G is for Gemini

Got the image from here

Gemini is the third astrological sign in the Zodiac, and I'm proud to say, I'm a Gemini. Although at first I used to ignore some facts about Gemini, I later came to find out that some are true as far as some traits go. Some characteristics I found to be true were: I tend to talk alot, and spontaneous, and can be indecisive at times.


Abit about Gemini:

Most Geminis delight in socializing, and they are almost always the ones who make a particular event a lively occasion. They simply love to entertain that’s why most of them take interest in hosting an event or performing in a crowd. They are magnanimous in offering their friendship to people. They have this gift of the gab, which makes them a good asset in every social circle as well as in work. In other words, they are the life of every occasion.

When it comes to serious matters such as work and love, Geminis are unique in a sense that they are born to become intelligent people. They are witty and sometimes, even cunning. They can also juggle multiple tasks without looking tired afterwards. As for communications, one can never be bored whenever he is around with a Gemini. A person who is born under this sign often makes it a point to carry out the conversation no matter how boring it may seem for him. Perhaps the most interesting quality of the Geminis lies in their being good at persuading people. Using their ability to communicate efficiently, they can easily get what they wanted from a person. Geminis are naturally charismatic, too. This is why most people fall for them even if they do not intend to please everyone.

However, since nobody is born perfect, a Gemini also has some flaws in his personality. The seemingly positive Gemini traits tend to backfire to the person. Being excessively spontaneous, Geminis can be viewed as reckless and flirtatious lot. Although they do not intend to act like that, the people around them tend to think otherwise. Another thing is their being indecisive. No one can exactly tell where their indecisiveness has rooted from, but this is true for most Geminis. Their minds tend to change every 15 minutes, albeit that would be a bit of exaggeration. Even though they are witty, there are also the times when they cannot simply make up their minds; especially if the matter seems to excite them. They love novelty and change, but in areas concerning love and career, this personality may not work for their own good.

Source: Gemini Traits

What is your astrological sign? Do you believe that the the traits described under your astrological sign are correct? 

Today's Book Spotlight: The Perfect Game by John Hansen

For a limited time—April 7th – April 8th—The Perfect Game by John Hansen is FREE on Amazon US, Amazon UK, and all other Amazons! Be sure to spread the word and download your FREE copy today! Here’s more info: 

Blurb: 

Entertainment is changing forever. Comedies, dramas, and reality TV shows are out. Murder is in. 

In a world where murder is being exploited on TV, viewers watch live assassinations for their own entertainment. A hit game show where the challenge is to kill arises, stirring up remarkable popularity. Millions of viewers all across the globe watch it, vicariously experiencing the thrill of murder without ever committing the crime. And they all love it. Murder is the world’s latest and most remarkable excitement turned entertainment. But what happens when it goes too far? 

--------------------------- 

What People Are Saying: 

“The Perfect Game foreshadows the talents of a new talent.” – Aldo T. Calcagno, Amazon.com

“This is a short story like no other.” – Jenn, Amazon.com

“A bargain at 99 cents. Watch out Stephen King. You have company.” – Debra Spellman, Amazon.com

“What an amazing story!! Wow!! Still can’t get over how John’s mind worked in this one!! This is a MUST READ!!” – Brenda Romine, Goodreads.com

“I am so glad I read this book!” – Ana, Goodreads.com

------------------------ 

Excerpt: 

The Perfect Game was an epidemic, a poison, a drug and although he knew it was bad, it was so addictive, so entertaining, so thrilling that Jeff simply could not stop. He loved The Perfect Game, loved how it changed him, strengthened him, darkened his moral and ethical views. It gave him this feeling of power, omnipotence, and violence; murder was a game, and he could do it freely. And it felt so good. 

------------------------ 

Learn more at:

Goodreads

John’s Blog

Facebook

Twitter

Download for free for a limited time (only through April 7th and 8th!) here: 

Amazon UK

Amazon US

The Universal Mirror Blog Tour

On the island of Cercia, the gods are dead, killed by their followers and replaced with the study of magic. Magicians are forbidden to leave their homeland. Laws bind these men that prevent them from casting spells on the living—whether to harm or to heal.


