I've caught up on my must-read authors: Sherrilyn Kenyon, J.D. Robb, J. Kenner, Lexi Blake, Shayla Black, Maya Banks, Lauren Dane and several others.
Showing posts with label author. Show all posts
Showing posts with label author. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
What Am I Reading?
I've caught up on my must-read authors: Sherrilyn Kenyon, J.D. Robb, J. Kenner, Lexi Blake, Shayla Black, Maya Banks, Lauren Dane and several others.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Good Reads
It was a week with a few of my favorite authors.
When was the last time you read a story by Johanna Lindsey? It's been quite sometime since I read a "historical" romance. I think I've been reading too many paranormal and "erotic" romances. I had a great time visiting with Johanna again as she spun her tale -- WHEN PASSION RULES. It's about a princess who was stolen when she was just a babe, trying to take her rightful place in a fictious monarchy and her budding romance with her knight in uniform. No, there were no Mallories in this story. It's a totally standalone story.
After Johanna, I moved into the present. I spent some time with Catherine Coulter's Dillon and Sherlock -- SPLIT SECOND. I always like catching up with them, their son, Max and their top-notch team of agents. I think Dillon was playing matchmaker as the fuse between Lucy and Cooper slowly got lit. The novel had three cases for these agents to handle -- venti, grande and tall (never understood why Starbucks couldn't stick with Large, Medium, Regular/Small). For the main case, Catherine created a killer that was related to a famous dead real-life serial killer. Who knew this infamous killer had a progeny? It was fun riding along. Find out how Lucy ensures we can continue to spend time with Dillon in future books -- keeping my fingers that Catherine Coulter continues this series.
I just finished the 2nd book of Iris Johansen's Eve Duncan trilogy -- QUINN. Iris has been writing about Eve, Bonnie and Joe for many years. Eve developed a unique talent. When a skull is found and there's no matching DNA to tell who it is, Eve can build up a face from the skull. Iris is wrapping this series up with the final three books -- the three main characters that span all the books: Eve, Joe Quinn and Eve's daughter Bonnie. I guess I should have waited until BONNIE comes out (Oct 2011) before reading EVE (several months ago) and QUINN. Both EVE and QUINN end with cliff hangers. I couldn't help myself. It was out, and I had to read it. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we get a great ending with BONNIE. It's good that I have a ton of books I can read while waiting for it. Wonder what Iris is going to do after this? Will she continue to write with her son? Those are good reads, too.
What books have you read in the last week or two?
When was the last time you read a story by Johanna Lindsey? It's been quite sometime since I read a "historical" romance. I think I've been reading too many paranormal and "erotic" romances. I had a great time visiting with Johanna again as she spun her tale -- WHEN PASSION RULES. It's about a princess who was stolen when she was just a babe, trying to take her rightful place in a fictious monarchy and her budding romance with her knight in uniform. No, there were no Mallories in this story. It's a totally standalone story.After Johanna, I moved into the present. I spent some time with Catherine Coulter's Dillon and Sherlock -- SPLIT SECOND. I always like catching up with them, their son, Max and their top-notch team of agents. I think Dillon was playing matchmaker as the fuse between Lucy and Cooper slowly got lit. The novel had three cases for these agents to handle -- venti, grande and tall (never understood why Starbucks couldn't stick with Large, Medium, Regular/Small). For the main case, Catherine created a killer that was related to a famous dead real-life serial killer. Who knew this infamous killer had a progeny? It was fun riding along. Find out how Lucy ensures we can continue to spend time with Dillon in future books -- keeping my fingers that Catherine Coulter continues this series.I just finished the 2nd book of Iris Johansen's Eve Duncan trilogy -- QUINN. Iris has been writing about Eve, Bonnie and Joe for many years. Eve developed a unique talent. When a skull is found and there's no matching DNA to tell who it is, Eve can build up a face from the skull. Iris is wrapping this series up with the final three books -- the three main characters that span all the books: Eve, Joe Quinn and Eve's daughter Bonnie. I guess I should have waited until BONNIE comes out (Oct 2011) before reading EVE (several months ago) and QUINN. Both EVE and QUINN end with cliff hangers. I couldn't help myself. It was out, and I had to read it. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we get a great ending with BONNIE. It's good that I have a ton of books I can read while waiting for it. Wonder what Iris is going to do after this? Will she continue to write with her son? Those are good reads, too.
What books have you read in the last week or two?
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Shiloh Walker's Upcoming Release - BROKEN
Author of The Hunter series, Shiloh Walker has a new book coming out next week, Tuesday, March 2, 2010.
BROKEN
Shattered
Quinn Rafferty is working as a bounty hunter and bail bondsman in St. Louis when a new neighbor catches his eye. He’s tempted by her beauty—but he knows from experience that anyone desperate enough to live in his building is damaged goods. Besides, he has his own soul to mend before he can worry about anyone else.
Desperate
Sara Davis is on the run, but not for the usual reasons a woman goes on the lam. She’s not an abused wife, and she’s not a criminal. But she does have a plan for her future. And as much as she finds herself attracted to her gruff, tough neighbor, she can’t risk telling him the secrets she’s hiding. There’s just too much at stake.
Driven to desire…
But Quinn must get closer to Sara when she turns out to be the target of his new missing persons case, and he discovers that there is something more complex and dangerous to her than he thought. Now, both Quinn and Sara will have to expose their true feelings—as well as their fragile hearts—if they hope their love will survive…
EXCERPT
He opened the door—
And stopped dead in his tracks as somebody all but fell into his arms. Somebody…a woman. And not Theresa.
