Sunday, October 31, 2010

Dark Wyrm Reads...: Welcome to the Spooktacular Giveaway

Dark Wyrm Reads...: Welcome to the Spooktacular Giveaway

Today is the last day to enter for your chance to get an autographed copy of  "The Blood of Cain".
So, gather all your friends and get over there and sign up!!!

I can't wait to send the winner their own personalized copy!

Till next time,
~T.L. Gray

Friday, October 29, 2010

Interview with "I Am A Reader, Not A Writer" blog on 10/27/2010

Interview & Giveaway: T.L. Gray - The Blood of Cain  - as posted on I Am A Reader, Not A Writer blog.

Visit the site and let them know how much you appreciated the interview.  Don't forget to sign up for the free autographed copy giveaway of The Blood of Cain.

~T.L. Gray


Welcome to author T. L. Gray.



Biography:

T.L. Gray’s debut novel “The Blood of Cain” was released October 2009 from Fireside Publications. The sequel, The Arcainians, is due for release early 2011. T.L. Gray is an active member of the Carrollton Creative Writers Club, Deeper Life Christian Center, and is a contributing writer for Impact Times Magazine. The author lives in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains of West Georgia. When asked as a child what she wanted to be when she grew up she replied, “A Queen”. Since that title isn’t available within a democratic republic, she has settled for the label of “Author” instead.



T.L. Gray is currently working on two non-fiction projects (Joyful Mother and the Mary Perry Hudson Memoir) with the International Arise Conference Founder, Mary Hudson of Keith Hudson Ministries.

Thanks to T.L. Gray who has agreed to a short interview and then has a book giveaway!

Interview:

Night owl or early bird?

Definitely an early bird. I’m up at 6am, getting my heart pumping and my synapses firing. By 6pm… I’m no earthly good to anybody except for making dinner, playing games with the family, taking a hot bath, watching a little television or reading a good book; sometimes many of these things at the same time. Sometimes I can’t sleep because my brain won’t shut off and keeps me up at all hours in the morning. But even with that, come six o’clock I’m doing my aerobics and hitting the tread mill and by eight I’m on the computer. Adrenaline helps me focus.



What fictional character would you most like to meet?

That’s easy, Cain. Not because I’ve written about him, but because I’ve fell so deeply and passionately in love with the character I came to know. He stole my heart. He stole my compassion. He helped me see myself better and the people around me. If there’s hope for Cain, then there’s hope for anyone. I took a one-dimensional damned character and humanized him – having him become relatable, and in turn found a hope I didn’t realize I was missing. As for the Biblical Cain – I’m not sure I’d want to meet him. I’d be curious about him, but it would be hard to separate him from my fictional character.


If you could have any superpower what would you choose?

To fly. In my dreams I can do some amazing things like breathe under water, read minds and travel at the speed of thought. But, the most vivid of these dreams is the ability to fly. I can feel the air swirl around me, under me and through me as it lifts me from the ground. That is something I’d like to experience firsthand.


When you were 12 years old what did you want to be when you grew up?

Have you read my bio? A queen. I also remember wanting to be a journalist or an exciting archaeologist like Indiana Jones. I got to be a journalist when I worked as a newspaper reporter, and I still have a love for history and ancient artifacts which I sprinkle throughout all my books. I’m still working on the Queen thing.


What is one book everyone should read?

Oh, there are so many to choose from. However, there is one book I always turn back to and I re-read at least every other year, and that’s Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Like the Harry Potter series, Austen was able to transport me out of my current reality and plop me right into the middle of a fantastic story, helping me lose myself for a small period of time. In many events throughout my life, this book has been relevant. Though I already know the ending, my heart still feels every emotion as I progress through the pages and relate with Elizabeth Bennett. We all could use a Mr. Darcy in our lives.



If you could meet one person who has died, who would it be?

Sir Isaac Newton. The knowledge and wisdom this man’s brain projected was astounding. I love science and history… would be fascinated by his endless discoveries. I adore outcasts and heretics, so we would have been good friends. Uh-Oh, I think I’m letting my inner geek show a bit.

What inspired you to write about Cain?

