The release of Clandestine in audio is rapidly approaching. It is going through the last round of edits now!
You will be able to buy it at Audible, Amazon and iTunes.
The narrator that will be performing the book for you is extremely talented. She really brings Emily and the gange to life. Her ability to juice up the creep out factor with the vampires is spine tinglingly amazing.
Melissa has worked very hard to put forth a great product that I think you all will love. Even those of you who don't normally go to the audio version for a good read will love this audio book. I would encourage you to pick it up and listen to Melissa Strom as Emily Jameson.
You can also find more titles read by Melissa Strom on Audible too. So when you're done listening to Clandestine, be sure to check out what else Melissa has to offer.
Are you an author or publisher looking for a great new talent for your next book? If so, check out Melissa's website. There you can find samples of work and a steller resume that will grab your interest and have you picturing her in the role of your main character. Please visit www.melissastrom.com to find out more about how to hire a fantastic narrator, producer, acriss and all around amazing woman.
Click HERE to find out more about Melissa.
Clandestine in audio will be out soon! Can't wait? Check it out on Amazon in print ($9.99) or in eBook ($2.99).
Stay tuned for the next post... I'll be talking about the insanely good musician I hired to produce a wickid cool music set for the Bound In Blood series.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Cassandra Clare is Coming Here!!!
Yep, that's right! Cassandra Clare is coming to a town near here to help kick off the relase of her newest book Clockwork Princess: The infernal Devices book 3!
The talented mega author is also responsible for the amazing Mortal Instruments series. Which by the way, just happens to be one of my absolute favorites.
Did I mention that Cassandra Clare is coming to Portland??? I am so frickin excited I can hardly contain myself!!
I admit I don't own any books that are signed by the author. So, the fact that my very first one will be by one of my favorites... is the coolest thing ever!!!! Can you tell I'm excited? If you can't, let me tell you... I AM!!!!
Do any of you love these books as much as I do? If so, do you plan to check out one of Clare's tour stops?
The talented mega author is also responsible for the amazing Mortal Instruments series. Which by the way, just happens to be one of my absolute favorites.
Did I mention that Cassandra Clare is coming to Portland??? I am so frickin excited I can hardly contain myself!!
I admit I don't own any books that are signed by the author. So, the fact that my very first one will be by one of my favorites... is the coolest thing ever!!!! Can you tell I'm excited? If you can't, let me tell you... I AM!!!!
Do any of you love these books as much as I do? If so, do you plan to check out one of Clare's tour stops?
Back To Nature
On Friday little Peanut had her very first field trip. We visited a tree farm that was responsible for both the growth of regular trees, as well as the beloved Christmas tree.
Although the kids all range from four to five years old and have the attention span of Dori from Finding Nimo, they all did excellent. They payed attention to our tour guide and loved seeing examples of Pine Cones of all shapes and sizes. They were especially enthralled with one that was over a foot tall. Which of course, for some (my Peanut included), the large cone was over half their size.
They were also show pieces of trees to demonstrate the aging process of the wood. They didn't seem to understand the ring concept, but they loved it nevertheless.
At the end the kids were allowed to pick out a sapling Douglas Fur. This was of course the coolest thing ever!
Peanut has already acusted the services of her well enduring Papa to plant her field trip prize.So needless to say, we are now the proud owner of a baby Douglas Fur. In about six years we can even use it as our Christmas tree if we so choose. Personally, I intend on leaving it in the yard for good to serve as a memory for Peanut of her very first outting with her classmates.
It might not have been something mega elaborate, but she had a blast. She can't wait for their next field trip. It is especially cool now because she actually knows the meaning of the word field trip.
Have your kids gone on any cool outtings this year? If so, tell us about them in the comment section of this post.
Although the kids all range from four to five years old and have the attention span of Dori from Finding Nimo, they all did excellent. They payed attention to our tour guide and loved seeing examples of Pine Cones of all shapes and sizes. They were especially enthralled with one that was over a foot tall. Which of course, for some (my Peanut included), the large cone was over half their size.
They were also show pieces of trees to demonstrate the aging process of the wood. They didn't seem to understand the ring concept, but they loved it nevertheless.
