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Friday, March 23, 2018
Thursday, March 22, 2018
Curse of the Jenri by Stephanie Barr
Excerpt #1:
"Send who?" Tander asked.
"You and the other men must return. Whoever we hunt can kill the husbands, instantly. I knew but I didn't appreciate until now how powerless we are to protect you. You must go."
Tander glanced behind him as if to see whom she was addressing. "To whom are you speaking?"
"Tander, this is not funny."
"You're damned right, it's not."
"You have to go. For your own protection."
Tander raised an eyebrow at his wife, his jaw jutting stubbornly. "Be damned if I do. I'm staying."
"You can't!"
"Just who do you think you're talking to? I'm not a water boy, no squire to be sent from harm's way. I'm Tander, damn it, a warrior, and I don't make a habit of running out on my wife when danger comes calling."
"This is not the time for pride."
"By Bastor's black heart, it's precisely the time for pride."
"Tander, please!"
"No."
"Tander, do not argue with me on this. I could not bear to see you as I see Carent."
"I am no familiar to take orders either, Layla. I promised Glendana that I would watch your back. I cannot see it from the camp.
Excerpt #2:
Tander has an overabundance of kitten familiars (six):
"Weren't you just telling me how magically endowed, or whatever, I was?"
"You have a great deal of magical power. However, there are people with talent, people with education, and people with both. The more you have of each, the better a sorcerer you are. Which category you fit into determines what you can do, and to some extent, how well you can do it."
"So, I'm one of the first and you're one of the second?"
Weird, curled up on Saldomar's lap, reared up and hissed. Saldomar closed his eyes and schooled his expression before answering carefully. "Actually, I like to think I'm one of the third, but essentially, you have the idea. You have a great deal of talent, but no training, no mindset, no experience. Actually, you have a stunning amount of talent, and now that I'm sensitized to it, it amazes me that I did not see it at once."
But we saw it, remarked Solace.
"So, why can't you give me some education, put me on the road to being one of the third? We have more than a week remaining; surely you could teach me something."
Magic is not something one learns in an instant, warned Stealth.
It's a skill, added Speed
It takes practice, said Serenity
And patience, piped in Solace
And you don't have the mind for it, concluded Silence. You think like a sword.
"Thank you very much!" Tander shouted, shaking a finger at the intrusive flock of kittens. "Bastor knows you know every damned thing, but I was hoping to get some of Saldomar's wisdom for a change. Now do you think you could keep your comments to yourselves so I can hear what he has to say without a running litany of my shortcomings?" Tander expelled a calming breath. "Sorry about that, Saldomar. Can we try again? What were you saying?"
Excerpt #3:
Excerpt #3:
"Layla is my mate. There should be no life risked but mine. The rest of you, go and ensure everyone else is safe. Each of you has someone to live for. Everything I have to live for is clutched in that creature's arms. Do not throw those lives away needlessly."
"Is that what you would tell me, Tander?" asked Riko, from behind Cristo. "What argument will you have for me to send me from the kill? Kena is not here, not below, which can only mean she is no more. What do I have to live for, Tander?"
Tander's eyes closed at that. "Riko, I'm sorry, but you should not throw your life away. She wouldn't want that."
"What life could I live if her death is not avenged? Do not think to try to send me away, Tander. I shall not rest until her murderer has paid with his life. Trust me when I say I have nothing better to do."
Denra nodded. "And, as for me, Tander, I do not seek to supersede your claims of rescue for Layla. But she is not the only Jenri who must escape, for you, Cristo and Riko are as Jenri as she is. If you think your arguments will sway me, your brain must have been frozen in the cold. I will leave no brother or sister to face such peril to save my own skin, so be content that I stay. After all, you have no choice."
"Damn it, Denra, I wanted to say that. Now, I don't have anything clever to add, except I ain't going anywhere either," Cristo complained.
"You're all a bunch of stubborn idiots and will likely pay for your obstinacy with your lives. And for no point since I can guarantee there will be vengeance for Bromden and company."
"At the cost of your life?" Denra asked sweetly.
"Possibly, though I don't count myself dead just yet. I'm too stubborn to die."
"Well, if you plan to live through it, I don't see why we can't," said Cristo.
