Just A Wee Bit Stressed Out ---- Or How I Spent My November

EEK!!! It's Friday the 13th!!!



Okay, some of you have noticed that I've been AWOL for a bit. I hope I have more time for blogging soon.... I'm trying the NaNoWriMo this year for the first time. I'll still be blogging, but at a slightly slower rate. NaNoWriMo is organization that encourages all writers of all types, fledgeling writers like myself or even the published authors that we all love to read, to write. Write a complete book in one month, granted it is a short book at 50000 words, but it's still a massive piece of writing in 30 days. So from November 1st through the 30th, you're encouraged to write everyday. I started with an idea of what I wanted to write about, but it took three different attempts before I could come up with something that I thought I could carry through to the finish line. It's now the middle of November and I've passed the halfway point at 52 percent completed. I hope I can keep going to at least complete the challenge. It's so much harder than we as readers think it's going to be. And as I quickly read through what I've written so far, a lot of it is crap and will have to be edited. But, it's a satisfying feeling to see 50 pages of something that could one day work it's way into being a book or a novella. Thanks everyone for your support and patience!!! It is more than appreciated!

Now, some fun stuff from around the blogosphere.

Laurell K. Hamilton's newest entry into the Anita Blake Vampire Series is being display, shown off, etc. I personally can't wait for the next installment. I enjoyed Skin Trade as LKH creeps back to the roots of the Anita Blake Saga. The necromancer is back and just as good as before. I only hope that this entry brings us closer to those roots once again. (But I'd read just for another taste of Jean-Claude, lol!) Released Date: February 2010


The next entry into the Merry Gentry Series, Divine Misdemeanors, will be released December 2009. I hope this series follows Laurell K. Hamilton's need to find her roots as well. It a magically fun series of light and dark fae.

From the Cover: You may know me best as Meredith Nic Essus, princess of faerie. Or perhaps as Merry Gentry, Los Angeles private eye. In the fey and mortal realms alike, my life is the stuff of royal intrigue and celebrity drama. Among my own, I have confronted horrendous enemies, endured my noble kin’s treachery and malevolence, and honored my duty to conceive a royal heir—all for the right to claim the throne. But I turned my back on court and crown, choosing exile in the human world—and in the arms of my beloved Frost and Darkness.

While I may have rejected the monarchy, I cannot abandon my people. Someone is killing the fey, which has left the LAPD baffled and my guardsmen and me deeply disturbed. My kind are not easily captured or killed. At least not by mortals. I must get to the bottom of these horrendous murders, even if that means going up against Gilda, the Fairy Godmother, my rival for fey loyalties in Los Angeles.

But even stranger things are happening. Mortals I once healed with magic are suddenly performing miracles, a shocking phenomenon wreaking havoc on human/faerie relations. Though I am innocent, dark suspicions of banned magical activities swirl around me.

I thought I’d left the blood and politics behind in my own turbulent realm. I had dreamed of an idyllic life in sunny L.A. with my beloved ones beside me. But it becomes time to wake up and realize that evil knows no borders, and that nobody lives forever—even if they’re magical.

New Moon Love!!!

In exactly one week, (please, if you haven't already, mark your calendars), Stephenie Meyer's second installment in the Twilight Saga will be released on the silver screen. I can't wait to gaze upon the characters one more time.


Release date: November 20, 2009
Cast: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner
Directed by: Chris Weitz
Written by: Melissa Rosenberg
Synopsis: Bella Swan is devastated by the abrupt departure of her vampire love, Edward Cullen, but her spirit is rekindled by her growing friendship with the irresistible Jacob Black. Suddenly she finds herself drawn into the world of the werewolves, ancestral enemies of the vampires, and finds her loyalties tested.
(I never knew so many guys to leap through one window, but damn, Bella's window gets a workout!!)


I can't freaking wait!!

A Little Bit of This and A Little Bit of That

First I wanted to know if anyone else has seen this freaking hot trailer of Gerard Butler's new movie, Law Biding Citizen. I mean, OMG, it's an action/adventure....I'm loving it..... (Cecile thinks it great too!)



New Moon Trailer, just because I can't quit watching it, lol!





Then, Lea and SciFiGuy have this hot new cover art up for Carolyn Crane's new novel (squeeing ***it's her first!***)

(available March 23, 2010)

Paperback, 432 pages

".....Mind Games is the first in an urban fantasy trilogy about a hypochondriac who joins a psychological hit squad. It takes place in a fantastical Milwaukee/Chicago....." from Carolyn Crane's blog.

This is definitely on my wish list, pre-order from Amazon maybe????


And Sophie Renwick's newest novel, a paranormal romance, Velvet Haven is coming soon too!!

(available March 2010)

And, I wanted to remind everyone to run to the nearest bookstore and pick up Dawnbreaker by Jocelynn Drake. YAY, it's finally here!!!