Cain is one of the most intriguing characters in the Bible. He was the first born son of humanity, the first murderer, the first and only person to be directly cursed by God, the only person to have ever been ‘marked’ by God, but then not much else is said about him. The Bible is silent on the mark, the curse and even if Cain died. I went around for about a year and just asked random people what they thought about Cain, his curse, his mark and what they think happened to him? What I found is pretty much most people didn’t think much about him at all. They all acknowledged he was a bad man, but it’s like he was separate from everybody else, more heinous, more evil. We often pick characters we can relate to, especially from the Bible, drawing inspiration from their triumphs, lessons from their failures and so forth. But, with Cain I never heard anyone give or say anything relatable to him, yet I saw him a regular human being and for one moment put myself in his shoes and questioned how he was any different than me. Was I capable of doing the same thing? I realized I was, and in that realization Cain became human to me, full of emotion, full of fears, full of hopes like the rest of us. Thus, a new character was born. The basis of a new adventure had already been laid with all the mystery that surrounded this man, and from there my imagination soared. I don’t change the history or the facts as they have been given in the Bible. I don’t interfere with the religion of this character. I just tell the ‘rest of the story’ as I see it and I myself can’t believe some of the things that have evolved from it. But, I’m not going to tell you all those tidbits. You’ll have to read the book to find out about their secrets.


Visit T.L. Gray's Website

Book Blurb:Teagan Dacre loves fast cars, loud music and beautiful women, however he carries a secret that keeps him isolated from the general population; he has strange silver eyes, heals really fast and hasn’t aged in over a hundred years. The darkest secret of all – he has a blood thirst that must be satisfied by each new moon.

Believing himself unique, Teagan’s world gets turned upside down when he meets an unruly family of immortals seeking their father and maker, none other than the world’s first murderer, Cain. Everything Teagan thought he knew about himself is transformed when he learns how vampires came to be and for what purpose he was made.

For everything, there’s a price to be paid, Teagan wonders if he’ll be strong enough to pay it.

**End of interview

Monday, October 25, 2010

Getting On Top of This Internet Thing...

I thought writing was sometimes exhausting, but plotting down a chapter or two on a manuscript is lightweight compared to getting 'connected' on the internet.  I thought I was up with the times because I had post a blog on Blogspot, was visible on Facebook, Twitted regularly and kept my three websites updated, along with giving a critique or two on Critique Circle, but I've learned over the past few weeks I'm just getting started.  I need to hurry up and make some substantial cash so I can hire a full-time social network engineer to keep me updated.  For those teenagers out there who are text, tweet and posting saavy, this is a great idea for a summer or part-time job.  I'm going to write that down on my ever-growing to do list.

The last several days I've been visiting different blogs, reading what reviewers have had to say about books they've reviewed, either of my friends or fellow authors.  I love the variety that's out there.  It's made me realize there's a market I haven't even began to reach because I haven't put my book out there to be reviewed 'internetically'.  I know... the word doesn't exist ye, but it will.

So, I've written to a few of these blog reviewers and requested they review my book 'The Blood of Cain'.  I now feel like I'm lagging on a caboose when all along I thought I was at least riding comfortable in a middle car.  With my book now reaching it's one year mark since release, I now feel I've missed a market going the 'traditional' route.  This really amazes me since I'm not traditional in any sense of the word. 

But, I want to thank bloggers like Marty from DarkWyrm Reads and Kathy at I'm A Reader, Not a Writer for helping me out and giving me a few tips.  If it weren't for these awesome ladies I'd still me looking at my abs not realizing my butt's gained two extra love handles. 

I've been putting it off, but I think its time I look into 'Book Trailers'.  I've ran across a few now that have blown my mind and I so want one for my book.  Do they work?  Don't know, but I guess I'm soon going to find out. 

Till next time,
~T.L. Gray

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Crazy4Smallville's Weekly Review - Episode 5 Final Season

Smallville Episode 5 Final Season Review


From the previews, it looks like we’re in for a little cheese this week. It’s half-expected after such a great episode last week. I’ve got a few grapes and a piece of warm French bread, so bring it on. I don’t mind a good aged cheese with a solid robust taste, but I can’t stand that low-fat crap that tastes like rubber.

This week seems to be centered on the character of Isis? Isn’t that the same spirit that possessed Lana, the one she named her foundation after? Also, seems like Lois is going to get to sport another skimpy outfit. Sometimes I think the writers think some of this stuff up and look for excuses just to get Lois into an outfit. Okay, opening credits are rolling, so here goes.

