The Da Vinci Code
Staring: Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellen, Alfred Molina, Jurgen Prochnow, Paul Bettany, and Jean Reno
Premise: Symbology History expert touring in Paris is asked by the police for his expert opinion on the murder scene of the curator for the Louvre. While inspecting the site, he meets Sophie, a police cryptologist, who tells him the evidence was tampered with and that he is currently the one and only suspect for the crime. His only chance is to escape with her and attempt to solve the riddles her dead grandfather left behind in the hopes they will lead to the real killer.
Review: A fun puzzle treasure hunt movie. Amazing vistas, lots of great locations. Tom Hanks does his usual great job. Ron Howard did some awesome imagery insertion of the past into the present scenes when talking about different spots in history as the characters discuss/argue/puzzle out the clues. Also loved how they dealth with showing Dr. Langston's partial editic memory reconstructions. Very nice! If you've seen this type of film before, it is not outstanding in its own genre, but a lot of fun nonetheless. Weirdly enough, despite all the religious hooplah accompanying the film's release, it doesn't really bad mouth the church (just the usual bad apples that might creep into it), and ends up being a reaffirmation of faith for the main characters despite the truths they've uncovered. Fun film! ***1/2!!!!
And in case you want to check the Last Supper for yourself- Last Supper
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Movie of the Week - Poseidon
Poseidon
Staring: josh Lucas, Kurt Russel, Richard Dreyfuss, Emmy Rossum, and Jacinda Barret
Premise: The cruise ship Poseidon is hit by a giant wave and turned upside down. The survivors need to figure out a way to stay alive and get out of the ship.
Review: I was actually looking forward to this movie. I remember the original fondly. The special effects were good, the far off scenes of the wave and the full moon over it utterly gorgeous. The acting was also good. That being said however... One of the characters is a young boy, toward the end, to seemingly up the suspense, he runs off to explore though he has seen explosions, bodies, flooding, etc and though pretty smart for before, now turns into an idiot and goes off without telling anyone. Very contrived. Worse (though the film tries very very hard to push the fact no one else is alive) the heroes start filling a ballast tank to get to a hatch, and then leave the thing running. With the ship in the condition it is in, filling all the ballasts will sink it. Yet not a thought is given by the characters to the fact that if anyone else is alive on the ship, they've just signed their death warrant.
With the talent gathered for the film in both acting and technical, this could have really been good if the scripting had had as much attention. It didn't and so it suffered for it. :( ** of 4 (Or as my husband would put it - better on cable.) :P
Staring: josh Lucas, Kurt Russel, Richard Dreyfuss, Emmy Rossum, and Jacinda Barret
Premise: The cruise ship Poseidon is hit by a giant wave and turned upside down. The survivors need to figure out a way to stay alive and get out of the ship.
Review: I was actually looking forward to this movie. I remember the original fondly. The special effects were good, the far off scenes of the wave and the full moon over it utterly gorgeous. The acting was also good. That being said however... One of the characters is a young boy, toward the end, to seemingly up the suspense, he runs off to explore though he has seen explosions, bodies, flooding, etc and though pretty smart for before, now turns into an idiot and goes off without telling anyone. Very contrived. Worse (though the film tries very very hard to push the fact no one else is alive) the heroes start filling a ballast tank to get to a hatch, and then leave the thing running. With the ship in the condition it is in, filling all the ballasts will sink it. Yet not a thought is given by the characters to the fact that if anyone else is alive on the ship, they've just signed their death warrant.
With the talent gathered for the film in both acting and technical, this could have really been good if the scripting had had as much attention. It didn't and so it suffered for it. :( ** of 4 (Or as my husband would put it - better on cable.) :P
Friday, May 12, 2006
Movie of the Week - Mission Impossible 3
Mission Impossible 3
Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes
Premise: Ethan Hunt has left the life of being an MI agent and now only trains others for the job. He has found a woman he loves and is about to marry her. He is contacted by the agency and told that his most talented student, now in the field, has been compromised and kidnapped. Though they normally disavow all knowledge of their agents, they are willing to make an exception in this case due to the information she might have. Ethan goes on the mission to save her, and though the look like they will get away with it, the agent is still killed. Info on the man responsible, leads Ethan to continue with the case. But all turns out not to be as it seems.
