Thursday, January 24, 2013
The Ritual by Mark Barry - Amazon Review
5.0 out of 5
stars The first of
many!
By
This
review is from: The Ritual (Paperback)
This is the first book
I've read by Mark Barry...but it won't be the last!Initially intrigued by the title, I soon became embroiled in the diverse characters and fast moving storyline. The author's vast knowledge of the setting for the book and descriptions of the characters allowed me to 'see' the story unfolding...my favourite way to read. As the ravens massed on the rooftops and the mysterious beast crashed through the undergrowth, I was hooked.
Though there were a few editing niggles, I have no hesitation in giving this book my 5* rating...I enjoyed the story, I would recommend it and I will read it again.
History Trivia
January 24
41 Caligula was murdered along with his wife and infant child by a Praetorian tribune while attending the Palatine games. Claudius succeeded his nephew.
76 the Emperor Hadrian was born.
1328 King Edward III of England married Philippa of Henegouwen.
41 Caligula was murdered along with his wife and infant child by a Praetorian tribune while attending the Palatine games. Claudius succeeded his nephew.
76 the Emperor Hadrian was born.
1328 King Edward III of England married Philippa of Henegouwen.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
The Wizard's Cauldron: An Interview with Dawn White
The Wizard's Cauldron: An Interview with Dawn White: Dawn White Why is it some of the nicest, friendliest people write some of the bloodiest, most horrible books? Tomes chockful of gore, ...
Kid Atomic by Mark Barry - Amazon Review
5.0 out of 5
stars Mark Barry
does it again
By
Quietclayer "Mary" (Florissant, MO USA)
Amazon Verified
Purchase
This
review is from: Kid Atomic (Kindle Edition)
I just finished
reading Kid Atomic. Mark Barry has surprised me again. This is a character and
relationship driven psychological thriller that, if you have read any other
books by Mr. Barry clearly shows his incredible range. The characters are
ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Set in
current day Britain, it tells the story of good friends that have joined a
protest movement at the University they attend. They are chosen by the leader of
the movement to go to London to pick up materials for an upcoming demonstration.
What they pick up will change their lives forever. The characters are well
developed, invoking strong feelings in the reader. Feelings that run the gamut
from empathy to revulsion. The relationships are as intertwined as those in the
reader's own life and entirely believable. Although the story starts out in an
easy going manner, things soon begin to turn dark and sinister. Mr. Barry keeps
the reader guessing right up to the very surprising and satisfying ending. An
enjoyable and suspenseful story from beginning to end.,
History Trivia
January 23,
27 BC, Augustus Caesar (Octavian) founded the Roman Empire that would last until A.D. 476. Octavian was granted the title 'Augustus', meaning lofty or serene, by the Roman senate.
393 Roman Emperor Theodosius I proclaimed his nine year old son Honorius co-emperor.
1265 First English Parliament formally convened.
1510 18-year-old Henry VIII of England appeared incognito in the lists at Richmond, and was applauded for his jousting before he revealed his identity.
1533 Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII of England, discovered she was pregnant.
1570 The assassination of Regent James Stewart, 1st Earl of Moray threw Scotland into civil war.
1571 The Royal Exchange opened in London.
1579 The Union of Utrecht formed a Protestant republic in the Netherlands.
27 BC, Augustus Caesar (Octavian) founded the Roman Empire that would last until A.D. 476. Octavian was granted the title 'Augustus', meaning lofty or serene, by the Roman senate.
393 Roman Emperor Theodosius I proclaimed his nine year old son Honorius co-emperor.
1265 First English Parliament formally convened.
1510 18-year-old Henry VIII of England appeared incognito in the lists at Richmond, and was applauded for his jousting before he revealed his identity.
1533 Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII of England, discovered she was pregnant.
1570 The assassination of Regent James Stewart, 1st Earl of Moray threw Scotland into civil war.
1571 The Royal Exchange opened in London.
1579 The Union of Utrecht formed a Protestant republic in the Netherlands.
Ngaire Elder: Blockbuster .... is it on your reading list?
Ngaire Elder: Blockbuster .... is it on your reading list?: Hollywood Shakedown written by Mark Barry I am a great fan of writer, Mark Barry and I'm currently reading Kid Atomic. However, today I am...
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Hollywood Shakedown by Mark Barry - Amazon Review
5.0 out of 5
stars A
blockbuster !!!!!! fantastic read.
