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Here is some more cool conceptual art. If there is still someone out there who didn’t know I like Batman, well, now you know. He’s my favorite comic book hero. The only other hero I’m liking as much as him right now is, Giovanni, from my Eternal Curse Series, but that of course is a little biased.
Batman is my favorite comic book hero whether he’s the caped crusader, part of the dynamic duo, the world’s greatest detective, or the dark knight. He’s my favorite for three basic reasons.
1. He’s super smart and observant.
2. He’s not afraid to admit it when he doesn’t know something; that’s why he spends so much time researching and training, so he can know as much as possible. If anything, he’s a role model for doing your homework and not wasting a good mind. (We’ll just overlook his policy on following the rules.)
3. He has no super powers, but is the first to be called when the super heroes need help.
Don’t get me wrong, I know billions of dollars have helped Batman’s cause, but that’s one more reason why I like him as a person (real or fake good qualities count). Bruce Wayne, or whatever Batman is popular at the time, is who he is because of tragedy. Batman could easily have chosen to become a villain, but he chose to be good (or at least fright crime). Speaking specifically of Bruce Wayne, despite his playboy persona, he’s a hero because, even with all his money, he knows he could never be happy knowing that there is evil unchecked in this world as he sat around and did nothing.
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
Greetings readers, blogger, geeks, and authors. A while back, I had the pleasure to interview a wonderful author named, Lillian Brummet. A good time was truly had by all, and here’s how it went down.
Toi Thomas: Hi there Lillian! It’s so awesome to have you here at the ToiBox Blog. I’m excited to learn more about you and your work.
Lillian Brummet: I am so glad to be here – and can hardly wait to have this discussion with you. 🙂
Toi Thomas: So tell me, who is Lillian Brummet?
Lillian Brummet: I feel comfortable describing myself as a tenacious mid-40’s woman who doggedly goes after goals, even when there are distractions or life interruptions ranging from family to learning new skills in order to carry on to the next step. I have a passion for animals and have always adopted from rescue shelters or taken on abandoned animals as pets. I love bio-dynamic gardening, and can’t get enough of the world of writing. It is important to feel like I am making a difference so even when I am out enjoying nature I can be found picking up litter or pulling out invasive weeds.
Toi Thomas: Well Lillian, you seem to be a very passionate and compassionate person. I can’t wait to see what you have to share.
Toi Thomas: So whacha got for me today?
Lillian Brummet: Well, I am the author and co-author of 5 books to date with a 6th book coming out February 2014, and another book (the 7th) coming out this upcoming fall season. My first books are a 2-book series titled Trash Talk – It’s Easy To Be Green and they deal with all the r’s of Zero Waste (rethink, reconsider, rent, repair, reduce, reuse, repurpose, recycle, rot, resources). I have a book of about 130 poems titled Towards Understanding that tells my story of overcoming a rough childhood, moving in with myself and finding a passion and purpose in my life. The other 2 books (Jump Start For Writers and Purple Snowflake Marketing – How to Make Your Book Stand Out In A Crowd) are for people interested in learning about the world of writing. The most recent book is Rhythm and Rhyme, which will be coming out in February, is another collection of poetry.
Toi Thomas: A writer with a cause who also writes poetry, I’m very impressed.
Toi Thomas: So where’s the motivation behind Rhythm and Rhyme?
Lillian Brummet: This book is a collaboration of both my more recent poetry work and also my husband and co-writer Dave’s work. He’s a musician and has written many songs for various bands he’s been in over the years and he has grown to look at this writing in a new way because song lyrics are very similar to poetry, and visa-versa. So it is really exciting to see his work reaching the public in a new way. I’m very proud of the poetry in this book that I’ve written too – it is more mature, more confident, and just as emotional as the first book I put out. The poems deal with relationships, nature, and challenges readers to think about having a purpose in life and making a difference. Some of the more emotional pieces deal with ailing parents, suicide and other more intense experiences.
Toi Thomas: This sounds like a very emotional and personal piece. This is the kind of book that seems to help people in unexpected ways.
Toi Thomas: Past, present, future, is there a rhyme or reason to your writing?
Lillian Brummet: I love this question! My office tends to be a fairly tidy but not overly immaculate place; clutter distracts and overwhelms me, so a clear area opens my mind and I can focus on the tasks at hand. I tend to write in silence, but sometimes have ambient music or nature sounds or soft classical music playing in the background; any music with a beat or lyrics will only distract me because I love music so much I can just disappear into it and time warps without anything getting accomplished. I tend to be organized – I use excel files to keep track of contacts and projects, media events etc. and perform follow ups every few months to make sure that no opportunity slips by. I’m a list-maker, so every day I write down the tasks that take priority over other things and focus on getting those done first. Any opportunities are recorded in a separate file so I can follow up on them when time allows.
