So I just wanted to share this for you since I did reviews for Faith Sullivan. Her character Eric is up for NA Crush Tournament. On July 3rd you'll be able to vote for him at: here. Be sure to vote for Eric. I mean who wouldn't vote for that?
Saturday, 28 June 2014
NA Crush Tournament
Good Morning!
So I just wanted to share this for you since I did reviews for Faith Sullivan. Her character Eric is up for NA Crush Tournament. On July 3rd you'll be able to vote for him at: here. Be sure to vote for Eric. I mean who wouldn't vote for that?
So I just wanted to share this for you since I did reviews for Faith Sullivan. Her character Eric is up for NA Crush Tournament. On July 3rd you'll be able to vote for him at: here. Be sure to vote for Eric. I mean who wouldn't vote for that?
Friday, 27 June 2014
Beta Read
Good Afternoon!
So, I join a group the other month were I get to talk to authors, we share tips, places where to get reviews, and beta readers. I have this one story that I wrote when I was 14, and for some reason that story scares me more than any other. You'd think three published novels would make someone more confident, but in reality each story is its own. Project US has an odd plot, which might turn off some readers, and I'm probably over thinking it more than anything. I got six pages back from the beta reader of compliments (by the way she loved this story, hearing that does make me a little less nervous), suggestions, and some grammar suggestions. Poor woman might regret enjoying beta reading for me! I printed out her notes and I'll be going through them more after I finish my final project and my final. She had a couple plot holes that I need to fill in, one major one that I have to figure out how to work in. All of which were good and valid points. I'm excited to dive in as soon as the homework will accept defeat! While I'm doing homework though I will be waiting for the three grammar books that I ordered and one cook book. Hey, the learning never ends :)
~Ottilie
So, I join a group the other month were I get to talk to authors, we share tips, places where to get reviews, and beta readers. I have this one story that I wrote when I was 14, and for some reason that story scares me more than any other. You'd think three published novels would make someone more confident, but in reality each story is its own. Project US has an odd plot, which might turn off some readers, and I'm probably over thinking it more than anything. I got six pages back from the beta reader of compliments (by the way she loved this story, hearing that does make me a little less nervous), suggestions, and some grammar suggestions. Poor woman might regret enjoying beta reading for me! I printed out her notes and I'll be going through them more after I finish my final project and my final. She had a couple plot holes that I need to fill in, one major one that I have to figure out how to work in. All of which were good and valid points. I'm excited to dive in as soon as the homework will accept defeat! While I'm doing homework though I will be waiting for the three grammar books that I ordered and one cook book. Hey, the learning never ends :)
~Ottilie
Robert Plant "Rainbow"
I saw Robert Plant a few years ago, and got a laugh thinking how silly some of his early Zeppelin hippie-dippy references sound (like in "Ramble On").
While it doesn't actually sound hippie-dippy or like a 60s throwback, I did have to laugh when I read that his brand new song is called "Rainbow."
You don't get much more hippie-dippy sounding than that.
Hear the song on Youtube.
While it doesn't actually sound hippie-dippy or like a 60s throwback, I did have to laugh when I read that his brand new song is called "Rainbow."
You don't get much more hippie-dippy sounding than that.
Hear the song on Youtube.
Wednesday, 25 June 2014
Review ~ The Runner by J. M. Johnson
Good Morning,
I have a review of a Young Adult novel (I know it's been a bit since I did that!). This is an indie author, J.M. Johnson. This is a post-apocalyptic that has a little bit of sci-fi feel at the end.
Are you strong enough to survive? Electricity is gone. Government has been broken down. People are scattered, doing whatever they can do to survive. Avi is a runner, someone who is between the age of 13-17 who runs errands from one 'town' to another for their community, risking her life every time she leaves the fenced in area. Avi lives in the star town of the new world, but when things go hay wire, she is the first to volunteer to rise up to find answers that will save lives.
This is the first piece that I am reading by J.M. Johnson, and I enjoy reading indie books because there are some creative pieces that are not as well known. These are characters that are willing to do whatever it takes to survive, and helps the readers see despite all the bad in the world, even a smile can make a difference. She does give you detail that helps you understand the new world that she has created for The Runner. The only issue I had was that I felt like I was being talked to, rather than reading in some parts. However, the second book is released and I will probably be picking that up at some point :)
Kindle $2.99
Amazon Paperback $9.30
Barnes&Nobles
Smashwords
I have a review of a Young Adult novel (I know it's been a bit since I did that!). This is an indie author, J.M. Johnson. This is a post-apocalyptic that has a little bit of sci-fi feel at the end.
Are you strong enough to survive? Electricity is gone. Government has been broken down. People are scattered, doing whatever they can do to survive. Avi is a runner, someone who is between the age of 13-17 who runs errands from one 'town' to another for their community, risking her life every time she leaves the fenced in area. Avi lives in the star town of the new world, but when things go hay wire, she is the first to volunteer to rise up to find answers that will save lives.
This is the first piece that I am reading by J.M. Johnson, and I enjoy reading indie books because there are some creative pieces that are not as well known. These are characters that are willing to do whatever it takes to survive, and helps the readers see despite all the bad in the world, even a smile can make a difference. She does give you detail that helps you understand the new world that she has created for The Runner. The only issue I had was that I felt like I was being talked to, rather than reading in some parts. However, the second book is released and I will probably be picking that up at some point :)
Amazon Paperback $9.30
Barnes&Nobles
Smashwords
Tuesday, 24 June 2014
She & Him "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?"
If you're local, then you know this scene during Tourist Season . . .
You're in the grocery store. There is a person. Often older. DEFINITELY a tourist. They are standing in such a way that they are blocking the aisle and are completely unaware that you are trying to pass them. There is just enough room for you to squeeze by, but you know that the second you try this, they are going to start walking and bump into you.
So there I was, staring at this tourist doing just this. Staring at him. Hating on him.
I mean really, is there ANY occasion where it is okay to wear an oxford shirt and a sport coat, with shorts? Does that make any frickin' sense whatsoever? How is it that when people go on vacation, they have no clue how to dress?
I was staring. I was hating. I was sure that if I looked down, he'd be wearing black socks.
Actually, I was wrong. He wasn't wearing black socks. He was wearing black sneakers, with white tube socks. Ugh.
What do the socks have written on them?
HOLY SHIT!
He moved and I pushed my carriage past him. I got about halfway down the aisle before I just couldn't let it go. I turned around.
"Excuse me. Sir? Do your socks say 'I (Heart) She & Him'?"
He looked at me blankly for a second, woken from his trance of looking at flavored coffee. Then he gave me a warm smile. "Yes. I love that band."
"Great band."
"My wife and I saw them years ago, in a little club, before they got big. Have you seen them?"
I did talk about how much I liked them, though I didn't drop my M Ward story.
"Socks, huh," I said. "Usually people get a t-shirt."
"You can get anything these days," he smiled.
Truer words were never spoken during Tourist Season.
"Have a great day," I said to him, and sped off with my carriage, wondering what grocery store weirdness my next collision might bring.
Hear the song on Youtube.