He caught her just above her elbows, automatically steadying her.
“I’m sorry,” she said, her voice soft and low.
Then she lifted her face and Quinn found himself gazing into the biggest, brownest eyes he’d ever seen in his life. Feeling a little dazed, he studied her face while she stammered out another apology.
Quinn barely heard it.
He was too busy staring at her mouth. A very pretty mouth, a cupid’s bow mouth slicked with deep, vibrant red. Under his hands, he could feel silken smooth skin and unable to resist, he stroked a thumb along her inner arm.
Her skin was soft, soft and warm. He was also pretty sure she had the creamiest, most flawless skin imaginable. Her shoulder-length hair was a shade caught between blonde and brown, nondescript, but for some reason, he found himself thinking about tangling his fingers in that hair and holding her head still while he kissed that red-slicked mouth.
Well, hello…
Read the rest of the excerpt here…
Did you get enough? No? Shiloh has been offering snippets here:
Broken... Random Snippet #1
Broken... Random Snippet #2
Broken... Random Snippet #3
Broken... Random Snippet #4
Broken... Random Snippet #5
Broken... Random Snippet #6
Go buy the book by March 6 and you could win a Nook. For details, go here. Good Luck!
BROKEN Shattered
Quinn Rafferty is working as a bounty hunter and bail bondsman in St. Louis when a new neighbor catches his eye. He’s tempted by her beauty—but he knows from experience that anyone desperate enough to live in his building is damaged goods. Besides, he has his own soul to mend before he can worry about anyone else.
Desperate
Sara Davis is on the run, but not for the usual reasons a woman goes on the lam. She’s not an abused wife, and she’s not a criminal. But she does have a plan for her future. And as much as she finds herself attracted to her gruff, tough neighbor, she can’t risk telling him the secrets she’s hiding. There’s just too much at stake.
Driven to desire…
But Quinn must get closer to Sara when she turns out to be the target of his new missing persons case, and he discovers that there is something more complex and dangerous to her than he thought. Now, both Quinn and Sara will have to expose their true feelings—as well as their fragile hearts—if they hope their love will survive…
EXCERPT
He opened the door—
And stopped dead in his tracks as somebody all but fell into his arms. Somebody…a woman. And not Theresa.
He caught her just above her elbows, automatically steadying her.
“I’m sorry,” she said, her voice soft and low.
Then she lifted her face and Quinn found himself gazing into the biggest, brownest eyes he’d ever seen in his life. Feeling a little dazed, he studied her face while she stammered out another apology.
Quinn barely heard it.
He was too busy staring at her mouth. A very pretty mouth, a cupid’s bow mouth slicked with deep, vibrant red. Under his hands, he could feel silken smooth skin and unable to resist, he stroked a thumb along her inner arm.
Her skin was soft, soft and warm. He was also pretty sure she had the creamiest, most flawless skin imaginable. Her shoulder-length hair was a shade caught between blonde and brown, nondescript, but for some reason, he found himself thinking about tangling his fingers in that hair and holding her head still while he kissed that red-slicked mouth.
Well, hello…
Read the rest of the excerpt here…
Did you get enough? No? Shiloh has been offering snippets here:
Broken... Random Snippet #1
Broken... Random Snippet #2
Broken... Random Snippet #3
Broken... Random Snippet #4
Broken... Random Snippet #5
Broken... Random Snippet #6
Go buy the book by March 6 and you could win a Nook. For details, go here. Good Luck!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Sherrily Kenyon's Bad Moon Rising Tour - Foxwoods Stop
Now, when did I gas up the car for 160 mile drive to Foxwoods Resort Casino. It must have been Saturday. Tis very sad that I have lost all sense of time.
On Sunday, August 9, I headed out of the house at 11:15am to insure I got Foxwoods before the event started at 3pm. I'm glad I left early as there were many parts of I-95 in CT that was congested. Holter Graham kept me entertained during my drive out and back (@320 mi roundtrip). I got to finish 5 more disks of the 19-disk ACHERON. As I listened to the 1st five disks on my last trip to Foxwoods, I will need another trip to finish the book off. It might be next year.
Like last year, I found immediately where Sherri's signing was going to be held. I couldn't miss this sign once I came in from the garage. When I got to the Grand Pequot Ballroom, I had to do a doublecheck as the signage on the ballroom was advertising "Deal or No Deal". As there was a line coming out of the ballroom and I recognized the visage of a Kenyon minion, I was assured I was in the right place.
Unlike last year which was the big splash for ACHERON in 2008 (photos), the ballroom lobby was where you just purchased BAD MOON RISING and received a ticket to attend the Q&A and author signing. I, like Sherri, was shocked to find out you must purchase BMR in order to enter the event. When I double checked with Foxwood staff, I walked out to decide what I wanted to do. As I took a picture of the signage, I double checked it. Yep, the small print says you must purchase BMR in order to enter the event. Even though I bought my copy of BMR with me, I re-entered and purchase another copy. I really wanted to see Sherri and her co-hort, Dianna Love.
The room was a bit smaller than last year, still big though, and did not have the book covers hanging from the ceiling. Instead the book covers were leaning against the wall upfront.
Dianna Love introduced Sherri. Sherri did here Q&A. Dianna kicked out Sherri to start the signing. While Sherri was signing anything and everything, except a check, Dianna entertained the group in the ballroom with giveaways and vinnets about her travels with Sherri.
