Isis Rushdan

Best & Worst Movie Remakes Blogfest

noreply@blogger.com (Isis Rushdan) — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Oh how I love movie blogfests!!

Thanks to the hosts:

Alex J. Cavanaugh
http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/
Stephen Tremp
http://authorstephentremp.blogspot.com/
Father Dragon Al
http://fatherdragon.blogspot.com/
Livia Peterson
http://leaveittolivia.blogspot.com/

Objective: List the best remake you’ve ever seen and the worst. Added bonus, list the worst and/or best song remake you’ve ever heard.

Worst Remake: This one was a tie.

The Stepford Wives

The original was creepy, chilling and made a sociopolitical statement for the 70’s. I saw it when I was 12 or 13 on VHS. To this day, I vividly remember the horrifying ending.

The remake was a cheesy, hot mess!

Conan the Barbarian

I love the original, despite the fact Arnold Schwarznegger has like 15 lines (maybe that’s a good thing) and flexes throughout the whole film (definitely a good thing). I was so excited when I heard about a remake. Then I saw it.

The movie was dreadful. Actually, it was horrendous.

The special effects sucked.

The story and acting lacked heart.

They completely butchered Valeria’s kick-ass warrior character.

In the original, she saves Conan more than once and even comes back from the dead to help him because of how much she loves him.

In the remake, the character was a simpering, screaming cliché.

Best remake: This was tough! I almost had a tie.

Runner-up

The Thomas Crown Affair

The original with Faye Dunaway and Steve McQueen was edgy and stylish for the time period. Faye Dunaway was gutsy and sexy. Steve McQueen was cool under pressure and the last thing you wanted was for him to get caught, but it lacked the depth of its contemporary counterpart.

The remake was glamorous and sensual and I completely fell in love with Rene Russo and Pierce Bronsnan. I believed their love story. The writer, director, and costume designer did a great job.

Although the ending in the remake was more fulfilling, the original ending was true to the Thomas Crown character and more fitting. If the remake had maintained the original ending, then this would have tied for best remake.

Best: The Great Gatsby

The original movie starred Robert Redford and Mia Farrow. I saw it years ago. It did a satisfactory job of conveying Fitzgerald’s novel, but it was flat and lifeless.

The remake blew me over with all of its glitz, audacious music choices, stellar acting and special effects that actually worked. Never thought this story could be depicted in such a lush manner. DiCaprio was brilliant as Gatsby. Baz Luhrmann pulled off this bold remake successfully, even if it did have a few minor flaws.

I was going to do worst soundtrack remake, but I came across a remake of a song that I loved and wanted to share it.

Jack White’s version of U2’s Love is Blindness is outstanding. Don’t get me wrong, I adore U2, but White’s rendition makes me feel like the title should be changed to Love is Madness. Absolutely stellar.

Have you seen or heard any of my choices? Do you have a favorite?

Review Copy from Theresa Rizzo

noreply@blogger.com (Isis Rushdan) — Tue, 07 May 2013 11:30:00 +0000

A buddy of mine asked me to help spread the word about her new novel.

Free Review Copy of He Belongs to Me by Theresa Rizzo

Hi all,

I'm giving away 50 digital review copies of He Belongs to Me, to the first 50 people to request it, in exchange for honest reviews to be posted on Amazon, Goodreads & Barnes & Noble.

Catherine Boyd will do anything to regain custody of her young son . . . Even reconcile with the husband accused of killing their son’s twin.

For more information and a chance to review He Belongs to Me, click HERE (http://eepurl.com/ynT3D)

Happy Reading,

Theresa

Hope you guys take advantage and help this lovely author out. Reviews are so important. Thank you.

Sweet Satisfaction

noreply@blogger.com (Isis Rushdan) — Wed, 01 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

There’s nothing like the sweet satisfaction of meeting a deadline early. Last night, I turned in the sequel to Kindred of the Fallen, now officially titled Protector of the Flame, to my excited editor. I’m thrilled to work with someone who loves my world and characters. I should get notes back from her in about a week.

Also, my release date has been moved up to Oct 22. For a paranormal author to come out just before Halloween is a good thing and makes promotion a tad easier. So this Insecure Writer's Support Group post is one of celebration.

Since I turned in book two, I actually have extra time to visit some of my fellow writers on the IWSG list that might need some support today.