Toi Thomas: I’m so giddy right now. It’s no secret that I’m a little geeky and love comic books, but I also totally geek out over organization. I love to ask this question just to see what amazing tips I can get.
Toi Thomas: What author(s) has most influenced your writing? Why or how?
Lillian Brummet: This is an interesting question. I used to be a professional book reviewer, reviewing up to 600 books annually – I did this for 7 years and enjoyed the challenge of evaluating the publisher, printer and author of each book. I did a lot of research and learned a lot of interesting things. I’m also a voracious reader, so while I no longer do book reviews I still read constantly. Being a member of the media I get a lot of books that way too. Point being – I learn from every book I pick up, each author will have a unique expression style, they each have an interesting color palette they work with and I enjoy learning from them, being inspired by them. Even when I spot things I don’t like or don’t appreciate or mistakes that were made – I still learn from them. I’ve often felt compelled to return to book reviewing, but the schedule won’t allow it just yet – perhaps in a year or two.
Toi Thomas: That sounds really cool. I love to read, but with all the life throws at you, I can’t imagine reading 600 books in one year. I do, however, agree with you in that I learn something from every book I read.
Toi Thomas: Whose brain are you just itching to scratch?
Lillian Brummet: Does it have to be just one? (she laughs) I am a very curious person and have done a lot of interviews in my time both as a radio host and blogger, but also in the past when I worked as a staff writer. If we are talking ultimate fantasy it would have to be one of the following global heroes: Albert Schweitzer, Rachel Carson, Wangari Maathai, and David Suzuki.
Toi Thomas: I know; this question isn’t very fair, but oh well. It seems like you worked it out pretty well. Four heads to scratch isn’t too bad.
Toi Thomas: What’s your ideal reading spot for your next highly anticipated read?
Lillian Brummet: I could spend my life lounging on my deck, in my yard or in nature by a rambling waterway (creek/river) or mountain lake – with a stack of books. Reading is a favorite activity and I am open to most topics and genres because I enjoy expanding my mind and trying new concepts out. I really want to get my hands on more books by Trevanian and also the second and third books of the Verdant series by Troy Denning; those will likely be the next books that I purchase.
Toi Thomas: I’ve not read any Trevanian, but this Verdant series looks interesting.
Toi Thomas: What was your favorite book or story, pre-teen years?
Lillian Brummet: The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings series J
Toi Thomas: Yeah, those are pretty good ones.
Toi Thomas: Now this is where the questions get a little kooky; are you ready?
Lillian Brummet: Definitely. Absolutely.
Toi Thomas: Alright then, here we go.
Toi Thomas: If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Lillian Brummet: Rat Race, Old Dogs, The Saint, Lord of the Rings, The African Queen… Chronicles of Riddick… hmm – How can I pick just one? (she laughs)
Toi Thomas: I know, another hard question. I like messing with people. 😉
Toi Thomas: What makes you geek out?
Lillian Brummet: I absolutely disappear in the garden – I love getting creative, delving through garden catalogs, magazines, books… it is a huge passion of mine but one that I don’t have a lot of time for.
Toi Thomas: I think I would really enjoying gardening, but I don’t have the space, time, or money for it. I do, however, have a gardening Pinboard on Pinterest. One day I’ll have my dream garden.
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?
Lillian Brummet: For energetic music to clean house by or to dance to: heavy metal bands or hair bands from the 70’s-80’s. For emotional connection: some of the best of songs by Eurhythmics. For creative music: Sting, Billy Joel…
Toi Thomas: I love it. I totally get down with the whole mood music thing. There’s a song for every occasion, mood, and task.
Toi Thomas: What’s the most fun experience you’ve ever had, to date?
Lillian Brummet: We invested in a 23’ RV trailer – I have really enjoyed taking this out. It is like a hotel on wheels, you can cook all your meals, a private bathroom, and best thing is you can camp almost anywhere if you need to. I like the ability of just pulling in and setting up camp – as opposed to unloading the back of the car, setting up the tent and the tarp and a privacy screen and, and, and. I really do love camping, but leisure camping trips – I’m not a fan of rushing around or keeping busy at that time.
Toi Thomas: How fun. I have dreams of going RVing. Maybe one day.
Toi Thomas: Not that you can see into the future, but in your opinion, what does the future hold?
