Jen's (Round) Corner of the Blogosphere

My First Read-a-Long!

2013-04-29T03:37:00.001-05:00

Got a Goodreads event invitation for a "read-a-long" (basically an online book club of sorts) and figured, "Hey, why not?" Easy enough pacing with seven chapters a week, one book a month. I've not read or heard of the series, but sounds like it could be a fun read. Care to join me?

NEW HORROR COMIC SERIES: EVIL JESTER PRESENTS

2013-04-27T15:02:00.000-05:00

Established publisher of award-winning novels launches a new comic series with tales from horror legends and rising stars.

"Evil Jester Presents" is a gorgeously rendered graphic novel featuring stories from some of the biggest names and most exciting talent working in horror today.

Stories by:
Joe McKinney, Gregory Norris, Mark Scioneaux, Gary Braunback, Benjamin Kane Ethridge, Holly Newstein Hautala, Vince Liaguno, Jack Ketchum, Charles Day, David Hayes, Taylor Grant, Aric Sundquist, Suzanne Robb, Jeremy C. Shipp, Jonathan Mayberry, Jason V Brock, Tim Waggoner, Jeff Strand, Ramsey Campbell, Mort Castle, Michael C Lea, Marianne Halbert, Robert Shane Wilson, Edward M Erdelac, Gene O'Neill, William F. Nolan, and Jim Chambers.

Art by:
Richard P. Clark
Gary McClusky
Greg Chapman
Kurt Belcher
Jason Whitley

CLICK HERE for the Indiegogo Fundraiser Page (This campaign will receive all of the funds contributed by Mon 13 May 11:59PM PT.)

WHY [THEY] NEED YOUR HELP
Producing a graphic novel is both expensive and labor intensive--particularly a book with multiple stories and different creative teams.
While this is a passion project, we think it's important to pay everyone fairly for their hard work. That includes the original authors, the writers adapting the stories into scripts, the pencillers, inkers, colorists, letterers, and of course, our printing and marketing costs.

Here is a list of FREE things that will get added to your pledge the higher we go! We need your help to PROMOTE THIS INDIEGOGO CAMPAIGN!
So in return, we wanna GIVE AWAY FREE STUFF to everyone who's pledged!! So share with anyone and everyone! Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Blogs, Websites... EVERYWHERE!! The more you share the quicker you will get to UNLOCKING more stuff.

Here's what's up for grabs so far:
$5,000 - LOCKED - Free postcard-sized collectibles from some of the characters in the stories, including the evil Jester himself
$10,000 - LOCKED- TBA
$15,000 -LOCKED - TBA
$20,000- LOCKED- TBA
25,000- LOCKED- HUGE SURPRISE!!!
'Free Stuff' is only available to pledges of $10 and more.

MAKE SURE TO VISIT [THE] WEBSITE:
Evil Jester Comics and sign up on our email list for a chance to win exclusive prizes from Evil Jester Press and be the first to get updates on our upcoming comic projects.

URGENT: A friend in need

2013-04-25T19:45:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine is facing a situation where he needs emergency oral surgery and does not have insurance to cover the costs. He is a caring individual who always does for others what he can & I'm hoping we can all pull together and help him now. Please donate what you can and/or share to find others who may be in a position to help. Thank you!! ♥

I correctly answered 12 of 13 questions on the @pewresearch @SmithsonianMag Science and Tech Quiz. Test yourself:

2013-04-24T11:54:00.001-05:00

I correctly answered 12 of 13 questions on the @pewresearch @SmithsonianMag Science and Tech Quiz. Test yourself:: Quiz yourself on current events to see how well you keep up with the news. Compare your results to those who took our national survey.

Book Review: The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker (3 of 5 stars)

2013-03-25T14:38:00.000-05:00

The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The basic premise of this book was fascinating: the Earth's rotation slows, thereby leading to longer and longer days. Detailed descriptions of the changes that happen physically and emotionally... The ending was a bit of a disappointment to me personally -- just felt that for such an interesting concept, the ending was a bit weak...

View all my reviews

Book Review: Starfish by Peter Watts (5-stars)

2013-03-19T17:06:00.000-05:00

Starfish by Peter Watts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don't give out 5-star ratings lightly. This one definitely earned it. Peter Watts has created a stunning piece blending genetics, marine biology, psychology, and so much more into vivid characters who if you encountered them elsewhere, there would be no endearment to them -- but here, you start to care about them and root for them, even though certain of them seem to be irredeemable.. I highly recommend this cerebral sci-fi tale to anyone who likes dark sci-fi stories.

