Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Holiday Gift Guide: Celebrating America’s National Parks



Celebrating America’s National Parks


Photography by Clyde Butcher
Written by Donna F.G. Hailson
Pub. Date: 2016
Retail: $47.50
ISBN: 9780578173801
Pages: 192

Where To Purchase?


Book Description: Photographs of 33 National Parks that Clyde Butcher has photographed over the past 50 years, plus stories and information on each park.


About the Photographer: Clyde Butcher is considered by many to be the foremost landscape photographer working in America today. He began his professional life an an architect, but is best known for the spectacular images he captures through his large-format and digital cameras. He has received numerous awards, not only for his art, but also for his work in nature conservation. Clyde has collaborated on six documentaries, has published several books, travels widely as a speaker, exhibits in museums and other venues, and maintains two art galleries in Florida.


About the Author: Donna F.G. Hailson is a multi-award-winning author, journalist, blogger, educator, and radio host focusing on conservation, wildlife, wild places, and Christian spirituality. A Baptist pastor and former professor of the world religions and urban ministry, she has extensive experience in relief work and disaster response and has addressed audiences in the U.S. and Europe. Profiles of her life and work have been featured in periodicals, in a book, and on radio and television.


Q&A with Lyn C. Johanson, author of Forged in Fire




Now available is the paranormal romance Forged in Fire, book 2 in the Witch World Series by author Lyn C. Johanson.




 The author has taken a few minutes out of her busy schedule for a Q&A about her newest novel.



When did you become interested in storytelling?

When I was a teenager I remember creating all these magical worlds that I wanted to escape to. But only later, years later, did I begin writing it all down.

What was your first book/story published?

The first book I published is called Till Death and Beyond. It is also the first book in my Witch World Series.

What inspired you to write Forged in Fire?

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Holiday Gift Guide: The BFG Blu-ray



The BFG


Studios: Walt Disney, Amblin Entertainment, and Reliance Entertainment
Director: Steven Spielberg
Retail: $39.99

ASIN: B01G4N5Q0A
Running Time: 118 minutes
Rated: PG

Where To Purchase?



Bonus features includes:

BLU-RAY & DIGITAL HD:
  • Bringing “The BFG” to Life – Ruby Barnhill (Sophie) hosts a phizz-whizzing journey through the making of “The BFG.” This behind-the-scenes documentary details the film’s progression through interviews with Roald Dahl’s daughter Lucy Dahl, screenwriter Melissa Mathison, executive producers Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall and Kristie Macosko Krieger, and numerous members of the talented cast and crew.
  • The Big Friendly Giant and Me – Sophie wasn’t the first “bean” in Giant Country—many illustrations were created as if drawn by a little boy who was there long before Sophie. This charming, in-world short will bring the drawings to life with animation and narration, recounting the friendship and the dreams shared between the boy and the Big Friendly Giant.
  • Gobblefunk: The Wonderful Words of The BFG – A whoopsey-splunkers tutorial on the meaning of the gloriumptious gobblefunk in “The BFG.”
  • Giants 101 – Jemaine Clement (Fleshlumpeater) and Bill Hader (Bloodbottler) introduce us to the loathsome giants in “The BFG,” along with movement choreographer/motion capture performer Terry Notary, who collaborated with the actors and Director Steven Spielberg prior to filming to develop their movements and character traits.
  • Melissa Mathison: A Tribute – An homage to Melissa Mathison, the extraordinary, Oscar®-nominated screenwriter of “The BFG” and “E.T.,” whose talent and heart were as immense as the giants in “The BFG.”
DIGITAL/VOD:
  • John Williams: Scoring A Dream – A journey through the film’s concept art and memorable moments, interwoven with the sights and sounds of legendary composer John William’s scoring session.


