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On Tuesday, 10 AM Pacific, I will be interviewed as part of the Guardian Gateway Telesummit. It looks super cool. My topic is The Part-Fairy Survival Kit! I’ll cover:
the secret to seeing and hearing the Fairy Realm
learn how Nature can help you heal
find out if you are part fairy and what you need to survive and thrive
Here’s Details:
I am excited to share with you a FREE one-of-a-kind event taking place this month: The Guardian Gateway Telesummit.
Twenty teachers are coming together to show you how to connect and work with the high-vibrational Beings—angels, unicorns, faeries, dolphins, plant spirits, power animals, and more—who are guardians and supporters of your gifts and soul purpose.
My colleague Kim Wilborn will be interview 20 powerful teachers who will show you how to work with the Guardian Energy that is SO wanting to help each one of us… and the world.
There’s no cost to attend, and even if you can’t attend the talks live, you will get access to each replay for 48 hours.
I cordially invite you to be my guest at this wonderful event. You’ll learn how to work with the High-Vibrational Beings who are waiting to:
~ Bring solutions to your everyday problems
~ Assist you in everything you do
~ Give you the wisdom and support you need to live your best life
~ Help you discover and live your life purpose
~ Raise your vibration and improve what you attract into your experience
~ Assist you in manifesting your heart-based desires
~ Provide an unshakable support system
You’ll experience:
~ Jean Slatter: Learn How to Hire From the Heavens
~ Steven Farmer: Receiving Guidance from the Spirits of Nature
~ Linda Shay: Joyful Spirit Dolphins…At Your Service
~ Sue Storm: Angels for Prosperity
~ Pam Montgomery: Discovering Your Personal Plant Spirit Ally
~ Ronni Ann Hall: The Part-Fairy Survival Kit
~ Cordelia Brabbs: Your Miracles Team
~ Raven Many Voices: Dragons – Finding Your Fire Within
~ Monique Hunt: Connect with Your Spirit Guide council
~ Elvia Nina Roe: Meet Your Angels
~ Helen Oceanheart: Open Your Heart to the Whales and Dolphins
~ Max Ryan: Raising Your Vibration with the Angels
~ Kimberly Mulrooney: Angels on Call
~ Lesley Morrison: The Healing Wisdom of Birds
~ Annie Day: Tree Spirit Healing
~ Carrie Hart: Power Animals Unleashed
~ Theolyn Cortens: The Teachings of the Nephalim
~ Bernadette Wulf: Faeries Among Us
~ Robbie Holz: Working with a Celestial Team
If you would like your life to be easier, happier, and more in alignment with your Soul Purpose, register today for the FREE[http://www.mcssl.com/app/?Clk=4956000]Guardian Gateway Telesummit.
“See” you there!
0 Comments on The Part-Fairy Survival Kit at the Guardian Gateway Telesummit as of 1/1/1900
In September, 2008, The Fed and the Treasury came to President George W. Bush and issued him an economic suicide threat. Secretary Henry Paulson walked into the Oval Office and put a financial gun to his own head and said, give us $800 Billion dollars or in 24 hours the American economy will die and 5 trillion dollars would disappear with the entire world economy. President Bush said yes. What if he had said NO? -
The Consortium by Steven Clark Bradley ________________ Feature Post
A Bird's-Eye View Of the People's Republic of China
(Click On Title Above Picture To Read Post) Available Now!!! Available Now!!! Available Now!!!
The Second Republic: E-Book version Get it at:http://www.writewordsinc.com/serepaacvo2... What would America do if we were faced with a horrendous terrorist attack that no amount of security could stop?
In “The Second Republic – Patriot Acts Part II,” the President of the United States is confronted with a radical underground secret cabal that has targeted America with a domestic bio-terror attack that dwarfs the assault unleashed on September 11, 2001.
This second book in the Patriot Acts trilogy takes the reader inside the White House where treachery and terrorism boils below its underbelly. While trying to avoid invoking emergency powers that could destroy American constitutional freedoms, a former Special Ops officer, now the President of the United States, races to stop a deadly virus, which has killed thousands of innocent Americans.
This Fisher Harrison saga, The Second Republic, is an action thriller that could appear on any of today’s headlines, on any given day with a plausible scenario for the death of humankind that is too frighteningly conceivable for comfort.
When Too Much Security Can Kill You! Steven Clark Bradley
"An office sought and achieved by a candidate according to the rules set out in the US Constitution who, once elevated to high office, proceeds to ignore, disavow, repudiate, deviate from and misappropriate the powers and limitations prescribed, declared and demanded therein." -Steven Clark Bradley
A reworking of an image/card from two years ago. This one is on my December promo postcard. Sure is a lot of fun to change this up from time to time and add new angels and animals, etc. My personal favorites are the dog-angel, cat-angel and mouse-angel!
0 Comments on Christmas Card #2 as of 12/20/2012 10:34:00 AM
5 Stars The Shepherd Girl of Bethlehem: A Nativity Story Carey Morning Alan Marks 32 Pages Ages: 4 + …………………….. Inside Jacket: The shepherd’s young daughter helped with the sheep every single day. How she longed to help through the night as well; but her father said it was too dark and she needed sleep. [...]
