That writes every day. I just don't have the time. There's so many projects hanging over my head but it's all good. I hope you understand. Besides my writing projects, I also have to keep up with my health. I am woefully behind my exercise. Need I say that this week in particular has been the pits for exercise? Since Monday I probably got maybe one hour or exercise, if that. I've been glued to my chair for seven straight hours today. My tush is hurting me. Yes, but do you think I can get up? No. I have too many deadlines I've imposed upon myself. Once I go back to work, I'll have even less time to write. As soon as I'm done here, I'll have to go back to my two short stories and also try tackling more of Celeste.
So far though the week has been very good to me. Besides submitting the review for 'Vampire's Trill,' I also wrote a blog that hopefully will be available online. As soon as I know, I will let you know.
I'm very excited that my book review is now also on http://frogenyozurt.com/2011/12/vampires-trill-by-lorelei-bell-a-first-review/.
In the meanwhile I want to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year. Wish you all much prosperity and may all your dreams come true.
P.S. I think I also like this font. It's so much easier to read.
A Picture I Took By My Bus Stop (I will have to look up the name)
I think these are Clematis (but don't quote me!) - This picture was taken by my bus stop
Showing posts with label Lorelei Bell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lorelei Bell. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Sunday, December 18, 2011
A Review of 'Vampire's Trill' by Lorelei Bell
All,
Here is my very first book review! I told you I'm a late bloomer...
Seriously folks, I truly enjoyed Lorelei's books - the first one I won, the second I bought - and am looking forward to reading more of Sabrina Strong's adventures. Without further ado...
'Vampire's Trill' continues where 'Vampire Ascending' leaves off, but fear not, you need not have read the first book to follow the plot and understand what's at stake (pardon the pun) in Sabrina' s life -- though I highly recommend it. 'Vampire Ascending' was an exciting and fun read from beginning to end, and this book is no different.
What's it like to be Sabrina Strong? She's one tough cookie. She's struggled all her life against the world's stereotypes of her -- you see, she's a Touch Clairvoyant -- but the predicament she finds herself in 'Vampire's Trill' really raises the bar. And for someone who can't even get a date, Sabrina is awfully popular these days. Everyone wants her, but why? There's Bjorn Tremayne the handsome master Vampire who first hired Sabrina to uncover some nefarious goings-on in his organization, but who now desperately needs help of his own, and Vasyl, the Rogue Vampire who has been unknowingly lurking in Sabrina's life but will soon reveal his true intentions. Sabrina finds that the fate of the world is in her hands. Is she the sybil Bjorn's enemies fear? The mystery deepens -- no one's life is safe from danger -- and there's plenty of romance too, as the once untouchable Sabrina is suddenly in hot demand.
Lorelei Bell makes the incredible, credible - a mark of a great story teller - and what a world she's created: Vampires, Shape Shifters, and Werewolves as they cohabitate with the human race, and sometimes it's difficult to tell who is the most inhuman.
In short, 'Vampire's Trill' is fun, exciting and entertaining, filled with mysterious twists as Sabrina uncovers the evil plot afoot. I am not into Vampire fiction as a rule, but Lorelei Bell has made a believer out of me. I love Lorelei's blend of mystery, romance and humor and most important, her inventiveness. She has fashioned an incredible, fresh new world. I can't wait for the next installment in the Sabrina Strong series.
Here is my very first book review! I told you I'm a late bloomer...
Seriously folks, I truly enjoyed Lorelei's books - the first one I won, the second I bought - and am looking forward to reading more of Sabrina Strong's adventures. Without further ado...
'Vampire's Trill' continues where 'Vampire Ascending' leaves off, but fear not, you need not have read the first book to follow the plot and understand what's at stake (pardon the pun) in Sabrina' s life -- though I highly recommend it. 'Vampire Ascending' was an exciting and fun read from beginning to end, and this book is no different.