Review: Great stunts, great acting, great choreography! Though some have called the film somewhat unrealistic, that is what these have always been about. It is a non-stop ride, starting you with Ethan in big big trouble and then going back to show us how he came to be in that situation. The movie is worth it just for some of the locations in the shoots. :P If you're looking for non-stop action and adventure, this movie is for you!!! ***1/2!!
Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes
Premise: Ethan Hunt has left the life of being an MI agent and now only trains others for the job. He has found a woman he loves and is about to marry her. He is contacted by the agency and told that his most talented student, now in the field, has been compromised and kidnapped. Though they normally disavow all knowledge of their agents, they are willing to make an exception in this case due to the information she might have. Ethan goes on the mission to save her, and though the look like they will get away with it, the agent is still killed. Info on the man responsible, leads Ethan to continue with the case. But all turns out not to be as it seems.
Review: Great stunts, great acting, great choreography! Though some have called the film somewhat unrealistic, that is what these have always been about. It is a non-stop ride, starting you with Ethan in big big trouble and then going back to show us how he came to be in that situation. The movie is worth it just for some of the locations in the shoots. :P If you're looking for non-stop action and adventure, this movie is for you!!! ***1/2!!
Book Review - The Man Who Tried to Get Away
The Man Who Tried to Get Away
by Stephen R Donaldson
Premise: Mick "Brew" Axebrewder is in the hospital, recovering from the gun shot wound he received from El Señor's bodyguard. Calls start coming in warning Brew that El Señor is not feeling forgiving on the fact Brew killed the man who shot him. His partner, Ginny Fistoulary, has been hiding her own concern on the subject, until she shows up one day telling him she's gotten them a cushy job that will get them out of town. They've been hired as security for a murder camp retreat. Too hurt and full of misery on several counts, neither questions the job sufficiently before going there. Brew sees that Ginny is attracted to one of the guests and starts agonizing that he might be finally losing her. Then the murders start. And though he was missed, it looks like the actual intended target was Brew. But now they are all stuck in the lodge, snowed in, all means of escape denied them. Brew and Ginny must find out who the killer is before it is too late.
Review: This was one twisted puppy! A bizarre yet compelling cast of characters. Some awesome discussions on mystery fiction vs. real life. More Ginny and Brew angst.Relationshipsps, sneaking, lies, and more galore! And definitely several surprises. Good stuff! 3 1/2!
by Stephen R Donaldson
Premise: Mick "Brew" Axebrewder is in the hospital, recovering from the gun shot wound he received from El Señor's bodyguard. Calls start coming in warning Brew that El Señor is not feeling forgiving on the fact Brew killed the man who shot him. His partner, Ginny Fistoulary, has been hiding her own concern on the subject, until she shows up one day telling him she's gotten them a cushy job that will get them out of town. They've been hired as security for a murder camp retreat. Too hurt and full of misery on several counts, neither questions the job sufficiently before going there. Brew sees that Ginny is attracted to one of the guests and starts agonizing that he might be finally losing her. Then the murders start. And though he was missed, it looks like the actual intended target was Brew. But now they are all stuck in the lodge, snowed in, all means of escape denied them. Brew and Ginny must find out who the killer is before it is too late.
Review: This was one twisted puppy! A bizarre yet compelling cast of characters. Some awesome discussions on mystery fiction vs. real life. More Ginny and Brew angst.Relationshipsps, sneaking, lies, and more galore! And definitely several surprises. Good stuff! 3 1/2!
Book Review - The Man Who Risked His Partner
The Man Who Risked His Partner
by Stephen R Donaldson
Premise: Mick "Brew" Axebrewder has not had a drink for 6 months. He's been helping his partner, Ginny Fistoulari, try to cope with the loss of her hand. Brew is getting desperate, trying anything he can think of to try to get the old Ginny back. So when a case crops up that might be tied to El Señor, the biggest crime boss in the city, pops up, Brew makes them take it, hoping to somehow use it to jump start Ginny back into the detective she was before the bomb. His attentions are divided, however, as the son of some Hispanic friends has also disappeared--the boy was a numbers runner for El Señor.
