Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Altered Perceptions Victory Dance, HabitRPG: Gamify Your Life, and What's The Matter With Light?


Guess what, guys! The Altered Perceptions Anthology has surpassed its funding goal! I'd like to thank all those who donated to the cause and thank those who commented on the Donate My Money post.

In other news, have you heard of the new app that can turn your life into a video game? It's called HabitRPG. It's basically a way of keeping track of your daily tasks, duties and goals that will reward or penalize you, depending on how you live your life. This takes the concept of "leveling up" and "unlocking achievements" to a whole new level!

Also in the news, a group of researchers have claimed that we will be able to create matter from light in the next year. Could this be the first step in making light sabers possible? I'm curious to see if this happens. We've already split the atom. It's time we made some!

Update: progress on Woven 2 is coming along nicely with 15K words clocked in. Michael and I have also had our first look at the mock up cover for Woven. Wow! I mean, WOW! The design team absolutely nailed it. I can't wait to see the final version and reveal it to you.

Now that school's out, I must modify my blogging routine. Expect new posts on Wednesdays for the next three months. That will give me the time I need to dive deeper into this new WIP, make myself more available to my family, and start a much-needed exercise plan. I'll keep you posted on cool new developments as I get them.

Have an enjoyable week, my friends. And thanks for clicking in!

Who else is doing a happy dance for Robison? Is HabitRPG something you'd try? Can we really make matter from light?

I'm David, and "we must confront the reality of interstellar travel ..."

Monday, May 19, 2014

Stray Cover Reveal and Ebook Giveaway Winners!


This is a late cover reveal, but I wanted to make this special. I had the pleasure of reading Stray when it was in its early stages, and it rocked my fairytale bone. Now it's coming to a bookseller near you on October 7th! This book is going to hit the scene big when it comes out, and it's an honor to share this with you now. Click to enlarge!

Princess Aislynn knows all about the curse. Its magic is a part of her, like her awkward nose and thin fingers. It’s also something she can’t control. And girls who can’t control their abilities have a tendency to disappear. So for her own protection, Aislynn is sworn into the Order of Fairy Godmothers where she must spend the rest of her life chaste and devoted to serving another royal family.

Tasked with tending to the sweet, but sheltered Princess Linnea, Aislynn finds a reluctant friend in the palace gardener, Thackery, who makes no secret of his disdain for her former life. The more time they spend together, though, the more she begins to doubt the rules she has observed so obediently. As Aislynn’s feelings threaten to undo the sacred vows she has taken, she risks not only her own life but Linnea’s as well. With the princess engaged to a devoted follower of The Path, there are some who would do anything to keep Aislynn from straying.

*    *    *

Elissa Sussman is a writer, a reader and a pumpkin pie eater. A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, she currently lives in Los Angeles with her boyfriend and their rescue dog, Basil. STRAY is her first novel.

 *     *     *

I certainly look forward to reading this book again, just to see what Elissa and her editing team has done with revisions. Can't wait!

Now it's time for the ebooks giveaway winners from Friday's post:

and

Congratulations! Contact me to claim your ebook. Happy reading!

That's all for now. I'll be on a hiatus for the week to catch up on some writing deadlines. Until next week, keep sailing that writing ship!

What do you think of Elissa's book? Does it sound like something you'd read? Ever swapped/critiqued manuscripts with someone? 

I'm David, and whatever you do, STRAY from the path ...

Friday, May 16, 2014

Book Reviewapaloosa: Altered, Case File 13: Zombie Kid, Here There Be Dragons, CassaStorm, and Rump!


I'm really behind on reviewing the books I've read since December, so I hope you don't mind if I cheat to catch up. In short, I approve each of these titles for your reading pleasure. I could leave it at that, but I can do better. I'll explain why I liked them with mini-reviews!

Stick with me to the end here ... It'll be worth it!

http://www.amazon.com/Altered-Crewel-World-Gennifer-Albin/dp/0374316422/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391276800&sr=8-1&keywords=crewel+world+alteredALTERED

As a sequel to Crewel, this novel has everything you'd wish for in a second installment: an expended world, higher stakes, and a deeper blend of "sewing magic" and sci fi that keystones this series. I admit my initial interest was to see if Gennifer's system and mine for my upcoming novel Woven clashed. I like Gennifer's take on the concept here, and in this novel, the zombie -ish creatures are a bonus! If you like alternate realities and a unique twist on time, this one's for you!

http://www.amazon.com/There-Dragons-Chronicles-Imaginarium-Geographica/dp/1416912282/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1391276828&sr=8-2&keywords=here+there+be+dragons
HERE, THERE BE DRAGONS

