Wednesday, December 18, 2013

{Character Interviews } Amanda Wikoff's Zenon

 
| suggested music track of the day: "Vows" by Jeff Johnson & Brian Dunning |
 
Well folks, I know I skipped last week's WriterlyWednesday post, which you'll have to forgive me for; but during this time of year I'm sure y'all will be able to empathize with me when I say these three words. MY, TIME FLIES!
Also, the schedule keeps getting crazier and crazier. I think this is just natural for December.
 
Anyhoo! Time for another character interview. Today we have one from Amanda Wikoff.
 
Handing it over to Amanda now, so give her and her charrie a warm welcome!
 
__
 
I’m interviewing Zenon, my MMC from my NaNoNovel. He really has no idea what’s going on as he’s not the detail oriented one. Lyssia listened to the instructions; Zenon not so much. ;)
 
What’s one cool thing about the world you come from?
Well, I’ve not really had anything to compare it to. It’s not special to anyone here anymore but I’m not really sure what it’s like where you’re from so I’ll just say it. Some people have powers; some would call it magic, though that term is frowned upon. Our people fear these powers and our history shows a good reason to; though I’m positive it could be used for good were it not outlawed. It seems as if only Lyssia still has the ability to do magic but we have been told there is another.
 
What does your bedroom look like?
My ceiling is the stars and my walls the air around me. I could have a home with brick walls and a stifling ceiling but I prefer to sleep under the canopy of the sky. It’s much more romantic that way, don’t you think?
 
Describe your personality.
My personality? I guess the best way to say it is that I like to be independent, though it gets me in trouble more often than not.
 
Describe your physical appearance.
Blonde hair, blue eyes. Not too different from the little Avanreili boys I’ve met. Most of the time our hair turns dark when we come of age but mine’s still the same old blonde it’s always been. I’ve got a pointy nose and my hair is unruly in the kindest of terms.
 
Are you an introvert or extrovert?
I’ve never heard those words before but I’ve just been informed of their meanings. I’d suppose that I’m an ext—no! It’s the other one. Definitely the other one, though I can’t remember what the word is. Where do you get those words anyway?
 
Do you approve of how your author treats you?
I suppose it’s alright though I do wish she wouldn’t harm my loved ones so much. I’d rather have all her wrath focused on me. That’d be far less painful than seeing everyone else hurt.
 
Do you have any physical or mental abnormalities/illnesses?  
I’m sure Eliza wouldn’t hesitate to tell you that I do but nothing has been medically proven or anything.
 
What do you think about right before falling asleep at night?
That’s a good question and the honest answer is I don’t remember. You know when you get an idea before falling asleep and when you wake up you can’t remember what it was? It’s quite like that I suppose. Though if I had to guess I would probably say I think about what the next day will hold.
 
You’re bored, and all you have is a blank piece of paper and pencil. What happens?
I’d sketch some inanimate object. It’d be the very first thing I saw and absolutely no thought would go into it. It would come out entirely better than anything I’ve ever put effort into and I would be left wondering how that happens.
 
Most prized possession?
My friends? I’d give anything to keep them safe, so I suppose they’re what I value above all else.
 
Hobbies?
Hunting is the hobby that’s been forced upon me. I don’t ever want to do it but when I get out there it’s actually quite relaxing.
 
One little known fact about yourself?
Let’s see… Something not many people know, correct? Oh! How about the fact that I belong to a race of people who despise me? I’m not actually Avanreili, though that’s where my father is from. My mother is Penthmessain, a race we didn’t know existed till not too long ago, and we just happen to be at war with them. But that’s a long story that we shouldn’t get into.
 
What’s something you really like about yourself?
That’s an odd question. I don’t generally think about my virtues. I guess my favorite thing about myself is that I can be independent, though it’s also one of my largest faults.
 
Do you have any special skills, talents or abilities?
Actually I’m quite inadequate. So inadequate in fact that I’m not sure how I’ve survived on my own this long. It must be the good Lord’s doing ‘cause it certainly isn’t my own.”
 
Would you go skydiving if you could? 
I assume you mean cliff jumping. That’s like diving into the sky. I think I would, if I could work up the courage. Lyssia went once and she said it was terrifying but I think it’d be exhilarating.
 
--
 
Check out Zenon's author's blog, here!
 
And...if you have a character you'd like interviewed, shoot me a note in the comments! Have a blessed Wednesday, y'all!
 

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Cave Secrets of the Pterodactyl Blog Tour & Book Review

(All images provided by Lydia Howe)
 
Hola amigos! Today we have something different! A guest post from Lydia Howe, author of Cave Secrets of the Pterodactyl! And later, I'll be doing a review of her book!
 
First off, here's a little background info to get you acquainted with both book and author.
 
About the Book:
 
Cave Secrets of the Pterodactyl: Traveling with her parents brings Lydia, daughter of explorer and singer Buddy Davis, plenty of adventure and mystery - from hidden clues in bookstores to cave paintings deep underground. 