Quentin, a young nobleman, challenges these laws out of love for his wife. His best friend, Asahel, defies authority at his side, unaware that the search for this lost magic will bring them both to the edge of reason, threatening their very souls. The Universal Mirror shows how far two men are willing to go for the sake of knowledge and what they will destroy to obtain it

Building Cercia: The World of The Universal Mirror

Gwen Perkins

Grave robbing, healing plagues, and fighting mages—these are just some of the events that lie ahead for Quentin and Asahel, the protagonists of my new fantasy novel, The Universal Mirror.  This is fantasy that doesn't rely on dragons or elves but is centered by magic and moral conflicts.  Several readers and reviewers have commented on the richness of the setting as well as its medieval feel, wondering how the island of Cercia came to be and where I developed the details.  Today, I'd like to talk a little bit about the inception of this novel and the real history that inspired it to shed some light on this subject.

The novel itself began when I was talking to one of my children about Leonardo da Vinci and how he was one of the first artists to use human anatomy in his work.  I recalled that he had dissected corpses in order to learn how muscles worked and also recollected that this type of knowledge wasn't that typical at the time (and in fact, had been forbidden at one earlier point).  The idea lingered and I put away, thinking nothing much of it.

Now, I am not an artist.  I can't draw a straight line and the closest I've ever come to origami is making a thousand paper airplanes that never flew.  But like many who can't draw, I have an intense admiration for those who can. 

It struck me as I was looking at some art on the internet that art is really a form of magic.  Which led me to further questions... why, in so many fantasy novels, were there so few prohibitions against magic by their governments?  Wouldn't a government try to control magic?  Wouldn't religion?  Then I began to wonder what would happen if a government did try to control it, how they might do so, and why they would have the need to do so. 

Then I developed a fascination with lampworking which is the art of blowing glass into beads.  As I began to learn how to do this myself, I started reading about the history of glassblowing.  It was then that I discovered the story of the glassblowers of Murano.  Murano is a series of islands near Venice that became famous for glassworking when all the glassmakers in Venice were forced to move there in order to contain fires.  (This was in 1291.)  The glassmakers were unique on Murano—unlike other artisans, they were allowed to carry swords and held high status because of their art.  However, there was a caveat.  Because of the fear that the state would lose the secrets of making glass, the glassmakers were never allowed to leave.

If you've read The Universal Mirror, this sounds very familiar, I'm sure.  It's one of the Heresies—or prohibitions that govern mages—in the novel. 

Once I had all of these pieces together, I transformed them into elements of the book.  The artists became magicians who were trying to work against the government because they disagreed with its prevention of scientific pursuit (in this case, healing).  The culture of magic changed as well as I incorporated the history of the Murano glassblowers into my own world, tying magic with class and social status while preventing those who practiced it from leaving Cercia.  These elements have also led to developments in the subsequent books I am writing in the series (and, I note, to researching all kinds of interesting stories and artifacts as one idea led to another).

In conclusion, I'd simply like to note that spending a little time thinking about and researching events that have happened before can greatly enhance even the most fantastic of worlds.  Don't be afraid to mine moments from your own life—people are still people, no matter what time or place they may be from.  Some ideas and emotions are, after all, universal.

Gwen Perkins is the author of The Universal Mirror, a fantasy novel released in 2012 by Hydra Publications. Read more about this book and her upcoming projects at theUniversalMirror.com.

Gwen Perkins is a museum curator with a MA in Military History from Norwich University. She has written for a number of magazines, exhibitions and nonfiction publications. Her interest in history fueled the creation of the world of The Universal Mirror, inspired in part by people and events of the medieval and Renaissance periods. She lives with her partner and three children in Tacoma, WA.


The Universal Mirror is the first novel of the Artifacts of Empire series. Gwen is presently at work on the second volume, entitled The Jealousy Glass.

Friday Fantastic Feature:Author Sasha Summers

Today I'm hanging out with Sasha Summers, a fellow Inkspeller, and the author of the upcoming contemporary romance 'Hollywood Ever After'.  Not only is the cover beautiful, the story is utterly romantic. Can't wait to grab a copy and immerse myself in the world she has created.  

Cece: Please tell us your name

Sasha: Sasha Summers (it’s a pen name )


Cece. Please tell us about your book. When will it be released and by which publisher

Sasha:  Hollywood Ever After is a yummy contemporary romance that starts in Hollywood but travels all over the place. It’s a wonderful love story, but it also touches on the importance of self worth and trust. InkSpell Publishing will be releasing it on July 21st, and I can hardly WAIT.

Cece:  What project are you working on?