Shortly after meeting author and illustrator James A. Owen, I jumped into this book. I can't say I've ever stepped into a fantasy book with the same wonder and awe as the Narnia series. A super original read where dreams are as tangible as our world. It makes me wonder if my ideas came from this fantastical place, rather than the other way around. Quick paced and easy to read, this fantasy book is a keeper. Now to read the other six books!

http://www.amazon.com/Case-File-13-Zombie-Kid/dp/0062133276/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391276850&sr=8-1&keywords=case+file+13CASE FILE 13: ZOMBIE KID

Here's a fun fact, I had lunch with J. Scott Savage shortly after this book came out. And it's a middle grade hoot! First of all, the word zombie is in the title, so of course I'm going to check it out. But what I liked the most was the character interaction and the creepy parts that made me genuinely worried. I felt like a young boy after finding the Goosebumps series for the first time. It's fast and loaded with boy humor, so I must read more!


Who in the Bloggosphere hasn't heard of Alex J. Cavanaugh and his books? This third (and final?) part ended the series with a bang, and I also thought how funny the plot ended up very similar to my first completed trilogy from ten years ago. Makes me want to blow the dust off that sucker and fix it up. CassaStorm has awesome action, political intrigue, and even a little parenting can be found in this last novel, a satisfying conclusion!

RUMP: THE TRUE STORY OF RUMPELSTILTSKIN

When asked what my favorite Grimm fairytale is, I usually say, "guess!" And if they can't figure it out, I say Rumpelstiltskin! And to have a story fully centered on the little man is more than a fan can ask for. I had to put the book down more times than I could count, because I laughed so hard. This is a wonderful re-imagining of the classic tale, and a refreshing one, since plenty of others have been retold a little too much.


Okay! That was fun. I'll try not to fall behind on my book reviewing again. Now to the meat of this reviewapaloosa: I'm giving away THREE ebooks for any of these books I just mini-reviewed!

Just include the title of whichever book you want when you comment below. I'll announce the three winners with a very special cover reveal on Monday (not mine, but it's gorgeous, so don't miss!).

Looks to be a beautiful weekend, my friends. Now go enjoy it!

Any of these books fit your fancy? Which one's do you want? Don't forget to comment below for a chance to win a free eBook!

I'm David, and yes, I'm serious. Three ebooks are on me.

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

If I Had Seen This Funny Glove and Boots Video When I Was Nine, I Would Have Aced 3rd Grade English!


So I made a cool youtube discovery recently called Glove and Boots. It's been around for a couple of years, but it's been under my radar until now. It's a video blog, informative and funny (they slid down a mountain in a porta potty). Their bit on The Hero's Journey is a hoot as well. But first, check out this grammar refresher to get started.


Hope you enjoyed. Have a literally fantastic Wednesday, everyone!

I'm David, and seriously, go check out they're there their channel.

Monday, May 12, 2014

A to Z Challenge Interview, Cover Reveals, WHIE and Storymakers, and Look! A Near Earth-Sized Exoplanet!


I'd like to start the week by thanking everyone who commented on my Alternate Perceptions post. A cool $60 donation has been made. And Kevin Hiatt owes me lunch. Way to work the system, bud! :)

Turns out my A to Z Challenge theme made some waves last month. Click out the A to Z Challenge site to see my interview with them!

And now, for your viewing pleasure, I present to you these most- excellent cover reveals! Jay Noel's followup to Dragonfly Warrior is coming soon. Tara Tyler's looks to be a monster of a good read.


Margo Kelly also released her new cover for a novel that "covers" a very important topic for internet-using youth. I'm creeped out!

 

Congratulations on your covers, everyone! May plenty of of readers and many sales come your way (... where's the pre-order link?).

*     *     *

WHIE and Storymakers ... What a rush! I had more fun than I'm allowed to have at both of those conferences. Sadly I was only able to make it to the Saturday portion of Storymakers, but at least I got to stop and chat with old friends and meet new faces before sneaking into Chad Morris's and Tyler Whitesides's school visit presentation. WHIE was more of a challenge, teaching three classes. My Mental Health in Fiction had the largest turnout. I'm keeping that one!

And as always, I look forward to both conferences next year.

*     *     *

Have you heard the news about Kepler-186f? Apparently we've just discovered an exoplanet that's very close to Earth size AND orbiting its star's habitable zone. Does it have an atmosphere? Does it have water? Only time will tell. Sign me up for the colonizing mission!