Review: Filled with a lot of twists and turns. Interesting study of some rather unusual psyches in this one. Awesome noir work and lots of angst. Shows what a man might do when push comes to shove. Another great work by Mr. Donaldson. 3 1/2!
by Stephen R Donaldson
Premise: Mick "Brew" Axebrewder has not had a drink for 6 months. He's been helping his partner, Ginny Fistoulari, try to cope with the loss of her hand. Brew is getting desperate, trying anything he can think of to try to get the old Ginny back. So when a case crops up that might be tied to El Señor, the biggest crime boss in the city, pops up, Brew makes them take it, hoping to somehow use it to jump start Ginny back into the detective she was before the bomb. His attentions are divided, however, as the son of some Hispanic friends has also disappeared--the boy was a numbers runner for El Señor.
Review: Filled with a lot of twists and turns. Interesting study of some rather unusual psyches in this one. Awesome noir work and lots of angst. Shows what a man might do when push comes to shove. Another great work by Mr. Donaldson. 3 1/2!
Friday, April 28, 2006
Movie of the Week - Lucky Slevin
Lucky Slevin
Cast: Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, plus
Premise: A young man named Slevin gets caught in a huge case of mistaken identity by two different mob bosses as a hit man manipulates things in the background.
This was a weird puppy. Definitely in no way is it for kids! Though mostly a tongue-in-cheek comedy, the violence portrayed is graphic and strong! I did enjoy it and the mystery behind it all is done well. Bruce Willis was a lot of fun, as were all the cast. Lucy Lou(sp?) and Slevin had good sparks going between them. If you want something a little quirky, mysterious, and some good hitman action, this one is for you. ***!!
Cast: Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, plus
Premise: A young man named Slevin gets caught in a huge case of mistaken identity by two different mob bosses as a hit man manipulates things in the background.
This was a weird puppy. Definitely in no way is it for kids! Though mostly a tongue-in-cheek comedy, the violence portrayed is graphic and strong! I did enjoy it and the mystery behind it all is done well. Bruce Willis was a lot of fun, as were all the cast. Lucy Lou(sp?) and Slevin had good sparks going between them. If you want something a little quirky, mysterious, and some good hitman action, this one is for you. ***!!
Friday, April 21, 2006
Book Review - Ill Wind
Ill Wind
Author: Rachel Caine
Premise: Weather Warden Joanne is in big trouble, really big trouble. The people she works with will either strip her of her powers or kill her if they find out, so rather than stay and explain the death of Bad Bob, her regional supervisor, Joanne goes off to try to find the only person she thinks might help, Lewis, a renegade warden. Only problem is, someone or something out there is determined to make sure she doesn't find him and make her dead.
What a ride! It took me for a ride in a wild tornado, I had a terrible time putting this book down. We come in right in the middle of Joanne's problem and through asides and what trouble she's going through to find Lewis, we slowly but surely get the story of what has put her in such a desperate race in the first place. Joanne, herself, is almost as unpredictable as the weather she works with. She hot, she's sensual, she likes cars, and she means business! Too much fun. ***3/4
Author: Rachel Caine
Premise: Weather Warden Joanne is in big trouble, really big trouble. The people she works with will either strip her of her powers or kill her if they find out, so rather than stay and explain the death of Bad Bob, her regional supervisor, Joanne goes off to try to find the only person she thinks might help, Lewis, a renegade warden. Only problem is, someone or something out there is determined to make sure she doesn't find him and make her dead.
What a ride! It took me for a ride in a wild tornado, I had a terrible time putting this book down. We come in right in the middle of Joanne's problem and through asides and what trouble she's going through to find Lewis, we slowly but surely get the story of what has put her in such a desperate race in the first place. Joanne, herself, is almost as unpredictable as the weather she works with. She hot, she's sensual, she likes cars, and she means business! Too much fun. ***3/4
Book Review - The Wheel of the Infinite
The Wheel of the Infinite
Author: Martha Wells
Premise: Maskelle left her high position with the priesthood due to actions 7 years earlier. Now, she has been summoned by the Celestial One and told to return. She picks up a currently free personal guard on the way, as she travels with an acting puppet troupe, who need a curse removed from one of their puppets. The closer she comes to the city, the more signs of things not being normal she runs across. All this as the Hundred Year Ceremony approaches, the one that will remake the world and hold it steady for another century.