DVD:
  • Gobblefunk: The Wonderful Words of The BFG and Melissa Mathison: A Tribute


Holiday Gift Guide: Pete's Dragon Blu-ray


Pete's Dragon


Studio: Walt Disney

Director: David Lowery

Starring: Bryce Dallas Howard, Robert Redford, Wes Bentley, and Karl Urban

Retail: $39.95

ASIN: B01I0RFN38

Running Time: 103 minutes

Rated: PG

Where To Purchase:






Bonus Features includes:

BLU-RAY & DIGITAL HD:
  • Notes to Self: A Director’s Diary – Director David Lowery narrates the personal diary he kept through the filming of “Pete’s Dragon” in this intimate and fascinating look at the movie’s making.
  • Making Magic – Discover fun facts about what went into designing this spectacular, lovable dragon.
  • “Disappearing” Moments – The director shares a montage of the film’s “lost” scenes.
  • Welcome to New Zealand – Experience the wonders of New Zealand and learn why it’s a magical place to visit … and to make a movie.
  • Audio Commentary – Gain an insider perspective from director David Lowery, co-writer Toby Halbrooks and actors Oakes Fegley and Oona Laurence.
  • Music Videos
    • “Nobody Knows” by The Lumineers
    • “Something Wild” by Lindsey Stirling featuring Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness
    • Bloopers
DVD:
  • Making Magic


Monday, November 28, 2016

Holiday Gift Guide: Two Rivers Coffee: Deluxe Single Serve Collection


Two Rivers Coffee: Deluxe Single Serve Collection

by Two Rivers Coffee

Website:


Where to Buy?





Product Description:

Contains an assortment of dark, medium, and light roast coffees, holiday flavored coffees, teas, cappuccinos, and ciders.


Giveaway Details:

Q&A with ClareMarie, author of Into The Shadows





Now available is the paranormal romance Into The Shadows, book one in A Shadows Trilogy by author ClareMarie.




Amazon Paperback   *  Amazon UK Paperback  *  Amazon Kindle   *   Amazon UK Kindle  *   iTunes   *   Nook   *   BN Paperback   *    Kobo   *    Smashwords


 


The author has taken a few minutes out of her busy schedule for a Q&A about her newest novel.


What was your first book/story published?

Into The Shadows.


What inspired you to write Into The Shadows?

I wanted to create an original story and in all the paranormal books I've read the paranormals like werewolves, vampires etc are always in hiding. So I decided to create a world where humans co-existed alongside paranormals and the plot built from there.


What character in Into The Shadows is the most/least like you, and in what ways?

Ava James. I'm like her in appearance on some qualities like long black hair, blue eyes, Ava's piercings and I'm stubborn like Ava too. I'm loyal, loving and caring like she is also.

What is your favorite part in Into The Shadows?

Q&A with Traci Douglass, author of Blood Bound





Now available in paperback and eBook formats from Tule Publishing is Blood Bound, book one in the all-new Blood Ravangers from USA Today Bestselling Author Traci Douglass.



The author has taken a few minutes out of her busy schedule for a Q&A about her newest novel.


When did you become interested in storytelling?

As an only child, it seems like I’ve been a storyteller my whole life. I used to make up stories to entertain myself as a kid, but I never really considered writing them down until November of 2011, when I had a dream that refused to leave me until I got it down on paper.

What was your first book/story published?

Seal of Destiny, 2013.

What inspired you to write Blood Bound?

Honestly, this story was very much a product of what I was seeing happening in the world around me and it was my way of dealing with it. I asked myself, what if there was an alternate universe, one where humans were low man on the totem pole species-wise, but still had these same issues to deal with. Was a happily ever possible under those circumstances, and what would it require the characters to do to get there.

What character in Blood Bound is the most/least like you, and in what ways?

Ha! That’s a great question. Hmm, I’d say Anna is probably most like me. She’s smart, skeptical, and wants to do the right thing. Least like me I would hope would be Basher. He was fun to write, but man, he’s not a nice guy at all.

What is your favorite part in Blood Bound?

Sunday, November 27, 2016

Holiday Gift Guide: Relax & Restore: Whole Food Magnesium


Relax & Restore
Whole Food Magnesium

by Garden of Life

Retail: $22.95 (6.7 oz); $39.95 (13.4 oz)

Where To Purchase:




Product Description:

Dr. Formulated Relax & Restore Whole Food Magnesium powder is a delicious, fizzy drink that will help clam and relax you, leading to a god night's sleep, while restoring your body's optimal magnesium levels.

