Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Film review: Your Name (2016)


Synopsis: 

Two Strangers connect in bizarre way. Mitsuha and Taki experiences swap-bodies and after they realize it, they start communicating with each other by leaving notes on paper or leaving memos in each other' phones. As the times goes on, they get used to this and starts to intervene each other personal life. Mitsuha helps Taki' relationship with his co-worker named Miki Okudera. Taki helps Mitsuha in becoming more popular in her school by making scenes at her school.

Taki tried to contact Mitsuha but fails to reach her phone. After that, he realized that they stop switching bodies and he wants to go to Mitsuha' hometown without knowing her whereabout. Taki sketch some picture from his memories and starts to find where is the place by asking peoples he met and finally a staff in a restaurant recognized the sketch and tell him that the place is named Itomori. He later finds out that a fragment of the comet Tiamat fell to earth three years ago and destroyed Itomori and its outskirts, killing a third of the town' population. Taki later go through the record and find Mitsuha name as one of the victims.

Taki goes to Mitsuha' family shrine and learns that his and Mitsuha timeline were actually separated a few years the whole time, Taki drinks Kuchikamizake that Mitsuha made and left behind as an offering. Mitsuha find herself in Taki' body at the shrine and wanders the mountain. Taki arrives at the mountain. They can feel each other presence but they can't see each other because their timeline is different. Later they are transported back to their own bodies and finally able to see each other. They decide to write each other' names on the palm of their hands before they return to their timelines. Yet before Mitsuha write her name on Taki' palm, she disappeared. Time passed and they forget each others' names, as well as the memories that ever happened to them. Mitsuha find "I love you" on her palm instead of Taki' name.

Later it is known that Mitsuha succeed convinced her father to evacuate most of Itomori residents and save them from the comet incidents. Eight years passed and during his job hunting, Taki still lingering to anything related to Itomori and Mitsuha. Although He did not remember anything about Itomori and Mitsuha, he always feel that he is looking for something or someone. Even a lady wearing red ribbon reminds him of something he even did not remember. One day, he saw Mitsuha as his train and Mitsuha' train crossing. He then running out of the train, same as Mitsuha and they finally meet on the staircase and as they walk passed each other, Taki stopped Mitsuha and asked her name.


My review:

It's been awhile since I watched Japanese anime, especially the romantic one. This anime is detailed, I could tell by watching it. This is a unique anime story and the soundtrack also beautiful.
The story is touching and I really enjoy the comedy at first and the missing feeling Taki had when he tried to move on his life. He tried to find a job and hanging out with his friends and co worker Okudera, but he still feel something or someone is missing from his life.

I really like the ending where Taki and Mitsuha meets each other and Taki say hey to Mitsuha and asked her name. It's sweet ending. I really recommend this anime to anyone who likes Japan animes or just enjoying fantasy romantic drama film, this film plot and the soundtrack is beautiful and really worth to watch.


My rating: 8.25/10


Kind regards,


Selene.

Monday, January 30, 2017

Book Tour : Everything For Love by Marilyn Vix









Everything For Love Time Rogues
By Marilyn Vix
Genre : Time Travel / Paranormal Romance
Publisher : Shadowcat Publishing
Date of Publication : Jan 30, 2017
Word Count : 65 K
Cover Artist : James at GoOnWrite.com


A “Time Traveler’s Wife” meets “Outlander”

Deidre Thompson is a timeanaut studying artists in the early 20th Century powering her time device by sex. A mysterious stranger follows her from Paris 1899 to London 1914. He saves her life which changes the timeline.

The man, Max, reveals he's been sent by the Time Counsel to save her. Max helps Deidre on the assignment. But he is secretly in love with her, and defied the Time Counsel to save her.

The timeline change brings Deidre's past love back to life, and she must choose between them.


Guest Blog

Blog Post #1 For Jan. 30: Behind the Scenes: The Writing of Everything For Love

The birth of a book is a wonderful thing. It has been a long, three year journey to arrive at this point. So much goes into creating what eventually becomes the magical creation of a book. This is the story of my first novel, Everything for Love, a new time travel romance available today, Jan. 30, on Amazon.com.