You're in the grocery store. There is a person. Often older. DEFINITELY a tourist. They are standing in such a way that they are blocking the aisle and are completely unaware that you are trying to pass them. There is just enough room for you to squeeze by, but you know that the second you try this, they are going to start walking and bump into you.
So there I was, staring at this tourist doing just this. Staring at him. Hating on him.
I mean really, is there ANY occasion where it is okay to wear an oxford shirt and a sport coat, with shorts? Does that make any frickin' sense whatsoever? How is it that when people go on vacation, they have no clue how to dress?
I was staring. I was hating. I was sure that if I looked down, he'd be wearing black socks.
Actually, I was wrong. He wasn't wearing black socks. He was wearing black sneakers, with white tube socks. Ugh.
What do the socks have written on them?
HOLY SHIT!
He moved and I pushed my carriage past him. I got about halfway down the aisle before I just couldn't let it go. I turned around.
"Excuse me. Sir? Do your socks say 'I (Heart) She & Him'?"
He looked at me blankly for a second, woken from his trance of looking at flavored coffee. Then he gave me a warm smile. "Yes. I love that band."
"Great band."
"My wife and I saw them years ago, in a little club, before they got big. Have you seen them?"
I did talk about how much I liked them, though I didn't drop my M Ward story.
"Socks, huh," I said. "Usually people get a t-shirt."
"You can get anything these days," he smiled.
Truer words were never spoken during Tourist Season.
"Have a great day," I said to him, and sped off with my carriage, wondering what grocery store weirdness my next collision might bring.
Hear the song on Youtube.
Monday, 23 June 2014
Train travel is still affordable
How poor you think is the average Indian train traveller? I don't think he or she is very poor. And, if he or she can afford to travel by train, he or she can also manage to put in an extra of a maximum of around Rs 60, following the increase in train passenger fares announced by railway minister Sadananda Gowda on Friday and due to take effect on June 25.
Let us take one example, from the lowest class.
According to South Western Railway, Rs 60 is the increase in fare for General 2nd Class seat from Bangalore to New Delhi. It's currently Rs 395, and it has been raised to Rs 455. If the person, who has to travel to Delhi can manage to save Rs 395, I am sure he will find ways and means to put in another Rs 60, for his Delhi trip. I don't think an increase of Rs 60 is so prohibitive that he or she will have to cancel his travel plan. It may be hard, no doubt, but it is manageable and not impossible.
In the same class, the fare from Bangalore to Chennai is Rs 105. It will henceforth be Rs 119, an increase of Rs 14. Similarly to Mysore the hike is Rs 5, new fare is Rs 60.
I do understand that for the poor, even Re 1 is valuable. Why for only the poor? Even a sensible rich guy will greatly value his one rupee. My contention is that the average hike of Rs 14.2 per cent is not so steep that large numbers of people will have to actually stop travelling by train. That would probably have been the case if the increase was 100% or even 50%.
When everyone is coping up with price increase in consumer durables, and even essential commodities, why increase in train fares alone announced by the Narendra Modi government should be such a huge burden on common people, I don't understand. Look at the price of sugar, salt, rice, wheat, etc. In fact, the increase in those segments have a far greater impact on people's budget.
The protests against the train fare hike are largely political. And that too is not surprising, since even when Mallikarjun Kharge raised the fare by a nominal 2% last year, there were howls of protests from political parties.
It's also a common trend in India that when government raises prices of its services there are howls of protests. But we don't see protests when private sector manufacturers or service providers raise prices. Even poor people make use of services and goods of private players. Why should government be prevented from generating revenue for its services, I fail to understand. And no one has any complaints when private sector increases prices.
(By the way, everyone, the richest and the poorest pay the same rate for the ubiquitous mobile phone services -- even the guy who can afford to buy only the duplicate model from the grey market. May be the rich use it more than the poor.)
Indian Railways, the largest network in the world, also offers the least expensive fare for the passengers compared to many other countries. There is always a reluctance to increase the fares because trains are seen as the preferred mode of transport for the poor and middle class people. The poor financial resources has left serious infrastructural and safety issues unresolved. Our trains need to be cleaner and travel needs to be safer, Actually, it should go to the credit of the Railways that the number of accidents are quite minimal for the network of this size and complexity. But, that is no reason for complacency and passengers definitely deserve a better deal.
Railways, as a public service, and should not get caught in politics. It is as much the responsibility of the opposition as that of the government that the people get an efficient train service. Whichever party is in power, periodically there has to be increase in train fares. Train fares alone can't insulated.
One option the Narendra Modi government can try out is to have market-driven differential pricing for Super Fast and Express trains. That will bring in more revenue, without seriously affecting the lower middle class people.
Let us take one example, from the lowest class.
According to South Western Railway, Rs 60 is the increase in fare for General 2nd Class seat from Bangalore to New Delhi. It's currently Rs 395, and it has been raised to Rs 455. If the person, who has to travel to Delhi can manage to save Rs 395, I am sure he will find ways and means to put in another Rs 60, for his Delhi trip. I don't think an increase of Rs 60 is so prohibitive that he or she will have to cancel his travel plan. It may be hard, no doubt, but it is manageable and not impossible.
In the same class, the fare from Bangalore to Chennai is Rs 105. It will henceforth be Rs 119, an increase of Rs 14. Similarly to Mysore the hike is Rs 5, new fare is Rs 60.
I do understand that for the poor, even Re 1 is valuable. Why for only the poor? Even a sensible rich guy will greatly value his one rupee. My contention is that the average hike of Rs 14.2 per cent is not so steep that large numbers of people will have to actually stop travelling by train. That would probably have been the case if the increase was 100% or even 50%.
When everyone is coping up with price increase in consumer durables, and even essential commodities, why increase in train fares alone announced by the Narendra Modi government should be such a huge burden on common people, I don't understand. Look at the price of sugar, salt, rice, wheat, etc. In fact, the increase in those segments have a far greater impact on people's budget.
The protests against the train fare hike are largely political. And that too is not surprising, since even when Mallikarjun Kharge raised the fare by a nominal 2% last year, there were howls of protests from political parties.
It's also a common trend in India that when government raises prices of its services there are howls of protests. But we don't see protests when private sector manufacturers or service providers raise prices. Even poor people make use of services and goods of private players. Why should government be prevented from generating revenue for its services, I fail to understand. And no one has any complaints when private sector increases prices.
(By the way, everyone, the richest and the poorest pay the same rate for the ubiquitous mobile phone services -- even the guy who can afford to buy only the duplicate model from the grey market. May be the rich use it more than the poor.)
Indian Railways, the largest network in the world, also offers the least expensive fare for the passengers compared to many other countries. There is always a reluctance to increase the fares because trains are seen as the preferred mode of transport for the poor and middle class people. The poor financial resources has left serious infrastructural and safety issues unresolved. Our trains need to be cleaner and travel needs to be safer, Actually, it should go to the credit of the Railways that the number of accidents are quite minimal for the network of this size and complexity. But, that is no reason for complacency and passengers definitely deserve a better deal.