Love all the ancient Egyptian things lying around. Oliver going commercial; Green Arrow Girls? Okay, the cheese is already showing spots. Tess and Oliver in a bitter love spat? Does anyone other than me think the museum curator looks a lot like Lex’s ex-wife? She just needs a lazy eye. OOOoooo.. Condemned for all of eternity in hell? Aren’t there already so many other things that can do that? Isis must not have read Romans chapter 8.

“Hey, Clark… you were blurrific.” Really?? Even for Lois this was just waaayy to lame. The cheese fell really flat on that line. I’m sorry… even I had to stop and back up the DVR because I was so distracted by Lois’ boobs. Costume did its job. It was so good it made you miss all those really lame lines.

While I’m waiting on the next segment to return, I have to say that the Remy Zero theme song for this show is an integral part of my Smallville life. It’s just as relevant to the show today as it was the first episode. I’m glad they never changed it over the years. Even though I only watched the first season of Dawson’s Creeks, when I hear the theme song… it takes me back to a particular place in time. I’m sure “Somebody Save Me” will do the same thing ten years from now.

“I saw the future recently,” Clark said. “Now THAT’s the biggest news I’ve officially heard all day,” Oliver replied. “You know you sound crazy when you talk like that, right?”

Those are officially the funniest lines. Oliver seems to get the best ones in this show. He gets to be the snarky guy, while Clark has to be all… concerned and stoic.

Umm, did Clark forget the lesson he learned last week… not letting the past or fear of the future effect his decisions? Isn’t this exactly what he’s doing? I know the boy has buns of steel, didn’t know he had metal for brains too.

Surely, they’re not going to confess right there in the bull pen? Oh, goody. Chatty Kathy is back. Come on… Lois Lane feels intimidated by little ole’ milk maid? I don’t think so. Seriously? I have to give Kat credit, she at least likes to aim high – Lois’ job… Lois’ man. Clark’s sexiest moment… ‘roof, five’. However, I have a sinking feeling that he’s never going to get to ‘tell her’ because something stupid is going to happen and she’s going to be Isis.

Yep, man that was so predictable. She even already had the outfit to boot. Eeww, I don’t like Isis’ voice. “That is of no importance to me.” Loved it! It’s about the only thing that saved the scene.

I bet Clark is thinking, “What… she gets to fly before me!” Okay… major gripe coming. Why does every supernatural freak that appears on this show all of a sudden possess the ability to take to the skies, and Clark who’s been here his whole life has only so far managed a giant leap, a quiver of a hover? Come on… Isis is from ancient Egypt… they didn’t fly back then. Granted she’s supposed to be a ‘goddess’, but the Egyptian people didn’t worship the ‘flying goddess’. Either way… it doesn’t really affect the storyline, but this whole scene was one bit piece of moldy blue cheese.

Still can’t figure out why Clark hasn’t been out looking for Chloe. I bet Chatty Kathy will think twice about picking on Lois after seeing her rip open that door, toss those guards, etc. Well, guess I was wrong on that account. The twit confronts her instead? LOVE the flash scene of her ending up in the coffee shop instead of snatching a picture of Lois, but it looks like he might have been caught on camera – or what that just Isis vision?

Tess and Alexander. Okay, now this story I’ve been really interested in finding out more. I love the little Alexander. Knowing how much Tess loved Lex, I have a feeling she’s transferring that love to little Alexander.

Oh, no… Chatty Kathy isn’t about to pitch the idea to Tess that Lois is the Blur? Oh, yes she did. I feel the same as Tess. That was funny. I’m surprised Tess didn’t fire her, but then how else will they get some laughs or perspective without her?

“Just another Friday night in Metropolis, who’s ready for the weekend?” Great line. Way to go, Tess! She seems to still be a glutton for punishment, and Oliver isn’t giving her any slack. It’s not like she doesn’t deserve the hospitality, but Tess has always done what she thought was right, she just hasn’t always been right. She was wrong first with Lex, then with the Zod, but now…who knows. That story hasn’t unfolded yet.

How does Isis know how modern technology or even the current thought process work? Does she retain all of Lois’ knowledge and memories? What did Isis expect; Osiris’ body fully intact sans the heart? I mean… she figured out where to find his body, where to find his heart, how to navigate a metropolitan city, yet… didn’t think he’d be a bowl of ashes? That part of her brain must not yet be working. What happened? Did the writers spend everything they had on the last episode?

Are those ropes made of Kryptonite? How do they hold Clark down? This superman seems to have a long line of weaknesses.