Writers get asked a lot where their ideas for books come from. I’m no exception. Another series came to me in a dream. Other times, I’ll make up a story by watching a music video. This story came out of reading another person’s historical fiction book set in Paris. I thought, I’d like to try a historical fiction story set there, but I’d get bored with just that. I had to have a reason why they were exploring history. I came up with the idea of a time traveler researching art and researching one of my favorite periods and artists, Henri Toulouse Lautrec. The time was simple. 1899. I had to pick my favorite place in Paris, Montmartre, of course.

What was also helpful in creating this book was the research. I’ve learned a lot about Henri Toulouse-Lautrec and the Vorticist movement. I’ve lived in Paris for several months, and enjoyed including my explorations of Montmartre into the book. Though the more modern Montmartre is awash with tourists and artists selling their paintings in the summer, warmer months, there is the underbelly of the area that can still be appreciated by going into the cafes and walking the alleyways that were once patronized by famous folk like Hemingway.

I also spent time exploring areas outside of London. The town of Amersham does have a manor house that fits the description I first started in the story. It is near the area where Roald Dahl grew up and wrote his famous books. I enjoyed exploring the areas where Deidre and Max could hide out from counsel agents in the English countryside, the train station they arrived in, and the manor house turned into a model for John Spencer’s estate house.

So, I hope that gives you some insight to some of the behind the scenes that went into the book Everything For Love (Time Rogues Book 1). Please enjoy it, and if you so feel inclined, leave a review so I know how you felt. I love reading feedback.

-Marilyn Vix-


About Author 

Marilyn Vix writes fast paced paranormal romances with strong females finding their HEA with hot warlocks, vampires, and time travelers. She currently lives in Northern California with her husband. This is her first full-length novel.

Marilyn is currently working on her first full-length contemporary romance, Saving My Heart and the second book in the Time Rogue series. She has a novella paranormal romance series called Beware of Warlocks with the first book entitled, Never Marry A Warlock. For more information about her books, visit her website at: https://marilynvix.com




Regards, 
Angela






Sunday, January 29, 2017

Chinese New Year 2017


from : freepik.com

Dear All, 

I want to say Happy Chinese New Year 2017 for everyone whom celebrate it. Hope this new year will bring us happiness, success, and healthy life. 2017 is fire rooster year. Hope whatever your chinese zodiac is, you will keep doing great job and have fun. Wish you all the best guys ^^


Regards, 
Angela


Friday, January 27, 2017

Film Review : Hacker (2016)





Synopsis : 

With the help of his new friends Alex Danyliuk turns to a life of crime and identity theft

Review : 

When I see the trailer, I know that I have to watch this movie. I always have soft spot for espionage and hacking movie especially one that based on true story. I have to say that I am coming late because of personal errant. Nonetheless, I don't miss anything important. The story was quite short. It was easy to be understand except you need to connect the dots for certain scene. The story itself is very simple. It was about Alex and how he connects with Deep Web leader Zed. Even though it was not story driven, the writer also neglect the characters. The characters are two dimensional and predictable. I don't know whether to like or hate Alex, maybe indifferent. I can see why it has limited opening. Doesn't have the recipe to become box office success. More like wannabe documentary except I don't even feel it was documentary film like Snowden. The ending left me disappointed because it was very rushed. If I don't know any better, I'd say the writer hate Anonymous so much to make the ending like that. Anyway, this is low budget movie. The actors are handsome and pretty but doesn't show much acting. Even when they cry, I still don't feel the emotion. The "weak" song doesn't help either. 

Anyway, I don't recommend this movie for people looking for great and blockbuster movie, but for people who don't mind "not your typical great movie but different" movie.  

Rating : 5 of 10


Regards, 
Angela  


   




Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Game Review : Faster Than Light (FTL)





At last, I decided to buy this phenomenal indie game called Faster Than Light. According to their website FTL Game, this game is about becoming your own star ship captain. This game was developed by Matthew Davis and Justin Ma. This is the third game I played as star ship captain after Star Command and Battlestation : Harbinger (now called Battlevoid : Harbinger). 

Review : 

This game is quite simple. It was very user friendly. There's the tutorial and you can choose the easy mode for learning. But I have to warn though, it was still quite challenging even in easy mode ^^. Basically you just need to bring your spaceship to certain place for delivering secret document (if I were not mistaken). But during your journey, there will be many enemies that you have to defeat. The mechanic itself is like Sims Simulation. You control the space ship and deliver the energy and crew for healing, shield, weapon, control, fuel, etc. You have limited energy and decide how to deliver the energy for each division to maximize your ship chance for winning. After you defeat the enemy, you will gain points to upgrade your space ship. 
   



