A Memory: Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger

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This is one movie that stuck with me from way back in my youth. Action, adventure, good vs. evil, epic battles--it caught and held my imagination.

If I had any artistic ability, I'd probably have drawn and painted such scenes. Instead, such adventures sparked my imagination to write.

Below is the final scene to Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger. The climactic battle (between the Trog and the Sabre-Toothed Tiger) begins about 4 minutes in.

Does anyone else remember this? Sure, the special effects may be better now--but this stuck with me more than most of the fancier things of today.

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What I'm Reading Next: A Historical Romance?

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Okay, you're thinking Terry reading a historical romance? This one sort of is, but some folks might be surprised that I really enjoy the works by Sandra Kring as well. I even read some of the early Anita Blake novels, so we'll see where this one goes.

I've interviewed Cher Green in the past, and read and enjoyed her short fiction so, upon a recommendation, I'm going to give this novella-length story a try.

While my leisure reading time is nearly nonexistent, I won't keep you all in suspense when I finish Escape to Love. I'll post what I thought. In the end, a good story is a good story, the genre is the backdrop, right?
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Lonesome Dove: A Novel and a Film not to be Overlooked

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Lonesome Dove, Larry McMurtry's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, is set in the 1870s where two retired Texas Rangers set out upon one last adventure: A cattle drive from Texas to Montana to establish a ranch there.

The characters and storyline's adventure is about the best I've read. It encompasses adventure, love, courage, villainy, friendship, hardship, wonder, loyalty, and loss. If you're looking for an engaging read you won't forget, this novel is it. and/or a wonderful mini series-length movie, you can't go wrong.


Equally engaging is the adaptation to film as a miniseries. The cast of characters comes to life in an equally spectacular manner as the novel. Maybe it's because the original concept for the novel was based on the author's original screen play that wasn't brought to film until years after the novel's success.

I'm sure you can pick up a copy of both (novel and DVD) at the local library, just as both are available new. For those who've followed this blog since the beginning, you may have noticed this is the second post on Lonesome Dove. Guess that says I think a lot of it.

Below is a video clip of the closing scene. Shouldn't give too much away.
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The Crocodile Hunter and The Turtleman

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Steve Irwin, "The Crocodile Hunter"

I kind of wonder what Steve Irwin would've thought about Ernie Brown Jr., the Turtleman, from Call of the Wildman.



I think Steve Irwin would've thought the Turtleman is okay. He works to rescue and save wildlife, and is just a bit nutty, like Irwin was. Nothing like watching the Turtleman catch a racoon bare-handed.

I'm not sure The Call of the Wildman will last more than a couple seasons, but it's interesting enough.
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Upcoming Event: Fandom Fest (June 29 to July 1)

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I'll be attending Fandom Fest as a guest author in Louisville, Kentucky from June 29th to July 1st. There are some really awesome guests lined up (besides me).

If you're in the area, would love to see you. I'll post more information as it becomes available.

Link: Fandom Fest 2012

Here are a few of the guests:

Even cooler, rumors has it my wife will be attending.
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Review: Confessions of a D-List Supervillain by Jim Bernheimer

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Although strongly suspected I would before I began reading just by the back of the book blurb:

“Being a supervillain means never having to say you’re sorry…Unless it’s to the judge or the parole board. Even then, you don’t really have to. It’s not like it’s going to change the outcome or anything.”

  --I really enjoyed this book.

The main character, Calvin Stringel (or Mechani-Cal), makes the story work. He’s a second-string villain thrust into the limelight by cataclysmic events, and struggles to survive enemies from every corner, aiming at him through motives both subtle and overt.

Stringel is both pragmatic and petty, brilliant yet bumbling—a survivor just trying to make it through, sometimes to the next meager payoff (or paycheck if you’re a ‘good guy’). Even through his tarnished reputation and flawed worldview, I couldn’t help but root for him—even when the rest of the world wasn’t.

In a supervillain(sort of)/superhero(depending on your definition) vs. all comers that one might relegate to a graphic novel or comic book, the author does a superb job bringing the story to life in novel form. The dialogue and description, punctuated by Stringel’s thoughts and sometimes bumbling intentions, paint the picture and keep the story flowing with just enough time to ponder before the next conflict, twist or crisis—right up to the end.

Bernheimer’s book is one I strongly recommend picking up if you enjoy action, humor, and a twist or three wrapped up in a good story. It's available in print, ebook and audio.

For more information, check out Jim Bernheimer's Website
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Upcoming Events: Ohioana Book Festival and ConCarolinas 2012

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I've been invited to participate in Ohionana's 2012 Book Festival on May 12th from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm at the Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center.

I'll also be attending ConCarolinas 2012 as a Writer Guest, June 1-3, 2012.
 
I'll post more information on events and panels in which I'll be participating as soon as it's available. 
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