Chatty Kathy to the rescue. Love that Green Arrow put her in the sarcophagus. “I may be lonely, but I’m still going to kick your Egyptian ass.” Again, Oliver get’s all the best line.

“We’re in the dead of night, where will you find the light of sun?” Well, that answers the question that she didn’t gain modern day knowledge or have understanding on what the Blur can do. I can’t wait till he shed’s that name. Never liked it, and can’t wait for Superman to appear.

I have to admit, those were some awesome moves by both Oliver and Clark. Of course, Lois doesn’t remember anything, typical… expected. Love the line, “I love you Clark, but sometimes you are such a nerd.” Yes, he is and that’s what I love most about him.

Tess and Oliver are going to sign the peace treaty? Welcome to the team? Do they trust her? Are those tears real? I’ve always like Tess. Resented her because she took Lex’s place when I wanted Lex, but she’s done the best she could in his absence. She’s grown on me. Wonder what will become of this new Lex? Begs to question… Is evil genius in the nurture or nature?

Oh, no she didn’t? Farm House Barbie stabs Lois in the hand. “This is Metropolis… weird things happen all the time. Get used to it!” Duh, where’s she been lately? Poor Chatty Kathy. While I understand what the writers are trying to portray with this character, don’t they realize they’re mocking the majority of their viewers? Just because you’re from a small town and have traditional or conservative values, doesn’t make you a knee-jerk bigot. Remember, Clark and Chloe are from Smallville too.

Is he going to do it? Is something going to interrupt this time? Is it going to really happen? YEAH… It’s about time!!! Love the gold falling confetti. LOL… yeah, she already knew, you knub-skull.

Cheesy episode, mediocre writing, but what a great ending; I really enjoyed it although it’s left me with this overwhelming desire to see Chloe and Lex.

Well, that’s it for this week’s episode. Stayed tuned next week for my next review of Smallville in it’s final season.

Till next time, Crazy4Smallville

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Crazy4Smallville's Weekly Review - 200th Episode Final Season

Smallville Episode 4 Final Season 200th Episode



How many shows out there today can boast about having their 200th Episode? How many have lasted for more than a decade? I get sad every time I think about this being the end. I can’t imagine how the actors, producers, directors, lighting, sound and technical guys feel, having been gainfully employed by the same company, working at the same location for such a long period of time. It’s like the majority of the rest of the world that works the average 9-5. I haven’t worked a steady 9-5 in a while, being an artist and entrepreneur. Most of my hours go from doing nothing, making nothing – to working 12 & 16 hour days without rest, back to uncertainty again. That comes with being an artist. Still, having a decade of consistency now stand against the rest of a life full of uncertainty has got to be scary.

Okay… of my soapbox and back to the episode.

Homecoming – what an appropriate title. I’m looking for lots of nostalgia. They’ve got ten years to work from, so I’m sure I won’t be disappointed.

Super Girl, Green Arrow, and Super Man magazine covers… NICE! Just has me thinking… where’s the rest – Aqua Man, Cyborg, Flash, etc.

Oh, God. Clark is still questioning whether he’s a hero or not? I’m beginning to think that Kryptonite and women isn’t his only weakness… low self esteem plays a huge part. Come on… how long are we going to suffer the self humiliation? Where is the Man of Steel?

Why does Clark just allow Kara to do what she wants, like take his key to the Fortress? She’s not his boss… he needs to stop being a doormat and listening to everybody else and start making up his own mind.

Lois and Clark in the barn, okay. Doesn’t Clark have the whole house now? Good for you, Lois. Now, Clark must be blind, because he could sure learn a thing or two from Lois. She knows what she wants, and she’s got a mind of her own. She believes what she believes, not what everybody else tells her.

“Depends on the cheerleader.” LOVE IT! Whoever wrote that line… kudos to you. Wow, I forgot Lois actually attended Smallville High. Oh, please don’t tell me Lana’s going to be there. On second thought… it would be kind of nice to see her. But, knowing that Clark is now allergic to her and her ‘kryptonian injection’, it’s probably best she doesn’t show.

Familiar faces? Could we see some old friends like Pete, meteor freaks, etc?

Awww… look at the little Clark doll. I want one!

Brainiac!!! I knew it! I knew it! I knew it!

Great first segment. A little slow on the uptake there… but nice ending.

