#MusicMonday Worth Standing For

To be honest most music now a days is either sex, hating or just full on partying. Not to many bands stand for anything any more. I try to find the ones that do and share them. But, sometimes it is easier to go back in time to find someone who really cared and wasn't afraid to say so.

This week for Music Monday we go back to the year 1995 when so many bands I listened to had no problem stepping up and telling it like it is. Here is a song that fits right in and seemed to stick in my head for weeks at a time.

Carnival By: Natalie Merchant

What band sticks in your mind and really gets you thinking?

#MusicMonday for One of My Favorite Characters

Today's Music Monday goes out to one of my favorite fictional characters of all time, a kick ass heroine who makes the phrase girl power sound like a game for girl scouts. A teen age PI who doesn't take crap from anyone, whose middle name should be justice, a girl who looks out for the underdog and makes you just love her spunky attitude. Who is she? The main character of an old show called Veronica Mars and guess what? She is coming back. With the help from the show's many fans, the producer and actors have raised the money to make a Veronica Mars movie and I can't wait to catch it in 2014.

  Any of my readers also Veronica Mars fans? If not you should serious catch a rerun or two. Kristen Bell as Veronica Mars kicks some serious butt and one of the all time best role models for women. So for Kristen for helping raising the money for the movie and her character Veronica, here is the theme song for the show. Its a song I keep on my MP3 player that always makes me think of the show.

We Used to Be Friends By: The Dandy Warhols

  And if you are interested in the Veronica Mars movie, here is the teaser that just appeared over the wekend at the San Diego Comic-Con.

First look: Veronica Mars movie

Thoughtful Thursday with an Odd Re-Visit

I'd like to welcome back fellow writer Diantha Jones. Her tour stopped off here during her tour for Book 2 of her Oracle of Delphi series. Now Book 3, Prophecy of Solstice's End is out and she is stopping back on tour again to share this newest work with us with a guest blog and some great info on how to grab your copy. Not to mention a fantastic giveaway.

Now on to her guest post!

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Outlines: So Annoying, Irritatingly Helpful By: Diantha Jones

So for the first two Oracle of Delphi books, Prophecy of the Most Beautiful and Prophecy of the Setting Sunrise, I didn't outline anything. I just wrote what came to my mind and it was easy to keep it all in order. Then came book three, Prophecy of Solstice's End, and I couldn't keep a single plot line straight. I don't know what happened, but I was all over the place.

My editor (Mia) suggested I do an outline. At first, I was like NOPE. I hated outlines. They were annoying and too much work. But as my deadline drew closer, I knew I needed to do something or risk ending up with a very screwed up book. So I buckled down and did the stupid outline.

Best decision I ever made.

First thing I did was outline what I had already written, then I added what I knew I wanted to happen. The truly annoying part came when I started rearranging my outline. But I had to go along with the flow of the emerging story, you know? Not every chapter I outlined made it into the book. Once I realized the book was stronger without a certain chapter or POV, I eliminated it. The outline definitely helped me to look ahead and see what would work for me and what wouldn't. With so many story lines, narrators and points of view to keep straight, the outline was invaluable. Honestly, if I hadn't done one, I would've been so screwed.

I've already begun outlining the fourth book, Prophecy of the Betrayed Heir, and I see a great story being laid out in front of me. A lot of work too, but it's all worth it. I now recommend outlines to all authors as I will most definitely outline every book I write from here on out.

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Here is the code for the giveaways. There are two and they both start Monday, July 15th and end the third week in August.

Oracle of Delphi Giveaway

Prizes are listed

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Prophecy of the Author's Genius Contest
Solve the prophecy, win a $25 Amazon Giftcard (must guess the classic book title and author)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Description of Prophecy of Solstice's End- Courtesy of Barnes and Nobel-

Overview

Summer Solstice is here. Let the games begin.

Nothing but lies (some of them her own) and deceit have brought Chloe to Olympus for the Solstice Olympic Games. As the Oracle and the special guest of the King of Myth, Chloe becomes immersed in a life of unfathomable luxury, taunting history, and overwhelming excitement. Though scheming and untrustworthy, the gods remain on their best behavior as the tension and anticipation builds around the outcome of the Quest of the Twelve Labors, the deadliest competition of the Games. All seems well on the celestial front...until athletes start turning up dead and a philosopher missing for months returns with a most terrifying story...

But that’s not all.

As Strafford confronts his troubled past and more is learned about the Great Unknown Prophecy, Chloe grows close to another, setting off a chain of events that will bring her face-to-face with a truth that will rock both of her worlds to their core.

And it’ll all happen before Solstice’s end...

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To grab your copy of Prophecy of Solstice's End, check out these great links.

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/prophecy-of-solstices-end-diantha-jones/1116050182?ean=2940148440819

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00DXO6IZ6

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I hope you all grab a copy and get to experience the work of one fantastic writer and wonderful person. Thanks for stopping by Dinatha and I hope the rest of the tour is fantastic for you.

