The Hero We Deserved: Part One

Some thoughts on "The Dark Knight Rises"...I am going to speak in cryptic Bat-code so that I don't give away any spoilers here but I'd recommend not reading ANYTHING on the film before you see it. Including this.  So go away, those who haven't witnessed the gorgeous DKR yet!

This will be a 2 part reaction.  This week, some build-up, just to make you wait like I did.  I think I should set the scene before I discuss my thoughts on the actual film...

The Dark Knight Rises Response: Part One

Official IMAX poster (from www.imax.com)

Nearly 4 weeks ago, I forced Boyfriend to get up at the crack of dawn to book tickets for this Event (and let's face it, it could only be described as an event, that's how big a deal this was).  The confirmation for which have been stuck to my noticeboard ever since, as a constant reminder that I had such a momentous occasion to work towards.  My job sucks, I'm not going to lie to you about that fact.  I had days where I just feel so crap that the only thing getting me through the day was knowing that I had DKR tickets.  That may sound pathetic to you, but Batman is such a huge deal to me that it honestly helped me get through even the worst days.

Fast forward to the night of July 19th.  Imagine a small kid on Christmas Eve.  Or, better still, remember that Disneyworld advert where the parents give the kids into trouble for staying up all night talking about Disney? The boy replies "But I'm too excited!" and when the parent heads back to bed, spouse is still awake and says "Aren't you asleep?" and the reply was "I'm too excited." You remember that, right?

Well, that was me on Thursday night.

I had less than 4 hours of sleep because my head felt like there was a fire raging inside.  Excitement had its hold on me like a desperate whore and sleep was simply keeping me from thinking about this film and anticipating how one of the greatest movie trilogies of all time would end.  I even kept Boyfriend up until 2, quizzing him on what part any new actors would play and if any fan-favourites would appear.  Once he had eventually drifted off, I spent the rest of the night staring at my "New 52" poster, dreaming up possibilities for the coming day.

The good thing about not sleeping is that you're up early enough to beat Boyfriend into the shower and text Wee Bro to harass him about getting into town on time.  By the time I sent Boyfriend downstairs into the shower, I had eaten, dressed and was sitting with my feet up, watching the guilty pleasure that is Jeremy Kyle.  Let me tell you something, being completely ready at 9:25am when your showing is at noon is a loooong wait.

Chapter skip to arriving at the IMAX.  This was my first IMAX feature and what a film to lose your IMAX virginity to.  Being there at 11, we still somehow ended up at the end of a pretty damn long, queue.  At the head of the queue, my chum Cinephile text us from his lofty vantage point.  He had been at the Grosvenor's Batman allnighter and had beaten us to the punch.  The only way of communicating with him was through text message, on threat of losing a place in the queue. On being asked if it had been worth the weight, his reply was enigmatic.  "I'm saying nothing."

The 45 minute wait brought a few visual novelties.  An absolutely stunning young lady passed us, dressed as the Joker's beau, Harley Quinn.  I made eye contact and smiled at her, wondering if there was any chance she could have noticed my red and purple Harley converses.  I doubt it.  Boyfriend and Wee Bro then had a discussion on how a girl like that could wind up with the most boring looking boyfriend imaginable.  I stopped listening and checked the time again...and again...and again.  5 minutes before entering, a rather menacing looking Bane costumed hulked past us.  He made me nervous and Boyfriend gripped my hand tighter.

Finally, the queue started moving and a cheer rippled through the crowd.  Weaving past red velvet ropes tied my stomach in knots.  I'm sure they arrange cinema queues like this on purpose - to increase excitement and make you wait just that little bit longer for the film you've already waited 4 years for.  When I saw The Dark Knight, it was at a preview event similar.  As I entered the IMAX screen the film was showing in, that day back in 2008 suddenly paled in comparison.  Finding a seat and staring up at the imposing screen, a feeling of sickness came over me.  Don't let me down now, Mr Nolan.  The Harley double sat a couple of seats down from me and the Bane-a-like took centre in the front row, elbowing his friends with what I can only assume was a grin under his mask.  The room filled up fast and Wee Bro gave me a smile.  Boyfriend squeezed my hand.

Nearly there.

