Fragile Storm

I can't begin to tell you how proud and honored I am to have been just a small part of this film. I made a small donation because I loved the passion of the filmmaker. Some of the perks I received are: an autographed picture of the cast, a signed copy of the manuscript and an honorable mention. So can one person make a difference? You betcha! Please take a minute and go like the FB page!!! Thanks!

Cheers, Lisa

http://www.fragilestorm.com/?page_id=47

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4002314/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
https://www.facebook.com/FragileStormFilm

Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones is an American fantasy drama television series created for HBO by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss. It is an adaptation of A Song of Ice and Fire, George R. R. Martin's series of fantasy novels, the first of which is titled A Game of Thrones. Filmed in a Belfast studio and on location elsewhere in Northern Ireland, Malta, Scotland, Croatia, Iceland and Morocco, it premiered on HBO in the United States on April 17, 2011. The series was renewed for a fourth season, to debut in the United States on April 6, 2014.^[4]
The series, set on the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos at the end of a decade-long summer, interweaves several plot lines. The first follows the members of several noble houses in a civil war for the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms; the second covers the rising threat of the impending winter and the mythical creatures of the North; the third chronicles the attempts of the exiled last scion of the realm's deposed dynasty to reclaim the throne. Through its morally ambiguous characters, the series explores the issues of social hierarchy, religion, loyalty, corruption, civil war, crime, and punishment.
Game of Thrones roughly follows the three story lines of A Song of Ice and Fire.^[6] Set in the fictional Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, the series chronicles the violent dynastic struggles among the realm's noble families for control of the Iron Throne. As the series opens, additional threats begin to arise in the icy North and in the eastern continent of Essos.^[2]
The novels and their adaptation derive settings, characters and plot elements from much of European history.^[7] A principal inspiration for the novels were the English Wars of the Roses^[8] (1455–85) between the houses of Lancaster and York, reflected in Martin's houses of Lannister and Stark. Most of Westeros, with its castles and knightly tournaments, is reminiscent of High Medieval Western Europe. The scheming Cersei, for instance, calls to mind Isabella (1295–1358), the "she-wolf of France".^[7] The series also combines such varied inspirations as Hadrian's Wall (which became Martin's great Wall), the fall of Rome and the legend of Atlantis (ancient Valyria), Byzantine "Greek fire" ("wildfire"), Icelandic sagas of the Viking Age (the Ironborn) and the Mongol hordes (the Dothraki), as well as elements from the Hundred Years' War (1337–1453) and the Italian Renaissance (c. 1400–1500).^[7] The series' great popularity has in part been attributed to Martin's skill at fusing these disparate elements into a seamless whole that appears credible on its own terms as an alternative history.^[7]
"The Sopranos in Middle-earth" is the tagline showrunner David Benioff jokingly suggested for Game of Thrones, referring to its intrigue-filled plot and dark tone combined with a fantasy setting.^[9] In a 2012 study, the series was listed second out of 40 recent U.S. TV drama series by deaths per episode, with an average of 14.^[10][11]
Like the novels it adapts, Game of Thrones has a sprawling ensemble cast, estimated to be the largest on television.^[12] During the production of the third season, 257 cast names were recorded.^[13] The following overview reduces the list of characters in Game of Thrones to those played by the actors credited as part of the main cast.^[14]
Lord Eddard "Ned" Stark (Sean Bean) is the head of the Stark family whose members are involved in most of the series's intertwined plot lines. He and his wife Catelyn Tully (Michelle Fairley) have five children: the eldest, Robb (Richard Madden), the dainty Sansa (Sophie Turner), the tomboy Arya (Maisie Williams), the adventurous Bran (Isaac Hempstead-Wright) and the youngest, Rickon (Art Parkinson). Ned's hostage and ward Theon Greyjoy (Alfie Allen) used to live with the Starks. Robb's wife is the healer Talisa Maegyr (Oona Chaplin), and Arya has befriended the blacksmith's apprentice Gendry (Joe Dempsie). Ned's bastard son Jon Snow (Kit Harington) and his friend Samwell Tarly (John Bradley) serve in the Night's Watch under Lord Commander Jeor Mormont (James Cosmo). The red-haired Wildling Ygritte (Rose Leslie) is Jon Snow's romantic interest. Robb is advised by his bannerman Roose Bolton (Michael McElhatton). Bolton's bastard son is the sadistic Ramsay Snow (Iwan Rheon). Catelyn is served by the female warrior Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie).
Ned's old friend King Robert Baratheon (Mark Addy) shares a loveless marriage with Queen Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey), who has taken her twin, the "Kingslayer" Ser Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) as her secret lover. She loathes her younger brother, the clever dwarf Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage), who is attended by his mistress Shae (Sibel Kekilli) and the sellsword Bronn (Jerome Flynn). Cersei's father is the fabulously wealthy Lord Tywin Lannister (Charles Dance), and her oldest son, the sadistic Joffrey (Jack Gleeson), is guarded by the scar-faced warrior Sandor "the Hound" Clegane (Rory McCann).
The king's "Small Council" of advisors includes the crafty Master of Coin, Lord Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish (Aidan Gillen) and the eunuch Master of Whisperers, Lord Varys (Conleth Hill). Robert's brother Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane) is advised by the foreign priestess Melisandre (Carice van Houten) and the former smuggler Ser Davos Seaworth (Liam Cunningham). The wealthy Tyrell family is represented at court by the ambitious Margaery Tyrell (Natalie Dormer). Margaery's grandmother and mentor is the quick-witted Olenna Tyrell (Diana Rigg).
Across the Narrow Sea, siblings Viserys (Harry Lloyd) and Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) – the exiled children of the king overthrown by Robert Baratheon – are on the run for their lives, trying to win back the throne. Daenerys has been married to Khal Drogo (Jason Momoa), the leader of the nomadic Dothraki, and is guarded by the exiled knight Ser Jorah Mormont (Iain Glen).