At the end the kids were allowed to pick out a sapling Douglas Fur. This was of course the coolest thing ever!
Peanut has already acusted the services of her well enduring Papa to plant her field trip prize.So needless to say, we are now the proud owner of a baby Douglas Fur. In about six years we can even use it as our Christmas tree if we so choose. Personally, I intend on leaving it in the yard for good to serve as a memory for Peanut of her very first outting with her classmates.
It might not have been something mega elaborate, but she had a blast. She can't wait for their next field trip. It is especially cool now because she actually knows the meaning of the word field trip.
Have your kids gone on any cool outtings this year? If so, tell us about them in the comment section of this post.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Just Throwing It Out There... Jodi Arias
So I've already blogged on this today. But, I've been watching HLN this evening and the informative commentary of Nancy Grace and I just picked up on something...
Jodi Arias claims that before she got the gun from the closet, she exited the bathroom and ran down the long hall. She said that she had a sense of Travis chasing right behind her and could hear his feet running on the tile floor toward her.
If that is true, wouldn't he then have been shot in the hallway? But by her stoy, they were in the bathroom at the time of the shooting. She says that after the gun went off, they fell to the floor. He was still trying to get on top of her and is yelling threatening profanities about taking her life.
Now this is just speculation, but how could he be yelling profanities if she just shot him in the face. Don't quote me, but I believe it was said in the beginning of the trial that the bullet lodged in Alexander's cheek. If this were true, wouldn't be a little difficult to verbalize threats, let alone yell them?
Either way, it sounds like she can't keep her own stories straight. Maybe she should have chatted with Casey Anthony before carrying out her deviant and psychotic plan.
Jodi Arias claims that before she got the gun from the closet, she exited the bathroom and ran down the long hall. She said that she had a sense of Travis chasing right behind her and could hear his feet running on the tile floor toward her.
If that is true, wouldn't he then have been shot in the hallway? But by her stoy, they were in the bathroom at the time of the shooting. She says that after the gun went off, they fell to the floor. He was still trying to get on top of her and is yelling threatening profanities about taking her life.
Now this is just speculation, but how could he be yelling profanities if she just shot him in the face. Don't quote me, but I believe it was said in the beginning of the trial that the bullet lodged in Alexander's cheek. If this were true, wouldn't be a little difficult to verbalize threats, let alone yell them?
Either way, it sounds like she can't keep her own stories straight. Maybe she should have chatted with Casey Anthony before carrying out her deviant and psychotic plan.
Lies and Deceptions Of Jodi Arias
The world has been captivated by the trial of the young woman from California Jodi Arias. She is being charged with the brutal murder of Travis Alexander of Arizona.
For the past seventeen days the unthinkable has happened. The murderer has been placed front and center on the stand discussing details, trying to keep herself off death row. Even more interesting, thanks to laws of Arizona, the jury has been able to ask her pointed questions as well. It has been said that they hammered her with over two hundred questions.
Travis lost his life June 4, 2008. He was stabbed 27 times, slit from ear to ear and shot in the face. While Jodi has admitted to killing Alexander, she is claiming fog style memory loss and says she killed him in self-defense because she is a battered woman.
Admitedly, I have not been following this case from day one. In some ways however, I think that is a good thing. My thoughts and opinions weren't swayed by media hype. When my first conclusions were made, they were met cold without other influence. Understandably, my opion means nothing in the big scheme of things. Even still, I can say firmly that it is my opinion that this murder was comitted by a cold hearted ruthless woman. There is plenty of evidence indicating the murder was pre-meditated. There are witnesses that speak out about how controling, obsessive and mentally unstable that Arias was during the course of the relationship.
There is no proof that she was a battered woman. In fact, when witnesses took the stand and spoke to media, they claim the exact opposite. They bare witness to how good, and kind and what an overal genuine person Travis was. The witnesses were friends, old girlfriends, boyfriends, roomates, coworkers and others to both Alexander and Arias.
If you go to www.hlntv.com/jodiarias you will be able to see the route she took that summer from her hometown in California to where she stole the life of Travis Alexander. There you will also find up to date court room information as it happens. There are video clips from the court room, interviews with Travis's friends and other videos that show Travis alive and well.