Vibrant and rich cultures abound--the characters are used as foils for each other so we can learn the different aspects of them even as the mystery of why Maskelle has been summoned unfolds. A nice adventurous romp with characters you will grow to love! Definitely worth reading. ***1/2
Author: Martha Wells
Premise: Maskelle left her high position with the priesthood due to actions 7 years earlier. Now, she has been summoned by the Celestial One and told to return. She picks up a currently free personal guard on the way, as she travels with an acting puppet troupe, who need a curse removed from one of their puppets. The closer she comes to the city, the more signs of things not being normal she runs across. All this as the Hundred Year Ceremony approaches, the one that will remake the world and hold it steady for another century.
Vibrant and rich cultures abound--the characters are used as foils for each other so we can learn the different aspects of them even as the mystery of why Maskelle has been summoned unfolds. A nice adventurous romp with characters you will grow to love! Definitely worth reading. ***1/2
Movie of the Week - The Wild
The Wild
(Computer Animated)
Premise: Young lion having adolescent issues with his father, accidentally gets trapped in an animal carrier and taken from the Zoo. His father and several friends, break out of the Zoo to go after him and bring him home.
This is a cute little tale with a couple of themes/issues running through it. One from the side of the son, is not being able to live up to his father's reputation. The other, which springs later, is the father needing to reveal certain truths about himself to his son.
Though not as fun as Madagascar, the film still had many cute moments. The dancing Wildebeest scene was a hoot! Also enjoyed the many of the quirky animals we meet, especially the chameleons. The koala was not very funny, but the thread they do with him about the plushies is. Definitely worth a look, just don't set expectations too high. :P ***
(Computer Animated)
Premise: Young lion having adolescent issues with his father, accidentally gets trapped in an animal carrier and taken from the Zoo. His father and several friends, break out of the Zoo to go after him and bring him home.
This is a cute little tale with a couple of themes/issues running through it. One from the side of the son, is not being able to live up to his father's reputation. The other, which springs later, is the father needing to reveal certain truths about himself to his son.
Though not as fun as Madagascar, the film still had many cute moments. The dancing Wildebeest scene was a hoot! Also enjoyed the many of the quirky animals we meet, especially the chameleons. The koala was not very funny, but the thread they do with him about the plushies is. Definitely worth a look, just don't set expectations too high. :P ***
Friday, April 07, 2006
Movie of the Week - Inside Man
Inside Man
Cast: Jody Foster, Denzel Washington.
Premise: A cop, currently in some hot water with the precinct, gets a break and is assigned to a bank robbery in progress. The police believe they caught they've trapped them in the bank. Yet what we see says different.
The perfect robbery - or is it? Nice game of cat and mouse and misdirection. Some great acting and some very smart doings. Enjoyed it tons!
Beautiful set up. ***3/4
Cast: Jody Foster, Denzel Washington.
Premise: A cop, currently in some hot water with the precinct, gets a break and is assigned to a bank robbery in progress. The police believe they caught they've trapped them in the bank. Yet what we see says different.
The perfect robbery - or is it? Nice game of cat and mouse and misdirection. Some great acting and some very smart doings. Enjoyed it tons!
Beautiful set up. ***3/4
Movie of the Week - Ice Age 2
Enjoyed Ice Age 1, enjoyed Ice Age 2 even more!
There was lots and lots of Scrat! The plot was good, and we had lots of Scrat! Love Scrat! And the ending bit was beautiful! lol. All the returning characters were great and there were a whole bunch of new character/creatures to to meet and have fun.
If you liked Ice Age 1, you will love #2! Lots of fun!
There was lots and lots of Scrat! The plot was good, and we had lots of Scrat! Love Scrat! And the ending bit was beautiful! lol. All the returning characters were great and there were a whole bunch of new character/creatures to to meet and have fun.
If you liked Ice Age 1, you will love #2! Lots of fun!
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
MidSouthCon 2006
At the Holiday Inn Select in Memphis, TN March 24-26th I had the pleasure once again to be a guest at MidSouthCon.
I did couple of anime panels as well as the Yard Dog Road Show, a reading, and the ever popular "Dark and Stormy Night" panel.