#MusicMonday From Russia With Love

  I couldn't help, but use the James Bond reference. It just naturally came out as I typed. This week I thought I would share a song for my Russian readers. Doing some research I came across the Russian band Dima Bilan, who I am told is really popular there in Russian. With a lovely voice and an instant spark of attraction we see a scene unfold of a silly, happy stroll.

I wasn't able to find a translation for the name of this song. Any of my Russian readers want to comment and tell us what, 'Nevozmozhnoe Vozmozhno' means? And is this a popular band or would you suggest someone else?

For everyone else, watch the video and tell us what do you think of this popular Russian band? I really like the feel of this song. The flirting is too cute and what a naughty boy is that one!


Nevomozhnoe Vozmozhno By: Duma Bilan

Snippet Sunday- A Nasty Confirmation Or...?

When a girl meets the man of her dreams she smiles unconscionably, thinks of him randomly and dreams of him from time to time. But, what happens if he wants someone else, even in your own dreams? This weeks snippet is a piece of a scene from my favorite of all my books, Zogone book #1- Old Dreams. What does Arlene get after meeting Brian? Memories? More questions? Confusion? Maybe even a little self awareness she never would have imagined.

    From Old Dreams-


  Her knees grew weak as he pulled her closer, wrapping his arms firmly around her until their bodies touched from their chests down to their knees.

  His lips continued to brush tantalizingly over hers as he spoke. “I’m so glad you chose to stay with me. I love you Colleen.”

  Arlene pulled back sharply, placing a hand firmly on his chest as she looked up at him in confusion. “I’m Arlene, remember? Whose Colleen, Brian?” She grabbed his arm and softly shook him. “Whose Colleen?”

  Brian pulled her back into his arms with a sweet smile and whispered, “My wife."

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Want to read the full excerpt or grab a copy of the beginning of the Zogone Saga for yourself. Go - HERE! 

#MusicMonday With Something Unexpected

  Personally I love Pink, the singer not the color. But, I never would have expected her to work with someone like Nate Ruess the lead singer of Fun. Both are great artist, but together they are pretty spectacular. What do you think of their duet?

Just Give Me a Reason By: P!NK ft. Nate Ruess

I've shared this video before, but I'll add it here so you can do a review of just who Nate Reuss is.

We Are Young By: Fun ft. Janelle Monae

And of course everyone knows Pink for one reason or another. My favorite of her was the old days. Like in this video. I just happen to love this one.

Just Like A Pill By: P!NK

Hump Day Hunks for America's Heroes

  Tomorrow is the 4th of July and a national holiday in my country. It is the anniversary of the day the United States became an independent nation, so appropriately named Independence Day. So, I'll share an excerpt from my favorite American Hero character, Sam from the Zogone sagas and hero of Past Regrets.

                                         
     From Past Regrets-

  Sam curled up in a borrowed bunk in one of the guest quarters, with his hands crossed under his head and his long legs stretched out to where they crossed at the ankles. For the last hour, since he had plopped down on the bunk his thoughts had led him a merry chase, forcing him to stare at the wall as if lost in space.

  Not only had Ginger paid him the least bit of recognition when he entered Daimlar’s office, but she had gotten the heck out of Dodge the second she was able to. Instead of being offended by Ginger’s actions, they had given Sam hope.

  If Ginger had shaken his hand and acted like an old acquaintance, he would have been worried, but no, not his Ginger! No, Ginger acted as if he didn't exist, then when she was forced to face up to knowing him, she ignored him. Then she had excused herself formally without directly communicating with him.

  Obviously Ginger was totally pissed off to find out he was going to be her partner for this mission. People who didn't care didn't get pissed. Girls who still had feelings for a man, definitely did get more than a little upset. That had to mean Ginger still felt something for him. Something was better than nothing.

  Four years ago, Sam had blamed himself for all the world’s problems just because of his own violent birth. It took four hard, lonely years for him to realize he had always helped more than he had harmed the world.

  It also took those same four years for him to realize what a damn fool he had been to walk away from the one woman who had ever looked at him as more than a monster. She had looked at him like a man, one she cared about—and he had lost her, because of stupid pride.

  When Josh had told him about this mission, Sam jumped at the chance to be the appointed Warrior Delegate. Josh had even worked it to look like the Delegates had come to him, forcing him to prove himself, when everyone there knew he had nothing to prove. Every Delegate that knew him, knew they could count on him in any situation. Sam had busted his butt to gain the Delegates’ respect and his position among them.

  Screw the military, Sam had volunteered for this mission for one reason, to use the time alone with Ginger to win her back.

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Want to read more or grab your own copy of Past Regrets? Go - HERE!

#MusicMonday for the Naughty British- 18+

 This week I thought I would share my favorite British songs. Not only does 'Smile' make you do just that, it also makes you laugh, groan and go, "Ouch better you than me buddy."  I'm sure you have heard the phrase, 'Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.' Here is a great example of that. Lilly Allen's character in this MV was cheated on and left behind by the man she loves and now its time to get even and she does it so well. Girl has spunk and a lot of crazy madness a number of women would envy.  Watch it and see if you don't smile too. Tell me what you think. Does she go to far or does he completely deserve everything she's giving him and more?

Smile By: Lilly Allen