Proudly Sportin the Green

Every March 17 people around the world celebrate the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. Both Irish and non-Irish alike participate in parades, eat special food, and proudly wear the color green. Originally, this holiday commemorated the saint as a religious feast day. What few people know is that St. Patrick wasn't even Irish. He was captured as a youth and forced to work as a slave in Ireland for several years before gaining his freedom and returning to Great Britain where he was originally from. Later, after becoming a priest he returned to Ireland to convert the people to Christianity. Many people might also think that the idea of parties, parades, and such began in Ireland. But the first parades commemorating the day began in the United States. For this and many other fun facts with video clips go to this link to learn more about this unique holiday: 
http://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day.

And in the spirit of celebrating all things Irish here are a few movie and book selections for you to consider...




Movies:

Photo of my personal DVD

Photo of my personal DVD

Books:

Irish author Morgan Llywelyn writes fantastic fictional novels that cover folk heroes and historical legends of Ireland such as Finn Mac Cool and Brian Boru. She also has a historical series that covers the struggles of Ireland to gain its independence and later establish itself as an independent nation starting with her novel 1916 which begins before the Easter Uprising of 1916.

 
For lovers of funny and fast paced urban fantasy with terrific characterization and world building consider trying author Kevin Hearne's Druid Chronicles series beginning with Hounded.

pic of owned copy of this book

For younger readers check out this link that lists several fiction and nonfiction books set in Ireland or that help young readers understand and appreciate the Irish culture. 

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/1Kids/2Lib1.html

And a Happy St. Patty's Day to you all!

Murder on Edisto is 4 Stars All the Way

A couple of weeks ago I emailed C. Hope Clark about reviewing an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of her newest mystery, Murder on Edisto. She had mentioned in her newsletter FundsforWriters that she would be willing to offer copies of her mysteries in exchange for honest reviews.

I was delighted. I hadn't done a book review in close to a year and felt it was time to get back on book reviewing horse. She accepted my offer and sent out the book in the mail first thing the following Monday.

Getting a book to read in the mail also coincided with the biggest snow fall we've gotten here in southeastern Kentucky in the over a decade. The roads were horrible, the kids were out of school for two weeks straight, and there was literally nothing much to do but wait it all out. It was heaven to escape it all and travel to a beach in South Carolina at the peak of the summer season, even if it did involve murder.


I devoured the book in less than a week. From the very first page I was drawn into the life of the main character, sympathizing with her over the loss of her infant daughter exactly one year ago. In the same few pages Callie Jean Morgan, a police detective with the Boston PD, has her life ripped apart after receiving a phone call from her husband telling her not to come home. Of course, Callie ignores this and drives home all the faster to find her home in flames and her husband nowhere to be seen among the bystanders watching it burn. Have I wetted your appetite yet? And that is just the first chapter of the book. Skip three years ahead and we find Callie and her son Jeb moving into her parent's beach house in Edisto, South Carolina. Her father has deeded Callie the house in the hopes it will help her figure out what to do with her life now that her son is getting ready to go to college and she is no longer able to work as a police detective. After her husband's death Callie became convinced the Russian Mob was after her and her son for putting the head of their organization in jail. her paranoia and fragile emotional state forced her to resign from the Boston police force. But life in Edisto proves to be anything but perfect. The first day in her new home Callie goes to visit her neighbor and long time friend only to find his house has been broken into and he's been murdered. From there the game of cat and mouse begins between Callie and the killer, as the manipulative and clever murderer tries to do everything they can to discredit Callie with her new neighbors and drive her over the edge into insanity.

C. Hope Clark delivers a masterful thriller that grips you from the very beginning and doesn't let you go until the very last chapter. Her main character Callie is strong and brave while still being believably damaged and vulnerable from all the tragedy she's endured. Clark doesn't offer her any crutches to lean on. Even Callie's son Jeb is growing weary of bolstering his mother through her panic attacks and fears in their new home. Fears and panic he doesn't fully understand. Not only that but the grandfatherly neighbor she hoped to have long talks with there at the beach to help her put her life back together is stolen from her right as she's moving in. As the reader I was left wondering how Callie would survive the loss of yet another person dear to her. Clark doesn't sugar coat the reality of the situation she's left her main character with and Callie understandably turns to alcohol to cope with her pain. As the story progresses the killer gets bolder and more frightening in their invasion into Callie's personal space and threats against her and her son. But instead of crumbling and continuing to fall into the bottle Callie picks herself up and begins to gradually fight back.

The cast of characters Clark introduces us to in Murder on Edisto are real and fully drawn, and they all leave you wondering if they could be the villain or an accomplice. From the next door neighbor that is a yoga guru who seems to know a lot about everyone, to the itinerant local handy man who makes himself a little too welcome in his client's homes when they aren't there. Not even the local police force seems above suspicion. The reluctant acting chief of police has a dark history of his own, and the deputy of police helping him has a grudge against Callie from the first moment he meets her. Even though I had an idea about who I thought the killer was early on in the story, the motive for their actions eluded me making me second guess myself.

