C.R. Richards's Blog, page 7

Halloween Winners

Congratulations to the Grand Prize Winner of the Creed of the Guardian Halloween Giveaway and the Where The Readers Grow Instagram Winner!

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Winners!

Creed of the Guardian, Book Three in the Heart of the Warrior series, is here! 

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Protect the Innocent. Punish the Guilty.

Seth the Ice Lion, now an Apprentice in the Jalora Legion, reluctantly travels aboard ship with his new battalion. Western Beta’s mission seems a dull assignment. Guarding miles of bogs and old ruins should be a simple task, but Seth soon learns nothing is easy for the Bearer of the Lion Ring. The Jalora is the embodiment of Good and the source of Seth’s power. It commands he search North Marsh for a relic capable of saving his homeland from the ravenous appetite of the Jackal invaders. Surrounded by deadly bogs and savage beasts, he must find the relic before the Lion Spirit inside of him takes control of their shared body.

Invaders from across the sea hold a firm grip on Valdeon, but their thirst for blood remains unsated. They lust for the riches of Andara. Using fear and greed as weapons, the Jackal enlist aid from the continent’s unscrupulous mercenaries to prepare for a larger invasion. They build a stronghold – Stone Fang Fortress – in the Bloodtooth Mountains of the north. It is here they prepare to conquer the free world.

Will Seth find this powerful relic before the Jackal swarm invades Andara? Or will his people be enslaved under the iron fist of the Jackal Lord? Seth’s answers hide in the deadly bogs of North Marsh…

Excerpt

Chapter One

Seth D’Antoiné punched his fist into a helpless bundle of hay secured in the airship’s hold. Trapped like mindless livestock, he and his best friend—his squire, Riley Logan—had been herded inside a reinforced section of the hull. The suffocating enclosure was typically used to house mounts for the Jalora Legion’s traveling rangers. Fortunately for all concerned, the battalion wasn’t taking horses with them to North Marsh.

“Great gulls! Would you stop? I’m near death, and you want to punch things.” Riley gripped the porthole with one hand and covered his mouth with the other.

“You’re already airsick? We haven’t set sail yet. Our journey to North Marsh Outpost spans three days. The trip will be a rough one if you don’t settle your stomach. Can’t you make some concoction?”

Ignoring Riley’s glare, Seth leaned against the hold wall. The Lion Ring on his finger pulsed to the beat of his angry heart. It, too, resented being caged by their uneasy allies. The Jalora was the force for good on Erthe. Its Legion consisted of men, each of whom had been bonded in service by a Heart of the Warrior ring. Every such talisman clung to its bearer’s left middle finger, feeding off the host’s blood. Seth lifted his Lion Ring and regarded it. His blood surged and ebbed with the tide inside the yellow crystal.

“They’ve no right to cage me like a beast! I have things I must do.”

His thoughts returned to the hidden passageways boring through the granite body of the Obsidian Citadel, his former duty post. A few hours before the Legion caged him, Seth had chased his murderous half-brother, Julian, to the battlements. Mercenaries had been waiting for him there, ready to fight. His new Lion Friend, Lord Fausto De Quintaro, and the men of Valdeon had stood with Seth to drive the villains from the stronghold. Fausto had vowed to return to Valdeon with rebellion in mind. Seth desperately wanted to go with him, but the Jalora Legion had other plans in mind for the new bearer of the Lion Ring.

“Aye. But you’ve been grousing for the last half-hour. Please give me a little peace so I can calm my aching head.” Riley swayed forward with a groan. “Tell me what happened when you met with that foul-tempered uncle of yours. As quietly as possible, if you please.”

Seth’s uncle, Esteban D’Antoiné, was a prince of Valdeon and bearer of the Hawk Ring. His very name sent Seth’s temper surging. Esteban’s intrigues had ripped their family apart.

“Hawk was the ranger who bargained with the assassin Pavel Sandor on Marianna,” Seth reminded his friend. “My uncle found Mother when I was a baby and promised her he would protect us by keeping my existence secret. Hawk assumed he had Pavel under his control. We both know his madness was uncontainable.” Seth ran a hand across his face. “My uncle claims he sends us with the Phoenix for my protection.”