OMG… Clark looked so young, so innocent, so…. Nerdy. I don’t mind Lana in a flashback, but it’s got me thinking… what triggered it? The woman – who’s now infected with Brainiac, or the dropping of books, or both? Ah, the first time ‘Superman’ was mentioned. Will that title now stick in Clark’s brain? I don’t know if I’d like that… because I’ve always loved the fact that it was LOIS who named Superman, and this is giving that privilege to Lana.

Bug Boy is back and looks meaner than ever! LOL! Not even the nerds remember Lois.

“What happened to the bumbling nerd?” My sentiments exactly. Although, I do have a soft spot for nerds.

Chloe! I still can’t figure out why Clark hasn’t went looking for her. Come on… she’s been his best friend since 6th grade, she was his first kiss, and he knows her better than any other person, and knows she wouldn’t just ‘take off’. He’s not thinking right. He should also know… she wouldn’t miss her reunion.

The Torch, the Wall of Weird. I MISS THEM. I miss SMALLVILLE. I loved the big hero in the small town.

See… even her ‘fans’ know more than Clark. Wow, someone who knows Lois… but it’s because she dated Oliver. LOL! What a dent to that Lois ego. “We carry the torch with us everyday”. Great writing, guys.

The Blur theory – being born and raised in Smallville? Wow, Chloe’s not the only one with a brain… and it isn’t Clark. However, who is Lois calling “kids”. Aren’t they part of the reunion too?

I understand Clark being “king”, but why is Lois sitting in the ‘queens’ seat? Shouldn’t that be Lana’s spot, or someone else’s?

I love James Marsters. Loved him as Spike and love him even more as Brainiac. “This is the moment your life changes forever…” I really hope so, but dread it at the same time.

Brainiac cured? Is that true… or a ploy? What darkness? Jonathan’s funeral. I loved the graphics of that scene. So solomn, so sad. ABOUT TIME, someone weeds out that ‘it’s my fault’ mentality. I like this Brainiac. It’s like he’s reading my mind; picking up on my brainwaves. So, Brainiac is the ghost of Christmas past, present and future? I LOVE IT. Yeah, you big dummy. All your friends need you… Oliver, Chloe, and even Lois.

Uh-oh.. they’re playing Clark and Lana’s song. Lois can’t dance to that song. Lois and Clark need their own song, not hijack one from somebody else. You can tell Lois ‘ain’t from around these parts’. LOL!

“I always thought he and Chloe were meant for each other…” Oh, I can’t go back there again. But, I do appreciate the writers letting us know… they heard us, even if they did ignore us. “So, you’re the moth… not the flame.” What did they do… hire a bunch of new writers or “spike” their coffee. Excellent work so far.

Clark never learns! That impulse of his… lack of self control. “Superman Saves The Day” headline… AWESOME! So, it’s the future he zoomed off into. Another great end to another great segment.

Future Lois looks hot. Honey? Finally, the glasses make a return. Awesome. That nerdiness is back. Perry White. Who’s the Jimmy Olson look-a-like? 2017… so they’re 7 years in the future.

So, the future Lois still knows Clark’s secret. He hasn’t yet gained the ‘kiss of forgetfulness’ yet. Anniversary… they’re married? Oh, the secret revealing anniversary. So, it’s not going to happen this week. Blue, red, green… black kryptonite?

Two Clarks! Love the new Clark. OMG… that segment wasn’t long enough. I’m actually pretty speechless. It was a huge tease, just one big long tease. Heck, this whole show has been nothing but ten long years of foreplay. I’ll end up having to watch it again later, to pick up everything I missed.

“How did I become so uptight and nerdy?” HILARIOUS! However, he’s got it all wrong. The ‘blue’ Clark is the one uptight. The ‘older’ Clark seems more laid back and sure of himself.

AAhh… did I see a cape fly by? YEP… there’s that speed flying he’s so famous for.

Lois in a helicopter going over the side of a high rise? HMMMM… where have I see that before? Love the elbow to the pilot. Boy, that woman would do anything to protect her ‘hero’… just like she said earlier in the episode.

“I wanted you to see that your darkness lies not only is dwelling on the past but in fearing the future.” Again, another awesome line.

Aha… Bug Boy. “I kind of got caught up in my web of deception, and he set me straight.” Again, awesome line. I really love that this was the first ‘meteor freak’, and now serves as a final resolution.

Yes, thank goodness the lights came up. That wasn’t their song.