If you can't tell by now, I found this novel to be very engrossing with a fast paced plot and well written very sympathetic characters. The fact that Edisto Beach is a real place that C. Hope Clark is familiar with helped as well. The descriptions of the setting and details of place truly made me feel I was at the beach as I read the book. I truly hope to visit Edisto Beach someday, though I hope to find it much more relaxing than Callie Morgan does. Overall I found Murder on Edisto a very enjoyable read. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys mystery thrillers set in a realistic, contemporary setting. The book is available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. C. Hope Clark also publishes a wonderful free newsletter with links to resources for writers called FundsforWriters check it out.

Review How To

Photo courtesy of Jannoon028 at freedigitalphotos.net

Once upon a time reviews of books and movies were things that could be found only in print publications. Most reviewers were people with degrees in literature or film history. Occasionally, those familiar with pop culture would publish short blurbs in the entertainment section of the newspaper grading the most recent movie releases.

With the advent of the internet, Amazon, and digital media in general the public's desire to find out information about books and movies became an almost instantaneous thing. The need to wait for them in print became smaller and smaller. Now anyone can go on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Goodreads and find a review of a book or movie and decide whether or not to spend the money on them without ever having to leave the comforts of home. Anybody these days can be a reviewer.

This is not a bad thing. It makes it very easy as a consumer to make informed decisions on how to spend our money on entertainment. Without word of mouth some authors would still be unknowns instead of the multimillionaires they've become. But for the reviewer it becomes harder and harder to stand out. You can still get paid to writer reviews on books. I know this for a fact because I've done it. I don't know as much about movie reviews because I've only published those for fun here on my blog. But in order to get publication credit and a paycheck for writing a book review you have to put as much effort into writing that review as you do any freelance article. And it doesn't hurt to begin small and build a following by reviewing books for free on sites like Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes and Noble when you first start out. You can also become of a fan of some of your favorite authors and keep track of when or if they are offering free giveaways or seeking readers willing to read an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of their work in return for an honest review.

It also helps to research the field and read professional published reviews in such places as the New York Times Book Review or the Washington Post. It's a good way to familiarize yourself with the use of language, etc. of other paid reviewers. Researching the field can also help you find a niche you are passionate about in your book reviews. By developing a writing style and narrowing your focus on what types of books you like to review you can increase your chances of being noticed and taken seriously as a reviewer. This in turn can increase you odds on getting paid, either with money or in free books or ARCs of books to review. It is also important as a reviewer to stay current on upcoming releases in books so you can get those reviews out there BEFORE the book comes out. You are more likely to get paid to publish reviews on pre-released or very recently released work than on books that have been out on shelves a while.

Know the target audience you are writing the review for. If you are writing a review on a nonfiction book that contains pertinent information on child development for a parenting magazine you want to use language that is fresh and appealing to a busy parent and give them information about that book that will help them decide if it is worth their time and money. You won't write in the same style for a parenting magazine as you would for a teen magazine or an online review on Goodreads about the newest mystery thriller by your favorite author. Focusing on your audience will help you determine the length of the review, how technical you can get in language, and whether or not to include a detailed blurb on what the book you're reviewing is about. For instance, when I'm perusing reviews on a book that has caught my eye on Goodreads, I tend to skip over the ones that immediately start out giving me a regurgitation of the book blurb. If I'm interested in a book the book blurb is the first thing I read. On sites like Goodreads I don't need to have you tell me about it again at the beginning of your review. What I want to know is why you gave the book the number of stars you did, and why you loved the book or were disappointed in it.  

Be honest in your opinion but stay professional. The writing community is still a very small one on many levels. If you maliciously slander someone and manage to get that review published you are not only critiquing someone else you are also giving anyone who reads that review an impression of yourself as a writer as well. It is good to inform people about the weaknesses you might have found in a book whether fiction or nonfiction, but you can be honest about that without being nasty or mean-spirited. It is also important to keep in mind that your review is going to be read by people who may or may not have read the book. So you mustn't give away information that might spoil the book for them. Also, if you are doing the review in return for a free copy of the book you are helping that author promote their work and less people will be willing to buy a book you've given away the ending to. So avoid spoilers as much as possible.

Being a paid book reviewer is a good way to hone your skills as a freelance writer doing something you love--reading. You do have to be a voracious reader if you hope to make any appreciable income at it. You also have to be willing to accept rejection. Finding a home for you reviews requires just as much work and tenacity as any other kind of freelance writing. You have to query and query again to get published. But it is a viable market with plenty of opportunity for you to get paid to write in.