It was very entertaining how Dianna did the giveaways this year. Instead of using tickets we generally receive at the events, Dianna decided to use the event signing numbers that Foxwoods distributed. The pages of BAD MOON RISING was used to find the winning number. Dianna would open the book to a specific page number. There were many shouts for specific numbers, "even" and "odd". Then Dianna got the audience to scream "STOP" while she flipped through the pages. It was a fun time.
What was given out you wonder: Simi Birthday Cards, Bite Me Glo Bracelets, Marked by Fang T-Shirts, BMR Poloshirts, Kenyon Menyon lapel pins, Daimon lapel pins, Simi lapel pin, Acheron lapel pin, Tabitha Drawstring Backpack, DH Slapbracelet (even a blonde can operate - Dianna said that), Bad Moon Rising Tote Bag, Born of Night Galley, all the hanging bookcovers from last years ACHERON event, BMR promotion posters and placard and that BMR Bookcover hanging on the stage.
It was great playing catchup with Simi aka Kimmy and meet new minions. I waited until the end to get my books autographed as I think I've finally had Sherri sign all the books I have. Gotta check my bookshelf.
As I made my way back to the garage, I looked at my receipt. There was nothing about final sales or no return policy on books. It may not be right, but I returned the book I bought. I just did not feel right paying full price for a book I can get at a discount, especially a hardcover.
I will not blame Sherri for how the venues decide to handle her signing. It taught me a lesson to always check with the venue on their signing event. If Sherri knew ahead of time, she would have posted it. Well, for Foxwood, Sherri did not know until she arrived at the event herself.
Click here for more pictures of the Bad Moon Rising Tour - Foxwoods.
On Sunday, August 9, I headed out of the house at 11:15am to insure I got Foxwoods before the event started at 3pm. I'm glad I left early as there were many parts of I-95 in CT that was congested. Holter Graham kept me entertained during my drive out and back (@320 mi roundtrip). I got to finish 5 more disks of the 19-disk ACHERON. As I listened to the 1st five disks on my last trip to Foxwoods, I will need another trip to finish the book off. It might be next year.
Like last year, I found immediately where Sherri's signing was going to be held. I couldn't miss this sign once I came in from the garage. When I got to the Grand Pequot Ballroom, I had to do a doublecheck as the signage on the ballroom was advertising "Deal or No Deal". As there was a line coming out of the ballroom and I recognized the visage of a Kenyon minion, I was assured I was in the right place.Unlike last year which was the big splash for ACHERON in 2008 (photos), the ballroom lobby was where you just purchased BAD MOON RISING and received a ticket to attend the Q&A and author signing. I, like Sherri, was shocked to find out you must purchase BMR in order to enter the event. When I double checked with Foxwood staff, I walked out to decide what I wanted to do. As I took a picture of the signage, I double checked it. Yep, the small print says you must purchase BMR in order to enter the event. Even though I bought my copy of BMR with me, I re-entered and purchase another copy. I really wanted to see Sherri and her co-hort, Dianna Love.
The room was a bit smaller than last year, still big though, and did not have the book covers hanging from the ceiling. Instead the book covers were leaning against the wall upfront.Dianna Love introduced Sherri. Sherri did here Q&A. Dianna kicked out Sherri to start the signing. While Sherri was signing anything and everything, except a check, Dianna entertained the group in the ballroom with giveaways and vinnets about her travels with Sherri.
It was very entertaining how Dianna did the giveaways this year. Instead of using tickets we generally receive at the events, Dianna decided to use the event signing numbers that Foxwoods distributed. The pages of BAD MOON RISING was used to find the winning number. Dianna would open the book to a specific page number. There were many shouts for specific numbers, "even" and "odd". Then Dianna got the audience to scream "STOP" while she flipped through the pages. It was a fun time.
What was given out you wonder: Simi Birthday Cards, Bite Me Glo Bracelets, Marked by Fang T-Shirts, BMR Poloshirts, Kenyon Menyon lapel pins, Daimon lapel pins, Simi lapel pin, Acheron lapel pin, Tabitha Drawstring Backpack, DH Slapbracelet (even a blonde can operate - Dianna said that), Bad Moon Rising Tote Bag, Born of Night Galley, all the hanging bookcovers from last years ACHERON event, BMR promotion posters and placard and that BMR Bookcover hanging on the stage.
It was great playing catchup with Simi aka Kimmy and meet new minions. I waited until the end to get my books autographed as I think I've finally had Sherri sign all the books I have. Gotta check my bookshelf.
As I made my way back to the garage, I looked at my receipt. There was nothing about final sales or no return policy on books. It may not be right, but I returned the book I bought. I just did not feel right paying full price for a book I can get at a discount, especially a hardcover.
I will not blame Sherri for how the venues decide to handle her signing. It taught me a lesson to always check with the venue on their signing event. If Sherri knew ahead of time, she would have posted it. Well, for Foxwood, Sherri did not know until she arrived at the event herself.
Click here for more pictures of the Bad Moon Rising Tour - Foxwoods.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Going Graphical
Happy Friday the 13th -- the first of three to come.
It's been a while since my last blog. This month must be graphical one. I just attended New York's Comic con. I volunteered at Sherrilyn Kenyon's booth and ran up and down the aisles of the Exhibition Hall picking up loot for my brother, my nieces and nephews and a peer. Yes, I got some goodies, too. Many of the publishing houses had a presence and were giving out free books. Gotta love FREE. You can check out the minimal pics I took here: NY Comic Con 2009.