Saturday, November 26, 2016

Holiday Gift Guide: The Remnant by Monte Wolverton



The Remnant
by Monte Wolverton
Publisher: CWRpress
ISBN: 978-1889973197



Where to purchase?



Book Description:

In the year 2069 the Apocalypse came and went, but Jesus didn't show up, as some expected.

Instead, a cataclysmic war, natural disasters and pandemics eradicated 90 percent of earth's population. Now, in 2131, a totalitarian government rules the world from the majestic, opulent capitol of Carthage, Tunisia. Blamed for igniting the war, religion and religious books are banned. Citizens who will not renounce their religion are sent to work camps.

Grant Cochrin, imprisoned in a bleak petroleum camp in what was once North Dakota, leads his family and friends to escape and embark on a long, dangerous quest for a Christian community. Their resource in this journey? A cherished page torn from the now banished Bible---a remnant of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount handed down from Grant's grandparents.


About the Author:

Monte Wolverton is an award-winning author and syndicated editorial cartoonist. He is associate editor of CWR magazine. He is an ordained minister and holds a MA from Goddard College in Vermont. Along with his wife Kaye, he makes his home in southwest Washington State. 


Friday, November 25, 2016

Reviw - "Collect Lincoln" Coin Kit


Collect Lincoln Coin Kit

by Whitman Publishing

Retail: $29.95

Where To Buy?


 


Product Description: 

616 pieces of Lincoln Cent merchandise.


Billy's Thoughts:  To start off this year's Holiday Gift Guide, I wanted to feature a wonderful gift that would be perfect for a variety of different age groups.

Book Blogger Hop: Nov. 25th - Dec. 1st




Instructions: Select all code above, copy it and paste it inside your blog post as HTML

Welcome to the new Book Blogger Hop!

If you want schedule next week's post, click here to find the next prompt question. To submit a question, fill out this form.

What to do:

1. Post on your blog answering this question:

  This week's question is submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer!

Name one book that you would fight for on Black Friday!

2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below (enter your Blog Name and the direct link to your post answering this week’s question. Failure to do so will result in removal of your link).


3. Visit other blogs in the list and comment on their posts. Try to spend some time on the blogs reading other posts and possible become a new follower.  The purpose of the hop is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.
  

My Answer: 

 To be completely honest with everyone, I'm writing this answer on Sept. 20th, and I'm not currently aware of any big titles coming out around Thanksgiving. I'll just have to wait and see if there are any books on sale on Black Friday.



Linky List:

Q&A with Cynthia H. Wise, author of Eyes of Autumn





Now available from BookLogix is the paranormal novel Eyes of Autumn, book three in The Marcel Experience series by author Cynthia H. Wise.

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The author has taken a few minutes out of her busy schedule for a Q&A about her newest novel.


When did you become interested in storytelling?

I have always enjoyed reading. At some point the idea “I can do this” formed in my mind. This was confirmed during high school in composition class. My teacher accused me of plagiarism. In the end, I received an A++ and she used my work during a teacher’s conference as a representation of her students’ best work. And as I continued writing my stories, I discovered that writing is a gift—a chance to lose yourself in a world of your own creation. It’s also an entertaining avenue for sharing a message, or daring a reader to believe. We’re living in a New Age. It’s time to open our minds and explore the metaphysical world around us.

What was your first book/story published?

Portrait of Rage

What inspired you to write Eyes of Autumn?

Q&A with Terri L. Austin, author of Dispelled



Now available is the urban fantasy Dispelled, book one in the "A Null for Hire" series by author Terri L. Austin.

Cover Artist: www.thedarkrayne.com

Amazon  *  iTunes  *  Kobo  *  Barnes & Noble


The author has taken a few minutes out of her busy schedule for a Q&A about her newest novel. 



When did you become interested in storytelling?

Thanks so much for hosting me today. It’s great to be here!

I’ve always had characters living in my head, which probably sounds a bit unhealthy, but it was like watching a movie that only I could see.

