Medusa, A Love Story Book Trailer
by Sasha on January 25th, 2012
filed under Books, Random Observations, Romance Novels, Young Adult Novels
My book doesn’t have a release date yet, but that didn’t stop me from having a blast making the below trailer…
Keep in mind that I didn’t spend any money on it so it’s NOT Hollywood caliber awesomeness. No, this is ‘mom who came home to her computer after dropping off kid four and spending all day creating said video (having way too much fun) until she realized it was time to go pick up kids again’ kind of awesomeness. Which is still kind of awesome, right?
I’ll now admit that I was so caught up in it, there was still coffee left in my cup at 2:30. I know. I KNOW. How crazy is that?
Anyway, after some very supportive input, I’ve tweaked the images, music and timing. I like it. I imagine there might be another (dare I say BETTER) one before the book comes out. 
I guess this was me taking a creative break without totally taking a break??
This isn’t ‘live’ on YouTube yet, you guys are my test audience. So, sound off.
Does it make you want to read the book?
Does it hold your attention?
Suggestions are welcome. Enthusiastic praise and flattery highly encouraged 
No Mayo on My Randy
by Sasha on January 23rd, 2012
filed under Books, Random Observations, Romance Novels
A most beloved friend of mine teaches High School English in a small town. She loves what she does – passionately – most of the time.
While this is enough to earn her sainthood in my book, I admit to loving her classroom stories. I’m sharing one below. I will refer to my friend as Teacher, for privacy
An eponym (as defined by Dictionary.com) - A word or name derived from the name of a person.
Teacher spent a full week on the idea of an eponym, giving her class plenty of examples and having them create one of their own to make sure the concept ‘stuck’. One example she gave, the Earl of Sandwich and the birth of the ‘modern day sandwich’. The story, the Earl was a devoted gambler, so devoted that he would not stop gaming long enough to eat. Servants brought him meat, between two slices of bread, that he would happily hold while remaining at the gaming tables. It was a habit that was noticed amongst friends, spread, you get the picture. She shares this info (this is my abridged version) with the class. Easy, direct, no prob, right? A great example of an eponym.
Then they took a test.
One girls test, explaining the origin of the sandwich: “The first sandwich was made when a guy named Randy put meat between two pieces of bread…”
*Giggling*
*Scratching head*
*Giggling* and *Snorting*
Hilarious (while slightly depressing), right. These are High School students, people…. See – sainthood!!!
But it gets better. As a romance writer, I know that Randy isn’t just a name. And, me being me, I immediately went here:
randy: adj. of or characterized by frank, uninhibited sexuality (as defined by Dictionary.com)
*Laughing* and *Snorting* and *Giggling*
Just so you know. I don’t like mayo or mustard on my randy!
Underworld 4 – End of a Love Affair
by Sasha on January 20th, 2012
filed under Movies
I’m starting with positives:
Kate Beckinsale, you are one of the most beautiful women ever. IF my books are ever made into a movie, you must play one of my Goddesses! Because I adore you. And the following review makes me sad…
Now we’ll move on the the negatives: (SPOILERS – Alert! – SPOILERS!) – You’ve been warned…
I am so so sad. Because, when I grow up (a long, long time from now), I wanted to be Selene, the kick-butt yet justice dealing Death-dealer – at least for Halloween…
Now, well, not so much. At least not Selene from U4… Selene from U1 & U2 (and snippets of U3) – I’ll always adore!
Underworld 4 is bad.
It’s not just the lack of:
the lack of Michael (real Michael, not stand-in CGI Michael)
the grainy dark filming style
the MUSIC – the same haunting, mood-inducing theme and filler music from the first 3
Bill Nighy and Michael Sheen
or rain…
It’s not only because out of a 90 minute movie, 45 minutes (maybe more) heard less than three lines of dialogue but saw Selene being thrown into various shatter-able things. Or that Selene, who is smokin hot, spent half the time looking smokin hot in slow motion – close-up, panoramic, running, walking, standing, posing, looking thoughtful, looking angry, looking… You get the picture. Again, she’s hot, but Selene is more than that. She’s kick-butt judge and jury, the fighter on the side of ‘right’. Not at all as she is portrayed in U4: she’s a killing machine (like cold-blooded, cruel, murder kind of kill) humans, lycans, vampires – you name it. Which was wrong!
