Happy New Year!!!!! Let's do this 2015 here we :)

Hey ya'll,

This year has been sooo amazing! Many memories, losses, and discoveries have been made throughout my life in 2015. I never knew what self-reflection truly was until I began to write this post. To be honest I wasn't even going to do a New Years blog post because I didn't know what to write about. So as I am writing this I have decided to help instill hope within one of the many readers of my blog.

I hope that this 2015 is better than the last year. I wish that you find happiness, peace, and joy no matter where life may take you. I want you to know that God is ALWAYS there and wants nothing more than for you to succeed and be your best. 

For you my reader I hope that you stay blessed and know that prayer can take you to places you've never dreamed of. Also, I pray that you never give up and that you believe in yourself as well as know you can achieve all things through Christ who strengthens you.

So that's about it! I have decided to start New Years the way my life has always been and what it will continue to be which is putting God first. Even if you aren't a christian I pray that you find just as much happiness and joy as everyone else.

Stay safe :) Be blessed! Welcome 2015!!!! What do you have in store for us this year? Mine includes the release of my first young adult novel, Laws of Passion which I will be accepting preorders for on January 1st and I will also be releasing some teasers to pump you up even more for my book. #AreYouReady? 

Email me through the contact form for more information on how to pre-order my book----------------> 

Comment below your resolutions for the New Year!!!! Until next time ;)

Special Announcement!!!!

Hey ya'll! For my young adult novel, Laws of Passion I will be accepting preorders on January 1st. Also, I will be revealing some special news soon which will first be posted on my blog and then will be available on other social media sites. In addition, my children's book, Duck's First Day of School is still available on Amazon (Just click on the link for purchase) so make sure you get your copy before the next adventure of Duck is released which will be shortly after my novels release in mid February! Thank you in advance for your love and support :)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615995063

Little Big Marvels!!!!

Hey ya'll,
I had to share this with you all because I feel it is just so amazing how we continue to create such beautiful things that leave lasting memories with technology.

This picture was created using the link: https://www.jibunshimbun.com/mytimes/fb/14286241571419793752/1428624157/content/wall

I feel this is so great because you see all types of special moments that happened throughout the year of 2014. Don't worry this does not cause a virus and is advocated by Facebook as an app. It's amazing and is like a mini newspaper dedicated to YOU that's all about YOU! 

Which is awesome and amazing all at once lol

Comment below if you create yours :) Can't wait to see how it turns out!!!!

True writers use a typewriter?

Hey ya'll,

So I hear a lot about how hard it was for writers back then to use typewriters to put together their books. They say it is difficult to use a typewriter because once you mess up you have to start again since their is no delete button per say. Also, they're complaints that you're not a true writer unless you have had experience with a typewriter and felt what many writers have felt in the past when trying to put together their books or newspaper articles.

In my opinion, I feel their argument to be completely bogus. I believe that no matter what time you're in things do get better. And I feel people who used typewriters had it way easier than people who lived when typewriters didn't exist. Have we forgotten Mark Twain? All of his books were hand written and they are the most popular books out their like his novels Tom Sawyer or Huckleberry Finn. All classic tales we read or run across sometime during our education.

So for "these" people to say that we have it easier today with computers you are most definitely right. However, people with typewriters also had it just as easy than the generations before them.

 

In my mind the type of writer you are doesn't matter about what you use to write your story, but rather the message you get through to others reading your story. 

As an author I seek to make my readers question their reading. I want them to experience almost every emotion there is whether it is joy, happiness, anger, frustration and even love—I want them to experience it all and at the end know that they read an amazing book.

So to all those doubters of the abilities of writers today I want you to reconsider. Writers today I feel if not better are just as good as writers in the past not due to our methodology, but because of how limitless we are when it comes to writing. We can write about anything we choose or imagine ;)

If you have something to say about what I just posted feel free to comment and let me know what you think? Until next time :)

Sorry :(

Hey ya'll,
I know that I haven't been on here lately, but I have been at work on a lot of different projects that I will share with you all soon. Also, I am planning on stretching my reach through other media sites to give you all other ways to be informed of all things KMJ. In addition, my first young adult novel, Laws of Passion will be coming out February of next year. It's a really great book if you're into mystery, hope, and action as well. There are so many directions my book will take you and it contains a little something for everybody. Laws of Passion is based on a new supernatural creature that I have created in a world that is similar to ours.