What's it like to be Sabrina Strong? She's one tough cookie. She's struggled all her life against the world's stereotypes of her -- you see, she's a Touch Clairvoyant -- but the predicament she finds herself in 'Vampire's Trill' really raises the bar. And for someone who can't even get a date, Sabrina is awfully popular these days. Everyone wants her, but why? There's Bjorn Tremayne the handsome master Vampire who first hired Sabrina to uncover some nefarious goings-on in his organization, but who now desperately needs help of his own, and Vasyl, the Rogue Vampire who has been unknowingly lurking in Sabrina's life but will soon reveal his true intentions. Sabrina finds that the fate of the world is in her hands. Is she the sybil Bjorn's enemies fear? The mystery deepens -- no one's life is safe from danger -- and there's plenty of romance too, as the once untouchable Sabrina is suddenly in hot demand.
Lorelei Bell makes the incredible, credible - a mark of a great story teller - and what a world she's created: Vampires, Shape Shifters, and Werewolves as they cohabitate with the human race, and sometimes it's difficult to tell who is the most inhuman.
In short, 'Vampire's Trill' is fun, exciting and entertaining, filled with mysterious twists as Sabrina uncovers the evil plot afoot. I am not into Vampire fiction as a rule, but Lorelei Bell has made a believer out of me. I love Lorelei's blend of mystery, romance and humor and most important, her inventiveness. She has fashioned an incredible, fresh new world. I can't wait for the next installment in the Sabrina Strong series.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
I'll Get the Hang of this One Day - Happy Sunday and Two Mini-Reviews
All: This post was first written on on my Blackberry. I'm guessing it was at the height of the summer craziness that is my job. I've since continued it to include my latest musings.
Side note: Even though I've yet to write that great American novel or find a home for my short stories, I will not give up until I do so.
Blackberry Post:
Allelujah! This is my first Blackberry blog post composed while riding on my bus on my way to work. I didn't think it would be possible but I guess Blogger must have heard my silent pleas.
I have been making lots of new friends on Twitter. At first I wondered why I even joined. Wouldn't it be a time waster after all? Once I got into it however, I saw what a valuable a service it is for writers everywhere! It's been so inspiring following such wonderful writers like Tania Hershman, Vanessa Gebbie (Vannesa has a new book out too - "The Coward's Tale" and I want to congratulate her and wish her much continued success!), Alessandra Bava and so many other wonderful writers, all over the world, who inspire and encourage each other to succeed. There's too many to mention in this post (Hi Heather McCorkle and The Critique Sisters!!), but each one adds something to my writing life every day. Please visit their blog, join them on Twitter and support them.
I was also very excited when my friend Lorelei Bell joined me on Twitter. She's written a very funny, exciting mystery book called "Vampire Ascending" that grabs you from the very first page. She does it the good old fashioned way by great characters, setting and a mystery that involves Vampires. Yes they are among us. Her sequel is being published as we speak "Vampire's Trill," that continues to delve into the mystery of Sabrina's life. I can't wait to read it. I know it's going to be a fun and exciting read. Please follow her @LoreleiBell. As I've mentioned before I'm not into Vampire literature but that Sabrina Strong is one special character in more ways than one! The book is a mixture of mystery, supernatural and just fun girl-power that is sadly lacking in books today. Go Lorelei!
I've also met another wonderful writer @tglong (Terri Long) who's written the very insightful book "In Leah's Wake." Anyone who lives with teenagers will be able to relate to it. Thank God my son bypassed those very dangerous teenager years and has become a wonderful young man, but many lose their way. As soon as I started reading it, I was captivated by the very believable and down to earth characters and the decision they must make to reclaim their lives. I highly recommend it. Again, it was Kismet, fate or just a coincidence, but I'm working on a coming of age novel (protagonist is nine yrs old) and I've been doing as much research on the subject as possible. It's a very ecletic list, as you can see.
Caio for now. Ci sentiamo presto. Good Night
Side note: Even though I've yet to write that great American novel or find a home for my short stories, I will not give up until I do so.
Blackberry Post:
Allelujah! This is my first Blackberry blog post composed while riding on my bus on my way to work. I didn't think it would be possible but I guess Blogger must have heard my silent pleas.