So so sad… *Sigh*… Next…
It wasn’t that Selene and Micheal’s daughter (who we were told at least three times was ‘unique’… kind of like her father?) looked like a Monster High doll when she did her shape-shifting, look at my fangs pose.
And, if she’d never been outside of the clinic for her 12 yr existence, why did she have a British accent? Her caretakers didn’t. Is it in the vampire gene, perhaps? It’s a puzzle.
It wasn’t the elder of the vampire clan that tried way too hard to be Bill Nighy… Can anyone other than Bill Nighy pull this off? No, no they can’t.
It might have been the super-gigantic giggle inducing lycan. It might have been the newly ‘tweaked’ lycan look. It might have been the all-too-predictable side story of father-son, Dr and gigantic giggle inducing son – or their abysmal performances.
It was a combination of all of the above. It was just bad.
I MISSED you Scott Speedman. 
But, after watching this film, I understand why you sat this one out. I’m so so sad…
Series Planning
by Sasha on January 19th, 2012
filed under Random Observations, Romance Novels
I’m grappling with timelines.
My series books are completely independant from one another, but there are overlapping incidents.
This shouldn’t be too big a deal, but it’s getting to be. Kind of. Becuase I know that readers will spot any inconsistencies or flubs I make and I don’t want to disappoint or lose any readers.
For example, I’m very clear about each of my Olympians’ ticks and features, down to eye-color. So if, for example, Poseidon has the palest blue eyes in Book 1 and 2, he certainly can’t have grey eyes in book 3. I realize this is a dumbed down example, but you get the point.
How to keep the events ordered and clear?
Note cards?
Software? (I will totally use software if it will make me as happy as the woman in the picture!!!)
I’d love to hear what’s been most successful for you. If you’re in a sharing mood that is ??
Golden Globes 2012
by Sasha on January 16th, 2012
filed under Movies, Random Observations
I was kind of disappointed. It’s not that I preferred Mr. Gervais in full on bashing mode, but it definitely kept you on the edge of your seat between acceptance speeches.
Last night drug.
The most memorable things for me:
Scary dresses:
Scary dresses on the verge of either boob exposure or boob rupture
And scary arms:
Madonna. I admire how fit you are. I admire how business savvy you are. But, please, put on a shrug or wrap. Your arms are too distracting – slightly intimidating, actually.
Angelina Jolie. You are one of the most beautiful women ever. Sure, I wasn’t all that fond of you before you became not-Mrs. Brad Pitt (since you’re not actually married), but you’ve grown and matured into a estimable woman. I’m worried about your health. You’re too thin. You’re a mom to children who need you and wife to a man who clearly adores you. So, please, eat some muffins. Have an extra cookie now and then. Beyond your own kids and husband, the world looks to you as an ideal of beauty, be aware of that. While you may not want to be a role model for young women, you are. And your physique will be used as their blueprint. I’d be happy to make you a yummy goodie basket full of high fat deliciousness? Please. Send me your address, I’ll get it in the mail ASAP!
Mom Post
by Sasha on January 15th, 2012
filed under Random Observations
Things I never thought I’d hear from my kids:
- “My teacher was making a model to explain gravity with a penny and hanger. But she was worried that the penny might fly off and hit one of us. This is the same teacher that set the kid on fire…”
- “Look, over there, that’s the boob mall.”
- “There’s this wicken chick in my class…”
- “I didn’t say I didn’t do it. I’m just saying I don’t remember doing it.”
- “I had a dream I was bitten by a cobra and you didn’t act like it was a big deal.”
- “I don’t know how to go back and get more monkeys, but the chain needs to be longer.”
- “Hey, hey now, that was unnecessary.”
- “Not cool, Mom, not cool.”
Motherhood = the cure to boredom.
Congratulations – It’s a bouncing baby… Kindle
by Sasha on January 13th, 2012
filed under Books, Romance Novels
Sorry, there will be no birth announcements on this page! At least none of the human baby kind. The only things I plan on ‘birthing’ anytime soon are more books. And trust me, people, the book writing process is VERY similar to pregnancy! I know, I know, it sounds stupid. But I’m speaking from experience – 4 (count them) 4 kids = 4 pregnancies.