I quite like the game. It was very fun. Not too hard and not too easy. Unfortunately, it use perma death. It means you cannot stop in the middle of the game. When you die, you really die and you have to restart from the beginning. I will be honest. I am not fan of perma death, especially for long game like FTL. Other than that, it was a good and challenging game. You have to think how to defeat the enemy using limited resources. Sometimes the same strategy cannot work with strong enemy. The visual itself is quite easy on the eyes. You won't have any trouble differentiate what is what. The price is also quite affordable. But it's better if you can buy it when it was on sale. I buy it on sale for about 3$ on Steam. I recommend this game for people who want to play space ship simulation game. 

Rating : 7 of 10


Regards, 
Angela

Sunday, January 22, 2017

Book Review : Asap (As Soon As Possible) by Patricia E. Gitt



Synopsis : 

When Suzanne Moss, co-founder of a technology company learns that her firm is targeted for a major theft, she begins an international chase that takes her from Manhattan to Asia to secure her company’s safety from thieves. As the mother of two preteens and wife of fast-tracked Wall Street attorney, her already overly scheduled life is thrust into warp speed. With the guidance and support of her business partner with secrets of his own, she races to resolve the threaten theft, only to learn of her husband’s treachery that placed both her company and children in jeopardy.

Review :

To be honest, this is one of the most strange thriller story that I have ever read. Nevertheless, I still give it good rating because I like it. 

ASAP - As Soon As Possible definitely is one of the most unique tittle that I have ever found in a book. Especially since it is an action and thriller story. But I choose to read it because I like the cover and the synopsis. The story is about three people which is Suzanne, the co owner of technology company, Leonard, Suzanne husband, and Brad, Suzanne business partner with his own secret. They are talented and successful person in their own rights. One day someone inform Suzanne that his company technology is in black market. And with this, the story kick starts. 

I said that this is one of the most strange thriller that I've read because I don't really get the bad guy. Yes it was explained but still I don't get it. At first Zeke was implied as dangerous person. He can kill people easily even his former partners.  After that he sort of become "good guy" ?! I don't even understand what's the true relationship between Zeke and Brad. It was very nuanced. The author like to jump from plot to plot so you have to connect the dot yourselves. Anyway, the problem solved. But that's not over. 

Now the author bring us into her next conflict which is between Suzanne and her husband, Leonard. And this is the second strange thing. Suddenly the conflict is about divorced settlement between workaholic wife and cheating husband. I don't understand why the author have to probe deeper into this instead of making the conflict between Zeke and Brad more "serious". I feel like the author change her heart and make this into some kind of romance.  

The characters are good. I even like the bad guy, including cheating Leonard. But of course, it still could have been improved especially regarding relationship between Suzanne, Leonard, and Brad. Right now it was very predictable with Suzanne being Suzanne, Leonard being Leonard, and Brad being Brad. I can see the author try to bring character development for Suzanne character but it is not an interesting development for me.  

Anyway, I still give this 3.51 rating because despite everything I quite enjoy it. I recommend this story for people looking for a unique story, the combination between thriller and romance.  

Rating : 3.51 of 5 


Regards, 
Angela


Saturday, January 21, 2017

Book Review : The Empathic Detective by Jaxon Reed



Synopsis : 

In a world of flying cars and planetary portals, Detective Gerald Bryce holds a rare power: the ability to read emotions. When he discovers a suspected murderess who shares his gift, she offers the fulfillment of his deepest desires. Soon he discovers she can manipulate emotions too, controlling others even to the point of committing murder. A battle breaks out between police and all the forces she can bring to bear. But other powers are at play as well, and they are far greater than anyone imagined … 

Review : 

I like the tittle. I like the cover. I like the synopsis. Still it was not perfect. It could have been but it was not. This is good book. Unfortunately the epilogue ruined it for me. Or maybe the story was not geared toward this kind of epilogue so it leaves bad taste. 

The main character is Jerry Bryce. At first he looks like ordinary workaholic detective. The truth is he have special power. He can sense someone emotion. He use this skill to investigate the case and catch the bad guy. I like Bryce character. He is not your ordinary detective. I am not saying about his skill but character. He is simple and yet intriguing at the same time. Unfortunately that's not the case with the other characters. Maybe because this story was geared toward action so the other characters are bland. And I appreciate there's no romance in this story. 