In order to capture a new audience, many authors have had their novels retold in graphical form. Christine Feehan had one of her short stories depicted into a manga -- Dark Hunger. Marvel Comics is releasing Sherrilyn Kenyon's Lord of Avalon in comic form. Sword of Darkness was done last year, and Knight of Darkness, Issue #4 will be released in two weeks. Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake series is also in comic form by Marvel. They are up to the Laughing Corpse. In late April/early May, we get to look forward to Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark-Hunter series come out in Japanese manga form. It's being produced by Dabel Bros and distributed by St. Martin's Press. The DH Manga will start with Night Pleasures, Kyrian and Amanda's story. Though we will only get the first half of the novel in April/May and have to wait until September to get the other half. Keep an eye out for it at your local book and comic store. If you're interested in seeing sample of pages, you can check them out in Sherrilyn Kenyon's DH Manga Picture Album.
Dabel Brothers is a very interesting company. They have taken many well-known authors in the science fiction/fantasy arena and retold their stories in graphical form. The company has had its ups and downs. Due to a breakup from Marvel Entertainment, they've lost the rights to Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake Vampire Hunter, George RR Martin's Hedge Knight, Orson Scott Card's Tales of Alvin Maker and Wyrms, Raymond Feist's Magician Apprentice, and Kinley Macgregors' (aka Sherrilyn Kenyon) Lords of Avalon. They are back with Jim Butcher's Dresden Files, Patricia Briggs' Mercedes Thompson, Dean Koontz's Frankenstein, George RR Martin's Wild Cards, Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time and the newest one, The Warriors. I love the movie.
However, this author is different. Marjorie M. Liu does not have any of her novels going graphical. Instead, she writes for Marvel Entertainment. She has written a novel called X-Men: Dark Mirror. I recently was able to obtain a copy. Marjorie will be finishing up the Marvel series NYX: No Way Home this week. Announced this week at NY Comic Con, Marjorie will continue working with Marvel on a new series Dark Wolverine. Go Marjorie!!! And, Marjorie continues with her Dirk & Steele series and her new series Hunter Kiss.
It's been a while since my last blog. This month must be graphical one. I just attended New York's Comic con. I volunteered at Sherrilyn Kenyon's booth and ran up and down the aisles of the Exhibition Hall picking up loot for my brother, my nieces and nephews and a peer. Yes, I got some goodies, too. Many of the publishing houses had a presence and were giving out free books. Gotta love FREE. You can check out the minimal pics I took here: NY Comic Con 2009.
In order to capture a new audience, many authors have had their novels retold in graphical form. Christine Feehan had one of her short stories depicted into a manga -- Dark Hunger. Marvel Comics is releasing Sherrilyn Kenyon's Lord of Avalon in comic form. Sword of Darkness was done last year, and Knight of Darkness, Issue #4 will be released in two weeks. Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake series is also in comic form by Marvel. They are up to the Laughing Corpse. In late April/early May, we get to look forward to Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark-Hunter series come out in Japanese manga form. It's being produced by Dabel Bros and distributed by St. Martin's Press. The DH Manga will start with Night Pleasures, Kyrian and Amanda's story. Though we will only get the first half of the novel in April/May and have to wait until September to get the other half. Keep an eye out for it at your local book and comic store. If you're interested in seeing sample of pages, you can check them out in Sherrilyn Kenyon's DH Manga Picture Album.
Dabel Brothers is a very interesting company. They have taken many well-known authors in the science fiction/fantasy arena and retold their stories in graphical form. The company has had its ups and downs. Due to a breakup from Marvel Entertainment, they've lost the rights to Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake Vampire Hunter, George RR Martin's Hedge Knight, Orson Scott Card's Tales of Alvin Maker and Wyrms, Raymond Feist's Magician Apprentice, and Kinley Macgregors' (aka Sherrilyn Kenyon) Lords of Avalon. They are back with Jim Butcher's Dresden Files, Patricia Briggs' Mercedes Thompson, Dean Koontz's Frankenstein, George RR Martin's Wild Cards, Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time and the newest one, The Warriors. I love the movie.
However, this author is different. Marjorie M. Liu does not have any of her novels going graphical. Instead, she writes for Marvel Entertainment. She has written a novel called X-Men: Dark Mirror. I recently was able to obtain a copy. Marjorie will be finishing up the Marvel series NYX: No Way Home this week. Announced this week at NY Comic Con, Marjorie will continue working with Marvel on a new series Dark Wolverine. Go Marjorie!!! And, Marjorie continues with her Dirk & Steele series and her new series Hunter Kiss.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Two Different Stars
Mucho costumed people and occasional star sightings at Dragon*Con this past weekend -- okay I only saw one. I had dinner at the same restaurant as George Tekei (sp? Sulu in Star Trek) -- he was in the booth to our left. Yes, Ed confirmed it was him. I would have to stand still and really look and recognize the person out of role. I'm bad like that.
I attended a panel on Friday night and saw Laurell K. Hamilton live and in person for the very first time. I've read about Laurell traveling with her husband and her bodyguard. Looked around and her two guys, dressed in kilts, were close by. Another panel another day and Laurell ran in late. She got to her seat and her two guys went off to the side.
Sherrilyn Kenyon was also at both panels. I happened to have walked over with her to her first panel and noticed the entourage she gains and leaves with. Sherri is like honey. I think Sherri is generally accompanied by a close friend and maybe Ed who clears the a path through the crowd when heading to where she needs to be.
Oh what's the point of this blog....
Well, Sherri did not appear in her booth during public times because she causes a Fire Marshalls nightmare. But she did stop by Sunday after closing, incognito. I guess I could not tell her we're closed :D. She had to wear a mask to go shopping with her friend *LOL* Can't have an entourage.