Riley sighed. “Who knows what waits for us at the end of this journey. I’m not sure I trust that uncle of yours. It seems to me he should have waited for Cardinal Dragon to return.”

Find out more about the series on my website: www.crrichards.com

The Funniest Alien Invasion Ever

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Watch The Skies! © BibiDesign – stock.adobe.com

You hear those piano keys pound, and the distinct fifties sound begins. Immediately, you recognize the prologue of THE best horror comedy to come out of the 80s. I’m talking about Little Shop of Horrors, of course! Admit it. You just started singing the lyrics. I watched the movie two days ago, and I can’t stop the Da-doo.

This unique movie was adapted from an off-Broadway musical by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman that they based on a 1960 film. In 1986, Frank Oz gave it his magic touch, and a classic was born. Who can forget Audrey II, voiced by Levi Stubbs of the Four Tops? Feed Me, Seymor!

Beware the Greek Chorus

Crystal, Ronette, and Chiffon are the mysterious girls who appear throughout the movie as musical narrators. You know something’s about to happen when they start singing. I love their costumes and hairstyles. Each look fits the song and circumstances perfectly.

The strength of their voice talent adds to this outstanding musical score. Every song is gold. They get stuck in your brain until you have to sing along.

Cosmic Comedic Cast

The cast of Little Shop of Horrors is a list of “Who’s Who” in the comedy scene of the 80s. Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Vincent Gardenia, Steve Martin, Bill Murray, Jim Belushi, John Candy, and others I’m sure I’ve forgotten.

We can’t overlook the amazing puppeteers behind the inner workings of Audrey II. That was one huge plant, and I’m sure it took a large crew to make this flowery invader come to life.

I give this movie Five out of Five Intergalactic Green Thumbs!

It’s Release Week!
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The Buffy V.S. Buffy Controversy

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Buffy VS Buffy – Which One Do You Prefer? © Subbotina Anna – Stock.adobe.com

When I say, “Buffy The Vampire Slayer,” which do you think of first, the original 1992 movie or the popular TV series? If you’re not familiar with either, you may wonder if there’s a difference. I did some binge-watching research for this post and can tell you they strike very different tones.

Set in the suburbs of California, the story follows the legend of the Slayer. Teen girls throughout the centuries are chosen to fight the evil Lothos, Vampire Lord. Buffy, a modern high school cheerleader, is the latest Slayer to be born with the amazing abilities needed to fight vampires. She is snarky, talented, and has a keen fashion sense. Buffy and her mentor, known as the Watcher, stalk vampires and keep the world safe.

Vampires, Pompoms and Luke Perry

Buffy is the creation of Joss Whedon. He wanted his snarky, vampire killing, cheerleader to be an intense badass. The studio executives decided to give the movie a lighter tone with plenty of comedy. Whedon left the project after becoming dissatisfied with the film. I understand his frustration as a creator, but as a fan, I still loved the movie. Buffy is a badass, but she remains likable.

What I like about the movie – It’s a fun romp through the graveyard. Buffy’s interaction with Merrick is a hoot. She has some great one-liners. Her emotional change, however, is what makes the movie stand out. The teen slayer grew into a character I came to identify with and like. She shook off her mean-spirited selfish ways and started caring about others. This is the real charm of the movie.

You cannot beat the cast. Kristy Swanson nails it as Buffy (See what I did there? Wooden stake. Vampires. Ahem). Donald Sutherland brought a quiet charm to his role as the Watcher. Rutger Hauer always makes an excellent bad guy. Paul Reubens steals the show. Luke Perry, teen idol back then, did very well in his first big-screen performance. Keep an eye out for young Hilary Swank and a few surprise sightings of famous actors before they became well known.

What I Didn’t Like About the Movie– As if! Seriously. I loved the movie.

