My Novel

I wanted to take a moment and talk about my novel. Ages from Eternity released June of 2015. It is still surreal and even though I almost finished with the sequel, I still have a hard time thinking of myself as an author. A lot of the time, I doubt myself. I think that is normal for most people, especially artist types. We don't think we are good enough and we measure ourselves against unrealistic standards. There were errors in my book..."Oh no I am a terrible writer!" There are errors in other authors' book..."oh well it happens, doesn't change the story." 
Some days I think I'm strange. Grieving the loss of a character I killed off or neurotically running a certain scene over and over in my head to only delete it completely. 
I worry about the cover art, the font, the content, every curse, every word and other days I just let the characters do what they want. 
For me, writing is a spinning, twirling, terrifying, nauseating, wonderful ride. I am not perfect. I am not as good as I want to be but I have a lifetime to work and grow. Thank you to those who put up with me, encourage me and love this crazy world creation. 

Ages from Eternity is years in the making, most of that spent in my head, hidden from the world. It is the first book in a series that follows extraordinary people that are just as clueless, messed up and wonderfully unique as the rest of us. 

I am brand new to the writing scene. I am putting in the time and work and I have the desire but I still have a ways to go. If you like the story, tell a friend. If you want to know more about the characters, the Realm or myself, find me on twitter or facebook. Check out my website. loradouglas.com. 

There will be a sale before Christmas on Amazon if you want to pick up my novel for yourself or for a friend. 

There is some harsh language, violence and mild sexual content just as a heads up. 

Book 2 will be completed in the coming months, with an expected release of Spring 2016. 

Thank you to my readers, my supporters, my critics and my fans. 

http://www.amazon.com/Ages-Eternity-1-Lora-Douglas/dp/0692418148/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448136138&sr=8-1&keywords=ages+from+etern

ity

Eleanor by johnny worthen

(Disclaimer: I do book reviews by my own choosing. Not all books I read get a review. Sometimes I do it for friends or people who ask but if I don't like the book, I don't post a review. These are my honest opinions. Thanks for reading.)

Just finished reading Eleanor by Mr. Johnny Worthen. Wonderful story! The bitterness of reality and human emotion mixed with the gritty truth of how myths could play out paints a life of a being (Eleanor) worthy of our attention. 
Personally, I normally don't read YA literature. I find the cookie cutter, teen romance and coming of age tale to be, too often, sugar coated and fluffed into a fantasy of real life. Not all YA is like this but I have read enough that I tend to shy away from the genre. (Not saying the authors or books are bad, this is just a personal preference). I enjoy books with grit and sweat and confusion. Real life is tough and dirty and I gravitate to stories that mirror that to some extent. Now, I enjoy butterflies and happy endings as much as the next woman or hopeful romantic but I want some pain in there too. I like to escape into a fantasy world and recover from the stings of life but I still like a story with some sting of its own. 
Eleanor did that for me. It was sweet and wrought with the pains and confusion of first love and the infuriating, hormone wreaked storm of growing up. It carried the love and triumph along with the sorrow and fear that makes up life. 
Thank you Mr. Worthen, Johnny, for this glimpse into the life of Eleanor. She is not only loved by you, David and Tabitha anymore. You have shared her with the world. I love her too. Thank you for this novel and I look forward to reading Celeste. 

Check out Eleanor and more titles by johnny worthen. 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KK6BAVC/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?ie=UTF8&btkr=1

Confessions

Guilty pleasures...

We all have them. Things, part of your brain knows you shouldn't like, but you do. These things tend to make you laugh or plaster that stupid grin on your face. 

So what are your guilty pleasure songs? 

Songs you crank up in the car when you're alone?

Songs you jam out to like a damn fool? 

Songs that transform the nearest item into a microphone and force you to sing until your coughing?

What songs do you hate to love? 

Here are five from my list. 

Wiggle - Jason Derulo ft. Snoop Dogg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiP14ED28CA

Ice Ice Baby - Vanilla Ice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rog8ou-ZepE

Kiss from a Rose - Seal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yivLt9cTaio

I Drive Myself Crazy - NSYNC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikI-4D_1s-c

Whiskey in the Jar - Metallica
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boanuwUMNNQ


Had to add another because Whiskey in the Jar is just awesome and doesn't deserve the title of Guilty Pleasure Song because no guilt here...

