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Posts Tagged ‘Swept Into The Darkness Author’

“The Hobbit” Movie review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , on December 16, 2012| 1 Comment »

The hobbit

Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit starring Martin Freeman is the spectacular genesis of an epic adventure that follows a small hobbit a young “Bilbo Baggins” as he sets off on a journey to help a clan of dwarves reclaim their homeland at the Lonely Mountain which was stolen from them by a fierce dragon called Smaug. Recruited by the great wizard Gandalf, Bilbo is approached by the dwarves and their King Thorin to assist in their efforts. Labeled as a “thief” Bilbo is Reluctant to leave the comforts of home and branch off into the world. As the dwarves try to convince Bilbo to take on the task, he continues to let his fears of the outside world get the best of him.
Once the dwarves make way out the Shire, Bilbo soon decides that he will not be a product of his own fears and sets off on “an unexpected journey.”
Bilbo’s travels open him up to a vast array of possibilities that Middle Earth has to offer including the most important aspect of his journey which is his encounter with the creature Gollum and finding “The Ring of Power.” Bilbo and the dwarves encounter trolls, orcs, and even battles goblins on the journey to recapture the dwarf land.
The opening of the film was just wonderful. Bilbo starts off as the Bilbo we know and love in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. He and Frodo (yes Elijah Wood makes an appearance!) are preparing for Bilbo’s birthday party. Bilbo is in the process of writing his book An Unexpected Journey.
This movie is the most perfect prequel that I have ever seen. I was looking at this movie as if I hadn’t seen the others. We learn more about the character that makes up Bilbo, as well as the relationship between Gandalf, Saruman, Elrond and Galadriel. It amazing how well Jackson tells this story.
Without giving away anything else, this movie is a must see and fans will be in awe once again over this cinematic experience.
The cast was stunning in their collective performance which included Ian Holm, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Ian Mckellen, Elijah Wood, Cate Blanchett, Andy Serkis, and Christopher Lee. Howard Shore graced the musical scene for The Hobbit and Jackson’s team of creatures and makeup artists ultimately created a film of sensational measure.
I give “The Hobbit” five stars.
L.L

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Self Publishing

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on December 11, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Marketing my urban fantasy novel Swept into the Darkness (Chronicles of the Celestial) Book one has been quite a challenge. I officially kicked off the paperback release with a Facebook release party, which took place November 27, 2012. That event was a great success. The next step in the promotional process will be a Book Blast, which will begin within the next few weeks, followed by a book tour. I finally made time to start my official author page on Facebook which is already on the verge of obtaining 100 “LIKES.” I hope to make that milestone and go beyond. Advertising on FB and Night Owl Reviews will be next in the process. In the mist of me working on all of this I am working on Book Two and Three simultaneously. Having my book reviewed is another aspect that is very important to me. I already have two reviews and expect more to trickle in as time goes on. My Goodreads promotion is also on the list of things to do. I have been spending so much time on promotion that it has taken away from my writing. With winter break fast approaching, I plan on finishing book two and hopefully I will have the chance to start the editing process so I can meet my 2013 publishing deadline. The second review to my book is also great. It is included below. It really is an honor to have the opportunity to have your work read by other people and to be understood as a creative entity. It’s a great feeling to have people to recognize, respect and be open to being exposed to part of a person that is so dear and sacred to them. To give an unknown author a chance to express themselves and be heard is magical. I really want to thank those who have given me that chance and believe in the work I create.
5.0 out of 5 stars Well Earned Review, December 9, 2012
By aerstad – See all my reviews This review is from: Swept into the Darkness (Chronicles of the Celestial) (Kindle Edition)
A great, well written read.
Take me to another world and show me all the things that go on – on these other planes.
Such an interesting read. Love reading about Angels, good and bad, and the fight that goes on between them.
But what an awesome twist that I certainly was not expecting ——-A new breed, and one that I have never even thought of.
Hooray for LaTaeya. You did a wonderful job making this your own story.
Also with the Greek Mythology, Egyptians, amongst the Angels and other creatures, I can’t wait to read a book 2, which I
sure hope there is going to be one.
What else can I say other than you have created a believer out of me, and made me a follower of your work.
Happy Reading!! L.L

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Author Interview

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , on November 30, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Hello all!  In honor of Inde Author month which was in (October but extended into the end of this month)  I was told that I would be included in the event this week, hosted by a blog but my interview was never posted so I am posting the interview questions here.  Read on and I hope you enjoy it.