I have been making lots of new friends on Twitter. At first I wondered why I even joined. Wouldn't it be a time waster after all? Once I got into it however, I saw what a valuable a service it is for writers everywhere! It's been so inspiring following such wonderful writers like Tania Hershman, Vanessa Gebbie (Vannesa has a new book out too - "The Coward's Tale" and I want to congratulate her and wish her much continued success!), Alessandra Bava and so many other wonderful writers, all over the world, who inspire and encourage each other to succeed. There's too many to mention in this post (Hi Heather McCorkle and The Critique Sisters!!), but each one adds something to my writing life every day. Please visit their blog, join them on Twitter and support them.
I was also very excited when my friend Lorelei Bell joined me on Twitter. She's written a very funny, exciting mystery book called "Vampire Ascending" that grabs you from the very first page. She does it the good old fashioned way by great characters, setting and a mystery that involves Vampires. Yes they are among us. Her sequel is being published as we speak "Vampire's Trill," that continues to delve into the mystery of Sabrina's life. I can't wait to read it. I know it's going to be a fun and exciting read. Please follow her @LoreleiBell. As I've mentioned before I'm not into Vampire literature but that Sabrina Strong is one special character in more ways than one! The book is a mixture of mystery, supernatural and just fun girl-power that is sadly lacking in books today. Go Lorelei!
I've also met another wonderful writer @tglong (Terri Long) who's written the very insightful book "In Leah's Wake." Anyone who lives with teenagers will be able to relate to it. Thank God my son bypassed those very dangerous teenager years and has become a wonderful young man, but many lose their way. As soon as I started reading it, I was captivated by the very believable and down to earth characters and the decision they must make to reclaim their lives. I highly recommend it. Again, it was Kismet, fate or just a coincidence, but I'm working on a coming of age novel (protagonist is nine yrs old) and I've been doing as much research on the subject as possible. It's a very ecletic list, as you can see.
Caio for now. Ci sentiamo presto. Good Night
Saturday, July 16, 2011
No I haven't fallen off the face of the earth....
Psst...just wanted to tell this post was started on June 5th!
No - I haven't disappeared. Nothing nefarious happened to me that can't be explained by this one phrase: life has gotten to be very busy of late. Summer is the busiest time of the year for me for many reasons. First my son has returned from college. Life as I know it changes, but in a good way. My son's return also means it's time to open up the pool, time to clean the backyard and time to do some gardening. As the Bible states "...a time for every purpose under heaven."
I don't have a garden per se -- one day -- but I love to buy flowers and pot them in my planters and place them strategically around the backyard so that I can pretend to have a real garden. Then there's my job. My job just heats up in the summer (pardon the pun!). It gets so busy that I actually can't wait for September to roll around. I barely enjoy the summer anymore. Something must be done. I want my summer back and I think once my son finishes college, I should look for a less stressful job. Wish I could ditch the job all together and write all day but that's another dream...
After the pool is opened, the flowers planted, I look forward to enjoying the pool even if it's just on the weekends. (This has been my first weekend fully devoted to me - but alas, the sun is playing hide and seek with the clouds.)
June was not very kind weather wise. If I remember correctly since it's now just a blur - the weather was lousy. I could count the number of times I used the pool. Even the one day that my boss gave me her blessings to work from home, the weather quickly deteriorated and great, big black clouds pursued me as soon as I had a free moment that I could have taken a dip. Whenever I'd look up from my laptop, the sky above me was dark and turbulent while further in the distance i was sure someone had clear, blue skies. But it wasn't all work. I did have some fun and wonderful surprises in May. First I won Vampire Ascending by my good friend Lorelei Bell. Sabrina, her main character, kicks butt and finds herself in very unusual circumstances, surrounded by Vampires and shape shifters and mired in a mystery she was chosen to uncover, yet everyone can relate to her. I truly enjoyed it and I'll say it right off the bat (pun very much intended!) I am not a fan of Vampire fiction yet Lorelei has a different take on it which you have to read to find out! Furthermore Sabrina has a gift that makes her special (she's a touch clairvoyant) yet at heart she wants what everyone else wants. Will she get it? I can't wait to read the sequel to find out.
Lorelei really knows how to suck you in (need I say it again?) into the world her characters inhabit. I am hoping to write a review as soon as I have the time.