Arias has been caught in lie after lie after lie. Her first story to the police was that ninjas broke into Alexander's home and raided the place and murdering Travis. Finally after two years of her diception, she decided it's finally time to tell the truth. Is this because she was actually remorseful? Or is it because she knew she was caught and figured it was time to come clean?
Arias claims that she witnessed Alexander pleasuring himself to child porn and that their relationship was never the same after that. However, there is no proof to substantiate these claims. There was nothing on his computer or home that even remotely pointed to the fact that he was a sex offender of any kind.
She says that he broke her finger in January of 2008, leaving her left ring finger disfigured, i.e bent unnaturally. During coss-examination the prosecuter Juan Marinez skillfully pointed out that in pictures months later the finger was perfectly straight, with no abnormality whatsoever.
An audio tape detailing a conversation of phone sex between Arias was recovered. She claimed that she recorded the call for Alexander's benefit. However, at time of recovery, it was in the defendant's posession, not the victim. The recording does display that the two of them engaged in very kinky adult activities. But, it also clearly demonstrates that Arias was conscenting to these activities despite what the defense is aledging.
Arias claims once the gun went off her mind became foggy, working on auto-pilot if you will. She has no memory of the stabbing, dragging the victim back to the shower, or her weak attempts at covering her tracks. First of all, there is evidence that would indicate the stabbing came first. The shell casing was found in a puddle of blood. If the gun shot supposedly came first, there shouldn't have been any blood spilled yet. She had an option to leave the home unharmed despite her claims. When she ran down the long hall of the home and turned right into the closet where she supposedly retrieved the mystery gun, she could have went left and got out of the house.
Which brings me to my next point. A few days before the killing a gun was stolen from Arias's grandparent's home. It just so happened that the caliber of weapon stolen matched the caliber of shell casing found at the scene. The gun stolen from the grandparents was never recovered.
She filled two gas cans before going to Arizona. The prosecution has claimed this was purely a sign of pre-meditation. They say she didn't want to be seen anywhere near Arizona filling up. This was a measure taken by Arias to cover her tracks.
One of the most sickening things about the aftermath of this brutal murder, was in Arias's actions to take the potential heat off herself. She actually had the gutts and nerve to send Alexander's grandmother flowers expressing aledged sympathy of the death of her grandson. She took it a step further by attaching a note that said that if the grandma ever needed anything, she could call Jodi and then gave her phone number. How sick and twisted do you have to be to think this is anywhere near the relm of ok and normal? I hope that the grandmother either burnt the flowers or sent them through a garbage disposal. Arias also had the nerve to attend the memorial service for Alexander. Just who does this woman think she is?
There are countless more lies I could discuss here. It would take too long to list them all. I may address more of them in future posts. These are just some of the few that I find most damning to the defendant, but hardly the worst of the evidence against her. It is clear that Jodi Arias is pathogical, sick, twisted, meniacal and without a doubt empty and unable to realize how psychotic she is. This woman needs to be held accountable for her actions. It would be a terrible injustice to see her walk away from this or to even have the minimum sentence of fifteen years. I have no doubt that if she was ever releaced, she could and would strike again.
Have you been following the trial? What are you thoughts, opinions and theories? Leave them in the comment section of this post.
For the past seventeen days the unthinkable has happened. The murderer has been placed front and center on the stand discussing details, trying to keep herself off death row. Even more interesting, thanks to laws of Arizona, the jury has been able to ask her pointed questions as well. It has been said that they hammered her with over two hundred questions.
Travis lost his life June 4, 2008. He was stabbed 27 times, slit from ear to ear and shot in the face. While Jodi has admitted to killing Alexander, she is claiming fog style memory loss and says she killed him in self-defense because she is a battered woman.
Admitedly, I have not been following this case from day one. In some ways however, I think that is a good thing. My thoughts and opinions weren't swayed by media hype. When my first conclusions were made, they were met cold without other influence. Understandably, my opion means nothing in the big scheme of things. Even still, I can say firmly that it is my opinion that this murder was comitted by a cold hearted ruthless woman. There is plenty of evidence indicating the murder was pre-meditated. There are witnesses that speak out about how controling, obsessive and mentally unstable that Arias was during the course of the relationship.