Love the red leather jacket and the new hair cut. Welling is lookin’ mighty, mighty super.

“Hold on to Smallville…” We all will hold onto Smallville, forever. I can’t say ‘good-bye’… not yet, but I know I will have to… soon. But, I’m not going to like it.

I’m so glad that Clark stepped up to be the ‘friend’ he’s supposed to be.

“You damn right I’m a hero!” You tell her Oliver!!!!

The Superman music playing in the background didn‘t escape my attention… when Chloe texted, “Glad to see you’re carrying my torch!”

Yes… Clark and Lois’ dance and song. Beautiful, if Lois would just shut up.

I think this is the point where Clark found his ‘happy thought’ and now that he’s a real boy, he can now fly. I’m seriously about ready to cry.

What else can I say? Excellent episode. It had it all… past, present and future, filled with wisdom, knowledge and revelations. Till next time, Crazy4Smallville

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Crazy4Smallville's Weekly Review - Episode 3 Final Season

Smallville Episode 3 Final Season Review




I attended the MeccaFest 2010 in Carrollton this past weekend, where I sold out of my book, “The Blood of Cain” really quickly, but it’s caused me to have to wait to see and review the latest episode of Smallville. Well, long at last I’m here. I’ve got my feet up, my laptop on my lap (cushioned by a pillow so I don’t get lap-burn) and my fingers massaged and ready to go.

This episode is called “Super Girl”. I can only hope that we actually get a glimpse of the real Super Girl and not just the illusion. It seems like Smallville has stolen the black smoke from Lost, but for those of us who’ve been die-hard Smallville fans know that this smoke looks awfully familiar to the smoke demons from the Phantom Zone. Does that mean Braniac will make a re-appearance.

Lois and Clark. I do have to admit that I love how this relationship was a gradual romance and not the instant love at first sight obsession. I see that Chatty Kathy is conveniently gone. Thank Goodness… I don’t think I could take too many spoonfuls of her sugary goodness. However, she forgot to take her Godfrey with her when she left. Love the red cape over the sign. But, absolutely LOVE the real Super Girl showing up. What a great scene. I was getting a bit lost with all the Anti-Hero Vigilante speech, but it was well worth the wait. I’m all giddy and excited to see the outfit… however I noticed it’s missing the “EL” symbol “S” across the chest. Good scene.

Maiden of Might?? Nah, it’ll never work. I can’t believe Clark didn’t think about making an excuse for Kara’s super conversion, yet Lois had to suggest it – to make an excuse to cover Clark’s secret. “Uger-Girl”? Keep working at it Lois.

Kara doing a photo shoot? That was unexpected. Ha, ha… super-powered pin-up girl? How does Kara communicate with Jor-El? I’m still not convinced the voice in the Fortress of Solitude is really Jor-El. Just like last week… the advice that is supposed to come from Jor-El doesn’t sound like anything that Jor-El would say. Why does Clark so easily believe? Does he think Jor-El’s whole personality just changed, or do the writers think we’d accept a drastic change without question?

Lois Lane in church? Now that’s hilarious!!! Although, her being there is much more believable than I realize. Blonde bimbo??? Sexist much? Boy, this guy is a huge douche-bag. How does he know about Oliver being the Green Arrow? Who is this guy? Where did he come from? I’m assuming he’s the guy Chatty Kathy was going all Lady Gaga over last week. But, where does he come from, what’s possessed him and what is he after? Does any of this have something to do with Brainiac?

Uh-Mmmm-mm. That is one hot super hero. Wait… I have to back up that whole conversation. I wasn’t paying much attention. Is it Kara’s inspiration that is giving Oliver the idea to come out of the super hero closet, or the fact that Chloe is missing and he thinks he has something to do with her knowing and being involved with superheroes?

Godfrey sounds like your everyday Serpent in the Garden. His publicist or editor sounds a little ditzy. Did he say “Club Zod?”

Oooh.. Kara got him good. I’ve been saying that same thing for almost ten years now. I never understood why Clark couldn’t fly, yet every freak who took his powers, every Kryptonian who happened to show up could do everything in an instant… but Clark who’s lived on earth most his life… can’t. Granted it took him till puberty to start gaining most of his powers, but what is it that makes him different? Is it his state of mind? THEY think like Kryptonian, but he thinks like a human?

Kara’s gonna show Clark how to fly? Could this be it? It doesn’t feel like the moment… but then again…it could be. The graphics are awesome. Uh-oh… he took off… Up…up…AND… he’s down! LOL! That look on his face was priceless.