The story itself is quite simple. It just there's some obstacles that our detective have to overcome before he can defeat the bad guy which is Harpy Desiree Lamont. Please be prepared for certain unbeliveable things. Other than that, it was enjoyable read while it last. The pace is quick at the beginning but a little slow in the middle. The good thing is the story was predictable. The bad thing is the story was also predictable, besides the twist at the end. But don't worry the twist was just.... twist. Don't worry too much about it. Not everyone will like it because I know I don't. Still I recommend this book for people looking enjoyable and fun read. 

Rating : 3.51 of 5


Regards, 
Angela

Book Review: The Girl on the Train


This review just as complimentary of my previous review of the film here.

Synopsis:


You can find my full synopsis Film: The girl on the train.

Review:

After watched the movie, I am intrigue to read the book, because I am curious of Rachel' thought and her characteristics. This book is pretty detailed describe Rachel' thoughts. How she spent her daily life after getting fired because her drunkenness and how she pretend to work in front of everyone, including Cathy, her housemate. She always think she had imaginary office, which makes her to take train 8.04 am and going back on 17.56 pm train. 

I will say the book is very detail and has good writing. I really enjoy the plot line of the story. 
I also like the story of how Rachel overcome her past and become a new person to move on her life.
If you watched the movie and like it or you don't understand, I recommend you read this book, it's really worthed it.


Rating: 4.2/5


Regards,

Selene.

Book Review: On Dublin Street



Synopsis:

Jocelyn Butler has pain past experiences, she lost her family due to car accident. She went to Scotland to start a new life. Then She meet successful entrepreneur Braden Carmichael. Braden is Ellie' brother and Ellie is Jocelyn new housemate. Soon they become strongly attract each other. Jocelyn had panic attacks and she scared to lose someone she loved, she find hard to overcome her years of traumatic and to chase her love, Braden Carmichael.

Review:

Braden is serial dater. Jocelyn is anti-relationship girl. So, as you can see, this book tells the strong willed Braden to get Jocelyn heart.

This is the best book out of their series. This book similar to Bared to you and Fifty shades of grey. This book tell how Jocelyn fall in love in alpha male like Braden Carmichael. How Braden try hard to get Jocelyn' love. The writing is pretty good and addictive, you will keep reading and reading to find the ending of sweet love between Jocelyn and Braden.

Honestly, I like the story plot and this book just really good. If you really enjoy romance and alpha male type, this book just for you.


Rating: 4.5/5



Regards,


Selene.

Thursday, January 19, 2017

Book Tour : The Murder at Midnight by John Ukah


Tittle : Murder at Midnight
Author : John Ukah
Genre : Cozy Mystery


Alex Simpson, an ex-police officer, decides after a bout of typhoid fever to take a break in a serene and therapeutic environment. The last thing he expects is to be called upon to solve a murder at the Kinging Guest Lodge. But that is what happens, when the delectable and vivacious Maria Marshall is found dead in her bedroom at midnight.

The gallery of characters living at the guesthouse and thrown into the mix, do not make his task of solving this chilling and brutal murder any easier …



Book Excerpt

There was no friend or relation waiting for me. I was not expecting any. To my family, I was an outcast. My father had disowned me. To my friends, I was a disgrace and an embarrassment.

“You have ruined your life!” my father had shouted at me, after Morgan died. He had trembled with anger and his hand had been shaking, even as he pointed his finger at me. “You’re no longer my son!” His anger had not come as a surprise. The fact that he had not shot me with his gun or cut me down with a machete, had surprised me. I didn't deserve any better.

I had killed Morgan and Stephen. I hated myself for that, even more than my father hated me. This was the same father who had proudly embraced me, when I came back from the last Olympics games, with a silver medal in freestyle wrestling.

“Welcome back, my son!” he had said, with his face beaming with pride. Everyone had been proud of me. I was a worthy ambassador of the country. My victory been celebrated at the State House Pavilion. I had shaken hands with the President. I was a hero. To Morgan, I was his personal hero. He wanted to be like me. But I disappointed everyone. The depth to which I had sunk, was painfully obvious.

Morgan was my immediate younger brother. Though I was about five years older than he was, we were about the same size and build. He also looked like me facially. People often mistook one for the other. They said that we were almost like identical twins.

Stephen had been my best friend since childhood. We were more than friends. Our relationship had grown from mere friendship to the strong bond of brotherhood. 

