Archive for December, 2013
Music Mayhem – The Piano Guys 2
Posted by Bryan Caron in Entertainment, Music, Reviews on December 30, 2013
For Christmas, a friend sent me “The Piano Guys 2” CD. In a note, she said that there was no way I was allowed to give the CD any less than an A, of which I smiled and thought, “I can’t guarantee that; I have to be honest, after all.” I have to admit, I had never before heard of The Piano Guys until I opened the gift, so color me bewildered when I learned there was a CD released before this one (and apparently a massive YouTube following). Suffice it to say, I was certainly intrigued, and after listening to the CD a couple of times, I can happily say with all honesty that I will be able to abide by my friend’s request. Don’t Stop — There’s Plenty More
Movie Mayhem – The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Posted by Bryan Caron in Entertainment, Film, Reviews on December 28, 2013
I’ve always been fond of films that develop from inside a character’s head and try to really mess with yours in the process. To participate in the psychology of a character’s journey through the sparks of his or her mind is insanely addictive in the way that it transports you into a new world while staying grounded in the reality of the mundane. One of the master’s of this craft is Charlie Kaufman, who has taken us on several twisted mind trips in films like Being John Malkovich and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. It’s a shame, then, that Mr. Kaufman was not part of Ben Stiller’s attempts at jumping around someone’s head in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, because if he had, I’m sure the film would have been one excellent, metaphorical daydream rather than just a very good attempt at artistry. Don’t Stop — There’s Plenty More
Kindle Countdown Deals are a go!
Posted by Bryan Caron in Books, Entertainment, Novel, Writing on December 26, 2013
It’s nearing the end of the year, so as a final gift before that New Year’s Eve ball drops on New York, I’ve put all of the Kindle editions of my books on sale for $.99 from now until 11:00 p.m. on December 31. If you haven’t yet picked up a copy of any of my books, now’s the chance to grab one at a great price. Here are the links:
I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas (and got everything they were asking for and more… or at least what they were hoping for the most) and that everyone has the happiest of new years.
Season’s Greetings
Posted by Bryan Caron in Miscellaneous Stuff on December 25, 2013
I would like to say Merry Christmas to all of my fans and followers. May your Christmas bring you great joy and good tidings as you all celebrate with family and friends.
Movie Mayhem – Walking With Dinosaurs
Posted by Bryan Caron in Entertainment, Film, Reviews on December 21, 2013
For as long as I can remember, I have always been fascinated with dinosaurs. I’m not sure if it’s because of their massive size, their strength and speed, or the fact that they were mostly wiped out, leaving behind a legacy hidden only in their skeletal structures, but whatever the reason, I loved to read about them, study them and watch movies about them. One of my favorite dinosaur movies growing up was The Land Before Time; its genuine sweetness and message about finding friendship in the unlikeliest of places was executed with just the right amount of humor (You smell me?), fright (Sharptooth!) and love (poor flat head… err… Littlefoot). So it shouldn’t surprise anyone that I was hoping for the same type of warmth and joy while watching Walking With Dinosaurs. Sadly, it was neither. Don’t Stop — There’s Plenty More
Is it just me…
Posted by Bryan Caron in Entertainment, Music, Observances, Television on December 18, 2013
…or was the cover of Kelly Clarkson’s “My Life Would Suck Without You” performed by six ousted contestants on The Voice finale one excruciating experience to sit through? I mean, I wanted to start fast-forwarding before the first chorus hit, but I was hoping it might get better. I’m sorry to say, it didn’t. (It just made me want to run and listen to the real thing.)
It’s just one example of why this was such a lackluster season, as there was no one to really root for. None of the voices this year—and that includes the final three—were any more than mediocre at best. Unlike Jeff Gutt over on The X Factor (now there’s someone to keep your eye on), this crop of contestants had no (authentic) fire in them whatsoever; they all seemed to be trying too hard to be great, and in turn, failed at being genuine (except maybe for Will when he sang “(Everything I do) I Do It For You” to his wife and daughter on Monday… now there was true sincerity).
