Lois Duncan: And You'll Know What I Did That Summer

It was my first summer in the United States, and of course, had no friends. I hardly spoke English at all, and felt trapped by the lack of public transportation that I was so used to having so readily at my disposal in Buenos Aires. There was, however, one bus. A free bus! It went from the Utah State Capitol building (two blocks away from my house), to the downtown Public Library. Only the weirdos took the bus in Utah (and me), but I was used to weirdos (there were plenty in Buenos Aires) and I was city savvy.

Fortunately, the Salt Lake City downtown library was huge and well stocked. I spent lots of time perusing through it's shelves and narrow rows. I think Lois Duncan's I Know What You Did Last Summer was on display. She had a new book out that year Don't Look Behind You, and all her previous works were on display. I picked up the copy of I Know What You Did Last Summer, because ... well, it was summer after all!

I had this big city girl habit of hanging out at coffee shops, so I took my freshly checked out copy around the corner to The Salt Lake Roasting Co., not that I drank coffee or anything, but its aroma reminded me of home, the city I had left behind, with friends, and a social life. Had I been in Buenos Aires with them, or them in Salt Lake with me, we'd be doing the same thing. Hanging out at a coffee shop, getting Submarinos (steamed milk with a bar of Swiss chocolate on the side, to dip) with a pastry. So that's exactly what I did, only, I was by myself. I tried to seem impervious to my loneliness, or at least, okay with it, or even, self imposed. But it was only a front, and the Roasting Co. did not offer Submarinos, only hot chocolate--a step down--but still good.

Needless to say, my hot chocolate got cold, and my pastry went untouched. That book hooked me from the first page. On my ride home, I hardly even noticed my fellow weirdo passengers on the free bus.  I walked home, nose in the book, trying not to trip on the uneven sidewalk. I got home and was happily transported to another world, effectively forgetting that I was lonely.

That book was the one that started a trend. A trend that not only changed my life, but made those hard years bearable. No. Enjoyable.

Thank you,  Lois Duncan, for writing.
 

• Love Song for Joyce (1957)
• Debutante Hill (1957)
• A Promise for Joyce (1958)
• The Littlest One in the Family (1959) - picture book
• The Middle Sister (1960)
• Silly Mother (1962) - picture book
• Game of Danger (1962)
• Giving Away Suzanne (1962) - picture book
• Season of the Two-Heart (1965)
• Point of Violence (1966)
• Ransom (1966)
• They Never Came Home (1968)
• Major Andre, Brave Enemy (1968)
• Peggy (1970) - historical novel
• Hotel for Dogs (1971)
• A Gift of Magic (1971)
• I Know What You Did Last Summer (1973)
• When the Bough Breaks (1974)
• Down a Dark Hall (1974)
• Summer of Fear (1976)
• Killing Mr. Griffin (1978)
• How to Write and Sell Your Personal Experiences (1979) - non-fiction
• Daughters of Eve (1979)
• Stranger with My Face (1981)
• Chapters: My Growth as a Writer (1982) - autobiography
• The Terrible Tales of Happy Days School (1983) - picture book
• From Spring to Spring (1983) - picture book
• The Third Eye (1984)
• Horses of Dreamland (1985) - picture book
• Locked in Time (1985)
• The Twisted Window (1987)
• Wonder Kid Meets the Evil Lunch Snatcher (1988) - children's chapter book
• Songs from Dreamland (1988) - picture book/musical CD (vocals by Duncan's daughter, Robin Arquette Burkin)
• The Birthday Moon (1989) - picture book
• Don't Look Behind You (1989)
• Who Killed My Daughter? (1992) - non-fiction
• The Circus Comes Home (1993) - picture book with photos by Duncan's father, Joseph Steinmetz
• Psychic Connections (1995) - non-fiction
• The Magic of Spider Woman (1996) - picture book
• Night Terrors (1996) - anthology (1996)
• Gallows Hill (1997)
• Trapped! (1998) - anthology
• The Longest Hair in the World (1999) - picture book
• I Walk at Night (2000) - picture book
• On the Edge (2000) - anthology
• Song of the Circus (2002) - picture book
• (Seasons of the Heart) (2007) - poetry
• News for Dogs (2009)- fiction- sequel to Hotel for Dogs
• (A Visit with Lois Duncan) DVD -- (2008)
• Movie for Dogs (2010)- fiction- sequel to News for Dogs

So What is Kefir Anyway?