In retrospect, it was not surprising that Morgan was the first to notice that I was taking drugs. He was shocked at first, but had no position on the issue because I was his role model; if I did something, that meant it was right.

Then, more noticeable, negative changes began to manifest. I was often stoned, drunk and irritable.

“People are saying that these drugs are not good for the body,” said Morgan, one day. He had always found it difficult to directly criticise me. He waved his hand at the table where I kept my drugs.

“I don’t care what people say,” I replied. I was already high.

“But do you really need it?” asked Morgan, looking into my eyes.

“I need it just like you need air. Now, mind your business,” I said, taking my time to prepare a joint. As I started sniffing it, Morgan left the room.

I was also starting to look unkempt. I was no longer frequent at the Sports Complex for my training sessions. Even when I went, I was not particularly serious; I managed to get one everyone's nerves. One day, my head coach reached the limits of his patience.

“Philip, I have actually had enough of your indiscipline,” he finally said. “I put in an entry personally for you at the wrestling event of the State Sports Festival, three weeks ago. The weigh-in was last Wednesday, but you didn't attend. Luckily for you, it was moved to Friday. You had a bout on Saturday; again you failed to show up. This behaviour is just unacceptable for a professional wrestler like you. I’m washing my hands off you.”

Some other professional wrestlers had tried reasoning with me, but as far as I was concerned, they were the ones who had issues. Strangely, my parents were blissfully unaware of my antics. 

One fateful day, I returned home from chilling with some friends. I wasn’t completely drunk; just a bit tipsy. I swayed on my feet feeling good and singing some bawdy songs. I entered my room and immediately reached towards my bedside table for my regular dose. To my astonishment, the table had been swept clean of my usual stuff. I was mad with anger. I flung the table with one hand and it went flying to the other end of the room. I ransacked the house, but I could not find my stuff. When I returned to my room, I remembered that I had stashed some of the Megamix powder in one of my trouser pockets. I grabbed all my clothes from the wardrobe and threw them on the floor. Then, I rummaged in the pockets of my trouser pockets. I became gleeful when I found what I was looking for.

I snorted more than my usual dose. I had never felt so good. My breathing was faster than usual. There was some music playing in the background on the radio. I had heard it before, but now it was simply fantastic. I turned up the volume so much, that items in the room began vibrating with the sound. I started doing some drug-inspired dancing. It was like paradise.

In a sudden flash of inspiration, I knew who had taken the drugs. Morgan! Some will tell you that certain drugs induce an altered state or higher level of consciousness. The Megamix was one of them. I went to his room and searched, thoroughly. I found them in one of his bags. My anger spiked. How dare he? What gave him the right?

Unfortunately, that was when he walked in with Stephen and Young, another good friend of mine. I do not really recall much of what happened next. I was not myself. They told me later that I seemed to have taken leave of my senses. Morgan it seemed, after clearing my table, had gone to call Stephen to talk to me about the dangers of doing drugs. I was also told that as soon as I saw Morgan, I lunged at him. Meanwhile, Stephen and Young tried to restrain me. Somehow, I overpowered two of them and grabbed an empty bottle, which I smashed on Morgan’s head. The bottle broke into pieces and Morgan’s head started bleeding.

Still unsatisfied and clutching the neck of the bottle, I attacked Morgan again. I cut him in the hand. Neighbours were called and I was finally overpowered. Stephen and Young went out to get a cab. Morgan was taken into the cab with blood all over him and together, they had headed for the nearest hospital. It was on their way that they had a ghastly motor accident; an oil tanker, whose brakes had failed, ran into their taxi. Both Stephen and Morgan died instantly in the huge explosion that followed.

It was the next morning after the effects of the Megamix lifted, that I finally came back to my senses and my father disowned me. But even then, I could not recall what exactly I had done until Young told me. 

“Murder At Midnight” is available in all Amazon markets on Kindle. It is also available as an EPUB and iBook on Smashwords, Overdrive.com, Okadabooks, Apple, Kobo and all major online stores.


About Author

John Ukah is a seasoned banker and Associate of the Institute of Capital Market Registrars (ACMR). He is a graduate of Business Administration from the University of Benin, where he was listed as University Scholar. He also holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration (MBA). 