View all my reviews

MS Walk 2013

2013-01-28T14:25:00.001-06:00

This will be our third year participating in the Murfreesboro MS Walk. This year hold extra meaning due to the fact that we'll be walking in honor and memory of my mother, Vickie Opel, who lost her battle to MS 11/23/12.

My mom was diagnosed with MS in 1978, two years before I was born. So, I spent my whole life watching her in various stages of the disease: in and out of the hospital, various stages of mobility from walking on her own to needing a cane for assistance to time in a wheelchair or motorized scooter. I also saw the toll that it took on my father, her self-appointed caregiver in looking out for her, all the doctor appointments and medicinal treatments, and just the worry and concern for her health.

I am blessed to have had her in my life and I really want to do my best to raise money for the MS Society to help all those who have been diagnosed, their families, and to hopefully, ultimately, be able to be a part of finding a cure for MS.

I would be honored if you would consider donating to our team and/or sharing our link for others to see/donate (click either image to go to our team page). Thanks so much!

Review: Thy Fearful Symmetry by Richard Wright

2013-01-05T21:36:00.000-06:00

Thy Fearful Symmetry by Richard Wright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Not many apocalyptic stories are going to be lighthearted stories -- and this is no exception, but there are very humorous bits as well as some parts that have you really rooting for several of the characters involved. This was a very masterfully written book with several subplots that definitely kept you guessing as to who were the good guys, who were the bad guys, and what exactly was going to be the end result (which I will admit, I did not see coming!)

I will definitely be seeking out more of Mr. Wright's works as I have thoroughly enjoyed everything I've read of his thus far!

View all my reviews

Available on Amazon in Paperback and Kindle versions

2013-01-01T09:00:00.000-06:00

Very happy to have completed my goal for the year! Will start making posts about the books I read in 2012 soon! YAY BOOKS =)

2012 Reading Challenge

Jen has completed her goal of reading 40 books in 2012!

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42 of 40 (105%)

view books

2013

2013-01-01T01:20:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!

"Look happy, it's the end of the world"

2012-12-21T04:11:00.002-06:00

.... or not! Glad to have made it through another predicted "end of the world" event. Glad that you're all still with me, too, dear readers! Wishing you a very happy holiday season! It's been a bit of a rough one for me so far, but hoping that that will turn around soon! Take care, be good to one another, and hope to talk again soon!

Butterfly Potion by Trent Zelazny (sample)

2012-11-18T17:58:00.000-06:00

One of the amazing works that my publishing company, Nightscape Press, has put out this year is a dark, emotional novella titled Butterfly Potion by the amazingly talented Trent Zelazny. This novella is getting rave reviews. It's up to 13 5-star reviews and 2 4-star reviews. I'd love it if you check it out. And if you do, and you're so inclined, it would be fantastic if you'd leave a review for it. I'm including a sample here to give you a taste of what's in store! Butterfly Potion by Trent Zelazny

Thanks for being here with me! Hope you'll look into the book and have a great day!

Review: Letting the Demons out by Ray Wallace

2012-11-13T23:05:00.003-06:00

Letting The Demons Out by Ray Wallace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had the pleasure of reading this collection from Ray Wallace. I'd never read any of his work before, but I will definitely be reading more after this. Not a bad story in the bunch, but some weren't 100% my cup of tea. Doesn't make them bad stories, just not as entertaining of a read for me personally. My favorites were:

"Who's Laughing Now" (a demented little nod to Evil Dead 2, which I love!);
"The Thing Within" (a Lovecraftian piece that draws you along);
"Keepsake" (one of the stories in the author's The Nameless world);
and "A Dream of an Endless Highway" (great title, fascinating sci-fi story that pontificates on one possible [and scary] direction that green cars could go).

Like I mentioned, every one of the stories was well-written and interesting. I'd definitely recommend this for any fan of horror. Each story had something different so this should appeal to a wide variety of people who like the genre. A few stories are for sure not for the faint of heart, pretty high on the gore factor. So, if you can't handle gore, be forewarned! But in my opinion, it was still well done and not just gore for gore's sake.

And I enjoyed that each story started off with an author's note. Thought it was fun to have a back story or bit of where the author was coming from on each of them.

(I was given a paperback copy by the author to review)

View all my reviews

Book Review: Too Late to Call Texas by Trent Zelazny

2012-10-15T22:34:00.000-05:00

Too Late to Call Texas by Trent Zelazny
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Trent Zelazny never ceases to amaze me with the style and finesse with which he presents his stories. Too Late to Call Texas is no exception. It's quite a bit different from his other works, but still done in such a way that keeps you turning the pages.