There is no proof that she was a battered woman. In fact, when witnesses took the stand and spoke to media, they claim the exact opposite. They bare witness to how good, and kind and what an overal genuine person Travis was. The witnesses were friends, old girlfriends, boyfriends, roomates, coworkers and others to both Alexander and Arias.
If you go to www.hlntv.com/jodiarias you will be able to see the route she took that summer from her hometown in California to where she stole the life of Travis Alexander. There you will also find up to date court room information as it happens. There are video clips from the court room, interviews with Travis's friends and other videos that show Travis alive and well.
Arias has been caught in lie after lie after lie. Her first story to the police was that ninjas broke into Alexander's home and raided the place and murdering Travis. Finally after two years of her diception, she decided it's finally time to tell the truth. Is this because she was actually remorseful? Or is it because she knew she was caught and figured it was time to come clean?
Arias claims that she witnessed Alexander pleasuring himself to child porn and that their relationship was never the same after that. However, there is no proof to substantiate these claims. There was nothing on his computer or home that even remotely pointed to the fact that he was a sex offender of any kind.
She says that he broke her finger in January of 2008, leaving her left ring finger disfigured, i.e bent unnaturally. During coss-examination the prosecuter Juan Marinez skillfully pointed out that in pictures months later the finger was perfectly straight, with no abnormality whatsoever.
An audio tape detailing a conversation of phone sex between Arias was recovered. She claimed that she recorded the call for Alexander's benefit. However, at time of recovery, it was in the defendant's posession, not the victim. The recording does display that the two of them engaged in very kinky adult activities. But, it also clearly demonstrates that Arias was conscenting to these activities despite what the defense is aledging.
Arias claims once the gun went off her mind became foggy, working on auto-pilot if you will. She has no memory of the stabbing, dragging the victim back to the shower, or her weak attempts at covering her tracks. First of all, there is evidence that would indicate the stabbing came first. The shell casing was found in a puddle of blood. If the gun shot supposedly came first, there shouldn't have been any blood spilled yet. She had an option to leave the home unharmed despite her claims. When she ran down the long hall of the home and turned right into the closet where she supposedly retrieved the mystery gun, she could have went left and got out of the house.
Which brings me to my next point. A few days before the killing a gun was stolen from Arias's grandparent's home. It just so happened that the caliber of weapon stolen matched the caliber of shell casing found at the scene. The gun stolen from the grandparents was never recovered.
She filled two gas cans before going to Arizona. The prosecution has claimed this was purely a sign of pre-meditation. They say she didn't want to be seen anywhere near Arizona filling up. This was a measure taken by Arias to cover her tracks.
One of the most sickening things about the aftermath of this brutal murder, was in Arias's actions to take the potential heat off herself. She actually had the gutts and nerve to send Alexander's grandmother flowers expressing aledged sympathy of the death of her grandson. She took it a step further by attaching a note that said that if the grandma ever needed anything, she could call Jodi and then gave her phone number. How sick and twisted do you have to be to think this is anywhere near the relm of ok and normal? I hope that the grandmother either burnt the flowers or sent them through a garbage disposal. Arias also had the nerve to attend the memorial service for Alexander. Just who does this woman think she is?
There are countless more lies I could discuss here. It would take too long to list them all. I may address more of them in future posts. These are just some of the few that I find most damning to the defendant, but hardly the worst of the evidence against her. It is clear that Jodi Arias is pathogical, sick, twisted, meniacal and without a doubt empty and unable to realize how psychotic she is. This woman needs to be held accountable for her actions. It would be a terrible injustice to see her walk away from this or to even have the minimum sentence of fifteen years. I have no doubt that if she was ever releaced, she could and would strike again.
Have you been following the trial? What are you thoughts, opinions and theories? Leave them in the comment section of this post.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Books Books Books And More Books
Have I mentioned that I love to read? Well if not, I do. It kind of borders on obsession actually.
When I first became blind, I hated the idea of audio books. Now, a decade later, I love them and don't know how I ever got along without them.