As time goes on I will give out excerpts of the book to let you all get a feel of what it's about. Who knows? You may even have a favorite character in mind with just the quotes and lines I'll be putting up for display. If you check out my Facebook page (Link is to your left) you can see that I put up a quote from a main character by the name of James Peretti.

Laws of Passion is a great novel and an easy read. Though it is a young adult book it is meant for everyone to read and enjoy so do not let that discourage you from checking it out because it will most definitely leave you wanting more.

Follow me on twitter: @AuthorKMJ

Merry Christmas everybody!!!!!!!

Updates!!!!! Sharon Bayliss

Hey ya'll!
So I am still on ch.10 of Destruction by Sharon Bayliss and may I say she does not disappoint. Her characters are so unique and she gives them their own quirks which shows their personality type even more. I was so shocked when I learned about what happened and how the story is developing, but all I can say is it will explain a few things for you. In addition, Bayliss uses a good balance of description and dialogue that doesn't overpower the reader like Harry Potter, but it does keep you wanting more and allows you to understand the plot a little better. Bayliss has created such an incredible novel and I can't wait to see how it all turns out in the end!

To purchase her book and read along with me just click on the link: http://www.amazon.com/Destruction-December-People-Book-One/dp/1620075156/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1419109423&sr=1-1&keywords=sharon+bayliss

The Librarians- Show Review

Hey ya'll,
As promised I told you that I would give an unbiased review of the show The Librarian. May I say it was all I thought it'd be and more! Noah Wyle has not only brought the Librarian out as a tv series, but the plot was unique to the movies and still kept knowledge about the Librarian we learned from the previous films.

In the first episode, (Spoiler) the crown of King Arthur is the latest mission for Flynn Carsen who is joined by a few new friends. Christian Kane surprised me even more when he made his appearance. His character was very charming.

However,  though I enjoyed watching this show others may be let down since this show is more about finding special artifacts and not just normal books. Despite that, families will enjoy this show because of how adventurous and mysterious it is. And if you're a whovian then this show will fill in for those winter days without the Doctor.

Check this show out because it is burning up with each episode:

http://www.tntdrama.com/shows/the-librarians.html

Comment below and tell me what you thought about the show? While I continue to watch!

#TheLibrarian?

So their is a show out called #TheLibrarians!!! This is something I must see  #IwatchedTheMovies #HopeItsStillGood

The movie was so incredible! I loved the plot and characters. I enjoyed how the main character named Flynn Carsen (Played by Noah Wyle) was so enthusiastic and corny even. He reminded me of the Doctor from Doctor Who just a little bit. The movie especially this one which is the first one was amazing because of all the action involved and how well the directors/writers brought a rather dull and overused story line and turned it into something better and more worthwhile.

This is the television series theatrical poster of which I look forward to watching and letting you guy's know what I think about it! I have college finals this week, but trust me that I will make some time to watch the show and give you my accurate and unbiased opinion of it. I cannot wait! :)

Laws of Passion Excerpt!!!!

Hey ya'll,
I have a new book coming out called, Laws of Passion which is a young adult novel that revolves around pain, heartache, and finding hope in dark places. To assuage the nerves of those who are on edge waiting for my next book release here is an excerpt that will hopefully get you through until next year. Check it out!:

"I was sure to see him again, since I have many lives that I have yet to live." 

- James Peretti, Laws of Passion

Coming out next year in February! Preorders will be taken January 1st; Look out for information coming up soon on how to make your purchase. In addition, Duck's First Day of School is still available. Just head to the bottom of the page and click the book cover to be taken to Amazon.com for purchasing! Thank you in advance for all the love and support :)

Chattin' In Manhattan

Hey ya'll,
So most of you may or may not know this, but I recently did an interview with NYC Radio Station Chattin' In Manhattan! It was such an incredible experience since this was my first interview for radio that I have ever done so it was nice to be able to come on the show and discuss myself and my books in a new format.
 If you would like to check out my interview just click on the link and remember that you can achieve your dreams as long as you believe in yourself and get motivated! :)

 <iframe width="320" height="30" src="http://www.chatinmanhattan.com/?powerpress_embed=3152-podcast&amp;powerpress_player=mediaelement-audio" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>

Book Storage?

