Sunday, 17 February 2013

РАЗКАЗВАЧ НА ПРИТЧИ

Петър Стоянов

Един млад мъж със завидна творческа биография, който в последните години активно заявява арт присъствие далеч извън ареала на града, в който твори и живее – Видин. Петър Стоянов освен член на СБХ, вече е пълноправно вписан в творческата карта на художническите гилдии в Плевен и Пловдив. Неговият ярък талант е ангажирал и впечатлявал ценителите в 9 самостоятелни изложби до момента. През 2011-та е одобрен сред 10-те творци, участвали в Живописен пленер на историческа тематика, иницииран от кмета на Пловдив. 2012-та Петър Стоянов започва с 10-та си самостоятелна изложба в своя Видин, обобщена в заглавието „ПЪТУВАНЕ“. Зрителите се насладиха на последните му творби, обединени в няколко цикъла и всички носещи духа на майсторската виртуозност и творчески заряд на художника. Надали има ценител, докоснал сетивата си до негово платно, който да не е останал запленен от колорита и уникалните фонови игривости, до яркия разпознаваем стил и дух на творбите му. ПЪТУВАНЕ е експозиция-покана за среща с творческите рожби на Петър Стоянов, родени през последните три години (2010, 2011, 2012 г.).
Маслото е любимото средство, с което Стоянов създава светове, изпълнени с многопластови разкази, в които вплита етномотиви. Те притчово водят зрителя към едно ПЪТУВАНЕ. Пращат го в миналото – малко тъжно, носещо спомени, но и изпълнено със светлите акценти оптимизъм. Неотдавна в интервю големият телевизионер институция Кеворк Кеворкян каза: „Няма къща без покрив, а покривът е миналото…“. А при Петър Стоянов няма артистичен импулс без докосване до миналото. Сякаш за да ни увери, че стъпвайки на традиция, на изконното и на уникалната ни идентичност, не бихме имали бъдеще. Затова той с охота се завръща в платната си към българското село, към къщата-храм, към каруцата – постоянен другар на човека в труд, в делник, в празник. Каруцата като символ на живота, съмишленик на човека в пътя му земен. Ту уморена, ненужна и захвърлена, ту лъскава, шарена и готова да поеме своя път напред. Обича противопоставянията Стоянов, обича да ни хвърля и в тъмните дебри на размислите, и към светлите петна върху платната си, от които струи оптимистична импресия. Прави го искрено, с порива на творец, който не просто рисува, а демонстрира живост и постоянно развитие в този толкова интимен диалог между автор и платно.
ПЪТУВАНЕТО на Петър Стоянов ще ви заведе и сред циклите „Терасата“ и „Прозореца“. Те внасят трептенето на магично-митичния му поглед към онова навън – светлото и отразяващо човешкия порив. Накъде? Ще си отговори зрителя, заставайки срещу платната и оставяйки се с лекота да пътува там, сред маслените светове на видинчанина.
Със сигурност 10-та изложба на живописеца изненада ценителите, разказа много за живота, за таланта му и най-вече за онзи поглед, който ни е нужен – искреният ОТ и ЗА нещата. Онези неща, които често задъхани не осъзнаваме, забравяме да усетим и изразим – добротата и любовта.
Елате сред творбите на Петър Стоянов, изживейте, отдадени на изкуството, това ПЪТУВАНЕ.

Донка Колева
арт мениджър на ДПХ


Friday, 15 February 2013

Sod Houses on the Great Plains






Rounds, Glen. Sod Houses on the Great Plains. New York: Holiday House, 1995.

A very brief look at the sod house that was often the first home for many pioneer families on the frontier of the Great Plains. The author has included some useful information, but the illustrations are not captivating and the ending seemed a bit abrupt.  Still, this book has some value in showing a child whose ancestor may have lived in such a house what the home would have been like.

This is part of the Friday series on children's literature and genealogy.

Thursday, 14 February 2013

Cover Reveal + Giveaway

I am so excited to be a part of this cover reveal for this amazing book coming soon from Spencer Hill Contemporary.

