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Posts Tagged ‘Swept Into The Darkness Author’

Evil Dead excitement!!!

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on April 3, 2013| 1 Comment »

The new Sony production Evil Dead will be released in theaters this Friday. The movie tells the story of a group of friends that go to a cabin in the woods to help one of their friends quit drugs cold turkey.
That part of the story is very different from the original, but there are many elements that are the same. The same concept of possession is the foundation of the storyline. This movie doesn’t seem to have any elements of comedy like the original, which makes me very happy.
One by one the friends become victims of possession, as a consequence of reading the book of the dead.
Blood,gore, body dismemberment all make up the basis of an excellent, horror movie experience.
I was surprised to hear that Bruce Campbell wasn’t going to make an appearance, but learned that he would have a role behind the scenes as one of the producers. I am so excited about this movie, and my husband just purchased the first tickets for Saturday night’s showing!! Enjoy everyone, and my review will be coming soon.
L.L.

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Walking Dead season finale: rant and recap

Posted in Fantasy literature, Reviews, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on April 1, 2013| 1 Comment »

Last night’s episode of the Walking Dead season finale was a total disappointment. Last week’s episode with Merle should have been the finale. I really thought that Rick and the group were going to leave the prison. There is no way that they can rebuild their lives there. The battle with the Governor’s group at the prison was uneventful. I don’t understand why Maggie and Glen were the only one shooting and how no one got killed when the Governor led his people deeper into the prison.
Everyone made a big deal on Twitter when Carl shot the Woodbury boy but I agree with his character. He was doing what he had to do. You can’t trust them and who is to say that he was not going to shoot Carl and Hershal. Carl has had to deal with a lot that children usually don’t have to deal with in these times, so if he goes too soft now he could get killed. I like the point he made to his father when he mentioned Dale.

The whole thing with Milton and Andrea annoyed me. She was so stupid when she stopped trying to free herself to talk to Milton. She knew that the Governor had injured him enough that he was not going to survive. Andrea spent too much time on nonsense.

I was not impressed with the make-up job that was done on Milton. His transformation should have been done in stages and more dramatic.

After the Governor and his gang retreated from the prison he goes mad and shoots his men when one of them speaks up stating that they will not participate in a slaughter. The Governor and his two right hand men walk away.

Rick and his group believe that they have defeated the Governor and they go back to Woodbury to find Andrea. They run into a survivor and she tells them she witnesses the Governor kill in cold blood. Rick,Glen, Michone and Daryl go back and stumbles upon Tyreesse. He learns that the Governor is psycho, and questions the whole situation involving the Governor, which should determine his place in season four. Andrea kills herself because Walker Milton bites her. Rick returns to the prison with the Woodbury survivors. What a big mistake, there are too many weak people that Rick is now responisble for even though he claims that he is not the group’s leader, he is more so now than before. I guess the new people will be the new victims in season four. More people have to die. I thought WD season four finale was going to go out with a bang! ANNOYING ANDREA IS FINALLY DEAD! YAY I hope that the new season will be a promising one. I still can’t get over how bad the episode is.
Embracing Something New
L.L

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Oz The Great and Powerful:Movie review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , on March 11, 2013| Leave a Comment »