What was your first book/story published?

Diners, Dives and Dead Ends, which is a humorous mystery. I turned it into a series. Revisiting those characters is like going home and meeting up with a group of friends.

What inspired you to write Dispelled?

I wanted to put my own stamp on a paranormal world, add some humor and romance with a mystery thrown in for good measure.

What character in Dispelled is the most/least like you, and in what ways?

Thursday, November 24, 2016

DVD Review - I.T.


Not Rated; 95 mins; $29.96; Walmart

Now available on DVD & Blu-ray from RLJ Entertainment is the thriller I.T. Directed by John Moore (Max Payne), the film stars Pierce Brosnan (The November Man, James Bond Franchise), James Frecheville (The Stanford Prison Experiment, Animal Kingdom), Anna Friel (“Marcella,” “Pushing Daisies”), Stefaine Scott (Insidious: Chapter 3, “A.N.T. Farm”), and Austin Swift (Live by Night).

I.T. centers on an aviator entrepreneur Mike Regan (played by Pierce Brosnan) who plans on launching a new private jet app. After a computer glitch is fixed by a temp I.T. worker, Ed Porter (played by James Frecheville), during a board meeting, Mike invites the young man to his state-of-the-art-"smart home" to help fix a few problems with his security system, and he introduces him to his wife (played by Anna Friel) and daughter, Kaitlyn (played by Stefaine Scott).

Unfortunately, an unthinkable nightmare begins for Mike and his family as Ed becomes obsessed with Kaitlyn.

The film was released to limited theaters and video on-demand back in September of this year.


Bonus Features on the DVD includes:

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Q&A with S.A. Stolinsky, author of Hot Shot





Now available from Fiery Seas Publishing, LLC is the thriller Hot Shot by author S.A. Stolinksy.



The author has taken a few minutes out of her busy schedule for a Q&A about her newest novel.



When did you become interested in storytelling?

From the time I could talk I was always devising little stories to tell my friends and my parents. I finally got a chance to tell all of San Francisco when my story, “The Little Pottery Wheel” was published in the Examiner. I have also been steeped in comedy. I did improve and stand up and usually enjoyed a great time performing. I loved plays and when I became a forensic psychologist, the stories just sprang out. The things people will do without any compunction of other people’s space, trust, or even awareness.

What was your first book/story published?

My first story, “The Little Pottery Wheel” was published by The Examiner newspaper in San Francisco when I was 13. It was a comedy about a Pottery wheel that took on a life of its own during the night when all the other little pottery wheels lay dormant, waiting for their operators to come back in the morning. My teacher, Anee, died of leukemia that year and I imagined she came back to life at night as that pottery wheel.

What inspired you to write HOT SHOT?

I love gambling and I do it for sport. Luckily, I’m not addicted. But one of my friends lost everything he had including his savings and that triggered interest about why someone could get so hooked. My friend lost fifty thousand dollars and then began borrowing from everyone he knew. He owed so much money that law suits sprang up from people he didn’t think he’d even met. During alcohol blackouts, he’d roam the streets late at night to make money and finally put himself in rehab just to get some boundaries. Hot Shot is a tome for him. A hope that he replaces this horrible addiction with love and connection to people.



Tuesday, November 22, 2016

How to Work Conflict Into Your Writing

*This is a sponsored post.


Conflict is the centerpiece of any good writing. Without it, whatever you write would turn out a little boring. In fact, if you think about it, real life is strewn with conflict. Even if it is only minor in the grand scheme of things, conflict is what drives us to get things done and helps us to accomplish some of the biggest goals. By using conflict in the right way in your writing pieces, you will be able to create a story that makes readers want to read it.

Use Real Life as Inspiration

The best ideas often come from your real life. Consider keeping a journal to note conflicts that may come up each day. One great source for some good ideas is work. You can easily find plenty of workplace conflicts that you could base a story around. For example, if you work at a college, like ACU, perhaps the conflict would be something involving trying to secure tenure, or if you work in an office, maybe the conflict is with an annoying co-worker. There are many types of conflicts that can prove to be an inspiration for your writing, even something as simple as an argument with your cat who is refusing to use the litterbox could wind its way into your writing.

