I truly enjoyed reading this book by Michele Martinez. I hadn't read any of her books before, so this was a real treat.
The story revolves around a rap star named Atari Briggs and his crooked lawyer. When federal prosecutor Melanie Vargas begins investigating a murder Briggs is allegedly involved in, people begin dying. One by one, they are picked off and the clues point the reader in a variety of directions.
Martinez has a knack for making the reader believe they know "who did it," then twisting the plot just enough to change your mind. Before you know it, you're hooked into the story. That makes the book hard to put down. You just have to find out the answers!
Great book, great storytelling! This is one I'd recommend to anyone who likes a good thriller/suspense novel.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Writing Prompts
I've added a new element to my blog. Look to the right and you'll see a box for budding authors to give them ideas for writing poems and stories. This is just a fun idea that I hope some of you will take advantage of.
Once you feel practiced enough, check out the Once Written Web site for a list of contests for writers. There may be something you'd like to try your hand at!
Once you feel practiced enough, check out the Once Written Web site for a list of contests for writers. There may be something you'd like to try your hand at!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Othello Sandhill Crane Festival
For those of you who love wildlife, this is the festival for you.
This year is the 11th annual event and it takes place March 28, 29 and 30. Centered around the fascinating sandhill crane, the festival also features other wildlife, geology and history of the area.
The sandhill crane migrates from Mexico and California to the frozen Alaska tundra each spring. For several weeks, thousands of these birds stop off in Othello, Washington, to feed in the local cornfields. It’s the final stop before making the last leg of their long journey.
The festival features lectures, children’s activities, an art contest, banquet, silent auction, exhibitor booths, bus tours and more. One of the highlights is the adorable burrowing owls that live in abandoned badger holes near the local farm fields. These sweet creatures are becoming quite rare so they are always a treat for those who get to see them.
Other area wildlife includes swans, pelicans, curlews, hawks, coyotes, deer, many species of dragonflies, rattlesnakes … the list goes on and on.
I’ve been attending the festival for about eight or nine years and I learn something new every time. It’s great fun and I enjoy seeing the familiar faces of those who travel from all around the U.S. to attend.
Of course, I do have an advantage as I live in Othello. I can visit our local wildlife refuge any time of the year. It’s a great place to indulge in one of my favorite hobbies -- photography.
I have written many articles about our wildlife refuge and what can be found there. I am currently working on a special newspaper supplement about the festival.
I’m helping organize the event this year and it’s been an experience. Lots of work, yet lots of fun!
I’d love to meet some of my readers at this year’s event. If you are a wildlife watcher, you should think about attending. More information can be found at www.othellosandhillcranefestival.org. You can find the link to the right.
This year is the 11th annual event and it takes place March 28, 29 and 30. Centered around the fascinating sandhill crane, the festival also features other wildlife, geology and history of the area.
The sandhill crane migrates from Mexico and California to the frozen Alaska tundra each spring. For several weeks, thousands of these birds stop off in Othello, Washington, to feed in the local cornfields. It’s the final stop before making the last leg of their long journey.
The festival features lectures, children’s activities, an art contest, banquet, silent auction, exhibitor booths, bus tours and more. One of the highlights is the adorable burrowing owls that live in abandoned badger holes near the local farm fields. These sweet creatures are becoming quite rare so they are always a treat for those who get to see them.
Other area wildlife includes swans, pelicans, curlews, hawks, coyotes, deer, many species of dragonflies, rattlesnakes … the list goes on and on.
I’ve been attending the festival for about eight or nine years and I learn something new every time. It’s great fun and I enjoy seeing the familiar faces of those who travel from all around the U.S. to attend.
Of course, I do have an advantage as I live in Othello. I can visit our local wildlife refuge any time of the year. It’s a great place to indulge in one of my favorite hobbies -- photography.
I have written many articles about our wildlife refuge and what can be found there. I am currently working on a special newspaper supplement about the festival.
I’m helping organize the event this year and it’s been an experience. Lots of work, yet lots of fun!
I’d love to meet some of my readers at this year’s event. If you are a wildlife watcher, you should think about attending. More information can be found at www.othellosandhillcranefestival.org. You can find the link to the right.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY
I'm a day early, but I'll be so busy tomorrow that I didn't want to miss posting this for anyone who might visit my blog. I hope everyone has some great romantic plans for the day. We will be celebrating Friday evening instead. The earliest we could get into one of our favorite restaurants was 9:30 p.m. and that's just a little late for us working folk!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Author Giveaways!!
I love getting free stuff in the mail!
However, I think my mail delivery lady hates it.
Every month, there are several book and author web sites I visit to see what's new in the literary world. Those sites also host a variety of contests for books and other prizes and promotional items.
Yesterday, I received several packages in the mail -- books I won, books I've been asked to review and promo items, such as bookmarks, etc. It was just like having a birthday party. I unwrapped each package in anticipation.
It was so much fun, but I doubt if Norma (who delivers my mail) thought it was fun. Since all those packages wouldn't fit in my box, she had to carry them to my door.
I'll have to remember her come Valentine's Day!
However, I think my mail delivery lady hates it.
Every month, there are several book and author web sites I visit to see what's new in the literary world. Those sites also host a variety of contests for books and other prizes and promotional items.
Yesterday, I received several packages in the mail -- books I won, books I've been asked to review and promo items, such as bookmarks, etc. It was just like having a birthday party. I unwrapped each package in anticipation.
It was so much fun, but I doubt if Norma (who delivers my mail) thought it was fun. Since all those packages wouldn't fit in my box, she had to carry them to my door.
I'll have to remember her come Valentine's Day!
Monday, February 4, 2008
The Christmas Train
I just finished reading this book by author David Baldacci. I know it seems a little late for a holiday book, but with all the snow we've had, it was a good choice for me.
My Internet book group had picked David as the author of the month for us to read -- another good reason to read this book.
No. 3 reason ... David is one of my favorite authors!
So, what did I think of this book?
I loved it. It was so funny most of the time. Of course, there were serious parts, but the characters on this cross-country train were so true to life and had all those little quirks you see when traveling with a bunch of strangers.
Anyone who hasn't read this book really should take the time to check it out -- even if it isn't December!
My Internet book group had picked David as the author of the month for us to read -- another good reason to read this book.
No. 3 reason ... David is one of my favorite authors!
So, what did I think of this book?
I loved it. It was so funny most of the time. Of course, there were serious parts, but the characters on this cross-country train were so true to life and had all those little quirks you see when traveling with a bunch of strangers.
Anyone who hasn't read this book really should take the time to check it out -- even if it isn't December!
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