Tag: paranormal

Categories
Fiction Author Virtual Book Tours

Redemption by @JessicaTherrien #Giveaway & Interview by #thetoiboxofwords #myth

Greetings readers, bloggers, geeks, and authors and welcome to The ToiBox of Words. I’m your host Toi Thomas, author of Eternal Curse, and today I have a treat to share. A while back, I had the pleasure to interview a wonderful author named, Jessica Therrien. A good time was truly had by all, and here’s how it went down… Oh, and there’s a giveaway at the end. 😀

Toi Thomas: Hi there Jessica! It’s so awesome to have you here at the ToiBox Blog. I’m excited to learn more about you and your work.

Jessica: Hello Toi. It’s nice to be here and I can’t wait to share.

Toi Thomas: So tell me, who is Jessica Therrien?

Jessica: Hi! I’m the author of the YA paranormal series, CHILDREN OF THE GODS. I’m a mommy to a super cute 2-year-old and chubby wubby baby boy. My days are spent taking care of my munchkins and writing, most likely in my pajamas.

Toi Thomas: Well, I can say that I’m already impressed. I can’t imagine being able to find the time to write with two little ones, whether in my pjs or not. I have a feeling this is going to be fun.

Toi Thomas: Well before we dive into your special message today, let’s get to know you, the person inside the author.

Toi Thomas: Who is so you and why?

Jessica: Many people ask me if the girl on my book covers is me. No, she’s not, although we do look alike. She’s meant to resemble my main character, Elyse, who is actually based on me. So there’s a reason the cover girl and I are doppelgangers.

Elyse IS me in the fictional book world.

Toi Thomas: I think as writers, all of our characters are us, to some degree, but it’s kinda cool that you actually look like the character you created.

Goodreads

Toi Thomas: What makes you geek out?

Jessica: Right now, I’m REALLY into superheroes…mostly because my two-year-old makes me put on Hulk gloves and chase him around the house. In the book world, I’m going nuts over SOME FINE DAY. Love that book!

Toi Thomas: I’m a total comic book geek, but I’ve been pumping up my novel muscles- reading lots of fantasy and paranormal. I may have to check out Some Fine day.

Toi Thomas: What was your favorite book or story, pre-teen years?

Jessica: Harry Potter…but that’s everyone’s answer, right?

Toi Thomas: I actually have gotten all kinds of answers to this question, with LOTR being the number one, so far. Harry Potter is, of course, second.

Toi Thomas: In terms of interviews, whose brain are you just itching to scratch?

Jessica: Jesus. I’m sure he could answer a lot of my questions. Plus he’s Jesus, so…

Toi Thomas: That’s a tough answer to beat. I’ve gotten it before and it’s always a good one. For those who are believers and those who aren’t, a sit down with him would be enlightening, no matter the outcome.

Toi Thomas: Now that we know a little more about you, the person, let’s learn about you, the author, and dive into your special message.

Book 3 now available

Toi Thomas: So whacha got for me today?

Jessica: Children of the Gods. Elyse knows what it means to keep a secret. She’s been keeping secrets her whole life. Two, actually. First, she ages five times slower than average people, so that while she looks eighteen years old, she’s well over eighty. Second, her blood has a mysterious power to heal. For Elyse, these things don’t make her special. They make life dangerous. Only one other person in the world knows about her age and ability.

Or so she thinks.

Toi Thomas: I already like the sound of this. Not sure what it is about modern generation and our ties to tales of blood, whether good, bad, redemptive, or otherwise, but there’s something mystically appealing about a character with an anomaly in their blood.

Toi Thomas: So who’s starring in this 2 dimensional script read of Children of the Gods?

Jessica: Elyse is stronger than she realizes. Like most people, when the ones she loves are threatened, she’ll do pretty much anything to save them. She has little confidence in herself, but necessity is the mother of invention. Elyse’s people NEED her to be the leader they’ve been hoping for. With her friends and family by her side, she finds it in herself to take charge and make real change.

Toi Thomas: I’m sure with the release of the third book in this series, Elyse must surely be a force to reckon with. The title, however, makes you wonder if it’s her redemption or that of her people, to which this installment will explore. The whole series sounds fascinating.

Toi Thomas: What’s so special about this story that’s going to reel in the readers?

Jessica: Most Greek Mythology related books are retellings or their characters are actual gods in today’s world. My story is based on the premise that the Greek gods were never actually gods at all, they were a supernatural race that had unique abilities and lived long lives. They were only mistaken for gods in ancient Greece. This supernatural race, called Descendants, have been living in secret amongst us, forced into hiding by an oppressive council. Elyse, the last healer among her kind, changes all of that.

