TV Show-ing Instead of Reading or Writing

Hello and welcome to my unadulterated (because I’m still such a kid!) confession.

Whatever I reveal can – and likely, will – be held against me in a court of public opinion.

Forgive me, reader, for I have sinned…but I’m LOVING it!

Foremost, instead of diligently writing on Bringer Unleashed, much less making any progress on recent novels I’ve begun reading, I’ve spent my time watching programs. Sometimes, I’ve even been…*gasp*…binge-watching.

Yes, I’ve been “TV show-ing” more than writing or reading.

Marvel's Daredevil Season 1 is on Netflix.

First and foremost, I’ve fallen under the spell of Netflix’s Daredevil. In my defense, the entire 13-episode first season was tantalizingly dropped into my lap all at once, creating an immediate urge to plop onto my couch and stare at the huge plasma TV screen before me. Let’s face it, Daredevil is well-conceived and has marvelous character development with engaging plot lines. Who wouldn’t want to get lost in quality programming like that? It seems as if the Marvel properties have reached near-atmospheric engagement in recent years; a development that, as an avid Marvel fan since childhood, has pleased me to no end. Compelling storyline aside, the masterful casting of Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock and Vincent D'Onofrio as Wilson Fisk (aka Kingpin) has skyrocketed this new series to the top of my binge-watching, even momentarily knocking Castle binging from my daily activity. (Fear not…Castle season 6 returns to my daily activities once Daredevil is complete.)

Wait, there’s more?

Game of Thrones Season 5 on HBO has elevated the fantasy drama genre for viewers.

Yes! The new season of Game of Thrones has begun, so I’ve been watching (and re-watching) the newest episodes. Add to that, I’ve discovered a marvelous YouTube channel called Emergency Awesome that’s run by a pleasant, informed, and highly knowledgeable person named Charlie, who I now follow and check daily for informative and engaging revelations and insights into some of my favorite programs, films, and comics, including Game of Thrones, Daredevil, The Flash, Gotham, Agents of Shield, the upcoming Star Wars and Marvel superhero films, and the entire DC and Marvel character/comic universes. Charlie’s simply amazing!

You can subscribe to Emergency Awesome by clicking here.

What have you been binge-watching recently?

The Modern Nightmare of Mid-Life Dating

[LEGAL USE OF THIS PHOTO LICENSED AND SECURED VIA DREAMSTIME - August 2014 - Photo by Lsk]

Recently, and after much reflection and observation, it’s occurred to me that dating among adults in the twenty-first century is intriguing, and yet, oddly nightmarish.
For those in their teens and twenties, dating is a natural state of social development and maturity. It’s a nearly magical time when the discovery of someone to share the prospects of career development, raising children, and building upon the hopes and dreams of youth. Dating at any age carries many of the same caveats and challenges within the dating process. Yet, with regard to dating in one’s twenties and thirties, there’s nevertheless a sense that, if one didn’t get it right the first time around, there’s still many years ahead remaining to get it right.
As with shampoo, lather…rinse…repeat.
Fast forward to mid-life, when one may already be well along in their career journey, perhaps actively raising children into their pre-adult years or preparing for the burgeoning college experience. Yes, there are still hopes and dreams for the future, but typically by this time in one’s life, they have become much more seasoned in their life experiences. This is the stage where many people may have adopted a negative mindset regarding prospective suitors, in addition to a keen eye on the relationships that color their past. Often, there’s a guarded sense of reservation that’s also coupled with someone’s proverbial lists of what a prospective suitor “must-have” and/or “must-not-have.”
Oh, don’t get me wrong; love can be found at any age, which is a nearly-magical prospect in itself, providing hope and encouragement to all. Yet, when adults plunge into the foray of twenty-first century dating, there’s not only more variables to contend with, there’s also a heightened sense of self-preservation involved. Essentially it’s oft viewed that one mustn’t make the mistakes of the past regarding their selection of partner, nor can one permit themselves to be made overly vulnerable to be taken advantage of, nor too emotionally involved to walk away unscathed. That’s not to say that I blame someone for feeling that way.
Add to that, the ephemeral first-date concerns to confront with each new date, which is familiar no matter what age you are. Will they like me? Will I feel good chemistry with them? Should I arrive relatively early to the first-date location to display my anticipation, or will that make me appear too desperate? Should I dress smartly to make a really noteworthy first impression, or should I dress tastefully, yet comfortably? Will my conversational topics be a hit or a miss? Do they love cats? (Hint: In my book, they must at least like cats. No cat-haters allowed. That’s one of the few “must-haves” for me.)
Gawd…how I feel a simultaneous sense of equal parts anticipation and dread over the prospect of a first date. Essentially, given everything, it’s a wonder that today’s mid-life adults date at all.
As a romance author, I consider each of these variables part of a rich tapestry from which to develop future storylines, emotional challenges, and character arcs with which to entertain readers. Yet, I’m left wondering if the romance novel “happy ending” is actually realistic in today’s society.
But then, was it ever really?
I’m left pondering my own personal fear about dating and modern-day romance.
What is it, you ask?
Chiefly, that I’m much better writing about romance than actually living it.
Dating in the twenty-first century….what are your thoughts?