Exhilaration took me when the lights finally dimmed and refused to let go for the next 2 hours and 44 minutes.  The roller coaster ride of emotions this film took me on compared to none.  I trembled and cheered, felt loss and despair, laughed and gasped, experienced joy and sorrow, and by the time it was over, I was shaking.  

As the credits rolled, so too did the tears.  I realised that this reign of my hero and seeing Batman up on screen with a sense of dignity was over.  The posters had not lied.  The legend that was Nolan's Batman was over and it was all finished.  I've already said that I would not lie to you, readers, and I plan to keep to that deal.  As the black screen displayed the names of the people who had created this for me, I wept.  Big, heaving, sobs.  Boyfriend turned to me and asked what was wrong.  My answer was to simple grin and point to the screen.

Expectations met.  Expectations exceeded.

Congratulations, Mr Nolan.

Get that man his freaking Best Picture award already!

Em

Part Two Coming Soon...

Praise for "Glitter and Trauma"

Bragging time folks.  If you're still humming and hawing over whether or not to but "Glitter and Trauma", let me list a few good reasons why you should.

Today is all about some of the good press my new superheroes have had so far.  Reviews are taken from Good Reads.  Kai said:


"There were some genuinely suspenseful parts, such as the flashbacks to Sarah (aka The Illuminator) and what she was like in high school, and the fight during which she discovered her powers as a Light One during her first encounter with a Dark One. 
I also liked the little self-referential bits, such as the joking references Sarah makes to comic book heroes like the X-Men. It showed me that this author has a joking but loving appreciation for the superhero aesthetic that this book is aiming for...If any readers get the opportunity to obtain this book, please do. It is a dark, sometimes funny, and pretty exciting world to inhabit."


Thank you so much to Kai and feel free to click on the above link to read the full review.  This is a shortened version in order to skip spoilers.  In another Good Reads review, Naomi wrote:


"I liked the concept and the story was fast and intriguing. I loved Leech - actually, I'd love to see a story focusing on him. Ellie and Sarah were well-drawn too, and the world of the Shadow Creatures and givers and takers was fascinating. I think there's a lot of potential for more stories in this comic-book style world...Emma Kathryn is going on my to-watch list!"


Thanks to Naomi for an awesome review.  Again, the link is available above for you to read the whole comment.  At Good Reads, the book is currently sitting at a 3 star rating, so it would be great if more people who have read the story to pop along and leave a review.  I'd really appreciate it and will be more than happy to link it on here.


In extremely exciting news...website Upcoming4Me did a wicked review of G & T.  It's a really nice and complimentary review and I really appreciate it.  Thank you Upcoming4me!  What an awesome website.  Here's a sneak peek:


"Ultimately, Glitter and Trauma is fun, quick read and you should definitely give it a try if you like smart paranormal fiction. As for us, we thing there's potential for the series here so we'll definitely keep an eye on the Emma in the future."


I would happily have posted that whole review here but I'll let you go read it for yourself.  I'm so happy with it anyway.  And it looks like Upcoming4Me and I are not through yet and there may be more Vampire Bunny exclusives popping up on there!  So keep an eye out!


In similar news, I was interviewed for Shonda Brock's Paranormal Wednesday series this week.  If you want to know more about me or are just plain curious, give it a read.  A huge thank you to Shonda and her team for giving me the opportunity to do this.  It was great fun.


Well that's about it for today folks.  I doubt you've forgotten by now but remember that Glitter and Trauma is available in the US and the UK as well as Spain, France, Germany and Italy.  Give it a try today!


Em

Raven on My Shoulder...

Wow, been a while again.  I'm terrible at keeping up with this.  Apologies.  Anyway, this little post is a major update...

Only 20,000 words away from finishing Simple Twists of Fate.  Woohoo!!!  And to top that off, I've got 3 and a half stories sitting in front of me right now, lurking in notepads, waiting to be typed up. (3 and a half because I didn't get a chance to finish the 4th one in work today.)  Pretty pleased with these ones and they fit in with the rest of the collection well.