Railways, as a public service, and should not get caught in politics. It is as much the responsibility of the opposition as that of the government that the people get an efficient train service. Whichever party is in power, periodically there has to be increase in train fares. Train fares alone can't insulated.
One option the Narendra Modi government can try out is to have market-driven differential pricing for Super Fast and Express trains. That will bring in more revenue, without seriously affecting the lower middle class people.
Sunday, 22 June 2014
Review ~ The Lost Centurion by Monica La Porta
Good Morning!
So I've been pretty bad lately. I had all these reviews all at once and tried to space them a little bit. Only to forget one! I feel bad because this story I volunteered for and just spaced on almost two weeks ago. No I did not forget because the book was bad. Sorry Monica La Porta! You should check out this book though if you are over 18 years old. :)
I have read one or two other works by Monica La Porta, and her writing never disappoints. It flows in a natural flow, the beginning took me a little pit, but then the story grabs you. It was interesting to read the point of view where the girl was the vampire instead of the guy, fresh idea. This is coming from a girl who wouldn't read anything (minus one series) with a vampire in it. The development between the two characters are a natural progress, not an instant love. I would highly suggest anyone who loves paranormal romance to read this.
Kindle $0.99
Amazon Paperback $9.49
BN Paperback $9.30
Monica La Porta's Website
So I've been pretty bad lately. I had all these reviews all at once and tried to space them a little bit. Only to forget one! I feel bad because this story I volunteered for and just spaced on almost two weeks ago. No I did not forget because the book was bad. Sorry Monica La Porta! You should check out this book though if you are over 18 years old. :)
** Not suitable for those under 18 **
If the one you loved was killed, how long would you seek revenge? Marcus is a Centurion and his wife was killed back when ancient Rome, wasn't ancient. Marcus has spent his immortal life seeking for the name of the vampire that killed his wife, but in the progress he comes across a brand new vampire that is on the verge of death. In saving her, he has broken not only rules, but pacts between the two races. The two have an adventure that they did not plan for that night.I have read one or two other works by Monica La Porta, and her writing never disappoints. It flows in a natural flow, the beginning took me a little pit, but then the story grabs you. It was interesting to read the point of view where the girl was the vampire instead of the guy, fresh idea. This is coming from a girl who wouldn't read anything (minus one series) with a vampire in it. The development between the two characters are a natural progress, not an instant love. I would highly suggest anyone who loves paranormal romance to read this.
Amazon Paperback $9.49
BN Paperback $9.30
Monica La Porta's Website
Thursday, 19 June 2014
Involve entrepreneurs to solve Bangalore's garbage problem
Waste disposal has become a major issue in Bangalore. Every year once or twice the issue hits headlines with people residing in areas near the landfills complaining of health hazards, and refusing to let garbage trucks into their areas.
Only a few days ago the government managed to pacify the people of Mandur in Bangalore outskirts, who were on a protest, resulting in garbage piling up all over the city.
It's not that there are no solutions. But there are many extraneous issues related to land that are thwarting attempts to implement a solution. All advanced cities around the world have adopted mechanical processes to either harmlessly incenerate the waste or turn waste into organic manure.
There is also lack of determination to look for solution and make them work. Deccan Herald has an article today on how an entrepreneur is running 170 Organic Waste Converters. One of the converters in Jayanagar, sold to the city corporation, is maintained by this entrepreneur Narendra Babu. The people of the area are helping him to keep it going.
So it'sn't that there are no solutions. Taking a cue from the good work done by this entrepreneur, the government must get private players and citizens involved in the process. Such OWCs can be set up at various locations and a self-sustaining model devised to have the manure distributed. A win-win solution that is crying out for adoption.
It's an irony that a city like Bangalore, which has a huge number of innovators and entrepreneurs, doesn't have an effective way of handling waste.
Wednesday, 18 June 2014
Use and misuse of hashtag
The first time a hashtag was ever used was around 7 years ago. Today it's very common on Twitter updates and even on Facebook status messages. Some people use it even on WhatApp and SMS messages. And, it's very evident that not many people clearly understand what a hashtag means; and when and how to use it.
What is a hashtag?
It's nothing but a hash followed by a tag. The tag is a label, or key word(s) that indicate(s) a topic of discussion. So, hashtag comprises a word, or a group of words without space in between them, and prefixed with the hash symbol, #. (Wikipedia entry on hashtag)
For eg: #bbcworldcup, #BringBackOurGirls, #Firstboss
The hashtag was first used on Twitter, and works best there. It serves to group together messages on a particular topic. It makes it easy for people to search messages on that topic by entering the hashtag in the search box on Twitter.
But why have a hashtag when we can search for tweets by simply typing out a word or a phrase like we search for websites in Google?
That's right. If you want to search for all tweets on Obama, you can key in Obama in the search box and get all the tweets with the word Obama in them. So is the case with any other word or phrase. For example: healthcare, MH370, Iraq fighting etc. Indeed, you can search for tweets on Twitter exactly like you search for websites on Google.
Why use hashtag?
A news organization like the BBC or the New York Times, or institutions or advocacy groups, or individual Twitter users, may create a hashtag for an issue or an event. They publicize this hashtag, calling on people to use that hashtag with their tweets. The aim is to bunch all the tweets on that issue or event under one hashtag. It also helps people looking for tweets on a particular issue or event or a person.
For example: for the world cup football matches currently on in Brazil, BBC has created a hashtag #bbcworldcup, So all tweets on BBC related to the world cup has this hashtag. By tweeting with this hashtag, you also stand a chance of getting your tweets featured in the live stream on the BBC site.
The most famous hashtag in recent times was "#BringBackOurGirls". It was created after the abduction of over 200 schoolchildren by militants in Nigeria on April 14. (More from BBC)
There was intense debate online about who created the #BringBackOurGirls hashtag. The BBC, after a thorough check, says it was first used on April 23 by Ibrahim M Abdullahi, a lawyer in Nigeria. (More)
The BBC has some interesting statistics about the #BringBackOurGirls
The purpose of creating that hashtag was to group all tweets on this important incident under one label. Whether the online activism achieved anything tangible is still being debated.
Anyone can create a hashtag. For example, you can tweet about your first boss, with the hashtag #FirstBoss. Popularize it, and get people to tweet with this hashtag. So, if you search Twitter for this hashtag, you will get to see all tweets on this topic.
Wrong use of hashtag
Merely putting a hash sign in front of a word does not make that word a hashtag. It serves any purpose only if it's clickable. So, no point using it in WhatsApp messages and SMSes. Though it's most commonly used in Twitter, Facebook too lets you see a feed of all posts with a particular hashtag.
Remember this
What is a hashtag?
It's nothing but a hash followed by a tag. The tag is a label, or key word(s) that indicate(s) a topic of discussion. So, hashtag comprises a word, or a group of words without space in between them, and prefixed with the hash symbol, #. (Wikipedia entry on hashtag)
For eg: #bbcworldcup, #BringBackOurGirls, #Firstboss
The hashtag was first used on Twitter, and works best there. It serves to group together messages on a particular topic. It makes it easy for people to search messages on that topic by entering the hashtag in the search box on Twitter.
