TV Review: Nashville

Around the House
I am nearing the end of my vacation and I didn't accomplish everything I hoped to do during this time off.  I have not gotten any writing done.  I am feeling a little disconnected from it at the moment.  I need to finish this last edit of Pandora's Last Breath and Part 3 of  For the Love of Brimstone.  It doesn't help that I am in the middle of two other books right now.  I am just feeling separated.  I could use a little support from you guys out there.  So let me know what you all think!

My Thoughts
At the Bar last night Lady B. brought up that she started watching Nashville and really loved it.  I have been watching the previews for it on TV (since I am an ABC addict) so I decided today to see if it was on demand.  It is, so I started watching it.  I have to say I was excited by it.  I was worried it was going to be campy like GCB, but instead it is deep, heartfelt, and fun.  The story line is strong and great.  This is a show I can see going for many years.  So my luck is that I am going to completely fall in love with it and it will end up getting cancelled like every other show I love.

I enjoy the dynamic of watching a new up and coming star and a struggling star trying to regain her footing in the world.  Rayne, is a dynamic and fun character that has a sordid history that is coming back to bite her in the ass.  Her husband has a dark secret the threatens to destroy their family.  And her father is a dark individual that is always trying to get his way in the method possible to help but really he hurts.

Rating: 4/5

Movie Review: Madea's Witness Protection

Around the House
Well I am in the process of working on the next installment of the Preludes of Illumination Series, Finishing Part 3 of Brimstone, and starting vol.3 of the Preludes Series.  Wow that makes me sound really busy doesn't it.  I always wondered how authors like Meg Cabot, Rick Riordan, and Kelley Armstrong could turn out books so damn fast.  I see how they have no lives.  Otherwise, not to much is going on around the house.  I am getting ready for my vacation which starts on the fourth of July.  I am looking forward to spending some time with family.  The next installment of Brimstone will be hitting shelves at that point to help with the fun summer reading schedule.  My work outs are still going well.  I am not hitting the gym 6 days a week like I want to, but I am making progress with keeping up on them.  I am averaging 4 days a week right now.

My Thoughts
Tyler Perry's Madea movies are not known for great plots, but they are known for fun romps.  We return to Madea's house, her nephew Brian, and her crazy brother Joe who are about to take on a rich family that have gotten themselves in trouble with the Law and the Mob.  While the character of Madea is never the point character of any of her movies she is always the comedy that keeps you falling out of your seat.  Tyler Perry did not disappoint with the non-stop laughs, push at family values type morals, and a fun fast paced movie.

Now looking at the actual plot of the movie, their of course were some holes.  Okay, a few mile wide ones, but that isn't why we watch the movies.  There are also plot points that are mentioned that never come into existence.  What happened to the Ex Wife? Is that really Joe's kid? Did the family find happiness in their new life?  All things I would have loves to see.  As expected though Madea was a fun, heart warming movie that doesn't require you to follow the whole lineage, but is great if you do!

Rating: 4/5

Body for Life Week 11

Around the House
This has already been a crazy week for me.  The new book has hit newsstand as a ebook first.  We are trying this out to see what this does before the paperback is released.  Also, we are doing a great promotion on Amazon.com for Free Book Fridays.  Every other Friday my new book will be done.  I am looking to buy a house this year; my first house.  It is a long and daunting experience, I came to realize yesterday that I am running low on time.  Now by the end of the week I need to get a couple things cleaned up to get ready for this process.  I so can't believe that it is already June.  Work is getting busy, so that means I am juggling six projects right now with extended hours.  Wish me luck!

My Thoughts
I think I have finally gotten my eating right.  It has taken long enough to figure this out.  I am actually seeing the weight start to move off which is great, but I am afraid it is a little to late.  I have also come to realize that I need to fix my sleep schedule.  I have completely screwed it.  6 hours a night is not enough for me.  I need to get back on an 8 hour schedule.  I find on my days off I am so wiped out that I don't have the energy to work.  Also, I am not seeing the muscle growth that I wanted, but with the layer of fat on me that might be the problem.  So let's look at the numbers.