Hey ya'll,
I am probably that 90 percent of America that sticks there books any and everywhere they are able to go. They can be under my bed, in my dresser, stacked on my nightstand, or even hanging from my door. I know what you're thinking how can a book hang from my door. Well, I have this really neat door hanger that allows me to store cool, old, or unnecessary things that my closet has no room for, but for my books it is considered.... (Whispers) SACRED!!!! LOL

My door hanger is similar to this except I do not have a mirror though now that I am looking at this picture I really want one. Also, my hanger is filled with books, shoes, and a few miscellaneous objects within the pockets. However, overall my book hanger is just like this.

I feel that door hangers provide organization within any room and allows for a safe place to keep your books. If a flood occurs no need to worry about your books getting damaged because their high enough off the ground to not get wet or if you hate your paperback books having bent corners this door hanger could provide a safe storage.

Of course door hangers can be used for many other things besides books and they allow for you to "expand" your already extensive pile of "stuff". This is great for college students, new apartments, or even siblings who share a room that may need a little extra space.

Door hangers can be purchased at almost any store like Walmart and Kmart for whatever color or style that may suit you best! They typically price between 7-13 dollars depending on what branding you may want :)

If you have a door hanger take a picture and send it to me or tell me what you use your door hanger for? Why do you need a door hanger? Do you believe it can sometimes be an inconvenience to have door hangers? Why? Comment and let me know what you think! Until next time :)

A quote to live by! #HavingHepburnSwag

                     Goodnight Bloggers :)

Read the book or see the movie?

Hey ya'll,

one topic that seems to come up a lot among Movie Buffs and Bookworms is whether or not you should read the book or watch the movie first. Bookworms say the book contains more detail and stays true to the characters personality while they believe movie makers make up stuff as they go along.

Book Readers  VS  Movie Buffs

However, Movie Buffs believe the film to be an even better interpretation of the novel because of how visually brilliant a movie can bring the main characters to life and showcase the amazing plot line of the author. In addition, they also find Bookworms to be uptight and that they disrespectfully undermine the artistry of the filming world.

To calm the feud I will admit that....both sides are right. Bookworms do overreact and Movie Makers do tend to veer off from the true nature of the books. I just don't understand why the authors sell their movie rights to people who don't understand their vision, but anyways books do tell more than the movie does.

Do you know why?
Because the book allows you to read the characters thoughts as where the movie shows you the emotions and it's up to you to understand the inner thoughts on your own. So it's perfectly understandable to see the controversy between the two worlds. It's like taking a country song and calling it pop #TaylorSwift. You're just not supposed to.

I want to hear your thoughts on this seemingly pressing issue? Are you a Movie Buff or a Bookworm? I like to think of myself as both. Tell me what book have you read that you enjoyed as a film and to Movie Buffs vice versa? Just comment below and look out for new additions to my multiple media pages! Until next time!

Bookmark Fever!

Okay, so my new obsession is how helpful bookmarks are. I love bookmarks so much because they are always unique and you can tell a lot about the person who created them. Bookmarks allow for people like me who are frustrated with losing their place in their book to keep their place at little to no cost. Also, the best thing about them is that almost anything can be a bookmark. Something tells me that we may have stumbled on the latest fashion-book trend.

What I love about this bookmark is how cleverly satirical it is. It pokes fun at the laziness of our modern times, yet appeals to the reader by showcasing the book in a different light. This is truly different and I wish all bookmarks had the same creativity applied to them as well.

This is literally the most awesome bookmark I have seen in my life! The way the boy is looking over at the words like it's a lake that he is so eager to jump into makes me want to read this book even more. I love the story and vibe this bookmark gives to an activity a great deal of people consider uncool.

Inspirational bookmarks are always amazing because in an instant a person can feel so many emotions from happiness to joy due to what message the quote has. I love this because it's something simple that can still make a huge impact and that's why we should cherish it even more. It's like a fortune cookie, but without food and it's uplifting.

Bookmarks in general are just one of the world's most useful and overlooked wonders. Also, they play a bigger role in our lives that we just don't want to admit. 

If you have a cool, wacky, unique bookmark send me a picture? If you know of a company that creates bookmarks share their link and who knows they can probably be apart of my next blog post! 

Until next time :)

Book Escape.....