Update: More writing. More reading. Woven 2 is officially at 10K, and, unfortunately for time's sake, all other projects are on hold again. There's more to do when the snow melts, meaning less time on the computer and more time taming the jungle surrounding my house. Among other priorities. But I'm still writing. My bases are covered!

Got to wrap this up. Big week ahead and a killer monster movie to see this weekend. More on that later. Thanks for clicking by!

Like the interview? Who's stoked for Jay, Tara, and Margo's covers? Like writing conferences? Will we ever find an Earth-like planet?

I'm David, and Rick's Facebook movie is ever so cheerful ...

Friday, May 9, 2014

Beyond Two Souls: This Unforgettable, Paranormal, Emotional Drama Is Cinematic Gaming At Its Best!


"Do this for me, Jodie ... Do it for me." - Nathan Dawkins

I said I would review this game after the A to Z Challenge was over. So here's the review. Long overdue. Let me shake the rust off ...

http://www.amazon.com/BEYOND-Two-Souls-Playstation-3/dp/B0050SX7BQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399607738&sr=8-1&keywords=beyond+two+soulsStory driven games are the ones I gravitate to, for good reason. 2013 offered an explosion of innovative story games like the Tomb Raider remake, BioShock Infinite, and The Last of Us. Then this entered the scene and surprised many, myself included. Starring real actors (not just their voices), and the original score produced by Hans Zimmer makes this the most interactive movie experience I've played.

We first learn that our protagonist, Jodie Holmes, is a girl who's been linked with an entity, named Aiden, since birth. He is not a ghost. Not a poltergeist. No one really knows what he is, and fewer know of the dark entities that Aiden is protecting Jodie from. If only it were that simple. Aiden's jealous and overly protective nature makes it impossible for Jodie to make friends. The CIA's paranormal division wants to use her connection so they can create the ultimate special agent to do all the dirty work for them. Jodie is no tool, and leaving the agency gives way to a national manhunt.

Little do they know that Jodie (and Aiden) are the only ones, physical and supernatural, who can save the world from what lies Beyond.

I'll say this now: David Cage is the Christopher Nolan of gaming. Why? He hit the map with Heavy Rain, but Beyond Two Souls cinched the deal for me. The detail in his stories are great, with thought provoking lines. Getting Hans Zimmer to produce the music probably added to a Nolan-like atmosphere (cue Inception BRUM!).

The story unfolds as a broken time- line, meaning the events you see are not in linear order. This is a tough trick to pull a rabbit out of, but they pulled it! Bringing two high-profile actors into the game made it feel like a movie more than a game. Ellen Page? Willem DaFoe? Yes, please!

When done right, a broken timeline has the advantage of going back to the past to explain what you just saw, showing you instead of telling you, so to speak. This has proved effective since, now and then, you also get to play the anomaly Aiden. Yep. You get to scare people silly!


The player is given a wide range of choices, giving us a chance to wear the shoes of a medium and see first hand the psychological impact such experiences can have on anyone. It's an excellent character study on a ... well, fiction character. And she kicks butt. Watch for Jodie's left hook!

What emotions can you expect to experience by playing Jodie? Nothing for the faint of heart: foster abuse, isolation, near rape, homelessness, betrayal, being hunted by choppers, dogs, and armed men cross country. David took the "be mean to your characters" mantra to a new level!

And if you mess with Jodie, look out! When things get too tough, Jodie will call for Aiden, who has no problem pushing objects, possessing people, and strangling them if needed. Hey, Carrie! There's a new girl in town! 

There's literally a little of something for everyone in this game: drama, action, freaky stuff ... you name it! But there are a few things I don't get, like the shower scene - both of them. I still haven't figured out how that advances the plot. ANYWAY!

What I took from the game is the myriad of choices you make, and every single one contributes to how it all ends. ::spoiler:: You even get to choose to live or die at the end. That's heavy. You can even choose not to kiss Metal Gear Solid guy --> But the real jaw dropper is the revelation of what Aiden is, and I was impressed by the pure invention of a paranormal entity that I've never heard of before. There's no way I'm telling what that is. You must experience it for yourself!

As for content, there's adult situations and a heavy bit of language, and your choices do reflect how deep into the netherworld you go, but it's tamer than The Last of Us, which still holds my favorite 2013 Game by a hair, even with its controversy of using Ellen's likeness?

Beyond Two Souls has been called the perfect marriage of gaming and cinema. I couldn't agree more. It won't be long now when we're watching movies and we, the audience, get to make choices for the characters and see what happens. The game looks great, plays great, and the score (my personal favorite of the year) is top-notch. Good show, Mr. Cage! Whatever you're working on next, I'll be waiting.