Thanks to Alex for IWSG.

What are you celebrating today, writing related or not? Any issues bugging you? We could all use support during the highs and lows, so don’t be afraid to share.

Quickie: Hot, Hot Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Isis Rushdan) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:15:00 +0000

May is just around the corner, right along with the release of some of the biggest summer movies. A ton of good flicks are scheduled to come out, too many to name.

Here’s my list of what I’m anticipating the most.

May

Iron Man 3: Who doesn’t love RDJ as Tony Stark?

The Great Gatsby: So psyched about this one. Leo looks like the perfect obsessed Gatsby in the trailer. New one below.

Star Trek Into Darkness: The villain in this trailer reminds me of a young Alan Rickman.

June

Man of Steel: Time for a good remake. Hope this is it.

World War Z: Zombies and Brad Pitt. I’m sold.

July

The Wolverine : Am I the only one who has been waiting for a Wolverine storyline set in Japan?

August

300 Rise ofan Empire: Have no idea if it’ll be as good as the first, but my fingers are crossed.

Elysium: If you’re into Sci-Fi, check it out. Looks promising.

Any summer flicks you're looking forward to? Which ones can't you wait to see? If you could only pick one, which would it be?

New Title, Release Date & Giveaway Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Isis Rushdan) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 11:15:00 +0000

Back in January, I sent out a call for help with the title of the sequel to Kindred of the Fallen. I received quite a few comments and even a new title.

Stacy McKitrick suggested Protecting the Flame. A few comments later Miki recommended Protector of the Flame.

With the blessing of my editor, the new title for Kindred 2 is officially

Protector of the Flame

A big thank you to everyone who helped me, most especially Stacy and Miki!! I will be mentioning both of you on FB and Twitter this week J. Both of you will also be in the dedication of the book. Yes, I keep my promises or at least I try.

The release date for Protector of the Flame is November 5th. Squee!

Okay, on to a winner for Carol Kilgore’s book, Solomon’s Compass.

The lucky number generated: 11

Commenter #11 was Willa Blair.

I’ve already sent Willa an email. Congratulations!

Have you ever asked for help from the writing community and been shocked by the support you received? Have you ever given help just to be kind? Have you ever regretted it?

Guest Post: Carol Kilgore

noreply@blogger.com (Isis Rushdan) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:30:00 +0000

One of the first individuals to host me on their blog was the lovely Carol Kilgore. She is a fellow GIAMer and one of the sweetest ladies I know. I'm so excited to have her here today. Also, I'm giving away an e-copy of her book, Solomon's Compass, to one lucky commenter.

A few days ago I sat down to write my guest blog for Isis. Just as I moved my hands to the keyboard, the doorbell rang. My neighbor needed my help for a few minutes.

When I got back to my computer, what you’re going to read was on my screen.

This was left for me by the two lead characters in Solomon’s Compass – no-nonsense Coast Guard Commander Taylor Campbell and sexy former SEAL Jake Solomon.

Hi Carol … This is Taylor.

And Jake.

We’re going to write the post for you. While you were writing our story, you asked us each a question we wouldn’t answer. We decided now was a good time.

You kept asking me what was the craziest thing I ever did when I was a kid. And all I’d ever admit was visiting Uncle Randy and being my mother’s live-in laborer.

So here’s your answer. In second grade, I crushed on Tommy Ludlow big time. One day at school, I told him I wanted to show him something behind the cafeteria.

You lured him!

Did not. He thought I’d found a frog or something. As soon as we rounded the corner, I kissed him.

Did you give him tongue?

Jake! He ran away crying. And no. I didn’t even know what that kind of tongue meant. Jake’s laughing. But it was traumatic for my seven year old self. I was afraid to kiss anybody for years!

I’ll go find this Ludlow guy and make him come apologize.

That’s not necessary, but thank you.

I’m glad you were over your kiss phobia by the time we met.

Me, too.

My turn. Slide the keyboard this way.

I’m going to read over your shoulder.

Okay, Carol. You kept asking why I walked into Lulu’s when I did. Man, did you pitch a fit! You kept yelling at me to leave, that I couldn’t be there yet. As I recall, I didn’t even turn around and look at you. I just sat there and ordered a beer when Lulu came around.

That’s rude, Jake. You’re the one who needs to apologize.