At least we can look forward to having Usher and Shakira back between the sexiest man alive and the southern goofball when The Voice returns in February.
Virtual Book Tour – Stops #14, #15 and #16
Posted by Bryan Caron in Books, Entertainment, Miscellaneous Stuff, Novel, Writing on December 16, 2013
It’s the last day of my virtual book tour and it’s a big one. First up is a spotlight over at Horror and Mystery Books, a site run by Steve, a reader of mostly science-fiction, paranormal and horror novels—none of which, for the most part, In the Light of the Eclipse can be categorized as, though they do contain small elements of the first two (and a little bit of mystery on the side). But the man is a big fan of Star Wars and Star Trek, so he gets a pass from me!
The next stop is at Raven Reviews, a Christian Chicagoan named Michele who loves all types of books. Here you will find a very informative interview that goes deeper into some of the oddest things I’ve had to research, who I would like to have as a mentor, and what helps me write the most.
Finally, head on over to Book Loving Hippo for my final guest post, which discusses my full writing process and how I go about creating the worlds for everyone to enjoy. Tanya (the book loving hippo herself) is an avid reader and has endorsed the guest post as a must read! Don’t miss out.
I would like to thank all three of these great sites for their participation in my virtual book tour, and would like to thank everyone who has followed the tour and gotten a little more insight into who I am as a person and as a writer, my writing process and mindset, as well as details about the book and some thoughts on why it’s a great read. Hopefully, it has encouraged some of you to run out and purchase a copy of In the Light of the Eclipse for your very own reading pleasure. And don’t forget, if you have missed any part of my book tour, or would like to go back and read the guest posts, interviews or reviews, head on over to the virtual book tour page at the book’s official website.
Thanks again to all of my virtual blog tour participants. It’s been fun!
Movie Mayhem – Dallas Buyers Club
Posted by Bryan Caron in Entertainment, Film, Reviews on December 14, 2013
If you’re a fan of Matthew McConaughey, you know that he once liked to mix his serious and action-oriented offerings with some romantic-comedy fluff (where he got to smile and peacock around for an hour and a half with a beautiful lady). But in the last couple of years he’s changed gears, shedding himself of any and all “romantic” tropes to focus on the meatier, and for the most part, complex roles. From The Lincoln Lawyer to Mud, McConaughey is like a phoenix rising from the ashes as an actor reborn, carving out a new voice to speak with (and if the previews for The Wolf of Wall Street are any indication, a howling one at that). With his newest film, Dallas Buyers Club, McConaughey has officially solidified his transition from lovable goofball into genuine auteur. Don’t Stop — There’s Plenty More
Can I just Say…
Posted by Bryan Caron in Entertainment, Miscellaneous Stuff, Observances, Politics on December 13, 2013
Isn’t it better to look up to and/or respect a man (real or fictional) who is completely unbiased against race, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation (and whatever else you want to throw out there), than to claim such a man should be considered different to different people? Of course I speak of this inane Santa Claus controversy, in which some feel that the representation of Santa should be some weird amalgamation of everything, to which he appears one way for one person and another for someone else so that the one who feels they themselves are “different” won’t feel bad about themselves (or some such nonsense). Don’t Stop – There’s Plenty More
Virtual Book Tour – Stop #13
Posted by Bryan Caron in Books, Entertainment, Miscellaneous Stuff, Novel, Writing on December 13, 2013
As the virtual book tour for In the Light of the Eclipse nears its end (there are still several stops on Monday, December 16), the second to last spotlight can be found at Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews. Laurie is a retired accountant who devotes her days to reading and reviewing mostly science-fiction, fantasy and paranormal literature, though her tastes do vary and she makes note of that by showing off her paranormal thoughts and non-paranormal thoughts on her blog.
I wish to thank Laurie for spotlighting my book and being part of my virtual book tour.
(An update from yesterday: the original stop I was supposed to make yesterday has officially been canceled. And though I will get one additional stop on Monday to make up for it, I am out one review, which, let’s be honest, really does suck just a little.)
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