I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho) - Pitbull
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2tMV96xULk

"Wishing I was knee deep in the water somewhere
Got the blue sky breeze and it don't seem fair
Only worry in the world is the tide going to reach my chair
Sunrise there's a fire in the sky
Never been so happy
Never felt so high
And I think I might have found me my own kind of paradise"
--'Knee Deep' Zac Brown Band

I have never been an ocean girl. The sand and swimsuit thing was never for me. I was raised in a land where water came rarely unless it was flowing from the hose into a mud pit my parents dug in the backyard. Now I love water. I was a mud duck before I could walk but the beach...that was another thing all together. I never saw the ocean until I was in High School and the closest I ever was to the beach (other than a short vacation) was when I worked in Brazil for three months. I enjoyed looking at the ocean, the waves, sun and sand but I didn't like being on it.

Funny how things change....

Recently I moved to the beach for breathing issues and I think I am falling in love with the ocean. Sand don't bother me. I look good and feel confident in my swimwear and I don't care if anyone disagrees. The sun, the waves, the smell of salt air...I love it. The best part...I can breath. (Out of both nostrils at the same time! I didn't think that was normal....it is awesome).
Yesterday, I was lying on the beach, breathing and editing my novel. I got my book, my post-it notes, my pen and I was enjoying myself. I was at least 8 feet from the water. Not being a former beach girl...I still have stuff to learn...like about the tide. I was lost in my own world when I heard a guy run by. Most of the people run near the water so I was a decent distance from the runners. I looked up and haha. I was on my stomach facing the water so I got a great view of the approaching tide. Luckily the wave stopped about a foot and a half from me so I had time to get my stuff and move before the next pulse of water.

So now I understand. Thank you Zac Brown for preparing me for real life. Next time, I will be prepared and know whether or not the tide will reach my paperwork.

My sincerest gratitude to you and the guy who ran past me.

The itch

Holy gumballs it itches....
Let your head fill in the blank just as long as your brain ain't residing in the gutter. 

That's what I thought. :)

Seems like ages since I have been well enough, functioning enough, sane enough to be insane enough to write. Now I am on the mend, lost enough, and collected just enough marbles to be able to loss them all in the fabulous world that doesn't really exist at all. My imaginary escape. Got a major itch to write. 

So why am I here talking to you people? 

a. I am so much of an ADD brain that I have to multitask. 
b. I am a kind soul that felt you wanted to be filled in. 
c. No matter how much I want to do something, or need to do something, I am a procrastinator at heart. 
d. Too many people can hear me and to write I must talk aloud.
e. So excited that I just can't shut up so I am in my world and talking to you in yours

Feel free to pick the answer you enjoy most....cause it is probable, completely true ;) 

To my readers out there: "You are an exceptional group of weirdos...don't ever change."
To my friends and family: "Here is a hug just for you. You get me through the shit of life." 
To the reader that just stumbled along and found this blog: "Welcome. To quote the Cheshire cat, 'we're all mad here.' If you like my stuff, awesome! Tell a friend (or a stranger). If it's not for you, I hope find something that is." 

Have a happy Saturday. 

Book Review 'He Wanted the Moon'

He Wanted the Moon: The Madness and Medical Genius of Dr. Perry Baird, and His Daughter's Quest to Know Him

By Mimi Baird

I recently read picked up 'He Wanted the Moon' due to my interest in mental illness and the human experience. I was overwhelmingly pleased with the raw and true approach of the author.

There was no romanticizing, no sugar coating, no skirting the details and for that I commend Mimi Baird. Stories of life are far from easy, especially those woven with illness. To tell the story of a created character or even of a stranger is one thing but to tell the story of one you love, a father, and to do it so well, with so much honesty is inspiring. 

Mimi, if you ever read this, please know that as someone who can empathize, thank you for what you did in honor of your father. His story lives on and he is still teaching others about life. Thank you for staying true to his plight. Well done. I hope one day to measure up to the honor you have shown in my own right with stories I have left to tell. 

Week 1

Week 1 of being a published author! Woot. It feels like when I was young and people asked if I felt older the day after my birthday...not really. Still me, just different. :) I have not looked at sales or numbers or anything since like day 4. Numbers don't really matter (it feels like they should but they don't) Those of you out there that are reading my book, I hope you are enjoying it. I am working on book 2 of the Eternity Series and I got some other projects in the works.
Here is to a new career! 