Look at Hypotheticals

Maybe you can’t find the right conflict in your own life. However, chances are that there have been times when you avoided conflict or managed to side step it. Try asking yourself what would have happened if you hadn’t been able to escape the conflict. How would things have played out? What results could have occurred? Asking “what if” is a great way to spark some ideas that can really get your creative gears moving.

Q&A with Aubrie L. Nixon, author Darkness Whispers





Now available is the fantasy novel Darkness Whispers, book one in The Darkness Trilogy by author Aubrie L. Nixon.



The author has taken a few minutes out of her busy schedule for a Q&A about her newest novel.


When did you first become interested in storytelling?

I am a really good liar. I always have been. I always made up stories and adventures that I had been on. I even had this whole story where Daniel Radcliffe ( Harry Potter) was my cousin, and I used to handwrite letters from him and show them to everyone in my fourth grade class. The teacher finally called my parents to ask if it was true. I figured I should use my story telling talents and put them to good use.

What was your first book/story published?

Darkness Whispers is my debut novel. It was released November 2, 2016. It is the first book in a planned trilogy, along with one, maybe two accompanying novellas.

What inspired you to write Darkness Whispers?

In November of 2015 I went to my first author event to meet Leigh Bardugo. She looked me dead in the eyes and told me that I looked like a writer. I had always enjoyed storytelling and wanted to write books. But, I had never actually thought about doing it seriously. That night, I went home and started on a story i had been playing in my head for years. Thus came Darkness Whispers.

Q&A with Melissa Kate, author of Love In The Fast Lane





Now available from Fiery Seas Publishing, LLC is the contemporary romance Love In The Fast Lane by author Melissa Kate.





The author has taken a few minutes out of her busy schedule for a Q&A about her newest novel.



When did you become interested in storytelling?

I’ve always loved a good story. From as young as fourteen years old, I’ve put pen to paper to give outlet to the voices in my head.

What was your first book/story published?

Waiting for You

The blurb reads: Audrey Kelly finds her way back home to Crystal Valley with her bruised pride and a shattered dangerous past mocking her rear view mirror. What she didn’t expect was to be face-to-face with Adam Parker, resident bad boy, sexy Navy SEAL and one of the reasons that Audrey ran all those years ago.

Audrey was the last person Adam had ever expected to see back in Crystal Valley. Over a decade ago, they shared a sizzling night together before he received the worst news of his life and he hasn’t seen her since…until she’d moved back unexpectedly. She was no longer the sweet innocent girl he once remembered, but Adam has his own problems without having to deal with Audrey’s ice princess recital, no matter how tempting the auburn haired seductress may be.

Sparks begin to ignite between them but can they accept Audrey’s past when it threatens to engage them in a dangerous twist? Can they save each other from themselves and stop running once and for all?

What inspired you to write Love In The Fast Lane?

Two things actually. My husband – he’s an absolute grease monkey and adores all things engines and torque and speed and blah blah blah. I usually switch off when he’s trying to give me a mechanics lesson (Sssh don’t tell him). But I find a man who can handle…. Ehem…. His heavy machinery, to be quite sexy. And then you add a gorgeous little boy into the mix, and voila, the story blossomed. Children are funny, they really say the funniest things and I think that translates well into a story.


Friday, November 18, 2016

Book Blogger Hop: Nov. 18th - 24th




Instructions: Select all code above, copy it and paste it inside your blog post as HTML

Welcome to the new Book Blogger Hop!

If you want schedule next week's post, click here to find the next prompt question. To submit a question, fill out this form.

What to do:

1. Post on your blog answering this question:

  This week's question is submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer!

Would you take a book with you when you go to your family's Thanksgiving gathering/dinner?

2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below (enter your Blog Name and the direct link to your post answering this week’s question. Failure to do so will result in removal of your link).


3. Visit other blogs in the list and comment on their posts. Try to spend some time on the blogs reading other posts and possible become a new follower.  The purpose of the hop is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.
  

