SCHEDULE: October 17-21, 2022

 Mon., October 17 - ART:

Friends at Sunset

by Texas Collage Artist Parker Kaufman

Tues., October 18 - BOOK REVIEW:

Lost Contact

by Nathan Hystad

Wed., October 19 - INTERVIEW:

Science Fiction/Fantasy Author Elizabeth Lavender

Thurs., October 20 - ENTERTAINMENT:

Striking Out

(ACORN TV)

Fri., October 21 - BOOK:

A Dilemma for Daisy,

The Monday Mystery Society

by Carol Ann Kauffman

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BOOK: Lord of Blakeley by Carol Ann Kauffman

 The series, TIME AFTER TIME, follows a pair of quintessential lovers, Richard and Nicole, through their lives together, in different places, in different times, with different names and faces and sometimes even on other planets. 

This follows the alternative theory that the relationships we forge in this lifetime, both the good and the bad, are continued into the future, and are rooted deeply in our past. 

Whatever we do, whomever we love, and the good and evil deeds we do today follow us into the future. Unsettled issues will present themselves again and again, until they are ultimately resolved. 

Those people who have had a profound effect on us in this lifetime will find us again in the future. And although everything changes, love remains. 

Books in the TIME AFTER TIME series are: BLUE LAKE, BELTERRA, The BASLICATO, BENTLEY SQUARE, WAITING FOR RICHARD, LORD OF BLAKELEY, MACKALVEY HOUSE, DARK RETURN, and WAIT FOR ME. 

They do not need to be read in order. 

Lord of Blakeley is the story of Andrew of Blakeley, a simple farm boy who lives on a primitive future planet. He is chosen by the lovely Lady Aleese to be her mate and rises to become the most powerful man on the planet. But a jealous man with access to mobile transport devices wreaks havoc on the young couple’s happiness, separating them, her on an alien rock planet and he, aboard a slave ship, and then dumping them in 1960s Chicago. One day Aleese vanishes into thin air and Andrew is arrested for her murder and must stand trial. It is a story of devotion and jealousy, of loss and lunacy. And, in true Time After Time fashion, a story of love.

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ENTERTAINMENT: Julia (HBO Max)

Just what we need… Another Julia Child show. I cannot watch  Julia Child cook in the evening without becoming voraciously hungry. I don’t even like some of that stuff, but it looks sooooo good when she cooks, I can almost smell it. 

And I would be lying to you if I didn’t tell you the Dan Akroyd’s SNL blood and chicken skit comes to mind whenever somebody mentions Julia Child.

This film starts out a bit condescending. And Sarah Lancashire’s interpretation of Julia’s voice was a little bit grating at the beginning. But then David Hyde Pierce showed up as her husband, and Bebe Neuwirth as her friend Avis. So I persisted. 

And I am so glad we did. We soon were hooked on this HBO Max series. The writing is a cut above the rest. The characters are wonderfully written and acted. 

With all that’s going on in the world today, we sometimes forget what things were like for women in the ‘60s. It was still a man’s world. Gender and racial prejudices were prevalent.

Julia, the series, is warm-hearted, funny, and thought-provoking. 

Season One was wonderful. I hope they make a Season Two. 

If you get a chance, watch VISION AND VERSE DISCLAIMER

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INTERVIEW: Historical Fiction/Fantasy Author Mariella Hunt

 

Mariella Hunt

Boise, Idaho 

USA

Good morning, Marcella, and welcome to Vision and Verse. I am thrilled that you’re here . I LOVE The Sea Rose. It’s a fantastic story that grabs you, heart and soul. Tell us a little about what  you’ve written.
The honest answer is that I learn what I am writing, and what I have written, as I go. The basic plot for The Sea Rose has been taking root in my imagination for several years–the idea of a place where Merpeople are real but not accepted, where they are set aside rather than revered as classic mythology implies.
The draft you can find on Vella is a very recent version of that concept. Characters that were alive in the first story-breath are now deceased; other characters I was convinced would be antagonists, now trigger a great deal of sympathy. I root for them.
I’m not sure what I’ve written, but I do know it’ll go on for a while.

What is your favorite genre to write?
I am no longer capable of writing anything in the present day. I can’t say why; perhaps it’s the wave of technology? Cell phones and live-stream make it difficult for me to write compelling mysteries and create adequate tension.
With historical fiction/fantasy, I am able to play around in a world that did exist at one point. The Regency era being fascinating–and popular, because of authors like Jane Austen–I need only add a bit of magic, a bit of the unknown, and it becomes addictive. One day, I might try historical fiction without fantasy, but I don’t see it happening in the near future.  