S.R. Johannes is the author of Untraceable, as well as the newly released MG novel On the Bright Side. Shelli dropped by the virtual offices to share why she thinks angels are so popular in fiction.
The Rise of Angels in YA by S.R. Johannes
Angels seem to be popular these days, especially in young adult. With On The BrightSide, I wanted to expand the talk of angels into tween and middle grade. Which meant it needed to be fun and interesting.
But why have angels been so important in recent years?
One – I think angels offer some a connection to religion that may not be addressed enough in fiction today. I think kids begin questioning God and the world at a very young age. And sometimes, they may have questions that they can’t voice or even understand.
Two – Good angels show us balance– with the pure white angel on one side representing the good side; while the dark angel is on the other side representing the darker side. This relates to us as humans struggling to balance the parts of us that are good with the pieces of us that may be negative or angry. I think that is why dark angels and demons have shown up in fiction lately – the dark side is a curious place to investigate. With angels – we know there is a good side so it provides comfort. I think kids struggle with balancing these 2 sides of themselves even from a young age.
Three – I also think with the difficult things our society has gone through since 911, angels have been discussed more because they can be comforting to some people. They also represent safety in the unknown.
I wanted Gabby to be an angel. But I wanted her removed from religion and everything we think angels are. So I called her a Bright and called Heaven, Cirrus. All to break through the religious perceptions. I also made Gabby human-like – she has a good side and a bad side. I think this allows kids to relate to her and understand – we all have those moments we are not proud of.
I hope On The Bright Side allows kids to step away from their religious beliefs and the idea of perfection. To look at some of the questions we all have about life and death. Also show them about balancing all those good and bad feelings or decisions that sometimes come with puberty. I want kids to realize that no one – not them, their parents or even angels are perfect. That we all make mistakes and it’s okay.
No one is perfect – not even a Bright.
Thank you!
You can learn more about Shelli by visiting her website and by following her on Twitter.
You can purchase On The Bright Side by clicking the link below (it is only .99 for a limited time, so grab it now!)
Cover Shot! is a regular feature here at the Café. I love discovering new covers, and when I find them, I like to share. More than anything else, I am consumed with the mystery that each new discovery represents. There is an allure to a beautiful cover. Will the story contained under the pages live up to promise of the gorgeous cover art?
Angels are still new for me, so I am intrigued by this book. The cover for Archangel of Mercy by Christina Ashcroft is beautiful! The fact that the premise looks interesting, too, is a bonus. I love the textures and the colors, and the wispy spread of his wings. His hair doesn’t quite do it for me, but the rest of this cover is so pretty!
Between an angel and a desperate woman comes salvation and a raw passion that challenges them at every turn…
When Aurora Robinson attempts to open a rift between dimensions to embrace her true heritage, an arrogant Archangel is the only one who can save her from the jaws of hell. And while she owes Gabriel her life, she’s determined not to fall at his feet-despite the desire she feels whenever they’re together.
After his wings were brutally destroyed millennia ago, Gabriel has no compassion for humans like those who ruined him and betrayed the ones he loved. But when he inexplicably finds himself defying ancient protocols to rescue a woman from a fate worse than death, he is shocked by the searing attraction he feels for a mortal.
As the ancient forces that seek to punish Aurora for her actions close in, Gabriel offers the tempting woman protection at his private sanctuary. But as they both succumb to their desires, they discover an even deeper connection-one that threatens to consume them.
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2011, 432 pp, ISBN: 0316134023
Recap: Karou's past is a mystery - even to herself. She has no idea where the hamsas - devil's eye - tattoos on her palms came from. She has no memory of parents or siblings. The only home she has ever known is Brimstone's shop and her family of chimaera-monsters.
Now 17-years-old, Karou isn't a little girl anymore and she has had to make a home for herself in the human world. But it's almost impossible to make friends when half of your time is spent running through magical portals, collecting teeth for your otherworldly family.
Just when it seems that her life couldn't get any more complicated, Karou meets Akiva. An angel. An angel who almost kills her. And then she falls in love.
Review: Laini Taylor's Daughter of Smoke and Bone opens with perhaps my favorite opening lines, ever. And that is saying a lot:
"Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love. It did not end well."
Doesn't that just grab you? And really, that could have just been my entire recap. Because this book has a lot going on, but those two lines get at the crux of the whole thing.
Backing up... I've been wanting to read Daughter of Smoke and Bone for a good, long while now. Especially since it was announced as one of the Contenders in SLJ's BoB. But, I was a little wary of the "angel/devil" aspect. I've never read an "angel book." And I actually do believe that angels and demons exist in real life. So, I just wasn't sure how I would react to these fictional forces of good and evil. But as I read Karou and Akiva's story, I quickly came to the conclusion that these angels and demons are, duh, fictional - and nothing like the forces that I believe exist in reality. Once I got past that, I could fully immerse myself in Laini Taylor's wildly imaginative world of "good" versus "evil."