But why have a hashtag when we can search for tweets by simply typing out a word or a phrase like we search for websites in Google?
That's right. If you want to search for all tweets on Obama, you can key in Obama in the search box and get all the tweets with the word Obama in them. So is the case with any other word or phrase. For example: healthcare, MH370, Iraq fighting etc. Indeed, you can search for tweets on Twitter exactly like you search for websites on Google.
Why use hashtag?
A news organization like the BBC or the New York Times, or institutions or advocacy groups, or individual Twitter users, may create a hashtag for an issue or an event. They publicize this hashtag, calling on people to use that hashtag with their tweets. The aim is to bunch all the tweets on that issue or event under one hashtag. It also helps people looking for tweets on a particular issue or event or a person.
For example: for the world cup football matches currently on in Brazil, BBC has created a hashtag #bbcworldcup, So all tweets on BBC related to the world cup has this hashtag. By tweeting with this hashtag, you also stand a chance of getting your tweets featured in the live stream on the BBC site.
The most famous hashtag in recent times was "#BringBackOurGirls". It was created after the abduction of over 200 schoolchildren by militants in Nigeria on April 14. (More from BBC)
There was intense debate online about who created the #BringBackOurGirls hashtag. The BBC, after a thorough check, says it was first used on April 23 by Ibrahim M Abdullahi, a lawyer in Nigeria. (More)
The BBC has some interesting statistics about the #BringBackOurGirls
The purpose of creating that hashtag was to group all tweets on this important incident under one label. Whether the online activism achieved anything tangible is still being debated.
Anyone can create a hashtag. For example, you can tweet about your first boss, with the hashtag #FirstBoss. Popularize it, and get people to tweet with this hashtag. So, if you search Twitter for this hashtag, you will get to see all tweets on this topic.
Wrong use of hashtag
Merely putting a hash sign in front of a word does not make that word a hashtag. It serves any purpose only if it's clickable. So, no point using it in WhatsApp messages and SMSes. Though it's most commonly used in Twitter, Facebook too lets you see a feed of all posts with a particular hashtag.
Remember this
- Hashtags should be as short as possible. Because, longer the hashtag, fewer will be characters in your tweet.
- If a hashtag has more than one word, then there shouldn't be any space between the words.
- It should be unique, or else it defeats the purpose of creating one.
- Hashtag works only on the website it has been used. You can search on Twitter hashtags that are used on Facebook.
Saturday, 14 June 2014
Giveaway Ended
Good morning!
The winners were picked and I'll be contacting them. Meanwhile if you do not hear from me you can enter to win an e-book copy of Beneath the Scars from me on Angela's blog!
Ottilie
The winners were picked and I'll be contacting them. Meanwhile if you do not hear from me you can enter to win an e-book copy of Beneath the Scars from me on Angela's blog!
Ottilie
Friday, 13 June 2014
Memorable start to football World Cup
Brazilians weren't at their best at all. Croatia didn't capitalize on that either. Thankfully, there were some good actions in the opening match of the football World Cup final yesterday.
The first goal was (technically) an own goal by Brazil in the 11th minute, as a shot from Olic touched Nikica and rolled off Marcelo into his own net. Then came the first yellow card in the 27th minute, to a Brazilian player, of all players, Neymar. I wondered what was in for Brazil?
But quite expectedly they came good. They had to. Neymar equalized in the 29th minute.
Then the controversy in the 71st minute. Japanese referee awarded a penalty after judging Lovren to have fouled Fred inside the box. But replays from multiple angles didn't show any contact at all for Lovren to have Fred falling down. Neymar converted, eluding the outstretched arm of the Croatian keeper. That got Brazil ahead. And the crowd exploded.
Finally just seconds before the final hooter Oscar scored giving the home team 3-1 win.
Today's second match will be special: it will be a replay of 2010 final - between Spain and Netherlands. Then, the 1-0 win gave Spain the crown. Let's see how it plays out today. Spain is expected to win.
The first goal was (technically) an own goal by Brazil in the 11th minute, as a shot from Olic touched Nikica and rolled off Marcelo into his own net. Then came the first yellow card in the 27th minute, to a Brazilian player, of all players, Neymar. I wondered what was in for Brazil?
But quite expectedly they came good. They had to. Neymar equalized in the 29th minute.
Then the controversy in the 71st minute. Japanese referee awarded a penalty after judging Lovren to have fouled Fred inside the box. But replays from multiple angles didn't show any contact at all for Lovren to have Fred falling down. Neymar converted, eluding the outstretched arm of the Croatian keeper. That got Brazil ahead. And the crowd exploded.
Finally just seconds before the final hooter Oscar scored giving the home team 3-1 win.
Today's second match will be special: it will be a replay of 2010 final - between Spain and Netherlands. Then, the 1-0 win gave Spain the crown. Let's see how it plays out today. Spain is expected to win.
Wednesday, 11 June 2014
Neko Case "Thrice All American"
I got a big kick out of this Neko Case/Kelly Hogan goof on Sci-Fi and Fanboys and such.
And because I was sitting at the kitchen table on a late afternoon, I decided to go to the basement and pull out some of my older Neko Case records, like "Furnace Room Lullaby."
It's been a while since I'd gone back to the Neko Case of the 90s. The think that struck me was that on top of loving the record as much as ever, I just couldn't get over how little-of-a-clue that record offered, as to what Neko Case would sound like in 2014.
I mean, the voice is still there. The mystery. The confidence. The sly humor amid the darkness.
I guess I'm mostly talking about the country references, which are pretty much gone without a trace now.
In the late 90s, Neko Case seemed like she was going to be an enigmatic Patsy Cline for the modern age, crafting timeless, country-tinged dark ruminations.
And while the music of 2014 still feels timeless and dark, there is a complete absence of twang.
The strangest part about it is that it happened slowly and quietly, subtly. I mean, there's still a bit of twang in Case's voice in current songs like "City Swans." Just not in the instrumentation.
I was trying to think of another artist who so quietly, easily slipped out of country, without calling attention to it---so much so that you kinda forgot that's where they came from.
Wilco came to mind at first. But I do recall an interview with Jeff Tweedy, pre-"Yankee Hotel Foxtrot," where he was contemplating a future "zero Country reference" record.
Maybe Joe Henry? He was alt-country before alt-country was alt-country. Now he makes records as timeless and dark and somewhat-uncategorizable as Case.
Anyway, just an observation. It's nice to still be surprised by an artist.
Hear the song on Youtube.
And because I was sitting at the kitchen table on a late afternoon, I decided to go to the basement and pull out some of my older Neko Case records, like "Furnace Room Lullaby."
It's been a while since I'd gone back to the Neko Case of the 90s. The think that struck me was that on top of loving the record as much as ever, I just couldn't get over how little-of-a-clue that record offered, as to what Neko Case would sound like in 2014.
I mean, the voice is still there. The mystery. The confidence. The sly humor amid the darkness.
I guess I'm mostly talking about the country references, which are pretty much gone without a trace now.
