Lookey Likey --- Books, books, books...#3

I am not a speed reader, but I savor the books that keep my attention. Here's the latest list of books (some old, others new) that I enjoyed:

The Down Home Zombie Blues  by Linnea Sinclair
Fun premise. Engaging. Downloaded two more books of Sinclair's to my iPad. Enough said!

Spider Bones by Kathy Reichs
I love puzzle-solving, forensic thrillers, just didn't realize how much until I read this enjoyable book.

Naked in Death  by J.D. Robb
I know, I know, I'm a late comer to this series, but I'm hooked now.

Second Chance Dad  by Pamela Stone
Clever. And funny. A real treat.

Second Chance Ranch  by Leann Harris
Wholesome story about spiritually-inspired love's ability to help us overcome and heal.

The Truth About Vampires by Theresa Meyers
Yummy.

Flight: Volume Two  Edited by Kazu Kibuishi
Talk about savoring. Started this series from the beginning over the summer. Everything to love about these flights of fancy and gorgeous art. Timeless.
* Kazu Kibuishi's  Amulet graphic novel  series is on my wish list.

Reader Appreciation Results!

Random Drawing Winner – Mary Knapp!  


As a 'thank you' to my readers I had a random drawing for those who commented on my website and blog--and Mary's the lucky gift recipient. :)


To find out what her gift is -- go to my website!
Or click HERE!


Thanks for reading and commenting!


-Kara 

Lookey Likey --- Books, books, books...#2

Some books I recently read and liked: 

Assassin's Heart --- by Monica Burns

There is at least one book before this one, yet it stands up just fine on its own. I really enjoyed this story. The characters are compelling and I care about them. Now, I'll have to read the first book in the series--and gladly so.

The Prince of Val-Feyridge --- by Helen Johannes

I'm not the kind of reader to return to a book and reread passages, but with this book I did just that. I LOVE this story. I thought about it for days afterward. 

On Writing --- Stephen King

Sound examples, straightforward advice and encouraging words.   

The Pirate Primer --- George Choundas 

This must have been a labor of love, and it shows. Everything you might want to know about pirate-talk. I've used this for reference on my sexy space pirate project and probably will again! Nouns, adjectives, curses, ship terms, pronunciations, you name it. My favorite part is the large selection of impressive threats. Check it out!

Lookey Likey --- Books, books, books...

Nothing like it--shopping for books. Online, in-store. More, more, more!
Yay!
Okay *cough, cough* adrenaline rush over. That's a good Kara. Calming down now.
But--but--
Yippie!
I got to buy new books!!!

On the list today:  Books for Writers.
In the middle of three great classes over at Savvy Authors. Students and writing instructors (real 'flesh and blood' industry editors and authors) continue to give me great feedback and suggestions. So these are the books I bought today, upon their recommendations:

1) It was the best of sentences, it was the worst of sentences by June Casagrande 
2) Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King
3) The Weekend Novelist by Robert J. Ray
4) Write Tight by William Brohaugh

Can't wait! -Kara

New "Spells of Artistry" are Up on My Website!

My Spell Casters are weaving their magic again on my website! Now is a perfect time to catch up on the latest interviews. Hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed giving them! -Kara

SPELL CASTERS:

Hollan Holmes - Musician and Digital Artist

Hollan’s musical artistry casts a spell on the your  mind, calming and clearing it for the day ahead, for the project before you, or from the day you have left behind.

Deanna Molinaro - Illustrator and Writer

Her stories and fairy-tales will tickle your funny bone and shiver your spine all at the same time!

New!

Audrey Knight - Poet and Illustrator

With mermaids sporting tattoos–the envy of any sailor–and otherwise dignified zoo animals currently plotting wars,  Audrey’s chat was a thoughtful joy.

New!

Sarah Mensinga - Artist and Storyteller

Like a walk within the faerie weald, a journey through Sarah Mensinga’s world might bewitch you for days, but one thing’s for certain–you certainly won’t regret it!

Witch's Brew #01

The long weekend got you dragging? Here's a great recipe to add a little hop back in your step. I call it the Peppy Patriot. Enjoy!

THE PEPPY PATRIOT

1 ounce shot of R.W. Knudsen's Just Cranberries
1 can Red Bull
A couple ounces Blueberry-Pomegranate G2 low cal Gatorade

Mix:
Add cranberry shot to the bottom of glass
(beware, this cranberry is concentrated and
 will add a pucker to your pucker!)
Add ice
Add Red Bull
Top off with Gatorade!

Still partying? Add a shot of vodka.

For a more patriotic color, substitute Red Bull for diet sprite
And add a shot of B-12

Remember drink responsibly. Don't drink and fly!
-Kara

The Next Installment of "Spells of Artistry" is UP!

I am very excited to announce that the next next installment of "Spells of Artistry" is up on my website and I have the honor of interviewing up-and-coming electronic musician Hollan Holmes who has released his CD - A Distant Light. 

His music has been featured on the internet and the highly acclaimed ‘Hearts of Space’ program site. Hollan’s musical artistry casts a spell on the your  mind, calming and clearing it for the day ahead, for the project before you, or from the day you have left behind. Check it out and learn about his process and the people and things which inspire him!

Check it out at my WEBSITE! And say hi!  -Kara

  

"Spells of Artistry" is Up!

I am so excited to share with you that "Spells of Artistry" is finally up on my website! This has been a dream of mine for some time -- to have a place where I can interview people in the artistic community, showcase their talents, and inspire creative minds to expand and explore their own horizons. It is the first step in what I hope will also include someday an artists' forum. In the future I will be interviewing artists from all areas of the liberal arts, from painters to playwrights, from dancers to  DJ's, and from illustrators to illusionists. We will explore both traditional artistry and popular aesthetics!

And I am very honored to have, as my first Spell Caster at "Spells of Artistry", Deanna Molinaro.  Her "not-for-children" books will tickle your funny bone and chill your spine at the same time! Is is an honor to have her at my website. Click HERE to check it out!

Moon Energy!

Moon Energy is excellent tonight. I am enjoying writing so much! 2000+ words tonight. Focusing on the Space Pirate Romance. These characters are coming alive for me. Easiest story to write so far. I love nights like this!!! Hugs and happy writing to all! Just go to it--you can do it!

Kara's Current Writing Stats

Working Title: Sexy Space Pirates--   scifi/steampunk romance,  a little under  35,000 words - 1/3 of the way. Shooting for February contests.  


Working Title: VFFTC04-- paranormal romance, completed and awaiting contest and readers' feedback.  Approx. 80,000 words. 


Working Title: Let Go, Susan--   old paranormal YA romance, found and dusted off, nausea from reread has passed, outline totally overhauled and plot twists added, revised chapters completed in my head (sort of) and awaiting my fingers. It's basically 85% new. This one has been a trip so far!


Working Title: ToD Series: Book One-- the first book in this epic fantasy series is completed and polished. I am rereading the final four chapters one last time. I  just have to decide if I want to cut this book into three books with two cliffhangers or leave it as is.  Approx. word count as one book? Too many to admit. 


Working Title: ToD Series: Book Two and Book Three-- I am revising. 


Mood: Happy but antsy!