HappY ReadinG.
LoRa

Ages from Eternity

Get Ages from Eternity NOW!!!

Visit 

http://loradouglas.com/

20 days TEASER!

It is 20 days until my first novel is released on Amazon! I am scared, nervous, excited, terrified and ecstatic all rolled into a mess. This has been years in production and a lifetime in the making...and the start of a new chapter in my life.
I hope that one day, I can write full time. There are so many stories bouncing around between my ears that I hope to get at least half of them on paper. Yay life goals!! (Funny if you know me because make life goals it not really a strong suit for me).
I will make at least one more post before my novel release but until then, here a little teaser...

After years of relentless warfare, that have left her moral compass on the verge of collapse, Calla (a Guardian within the Realm) is thrown into an assignment that threatens to push her to a breaking point. If intuition and nightmares hold any truth, she is about to embark on her most difficult assignment yet. She will face her darkest fears and discover strength she never knew she possessed and learn to love in a way she never thought possible. 

Genre: Urban Fantasy. Takes place in modern time and the 'magic' is secret, hidden from human knowledge. 

Considered to be New Adult with strong language, violence, and sexual references. 

The Hierarchy of the Realm

The Realm is an in-between. Only a select few enter the Realm after they die. The last breath in the living world is the first breath in the Realm. 

The Elders (Secretive Group of 12 that exists to maintain balance all but two members are unknown to members of the Realm) 

The Council (The functioning government that oversees Training, Assignments and maintains order) The Council is directly over Guardians, Sentries, Unit Leaders, Council Representatives and Greeters among other positions. 

Different Factions within the Realm: (Names were not chosen but overtime developed) 

Mala and Lux

Membership or affiliation with factions is optional. 

Guardians are leading members within the Lux. Sentries are the Mala counterpart. These are highly trained, experienced and 'certified' leaders that oversee Training Groups and Assignments within the Living World. 

Seekers: Members of the Realm with no affiliation, typically people who have recently died or are still in the Training stages. 

For More Than Just a Tank n' Spank

Not that a Tank n' Spank is bad at all but here is a resource to add some XP to your story. (Sorry I could not resist the cheesiness!!)

Video Game Storytelling: What Every Developer Needs to Know about Narrative Techniques.

By Evan Skolnick

Released December 2, 2014

I originally picked up this book because I am a writer and I enjoy gaming. I play mostly RPG’s and I appreciate when games have a good, strong story. That is not that only reason I play but a clunky, cliché story can hinder a good game and a great story can make a good game great.

This book gives basic narrative techniques and story structure explanations and examples that are easy to understand. I enjoyed the use of Star Wars as a resource and the overall presentation of the book. It is written for gamers and developers and the casual, informative and quirky presentation makes it a fun read.

Whether you are a game developer, game writer, or writer gamer this books does a great job of laying out useful techniques including the Three-Act structure, the Monomyth or Hero’s Journey, and basic looks at story arcs and mission development. Honestly, even if gaming is not a part of your life, this is a good resource for basic story construction.

My only complaint is the book seems to be listed rather high but it is a niche piece written for a select group.  

Get it on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Video-Game-Storytelling-Developer-Techniques/dp/0385345828

My husband (the main gamer in the family) may find this wrapped as a birthday gift J 

Website!!!

http://loradouglas.com/
http://loradouglas.com/

http://loradouglas.com/


You should soooooo check it out!
Really...go see it.
I'm just a tad excited.....
Though it is surreal.

I have a website.
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Did I mention I have a website?

http://loradouglas.com/
http://loradouglas.com/

Here it is! Cover Reveal.

First of all, Happy Birthday to my mom :). This day was chosen for that reason. Happy Birthday Mom!

My first Cover Reveal. Enjoy. This is so surreal and just as exciting. Be ready and watching for my book release on June 12!

Thank you to http://www.creativindiecovers.com/free-online-3d-book-cover-generator/#swf for the 3D image. 

Cover Reveal!!!!

Tuesday will be my first ever cover reveal!!! Right here. The past two days have been rough. My computer crashed then the mother board fried....lost all my Photoshop and cover designs. I will be working on recovering and with fingers crossed the cover reveal will still happen. So join me and cross those fingers and toes and anything else you have the ability to cross. 