Spring Fever!

[LEGAL USE OF THIS PHOTO LICENSED AND SECURED VIA DREAMSTIME - March 2015 - Photo by Stephen Orsillo]

It’s official…spring has arrived! I hope that things are going well for you thus far.

Like many people, amidst the beautiful, warmer weather, I’m experiencing the strong attraction to do fun things like walking outdoors, cooking on my outdoor grill, and reading novels in the shade of my back patio. Given those marvelous distractions, I’m perpetually finding excuses not to spend time at the keyboard. As such, a number of my creative endeavors have suffered: my blog, writing on Bringer Unleashed (book #2 in my Logan Bringer urban fantasy series), my social media posts, and a host of online communications.

In addition to the call of spring, I’m completely enamored with binge-watching what has become one of my all-time favorite shows: Castle. I’m not typically drawn to crime drama procedurals, but the chemistry between Nathan Fillion’s character (Richard Castle) and Stana Katic’s character (Detective Kate Beckett) is compelling and often sizzling with passion and emotion. I’m now completely hooked! The entire supporting cast is wonderful, making for interesting and amusing personalities to add depth to the show. Even better, the storylines are engaging and often immersive. Currently, I’m halfway through season 5 and I couldn’t be happier with how things are developing between Beckett and Castle. My couch hasn’t spent as much time with me in quite a while.

However, fear not, my muse is far from completely dormant. Some recent music downloads from iTunes have begun to stoke the creative juices inside me. To borrow from famed author George R.R. Martin, I assure you, “keyboard time is coming!”

Some of the recent songs that have stoked my emotions and creative urges include Bea Miller’s “Dracula”, Owl City’s “Fireflies”, Tove Lo’s “Talking Body”, Alt-J’s “Something Good”, Geographer’s “I’m Ready”, and Adam Levine’s “Lost Stars.”

Oh, and as creative ideas arise, I’m also in the process of world-building and character creation for a forthcoming adult-themed fantasy series that is set on a world other than Earth. The characters are diverse in their backgrounds, individual storylines, and personal challenges, yet they each find themselves tied to central themes and events filtering throughout lands both near and far. It’s unlike anything I’ve written, but as a long-time fantasy fanatic, it’s something I’ve always wanted to write. I’m likely a couple of years away from the release of the first novel, but I wanted to share with you that my imagination has long-term projects in its vision.

For now, happy reading and I hope that your own spring fever diversions result in smiles and a great deal of personal satisfaction.

Peace and good times for all!

Freedom of Speech Has Consequences

[LEGAL USE OF THIS PHOTO LICENSED AND SECURED VIA DREAMSTIME - November 2014 - Graphic by Dawn Hudson]