Remember when I did a cover reveal for this book called Camp Boyfriend by my awesome friends Karen and Joanne Rock (JK Rock) well there is a prequel! Oh YES! I am excited too.

And here is the cover...

Camp Kiss (Camp Boyfriend #0.5)
J.K Rock

Release Date: March 26, 2013

The Camp Kiss That Started It All…
Lauren Carlson, a fourteen-year-old expert on the cosmos, superheroes, and science fiction trivia has a crush on her longtime camp friend, Seth. Last summer she’d dreamed about upgrading their relationship to BF/GF status and this year she has a plan… if only her well-meaning cabin mates wouldn’t interfere before she’s ready. She hasn’t even adjusted to her new braces yet, let alone imagined kissing Seth with them. When a dare pushes her out of her comfort zone, will she and Seth rocket out of the friendzone at last? There’s only one way to find out….



Isn't it gorgeous? I absolutely love it! And I cannot wait to read this series. I know it's going to be crazy awesome!

Now, because JK Rock is crazy awesome, they are giving away a prize pack. 
Check out the awesome prizes...






Now to enter to win this awesome prize pack just leave a comment and a winner will be randomly selected from the comments.

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Saturday, 9 February 2013

Cover Reveal: The Other Tree by DK Mok

So this cover reveal happened about 9 or so days ago and because of University I just haven't had time to post anything... I know... *sad face*
But I am so crazy excited about this book that I just had to do a post anyway even though you've all probably seen it.

This is another book from Spence City, the Adult Urban Fantasy imprint of Spencer Hill Press... now you see why I'm excited? You all know I am obsessed with anything to do with Spencer Hill Press!
Now are you ready for the awesomeness?
Are you sure? Coz it is like EPIC!


*squeal*
I know right?!?! Isn't it just epically beautiful? I love everything about this cover... the colours, the tree, the snake, the key... I just need to read this book... like RIGHT NOW!
I am dying for it and I am so excited that I am on the arc list for it *happy dance*

The Other Tree is due for release December 3rd, 2013... oh YES you read that right THIS YEAR! I am so beyond excited for this book... it's just going to be awesome! I cannot wait.

Blurb:

It’s been four years since Chris Arlin graduated with a degree that most people think she made up, and she’s still no closer to scraping up funding for her research into rare plants. Instead, she’s stacking shelves at the campus library, until a suspiciously well-dressed man offers her a lucrative position on a scientific expedition.

For Chris, the problem isn’t the fact that they’re searching for the Biblical Tree of Life. Nor is it the fact that most of the individuals on the expedition seem to be fashionably lethal mercenaries. The problem is that the mission is being backed by SinaCorp, the corporation responsible for a similar, failed expedition on which her mother died eleven years ago.

However, when Chris’s father is unexpectedly diagnosed with inoperable cancer, Chris sees only one solution. Vowing to find the Tree of Life before SinaCorp’s mercenaries, Chris recruits Luke, an antisocial campus priest undergoing a crisis of faith. Together, they embark on a desperate race to find Eden. However, as the hunt intensifies, Chris discovers growing evidence of her mother’s strange behaviour before her death, and she begins to realise that SinaCorp isn’t the only one with secrets they want to stay buried.

Doesn't it just sound awesome? I seriously cannot wait for it!
What do you think?

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Friday, 8 February 2013

Apples to Oregon






Hopkinson, Deborah; ill. by Nancy Carpenter. Apples to Oregon: Being the (Slightly) True Narrative of How a Brave Pioneer Father Brought Apples, Peaches, Pears, Plums, Grapes, and Cherries (And Children) Across the Plains. New York: Atheneum, 2004.