Author Interview

LaTaeya Lane

Swept into the Darkness (Chronicles of the Celestial Book One) lataeya1

 

If someone looked at your browsing history right now, what kinds of things would we find?

 

If my browsing history was reviewed right now, sites related to book tours would be found.  I am in the process of making plans for my tour and I have been researching for the best tour company and package that will meet my book promotional needs.

 

Other than book publishing, you will also find lots of sites for stores that sell baby products and equipment.  I have a four month old baby boy and I am looking for an activity center and swing for him to be entertained with.

 

If you could write about any subject that is near and dear to your heart, what would it be and why?

 

The subject that is near and dear to my heart, that I would like to write about is my pregnancy and birth experience.  Despite the aches and pains that come with being pregnant and having a baby, it is truly a beautiful experience of transition that brings real magic into the lives of the people being affected.

Even though my memories will never fade, I just feel that my experiences and feelings will become immortal once they are documented through the written word.

 

Do you have a favorite song, album or playlist that you write to?

 

My favorite song is “All Cats are Gray” by The Cure.  I do not play music when I am writing.  I usually have the television on low.  Some people may wonder how can write with the television on, but it is very easy for me, because when I write I am transported into the characters and worlds that I create and I do not get distracted easily.

 

What was the first thing you did after the debut of the first book you wrote?

 

Swept into the Darkness is the second book I have written, but the first I have had published.  The first thing I did after the debut of my book was sent a message via Twitter and Facebook announcing the official debut and book availability.

 

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

 

My guilty pleasure is curling up on the sofa with a nice glass of Pinot Grigio and a good book.

 

What was your favorite book as a teen?

As a teenager my head was always buried in a book.  I had so many books that I favored so I cannot single out one book in particular but I did have a favorite series.  The Sweet Valley High books have a special place in my heart.  Once I read the first book I was hooked.  I loved reading and living the adventures of the twins Elizabeth and Jessica.

If an aspiring writer asked for advice, what would you tell them?

 

My answer would depend on what advice that asked me in particular, but I would tell them to write things they are passionate about, always be as descriptive as they can and be sure to draw in your readers by using good character development, detailed language and captivating plot conception.

 

What is your favorite movie?

I am what you can call a movie buff.  I love movies so much that I also do movie reviews  on my blog.  My favorite movie of all time is The Lord of The Rings trilogy.  It is also the best book to movie adaptation.  Jackson did an impeccable job staying true to Tolkien’s vision while making his own mark upon the world of cinema.

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Paranormal Activity 4 Movie Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 21, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Paranormal Activity 4 directed by Henry Joost and starring Katie Featherston takes place five years after Katie kills her family and kidnaps her nephew baby Hunter.  Hunter now known as Robbie, along with Katie are the new residents of a neighborhood in Nevada.  The moment Katie and Robbie move in across the street, Alice the teen that notices that Robbie is strange begins to experience paranormal events in her home.

The subtle noises in the night become elevated when Robbie is forced to stay a few days with Alice and her family.  Her friend Ben encourages Alice to video record all the strange activity.  Alice feels that Robbie is a bad influence on her brother Wyatt.  After viewing the tapes of recorded footage the teen is convinced that something maybe after her and her brother.  Alice ties to confront her mother about her findings, but her mother continues to not listen and ignore the signs.

Alice eventually discovers that Robbie may be linked to a coven of witches and a demonic force.  By the time she learns this information it is too late for her and her family.