"Actually, I probably won't live through it, but I'm an optimist," Tander said, with a tired chuckle.
"I don't see any reason why we can't be just as foolishly unrealistic as you. Now, what's going on?" said Denra, considering the matter closed.
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Interview with Author Christine Almstrom
Christine Almstrom
Croydon, NH, USA
Good morning, Christine, and welcome to Vision and Verse, the place for Art and Authors. Can you tell us a little about what you've written?
Mostly pre-K/early readers but also middle-grade fiction, poetry, and a young adult novel. More specifically: “How Do You Catch a Falling Star?”, “Popover: Little Mouse in a Big World,” “The Legend of the Black Grim,” “Seaglass: wayward thoughts of a wandering heart,” “Grandfather Thunder & The Night Horses,” “Wee Angus.” I’m currently editing my young adult novel titled “Blood Moon Eclipse” (for an October 2018 release) and working on illustrations for an upcoming book written by author Mary Morton Cowan. I’m also starting rough sketches for another project with the Thunder Valley Lakota Language Initiative in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. They provided translation for “Grandfather Thunder & The Night Horses” and have asked me to illustrate a series of traditional oral stories to preserve their heritage and language.
What is your favorite genre to write? Young adult urban fantasy.
Favorite food.
Lobster, sushi, scallops...seafood.
Tea or coffee?
Tea (especially chai)
Pizza or ice cream?
Neither but gelato...that’s a different story.
Wine or beer?
Beer, in the bottle, dark (stout, lager…).
Where would you like to visit?
Ireland, Scotland, the Grand Canyon, The Black Hills, Yellowstone..
.
Favorite musical artist. Do you listen to music when you write? What?
My music depends on my mood and my taste is rather eclectic: eerie violin pieces, ethereal instrumentals, heavy metal, grunge, alternative...I have different playlists depending on what I’m working on. My current novel “Blood Moon Eclipse” has a background playlist called “Into the Abyss.” Music can really set the mood for my writing.
What makes you laugh?
Kids being kids and animals.
This is an Art AND Author blog, so I am obliged to ask: Favorite work of art or sculpture.
I’m partial to Salvadore Dali’s “The Persistence of Memory” but also adore Monet’s “Water Lilies” and some of Jackson Pollack’s work.
How old were you when you started writing?
About eight.
Do you plan out your book with outlines and notecards? Or just write?
I prefer to start with a spiral-bound notebook and just let the work flow. After, I’ll put it to the Mac and I’ve also starting using an app called Scrivener for keeping things organized but I really love the feel of pen on paper and the just letting the muse take over.
Describe your perfect evening.
Flannel pjs, snuggled on the couch with my family watching a movie that we all actually agree on. Chinese food would be a bonus.
Where do you get your inspiration?
From my kids, from my childhood, everywhere! I don’t need much for inspiration to hit.
I actually suffer from the opposite of writer’s block. I have writer’s flood! Ideas come at the worst times: the middle of the night, in the shower, driving in the car, sitting in church (sorry God), in line at the grocery store...I actually have a blog on my website called “The Voices in My Head” because I swear that’s what they are and they’re usually all trying to get my attention at once!
Who is your favorite author?
That’s a tough one: Katherine Howe, Diana Gabaldon, JK Rowling...
Best book you ever read.
Tie between “Tuck Everlasting” and “Les Miserables.”
“The Lie Tree” by Frances Hardinge
What would you do for a living if you weren’t a writer?
I’m also an artist so maybe an art teacher.
Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life the most and why?
My father. Despite a violent and negligent upbringing, he chose to rise above it. He left home at 16, joined the Navy so he could see the world, and chose to be a better person. He taught me the value of honesty, integrity, and hard work. Even through a long and painful battle with cancer, he never lost his sense of humor.
If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why?
I am of Native American descent (Blackfeet Sioux and Onondaga Iroquois) and very proud of my heritage so I would love to sit down with Wilma Mankiller. She was the first woman to serve as chief of the Cherokee Nation and a strong community organizer. She revitalized its tribal government and improved its educational system. I love her quote: “The secret of our success is that we never, never give up.”
What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer?
Don’t give up. The road is long, winding, and tricky but worth the journey.