12 Comments on Daughter of Smoke and Bone, last added: 3/13/2012
This was, hands down, my favorite book I read this year. My copy of it has actually been mailed to friends all over the country, who say funny things like, "It makes me resent my children needing to be cared for. I just want to read." I think the second book is coming out in the fall and I can't wait. I haven't read Jack Gantos' book either, but I feel like Taylor's has to win!
That first line really is amazing! I love that you found their insta-love believable after it was further explored and it sounds really interesting about the whole "good" versus "evil" in the book. I definitely need to read this one now!
I bought this book a few months back and I keep putting off reading it! It sounds fantastic though. Going to bump it up on my TBR pile!
Rachel Carlberg said, on 3/11/2012 2:46:00 PM
I have been waiting months (well more realistically, weeks) for you to read and review this book. I randomly chose it off the SLJ's Battle of the Kids Books list, and I loved loved loved it. Glad to know you enjoyed it as well :)
This book.....it is so amazing. I just can't get over how incredible it is. I totally agree with you about good and evil being subjective. I cannot WAIT for book two.
THat is so awesome! My friend Amy always calls really fabulous books a "Kids, fend for yourselves!" book :) I'm almost finished with Dead End and I still think Taylor has to win!!
OMG this book. THIS BOOK! It was so fantastic I cannot even say how much. And yeah, my jaw dropped when I saw how Karou and Akiva were connected. Didn't see that coming! I cried over this one as well... Seriously. Great review! :)
*Sigh* I LOVED Daughter of Smoke and Bone. I thought the language was BEAUTIFUL and the characters were so vibrant and unique. I loved Karou and Akiva, and I totally agree about the insta-love. It should be weird but when you understand their history, it doesn't seem "instant" at all. And I basically loved Brimstone. I'm kinda worried about him. I haven't read many angel books, either--in fact, this one was my first ever--but I'm glad that I read this one! I can't wait to see where things go next because that ending was BANANAS!
Release Date: September 27th, 2011 Publisher: Little, Brown & Company Age Group: Young Adult Overall: 5 out of 5 Stars (Unputdownable!) Categories: Paranormal, Romance, Angels, Reincarnation, Magic Goodreads Page Read in March 2012
Summary:
Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.
In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.
And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.
Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages—not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.
When one of the strangers—beautiful, haunted Akiva—fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?
My Opinion:
I started this book without having read any reviews, so I didn't know what to expect. Laini's world definitely blew me away. I was not expecting that!
The writing style of this book is so light and at the same time, intense; I couldn't put it down (but there were times when I had to). Taylor's descriptions made my imagination soar through the cities she wrote about, imagining scenes, towns, people, like a good book is supposed to do.
We start out not knowing who Karou is, or where she comes from; we only know that she has a lot of secrets, like her family and Brimstone, the closest thing to a father she has. With her blue hair, she's a rebel that seeks the truth about herself, but at the same time, does not want to disappoint mighty Brimstone.
Her human friend Zuzana, is an ordinary girl, your typical teenage friend. I'd love to see more of her, see how she progresses in the story. Karou keeps many secrets from her, but she's still loyal to her, and that says so much about her character. She's definitely an anchor for Karou, who's losing touch with everything that means something to her.
There are so many characters worthy of mentioning, but then this post would be very long. Karou's "monster" family is extremely caring, I started loving them just as much as Karou does.
The veil between our world and the Other Side (I read the book in Spanish; how do you call Brimstone's world?) is thinner than Karou
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It's about a couple and the night they almost lost their baby girl.
One cold winter night, this couple slept in their bed while their baby girl slept in her crib close by. Sometime during the night, the woman noticed her grandmother standing in front of their bed.
Her grandmother had died the year before.
The woman didn't think it weird that her dead grandmother stood in front of her. She was just excited to see her. The woman and her grandmother were so close and she missed her so much. Unfortunately, the grandmother died before she even got a chance to meet the baby girl. The woman excitedly told her grandmother about her new life.
"GaGa! You've got to see her! She's so beautiful."
All GaGa said was, "Check the baby."
"Yes, but GaGa, I'm so excited. You should see her! She..."
"Check the baby."
This went on for a few minutes before GaGa started to fade away. The woman cried, "No GaGa! Don't go! I miss you so much! And the baby...you've got to see her!"
"Check the baby."
Finally, GaGa was gone. The man heard the woman call out for GaGa, but he didn't see GaGa. He shook the woman awake and asked what was wrong. The woman described what happened and her excitement at seeing GaGa again. Finally, she told him all GaGa said was, "Check the baby."
The both decided to see what GaGa was talking about. When they checked the crib, what they saw made their hearts stop. Their baby girl was blue in the face...not breathing. Scared and alarmed, they rushed her to the hospital where the doctors worked to bring the child back to life.
They succeeded. The couple breathed a sigh of relief.
GaGa sav
5 Comments on Q is for...Quite A Story, last added: 4/20/2012
I think that's a lovely story, and I am completely convinced that our dead ancestors maintain a strong desire to be part of our lives. Thank you for sharing such a personal story.