Here are some links to articles about writing book reviews and sites willing to pay for reviews with money or in free books:

http://freelancewrite.about.com/od/marketsandgenres/ss/Be-A-Book-Reviewer-In-6-Easy-Steps-For-Pay.htm

http://www.ehow.com/how_4505923_get-paid-reading-books.html

http://onlinebookclub.org/free-books-for-reviews.php

http://sanfranciscobookreview.com/about-us/become-a-reviewer/

A Gallery of What Feels Like Day 392 of Our Captivity

I woke up to find it had snowed again overnight. Lots of people I'm friends with on FB have been complaining and longing for spring and signs of greenery. Despite my post title we have been able to get out and about some since the first snowfall hit. But today marks the 7th day in a row the kids have been out of school and already it's been announced they won't have school tomorrow. Since I'm woefully behind on getting any work done I've decided to just post a gallery of pics on what we've been doing to entertain ourselves while the deep freeze lasts...

My thirteen-year-old practicing the smoky eyed look with make-up on her favorite guinea pig--me.

Lots of baking...of scones...

...and elven flatbread. This was my daughter's first solo baking venture and the flatbread tastes great even if it isn't really flat. The recipe came out of my husband's DragonLance source book.

You can't have scones without a nice pot of tea. =)










Legos of course are a perennial
favorite...playing with them...reading
about them...coming up with new
creations.

And one of my perennial faves--reading. I got this in the mail last week. It's an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of C. Hope Clark's newest release. A new mystery series that takes place on Edisto Beach in South Carolina. I actually have to read it to do some reviews for the author. I love it when work and play can mix like this...














Next week I'll be posting about how to write reviews. The week following I'll be posting my latest one on the book pictured here. For now my daily writing duties and lunch are calling. Take care until next time.

10 Essentials When You're Snowed In

We got a little bit of snow in Kentucky this week. In many areas of the country 6 to 7 inches wouldn't seem like much. But in small communities where there are mountains and narrow roads to contend with that can be a lot of snow. Especially when there isn't a lot of equipment available to clear roadways and the snow comes all at once. So across the state there are quite a few people who are home bound with children out of school. That might be okay for a few days, but it can get stressful for adults and children alike when a day or two begins to look like an entire week and you hear more snow might be on the way. So I've put together a list of things you might want to stock up on or dig out when faced with the prospect of being snowed in.

10. A soft bed with lots of pillows and blankets. When you can't go anywhere take advantage of getting some extra sleep if possible--even if it is a midday nap.

9. Lots of warm clothing such as flannel shirts or pajamas, fleecy pants or sweats, or just sweats in general are comfortable and warm and still make it look like you made an effort to get dressed even if you can't go anywhere.

8. If you have one of these or a couple of these you might need a pair of these...

                                                                                                                                                                       

    

For those of you who have dogs or children you might be aware of the fact that they still need outside time. The dogs to relieve themselves and the children because snow=sledding=snow ball fights=snowmen. A warm coat and gloves are also highly recommended under these types of conditions. Also, if you get a little stir crazy boots are useful for walking down the road to see how other people in the neighborhood are handling the snow or just to see how the roadways are looking and how many people are still driving on them.

7. A sled, trash can lid, dining hall tray, or even in some instances a laundry basket can make for some great memories in the snow. You can rediscover your childhood by careening down the hill in the snow with your children or dog or spouse or partner. Remember what it was like find entertainment out of the simple things in life.

6. Movies are a great way to pass the time. Suddenly all those DVDs you've acquired over the years and only watched once after you got them are old friends again. You can use them to educate your children about your childhood too. That way they might be able to understand you when you make movie references to things that somehow only you or your partner or spouse find funny. It also might help alleviate the dreaded question, "So what are we going to do now?"

5. Books. One good thing about being snowed in is having a valid excuse for catching up on your reading. Only one of my children seems to enjoy this, but I'm still hoping to help the other one find a genre he loves. 

4. If you have internet access Netflix can seem like the greatest thing ever. Cartoons that you don't have to buy are in seemingly endless supply on instant streaming sites like this. Also, if you have internet access Buzz Feed links like these are also fun for amusing yourself and all your friends who also might be snowed in. You can share quiz results and important trivia via the internet or over the phone and feel like you are bonding even though you can't see said friends.

http://www.playbuzz.com/foxgirl10/whats-your-knight-name

16 Incredibly Terrible Synopses of Classic Books

3. Hot chocolate. Even if you don't go out in the snow and cold this is still an essential item to have. It is warm and comforting and it tastes good. A mug of hot cocoa, a warm blanket, comfy clothes and a good movie or book. What could be better?