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As some of you know I'm quite obsessed with making food from scratch. It has little to do with my writing, though it helps inspire me and relax me, so I often find myself cooking something and writing in my head at the same time.

But that's not why I'm writing about Kefir today. I'm writing about Kefir because I love it,  use it every day, and because I keep getting inquiries from friends about what it is and how to use it.

For years now, I've been making my own yogurt. Heating up the milk, then letting it cool, then introducing the starter, then letting it sit. It took a whole day of babysitting. But I gladly did it because we go through lots of yogurt in my house.

I came across Kefir, one day that I was doing grocery shopping in a hurry, and was very hungry. I had heard of Kefir before, but didn't know exactly what it was until I saw the beautiful bottle of something that promised to be a pro-biotic drink and tasted of berries.

I drunk the $5 bottle in one gulp and thought that it tasted a whole lot like yogurt. So I went home and researched it. I found out that you can't make Kefir in the same way you make yogurt. You don't do it from another batch, you buy the grains.

Source: extremehealthradio.com via S.B. on Pinterest

They came in the mail, dehydrated and I had to bring them back to life by soaking them in milk. In about three days I was in business.

Why do I prefer it to yogurt? First of all, it's a lot easier. You don't have to heat anything up. You just add cold (not ultra-pasteurized) milk from the fridge, and you let it sit on your counter for 24hrs.

Source: tammysrecipes.com via S.B. on Pinterest

You then strain the grains (always using plastic or glass jars, Kefir does not like metal) and put them back to work with a fresh batch of milk.

The strained product (the Kefir drink) is now ready for consumption or to be stored in your fridge. We make smoothies with it right away.

I like to add a handful of frozen pineapple, one banana and a few drops of coconut extract. I blend and listo! No sugar needed if you ask me.

You can of course add any fruits or berries you like and you can add any sweetener you like.

Or you can just add some sugar and stir. It's good that way too! The flavor is a lot like yogurt, with a little bit of an effervescent tang.

Source: kefir.com.br via S.B. on Pinterest

A Little History:

The actual Kefir grains, originate from the Caucasus area (Russia, Georgia) area. They were known as the grains of long life. They were handed down from one generation to another, and were that region's secret to health and longevity. It's really no small wonder. While yogurt contains 6 to 7 live cultures of good bacteria, Kefir has 30! Now that's a good pro-biotic.

If you'd like to take part in my sporadic from scratch cooking adventures, feel free to join my Facebook The Immigrant Woman group.  It is a pun. ... Because, you know, I'm an immigrant ... .

Cancer claims another life. Help save another.

On August 25, 2012....I lost my Dad to C.L.L. an incurable form of cancer. Since 2006, I have been fundraising for cancer research in honor of BOTH of my parents and their cancer battles. My 15th half marathon was run on the day that my Dad passed away (picture above). I cried most of the race, knowing that I was not going to be able to save his life. He was not expected to make it through that weekend and he passed away a few hours after I completed the run.

People are very tired of me and my fundraising by now. Sorry guys!! They have been hearing from me for years. If I didn't believe in this cause and believe that a cure could be found, I wouldn't keep doing it.

I wasn't able to save my Dad's life.....but maybe I can help to save my Mom's or someone you know and love.

Please support this cause. Every dollar helps. It doesn't matter how large or how small. IT ALL COUNTS. IT ALL HELPS. It means the world to me to have the constant support of friends, co-workers and family members. It has affected me & my family greatly and I would hate to see it affect yours too.

Much love,

Beth Thomas
Wearing sunglasses to hide the tears.

Donate Here 

Young Adult Giveaway Hop

There's more hopping and more giveawaying going on on this blog.

I've joined forces with  I'm A Reader Not A Writer  and Reading Teen on a Young Adult giveaway.

To mix things up, I've asked Victoria (a teen herself) to guest post for me her review of my latest novel Living Soul.

I will now turn the reigns over to Victoria (AKA the Sci-Fi Chick) from the Chicks In Lit. Blog as she shares her thoughts on Living Soul.

Any commenter who follows my blog via GFC will be entered to win a copy of Living Soul, thanks for participating and here's the review:

I'm so exited to be guest posting today, all the way from The Chicks In Lit blog. 