Griffin's Fire is the second installment in Darby Karchut's Terrae Angeli young adult fantasy series, published by Twilight Times Books. I didn't read the first book in the series and have to say that I was a bit lost at the beginning of the story. Fortunately, not for long. Karchut provides only the essential bits of backstory and I was soon engulfed in Griffin's world. As far as the first book, Griffin Rising goes, suffice to say that Griffin is a supernatural being known as a Terrae Angeli, a being who has the ability to control Fire, Water, Wind and Earth and who, like a guardian warrior, helps humans who are in danger. Book I is all about his apprenticeship, relationship to his mentor, love for a mortal girl and 'fall' into the world of mortals when he's banished from the Terrae Angeli.
0 Comments on Angels, Adventure, and a Dash of Romance: Griffin’s Fire, by Darby Karchut as of 4/27/2012 1:23:00 PM
Ami Blackwelder stopped by the virtual offices to chat about her new book, She Speaks to Angels. After the interview, you can enter for a chance to win a digital copy! Check out what Ami has to say her book.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] Describe yourself in 140 characters or less.
[Ami Blackwelder] Ami Blackwelder is a romance suspense writer in the paranormal, scifi and historical genres. Growing up in Florida, she graduated UCF and in 1997 received her BA in English and additional teaching credentials. Then she packed her bags and travelled overseas to teach in Thailand, Nepal, Tibet, China and Korea. Thailand is considered her second home now. She has always loved writing and wrote poems and short stores since childhood; however, her novels began when she was in Thailand.
Having won the Best Fiction Award from the University of Central Florida (Yes, The Blair Witch Project University), her short fiction From Joy We Come, Unto Joy We Return was published in the on campus literary magazine: Cypress Dome and remains to this day in University libraries around the USA. Later, she achieved the semi-finals in a Laurel Hemingway contest and published a few poems in the Thailand’s Expat magazine, and an article in the Thailand’s People newspaper. Additionally, she has published poetry in the Korea’s AIM magazine, the American Poetic Monthly magazine and Twisted Dreams Magazine.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you tell us a little about She Speaks to Angels?
[Ami Blackwelder] She Speaks to Angels
"I tried not to sound hysterical, but it’s not every day you find out the paranormal is hunting you."
What if everything you believed was a lie?
A Suicide
Seventeen year old Allison Maney attends Millennium High School in Manhattan. Nothing out of the ordinary, unless you consider the occasional suicides at the school. At least that is what everyone is told, what everyone believes. But Tommy Bachelor was a popular football player; why would he jump off the roof of the school?
Dangerous Liaisons
When Dameon pays attention to Ali, she couldn’t be more excited, because for the past three months he was all she could think about. But now that Dameon is finally pining for her affections, she is becoming more and more wrapped up in a clique of three who, as new transfers to the school, are proving to be trouble. But at least Dameon loves her, doesn’t he?
A Soul Purpose
The underworld of angels and demons have one thing on their mind: Earth. Demons want to do what they want. Angels want to protect humans from these rogue angels, AKA: Demons
A Suspenseful Romance
Caught between Dameon and Kian, the suicide and the clique of three, Ali won’t know who to trust…or who to love, because for Allison Maney, everything i not exactly what it seems.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] How did you come up with the concept and the characters for the story?
[Ami Blackwelder] I like thrillers/mysteries and I like angels and weaved the two together. The characters just flowed out of me. I knew I wanted certain characters, like Ali and her two friends that she had since middle school. I knew I wanted Da
Fallen by Lauren Kate, Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 2009, 368 pp, ISBN: 0385738935
Recap: After leaving her last boarding school under a cloud of suspicion and shame - she may or may not have murdered her crush in a fire - Luce is at her last chance school: Sword and Cross.
Once she arrives on campus, Luce is quickly swept up in the drama of the "reformers." But even as she learns to navigate the soul-sucking classes, weigh the sincerity of potential friends, and cope with the bitter loneliness of leaving her family... all of that is overshadowed by the connection she feels to the mysterious Daniel Grigori.
Daniel is far from charming, in fact most of the time he goes out of his way to avoid Luce, but she just can't shake the feeling that they're meant to be together. If Luce had any idea just what "being together" would mean for her and Daniel.
Review: First I just need to say, "Thank you Lauren Kate!" This lady has officially shaken me out of my reading slump. While the last novel I finished took me a month a half (I think that's some kind of record), I finished this baby in two short days. Fallen is nothing if not a page-turner!
I received Fallen in the Book Blogger Holiday Swap (Thank you again, Jennie!), and it was my first ever "angel book." From the very first page, I was completely consumed by Luce's story. There was romance, danger, and a mystery to solve. On top of that, some of the characters were just downright funny; Arrianne was one of my favorites.
Now that being said, there were some aspects of Fallen that were just a little too Twilight-esque for my tastes. Just so we're clear: I love Twilight. For real. But Edward and Bella are the only couple where I'll buy the whole "It's totally inexplicable and you're really not even that nice to me but I'll still swoon over you every single day because I know we're destined to be together forever and forever. And I might even lose my soul just to make sure I don't lose you." Outside of Forks, WA, I need my love relationships to develop a little (or a lot) more realistically.
