Tim Burton's Dark Shadows & Fridays with Fred

I have to apologize for this week for no posts.  Between renovating, house guests, internet connections and last but not least computer issues, I couldn't pull it together.  Thankfully my computer issue will be resolved later today since I had to order a part.  Anyway, here's a post I've been wanted to do for sometime.  Luckily, the movie trailer released yesterday for the goth classic, Dark Shadows. 

From the original to the updated version, what can we look forward to in the coming months with Tim Burton's remake of the unearthly soap classic, Dark Shadows.  At first, all we had to go on were images alone.  For those that have never seen the episodes of the original click here.  Additionally, there was a TV movie remake in the 80's - which I posted last year here.

About the original story from Wikipedia
The beginning of the show introduces Victoria Winters (Alexandra Moltke) and the members of the Collins family, who reside on top of Widows’ Hill in a house called Collinwood in Collinsport, Maine. Victoria was orphaned, and she came to Collinwood in order to find out more about her eerie past. David Collins (David Henesy) would constantly tell Victoria of the ghosts he saw. Victoria also encountered the ghost of Josette Collins (Kathryn Leigh Scott) when she was looking through the closed-off west wing of Collinwood... (To read more visit Wikipedia)

Yesterday Warner Brothers released the website for the movie: http://www.darkshadowsmovie.com and...Apple has officially posted the trailer here if you're interested - http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/wb/darkshadows/

I wanted to post the clip here too since I'm such a fan of Burton.  So...what do you think?

And of course here is Fred...under the bed.

 

Remember to stop by and visit Schatze over at Mary’s BookHounds too.

Have a great weekend.

Mina B.

2nd Campaign Challenge & Fridays with Fred

First up, today is the last day to post the 2nd Campaign Challenge. I chose Prompt 1, added in a brief poem and wrote in a different genre. I don’t normally this YA Dystopian, but if I did…it might be a little like this.

The Nether's Son


The Rising’s madness descended upon us like a frenzied spirit. Nightly winds carried bomb reverberations and smoke streaks across the blackened sky. The ear-piercing cries eventually ceased, but death’s stench lingered. 

Liam and I found sanctuary under the ruins of Hye's Bridge. We hid there, waiting for the Bellor’s Vars to finish attacking Dridle, our home.

Home. It was gone now.

I read the scribe aloud.

Unite all that is left one by one
Forging on behalf of the Nether’s son
Spirits will guide thee past the iron hand
For the son must conquer the forbidden land

“What’s it mean?” I asked.

“Don’t know.” Liam lied, but I forgave him.  It’s not every day one learns their destiny.

Liam’s efficiently dressed my leg wound again. With the Bellor’s airborne venom, precautions were necessary. Liam sat beside me, his hair slick from crossing the dead infested river. We barely made it. 

“Vars won’t come,” Liam said. He was right. Thank the Nethers. I shivered recalling those gangly creatures–products of the Bellors, like me. Liam gripped my hand, worry marred his angelic face. Was he always like this? Yes. But to me, he was breathtaking.

And as far as destinies go, he was mine.

The End.


That's it.  I'm #94!  It's been a trying week so I hope the darn thing make sense.  Critique if you want.  Thanks for stopping by.


Friday's with Fred

I've almost never captured Fred yawning like this. But what do you know...there he goes!

Remember to stop by and visit Schatze over at Mary’s BookHounds too.

Have a great weekend.

Mina B.

ARC Review: A Human Element by Donna Galanti

Today I’m reviewing Donna Galanti's upcoming debut novel, A HUMAN ELEMENT.  Donna must have picked up on my weakness for Dean Koontz, because A HUMAN ELEMENT echoes the bestselling author in terms of creativity, the supernatural and overall dark allure. Add in a little paranormal romance and you've got one delicious literary paranormal mashup.

A HUMAN ELEMENT starts off with a bang, literally.  To the world, a meteorite has crashed near Coopersville's lake located in a remote region in New York state. To a secret government operative, something else crashed near that lakefront…something out of this world.  At the time Ben Fieldstone was only nine and lost everything in the destruction, including his parents.  From that moment on, his life changed miserably as he was then forced into the foster system.  Ben lived under deplorable conditions, always having to watch his back. With a life like that, no wonder he chose a solitary existence for the bulk of his life.  The crash not only caused devastation, it sparked life in a form of beautiful woman name Laura Armstrong.  Born out of desperation, she was adopted and lived a semi-normal, peaceful life with her family and neighbors near the crash site.  Laura is truly a remarkable heroine.  She represents happiness, love, forgiveness and above all hope.  But with her existence, lurks a dark presence; one that haunts her and eventually kills those that she loves.