(available Sept. 29, 2009)

The dawn brings new terror for the creatures of the night . . .

Those of her race fear Mira for the lethal fire she bends to her will—a power unique among nightwalkers, both a gift . . . and a curse.

The naturi despise Mira for what she is—as they prepare the final sacrifice that will destroy the barriers between the worlds. And once the naturi are unchained, blood, chaos, and horror will reign supreme on Earth.

Mira can trust only Danaus, the more-than-mortal vampire slayer, though he is sworn to destroy her kind. And now, as the day approaches when titanic forces will duel under cover of darkness, destiny draws them toward an apocalyptic confrontation at Machu Picchu. But all is not lost, for a wild card has been dealt to them: a rogue enemy princess who can change the balance of power and turn the dread tide.

This is one of my favorite series. It's freaking awesome!!! Check out Nightwalker and Dayhunter too!! If you want a chance to try to win this one, check out Jocelynn's contest on her blog! She's giving away TWO copies!! Ends on 9-26-09!!

New contest for Dawnbreaker by Jocelynn Drake!!! SciFiGuy is offering up THREE copies of this awesome book courtesy of Eos/Harper Collins. Check out this contest, ends 9-29-09!!

Third Contest!!! One Book Away From Heaven has a guest post with Jocelynn Drake. Jocelynn is letting everyone in on her writing tips. I sure could use this!! She's also giving away TWO copies of Dawnbreaker and TWO copies of your choice, Nightwalker or Dayhunter!! Four winners in all!! Check this contest out too!

And, one last thing before I go, my beautiful friend Lea at Closetwriter, is getting ready for her one year blogoversary!!! Starting September 28, 2009, she's having a party! So, everyone stop by and give Lea a shout and help her celebrate!!

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Pages: 544

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
From the Cover: When Isabella Swan moves to the gloomy town of forks and meets the mysterious, alluring Edward Cullen, her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With his porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts, Edward is both irresistible and impenetrable. Up until now, he has managed to keep his true identity hidden, but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret.

What Bella doesn't realize is that the closer she gets to his, the more she is putting herself and those around her at risk. And it might be to late to turn back...

Bella Swan has spent two weeks every summer in Forks, Washington, that is until her fourteenth summer when she rebelled against the whole wet cool summer thing without the Phoenix sun. California was the location of choice from that point on where her father Charlie would vacation. But now, at seventeen, Bella must make the choice to live with Charlie in Forks. Her mother, Renee has remarried and her step-father, Phil, has a chance at a minor league baseball contract in Jacksonville, Florida, almost 1800 miles from her beloved Phoenix. As Bella breathes in her last warm dry air, she already misses Phoenix, her home.

Charlie has a surprise as they reach the small house where Charlie and Renee once lived together. Knowing Bella will need transportation, an old red truck waits for her. In Phoenix, Bella went unnoticed in a crowd, but in Forks, Bella's beauty stands out in the small school. Suddenly boys notice her much to her embarrassment. But the only ones that catches Bella's attention is the table of kids that keeps to themselves, all stunningly beautiful, the Cullens. One Cullen in particular, Edward Cullen, is really eye worthy. Unfortunately, the Cullens don't socialize outside of their family. And such an odd family, all adopted by Dr. Carlisle and Esme Cullen, and rarely seen apart, Rosalie and Emmett, Alice and Jasper, and Edward, always alone. The one time Edward does notice Bella in Biology is with a look of disgust, maybe an unpleasant odor surrounded her that day.

After that, Edward is mysteriously absent from school, but upon his return, he seems to be a different person. Suddenly he is speaking to Bella, watching her. He saves her when Tyler's van almost crushes her body into the side of her truck, how did move so fast? And why is he denying it? Another odd thing, he keeps telling her it would be better to not be friends, but continues to occupy her time and her thoughts.

Charlie's best friend, Billy Black along with son Jacob, come into Forks for a visit. Jacob remembers Bella from the summers and time at the res. When Bella and friends head to the res beach, La Push, Jacob tells her the story of the Cold Ones - vampires, the Cullens, and the men who can shift into wolves, his people - the Quileutes - the Protectors, descendants of the wolf. Which gets Bella to consider the story and the Cullens...why is Edward so cold to the touch?

When Bella confronts Edward, he admits that he is vampire, a monster. Carlisle found Edward dying of influenza in 1918, and turned him. Then came Esme, Rosalie, and Emmett - all victims of what would have been early death. Alice and Jasper found the Cullen coven and they became a family. Edward, Alice, and Jasper all have special abilities that vampirism has enhanced. Edward can read thoughts. Alice sees the future, but the future can always change. Jasper's aura can have a calming effect on the most disturbed crowd. But Bella's thoughts are a mystery to Edward, she's a blank page, most refreshing and very irritating. Bella should be afraid, but she isn't, she's enthralled. Soon she finds out why Edward is always absent on sunny days, his skin glows like a million diamonds stars all twinkling at once. So beautiful, so hard not to touch. As Edward desensitizes himself to Bella's enchantingly delicious aroma, he is able to touch her, fluttering her heart with the need to be closer, to press lips firmly and frantically together.