The budget of Game of Thrones has been compared to that of the TV series Rome.^[22] The pilot reportedly cost HBO between US$5 and 10 million,^[23] and the total budget for the first season has been estimated at US$50–60 million.^[24] In the second season, the show obtained a 15% increase in budget in order to be able to stage the most important battle in the "clash of kings," the civil war that is the season's focus.^[25]

^{If you haven't seen this series you're truly missing out on a classic! All the information above was found via Google and is not my writing.} 

In the end, "All Men Must Die" Valar Morghulis....


Cheers,
Lisa Forest

 

Not just an author...

The nice thing about having a creative side is using it! Not only do I write, but I also sew, refinish furniture, decorate and test my hand at all other levels of creativity. Nothing feels as gratifying than seeing a project to its completion. Remember, just try. I haven't had formal sewing classes, nor have I had any training other than what I have taught and learned myself. Don't be afraid to try. That's how you'll learn. Making mistakes is expected. But eventually, if you persist, you'll have a product you're happy with. And, in the end isn't that what really matters? Recently, I found out I am going to be a grandmother again. This time it's a girl :-) So that opened the door for a whole new bunch of things to try. I also decided to hand make my Christmas gifts for both my grandson and my soon-to-be granddaughter. I hope they love the final products I have created from my heart. Nothing can compare to things made from pure love and joy!

A new no-sew blanket for Aiden, and my first pillow case dress for Savannah ;-)

Cheers,

Lisa

Forgiveness

Sometimes, we forget that in order to move through obstacles in our own lives we need to forgive. Forgiveness for our own actions, is as important as it is to forgive others for theirs. I know that I am one of those people. I am hardest on myself when I make mistakes. Every now and then, I have to remind myself that in order to move forward, I must forgive. We are ALL human and we ALL make mistakes. Sometimes, those mistakes are really bad or stupid choices. Perhaps, those mistakes are simply not listening to our own gut. Have faith. It is not until we have made some of the biggest errors do we truly see what led to them. At times, others play an integral role in leading you astray. Don't forget to forgive yourself for that. As long as you learn, move forward and don't repeat the same errors over and over you'll be just fine. This too shall pass. The strongest of people know how to truly forgive and move forward. Only the lost, and weak are unable to forgive. On a rare occasion, forgiveness is not the ultimate option. Put that negativity away, in a wrapped little box. Free yourself from its constraints. Those who may not deserve your forgiveness, also don't deserve your time. Don't allow them to intrude on your thoughts. Past is past. The devil will appear in all shapes and sizes. Don't expect him/her to show up with horns and a red face. Chances are, they will show up as everything you thought you wanted. Be careful! This will most certainly be the most difficult of challenges you face. Luckily, with the right people in your corner, the devil will get his just reward. Karma is a wonderful thing. And, if you time things just right, you might just get lucky enough to get front row seats ;-)

Cheers, Lisa

Cover Teaser...Desperately His...

I am feverishly working on the second in the series of Country Club Secrets titled: Desperately His... Haven't been writing much due to back surgery. However, now that I am back writing again, it seems to be flowing out of me. I wish I could write like this all the time. But for now, just a cover teaser until the new erotica, e-book is published ;-) Look for a late November/December 2014 release ;-) Of course Country Club Secrets is available and on sale for only .99! Just follow the title to link you to amazon! Also now available on SmashWords here> Country Club Secrets for all other major e-book types!