Week 11 Ending- The Numbers: Almost Done

	Start	Week 9	Change
Weight	235.6	225.0	-10.6
BMI	32.7%	30%	-2.7%
Hips	44 in	42 in	-2.0 in
Waist	42.5 in	41 in	-1.5 in
Midsection	47 in	41.5 in	-5.5 in
Chest	46 in	43.5 in	-2.5 in
Arm (R)	14 in	13.5 in	-0.5 in
Arm (L)	14 in	13.5 in	-0.5 in
Neck	17in	15.5 in	-1.5 in
Pants	36	33	- 2

Total change in inches: 14  HOLY COW!  Okay so I now feel a lot better about pictures next week. Especially since this is only challenge one!

Body for Life Week 6: Half Way Point

Around the House
Oh what to say this week.  I am never to sure what to say about what is going on in my life.  I actually pulled a muscle in my butt yesterday when I was showing my staff what a handspring was.  I didn't mean to flip over, but with the changes in my body I almost flipped over.  It is also great that I can't wait for my final read through to be done while I look for any mistakes.  I am actually looking forward to having Hunted finally on the shelves.  It has been too long a process.  This process has actually inspired a ton of short stories, a novella I am writing, two completed books, and the start of two others.  I need to begin to move forward.  For those of you who don't know the book after that is scheduled for the end of the year which is the Preludes of Illumination vol.2: Pandora's Gateway and then off to finish book 3 The Merchant of Death.  After both those projects are done I will be focusing on the follow up to Hunted.  God, I sound really busy.  If I kept a more strict schedule I would have all of this done by the end of the year... LOL.

My Thoughts
Okay, so it is obvious my eating habits are not where they should be.  I am not dropping weight fast enough.  I so want my gut to be gone.  I have to head to the grocery store tonight to get more bananas and hummus, and veggies for roasting.  I am so working on my eating.  Now if I can just kick the pop and the smoking everything would be better.  I think I should go more low carb, but fried pita with hummus grilled cheeses are so yummy.  Especially when you did them like pizza bites.  I know I am also only half way through the program, but my arms and chest are not where I want them either.  I want a nice hard body with great arms and pecs.  Come on summer is almost here and it would be nice to go around shirtless his summer.  Well, off to the numbers:

Week 6 Ending- The Numbers: Not My Best Week

	Start	Week 6	Change
Weight	235.6	229.8	-5.8
BMI	32.7%	31%	-1.7%
Hips	44 in	44 in	0.0 in
Waist	42.5 in	42 in	-0.5 in
Midsection	47 in	43.5 in	-3.5 in
Chest	46 in	45 in	-1.0 in
Arm (R)	14 in	13.5 in	-0.5 in
Arm (L)	14 in	13.5 in	-0.5 in
Neck	17in	16.5 in	-0.5 in
Pants	36	34	- 2

Book Release: Hunted: The Chronicles of Illumination vol.1

Around the House
Not to much to say.  Got a cute new care.  A Chevy Cruze in a gorgous blue color.  The last car was red, and I was just not a fan of the color.  I am getting ready for the Blog Contest which of course is going to go along with the release of my new book next month (See blow).  I am really excited, and I hope to hear great reviews from all of you on what you think about the new book.  For those of you that have read my blog I will now that I was a huge fan of the book Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side.  Well I have finally cracked open the sequel, and I am an enjoying it so far.  Look for the review coming soon.

My Thoughts
The release date for this book is May 15th, so watch for all the updates coming to my blog!

Cover Copy
There is nothing like a Vladimir to alter the plans of Fate and Destiny.  They have a habit of ruining the best laid plains.  Like her father Raisa is no different, but this time the collateral damage isn't what she was expecting.  All Raisa ever wanted to was to have Damian share her magical life.  What fun is it being a witch if you can't get into trouble with your best friend because he is a mortal?  Not only is Damian getting dragged into the magical world, but his man eating sister Angela is coming along for the ride.  Of course what happens isn't what anyone expects when it turns out that Angela has been Chosen.  Not Chosen as prom queen, model, or even mistress, no she has been chosen by Fate to lead a group of witches to fulfill the Prophecy of Illumination.  Now, despite all of Raisa's hard work Damian is left outside of the group and a slayer is out for blood.  Not everyone will survive the path to Illumination, will Damian?

