Riverdale well before noon. Only it was gone! I found places that looked vaguely familiar but no road signs directing me to Riverdale or Olde Town.

I stopped at a gas station, bought a map, and searched for the town listing. Who changed the map? Where was my picturesque city with the 1800s touristy market area? The horse carriages, the vampire bars? They were gone. Vanished overnight. Or had they?

I stood on one of the river cliffs and shut my eyes tight. When I opened them again, this time I looked with my imagination. And there it was. The small city that I had come to know so well and grown to love. I'd like to share it with you.

Let's hop on a horse-drawn carriage and take a drive through Goshen Park. Its woods and isolated paths are so much more inviting during the day. (If you doubt that, check out the photo section of my website and see the park in the fog. Spooky.)
The dramatic swan fountain on the west end of Gosh Park is one of the most popular spots in Olde Town. In good weather the benches surrounding the fountain are filled with tourists or townspeople. Just remember to leave before sundown. At night the park is restricted to the Otherworlders.

What gives the area most of its uniqueness is the Mississippi River and its high cliffs riddled with caves. Here is the river at its tamest at a narrow bend . . .
 


                          And the river cliffs viewed from another angle.
No tour of Olde Town would be complete without a peek inside the forbidden Vampire Caverns. Visitors are definitely not welcome beyond the entrances, but there is a hiking trail you can follow around the cliff edge. If you look closely, you may see one of the dark openings into the caves. Do not get off the path. Some of those who have wandered into the caverns have never found their way out.
You will find much more in Olde Town than I can possibly show you in this brief visit: the antique shops, craft and herb shops, high-end boutiques. If you're adventurous, you may want to sample the nightlife along the Vampire Strip or relax in the elegant atmosphere of a supper club. I'm told a really sexy vampire sings in one of them.

It takes time to get to know this region and its residents. They're unique and elusive. And the only current road into town is through my Guardian Witch book! AS

photo credit for carriage horse: Jess (Girl from a Rock) via photo pin cc