oz poster

Oz The Great and Powerful:movie review
Oz The Great and Powerful directed by the talented and creative Sam Raimi and starring James Franco tells how the origin of the Wizard of Oz came to be. Franco plays a struggling magician part of a traveling circus. A good man at heart, unfortunately Oscar learns how to live his life by tricking the people around him in order to make ends meet. After a day of creating illusions for a show Oscar is swept away in a hot air balloon when he is caught in a tornado.
(The introduction of the movie starts out in black and white just like the original Wizard of Oz.)
Oscar prays that if his life is spared he will change. And suddenly everything stops and he enters another world, Oz. From there on the movie is (shot in color.)
Oscar is memorized by the magic and uniqueness of this place. He soon meets a beautiful woman (Mila Kunis) that admits she is a witch and charms her just like he charms every beauty that walks into his life. In no time Oscar learns that this beautiful land is in trouble and is in search for the one that will save the people of Oz from the wrath of a wicked witch. Oscar quickly makes the people believe that he is the Great Wizard that the prophecy predicted. He uses his charms,wit and ability to create illusions to claim a throne of riches and fame that does not truly belong to him. Once he learns that he is in the middle of a great battle for power among three powerful witches (Rachel Weisz and Mila Kunis and Michelle Williams) he backs out trying to turn his back on the people and the mission to save the land. Forced to demonstrate his true nature of good he soon teams up with Glina the good witch and utilizes his trickster ways to create the ultimate illusion to defeat the two witches.
This movie is actually a prequel to the Judy Garland original. Sam Raimi did an excellent job directing this epic adventure. It was different than the classic Sam Raimi films that his fans know so well but he did not disappoint. The movie was filled with special effects. The effects were created with skill but there were times that I felt I was in Tim Burton’s world. Overall the movie was very entertaining and thrilling. The 3D version of this film did not enhance the cinematic experience for movie goers. That component was pointless. I would not recommend spending the extra money to see this film in 3D. The writing was creative and the make up was artistically developed. Mila Kunis’ makeup as the wicked witch was over the top with added laytex and construction considering the original witch had an elongated nose, warts and green face paint. The costume design was another element that added to the magic of this film. My goal for this review was not be long and obviously I did not meet that goal. ( LOL) The movie is a must see for adults and children to enjoy. I give this movie four stars.
Happy Reading!
L.L

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Walking Dead Rant

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on February 11, 2013| Leave a Comment »

Walking Dead Rant
I know every one was tuned into watching the midseason premier of AMC’s The Walking Dead. I along with everyone else have been itching to find out what would happen to the Dixon brothers. About to battle to the death as they both take blows from each other two walkers enter the ring, suddenly shots fire and the crowd seperates like ants running from a foot that’s about to stomp on them. Rick’s group is weaker than ever and they all are struggling with their own demons, which are many. Glen can’t get past the sexual harassment and beating that he and girlfriend Maggie endured while in custody in Woodbury. As the group recoups briefly, Daryl decides that if Rick will not accept his brother then he will leave the group. Rick does not feel safe with bringing Merl back to the prison. So the brothers set off on their own. Rick takes Michone in temporarily and heads back to the prison. A new problem arises which is the new group of people that seek refuge. A war has broken out between Rick’s group and Woodbury. ANDREA finally learns that her old group made contact with the Woodbury group. She should leave considering all the weird things she has witnessed. The people of Woodbury are afraid and want to leave. The Governor has lost control and wants revenge against Ricks group. Towards the end of the episode Rick seeks Hershal’s council as he tries to make a decision on whether to accept the new people. Pondering over what to do, Rick sees a ghostly apparition that remembles Lori. At this point he blacks out loosing his mind. Everyone gets nervous and gives Rick some space. Considering that it has only been a week since Lori gave birth, Rick has not had the chance to mourn her absence. We never really saw Carl shoot Lori. I’m waiting to see her surface again as a walker. I don’t believe Carl killed her. The role of being the groups leader has taken a toll on Rick on a level that is and can be internally damaging. The future of the post apocalyptic survivors is uncertain but their struggle to endure and stay strong remains prevalent.
From a writers perspective I would have killed off Merl. He is untrusting and unpredictable. He is nothing like his brother and does not deserve a chance. But I understand his role to stir up conflict and action. If I did decide to go with keeping Merl alive my second option would have been to just let the brothers go their separate ways. Daryl makes the choice to stay with Rick. Daryl completes Rick’s group. The unspoken love that he shares with Carol is almost painful to watch. Just to know that they love each other and do not express it is hurtful. I would have spent time developing their love story. Just taking the time to be human beings is something that Rick’s group must do. The people of Woodbury had their time now it is Rick’s group’s turn. The last time the group had some real time to relax was the time they briefly spent at the CDC. I am looking forward to seeing what the next episode reveals.
Embracing Something New
L.L

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“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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