By ngaire
Format:Kindle
Edition
Hollywood Shakedown was a phenomenal read; compelling,
wonderful, outstanding! Fast-paced with carefully crafted characters. Thriller,
a bit of sex/romance and a massive amount of intrigue weaved into a well thought
out plot. The ending is unforgettable and suits the story very well. Mark Barry
has created a novel that few writers could only dream of authoring. The only
downside, the story came to an end. A must read for all adults
The Adventures of Cecilia Spark - The Mystical Mountains by Ngaire Elder - Amazon Book Review
A wonderful adventure!,
By
This
review is from: The Adventures of Cecilia Spark - the Mystical Mountains
of Terra (Book 2 in the series) (Kindle Edition)
Cecilia Spark sets
off on a much longer adventure than Brimstone Forest, following the Quest
compass into the Mystical Mountains of Terra. The characters are beautiful and
we learn more about Soldier and are introduced to Ractus and Pacha along the
way. There's tension and suspense as well as humour. A highly recommended read
for all ages.
Angels Cried: Help the victims and families in Newtown
Angels Cried: Help the victims and families in Newtown: Paperback version now available at Createspace and Amazon . On 12/14/12, tragedy struck. Authors and artists combined, so that ...
History Trivia
January 22
565 Eutychius was deposed as Patriarch of Constantinople by John Scholasticus.
871 Battle at Basing: Danish invasion army vanquished Ethelred of Wessex.
1371 King Robert II Stuart of Scotland was crowned.
1506 The first contingent of 150 Swiss Guards arrived at the Vatican.
1521 Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, opened the Diet of Worms.
1552 Sir Edward Seymour, uncle to King Edward VI of England, was executed.
565 Eutychius was deposed as Patriarch of Constantinople by John Scholasticus.
871 Battle at Basing: Danish invasion army vanquished Ethelred of Wessex.
1371 King Robert II Stuart of Scotland was crowned.
1506 The first contingent of 150 Swiss Guards arrived at the Vatican.
1521 Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, opened the Diet of Worms.
1552 Sir Edward Seymour, uncle to King Edward VI of England, was executed.
Gladiator's Pen: The 7 Line Challenge and a vampire's kiss
Gladiator's Pen: The 7 Line Challenge and a vampire's kiss: Writers are asked to post 7 lines from either the 7 th line down on either the 7th or 77 th page of their book or work in progres...
Monday, January 21, 2013
Carla (and other Green Wizard stories): The Ritual Redux
Carla (and other Green Wizard stories): The Ritual Redux: Amazon Review by Mary Quallo Incredible! Step aside Anne Rice, Mark Barry describes places and events like you only wish you could. A nail...
Carla by Mark Barry - Amazon Book Review
Format:Kindle
Edition|Amazon Verified
Purchase
Remember the scene in Forrest Gump where he is sitting on a
bench waiting for a bus to go see his "Jenny" and he is telling his story as
people come and go?
Well, I felt like I was in a pub, on a barstool, as he drank his ale and I, mine, and he spoke quietly as he told me his story about Carla and him. He spoke from his perspective and quite literally I was enamored. Being taken into the depths of his mind, thoughts, actions and reactions to situations real or perceived was an amazing and sometimes scary journey.
Scary....as in....I know that kind of feeling....kind of scary.
Carla is a beautiful person who has been projected to be exactly who she is: an open minded, busy, young, and attractive woman who knows her mind and also deals with her own set of insecurities giving Carla a mixture of attributes that makes an appeal to the reader.
Sharna is the dedicated friend to Carla and it is interesting to watch how she projects herself as Carla's protector when meeting John and then the development of their friendship with Carla being the vine that connects them.
John is an older man who struggles internally with each encounter - perceived or real - that occurs. He has come a full circle in his life and finally has an understanding of who and what he is; both the good and the bad. You will fall in love with John and then you will love to hate his actions or reactions. You will cheer for John but in the next breath you will berate him. You will definitely be able to relate to John at some point in the story!
And by the time you get to the ending....oh my... No spoiler here! You must read to find out; but, I promise you one thing, it won't be what you expect!