I don't have to wonder how Laurell gets around as I saw it with my own eyes on Monday as she was quickly whisked right by Sherri's booth. It was like a line dance. With a guy on each arm chained locked, one literally dragged her away and the other followed. It was funny. Either she was late again or there was a possilbe sighting and she had to be whisked away before a mob gathered.
I have to say after hearing Laurell speak at the two panels she has some very strong viewpoints. Laurell is not as personable as Sherri and several of the other authors. Some fanactics must have traumatized Laurell.
Oh, one more thing.... Sherri has a page on her website that asks you who is who -- Sherri or Laurell. In the early years, they did look somewhat a like. Okay, to the point. They were both limping this weekend when the day got too much for the sprains they had. Plus, they both caused mike problems. *LOL*
Monday, June 9, 2008
Contract Between Author and Reader
I came across a forum discussion about "Writer/Reader Contract". It's funny as it came at a time I just finished a book that is taking a beating from fans for the series.
I have to say the publisher and author did not come together on the marketing of this book. Only about a third of the book was about what was in the blurb, title and cover of the book. The funny thing... I don't even know what the blurb actually says. I got the ebook. It was an "autobuy" author. I totally enjoyed the book, and it's a good continuation of the series started five books ago.
I also hang on several author's forum and fan forums which discuss the books I read. Lots of readers post what they want the author to do, how the story/series should proceed. I get somewhat annoyed with these type of posts because the readers say if the author does not go this way I'm going to stop reading.
Who's story is it? Who is suppose to be writing the book?
The author's responsibility is to write the best story he/she can -- do what your muse says and not the readers (and preferably not your publisher).
The reader's responsibility is to keep an open mind and enjoy the story. Let the author take you into their world. If you can't, then just drop the book and move on. Stop moaning about how the author did not meet up to your standards and expectations of the book. It's not your story but the author's. Maybe it's time to part ways as author and reader have taken different forks in the road.
As each story the author shares with the public, he/she will keep current fans enthralled, pick up new fans and, sadly, even lose fans. The world still spins. There are still lots of authors out waiting for you to find them.
I have to say the publisher and author did not come together on the marketing of this book. Only about a third of the book was about what was in the blurb, title and cover of the book. The funny thing... I don't even know what the blurb actually says. I got the ebook. It was an "autobuy" author. I totally enjoyed the book, and it's a good continuation of the series started five books ago.
I also hang on several author's forum and fan forums which discuss the books I read. Lots of readers post what they want the author to do, how the story/series should proceed. I get somewhat annoyed with these type of posts because the readers say if the author does not go this way I'm going to stop reading.
Who's story is it? Who is suppose to be writing the book?
The author's responsibility is to write the best story he/she can -- do what your muse says and not the readers (and preferably not your publisher).
The reader's responsibility is to keep an open mind and enjoy the story. Let the author take you into their world. If you can't, then just drop the book and move on. Stop moaning about how the author did not meet up to your standards and expectations of the book. It's not your story but the author's. Maybe it's time to part ways as author and reader have taken different forks in the road.
As each story the author shares with the public, he/she will keep current fans enthralled, pick up new fans and, sadly, even lose fans. The world still spins. There are still lots of authors out waiting for you to find them.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
My First Comic Con
I'm no longer a Comic Con virgin. WOW! Definitely different from the Auto Show and business conventions. I went to all three days of the NY Comic Con held at Jacob Javits Convention Center, New York City from Friday, April 18 to Sunday, April 20, 2008.
FRIDAY
After unplanned work *GRRRRR*, I headed into the city. I walked right in after the Con was opened to the general public for an hour and a half -- got my badge holder and lanyard. I checked out some of the booths as I went to find Sherrilyn Kenyon's booth (1907). It was the primary reason I was attending the Con -- see the Author Goddess. Sherri had a LINE. So I picked up a couple of the freebie book, peruse the store (yes, I bought stuff), and waited off to the side until I could give Sherri a "HI" and get a hug. She always give great hugs to fans she gets to know :). Sherri saw my Daimon Biting T-Shirt from K*Con 2007 and handed me "Under the Protection Acheron" button. Off I went to run errands for my bro and co-worker. For my bro, I went to see Sean "Cheeks" Calloway to buy his 2 sketchbooks. Cheeks was nice enough to draw Thor and Superman and autograph the books. Now I'm broke and have to hunt down an ATM machine *If you plan on attending one of these type of Cons, bring lots of cash. Rare do you find plastic accepted* I got majority of what Chris, co-worker, wants. Still got two more days to hunt for his stuff. Back to Sherri's booth I went. I introduced myself to the other Sheri who was manning AG's booth. I got put to work handing out freebie book, bags and restocking the other freebies (buttons, postcards, bumper stickers, bookmarks). Ed was taking care of the storefront. When the public was finally shooed out, I hung around to help clean up, restock what we can for tomoorow and discussed additional signage. AG's hubby and kid and Alethea Kontis finally arrived. I met them, got some DH wear for tomorrow and headed home. I worked on signage before heading off to bed.
SATURDAY
I met up with my bro to hand over the sketchbooks and hitch a ride into the city. I could always count on my bro for a ride. He dropped me off 10 minutes before the Con opened. Whoa, what a line to get in. I got to be in a line that was about 15 people wide and about two blocks long. It took me 40 minutes to get into the Exhibition Hall. What a difference from yesterday! They had Star Wars characters to entertain the masses as we slowly inched our way in. Once in, I hurried over to Sherri's booth, put up the signage and then disappeared. I spent the next several hours at the IGN Theatre.