In the late 90s, Neko Case seemed like she was going to be an enigmatic Patsy Cline for the modern age, crafting timeless, country-tinged dark ruminations.
And while the music of 2014 still feels timeless and dark, there is a complete absence of twang.
The strangest part about it is that it happened slowly and quietly, subtly. I mean, there's still a bit of twang in Case's voice in current songs like "City Swans." Just not in the instrumentation.
I was trying to think of another artist who so quietly, easily slipped out of country, without calling attention to it---so much so that you kinda forgot that's where they came from.
Wilco came to mind at first. But I do recall an interview with Jeff Tweedy, pre-"Yankee Hotel Foxtrot," where he was contemplating a future "zero Country reference" record.
Maybe Joe Henry? He was alt-country before alt-country was alt-country. Now he makes records as timeless and dark and somewhat-uncategorizable as Case.
Anyway, just an observation. It's nice to still be surprised by an artist.
Hear the song on Youtube.
Who will win 2014 FIFA World Cup?
The world's most popular sporting extravaganza is all set to kick off in Brazil. The opening match is between Brazil and Croatia tomorrow night (at 1.30 am Friday in India) at Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo. Thanks to the time difference, it will be hard to follow all the matches live: they are at 9.30 pm, 12.30 am at 3.30 am. Sadly, some of the good matches are at 3.30 am.
It will now be a full month of fun. As 32 nations in 8 groups vie for the most coveted trophy in football, all the talk will be about who is playing whom, who will score, the deadly saves and strikes, who will top the table, and finally who will take the trophy home.
The hosts, Brazil is the only nation to have played in all the editions of the prestigious tournament. They have also won the cup a record five times -- in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002. They are always in the reckoning, more so now, to strike the jackpot. Spain comes as defending champions, but not much hopes are riding on them.
Though on paper Germany looks good to triumph, I have a gut feeling that it'll be a Latin American party. Though there were a lot of protests and strikes in Brazil, the country will finally rally behind their team on home ground, and backed by a good lineup, I think the holders of Confederations Cup will go on to lift the Fifa Cup too. From Latin America, expect a good fight from Argentina. If I have to look at Europe, my feeling is, it will be Germany, and the surprise will come from France.
Anyway, let's see how it plays out. Lots of time to discuss and debate.
Easy search on Google
By the way, Google -- as always -- has made it very easy for us to keep track of the fun.
Type or say "2014 Fifa World Cup", under the head "Matches", you get to see who is playing against whom and when. In the tab "Groups", you see the points table arranged group-wise.
Under the tab "Matches", if you click on a match, you have details like Timeline, Match Stats and Lineup. When you click on a team, you can see more details about the team and the other matches the team will play, besides the current standing of the team in the group.
If you click on "match preview", you are taken to the Fifa site, where you have a slew of information.
Who, you think, will win the cup?
 |
| A graffiti depicting human hands holding the earth with the Brazilian flag in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo credit: AP/Thanassis Stavrakis) |
The hosts, Brazil is the only nation to have played in all the editions of the prestigious tournament. They have also won the cup a record five times -- in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002. They are always in the reckoning, more so now, to strike the jackpot. Spain comes as defending champions, but not much hopes are riding on them.
Though on paper Germany looks good to triumph, I have a gut feeling that it'll be a Latin American party. Though there were a lot of protests and strikes in Brazil, the country will finally rally behind their team on home ground, and backed by a good lineup, I think the holders of Confederations Cup will go on to lift the Fifa Cup too. From Latin America, expect a good fight from Argentina. If I have to look at Europe, my feeling is, it will be Germany, and the surprise will come from France.
Anyway, let's see how it plays out. Lots of time to discuss and debate.
Easy search on Google
By the way, Google -- as always -- has made it very easy for us to keep track of the fun.
Type or say "2014 Fifa World Cup", under the head "Matches", you get to see who is playing against whom and when. In the tab "Groups", you see the points table arranged group-wise.
 |
| Google Search result page for FIFA World Cup. |
If you click on "match preview", you are taken to the Fifa site, where you have a slew of information.
Who, you think, will win the cup?
Tuesday, 10 June 2014
Public Enemy "He Got Game"
Stick with me, MVY listeners . . .
I was following a Facebook thread last night from a friend whose musical tastes run shockingly similar to mine. The post was based around late 80s/early 90s rap music, starting with The Beastie Boys amazing back-to-back records "Paul's Boutique" and "Check Your Head." Further comments cited De La Soul, Black Sheep, Boogie Down Productions and Public Enemy, among others, as producing great albums in that era.
Then the thread host mentioned Public Enemy's "He Got Game" soundtrack, and wham! I was hit with a little bolt of lightning.
I am certain that I have not thought about that song since it played on WABN, some 15 years ago.
How certain am I that it was erased from my memory? When the song came on I thought, "Oh yeah, the song where they sample 'For What It's Worth' a little too heavily." While completely forgetting that STEPHEN STILLS IS IN THIS VIDEO!!! They didn't just sample, Stephen Fucking Stills performed with Public Enemy?!?!
This isn't the kind of thing that slips your mind for a second. Either it's there, or it's not there.
For me, it was definitely not there. Until now.
Hey mvyradio listeners, I know many of your aren't interested in Public Enemy, but you gotta at least skip ahead to 2:20, when Stills shows up.
Hear the song on Youtube.
I was following a Facebook thread last night from a friend whose musical tastes run shockingly similar to mine. The post was based around late 80s/early 90s rap music, starting with The Beastie Boys amazing back-to-back records "Paul's Boutique" and "Check Your Head." Further comments cited De La Soul, Black Sheep, Boogie Down Productions and Public Enemy, among others, as producing great albums in that era.
Then the thread host mentioned Public Enemy's "He Got Game" soundtrack, and wham! I was hit with a little bolt of lightning.
I am certain that I have not thought about that song since it played on WABN, some 15 years ago.
How certain am I that it was erased from my memory? When the song came on I thought, "Oh yeah, the song where they sample 'For What It's Worth' a little too heavily." While completely forgetting that STEPHEN STILLS IS IN THIS VIDEO!!! They didn't just sample, Stephen Fucking Stills performed with Public Enemy?!?!
This isn't the kind of thing that slips your mind for a second. Either it's there, or it's not there.
For me, it was definitely not there. Until now.
Hey mvyradio listeners, I know many of your aren't interested in Public Enemy, but you gotta at least skip ahead to 2:20, when Stills shows up.
Hear the song on Youtube.
Monday, 9 June 2014
Cover Revealing ~ Blood Beyond Darkness
Good Afternoon!
I get to be part of a cover revealing! This is more towards over 18 crowed (sorry!). For those old enough keep scrolling!
Ember Brycin has been called them all. She’s always known she’s different. No one has ever called her normal, even under the best circumstances. Bizarre and inexplicable things continually happen to her, and having two different colored eyes, strange hair, and an unusual tattoo only contributes to the gossip about her.
When the latest school explosion lands her in a facility for trouble teens, she meets Eli Dragen, who’s hot as hell and darkly mysterious. Their connection is full of passion, danger, and secrets. Secrets that will not only change her life, but what and who she is—leading her down a path she never imagined possible.