Hey ya'll,
I find a new trend among book readers is that you must have a designated area in your home to read. Most people say having a place to have alone time allows for a peaceful and memorable read. I agree, because a lot of the time it's hard to get quiet time when you have a full house.

I'm sure you've seen plenty of pictures featuring comfortable reading places.However, just in case you have not here are my top three reading get-a-ways that make me jealous of the person who created them.

I love this one because this is a really chilled out book spot that anyone can replicate for their bedroom and use as a book escape.

What I really enjoy about this area is how open it is and how it has a ton more books than the picture above. I feel this is a place that your friends and family can enjoy as well do to how spacious it appears to be.

I am absolutely in love with this book escape place due to how relaxed it is and since my life can get a little hectic every now and then this would be a great place for me to unwind with my book. Also, this would be a great place to listen to your audio book as well. I would totally feel immersed in the story because of how focused I would be able to become.

When I get older this is one thing I will definitely try to build within my home. However, for now I'll settle for my comfy bed and throw-pillows lol

If you or someone you know have a book escape room within your home then send me a picture. Or if you have your own comments about the rooms above let me know what you think. Which room is your favorite? Be sure to check out my previous post!

Also, catch my interview with NYC Radio show Chattin In Manhattan soon. It's going to be unforgettable! ;)

Do Twihardz still exist?.....

Found this to be hilarious. I think all writers in general can relate to this in some way or another. Whether you just started writing a new book or you are in the midst of finishing a new chapter somehow it is just too hard to walk away. However, we all know it's worth it just to write a litttle more longer because that's when the adrenaline is pumping and we are more alert due to how bad we want to creatively show our ideas.

Facebook Message:

 #NiceShare from@christinepeel! #Hilarious #PeopleStillWatchTwilight?......#IamOneOfThosePeople

Tell me what you think about the picture above and why it relates to you? New quote of the week coming soon. Also, I am being interviewed by NYC radio show Chattin in Manhattan. Tune in because this interview will be unforgettable ;) #ItsAboutMe lol Check it out!

Book Support?

Being an author I am finding that their are a lot of upsides and downsides to being published. On one hand you have authors that welcome you into the writing community and then their are those who treat you like your in The Huger Games. While I do understand sometimes it makes me wonder who made you so mean? However, if someone refuses to give advice how can they be called mean if they are not entitled to do anything for you.

Bottom line is that being an author takes not only just being able to write a creative story, but it's about how you get your creative message spread out into the world. Regardless of critics I say keep going. If you are reading this and you are having struggles then I want you to keep going because no one has any right to tell you that you can't do something.

We all have dreams and I want nothing more than for you to pursue them. Be yourself. Be Amazing!

Tell me about a hard time that you may have faced? Who did it involve? How did you overcome it? What was your turning point?

Passion excites EVERYTHING?!.....

Hey ya'll,
I'm finding more and more that certain books are not holding my attention. Therefore, it leaves me with the unwillingness to finish the book I have started. I wondered how could I get so tired of a book without knowing the full story.

I believe the reasons I had for not finishing a book had more to do with the writers passion within their own story versus their plots. I don't get mad at plot lines to a novel because it shows me just how creative the author is from beginning to end.  However, what I don't appreciate is reading the book of an author who you can tell through the character interactions and descriptions that they didn't have any passion when writing their story.

As a reader I expect to be transported into the world of the author not struggling to piece the elements of their story together. One book that I found to be very descriptive and well rounded was Maggie Stiefvater's book titled, Shiver.

This book gave me hope that not all books are as bad as the ones I had been reading lately. Stiefvater truly has created a compelling masterpiece that I have enjoyed from start to finish.

If you know some descriptive books feel free to comment below which ones you have read. Also, what's your favorite book? Why? Description for Maggie Stievater's novel will follow below:

From a dazzlingly talented young writer, a haunting and original supernatural romance in the vein of TWILIGHT.

For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf--her wolf--is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human . . . until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

Small Business Sunday!!!!!

Hey ya'll,

today is Small Business Sunday where individuals like you and I can go out shopping at our local stores to show our support for our community businesses. I am so grateful that they have days like this because it allows for smaller businesses which tend to get overshadowed by larger businesses to receive the attention and recognition they deserve. 

