Also, today is Earth Day. In my home, we’ve been recycling for a few years, plus trying to do more “GREEN” things here. Remember, sometimes going green can be economical. To find out what you can do: http://www.earthday.net/
And last, it is also Jelly Bean Day. Jelly beans date back to at least the 1860's and there were jelly beans sent to Union troops fighting in the Civil War. The original candy maker is unknown. So, jelly beans are not just for Easter. Celebrate them today and eat them!
I found this out when called to order some preorders and asked when in May exactly be out when she told me they came in today! So in 2 weeks copies can be in bookstores if they order. Let your bookstore by you know this. Only at Books A Million though, they can be ordered online only or if at bookstore, delivered to your home and not to store. Give it another week before you attempt to do so. The title: Haunted Virginia: Legends, Myths and True Tales. The ISBN is 978-0-7643-3281-4. It will also be at Schiffer's website for sale first before even in bookstores, so if want to, you can order it through Schiffer Publishing itself: http://schifferbooks.com. Check back Friday or Monday, to see if this book is up there.
Back of book blurb:
Virginia is unique with haunting myths, legends, and yes, even true stories that may sound like legends.
Take a ghostly tour of this historic state to learn about the Bunnyman urban legend and what happens to mortals at his Bunnyman Bridge in Clifton at midnight on Halloween. Discover the myths that surround Edgar Allan Poe and other famous Virginians.
See why Natural Bridge is actually a haunted tourist attraction; and what makes the Great Dismal Swamp so creepy: Is it the ghosts or Bigfoot? Meet the Witch of Pungo in Virginia Beach.
Find out that Mothman and the Jersey Devil weren’t just seen in their own states, but actually visited Virginia at one time.
Read about witches, demons, monsters, ghosts, pirates, strange animals, and Civil War legends. Visit an amazing, frightening, and even intriguing Virginia that you never knew existed.
1.) -Please tell us about your latest book.
My newest book is through Schiffer Publishing, and it is called “Haunted Historic Greensboro.” It covers almost 20 different places in the city of Greensboro, NC that are not only historical sites, but also haunted.
2.) -What can we expect from you in the future?
Currently I am working on a book for McFarland called “Encyclopedia of Vampire Mythology,” and as the name would imply it is an encyclopedia of vampires with a scholarly tone to it.
3.) -How do we find out about you and your books?
Finding out about me is easy, just Google my name. My books are available at your favorite on-line dot come book buying place like Barnes and Nobel.com as well as through my personal website, www.theresabane.com. If your local book store doesn’t have one on the shelf it can be easily ordered, as all my books are in print. If you don’t want to buy my book have the government do it for you. All you have to do is tell the librarian at your local public library that you would like it ordered and more often than not, they will.
4.) -How would you describe the genre in which you do most of your writing?
Bi-polar. On the one hand I write historical non-fiction reference books. On the other, I write humor. I even have a humor book, “The Bloodthirsty Weasels: On the Loose and Buck Wild” and I also write two humorous articles monthly for Buzzy Multimedia.
5.) What motivated you to start writing in this book?
I was at a horror convention called HorrorFind and was approached by Schiffer editor Dinah Roseberry. It was her idea for me to write a haunted city book for Schiffer. I was sort of nervous about doing a haunted city book, as Schiffer has so many awesome ones already I was being asked to follow in some pretty big footsteps. I said I wanted to think about it and told my mom what was offered. My mom encouraged me to do the book, and because of that, I dedicated “Haunted Historic Greensboro” to her.
6.) -What kind of research do you do?
At heart, I am a researcher. I begin by jumping on the internet and just checking out what is out there as far as any given topic goes. It gives me an idea of how difficult something will be to research. Then I check out Amazon and get a list of books I’ll need to do my work. Many of the books I use are copyright free now and can be downloaded off the net through a number of different places. The other books I try to get at the library. When I use a book store I tend to go to the ones that have a coffee shop in them. There I can use the book and do my research without actually having to buy it.
7.) -Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?
Having a set schedule, writing goals, and a specific place to write in is important for me. I disdain the idea of having to stop and look for something. Once all of my research is done and I am ready to sit down and write, I pretty much sequester myself to my desk. I write as little as eight and as many as 12 hours a day, five days a week. I maintain this schedule until the book is finished. Because I work at home I can set my own pace. If know I need to knock off early one day next week because I’m going out with friends, I work a bit more on the days leading up to it. Working from home is a discipline that not everyone can do. It is very easy to let yourself get distracted and not work.
8.) -Where do your ideas come from?
Whenever an idea hits me, I make a note of it on a slip of paper and eventually that idea makes in into one of a number of blank journals I keep near my desk. About twice a year I transfer all those ideas to the computer and put it in a folder I keep on a jump drive named “To Write.” When I am not on project, I browse thru that jump drive and see what strikes my fancy. The other places my ideas come from are my clients. Buzzy Multimedia always gives me assignments on articles they want. Schiffer approached me with a book idea. I queried McFarland but they specified exactly what they wanted.