I'm still in the middle of hell. Once the summer is over, I'll have the time to write again. Today has been a gift in more ways. I can finally use my notebook when I'm out sunbathing. I didn't realize that I only had to lighten the screen. I couldn't see a thing! Once the fall is here though, I'll have time to write and be with my online friends who inspire me to become a published writer one day.
When fall comes, only the most basic necessities will be tended to - the laundry, the food shopping, hopefully the exercise! Working 12 hour days definitely does not give you time to exercise and that's another reason why I have to find another job but before I start on another tangent -- I won ANOTHER book. May was short story month and to publicize the short story, Tania Hershman along with other blog writers were given away one short story collection. My name was picked again! I should have entered Lotto but who had time? Anyway, thank you Tania Hershman and all other writers and newbie writers like me who want to keep the short story alive!!! I won Roy Kesey's award-winning short story collection All Over. I anxiously waited it for it and lo and behold the package soon came in the mail. What a beautiful collection it is - inside and out. The cover is amazing! Needless to say I was captivated and effortlessly transported into its world as soon as I started reading it, as if I've always been there lurking in the shadows. I know these people. They are not strangers to me. This is what good writing does. The writing doesn't have to show off in order to make you pay attention. I haven't finished all of the stories yet -- I'm hoping to do so this weekend -- but the ones I read so far have been wonderful.
I have even managed to do some writing of my own. You can just imagine how jealous I was after reading Lorelei's book and then Roy Kesey's. I was afraid to look at my stories and I resisted as much as possible but last week between doing laundry and watching the movie "The Others" I actually starting rewriting one of my short stories and LIKING it. I'm hoping this forced haitus has made me a better writer, that subconsciously there have been changes that I'm not aware of but will come through in my writing. There have been so many twists and turns in my life lately that I can only believe that I'm being led somewhere.
Meeting Lorelei has been another one of those coincidences that I can't explain. It all started last fall when I happened to have found the Thresholds Short Story Forum. Since then universe has immersed me in writing and has littered my way with authors and writers who have all been wonderful inspiration; who've helped me fine-tune my vision; and who've given me the confidence to continue on my journey. I'm still a work in progress, obviously. I don't know when I'll have anything published, if any. I am hoping that now that the first rush of summer is over, I can find the time to schedule my writing once again. But to get back to Vampire Ascending (sorry but I'm here again!), the funny thing is that I am not really a fan of Vampire fiction (I know - I've already told you this - apologies!) and I didn't know Lorelei from the proverbial Adam...I tried reading the Twilight books (I think I have the last one) but I just couldn't get into it. To be honest what made me click on Lorelei's link was the book cover she posted on the Writer's Digest Community page. From there I read the blurb and it sounded interesting to me and the rest is history. Anyway friends, it's time to go to bed. Tomorrow is going to be a very busy day. 103 new people will be starting and we have to make sure they have everything they need as soon as they hit the desk! Next Monday (July 18th) there's another 200 people. I can't wait for next week to be over but in the meanwhile here's another shoutout to Tania Hershman and Lorelei Bell. Thank you so much!
No - I haven't disappeared. Nothing nefarious happened to me that can't be explained by this one phrase: life has gotten to be very busy of late. Summer is the busiest time of the year for me for many reasons. First my son has returned from college. Life as I know it changes, but in a good way. My son's return also means it's time to open up the pool, time to clean the backyard and time to do some gardening. As the Bible states "...a time for every purpose under heaven."
I don't have a garden per se -- one day -- but I love to buy flowers and pot them in my planters and place them strategically around the backyard so that I can pretend to have a real garden. Then there's my job. My job just heats up in the summer (pardon the pun!). It gets so busy that I actually can't wait for September to roll around. I barely enjoy the summer anymore. Something must be done. I want my summer back and I think once my son finishes college, I should look for a less stressful job. Wish I could ditch the job all together and write all day but that's another dream...
After the pool is opened, the flowers planted, I look forward to enjoying the pool even if it's just on the weekends. (This has been my first weekend fully devoted to me - but alas, the sun is playing hide and seek with the clouds.)