Bella and Edward spend so much time together that soon they cannot bear to be apart, they have become an addicting force for each other. When the family plans a baseball outing, Edward brings Bella. Baseball can only be played during thunder storms to hide the wondrous smashing of the baseball against the bat of the vampire players. But suddenly Alice sees the future changing, a group of vampires is approaching and one of them is a tracker. Laurent, James, and Victoria come upon the Cullens wanting to join in their game, baseball is loved by all, even vampires. But when James picks up Bella's enticing scent, the Cullens go into protective mode; further enraging James who must have the deletable dish the Cullens are protecting. There is only thing way Bella can do, run as fast and as far as she can and hope the Cullens get him before he gets her.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer is a fascinating look at a world of vegetarian vampirism and bring vampires into a new light. Vegetarian because the vampires no longer prey on humans; the only prey these vampires hunt is the four legged variety. Emmett's favorite is bear, Edward's mountain lion; the prey animals becomes the prey, and there's a new prey animal at the top of the food chain - vampire. The wonderfully attractive vampires are the ultimate hunter; they exude pheromones that entice humans, superior strength, sight, hearing, and sense of smell. Bella is helpless as the heroine attracted to the vampire. As she breathes in Edward's scent, it sends her senses tingling as no other has before. Edward is the dark hero; thinking of himself as the monster; trapped forever in an existence that he no longer wants. To Bella, he is like the most mouth watering candy there is. But, Bella has the same effect on Edward, something that's never happened to him before; something that's been missing from his long lonely existence, love. In all of Edward's one hundred years, no one has stirred his heart, crept into his thoughts, and tangled his imagination as Bella has, and it just may save his life. Twilight is the best in YA, entertaining and a winning story. Currently, there are four books in the Twilight Saga, Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn. If you check Ms. Meyer's website, a partial draft on Midnight Sun (Edward's story) is available for your perusal. It is a fun take on Edward's point of view, and well worth the time it takes to read. Visit Ms. Meyer's website for more information on all her great books and stories. I literal could not put this book down; even when I wasn't reading it, it held my thoughts. I feel to caught all of the nuances going on in the book, a second reading is not a bad thing. Although this is categorized as a YA book, I highly recommend this book to the young and old alike. It was excellently entertaining.



Twilight the Movie Starring Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart
Director: Catherine Hardwicke
Running Time: 121 minutes



The Twilight movie has several difference from the book. Most of them are fill ins to make the story more appealing to a viewer, where the book lets the reader's imagination wander. There is little background information given about the Cullens, only Edward and Emse stories are brushed upon; Carlisle's, Rosalie's, and Emmett's stories are left out entirely as is any mention of the Volturi. Jasper's calming ability is never mention. Maybe these storylines will be brought forward as background information in the movies yet to come. One of the most powerful lines in the movie is the reference to the lion and lamb. Edward say "And the lion fell in love with the lamb." If you haven't read the book, the reference looses some of it's meaning because you'll never know Edward's favorite thing to hunt is mountain lion. He wants the challenge and danger of the lion, but in Bella's case, he'll settle for the sweetness of the lamb. There are dramatic differences in the movie as well. In the book, Edward never invites Bella over for dinner; she does go to his home to meet his family where she's learns their stories including Carlisle's time with the Volturi. Bella confronts Edward on the mountain in the movie about his vampirism, which is not portrayed in the book. There are other differences as well, but I guess only a purist would continue to point them out. It is a decent showing of the Stephenie Meyer's novel and very entertaining, a worthy watch for all Twilight fans.

Here's a peek at the Twilight Movie trailer from October 2008.



I love this song from the movie soundtrack written by Carter Burwell, Bella's Lullaby. Robert Pattinson was supposed to write it, but he was unhappy with the finished piece. He does play the song and has other songs on the soundtrack. A multi-talented attractive young man, what more could you ask for?

The second book is the series New Moon will be coming to theaters soon with a release date of November 20, 2009. I, for one, can hardly wait even though I know it will never match the book.



Here's a peek at the stunning official poster releases.







And fan made posters that can be found on fanpop.




And a peek at a fanmade (emruking) trailer for New Moon. There's another attached to this one that is way cool as well.


If the actual trailer is as good, then sell me a freaking ticket!!


The only official trailer I could find, don't know if it's the real deal or not.

The third movie, Eclipse, is due to be released June 30, 2010.


The Twilight Saga ----- Will it continue? There is talk that the story line isn't complete, and Breaking Dawn did leave wiggle room ----- what do you think?