Movie Review: The Hunger Games

Around the House
Check out my other posting from today.  I totally forgot to post this with everything going on since Easter.  Is it July yet?  I so need a vacation.

My Thoughts
Katrina Rue my fellow author and friend here in Chicago was obsessed with seeing this movie.  While neither of us jumped on the band wagon when the books took off.  I was reading too many series, and she only reads teen books that I recommend.  We never understood the scope of the story or the love people had for this series of books.  I'll admit, and I hate to do it.  Back when Harry Potter made its splash I was a different person.  I didn't read, I didn't write, and I sure as Hell didn't see teen/kids movies.  That was until Katrina dragged me to see it.  It was the start of everything you are seeing.  I learned to love it all.

I was actually very excited to see this film.  I loved the cast from what I had heard of especially Stanley Tucci.  Well next thing I knew the movie was over, and I was ticking to know more.  No, I have not bought the books yet since I have a pile to read, but they will be read very shortly.  The story was stunning and accessible to adults, children, and teens.  While the themes and story line mirrored an extended version of the "Lottery" it was completely captivating.  I recommend this to everyone.  It is family friendly enough to to scare the little ones, yet gritty enough to keep any guy held to his chair.  And then you toss in the love story and the whole family can enjoy this gripping story.  Who would have know that Suzanne Collins actually was involved in all aspects of the movie, so you know it is true to the story!

Rating: 5/5

Week 5 is Over!

Around the House
The edits are finally done!  I just have to do a quick read through first and then it is off to for the publisher, Gilbert Press, to put the final touches on them.  I can't wait to see the book cover!  Of course this has been a rather rough week for me.  When it rains it pours in my world.  What can I say.  It looks my car is going to be totalled out!  Before you start flipping through old posts to try and figure out what happened.  I haven't said anything about this yet.  I was coming home one night and a dog (cop says coyote) ran in front of my car, so I swerved to miss it and hit a parked car.  Thankfully, I am okay, but I did get burns from the air bag.  I am sad to loose my car since it is only a two years old.  Well, hopefully the world will now have an upswing.  Thanks for all the love everyone!

My Thoughts
So week 5 is finally over which means I am starting to enter the critical period.  By looking at the numbers my BMI is going down and my body is converting its self to muscle, but since my weight and BMI are not dropping as dramatically as they should be it is time to overhaul the diet more.  I am not eating like I should be.  Body for Life would not be proud.  Yes I did do some damage over Easter, but that was last weekend so at least I should have made some more improvements.  My measurements are either staying the same or going up in certain areas which is good, but the damn midsection, waist, and hips are not shrinking like I want them too.  Which means it all about the diet now.  Back to the kitchen to whip up better foods.  So next week is picture time again... get ready to see the changes in side by sides.

Week 5 Ending- The Numbers: Easter Screwed Me Up!\

                           Start               Week 5            Change



Weight:             235.6                 231.7                -3.8
BMI:                  32.7%               30.2%              -2.5
Hips:                  44 inches          44 inches            0
Waist:                 42.5 inches      42 inches          -0.5
Midsection:        47 inches         44 inches           -3
Chest:                 46 inches         45 inches           -2
Right Arm:         14 inches        14 inches          -.50
Left Arm:           14 inches         14 inches          -.50
Neck:                  17 inches         16.5 inches        -.50
Pants: Express Blake 34

Movie Review: The Lorax

Around the House
What can I say about the adventures around the house.  Not to much is going on at home, but work is getting a bit tough.  I am making great headway on the new book, so expect to see it going live very soon.  I am also in the process of looking for book reviewers/interviews for a blog tour.  So, if you know anyone send them my way.  It is hard that most authors have to do a lot of their own publicity, but it can also be fun to meet and talk to new fun people in the process.  I recommend to any author to have the courage to go out and network with other bloggers.