Anyway, I am welcoming a new addition to my family. A Kindle. I realize I’m a bit behind the times (doesn’t everyone on the planet have an e-reader or tablet?) but I was hesitant to invest.
BUT so many of my writer friends are published digitally. And most traditional publishing houses are adding digital releases too. The fact that the husband gets cranky when I add more books to my bookshelves (they are a bit full!) kind of tipped the scale.
It’s not like I haven’t been purchasing ebooks already. I have a good twenty books on my laptop, but it’s not the easiest device to curl up and read with. And I like to curl up, lay down, hang upside down, contort, etc. when I read. So, an e-reader seems like a good investment.
My bouncing baby… er, Kindle should arrive Monday-ish. I have no idea what to do with it or how to start, but I already have a mile long list of books to download.
Now all I need is advice, as any expeWhat are some things I should know about my Kindle (just the Kindle, no bells and whistles and Fire and 3G – none of that!)?
Soul Surfer – Movie Review
by Sasha on January 12th, 2012
filed under Movies, Random Observations
If you haven’t seen it, you should.
I wasn’t excited about seeing it. I did everything in my power to avoid seeing it. But my kids persuaded me (shocking I know) to ‘sit’ through it. And I loved it.
Did I cry? Yes, yes I did.
It has it moments. I mean, sure it has some heavy handed moments and some over the top teen angst when it comes to the surfing competition but it handles the attack beautifully.
While it’s not over the top gross, it is scary in a very real life kind of way. So be aware of that if you decide to watch it with the kids.
Here’s the trailer!
The Importance of Book Trailers
by Sasha on January 9th, 2012
filed under Books, Children's Books, Movies, Random Observations, Romance Novels, Young Adult Novels
I didn’t know they (they = professional book trailers) existed. I mean, they’re a big deal. There are awards for book trailers? Go figure.
(I’m not talking about fan trailers, which are super cool BECAUSE a FAN loved your work so much they MADE a trailer!!! That is one of the coolest things, ever!)
Apparently I live in a cave. One I must venture out of to embrace and pursue all things concerning digital promotions and social media… Lots and lots and lots of work to do.
Anyway, One of my critique partners was about to release her debut album (Sandy Williams engrossing urban fantasy ’The Shadow Reader’ – you can but it here) and I found her book trailer on YouTube. I was stunned. Being the film lover I am, I was totally jazzed about this innovative way to sell your book.
IF people know they exist, of course
Not all book trailers are created equal. I clicked on to the next one if it didn’t hold my interest and winced when one was poorly acted. Other things that I found distracting – trailers that didn’t tie in or ‘fit’ with the book cover, didn’t really show you what the book was about. Or, even worse, misled you about what the book was about.
It’s given me food for thought. I’d like to make a trailer – but only if it’s really good.
Here is one that I loved. It’s fun, quality of the work that captures the books vibe.
Thoughts are welcome. If you’ve made one, were you pleased? Do you think it helped with sales? Any faves you want to share? Authors, this is a time to post your link! Don’t be shy
Where do they come from?
by Sasha on January 7th, 2012
filed under Books, Random Observations, Romance Novels
As a newly signed author, I still blush profusely when I tell people I’m going to be published. Then, almost 100% of the time, they’ll ask, “Where do your ideas come from?”
For me, all over the place! Dreams, songs, movies, trips, or conversations. A glimpse of something that needs revealing – and I’m there…
I have a passion for tragic love stories. Maybe it comes from growing up as an Air Force kid – travel is an inspiring tool. Maybe it comes from spending a lot of my childhood in the community theaters in which may parents performed. Or maybe it’s because I have a heightened sense of imagination. I like to live in my head. Some of the best conversations i’ve ever had were with characters… Is this a good thing? I’m not going to analyze!
My Greek series started with a song. This song (before being tied in to the Water for Elephants trailer) stirred such vivid images that I HAD to put them on paper. Thank you Florence! And once I did, Medusa’s story was born. In the time it took me to drive home from my critique group (the amazing Shake A Spear ladies that are the reason I stuck to it) in Dallas, I was bursting with the need to write.
Tragic? No doubt. We’re talking Medusa. BUT, beautifully so . Of course, you’ll have to read it to determine that for yourself
So, tell me – fellow writer’s and artists – where do you get your inspiration??