Sasha: I’m juggling two projects right now. The sequel to Hollywood Ever After, Hollywood Homecoming – Jennifer and Ben’s story. And the third in my mythology series, Loves of Olympus, through Crescent Moon Press. It’s Apollo’s story – and it’s a tear jerker. I’m massively addicted to tortured love stories – that’s why I’m into myth retellings.

Cece: How much research did you do for this project?

Sasha:  Before I write, I have a fairly good idea of where I’m going on the page so I try to come to the computer with all the info I’m planning on using. Of course, my characters frequently have other ideas, so sometimes I have to do more research as I go along. I’m a fluid writer, I try to go with it. Sometimes it’s easy, sometimes not so much J

Cece: How did you come up with the story idea?

Sasha: I love Hollywood and movies and happily ever afters. This story kind of came together gradually, but I knew it was something a lot of women would enjoy. InkSpell seems to agree- hurray! Medusa, the first in the Crescent Moon Series, was a dream. I almost forgot it, but the song Cosmic Love by Florence and the Machine (thank you Florence J) brought it back to me. It was so vivid I had to write it down.

Cece: Which genre is the book?

Sasha: Hollywood Ever After is steamy, funny contemporary goodness. Think Victoria Dahl, Lori Wilde and a little Kristin Higgins. That’s might vibe.

Medusa is romantic fantasy.

Cece: Which genres do you enjoy reading and writing

Sasha: I’m a reader, period. I read everything. Books make me happy – most of them do. I give every book til page 50. If I’m not hooked by then, I’ll set it aside. As far as writing… I write the stories I see, if that makes sense? I’m a romance writer, first and foremost. But the genre depends on the love story I’m telling.

Cece:  Where can readers and fans find you - online that is?

Sasha: I’m trying to make myself as easy to find as possible! LOL. I’ve an author page of FaceBook: Sasha Summers. I’m @sashawrites on Twitter. You can find me on Goodreads and Pinterest too! And my blog is www.sashasummers.com.

I also participate in a group blog, Plotting Princesses – tiaras optional ;): http://plottingprincesses.blogspot.com/

And my publishers: www.CrescentMoonPress.com and http://www.inkspellpublishing.com/


I also have an awesome book trailer for Medusa, here’s the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90fH7xoZiCo

Here is the cover as well as the blurb:

She wasn’t meant for movie stars, Hollywood, or happy endings. And then she met him.

Happy Endings are for fairy tales. Or the movies. Not for real life. At least, not Claire’s life. Even though she’s starting over, she knows better than to want too much this time. But when she falls, literally, into the strong arms of Hollywood’s ‘it’ boy Josh Wiley, Claire’s in for some surprises. Her plans for rest and relaxation are forgotten as one incredible night with Josh becomes two… And her heart begins to want him as much as her body. Will two kids, one bastard ex-husband, and Josh’s juggernaut career mean the end of their affair? Or can Claire find her happy ending after all?


Hollywood Ever After is available to preorder through InkSpell Publishing:

http://www.inkspellpublishing.com/store.html

Hollywood Ever After book trailer:

And... here is Medusa book trailer.

F for Florence 

Florence is one of those cities I've marked up in my '1001 places to visit list when I'll eventually have enough time to travel. I've lived in Austria close to eight years now. It'd take me a few hours by flight, car or by train to Italy. Well, about 5 hours by car to the border, but for some reason, when I make plans, I end up cancelling them. One day, I keep saying, I'll get there.  I will.

Reasons why I'd love to visit Florence, the birth place of Renaissance and classical art.

 - The city's medieval art and architecture - I'm obsessed with the design and facade of medieval buildings

Narrow Sidewalks in Florence I love the historical-sy feel 

Experience the culture

Epiphany,

Not to mention the various events celebrated in Italy throughout the year from Epiphany -
Epiphany commemorates the arrival of the Three Kings in Bethlehem to Festa di Santa Reparata


Would love to visit Uffizi Gallery, the oldest gallery in the world. Imagine all the wonderful things inside just waiting patiently to be ooh-ed and aaah-ed at.

Fantastic Florence

What about you? Ever been to Florence? Or any city begining with an F?

Chocolate Aftertaste Book release

Today I have the pleasure of announcing Liz Grace Davis' Chocolate Aftertaste book release. I can't say how much I adore the book cover, as well as the storyline, which sounds very interesting. I'm really looking forward to reading this book. For a chance to get  a feel about the book, please read on the excerpt as well as watch the wonderfully done book trailer.