I had that hat on, and I even let you think I was my dad. But you kept saying I showed up too early, and I’d ruin everything. That I was supposed to come in later and leave right away.

But I wasn’t budging. I thought for sure you’d figure out why, but you never did. Even after you decided to see things my way. You see, if I hadn’t come along when I did, Taylor would have ended up with that other guy … you know the one.

No way!

So I stayed because I knew Taylor was here. And she’s the one I came for.

We’re signing off now. See you in Solomon’s Compass!

And that’s how the note ended. They didn’t even say goodbye, and I have a feeling they had other, more urgent things on their minds. And you know what? I’ll bet Jake didn’t run away crying when Taylor kissed him.

What do you think?

From chilling prologue to final paragraph, Carol Kilgore's SOLOMON'S COMPASS is an edge-of-your-seat mystery offering a pitch-perfect blend of suspense and romance, with enough twists to keep readers compulsively turning the page. Compelling characters, a vivid Texas Gulf Coast landscape, and a town full of intriguing suspects make this novel a standout.

--VR Barkowski, Al Blanchard Award Winner

Blurb:

A missing belt—her uncle’s prized possession. The lure of buried treasure. And a sexy former SEAL who makes U.S. Coast Guard Commander Taylor Campbell crazy. What more could any woman want. Right?

Taylor is in Rock Harbor, Texas, on a quest to unearth her uncle’s treasure—a journey far outside the realm of her real life. There’s one glitch. Taylor's certain the buried treasure was all in Uncle Randy's dementia-riddled mind. Now he’s dead.

Former SEAL Jake Solomon is in Rock Harbor under false pretenses to protect Taylor from the fate that befell her uncle and the other members of a tight circle of Coast Guardsmen called the Compass Points who served together on Point boats in Vietnam.

Jake is definitely not supposed to become involved with Taylor. That was his first mistake. Taylor is attracted to Jake as well, but she refuses to wait for him to locate the killer when she knows her plan will force her uncle’s murderer into action.

But the killer's actions are just what Jake is afraid of.

Bio

Carol Kilgore has always had stories and characters in her head. She wrote short fiction for a few years and enjoyed a small success as a freelancer before giving it all up for her true love – novels.

As a Coast Guard wife, Carol has lived in locations across the U.S. She and her husband now live in a San Antonio suburb and share their home and patio with two active herding dogs whose mission is to keep them free from danger, real or imagined.

You can find Carol and her books here:

blog . website . facebook . twitter . goodreads . amazon

Strive to be Better

noreply@blogger.com (Isis Rushdan) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 12:05:00 +0000

Every day I strive to be better, a better mother, wife, sister, writer, friend.

Every day I also fail, or at least feel like I fail, in one of my designated areas of improvement.

But I don't let it stop me from trying. If I did, that would be the real failure.

Staying motivated, driven to change is not easy. I constantly look for sources of inspiration no matter how trivial or odd.

For this month's IWSG post, I wanted to share my latest source of inspiration. It's a commercial. Immediately after I saw it, I wanted to be healthier. The next morning I did something about it. Just thirty minutes on the elliptical and a little yoga.

Then I returned my mother's phone call, which was overdue by two days. I also edited two chapters.

I'm not saying to expect a miracle from watching this. We all have different motivational triggers. This one happened to work for me.

Whether it pushes your button or not, never stop striving to be better at something.

Thank you Alex for IWSG.

Happy Easter

noreply@blogger.com (Isis Rushdan) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 14:56:00 +0000

For those who celebrate the holiday:

For those who don't:

HAVE A FANTASTIC WEEKEND!!!

Top Ten Movie Blogfest

noreply@blogger.com (Isis Rushdan) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 11:05:00 +0000

First, the winner from the Lunar Love Giveaway is posted.

Now for fun!

A huge thank you to Ninja Capt Alex J. Cavanaugh for hosting this awesome blogfest.

My top ten are not listed in any particular order.

1. LOTR Trilogy: Couldn't pick just one, so I'm cheating a little by putting all three.

2. Last of the Mohicans: Gosh, I never get tired of watching this one. Ever. Don't believe me? Ask my husband.

3. Aliens: The first one, Alien, was a bit too slow for me. This sequel had great pacing, strong acting and tied my stomach into knots from the middle to the end.