** Disney's WALL*E -- This is the latest production from PIXAR. Multiple scenes from the flick were shown. It's a hit with me and I think it will be a great hit for all ages. It tugs at your heart.
** Disney's The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian -- Besides seeing the movie trailer, the audience got to talk to Ben Barnes (Price Caspian and what a cutie), William Moseley (Peter Pevensie), Peter Dinklage (Trumpkin) and producer Mark Johnson. Mark Johnson said there will be at least one more Narnia. I guess I should find time to see the first one soon. For me, it will still be a DVD movie.
** SciFi Battlestar Galactica -- I only sat through this cause I was waiting for the next offering. Besides the clip, the panel had Michael "Tigh" Hogan, Michael "Anders" Trucco, Rekha "Tory" Sharma and SciFi exec. There were lots of fans for BG. If you're interested, there are YouTubes that captured the panel discussion.
** Star Wars and Indiana Jones -- The press agent for LucasFilms presented videogame Star Wars: Force Unleashed, annual celebration in Tokyo 2009, animated TV series Star Wars: The Clone Wars and live interview with Seth Green and Matt Senreich who produce the stop motion Star Wars: Robot Chicken (YouTube has this really entertaining interview). Did you know there's a Lego videogame of Indiana Jones *LOL* cute. We got to see the trailer for the movie.
** Universal Wanted -- Timur Bekmambetov, director, presented this new action-flick based Mark Miller's graphic novel series. I did not know anything about this. The trailer shown makes me want to see it. It has some great stars in in -- Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman. A great fan question was why don't the characters wear costumes. Timur said you would know they were assassins :D
** Universal Hellboy 2: The Golden Army -- Yes, we got to see a trailer. When the lights came back on, we saw that monsters/aliens joined the panel. Along with Guillermo Del Torro (director) was Mike Mignola (creator of Hellboy), Selma "Liz" Blair , Ron "Hellboy" Perlman, Doug "Abe Sapien" Jones and Luke Goss (Prince Nuada). As promised, Guillermo dedicated his three-headed dog which got cut to a fan.
As I headed back to the Exhibition Hall and went in search of a late lunch, I came across this
SUNDAY
As my BIL works retail on Sunday, I arranged with him to drop me off and pick me up. What a great idea it was!!! Unlike yesterday, I decided to bypass the regular entrance (me not like lines). Instead, I used the other entrances and got into the Hall pronto. Since the crowd was still inching in, I was able to visit many of the booths. By the time I was finished, I had more goodies than I got from the other two days. Plus I had a goal -- Sunday was Kid Day, pick up kid friendly goodies for my nephews and nieces. Onto Sherri's booth I went to help out for the day. On my breaks, I found more stuff :) The kids are so lucky to have me for an auntie. Once the public was shooed out again, I helped Sherri to pack until my BIL got me. I'm so glad as it would have stunk to lugged all the stuff to the bus terminal.
To see pics of Sherri's booth, go here.
WEEK LATER
I finally unpacked all the goodies and split them up between the two kiddie families and stuff for my brother and sisters. I even found the stuff I got for myself :D. Since I had extra, I'll pass along stuff to my SIL's niece and nephew. As I was going through the items, I thought what a difference in goodies that I got from this convention vs. business convention. At business conventions, I got stress balls, toothbrushes, items to clean your computer screen, dental floss, pens (lots of them), highlighters, bandaids, etc.
I had a blast and will be attending the next NY Comic Com, Feburary 6-8, 2009. But, this one is too far away. I'll be heading to the next Con in Atlanta, GA -- Dragon*Con, August 29-September 1, 2008. I did my ticket registration last year. Just need to take care of my hotel today -- thank goodness for frequent guest points. My work should take care of the airfare *VBG* If not, no big deal as I have frequent miles.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Civic Duty
I've been meaning to write this since Thursday. I got to get it out of my head.
My civic duty was to assist in the legal system -- yes, jury duty. I was called to serve in a pool of petit jurors Thursday and Friday. I was hoping that what happened three years ago would occur again. Alas, it did not. The after-hours call the day before said all jurors have to report the next day.
I thought I left the house in plenty of time, but construction and poor signage for juror parking and no crochet hooks permitted in the building made me 10 minutes late. I did not feel bad as jurors were still coming in half an hour later.
We had a very interesting coordinator who lay down the ground work. 'P' (some P name) told us the 10-minute video was shortened due to comments from past jurors. It use to be 25 minutes. One comment was "my neighbor snored and slobbered through the whole thing"
. Completed comments forms will be read by Trenton. Improvements will be made whenever possible to make the jury duty process more bearable.
Other funnies from 'P', no soap operas on TVs as they had to break up a fight between two ladies. No trial shows, like Judge Judy, as the judges do not want to hear it. Cell phones can only be answered in the elevator lobbies as rubber trash cans are provided for the ones who want to kick the sh*t out of them. Sherifs will let you know when enough is enough. The coffee and tea is complimentary. As explained by ex-juror, it's not free if our tax dollars are paying for it. If you have any complaints about the process, please tell it to the judge and not the juror control staff.
The waiting area was actually pretty nice. I think we were a group of about 75. 'P' called us smalled as they had 200 awhile back. We were able to spread out across two large rooms which had a walled off area for couches, two viewing areas for TVs, and an area with desks/tables. As I decided to let the crowd around the coffee/tea thin out, I think I got the last cup of complimentary coffee.