Cheers, Lisa (aka frenchkilt)

Why I Write...

As a writer/author the questions I am asked the most often are, how do you get your ideas and why do you write? The answers are really quite simple. I write because it's very therapeutic. Whether or not people like it is of no consequence to me. Simply put, at times it allows me to work through some of my own issues via my characters. I try not to write from direct experience however, I do use bits and pieces for each character. But if you've wronged me, be certain a character may mock you. (just saying). As far as ideas go for each writer that is very different. For instance, in my case a simple sentence spoken, or a single word can trigger an entire paragraph. Sometimes, it can trigger an entire storyline. I get my cues from listening. Reading, is also a great way to expand your vocabulary, as well as give you motivation. In the end, writing is relaxing. Watching your characters develop, thickening the plot, adding some unexpected twists. That's what it's all about. Luckily, I have writing to distract me from a very stressful job that makes ridiculous demands each and every day (sometimes each and every hour). Escapism and laughter is key to maintaining any level of sanity. Just ask my co-workers. I know of what I speak...

Cheers, Lisa ;-)

Life changing...

I've had some rather life changing issues over the last several months and unfortunately they have affected my ability to write or focus on anything else. Working extended hours at the computer and having severe back issues makes it a daunting task. The back issues will soon be dealt with, (or at least I hope) as I am scheduled to have spinal surgery in August. This is the one surgery I dread more than any other. The idea of someone messing around in  my spine literally makes my spine tingle (and not in a good way)! Being a nurse and having seen the pros and cons of back surgery, I have definitely had my reservations. However, there comes a point when the pain is so severe and so debilitating that surgery isn't even an option any more. The idea of being able to do the simplest of things suddenly takes precedence over anything else. So I march forth knowing that in the very near future my life is about to change one way or another. Permanent  nerve damage may be the case which essentially won't really give me the results I desire. But if I am lucky enough to be in the 80% range of the population that gets this procedure and has no pain afterwards,well those are risks that aren't even a choice for me anymore. I trudge through the days hoping and praying that the pain will subside and I will eventually get back to doing the things that we normally do daily. The things we take for granted. I am looking forward to being able to do the simplest of chores without pain. And that my friends is well worth the risk. Here are the details for those interested.
Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery


Cheers, Lisa ;-)

Country Club Secrets--New Erotica Published!

For quite a while now, I've had this story sitting in my documents on my laptop. I have gone back and forth on whether or not to have it published. Publishing erotica does not go without pros and cons. Pros of course are simple from a writers perspective. It allows a freedom from self-imposed constraints. Writing without the so-called rules alone in and of itself is freeing to the soul. And of course, there is the possibility of monetary gain. But most indie writers will tell you they don't really write for the money and fame. The chances are slim even in the internet era. Thinking about a twist in a storyline and then writing the story around it..well.. now that's magic!!!

Leigh Lexington was a member of the elite Country Clubs ladies. However, she never felt like she really fit in. But all that changed the day the Queen Bee Melissa shared a secret. Leigh was shocked, but delighted to discover that these women actually had more in common with her than she first thought. JD provided more than lawn services. Sex, lust and erotic passion consumes Leigh as she discovers her long dormant desires. But how long could she hide this from her husband Michael?

First review 5 stars!!!
While there are many titles on the market that spin erotic tales dealing with the stereotypical 'dejected housewife' plot device, Country Club Secrets offers something fresh and clever to the table that fans of the genre will enjoy. Leigh Lexington is a member of an upscale club for women that harbors more secrets than meets the eye. What starts out as a subtle and playful gathering soon morphs into a whirlwind escape of passion and intensity that comes with a few funny and shocking twists that sets this title apart from others in this avenue. The structure and pacing is well thought out and executed, with intense scenery all the way to an ending that readers will definitely enjoy. Hopefully there will be a sequel! 
Now that was shocking and humbling to see as a first review but well worth the wait!
Cheers, Lisa
Follow the link (title) below for purchase!
Country Club Secrets

Author Interview--Lazarus Infinity

One of the nice things about Twitter is having the means to meet authors from all over the world. I was lucky enough to interview this author and get to know him a little better. I always find it fascinating to hear about the history behind the author. I love to gain insight into who they are. Enjoy meeting 

Lazarus Infinity! 