9.) -Who, if anyone, has influenced your writing?
My parents enabled all of us kids to read. My husband who works a day job so I can write full time. But I am a big fan of Rosemary Ellen Guiley and Jim Butcher.
10.) -How long have you been writing - have you always wanted to be a writer?
I wrote my first book in the second grade. My next one was in the fourth grade and it was a collection of horse stories, but I forbid anyone to read it. I wrote a 2,000 page sci fi novel that took me all four of my high school years to write. All throughout college I wrote novellas and short stories for myself but only family and friends read them. I had always considered my writing as a hobby because I was trying to be a professional artist. Then one day some of my stuff made it into the hands of a publisher and they offered me a contract. I’ve been working as an author ever since. Nine years now.
11.) -What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?
The only feeling better than starting a new project is finishing one. But I love to meet folks at cons and answer questions on discussion panels. There are so many interesting and brilliant folks out there. Also, there is a deep roots sense of satisfaction and accomplishment in hold a book in your hand that you wrote. In 100 years from now someone else will be reading my book. It’s like achieving some level of immortality.
12.) Among your own books, have you a favorite book? Favorite hero or heroine?
I write non-fiction, so I don’t have a favorite character in a published work. I do have an unpublished fiction vampire novel I wrote about seven years ago. One day I will shop it for a publisher, but the time is not right. The main character in that book is named Felicia, and she is wonderfully irreverent—but there is a vampire in the story named Daniel who I love to write about. He is at best a secondary character, but he is so much fun.
13.) -Please tell us about yourself (family, hobbies, education, etc.)
I am a die hard gamer. I love the traditional pen and paper role playing games. I suppose it’s a hobby, I spend my free time and disposable income on it. I am married to a great guy named Glenn. Our dogs are better behaved than any children they allow in the mall. I have a BFA and am looking forward to going back to school to get my masters.
14.) -Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?
I get asked this question all the time, and yes, I do have advice to give. NEVER GIVE UP. I realize how incredibly lucky I was in getting the break I did, but I have had to work hard to maintain it. You don’t have to understand but you do have to accept the fact that just because an editor turns down your work does not mean that your book is bad. Ever noticed how there are fads and crazes of genres? A rejection letter means that an editor feels that your book is not what they are looking to sell this time next year. If you quit, you’ll never get published. And once you get published the real works begins. You have to do everything you can to promote yourself up to and including book signings at garage sales. (Yes, I have.)
15.) Tell us your website, MySpace, Blog, any urls so the readers can find out more about you. How may readers contact you?
--Myspace – myspace.com/terrybane
--Blogs – Check out BuzzyMultiMedia.com as well as LivingDeadReview.com I write for both of them regularly.
--Website - www.theresabane.com
--E-me at author@theresabane.com I’ll respond, but be advised that I am slow in doing so. My assistant fields all of the “you’re evil because you write about vampires and the occult and are going to hell” letters, so if you want to do us both a favor just address it to her, her name is Scuttles.
-- The best way to contact me is to buy 100 copies of any one of my books. I’ll be sure to contact you!! Hahaha! No, really.
16.) Now for something fun:
Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate
Favorite color? Black. But dark maroon is OK.
Favorite paranormal being? The vampire. No big surprise there.
Favorite mythological being? Again, the vampire, but specifically the phistaco species of vampire.
Do you like science fiction, fantasy or horror? I am not being difficult but it depends. Horror movies, but only if they are cheap and cheesy; fantasy books but only if they are written by Jim Butcher; and sci fi if it’s about the characters, ah al Firefly.
All time favorite book? Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons, Yargo by Jacqueline Susann, Stormfront by Jim Butcher, and I Strad
Favorite TV show? I don’t watch enough TV to answer responsibly. I love the Hulu commercial with Alec Baldwin. Mmmm mushy mush.
Favorite Movie? I don’t have one because the answer changes with my mood and what’s going on in my life.
What makes you laugh out loud? I’d rather not say.
If you could go anywhere in the universe where would that be? To see if that is a damn face on Mars or not! Then, to Savannah, GA.
A secret fetish? No, I don’t keep secrets. If you want to know something, I’ll tell you, even my weight and age.
This morning I decided to go see "Monsters Vs. Aliens." I am glad I did. I was not the only lone adult in the theater (one other woman was there) among families with children.
I recognized references to the classic monsters, those from 50s scifi and even Japanese monsters. Though the children loved the 3D stuff and the animation, there was enough in there for adults to enjoy. Besides the fact that this was the first current 3D i have actuslly seen and was amazed how into the action I was.
I give this film 5 dragons.
Today, I have author Sherry Morris stopping by to talk about her romantic suspense novel, Inappropriate.
A romantic suspense novel, Inappropriate, by Sherry Morris, is one of only eighteen romances to make the quarterfinals in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award. Download this FREE Amazon Short at AMAZON.