4. Dune: If you're a fan, no explanation is necessary.

5. Queen Margot: Sumptuous costumes, haunting music, riveting story.

6. True Romance: The story was fresh, so unexpected and quirky. It's gritty with dark humor. Best of all it makes you root for Clarence and Alabama from start to finish, despite the harsh odds against them.

7. Dark Knight Trilogy: Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale did a brilliant job. I will forever love this version of the saga.

8. Dangerous Liaisons: Glenn Close, John Malkovich and Michelle Pfeiffer. Conniving antics, vicious plots of revenge and smiles as sharp as razors wrapped around gorgeous costumes and striking cinematography.

9. Blade Runner: A cutting-edge sci-fi masterpiece by Ridley Scott.

10. Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon: After seeing this, I walked out of the movie theater blown away. Whenever I watch it again, I'm just as enthralled as the first time by two deep love stories, a perfect soundtrack, rich cinematography and beautiful martial arts choreography.

Here's the list of other blogs participating.

Change Your Past or See Your Future?

noreply@blogger.com (Isis Rushdan) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:00:00 +0000

What would you do or where would you go if you could traverse a wormhole through space or time just once? One safe round trip passage.

Would you change your past or see your future?

Tough question. I could avert making some colossal mistakes, warn a younger me to avoid dating that one guy who turned out to be psycho, or do a number of other things, but all of the mishaps and tears have made me who I am today. I don’t think I should mess with that.

I’d love to jump through a wormhole and glimpse my future. Sneak a peek at my family. See if there are any issues I can prevent or simply enjoy the happy sight of us. Hopefully there’ll be one more added to our brood. Maybe even snag a copy of my best-selling novel so that it’s easier to write.

As tempting as that scenario is, I think I’d prefer to see my grandmother again before the strokes and cancer slowly took her away. I’d hug her—really hug her—tell her how much I appreciate everything she’s done for me and that no matter how far apart we might be she’s always in my heart. I’d share the publication of my first book, hold her hand as I show her pictures of my son, and thank her for all the love and guidance she’s given me over the years.

I like to think she’s an angel now, watching over me. So there’s no need for a wormhole, but it sure would be amazing to see and hug her one more time.

Thanks to Stephen Tremp, Laura Eno and L.G. Smith for this blog hop! Click here for entire list of participants.

Would you go back in time or forward into the future?

Lunar Love Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Isis Rushdan) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 23:15:00 +0000

This hop features books with paranormal, supernatural, science fiction or space travel element or books that have something to do with the moon or have a moon on their cover.

Host: I Am A Reader and Bookworm Lisa

Prize: Three book package OR gift card OR Toys for Tots Lteracy program donation.

E-book YA paranormal

Now playing in theaters

E-book YA paranormal

E-ARC of my paranormal romance

OR

$15 Gift card to Amazon, BN, The Book Depository OR $15 donation to the Toys for Tots Literacy Program

Winner decides. If you choose the $15 donation, I'll send you confirmation it was made and 100% goes to support community literacy programs.

How to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winner will be announced: late 14 Mar or 15 Mar

Return to hop list: HERE

From Scattered to Serene

noreply@blogger.com (Isis Rushdan) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 12:00:00 +0000

As a mom of an active infant, who'd rather play than sleep, my life is ~~always~~ oftentimes a bit crazy.

Factor in that my husband is deployed, virtually making me a single parent, and "a bit crazy" becomes:

Every day things are so scattered, especially my thoughts, that writing is like mission impossible.

Deep down I know I'll get into the zone again, but the real question is WHEN.

My editor has given me a deadline for revisions of Kindred book two along with the hefty task of slashing 10,000 words. Yes, I write long. The deadline for book three is approaching. And I'm terrified I won't get it all done.

Terror of course only amplifies the chaotic energy swirling inside my head.

Fortunately, my husband came home for a long visit (mid-tour down time) and brilliantly suggested a family vacation.

He is my best friend, my confidante, my hero, the sun to balance my moon. Thanks to him, I've gone from scattered to serene, and hopefully several steps closer to getting back into the zone.

Thank you Alex for IWSG.

What terrifies or uplifts you this month?

Winners of CassaStar & CassaFire

noreply@blogger.com (Isis Rushdan) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:30:00 +0000

Winners were chosen at random.

Congratulations, Elizabeth S. and Terri R!

In case my attempt to contact you fails, here's my email: isis@isisrushdan.com.