Well, I felt like I was in a pub, on a barstool, as he drank his ale and I, mine, and he spoke quietly as he told me his story about Carla and him. He spoke from his perspective and quite literally I was enamored. Being taken into the depths of his mind, thoughts, actions and reactions to situations real or perceived was an amazing and sometimes scary journey.
Scary....as in....I know that kind of feeling....kind of scary.
Carla is a beautiful person who has been projected to be exactly who she is: an open minded, busy, young, and attractive woman who knows her mind and also deals with her own set of insecurities giving Carla a mixture of attributes that makes an appeal to the reader.
Sharna is the dedicated friend to Carla and it is interesting to watch how she projects herself as Carla's protector when meeting John and then the development of their friendship with Carla being the vine that connects them.
John is an older man who struggles internally with each encounter - perceived or real - that occurs. He has come a full circle in his life and finally has an understanding of who and what he is; both the good and the bad. You will fall in love with John and then you will love to hate his actions or reactions. You will cheer for John but in the next breath you will berate him. You will definitely be able to relate to John at some point in the story!
And by the time you get to the ending....oh my... No spoiler here! You must read to find out; but, I promise you one thing, it won't be what you expect!
History Trivia
January 21
1189 King Philip Augustus of France, King Henry II of England, King Richard I, and Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa initiated the Third Crusade in response to the victory of Saladin in 1187.
1276 Pierre de Tarantaise, the first Dominican pope, was elected, choosing the name Pope Innocence V.
1189 King Philip Augustus of France, King Henry II of England, King Richard I, and Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa initiated the Third Crusade in response to the victory of Saladin in 1187.
1276 Pierre de Tarantaise, the first Dominican pope, was elected, choosing the name Pope Innocence V.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Independent Paperback Gift Shop Blog: Concordia by Mary Ann Bernal
Independent Paperback Gift Shop Blog: Concordia by Mary Ann Bernal: The Sunday Review Three years ago, Indie stalwart Mary Ann Bernal, an ex-Pat New Yorker living in Nebraska, sat down in her garret and beg...
M. C. Arvanitis, writer / WORDS TOGETHER MAKE TALES: FORBIDDEN WINGS Now in Ebook.
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M. C. Arvanitis, writer / WORDS TOGETHER MAKE TALES: The Legend of ELPanda Pawsis now out in print copy...
M. C. Arvanitis, writer / WORDS TOGETHER MAKE TALES: The Legend of ELPanda Pawsis now out in print copy...: The Legend of ELPanda Paws is now out in print copy. (Paper Back) You can get it at Amazon.com. Or get it as an e-book at Amazo...
History Trivia
January 20
250 Fabian who was created pope in 236, was martyred under the persecution of Decius.
1265 The first English parliament was held by Simon de Montfort in the Palace of Westminister (Houses of Parliament)and was attended by elected burgesses and knights.
1327 Edward II of England was deposed by his eldest son, Edward III.
1356 Edward Balliol abdicated as King of Scotland.
1523 Christian II was forced to abdicate as King of Denmark and Norway.
1649 Charles I of England went on trial for treason and other high crimes.
250 Fabian who was created pope in 236, was martyred under the persecution of Decius.
1265 The first English parliament was held by Simon de Montfort in the Palace of Westminister (Houses of Parliament)and was attended by elected burgesses and knights.
1327 Edward II of England was deposed by his eldest son, Edward III.
1356 Edward Balliol abdicated as King of Scotland.
1523 Christian II was forced to abdicate as King of Denmark and Norway.
1649 Charles I of England went on trial for treason and other high crimes.
Ngaire Elder: The Writers Showcase Podcast - The Place To Be Hea...
Ngaire Elder: The Writers Showcase Podcast - The Place To Be Hea...: The Writers Showcase is a Podcast set up solely for writers and is hosted by Phil Naessens . Phil Naessens For more information abo...
Saturday, January 19, 2013
BEARDED SCRUTINY: EPISODE 39 - THE BIG BIRD CAGE
BEARDED SCRUTINY: EPISODE 39 - THE BIG BIRD CAGE: SHOW SYNOPSIS: This week Steven and John tear into a "classic" bit of 70's exploitation titlec, The Big Bird Cage. Busty Pam Grier hang...
Carla (and other Green Wizard stories): The Ritual Redux
Carla (and other Green Wizard stories): The Ritual Redux: Amazon Review by Mary Quallo Incredible! Step aside Anne Rice, Mark Barry describes places and events like you only wish you could. A nail...