I read S.B. Niccum's first book Veiled, and was thrilled when she asked me to review the sequel, Living Soul.

So what did I think?

I loved it! 

Living Soul is one of those books where you almost scream out loud at the characters to tell them what they should do. But of course that wouldn't be effective. So instead you bite your tongue and suffer along with the characters (in that amazing way a good book draws you in!). Of course, there's not just screaming you'll want to do; you'll laugh, cry, and feel every emotion the characters do as you ride through the unsuspecting twists and turns of Tess' life. 

The ending leaves you ready and exited for the next book. I feel that Living Soul is a book that men and women of all ages will enjoy reading. It will leave you thinking about it (and trying to figure out how the next book is going to end) for days after you finish it. I can't wait for the next book to come out!~Victoria~ The Sci-Fi Chick.   

 Thanks Victoria for your review! And for those of you who participated in my last Blog Hop, the winner of Veiled is ... Ricki! 

Summer Giveaway Hop

I don't know about your neck of the woods, but in mine, the sun is gearing up to another triple digit August. For us this means, no more fun in the sun, we now have to stay indoors to keep from frying up! What better time to sit next to a fan and read a good book.

For this reason I've joined I'm A Reader Not a Writer and Bookhounds in this second annual Summer Blog Giveaway, and I'm giving away a copy of one of my books.

You choose! 

 "I have always existed, not just me but all of us, the un-embodied spirits who wait to live.”Tess is an unborn spirit, who is about to embark on a much awaited journey into mortality to a brand new planet called Earth. She is chosen by the Eternals for an important mission, and is put under a rigorous training by a half-human, half-lion Seraph.  This training exposes Tess to some of her darkest fears and insecurities.  These experiences force Tess to work on her gift as a discerner of thoughts and reader of auras—thus helping her become one of Heaven’s most powerful angels.  But even angels falter, and deep inside her a gnawing fear is growing. Will she meet her soul mate in life? Will their love be strong enough to overcome the forgetting effects of the Veil? And, is she prepared to take on the responsibility of keeping the most dangerous renegade and leader of the Fallen Angels at bay during mortality?

Or ...

Veiled from her previous existence as a gifted Angel, Tess is now a mere mortal growing up in foster care with her autistic foster brother, Dorian, and a twisted foster sister, Agatha—whose main goal in life is to torture them both. 


Tess’ life has been dull and average at best; but all that changes with one look.  When she inadvertently gazes into the eyes of the most popular guy in school—Alex Preston—Tess sees a glimpse of her previous existence. 


Uncomprehending, Tess, wonders what those memories are and why she now feels like she knows Alex better than anyone in this world.  More importantly, why is he haunting her dreams?  Dreams so vivid, that they blur the lines of reality, awakening a slew of inexplicable paranormal abilities she didn’t know she possessed.


Frustrated and confused, Tess lives a double life… one where Alex has a girlfriend and Tess is a normal high school girl.  And another, where spirits, visions, and dreams are true. 


Is she going crazy or is she secretly dating Alex in her dreams?

Just make sure you follow my blog and you let me know in a comment below which book you'd be interested in, should you win.

Feel free to find me on Facebook and Twitter or visit my Website

Blog Tour of Living Soul

Join Tess on her very first blog interview on the Jennifer McMurrain Blog 

And if you'd like to be entered in my blog tour giveaway, make sure you follow my blog and leave me a message.

If you're still enough ... you might just hear them.

Sometimes I get an image in my head, and I write that image as best as I can, so I can convey my thoughts. And sometimes I'll stumble upon an image that describes the thought I had in my head so incredibly well, it's spooky. Like this one for instance. In Living Soul, Tess visits this room and listens to the voices of those who have inhabited this place before.

Source: designyoutrust.com via S.B. on Pinterest

Here are some more reviews along the Living Soul Blog tour that you might find interesting.

Author Airicka Phoenix Blog for a review of Veiled and Living Soul
Also, The Incredible Shrinking Woman. 
And because I'm on tour and I'm in the giving mood, if you leave a message and follow me, you'll be entered to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card.
 

Blog Tour Giveaway ----->This Way!

Source: magicworldimage.com via S.B. on Pinterest

Yes, I'm holding out a big carrot in hopes that you'll follow me! 