So if you happen to be a book lover and are planning on going to a locally owned book store remember to check out some indie books first. Indie books are typically self published books. Also, if you're looking for a great gift for your child or a loved one that is between the ages 2-8 years then you can follow this link to purchase my children's book, Duck's First Day of School: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615995063

What big purchases did you make from a small business in your area? Do you even care about Small Business Sunday? Why? What is your favorite books to read? Comment below and let me know what you think! Talk to you later :) Description of my children's book will follow below:

     Duck's First Day of School is a picture book that discusses the trials, tribulations, and fears that come along with attending your first day of school.

     Now that Duck is on his own for the morning will he be able to get through the day without his parents by his side? Will he make friends? Or will he make enemies?

 To find out how Duck's day went just click on the link to purchase.

Freado to Read?.....

The word Freado sounds strange I know, but behind that name is a wonderful website just for publishers, authors, and book lovers. On this site authors post up their books for auction and readers play games to win points used to bid for the vast collection of books up for grabs.

Everything on this site is free. All you do is create an account which can be set up in seconds if you are connecting through Facebook and from there you just play games and get enough points to out bid those who may be going after the same book as you. However, be sure to be a smart bidder because you'd hate to bid away all your points on a book that only needs so much of them.

The best part about the games are that they're really simple and you can easily get points within an hour of playing them. The games on Freado include hangman, matching, and trivia which all have a theme to it in regards to the latest books, movies, and television shows out.

Freado is ahead of its time in regards to how interactive it truly is. It provides incentive for readers to continue reading books as well as help up and coming authors establish a unique following in addition to the honest reviews that come along with "giving" away their books.

So far I am bidding on the book, The Haunting of Wolfe Haven by Debbie A. Heaton. With any luck not only will I win, but her book will be the first review I give out of many reviews to come.

What would draw you to read this book? Is the cover something to marvel over? 

Is their a balance in the way her book is being depicted? Comment below and let me know what you think :) Talk to you soon! Description of the book below:

Riley Russell is gorgeous, smart, and successful.  She also has a broken heart she's managed to keep secret from everyone--including herself.  Three years ago, she walked away from her marriage to entrepreneur Tristan Russell, believing there was no hope for the relationship.  But when he reenters her life unexpectantly, Riley must fight to remain independent and in control of the life she has built.

Tristan, as handsome and accomplished as ever, is planning to get remarried, but first he must divorce Riley.  To save her broken heart, Riley must confront her feelings for Tristan, his family, and his haunted ancestral house, Wolfe Haven.  Along the way, she must navigate a minefield of secrets and mysteries, including arson, betrayal, and murder.

As Riley and Tristan try to find love with each other a second time around, they come to grips with things that go bump in the night.  If Riley isn't careful, she may fall prey to enemies that are closer than she thinks.

Welcome!!!!!!

Hello, I am author KMJ!
Earlier this year I published my first children's book titled, Duck's First Day of School, which is available on Amazon. My story is about a young boy named Duck and his trials and tribulations that he faces while going to school for the first time. This story is very entertaining for the family to read and the perfect gift for the holiday season. To purchase just click on the link :http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615995063 Thank you in advance for your support and happy holidays :)

So this year has been so crazy in the sense that everyone seems to be buying more and more books. However, I wonder what has made these individuals crave books so much nowadays. Is it the schools promoting more reading? Are the parents pushing their children to read more? Or is there just more readers in the up and coming generations? Maybe it's all three or maybe it's the authors and publishers.

Just think about it. What is happening to books that are making them so appealing? Don't know? Well, I will tell you, it is the title and the book cover. Having the right name that sounds unique yet is short and mysterious at the same time invokes the readers to purchase their book. In addition, the cover of the book has to match up to such an awesome title the writer has created. If an author can make an equally great cover to match the book's name then they are sure to make an impact on readers who are most likely to advise others about their book.

In the hit cultural phenomenon Twilight by Stephenie Meyer you can see how she tried to appeal to her audience. Meyer created a mysterious, pure-like, and creepy looking cover that makes you go 'Why an apple?' For Christians they may think of the story about Adam and Eve like I did at first which invoked my curiosity in her book.

Here is a tip for people who want to become an author or dream of being an author or even authors who are struggling now. I want you to know that good authors write a story, great authors create a masterpiece in the package itself entirely. The cover tells a lot and the name tells more.

Check back every Sunday and Wednesday for my first book vlogs. I'm going to cover some new books as well as some classics. To find out which books I'm reading you only have to watch ;) See you soon!