Thursday, July 23, 2009

Indigo Awakening~By Dr. Janine Talty


Indigo Awakening is the story of Dr. Janine Talty’s difficult struggle with being different. This book opens with the author, Janine, telling the reader about her early school life. She was placed into special education because she couldn’t comprehend reading or math. She knew she didn’t fit with the other kids because she was more creative and imaginative. Janine expressed herself through art, because it made sense to her. She demanded to be tested for dyslexia after seeing a news report. When her parents got her tested, they found out she had an abnormally high IQ, as well as dyslexia. Her parents then transferred her to the local catholic school because the classes were smaller and Janine could get more individualized attention. Switching to the private school had helped, but she was still not sure she could even go to college. After many injurieds, Janine decided that she wanted to be a doctor. After moving to the Midwest, she started many different medical programs, until she finally settled on going to Michigan State University in Lansing. After both she and her husband finished medical school, they moved back to California. Janine’s struggles continue until she realized that she was an Indigo.

For those of you who don’t know what an “Indigo” is, Janine uses the words of Kyron in her epilogue. Indigo’s have a “feeling of royalty and a sense they deserve to be here. Their self-worth is healthily intact, and often tell their parents ‘who they are.’ They have difficulty with authority and will not do certain things such as waiting in line. They get frustrated with ritually oriented systems that don’t require creative thought. They have an innate ability to see a better way to do things. They are ‘system busters.’ They often feel misunderstood by other who are not of the same consciousness and seem antisocial unless other like them are around. They often have difficulty fitting in and school is often difficult for them socially” (311). There is also a quiz in the appendix which will help you determine if you are an Indigo.

Indigo Awakening was such a great story. It was definitely a memoir that I enjoyed. Some parts were difficult to read because of how she is treated as a young child. No one should be treated so horribly. The story is relatable to anyone, who has felt different, either because they don’t fit in or just express themselves in more creative ways. If you suspect that you or someone you know is an Indigo, this is a must read.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Interview with Storyheart

Storyheart is the author of Across the Pond and he is here to dicuss some points of his book with my readers.

1. I read the about the author information. Is ACROSS THE POND based on your life?

They say write about what you know, and moving to the US from England myself I certainly know all about the pitfalls and issues of moving “Across the Pond”. While the story is not based on me there is much within the book and the main character Fred. Some of the happenings like the shock of seeing people turning right at red lights, the happenings at the BBQ, even the Boston Mall I can relate to. I still run into issues with the language ten years down the line. Using English sayings like “they didn’t say a dickybird” (it means they did not say anything) which is a common saying in England just gets empty looks at meetings in the US.

2. How did you come up with the idea for your story?

Up until this novel I was better known as a writer of short romance stories, many of which were previously released in a terribly badly edited book “Stories From The Heart” These are short like 5/10min reads. Some people call them bathroom stories as that might be the only place you’ll get 5/10minutes break to read them. You can find these stories at http://romance2read.com/

Anyway I decided to try and write a longer story, originally aimed at 12/13 year olds, but as the romance came in it went up to around 15 year olds.

So that is how it all started.


3. Will you be writing a book about when Brittany visits Fred and his family?

Many people who have read the book have realized that there are two if not three possible follow up books from this first novel. I have started writing the second novel, which is called “Across the Pond and Back Again”. It carries on from where the first book ends and includes Brits trip to England with a couple of other characters from the first book turning up.


You can see my fun “silent movie” video for the book at :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2hn1q0DZ34

Please Note: No book was harmed during the making of this movie. During the water scene a "stunt book" was used

Across the Pond~By Storyheart


Across The Pond opens with Fred, the main character, flying to New York. Fred is spending time with his parent’s friends, because his parents won a trip for two to Australia. On the first full day of Fred’s trip, Brittany, the daughter who is Fred’s age, takes him to the mall to meet her friends: Charlie, Pam, Angel. Angel immediately starts to flirt with Fred, and Brit becomes quite jealous. As Fred and Brit leave the mall, to meet her mom, they run into three boys. The boys begin to mock Brit, by calling her “Pretty Brittany” and just being jerks. One the way home, Julie, Brit’s mom, helps Fred on his school project. He must list British-ism that have different meanings in America. When they arrive home, Brit confides why she doesn’t like the boys. Brit and Fred quickly develop feelings for each other. Julie notices the feelings between the two and she tells Fred not to hurt her daughter. When an email from “your lover” comes into Brit’s mailbox, Fred begins to doubt everything that has happened between himself and Brit. Phil gets tickets to a baseball game, so the family can show Fred “America’s Pastime.” At the game, Fred catches the 500th homerun ball of one of the Atlanta Braves players. Later that ball helps Fred give Brit a gift that is better than money can buy. Parting is such a sweet sorrow for them both because they know come December; they will be seeing each other again.

I hope that Storyheart will write a book about Brittany’s going to spend time with Fred and his family. I think it would be interesting to see how she reacts to driving on the “wrong” side of the road. I would like to read about where Fred’s family takes her.

This was such a sweet read. I couldn’t put it down. I love how there was the difference in languages that at times made both kids wish they could have put their foot in their mouth. If you are looking for a light, clean romance, then I would definitely recommend this book. All around a great read. And I don’t think that you have to be a teen to enjoy this love story. It will appeal to the young at heart.

Interview with Ridley Pearson

As my first post, I wanted to do an interview with an author whom I know personally. It would give my blog a little more of a personal touch. I have been to Ridley Pearson’s signings since 2006. Because he just got back from China, I figured I would ask to do a small interview with him. He also gave me such a great memory of one of his signings (Steel Trapp: The Challenge), when he told the manager of the store where the signing was, “Based on your recommendation, maybe we should get her in front of some agents.” I don’t think I will ever forget that day! I can say that I was utterly blown away by this! So I have to say Thank You Ridley for that!
But enough of my writing and on to the interview.

1. Did you have any bad experiences with not knowing the language?Not bad experiences, but not having the language can be frustrating at times. We were happy to pick up some Mandarin and the Chinese are mostly good with limited English

2. How did your daughters adjust to moving to China?Very easily and gracefully. How was difficult was the school?School was English speaking. They loved it.

3. Of all the places that you went what was your favorite? And why?
That is a very difficult question to answer because all of our travels were unique and interesting. For history: Xi'An (soldiers) For countryside, our trip to western China.

*Just a small note for readers the "soldiers" that Ridley is talking about are the famous Terracotta Warriors