Favorite food.
Peruvian food! My mama is from Peru and she knows how to prepare the most wonderful dishes. They vary from stews to seafood to mouth-watering desserts.
Lately, I’ve been enjoying ‘simple’ meals as well–salad, fruit, fish. I hope to find some interesting recipes to play around and find new favorites.

Tea or coffee?
Both, but coffee is the one I actually need in order to function. If there’s no coffee in the morning, I have a headache for most of the day, and lack severely in creativity. However, tea is my nighttime drink. I particularly enjoy orange-flavored tea and chamomile!

Pizza or ice cream?
Nothing beats a perfect scoop of ice cream! I like chocolate, but also fruity flavors like raspberry.

Wine or beer or soda or what?
Water! Perhaps it’s because of the Mermaid stories; I always need a good amount of water within reach, no matter where I go. I tried pink wine in Paris and liked it, but it definitely is not something I’d make a habit of drinking.


Where would you like to visit?
I would return to Paris and London. Nine days are not enough to see all of the great places in those cities!

Favorite musical artist.  
The Lumineers! I saw them live this year in July. Their music has always been an important part of my life.

Do to music when you write?  What?       

The Lumineers! –and other instrumental music, usually acoustic, and since I’m not adventurous, I tend to hear the same songs I’ve enjoyed for the past 6 years.

What makes you laugh?
A well-written, awkward moment in a romance novel. Some of those have made me cry good tears. I can’t think of any specific books, otherwise I would make recommendations. But awkward romance is definitely fun to read!

Favorite work of art or sculpture.
This is such a hard question! My grandma loved art and gave me a lot of nice coffee-table art books, the sorts with glossy pages that smell nice. Perhaps the Mona Lisa, because her history is epic. Someone stole her from the Louvre and got away with it for a very long time. I’ve been fascinated enough by that to blog about that!

How old were you when you started writing?
The answer to this is vague. I know that, the first time I wrote a story, I was small enough to hide under the table with a Lisa Frank notebook. I knew I was doing something important and didn’t want anyone to look over my shoulder. Perhaps I was 6-8? The story is long gone, but that memory is fresh in my mind.

Do you plan out your book with outlines and notecards? Or just write?
I cannot outline. Usually I take a concept and go with it. I find a lot of surprises on the way, and it feels like I am living the narrative along with my characters!

Describe your perfect evening.
Autumn. A scent of chill and pine-cones in the air. Freshly-made coffee, steam dancing from the surface. A good book (or ebook) to carry me off. My dog sitting on my feet.

Where do you get your inspiration?
I am inspired by the idea of having a shelf of books written by me. I am also inspired when someone tells me they enjoyed my story. Even one compliment of that nature is enough to make me keep writing!

What do you do when you get a writer's block?
I focus on the word count instead of the story. Usually when I reach my number goal, I’ve managed to write something interesting in the process.      

Who is your favorite author?
Charles Dickens is my favorite classic author (I’ve been to his house in London! It was fascinating.) I have yet to find a single living author I could call my favorite; there are so many that I can’t settle on one.

Best book you ever read.
I’ll say the book I have enjoyed most was Pride and Prejudice, probably because it’s the one I took to London with me, so it has special significance.

Last book you read.
Guided by Emma Smith. It’s a mystery and a page-turner; the characters are well formed, and that cover is such a gorgeous purple!

What would you do for a living if you weren’t a writer?
I would probably be a bookseller! That must be fun, helping people find their next favorite read, perhaps one that’ll carry them away from a difficult time. Editing for other people could be interesting, too.

Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life the most and why?
My family is a wonderful source of support. My beautiful mother always has a hug when I need it, my dad works at a bookstore (which is probably why I love them so much!) and my brother is the biggest dork out there. That’s a good thing!

If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why?
Can you imagine having a conversation with the late Queen Elizabeth II? I would love to pick her brain, just for a few minutes.
                                                                                  

                                                                                 

What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer?
Your work will get better. Keep going. And try not to be envious of other writers–the journey is easier when you accept where you are on the path, and keep friends on the way.


Do you have some links for us to follow you?