Source: hemmy.net via S.B. on Pinterest

I will be giving away a $50 Amazon gift card to one lucky blog follower who also comments while I go on tour! It's really easy and the more comments you leave me, the more your name will be entered into the pool.

Source: 25.media.tumblr.com via S.B. on Pinterest

So get cozy and follow me along!

Killing Your Main Characters

What if your characters heard you writing about them? My mom said that I had to watch this movie, because I would find it appropriate. You have to be in the mood to watch it, its not Elf, but I found this particular scene so hilarious, I just had to share it! Now Harold is a character in a book, and a literature professor is telling him that he has to die or the novel will be ruined. Now they are totally straight faced here, and I don't know how they could even get through filming this scene so straight-faced, I was rolling on the floor laughing--because, well--he's a character! I feel sad now for all the characters I have killed and continue to kill in my stories. LOL!

Follow That Bunny!

Some Bunny has been busy!

It's Suzie Welker from The Bunny's Review, who is featuring Living Soul today and an informal interview of ... me! Hop on on over by clicking on the Bunny and read her interview, then, if you follow my blog and leave me a comment below, you'll be entered for in the big Living Soul Blog Tour giveaway of a

$50 Amazon Gift Card!!!! 

Yep. Follow me on tour, leave me a nice comment, below, and listo! You're in for the drawing! The more comments you make the more chances you have of winning. So what are you waiting for?
Say something...

Want To Win? Follow Me!

Hot summer's afternoons are for ... Reading ... Napping ... Dreaming and ... blogging! Yes. Blogging.

I would like to invite all of you as I tour this summer from blog to blog celebrating the release of Living Soul, the second book of the Veiled Series.

If you have LIKED my page on Facebook, please hop on over to my blog and click the FOLLOW BUTTON, because I can only do giveaways from my blog and I can't give YOU anything unless I see your face on my following box :-)

The Blog tour starts in July and I have several giveaways planned every week, so the chances of winning an Amazon gift-card or a paperback from me are very high!

The one and only requirement to win is that you follow my blog.
So hurry on over and become a follower! (for once ... in your life!)

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Living Soul

by S.B. Niccum

Giveaway ends July 14, 2012.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Angel or Enchantress?

Source: pinterestwomen.org via S.B. on Pinterest

There are pictures that are worth one thousand words.

This one, for instance saves me at least two days worth of writing, yet leaves me with the itch to write.

I wonder who she is and where she's going? What happened to her and why she fell from heaven, to walk among mere mortals?
Is she real or a mirage, is she good or is she evil?

Perhaps she's an enchantress like Circe, who's been banished and destined to roam her island until some unlucky man falls pray to her song.

I wonder ...

Angels ...

Why are we so obsessed with them? But most importantly why do we think them a different race? Why wings? Why the hauntings and the whole mystical fascination? Why can't they be more ... like us? Humans. Dead humans. Do you believe in Angels? If so? Who are they? What are they?

 What is it about the Twilight movies that we love to complain about, yet run to the theaters to watch?

Is the fact that it looks a bit like a home-made movie, thus making it seem more real? 

Is it the good acting?

Or the story, that makes you want to re-live every moment of it right along with a room full of strangers?

For me, it was a little of all the above plus Stephenie's pluck at putting her money where her keystrokes have been, and producing it. 

I love the fact that she's now producing other movies, like the upcoming Austenland.

Look at who's directing it, Jerusha Hess, as in (Napoleon Dynamite's) Jerusha Hess! 

I, for one, am in! 

Napoleon Dynamite meets Twilight ...

Now that sounds like a good movie!!!!

http://www.themarysue.com/stephenie-meyer-producing-down-a-dark-hall/

WELCOME TO THE WORLD!

Today we are celebrating the birth of my new baby.  

 Book baby:  Living Soul 

Living Soul is the sequel to my debut novel Veiled, that came out last year.

While Veiled covers Tess’ existence as an un-embodied, spirit who was preparing for her mortal life.

Living Soul focuses on her life on Earth. 

She has made promises.  She has found love, and enemies, but the Veil has erased all her memories of pre-earth life.  Tess now finds herself alone, and thanks to her highly developed gifts, she also finds herself surrounded by paranormal phenomena.

Pick up your paperback copy of Living Soul today, through ME or an e-copy from AMAZON.