June was not very kind weather wise. If I remember correctly since it's now just a blur - the weather was lousy. I could count the number of times I used the pool. Even the one day that my boss gave me her blessings to work from home, the weather quickly deteriorated and great, big black clouds pursued me as soon as I had a free moment that I could have taken a dip. Whenever I'd look up from my laptop, the sky above me was dark and turbulent while further in the distance i was sure someone had clear, blue skies. But it wasn't all work. I did have some fun and wonderful surprises in May. First I won Vampire Ascending by my good friend Lorelei Bell. Sabrina, her main character, kicks butt and finds herself in very unusual circumstances, surrounded by Vampires and shape shifters and mired in a mystery she was chosen to uncover, yet everyone can relate to her. I truly enjoyed it and I'll say it right off the bat (pun very much intended!) I am not a fan of Vampire fiction yet Lorelei has a different take on it which you have to read to find out! Furthermore Sabrina has a gift that makes her special (she's a touch clairvoyant) yet at heart she wants what everyone else wants. Will she get it? I can't wait to read the sequel to find out.
Lorelei really knows how to suck you in (need I say it again?) into the world her characters inhabit. I am hoping to write a review as soon as I have the time.
I'm still in the middle of hell. Once the summer is over, I'll have the time to write again. Today has been a gift in more ways. I can finally use my notebook when I'm out sunbathing. I didn't realize that I only had to lighten the screen. I couldn't see a thing! Once the fall is here though, I'll have time to write and be with my online friends who inspire me to become a published writer one day.
When fall comes, only the most basic necessities will be tended to - the laundry, the food shopping, hopefully the exercise! Working 12 hour days definitely does not give you time to exercise and that's another reason why I have to find another job but before I start on another tangent -- I won ANOTHER book. May was short story month and to publicize the short story, Tania Hershman along with other blog writers were given away one short story collection. My name was picked again! I should have entered Lotto but who had time? Anyway, thank you Tania Hershman and all other writers and newbie writers like me who want to keep the short story alive!!! I won Roy Kesey's award-winning short story collection All Over. I anxiously waited it for it and lo and behold the package soon came in the mail. What a beautiful collection it is - inside and out. The cover is amazing! Needless to say I was captivated and effortlessly transported into its world as soon as I started reading it, as if I've always been there lurking in the shadows. I know these people. They are not strangers to me. This is what good writing does. The writing doesn't have to show off in order to make you pay attention. I haven't finished all of the stories yet -- I'm hoping to do so this weekend -- but the ones I read so far have been wonderful.
I have even managed to do some writing of my own. You can just imagine how jealous I was after reading Lorelei's book and then Roy Kesey's. I was afraid to look at my stories and I resisted as much as possible but last week between doing laundry and watching the movie "The Others" I actually starting rewriting one of my short stories and LIKING it. I'm hoping this forced haitus has made me a better writer, that subconsciously there have been changes that I'm not aware of but will come through in my writing. There have been so many twists and turns in my life lately that I can only believe that I'm being led somewhere.
Meeting Lorelei has been another one of those coincidences that I can't explain. It all started last fall when I happened to have found the Thresholds Short Story Forum. Since then universe has immersed me in writing and has littered my way with authors and writers who have all been wonderful inspiration; who've helped me fine-tune my vision; and who've given me the confidence to continue on my journey. I'm still a work in progress, obviously. I don't know when I'll have anything published, if any. I am hoping that now that the first rush of summer is over, I can find the time to schedule my writing once again. But to get back to Vampire Ascending (sorry but I'm here again!), the funny thing is that I am not really a fan of Vampire fiction (I know - I've already told you this - apologies!) and I didn't know Lorelei from the proverbial Adam...I tried reading the Twilight books (I think I have the last one) but I just couldn't get into it. To be honest what made me click on Lorelei's link was the book cover she posted on the Writer's Digest Community page. From there I read the blurb and it sounded interesting to me and the rest is history. Anyway friends, it's time to go to bed. Tomorrow is going to be a very busy day. 103 new people will be starting and we have to make sure they have everything they need as soon as they hit the desk! Next Monday (July 18th) there's another 200 people. I can't wait for next week to be over but in the meanwhile here's another shoutout to Tania Hershman and Lorelei Bell. Thank you so much!