“A self-proclaimed Imagination Expert, Literary Addict, collector of shoes and sea glass, Christine Almstrom lives in New Hampshire with her husband and children (two- and four-legged) - endless source of inspiration and more than a little insanity. She enjoys reading, roaming, and all things oceanic or Steampunk. When not working on one of her own books, she can usually be found with her head buried in someone else’s.
Christine is a member of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators), BroadUniverse, and an author/presenter with CLiF (the Children’s Literacy Foundation). To learn more about Christine, her current projects and upcoming events, please visit her at: www.christinealmstrom.com or follow her on Facebook (ChristineAlmstromAuthor) and Twitter (@calmstrom13).”
Monday, March 19, 2018
Sea Witch by Carol Ann Kauffman
Sea Witch
by Carol Ann Kauffman
Dr. Laura Martin, Chief Extraterrestrial Life Scientist at The Touchstone Institute of Oceanographic Research, noticed troubling but subtle changes in the Atlantic Ocean. Before she could make sense of it all, her longtime assistant abruptly walked out. Laura hired young, handsome Scott Conner to be her personal assistant. Mayhem ensued, mainly because of Zara, the mermaid/siren/monster in the basement of the Touchstone Institute, who eyed on Scott as her possible mate in a plot for total domination of planet Earth.
“The Touchstone Institute of Oceanographic Research is the most fantastic, exhilarating place on the planet to work. It is high energy, exciting, sometimes maddening, often frightening, heart pounding work. It’s not a job. It’s a lifetime commitment. It gets in your blood. It grabs you by the throat and possesses you, body and soul. And it is work. If you’re not prepared to work your ass off day in and day out, weekends, holidays, your birthday, and your mamma’s birthday, leave now.”
Amazon Buy Link: https://tinyurl.com/y7dkbt5q
Excerpt:
“Benjamin?” she said as she entered,
shaking his hand. No smile. He stood and did the firm grasp handshake thing a
man is supposed to do.
“It’s my pleasure to finally get to meet
you, Dr. Martin,” he said, trying not to sound too much like a fanboy. “I’ve
admired your work for a very long time. I think you’re brilliant!”
“Thank you. Tell me, Benjamin,” she sat
down and looked at him intently, “why should I give you this job? I’ve just
interviewed four highly qualified women who would kill for this job.”
He followed her lead and sat down across
from her.
She folded her hands on the table and
looked at him. It was unnerving. He felt like she was examining a specimen. And
he was the specimen.
He copied her, folding his hands on the
table, and began.
“Three highly qualified women, Dr. Martin.
You were completely unimpressed with the little bouncy brunette. I could tell
by your body language. I also know you prefer a female assistant. Why is that?”
“We work long hours in very close
proximity,” she explained, surprised at the way he turned the interview around
and now she was the one answering the
questions. “Add aliens and emotions to that mix and we could be brewing a
dangerous cocktail in here without throwing in male hormones and sexual tension.”
“I promise to behave myself and keep my
testosterone under tight control. Which candidate must I kill for this position,
the older blonde or the tall redhead?”
“Well, I’m not sure yet,” she laughed, realizing
he had zeroed in on her two favorites. This kid was good, she thought. Maybe he
had a career in politics. “The job doesn’t start until the first of the month. And
government funding is anything but reasonable and reliable. Sometimes they give
me what I ask for, and sometimes they don’t.”
“Fine. I’ll start today, right now, being
your UNPAID research assistant. I have a little over two weeks, sixteen days to
be exact, to prove myself to you without having to commit murder. Work me day
and night, I don’t care. I have a doctorate in underwater life sciences. I am
familiar with your work. I did my doctoral dissertation at MacShane University on
proving the theories you set forth in your
book ‘The Suitability of the Atlantic Ocean to Harbor Alien Lifeforms’. My
advisor was Dr. Jane Rollins, who’s done autopsies on dead alien lifeforms
found in the Atlantic Ocean.”
“I know Jane well. She’s outstanding. But,”
she hesitated, “don’t you think you’re a bit over-qualified for this position?”