With the government’s debauching schemes and a strange man in black always watching, does Laura have what it takes to battle the darkness, uncover the truth and save the ones that she loves, including Ben?  What type of a future can two misfits like Ben and Laura have together?  Are they only connected by the crash site or is there more?  Um…I’m not tell’n ya! You’ll just have to get A HUMAN ELEMENT and find out.  And boy let me tell you it is goooood!

Dark is coming my friends and it’s called  A HUMAN ELEMENT. This book peaked my interest from the start.  If you love adult sci-fi/supernatural novels (like a Koontz), but you’re looking for more romance...this is your book.  On my RIP meter, Donna Galanti's  A HUMAN ELEMENT is a 4.  The book releases March 15.  Visit Donna's website for more details.

Mina B.

Fridays with Fred: Alex J. Cavanaugh's CassaFire

There's a book tour going on and Fred and I are represent'n.  Alex J. Cavanaugh's 2nd book, CassaFire is out now! Woot!  It released this past Tuesday and fans are psyched and have waited patiently since Book 1, CassaStar (which happens to be an Amazon Bestseller.)  Pretty awesome, huh?

Anyway, we're want to make sure we spread the word.  Here's a quick rundown of Alex Cavanaugh's CassaFire:

CassaStar was only the beginning…

The Vindicarn War is a distant memory and Byron’s days of piloting Cosbolt fighters are over. He has kept the promise he made to his fallen mentor and friend - to probe space on an exploration vessel. Shuttle work is dull, but it’s a free and solitary existence. The senior officer is content with his life aboard the Rennather.

The detection of alien ruins sends the exploration ship to the distant planet of Tgren. If their scientists can decipher the language, they can unlock the secrets of this device. Is it a key to the Tgren's civilization or a weapon of unimaginable power? Tensions mount as their new allies are suspicious of the Cassan's technology and strange mental abilities.

To complicate matters, the Tgrens are showing signs of mental powers themselves, the strongest of which belongs to a pilot named Athee, a woman whose skills rival Byron’s unique abilities. Forced to train her mind and further develop her flying aptitude, he finds his patience strained. Add a reluctant friendship with a young scientist, and he feels invaded on every level. All Byron wanted was his privacy… 

*** 
Sounds good, huh? I know.  Calm down.  You can get your copy of Book 1, CassaStar via Amazon here and then of course Book 2, CassaFire via Amazon here.  Or check it out via GoodReads here.


Congrats to Alex for all his hard work and success!

Looking for another classic pix of Fred? Check out Fred's "Wanted" Poster. Remember to stop by and visit Schatze over at Mary’s BookHounds too.

Have a great weekend.

Mina B.

Mayan Calendar: End of Days?

I can’t believe March is almost here. I’m a little perplexed how the last two months flew by, and now we have ten months left in the 2012 year–less if you consider the Mayan end of the world prophecy/calendar. Not a lite topic for some folks, I assure you. 

Ever wonder what that prophecy really means? In short, it’s centered on the Mayan Calendar and hinges on a shift in the world as the way we know it. Does that mean complete Armageddon or does it mean a flood of devastation that hits our lives, and threatens the world and how we live it? ABC news did a take not too long ago on the subject. If you get a chance, read it here.  Also, check out another interesting blog called "end of the world 2012."

Personally, I don’t put too much stock in prophecies, except when I’m writing them. (HeHe) I think the changes that have transpired over the last 100+ years have been awe-inspiring, meriting life-changing circumstances that rival any prophecy. Just calculate the advances in technology, medical, social etc…,I can go on and on, but you get the point.

The first book I wrote had a Mayan tie to it, and I did a good amount of research, even as far as reading the Mayan’s Book of Creation, Popol Vuh. That’s a tricky one there because technically it’s been transcribed and logically one would want to question its interpretation.  Despite not being an expert, I thought the author and translator, Dennis Tedlock, a professor of English and Anthropology at the State University of New York at Buffalo, did a heck of a job. I never took the text too literal, but as a writer, I found aspects of the Mayan story fascinating. 
 
With all the hub bub, what I’m really curious about it what you believe? Do you believe life will change irrevocably at the end of the year? Will it be like a post Apacolytic world like The Hunger Games, Jericho or even The Walking Dead? LOL. No seriously, though…what do you think?


Mina B.

Fridays with Fred & Tag Stuff

The weather is so beautiful lately; I got this magical shot of Fred.  He’s enjoying the outdoors too, frolicking around with his happy face.  Anyway, I thought I’d share.