You can bet on one thing, Book Lovers. I will most definitely be reading Torment, book 2 in the series, just as soon as I can get my hands on a copy! Check out the following video for the inside scoop on Fallen, straight from Ms. Lauren Kate:
Health and Wellness week continues with my review of Soul Proof by Dr. Mark Pitstick.
Who are we? Why are we here? What's next after this life, anything?
Soul Proof; Compelling Evidence You Are An Infinite Spiritual Being will answer these questions and many others. Dr. Pitstick covers all areas of spirituality...
~ After Death Contacts
~ Near-Death Experiences
~ Miraculous and Revelatory Experiences
~ Scientific Input
~ Paranormal Experience
~ Input from Religious and Spirituality
~ Peri-natal Evidence ~ Reincarnation Evidence ~ Firsthand Experience and Other Ways of Knowing
Dr. Pitstick's makes a good case for all the above areas and, even though I may not agree with everything, I found Soul Proof to be an interesting and compelling read.
Check out Soul Proof and Dr. Mark Pitstick's website for more information at; http://www.soulproof.com/
0 Comments on Soul Proof - A Review as of 1/1/1900
There has been some talk about opening the vault. It's scary. It's old. It's saturated. It's outlined. It's purple.
What's in the vault? { Right Image: "Lady of the Lake" } The vault means surfacing work from 2007 and back. There may be a piece here and there from those years still floating about on my etsy page or website, but those are rare. I've had several requests/comments to bring the old work back.
Why open the vault now? In 2007/2008 I began to change my way of painting, which has been in constant change till about now. That's natural, I believe, but my past work personally doesn't do it for me.
I have adored the concepts, compositions, colors, etc. always, but relying on black lines is not something I teach. It was a way to make sure my lines showed up, and to clean up the pencil from sketching. The black lines were used as default, without any real purpose. I thank one of my college professors for pointing that out. And I took him seriously.
Ooh, I really love that "Truth" piece. It's beautiful!
I love your work, and I think it's neat that you've got different styles up in your shop now. I like both of them - the current look, and the past "anime/Disney look". I've always liked darker and richer, but softer can be really nice, too. :) So great job on both counts!
Congrats on being in the EBSQ Friday Five! I'm glad to meet you. I'm heading to your Etsy shop to browse and compare. Thanks for the great information.
I'm curious how your faith has changed and impacted what you choose. I guess I'll have to read more of your blog! :-)
by William Pene Du Bois
Viking Press 1956
In an animal factory in the sky winged artists invent new animals, including one very unusual looking lion.
Artist Foreman, looking suspiciously like an angel, was one of the first animal designers in the Animal Factory in the sky. Now in semi-retirement as, well, a foreman to the other artists, he has come up with a new name for an animal --
All her life, the archetypal hero and his journey have enthralled Darby Karchut. A native of New Mexico, Darby grew up in a family that venerated books and she spent her childhood devouring one fantasy novel after another. Fascinated by mythologies from around the world, she attended the University of New Mexico, graduating with a degree in anthropology. After moving to Colorado, she then earned a Master’s in education and became a social studies teacher.
Drawing from her extensive knowledge of world cultures, she blends ancient myths with modern urban life to write stories that relate to young teens today.
Darby lives in Colorado with her husband, where she still teaches at a local junior high school. She enjoys running, biking, and skiing the Rocky Mountains in all types of weather. Griffin Rising is her first novel. Visit the author at her website: www.darbykarchut.com.
Your first teen novel, Griffin Rising, blends ancient myths with modern urban life. Please tell us a little about the book.
For centuries, rumors have abounded of a lowly caste of supernatural beings known as the Terrae Angeli. Armed with the power to control Earth, Fire, Wind and Water, these warriors secretly serve as guardians for mortals in danger.
But for one young angel-in-training, Griffin, life is hell as a cruel master makes his apprenticeship a nightmare. On the verge of failing, a new mentor, Basil, enters his life and changes it forever. It is their father-and-son relationship, sometimes turbulent, often hilarious, always affectionate, that is the heart and soul of the story.
Masquerading as the average teen next door, Griffin struggles to learn his trade, navigate the ups and downs of modern life among humans (including falling in love with the girl next door), and prepare for the ancient trial-by-combat every apprentice must pass at sixteen or be forced to become mortal.
How did your fascination with mythology start?
All my life, the archetypal hero and his journey have enthralled me. A native of New Mexico, I grew up in a family that venerated books and I spent my childhood devouring one fantasy novel after another, especially the works of J.R.R Tolkien and Lloyd Alexander. As a teen, Joseph Campbell’s writings made me aware of the power in the great myths from around the world, so I attended the University of New Mexico and graduated with a degree in anthropology.
Why an angel?
One day, in the summer of 2009, I was browsing in my favorite bookstore and discovered a book about legends from the Middle Ages. Obsessed with all things medieval, I thumbed through it and came across a short paragraph that described a lowly caste of guardian angels that were said to control the ancient elements of Earth, Fire, Wind and Water. Not being particularly interested in angels, I put the book back and forgot all about it.