High School, Hellmouth and Hunky Angels (Aka Buffy Loses Her Sense of Humor)

According to some hardcore fan YouTube video sites, Joss Whedon finally was able to bring out the version of Buffy he’d first envisioned. She and her world would be darker and much more serious. Buffy fans rejoiced. Soon the TV show gathered a cult following.

This Buffy takes up where the movie left off. Sort of. Buffy and her Mom (who inexplicably has turned from a ditzy, self-absorbed trophy wife to a serious working single mom) move to Sunnydale to begin their new life. Buffy promises her Mom she won’t get into trouble as she did in her last school. A new Watcher, Giles, works in the library of her high school. He wants to start up her training again. Buffy refuses, but circumstances quickly force her back into the Slayer life.

What I like about the series– David Boreanaz as Angel. Yep. He was the only aspect of the show I remembered. Hey. I was a fan of the Dark Angel TV Series. Charisma Carpenter’s character, Cordelia, also shines in both Buffy and Dark Angel.

What I didn’t like about the series– Buffy. She completely lost her sense of humor, which is one of the things I loved about Buffy the movie. TV Series Buffy comes off as snarky and flat. If you put Kristy Swanson and Sarah Michelle Gellar side by side as they do those fight scenes, then it is easy to see which actress is better suited to the role. Kudos Kristy Swanson. You kicked some serious butt.

Final Thoughts

I watched the movie and season one of the TV Series before writing this post. The film still makes me laugh. I wasn’t a fan of Buffy the TV series back in the day, and watching it now hasn’t changed my mind. I suppose things could have developed in later seasons, but I just am not invested enough to find out. Maybe if I hadn’t seen the movie, then who knows?

Which one is YOUR Buffy? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.

 

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Pre-Order Your Copy Today!

It’s release month for Creed of the Guardian – Book Three in the Heart of the Warrior series. I’m celebrating with a Halloween Giveaway! Click here to enter for a chance to win these Boo-tiful Prizes:

 

Signed Print copies of Books 1 – 3 of the Heart of the Warrior series with 2 limited edition bookmarks
Mini-flex LED Reading Light
$50 Amazon Gift Card
Plush Lion
1000-piece Halloween jigsaw puzzle
Halloween mug filled with candy

Visit my EVENTs page for scheduling information and blog stops I’ll be visiting this Fall.

Three Life Lessons I Learned from Buckaroo Banzai

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The wisdom of Movies – © gorralit stock.adobe.com

The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the Eight Dimension introduces crime fighting brain surgeon, adventurer, rock star and all-around renaissance man, Buckaroo Banzai. He and his band of eccentric friends, the Hong Kong Cavaliers, must stop evil aliens from the eighth dimension.

This completely unique Sci/Fi Adventure is a cult classic. I recently watched the featurette of the movie on it’s anniversary release. Though most of the actors had no idea what the plot was really about at the time, they were still excited to be part of the movie. Buckaroo Banzai can be considered a venue for the most talented comedians of the 80s (and today). For me, it was a revelation.

The Wisdom of Buckaroo Banzai

Eight Dimensions of Opportunity – Buckaroo Banzai was released in 1984. I was a freshman just entering the big world of University life. This movie had a strong impact on my world view. I, like many of my contemporaries, were raised by “Depression Era Babies” who drilled the notion of “Get a job. Stay there until you retire. Then have fun.” I’d never been exposed to anyone like Buckaroo Banzai. He showed me I could be more than one “thing.” I didn’t have to live under a Label I’d chosen when I was still an inexperienced kid. I could pursue careers and hobbies I loved during my entire life, instead of waiting until I retired from a job I hated.

Seek out your own truth!

No Matter Where You Go, There You Are – This is probably Buckaroo’s most quotable saying. He admonishes the crowd when they are unkind to a tearful Penny Pretty. I think his words have two meanings. First – Be Kind. We’re all humans going through our own difficulties. Second – Look into your own heart, before judging others. Who are you, really? Do you know for sure? Find out.

Be Kind!

Laugh While You Can, Monkey Boy! – Okay. I’ll admit I doubt John Lithgow meant anything by this, but the obvious warning. It’s still a good message. Life is a terminal illness, so fill it full of laughter and joy rather than negativity.