I will read pretty much anything. My favorite genre lately is ironically paranormal fiction. I am in the middle of several series and am eager to get my hands on more literary genius from these authors. I am currently reading the Southern Vampire Mysteries, The Morganville Vampires, The Weather Warden, Blood Lines and possibly more that I'm not thinking of. Oh yes, that's right! I am also reading the 666 Park Avenue novels and also the All These Things I've Done series.
Most of the series litsted above are in between books right now. This is totally sad because I'm dying to know what happens. Oh yeah! How could I have possibly forgot? I am also reading the Mortal Instruments and the Infernal Devices series too. These are for sure hands down some of my favorites. I'm actually excited to say that Cassandra Clare will be touring near where I live this month. I'm hoping to check it out, but that is another post for a different day.
My goal on Good Reads this year is to at least read fifty books. As sick as my obsession is, I don't think that should be a problem. I figured to set the number a little on the low side though just in case. Let's face it, life happens and sometimes chaos prevents us from enjoying our guilty pleasures.
Do you love to read? What are you reading right now? Also, what is the one book or series that you've read countless times and still can't get enough of it? Let's chat about it in the comment section:)
PS... Thank you all for being loyal readers of my ramblings. If you love the blog and the books, please tell your friends. I see some blogs with hundreds and thousands of followers. My site is experiencing blog envy and is turning green as we speak. Please help cure this horrible condition by encouraging more followers:)
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
When I first became blind, I hated the idea of audio books. Now, a decade later, I love them and don't know how I ever got along without them.
I will read pretty much anything. My favorite genre lately is ironically paranormal fiction. I am in the middle of several series and am eager to get my hands on more literary genius from these authors. I am currently reading the Southern Vampire Mysteries, The Morganville Vampires, The Weather Warden, Blood Lines and possibly more that I'm not thinking of. Oh yes, that's right! I am also reading the 666 Park Avenue novels and also the All These Things I've Done series.
Most of the series litsted above are in between books right now. This is totally sad because I'm dying to know what happens. Oh yeah! How could I have possibly forgot? I am also reading the Mortal Instruments and the Infernal Devices series too. These are for sure hands down some of my favorites. I'm actually excited to say that Cassandra Clare will be touring near where I live this month. I'm hoping to check it out, but that is another post for a different day.
My goal on Good Reads this year is to at least read fifty books. As sick as my obsession is, I don't think that should be a problem. I figured to set the number a little on the low side though just in case. Let's face it, life happens and sometimes chaos prevents us from enjoying our guilty pleasures.
Do you love to read? What are you reading right now? Also, what is the one book or series that you've read countless times and still can't get enough of it? Let's chat about it in the comment section:)
PS... Thank you all for being loyal readers of my ramblings. If you love the blog and the books, please tell your friends. I see some blogs with hundreds and thousands of followers. My site is experiencing blog envy and is turning green as we speak. Please help cure this horrible condition by encouraging more followers:)
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Sunday, March 3, 2013
The Importance Of Family
I have been asked several times lately what the most important thing in my life is. For me, it's a no brainer hands down. My family. More specifically, my two daughters.
My little Princess and Peanut are my life and undoubtedly my everything. Every single choice I make is in some way a reflection of what's best for them.
Most parents would probably agree that when you have a baby, your entire world shifts to revolve around the newest little person in your life. Suddenly, your life, your wants and your needs come in second and sometimes, aren't even considered at all. It's all about your little guy or your little girl.
I come from both ends of the spectrum. With Princess, I was a teen mom. I was quite a bit older when I gave birth to Peanut. It's interesting to reflect on the way things are done when you are a young parent verses even just a few years older.
I also think it's enthralling to consider the differences and similarities between two different children. In some cases I have seen siblings who are very much alike. In others, I've seen the children be as different as night and day. And that's okay.
All kids are their own little people, unique individuals ready to take the world by storm. It's our job to give them to go out there and weather whatever comes their way.
Do you ever find yourself wondering who taught this kid to act this way? It can sometimes be a hard lesson to learn that well, we did as parents. Children learn the majority of their behaviors, habits, manners, values, etc. from us. It's easy to think that a little one isn't paying attention or that things we say travel right over their heads.