Lillian Brummet: Well, we just moved to this property 3 years ago and now in our 4th year here – so we’ve been working hard toward the future of being able to have this place where we want it. Initially we made the home as eco-friendly and energy efficient as we could afford to do, put in the garden beds and compost bins, and built a fence and a deck and a parking area for the RV. Over the next few years we will paint the interior and exterior of the home and create landscaping, ponds, fountains, more garden beds… The plan is that in 4 more years we’ll not have to do anything here except the odd maintenance job and can really enjoy what we created here.
Toi Thomas: That sounds so pleasant. I wish all that and more for you. Thank you so much for sharing with me today.
If you liked this, check out the video interview we did afterwards. Hear a sample of Lillian’s poetry and learn some of her expert tips.http://youtu.be/225_vUEIGDc
Okay readers, blogger, geeks, and authors, that’s all for today. Be sure to follow this blog to see who will be visiting next time. For more fromLillian Brummet, check out these great links:
Greetings readers, bloggers, geeks, and authors. A while back, I had the pleasure to interview a wonderful author named, Jaq D. Hawkins. A good time was truly had by all, and here’s how it went down.
image provided by author
Toi Thomas:Hi thereJaq! It’s so awesome to have you here at the ToiBox Blog. I’m excited to learn more about you and your work.
Jaq: Hello Toi. I’m ready to share.
Toi Thomas:So tell me, who isJaq D. Hawkins?
Jaq: I started writing at age 6, but I’ve travelled a lot and lived in more than one country so I didn’t settle down and pursue publishing until I was in my 30’s. My first books were traditionally published in the Mind, Body, Spirit genre, though I’ve gone indie now. I love cats and can cook and knit like a proper domestic, but I’m basically an old hippy with Goth tendencies.
Toi Thomas:How very refreshing you are. I can tell this is going to be a fun interview. Like you, I don’t fit into any one particular category and I must admit, I’m excited to see what this old hippy with Goth tendencies is going to say.
Toi Thomas:So whacha got for me today?
image provided by author
Jaq: I’ve just released a new, expanded third edition of Dance of the Goblins, which is first in a series of three books about a post-apocalyptic society that has developed a feudal system of life and is suddenly faced with the reality of goblins living under the streets of the old ruined city. The goblins have a shamanic way of life and really just want to be left alone, but once they are discovered by humans, renewal of an ancient conflict is inevitable.
Toi Thomas:I’m already intrigued. It’s quite clear simply from the way you describe it, that this book has layers and depth. No doubt this is an entertaining read, but I have a feeling it also serves to open one’s mind and make you think.
Toi Thomas:So who’s starring is this 2 dimensional script read ofDance of the Goblins?
Jaq: The two most important characters are the leader of the humans, Count Anton, and a goblin called Haghuf. Haghuf despises humans, but he studies magic and when he learns that Count Anton is a magician along with all of the ruling class, his oldest prejudices are challenged. As for Count Anton, he has his own secrets but the one thing that torments him most is his envy for the goblins’ way of life.
Toi Thomas:I like that it seems that the one element that’s going to bring these two peoples together is one of a spiritual nature. Magic shared by humans and goblins sounds fascinating. It seems as though I quite like the way you think.
Toi Thomas:Past, present, future, is there a rhyme or reason to your writing?
Jaq: I’ve always got ideas overflowing into notes for future projects. I like to write first thing in the morning, in the quiet of morning when everyone else is still asleep. Stories often start with a concept, followed by a beginning and sometimes a predetermined end, like the science fiction story I’m working on now. I’m organised by nature and have had to discipline myself to stick to one project until finish to avoid working on too many projects at once and progressing too slowly on all of them. I write snippets of multiple stories, but I’ve always got a primary project scheduled to be finished next.
Toi Thomas:I like that your methodology. I have to admit, I sometimes get caught up working on too many things at once. I’ve only recently settled on making and keeping notes of new ideas while trying to focus on one primary objective. Someday, perhaps, I’ll be as productive as you.
Toi Thomas:What author(s) has most influenced your writing? Why or how?
Jaq: In my fiction writing, world building has always been the one thing I admire most in other writers and have enjoyed discovering for myself. Marion Zimmer Bradley‘s Darkover books are a strong influence and Anne McCaffrey‘s Pern. Also Roger Zelazny‘s Amber series.
Toi Thomas:I agree that world building is important. I like the idea of feeling as though I’ve been to a place that I know doesn’t exist…
Toi Thomas: Now this is where the questions get a little personal; are you ready?
Jaq: Absolutely.
Toi Thomas:Alright then, here we go.
Toi Thomas:Whose brain are you just itching to scratch?