Here's what they're saying about it:"Inappropriate is a wonderful whodunit, with one of the greatest opening lines ever-"I hate discovering dead bodies." A body washes ashore and immediately we're thrown into the protagonists internal monologue full of sex, frustration, longing, mother issues and career angst. So much kaos too little time. The next day she and a group of mystery writers leave on a writing vacation/workshop with the wife of a noted televangelist on his train going from crusade to crusade. This set up is SO good, I can't wait to see what will happen next. The writing is brilliant. Equal parts quality storytelling in a classic neurotic smart ass voice.This excerpt is brilliantly done and I've reserved a place on my shelf for the finished product."
"A mystery novel writer who gets herself in the thick of it is bound to entertain. The writing style is vivid and crisp. The character voice is strong, tough and at times down right sassy. Love to read more about the heroine here because to me she is the real star of the story. The book seems like a grown up Nancy Drew, but Nancy Drew never had such an attitude."
"Inappropriate" by Sherry Morris starts with Sandra Faire, a 23-year-old aspiring mystery writer, finding a dead body on Cocoa Beach before leaving on a vacation, a writing conference aboard a train. Her brother is a conductor and her mom tags along. The excerpt is full of humor and hints of a romance to come between Sandra and hottie Lieutenant Frank DiMattina. This was a fun excerpt to read. I think this romantic suspense novel will be an adventure on the rails, complete with murder and hilarity."
May there always be work for your hands to do;
May your purse always hold a coin or two;
May the sun always shine on your windowpane;
May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain;
May the hand of a friend always be near you;
May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you
Today is St. Patrick's Day, when everyone who has a bit of Irish in their blood, and yes, even those who do not, but consider themselves Irish just for today, celebrate.
Interesting facts and legends:
According to legend, St. Patrick would be judge of the Irish on the day of Judgment, while for the rest of the nations on Earth, Christ judged.Blue, not green, was the color associated with St. Patrick. The blue was used on Ireland's Presidential Standard or flag. The Irish Guards also wore a blue plume in their bearskins. The reason for wearing of the green is thought to be linked as a symbol from the 18th century on, of sympathy with Irish independence.
Considered patron of fishermen in the Loire, there's a legend associated with St. Patrick with a blackthorn bush. The story goes that he slept beneath it and when he awoke the next day, which was Christmas, the bush had flowered. Legend continues that it continued to do so every Christmas until its destruction during the First World War.
When I opened the package I got in the mail couple weeks ago, to my delight, I found an arc of The Warded Man by Peter V. Brett. I began to read it.
For hundreds of years, demons ruled the night, killing and devouring humans and animals. Humans lived in fear, 'warding' their homes for protection from the monsters, or using portable ones or etched wards in the dirt or in caves whenever they traveled the roads and were caught out at night from the nearest human habitation. This first book in a trilogy is the story of three young people; Arlen, Leesha, an expert healer, and Rojer, whose playing his violin charms the savage demons, keeping them at bay.
Though the story interchanges to give us each person's life from a young age to adulthood, there is no doubt right off the bat in my mind who will become the legendary Warded Man. Arlen sees his mother die from demon poisen before his eyes, thanks to a demon's mauling her as his father watched in fear from the porch of their home, not once rushing out to help her or Arlen. It took Arlen himself to save her and himself by remaining in a pig pen through a night of horror. This will change Arlen, fill him with rage at those afraid to fight back. Alone at the same time, hatred and rage at the demons will fester inside him like demon poisen. So much of this can also be seen as hidden hatred of himself, a feeling of worthlessness. Arlen will have a dream of defeating the demons, of trying to draw mankind in to join him to do so. This fills him to the point that we can see it as his one, true passion. So much does this cripple him, that he runs away from his father after his mother's last breath, leaves his apprenticeship before his time is up, and even away from marriage with a young woman who loves him.
It will lead him into a desert and an abandoned city, where he will learn something of the past of his world. He will find a way to use wards in a way that had never been used before. In the long run he will become more inhuman than the demons.
There wasn't much really to Leesha's story. Sadly, I didn't feel she had enough story in the book for me to get to know her. We do learn more of Rojer though. I actually liked him of all three characters. I felt sorry for him, for it seems that bad luck follows at his heels like a hungry dog, making him feel that everyone dies by demons because of him. He is the most believable of them.
The romance parts were a little bland to me. Maybe in the next book, Mr. Brett will embellish more in this. I hope so. And there are months and years missing with all of the characters' lives. Like for example, Leesha leaves her village to become another Herb Gatherer's apprentice in Angiers and suddenly a few chapters later she is twenty-eight years old and has been a Herb Gatherer for years.
Those facts aside, I did enjoy this book and was hooked, reading until the last page. I look forward to the next book coming out later this year.
The Warded Man in bookstores: NOW
Review copy provided by Del Rey
Ths Book Earned 4 1/2 DRAGONS.