On another note, this week I was tagged by some of my fellow campaigners. I’ll do my best to get all the questions.  I chose different questions from the three friends that tagged me. 

Carrie Anne Brownian, Traci Kenworth , and KS Collier.

- What is your dream car? karmann ghia – hot pink too! (I know…I know. But I’m one of those girls that actually loves the color pink. My daughter is rubbing off on me.) 

- What is your favorite flavor of jelly? Boysenberry, the kind my Grandma used to make. YUM!

- Do you prefer the countryside or the city? I can take either. 

- What is your favorite amusement park ride? Any roller coaster, baby! 

- What genre is your current WIP? Mystic Deeds and frankly it’s kick’n my a**.

- Do you have someone in your live who keeps you on track with your stories? NO! There’s my problem!

- What are your favorite sweets? Chocolate covered pretzels

- How often do I write? Not often enough.

- Do you write by outlining first, or by the seat of your pants? Both. Usually by the seat of my pants. When I get blocked, I go back and write an outline.

- What is your favorite author? I have so many, I’ll have to stick with the ones that led me to the here and now: Dean Koontz and Jane Austen. I used to be embarrassed to tell people that, because when I did, people looked at me strange. It made perfect sense to me and still does...

- What is your all-time favorite characters? Jennifer Ashley’s Lord Ian Mackenzie. He’s dark, disturbed and wears a kilt. Need I say more? 

And now it's my turn!  I've tagged the following people.  Ty Shaun, Clarike Bowman-Jahn, Sara Flower, Stephanie, Lauren Waters, Mark Murata, Chris K. Empty White Pages, Gilliad Stern.  

Remember to rules: Answer the questions and then go around and tag others.  Here are my 11 questions:

- Where do you find inspiration?

- What’s your favorite TV show?

- What are you reading now?

- What’s your favorite recipe?

- I do a segment on my blog called Creepy Classics.  What’s your favorite Creepy Classic and why?

- Are you a Twilight fan or do you think it’s overrated?

- What’s your favorite children’s book? 

- Are you a half empty or half full person? 

- Tell us something not many people know about you?

- What’s your best writing tip?

- What’s your current work in progress?

Have a great weekend!

Mina B.

ARC Review: Jessica Therrien’s Oppression

I just finished Jessica Therrien’s debut novel, Oppression. Wow, what a unique and fantastic YA tale.  I'm not usually a fan of Greek mythology, but this book was so well done, I was completely smitten and can’t wait for Book 2.  I’ll do my best not to mention too many spoilers, but if I do…sorry.

Elyse is an 89 year old woman who ages slowly thanks to her gene pool and looks like she's 18.  She's not human; she’s actually a descendant of gods, specifically Asclepius, known as the God of healing.  Elyse knows none of this, of course, since her parents hid her from the other descendants in order to protect her.  It was a decent plan until they died, leaving Elyse to spend the majority of her life alone. 


Since she never knew who or what she was, living among humans was always a challenge, especially due to her youthful appearance.  Throughout a lifetime, she found solace among a few humans that she loves dearly.  As she makes yet another move to a new area, this time San Francisco, she meets a young, handsome and mysterious man, William.  From the moment, William was introduced, I liked him.  And as more of his story unfolded, I grew to adore him. The two of them together are wonderfully matched. Like Elyse, William is a descendant—from the bloodline of Aphrodite, the Goddess of love.  Does that sound delicious or what?  It is...trust me.

As William introduces Elyse into the local descendant community, Elyse learns about her parent's past and also her untold future.  As a child of Asclepius, she is the last healer and is considered the new mother.  And her future and ability are tied to a prophecy that may just set her oppressed people free.  Each child of the gods carries their own unique power, but naturally, there are those that are far superior than others, namely The Council.  This band of select few govern the descendants, using methods that are cruel and deadly not just for descendants but for mankind.  Everything seems great until Elyse's human family is threatened.  And prophecy or not, Elyse will have to make a choice that could kill her.

This book was a page turner that I thoroughly enjoyed. Oppression has a dark yet seductive undertone of Greek mythology that is cool and enticing.  There were hints of Shakespeare weaved throughout the tale, including the ending that left me spellbound.  Although book one had a general ending, it left me with the understanding that this series is far from over.  In fact, it's only the beginning.  Bring it on Book 2.  Oppression was a 4 for me and releases February 28th.   You can pre-order it via Amazon or Barnes and Noble.  In the meantime, add it to your GoodReads list.  

Mina B.