The fast moving movie really was pointless and did not answer any of the questions franchise fans want to know concerning Katie and Kristi’s past that involve the demonic creature.  The movie was done the same way as the others.  A bump here, a crash there, then suddenly Katie pops into the home and randomly kills everyone.  Katie makes a statement at the end of movie telling the possessed Wyatt that “he will be ready soon.”

For those of you who still plan to see the movie, I will not give any more away, but to tell you the truth, I should have gone to see Taken 2, which I am three weeks late seeing.  I am not going to go over special effects or score, because this movie did not bring anything new to the franchise at all.  This movie should have gone straight to DVD and Netflix.  I cannot believe that the production company wasted money to release a movie like this.  I give Paranormal Activity 4 two stars.  I hope they do not make another one for next Halloween.

As a horror fan, I was disappointed and screamed only once.

Happy Reading!!

L.L

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“Swept into the Darkness” Book Updates

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 26, 2012| Leave a Comment »

So much has been going on with my book since I last blogged about Swept into the Darkness.  The paperback version on my book will be coming out early October and will be sold on Amazon.com.  Currently I am reading the proof copy of the paperback.  I will be making some subtle changes within some of the chapters. It’s amazing the mistakes you can find even after you have read and reread the book several times and even had it edited multiple times!  October is also Indie Author month, and to celebrate all Indie authors I will be participating in a Facebook book promotion.  The event has been extended until the end of November so I will have a book cover spot on November 26th.  Also my official book release will be coming up soon and the actual dates will be announced via my site and twitter once I get those dates approved by my book release host.  That event will also take place on Facebook and will be by ” SPECIAL INVITATION ONLY.”  I am in the process of obtaining some nice prizes for my upcoming Goodreads promotion which will be announced within the next couple of weeks.  In addition to that I am looking for readers to review my book.  So if anyone is interested in providing me with a review please drop me an email and I can send a PDF copy of my book to be reviewed.  I am only looking for the serious reviewer.

As I am working on promoting Swept into the Darkness Chronicles of the Celestial book one, I am typing up book two and writing book three.  Busy, busy, busy.  Please note that this weekend I will post part three of my fall movie preview series.  I know that many of you have been coming on to look at my previews.  I apologize for being late with part three.  I just have been so busy with my book not to mention that I have a new baby at home.  🙂

Happy reading and writing!!!

L.L

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The Dark Knight Rises Movie Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on July 23, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Directed by Christopher Nolan and Starring Christine Bale and Micheal Caine, The Dark Knight Rises is the third film in the modern “Batman” franchise.  Eight years after the death of Harvey Dent, and life long friend Rachael Dawes, Gotham City does it’s best to cope with the loss of a hero.   A broken Bruce Wayne is now isolated and disconnected from a world where he was always in view of the public. Two new villans take the scene in this film, a lovely thief that makes her way in the world by kicking ass and stealing,(Catwoman, played by Ann Hathaway) and a masked protector that seeks nothing but the traditional thing that most superhero villans want; money, power and control over others (Bane,played by Tom Hardy).  As Bane terrorizes the city, a distraught Bruce Wayne aka Batman slowly but surly makes his way back into the limelight trying to protect Gotham and it’s citizens from destruction.

As Bruce Wayne continues to deal with loosing people he loves, the inner struggle he faces grows more intense.
Despite the reconstruction of Wayne manor, the scars that Bruce carry run deep within his spirit and help him to evolve into an even more complex character than we are used to seeing.  Nolan does a wonderful job continuing the telling of “Batman’s” story through the camera lens.  The introduction of the new villans and the directions they are taken  in puts an interesting twist on the overall story.  The action scenes were wonderful as would be expected from a Nolan film.  The all-star cast each played their parts well and made their roles believable and unique to their portrayal.  The special effects were engaging and appropriate for a film of this caliber.  The end has some surprises for sure, and will have the movie goer in tears and in all smiles.  This Blockbuster movie is a must see!! I give The Dark Knight Rises Five stars and hope that a fourth film may surface so that the Batman legacy will continue.