Gladiator's Pen: OneWord 60 Seconds: Sound
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History Trivia
Friday, January 18, 2013
History Trivia
January 18
350 Flavius Julius Constans was assassinated.
1486 King Henry VII of England married Elizabeth of York, daughter of Edward IV.
1520 King Christian II of Denmark and Norway defeated the Swedes at Lake Åsunden.
1562 Pope Pius IV reopened the Council of Trent for its third and final session, which defined the mass as a true sacrifice and issued statements on several other doctrinal issues. By the end of the 16th century, many of the abuses that had motivated the Protestant Reformation had disappeared, and the church had reclaimed many of its European followers.
350 Flavius Julius Constans was assassinated.
1486 King Henry VII of England married Elizabeth of York, daughter of Edward IV.
1520 King Christian II of Denmark and Norway defeated the Swedes at Lake Åsunden.
1562 Pope Pius IV reopened the Council of Trent for its third and final session, which defined the mass as a true sacrifice and issued statements on several other doctrinal issues. By the end of the 16th century, many of the abuses that had motivated the Protestant Reformation had disappeared, and the church had reclaimed many of its European followers.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
History Trivia
January 17
38 BC Octavian married Livia Drusilla.
69 Etruscan Roman Emperor Otho committed suicide after a night of meditation in his tent. A companion of Nero, it is believed that he died to prevent civil war.
395 the Roman Empire was split into eastern and western parts upon the death of Emperor Theodosius I, whose will provided that his two sons would inherit the two parts.
1377 Pope Gregory XI moved the Papacy back to Rome from Avignon.
1501- Cesare Borgia returned in triumph to Rome from Romagna.
1648 England's Long Parliament passed the Vote of No Addresses, which broke off negotiations with King Charles I, setting the scene for the second phase of the English Civil War.
38 BC Octavian married Livia Drusilla.
69 Etruscan Roman Emperor Otho committed suicide after a night of meditation in his tent. A companion of Nero, it is believed that he died to prevent civil war.
395 the Roman Empire was split into eastern and western parts upon the death of Emperor Theodosius I, whose will provided that his two sons would inherit the two parts.
1377 Pope Gregory XI moved the Papacy back to Rome from Avignon.
1501- Cesare Borgia returned in triumph to Rome from Romagna.
1648 England's Long Parliament passed the Vote of No Addresses, which broke off negotiations with King Charles I, setting the scene for the second phase of the English Civil War.
Gladiator's Pen: Short term goals are the yellow brick road to succ...
Gladiator's Pen: Short term goals are the yellow brick road to succ...: Last week I set two simple goals to accomplish this Round of Words session. To write every day and write at least one article a week. ...
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
The Briton and the Dane: Concordia Amazon Review
5.0 out of 5
stars This book has
everything a person could want in Historical Fiction, January 15,
2013
By
Quietclayer "Mary" (Florissant, MO USA) -
See
all my reviews
Amazon Verified
Purchase(What's this?)
This
review is from: The Briton and the Dane: Concordia (Kindle Edition)
It's not my way to reiterate the story line in a review. I prefer to give
my opinion of the writer's ability to paint pictures with words and engage the
reader.Mary Ann Bernal paints lavishly vivid pictures of the romantic and exotic locales in this excellent book. The characters are fully detailed, physically, mentally and emotionally. The reader is fully engaged from the first page. Drawn into a world of romance, intrigue, duplicity and adventure, I couldn't put the book down. I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes Historical Fiction or even just an excellent story. This book is right up there with Pillars of the Earth, if you liked that book, you will like this one. Don't miss it.
History Trivia
January 16
27 BC The title Augustus was bestowed upon Gaius Julius Caesar Octavian by the Roman Senate.
550 during the Gothic War (535–552), the Ostrogoths conquered Rome after a long siege, by bribing the Isaurian garrison.
1120 The Council of Nablus was held, establishing the
earliest surviving written laws of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem.
1219 Floods in Northern Netherlands after storm, 1,000s killed.
1245 Edmund Lancaster was born. Edmund was the founder of the House of Lancaster and son of King Henry III of England and Eleanor of Provence.
1362 a storm tide in the North Sea destroyed the German city of Rungholt on the island of Strand (North Frisian Islands).
1412 the Medici family was appointed official banker of the Papacy.