__Cosmic Crullers__

What paranormal games have you played? Ever had a paranormal experience? Did The Last of Us really rip off Ellen Page's likeness?

I'm David, and this trailer contains brief strong language ...


Wednesday, May 7, 2014

IWSG: Altered Perceptions Anthology Campaign for Robison Wells: Comment and Donate My Money!


Thanks again to Alex J. Cavanaugh for pioneering the Insecure Writer's Support Group. Today's post is less about my insecurities this month and more to do with a topic that's important to me and an awesome person I know who lives with it.

For those of you who have checked out the About section of this blog, you'll know that my day job is a psychological assessment administrator (psychometrist for short). Every work day is a visit with individuals who live with mental illness, and after eight years, I have massive respect for what these clients endure. I celebrate their successes on their roads to recovery. Not every road is smooth, however. Help is needed every now and then.

Robison Wells, author of these awesome books below, is very open about his struggles with mental illness. He has four diagnoses, which unfortunately has contributed to his recent unemployment. His debt isn't helping, a trigger that nearly 30 authors want to alleviate.

http://www.amazon.com/Feedback-Variant-Robison-Wells/dp/0062026100/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1399321990&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=variant+robinson+wellshttp://www.amazon.com/Feedback-Variant-Robison-Wells/dp/0062026100/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1399321990&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=variant+robinson+wells

That's why Brandon Sanderson and Dan Wells (Robison's brother) started the Altered Perceptions Anthology Campaign, a collection of never before seen shorts, deleted chapters, and other awesome surprises from some of today's hottest authors (and my personal favorites). And with the help of a rare and recent bonus from my employment at a mental health facility, I'm going to pledge. But I want to make this interesting--how about a little experiment?


Yep. I will donate $1 for every comment on this post today (up to $100, because any post can go viral and I'm not exactly rich). If you so wish to make your own contribution, you can learn more at the Altered Perceptions page. Or you can run a post like this. Either way, the campaign is halfway there with two weeks to go. Let's make this anthology happen, and let's help free Robison from his debt!

What are you waiting for? Comment! You're donating my money!

Have you ever backed a project before? What impact has mental health made in your life? How come Fry's meme never gets old?

I'm David, and spreading the word earns you a virtual cruller!

Monday, May 5, 2014

May Catchup: Surviving the A to Z Challenge, Book Launches and Cover Reveal, and Star Wars News!


Well. Here we are. The start of a new month and the beginning of a new way of doing things around the Cosmic Laire starship. But first I'd like to thank all of those who participated in the April A to Z Challenge this year. You made it a blast, and I'm proud to stand among you as a survivor. Cue the awesome survivor banner:


Woo! That's going to look lovely on my wall. See you next year!

Okay! Back to business. Some cool books were released that deserve mentioning, one of which is a murder mystery by the most excellent Jessie Humphries (her launch party in Las Vegas was killer, btw). The other novel is a sweet YA Sci fi from Anna Soliveres. Congratulations, ladies! Now sell more copies than you both know what to do with!

http://www.amazon.com/Killing-Ruby-Rose-The-Series/dp/147782006X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399257744&sr=8-1&keywords=killing+ruby+rosehttp://www.amazon.com/Violet-Storm-Modi-Series-Volume/dp/099601490X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399257772&sr=8-1&keywords=violet+storm

Next is the cover reveal (at last!) of Shallee McArthur's debut YA Sci Fi, The Unhappening of Genesis Lee. Let's make it big, shall we?

http://www.amazon.com/The-Unhappening-Genesis-Shallee-McArthur/dp/1629146471/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399257938&sr=8-1&keywords=the+unhappening+of+genesis+lee

That's all kinds of neato, people. Look for it this November 4th!

So how about that Star Wars Episode VII cast announcement? Lots of relatively unknowns joining "forces" with the original trilogy cast, but I'm very curious to see what part Andy Serkis is going to play (he's from the Lord of the Rings Gollum fame). Yoda's cousin? I'm very curious to know what do you think of the cast. Do tell?

Update: Quite a few things happened during April. The Undead Road Betas are in. All positive (off to my agent now). Drafting of Woven 2 is underway, close to 10,000 words now, and with two conferences and a launch party, I'd need a whole post to sum it up adequately. The plan now is to keep writing, read two ARCs, and eat crullers.

Scratch that last one. More like carrot and celery sticks. Yum!

Here's to active and regular posting. Thanks for clicking in!

What were you up to last month? Excited for one (or all) of these books? What do you think of the Star Wars cast announcement?

I'm David, and this is how Frozen should have ended ...