Toi Thomas: I agree, this take on mythology confused me at first, which is of course why I wanted to interview you and why I’m currently reading the series. It is typical to see retellings of the same characters or have new stories about demigods, half-human children of the gods, but I like this spin. It’s refreshing and exciting… though it kinda makes me think of that movie Hancock. Did I mention I’m also a movie geek?

Toi Thomas: Past, present, future, is there a rhyme or reason to your writing?

Jessica: I WANT to write in order, but usually my brain doesn’t let me. I get stuck and have to move to a new scene somewhere else in the book. Usually I’m typing in the midst of toddler chaos with a baby climbing up my leg. I just finished my series, so I’m kind of enjoying the feeling of being done, but I am working on a more adult book at the moment.

Toi Thomas: Yes, every writer has to find time to write when and how they can. There are so many methods to try out, but in the end, you just have to write. I like the idea of you working on something more adult. I think it’s good to evolve as a writer and try new things.

Goodreads

Toi Thomas: What author(s) has most influenced your writing? Why or how?

Jessica: Usually I am influenced by whatever book I am currently reading. While I was writing my series I was highly influenced by Moira Young, author of the Dust Lands trilogy.

Toi Thomas: I’m finding that I’m more influence by what I’m currently reading than all that I’ve read in the past. Don’t get me wrong, it all plays a part, but as a writer, it’s important to be reading and vital to learn from what we read.

Toi Thomas: Now this is where the questions get a little kooky; are you ready?

Jessica: Heck Yeah!

Toi Thomas: If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Jessica: Harry Potter or Lord or the Rings…any in the series. So hard to choose!

Toi Thomas: Yes, there are some series that just stick with you. I’m a Star Wars girl myself, but these superhero movies are pulling at my heartstrings. This is a tough question.

Toi Thomas: When the soundtrack of your life is playing in your head, what songs express your glee and what songs bring out your rage?

Jessica: I’m going to say Up Town Funk because hearing my 2-year-old sing it makes me cry with laughter.

I don’t generally get too rage-y. Maybe death metal, lol.

Toi Thomas: I’m so thrilled that you actually answered this question. So many authors are afraid of this question. There is no right or wrong answer. Love it.

Toi Thomas: Let’s play zombie urban survivor. What 3 things do you need to survive a black-out in Central Park the day zombies attack?

Jessica: My husband. Done. That’s all I need. *bahaha*…he just told me to say that.

Toi Thomas: Good answer; wish I could say the same. My husband has argued that a house boat is what we need to survive the zombie apocalypse, but he still doesn’t know how to clean a fish. Oh well.

Toi Thomas: What’s the most fun experience you’ve ever had, to date?

Jessica: My wedding. Best. Night. Ever.

Toi Thomas: Awww! How sweet. I bet you two are a really cute couple.

Toi Thomas: Last question of the day; here we go.

Toi Thomas: Not that you can see into the future, but in your opinion, what does the future hold?

Jessica: Well if the YA crowd had their way, it would be a dystopian vampire pit with a lot of badass 16-year-olds. In reality…hopefully I’ll be adding 2 more kids to the mix and my family of 6 will be taking lots of fun vacations.

Toi Thomas: Whoa, a family of six. Well, that’s definitely adventurous. I wish you all the best with your writing and your lovely family.

Toi Thomas: Thank you so much Jessica for spending time with me today.

Jessica: You are so welcome and thanks for having me.

Okay readers, bloggers, geeks, and authors, that’s all for today. Be sure to follow this blog to see who will be visiting next time. For more from Jessica Therrien, check out these great links:

Website: Jessica Therrien

GoodReads: Twitter: Jessica Therrien

Facebook: Jessica Therrien Author

Twitter: @JessicaTherrien

BUT WAIT… THERE’S MORE!

Redemption (Children of the Gods #3)

Lead Council member, Christoph, is dead by Elyse’s hand, and Descendants have begun to emerge, exposing their secret to the world. Some see this as the prophecy come to fruition, but the prophecy caries a heavy consequence. It was never meant to be as peaceful as most had hoped.
Humans and Descendants struggle to live together in a world that isn’t ready for such a change. America is divided. Those who glorify the supernatural race believe Descendants truly are the gods they claim relation to. Others see them as a threat.

When Elyse gives birth to the next generation oracle, she sees one final vision—war. The destruction of the country’s major cities, and the end of America as we know it.