Fill your life with joy

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Pre-Order Your Copy Today!

It’s release month for Creed of the Guardian – Book Three in the Heart of the Warriorseries. I’m celebrating with a Halloween Giveaway! Click here to enter for a chance to win these Boo-tiful Prizes:

Signed Print copies of Books 1 – 3 of the Heart of the Warriorseries with 2 limited edition bookmarks
Mini-flex LED Reading Light
$50 Amazon Gift Card
Plush Lion
1000-piece Halloween jigsaw puzzle
Halloween mug filled with candy

Visit my EVENTspage for scheduling information and blog stops I’ll be visiting this Fall.

 

 

The Spooky Movie You Forgot You Loved

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Start The Spooky Season With An Old Favorite! © Drobot Dean – stock.adobe.com

Happy Spooky Season! I know I’m a few days early, but I am too excited to wait! This October is going to be a fun one. Creed of the Guardian – Book Three in the Heart of the Warrior series – comes out October 18th. I’ll have details on tours and giveaways soon.

Let’s kick off the season with a blast from the past to get you in the Halloween Spirit!

The Frighteners – directed by Peter Jackson and starring Michael J. Fox – is a satisfying mix of paranormal haunts, suspenseful plot twists, and comedy. Fox plays Frank Bannister, conman and paranormal investigator. Frank finds himself up against a supernatural serial killer preying on unlikely victims around his home town.

First released in 1995, this movie came out at the height of Michael J. Fox’s popularity. His acting is heartfelt and real. The entire cast brings their best performances in this entertaining paranormal adventure. It is Jackson’s ground-breaking special effects that propel this movie over the top. According to Jackson, they developed software and techniques in The Frighteners that made it possible for him to film The Lord of the Rings.

Make sure to put this spooky fun film on your Halloween Playlist. I highly recommend the Director’s Cut released as part of the 15th Anniversary Edition Blue-ray.

Be Positive. Be Happy. Be Well. And Have a Spook-tacular Spooky Season!

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Wearing White After Labor Day and Other Acts of Rebellion

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You Be You. © cristovao31 Stock – Adobe.com

It’s September in Colorado. This year is unseasonably warm even hitting a record 100 degrees on Labor Day. I hate being hot. It’s one of my least favorite things, especially when you’re stuck behind the wheel during peak traffic. I decide to grab a silk tank top and my white summer sweater.

Then I hesitate. It’s after Labor Day. I can’t wear white. My other blouses are too warm. What should I do? Coming to my senses, I grab the white sweater and the tank top.

Whoever came up with the weird rule of no white after Labor Day clearly never struggled with Colorado’s fickle September weather. I’m no fashionista. It’s still unclear why I even care. Life is a struggle. Laundry isn’t self-cleaning. Comfort is Queen. Leave me alone, I’ll wear what I want.

Acts of Rebellion

We have a great deal of faith in the “tried and true” sayings of experts. Hey, they’re experts. Of course, you should carefully consider what they say. Sometimes, however, you have to rebel a bit. Challenging the status quo can bring about new innovations and positive change.

Write What You Know – Stay in your box. Don’t push the boundaries of your knowledge or imagination. Phooey to that! Writers are intelligent and inquisitive. We love to learn, so we may share our knowledge with readers. Besides, hard facts can add depths of realism to works of fiction.

Do your research. Interview experts in your subject area. Ask them to read what you’ve written for a reality check.

Biting Off a Bit Too Much – I encourage you to push your boundaries, but I caution you to know your limitations. For instance: You shouldn’t try writing a complex mechanical engineering textbook on your own if you don’t have any background or knowledge of the subject. Partnering with a mechanical engineer would be a better approach.

You Must Have Natural Talent to Write – Hmmm. Maybe. It certainly helps. BUT:

Love is a powerful motivator. If your passion is writing, you’ll do what it takes to learn, improve and grow in the art form. Failure and criticism will not deter you on the path toward publication. Why? Because it’s fun (most of the time) and fulfilling. Writing feeds your soul. What could be better than that?