The "Dark and Stormy Night" panel is a last day panel for the enjoyment of the fans and torture of the panelists (but it is still a lot of fun as you can make your fellow panelists cringe in horror! Bwahahaha). The premise is that throughout the con, the fans have been putting quotes from movies, TV, commercials, books, whatever on pieces of paper and piling them in a bucket. On the day of the panel, a setting is chosen by the audience, then the panelists must take one of the pieces of papers and incorporate whatever is there into the tale being spun. Makes for a lot of hilarity and comedic faces. Add in Selina Rosen, Lee Martindale, myself and the two other writers (I am ashamed to say I forgot their names! Argh!) and it was a ball! If you ever get a chance to go to one of those - don't miss it!!!
Made a number of new friends like Joy Ward and Haley Elizabeth Garwood and Kara who were a total hoot and definitely made the hours pass quickly in the dealer's room. Also had some great conversations with some of the dealers as we sat around and pushed our wares.
To my pleased surprise Order of the Stick was at the con! It's a comic strip on the web that is a total hoot. It's done by Rich Burlew. The art is done in a funky style, but the wit is razro sharp. A must for anyone who has ever gamed. Too darn funny!
Great guests, great panels, great friends - not much more could be asked for! I had a very good time. Thanks all!
I did couple of anime panels as well as the Yard Dog Road Show, a reading, and the ever popular "Dark and Stormy Night" panel.
The "Dark and Stormy Night" panel is a last day panel for the enjoyment of the fans and torture of the panelists (but it is still a lot of fun as you can make your fellow panelists cringe in horror! Bwahahaha). The premise is that throughout the con, the fans have been putting quotes from movies, TV, commercials, books, whatever on pieces of paper and piling them in a bucket. On the day of the panel, a setting is chosen by the audience, then the panelists must take one of the pieces of papers and incorporate whatever is there into the tale being spun. Makes for a lot of hilarity and comedic faces. Add in Selina Rosen, Lee Martindale, myself and the two other writers (I am ashamed to say I forgot their names! Argh!) and it was a ball! If you ever get a chance to go to one of those - don't miss it!!!
Made a number of new friends like Joy Ward and Haley Elizabeth Garwood and Kara who were a total hoot and definitely made the hours pass quickly in the dealer's room. Also had some great conversations with some of the dealers as we sat around and pushed our wares.
To my pleased surprise Order of the Stick was at the con! It's a comic strip on the web that is a total hoot. It's done by Rich Burlew. The art is done in a funky style, but the wit is razro sharp. A must for anyone who has ever gamed. Too darn funny!
Great guests, great panels, great friends - not much more could be asked for! I had a very good time. Thanks all!
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
EPICon 2006
From Thursday to Sunday I was in san Antonio attending EPICon 2006.
A con mostly for writers and publishers interested in e-books, it is still a great venue for anyone interested in the craft, with lots of panels and demonstrations.
What makes this convention even more fun are the extras that come with it. Admission gets you fed most of the weekend for one. We also got a private tour of the Alamo (which was a lot smaller than I thought it would be), and a ride on the canal on one of the riverboats. Because we were considered a tour group, we even got taken to places people do not get to see on the regular rides. Yay! Our boat driver was awesome too, had a ton of information.
Of course the con is also a great place for networking and talking one on one with e-book/print publishers. The highlight of the con is the EPPIES, awards for fine writing in e-publishing, presented by the MC for Life - Jeff Strand. Normally a very shy individual, he out does himself every year causing audiences to roll on the floor. He is a hoot! (His horror mysteries splashed with a little comedy are not half bad either!) :P
The location for 2007 will be Virginia Beach, Va and looks to be shaping up to a fab time! We get to take over a beach hotel! Oh yeah!
For more info on EPICON, the EPPIES, or EPIC check out http://www.epicauthors.com/
A con mostly for writers and publishers interested in e-books, it is still a great venue for anyone interested in the craft, with lots of panels and demonstrations.
What makes this convention even more fun are the extras that come with it. Admission gets you fed most of the weekend for one. We also got a private tour of the Alamo (which was a lot smaller than I thought it would be), and a ride on the canal on one of the riverboats. Because we were considered a tour group, we even got taken to places people do not get to see on the regular rides. Yay! Our boat driver was awesome too, had a ton of information.