After her daughter is born, Elyse finds herself without the ability she needs to predict the future. Desperate to save the world from such conflict, she puts her faith in the hope that Descendants are the key to survival. After all, they have the power to supply a broken society with the means to survive.

Only from the ashes can a new world be born.

Elyse’s Story…

OPPRESSION (Book #1) – ON SALE $0.99

UPRISING (Book #2) – ON SALE $0.99

REDEMPTION (Book #3) – AVAILABLE NOW $2.99

Enter the $20 Amazon gift card giveaway here.

This has been a
interviewpic-toibox

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Categories
Movies

The Others #Review – Mock Squid Soup No.14 #cinephiles #film #paranormal

Wikipedia

If anyone is interested in my experience of watching The Others, click here to see my notes.

This review will consist of me asking myself 10 questions and answering them to the best of my ability.

1. What is this film about?

It seems pretty straight forward at first. A lonely and fatigued housewife, era WWII, takes in new servants to help her take care of her sick children, who are allergic to sunlight. Doors must be closed and locked and all curtains must remain closed. Then all of a sudden, sunlight starts finding its way in.

2. What did I think of the title, poster, and or trailer?

I’m not really into ghost stories on the surface. I find that I like them about 50% of the time. When I first heard of this movie, it gave one impression to which I was glad contradicted the actual plot of the movie. I thought the title and poster were pleasantly misleading, but accurate.

3. What did I think of the main character(s) and how the actors performed them?

The servants are the best part of the movie hands down, but Kidman is typically first class in this role. I honestly don’t know how other actresses get cast in period films with her around.

4. What did I think of the direction and cinematography?

I didn’t give much thought to direction and cinematography while watching this, but anytime you direct children and it comes off genuine, you know someone did something right.

5. What did I think of the soundtrack and score?

Most of the music in this film is quite beautiful, but of course, there are a few haunting tracks that enhance certain scenes.

6. What did I like about the story as a whole?

I like that the movie seemed to be a guide on “how to discover the afterlife” that isn’t cut and dry, heaven or hell.

7. What did I not like about the story?

I didn’t like the way parts of the movie seemed to be anti-Christian. I’m used to seeing movies that are anti-organized religion, in general, but this was different. With that being said, I’d hardly call this propaganda. It’s just something that got to me.

8. Would I recommend this movie to others?

Sure, why not.

9. If yes, who? What would I rate this movie?

I don’t consider this movie to be the typical ghost story. It has an amazing setting and cast with a complex and somewhat original back story. Movie lovers, in general, should appreciate this film.

On a scale of 1 to 5 movie reels, I give this film 4 reels.

MLikeIt

 

10. Was there anything in this movie that could be related to me or anything I have written?

Despite what people often assume they know about my beliefs compared to the fiction I write, I often write about spirits and ghosts. My “In the Window” short story is a ghost story without any religious ties while my Eternal Curse Series contains many paranormal elements that don’t fit the genre perfectly but are examples easily associated with the genre.

Watch, rent, or buy this movie here.

Looking for something bookish to do, try the #BooktagsBlogHop.

Mock Squid Soup – Film Society

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MOCK! and The Armchair Squid are proud to introduce Mock Squid Soup: A Film Society. Each month, on the second Friday, we shall host a bloghop devoted to movie reviews. We invite others to participate and post their reviews…Don’t be shy; come join the fun! 😀

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Categories
EC: Giovanni's Angel Excerpts Fun Hops

Youthful Frights vs Adult Fears #WEPFF Challenge No. 2 featuring Dolls & Eternal Curse Series #amwriting #amreading #movie

Well, I’d like to start off by saying, Happy Birthday to Me! That’s right. I’m the big 3 5 today and not ashamed one bit. Reaching 35 years of age unscathed, non-committed, non-incarcerated, and non-impoverished is something to be happy and proud about. I am blessed to have lived another year, simply put.

Now let’s talk about childhood fears…

When I was a kid (and let’s be honest, even now sometimes) I collected stuffed animals and toys. I wasn’t much into dolls, but where my sister had Barbie I had G.I. Joe. I did, however, love teddy bears. One year for my sister’s birthday, my parents decided she could have a sleepover and pick out three movies to watch, and one could be something none G or PG as long as they approved it first. I still to this day don’t know how she got this movie passed them, but I think it had something to do with the title.

Now at that time, I was nine years old (turning 10 in four months) and my sister was turning 12. She picked this movie thinking it would be corny and not really scary. Ha. I was the only one out of her bunch of friends to actually finish watching it, which I still regret to this day. I wasn’t even supposed to be at the party, not that I wasn’t invited, but I wasn’t interested in all the girly stuff that happened before the movie watching began. In a rare instance of kindness, back then (she’s lovely now), my sister gathered me from my room to watch the movies because she knew how much I enjoyed films; even at that age I knew more trivia than all the adults around me.