Cheers, 

Lisa Forest

www.lazarusinfinity.net 

www.facebook.com/lazarusInfinity

Instagram:@lazarusinfinity

Twitter: @lazarusInfinity

1.       What started your writing career?  I started writing back in the third grade.  My first love was always acting-writing was something that was just always there even though I never took it seriously.  Being one of those nerdy kids who’d always finish their work first, I’d write stories in my spare time out of boredom.  When my teacher caught on to what I was doing, she encouraged me to ‘Just keep writing.’  Both she and my mother always told me I’d write a book one day, to which I always laughed because I never believed it.  As time went on, I studied acting in high school and college while my writing went from short stories to an award winning one-act play and then screenplays.  It wasn’t until the fall of 2011 when I got laid off from a job I’d had for 6 years that I caught wind of the independent publishing industry and thought I’d give it a shot.  It’s funny to me now knowing all those years my mother saw something that I didn’t.

2.       How many books have you written and what are the titles?  So far I have 4 titles available, with at least three on the way.  They are as follows:

 EXODUS: A REQUIEM FOR JACOB FORLORN-Dark Fantasy

                REVELATION: THE RETURN OF JACOB FORLORN-Dark Fantasy

                OCCUPATION-Horror

                THE LITTLE BOY AND THE SEA-Children’s Fiction

3.       Are you working on anything currently and if so what is it?  Yes, my current work in progress is a novel entitled PORN AGAIN.  Before I got into publishing, I worked for a major adult novelty retailer in which one of the stores was located in New Orleans on Bourbon St.  You can imagine just about any crazy thing happening in that store and you probably wouldn’t be far off from the truth.  For years I was always asked the question, ‘What’s it like working here?’  My response was always that I could make a movie or write a book about what went on there, so here it comes.  What most people don’t realize is the fact that it’s not the people who work in a sex store that you have to worry about…it’s the people who shop there.  You learn a lot about sex and sex toys obviously, but you also learn a lot more about love and relationships in modern-day America, and a lot of it isn’t always positive.  After working there, there’s nothing about sex or relationships anyone can tell me about that I haven’t already heard.

Here is the synopsis for PORN AGAIN:

"What's it like working in a sex store?"

That’s a question that Harper ‘Happy’ Downman will soon learn the meaning of…in more ways than one.

The poster child for middle-class America, Happy is your typical button-down, conservative Christian American with a quaint home, a lovely wife and a dull sex life.  At the height of the Great Recession, a drastic turn of events in both his personal and professional life rock Happy’s world to its very core.  All seems lost…that is until his lecherous older brother comes to the rescue with a ‘stimulating’ solution that’s sure to raise more than just eyebrows within his eccentric family.

Relocating to the decadent, hedonistic streets of New Orleans, he soon finds that he’s way out of his league.  In a world of porn, sex toys and interesting characters, Happy takes a memorable journey of sex, love and relationships that he will never forget.

Porn Again is a funny and insightful romp proving that it’s not always the people who work in a sex store that you have to worry about.  Sometimes it’s the people who shop there.

A tale of faith, love and sex toys.  Read it with someone you ****.

4.       What genres do you write?  I don’t really have set genres that I gear toward.  From the material I’ve put out already, I like to experiment with different genres.  For me, it’s all about the story; if it happens to fall into the category of Literary Fiction, Horror or Erotica, then that’s just where it goes.  Ultimately I would like to be an artist that can be successful writing in multiple genres.  It’s great when you can have work in the marketplace for everybody.

5.       What is your preferred genre and why?  Don’t really have one.  Much like book publishing, I’ve also written stage plays and screenplays.  I try to be as versatile as possible.

6.       Is writing the only thing you do if not what is your “real” job?  My current day job is as a graphics installer.  Anytime you ads posted in storefront windows, malls, on office buildings or vehicles, that’s the gist of what I do.  It’s a lot of time on the road traveling and bringing my work with me.  My laptop is never far behind, so once I’m done with the day’s work, I’ll hit the gym for an hour and then get back to what I really want to do which is write.

7.       Which book is your favorite and why?  The first is The Autobiography of Malcolm X, by Alex Haley.  While history will always have its perception of who Malcolm was, his life story is a powerful and beautiful one that all human beings can learn from.  The fact that this man was once the lowest of the low and evolved through spiritual enlightenment to become someone that people all over the world wanted to hear speak had a profound impact on me.  Growing up in a rough neighborhood in New Orleans, I learned early on that it doesn’t matter where you come from or what you look like.  What matters is the will to go out and define yourself no matter what the world thinks you can and cannot do.