Carson Halliday is a troubled soul and his plight doesn't really ever look up from there. "If only he hadn't found the hat. Or the dead guy. Or the steamer trunk. Or the rag doll. If only he hadn't found any of these things, everything might have been okay." -- Indeed, but even through all the misery and gut-wrenching events, you walk away from this one with a feeling of hope. A little worn from the experience but knowing that the possibility for better things still exists.

The only slight drawback for me, that has happened in a couple other of his books, is his propensity to have thoughts/dialogue in Spanish. While it totally fits and is completely in character when it happens, I can't help but worry that I've missed something not knowing the language or having the means to translate it. I definitely don't think it takes away from the overall, but especially with the setting on this one, there were several sections where I wish I could follow the dialogue completely.

Even with that said, I recommend this book and I'm so very glad I had the chance to read it. Pick it up and then grab up any other book of his that you've not read -- you will not regret it!

View all my reviews

Road trip to Las Vegas! Viva Las Vegas!

2012-09-18T01:49:00.001-05:00

In less than a day and a half, Bob and I will be leaving on an epic road trip with the destination of KillerCon 4 at the Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower in Las Vegas!!

Countdownr

KillerCon 4 itself will start Thursday evening.

Countdownr

Our trip will begin Wednesday morning as it is a 26 to 29 hour drive, depending on which site for directions is more accurate. Obviously, that doesn't account for stops, but I would imagine we'll probably be in the 28 to 29 range with stops. We will be driving straight through, alternating who is driving, drinking lots of coffee, and listening to both audiobooks and music to keep us moving.

The past months of planning, figuring, and preparing for the trip has been insane! Lots of snags here and there, but things are finally shaping up nicely. I'm about 90% packed. Bob hasn't started. LOL. But it'll all work out! Oh so very excited!! Yes, this is a business trip, as we will have a Nightscape Press table (that we will be sharing with the fine folks of Blood Bound Books ), we'll be taking pitches, and we'll be helping to man the Horror For Good table, but there is so much fun in store by way of the panels/readings, parties, getting to see "old" friends, and getting to meet a wealth of amazing people!

So, time to wrap up this post so I can get my work for the night finished up and rest up for the epic road trip ahead! If you are a fan of horror and are in driving distance of Las Vegas, you should consider coming out for the convention! If you do, come see us at the Nightscape Press table!

8/20/12 update

2012-08-20T04:52:00.001-05:00

So, the kiddos have been back in school for a full week (plus) now. It is hard to believe that I now have a sixth grader (which is middle school here -- when I was in school, we had seventh and eighth as middle) and a sophomore in high school... the times, they do fly... So far, so good for the school year.. the only downside is that I have yet to get my schedule adjusted (hence posting at 4:50 a.m.) and my nephew will be starting his first week of college at Purdue University this week. I'm very, very happy that he'll be going to Purdue. such a great place and I hope that it is a wonderful experience for him.. (and that he does a better job of going to classes than I did during my time there, but that's a long, long story!)

In other news, I have now finished my second editing project for Nightscape Press . It is for a novella that will be coming out next month -- very excited!

Been in a bit of a lull, when it comes to transcription work. The next "quarter" has started for one of the companies that I work for and I had anticipated that it would keep me pretty busy (based on two factors: one being that last quarter was busier than I've experienced in the past for them and that I got what I consider a "promotion" in that I was asked to take on additional work, which is groovy)... but unfortunately, I haven't been as busy as I would expect... and my boss at my main transcription company has been sick since early July... so, that combined with the fact that summer is normally slower than the rest of the year, things have been pretty sparse... which leads to stress... but hoping things will all work out and pick back up soon!

KillerCon 4 is in exactly one month. CRAZINESS!! Myself and the other two members of Nightscape will be sharing a table with the amazing folks at Blood Bound Books. So much to say about KillerCon that I think I will try to make a separate post in the next couple days! But needless to say, I'm super excited and can't wait! Haven't been to Vegas since before I could legally gamble... LOL!

Hope all of you, dear, fine readers are well and I will attempt to blog again soon!! *hugs*

Back to School Shoe Shopping -- Easy at Famous Footwear!