Check back! :)

I Love What I Do

So I have a lot going on right now. My first video is now on Youtube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kT5eGBk7pmU

It is not much but it is a start. Also my very first ever Cover Reveal for my novel will take place right here on April 14!

My first novel comes out on June 12th through Amazon.

This on top of my 'day job' that gets super hectic from March to August with camps and mission trips and fundraisers and paperwork, paperwork, paperwork....

Oh yeah, and I also just started my own business...like full out..taxes, bank account, no money...you know, all the grown up stuff. It was easier as a kid. I glitter glued some folders, printed out little cards on my mom's giant computer running MS-DOS. The only thing my kid business and adult business both have in common, no money (but for very different reasons). Adult business, spent it on starting said business. Kid business, got quarters from raking Grandma's leaves then jumping in the piles, only to rake them again, give parents foot massages for 10 cents a minute, then spending it on dollar store treasures and Power Ranger video tapes.


That all being said, I love what I do. For years, I chased after a goal down a path I had no business being on. I thought you had to struggle at your job. I thought it was normal to hate what you do but it's not. I learned the hard way, that what I thought I needed to do was not what I made to do. When I was a little kid with my glitter glue folders, I keep trying to be who I thought I was supposed to be instead of just being who I was. I thought (hey I am a girl who likes kids) I need to be a babysitter. This is just one of the roles I tried to force myself into because I thought that was what I was supposed to be. (Not anyone's fault at all. Most of my career chasing was all driven from my own thoughts and they were all good fields, beneficial, some were very honorable but they were made for someone else, not me. And that is ok.

When I was the girl with the glitter folders, inside I always wanted to do three things, Be a Missionary (non-denominational Christian focusing on humanitarian work, community development and human rights even at the age of 5 when I did know what the words were but I knew what i wanted to do), Travel the World (all of it), and Tell Stories.

When I stopped trying to fit in a box that wasn't made for me, and surrendered, I ended up here. Traveling, leading trips focused on building, cleaning and learning, and telling stories. (That I am proud of and despite my crippling self doubt, are pretty damn good.)

There is no point I am trying to make, no wisdom I am striving to impart. Just taking what is in my head and spilling it onto virtual paper.

I have a great deal of this to do (all the adult stuff included, taxes, refinancing a mortgage, chase around 21 teenagers, paperwork, laundry, cleaning, and car maintenance) but inside, I am still that little girl with big dreams and that glitter folder is on the ground under my feet. Truth be told, I never liked glitter anyways.

Facing Fears

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

― Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles"

A friend of mine shared this quote with me and it hit every fiber of my being and every wisp of my soul. Fear is something I have been consciously working to overcome for the past year. Not fear of anything in particular, just fear. I'm not scared to be judged, I don't like conflict or confrontation but I don't dread or run from them. I know illness and I have been close to death. I know I am not the 'society's definition of attractive'. I am too big, too masculine and I don't play social/emotional games. I know these things and I have grown fine with them. I like who I am....that being said, I am still scared. Not of anything but all the time. With the help of my man, my friends and my faith I have overcome them and found of the root of so many things. One by one (another one bits the dust) the illogical hold on me has shattered. 

With that, this weekend, I am attempting to overcome one more. For years, I have wanted to do a Vlog on Youtube. But I had too many excuses, too many fears. Now it is time to buck up and do it anyway. Be looking at the beginning of the week for my first ever episode. I am not promising anything spectacular but hey....ever spectacular is relative :)

Channel is Lora Douglas on Youtube. 

10 Things I Like that Make People Go “Whaaaat?”

Bee suggested that I write 10 Things I like that shock people. I’ll admit, this was more of a challenge…at first…then I realized I really am an odd duck.

10 Things I Like that Make People Go “Whaaaat?”

1. I like black coffee, black tea, black liquorices and dark chocolate

2.  I love documentaries over anything else, second place goes to 1970’s horror movies  ( I like scary movies because they make me laugh…every time)

3. Ok, I LOVE packing. Seriously. And I love airports. International travel (the process, not the actual flying) is my favorite!! (I think I have a problem…)

4. I like coconut…all kinds, even the gross snow cone flavoring. The best is fresh coconut right off the tree. Dunk it in ice, hit it with a machete and stick a straw in it….AMAZING!

5. For Valentine’s day, I like pizza, beer and Zombieland or Cabin in the Woods…that’s it.  We do that like every year. It is glorious.

6. I really like the smell of motor oil, grease and dirt.  

7. My favorite thing when I was in school was shopping for school supplies. Now it is office supplies. Pencils, Sharpies, Post-its….(I have an addiction to Post-its…the weirder the better).

8. I love Trivia. I know a great deal of random shit that really doesn’t help in everyday life but I can ROCK a trivia game.

9.When it comes to drinks….I like bitter stuff. Salty Dogs.  Vodka Chilton. Straight Bourbon with Lemon. Gin and tonics with extra limes.

10. I like Reggaeton….I do. Wisin y Yandel, Daddy Yankee and my favorite group that has one foot in this genre is Raza for Christ.  

I know...I know...

Top 10 things I don't like that shock people 

I don't have a particular hatred for these things, I just don't care for them. When I tell people (we they ask...their fault for asking) I get either outrageous or anger-filled responses....I know...I know...

1. The Princess Bride (movie)
         I know....
2. Birds (the animal) They hated me first....
3. M&Ms 
4. Dr.Pepper ("But you're from Texas!!") I know...
5. American Football ("But you're from Texas!!!") I know...I know...
6. Pasta (I'll eat it but I'm just not a fan) 
7. Dressing up, Costumes (Just don't like it...no real reason. No fear of looking foolish...I do that all the time...) 
8. Nicholas Cage Movies....(He may be a great person, I just don't like any of his movies) 
9. Transformers....(movies, toys, cartoons....just meh...)
10. Ford ( I was raised in a die-hard Chevy home....it rubbed off) 

Type 1 Diabetes Resources

Want information about Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)? Here are some links to some awesome people sharing their lives.

None of these videos are mine. They are simply videos from youtube. Please watch, and if you like it, give it a thumbs up or subscribe to the youtuber. I have no connection with the people featured in or ones who created the videos.

A Day in the Life of a Type 1 Diabetic 

https://www.youtube.com/user/DiabeticDanica

JDRF Type 1 Diabetes 101

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0M4oxBtnXo

Type 1 Diabetes: Sam's Story

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bhcqzPq15o

Here's Johnny!!!!!

Secrets and Doors

Open the door and unlock the secrets in eleven short stories from The Secret Door Society, an organization of fantasy and science fiction authors dedicated to charitable work. All proceeds from this anthology benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in their quest to cure Type One Diabetes (T1D).


There are tales for every science fiction and fantasy taste, including new works from award-winning authors Johnny Worthen, Lehua Parker, Christine Haggerty, and Adrienne Monson.

In this anthology, awaits A Thousand Secret Doors by Johnny Worthen. We all have that eccentric family member. The cooky aunt, the wild haired uncle, the cousin that disappears for months at a time and the next thing you hear is that he is in Alaska working as a photographer or in Argentina just to meet a beautiful woman.
In Worthen's tale, a brother and sister explore the life of their uncle. The story may be short but it is packed with humor, life, light, and moments that show that magic is real. 

My favorite line from A Thousand Secret Doors, 

 "Life is a terminal condition. It’s not the days in your life, it’s the life in your days."

To purchase this collection of tales and help support the fight aganist Type 1 Diabetes, visit http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Doors-Jessica-Parker-ebook/dp/B00SNUZYGE



To learn more about Johnny Worthen or pick up one of his other works follow the links below.

 Johnny Worthen    

http://www.johnnyworthen.com/  

http://johnnyworthen.blogspot.com/

Award winning author of 

And

Celeste, The Unseen Book 2. Coming out this year!!!!

And short fiction including

DR. STUART'S HEART - A Beatrysel Novellete

LITTLE VISIBLE DELIGHT - An Obsessive Anthology of Short Stories

OLD SCRATCH AND OWL HOOTS – A Utah Horror Anthology

SECRETS & DOORS – A short story fantasy anthology from The Secret Door Foundation in support of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in their quest to cure Type One Diabetes (T1D).

How to connect with Johnny.

Send him an email. Johnny@johnnyworthen.com.

Visit his Facebook page.

 

Check out his awesome Amazon Page.

He's on Goodreads too.

Omnium Gatherum has given him some space.

Secrets and Doors

SECRETS AND DOORS:

"The Secrets and Doors Society is committed to opening new doors by supporting the research of a common, but terrible, disease. Type One Diabetes (T1D) is a disease that can affect children and adults. Over time, T1D can damage nerves, organs, and extremities. The only current treatment is a lifetime of blood sugar monitoring, and insulin injections.

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is studying the prevention of the autoimmune attack that can evolve into T1D. They are working toward eradicating the need for insulin by keeping insulin producing beta cells alive. JDRF's ultimate goal is to stop T1D before it starts, by creating a universal vaccine. All proceeds for Secrets and Doors will go to JDRF in support of their mission to treat and eradicate T1D."


Open the door and unlock the secrets in eleven short stories from The Secret Door Society, an organization of fantasy and science fiction authors dedicated to charitable work. All proceeds from this anthology benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in their quest to cure Type One Diabetes (T1D).

In these pages you’ll discover a modern woman trapped in an old fashioned dreamscape, a futuristic temp worker who fights against her programming, a beautiful vampire’s secret mission disrupted by betrayal, a sorcerer’s epic battle against a water dragon, the source of magical mirrors—and more. There are tales for every science fiction and fantasy taste, including new works from award-winning authors Johnny Worthen, Lehua Parker, Christine Haggerty, and Adrienne Monson.

Join us in the fight against T1D as you peek into a world of magical and mysterious doorways—if you dare.

Get your own copy  

http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Doors-Jessica-Parker-ebook/dp/B00SNUZYGE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422840200&sr=8-1&keywords=secrets+and+doors&pebp=1422840203674&peasin=B00SNUZYGE

Type 1 Diabetes

For the next 14 days join me in the fight against Type 1 Diabetes. Check back for information, resources, testimonies, ways to support research and encourage those and their families that live with this disease every day. 

If you have a story or something you want to share, please tweet me @loradouglas112  or #LDT1D or find me on facebook. 

FX Awesomeness!!

So I ordered some special effects makeup and injury effects for a photo shoot for one of my book covers. I am not new to photography (been doing it for 12 years give or take, some professionally) but I am very new to the art of special effects. Granted, I have watched Face Off and I prayed a lot of dress up as a kid. While most little girls choose to be princesses, I preferred Circus performers, Zombies and people with supernatural abilities that had been in terrible accidents. I was also in the Color guard in high school, (for those of you unfamiliar with Color guard check out this link http://www.wgi.org/) one of the valuable skills this taught me was how to apply stage/performance
makeup on a moving yellow dog (very old school bus). 

Anyways, that being said, I reached out and did some research. I found a place called Mostlydead.com. I ordered these injury temporary tattoos and I have to say, my mind was blown. Now only are they super easy to apply, they look hella realistic....yeah I just said hella....that's how much my mind has been converted to shrapnel. 

Here is a photo.(the scrap is the tattoo I am referring too...the wording is real..) I just used a little one on myself and saved the best for my photo shoot. This is strictly the tattoo, no make up or photo editing of any kind involved. 

But yeah, awesome. I am not paid to say this nor do I have any connection to Mostlydead.com or the company that makes the tattoo applications. I am just a random consumer that stumbled upon the website. I am just really excited and wanted to share it with you. If you want to check them out, click one of these links.

 http://www.mostlydead.com/collections/tattoos-and-transfers   http://www.mostlydead.com

Book Review: Fields of Blood: Religion and the History of Violence

Fields of Blood: Religion and the History of ViolenceBook by Karen Armstrong

“In his classic study of religion and violence, Rene Girard argued that the scapegoat ritual defused rivalries among groups within the community. In a similar way, I believe, modern society has made a scapegoat of faith.

In the West the idea that religion is inherently violent is now taken for granted and seems self-evident. As one who speaks on religion, I constantly hear how cruel and aggressive it has been, a view that, eerily, is expressed in the same way almost every time: ‘Religion has been the cause of all the major wars in history.’” Introduction.

Karen Armstrong gives a thought provoking, educational and information packed gem in Fields of Blood: Religion and the History of Violence. This is not a cup of coffee on a rainy day book but rather a guided walk through the history of religion, politics, and the ever changing yet ever constant behavior of humankind. It takes the concept of using religion as a scapegoat for wars and argues that religious faith is not inherently violent.

Being a self-proclaimed history and social science nerd, I fully enjoyed the look into the culture perceptions and history of the Hebrew people, the Byzantine Empire, the Muslim people and the foundations of society that resulted in what we know today.

This book is not a light and happy read. It is challenging and opens doors for introspection and contemplation on multiple issues, but a little brainwork and personal reflection is good for anyone.

Fields of Blood is a great resource and I would like to commend Armstrong on her presentation and her organization of information. Keeping in mind, this is her argument and all arguments have their pros and cons, I recommend this book for anyone willing to trudge through the muck that has gathered around religion and form your own path. No matter your stance on religion, I believe there is something to be gained from what Armstrong presents. I think it is important to know where we have been, and to decide where we stand in the present in order to move forward into the future.

To purchase a copy of your own, visit

http://www.amazon.com/Fields-Blood-Religion-History-Violence/dp/0307957047#

Other reviews of Fields of Blood: Religion and the History of Violence

Fields of Blood: Religion and the History of Violence by Karen Armstrong-review

By David Shariatmadari

http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/oct/08/fields-of-blood-religion-history-violence-karen-armstrong-review

 ‘Fields of Blood,’ by Karen Armstrong

By JAMES FALLOWS

 http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/14/books/review/fields-of-blood-by-karen-armstrong.html?_r=0

Fields of Blood: Religion and the History of Violence by Karen Armstrong, review: 'questionable logic'

By Noel Malcolm

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookreviews/11104769/Fields-of-Blood-Religion-and-theHistory-of-Violence-by-Karen-Armstrong-review-questionable-logic.html

Karen Armstrong’s New Rule: Religion Isn’t Responsible for Violence

By Patricia Pearson

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/10/29/karen-armstrong-s-new-rule-religion-isn-t-responsible-for-violence.html

New Year Schnooo Ear

So it is 20 days into 2015 and I have been debating doing a New Years post. I am not that into resolutions, honestly I'm not great at goal setting in general, more of an in-the-moment person. Which can be a good thing but all things have pros and cons.
Ironically, my goal for the past few months has been learning to set goals. So for the first time sense I was like in middle school and just did it because I thought I had to...I am setting some New Years Resolutions.

Please, please hold your applause, sounds of shock and overall amusement to a minimum.
I know some of you (you know who you are) are laughing your asses off right now.
Thanks for that. :)

Drum roll please.....

Lora Douglas' goals for 2015. 

Publish my first novel!!!!! You heard (well read) it right folks. My first novel, Ages from Eternity is set to come out June 2015. Mark your calenders, set your phones, write it on your hand. Part of my soul, the child of my creative juices (gross), the result of sleep deprivation, too much coffee, tears and minor freak outs, support, and failure will be out for the world to see.

So much terror and excitement and for someone that is not really overly emotional, sometimes I think my heart and head will implode. Yay!! Scared shitless! Yay!!! Biting my fingernails!! Yay! Shot of whiskey/vodka...Yay!! So proud. So scared. So excited.
Right brain. Left brain. Business. Fun. Emotions. Logic. Words. Numbers.

Now that those thoughts are out...moving on. So yeah, my first book can be in your hands, on your phone or other electronic devices in June! If reading ain't your thing (thanks for reading this blog by the way) my novel can come to your ears this Fall with the awesome audio book edition.

All this aside, in 2015 I would like read more books this year.  I'm kind of a slow reader when it is for fun so I think 40 books in a year is a good/challenging/realistic goal for me.
I have a couple goals related to my health issues (which are random and at times consume my life).  Here is one of them. With physical therapy, I hope to get my legs to where I can run short distances without pain. Right now, I can do about 2/10 of a mile so a quarter mile seems like a doable goal.
I also what to finish writing book 2 of the Ages from Eternity series and book 1 of a YA series that is floating around in my head.
Later this year, I will going to (leading actually) a humanitarian/mission trip to Thailand. The Thai cultural has fascinated me since I was in the third grade and visiting that country has been a desire of mine since that time. I look forward to this trip to learn more about the community and cultural of the people in northeast, rural area of Thailand. I guess to phrase this as a goal, I am currently learning basic Thai and would like to be able to communicate without the 100% dependence on a translator. I am also training the other team members on cultural competence and how to basically travel/work internationally in an unfamiliar culture.

They may not look like your concept of resolutions but that is what I got. :) What are your goals and resolutions for 2015? Share some in the comments or on twitter #LoraDouglasRez2015

Meet Angela Scott!!!!!

Award Winning Author 

Angela Scott 

answers some questions about writing, life and zombies! 

How do you think, you would do in a real Apocalypse (zombie or not)? 

Absolutely horrible. I'm a whiner and I'm pretty much terrified of everything. So, I would be the worst survivor ever. In fact, other survivors would most likely kill me just to be done with my whiny behind. I actually blogged about this very thing awhile back: http://www.angelascottauthor.com/blog/there-are-4-kinds-of-zombies-apocalypse-survivors-which-one-are-you

What is your favorite part in your book, Anyone?  ?

I would have to say when Cole showed up. It was incredibly hard to write several chapters with only one character, but I had to set up the premise of Tess being alone and how miserable and lonely it was for her. But once Cole came on the scene everything became better. He is one of my favorite characters I have ever written, and I enjoyed all the scenes he was in. 

 

What was the hardest part of Anyone? to write?

 ANYONE? was one of my funnest books to write, but also one of my most difficult. I had an idea part way through the book to change things up when it came to Cole. Was he real? Was he only in Tess's mind? Was he something else all together? Once I made that decision, I knew that writing my ending would be tricky. I wrote a lot of clues into the book, but I also left it open for the reader to make their own decision (and honestly, no answer is wrong--Cole can be who or whatever you want him to be). But by making this decision, it became VERY difficult to write a satisfying ending that would please everyone. I took on that risk, realizing that some readers would be thrilled to have it left open, while others will become pissed I didn't just tell them who or what Cole was. I took a gamble, and I'm hoping more people will enjoy the ending than those who are ticked at me :) So to answer this question: The ending. The ending was the most difficult to write. By far. 

 

What is your writing process? Do you like to be anywhere particular? or write during a certain time of day? 

My writing process is random. I try to grab pieces of time wherever I can grab them (being a wife and mother of three, while working, makes it difficult). I LOVE writing while in my bed! I love my bed and love sitting there with my laptop on my lap, but because I suffer from carpel tunnel, I have had to move my behind to a chair and a desk with proper support. The good thing though, is that my desk sits in front of two large windows that look over the Wasatch Valley. It's beautiful and inspiring. I would say that if I can force myself to get up early, the morning hours work the best for me. My brain is ready to go, but unfortunately, my body usually is not :) 

Do you have any interesting reoccurring dreams? 

While I was in the middle of writing THE ZOMBIE WEST, I tended to have a lot (and I mean a lot) of dreams that had to do with zombies. One of the weirdest, was about a mother who wanted me to take her two children into my "safe house" because she couldn't take care of them. No problem. But when she handed me the baby, it turned out to be a zombie. I was holding this crazy, air-biting, baby by the arms out in front of me, trying to figure out what to do with it. An old man came by with a wheel barrow and said he's take it. Anyway... when I woke up, I knew a zombie baby was going to be written into the series. I had to do it. 

What is the worst thing about being a writer?

 I think the worst thing about being a writer is that moment when you publish your book and send it out into the world. You have to sit back and wait for those first reviews to come rolling in. It's terrifying. The writing, the editing, the camaraderie are all wonderful. The waiting and worrying can be miserable--but it should never stop a writer from writing. It's part of the process. 

Who is your favorite character from anyone of your books? 

My favorite character will always be Boone from DESERT RICE. He changed the lives of Sam and Jacob in the book, and this shy, recluse of a man became a hero to these two kids. 
 

Describe your perfect day.  

My perfect day would be, staying in my pj's, laying in bed and doing absolutely nothing. Maybe watching a movie and drinking hot cocoa. My days are FILLED with running here and there and trying to get so many things done, that a day of doing nothing would be fabulous.

Check out other titles from this awesome author

The Zombie West Series 

      #1 Wanted: Dead or Undead

     #2  Survivor Roundup 

    #3  Dead Plains

Or get all three in this Omnibus Edition

http://www.amazon.com/Zombie-West-Trilogy-Angela-Scott-ebook/dp/B00GO9SXJ6

Angela Scott

 http://www.angelascottauthor.com/