In the United States, the first of our coveted constitutional freedoms under the Bill of Rights is Freedom of Speech. While there are some limitations to that freedom, primarily centered on not inciting riots or causing immediate harm to the citizenry, it’s generally accepted that you can write or say pretty much anything you would like and make those thoughts and feelings publicly known while being protected from actions against you by the government or fellow citizens. That being said, it was never written that what you decide to say or write might not have social-related consequences.
For example, my Sunset Vampire series focuses on two controversial protagonists, a dominant and assertive female vampire named Katrina and her beta-male human love interest named Caleb. I’ve received a number of scathing reviews in blogs and on retailer sites for my writing.  While there are a percentage of readers who find a dominant and assertive woman threatening and slightly off-putting, there are numerous readers who are insulted – and vehemently resent – reading about something far-more forbidden: a beta male who permits a female to protect him, and perhaps even worse, serve a dominant role in their relationship. *collective gasps ring out across the globe*
It’s okay. Go ahead and gasp, curse my name, and wag your fingers at me if it makes you feel better. Because of its outside-the-norm and highly controversial central protagonists, the novels in my Sunset Vampire series will likely never make it onto any best-seller lists or make me tomorrow’s next member of the Millionaire’s Club. (There is one, isn’t there? *shrugging* I’ve heard stories…) However, I’m not going to cease writing about Katrina and Caleb until their Sunset Vampire story is complete.
The truth is that, while it’s my constitutional right to write about my characters, it’s the constitutional right of others to openly disagree with me. While no author likes to read negative reviews, I’m perfectly at peace with receiving negative feedback, if only because I respectfully acknowledge views that oppose my own.
With that in mind, I’ve watched and listened as many stories surfaced about citizens and public figures openly targeting various minority groups in society. One only has to watch the news, read tweets, or read a report on a website to hear about the latest fraternity members who are making racial slurs, or the Southern conservative legislator who proposes laws that protect citizens who openly discriminate against alternative lifestyle people in the marketplace, or hear about people who speak out against those with non-Christian based beliefs. Essentially, there are haters out there in the world who hate people who are different from themselves. Worse yet, when those individuals are chastised by the general public for their initiatives or remarks, they tout their First Amendment protections and claim that others have no right to publicly shame them for their beliefs.
However, there is something that’s very important to remember: Just because someone has the constitutional protection to say or write something controversial, it doesn’t mean that others don’t have the right to publicly chastise then for it. If someone says something controversial, they should be fully prepared to OWN IT. Essentially, they should not be surprised when others in the general public give them a “bad review” for their constitutionally protected views.
For years, people were publicly shamed and shunned for their anti-establishment views, whether it was mixed race coupling, same sex relationships, or non-Christian religious beliefs and practices. Numerous people lost their jobs, friendships, and sometimes familial connections due to thinking and opinions that were socially outside-the-box. Fortunately, as time has passed and the social conscience has evolved, many of the formerly mainstream mindsets and ideals regarding those topics have become socially unacceptable or unappreciated. There are even a growing host of laws that protect those citizens who once suffered discrimination.
Businesses and corporations aren’t immune to the circumstances, either. Businesses are being forced to accept the evolving standards of behavior and socially conscious manners being adopted by the public at large. Failure to do so may sometimes result in their products and services being boycotted, or at the very least pronounced losses of profits or market share.
It’s at moments such as these that I reflect upon the historical trek of society and culture, and I marvel over how quickly – or conversely, how slowly – contemporary thought can change, depending upon the issue at hand.
As an author, I’m grateful that I have the constitutionally protected right to extemporize on controversial topics or conditions both for entertainment purposes and perhaps, if I’m fortunate, to generate contemplative thought on those topics or circumstances. But I’m also ever-aware that negative reviews might be forthcoming for my efforts. It’s over that realization that I issue my sincere and heartfelt thanks to each of you who supports me and my creative works. Without advocates, I might truly feel that Katrina, Caleb, and I are out there on a proverbial island by ourselves. And while I’m willing to accept that possibility, it’s so much happier to enjoy the shared company of others on the island, as well. I cherish your fellowship and support.
Peace!

A Legend Passes Away

Leonard Nimoy (From @TheRealNimoy -- All Rights Reserved and Copyrights Acknowledged)

Leonard Nimoy passed away at age 83.
Those words caused an immediate sense of sadness to permeate my thoughts and spirit today. He was much more than a mere actor, director, celebrity, author, and photographer. He was someone who inspired generations of us who pursued fields in astronomy, science, technology, and yes, even entertainment. More importantly, he inspired me.
I have been a science fiction fan for as long as I can remember. Some of my earliest recollections of science fiction television shows included re-run telecasts of the original 1960s Star Trek program, which had premiered before I was born. Nimoy’s portrayal of a half-human, half-alien being from the planet Vulcan confronted the controversies of being from a mixed race background while also delving into the meanings of both friendship and examining the social and cultural qualities of what it meant to embrace one’s inner sense of humanity.
As I grew older, my fascination with Star Trek continued. It spurred my own interests in astronomy, technology, science, and reading science fiction literature, both comic books and novels. After I had re-watched the original television series episodes and watched the films multiple times, there were still fresh stories to explore in books, continuing the exciting interstellar adventures and journeys of Mr. Spock and his peers.

