Wednesday, February 4, 2015

3 Simple Tips to Eliminate Distractions while Writing


As writers, it is our job to think. But in the age of distraction, finding the ability to focus is becoming a lost art.

I have worked as a writer for home for seven years. During that time, I’ve found a few tips and tricks that help me focus, eliminate distractions, and become a better writer.

Make Time to Think

As a writer, a lot of my job is in my head. I have to have periods of quiet reflection to plot out my words. My writing is 1,000 times better when I have had time to reflect and think about what I want to say.

I do a lot of thinking at night after the children go to bed. This planning time enables me to clarify what I need to do for the next day.

Disconnect

The Internet is amazing, but it is also the Queen of distractions. I don’t use these, but I’ve seen some pretty cool apps that you can download that will actually prevent you from accessing the Internet during certain periods.

I have to have online access for research, but I try to avoid time suckers like social media and e-mail during my writing time.

Don’t Skip Meals

You know what causes distractions from writing? Hunger.

Not only does your brain not function as well without food, but if you are hungry, you’ll be thinking about how you want a sandwich, not about your work.

I often have trouble with this one, because when I get into the zone, I want to keep going until I finish. However, if I equip myself with food in advance (and sometimes snacks while I’m working), then I won’t lose focus due to hunger.


Want more tips on how to stay focused while writing? Comecheck out my companion post at Daily Mayo!

Brenda is a fellow book-lover and coffee-addict. She is a freelance writer, punctuation nerd, and grammar enthusiast. Her favorite book genres are Science Fiction, Fantasy with a Twist, and Dystopian. Brenda blogs about books, writing and more at Daily Mayo. Find her here on CaW for Writing Tips Wednesdays the first Wednesday of every month.

Follow Brenda on Facebook and Twitter or subscribe to updates from Daily Mayo to keep up with all the exciting things in her life; ranging from drinking coffee to get through the day to drinking coffee just for fun.

Petoyo™ Birds Flying Feather Cat Teaser Toy Review


I have been a cat lover all my life. I was given a male cat, Snuggles, when I was in the first grade and he lived for 14 years. I never thought I would own a cat until I took in a female calico cat, Gaby, on December 26, 2007 and in 2009 I took in a stray Tabby cat, Fred. Sadly, Fred passed away last summer.

Now, I just have Gaby, who is an older cat (I don't know her exact age). She's not a very playful kitty, but she does love any toys with catnip and she likes to the chase the laser lights.

This afternoon I received the Petoyo™ Birds Flying Feather Cat Teaser Toy in an oversize box from Amazon.com. I picked the "natural" toy that has feathers and a small bell that are attached to a fishing swivel. The swivel is attached to a black cord and the cord is attached to a 20-inch rod (flexible plastic). You are suppose to wave the cord back and forth in the attempt to recreate the movement of a bird. Though domestic cats are pretty tame, they are still felines, so deep down they still have hunter instincts in them, so this toy should get their attention.

"What Is This?"
Gabby inspecting her new toy!

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

DVD Review - Man Of The House

Man Of The House
Director: Stephen Herek
Starring: Tommy Lee Jones
Studio: Mill Creek Entertainment
Release Date: February 3, 2015
Retail: $9.98
ASIN: B00QMWEIVC
Running Time: 100 minutes
Rating: PG-13
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Being re-released to DVD today from Mill Creek Entertainment is the 2005 comedy Man Of The House. The film was directed by Stephen Herek and stars Tommy Lee Jones. There are no special features or extras on the single-disc DVD.

Man Of The House centers on a group of college cheerleaders, Heather (played by Vanessa Ferlito), Evie (played by Monica Keena), Barb (played by Kelli Garner), Anne (played by Christina Milian) and Teresa (played by Paula Garcés), whom witness a murder. The girls are brought to the local police station to take their statements, but the all have different descriptions of the shooter. With no other choice, Texas Ranger Roland Sharp (played by Tommy Lee Jones) is assigned to watch over the cheerleaders just in case the murderer attempts to harm them.

Of course Ranger Sharp doesn't get along with the five young woman, especially since he is living with them. All the girls want to do is party and prepare theor cheerleading skills for the next home-game, but all Ranger Sharp wants them to do is to stay in their house. This way it is easier for him to protect them. He wasn't planning on the cheerleaders trying to rebel against, attempting to steal his pizza, wearing clothes around the house that shows way too much skin and interfering with his relationship with his estranged daughter  Emma (played by Shannon Marie Woodward). The cheerleaders even try to help him on his date with the English teacher, Molly (played by Anne Archer.

While Ranger Sharp is being distracted by trying to protect the cheerleaders, the murderer is getting closer and closer to finding their location.

Review - The Dandelion Field


The Dandelion Field
by Kathryn Springer
Publisher: Zondervan
Pub. Date: January 27, 2015
ISBN: 978-0310339632
Pages: 352
Buy Link: http://bit.ly/1yGTVen
Blog Tour: http://litfusegroup.com/author/kspringer

Review:

I don't read very many contemporary novels as I prefer historical settings, though I do from time to time find myself reading one. It could be because I recognized the title's author or the cover art dazzled me or I liked the blurb on the back cover. Or in the case of The Dandelion Field, I just liked the title, so I took a chance and signed up to review it.

The Dandelion Field centers on a single mother, Ginevieve Lightly, who decides to stay in Banister Falls, Wisconsin with her daughter Raine when her car breaks down, well, until her daughter graduates high school. She has high hopes for her daughter's future that is until she learns that Raine is pregnant and her pans on leaving the town at the end of school year comes to a halt.