I got called in the first group. It was a criminal case to be heard over 2 1/2 days starting next Tuesday afternoon, projected to finish Thursday. Well, there goes work for next week. They started the jury selection process yesterday and needed to filled it up with our group. I got chosen for Chair 9. The judge had to fill 14 chairs -- 12 jurors and 2 alternates. After two and half hours, we got all the chairs filled at 11:25 am. The judge gave us a 20 minute break and wanted us back at 11:45 am. As it was so close to lunchtime, I wondered how much the judge was going to have us do before giving us our lunch break.
It must have been my day. The selected 14 gathered back in our jury room while waiting for all participants to show up in the courtroom. We got called to take our seats. The judge was nice to inform us that our services were no longer needed as the parties settled. "Thank you for your service. You are dismissed. You only need to report back to juror control if you need your parking ticket validated" At the end of the day, I'm glad I was selected and not dismissed. I served my one trial and was free to go. The dismissed went back to the juror pool and wait.
Our judge had to report two missing jurors back to juror control coordinator. I think they are going to be in trouble.
Oh, I found a fellow juror reading Sherrilyn Kenyon's Devil May Cry. It was her first book and she will be looking for the others
I will be get a $5 check for doing my civic duty today. I would not have minded hearing this case as it will be a first time experience. It would not have been a terrible hardship for me to miss work.
My civic duty was to assist in the legal system -- yes, jury duty. I was called to serve in a pool of petit jurors Thursday and Friday. I was hoping that what happened three years ago would occur again. Alas, it did not. The after-hours call the day before said all jurors have to report the next day.
I thought I left the house in plenty of time, but construction and poor signage for juror parking and no crochet hooks permitted in the building made me 10 minutes late. I did not feel bad as jurors were still coming in half an hour later.
We had a very interesting coordinator who lay down the ground work. 'P' (some P name) told us the 10-minute video was shortened due to comments from past jurors. It use to be 25 minutes. One comment was "my neighbor snored and slobbered through the whole thing"
. Completed comments forms will be read by Trenton. Improvements will be made whenever possible to make the jury duty process more bearable. Other funnies from 'P', no soap operas on TVs as they had to break up a fight between two ladies. No trial shows, like Judge Judy, as the judges do not want to hear it. Cell phones can only be answered in the elevator lobbies as rubber trash cans are provided for the ones who want to kick the sh*t out of them. Sherifs will let you know when enough is enough. The coffee and tea is complimentary. As explained by ex-juror, it's not free if our tax dollars are paying for it. If you have any complaints about the process, please tell it to the judge and not the juror control staff.
The waiting area was actually pretty nice. I think we were a group of about 75. 'P' called us smalled as they had 200 awhile back. We were able to spread out across two large rooms which had a walled off area for couches, two viewing areas for TVs, and an area with desks/tables. As I decided to let the crowd around the coffee/tea thin out, I think I got the last cup of complimentary coffee.
I got called in the first group. It was a criminal case to be heard over 2 1/2 days starting next Tuesday afternoon, projected to finish Thursday. Well, there goes work for next week. They started the jury selection process yesterday and needed to filled it up with our group. I got chosen for Chair 9. The judge had to fill 14 chairs -- 12 jurors and 2 alternates. After two and half hours, we got all the chairs filled at 11:25 am. The judge gave us a 20 minute break and wanted us back at 11:45 am. As it was so close to lunchtime, I wondered how much the judge was going to have us do before giving us our lunch break.
It must have been my day. The selected 14 gathered back in our jury room while waiting for all participants to show up in the courtroom. We got called to take our seats. The judge was nice to inform us that our services were no longer needed as the parties settled. "Thank you for your service. You are dismissed. You only need to report back to juror control if you need your parking ticket validated" At the end of the day, I'm glad I was selected and not dismissed. I served my one trial and was free to go. The dismissed went back to the juror pool and wait.
Our judge had to report two missing jurors back to juror control coordinator. I think they are going to be in trouble.
Oh, I found a fellow juror reading Sherrilyn Kenyon's Devil May Cry. It was her first book and she will be looking for the others
I will be get a $5 check for doing my civic duty today. I would not have minded hearing this case as it will be a first time experience. It would not have been a terrible hardship for me to miss work.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Sin, Sin, Sin
I read a blog from the author Mary Stella who said you get higher traffic on your blog if you talk about Sin. Wait second... rewind... now that I think about it. It's sex and not sin. 
This is a very good time to talk about Sin. The Dark-Hunter named Sin that is. I can't wait until his book comes out -- 5 more days. Tuesday, August 7 cannot get here fast enough.
....and I get to meet Sin's creator *keeping my fingers crossed* Sherrilyn Kenyon Tuesday night. She will be autographing Sin's book, Devil May Cry at Menlo Park Mall in Woodbridge, New Jersey.
I've dedicated my MySpace Profile layout to Sin. Don't you just love that mug. If you interested in getting a similar MySpace layout, you can go to this page. I've put together a MySpace layout for Sin.
Enjoy!!!! 
Monday, July 23, 2007
Were in the Office
I dug up a tiger. He was just hanging around. Really, it was hanging from a picture frame off one of my shelves. The picture was just stuck into the exterior frame. I thought I would share.This was taken at EPCOT Imagineering where KODAK provided a whole series of photo stations in 2002. You take your picture and then combine it with a whole bunch of other images. When done, you can email it to family and friends who are not with you. If I remember correctly, it also sends you a copy so you have a keepsake.
I need to hunt for the one with BEE in it. I think she chose a monkey. It was real cute. There are a couple of other pictures from the 2002 trip that are fun. Maybe they will pop up in my travels through piles of paper.