Wishing Alex many happy sales of CassaStar, CassaFire and CassaStorm!

Reveal & Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Isis Rushdan) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 11:00:00 +0000

What does awesome Ninja Capt + sci-fi author =?

An Amazon best-selling author!

I am happy to help The Ninja Capt, Alex J. Cavanaugh, reveal the cover of the third book in his Cassa series.

CassaStorm by Alex J. Cavanaugh

A storm gathers across the galaxy…

Byron thought he’d put the days of battle behind him. Commanding the Cassan base on Tgren, his only struggles are occasional rogue pirate raids and endless government bureaucracies. As a galaxy-wide war encroaches upon the desert planet, Byron’s ideal life is threatened and he’s caught between the Tgrens and the Cassans.

After enemy ships attack the desert planet, Byron discovers another battle within his own family. The declaration of war between all ten races triggers nightmares in his son, shaking Bassan to the core and threatening to destroy the boy’s mind.

Meanwhile the ancient alien ship is transmitting a code that might signal the end of all life in the galaxy. And the mysterious probe that almost destroyed Tgren twenty years ago could be on its way back. As his world begins to crumble, Byron suspects a connection. The storm is about to break, and Byron is caught in the middle…

Release date: September 17, 2013

Science Fiction - Space Opera/Adventure

Print ISBN 9781939844002

E-book ISBN 9781939844019

To celebrate, I'm giving away an e-copy of Book 1 & 2.

All you have to do is leave a comment letting me know if you'd like to win book 1, 2 or both.

Join the Fight

noreply@blogger.com (Isis Rushdan) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 12:15:00 +0000

Have you heard about the Neumarian uprising?

Thanks to the clever spy, Ciara Knight, I've got all the details and a special interview. Take it away Ciara Knight and Ryder Arteres!

I glance up and down the boardwalk and spot the queen’s massive ship resting on the landing field at the edge of town. “Thanks for taking such a great risk to meet me out here. I know you’re really busy with the uprising, but some people want to know more before joining your cause. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?

Ryder swipes his dark hair from his brow and steps in closer. “Sure. Shoot.”

I’m taken aback by how much his physique and strong voice commands attention for such a young man. I can see what caught Princess Semara’s attention. “How old were you during the Great War of 2185, and what happened to your parents?”

“The war ended ten years ago. In the final days of battle my parents were executed. At only eight years old, I was made to watch.” His morose brown eyes met mine for a second, before he snapped his attention to a few rowdy men outside the saloon.

“You’ve been enslaved since the Neumarian Enslavement Act was passed at the end of the war. This declares that anyone harboring a terrorist (Neumarian) may be imprisoned without trial. Why should others risk their lives if they are not a Neumarian?”

“There be vicious tales the queen has told to keep her dictator of the territories. Humans are scared of us because they believe us to be life-sucking creatures, but it’s not true. Each Neumarian possesses a different gift, an ability that can help heal, create energy, and so many other possibilities. There’ll be a time when a human needs our gifts to help one of their loved ones, but we’ll all be extinct by that time. Besides, it’s plain wrong to enslave people. We be collared like dogs and forced to live under her tyranny. Humans should stand up and fight or when she’s done killin’ all us, it’ll be their turn.”

“You make some great points. What impassioned you so much to rally all of us to fight? Is it for your sister?”

Ryder’s fists tighten at his side. “Keep Raeth out of it.”

I’d heard he was overprotective of his sister, but I can’t help myself. “What happened to your sister that she stutters?”

“Queen did that to her. She’s vial and would stop at nothing to remain in power.”

Okay, moving on. He’s tight lipped when it comes to Raeth. “What do you hope the uprising today will accomplish and how can we help?”

“According to you, the way to get the word of our story out is to share with lots of people via Amazon, Facebook, and Twitter channels. Getting ‘likes’ and sales will help Escapement appear on lists. If I understand it right, that be the way to rally more fighters for freedom.”

A scout ship shoots out across the vast wasteland.

“Gotta go. Something’s up. Thanks for all your help. Be safe, we can’t afford to lose another spy.”

I step back at his warning. I think it’s time for me to get out of here. My place is back home helping spread the word. Remember, if you need to reach Ryder or the rebellion text #Tumultus.

Be Brave.

Be Bold.

Be Free!