Dan Moretti has grown up in Banister Falls and has been working as a firefighter. A few years back his friend was killed in a fire and ever since then he has been looking after his friend's wife, Evie, and his son, Cody. He has raised Cody to be a good person, but Dan is shell-shocked when Cody and his girlfriend Raine announce that they are going to parents.

Release Day Tuesday - February 3, 2015


If you would like to have a book, DVD or Blu-ray featured on a Release Day Tuesday post, please email me at billyburgess20@hotmail.com!

Tales from Earthsea
Studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment

An epic animated adventure directed by Goro Miyazaki, “Tales From Earthsea” features the voices of Timothy Dalton, Willem Dafoe, Cheech Marin and Mariska Hargitay. Based on the classic “Earthsea” fantasy book series by Ursula K. Le Guin, “Tales From Earthsea” is set in a mythical world filled with magic and bewitchment. In the land of Earthsea, crops are dwindling, dragons have reappeared and humanity is giving way to chaos. Journey with Lord Archmage Sparrowhawk, a master wizard, and Arren, a troubled young prince, on a tale of redemption and self-discovery as they search for the force behind the mysterious imbalance that threatens to destroy their world. Featuring a timeless story and magnificent hand-drawn animation, “Tales From Earthsea” is now available for the first time ever on Disney Blu-ray.

Porco Rosso
Studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment

Take flight with “Porco Rosso,” a valiant World War I flying ace! From tropical Adriatic settings to dazzling aerial maneuvers, this action-adventure from world-renowned animator Hayao Miyazaki is full of humor, courage and chivalry. When “Porco”—whose face has been trans- formed into that of a pig by a mysterious spell—infuriates a band of sky pirates with his aerial heroics, the pirates hire Curtis, a rival pilot, to get rid of him. On the ground, the two pilots compete for the affections of the beautiful Gina. But it’s in the air where the true battles are waged. Will our hero be victorious? For the first time ever on Disney Blu-ray, “Porco Rosso” is a thrilling ride you’ll never forget!


Pom Poko
Studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment

Studio Ghibli presents a film about the clash between modern civilization and the natural world from acclaimed director Isao Takahata. The raccoons of the Tama Hills are being forced from their homes by the rapid development of houses and shopping malls. As it becomes harder to find food and shelter, they decide to band together and fight back. The raccoons practice and perfect the ancient art of transformation until they are even able to appear as humans. In often hilarious ways, the raccoons use their powers to try to scare off the advance of civilization. But will it be enough? Or will the raccoons learn how to live in balance with the modern world? Celebrate the magic of the forest and the beauty of the creatures who live among us in “Pom Poko”—now on Disney Blu-ray for the first time ever.

Sunday, February 1, 2015

Review - The Case of the Jewel Covered Cat Statues


The Case of the Jewel Covered Cat Statues
A Buckley and Bogey Cat Detective Caper
by Cindy Vincent
Publisher: Mysteries by Vincent, LLC
Pub. Date: September 24, 2014
ISBN: 978-1932169287
Pages: 250
Buy Link: http://amzn.to/1xrwgJb
Blog Tour: http://litfusegroup.com/author/cvincent

Review:

About fourteen-years-ago, I stumbled up on a few Cat Who books by Lilian Jackson Braun and I quickly fell in love with the series. I purchased the other books in the series on eBay and I bought every new book up until the series sudden end because of the author's death in 2011. Similar to the Cat Who series is A Buckley and Bogey Cat Detective Caper series, but with a slight difference; instead of the books being in the point-of-view of the human owner, this series is from the point-of-view of the cats.

The Case of the Jewel Covered Cats Statues finds the detective duo, Buckley and Bogey, investigating their biggest mystery. It all starts when someone breaks into their human mom's antique store and leaves a mysterious package. Of course Buckley and Bogey take the package with them in  attempt to give it back to the original owner, but it is not as easy as it sounds as many people show up wanting it.

All of this may have something to do with the little fact that a priceless jeweled statue collection is on display at the St. Gertrude Museum. Two of the statues disappeared over 150 years ago, which is another mystery the cat duo would like to solve.

Blu-ray Review - Pom Poko


Pom Poko
Director: Isao Takahata
Voice Cast: Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Clancy Brown, J.K. Simmons, Tress MacNeille, Kevin Michael Richardson
Studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
Release Date: February 3, 2015
Retail: $35.99
ASIN: B00PYAE2IM
Running Time: 119
Rating: PG
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Arriving on Blu-ray for the first time in the United States is the 1994 Japanese anime Pom Poko. The film is directed by Isao Takahata and features the American voice cast of Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Clancy Brown, J.K. Simmons, Tress MacNeille and Kevin Michael Richardson. Bonus Features include the Original Japanese Storyboards and the Original Japanese Trailers.

Pom Poko takes on the Japanese folklore - the tanuki, intelligent raccoon dogs that can transform into any almost anything imaginable. The film begins in 1960, a time when the raccoons are living in an area called the Tama Hills, but their land is being destroyed by the development of houses and shopping malls. The raccoons find it harder and harder to find food and shelter, so they decide to adapt to their changing environment. 

By the time the raccoons enter the 1990s, they have perfected the art of transformation, so they can appear as humans. Their original attempt was to scare off the humans, but they will eventually learn how to balance their lives with the modern world.