About the Author: Whether she’s building life-sized models of dinosaurs with her adopted family, trying her hand at cooking at a private retreat, or living in a barn, author Aidyl Ewoh (aka Lydia Howe) seems to have adventures follow her wherever she goes. Check out her book, Cave Secrets of the Pterodactyl and find out more about her at her BlogFacebook, and Twitter

 
 
Now, on with the guest post! *hands post over to Lydia*
_____
 
Answer to the last True or False Question:  False. I actually don't mind bats at all. ;) 
 
Why Creation? 
 
Hey, y’all! I want to tell you all a little about my book, and why I wrote it. You see, I’m extremely interested in Christian apologetics - which is kinda funny for me to say, because although it’s so true, I don’t think most people would guess that about me unless I brought up the subject first. Which I do, whenever I can. ;)
 
One thing I’ve learned about creation is that the ‘little things’ are so important because they lead up to the bigger issues. To some, the whole idea of how we got here doesn't seem like a big deal, I mean, at least we're here, right? And does a person have to believe in a literal six-day creation to be a Christian? No, they don't.
 
 So why does all of this even matter, you might ask? Well, lots of people - including Christians - believe in evolution and millions of years. God could have used evolution, right? Of course! He’s God, after all. But the point is that God told us in the Bible how He created the world, and evolution was not His tool. When we start taking man’s word and putting it above God’s Word, we are ultimately undermining what He says by saying that man knows better. It is so, so important to trust God’s word over man’s, after all, God has always been there and He's perfect. 
 
 And that, my friends, brings me to my book. Another thing I've learned is that many people have no idea how to deal with this stuff. I wanted to write a kids book about creation so they would have a fun and entertaining way to learn answers for the problems that stump many Christians. The answers are out there, peoples! The publisher for my book, Answers in Genesis, is one of my very favorite sites, they do an amazing job of researching the science behind all this.
 
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 1 Peter 3:15 
 
There are so many amazing proofs for a literal-six-day creation, it’s mind boggling! I could share a dozen proofs with you right now, but in an effort to save space, I’ll just send y’all to Answers in Genesis and of course you can get my book, Cave Secrets of the Pterodactyl! ;) So why don't you check it out and let me know what y'all think! :)

 
 
To get the answer to the True or False question and find out more about my
To find out how you can get entered into a cool giveaway just by leaving a comment or sharing this post with others, click here!
 
 
Okay, it's me Leah again. I was sent a copy of this book, and closing up today's post, I'm going to give a review of CSotP!
Note: Since this is a little different than my typical fiction reviews, I'm going to write it a little differently, and use some different catagories. 
Anyway, let's get to it!
 
Plot:
This is a youth fiction piece, but it almost seems like nonfiction. It feels so real! It has two different plots. One, is Buddy Davis and two of his friends/partners and a caving adventure of theirs. This was quite fascinating, and towards the end in particular I was intrigued to find out what happened next!
The other of the two plots was Lydia and her family trying to solve a bookstore mystery. I enjoyed this one because it reminded me a little of my own siblings and I and our mysteries we try to solve sometimes. Only, this one had some amazing findings/results...and ours are usually more on the less than extraordinary side. xP
 
Genre:
This particular read actually reminded me of the reports I used to write for my family members. I like CSotP because it implements scientific fact and Creation into it, making it both informative and fun. 
 
Age Range/Targeted Audience:
With the simple, easy to read sentence structures and style of this book, I'd say it's a read best for kids/older kids and those in their early teens. My targeted age range? 9-13, roughly. I usually will go through heavier reads and prefer a heftier vocab use, but simplicity is still good, especially if the book is aimed at a younger audience., which this one is.
 
Setting:
Part of this book is set in a cave. How much more thrilling/fascinating can that get? The descriptions were bright and vivid, and I could almost feel the cold cave water and damp underground air.
 
Overall:
I enjoyed this book! It's a small volume, so a quick and easy read. It was really cool getting to learn more about the Davis family, and Lydia's life being their adopted daughter. Lydia has a straight-forward, bright writing style.  I would certainly recommend this book. Especially since it's produced by one of my favorite organizations, Answers in Genesis. For all you Creation Science loving people, you should check this out! Got some younger siblings interested in Creation Science/caves/adventure and mystery? This would be perfect for them! It even has a few charming illustrations.
Find the link to purchase it above!
 
Well that's it for today! Make sure you check out Lydia's blog and of course, Cave Secrets of the Pterodactyl!

Sunday, December 1, 2013

More of My Music Available on Amazon!

 
That's right, folks! Two more of my piano compositions have gone up on Amazon for you to purchase if you wish!
 
Which songs exactly?
 
My medieval-novel inspired score, Apriorian Lore! (Click HERE to be redirected to the Amazon page for it.)
 
Annnnnd.....the Hobbit-inspired piece...
 
 
Pursuit of the Dragon! (Click HERE to see it on Amazon)
 
EEEP! I am so incredibly excited. I now have three pieces up on Amazon!
 
So. I'd REALLLY appreciate it if you checked these out and shared them with your friends, family, writing buddies, anybody you think would enjoy it! It would mean the world to me!
 
I know I've not been posting much on this blog lately. But, life has been so crazy busy. I hope you guys understand - I'm sure many of you have some pretty hectic schedules yourself!
 
Hope everyone's having a blessed winter so far! Keep an eye out for a blog tour this Wednesday, from Aidyl Ewoh and Answers in Genesis!