If you are now ready to join our fight, please add Escapement to your TBR shelf on Goodreads here. Shout out on all your social media sites, and tell everyone you know to stand up and fight.

Our spies have told us this will help spread the word and find more recruits for our rebellion against the tyrannical queen. You can help by simply downloading a free copy of Weighted, a prequel to the Neumarian Chronicles.

If you are intrigued and wish to follow our uprising, Escapement, book I of The Neumarian Chronicles, will be available for only $2.99 until March 1, 2013.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you’d like to see a peak into our world, please view this short clip on You Tube.

Wow, Ciara and Ryder! I'm ready for the rebellion.

Kindle Fire Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Isis Rushdan) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Hello, My Pretties!

February Kindle Fire Bloggers Giveaway

ENTER on Rafflecopter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway Sponsored by these Book Blogs

Random Acts of Kindness

noreply@blogger.com (Isis Rushdan) — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 03:13:00 +0000

Host: I Am A Reader and Read For Your Future

Prize: An e-ARC of my paranormal romance

AND

$5 Gift card to Amazon, BN OR $10 donation to the Toys for Tots Literacy Program

Winner decides. If you choose the $10 donation, I'll send you confirmation it was made and 100% goes to support community literacy programs.

How to enter:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winner will be announced: 25 Feb

Return to hop list: HERE

Guest Spot & Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Isis Rushdan) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:14:00 +0000

I'm doing a guest spot over at a good friend's today, author and blogger, Vanessa Kelly. If you have time, swing by to say hi, share if you have any special plans today, and have a chance to win a giveaway.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Wishing you all love, laughter and kisses.

Need Emotional Drano

noreply@blogger.com (Isis Rushdan) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 14:56:00 +0000

*This post should have been up two hours ago, but alas I only saved it in drafts and forgot to schedule it.*

Have you ever been so happy that the rest of the world slipped away and nothing seemed more important than the focus of your joy?

If you said no, I pray you experience such bliss someday.

Since the arrival of my son, he has been my primary focus. His smile, his laughter, seeing him crawl (well, it’s more of an Army low crawl on his belly), watching him learn and discover the world, is truly the most amazing thing.

He only naps for 2-3 hours during the day. Three is if I’m lucky. So for eleven hours between dawn and dusk he is my greatest distraction, my ultimate pleasure. Writing has been nearly impossible.

Promoting Kindred of the Fallen and doing some guest blogs hasn’t been easy, but it required different muscles in the brain, so to speak. The creative mojo I use to immerse me in the world of my characters and leave this one behind is blocked.

Perhaps subconsciously my true difficulty is leaving my son behind, even in my imagination.

It would appear that I’m in need of a little emotional Drano to clear out my creative pipes so I can finish Kindred book 3. But to be honest, I know these moments I have with my son are precious and fleeting. All too soon he’ll prefer to hang out with friends than with me or he’ll be off at school where I can’t kiss him and hug him as much as I’d like.

He’s a dynamic little boy with a jovial personality. I’m fortunate I get to witness so much of his development that other parents are forced to miss by working outside of the home.

Of course I worry the longer I allow the clog to remain the bigger it will become and harder to remove, but being blocked by happiness can't be too bad.

What are your fears? Any current struggles? If your world is perfect, sharing can be inspirational.

Thanks to Alex for another installment of IWSG.

Great, Good or Downright Cheesy?

noreply@blogger.com (Isis Rushdan) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Most authors are not lucky enough to have their publisher make a book trailer for them like my blogger buddy, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

A trailer can be an awesome advertising tool if done right and given exposure. However, I had no idea how to get started and no moolah to pay for one.

Then I won the lottery. At least that's what it felt like when my "fantabulous" friend and author, Brinda Berry, offered to do a trailer for me. Why? Well, I already told you, she's fantabulous.

Go to Brinda's blog and check out the book trailer for my paranormal romance, Kindred of the Fallen. Let me know if you think it's great (fingers crossed it'll make you want to buy the book if PNR is your cup of tea), good (piqued your interest enough to learn more before buying it) or downright cheesy (after laughing until your belly ached or cringing, you can't even remember the title).

Do you think book trailers can have an impact on sales? Has a book trailer ever enticed you to buy a book?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hot Crush, Awful Confession & More

noreply@blogger.com (Isis Rushdan) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 12:30:00 +0000

Blogging consistently has always been an effort for me, but I’ve decided to faithfully post one day a week for the rest of 2013.