Here’s what some Amazon pre-readers have to say about it:

***** 

 Niccum does it again. May 31, 2012

By Jody JArvis

Format:Kindle Edition

Once again, Niccum has written a real page turner. As each chapter ends you can't resist saying "just one more". This could easily be how things really are beyond this world. As I read this I felt I was really there with Tess and the other characters, experiencing it all right along with them. I, too, can't wait for the next installment!

*****

Wow! May 30, 2012

By liliriboldi

Format:Kindle Edition

Following Tess after her jump into mortal life, we laugh and cry with her as she goes through joys and sorrows. The characters' life adventures acquire a different edge knowing as we do that they have had a previous life, as revealed in the first book "Veiled".
Once again, the ending of this captivating story, leaves us eagerly awaiting S.B. Niccum's next book of the trilogy.

*****

A riveting continuation of "Veiled" May 29, 2012

By Erin C

Format:Kindle Edition

I loved the "Twilight" books but these are even better! I really enjoy SB Niccum's unique perspective of the relationships between Tess and her loved ones beyond the grave. The romantic tension between Alex and Tess was palpable and I couldn't help cheering for them. Agatha was a sinister presence and so real, yet I almost pitied her at times. Even with the shocking twists and sometimes dark subject matter, there were moments of delightful humor that had me laughing out loud. I'm in my thirties and loved it, but I can see how people of all ages, teens on up, would enjoy this series. Loved it! I can't wait for the third book!

Picture by: Allison Niccum 

www.momentsbyallison.com  

Living Soul

In preparation to Living Soul's release on the 31st. of May.

 I am starting a pre-order list right here!

So if you are interested in purchasing a copy, either from me now, click HERE.

Or you can wait until it goes live through amazon.  

Memorial Day Tribute

It's only fitting that my new up and coming book Living Soul will be released on a week were we honor and commemorate those who have fought for our freedom. As a naturalized citizen, one who has worked hard at trying to become an American, am particularly proud and thankful to all those who choose to put their lives in jeopardy so that I could have the freedoms that all of God's children should enjoy, yet don't seem to be able to in other lands. America has stood for freedom since its beginning. For those who feel oppressed and want to rise above their current circumstances, America has been as a hope, a dream, a goal. From all of us natural-born or naturalized citizens who enjoy the blessings and freedoms of this country: Thank You. "America is free, because of the Brave." Please join me this week as I celebrate the release of LIVING SOUL! Available for purchase on Amazon.com May 31st.

Living Soul Trailer

If you're an author, you know the power that a youtube video trailer carries when you are trying to promote your book.  I'm lucky enough to know one of the best video makers and general marketing guru: Patrick Sipperly. 
If you are a reader, you no doubt love watching these little trailers and have been swayed by them before, I know I have.  
So without further ado, let me introduce to you the trailer for my up and coming book,
Living Soul, that is scheduled to come out later this month!

Music is such an integral part of inspiration.  I prefer to listen to non-lyrical music during the day, because I can let my mind wonder and go through it's own plots and conversations.  If I wasn't writing them down into a novel, I would think myself crazy.  But since I turn them into something, I guess I can consider myself sane enough.
Once in a while I'll hear a song that captures or embodies what I'm writing, to the point that it sums up the book in just that one song.
This song is it! 
My husband is a fan of this group, "Band of Horses".  He's been listening to them for a while, but not until I was listening to "Is There A Ghost" that it clicked with me--or Tess rather.

Unveiling the Cover for Living Soul

I am so extremely pleased to unveil the cover for my soon to come out sequel to Veiled. 

Living Soul!

The fabulous Jaimey Grant outdid herself again, by not only making a beautiful cover, but also capturing the essence of the book with her keen eye. 

To see more of Jaimey's creations, visit her site

An Author's Art

Living Soul is scheduled to be released May 2012

For more information, visit

S.B. Niccum.com  

See Beth Run.

Beth started running on her treadmill to blow off steam, after she found out that both her parents had different types of Cancer. 

 If you have ever had someone that you have cared deeply for diagnosed with Cancer, you know that it rocks you to the core. I felt helpless. I didn’t know how to direct my energy or how to help them. It was then that I started running miles upon miles on my treadmill. No particular goal in mind (having no clue how to train for a marathon), but to tearfully run out the stresses of life. I connected with running. It cleared my mind; it helped me to cope with the world that seemed to be collapsing around me. Running became an outlet and a necessity in my life. I never have been a fast runner, but I always could go for long periods of time.  