This well-illustrated story of a girl named Delicious whose family travels from Iowa to Oregon taking along their beloved fruit trees. While the story does mention some of the hardships faced on the trail such as river crossings and mountains, the main focus of the book is on getting the trees across rather than the family. I think my greatest problem with the book is that the father seemingly placed a greater importance on his beloved fruit trees than upon his own family. This would be a good read for a young reader whose ancestors traveled the Oregon Trail, but I'd want to tell the child that his own family cared about the fate of the children making the venture than upon the possessions. The story itself is based in part upon a family that did take trees from their former home to Oregon.

This is part of the Friday series on children's literature and genealogy.

Thursday, 7 February 2013

Blog Tour: Soul Avenged


Hey Guys,
I am so excited to be a part of the blog tour for Keri Lake's new novel Soul Avenged.
I am sorry to say I have been unable to read this book yet but I did get to interview the amazing Keri. First let me tell you some more about the book.


Soul Avenged (Sons of Wrath #1) 
Keri Lake

Publication Date: February 6, 2013
Genre: Adult - Paranormal Romance/Dark Urban Fantasy
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Blurb:
Passion is blind in vengeance and love  …
Ayden’s suburban home was invaded by a pack of Lycans.
The brutal attack is the only memory she carries of her former life.
Now, one motive burns in her soul:
KILL THEM ALL.
The Sons of Wrath—a brood of vengeance-dealing warrior demons—band with Ayden to hunt the Lycans on Detroit’s most deadly feeding grounds.
Kane Walker should’ve been her easiest kill.
Unfortunately, the newly bitten Lycan has something she wants—clues that may finally lay her past to rest.  To reach them, she must be willing to submit to the sensual pleasures awakened by his touch.
Time is running out.
In seven days, Kane will become what Ayden despises most.  She can halt his transformation but the antidote requires the ultimate sacrifice.  As the beast takes hold, Kane becomes more of a threat.
Ayden must choose between her lust for revenge, or surrender to her enemy and discover a horrible truth.
Doesn't it sound incredible? I'm so sad I haven't had time to read it yet. I cannot wait to get to it. So now please welcome the very amazing Keri to the blog. -->
Hi Keri,
Thank you so much for being on K-Books today.
When did you first discover that you wanted to be a writer?
Thanks so much for having me on the blog, Kay!
I’ve been storytelling and writing since childhood.  Being a ‘writer’ though never really crossed my mind until later in life.  I enjoyed penning short stories, poetry and flash fiction, but had never sat down to write a novel until after I was nice and cozy in my career (right out of college).
Most of your books are in the paranormal genre. Did you always want to write in this genre?
Yes, I don’t know what it is about paranormal/gothic stories that speak to me more than the non-paranormal variety.  Dark and twisted is what I do best, I think.  That’s not to say that I wouldn’t venture out and try something else, but I’m pretty comfortable in this genre.
What genre book do you enjoy reading?
Definitely paranormal romance and urban fantasy.  I’ll pick up an occasional YA but I mostly enjoy the adult romances.
Do you have any authors that you look up to or that inspire you?
My staples have always been Anne Rice and Poe.  But as paranormal romance and urban fantasy goes, I like Kresley Cole, KMM, Jeaniene Frost, Nalini Singh.
Your book Soul Avenged is due for release. What was the inspiration behind that story?
Probably a craving to write a badass female protagonist.  Haha!  I had just released Somnium and was working on the sequel, Requiem when I got smacked upside the head with Soul Avenged.  It didn’t take long for the story to dominate my thoughts and after a while, it was all about getting it onto paper as fast as I could.
How do you feel about unleashing this story into the world?
You know, I actually hadn’t planned on publishing Soul Avenged at first!  It was what I considered ‘just a distraction’ that needed some attention.  When I finished the first draft of it, I set it aside and figured maybe once all of the Halos books were published I’d revisit it.  It wasn’t until I chatted with another author friend, that I decided to edit, polish and get this thing out quicker.  I’m really excited to share Ayden’s story with readers.
Do you take any personal experiences and adapt them into your writing?
Absolutely!  I think every author sort of bleeds themselves into the story, which is what makes it such a unique experience for the reader. 
Are there any particular scenes that you enjoy writing more than others?
Actually, kissing scenes are probably the most fun to write.  I like the stomach-in-knots-uncertainty sensations leading up to it … and then of course all that follows (wink).  Action scenes can be fun too, but sometimes exhausting to keep track of flailing limbs and punching targets.
And finally what can we expect to see from you in the future?
Book 2 of Sons of Wrath is written and ready for edits.  I’ve also plotted a couple of novellas and will begin book 3 sometime this summer.  I’m also working on prepping Requiem (Halos, #2) for publication later this year.
Getting to Know You – Quick Fire Round
Hardcopy or E-Book?  Hardcopy
Bookmark or Dog-Ear?   Bookmark
Book or Movie?  Book
Chocolate or Vanilla?  Dark chocolate
Summer or Winter?  Definitely summer
Ice-Cream or Cake?  Ice cream
Coffee or Tea?  Coffee
Nice guy or bad boy?  Hahaha, in books?  Bad boy.  I’ll save the nice guys for real life.
Thank you so much for being here on K-Books with us today.
 