( Mr. Spock and the Enterprise -- All Rights Reserved and Copyrights Acknowledged))

Many quotations from the character Spock -- and, in one case below, a citation from another original source -- have become eternal for us fans.
"Without followers, evil cannot spread." (Spock, Star Trek: The Original Series, "And The Children Shall Lead")
"Once you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth." (Spock, Star Trek (2009), citing Sherlock Holmes)
"It is curious how often you humans manage to obtain that which you do not want." (Spock, Star Trek: The Original Series, "Errand of Mercy")
"The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one." (Spock, Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan)
Even as I grew older, Leonard Nimoy seemed eternal.
In 2009, the gifted producer J.J. Abrams brought the magic of Star Trek and Mr. Spock – newly portrayed by actor Zachary Quinto – to a whole new generation of fans using a rebooted and unique time-conundrum storyline. Even then, the memorable Mr. Nimoy reprised his epic role as a future version of Spock who had traveled back in time to confront an enemy, only to confront his younger self in what became a memorable piece of cinematic history.
But now, the talented soul who mesmerized millions is gone. And even though the magic of Mr. Spock will continue, forever preserved in digital archives, his passing reminds us all that, even for heroes who defy death time and again, everyone’s mortal journey is destined for an eventual end.
Leonard Nimoy’s final Twitter message sent on Monday, February 23, 2015 was both prophetic and inspiring: “A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP”

(Jaz SAYS LLAP -- PHOTO COPYRIGHT 2015 BY JAZ PRIMO)

Rest in Peace, Mr. Nimoy. Thank you for all of the wonderful memories and for entertaining audiences for generations since, and for generations to come. You will be missed.
Though I will miss you, within the rich expanse of my imagination, you will always live long and prosper.

50 Shades of Contradiction – Episode 1

Happy Valentine's Day! It's time for romance. And what says romance today better than a romantic movie, right?

The film 50 Shades of Grey is out now, and over 200 million women have digested the entire Shades of Grey trilogy of novels, some multiple times over. (Full Disclosure: I’ve read the series already, as well.) And now…I’m completely confused about what women want sexually.

Henceforth, I’ll never date – much less have sex – with women EVER again.

Like I said, I read the novels. I get it. Anastasia Steele loves Christian Grey wholly and completely, and he’s the only guy who can unlock her heart…and unleash her climaxes.

Christian Grey is worldly, masculine, assertive, immeasurably wealthy, powerful, and drop-dead sexy. He’s also manipulative, controlling, domineering, and he loves to convey his love through erotic torment and varying levels of sadistic torture. Yet, he’s still the man that nearly every woman who reads the Fifty Shades novels desperately fantasizes about and wants for her own. Or rather, wants to be owned by.

As for me, I was raised for many years in a single-parent household by an independent-minded mother who taught me to respect women and treat them with dignity and appreciation, as well as treat them as completely equal partners in a relationship.

I’ve become the sort of man that my Mom would be proud of. And yet, I still can’t hold a candle to Christian Grey.

*shrugging* Do you see why I’m giving up?

Face it. I’m doomed with the ladies with that sort of expectation. I don’t think there’s enough drugs or alcohol in the world to screw up my mind enough to become anyone who’s even remotely like Christian Grey. (He's more like 50 Shades of Victims Protective Orders, if you ask me. Just sayin'.)

Sorry, Mom…you obviously had it wrong. The women of today’s world have spoken, and it’s Christian Grey who wins the rose on the present-day Bachelorette shows.

I never claimed to know precisely what women wanted, but I’d always considered it might have something to do with a stable, safe partner who not only loved them, but valued and cherished them, as well as placed them on a wholly equal footing in the relationship. But now, if the millions of box office tickets and 50 Shades novels being sold are any reflection of reality with women and what they actually want from their men, then I realize that I’m obviously not anywhere near what women are REALLY wanting. And worse yet, I’m definitely not in the same league with a Christian Grey; not even close. And I’m not just referring to the fact that I’m not filthy rich, either.

Okay, so instead of roses, a sweet bottle of wine, some hot kissing, and perhaps a relaxing legs and feet massage, women really want a guy wearing a worn pair of denim jeans who has a zealous expertise with plastic zip ties, nipple clamps, and a host of various-sized leather flogs? Oh, yeah…and don’t forget those silver Inner Goddess Ben Wa Pleasure Balls. (And I thought kangaroos already had it rough carrying things in THEIR pouches!)