1572 Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk was tried for treason for his part in the Ridolfi plot to restore Catholicism in England.
1581 The English Parliament outlawed Roman Catholicism.
1605 The first edition of El ingenioso hidalgo Don Quijote de la Mancha (Book One of Don Quixote) by Miguel de Cervantes was published in Madrid.
27 BC The title Augustus was bestowed upon Gaius Julius Caesar Octavian by the Roman Senate.
550 during the Gothic War (535–552), the Ostrogoths conquered Rome after a long siege, by bribing the Isaurian garrison.
1219 Floods in Northern Netherlands after storm, 1,000s killed.
1245 Edmund Lancaster was born. Edmund was the founder of the House of Lancaster and son of King Henry III of England and Eleanor of Provence.
1362 a storm tide in the North Sea destroyed the German city of Rungholt on the island of Strand (North Frisian Islands).
1412 the Medici family was appointed official banker of the Papacy.
1572 Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk was tried for treason for his part in the Ridolfi plot to restore Catholicism in England.
1581 The English Parliament outlawed Roman Catholicism.
1605 The first edition of El ingenioso hidalgo Don Quijote de la Mancha (Book One of Don Quixote) by Miguel de Cervantes was published in Madrid.
In the Midst: Author K Meador Interviewed by Spotlight
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Gladiator's Pen: Gladiator's Pen chats with publishing icon Bella A...
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Tuesday, January 15, 2013
The Wizard's Cauldron: Mackenzie Knight - The Queen of the Paranormal
The Wizard's Cauldron: Mackenzie Knight - The Queen of the Paranormal: I make no bones about it, gang. I love Mackenzie Knight. Obviously not in the biblical sense because she's happily married, lives in ...
History Trivia
January 15
588 BC Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon lay siege to Jerusalem under Zedekiah's reign. The siege lasted until July 23, 586 BC.
69 the Emperor Galba was murdered in the streets of Rome. Otho (Marcus Salvius Otho Caesar Augustus) seized power and proclaimed himself Emperor of Rome, but ruled for only three months before he committed suicide.
1535 Henry VIII declared himself head of English Church.
1559 Elizabeth I was crowned Queen of England in Westminster Abbey, London by Owen Oglethorpe, Bishop of Carlisle.
1759 British Museum opened in Montague House, London
588 BC Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon lay siege to Jerusalem under Zedekiah's reign. The siege lasted until July 23, 586 BC.
69 the Emperor Galba was murdered in the streets of Rome. Otho (Marcus Salvius Otho Caesar Augustus) seized power and proclaimed himself Emperor of Rome, but ruled for only three months before he committed suicide.
1535 Henry VIII declared himself head of English Church.
1559 Elizabeth I was crowned Queen of England in Westminster Abbey, London by Owen Oglethorpe, Bishop of Carlisle.
1759 British Museum opened in Montague House, London
Booksessed: Review: Forbidden Wings A Mermaid's Story by M.C. ...
Booksessed: Review: Forbidden Wings A Mermaid's Story by M.C. ...: Book: Forbidden Wings A Mermaid's Story by M.C. Arvanitis Published by Smashwords 30 pages Format: EBook Genres: Children's/Fairytal...
Vampires, Werewolves & Fairies. Oh My!: Joining us today from across the pond is, Emma L. ...
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In the Midst: The Examiner Features for February 2013
In the Midst: The Examiner Features for February 2013: The Examiner Features for February 2013 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thu...
Five Star Review of The Ritual by Mark Barry
Amazon UK Customer Review
|
The first of many!,
By
This
review is from: The Ritual (Paperback)
This is the first book
I've read by Mark Barry...but it won't be the last!Initially intrigued by the title, I soon became embroiled in the diverse characters and fast moving storyline. The author's vast knowledge of the setting for the book and descriptions of the characters allowed me to 'see' the story unfolding...my favourite way to read. As the ravens massed on the rooftops and the mysterious beast crashed through the undergrowth, I was hooked. Though there were a few editing niggles, I have no hesitation in giving this book my 5* rating...I enjoyed the story, I would recommend it and I will read it again. |
Ngaire Elder: Mary Ann Bernal ... author of the Briton and the D...
Ngaire Elder: Mary Ann Bernal ... author of the Briton and the D...: What a pleasure it was today to have author, Mary Ann Bernal, hosted on my blog. With the recent release of her latest instalment in her ser...