My Thoughts
The Lorax, what can I say?  It is by far my favorite Dr. Seuss story of all times.  That is probably because it is one of the few that are an actual story that screams a moral to the populace.  I was expecting to see an absolute train wreck of a movie when I sat in an empty theater with Katrina Rue to watch this new adaption.  I have to saw I was pleasantly surprised to see they twisted the story into one with a new life and some fun music.  While it was a bit campy for my overall liking; it was a great take on the story.  The changes they made turned a short children's book into a fully fleshed out and realized story which would bring me back for a second viewing.

The characters of this story had growth, depth, and excitement instead of playing the pandering static characters you see in most children's movies today.  It actually spoke to the audience in a fun way that acknowledged the watcher had a brain between their cute little ears.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Body for Life 4 weeks down

Around the House
This is an "Oh Sweet Jesus Day."  I am a bit down from Easter.  May family really knows how to throw a trainwreck on the table from time to time.  I am extremely worried about how everything is going to turn out for them.  I feel bad that I can't do more to make things better.  I just can change what is going on in my immediate life.  Hell, I am still having trouble coming to terms with the fact that my life is not exactly where I want it to be at this point.  Not to much I can do about it right now, but keep pushing forward and not let all the shit get me down.

My Thoughts
I am a third of the way through my first challenge, and I missed my first work out last night.  It actually makes me feel bad that I missed it and I ate like total crap yesterday.  I am going to really have to hurt myself at cardio tonight to make up for it.  I am also missing several of my goals.  I am just having a hard time with the motivation at the moment.  I have this book at sits open on my desk top I have to get finish that I have been dragging my heels on for the last year.  I guess it steems from the fact that I am afriad to fail so I would rather not do it than succeed.  Stupid I know right.  So screw it all and lets see what damage Easter did... it did some!

Week 4 Ending- The Numbers: Easter Screwed Me Up!\

                           Start         Week 4            Change



Weight:             235.6            232                   -3.6
BMI:                  32.7%          31.3                  -1.4
Hips:                  44 inches     44 inches           0
Waist:                42.5 inches  41.5 inches        -1
Midsection:       47 inches      44 inches          -3
Chest:                46 inches      44 inches          -2
Right Arm:       14 inches      13.5 inches       -.50
Left Arm:          14 inches     13.5 inches        -.50
Neck:                 17 inches      16.5 inches     -.50
Pants: Express Blake 34

Body for Life Week 3 Completed

Around the House
Not to much has gone on around the house.  I am still being lazy with my writing, but this week is the week I am going to finish that goal.  Otherwise not to much to report.  I did have a date and that went well.  I am not sure that they are the person I want to continue seeing.  I am still reading book 5 of the Songs of Ice and Fire, Dance with the Dragons.  It has some interesting twists and turns.  I only hope he gets book 6 out faster that book 5.

My Thoughts
So I am now a quarter of the way through the Body for Life Challenge.  I have to say I am starting to see a difference in clothes, but not enough in the numbers yet which is to be expected.  I want more.  Who doesn't want to see immediate results when they try something new.  Katrina is a bit down that she is not seeing alot of changes, of course today will only be her second set of measurements.  My eating is still not what it should be which is why I know I am not dropping fat like I should be.  I did middle of this week start using one Myoplex Bar as my mid morning meal.  I am getting better.  I am increasing my weights and cardio, so next week I am hoping for some bigger changes since I will be a a third of the way through the challenge.  It is obvious to me that this is working.  I just wish it was working faster, and that the scale was giving me better numbers.  On and you will see below, I added my pants waist to the measurements as opposed to just my mid section.  It is nice to see that it is all squaring up.

