Book Blogger Take 9

 

Would you read a book because of the Hype?

~Sighs~ I like to think I don't follow the crowd and think for myself but yes, I have to admit, I have read a select few books because of the hype. Here are a few books I read and my thoughts.

Best Book Hype - Hunger Games Series -- I absolutely LOVED LOVED LOVED these books!!!! I was so sad to see them end.

Biggest Disappointment Hype - Twilight -- I LOVE Vampire books and I was very anxious and excited to read these books, however, I wanted to choke Bella by the first half of book one. I read the entire series but yeah ... was just disappointed. This wasn't anything like the vamps I love from Sherrilyn Kenyon or JR Ward. 

Worst Book Hype - 50 Shades of Grey -- I stopped at Chapter Ten of book three with this series, I am SHOCKED I made it this far ... I couldn't handle this at all. First, the 'fan fiction' aspect of it annoyed me to no end (as an author myself I have a lot of issues with this.) But I really felt this book lacked believability. She didn't do that type of lifestyle any justice and I just am really blah'd about it. If people want a good erotica series there are so many others out there that actually get things right and I don't see the point in reading something that leaves the wrong impression to people.

Started out GREAT and ending with a Dud - Sookie Stackhouse -- I started out LOVING this series and somewhere around book 8 it started to fizzle. I haven't read 12 or 13 and I stalled on Chapter 3 of book 11. I think she started writing for the True Blood fans and not the Sookie Stackhouse Novel fans. 

So there you have it -- occasionally I am a sheep and follow the hype!

A look back on my journey

I used Grammarly to grammar check this post, because they were kind enough to provide the giveaway for next week's release day blog!

It is an extraordinary journey one takes when they follow their dreams. You never know where the next excitement will come from, who will be there at the finish line or who will be in your corner lifting you up at each stumble. My path as a writer was just that – a journey to follow my dreams down an unexpected road. When I look where I was three years ago I smile, there is so much about writing I had no idea about. And I’m not talking about the grammar.

I’m talking about the need, the need to write. At first it was just something that I enjoyed, something that I thought would help pass the time and entertain me. I had no idea that it would become my way of life. People have many wants and needs in their lives and when I started this path I wanted to write. Now, three years later, I need to. A day does not go by that I do not write something.  A poem, a chapter, a blog, a blurb, anything. It has become my go to action for self-expression.

I look at a few works of fiction that I started on several years ago and compare it to the works I do now. I do not even seem to be the same style of writer. I’m amazed at the growth and depth I’ve been able to achieve. Even in my poetry.

I think this comes from confidence. I no longer have the need to seek people’s approval over my work. The only approval or recognition I need is what I gain from myself. No more is there that shy individual who was afraid to show her words before the world. She needed people to acknowledge that what she said was worthy. Now, the woman behind the words knows that her message carries a punch and will fall onto the world and make a mark.

It is a powerful feeling when you see someone enjoying your world that you created. Seeing readers and fans comment, quote and enjoy my works is more joy than anything could give me. The best moment, when a fan told me they had a terrible week at work, and the only good thing they accomplished was reading Maverick Touch: The Cat my first mystery novel. That is what makes me feel like I’ve arrived, knowing I have contributed to someone else’s enjoyment.

As an artist that is my only wish, to spread happiness, enjoyment, serenity, through the art of writing. Is writing for everyone? No, it is hard, it has painful moments, and it is a monster. But if you are ready to overcome your fears and express yourself to the world it is the best reward … more than money could provide. Books are our treasures for the future. They take you on adventures, off to magical kingdoms, pull you from your own nightmares to escape, even just temporarily, and empower you to think for yourself.

I am humbled and honored to be a part of this magical journey, and I know one day, maybe in three years, maybe thirty, I will look back on these first few years of my craft and I will be glad that I went through each pain staking moment, to conquer my fears.

From a girl whose worst subject in school was English to a woman who now has a short story as a finalist for best story of 2012, I am telling you, follow your dreams because your pot of gold at the end of your rainbow is not out of your reach.

Wordless Wednesday Take 8

My pups ... best things in life are right in front of 

Wordless Wednesday Take 7

 

True Evil has a face

Meet Haydar Khaled

I really love my bad guys - they turn me on when reading. It makes me want to finish the story right that moment and not wait until the next day to continue reading.

I'm in a bad guy kinda mood - must be all the books I'm reading right now.

Book Blogger Hop - Take 8

What is your favorite genre? (genre that you read the most) - Recommend a book!

 

This is a hard one because there are a couple genre's I just adore.  I think what I'll do is state all of them and then recommend one from each genre.

Thriller/Myster- Hands down, the queen of this genre is Tami Hoag. I first read her book when I was in high school and I was instantly hooked. I highly recommend Ashes to Ashes, the first book of hers I read.

Romance - While I love a good romance by Ms. Hoag, the keeper of all things romance for me is Catherine Coulter. I love love love her Bride series so I highly suggest you start with The Sherbrooke Bride.

Paranormal - Now this is way harder for me, I love so many books in this genre and so many authors.Unlike the other two where I kind of stick to just a couple authors, the PNR world I branch out all the time. I also find that I get hooked on an author and then by their 9th or 10th book I'm just worn out and don't find them as good as the originals. I know previously I talked about Richelle Mead on one of the other posts and I think I'm going to have to stick with her. I've read two of her series so far and I have never had that diminishing enjoyment with her works. I would recommend the Georgina Kincaid series and Succubus Blues is book one.