A few days later, while running the trails in the foothills near my home, the idea of writing a story about clandestine warriors-angels, who live among us while training their young apprentices, just roared up behind me and slammed into my head. Like an avalanche, you might say. And thus Griffin, Basil, and all the other Terrae Angeli were born.
Is the book part of a 3-book series? What is the theme of the series as a whole?
The book is the first in a possible 4-book saga. The theme is simply: On the road to adulthood, every hero-figure needs a father-figure. Once in awhile.
What about your protagonist will make readers want to read about him? What qualities make him a hero?
Griffin is the classic flawed hero. Surviving a brutal past causes him to have mome
0 Comments on Meet Darby Karchut, author of the new young adult novel, Griffin Rising as of 1/1/1900
One thing you can depend on for a writer is that if you ask them what they're thinking , whatever they reply you can be pretty certain that at least a part of their mind is thinking about a story. It might be no more than a slight itch at the back of the mind, but it'll be there.
So, being a writer, it is hardly surprising that when I was in Paris in the Spring stories were taking up a corner of my mind. After all, even a desert can be fertile ground for a story, which makes ideas for fiction seep out at every turn in Paris.
Fortunately, the friend I was staying with understood, and on the last day of my trip came up with something for me to take home. It was a quote in the frontispiece of a novel by Mathias Enard called Parle-leur de batailles, de rois et d'elephants.
Puisque ce sont des enfants, parle-leur de batailles et de rois, de chevaux, de diables, d'elephants et d'anges, mais n'omets pas de leur parler d'amour et de choses semblables.
Here's a translation:- Because they are children, tell them about battles and kings, horses, devils, elephants and angels, but don't neglect to tell them about love and things like that.
Not being able to find an attribution I assumed the author must be Mathias Enard, but I wished that I knew for sure.
I loved the quote. It seemed to sum up exactly what I thought was important. Yes, of course a fast moving plot is paramount, especially in the sort of fiction for the 8-12's that I usually write. But, and I think this is particularly important for boys; love, and things like that is also vital. Girls tend to be better at talking about feelings, while some boys, I think, can find it harder. Of course, both boys and girls can feel pretty lonely at times, when what they're feeling is muddled and difficult. I believe that one of the best ways of understanding that you're not alone in your feelings is through a good story. So the quote resonated with me, whoever had written it. But the story doesn't end here.
Some while later, a review from an American newspaper fell into my inbox. It was a glowing review of a new novel that had been in the final selection for the Prix Goncourt in France. It was
14 Comments on Battles, kings and elephants. Cindy Jefferies, last added: 7/20/2011
"She was becoming herself and daily casting aside that fictitious self which we assume like a garment with which to appear before the world." – Kate Chopin, The Awakening
...and, on a lighter note .... Don't get flustered, just throw custard...Society of Custard Wrestlers
"When you are alone the whole world belongs to you" (Leonardo da Vinci) "Your position does not give you the right to command. It only imposes on you the duty of so living your life that others can take your orders without being humiliated by them" (Dag Hammarskjold) Really enjoyed reading your post.
The actual text is very long and not really quotable, but George Eliott wrote something like: To each of us our life is like a candle placed on a metal surface - all the random scratches seem to form concentric circles around ourselves. I think that is what a story does, takes the randomness of life and uses it to form a pattern around our characters.
Nikita Khruschev said (or wrote), 'Life is short; live it up!'.
It seems to me that he has a good point, but that there is much more to life than just enjoying it. Every life is a story but the most inspiring are those that care about and engage others. 'Love and things like that' are important!
Great blog post, Cindy; you certainly seem to have engaged quite a few others :-)
Karou is an art student living in Prague. But unknown to her friends, she has a secret life as foster-daughter and errand-runner for a demon. Karou grew up in the shop of a chimera named Brimstone, who collects teeth (for what purpose, Karou doesn't know) and pays for them with wishes. But Karou doesn't know who she is, really. There is an emptiness inside her that makes her feel that there should be something more. Until she meets the angel, and he tries to kill her.
Anyone who thinks that YA fiction is easy to write should read Laini Taylor's books. Taylor has obviously worked hard to perfect her craft, and it shows in every word, every metaphor. Daughter of Smoke and Bone is her best book yet: a magnificently written story in every way. The mystery of who Karou really is, and what's really going on, is compelling, and draws you in as it gradually teases out the reveals.
There is romance—oh, yes, such a romance—but there is also so much more than that. War, and the way that war corrupts all the participants, is a major theme of the book. Daughter of Smoke and Bone shows all too clearly the devastating consequences of war, and the way that each side vilifies the other to justify its own position. This is a book that I think will appeal to teens and adults of both genders.
I hope I won't be spoiling anything to warn that the book ends on a cliffhanger. I didn't realize that it wasn't a standalone book until I got close to the end of the book, and I started realizing that things weren't going to wrap up in time.
FTC required disclosure: Reviewed from ARC. Review copy provided by the publisher to enable me to write this review. The bookstore links above are affiliate links, and I earn a very small percentage of any sales made through the links. Neither of these things influenced my review.