Week 3 Ending- The Numbers:

                    Start             Week 1         Week 2             Week 3            Change



Weight:       235.6             234.6             230.6                  230                   -5.6
BMI:            32.7%           30.9%           30.9%                31.3                  -1.4
Hips:            44 inches      44 inches      44 inches             43.5                 -.5
Waist:                                                                                  42.5
Midsection: 47 inches      45 inches      44 inches             43.5                 -3.3
Chest:          46 inches      44 inches      45 inches             44 inches         -2
Right Arm: 14 inches      14 inches      13.5 inches          13.5 inches      -.50
Left Arm:   14 inches      14 inches       13.5 inches         13.5 inches      -.50
Neck:           17 inches      16 3/4            16.5 inches         16.5 inchea     -.50
Pants: Express Blake 34

Contest is Coming

Around the House
I feel like I have been running a sprint recently.  With getting ready for my next book to hit shelves, planning my next writing projects, and this new attempt at work life balance my head is totally spinning.  I am feeling very old school recently since I started working out.  I am listening to The Freshman by Verve Pipe and it is making me think of how I used to do Karaoke with all the boys years ago.  I miss it.  I miss a lot of things that my life used to be.  I am just not sure how to get it all back into balance.  Well as they say one day at a time.

My Thoughts
So with the new book coming out.  I want to run a contest, but I am not sure how to do it.  It would be nice to get my fans signed copies of my book.  I was hoping for some suggestions.  I would love to get fantasy bloggers involved, my Facebook, and my Blog Readers a chance to take home some signed copies before they are released.  I am just not sure how to promote it.  Any suggestions that you can help me with my dear readers?

I track my readership here very closely and it is surprising to see that my international readers are growing as well.  I don't want to leave them out.  I need help.  I just need to find the right venue to make it all come together.  So any suggestions would be great!  Thank you all for joining me on this journey.  Okay off to dinner!

Updates Body for Life - Week Two Over

Around the House

Well some of my goals are still way behind. I am not getting any where enough editing done, but I am starting to feel fantastic. I am very excited for the start of Scandal on ABC next week. I am sure there will be a fun review popping up from me about it. Till then I still plan to get the next book on the shelves next month, so hold your breath.

My Thoughts

Its time to really start watching my eating.  If I am getting these types of results and still not eating the best then redirecting my eating should make a huge difference.  Today is my free today so let's see what this week brings.

Week 2 Ending- The Numbers:

                  Start               Week 1           Week 2              Change



Weight:       235.6             234.6                230.6                   -5.1
BMI:            32.7%          30.9%               30.9%                 -1.8
Hips:            44 inches     44 inches          44 inches              0
Waist:          47 inches     45 inches          44 inches              -3
Chest:          46 inches     44 inches          45 inches              -1
Right Arm: 14 inches      14 inches         13.5 inches           -.50
Left Arm:   14 inches      14 inches         13.5 inches           -.50
Neck:           17 inches     16 3/4               16.5 inches           -.50

Pants: Express Blake 34 waist

I also put on an older polo today that was normally tight around the tummy area.  Well surprise surprise it actually fits damn well.  So damn well that I am going to head out in a few and where it on my date.

Updates on the Body for Life

Around the House

Not to much to say about what is going on around the house.  Enjoying my day off since.  It is enjoyable getting to sit around and joy the lovely weather in Chicago.  I will be heading to my favorite hot spot - Barnes and Noble.  I am looking forward to a coffee and a book to read.  Yea I am in the middle of another book right now with a couple well one sitting on the self to be read. 

 

My Thoughts

 

Okay week two is starting.  So lets review the numbers and see how the program is working for me.  I am curious but worried since I am not seeing much on the scale yet.  I know I shouldn't be weighing myself as often as I am, but I am.

 

Week 2 - The Numbers:

                   Week 1                  Week 2                Change



Weight:       235.6                      234.6                   -1
BMI:            32.7%                    30.9%                 -1.8%
Hips:            44 inches               44 inches              0
Waist:          47 inches               45 inches             -2
Chest:           46 inches              44 inches             -2
Right Arm:  14 inches               14 inches              0
Left Arm:    14 inches               14 inches              0
Neck:           17 inches               16 3/4                 -1/4

Pants:           Express Blake 34/36 waist

Okay for one week not to bad.  I know my eating habits are not what they should be yet.  But this is a good start.  Lets see what next week brings.  I know around week 3 is when guys start to see the major changes.  I am looking forward to it.  Now it have work on my other goals.