Don’t get me wrong…I’m a firm believer that kinky can be both fun and refreshing in any healthy sexual relationship. Tie me up and spank me tonight and I’ll trade off with you tomorrow night. But a 50 Shades of Christian Grey sort of fun and refreshing? Nah, that’s way outside what I thought was supposed to be emotionally and physically safe. Oh, sure, Anastasia used a safe word. But what about the years of therapy that might be needed when that form of romance gets old? I mean, how are you supposed to raise the bar from a Christian Grey fun-time without actually killing someone? Geez!

Yep, I suppose that I’ll never make the cut for that major league franchise form of sexual fulfillment. Count me out, ladies. Enjoy the Christian Greys of the world, my dears. Instead, I’m off to join the nearest chapter of the Benedictine Monks. There’s obviously no more action with the ladies destined for me, I suppose. I won’t pretend that I stand a chance against the Christian Greys.

Probably for the best, really. Besides, I could learn to like chanting. Maybe I’ll even be on the Monks’ next album release.

Hey, are the Benedictine Monks on iTunes?

Ode to My Grandmother (1928 – 2015)

(Flowers.jpg -- PHOTO COPYRIGHT 2015 BY JAZ PRIMO)

I’ve been offline for a short time. My grandmother, my mother’s mother – who I affectionately called Grandma – passed away this past Sunday. Her funeral was on Wednesday of this week, and I’m feeling rather melancholy. She’s been an influential mentor in my life since I was young boy. Her presence in my life was one of those blessings that seemed eternal. Oh, we all realize at some fundamental level that our time here on Earth is brief, but for someone who’s been in my life ever since I can remember, I’d become accustomed to her continued presence.

But time has caught up with me, and as each of us is one day destined, now she’s gone. I miss her already.

Grandma was very influential in my life; something that has made me not only the person who I am today, but someone I believe who she was proud of. She always supported me, and offered thoughtful advice or insights that were helpful. Even when I pursued my passion for fiction writing, despite her concessions that both paranormal romance and urban fantasy were well beyond her tastes, she supported me. She even kept a copy of my first vampire novel in her home and visible for most anyone to see. That meant a lot to me.

Though it has only been a week today since Grandma’s passing, I’m beginning to reflect upon her many wonderful qualities with appreciation and warmth rather than focus solely on her loss. And yet, I know that – deep inside of me – she’s alive as ever…still impacting my life and influencing me from my memories of her. Though I freely admit that grief is a process and I’m only in the early stages.

Warm thanks to my kind and caring friends and family who are steadfastly supporting me though this difficult time. Without you, I’d be overwhelmed right now. And for those of you who still have a grandmother or grandfather in your life, give them a call or go to visit them every so often. They’re not here forever, you know.
Peace.

Home Is Where the Demolition Is…

Winter is a cherished season for me; though I appreciate that many people don’t like the cold weather. As I have a warm place to hold up, I don’t mind the cold. It gives me yet another good reason to stay home and huddle up with my hobbies, interests, and distractions…including my cat, Tabby. She appreciates me being home to spend time with her, of course. During the past seven years, my home has been the creative nexus for my novel writing; a place where my ideas have taken root and come to fruition. Add one more reason why my home is truly my castle…my fortress of solitude…the place where stay-cation dreams are realized.

It’s because I value my home so much – and the wonderful memories within – that I was given pause upon reading that famed science fiction author Ray Bradbury’s house is being demolished. You can read the complete article HERE. Granted, the historic 1937-era Cheviot Hills house, located in Los Angeles, California, had a much more dated sort of layout and design than contemporary home buyers prefer to live in. Yet, it was the nostalgic location where “dreams were made” and creative visions were brought to life for generations of readers and fans. The home was interspersed with bookshelves, particularly the den where the room was lined with a Hodge-podge of rickety shelving that held the multitudes of books that Mr. Bradbury collected. If you click on the link that I provided above, at the lower portion of the article, there’s a nice 12-shot slideshow of photos taken from the interior of the house that illustrate what I’m referring to. There’s also a six-image slideshow at the top of the article displaying the external demolition.

Suffice to say, the demolition of the historic house made me feel momentarily glum.