Of course the con is also a great place for networking and talking one on one with e-book/print publishers. The highlight of the con is the EPPIES, awards for fine writing in e-publishing, presented by the MC for Life - Jeff Strand. Normally a very shy individual, he out does himself every year causing audiences to roll on the floor. He is a hoot! (His horror mysteries splashed with a little comedy are not half bad either!) :P
The location for 2007 will be Virginia Beach, Va and looks to be shaping up to a fab time! We get to take over a beach hotel! Oh yeah!
For more info on EPICON, the EPPIES, or EPIC check out http://www.epicauthors.com/
Movie of the Week - V for Vendetta
WOW! All I can say is WOW!
Truly enjoyed this movie. I was crying everywhere but honestly loved it. (I cry easy at movies so don't be concerned.) :P Natalie Portman was wonderful. Everyone was. And the voice of V was perfect.
Interesting story line, good action and combat scenes, lots of symbolism everywhere. It does slow down a little in a couple of places and they would show certain flashbacks a bit much, but aside from that it was perfect.
A grand mystery of vengeance, which layer by layer lies exposed until the truth shines.
My husband saw it last Friday while I was away at a con, and actually looked forward to seeing it again when I got my chance on Sunday. With him, this is rare!
Oh, and once you see this film, you will never hear the 1812 overture quite the same ever again. :)
****
Go see it now!
Truly enjoyed this movie. I was crying everywhere but honestly loved it. (I cry easy at movies so don't be concerned.) :P Natalie Portman was wonderful. Everyone was. And the voice of V was perfect.
Interesting story line, good action and combat scenes, lots of symbolism everywhere. It does slow down a little in a couple of places and they would show certain flashbacks a bit much, but aside from that it was perfect.
A grand mystery of vengeance, which layer by layer lies exposed until the truth shines.
My husband saw it last Friday while I was away at a con, and actually looked forward to seeing it again when I got my chance on Sunday. With him, this is rare!
Oh, and once you see this film, you will never hear the 1812 overture quite the same ever again. :)
****
Go see it now!
Friday, March 10, 2006
Movie of the Week - Shaggy Dog
I love Tim Allen - all his movies are a hoot. Shaggy Dog is no exception. Lots of fun and feel good moments. And some definite comedy. If you love dogs, this movie is definitely for you. They definitely did their homework. Too darn cute! ***3/4!!
Friday, March 03, 2006
Movie of the Week - Ultraviolet
Well...
I has hopeful expectations on this one, especially after the fun with Aen Flux. Unfortunatly it did not live up anywhere near.
Some neat effects, some cool tech, but way too little explanation on things. Another 10 minutes would have done a lot for the film. And there were other problems, like some issues with the fighters and #'s vs 1. Some of the fights were too fuzzy. Though the one on the roof was sweet.
Nice try, but needed more. **1/2
I has hopeful expectations on this one, especially after the fun with Aen Flux. Unfortunatly it did not live up anywhere near.
Some neat effects, some cool tech, but way too little explanation on things. Another 10 minutes would have done a lot for the film. And there were other problems, like some issues with the fighters and #'s vs 1. Some of the fights were too fuzzy. Though the one on the roof was sweet.
Nice try, but needed more. **1/2
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Cross-Eyed Dragon Troubles Sample Chapters
Cross-Eyed Dragon Troubles now has sample chapters up at the website. Just go to http://www.gloriaoliver.com/crossedsample
Here's some quick info on the book. Should be released in 2006 by HardShell Word Factory.
Talia didn’t want to be apprenticed, not even to the prestigious Dragon Knight’s Guild. She is taken to the school by a cross-eyed dragon and his partner, Kel. A dizzying, madcap ride leaves her less than eager to be a knight, but soon she finds out the guild has need of many types of people. Running into the dragon and squire again and again, she comes to realize the unlikely pair are outsiders in their own school—participants of the dragon-human pairing ritual, which in the end didn’t work quite as intended. They are stubborn loners who are determined to overcome the obstacles in their path and make a true pair, as was intended. Or are they?
As Talia’s first year at the guild evolves, she must deal with the quirks of the Administrator, her lessons, the odd rules of the school, the students, the mystery of Clarence and Kel, and somewhere in there, possibly decide what it is she wants for her own future.
If you have the time, please check it out!
Here's some quick info on the book. Should be released in 2006 by HardShell Word Factory.