Goals:

1. Finish current book Hunted by April 30, 2012.
A. Complete current edit by end of March.
B. Complete second read through by April 15th
C. Approve new book cover by April 20th
D. Review Final Copy of new Book by April 25th.
2. Finish next book Pandora by June 30, 2012
A. May 1st finish next edit
B. May 15th finish next read through
C. June 15th finish final Edit
3. Drop my BMI by 10 points, Weight down to 205, Loose a total of 12 inches, fit into Express Kingston cut size 32 and a Medium Polo all by May 28, 2012
A. 2.5 pounds a week
B. 1 inch a week
4. Quit Smoking by May 1, 2012
A. Switch from Menthol to Non-Menthol by April 1st
B. Chew Gum/Suckers during work instead of smoking by April 15th
C. Stop smoking in car by April 20th

TV Review: Ringer

Around the House
Today is day two of the Body for Life challenge.  I am already down a pound which is awesome, but I am dreading tonight's work out.  At least I have talked my best friend and fellow author Katrina Rue to join me.  She wants to loose more weight before her visit to Dragon Con.  It is a convention in the south every September area.  I am also taking an break from my editing and started a new book.  It is an interesting tale that will be printed in five parts in only digital format.  I may do a book version for the entire story at some point, but as of right now it is going to be a digital book.  I plan on a release this summer for part one.

My Thoughts
Well last night I decided to open a file on the DVR that I have been neglecting all season.  I decided to record the show Ringer because I am a fan of Sarah Michelle Gellar from her Buffy the Vampire Slayer days.  I have been hesitant to start watching the show because about 70% of what I have started recording this season have been deleted very quickly off the DVR.  Now that I have about half the season recorded I realized that I should have started watching the show sooner.  The show is absolutely amazing.  This show is dark, devious, full of mystery and suspense while being coated with Chocolate Cover Cherry Gossip.  This show was so amazing I was up till after 4am watching several episodes.  I am looking forward to watching the next installment with Katrina who happened to just walk in the door.  So, got to go it is Ringer time!

New Challenges - Body for Life

Around the House

Almost done with the final edits for the new book.  I have my current read through to finish then and a reformat before reading the store one last time to make any last minute changes before the final release.  We are looking at an April release, so I am so excited.  Then I need to move on to the next edit of the the Preludes Book 2.

My Thoughts

So it is time for some overly personal information.  My pants that used to fit well are now getting tight.  That does not make me happy.  I have decided to join the Body for Life program.  The Body for Life program bases its self on making changes physically, mentally, and nutritionally.  Physically is because of the intense short work out programs that are designed to jump start the body into moving back into the state that is natural for it.  Our society is too sedentary.  Mentally, because it is about sharing your life with the world and finding a way to help others (welcome to the blog posts).  And finally Nurtion, to teach people how to eat in a way that is healthily for the body and keeps the metabolism going by ensure that you get the proper nutrition, vitamins, minerals, and fiber in your system.

I tired to do Body for Life one before, but didn't have the motivation to complete it before.  Now it is time to make changes.  The way I have decided to hold my self accountable is by doing this on here with everyone.  I want to hear all of your support as I make changes in my life.  The reason I am starting this is that why my health is great my doctor told me my cholesterol is high, I need to quit smoking, and I need to make diet changes.  So here goes, here are the bad pictures.  Mind you these are really only 10 pounds heavier than my average weight, but 10 pounds can make a lot of impact.

Week 1 - The Numbers:  Where am I starting 

Weight: 235.6
BMI: 32.7%
Hips: 44 inches
Waist: 47 inches
Chest: 46 inches
Right Arm: 14 inches
Left Arm: 14 inches
Neck: 17 inches
Pants: Express Blake 34/36 waist

Goals:

1. Finish current book Hunted by April 30, 2012.
    A. Complete current edit by end of March.
    B. Complete second read through by April 15th
    C. Approve new book cover by April 20th
    D. Review Final Copy of new Book by April 25th.
2. Finish next book Pandora by June 30, 2012
    A. May 1st finish next edit
    B. May 15th finish next read through
    C. June 15th finish final Edit
3. Drop my BMI by 10 points, Weight down to 205, Loose a total of 12 inches, fit into Express Kingston cut size 32 and a Medium Polo all by  May 28, 2012
    A. 2.5 pounds a week
    B. 1 inch a week
4. Quit Smoking by May 1, 2012
    A. Switch from Menthol to Non-Menthol by April 1st
    B. Chew Gum/Suckers during work instead of smoking by April 15th
    C. Stop smoking in car by April 20th

Wish me luck and let me know all of your thoughts!