Book Summary

At her pre-wedding dinner, Nora Darkin, the daughter of a wealthy entrepreneur, discovers her fiancé is not the man she thought he was. As her father hoists his glass to toast them, she makes an announcement: there will be no wedding to her father's right-hand man.


Due to the fresh rift driven between her and her father, Nora escapes to the quaint town of Dreara. Determined to live her life her own way, she makes new friends and pursues her lifelong desire of becoming a chef. Ethan Danes, a neighbour with his own broken heart, helps soothe hers.


Just as Nora discovers what it means to be happy, and she begins to fall in love with Ethan, a woman from his past re-enters his life…

Excerpt

Nora turned her attention back to the reality in front of her. She hated arguments; sometimes she wished she could hide somewhere, just wait them out. Unfortunately, life was not like that.

She lifted her eyes to meet Liam’s. The ice in his eyes had not melted. She dropped her gaze.

Instead of flirting with her appetite, the large marinated tiger prawns made her stomach queasy, and the oriental noodles looked like neglected yarn left out in the rain. From the way he dissected his steak, Liam’s appetite was just fine. She gritted her teeth as his knife scraped the porcelain plate.

Unable to bear the silence between them, she leaned forward and whispered, “I hate it when you ignore me.”

“What do you want me to say?” He chewed the last of his food and waved for the waiter. “We’re done.”

The waiter nodded and scuttled over to remove their plates.

When the waiter was out of earshot, Nora hissed through clenched teeth, “I wasn’t done.”

Liam took a swig of water, probably wishing it was something stronger. “You didn’t look like you were hungry.”

“Stop treating me like a child,” she snapped.

“Stop acting like one.”

Nora’s cheeks heated. She contained her anger with difficulty. “That’s really insensitive.”

“What do you want from me, Nora?” A vein pulsed in his neck. “What exactly do you want me to say?”

“Say you want me to be happy.” Her eyes brimmed. “Don’t ask me to get rid of my best friend.”

He loosened his tie—and then slammed his fist on the table, knocking over Nora’s glass of water. The silver stream raced straight for her lap.

The waiter appeared as if from nowhere to replace the white tablecloth with a new one. Nora forced a smile and whispered an apology. The waiter nodded, and a minute later he left.

Ignoring the curious looks they got from the other diners, she dabbed at the moisture on her black jeans. “You can’t always explode every time I refuse to do what you want.”

Liam ignored her. “Ask to pay. I want to leave.”

Nora flinched, but abided. Paying wasn’t so bad—so long as it was fair. On their first and second date, he paid. On their third and a few more after that, they went Dutch. After one year, he asked her to pay for an occasional meal until it became an unspoken arrangement between them. The only thing Liam had paid for himself in three years was her engagement ring. 

About The Author:

Liz Grace Davis is a Namibian author. She grew up in Angola, Namibia, South Africa and Germany. She now lives with her husband in Vienna, Austria. Growing up, Liz spent most of her days in school libraries, diving into the world of books. In her spare time she loves to travel as well as creating jewelry and digital scrapbooks. She's in her element when she is doing anything that requires creativity. Liz is the author of a young adult fantasy novel, Tangi's Teardrops and a contemporary romance novel, Chocolate Aftertaste.

Contact info:

Facebook Book Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Liz-Grace-Davis/333441076698284

Goodreads Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5450561.Liz_Grace_Davis

Blog: http://www.novel-moments.blogspot.com/

Email: Liz_davis1@yahoo.com

Twitter: @Liz_Davis1

Chocolate Aftertaste Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfnwdX3ke2I

Purchase Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Chocolate-Aftertaste-ebook/dp/B007R6KYG0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333569881&sr=8-1

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/148437

E for E.E. Cummings

One day I was searching on the web for poets and poerty, and came across E.E. Cumming's 'I Carry Your Heart With Me'. After I read it once, I was hooked. I kept reading it over and over, savouring the  words, letting those emotions wrap around me:  love, loss and so much promise.  Everyone has their own way of interpreting stories and poems, I think. For me,  this  poem served as a  muse in one of my stories where the character suffers a great loss, and also when she finds love.

I Carry Your Heart With Me

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in my heart)

i am never without it(anywhere i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done

by only me is your doing, my darling)

i fear no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)

i want no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)

and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant

and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows

(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud

and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows

higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)

and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

One word. Intense. 

Quote from the Author

A wind has blown the rain away and blown the sky away and all the leaves away, and the trees stand. I think, I too, have known autumn too long.

What about you? What are some of your favourite poems or poets?