2012-08-11T06:21:00.001-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Famous Footwear for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

So, back to school time is upon us again. For parents, or at least for me, that always fills me with a mixture of anticipation and dread. I'm excited the kiddos will be back to school, making getting everybody on a good schedule MUCH easier, but the two downsides are it's so nice having them home over the summer (and I'll miss them!!) and the oh-so-fun: back to school shopping!!! (yes, shopping is a bit of fun, but shopping with all the other parents scrambling to get what their kiddos need makes it *stressful*)

Not only are buying supplies for the classroom needed, but the kids also need new clothes (as they grow like weeds and barely anything from last year fits and also, they have to have new things and not wear exactly what they wore last year, I mean, "Come on, mom." <g>) and new shoes (because again, the whole growing like a weed thing PLUS at least as far as my kids are concerned, they're hard on shoes and wear through them like crazy!)

So, all of that makes for a stressful time due to getting it all done plus the money it costs! Well, Famous Footwear is making it a little easier when it comes to the shoe department (no pun intended!). They have a coupon right now offering 15% off (Reward Members get 20% off -- will talk about Reward Program in a minute!) PLUS BOGO (Buy One, Get One Half Off [on most shoes]). Personally, with as much as I've shelled out for supplies and still needing to get shoes for this kids, this couldn't have come at a better time! This will certainly help my family (and who doesn't like saving money?)

BOGO + 15% off Famous Footwear Coupon

You should print out the coupon and take it to your local Famous Footwear to get great savings as well! This coupon is good from August 2nd to August 18. So, print it today and go shopping!! =) And don't forget, they also have a Rewards Program that is FREE to join, which could earns you 1 point for every $1 you spend (in store or online!), you accumulate points to earn certificates (up to $100 a year), you get a discount just for signing up (awesome, right?), and other special discounts and perks!

So, from such a great store with tons of variety whose employees understand your busy life you get not only member discounts and perks from their Reward Program but also a great back to school coupon! And don't forget if you don't see something in the store (or it isn't in your size) you can order it from www.famousfootwear.com and have it delivered to you or you can shop online and have it shipped to the store for FREE!!

I know where I'm getting my kiddos back-to-school shoes and hope this deal will help you, too!

Making up for lost time..

2012-07-19T14:42:00.000-05:00

Hello, my dear readers! I'm sorry that it has been so long since I last wrote to you. To say that a lot has happened since that last post would be a bit of an understatement! As far as Nightscape Press is concerned, we now have three titles that we have released. The first one, A Requiem for Dead Flies by Peter N. Dudar, came out on June 26th. The second, Butterfly Potion by Trent Zelazny , came out July 3rd, and the most recent, World's Collider edited by Richard Salter , was released on July 10th. I'll make a post for each book hopefully in the next couple days because they are fantastic books and I'd really like to share some information about them with you! We are hard at work now getting our next several titles ready for release, which will start in September (more on those later).

In other news, both Jacob and I celebrated birthdays since we last talked. He is now 11 and I am now 32. For some reason, 32 was a little more daunting to face than 31 was. Now that it's here, it isn't as mind blowing, but there's still a lot swimming around in my head having to do with age, life, and the like...

We had a nice visit with my parents recently. Always good for the kids to have some time with the grandparents. We're now adjusting back to "life at home" after the visit, which can be "fun"! But it's also good to get back to the familiar and back into somewhat of a routine.

There's quite a bit more that I can recount and that will be coming up soon, but I think, for now, I'll wrap this post up and try to pop back in more regularly to update so it's not overwhelming (for you -- or me!!) Hope you're still hanging in there with me, my friends, and I'll try to be back again soon!

MS Walk 2012

2012-04-06T00:27:00.001-05:00

My family and I will be participating in our third MS Walk this year. For those unaware, it is a walk to help raise money for the MS Society who does amazing things for research for multiple sclerosis.

My mother has MS. And while there have been times where hers has been in remission, knowing her with MS is what I know of her growing up. It is a hard disease to watch someone live with. And there have been many times over the years that, while it isn't been 100% proven as genetic, I have been worried that I'll be diagnosed as well. Thankfully, that hasn't been the case, but it's a hard worry to live with (but so very minor compared to living with the disease!)

That's why I think it is very important to continue to raise money to help the MS Society in all their efforts. If you have any extra money right now, even $5, I would be very honored if you would consider donating it on my behalf to the MS Society. Just follow this link and it will take you directly to our fundraising page. The MS Walk for our area is on April 28th. So, we don't have a lot of time left, but I'm hoping someone will be able to help us in our efforts to raise money. Thanks for taking the time to read this!

Share Our Strength: No Kid Hungry

2012-03-11T00:48:00.000-06:00

This is an issue I feel very strongly about. No child should have to be hungry. No child should have to suffer because of situations that are beyond their control. For those who can, we should all do something to address this issue.