Links
Purchase “Murder at Midnight” on Amazon: United StatesUnited KingdomGermany, FranceSpainItalyNetherlandsJapanBrazilCanadaMexicoAustralia, and India

It is also available on SmashwordsKobo, Apple, Barnes & Noble (Nook)Okadabooks, and major online stores. 

Okadabooks is mainly for buyers in Africa. 



Regards, 
Angela









Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Book Tour : The Benevolent Terrorist by Danny Wynn


The Benevolent Terrorist
By Danny Wynn
Genre : Adventure / Literary



   

The Benevolent Terrorist is a thinking person’s adventure story, in the vein of various novels by Graham Greene, Robert Stone, and Patricia Highsmith. It tells the tale of a troubled young American named Jack who’s been wandering the world for extended periods on an increasingly desperate quest for excitement and adventure. Jack is traveling with a likable and beautiful Australian woman, who’s quickly getting fed up with him. In Athens, they meet a mysterious loner, an ex-Army guy who recently finished working construction in Tunisia. The unlikely trio travels to a Greek island where a romantic triangle develops. Jack’s deep desire to escape boredom and his theory of benevolent terrorism – ¬fighting terrorists with terror – lead the two men on a dark and violent adventure. The novel explores with intelligence a number of the disturbing aspects of life and artfully straddles the boundary between commercial and literary ¬fiction.

 “A fantastic, existentialist thriller with visceral charm...offers
a trio of vivid character studies while ¬filling [the narrative] with sinister tension...sharp, philosophical, and occasionally surreal prose.”— Kirkus Reviews

Author Interview

Tell us about your book.
It is a thinking man’s adventure story, which deals with the phenomenon that a lot of guys tend to romanticize dangerous activities like war or drug smuggling, and my novel is about a dysfunctional young man who goes way too far in his pursuit of excitement. The story takes place in the Greek islands, and the main characters are two men and a woman. It is a very compelling read and has a very exciting ending.

What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book? 
I write based on what I know and thus my books do require a lot of research. However, there are scenes in my books for which my real life does not provide the telling details needed to bring the scene to life, and in those instances, I do research to provide telling details. Also, in this novel, The Benevolent Terrorist, a real life figure makes an appearance, and I had to do research in order to be consistent with the facts.

Do you read your book reviews?
Yes.

How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I care mostly whether the reviewer understood my book, rather than whether they thought it ws good or bad. I have been pleasantly surprised that most reviewers have gotten what I am trying to do.

What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Failing to recognize that a writer must tell a story, and that material must be interesting in order for it to be included.

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Become a journalist so as to constantly be honing my craftsmanship and acquire strong material for my fiction.

Is there a message in your novel that you hope readers will grasp?
Self-destructiveness is a real and potent phenomenon which a person can’t avoid simply by
simply relying on common sense.


About Author



The Benevolent Terrorist is my third novel of publishable quality.  Before turning full-time to writing, I worked at CBS Records (later Sony Music) for many years and traveled extensively, rising to the level of Executive Vice President. I’ve lived in New York City, Los Angeles, and London, and now make my home in the West Village with my wife and two children. My second favorite place in the world (after the West Village) is the island of Mallorca, Spain, which I have visited more than thirty times (and is where one of my earlier novels, Man From the Sky, is set).  My writing has received numerous starred reviews and garnered very favorable criticism such as, “an enjoyable tale of lost souls colliding in the most unlikely of places,” “conjuring shades of Steinbeck,” “the prose is subtle but vivid, intellectually engaged but never arid, as the author provides readers with a flurry of snapshots that gradually coalesce into a picture of tarnished longings,” and “well written, thought provoking…,stands in a class all by itself.”

On Facebook: http://bit.ly/2fM8tUK
On Amazon: http://amzn.to/2gnn8t9



Regards, 
Angela

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Book Tour : The Convenient Escape by Robert Downs




The Convenient Escape
By Robert Downs
Genre : Thriller


To Veronica Baird, escaping from an underground dungeon and racing through the woods, is anything but convenient, even as her captor in rubber mask attire proves rather persistent in his continued pursuit. Despite her apparent independence, she considers a partnership, albeit reluctantly, with a former classmate who may still have feelings for her. 


Pete Nealey still has flashbacks to Iraq and, with the bottle as his eternal companion, tends to fall off of barstools at the most inopportune moments or pass out face down in the tavern parking lot. But what he may lack in cheerfulness, he more than makes up for with his steadfast loyalty to the cause, even when he ends up handcuffed to an air conditioner in a shoddy motel.