Things I Miss

Around the House
Well I just finished with a move.  I really hate moving especially when you have to wait on the Cable Guy to show up.  Unfortunately, they won't be showing until the end of the month.  It really annoys me.  Of course, that does force me to finish all of my editing and writing projects that are laying on my desk.  Well desk top at the moment since I don't have a full desk right now.

My Thoughts
I was thinking today while sitting here working that their are many things I miss.  I was thinking about some of my favorite TV shows that have found a new life in the land of Comics - Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Charmed, and Angel.  These where amazing shows that drew the audience in each week.  It is sad that they had to eventually come to an end, but it is nice to get to delve into them once in a while to make you feel better on a down day.  Of course the fact that we don't get to enjoy all of our favorite actors and stories every week is enough to make us all a little sad at heart.

The book series that I miss right now are the Harry Potter Series and the Black Jewels.  Now, the fact that Percy Jackson and the Olympians is technically over, it is great the Rick Riordan has continued to show us all the joy of the world of Percy Jackson by following them in the Heroes of Olympus Series.  I can't wait to see all the trouble Mr. Jackson gets himself into now.  At least with a great book it will always sit on your shelf to enjoy when ever the mood hits.

Those are just a taste of the few things I miss.  I just hope that for everything that goes away we each find a great new passion to enjoy.  I can only hope that my books do for readers what those series and TV shows have done for me.

TV Review: Suburgatory

Around the House
Getting ready for a move, so the house is a complete nightmare.  I have boxes everywhere.  It doesn't help that I am trying to move and edit a book at the same time.  It is not the easiest thing in the world.  I am a bit disappointed that my next two books have been pushed back a little, but I am editing away.  As soon as I am done with this edit, I will be finishing the first draft of the second book on the Prelude of Illuminations and starting editing the third book in that series as well.  Then it is off to starting the second book in the Chronicles of Illumination.  Editor Tim will not leave me alone about getting him my next two books.  He is dying to see where the story goes.  Thankfully it isn't due until March.

My Thoughts
I was sad that Brothers and Sisters was cancelled, but I have to say that I am excited over what I have seen so far.  Tonight was the debut of Suburgatory which I was leery about adding to the DVR.  But now that I have seen it, it is non-stop laugh stop.  The characters of the show are funny, witty, and completely relateable.  The series reminds me of a cross between Desperate Housewives and Joss Whedon's classic humor.  The series shows a New York family the moves into a high end suburb where the people are plastic and every Mean Girls stereotype is true.  This show is definitely the best midweek show for laugh.

Rating 4 out of 5

Movie Review: X-Men First Class

Around the House
Working on editing and reviewing submissions for the fall Anthology, so I am busier than I expected to be this summer.  Things are taking me way longer than I planned for and my editor has been on my butt about it.   I am very excited to see that Gilbert Press has their website up and running.  I really hope that authors are submitting great works so that my editor has something else to worry about.  Make sure you check out my page on there as well as the links posted.  Also, I am starting a new job in July which has me very excited.  I can't wait.  Otherwise, I am trying to get out to enjoy the weather some, though the rain in Chicago has made that a bit hard.

My Thoughts
Growing up as a die hard X-Men fan, I was very worried about this movie.  The trailers made it seem like they were going to be making a real mess of this movie.  I should have known better.  Marvel did an awesome job on it.  The back story was fleshed out in a way that allowed anyone watching the movie fall right in for the first time while keeping those who have enjoyed the rest of the stories enthralled.  I am wondering how they are going to handle the Havok item though.  Since having him a teen and Jean Grey a youth when Xavier is older makes me wonder how old they plan on portraying Scott.  Is he now going to be a younger brother?  Or is Xavier just going to age extremely quickly after his accident.  I am very curious to see how it all comes together.  I did especially enjoy the tie in to the first X-Men movie with the expanded story of Magneto.  It makes you wonder when and if they are going to have his kids popping up in the franchise, especially with the kick off of the Avengers movie.  I am rather excited to see.  The Internet is also spawning rumors of X4 and 5 along with turning the first class into a trilogy.  If they keep the stories going, I am down for the ride.  Also, I hear talks of New Mutants.  BRING IT ON!