So, what all this boils down to is that after watching the movie, I realized that I needed to find a place to sleep. My room was out of the question. Every toy and doll in that freakish scary movie was in my bedroom along with dozens more. I’m pretty sure I remember waking up in the bathroom tub to the sound of my mom yelling, “What did you do to your sister?”

I’ve watched this movie since and it’s not nearly as scary, but still very creepy … Who makes these movies!

ECGAfront-png

I find dreams to be nerve-wracking sometimes. When it’s a good dream you don’t want to wake up from it and when it’s a bad dream that’s all you want to do. I don’t throw around the word hate a lot, but I hate it when I’m having a bad dream and I can’t wake up from it, even though I know it’s not real. I can’t stand that sense of helplessness, of not being able to do anything about my situation. It’s like being mugged or trapped. That’s my adult fear and I used that idea to write the following passage. Not sure if I quite captured the sense of desperation I wanted.

Looking for general feedback here. Even though this piece has been published, the beauty of self-publishing is that I can update my work anytime I choose. 😉

~

     He looked down toward the ground and saw an attractive young woman carrying a large pail into a barn. Her skin was freckled and pale, and she had rosy cheeks. Her hair was long and straight, and it was black like the night. She seemed so familiar to him, but he didn’t know her. Giovanni watched as the young woman filled feeding troughs with water to be cleaned. As she reached for a scrubbing brush, Giovanni could see that someone or something was following her. He sensed that trouble was on the way. He tried to call out to her, but she could not hear him. His voice made no sound. Giovanni left the tree and swooped down to the ground to achieve a closer look.

     There he saw a creeping perpetrator bouncing from beam to beam in the rafters of the barn. Drool slipped from the monster’s mouth while it hovered over the unknowing young woman. Giovanni tried to fly up to see this fiendish stalker, but he couldn’t lift his feet off the ground, and his wings would not flap. Giovanni knew something bad would happen, he could feel it in his heart, but it seemed he could do nothing to stop it. He did not understand. Why was this happening? How could he appear to be so powerful, be so angelic, and not be able to help someone in need?

     Giovanni refused to give up his pursuit. He pushed his body forward and moved from door to door, and window to window, trying to get in to warn and protect the young woman. Looking through a window, Giovanni finally saw the villain’s full horror. He established a clear vision of the attacker as it leaped down from the ceiling toward the woman. It was the most hideous monster he’d ever seen, much worse than his own reflection.

     A twisted and mangled troll with charcoal for skin on a hairless body stalked about. It had empty holes carved out of its skull where eyes once were. There were two large dull spikes protruding from its hunched back, where it looked as though wings had been violently ripped from its body. Its hands were made of jagged bones held together with rotting ligaments, and its feet crackled as it moved along the floor.

     In the troll’s hands were two long golden rods that whipped back and forth almost like lassos. Each rod was attached to the end of a large iron spike that punched through the shoulders of a young man’s dying body. The rods held up the young man’s body as though he were a puppet being pulled by strings. To the young woman, however, the troll simply appeared as a shadowy figure lingering around the painfully disturbed and ailing young man moving toward her.

     The troll maneuvered the young man’s body around the girl for attack, delivering blow after blow.  The monster had taken over this young man’s body; it was using him as a weapon to attack this poor girl for what seemed to be the sheer enjoyment of it. It laughed a loud cackle as it threw the girl down to the ground, tearing her raggedy dress. Giovanni could see the girl’s anguish and could hear her screams. Throbbing empathetic pain consumed him in every place the girl was struck, but Giovanni could do nothing to stop it.

     Giovanni began to cry out, weeping and sobbing. He tried to look away and he tried to get away, but he couldn’t. That’s when it began to happen. He became consumed with anger and hatred. Giovanni’s body grew hot and began to sizzle. Smoke and steam began to rise up from his body as his wondrous glow began to fade and he became shrouded in darkness. Everything around him began to catch fire as he began morphing into anger. The smell of burning wood and flesh assaulted his tortured senses and Giovanni knew he was changing.

Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel 4th Ed. Copyright © 2015 Toinette Thomas

Since it’s my birthday and it’s the season of spooky, the EC: Giovanni’s Angel ebook will be on sale for 99₵ the next few days. Check it out if interested and be sure to visit other stops on this challenge hop.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords