The Blacklist: Red on Punks, Goals and Celebrate a Birthday

Monday's The Blacklist blew the lid wide open with a new villain who has penetrated the fortress and plans to kill Red after making him suffer. Those who watched it know that Part Two is a must see. Those who haven't...well...you're missing out. The Blacklist has been a big hit and boost for NBC and next year promises only more of the greatness of one of the best new series of Fall 2013.

Plot according to Wikipedia: Raymond "Red" Reddington, one of the FBI's most wanted fugitives, surrenders at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. He claims the FBI and he have similar interests in getting rid of dangerous criminals and terrorists. Reddington will cooperate only with Elizabeth Keen, a rookie FBI profiler. Keen questions Reddington's sudden interest in her, but Reddington will only reveal that she is very special. After the FBI uses Reddington's information to locate a terrorist, Reddington reveals that this terrorist is only the first of many criminals that he will help them neutralize. Over the course of his own criminal career, he has made a list of global criminals who he believes are truly dangerous to society, most of whom are unknown to the FBI. Reddington calls it "The Blacklist".

Red tries to save FBI Special Agent Donald Ressler's life.

But what I want to talk about is something Red said in the episode that really got me thinking.

"I won't let that punk out there get the best of me. Let alone the last of me" - Red

The world has all kinds of punks and while Red's punk is the extreme kind, us regular folks all have met a punk or two in your own life. Yet what Red says stands true. No punk should be allowed to get the better of you. Everyone has the right to live their life without a monkey on their back. Especially one whose only goal seems to be to make you miserable. People like that have something wrong within themselves and decide to take it out on other people. While punks will always exist, it is up to us who have to face them not to let them get to us. We might not always succeed, but like Red said, no punk's getting the last of me either. And that's my word on punk. Oh and Red rules.

Do you have Goals? Bloghop is hosted by Misha Gericke.

Aw boy. I have completely fallen off the rails with this. I will try to catch up in December and have my AYA website up.

This weekly meme is hosted by Viklit and participants celebrate the good things that happened during the week.

What am I celebrating? My birthday! Yes I am 29 today. My birthday will consist of books, family, television, going out, and just having fun. Yup, it's great to be me. And Sunday I'm seeing Catching Fire. Could've seen it earlier but my Mom wants to see the sequel too and unlike me isn't in a rush to see it alone. So I waited for her. Though I did say after this weekend I would go see it myself. Hey, before you judge me, I gave her two weekends. OK I guess that's terrible but I'm a Hunger Games fan and I had the money put aside for my ticket before the movie came out and with my tight budget that says a lot. Enjoy your weekend and hope those who celebrate Thanksgiving had a good one. What holiday did I celebrate yesterday? None. But today's my birthday so who cares? *Grins*

Getting Personal: Happy Birthday to Me! Happy Thanksgiving

Officially my birthday is tomorrow but I want to discuss something else then so today I'm just celebrating that my birthday is November 29. Yay Me! Plan to see Hunger Games with my mom over the weekend and of course my birthday will be spent having fun and stocking up on more books. Hey, I'm a book worm, what else did you expect?

Here's my fantasy birthday cake. Who cares about calories?

And not to forget those who celebrate thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!

Getting Personal: Nano and Me and Happy 2 Year Blogiversary

I will not be able to reach 50,000 words this year. Yes another year where I'll fall short of the 50,000 word goal of Nanowrimo. Would I have liked to accomplish it for the first time this year? Yes? Am I disappointed? Yes. Do I feel like a failure? No. 0%. Why you ask? Because I did this year what I wasn't able to do last year. I not only started Briar's Dilemma, I'm over 12,000 words into it. Now tell me that isn't a huge accomplishment by any standard.

I am still in love with the story and characters. I even added some new ones and characters like the mermaids have become super badasses since initially being just Briar's favourite secret flirt in bullfrog form. Illuminatu, the dolphin king shines and new comers like Ko, the Warlus have solidified their place into this new fictional world I've created. One of the things that have bothered me is the death count. Six chapters and three deaths and two near fatalities along with a near capture. I live for this kind of stuff and even I think the darkness is approaching too fast. Have to pace it better in the rewrites to come next year. Yes I plan to try to get to 20,000 this month then I'm putting it to rest for a while to focus on other projects. While I love the story this one was super hard to write and I went days with blank. But no regrets, Nanowrimo this year helped me get a project off the ground and for that I'm eternally grateful. Best of luck to the rest of you Nano writers and know whether you reached 50,000 words or not, you accomplished something amazing. You started to write a novel.

Guess What? It's Two Years since I started Queendsheena!

Well it was in October. Yup due to health issues and well...life I missed my blog's anniversary. But I'm still here and happy to celebrate Queendsheena being two as of October 25. Thank you blogging buddies, friends and readers for all your support. You make blogging worthwhile despite all the ups and downs. I'm truly happy.

Waking Up Dead Blog Tour and Express Yourself Meme

I found this tour in my e-mail. The author had sent the request in October for me to post during their tour during November and today is the last day so I'm just in time. Better yet I was referred to her by another author. *Squeals* This is what happens when you're helpful in this community, people remember you. Anyway today I'm taking part in the Waking Up Dead Blog Tour and if you like reading about ghosts, debating the after life and mysteries. This book should be high on your list. And don't forget to check out the book trailer before you go.

Blurb

When Dallas resident Callie Taylor died young, she expected to go to Heaven, or maybe Hell. Instead, she met her fate early thanks to a creep with a knife and a mommy complex. Now she's witnessed another murder, and she's not about to let this one go. She's determined to help solve it before an innocent man goes to prison. And to answer the biggest question of all: why the hell did she wake up in Alabama?

_____________________________________________

Excerpt 1

When I died, I expected to go to heaven.

Okay. Maybe hell. It’s not like I was perfect or anything. But I was sort of hoping for heaven.

Instead, I went to Alabama.

Yeah. I know. It’s weird.

I died in Dallas, my hometown. I was killed, actually. Murdered. I’ll spare you the gruesome details. I don’t like to remember them myself. Some jerk with a knife--and probably a Bad-Mommy complex. Believe me, if I knew where he was, I’d go haunt his ass.

At any rate, by the time death came, I was ready for it--ready to stop hurting, ready to let go. I didn’t even fight it.

And then I woke up dead in Alabama. Talk about pissed off.

You know, even reincarnation would have been fine with me--I could have started over, clean slate and all that. Human, cow, bug. Whatever. But no. I ended up haunting someplace I’d never even been.

That’s not the way it’s supposed to work, right? Ghosts are supposed to be the tortured spirits of those who cannot let go of their earthly existence. If they could be convinced to follow the light, they’d leave behind said earthly existence and quit scaring the bejesus out of the poor folks who run across them. That’s what all those “ghost hunter” shows on television tell us.

Let me tell you something. The living don’t know jack about the dead.

Not this dead chick, anyway.

About the Author

Margo Bond Collins lives in Texas with her husband, their daughter, several spoiled cats, and a ridiculous turtle. She teaches college-level English courses online, though writing fiction is her first love. She enjoys reading urban fantasy and paranormal fiction of any genre and spends most of her free time daydreaming about vampires, ghosts, zombies, werewolves, and other monsters. Waking Up Dead is her first published novel. Her second novel, Legally Undead, is an urban fantasy, forthcoming in 2014 from World Weaver Press.

_____________________________________________

Buy Waking Up Dead on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Waking-Up-Dead-ebook/dp/B00FOXWLM8/

Connect with Margo

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/margobondcollins

Email: MargoBondCollins@gmail.com

Website: http://www.MargoBondCollins.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MargoBondCollin  @MargoBondCollin

Google+: https://plus.google.com/116484555448104519902

Goodreads Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/vampirarchy

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MargoBondCollins

Facebook Novel Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Waking-Up-Dead/502076076537575

Tumblr: http://vampirarchybooks.tumblr.com/

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/mbondcollins/

Be sure to add Waking Up Dead to your Goodreads bookshelves: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18428064-waking-up-dead

Book Trailer

Express Yourself Meme

What do I carry around in my purse? Well an ID Card is a must, money, any other form of identification I need like NIS and TRN Number. Movie Ticket stubs I collect and library cards and a few receipts. My handbag has my books and pens, any papers I have to carry and should but often doesn't have my lip gloss. So pretty ordinary. Oh and my kindle when I can carry it.

Dear Andrew, Celebrate the Week and Express Yourself Meme

Before anything else, a moment of silence for Andrew McNaughton, stepson of Nick Wilford. Sadly he passed away recently and his funeral is today. The family has asked for people to release a red balloon today (11 a.m. GMT) in his memory but for those who can't you can do something representational like this red balloon designed by Carrie Butler, that I'm sharing on my blog today. Nick and family you are in my prayers.

What am I celebrating this week?

1. I won several ebooks from M. Pax's Realms Faire Event. Check comments in Wednesday's Stockade Brigade to see my best attempt at Old English and Laura's Castle Jumble is on it;s last day and is another fun event to check out.

2. I'm on my way to saving for a laptop/tablet. I'm keeping the faith.

3. Purchased a book for my mom with paypal cash I won. She had been wanting to get a T.D. Jakes book for a while but the prices for books in Jamaica right now is often criminal. Enjoy when TBD delivers mom!

4. I gave into temptation and purchased my first book for myself from TBD after buying the book my mom chose. But the true celebration is I found two House of Night series (P.C. Cast books) in the bargain bucket for under $10. I mean my mother got one book for under ten and I got two. The $9 (plus cents) total made me smile. Thank you no shipping charges. Hint, hint, Amazon (at least drop it from over $10 a book).

5. God has not only kept me but blessed me with new books, money to buy more books, and you delightful readers to share my thoughts and reads with. Thank you God. And all my blogging/online friends and readers.

6. Nano is still on, I'm catching up and will have a first draft by the end of the month. I mean who needs a weekend. *Twitches* Not me.

7. How could I forget! I saw Ender's Game on Monday! I loved it so much. Will give play by play next week.

Express Yourself Meme

My top 5 TV Shows

1. Law and Order: SVU (NBC)

2. Grimm (NBC)

3. Arrow (CW)

4. Revolution (NBC)

5. The Walking Dead (AMC)

But have to add

6. Supernatural (CW)

7. The Blacklist (NBC)

Special Mentions

1. Covert Affairs on USA - Season Finale is next week and I'm pumped. Annie is on FIRE.

2. Nikita on CW - Final Season starts November 22. Can't wait to see how it all goes down.

3. Sleepy Hollow on Fox - Finally a fresh horror series that has no vampires, werewolves or zombies. Also Ichabob rocks and finally a fantastic black actress to root for outside Scandal and/or a Drama TV series.

4. White Collar on USA - I sense Neal and Peter will come to a head. Also Moz helped deliver a baby!

5. Vampire Diaries on CW - Last season this would be in the top 5 but the doppelganger business is now out of control and getting on my nerves. A real turn off. Still a top ten show for me and one of the best CW has to offer.

6. The Tomorrow People on CW - Teleportation doesn't get enough play in television series. Also people with multiple powers :(and aren't touted as superheroes). And teens actually get shot, take that Marvel: Agents of Shield. Who is taking extreme actions against super powered people now? Ultra will kill anybody. No need to call head office to double check on that and if you defy, you die.

Cover Reveal and Waiting on Wednesday: Playing Pretend by Juliana Haygert

I'm a little late to the party but I'm revealing the cover for Juliana Haygert's Playing Pretend. This NA novel is coming out next year and for those looking for sexy Contemporary Romance, put this on your TBR list. The cover looks amazing and the flirty sex appeal oozes off the image. Juliana has been a blogger and writer I have known for a while and I'm happy to share her latest work with you.

Also Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that are eagerly anticipated. Juliana deserves a spot on this list and readers should giver book a look at  Goodreads.

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance
Word Count: 60,000
Release date: March 2014
Cover: Berto Designs

As the Governor’s daughter, Charlotte McClain is an expert in playing pretend. High society, the men her mother shoves in her direction and a Pre-Law major are all a part of her perfect pretense. But when she pretends to be a nobody during Spring Break, she meets someone who rocks her world.

Mason Rowell knows heartbreak and Spring Break don’t mesh well, so he allows the mysterious Charlotte to seduce him. What should have been a fling, results in something deeper. After Spring Break has long since passed, he moves to Washington to pursue his graduate degree, but what he never expected to find living among the rich and pompous, was the girl who gave him the strength to change and the desire to start anew.

When the guy Charlotte can’t forget goes from a sensual memory to temptation in the flesh, her facade is put to the test. If she surrenders to his charms, she risks ruining her mother’s perfect career and master plan. Playing pretend is what Charlotte does best, but how long can she pretend she doesn’t love who man that made her proud of her true self?

**A light, sexy NA Contemporary Romance**

Add it on Goodreads!

Oh, How I Miss You Blogfest: Year Two, Express Yourself Meme and Celebrate

Today is the second annual Oh, How I Miss You Blogfest hosted by Alex Cavanaugh, Andrew Leon and Matthew MacNish. Last year my 2012 post had me writing about one blogger I missed and would miss. This year I'll be upping my number a bit. Bloggers can get real close to one another and when one disappears or just becomes a blip on the radar, it can be very hard. Also we sometimes worry about other bloggers we love just disappearing one day. No new blog posts, just an old blog filled with past posts and memories. Today we share those bloggers with our readers during this blogfest.

I Miss....

Erin Shakespeare was a burst of sunshine in 2013 when I discovered her blog and have to say she's one of the funniest bloggers since Cassie Mae. For 2013 A-Z Blogging Challenge, where we got to know each other best, she theme of writing humor and gave fun laughable tips to make our posts and even fiction funny if not funnier. I enjoyed her blog so much and couldn't wait to see what May would bring. Then after a few posts she was just gone. I couldn't believe it, I got close to a fun cool blogger and she just...vanished. Then she made a post in august and I found out the culprit. Needless to say, I'm full of forgiveness.

Rory Shakespeare is the latest child to enter Erin's world and while she hasn't posted on her blog since I actually decided to try and contact her this morning after 12:00 a.m. through Facebook. Surprise she immediately accepted my friend request and gushed on how happy she was that I found her. We chatted a bit and then she said sometime about lack of sleep (she has six kids, yikes...I mean yay) and a pillow and I knew it was time to say goodbye. However we will definitely chat again and in those few minutes she even asked how my writing was going. That's how you know a true writer, no matter how short a time you chat, you need to check up on your friend's writing status. So Erin I do miss you but I'm glad as of this morning I can miss you just a bit less.

Sheena-kay Graham

I bet everyone is like...wait that's you. Yes that's me. When I started this blog it was my latest attempt at getting into the writing community and maintaining a blog. Happily I ended up being successful at both. But sadly this year I've been under the weather and not only did I have to delay releasing my first book until next year but I have had to cut down on my blogging time. Going from five to six days a week to as little as twice sometimes makes me want to tear my hair out. I worry about my readers, feel bad about not commenting on blogs even on days I didn't blog like I used to. But things are different, I have to work on a different spectrum thanks to ongoing fatigue and hopefully when the source is diagnosed and I can start proper treatment, things will improve. I love this photo of me with my kindle. I was so excited when I got it last year. So yeah I put myself in the 'I Miss...' column because I miss how I used to blog. But I know I have your support and as I work my way back I just want to say thank you.

Hope Roberson

More like missing. Has anyone seen her? Seriously? Online or Off.

I Would Miss....

Elizabeth Seckman

Liz if you stop blogging I'm finding my way to your house. Yes I know I don't have a passport. I just don't care. I am personally saying you're not allowed to stop blogging. Our perfect blogging and writing buddies friendship started in 2012 and the fire is still burning bright. She has written and published romance novels and is a wonderful mother and wife. Love you!

Cassie Mae

Yes she was my pick last year. No I don't give a damn. She rocks, 2013 has been a great year for her and even after having a baby just months ago she is still blogging and hilarious as ever.

Express Yourself Meme

My favourite subjects in High School were English Language and English Literature. Getting to write short stories, read and express my thoughts on books was amazing. I actually miss it.

Celebrate the small things

1. I'm excited about finally making headway with Briar's Dilemma. So happy that I made it this year's Nanowrimo project.

2. Yesterday I got a new paperback in the mail. Some Quiet Place by Kelsey Sutton. Thank you giveaways.

3. Allegiant should be coming to local bookstores this month. If I weren't using my paypal cash to save for a computer I'd buy it from abroad already but priorities.

4. I finally found a proper legitimate local store that will accept paypal cash for a computer. No credit card or cash in hand needed. Yes! Now I just have to save enough. Time to dig deep, work hard and pray.

5. Another week of blogging. Even though I only blogged twice this week I'm glad I was still able to check out a few bloggers even on the days I didn't blog.

Enjoy your weekend everyone and God bless.

IWSG: Nanowrimo 2013 and Jay's Cover Reveal

This month I'm taking part in Nanowrimo. My latest project is actually a past project that failed to launch. Briar's Dilemma follows a bullfrog prince who has to try and stop a plan led by the dolphins to exterminate the human race. For more check out my All I want for Nano? entry where I share my Nano wishes and give details about my latest project and it's characters. Who doesn't love a story that has heroic bullfrogs, evil dolphins, mermaids and hamsters on the side of evil? Anyone? I thought so. What is my insecurity? I really want to complete my word count in time this year. Never have before and that can get grating after a while. So wish me luck and before I go here is my mock cover.

Jay's Cover Reveal

Jay Noel has a book coming out next January. But right now you can see the smashing new cover. Steampunk is here and it's looking pretty awesome.

ragonfly Warrior Blurb:

The Mechanica Wars: Savage Machines Are Afoot...

At the age of sixteen, Kanze Zenjiro's bloody footprints mark the bodies of those who stood in his way to protect the throne of Nihon. Now, the tyrannical Iberian Empire is bent on destroying his kingdom, and they send their steam-powered giants and iron spiders against him.
Zen embarks on a quest that takes him on the most dangerous journey of his life. To succeed, Zen must live up to his nickname, the Dragonfly Warrior, and kill all his enemies with only a sword and a pair of six-guns. He is called upon to somehow survive a test of faith and loyalty in a world so cruel and merciless, it borders on madness.

Book Information: Dragonfly Warrior is a steampunk adventure like no other. It's a dynamic mix of Asian and European mythology, the Wild West, martial arts, traditional fantasy, and high powered steam action that will keep you turning the pages.

Dragonfly Warrior is the first book of The Mechanica Wars, and will debut on January 6, 2014.

Author Bio:

After doing some freelance writing and editing for more than a dozen years, Jay decided to stop procrastinating and pursue his dream of being a novelist. He's been blogging for over eight years, and even had a comedy podcast syndicated all over the internet. All of that was fun, but all the steampunk-inspired stories in his head just wouldn't leave him alone. Jay spends his days working in medical sales, but he can be found toiling over his laptop late at night when all is quiet.

He draws inspiration from all over: H.G. Wells, Jules Verne, Shakespeare, Ray Bradbury, Douglas Adams, and Isaac Asimov.

And Jay loves cookies.

Jay Noel's website: www.jaynoel.com

Facebook

Twitter

What do I want For Nano?

Today is the start of Nanowrimo. The thirty day a bunch of crazy people decide to write a novel in one month. The All I want for Nano Blog Hop is a way to share Nanowrimo aspirations and celebrate a site which does so much for writers and a hop that has writers who are planning to help donate to assist Nanowrimo in staying alive. My nano wish this year is to complete Briar's Dilemma during nano and share the world this book is in with my readers. Since I have thirty days to finish it, I'll just get the second half of my wish out of the way now.

My Vision For My Nano Project

Title: Briar's Dilemma.

Nano Summary: Briar Bullfrog overhears mermaids whispering of a plot to destroy all humans. As guardian to humans like all bullfrogs he rushes home to his father the #2 most powerful guardian to reveal this betrayal. But the king is away and instead he tells his step-mother the queen. With orders to continue his dual life as prince underwater and human teen above ground, he obeys without hesitation. Guardians were able to take on the form of those they are sworn to protect. Dolphins were the #1 guardians and not only had the duty to monitor other guardians and maintain nature's balance. But also the ultimate ability to transform into almost anything when under threat. As the dark plot is revealed and enemies launch their attacks Briar has to protect a new classmate and half-mermaid June Merr. With his allies including his defecting brother and human girlfriend and a few unaligned animals. Does he really stand a chance against the masters of this dark plot. The dolphins. Worse, they're not alone either.

My Word: Briar's Dilemma has been a story I wanted to write for a while. My last attempt went bust but I never forgot about it. This time I'm determined to start and finish this novel. Fantasy is a genre I love.


Briar:

In human form his latest identity is a teenage boy. He considers his human identity as nothing more than a cover and while he cares for humans would never consider having a relationship with one.

As a bullfrog. He's a prince, literally. Also bullfrogs are guardians for humans and as such can take human form.

Setting:

Briar as a bullfrog lives in the ocean. From underwater he can swim to portals that can transport him to various kingdoms. As long as he has permission and access.

 "

Above ground as a human he attends to High school.

Enemies:

Dolphins are more than cute entertaining animals in Briar's world. They are also the number one guardians for earth and are charged with maintaining balance and keeping chosen guardians in line. When they mastermind a coup that involves destroying all humans with claims of protecting nature. Things get nasty.

Seals have joined in the plan to exterminate humans. Bitter about recent events including oil spins and being forced into captivity to provide human entertainment. While not the brightest of animals in the coup, they are dedicated and when ordered, even vicious.

Events of trainers being dragged underwater are no accident. Killer whales are deep cover agents helping to take out humans who have deep connection with sea creatures in order to make way for the extermination of the human race. Aquariums and even the circuses are going to become very unsafe places.

Hamsters and Gerbils. While seen as bottom of the food chain by many. Dolphins went to them personally. With no guardian position, not only can they go under the radar but they are also popular pets.

Reason for attack:

Some members of the animal kingdom blame humans for most ills and see them as the bane of nature's existence.

Callous

Murderers

Waste caught on live surveillance.

Reason to fight for and protect humans:

They are individuals and while some don't protect the environment like they should. That's no reason for complete extermination.

The world is not for any one creature. Living together in harmony and through crisis is natural. If humans are exterminated who can say what else might be determined too dangerous to live. Maybe even those who don't ally with the next coup or the current one.

In Conclusion:

Briar's Dilemma is the start of a fantasy series that I'm thrilled to finally be making headway with. Today is day one and by day thirty I plan to have a finished manuscript. First draft be damned, I plan to celebrate. Thank you all who dropped by and I hope you are intrigued by my project for 2013 Nanowrimo.