“It’s the only position you have available
at this time. I was also prepared to apply for a maintenance position if it
were to open,” he joked, “or security. Although I’m on the thin side, I’m quite
skilled at martial arts. I just want to work with you.”
“Dr. Conner, the hours are long. We don’t
go home until we’re done, no matter how long it takes. I’ve had some wonderful,
dedicated employees walk away from this job without so much as a goodbye
because of the amount of work and stress we’re subjected to on a daily basis. It
can get to you. You’re a young man. This job will leave you no time for a social life.”
“That’s okay. I prefer fish to people. I
have an apartment in the building right next door, not far for me to crawl at
the end of my shift. And I really admire you, so you can be as nasty as you
want, and you won’t drive me away, I
have older sisters so I’m used to abuse. I don’t need this job to pay my bills. I want this job so that I can work with you. If you aren’t completely
satisfied with the caliber and amount of work I produce, then after two weeks,
send me packing. You’ve lost nothing. Now, how can you turn down free over-qualified help for sixteen
days? Aren’t you swamped?”
“Yes. Yes, Benjamin, I am. It’s… it’s…”
“What? Tell me.”
“I don’t know that I’m completely
comfortable with you, Benjamin… Ben… Benjie.”
“Let’s see if that doesn’t clear up in a
day or two. I’m really very nice,” he smiled at her. Still no return smile. “Also,
I gather you’re uncomfortable with my name?”
“That’s right, I had a bad experience with
a Benjamin.”
“Okay, my middle name is Scott. Everybody
calls me Scott anyway. Even my mother calls me Scott. She, too, had a very bad
experience with a Benjamin. My father. You call out ‘Scott’ and I’ll come
running. Now, come on, my three minutes are up. You are a busy woman, and we
have work to do.” He stood up and reached for her hand as he walked to the
door. “Come on, let’s go!”
“Okay… Scott.”
His knees got weak when she said his name.
She examined his hand closely but didn’t
touch it. “Would you like a little tour first?”
“No, Dr. Martin. We are very busy people. Let’s
get right to work, shall we?”
“Very well, Scott. Let’s roll.” She smiled
as she led the way downstairs to the second floor.
“First you need a BIK card. Security’s
tight around here.”
She had Sylvia get his biometric body scans
for his temporary biological identification key card.
“Keep this on you at all times when you’re
in the building,” Laura said as she clipped it to his shirt. “It’s a key card
that opens all the doors. But it’s also for your safety. We can see where you
are at all times, and if you get into trouble, we can easily find you to help
you.”
“Yes, Dr. Martin.”
“When you leave for the night, it goes on
the board behind the front desk on the shelf with your name on it. And that’s
where you’ll pick it up in the morning. This way Dr. Washington can tell at a
glance who’s here. Got it?”
“Yes, Dr. Martin.”
“Okay, then let’s go,” she said. He
nodded.
They walked down one flight of steps. She
opened the door. Level Two was one huge room, the size of the entire second
floor. The walls and ceiling were painted an azure blue. Aquariums completely
covered the walls on three sides. No aquarium was empty, but he had trouble
figuring out what was in some of them. The center of the room was filled with
desks. Each desk had a laptop. Lighted pendants that could be pulled down or
pushed up were suspending from the ceiling. She walked to the corner desk. He
followed her silently. She handed him a copy of the confidentiality agreement.
“Sign here.” He didn’t even bother reading
the document before signing. She tore off the bottom copy and handed it to him.
“Welcome to the Blue Room, Scott. Your life
will never be the same again.”
“Thank you, Dr. Martin. I’m counting on it.”
Sunday, March 18, 2018
Schedule for March 19 -23, 2018
Schedule
Mon., Mar. 19 - Sea Witch
by Ohio Author Carol Ann Kauffman
by Ohio Author Carol Ann Kauffman
Tues., Mar. 20 - 1950's Kool Kats
by Texas Artist Parker Kaufman
by Texas Artist Parker Kaufman
Wed., Mar. 21 -Interview with Author
Christine Almstrom
Christine Almstrom
Thurs., Mar. 22 -BOOK: Sword of Shadows
by C.N. Lesley
by C.N. Lesley
Fri., Mar. 23 - BOOK: Curse of the Jenri
by Stephanie Barr
by Stephanie Barr
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