Happy Reading

L.L

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Writing and Publishing full time and becoming a new mom

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , on May 28, 2012| 2 Comments »

As my pregnancy comes to close, I find it harder and harder to stay on top of all things I need to do when it comes to my writing.  Being pregnant is an extremely life altering venture that can be a full time job on it’s own.  It’s something that is very difficult to get used to.  And what I am going through is just the beginning (so I have been told.)  As far as Swept into the Darkness book one is concerned, I am very pleased that I was able to have the book published before the baby arrived.  Now I will continue to promote it.  It’s all about getting the word out there to interested readers.  I am taking one step at a time with my promotion.  My book trailer is complete and I am in the final stages of reviewing it before it is published on You Tube.  I am waiting for my book to finally enter the Smashwords Premium catalog and as soon as that happens I will submit my official press release.  Advertising and book tours and other promotions will follow in a timely fashion.  I am still writing book two, I was calling it Swept into Revenge, but with the changes of events and characters I ended up changing the title.  The new title will be announced in the next few weeks.  The interesting part about being pregnant is the fact that I have not been able to sleep, so at night my mind comes alive with the many elements that make literature such an intriguing and creative thing.  The plot to book three is in the works and I even have had time to really study the details of book one and book two in ways that answers lots of questions and reveals more about the Chronicles of the Celestial Series.  Swept into the Darkness Chronicles of the Celestial book one is available for purchase at smashwords at https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Lataeya

Happy Reading!!

L.L

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Publishing updates

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , on February 16, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Everything has been so crazy lately.  But crazy in a good way.  I am moving along with my final rounds of edits of my debut novel Swept into the Darkness.  I am working on my final chapters and then finally I will be ready to send it to my editor.  I am going over the book with a fine tooth comb so that I can give her a clean manuscript without her having to do too much editing.  I am so excited to be at this point in my work.  I am also more than half way done with book two Swept into Revenge.  I completed my press release and will be ready to officially send it very soon.  I really see that publishing your own work comes with a long list of responsibilities especially if you are taking it as a serious new career move like me.  The list makes me even more motivated and focused on what I really want as a published author.  My husband and I found out that we are having a baby boy, which excites me greatly, so I have also been busy with making plans and getting myself more organized for the baby.  I havent seen any other good movies lately but I think within the next week I will make it to the theater.  I am still reading History is Wrong.  It’s taking me a while but I find it hard to read at night sometimes, I’ve been so tired that by the time my head hits the pillow I am out.  Some times I don’t even realize I dozed off until I hear the book fall to the floor.  Lol and sorry for all the “I’s”

Happy reading and writing!!!!!

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Swept Into the Darkness Updates

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , on January 23, 2012| Leave a Comment »

As January comes to a close, and winter officially sets in, So has so many other things in my life.  On a sad note, I lost a friend from High School to Cancer.  Molakia Motley was a dear friend to many.  My heart goes out to her family and those who were extremely close to her.  We went to grammar school together and high school.  She was truly a bright light and the world lost a very special person.  I know she is in Heaven at Peace.  It’s so hard to think that she is no longer on this Earth.  It leaves an emptiness.  Almost feeling like a gap or a hole in your body and spirit.

My pregnancy is going pretty well, but I came down with a terrible cold last week.   I have been sick in bed since last Tuesday Night.  I was not even able to make it to Molakia’s services.  I am struggling to get over the hump and expect to make a full recovery within the next few days.  I guess the cold just had to play it self out.  Now I have to watch everything, I got the ok to take over the counter meds that are safe for the baby, but it is sill on a limited basis.  Which is annoying.  I am so used to just running to CVS and grabbing a bottle of Vicks Ny Quil and boom Im back on my feet  within two days.  During that time I was not in the mood to do any type of writing, but I tried to push through it when the urge came along.  Of Course that is the reason why I didn’t get the chance to see Underworld Awakening last weekend.  I hope to be able to take a trip to the theater sometime this weekend.