0 Comments on Book Review: Daughter of Smoke and Bone as of 1/1/1900
When her parents are murdered before her eyes, sixteen year-old Helen Cartwright finds herself launched into an underground London where a mysterious organization called the Dictata controls the balance of good and evil. Helen learns that she is one of three remaining angelic descendants charged with protecting the world’s past, present, and future. Unbeknownst to her, she has been trained her whole life to accept this responsibility. Now, as she finds herself torn between the angelic brothers protecting her and the devastatingly handsome childhood friend who wants to destroy her, she must prepare to be brave, to be hunted, and above all to be strong because temptation will be hard to resist, even for an angel.
Michelle Zink masterfully weaves historical fantasy with paranormal romance
14 Comments on Waiting on Wednesday: A Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink, last added: 10/6/2011
I haven't read Prophecy of the Sisters either, but I already have my eye on this one too. It sounds really good and the cover has a certain atmosphere to it...I love it. Great pick!
We're on the same train! I'm so excited for this but haven't yet read the Prophecy series! I've been meaning to for a long time now...will get there one day ;)
I have Prophecy of the Sisters on my TBR shelf, but have yet to get to either. Have heard nothing but great things about Zink's writing and this one sound amazing. Great pick!
here's my WOW post! Stop by and let me know what your fav read has been so far this year!! I also posted a review of my WOW..so technically I guess I already finished with my waiting!
I have the super amazing Tiffany King on my blog today! She’s the author of The Saving Angels Series.
Now, I’ve asked her everything you didn’t know you wanted to know about her! Be prepared for a wacky and fun read!
If you were a superhero (or villain!) what would your power be? Would you wear a cape?
If I was a skinny superhero, I would wear no cape. If I had a little junk in my trunk, I would wear a cape to help hide it Chocolate, Strawberry or Vanilla?
ChocolateChocolateChocolateChocolate Hehe I guess you get the point!! The light side or the dark side?
The light side, I can’t help it, I’m a big fat chicken. Do you have deep dark secret? How about a shallow grey one?
LOL!! Yes many of both What sort of coffee would you order? Simple coffee, complicated soy-non-fat-extra-espresso-half-caff-nightmare?
Um somewhat simple, with cream and sweet & low. Have you ever given someone who asked for decaf, regular coffee just to see what would happen?
Nope, but I have jacked up many kids from my class on sugar just before they go home hehehehe ) Is there any food you refuse to eat? (Other than brussel sprouts because NO ONE likes them) ONIONS!!! I absolutely HATE them!! What is your favorite breakfast cereal? Are you opposed to those brands with tiny marshmallows in them?
They make cereal without marshmallows??? Ick that’s just wrong. If you could live off of chocolate would you? What kind?
Dove chocolate all the way. I’m such a chocolate snob. What do you think the coolest pet to have would be?
Lion, tiger, leopard, panther…..you get the point. A big cat would be super sweet. If you could visit any world (real or imagined) where would you go?
I know everyone gets sick of hearing me say this but HARRY POTTER hehehe. Have you every done anything really crazy? Do you regret it?
Yes, I’ve done many kooky things but no I don’t regret any of them (Okay well maybe some of them). What kind of person drives you nuts? (personality trait)
Annoying Know-It-Alls. You know, “Oh, I went there, oh, I met him, oh, I’m related to her sister’s third cousin etc.” The ones that always feel they’re the Yoda of everything and anything. Do you prefer tapered candles, pillars or tea lights?
Yankee Candles all the way. I have about a half a dozen in my house at any given time. I love it when my house smells yummy! What do you think about scarves? Do you wear them or prefer a turtleneck?
Eek neither!! What if they got mad at me and decided to strangle me?? After all I can be sooooo annoying at times, since I’m such a Know-It-All Do you like making up strange new words? (ie awesomesauc
This famous line from the very popular movie, The Sixth Sense, has been quoted over and over, but for Maureen Hancock communing with the dead isn't a joke, it's a way of life.
In The Medium Next Door, Maureen shares her life story which includes some of her own tragedies as well as her ability to hear and respond to the dead. This unique talent of Maureen's has helped many grieving people obtain peace, she has solved mysteries, assisted the dying and has landed her her very own television show.
What makes Maureen different from all the other "ghostbusters"? "I enjoy making people smile," Maureen says. "I think what differentiates me from other spirit mediums is that I believe our loved ones in spirit enjoy coming through with a celebration and not reliving another wake." In addition Maureen likes to "jump in with humour and help the person left behind know that it's okay to continue living, laughing and celebrating these great memories."
Even if you're skeptical about "ghosts" and an afterlife, Maureen's candor and readings are chillingly accurate - I found myself wishing she had a message from beyond for me! She also looks like an ordinary mom (no layers of flowing scarves and dangling jewelry). Her humor throughout the book is a wonderful change for a subject that could otherwise be morose.
I will admit I had my doubts about Maureen's authenticity when I first picked up her book, however, the more I read the more I believed she truly does have a wonderful gift and the fact that she uses it for good (lots of time for free) is just more convincing.