Between Light and Dark, Ember finds a world where truth and knowledge are power and no one can be trusted. But her survival depends on finding out the truth about herself. In her pursuit, she is forced between love and destiny and good and evil, even when the differences between them aren’t always clear. At worst, she will incite a war that could destroy both worlds. At best, she will not only lose her heart but her life and everyone she loves. Once the truth is out, however, there will be no going back. And she’ll definitely wish she could.
I get to be part of a cover revealing! This is more towards over 18 crowed (sorry!). For those old enough keep scrolling!
We are so excited to be able to participate in the unveiling to the world the cover of the 4th book of the Darkness Series by the amazing Stacey Marie Brown!
BLOOD BEYOND DARKNESS
SYNOPSIS
After months of searching, Ember and her friends have finally located the Sword of Light, the only weapon capable of destroying Queen Aneira and ending her rule. This is Ember’s destiny. Or so she thought. Now a pact to save the man she loves changes everything.
In this final installment in the Darkness Series, when the truth comes to light, Ember will learn some things are better left in the dark as her world is ripped even further apart. It is no longer a rabbit hole, but a never-ending black void full of endless lies, betrayals, and secrets.
The fight for Earth has begun, and Ember will have to make the ultimate sacrifice to save millions of innocent lives and those she loves.
But this price may be too high—even for her.
After months of searching, Ember and her friends have finally located the Sword of Light, the only weapon capable of destroying Queen Aneira and ending her rule. This is Ember’s destiny. Or so she thought. Now a pact to save the man she loves changes everything.
In this final installment in the Darkness Series, when the truth comes to light, Ember will learn some things are better left in the dark as her world is ripped even further apart. It is no longer a rabbit hole, but a never-ending black void full of endless lies, betrayals, and secrets.
The fight for Earth has begun, and Ember will have to make the ultimate sacrifice to save millions of innocent lives and those she loves.
But this price may be too high—even for her.
Releases August 2014
TEASER
Other Books in the Series
all purchase links are on Stacey's Amazon Author Page
Darkness of Light (Book 1)
Freak. Witch. Crazy. Schizo.
Ember Brycin has been called them all. She’s always known she’s different. No one has ever called her normal, even under the best circumstances. Bizarre and inexplicable things continually happen to her, and having two different colored eyes, strange hair, and an unusual tattoo only contributes to the gossip about her.
When the latest school explosion lands her in a facility for trouble teens, she meets Eli Dragen, who’s hot as hell and darkly mysterious. Their connection is full of passion, danger, and secrets. Secrets that will not only change her life, but what and who she is—leading her down a path she never imagined possible.
Between Light and Dark, Ember finds a world where truth and knowledge are power and no one can be trusted. But her survival depends on finding out the truth about herself. In her pursuit, she is forced between love and destiny and good and evil, even when the differences between them aren’t always clear. At worst, she will incite a war that could destroy both worlds. At best, she will not only lose her heart but her life and everyone she loves. Once the truth is out, however, there will be no going back. And she’ll definitely wish she could.
Fire in the Darkness (Book 2)
It's been four weeks since Ember Brycin witnessed what her powers are capable of. The Electrical Current Storm (ECS) has turned Seattle, Washington into a natural disaster zone. The death toll is in the thousands with countless others homeless and hungry.
And Ember is the one who caused it. Something she will have to live with every day.
Those people who were unable to escape either turned quickly into gangs or live in shelters. Ember, on the other hand, can’t do either. With a price on her head and a Dark Dweller on her ass, she is constantly on the move. Both Light and Dark are hunting her for their own purpose to use her as a weapon or a pawn in the war between the Unseelie King of the Dark and the Seelie Queen of the Light.
Em needs help but doesn’t know who to trust: Lars, the mystery man Torin told her to find? Torin, the Seelie Queen’s personal knight, who has sworn to keep Em safe? Or Eli, who wants to turn her over to the Unseelie King, but whom she has an undeniable, intense connection with?
No matter what she chooses she will probably lose—her life or everything and everyone she loves.
And Ember is the one who caused it. Something she will have to live with every day.
Those people who were unable to escape either turned quickly into gangs or live in shelters. Ember, on the other hand, can’t do either. With a price on her head and a Dark Dweller on her ass, she is constantly on the move. Both Light and Dark are hunting her for their own purpose to use her as a weapon or a pawn in the war between the Unseelie King of the Dark and the Seelie Queen of the Light.
Em needs help but doesn’t know who to trust: Lars, the mystery man Torin told her to find? Torin, the Seelie Queen’s personal knight, who has sworn to keep Em safe? Or Eli, who wants to turn her over to the Unseelie King, but whom she has an undeniable, intense connection with?
No matter what she chooses she will probably lose—her life or everything and everyone she loves.
Beast in the Darkness (Eli Novellette)
*Meant to be read after Fire In The Darkness*
Beast In The Darkness (An Elighan Dragen Novelette)
We know the story from Ember's POV, but what happens to Eli after Ember disappears? Crawl inside Eli's mind and experience what he goes through. Be warned his mind in not a fuzzy warm place to be....
**Warning this contains sexual content and language.
**Contains Spoilers if you have not previously read Darkness Of Light or Fire In The Darkness.
Beast In The Darkness (An Elighan Dragen Novelette)
We know the story from Ember's POV, but what happens to Eli after Ember disappears? Crawl inside Eli's mind and experience what he goes through. Be warned his mind in not a fuzzy warm place to be....
**Warning this contains sexual content and language.
**Contains Spoilers if you have not previously read Darkness Of Light or Fire In The Darkness.
Dwellers of Darkness (Book 3)
Some days feel like years, but in Ember Brycin’s case just the opposite is true. She had only been in the Otherworld for a day or two when she escaped with her mom, Kennedy, and Jared to the Earth realm. But it’s three years later on Earth. Em would be 22 now—if she was a human. But she’s not. She is a Dae—part Demon and part Fay—with a little Dark Dweller thrown in to make her even more of a freak.
One thing that hasn’t changed, though, is her undeniable connection to Eli Dragen, who is sexy, gorgeous, and even more frustrating. But her problems go way past him.
The Seelie Queen of the Otherworld still holds Mark, Em’s father, and her friends, Ryan, and Josh as hostages. Em needs to rescue them without, once again, getting caught and being used as a pawn to help the Queen regain possession of Earth. At the same time Lars, the Unseelie King, reminds Em she is bound to him and has to locate the Sword of Light to fulfill the prophesy and kill the Queen.
As the tension for war mounts between the Seelie and Unseelie (Light and Dark), the tension at the Dark Dweller’s compound mounts even more as they prepare to obtain the sword no matter what the price. But is Ember the answer to the location of the sword? Is she the one to fulfill the prophecy? As usual nothing is ever what it seems.
When she’s not writing she’s out hiking, spending time with friends, traveling, listening to music, or designing.
Social Media Links:
Amazon Author Page
Facebook
Darkness of Light Facebook Page
Twitter
Goodreads Author Page
Youtube
One thing that hasn’t changed, though, is her undeniable connection to Eli Dragen, who is sexy, gorgeous, and even more frustrating. But her problems go way past him.