How awesome is she? I know... I love her too.
 
 Meet Keri Lake

Keri Lake is a married mother of two living in Michigan.  She writes paranormal romance, urban fantasy and loves a good, tragic love story.  Though novels tend to be her focus, she also writes short stories and flash fiction whenever distraction manages to suck her in to the Land of Shiny Things.When she isn’t toiling away on plots and protagonists, she enjoys reading, music and travel.  If she could create mystical powers for herself, she’d have the ability to flash to anywhere in the world.  And if she could flash to anywhere in the world at this very moment, she’d be staring at the ocean from her adirondack chair on the shores of North Carolina.  

Keri's Links:
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Wednesday, 6 February 2013

Waiting On Wednesday


I haven't done a Waiting On Wednesday post for months. I really wanted to get back into it at the beginning of 2013 but well January was just... awful so I'm finally getting back into WoW now and let me tell you what an awesome one it is to kick of this year (well it's MY first of this year).

This is another Spencer Hill Press book due out this year and I happen to know the author and let me tell you... she is one crazy awesome woman. I absolutely love her!
 I hear ya... you're going well what it it?
Okay... here it is


Perfection
JL Spelbring

Published By: Spencer Hill Press
Publication Date: May 7, 2013
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From Goodreads:
The personification of Aryan purity, Ellyssa's spent her whole life under her creator's strict training and guidance; her purpose is to eradicate inferior beings. She was genetically engineered to be the perfect soldier: strong, intelligent, unemotional, and telepathic.
Only Ellyssa isn't perfect.
Ellyssa feels emotions--a fact she's spent her life concealing. Until she encounters the epitome of inferiority: a dark-haired boy raised among renegades hiding since the Nazis won the war a century ago. He speaks to her telepathically, pushing thoughts into her mind, despite the impossibility of such a substandard person having psychic abilities.
But he does.
His unspoken words and visions of a place she's never visited make Ellyssa question her creator. Confused and afraid her secret will be discovered, Ellyssa runs away, embarking on a journey where she discovers there is more to her than perfection.

Holy crap I am so excited for this book I may like die when I finally get to hold it in my hands. The cover is awesome and I love the butterfly in the eye... it is just really unique. I am such a big love of dystopia and fantasy and this book has bits of both! Dude... did you read the blurb? The Nazi's WON THE WAR?!?!?! WTF?!?!? Like my mind can't even comprehend what the world would be like if that happened. I am so excited to read this as it will be my first Nazi-type book and you know what it has like powers as well... the girl can read minds?!?! WOAH!

Like my mind cannot even comprehend the awesomeness that is going to be this book! I just know it and I need this book in my hands... like right now! It sounds like the most unique book ever! AHHH I am so excited and I am crazy excited that I am on the arc list for this one and ARCs should be shipping this month. THIS MONTH! I can barely breathe I am so excited. Judy is one of the nicest authors you will ever meet and I just know I am going to adore this book!

Add it to your TBRs and add May 7th on your calender people because this book is going to be CRAZY AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!

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