How do we know this darkness hasn’t crept into Kara?

Oliver praying to his parents – how sweet and very touching. What does Oliver think happened to Chloe? He can’t have other people risking his life for him? What does he think he does every time he puts on that green suit – He risks himself for other people. Isn’t that the same thing?

I guess since us ladies got our eye candy earlier with Oliver, it’s the guy’s turn now with Lois all dressed in tight black leather. My husband wants me to back up this scene, but I don’t think that’s necessary. I caught everything that was said this time. Okay, that’s enough leather, lace and chains. I’m ready to get to some action. Although I can’t figure out how that mask hidden any identity. Besides, he’s not a normal man. Isn’t he some sort of ‘spirit’ and tempts their weaknesses?

Okay, now this is more like it – the demonic voice, black eyes and sadistic look – made me think of the demon-possessed on Supernatural.

Love those supernatural computer skills. Looks like Lois is caught in a web. Makes me think of that poem, “Welcome to my parlor said the spider to the fly.”

Clark’s true Kryptonite – women.

Love the new Godfrey. The graphics are awesome… the black & white w/splashes of red. Is this another creature from the Phantom Zone or is a legion of creatures. Again with the red cape; it seems to be making quite an appearance here lately?

Best line of the night so far… “Even heroes need someone to come home to.” I change my mind, “The Blur… He’s my hero,” takes the prize. Love the dark hair and oversized glasses. I think that’s the best I’ve seen Kara. Is she going to change her name to Linda?

Oh, that lack of self-confidence is wearing me thin. Humility is a great attribute, but after a while it just get’s… humiliating.

Uh-Oh, what’s Oliver up to? I’ve been wondering why no one has been looking for Chloe. Oh, is he going to have an “Ironman” moment??? YEP. AWESOME!!!

Till next time, Crazy4Smallville

Crazy4Smallville weekly review... Coming soon.

I haven't forgotten to review the latest episode of Smallville.  I've been extremely busy this past weekend, but I"m hoping that in a few hours from now I'll be able to sit down in front of the television and actually watch something.  I hope to have the review complete by this evening.

The Necromancer Summary

I was asked to write a short one-sentence summary of my young adult fiction series called "The Necromancers". This is what I came up with:

The Princess Bride meets Harry Potter in a Never-Ending Story.

I Am A Writer

 I pour a bit of my soul into every character, every line and every scene I write. What I pour into me -my thoughts, my experiences and my hopes - comes out of every pore including my mind. I am my best friend and my worst enemy, the greatest hero and most vilest villan. I am a writer!

Sunday, October 03, 2010

A Tap Water Girl in a Bottled Water World – Book Review by T.L. Gray

Author: Dr. Shirley Garrett

Published: ©2002 – The Speaker Group

From Dippity Do Da to Tree Houses and Tomato Sandwiches, I was hooked. Though I’ve only recently met Shirley Garrett, her writing brought back so many of those forgotten childhood memories, but especially for me… that childhood fantasy of what I wanted in a family.

I didn’t have the loving, caring family that Shirley had and portrayed in this book, but it was exactly the family I dreamed about having, the one I’d lay out in the grass, stare up into the clouds and fantasized about , and while I read this lovely memoir… I got to visit those fantasies once more.

Growing up all over the Deep South, from Georgia to Texas, Shirley reminded me of many of my favorite things like tomato sandwiches, youthful energy, tree houses, bicycles, empty lots and cereal box prizes. Shirley’s recount of saving Blue Horse coupons to get a bicycle brought back memories of my own quest. I once saved Coke caps and sent them in to get a ‘director’s chair’. The joy of collecting, saving, counting, sending it in and waiting on the prize to arrive in the mail brought a smile to my face.

While reading A Tap Water Girl in a Bottled Water World, I didn’t get to just know the heart of Dr. Shirley Garrett… I got reminded of my own heart. Though not an orphan, but having an orphan complex, Shirley’s thoughts on being separated from her brothers and adopted touched me deeply. I felt I could relate.

I think this book has something for everyone, both young and old. I loved the style in which it was written, each chapter being able to stand alone, yet had a single heart-thread sewn throughout the whole piece. It’s touched me so much, and given me so many ideas for the memoir I’m currently working on; she’ll perhaps never know how much it’s affected me.