She now runs the Huntsman Hometown Heroes marathon every year to raise money for Cancer. 



Within a few weeks of my parents being diagnosed with Cancer, I received a letter in the mail from Team in Training for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

It felt as if that piece of mail was specifically meant for me (although it was not addressed to anyone). It was as if it was hand delivered by a higher power, as weird as that may sound.

The letter was an invitation to attend an informational meeting to talk about what Team in Training was, and so it all began.

For those who don’t know, Team in Training is the World’s largest endurance training program. They train you to participate (and finish) endurance events, in exchange you fund raise for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. It was a way for me to connect with my running as well as a way to do something about a disease that was affecting both of my parents.

Since first joining in 2006, I have participated in (and finished) 4 events with Team in Training and 2 events with Huntsman Hometown Heroes (another endurance training program that raises money for Huntsman Cancer Foundation / Institute), as well as numerous events on my own. Fundraising all along the way, between the two teams I have managed to raise close to $18,000 for the fight against cancer, and I have no intention of stopping in that fight any time soon.

Beth is scheduled to participate in another marathon May 19, 2012.  She would appreciate it, if you stopped by her DONATION PAGE to make a donation.  She has a goal of raising $1,000.00 and she is currently half way there.  Any amount will be accepted.

Just remember... "You must be the change you wish to see in the world."  Gandhi.

For more information visit: http://ogden.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=998364&supid=311758092

The Spirit of an Addict

I've been mourning Whitney Houston for years now. And as a Speculative Christian Fiction writer, I've been pondering the plight that this particular topic brings up.

I echo the same condolences that I've been reading all over the blogging world. Whitney Houston's end can only be described as one thing: Tragic.
Everyone knew it was coming, but this doesn't make it any less terrible and sad.

It seems that her 'one moment in time', where she was all that she could be, was cut extremely shot by her addictions.

I believe in life after death. I also believe that the way we exit this world is the way we enter the next.

So indulge me with a little speculative discussion.

How does an addict behave when he or she no longer has a body?

What controls the craving, the mind or the flesh?

If the mind controls the craving, how do you think one can get over an addicting substance?

If the body is addicted, but not the mind, then is he or she free?

I have my opinions, and you'll get to read all about them in the  book that I'm currently writing, Endless. But right now I'm curious about your opinions. Feel free to comment below.

Reviewers Rock!

5.0 out of 5 stars Not only worth the price!, January 26, 2012

By Albeesure :

"I always admire when an author can blend truth with fantasy. In this case anyone can interpret their own truths from this story line and let the fantasy actually become reality for them. I would like to make a bold prediction that vampires are sooooo 2008. I will predict the coming of angels as the new hot trend to behold. They are relatable characters...you will find someone in your family if not yourself in this book. Couple that with the eternal struggles that man and angel will have for eternity and you have yourself the makings of a can't put down read. No really ...could not put the book down .....lost some serious sleep to get to the end that I did NOT want to end. Love,truth, and to be validated...that is all any human wants and I guess the same goes for the angelic realm. Taking stock of where that validation comes from will make you think of your loved ones your higher power and every relationship that comes to pass you in your life. That is what this author did for me. Thinking and feeling are great human traits to have...I am only glad to know that angels and SB Niccum have them to share with us on this little blue planet."
 
 
5.0 out of 5 stars Enchanting Read, January 23, 2012


By mattyd:  "This novel was exquisite, with an intriguing plot and an equally interesting take on eternity. I would compare it to the first Matrix movie, in that it was an amazing plot with an interesting twist on reality, or eternity in the case of Veiled.  I would highly recommend reading this book, since it's only $0.99 if you have a kindle, and it is likely worth the $13 if you don't have a Kindle. I'm do this turns into a series."

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read! Very Interesting, January 17, 2012


By winnypooh3 - "I have never read a book like this! It is very unique and just an all over good book. I can't wait until the next one comes out, hurry, hurry!!! "

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome, January 15, 2012


By Michael Pedde:

Awesome, that's my description of this book. I cannot wait for the sequel to come out so I can read about Tess's life after going through the Veil...This book almost makes you feel like this is the way heaven would be and how we all came into creation..Very well written, easy read, I could not stop til I finished the book. While reading this book you cannot wait to see how everything ends, it comes together so naturally with a little bit of spirituality along with science fiction and romance all rolled into one...Great book a must read..