2. Board games. Unbelievably enough my kids to eventually grow tired of staring at a screen. When they roll their eyes at me for suggesting reading a book or I've run out of chores for them to do their eyes light up when I suggest a board game or card game. You can kill an hour or more without even realizing it playing monopoly.

1. Patience. The number one most essential item to have when you are snowed in is patience. It takes time for road crews to get caught up on clearing the roadways. People you love and get to have forced quality time with can wear on your nerves and you can do the same for them. It is important to remember that being snowed in is only temporary and keeping a sense of humor about it can help you keep your patience. And if all else fails you can always shovel some snow to help you keep your cool. Or better yet offer to shovel snow for a neighbor who maybe isn't spry enough to do it for themselves.

The Greatest Inventor Ever

This week many people are gearing up for the Valentine's Day holiday to celebrate those they love. Some are buying presents, others are stocking up on favorite comfort foods to celebrate the holiday in their PJs with their favorite shows or movies. I fit into both categories. This weekend I don't have anyplace I need to be so I will be giving and receiving small tokens of affection from my family while eating (hopefully some chocolate) while watching TV or reading in my flannel pajamas.

But if you're a ten year old, aside from the idea of maybe getting some candy and a small gift from your parents, thoughts of love and Valentine's Day are not at the forefront of your mind. Instead, important questions crowd your thoughts. Questions that you ask your mom shortly after waking up to get ready for school. Things like, who is the greatest inventor of all time?

Now if my son had asked me this question in the afternoon when I picked him up from school, or later while I was cooking supper, or even while I was trying to get him ready to go to bed, I might not have given it much thought. But he picked the right time of day to ask it. First thing in the morning. Not that mornings aren't busy, they are. But the fact that he wasn't growling at me like a bear because I was making him get up to go to school was a novelty. I was happy that he was happy and awake enough to ask me a question.

I took the time to answer it the best way I could. "I don't know," I said. "I think that is a matter of perspective. For instance, the greatest inventor of all time for you would be the person who designed the first home gaming console, or the person who thought of the device that would become the precursor for the tablet."

My son considered this for a few moments. So I continued, "For me the greatest inventor would be Thomas Edison because he helped develop the first moving pictures. Or even better the first person to invent the printing press or movable type, because that's what helped us create books."

Fun Fact: While Johannes Gutenberg is the one many give credit to inventing the printing press, the first movable type to be developed is now believed to be credited to a Chinese peasant named Bi Sheng in 1041. http://www.livescience.com/43639-who-invented-the-printing-press.html

I continued to list other inventions that some people might think the greatest ever, like musical theatre (for his sister) or home computers, cell phones, indoor plumbing, antibiotics, etc. It is an endless list and it all depends on what you appreciate most. My son corrected me at the end of our discussion.

"You were wrong Mom," he told me. "I don't think the person who helped develop video games or tablets was the greatest inventor ever."

"You don't," I said.

"Nope, the greatest inventor for me is the person who invented Legos."

I laughed. "You're right, for you that would be the best inventor ever."

Who are some of the greatest inventors of all time for you? Maybe this Valentine's Day offer them up a tiny thanks as you celebrate love this year. =)

Fun Facts About...

February

February is one of the most unique months of the calendar year. Here are just a few of the reasons to celebrate this month despite the vagaries of winter.

1. Since 2001, February has been the month we get to enjoy the Superbowl. Even if you don't like football you can enjoy the great commercials between plays.

 2. February is the only month of the whole year that actually celebrates groundhogs! We have set aside an entire day just for them to predict the weather for the next six weeks after Feb. 2. While we can appreciate this special and quirky holiday I don't think the groundhogs neccessarily do. Check out this link about Jimmy the Groundhog: http://www.weather.com/news/news/jimmy-groundhog-day-sun-prairie-mayor-wisconsin-punxsutawney-phil

3. This is the shortest month of the year and is the only one that gets an extra day added every four years for Leap Year.

4. Black History is celebrated in February. Though I think it would be nice if we celebrated black history and diversity equally all year long.


5. Two of our most famous presidents were born in February. George Washington's birthday is on February 22nd and Abraham Lincoln's is on February 12th. We used to celebrate their birthday's individually, but now we've combined them into one federal holiday, President's Day.

6. February is the month that celebrates love (most often with chocolate and roses). The roses are beautiful and I like them. But really for me the chocolate is the best part of Valentine's Day. Even if you don't have a special someone you can still eat chocolate which helps release endorphins in your brain and helps you feel happier. I'm not against love, but could we have a holiday that just celebrates chocolate? Just a thought, here are some links to support my idea. :)

http://authoritynutrition.com/7-health-benefits-dark-chocolate/

http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/indepth.food/sweets/chocolate.cravings/

7. And finally, the best part about February for me, is the fact that the days are starting to grow longer and you know that in just a couple more months the weather will be milder and we will be celebrating spring!