I just finished reading and editing the last chapters of Swept into the Darkness, and will be doing one more read through before I officially submit it to my editor.  After I send the manuscript to her and everything goes smoothly with all the finalizations, the book will finally be available for purchase on Smashwords and several other e-book formats.  I am not rushing to have the paperback released, but it will be released in time for readers to enjoy it for the Spring or Early summer months.  As I go though the third dose of rereading my work I will be looking into advertising packages and also preparing and setting up a Midwinter Book tour.  Right Now I will be hosting two book tours.  One in Midwinter to present my debut Novel to the Publishing world and the Second in the Summer to garner all the attention and attract readers to experience an unforgettable journey.

I am extremely proud of my self and have over come lot of challenges along the way.  Once Swept into the Darkness  is on book shelves I will resume with writing book two Swept into Revenge.  I can’t express how excited I am about this project and look forward to a bright successful future in the Publishing industry.

Happy Reading and Writing!!!

 

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American Horror Story

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , on January 6, 2012| Leave a Comment »

  Well I know I am a little late but I finally had the chance to see the final two episodes of American Horror Story.  Thanks to OnDemand being so late with posting the season finale, I watched episode eleven and twelve last night.  Wow what a great season for a debut show.  It had me on the edge of my seat just as much as “Ringer” but that show is for a another post at another time.  I was shocked that Vivian went into labor so early in her pregnancy and ended up loosing both her babies and her life.  I could not believe that the doctor, nurse and some of the other ghosts made an appearance.  I could not get over the fact that Ben allowed them to touch his wife and deliver the babies.   Mother and daughter are together in death, which made me feel more comfortable knowing that Violet was no longer alone.  I was actually happy that she confessed to her dad Ben that she killed herself and that she was a ghost.  Constance and her storyline got stranger and stranger as the season proceeded.  I see now that she was not trying to change and really help out the Harmon family.  She has her own twisted agenda.  But at this point I have no idea what her plans are.  Now that Vivian is officially a ghost I was surprised that she took it so well but I really did want her to embrace her new life more directly after she died.  I guess the writers were waiting for that perfect moment after Ben joined the deathly gang.  Finally adhering to the warnings of Constance and even his dead wife and daughter Ben makes an attempt to flee the house but not in time to save himself or the baby.  His whore of an ex mistress bands together with other malevolent ghosts and hangs the poor man  above the main stairwell in the home.  The living twin goes missing and Ben is now a dead man.(This is the twin that is fathered by Tate)  The Harmon family are trapped in the house with other ghosts but it actually makes them closer as a family.  Vivian finds that her dead baby can be part of the family. (This is the twin that is fathered by Ben)  They openly accept their current condition and I guess there is no “unfinished business” when it comes to the three of them.  I was thrilled when Violet learned the truth about Tate and dismissed him.  And I found it quite interesting that the Harmon Family planned on driving out the new owners of the house.  For a second I thought that Tate was really going to make another kill.   Shocked that Tate went to Ben with a so-called apology.  I fully agree with Violet that Tate is the darkness.  He is one of the darkest entities that dwell in that home.  I think that Violet should go to her parents and seriously propose a full cleansing of the house to rid the property of all the other evil spirits.  During the Christmas scene I noticed that the Harmon family was the dominate group in the home.  With them displaying their strength now they have  the power to control whats goes on in that house.

Towards the end of the episode they fast forward to three years in the future.  Constance comes home from a hair appointment to find blood all over the place.  She discovers that the child she believes is her grandson has just murdered the babysitter.  I guess the apple does not fall from the tree. We all know what Constance is going to do, bury the body somewhere and clean up the blood.  I just want to know what is she going to do with this child?

American Horror story is a great show and I am curious to find out what the writers have planned for next season since the main characters  are all ghosts.  Personally I feel that the writing style and plot is somewhat similar to something  Steven King would do.  When I sit and watch the show I think of him.  I appreciate the creativeness that goes into making a show like this.  I get extremely excited and I am eager to see what else AH has in store for its fans.  For those of you who have not seen the show, I suggest you check it out as soon as you can.

Until Next time

Happy Reading and Writing!!

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