Then I considered a number of things surrounding the event. For one, when the house was sold following Mr. Bradbury’s in 2012, the personal belongings and all of his memorabilia contained therein was removed by the family, leaving only the shell of where a famous author once called home. Essentially, it was the skeletal remains of a former complete entity. Second, there’s no magical creative dust that remains in Mr. Bradbury’s former study that future tenants could absorb to become great writers themselves. It was Ray himself that brought the magic to the room and into reality; the room was merely the setting for magic to occur. In that sense, and with consumerism being what it is, there’s little reason why a dated-looking home would harbor much intrigue for the average home buyer today. Instead, the now-demolished site will serve as the birthplace for a modern, more energy-efficient dwelling with mass curb appeal.

However, Americans have a long-standing tradition of attempting to preserve locations where famous people either grew up or resided in for much of their lives. It made me wonder: why didn’t Mr. Bradbury’s home make the grade for historic significance? He lived in that home for more than 50 years leading up to his death. I don’t believe that George Washington lived in Mount Vernon for more than 50 years before he died. Okay, that’s quite a stretch to compare Ray Bradbury to George Washington, but do you see where my train of thought is headed? Anyway, perhaps people are merely too sensitive about such topics.

Fortunately, for those who value nostalgia and preservation of great settings, materials and artifacts from Mr. Bradbury’s home office have been donated to The Center for Ray Bradbury Studies in Indiana, and there’s an initiative in play to re-create the author’s den as it appeared in the mid-1960s. That’s something that I might have to make a trip to Indiana for in the future.

New Year’s Resolutions…or Revolutions?

[LEGAL USE OF THIS PHOTO LICENSED AND SECURED VIA DREAMSTIME - September 2014]

Happy New Year! Welcome to 2015!

Wow, what happened to 2014? It feels like it was October just a few weeks ago. The days and weeks seem to fly by as time proceeds, doesn’t it?

(Tebby's New Year's Eve -- PHOTO COPYRIGHT 2014 BY JAZ PRIMO)

How did you spend your New Year’s Eve? My cat, Tabby, and I relaxed at home together. It was bitterly cold outside, so I remained toasty warm indoors. I also watched a Doctor Who marathon on BBC America, and later toasted the New Year with a bottle of Sweet Bitch Chardonnay wine (very tasty!). Today, we’re experiencing freezing rain and drizzle, so I’m happily spending New Year’s Day inside, as well.

(Sweet Bitch Chardonnay -- PHOTO COPYRIGHT 2014 BY JAZ PRIMO)

Now that the New Year has arrived, tis the time for New Year’s resolutions. Frankly, I’ve never been much on them. Statistics show that most people who make resolutions rarely adhere to them for more than a few weeks or months before giving them up entirely. There are a number of reasons why. For some, their resolutions weren’t realistic. For others, it’s a matter of not mastering the art of self-discipline. For others, their hearts simply weren’t into it. Many times, the resolution wasn’t measurable; there was no defined way to establish milestones for success.

I believe that the key to a New Year’s resolution is not so much a resolution as a revolution.

If I want to make a permanent change in my life it’s got to be something that I’m committed to seeing to the very end. For me, that typically means it’s something that has affected me at an emotional and visceral level; something that stokes my passion for completion. In my experience, without passion, most things go unaccomplished or unfulfilled. Given that, did I make any commitments for personal resolutions in 2015?

The answer is yes. In fact, I have a number of objectives for 2015. The past year was rather challenging for me at a number of levels, the least of which involved a change in my publishing activities. Aside from the release of Sunrise at Sunset: Revamped – admittedly a major rewrite to the original novel – there weren’t any new material releases for me in 2014. I had hoped to release at least one new novel this past year, but it simply wasn’t in the cards. As such, I resolve that I shall release at least one new novel in 2015. Ah, but which one?

In 2015, you can expect to see the release of my fifth novel in my Sunset Vampire series, titled Sunset Rising. I’m excited about that! How about you? In addition, I plan to complete the manuscript for my long-awaited second installment in my Logan Bringer series. Bringer Unleashed will continue Logan Bringer’s search for the mysterious source of terrorists with extra-ordinary abilities like himself. So far, I’m very happy with the storyline and character developments. I know that you’ll be just as excited as me to see its release!

Have you considered any New Year’s resolutions yet? Leave a comment and let me know what yours are!

Twas’ Jaz’s Day Before Christmas!