But unless Veronica can learn to trust Pete for more than just intermittent intervals, the slipshod relationship, and her freedom, won’t last…



You can get the book here  

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Smashwords / Itunes / Kobo / Black Opal Books / Scribd



Author Interview

1. How did you come up with the idea for The Convenient Escape?
I’d always wanted to write a thriller, and in fact, I wrote a few before I was able to successfully publish THE CONVENIENT ESCAPE. The pace and the chase appealed to me, and that’s what I tried to do in this instance. I liked the idea of two people with a past who have to work together, even if they don’t necessarily want to, added another layer of complication and fun for me.

2. What sort of research did you do to write The Convenient Escape?
Almost none, if memory serves me correctly. I take John Grisham’s approach to research: I tend to do as little as possible. The exception being when I don't know enough to make whatever scene or character seem believable. Then, I dig just enough to be dangerous. While I tend to skirt away from research, I do have good analytical skills, which in some cases can be to my detriment, since I tend to analyze everything. I also have this need to learn about anything and everything, no matter how trivial it may seem at the time. When I write, I invariably analyze and utilize these different data sources, on some level that I'm not even aware of, and hopefully, I create something new, along with a believable story.


3. What is the main thing you want readers to take away from The Convenient Escape?
If I’ve entertained my readers for a few hours, then I have done my duty, and I will die a happy man. You might learn a fact or two about Southeastern Virginia, but what I am first and foremost is a storyteller, and I take my job very seriously. If I’m not entertained when I’m writing, my readers certainly won’t be entertained when it comes time to pick up my novels later.

4. What were some of the challenges you faced on the road to publication?
How much time do we have? Seriously, though, my road to publication hasn’t exactly been a straight-line, and even though this is my fourth novel, I was forced to find a new publisher. I tell people that finding a publisher is like dating: You have to find a publisher that has the same goals that you do, and the personalities have to fit, otherwise it’s probably not gonna work. Let’s just say I didn’t get it right the first couple times, but Black Opal Books has been wonderful to me thus far, and I hope our relationship can continue forever. I have four more books under contract with them, and I plan to send them a few more manuscripts before the end of the year.

5. What has been one of your most rewarding experiences as an author?
I’d say it’s all wonderful. I’m getting to do what I love to do, and that is a blessing in and of itself. Everything else is just the icing on top of the cake. From meeting other authors, to interacting with fans, to attending mystery conferences, to working with bloggers, libraries, and bookstores, to building a relationship with a publisher that has my back, to having your dad sing your praises loud and proud to the entire population of Fairmont, West Virginia, and knowing that my whole family has supported me every step of the way, it doesn’t get much better than this. I am truly lucky.

6. If your novel were being made into a movie, whom would you pick to play as Veronica Baird and Pete Nealey?
Honestly, I haven’t thought too much about this question, even though I love movies almost as much as I love books. I have a feeling my fans would do a much better job of casting THE CONVENIENT ESCAPE than I would. If I were lucky enough to have one or more of my novels made into a movie or TV show, that would be enough for me. As long as Hollywood doesn’t start telling me how to write my novels, I won’t tell them how to make or cast their movies.

7. Are there any nuggets of wisdom you can impart to aspiring writers?
Write because you love it, and because you have to do it. If you write for any other reason, then you’ll probably give up before you ever see publication, if you go the traditional route. In the end, persistence and a love of writing will save you. Not much else will. With writing, the journey is more important than the final destination.



About Author

Robert aspired to be a writer before he realized how difficult the writing process was. Fortunately, he'd already fallen in love with the craft, otherwise his stories might never have seen print. Originally from West Virginia, he has lived in Virginia, Massachusetts, New Mexico, and now resides in California. To find out more about what’s next on his list, visit the author’s website: www.RobertDowns.net.

When he’s not writing, Robert can be found reviewing, blogging, or smiling. Falling Immortality and Graceful Immortality helped him discover his true love: hard-boiled mysteries. LaCour’s Destiny helped him enter the mind of a female amateur sleuth with OCD tendencies. His fourth and fifth novels will come out this year with Black Opal Books.


When he’s not writing, Robert can be found reading, reviewing, blogging, or smiling. THE CONVENIENT ESCAPE is his fourth novel. To find out more about the author, please visit his website or Facebook Page.