My Answer: 

 I did when I was a teenager. It was a way for me to ignore a few cousins that I didn't want to be around. Nowadays, I don't read on Thanksgiving.



Linky List:

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Product Review: Super Mass Gainer: Chocolate Cake Batter


It seems protein mixes and shakes are becoming more and more popular, even in a small Midwest town. On countless occasions, I have seen men and women with big containers of protein mixes in their shopping carts.

Anyhow, in early October I was sent a 12 lbs bag of Super Mass Gainer: Chocolate Cake Batter from DYMATIZE Nutrition. The 12 lb bag retails for $51.44 on Amazon.com. It's also available in 6 lb bags, and a several different flavors (chocolate mint, cookie & cream, rich chocolate, sugar cookie, vanilla, gourmet vanilla, and strawberry.).

Each serving (2 heaping scoops) contains 1,900 calories, 83 grams of protein, 17 grams of BCAAs, and 7.7 grams of Leucine. You can either mix it with 24 to 32 ounces of water or milk.

It's basically meant to be a meal replacement, but you can decrease the serving amount to one scoop if the 1,900 calories are too much for you.


Q&A with Janine McCaw‏, author of Nightmare On Jacey Street





Now available from Supernatural Central is the paranormal fantasy Nightmare On Jacey Street, book two in the Helens of Troy series from author Janine McCaw.

Cover Artist: Tom McCaw
Amazon  *  Chapters  *  Barnes & Noble

Tour Giveaway
Free eBook copies of Helens-of-Troy (Book One) at: www.janinemccaw.com
 

The author has taken a few minutes out of her busy schedule for a Q&A about her newest novel.



When did you become interested in storytelling?

It started with long conversations with my Barbie’s and progressed from there.

What was your first book/story published?

My first book was in a completely different genre. It’s called OLIVIA’S MINE and it’s historical fiction, based on true events that happened at Britannia Beach, British Columbia circa 1901. Enough mining disasters to make the BeeGees cry.

What inspired you to write NIGHTMARE ON JACEY STREET?

Nightmare on Jacey Street is the second book in the HELENS-OF-TROY series. In the first book, we learned it is not okay to love a vampire. In this book, we learn it’s never good when the dead are at your door.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Fall Reads: The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year



Abingdon Press; 188 pages; $16.99; Buy Link; Blog Tour

The holiday is sneaking up quickly upon us this year. Thanksgiving (or now known as Black Thursday) is just over a week away, and there is no better time than the present to start your Christmas shopping.

Now available from from Abingdon Press is the Christmas advent book "The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" written by Ace Collins.

It's basically a 25 day countdown (Dec. 1st - 25th) till Christmas Day. Each chapter/day begins with a Bible scripture and a short essay or story inspired by the scripture. Then there is section featuring lyrics to a Gospel song. Lastly, there is either a recipe for holiday treats or instructions to craft a homemade gift.



Final Thoughts: This a cute (under 200 pages) devotional that is also a Christmas advent to read around Christmastime. The author has done an excellent job creating a simple, but beautiful little book. The devotional part of each day is written really well, and it never felt "preachy" in anyway. The very first devotional mentions my favorite Christmas movie, "It's A Wonderful Life." While I can't carry a tune, I did enjoy reading the about the different Gospel songs/lyrics. My favorite part of each day is the recipes and gift instructions.

Overall, I enjoyed reading The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year and I recommend it to others.



*I received complimentary copy from the publisher for my honest review and they are 100% my own opinions. I received no other compensation for this review and I am not required to give a positive review. I am also not associated with the publisher or author in any way.




Collins1



About the Author: Ace Collins defines himself as a storyteller. He has authored more than sixty books that have sold more than 2.5 million copies. His catalog includes novels, biographies, children's works as well as books on history, culture and faith. He has also been the featured speaker at the National Archives Distinguished Lecture Series, hosted a network television special and does college basketball play-by-play. Ace lives in Arkansas.


Learn more about the author at: acecollins.com


You can follow the author on Facebook and Twitter.