Red Ornament on Tree -- [LEGAL USE OF THIS PHOTO LICENSED AND SECURED VIA DREAMSTIME - September 2014]

Twas’ Jaz’s day before Christmas

And all truth be told,

Poor Jaz was suffering

From a mighty head cold.

 The medicines and fluids

Were lined up for use,

As warm soups and crackers

Were coupled with juice.

 Jaz called upon helpers

Brought both from far and wide,

To aid in his comfort,

To stand by his side.

 He called out to each of them,

One right after the next,

On DayQuil, on NightQuil,

On Advil, on Muscinex!

 When finally relief came

In no time at all,

Jaz’s inspirations returned

Amidst the mail call!

 *Pausing to Blow My Nose*

*Sipping Some Tea*

 Okay, so that’s about all the rhyming I can do for now. I hope that your shopping was successful and you’re ready to enjoy the most important parts of the impending holidays: celebrating with family and eating tasty foods!

Fortunately, my shopping was successful well ahead of schedule, which was fortuitous because I was unhappily waylaid by a notoriously debilitating head cold/sinus infection.

*Yuck*

While I’ve finally turned the corner on it, I’m still very tired and mildly miserable. However, I’m on the mend and I hope that by the weekend I’ll be well on my way to enjoying the remainder of the holiday season. Mind you, my mood is hardly down. In fact, given today’s mail delivery, my mood has greatly improved.

Just this afternoon, I received a mysterious package from wonderful new friends in the Janesville, Wisconsin area. Ms. Sara Heiss and a number of her students put together a marvelously kind and thoughtful Christmas gift package for me!

*Momentary Backstory*

For those of you who aren’t aware, Ms. Heiss is one of our nation’s great public school educators who strives – quite successfully, in fact – to encourage her students through engaging reading comprehension assignments. One of the books offered in her reading assignment list is my award-winning young adult paranormal novel, Gwen Reaper. Many of Ms. Heiss’ students read my novel, after which, I had the absolute pleasure to take part in an online video conference with her and her students. It was such a blast!

*Fast Forward to Today*

A Surprise Christmas Gift for Jaz  -- (PHOTO COPYRIGHT 2014 BY JAZ PRIMO)

A wonderful box of happiness arrived in my mailbox; a box that included individually wrapped gifts for both me and my cat, Tabby! Also included was a thoughtful Christmas card from Sara and individual letters from a number of her students. I can’t convey how HAPPY it made me feel to read each of those letters…Sara and her students are simply the most thoughtful and kind souls. They made my Christmas one of the most memorable in my life; one that I won’t forget.

Tabby Looks Inside -- (PHOTO COPYRIGHT 2014 BY JAZ PRIMO)

Tabby Evaluates the Gifts -- (PHOTO COPYRIGHT 2014 BY JAZ PRIMO)

As you can see from the photos, Tabby enjoyed helping me investigate and unwrap each of the gifts contained therein. I think my kitty had as much fun as I did!

Tabby Unwraps Gifts -- (PHOTO COPYRIGHT 2014 BY JAZ PRIMO)

Tabby Playing with Her Toy -- (PHOTO COPYRIGHT 2014 BY JAZ PRIMO)

Ultimately, it was a WONDERFUL and AMAZING box of gifts for Tabby and me!

Gifts for Jaz and Tabby -- (PHOTO COPYRIGHT 2014 BY JAZ PRIMO)

The Doctor Who t-shirt, Mad Libs book, and Tardis keychain will be treasured by me forever (as well as, worn and used with pride)! They were perfect for the dedicated Whovian that I am, and I was happy to know that some of Sara’s students are also fellow Whovians, as well. Tucked inside a mysterious black pouch were reaper sickle eraser heads, which will be excellent conversation pieces at the college where I work and teach. Of course, the alligator Gummy snacks are a highly amusing and tasty homage for the character Chewie from my Gwen Reaper novel. All in all, this was one of the BEST and most unexpected Christmas gifts I have ever received! Thank you!!

Virtual Santa --- [LEGAL USE OF THIS PHOTO LICENSED AND SECURED VIA DREAMSTIME - November 2014]

Finally, I hope that you have a marvelous, happy, and illness-free Merry Christmas! Enjoy your time with friends and family, and THANK YOU for your continued support, kindness, and encouragement. You made my year very special, indeed!

*Big Hug*