Monday, January 14, 2013
History Trivia
January 14
973 Ekkehard I, monk of St Gallen, distinguished as a poet (Vita Waltharii manu fortis), died.
1131 King Valdemar I of Denmark was born. In addition to winning independence from the Holy Roman Empire, he also gained the approval of the church for the dynastic rule of his family, the Valdemars.
1236 Henry III of England married Eleonora of Provence.
1501 Martin Luther (age 17) entered the University of Erfurt (founded in 1379, it was the first university in modern day Germany, and for some time was the largest university in the country).
1514 Pope Leo X issued a papal bull against slavery.
973 Ekkehard I, monk of St Gallen, distinguished as a poet (Vita Waltharii manu fortis), died.
1131 King Valdemar I of Denmark was born. In addition to winning independence from the Holy Roman Empire, he also gained the approval of the church for the dynastic rule of his family, the Valdemars.
King Valdemar I of Denmark
1236 Henry III of England married Eleonora of Provence.
1501 Martin Luther (age 17) entered the University of Erfurt (founded in 1379, it was the first university in modern day Germany, and for some time was the largest university in the country).
1514 Pope Leo X issued a papal bull against slavery.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Independent Paperback Gift Shop Blog: Obscura Burning by Suzanne Van Rooyen
Independent Paperback Gift Shop Blog: Obscura Burning by Suzanne Van Rooyen: The Sunday Review Science fiction has never been my thing and I'm far too long in the tooth to be reading Young Adult novels, but there is...
An Interview with Author Matt Posner
Welcome to Meet The Author! Today Matt Posner has stopped by
to give us a little insight into his life and his books. So let’s get started.
Please tell us a little about yourself.
I live and work in Queens, New York and I teach a city school in
Brooklyn. I'm originally from Miami, Florida and have an academic background in
fiction writing. I'm also a performing point in an avant-garde multimedia band
called The Exploration Project. I've been happily married to Julie since 1999.
What projects have been
published?
I am still working on the School
of the Ages series, set to constitute five novels and an indefinite number
of shorter books that are short story collections or novelettes featuring my
characters. I published three novels and two short books so far, and the fourth
novel is deep into the first draft now. Also, along with Jess C. Scott I am the
author of Teen Guide to Sex and Relationships, an advice book for
teenagers on the topics in the title.
The School of the Ages series is
about a magic school in New York City and the kids who are in it. My main
character is Simon, who with his friends grows up in the books with lots of
loss and adventures. The books feature a strong ensemble supporting cast of
both entertaining student magicians and really horrendous villains. The books
are multicultural, combining magical and mystic traditions of East and West,
and featuring a lot of real-world places and events. I don't like to mention
Harry Potter, but I keep getting asked, and no, except for the commonality of
the magic school setting, the books are nothing like Rowling's books. They are
darker, and they don't have any of that bother about fate and prophecy and dark
lords: I used to use the slogan for them
that I still like: GROWING UP MAGICAL IS
HARD. 
How did you select the title of
your novel?
The first book is The Ghost in
the Crystal. I chose the title because it features a ghost attached to a
crystal, and both ghost and crystal are strong nouns that properly suggest
adventure and magic.
The series title School of the
Ages came about because of my mistake. I wanted to name the series after the
painting by Raphael in the Vatican, with all the philosophers. I thought that
painting was called "The School of the Ages." But I made a mistake as
it is actually "School of Athens." My
mental mistake occurred because that painting is on the cover of Harold
Bloom's book The Western Canon: The
Books and School of the Ages. Harold
Bloom is to me as a lion to a jackrabbit; he couldn't care less if he tried
with both hands.
What
was your inspiration?
I love
to write about magicians and wizards. I've done it since my teenage years. I
was originally planning to write a series about one master wizard and three or
four teenage apprentices. Then I was working in a yeshiva high school in Long
Island, and became fascinated by the Mishnaic (Orthodox Jewish) subculture that
controlled life there, and wanted to write it into a novel. So I created a
school that was half Jews, studying Cabala, and half non-Jews, studying mostly
Hermetic magic (European/Middle Eastern tradition) with some Indian culture
mixed in.
Overall,
my inspiration is reading nonfiction, history and culture and science, which I
then incorporate in various ways into plotlines.