Monday, April 11, 2011
There Are Some Things I Can't Do With My Blackberry....
Yesterday I spent all day learning the ins and outs of blogging (thank you Lorelei for taking me under your wings and showing me the way!) and tonight I am back, like the faithful follower that I am. I learned how to post comments, how to change fonts, etc. and most importantly how to change the background...I wish I had such control over the rest of my life.
I don't have a handle yet on what I want to say, my "platform" so to speak - no I'm not participating in the Miss America contest - but I thought this would be a great exercise to get the writing muscles going. It's been so long I was sure they had atrophied but it looks like they haven't withered altogether!
On my way home, (and the way home today was torturous - that tale will have to wait for another blog) I was sure I wouldn't even look at the computer but here I am! Most of my writing "extra-curricular" activities these days, as I like to call them, have been taking place on my Blackberry but unfortunately blogging from my Blackberry will have to wait. Apparently there is a way, but I will wait until my son comes home from college - there's only so much learning my 50+ year-old brain can take - so I had no choice but to log on.
How much do I love my Blackberry? Without my Blackberry I wouldn't have been able to reach out across the world (hello my friends at Thresholds Short Story Forum and a special hello to Tania Hershman writer extraordinaire who's kindly following my blog) and participate in their Q&A with so many wonderful writers such as Robert Shearman, Hanif Kureishi, Alison MacLeod, Adam Marek, David Vann and last but not least Loree Westron and the University of Chichester and all of the wonderful students and bloggers who participate in keeping the website thriving with knowledge and activity. It is full of many wonderful links and articles geared towards short story writing and it is free! Please check it out, you won't be disappointed. Thank you so much for all of your kindness and I hope to make you all proud someday (I hope soon). Without my Blackberry and with the crazy job I have, there was no way I could have participated with the wonderful community on Writer's Digest and met so many wonderful and helpful writers (thanks again Lorelei) who have given me such a crash course on writing and publishing. I could go on and on but I don't want to bore you and I'm also very sleepy. In short, my friends, the Blackberry has allowed me to live another life, the life I have always wanted to live but couldn't. I am so grateful that I can do this today. You know what they say, "Today is the first day of the rest of your life." Live Now.
Good Night all.
I don't have a handle yet on what I want to say, my "platform" so to speak - no I'm not participating in the Miss America contest - but I thought this would be a great exercise to get the writing muscles going. It's been so long I was sure they had atrophied but it looks like they haven't withered altogether!
On my way home, (and the way home today was torturous - that tale will have to wait for another blog) I was sure I wouldn't even look at the computer but here I am! Most of my writing "extra-curricular" activities these days, as I like to call them, have been taking place on my Blackberry but unfortunately blogging from my Blackberry will have to wait. Apparently there is a way, but I will wait until my son comes home from college - there's only so much learning my 50+ year-old brain can take - so I had no choice but to log on.
How much do I love my Blackberry? Without my Blackberry I wouldn't have been able to reach out across the world (hello my friends at Thresholds Short Story Forum and a special hello to Tania Hershman writer extraordinaire who's kindly following my blog) and participate in their Q&A with so many wonderful writers such as Robert Shearman, Hanif Kureishi, Alison MacLeod, Adam Marek, David Vann and last but not least Loree Westron and the University of Chichester and all of the wonderful students and bloggers who participate in keeping the website thriving with knowledge and activity. It is full of many wonderful links and articles geared towards short story writing and it is free! Please check it out, you won't be disappointed. Thank you so much for all of your kindness and I hope to make you all proud someday (I hope soon). Without my Blackberry and with the crazy job I have, there was no way I could have participated with the wonderful community on Writer's Digest and met so many wonderful and helpful writers (thanks again Lorelei) who have given me such a crash course on writing and publishing. I could go on and on but I don't want to bore you and I'm also very sleepy. In short, my friends, the Blackberry has allowed me to live another life, the life I have always wanted to live but couldn't. I am so grateful that I can do this today. You know what they say, "Today is the first day of the rest of your life." Live Now.
Good Night all.
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