I was back at EPCOT in September 2006. They have a whole new set of photo equipment.
Yes, that is my face on there. I did not know what was going to be done with my face. I chose a tiger. Why? In the Chinese zodiac, I was born in the year of the tiger.
Hey, notice my glasses :D In human form, I'm in disguise with glasses like Clark Kent.
Given my love of Sherrilyn Kenyon's Hunter Legends, it made me think of were-tigers LOL. I could be a cousin to Wren ;)
Monday, February 26, 2007
Traveling Consultant Perk
Instead of going home this past weekend -- I work in Jacksonville, Florida, during the week -- I decided to stay in the nice and warm state.
After work on Thursday, I drove 180 miles down to Orlando which took me about 3 hours. I would have gotten there half an hour earlier if I had not decided to not follow AAA triptik directions
I did it to avoid the toll roads. Wound up paying one anyway 
Friday was spent playing in Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom. I got to ride Everest this time in beautiful weather. I saw the new Finding Nemo Muiscal, rode the Dinosaur and Primeval Spin attractions and watch Mickey's Jamming Parade. I enjoyed watching the various birds (flamingos, toucans, and ducks) around the park. I even caught sight of an anteater. No matter how many times I see it, the Tree of Life contains the most beautiful and life-like carvings of animals.
After a good complimentary breakfast Saturday morning, I got back on the road to drive down to Miami. I had to make a pit stop in Tampa to pick up Panthera, fellow DH fan who entertained me on the drive down. 351 miles and 5 1/2 hours later, we arrived at our hotel. I had a slight panic attack when I happen to looked down at the gas gauge. There were three tick marks before the big E and we were in the middle of the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation. All it was was a four land highway in a big swamp. Panthera did catch an alligator sunning himself. Thank goodness, we spotted the lovely green sign. When I pulled up to the gas pump, the car gave me a "bing" and the gas light came on *PHEW*.
Objective of Miami was to attend Sherrilyn Kenyon's book signing. My other objective was to also get books signed by Mary Stella. The hotel where the signing was just happen to be across the street from where we were staying. Both authors were surprised to see us, especially me as I live in New Jersey After the book signing, we hung out with Sherri, Mary and two other friends -- lots of laughter.
All good things had to come to an end, Sunday was the long drive back north. After dropping off Panthera back in Tampa, I continued north to Jacksonville -- 493 miles and 8 hours later.
Besides the Animal Kingdom goodies -- alas, my passion for Disney pins has not waned -- and the Walmart books (got Lover Revealed; still unread), the biggest expenditure on this trip was gas. The car wanted to be fed regularly -- $78.76 to drive 1,074 miles. Hotel was free due to my hotel points. Car rental paid by my client. Animal Kingdom ticket was WDW Park Hopper ticket I paid for 3 years ago. Not too bad for a weekend
Tonight, I gotta see if I can read what Sherri wrote in my books
Also, gotta decide how I'm going to pack at the end of the week to go home. I hate checking luggage. I may need to leave some of it here and bring it back the following week or else leave anyway as I have to stay over one weekend for the client.
After work on Thursday, I drove 180 miles down to Orlando which took me about 3 hours. I would have gotten there half an hour earlier if I had not decided to not follow AAA triptik directions
I did it to avoid the toll roads. Wound up paying one anyway Friday was spent playing in Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom. I got to ride Everest this time in beautiful weather. I saw the new Finding Nemo Muiscal, rode the Dinosaur and Primeval Spin attractions and watch Mickey's Jamming Parade. I enjoyed watching the various birds (flamingos, toucans, and ducks) around the park. I even caught sight of an anteater. No matter how many times I see it, the Tree of Life contains the most beautiful and life-like carvings of animals.
After a good complimentary breakfast Saturday morning, I got back on the road to drive down to Miami. I had to make a pit stop in Tampa to pick up Panthera, fellow DH fan who entertained me on the drive down. 351 miles and 5 1/2 hours later, we arrived at our hotel. I had a slight panic attack when I happen to looked down at the gas gauge. There were three tick marks before the big E and we were in the middle of the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation. All it was was a four land highway in a big swamp. Panthera did catch an alligator sunning himself. Thank goodness, we spotted the lovely green sign. When I pulled up to the gas pump, the car gave me a "bing" and the gas light came on *PHEW*.
Objective of Miami was to attend Sherrilyn Kenyon's book signing. My other objective was to also get books signed by Mary Stella. The hotel where the signing was just happen to be across the street from where we were staying. Both authors were surprised to see us, especially me as I live in New Jersey
After the book signing, we hung out with Sherri, Mary and two other friends -- lots of laughter.All good things had to come to an end, Sunday was the long drive back north. After dropping off Panthera back in Tampa, I continued north to Jacksonville -- 493 miles and 8 hours later.
Besides the Animal Kingdom goodies -- alas, my passion for Disney pins has not waned -- and the Walmart books (got Lover Revealed; still unread), the biggest expenditure on this trip was gas. The car wanted to be fed regularly -- $78.76 to drive 1,074 miles. Hotel was free due to my hotel points. Car rental paid by my client. Animal Kingdom ticket was WDW Park Hopper ticket I paid for 3 years ago. Not too bad for a weekend
Tonight, I gotta see if I can read what Sherri wrote in my books
Also, gotta decide how I'm going to pack at the end of the week to go home. I hate checking luggage. I may need to leave some of it here and bring it back the following week or else leave anyway as I have to stay over one weekend for the client.
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