The Seelie Queen of the Otherworld still holds Mark, Em’s father, and her friends, Ryan, and Josh as hostages. Em needs to rescue them without, once again, getting caught and being used as a pawn to help the Queen regain possession of Earth. At the same time Lars, the Unseelie King, reminds Em she is bound to him and has to locate the Sword of Light to fulfill the prophesy and kill the Queen.
As the tension for war mounts between the Seelie and Unseelie (Light and Dark), the tension at the Dark Dweller’s compound mounts even more as they prepare to obtain the sword no matter what the price. But is Ember the answer to the location of the sword? Is she the one to fulfill the prophecy? As usual nothing is ever what it seems.
Author Bio
Stacey Marie Brown by day is an Interior/Set Designer, by night a writer of Paranormal Fantasy, Adventure, and Literary Fiction. She grew up in Northern California, where she ran around on her family’s farm, raising animals, riding horses, playing flashlight tag, and turning hay bales into cool forts. Even before she could write, she was creating stories and making up intricate fantasies. Writing came as easy as breathing. She later turned that passion into acting, living and traveling abroad, and designing. Though she had never stopped writing, moving back to San Francisco seemed to have brought it back to the forefront and this time it would not be ignored.When she’s not writing she’s out hiking, spending time with friends, traveling, listening to music, or designing.
Social Media Links:
Amazon Author Page
Darkness of Light Facebook Page
Goodreads Author Page
Youtube
Sunday, 8 June 2014
Review ~ Summer Demons Mia Hoddell
Good Morning!
So I have a new adult novella 'Summer Demons' by Mia Hoddell for you! It is bot in e-book and paperback edition though. I also have it on high authority there will be more to come (sequels!). Plus who doesn't love the cover?
No one really knows another person's story. Jenna has a history that causes her to be afraid of water because it not only forces her to remember the lose of a love one, but also guilt. Jenna is on a holiday with her friend Amy who will do anything to cheer her friend's low spirits after the tragedy of Jenna's boyfriend dying. Yet, fate has another thing in mind for her, that includes a knee melting grin.
This was the first Mia Hoddell book that I have read, and I'm sure there will be more in the future. Her writing is flowing in a manner that allows the readers to be planted in the scene, but not too wordy. The characters even for a short story are very well developed so that the readers are still feeling the sorrow of Jenna. As Jenna tries to find herself, it is a believable progress of emotions for someone who went through what Jenna went through. Readers will not be disappointed.
Kindle $0.99
Paperback $6.29
Mia's website
So I have a new adult novella 'Summer Demons' by Mia Hoddell for you! It is bot in e-book and paperback edition though. I also have it on high authority there will be more to come (sequels!). Plus who doesn't love the cover?
No one really knows another person's story. Jenna has a history that causes her to be afraid of water because it not only forces her to remember the lose of a love one, but also guilt. Jenna is on a holiday with her friend Amy who will do anything to cheer her friend's low spirits after the tragedy of Jenna's boyfriend dying. Yet, fate has another thing in mind for her, that includes a knee melting grin.
This was the first Mia Hoddell book that I have read, and I'm sure there will be more in the future. Her writing is flowing in a manner that allows the readers to be planted in the scene, but not too wordy. The characters even for a short story are very well developed so that the readers are still feeling the sorrow of Jenna. As Jenna tries to find herself, it is a believable progress of emotions for someone who went through what Jenna went through. Readers will not be disappointed.
Paperback $6.29
Mia's website
Saturday, 7 June 2014
Review ~ Love Undone by Diana Nixon
Good Morning!
It's been awhile since I posted and there are a few reviews coming your way because I finally had time to read! Who knew that would happen again? I just want to take a second and remind everyone my giveaways are still going on and you can click here and read the details! Now today I have a review for you of a New Adult book (not suitable for under 18!) and I loved this book. It probably wasn't the best book to read at work, but I loved it none the less. If you haven't checked out Diana Nixon, I would highly suggest that you do. Who hasn't wondered if love should get a second chance? I hope to read more by Diana :)
** Not suitable for under 18! **
Your heart tells you to jump, but your mind wants you to stay cautious of the man before you, do you jump or run? Kassie wakes up in the hospital with all her memories, the good and the bad, all gone. As she is picking up the pieces there is a man with dangerously alluring dark blue eyes that causes her already hurting mind to spin even further. He makes her heart skip beats, but there is a small voice that tells her she should keep her guard up.
Love Undone by Diana Nixon was very well written, good flow without extra fluff some books might add. Kassie has fun witty fights with Daniel the alluring dark man. Daniel will make any woman weak in the knees. I loved reading this story, you feel for both characters. Kassie because she is trying to piece together a life she can not remember, and redealing with tragedies from her past. Daniel, well no one is perfect and no one has a clean past, but you still got to love him. This might be a book that I will eventually pick up a paperback if there ever is one :) go grab yourself a copy!
Interview with Diana:
It's been awhile since I posted and there are a few reviews coming your way because I finally had time to read! Who knew that would happen again? I just want to take a second and remind everyone my giveaways are still going on and you can click here and read the details! Now today I have a review for you of a New Adult book (not suitable for under 18!) and I loved this book. It probably wasn't the best book to read at work, but I loved it none the less. If you haven't checked out Diana Nixon, I would highly suggest that you do. Who hasn't wondered if love should get a second chance? I hope to read more by Diana :)
** Not suitable for under 18! **Your heart tells you to jump, but your mind wants you to stay cautious of the man before you, do you jump or run? Kassie wakes up in the hospital with all her memories, the good and the bad, all gone. As she is picking up the pieces there is a man with dangerously alluring dark blue eyes that causes her already hurting mind to spin even further. He makes her heart skip beats, but there is a small voice that tells her she should keep her guard up.
Love Undone by Diana Nixon was very well written, good flow without extra fluff some books might add. Kassie has fun witty fights with Daniel the alluring dark man. Daniel will make any woman weak in the knees. I loved reading this story, you feel for both characters. Kassie because she is trying to piece together a life she can not remember, and redealing with tragedies from her past. Daniel, well no one is perfect and no one has a clean past, but you still got to love him. This might be a book that I will eventually pick up a paperback if there ever is one :) go grab yourself a copy!
