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Writing means different things to me. I'm a storyteller, a book editor, and a songwriter. For me, it's like breathing.
Showing posts with label Favorite Friday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Favorite Friday. Show all posts

Friday, January 01, 2016

Favorite Friday: Sharing a favorite fantasy movie trilogy

Favorite fantasy movie trilogy
Lord of the Rings

This needs no explanation. If you don't know about this fantasy trilogy, you have been living in a hole. :)





Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author
Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly



Friday, December 25, 2015

Favorite Friday: Sharing a favorite bodice ripper and silliest vintage romance

Bold Blades Flashing by Lorinda Hagen

Book description:
Garnet Shaw was only sixteen, but she was a diminutive spitfire, as Happy Jack Muldoon, captain of the pirate ship Dancing Lady, quickly learned when he claimed her as his prize on a sea-going raid.

Garnet found that a life of piracy appealed to her, as did dashing Captain Jack, whose mistress she became.

But then the Dancing Lady was boarded by the beautiful and arrogant Dell Fields. Her mysterious relationship with the pirate captain soon bound all three in a strange alliance whose links were forged in passion and in blood!

This romance was published back in 1979 when purple prose reined and so did TSTL heroines. LOL I loved this book when I read it all those years ago. Wow, how times (and me) have changed. I would most likely throw this book against the wall if I read it today, but for some reason I’ve held on to it. Perhaps Captain Jack (yes, not kidding, that’s his name) made an impression of my young inexperienced mind. If you want to travel back in time to when silly romances were popular and probably get a good laugh out of it, then check this book out.




Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author
Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly
http://www.kelleyheckart.com        

Friday, December 18, 2015

Favorite Friday: Sharing a favorite book on Irish folklore

Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry by W.B. Yeats

About the Author
William Butler Yeats, June 13, 1865 - January 28, 1939 born and educated in Dublin, an Irish poet and dramatist. Beginning in his youth, he studied poetry and from an early age was intrigued by both Irish legends and the occult. Yeats is known as one of the foremost figures of 20th Century literature.


This is a great source of information on Irish mythology and Ireland’s relationship with the fairy realm. Very insightful and highly recommended to anyone interested in Irish folklore and fairy magic.


Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author
Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly
http://www.kelleyheckart.com        

Friday, December 11, 2015

Favorite Friday: Sharing a favorite fantasy book

Favorite book
The Last King by Robert E. Howard

Amazon description:
From Robert E. Howard’s fertile imagination sprang some of fiction’s greatest heroes, including Conan the Cimmerian, King Kull, and Solomon Kane. But of all Howard’s characters, none embodied his creator’s brooding temperament more than Bran Mak Morn, the last king of a doomed race.

In ages past, the Picts ruled all of Europe. But the descendants of those proud conquerors have sunk into barbarism . . . all save one, Bran Mak Morn, whose bloodline remains unbroken. Threatened by the Celts and the Romans, the Pictish tribes rally under his banner to fight for their very survival, while Bran fights to restore the glory of his race.

Lavishly illustrated by award-winning artist Gary Gianni, this collection gathers together all of Howard’s published stories and poems featuring Bran Mak Morn–including the eerie masterpiece “Worms of the Earth” and “Kings of the Night,” in which sorcery summons Kull the conqueror from out of the depths of time to stand with Bran against the Roman invaders.

Also included are previously unpublished stories and fragments, reproductions of manuscripts bearing Howard’s handwritten revisions, and much, much more.

There are very few books about the mysterious Picts of ancient Scotland. I’m a fan of Conan the Barbarian and decided to read this one about Bran Mak Morn, the leader of the Picts, a race that had descended into darkness and barbarism. Highly recommended.


Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author
Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly
http://www.kelleyheckart.com        



Friday, December 04, 2015

Favorite Friday: Sharing a favorite TV series

Favorite TV Series
Fargo

Show Description:
The all new “true crime” case in Fargo’s latest chapter takes you back to 1979 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Luverne, Minnesota. “Lou Solverson” (Patrick Wilson), a young State Police Officer recently back from Vietnam, investigates a case involving a local crime gang, a major mob syndicate and a small town beautician “Peggy Blumquist” (Kirsten Dunst) along with her husband “Ed” (Jesse Plemons), the local butcher’s assistant. Helping Lou piece things together is his father-in-law, “Sheriff Hank Larsson” (Ted Danson). The investigation will lead them to a colorful cast of characters that includes “Karl Weathers” (Nick Offerman), the town lawyer of Luverne, Minnesota. A Korean War vet, Karl is a flowery drunk blessed with the gift of gab and the eloquence of a true con artist. Three-time Emmy® winner Brad Garrett will play “Joe Bulo,” the front man for the northern expansion of a Kansas City crime syndicate. The new face of corporate crime, Joe’s bringing a Walmart mentality to small town America. His number two is “Mike Milligan” (Bokeem Woodbine). Part enforcer, part detective, Mike is always smiling – but the joke is usually on you. Bulo and his crew have their sights set on the Gerhardt crime family in Fargo, currently led by matriarch “Floyd Gerhardt” (Jean Smart). With her husband at death’s door, Floyd takes over the family business, frustrating her eldest son, “Dodd Gerhardt” (Jeffrey Donovan). An impatient hothead with a cruel streak to match his ambitions, Dodd can’t wait for both his parents to die so he can take over and expand their business from kingdom to empire. “Bear Gerhardt” (Angus Sampson) is the middle son, an intimidatingly large man who, although inarticulate, is the most decent of his clan. “Rye Gerhardt” (Kieran Culkin), the youngest of the Gerhardt clan, views himself as a big shot, but in reality he’s just a small dog with a loud bark.


Emmy Award winning Executive Producers Noah Hawley (showrunner/writer), Joel & Ethan Coen, Warren Littlefield and John Cameron all return for the second installment. Fargo is produced by MGM Television and FX Productions, with MGM Television serving as the lead studio.


This is the most bizarre and compelling show I’ve seen in a while. Great acting and writing makes this one of the best shows this season. Highly recommended.


Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author
Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly
http://www.kelleyheckart.com        

Friday, November 27, 2015

Favorite Friday: Sharing a favorite Thanksgiving dessert

Since Thanksgiving is here, I thought I would share my favorite Thanksgiving dessert:
Pumpkin swirl cakes. Yummy. Walmart usually has them this time of the year. They are a little tricky to make because you have to get the cream cheese swirl inside.




Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author
Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly
http://www.kelleyheckart.com        

Friday, November 20, 2015

Favorite Friday: Sharing a favorite new T.V. series

Blindspot
Amazon pilot description:
In the series premiere, a beautiful woman with no memories of her past (JAIMIE ALEXANDER) is found in Times Square, covered in mysterious tattoos, including an FBI agent's name.


I like this new show because of all the mystery surrounding this woman who can’t remember who she is. I like shows that keep me guessing.


Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author
Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly
http://www.kelleyheckart.com        

Friday, November 13, 2015

Favorite Friday: Sharing a favorite new T.V. series

The Last Kingdom
Plot description on IMDb:
The year is 872, and many of the separate kingdoms of what we now know as England have fallen to the invading Danes, leaving the great kingdom of Wessex standing alone and defiant under the command of King Alfred. Against this turbulent backdrop lives our hero, Uhtred. Born the son of a Saxon nobleman, he is captured by the Danes and raised as one of their own. Forced to choose between the country of his birth and the people of his upbringing, his loyalties are ever tested. What is he? Saxon or Dane? On a quest to reclaim his birthright, Uhtred must tread a dangerous path between both sides if he is to play his part in the birth of a new nation and, ultimately, recapture his ancestral lands.
Amazon series description for episode 1:
When Uhtred loses his father in battle, his lands and inheritance are taken by his scheming uncle, Aelfric, who becomes a puppet-lord for the ruling Danes. Uhtred is captured by his father’s killers and brought up by Danish warlord Ragnar. Now a young Danish warrior, when his surrogate family is murdered by a group of vengeful Danes, Uhtred finds himself alone; neither Saxon nor Dane.

I’m a huge Vikings fan so I thought I would check this one out. It’s based on a series of books called the Saxon Tales by Bernard Cornwell. I really like it so far. We see a different side to the Viking invasions of what is now England.



Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author
Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly
http://www.kelleyheckart.com        

Friday, November 06, 2015

Favorite Friday: Sharing a favorite new T.V. series

Favorite T.V. Series: The Bastard Executioner

Show blurb:
Wilkin Brattle, a warrior knight in the charge of King Edward I, trades his sword for a peaceful farming life -- until the violence of his past finds him and forces him to pick up the bloodiest sword of all.


It started kind of slow, but I really like this dark medieval series by the creator of Sons of Anarchy and hope it doesn’t get cancelled. It’s the real deal as far as medieval politics, complete with people being tortured and killed for heresy by the church. The upper class is greedy and cares little for the poor. I guess times haven’t changed much. The main character is easy to like because he may be one of the few with actual compassion and remorse.


Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author
Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly
http://www.kelleyheckart.com        

Friday, October 30, 2015

Favorite Friday: Sharing a favorite fairy tale movie

Favorite fairy tale movie: Snow White and the Huntsman
Product Description
From the producer of Alice in Wonderland comes a new vision that turns a legendary tale into an action-adventure epic. The evil Queen Ravenna (Academy Award winner Charlize Theron) will rule forever if she can take the life of Snow White (Kristen Stewart), so she dispatches the Huntsman (Chris Hemsworth) to track her down. But the wicked ruler never imagined that the Huntsman would train the girl to become a brave warrior, skilled in the art of war. Filled with intense battles and spectacular visual effects, Snow White & the Huntsman is a thrilling experience that “shouldn’t be missed” – Shawn Edwards, Fox-TV.
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I really liked this new version of Snow White. It is darker than the original. I loved Chris Hemsworth as the huntsman. Ravenna's outfits were stunning. There were some cool surprises in this version--the way Snow was revived was my favorite one. Highly recommended.


Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author
Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly
http://www.kelleyheckart.com        
My author page at amazon.com with all my books listed

Friday, October 23, 2015

Favorite Friday: Sharing a favorite vampire book

Favorite vampire book: 'Salem’s Lot by Stephen King

Book Description:
Ben Mears has returned to Jerusalem’s Lot in hopes that exploring the history of the Marsten House, an old mansion long the subject of rumor and speculation, will help him cast out his personal devils and provide inspiration for his new book. But when two young boys venture into the woods, and only one returns alive, Mears begins to realize that something sinister is at work—in fact, his hometown is under siege from forces of darkness far beyond his imagination. And only he, with a small group of allies, can hope to contain the evil that is growing within the borders of this small New England town.

With this, his second novel, Stephen King established himself as an indisputable master of American horror, able to transform the old conceits of the genre into something fresh and all the more frightening for taking place in a familiar, idyllic locale.
**************

This is one of my favorite Stephen King books. I love the way he takes an ordinary town with ordinary people and fills it with something terrifying. Highly recommended for horror and vampire fans.


Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author
Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly
http://www.kelleyheckart.com        
My author page at amazon.com with all my books listed

Friday, October 16, 2015

Favorite Friday: Sharing a favorite historical fantasy book

Favorite historical fantasy book: The Light Bearer by Donna Gillespie
Book description on Amazon.com:

In the harsh wastes of the barbarian north, a child is born on dirt and straw in the rude thatched hall of a Germanic tribal chieftain. She is Auriane, destined to follow the pathway of her tribe’s most revered seeress. But as ruthless Roman invaders plunder her people's lands, burn their crops and kidnap their young men for the imperial army, Auriane is chosen to lead her tribal people in their struggle against the empire.

When the Emperor Domitian crosses the Rhine with four legions, the north’s hope resides in a woman…

And as the only world she has known collapses around her, Auriane is captured and taken to Rome, and into a life of horror and glory no seeress could have foreseen.

In Rome, senator and Stoic humanist Marcus Arrius Julianus rises to the loftiest pinnacles of government. Through wit, daring and brilliant maneuvering, he struggles to check the murderous whims of the increasingly corrupt Emperor Domitian. As a reign of terror begins, Julianus orchestrates a vast plot to assassinate the emperor.

Cultured Marcus Julianus and barbarian Auriane meet — and form a powerful bond across the gulf of their vastly different ways of life.