8.      What is your writing style?  I try to be as visual as possible, with colorful, quirky characters that people can relate to.  Being a student of playwriting and screenwriting, I try to bring all these different elements to the table when I write; it just makes for a better, well-nuanced story in my opinion.

9.       What inspires you to write?  Art, music and film.  Being a native of New Orleans, I’ve grown up around all three, especially films, with THE GREAT DICTATOR being my favorite of all time.

10.   What advice would you give to new authors or inspiring authors?  Definitely study the craft of writing and never give up.  I tend to liken the independent publishing boom today much like the growth of Hip-Hop years ago.  There was a time when you really have to be great to be successful, but as the industry flourished, more and more people figured out ways to make money without necessarily being good at what they do.  Indie publishing has followed that route to a tee.  The market is so oversaturated with material that it’s becoming more and more challenging for authors with great stories to get attention.  Aspiring authors should definitely follow the best practices of their favorite authors and strive to put out material that can sit on the same shelf and compete.  Everything from great storytelling to editing and formatting and cover design plays a huge part.  Most of all, NEVER GIVE UP.

11.    Do you think any of your books could be translated to the big screen if so why?  Definitely OCCUPATION and PORN AGAIN.  OCCUPATION is a short story dealing with a zombie apocalypse that takes place in New Orleans during the week of the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras.  If you know anything about filmmaking, that is high concept if there ever was.  The screenplay is already finished and I will be shopping around for an agent soon.  The same goes for PORN AGAIN.  While there have been movies and television shows that deal with the adult industry, none have really gone inside what happens in a sex store.  Let’s face it-sex sells.

12.    Share some of your hobbies other than writing.  Aside from writing, working out has quickly become a huge priority for me.  Not that I’ve ever been seriously out of shape or anything like that, but as I get older, the urge to reinvent myself has taken on a new shape and it’s fun.  The acting bug has begun to bite me once again, so another goal of me is to get back into acting school and hopefully make back to the stage one day.  Other hobbies of mine include photography and filmmaking.

13.    Favorite Films

       The Great Dictator-Charlie Chaplin

Do The Right Thing-Spike Lee

Malcolm X-Spike Lee

The Dreamers-Bernardo Bertolucci

Im Juli-Faith Akin

Rear Window-Alfred Hitchcock

Le Diner de Cons-Francis Veber

The Usual Suspects-Bryan Singer

The Godfather-Francis Ford Coppola

Amelie-Jean Pierre-Juenet

La Dolce Vita-Frederico Fellini

Life Is Beautiful-Roberto Benigni

Rashomon-Akira Kurosawa

Angel Heart-Alan Parker

Rocky-Sylvester Stallone

14.    Music Playlist

·         Just Friends-Amy Winehouse/Back to Black

·         Jimi Hendrix-Third Stone From the Sun/Are You Experienced?

·         Copernicus Landing-Kid Cudi/SATELLITE FLIGHT: Journey to Mother Moon

·         Without You-Lapalux

·         Represent-Nas/Illmatic

·         Cherry Wine-Nas feat. Amy Winehouse/Life Is Good

·         Nirvana-You Know You’re Right/Nirvana

·         In My Head-Psapp/Early Cats and Tracks

·         Solar-Thunderball/Hotel Costes 4

·         No Jive-De Phazz/Hotel Costes Vol. 1

·         Gutter Rainbows-Talib Kweli/Gutter Rainbows

·         Black Boy Fly-Kendrick Lamar/Good Kid Maad City

·         Si je meurs ci soir-MC Solaar/Cinquieme as

·         Memories Live-Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek/Reflection Eternal-Train of Thought

·         The Blast-Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek/Reflection Eternal-Train of Thought

·         The Heretics-Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross/The Girl w/The Dragon Tattoo Sdtrk.

·         Don’t Explain-Billie Holiday/Verve Remixed

·         Blood-Velvet Acid Christ/Lust for Blood

·         Come Together-The Beatles/Abbey Road

·         House of the Rising Sun-The Animals/Retrospective

·         Glad to be Unhappy (DJ Logic Remix)-Billie Holiday/Remixed & Reimagined

·         Me & The Devil-Gil Scott-Heron/I’m New Here

·         Slip and Slide (Suicide)-Kosheen/Resist

·         Shiny on the Inside-Leona Naess/Thirteens

·         Let Go-Frou Frou/Details

·         When the Levee Breaks-Led Zeppelin/Mothership

·         Communication Breakdown-Led Zeppelin/Mothership

·         Kashmir-Led Zeppelin/Mothership

·         A New World in My View/King Britt & Sis. Gertrude Morgan

·         Walking On Space-Smooth

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