Twitter-  Profile / Twitter

Instagram:  Mariella Hunt (@mariellahunt) • Instagram photos and videos

Facebook page:  Mariella Hunt (Author) | Facebook

Link  to my Vella:  The Sea Rose + Groundwater | Kindle Vella (amazon.com)

Linktree:  Mariellahunt | Twitter, Instagram | Linktree

Blog:  Mariella Hunt – author & ghostwriter

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BOOK REVIEW: The Forensic Geology Series: Volcano Watch by Toni Dwiggins

 An exciting character-driven thriller in which a mountain blows up. What more could you want?"(Amazon reviewer)

NO WAY OUT--so says the note in the pocket of the murdered mayor.

The volcano beneath her town is seething. And the town's fate rests in the hands of an emergency planner with his own twisted agenda.

Investigating the case, forensic geologists Cassie Oldfield and Walter Shaws track mineral clues to discover how the mayor died--and what she found. As the volcano moves toward red alert, the geologists race to prevent 'no way out' from becoming a prophecy.

-- All books in the series are complete novels and can be enjoyed in any order --

Dear Gentle Readers,
As you know, I am an avid reader. Volcano Watch by Toni Dwiggins was one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Open the book and strap yourself in for a volcanic scientific murder solving roller-coaster  experience you soon won’t forget. I’ve come to love the characters of Walter and Cassie and their world of forensic volcano geological study. Oh, and they solved the murder mystery, too. 
If you’re looking for something meaty with science terms and geology clues, you will love this book. AND it’s a series! ☺️❤️☺️
Hugs,
Carol

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SCHEDULE: October 10-14, 2022

 Mon., October 10 - ART:

California Artist + Graphic Designer

David Galchutt

Tues., October 11 - BOOK REVIEW:

The Forensic Geology Series: Book One

by Toni Dwiggins

Wed., October 12 - INTERVIEW:

Historical Fiction/Fantasy Author

Mariella Hunt

Thurs., October 13 - ENTERTAINMENT:

Julia

(HBO Max)

Fri., October 14 - BOOK:

Waiting for Richard

by Carol Ann Kauffman

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BOOK: Waiting for Richard by Carol Ann Kauffman

 

When Skye McKenna retired as an insurance office manager, she decided to launch a new career as a children's book author. On an impromptu book tour in Australia, she meets a reclusive elephant-loving veterinarian and together they have some madcap adventures.

Why does he seem so familiar? 

And soooo attractive? 

And how old is TOO old to find love?

The TIME AFTER TIME series follows a pair of quintessential lovers, Richard and Nicole, through their many lifetimes of love together, at different times, in different places, with different names and faces.

Link: https://www.amazon.com/Waiting-Richard-Time-After-Book-ebook/dp/B00BCJV8Q8/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Waiting+for+Richard&qid=1663033980&s=digital-text&sr=1-1

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ENTERTAINMENT: Paradox Lost (Prime Video)

If you’re willing to suspend your belief system and entertain bizarre notions, the  Paradox Lost is for you.

A screenwriter and improv comedian, who struggles in both fields, gets a visit from an odd stranger who is fixated on him. 

This strange visitor claims to be his son from the future, who wants to warn him of an impending worldwide disaster. From that point, things get complicated.

As far as star power, I recognized no one. 

 

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BOOK REVIEW: Blonde by Stan Jackson

I thoroughly enjoyed Blonde by Stan Jackson. A terrific plot, a lovable main character, and a heartfelt sense of loss made this a book I could not put down.

Twists and turns follow university professor Perry  “Ste” Webster as he attempts to find the person who killed his beloved Anna. 

There is a cast of delightful characters who help him on his painful journey. Rich in detail with authentic locales, this who-dun-it never felt rushed or contrived, all the way to the surprise ending.

I look forward to more by Stan Jackson.

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SCHEDULE: October 3-7, 2022

 Mon., Oct. 3 - ART:

Italian Wood Sculpture

Peter Demetz

Tues., Oct. 4 - BOOK REVIEW:

Blonde

By Stan Jackson 

Wed., Oct. 5 - INTERVIEW:

Young Adult Fantasy Author 

Alice Ivinya

Thurs., Oct. 6 - ENTERTAINMENT:

Paradox Lost

(Prime Video)

Fri., Oct. 7 - BOOK:

Waiting for Richard, 

Time After Book

By Carol Ann Kauffman

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Vision and Verse does not store any personal information like email addresses, home addresses, etc. We do not give any information to third parties. And cookies? We eat cookies.