I wouldn’t recommend reading this book in one sitting. I’d advise that you take it one chapter at a time. Let each one soak into your spirit and touch your heart the way it’s touched mine.

Till next time,

~T.L. Gray

Friday, October 01, 2010

Crazy4Smallville's Weekly Review - Episode 2 - Final Season

Last week got me excited like I haven’t been in a long time for Smallville. This week, I’m hoping some of that excitement will remain.

Here we go…

Africa looks hot and dry. Star-crossed lovers? Ooooh, Hawkman. Don’t tell me there’s going to be another love triangle. Isn’t the Clark, Lois and Superman (or currently known as The Blur) enough.

Look at Chatty Kathy – or Katherine… fresh off the farm. Can someone say, “Chloe-clone wannabe?” Clark’s new partner??? LOL! Clark wanted a challenge… well, it looks like he got one – a cute, fresh-faced, mindless-can’t-think-for-herself and hides that judgmental dagger behind pale pink lipstick kind of challenge. Her perfectly lined pearly whites didn’t distract me from missing the plea for Clark to come out in the open. Let’s hope he does soon – but not just to shut up Chatty Kathy and her precious Godfrey.

Why does Oliver doubt that email is from Chloe? I can’t image what deal she had to make, and to whom? She had Superman at her side… there’s no reason for her to give in to some other threat. To do so, is giving this ‘unknown’ threat more power than Clark. I’m hoping this ‘unknown’ plan is something great in the end.

Who is Hawkman texting - Clark, Justice League or Chloe? Lois, don’t drink it. I’ve learned in the land of television, never drink anything. Clark as the ancient sun god Ra? Makes sense to me. LOL! Was there something in that tea to quiet the ever incessant Lois, but not strong enough that warrants pulling out the liquor? Oops, Hawkman messed up, he mentioned Clark – when Lois never had. That tells Lois that he knows something he’s not telling.

Awesome! Those graphics were so cool, but I want to know who the Gunslinger was that shot the bullet. How is Clark going to explain that save? For a few minutes I thought we were going to be free of our new ace reporter, but alas… now I must continue to speculate whether or not she’s a mole sent to expose these ‘masked heroes’ for the villains she thinks they are.

Grant? That bullet was meant for Kat. Was it meant to get rid of her or test Clark for super abilities? The lady doeth protest too much. Who is Godfrey? Who’d want to kill her? I could think of a few people. However, I tend to think that she wasn’t the real target, just the mouse for the trap.

You know what isn’t fair? I’ve watched this show for ten years… and for ten years I’ve waited to see her happy. At the point she get’s happy, something happens to remove the object of that happiness. What does Oliver want with Kat? Why is he investigating her? How did he even hear about her? Who is Kat Grant? She’s a witness to what event with this Deadshot?

Ha, ha, ha… like a bullet can hurt Clark!!! Shows what he knows.

Hmmm? Changed her name? Her son, Adam? Usually a name for a first born, but this makes me wonder the first born of what or who?

Does Lois ever shut up? She over-thinks everything. I understand (I am a guilty over-thinker)… but it doesn’t mean I have to like it. I love that line… “For every great relationship that comes with a great burden, is also comes with a great strength to carry it.”

LOL… I saw that slap coming from a mile away. Well, darn it… looks like we’re going to have another love triangle.

“Hello Kitty”? I liked Chatty Kathy better as a blonde too. Seems our little intrepid reporter’s got a few skills. There’s that ‘people need to be inspired by someone who stands in the light’ again.

Okay… what were the bullets and the water laced with? Who is Commando and Deadshot? Who do they work for? For those of us who haven’t perhaps read a comic book… we find ourselves in the dark. Is Mama Kent behind this as the Red Queen? It’s not the Kandorians and Checkmate was destroyed. Lex is somewhat back… is this perhaps some new evil gang of his? Whoever it is… they know about Clark, Hawkman, Oliver, etc. Crimefighters?

Chloe faked her own death? You tell him, Oliver. You do have to forge your own fate… and come out of the shadows. Evil lurks in the shadows while goodness stands in the light.

Are the CrimeFighters Level 33.3 left overs?

Love all the philosophy… and especially…. SUPERMAN! It’s about time that name popped-up.

Okay… goose-bump moment; Red leather jacket… American Flag waving in the background… Oh, what a tease! You’d think after a decade, I’d be immune. This has been one heck of a courtship.