Domitian condemns Auriane to the arena, where in the halls of a gladiatorial training school she discovers the tribesman who betrayed her people in war. As Julianus’ assassination plot rushes to its cataclysmic conclusion, Auriane must carry out the solemn rite of vengeance before a maddened throng in the Colosseum.

An immediate international bestseller, The Light Bearer is the product of twelve years of research into the history, culture and mythology of classical Rome and the proto-Germanic tribes.
************

I loved this book. It is beautifully written and well-researched. I loved Auriane's strength. Highly recommended to anyone interested in classical Rome and the ancient Germanic tribes.

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author
Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly
http://www.kelleyheckart.com        
My author page at amazon.com with all my books listed

Friday, October 09, 2015

Favorite Friday: Sharing a favorite Romans vs. Picts movie

Favorite movie: Centurion
Product Description

AD 117. The Roman Empire stretches from Egypt to Spain, and East as far as the Black Sea. But in northern Britain, the relentless onslaught of conquest has ground to a halt in the face of the guerrilla tactics of an elusive enemy: the savage and terrifying Picts. Quintus Dias (Fassbinder), sole survivor of a Pictish raid on a Roman frontier fort, marches north with General Virilus' (West) legendary Ninth Legion, under orders to wipe the Picts from the face of the earth and destroy their leader Gorlacon. But when the legion is ambushed on unfamiliar ground, and Virilus taken captive, Quintus faces a desperate struggle to keep his small platoon alive behind enemy lines. Enduring the harsh terrain and evading their remorseless Pict pursuers led by the revenge hungry Pict Warrior Etain (Kurylenko), the band of soldiers race to rescue their General and to reach the safety of the Roman frontier.

I really like this movie. My favorite scene is when the Roman legion marches into the mist-filled forest of Caledonia (Scotland) and the Picts attack. It gave me goosebumps. I loved Michael Fassbender as the centurion who survives being captured and pursued by the savage Picts. Olga Kurylenko does a great job as Etain, a frightening Pict warrior driven by revenge against the Roman soldiers. Highly recommended to anyone interested in this time period.


Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author
Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly
http://www.kelleyheckart.com        
My author page at amazon.com with all my books listed

Friday, October 02, 2015

Favorite Friday: Sharing a favorite fantasy book

Favorite fantasy book: The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien
Amazon.com book description:
Tolkien considered THE SILMARILLION his most important work, and, though it was published last and posthumously, this great collection of tales and legends clearly sets the stage for all his other writing. The story of the creation of the world and of the the First Age, this is the ancient drama to which the characters in THE LORD OF THE RINGS look back and in whose events some of them, such as Elrond and Galadriel, took part. The three Silmarils were jewels created by Feanor, most gifted of the Elves. Within them was imprisoned the Light of the Two Trees of Valinor before the Trees themselves were destroyed by Morgoth, the first Dark Lord. Thereafter, the unsullied Light of Valinor lived on only in the Silmarils, but they were seized by Morgoth and set in his crown, which was guarded in the impenetrable fortress of Angband in the north of Middle-earth. THE SILMARILLION is the history of the rebellion of Feanor and his kindred against the gods, their exile from Valinor and return to Middle-earth, and their war, hopeless despite all their heroism, against the great Enemy.

I know I may get some hate emails for this, but I like this better than the other books. lol I loved reading about the history of Middle-earth and the collection of legends that led to The Lord of the Rings. Highly recommended! I need to get the Kindle version.


Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author
Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly
http://www.kelleyheckart.com        
My author page at amazon.com with all my books listed

Friday, September 25, 2015

Favorite Friday: Sharing a favorite fantasy book

Favorite fantasy book: Song of Unmaking

Blurb:
Stubborn, single-minded and steadfast . . .
Striving to save the Aurelian Empire, Valeria reached for too much power too quickly and a darkness has rooted inside her. Unable to confess the truth, Valeria turns to Kerrec, her former mentor, one of the elite Riders from the Mountain, home of the gods. But Kerrec, too, is deeply wounded and his darkness may be even deeper than hers -- and he is refusing to face it. Until his weakness nearly destroys the Riders and their immortal white stallions . . .
As Kerrec is sent from the Mountain on a desperate quest for healing, Valeria is forbidden to follow. But compelled by a power she cannot understand and encouraged by her own stallion, she shadows Kerrec on a perilous mission.
The patterns of deception and secrets have been woven, the threats of war and unrest spread throughout the land, the barbarian hordes return and once more it is Valeria -- and Kerrec -- who must gather their strength and their wounded magic to protect all that they believe in . . .
But who will believe in them?


Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author
Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly
http://www.kelleyheckart.com        




Friday, September 18, 2015

Favorite Friday: Sharing a favorite movie, a comedy

Favorite movie: Galaxy Quest

For four years, the courageous crew of the NSEA protector - "Commander P eter Quincy Taggart" (Tim Allen), "Lt. Tawny Madison (Sigourney Weaver) and "Dr. Lazarus" (Alan Rickman) - set off on a thrilling and often dangerous mission in space...and then their series was cancelled! Now, twenty years later, aliens under attack have mistaken the Galaxy Quest television transmissions for "historical documents" and beam up the crew of has-been actors to save the universe. With no script, no director and no clue, the actors must turn in the performances of their lives.

One word: Hilarious, especially if you are familiar with Star Trek. Highly recommended.




Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author
Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly
http://www.kelleyheckart.com        

Friday, September 11, 2015

Favorite Friday: Sharing a favorite movie

Favorite movie: Phantom of the Opera

Amazon description:
Deep in the passageways below the Paris Opera lives a lonely, talented, horribly disfigured man who revels in terrorizing the theater's employees as The Phantom of the Opera. But when the masked Phantom sees young Christine Daaé, his heart melts. He secretly trains her, transforms her into a star ... and loves her. But when she cannot return his affection, as her heart already belongs to another, all the pain that the Phantom has held within is revealed with horrifying results.


I hate musicals but I loved this one, maybe because it was dark and mysterious. Anyway, I highly recommend this one. Not only is the acting and singing great, the setting is beautiful.


Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author
Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly
http://www.kelleyheckart.com        


Friday, September 04, 2015

Favorite Friday: Sharing a favorite childhood book

Favorite childhood book: Where the Red Fern Grows

Amazon book description:

In Where the Red Fern Grows, Billy and his precious coonhound pups romp relentlessly through the Ozarks, trying to "tree" the elusive raccoon. In time, the inseparable trio wins the coveted gold cup in the annual coon-hunt contest, captures the wily ghost coon, and bravely fights with a mountain lion. When the victory over the mountain lion turns to tragedy, Billy grieves, but learns the beautiful old Native American legend of the sacred red fern that grows over the graves of his dogs. This unforgettable classic belongs on every child's bookshelf. (Ages 9 and up)


Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author
Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly
http://www.kelleyheckart.com        

Friday, August 28, 2015

Favorite Friday: Sharing a favorite fantasy TV show

Favorite fantasy TV show: Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell
With magic long since lost to England, two men are destined to bring it back; the reclusive Mr. Norrell and daring novice Jonathan Strange. So begins a dangerous battle between two great minds.

Stars: Bertie Carvel, Eddie Marsan, Marc Warren

This is set during the Napoleonic Wars in an alternate England where magic exists. I like stories that mix history with fantasy and this one has my interest so far. It’s based on a book series by Susanna Clarke.
   


Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author
Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly
http://www.kelleyheckart.com        
My author page at amazon.com with all my books listed


Friday, August 21, 2015

Favorite Friday: Sharing a favorite new Sci-Fi TV show

Favorite new TV show—The Whispers

An unseen force is manipulating society's most innocent-our children-to act in favor of its cause. As the kids unwittingly help this unknown enemy, the clock counts down in this suspenseful race to save humanity.

Creator: Soo Hugh
Stars: Milo Ventimiglia, Barry Sloane, Lily Rabe


This show gives me the chills because the children involved are Children of the Corn creepy. It’s not as fast paced as most of the shows now, but if you like your Sci-Fi spine-chilling, this is it.




Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author
Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly
http://www.kelleyheckart.com        
My author page at amazon.com with all my books listed