Talia didn’t want to be apprenticed, not even to the prestigious Dragon Knight’s Guild. She is taken to the school by a cross-eyed dragon and his partner, Kel. A dizzying, madcap ride leaves her less than eager to be a knight, but soon she finds out the guild has need of many types of people. Running into the dragon and squire again and again, she comes to realize the unlikely pair are outsiders in their own school—participants of the dragon-human pairing ritual, which in the end didn’t work quite as intended. They are stubborn loners who are determined to overcome the obstacles in their path and make a true pair, as was intended. Or are they?
As Talia’s first year at the guild evolves, she must deal with the quirks of the Administrator, her lessons, the odd rules of the school, the students, the mystery of Clarence and Kel, and somewhere in there, possibly decide what it is she wants for her own future.
If you have the time, please check it out!
ConDFW
ConDFW just completed its 5th year this past weekend. For those not in the know, ConDFW is a Dallas, Texas Sci-Fi/Fantasy convention.
Despite the tons of rain, all the guest panels seemed to be very well attended. Conversely, the dealers room was dead! Was quite weird. But the concom told me the two seem to flip from year to year for no reason they've ever been able to pin point.
I did still sell 4 books, so that covered my cost of the shared table. Phew! Luckily Yard Dog Press, which was also in attendance, did much better on the book selling front. But then again, when you have 10+ Yard Doggie Authors on hand to sniff out customers, of course they will come! lol.
Met a bunch of fellow authors that it is a always a pleasure to see and had some good conversations with them as well as several fans.
Looking forward to coming back in 2007!
Despite the tons of rain, all the guest panels seemed to be very well attended. Conversely, the dealers room was dead! Was quite weird. But the concom told me the two seem to flip from year to year for no reason they've ever been able to pin point.
I did still sell 4 books, so that covered my cost of the shared table. Phew! Luckily Yard Dog Press, which was also in attendance, did much better on the book selling front. But then again, when you have 10+ Yard Doggie Authors on hand to sniff out customers, of course they will come! lol.
Met a bunch of fellow authors that it is a always a pleasure to see and had some good conversations with them as well as several fans.
Looking forward to coming back in 2007!
Where has the time gone?!?!?!
*sigh* Don't know how this keeps happening. I blink and a month has gone by, I've done no updates, buried in email, far behind on promo, and let's not talk about work! lol.
They say that the older you get the faster time passes. To be honest, I think this is true! It's almost like the time lived weighs against the time being lived and so it zooms in our perceptions the older we get. A very strange phenomenom. Of course, the more fun we're having the even faster it goes! :P
They say that the older you get the faster time passes. To be honest, I think this is true! It's almost like the time lived weighs against the time being lived and so it zooms in our perceptions the older we get. A very strange phenomenom. Of course, the more fun we're having the even faster it goes! :P
Movie of the Week - Pink Panther
(Oh my! It's been a month since I have blogged? Where has the month gone????)
I was hesitant to see this movie. Not because I don't like Steve Martin, he can be a real hoot, but being Peter Sellers would be a feat few could attempt to accomplish. But hubby wanted to go, so I finally caved.
The movie was fun. The people involved definitely wanted to pay homage to the old films. So much so, that it begins with the Pink Panther theme and even the Pink Panther himself, as well as a new Cruseau toon that more resembles Mr. Martin.
A lot of slapstick, some recurring jokes, even some serious matters, egad! A couple of spots were totally hilarious. Steve puts his own spin on the detective and does fairly well. The James Bond joke was too funny. No Kato though, which was too bad.
Overall a pretty cute, funny, and entertaining piece. ***
I was hesitant to see this movie. Not because I don't like Steve Martin, he can be a real hoot, but being Peter Sellers would be a feat few could attempt to accomplish. But hubby wanted to go, so I finally caved.
The movie was fun. The people involved definitely wanted to pay homage to the old films. So much so, that it begins with the Pink Panther theme and even the Pink Panther himself, as well as a new Cruseau toon that more resembles Mr. Martin.
A lot of slapstick, some recurring jokes, even some serious matters, egad! A couple of spots were totally hilarious. Steve puts his own spin on the detective and does fairly well. The James Bond joke was too funny. No Kato though, which was too bad.
Overall a pretty cute, funny, and entertaining piece. ***
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