Then you receive the wake up call by hearing your innocent little one say their first cuss word. Gee, I wonder if they got them from Dora, or maybe Sponge Bob... of course they didn't. All kids go through a cuzzing fpeiod in their life. For some kids it's barely ever. For others, it's a regular habit that has you thinking their well on their way to becoming the next Junior truck driver or sailor. I assure you it's normal. It's all in how you handle it.
I have been pretty lucky. My little ones never went through a serious foul language period. This of course isn't to say they have never repeated a naughty word in their time. They have. I'm just saying it doesn't happen often.
The other great part of having little ones is when they start having actual conversations with you. In the ages between two and five, I've descovered that most kids have no filter. They tend to say whatever it is they're thinking, right when they think it, no matter who is around. My oldest Princess once yelled at a lady in a store who bent over and passed gas. My youngest little Peanut has been quoted at saying "take a hike old lady". As parents, it's so important not to get to taken over by mortification. You've gotta learn not to sweat the small stuff and laugh things off. Most people know the old saying, "kids say the darndest things." If they don't, they've probably een living alone in a cave for the past sever centuries.
There's nothing better than the love of a child. It's unconditional and non-judgemental. There's nothing like when you have a bad day and your little one comes up and gives you a giant bear hug just because. No one will ever love you as much as your child does.
It is said that we are our child's most important teacher. While I believe this to be true, I feel that it's two fold. They are our teachers too. Some of the most important lessons I've learned in life, I've learned from my girls. I love every minute of being a mom, even on the days I want to pull my hair out. I wouldn't change a single thing about my children or my life with them. They are mine and I in turn, am theirs. Just as it should be.
My little Princess and Peanut are my life and undoubtedly my everything. Every single choice I make is in some way a reflection of what's best for them.
Most parents would probably agree that when you have a baby, your entire world shifts to revolve around the newest little person in your life. Suddenly, your life, your wants and your needs come in second and sometimes, aren't even considered at all. It's all about your little guy or your little girl.
I come from both ends of the spectrum. With Princess, I was a teen mom. I was quite a bit older when I gave birth to Peanut. It's interesting to reflect on the way things are done when you are a young parent verses even just a few years older.
I also think it's enthralling to consider the differences and similarities between two different children. In some cases I have seen siblings who are very much alike. In others, I've seen the children be as different as night and day. And that's okay.
All kids are their own little people, unique individuals ready to take the world by storm. It's our job to give them to go out there and weather whatever comes their way.
Do you ever find yourself wondering who taught this kid to act this way? It can sometimes be a hard lesson to learn that well, we did as parents. Children learn the majority of their behaviors, habits, manners, values, etc. from us. It's easy to think that a little one isn't paying attention or that things we say travel right over their heads.
Then you receive the wake up call by hearing your innocent little one say their first cuss word. Gee, I wonder if they got them from Dora, or maybe Sponge Bob... of course they didn't. All kids go through a cuzzing fpeiod in their life. For some kids it's barely ever. For others, it's a regular habit that has you thinking their well on their way to becoming the next Junior truck driver or sailor. I assure you it's normal. It's all in how you handle it.
I have been pretty lucky. My little ones never went through a serious foul language period. This of course isn't to say they have never repeated a naughty word in their time. They have. I'm just saying it doesn't happen often.
The other great part of having little ones is when they start having actual conversations with you. In the ages between two and five, I've descovered that most kids have no filter. They tend to say whatever it is they're thinking, right when they think it, no matter who is around. My oldest Princess once yelled at a lady in a store who bent over and passed gas. My youngest little Peanut has been quoted at saying "take a hike old lady". As parents, it's so important not to get to taken over by mortification. You've gotta learn not to sweat the small stuff and laugh things off. Most people know the old saying, "kids say the darndest things." If they don't, they've probably een living alone in a cave for the past sever centuries.
There's nothing better than the love of a child. It's unconditional and non-judgemental. There's nothing like when you have a bad day and your little one comes up and gives you a giant bear hug just because. No one will ever love you as much as your child does.
It is said that we are our child's most important teacher. While I believe this to be true, I feel that it's two fold. They are our teachers too. Some of the most important lessons I've learned in life, I've learned from my girls. I love every minute of being a mom, even on the days I want to pull my hair out. I wouldn't change a single thing about my children or my life with them. They are mine and I in turn, am theirs. Just as it should be.
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