Please refrain from making any jokes about the best laid plans. One day a week is possible. Really it is. Right?

Monday Mashup

Hot Crush:

I first noticed Tom Hardy in Layer Cake. Granted I paid more attention to Daniel Craig in that 2004 movie. In the TV version of Wuthering Heights, TH reminded me why Heathcliff is my absolute favorite antihero.

"You mustn't be afraid to dream a little bigger darling."

He continued to show his acting chops in Inception, but also showed far more (to my delight) in Warrior.

I had no idea he was the villain, Bane, in Dark Knight Rises, until the scene where there is a close-up of his eyes and he sheds a tear. He never ceases to blow me away with his ~~hot body~~ ability to reinvent himself.

Upcoming Movies:

Just when I thought we didn’t need another Superman movie, I’m excited this version might be one my son will enjoy when he’s old enough to watch it.

I have a confession and it’s awful. I didn’t like The Great Gatsby when I read it years ago. Are you done cringing or gasping in horror? Yes, it’s an American Classic. Shame on me.

I rather enjoyed the original movie version. But I think I’ll LUV this new one by Baz Luhrmann. BL’s directorial style is one you either love or hate, there’s usually no in between, and DiCaprio’s intensity in this trailer left me swooning.

In case you missed it, I picked two winners instead of one from my last giveaway.

Congratulations, Maleficent M. and Sarah H!

Do you have any hot crushes? What movie are you looking forward to? Read an American Classic you didn’t fully appreciate?

Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop

noreply@blogger.com (Isis Rushdan) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 23:49:00 +0000

Host: I AM A READER and Martha's Bookshelf

Prize: Excerpt from my paranormal romance Kindred of the Fallen, signed bookmark, and $10 Gift Card from Amazon, B&N or the Book Depository

How to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winner will be announced: Friday January 25th

Return to hop list: HERE

You Decide & More

noreply@blogger.com (Isis Rushdan) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 14:51:00 +0000

Today I need a little help. My editor emailed me saying I have to change the title of Kindred Book 2 because there is already another book coming out with the same title. Oye!

Coming up with a "reel 'em in" title is not my strength. The second book picks up exactly where the first book ends. I can't give anything away because I don't want to spoil the first one for readers. Let's just say things are about to get very ugly for Serenity and Cyrus.

Originally, book 2 was titled Keeper of the Flame. It's a reference to the Egyptian Goddess Sekhmet. The goddess protected the good and annihilated the wicked.

Flame is also used by Kindred in reference to one's life. Based on the way things unfold for Serenity and Cyrus, it was an apt title.

So, I've decided to let you all help me decide. Below are some contender replacement titles.

Vote for one in the comments section or even suggest a new one. If I pick a new one recommended by a commenter, that person will receive a shout-out on Facebook, Twitter, my blog of course, and a huge thank you in the acknowledgement section of the book.

A. Curse of the Blessed

B. Lady of Flame

C. Guardian of the Flame

D. Leave a suggestion in the comments.

I sent out my first newsletter this morning. I offerred 3 e-ARCs to the first three people who requested one. Within less than an hour, I had about ten mails asking for one.

The lucky winners are:

Celina K., Holly, & Isabelle F.

So what should be the title of Kindred Book 2?

You Decide!

Guest Spot, Interview & Exclusive Excerpt

noreply@blogger.com (Isis Rushdan) — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 12:41:00 +0000

Today is another busy day as I continue to celebrate the release of my paranormal romance, Kindred of the Fallen.

My fab buddy, Brinda Berry, is hosting me over at her blog. I'm playing a little game of Finish the Sentence. I decided to drag along my hero and heroine, Serenity and Cyrus. Stop by for a little fun.

I also have an interview on Keeping Up With The Rheinlander's.

As I wrote Kindred of the Fallen, the first draft was for me. I revised with readers in mind, whittling away the fat and tightening up scenes. In doing so, I cut the prologue. It explains how Cyrus found his kabashem or the mate that is literally the other half of his soul and why he handles the situation with a strategic approach.

No one has seen it, not even my editor. I considered sharing it with you all today, but decided to save it as an exclusive for my newsletter mailing list, which will go out within the week.

Yeah, I'm a bit of a tease :). Sorry.