What books would you recommend for me to read?

Book Blogger Hop Take 7

What's your favorite Trilogy??

My answer would have to be the Three Sisters Island Trilogy by Nora Roberts. It was one of the first books of hers that I read and it started my Nora Roberts addition.

Blurb: 

On an enchanted New England island, settled long ago by witches seeking sanctuary, three women must use their inherited gifts to save their home -- and themselves -- from an age-old curse, in the powerful romantic trilogy by the #1 NYTimes Bestselling author. 

Dance Upon the Air, Heaven and Earth, Face the Fire

Early Review of Superman - Man of Steel

During the ComicPalooza event, the hubby snagged us two free passes to see the early showing of Superman - Man of Steel in Houston tonight. Since I've been all into reviews for books and what not I thought I would do a little blog about my thoughts on this not so new superhero in his new movie.

A little bit about me, so you know where I am coming from as I watched it. I didn't read any comics growing up. I actually just read my first comic a couple months back with Cat Woman and Batman. I did enjoy it but comics just aren't for me. That doesn't mean that I don't know WHO the superheros are (Marvel and DC) and that I don't enjoy them, because I do! Growing up my Ninja Turtle action figures were much more entertaining than anything Barbie and Ken had to offer. In fact my turtle at home was named after Mikey. It's why I only eat cheese pizza, still to this day. Gotta love the turtles. I also was a big fan of Batman. I even had my own little bat mobile as a toddler. My favorite superhero actually is the Batman. Always has been, always will be.

When I go into these superhero movies I always compare them to Batman Begins. I left that movie totally blown away. It was by far, awesome. I left the theater and picked up my cell phone to call D (one of my good friends) and ever since then that has been my benchmark of a good superhero movie. This movie deff fell way short of that.

The Good:
The action scenes were very good, it was jammed packed with movement after movement. I really enjoyed the different scenes and the way they were set up.
My Favorite moment was when Christopher Meloni showed up. I had no idea he was in this film and that made me really smile. I miss Stabler (on Law and Order SVU) and that alone had redeeming qualities in my mind.
My favorite character was Russell Crow's performance of Jor-El. I loved him!!!
Amy Adams was cute, as always. I don't think she can not be cute when she acts.
I think Kevin Costner did a good job as Jonathan Kent as well. The scene with the tornado was touching and pulled at my heart.

The Ehhh:
Superman himself was alright. Nothing to write home about.
The suit was better than just plain ole spandex but it's origins I was ehhh on. I always thought Martha made his cape or something and ehh. But it looked cool.
The bad guys were okay - I liked the premise of their story line, and why they did what they did. But, I wasn't in-love with their characters by any means. I think the best bad guys are ones that can really invoke fear in the person watching, and I wasn't feeling any fear.

The Bad:
I have major issues with parts of the plot. With out giving away spoilers I really feel like they ripped off scenes from Independence Day with Bill Pullman and Will Smith. You all know how I love my Will Smith movies and to see it all ripped off, yeah, that did it for me. I understand that there can only be so many original plots but come on, can you not think of something a little less obvious than a movie that came out in the 90's?
I HATE when movies that are based on books go in a different direction than the book itself. The hubs informs me that in deed, this plot isn't anything like the comics. THAT annoys me to no end. I was partly confused on a few things because I listen to my hubby talk about the comics and I quickly picked up that stuff wasn't in sync.
The Lois Lane and Clark Kent story  line I wasn't totally sold on. I mean, I get it's always the chemistry between her and superman, the big bad hero saves the girl, but I was just hoping for a little more.

The Overall:
I would rate this movie a 3.5 out of 5 stars. It was good, I enjoyed it. But when you stop and think about it, it just pissed me off. I can't get over the 'bad's' mainly because I expect two things: Originality and Staying true to the 'books'. Too much was like Independence Day for me to stay it was 'original' and the plot, while I did enjoy it, veered to far off the origins of the story.

Would I recommend it? Sure, it was one of the better movies I've seen as of late, would I rush out and buy it to keep, nope.

But - I did enjoy my date night with the hubby so all in all it was totally worth it. Even the standing in line and waiting forever to see if we were even early enough to gain entrance into the movie.

Guest Spot - Twenty-Four Hours by Sherrie Henry

Please Welcome Sherrie Henry to my Blog

I've said it once and I'll say it again ... one of the best things about being an author is becoming friends with the ladies and gentleman who write such fantastic works. Today is one of those days, Ms. Henry is a friend, and an author that I admire.

This is her short story....

First published June 14, 2012 by XoXo Publishing, Sherrie graced the literary world with a book that I feel most women can easily identify with. 

Blurb from Amazon

Michelia’s life is boringly normal and lonely, the only escape are her romance novels and movies. One stormy night she makes one wish, a wish from her heart that is heard and granted. When she wakes, she finds herself on a wild ride for the next twenty-four hours, her insecurities slowly fading away. But what will happen when the clock runs out?

My Review

 The only reason I gave this a 4 star instead of 5 was because it was just short, and I wanted more. Honestly I wanted her to have more than just her one wish. I wanted him to stay for a lifetime. I was so mad when it ended I was like no come on give her more!!!

This character is very easy to identify with, she has characteristics that most anyone can find in ourselves, at least for me, and it was easy to feel her emotion.

My favorite part was when she got to essentially say f-you to her coworkers while parading around this hunk of a man. Deff gave me a big happy for her.

This was just simply a cute short story. Thanks Sherrie for giving all us girls the 24 hours we want! 

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