Halloween is fast approaching, and when I think of Halloween I always think of ghosts and spirit visits. Of course! Fun huh? Obviously, spirit communication is a fascination and a passion for me. It may be for you, too. So, here’s my favorite past posts on the subject to enjoy:
We’re sensitive. Our animals are usually going to be sensitive. In my animal communication practice, I tend to attract and relate to the sensitive animals. In my people practice, I attract the sensitive folks. Like attracts like, right? Our sensitive animals are ones that tend to need the special dog food, may take on our stuff more and be very empathic, and have similar issues being sensitive that we do.
The animals were getting jealous that all these people were taking the Care of the Sensitive class but they didn’t have one of their own to give them tools!
Sign-ups begin this weekend for this fun 3-week mini class for your animal. The class is loaded with stories and fun lessons to help your animal, but most importantly, I share a whole bunch of tools and resources that will make your dog or cat much happier and life much easier being sensitive. Cool, huh?
Sign up this weekend and you get the discounted price but it only last until Monday so rush on over HERE.
Emma Lou gives the class two paws up and your animal companion will too!
0 Comments on New Class! Spooky cool! Care of the Sensitive Pet as of 1/1/1900
Before I get into what mine is, I want to give a bit of background to the images you're going to see.
Towards the end of last year I introduced three little angels to you. One named Twilight, one Dusk, and the other Noon. Each one features animals and obviously, a certain time of day. This was the basis/theme for the series. To catch up, here are the two links to those posts:
Many crafters have used these images and created gorgeous cards with them! It has inspired me not to give up on the images....but I still wasn't motivated on how to use them yet.
I have created many line art works for Crafts and Me, and there is something rewarding seeing all of your paintings and sketches in beautiful, black, and clean lines. I knew this past Monday I had to keep painting. Oceana is finished, and I'm still working on the months and another large WIP, but I believe I can do more. With two shows next year (more on that later), I need to be painting!
Though, I didn't want to think about composition or the poses. I went through those beautiful line art works and saw the little angels. PERFECT! Now is the time. But will I stay with the titles and theme? Here's what I wanted from these:
The focus to be solely on the angel, and the background to be simple enough for licensing.
Large enough to make an impact in person, but not so huge I will never get them done.
They have to be sitting on something that can be similar in each and again, doesn't take away from the angel.
To have a meaning worth sharing, that aligns with my faith, and inspires.
They are so lovely,Sara! With meaning behind it, I can truly feel how much you devote yourself with this three pillars-Love,hope,and grace! Just simply amazing!
I’m excited!
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story. Fortunately, not for long. Karchut provides only the essential bits of backstory and I was soon engulfed in Griffin's world. As far as the first book, 
[Ami Blackwelder] She Speaks to Angels 
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Your first teen novel, Griffin Rising, blends ancient myths with modern urban life. Please tell us a little about the book. .jpg?picon=1806)
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3 Comments on The Three Pillars, last added: 11/3/2011
This was, hands down, my favorite book I read this year. My copy of it has actually been mailed to friends all over the country, who say funny things like, "It makes me resent my children needing to be cared for. I just want to read." I think the second book is coming out in the fall and I can't wait.
I haven't read Jack Gantos' book either, but I feel like Taylor's has to win!
That first line really is amazing! I love that you found their insta-love believable after it was further explored and it sounds really interesting about the whole "good" versus "evil" in the book. I definitely need to read this one now!
I bought this book a few months back and I keep putting off reading it! It sounds fantastic though. Going to bump it up on my TBR pile!
I have been waiting months (well more realistically, weeks) for you to read and review this book. I randomly chose it off the SLJ's Battle of the Kids Books list, and I loved loved loved it. Glad to know you enjoyed it as well :)
This book.....it is so amazing. I just can't get over how incredible it is. I totally agree with you about good and evil being subjective. I cannot WAIT for book two.
This has been on my wish list for-ev-er! I'll have to make time for it soon. Great review, Katie! :-)
THat is so awesome! My friend Amy always calls really fabulous books a "Kids, fend for yourselves!" book :) I'm almost finished with Dead End and I still think Taylor has to win!!
To Katie and Ciara - Don't wait any longer!! It is fantastic!!!
Ahhhh! Rachel! You commenting on my blog just totally made my weekend :) I can't wait to see what happens to it in the BOB!
OMG this book. THIS BOOK! It was so fantastic I cannot even say how much. And yeah, my jaw dropped when I saw how Karou and Akiva were connected. Didn't see that coming! I cried over this one as well... Seriously. Great review! :)
Excellent review! This is one I still need to read but I've put it off. Too many positive reviews make me wary I'll admit but I'm glad you enjoyed it!
*Sigh* I LOVED Daughter of Smoke and Bone. I thought the language was BEAUTIFUL and the characters were so vibrant and unique. I loved Karou and Akiva, and I totally agree about the insta-love. It should be weird but when you understand their history, it doesn't seem "instant" at all.
And I basically loved Brimstone. I'm kinda worried about him. I haven't read many angel books, either--in fact, this one was my first ever--but I'm glad that I read this one! I can't wait to see where things go next because that ending was BANANAS!