Rating: 8 out of 10

Gilbert Press

Around the House
I have been busy interviewing for a new job.  They have given me an unofficial offer, so I am very happy.  That right now is taking a lot of my time, so I haven't had enough time to finish my edits.  I do have a do date coming up for my next book with my publisher, Gilbert Press, so I need to get a move on putting together the final draft on Cursed which is supposed to hit shelves at the end of the summer.  I don't know how I am going to get everything done.  Especially, since the weather in Chicago is so nice now I don't want to be locked in front of my computer.

My Thoughts
I got a sneak preview yesterday of the new website for Gilbert Press.  It is really nice, so I am excited to see it go out.  They are currently looking for new authors to add to their list, so as soon as I have a link for you I will toss it up on for you all to check out.  I am glad a publisher is working to change the way the publishing industry is working.  They are really looking to hit the digital market hard and make a name for themselves by helping first time authors get noticed in the world.  I was also talking to my editor and he told me that they are looking for investors to speed the process along.  They are really looking to do an aggressive expansion.  With my book currently on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, I think they really have the skills to make it all happen.    I wish them tons of luck.  Oh, and for those of you who don't know, I did sign a 7 book deal with them to continue my series.  I am really excited about it.  Wish me luck!  Here is a link to their facebook page.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gilbert-Press/184562114922637

I've Been Quiet

Around the House
I know I have been quiet, I know there are no excuses for leaving you all wondering about what has been going on, but I didn't know what to say.  I am sitting here wondering what I should and could say.  I have been under a confidentiality notice about a job I wanted.  It wasn't a writing job, and it wasn't a job I am going to get.  I makes me sad to think about it.  While yes I have been pursuing other avenues of employment because my current work situation hasn't been the greatest; I was really hoping to get this job. I should have sat back and though about what is my fate in life.  I am an author.  No I am not a big enough author to just live off my work, but I have known for years that I am an author. 

While writing I have been working in the Family Entertainment field.  For those of you that don't know what that is, it is recreation and entertainment venues that cater to families like movie theaters, recreation centers, water parks, arcades, and bowling alleys.  My last job which I loved closed down operations, so I have been struggling with what do to with myself while I work towards making a career as an author.  You know what I have realized?  I think fate is kicking me in the ass for living in the land of perpetual hope.  Yes, that is a condition I possess so strongly that I allow it to over take my life.

I should have sat back and realized that I should not have been dumping myself into new jobs, when I have two completed books ready to go out that just need some more fine tuning as well as a new collection of short stories.  All of these I planned to get done this year, and now I have let two months of good working time escape me for nothing.  While I could still get the job, I think fate is showing me that this is not where my energy should be placed.  I should be working towards doing what I love and that is telling the stories that thrive in me.

So, now that I have had my hope crushed that is what I am going to do.  I am setting a new goal tonight.  I am going to finish the edits on the first volume in the Chronicles of Illumination, the follow up to my collection of short stories, as well as the other two books I have and get them out to all of my readers.  I am going to do what I know I am meant to do.  I am going to write.  So here is the plan starting on Tuesday - I need a night to relax.

1. Finish the current edit of the Chronicles of Illumination vol. 1 by the end of May.
2. Finish the edit on the Pandora book by the end of June.
3. Assemble the collection of short stories Cursed and the Chronicles of Illumination and get them both out by mid June.
4. Get the Pandora book completed and out there by Fall.
5.. Finish the first draft of the Chronicles 1.5 on Death and get started on book two by fall.

Those are the goals.  I need you all to help me keep going.  So start commenting and hit me on the head if I seem to be slowing down.

Love you all for your support!