What are you currently working
on?
I am working on School of the
Ages 4: Simon Myth. So far, the
largest and the longest book because it encompasses a lot of characters and
settings and resolves many plotlines that have been ongoing for a long time. I
am sure the fifth book will be much shorter because it will be just a series of
adventures.
What are you reading at the
moment?
I read almost exclusively
independent authors, but it happens that I am reading Rowling's The Casual
Vacancy. I read about fifty pages and then had to take a break, and when I
returned to it I had forgotten who the dozen or more characters were, so I may
need to start all over again. The last time I had such a problem was when I
tried Anna Karenina, which I ultimately set aside.
Do you
have any advice for other authors?
It's
not a living for most people who do it. Don't try to make writing a profession
if you have any choice. If you want to be an independent author, learn
marketing (which I myself have had to learn in small bites and still have not
mastered). You can be published, you can have some readers, but big money and
success are very elusive.
Don't
trust large publishers. They specialize in screwing authors out of money and
rights, and they are in financial trouble and desperate.
And
finally, can you tell us some fun facts about yourself, such as crossed
skydiving off my bucket list.
I guess
I have an informal list in my mind of great paintings I want to see. Here in
New York I've seen "Persistence of Memory," "Les Demoiselles
d'Avignon." In Philadelphia I saw a Cezanne Large Bathers. In the Louvre I
saw -- well, who can list everything you see in the Louvre? In Amsterdam I saw
"The Night Watch." Most recently, I walked into a room in the Vienna
Museum of Art History and it was filled with Breughels. "Tower of
Babel," "Procession to Calvary," "Peasant Dance,"
"Hunters in Winter." OMFG! Standing in front of things I've admired
since childhood. This year or next we hope to see "The Scream" in
Copenhagen. Stuff in Italy will have to wait a few years, though.
Where can we find out more
about you, and where can we purchase your books?
I'm a
reader-friendly author, ready to hear from people who like my books or have
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I'm also a Goodreads author.
All my books are available for Amazon Kindle. All my novels
are available at the Nook store also. Teen Guide is available in every digital
format and in paperback at all online booksellers. In India, my first two
novels are exclusively in paperback from Times Group Books, available at online
booksellers like infibeam.com and flipkart.com and others.
History Trivia
January 13
888 Odo, Count of Paris became King of the Franks.
1099 Crusaders set Mara Syria ablaze.
1128 Knights Templar (warrior monks) received the rules of their order, which was to police the Pilgrimage route to the Holy Land and provide services to the patriarch of Jerusalem.
1328 Edward III of England married Philippa of Hainault (northern France).
1547 Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey was sentenced to death. He was imprisoned with his father by Henry VIII and executed for treason on January 19.
1559 Elizabeth I crowned queen of England in Westminster Abbey.
1605 The controversial Jacobean era stage play Eastward Hoe by Ben Jonson, George Chapman, and John Marston was performed. The satire offended King James I with its anti-Scottish comedy, which caused Jonson and Chapman to be arrested for a time, which made their play one of the famous dramatic scandals of its era.
1607 The Bank of Genoa failed after the announcement of a national bankruptcy in Spain.
888 Odo, Count of Paris became King of the Franks.
1099 Crusaders set Mara Syria ablaze.
1128 Knights Templar (warrior monks) received the rules of their order, which was to police the Pilgrimage route to the Holy Land and provide services to the patriarch of Jerusalem.
1328 Edward III of England married Philippa of Hainault (northern France).
1547 Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey was sentenced to death. He was imprisoned with his father by Henry VIII and executed for treason on January 19.
1559 Elizabeth I crowned queen of England in Westminster Abbey.
1605 The controversial Jacobean era stage play Eastward Hoe by Ben Jonson, George Chapman, and John Marston was performed. The satire offended King James I with its anti-Scottish comedy, which caused Jonson and Chapman to be arrested for a time, which made their play one of the famous dramatic scandals of its era.
1607 The Bank of Genoa failed after the announcement of a national bankruptcy in Spain.
Ngaire Elder: 7 Writer Challenge Pass On
Ngaire Elder: 7 Writer Challenge Pass On: I was tagged by well known author, Mark Barry, http://greenwizardcarla.blogspot.com.es/search/label/The%20Ritual for the 7 Writer Challeng...
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