My Evil Research

 

 

Seriously evil characters are hard to create.  Mainly because you have to get in their head.  You have to think what they think, and feel what they feel, and this is depressing. 

C.S. Lewis himself admitted that it was hard to put himself in that frame of mind while writing "The Screwtape Letters".

I've noticed that many authors describe the actions of those who are evil or bad.  They in essence prove it by their actions, they might even explain what triggered this person's evil tendencies.  But what if they had no motive?  Are they just crazy? Deranged? Psychopaths?

For inspiration, I turned to several of the classics that in my opinion, touch on the subject of evil.  I also wanted to research the lives of certain people that I consider to be quite puzzling and insane. 
I started my Evil research with Dante Alighieri's "Inferno".  I grew up with Dante's works gracing the bookshelves in my home, that I often scanned while looking for something good to read. 

Gustave Dore's illustrations of "The Divine Comedy", always caught my eye.  But I never dared pick them up, they looked too...well...dry. 
But when it came time to do this research, I just couldn't resit the title, "Inferno"! 

I found Inferno to be extremely enjoyable, like a treat.  Not a page turner, but definitely something that you pick up when you want to treat your senses.  I also learned a lot about the "evil guys" from the period.  I found the people that Dante thought as evil, to be hilarious.  He pretty much sent all the politicians to hell, most of them being Popes. 

I also enjoyed all the diverse punishments that he subjugated the souls in each level of hell.  His poetic justice was impeccable. 

The other classic works that I read, were "The Screwtape Letters" and "Macbeth".  I really loved C.S. Lewis' wit and sarcasm, from the two devil's point of view.  And I absolutelly adore the three witches from "Macbeth".  In fact I love that play, period. Lady Macbeth, roaming the castle, trying to wipe away the stains from her hands...Macbeth...slowly going insane.  Good stuff.

For a few years now, and don't ask me why, I've been curious about two particular people.  Lorenzo De Medici (Il Magnifico) and Rasputin. 

I actually watched a great documentary on the Medici family called "Medici The Godfathers of the Renaissance" a PBS show that follows the family throughout their reign in Florence.  

From there, I took off on my own, researching on-line some of the more particular details about their upbringing and in particular one of their tutors, Marcilio Ficino, a philosopher and astrologer who believed that all power can be harnessed through the cosmos. 

Finally I read a fun book, for kids actually, about Rasputin.  "Wicked History: Grigory Rasputin" 
My kids and I have read a few of these books, Genghis Khan and Vlad the Impaler. But I found Rasputin to be particularly interesting.  And he fueled my imagination. 

He was a mystic and a monk.  A perplexing creature who looked like a hobo, indulged in all kinds of excesses and whose predictions were often right.  Someone who entrenched himself into the lives of the most powerful family in Russia, and called all the shots from a dubious sideline. 
He was also hard to kill...like a cockroach. He was poisoned, stabbed, dropped into a frozen river and still he didn't die of drowning.  He froze to death. 


So for my next book "Living Soul", I based my twisted character on a weird compilation of these four sourses.  Spooky, huh?

Why am I smiling from ear to ear and doing the happy dance?

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Because Veiled has been ranked #8 in Kindle Store and #36 in Books!!!!
Woo Whoo!!!

Resolution Time

"Incorporating new and wholesome habits into our character or overcoming bad habits or addictions often means an effort today followed by another tomorrow and then another, perhaps for many days, even months and years, until we achieve victory." D.Todd Christofferson


It's that time of year again, when we re-commit to improving our diet, working out and accomplishing some personal on going dream.

Inspired by the above quote, and the article that it came from, I decided to try a different approach this year.

Instead of making a long wish list of everything that I would like to accomplish at some point during the year, I've decided to do 5 things every day. Yep, just five--every day.

They are simple things, things that if done daily will bring about the long awaited result of the "big resolution".

Over the last few years I have come to realize, that it's the small things that make a big difference in life.  The every day laughter, the hug, the things we read on a daily basis, the way we talk to people, the way we choose to see things...

No big event in your life will ever take the place of the accumulation of happy years. 
So this year under the big heading of: "Live without regrets" I have these five little things that I will try to do every day.
Live long and prosper.