Don’t discount natural talent. We all know or know of someone with an amazing natural gift for the written word. Rather than struggling over every word, they make it look easy. These are the Mozarts or Beethovens of the Literary World. You will never be better than they are. Neither will I. AND THAT’S OKAY. Don’t compare yourself to these seemingly supernatural artists. Or anyone else.

Remember: We each have our own stories to tell. You were given your story for a reason. Keep Writing!

Be Positive. Be Happy. Be Well.

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The Day the World Changed

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We Can Change the World Together© Jürgen Fälchle stock.adobe.com

It’s hard to believe September 11, 2001 was 18 years ago. I still remember where I was and what I was doing with a clarity time can’t diminish. My country, for the first time since WW II, was under attack. I remember standing on my brother’s back porch and trembling as the fighter jets flew low over the house. Alone on a small patch of horse property in Greeley, Colorado, I felt isolated and vulnerable in a way I’d never experienced.

The day the world changed was the worse day of my life. It stripped away a nation’s impervious self-image and its innocence. I was forced to find my personal courage and came to realize there was no choice but to carry on in a new world full of danger.

And as a nation, we have carried on. It’s been difficult. Each day in the news, our struggles with hatred, fear, and anger stream across the internet in ugly images of violence.  I, however, have faith in our ability to overcome the current chaos. The world changed in one day with an unspeakable act of violence. We can change it again for the better if we work together.

Be Positive. Be Happy. Be Well.

But also, Be Patient. Be Loving. Be Encouraging.

Top Five Ways to Keep Creative Projects Fun

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Joy in Creativity © Vjom stock.adobe.com

We live for our art, don’t we? Sharing our work with the world is a way to give back to the community. It can be gloriously fulfilling and at the same time an overwhelming responsibility.  Keeping the joy in our art is important in encouraging our productivity.

Remember: The world needs your art! Don’t let anything stop you from creating – including YOU!

Top Five Ways to Keep Things Fun

Plan Your Events Around a Favorite Holiday: My latest Dark Fantasy Novel – Creed of the Guardian– comes out October 18th. I’m having a blast with Halloween themed gift basket ideas and marketing
Get Your Friends and Family Involved: Great ideas often come during group discussions.
Don’t Take Yourself or Your Project Too Seriously: Art is hard work, but it should also be fun. Don’t suck the joy out of your creativity by taking it too seriously
Plan Well and Finish on Time or Early: It’s a wonderful feeling when you check off all those tasks on the way to completing your creative project. A job well done!
Don’t Forget to Celebrate! Completing that crappy first draft or a preliminary rough sketch is a major accomplishment. It gets you one step closer to a full creative piece of work. Reward yourself with a nice meal or a spa day.

Be Positive. Be Happy. Be Well.

Three Super Quick and Quirky Reads for Your Three-Day Weekend

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Reading on Labor Day Weekend – © dragonstock stock.adobe.com

Labor Day. It’s the last HOORAH of Summer in the United States. Three days of grabbing the last rays of sun or swimming in the lake before it chills. Don’t forget your reading list this weekend. Need some ideas? How about these three quick and quirky reads?

Three Quick Reads While You’re Lounging

I’m a Pole (And So Can You) by Stephen Colbert

Stephen Colbert brings is unique and funny perspective to this hilarious book.

Dr. No by Ian Fleming

This quirky James Bond book is a quick read. It expands on the events of Dr. No’s Island where Ursula Andress rises up from the waves in her iconic bikini.

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Read about events from the criminal master mind’s point of view. I love this series. It’s clever and unique. I’m also pleased to report Artemis finally gets his own movie. Disney 2020.

Be Positive. Be Happy. Be Well.

The Wisdom of Daisies

Lessons I’ve Learned From Daisies:

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Thrive. Be the Best you can be. Share your Joy
© Swetlana Wall – Stock.adobe.com

Thrive where you’re planted

Bloom with all the beauty you’ve been given

Spread JOY to everyone who experiences you

Be Positive. Be Happy. Be Well.

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You are unique
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