Interview with Diana:
1. Where did you come up with the plot to Love Undone?
- I started writing this book before Christmas, and frankly, it was supposed to be a little different. I even thought about writing it in collaboration with another author. Then, I read my notes and realized that I wanted it to be different from my previous stories. So I tried my best to make it more emotional, touching, catching and memorable. And today, reading the reviews, I can see that I’ve succeeded! It DOES make my readers feel and this is exactly what I wanted from Love Undone. It shows how fast everything that you love and live for can be taken away from you, by accident or death. I also wanted to show how much we shall cherish every person we love, because we never know when his/her travel might end…
2. Do you believe in love deserves another chance?
- I do. Personally, I’m sure that everything deserves a second chance, because we all know that the first pancake is always a failure, lol
3. You have written both YA and NA books, do you prefer to write one over the other?
- Well, YA books are always beautiful and romantic, while NA stories are more open and show a different side of the youth, where not only happy smiles exist. Now that I have worked in both genres, I think I like NA books more. Or maybe I just feel like I’m too old to write more YA books, lol However, I’m thinking about writing another YA story:) In other words, you never know what to expect from a writer:)
4. What is your favorite dessert?
- Ice-cream, with strawberry or chocolate:)
5. You speak several different languages, which was the hardest for you to learn?
- Those that I speak were not too hard to learn. There’s only one language that I think I will never be able to learn and it’s French. The pronunciation and spelling are killing me:) Now I’m working on a book that needs French phrases, and I have to check the spelling of every work, over and over again, before sending the text to the editor, because sometimes even she, a French native speaker, can’t understand what I wanted to say, lol
6. Was there anything that was hard for you to write in this story?
- The whole story was hard to write. Maybe because unlike other books, I wanted this one to be so heart-shattering? So, yes, it took me awhile to make all those ideas from my head look good on paper:)
7. Is there a specific routine you have to writing?
- No routine; more coffee, more chapters:)
8. What is your favorite book that you've read?
- I don’t have one:) I like different books, from Gone with the Wind to The Da Vinci Code.
9. Do you prefer to read off an e-reader or a physical copy?
- Physical copies are easier to read, but unfortunately, we live in the world of never-stop running, lol, that’s why e-books are always with us, on our phones, e-readers, notebooks.
10. What advice would you give to those who are either just starting to write or trying to get the ball rolling?
- Never listen to those saying that your book is not good enough to be published:) Every story deserves a reader. And at least one 5* review:)
Love Undone
By Diana Nixon
Available from JUNE, 3rd 2014
What would you do if all your memories were gone?
One day Kassie wakes up and realizes that her life is nothing but an endless emptiness…
One tragic incident takes away everything that she has ever cherished and loved: family, friends and all the best moments that she ever lived through.
Now everything seems unknown, including a beautiful stranger,
whose mere look makes her heart beat faster.
Who is that reckless and mysterious man? Is he just an old friend or an enemy? Sinking into the vortex of indescribable emotions, they will give in to the most irresistible temptation ever,
just to fall in love with each other, again and again...
EXCERPT
“It’s not safe to go there alone, Miss,” he said, stopping at what looked like an old barn.
“Trust me, I’m so pissed that no one will dare touch me,” I said, giving him the money.
“Do you want me to wait for you?”
“No thanks, I’m meeting a friend here,” I said, as I spied Daniel’s car near the entrance. I got out of the taxi and headed for the steps.
A huge guy about my age stood in my way. “Are you a member of the club?” he asked gruffly.
“No, but I know one of the members.”
“Who?”
“Daniel Farrell,” I said, hoping my voice sounded firm. I didn’t want him to think that I was an easy target.
“He’s fighting now. You sure you want to see it?”
“He’s what?” I didn’t expect such an answer.
“It’s a boxing club, you know? People come here to fight.”
I swallowed hard. “Yes, I need to see him.”
He opened the doors for me, and nodded to the stairs, leading to the ground floor.
“Be careful with the crowd. People get really crazy when Dan’s fighting.”
I nodded silently, feeling my palms sweating. What the hell am I doing here?
I only took a few steps down the stairs, when someone caught me by the hand.
“Don’t go there, Sweetheart. They will eat you alive.”
I looked up at the guy, and my knees trembled even worse. He was head and shoulders above me, and the dragon tattoo on his upper arm only made my fear grow. I will kill Daniel for making me drag my ass here, I thought irritably to myself, trying to break free of the guy’s death grip. It wasn’t hard. He let me go, and pulled a lighter from his pocket. I stood still, not knowing what to do next. He smirked, with his bright-blue eyes watching me intently. There wasn’t anything seductive about his gaze. He probably thought I was the stupidest creature ever, since I willingly crossed the threshold of The Underground alone. He lit a cigarette and blew out a thick cloud of smoke right into my face. I grimaced.
“I remember you,” he said, leaning against the opposite wall. “Last time you were here, you were really pissed.”
“This time isn’t much different. Wait, I’ve been here before?”
“Yeah, about two years ago.”
“What was I doing here?”
“Looking for Daniel, I guess.”
“Do you know him?”
“Of course. I know all of my fighters.”
The realization hit me. “You must be the owner of this place.”
“Want to watch the fight?”
“Not really. But I need to talk to Daniel.”
“Come with me,” he said, turning around and heading up the stairs. I hesitated. “Come on, I’m not gonna hurt you. I care about my life, you know?”
“And what’s that supposed to mean?” I asked, following him. Apparently, my courage was back.
“Dan will make me eat my balls if I touch you.”
Huh, that surely makes me feel better, I thought to myself.
“I heard about the explosion. And about your brother.”
“You knew him?”
“I saw him a few times. He came to watch Dan’s fights. Sorry about your loss. I’m Kane, by the way. And you are-”
“Kassie.”
“Right.”
“Here we go, my little kingdom,” Kane said, opening the door to what I supposed was his office. “You are safe here. Want a drink?” he asked, nodding to a small bar in the corner.
“Do you have water?”
“Will soda do?”
“Yeah, thanks.”
I walked to a huge window opening to the round arena with a few dozens of people standing around it. They were shouting and applauding, watching the fight. Even from the distance, I could recognize Daniel as one of the fighters.
“He will be all yours in less than 10 seconds,” Kane said, giving me a glass of soda. “It’s the longest time he spends on one opponent.”
I looked at Daniel again and gasped quietly, when his fist connected with the other guy’s jaw. What surprised me most was Daniel’s expression. It was severe and focused, making shivers run up and down my spine.
Kane opened the window and my hands shot to my ears at the loud cheering and shouting coming from downstairs. When Daniel attacked again, the other guy’s defense shattered. He fell to his knees. His nose met Daniel’s fist again. I grimaced as more blood spilled to the floor.
“Not a comfortable sight, is it?” Kane said, smirking.
“That is not the word,” I said quietly, still watching the poor guy’s motionless body lying in the center of the circle.
“That’s it, the moment of victory,” Kane added, applauding Daniel.
I didn’t share his enthusiasm, and I truly hoped I wouldn’t vomit right in the middle of his ‘kingdom.’ I felt terribly sick.
Before leaving the circle, Daniel applauded himself, helped his opponent to his feet (which was kind of unexpected) and looked around, smiling briefly at the admiring praises coming for the sideliners. And then, he looked up and right at the window where Kane and I were standing. Our gazes locked, and it was the very moment that I regretted coming to the club. Daniel’s expression became murderous.
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Other books by Diana Nixon:
Love Lines (LL, # 1)
Songs of the Wind (LL, # 2)
From Scratch (LL. # 2.5)
Diamond Sky (LL, # 3)
The Souls of Rain (Heavens Trilogy, # 1)
The Prisoners of Dreams (Heavens Trilogy, # 1.5)
Hate at First Sight (A contemporary romance)
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