About No Kid Hungry:
No Kid Hungry™, an unprecedented, five-year effort designed to end childhood hunger in America. Our nation has the food and programs in place to end childhood hunger, but consider what we are up against: The stigmas and embarrassment that surround hunger, the challenges presented by access to healthy food, and the struggle to connect children with the resources they need to thrive. For 25 years, Share Our Strength has been confronting hunger head-on to break down these barriers. Together, with your support, we can put an end to childhood hunger. Will you join us in the No Kid Hungry campaign?

Final cover for Horror For Good: A Charitable Anthology

2012-03-06T12:46:00.001-06:00

For those of you who have been following along, my husband has been co-editing this amazing anthology, Horror For Good: A Charitable Anthology, with all proceeds from sales going to amFAr, an AIDS research charity. The book is nearing its final stages, pre-release. The cover has just been released as the next stage in the process! It is a stunning picture that was created by William Cook, a very talented artist and author. (Be sure to check out his page here)

Without further ado, here is the final product!

Stay tuned for the Table of Contents, release date, and purchase information! Would love it if you would be a part of supporting this and raising money for a very worthy charity!

How does $120 sound?

2012-03-05T20:29:00.001-06:00

Here's your chance to win $120 from Contest Chest!

But sure to copy and paste this URL into the spot on the Rafflecopter entry form: http://jensroundcorner.blogspot.com/2012/03/how-does-120-sound.html

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fan of Horror Literature?

2012-03-03T01:03:00.000-06:00

Hey all, I know I already posted a bit about my new business, Nightscape Press, but would really love it if we could get the word out to everyone who might be interested. Whether you're a reader, an author, both =) , just really want to get the word out. I have been an avid reader from a very early age.. and round about 3rd or 4th grade, I started reading horror books (at the time, it was Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark or some such thing) among many other genres... but there's just something about horror that appeals to me...

In this new business, we will be publishing horror novels, novellas, and from time to time, anthologies. We won't be churning out any old book that comes our way, we are going to strive to work only with the best stories and the best authors to bring forth a quality product that we, the authors, and the readers can be happy with...

If this is something you're interested, I would love it if you would follow us in this journey. We have a website, Nightscape Press, which has all sorts of information as to our submission guidelines, our first title (and as we accept more stories, there will be information about those as well), and our information (check back soon as we hope to have merchandise up!), our Facebook page, Nightscape Press on Facebook , and our Twitter page, Nightscape press on Twitter.

If you're not a horror fan, but you know someone who is, I would love it if you would share our information =) Thanks so much!!

Introducing: Nightscape Press

2012-02-27T10:52:00.010-06:00

I'm pleased to announce the launch of Nightscape Press! We are a horror press that publishes novels, novellas, and occasionally anthologies with a strong focus on variety and quality over quantity. This is a partnership between myself, my husband (Author and Editor, Robert S. Wilson), and a great friend, author, and editor, Mark C. Scioneaux!

It is my further pleasure to announce our first title, World's Collider, a shared world apocalyptic anthology, which is edited by Richard Salter. Further information about World's Collier can be found here.

We will be opening for submissions on April 2nd, 2012. Please check in if you have something you would like us to consider. Any questions can be sent to info@nightscapepress.com.

Be sure to keep an eye on the website, our Facebook page, and our Twitter , as we will be posting updates as they develop!

Great News!

2012-02-16T22:55:00.000-06:00

Going to keep this one short (haha.. hopefully!), but wanted to pass along some great personal news. If you've been reading my blog long, you'll know that I have started making efforts to living a healthier lifestyle through better nutrition and exercise. This is in part to my participation in the Get Fit Murfreesboro challenge (as I documented the start of it here and here ) and partially just because it's what I need to do.

Anyway, when I first "weighed in" for the competition, my blood pressure was high... and not just a little bit. I saw it when my measurements were sent over to me, but I had misremembered what was "normal" and the full effect of just how high it was didn't sink it. I looked over those measurements again on Tuesday night and looked up high blood pressure info online. My systolic ranked in the Stage 2 Hyperension range (the worst one) and my diastolic was in Stage 1. Pretty bad news. Well, I went yesterday to check my blood pressure and I'm happy to report that from my efforts, my blood pressure is now in a normal range! I'm very happy about this as I was not looking forward to a trip to the doctor about high blood pressure. It's inspiring to know that hard work does pay off!

And in other good news, I received an email from the owner of two of the different transcription companies that I work for today, both of them praising me for my quality and hard work. Always nice to hear positive feedback on the work you're doing! Hope all is well with you, dear readers, and thanks for being there!