Jaq: Brian Cox would be fun to chat with. He’s intelligent and has imagination. I can imagine the kind of fiction he would write if he moves that way from writing his science books.
Toi Thomas:Nice choice. I’ve often had the feeling that people who are experts in certain areas would be best at writing fiction related to those topics.
Toi Thomas:Going for a sense of complete individuality I get that. Fair enough.
Toi Thomas:What’s your ideal reading spot for your next highly anticipated read?
Jaq: Personally I read in a comfortable big chair in my living room. I tune out noise and don’t even hear music if it’s on, assuming I’m reading something really good. I’m most likely to read either a paperback or my Kindle, though occasional hardbacks get onto my shelves.
Toi Thomas:That comfy chair sounds nice. I typically read in bed or at my new desk. For the first time in years, I’m actually using a desk.
from Wikipedia
Jaq: I read a *lot* as a pre-teen. One that stands out was Go Ask Alice by Beatrice Sparks. I had a lot of interest in the hippy culture and read adult level books more often than teen books.
Toi Thomas:It seems that I leaped a bit in my reading as child too (but not in the same way). I adored reading age-level or age-appropriate books until about the age of 13. I never got into teen books…
Toi Thomas: Now this is where the questions get a little kooky; are you ready?
Jaq: Absolutely.
Toi Thomas:Alright then, here we go.
from Wikipedia
Toi Thomas:If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Jaq: It would be a toss-up between Yellow Submarine by the Beatles or Labyrinth, with David Bowie.
Toi Thomas:Shut up! 😀 I love Labyrinth! I mean I like Yellow Submarine too, but Labyrinth is one of my all-time faves.
Toi Thomas:What makes you geek out?
Jaq: Filmmaking. I got into it sort of accidentally and I’ve learned loads about editing in recent years. It has definitely brought out my inner geek.
Toi Thomas:How cool it that!As much as I adore the cinema, you’d think I’d be trying to learn more about it; maybe one day.
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?
Jaq: I have Mars in Pisces so don’t do rage, but I like deeply intense music from many categories. Goth, Classical, and sometimes the upbeat 1960’s stuff as well as 80’s music (not Disco) and some of the bands that have come out of Scandinavia in the 90’s. I have very broad musical tastes, but Deine Lakaein would be a good band for my personal soundtrack.
Toi Thomas:It saddens me sometimes how much music is dismissed simply as a form of entertainment. Music is emotional and personal. Music is communication across barriers. I love asking this question and receiving insight into a person’s character. I still find it hard to comprehend how some people don’t like music of any kind, when I enjoy so many kinds.
Toi Thomas: Now let’s play zombie urban survivor. What 3 things do you need to survive a black-out in Central Park the day zombies attack?
Jaq: You know I’ve got a zombie film in edit, right? My favourite zombie kill involved diet coke and Mentos.
Toi Thomas: Wow, you are too cool! Are you allowed to tell me the name of the film? Do you force feed a zombie a hand full of Mentos and then pour in some diet Coke and wait for the head to explode, or am I totally on the wrong page?
Toi Thomas:What’s the most fun experience you’ve ever had, to date?
Jaq: My first summer of film production would be a definite contender. I got away with so much! Travelling with a carnival at the age of 16 might beat it though.
Toi Thomas:How many kids want to run away with the circus- and you traveled with a carnival. I’ll say it again; you are so cool! I bet that was fun. You should write about that.
Toi Thomas:Not that you can see into the future, but in your opinion, what does the future hold?
Jaq: I will always write. My filmmaking has specific goals and once they are reached, I’ll settle back into just writing again. Hopefully a bit more travel by then.
Toi Thomas:I like those plans. They are simple and sweet.
Toi Thomas:Is there a question you would like to ask me?
Jaq: More an observation. You’ve done a lot to encourage and promote other authors and I think we should all appreciate the efforts you make for indies.
Toi Thomas: Thank you for saying that. It really means a lot.
Toi Thomas: So, do you mind if I ask, thoughts on EC: GA?
Jaq: I’ve done a review on Amazon for Eternal Curse. I thought it was a really interesting story and very original. I’m still new to reading stories about Angels but I think this one set the bar pretty high.
Toi Thomas: Again, thank you for your kind words. I don’t know that this book will ever fit into any specific genre enough to be fully understood by the masses, but if I’m able to provide a little entertainment, I’m cool with that. Who know, maybe one day I’ll be a dynamic as Jaq D. Hawkins in whatever genre I settle in.
Okay readers, blogger, geeks, and authors, that’s all for today. Be sure to follow this blog to see who will be visiting next time. For more fromJaq D. Hawkins, check out these great links:
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