On the whole, the book is shaping up brilliantly.  Really really pleased with it.  However, during the week there I removed an erotica piece called "Salt Skin", which just didn't really feel right with the other stories.  Anyway, it's a mermaid tail and I've already got 3 mermaid pieces in the book and I don't want it to drown it with siren stories (har har sea humour).  Although, Brianna Stoddard is running an erotica book over at Static Movement so I may send it swimming her way and see if she bites (okay, I'm through with the puns now I promise).

Have noticed that quite a few of my newer pieces have been in the same vein as my story "Moth Touch", which was published in Creepy Things: An Anthology of the Creepy-Crawly, Spooky & Silly, published by Static Movement.  By that I mean mini character portraits capturing one scene, a la the prologues in The Canterbury Tales (which I was obsessed with when I was about 17).  Pretty happy with this as it keeps in tone with my "Simple Twist of Fate" theme.

This collection will also include my brand new novella, "Swampblood", which I originally wrote as a short story for a different collection.  However, even when I finished the original short story, I new there was much more to this tale and decided straight away that it would be much better suited as a novella.  It tells the tale of the sheriff of the small Louisiana town of Swampblood and his search for his girlfriend, a newcomer to the town.  So excited about this piece.  It's one of my favourites!

Once I type up these stories tonight, I'm spending the next week doing read-throughs, edits and rewrites.  This will ensure that everything is perfect.  Hopefully should have the whole book completed within the next few weeks.  Fingers crossed.

And now for something completely different...  Little plug here for a fellow blogger.  I urge you all to go check out A Cinephile's Journey, which is a freaking awesome blog.  My most cinematically literate and sharply dressed mate Paul Costello has started an epic project.  He is watching every film he owns in alphabetical order and reviewing it.  So far, he's 15 films down and not even out of the As.  This makes my film collection look pitiful.  I think it will even overshadow my film-obsessed partner-in-crime K Bargie's vast DVD horde.  Paul has already covered some awesome films, including Ace Ventura and The Adventures of Prescilla, Queen of the Desert, which is one of my faves.  Prescilla is sheer Aussie genius and Paul's review of it is spot on.  So, fair bunnies, I implore you, join one man on his journey through his DVD shelf ( or shelves more like if his room is anything like K Bargie's).

That seems to be us all caught up now!  I better beat it and finish typing up these stories and get closer to that goal of completing Simple Twists of Fate.  Not long now...

Farewell, bloody bunnies...

Lotsaluv, Em

REVIEW: "Tiny Grave" by Sean Monaghan

"Tiny Graves" by Sean Monaghan, appearing inThe Shadow People edited by Chris Bartholomew. Published by Static Movement.

4 bunnies out of 5.

SYNOPSIS: A businessman's family are being tormented while he is away on business.

What a great story. Really loved this. Totally gutted that I didn't have the chance to review this sooner. Apologies. Anywho, "Tiny Graves" is a perfect fit in this anthology of shadowy tales. Fantastic build-up and a convincing little family that the reader genuinely worry for as the story progresses. Both kids are likeable while the mother instantly gave me a curious buzz of warning.

A great touch to this tale is the fact that the main bulk of the terror takes place on the other end of the telephone. Louis has to listen to the frightning events on the phone which is without a doubt the scariest element in the whole story. The reader goes through exactly the same as Louis; missing parts of the action and being left out of the loop. Brilliant technique. Applause for Monaghan on this. Loved this.

The only thing that lets this piece down is that I feel that it's over too quick. With such a lengthy build-up and dramatic indirect action, I feel that the come-down could have been a bit more drawn out. Can't say much without spoiling the ending but I would happily have read about another 1000 words of "Tiny Graves".

Thoughts from the rabbit hole: Likeable characters and a fantastically well-constructed tale. Just wish there was more of it!!!

Well done Sean!

Lotsaluv, Em

Short Story Reviews

Since I'm blogging to the max tonight, I thought I'd announce my new programme.  I'm going to do a short story review a week on here.  The first few I'll pick at random from various Static Movement anthologies (mostly the ones I've got a story in myself since those are the most I've got).  However, I'm also going to be taking requests.  So if you've got a story in a SM book and would like me to give you a solo review, drop me a line at:

emma_kathryn@etherealtales.co.uk

Stick VAMPIREBUNNY REVIEW in the subject line and in the email, be sure to tell me what book your story appeared in, what it's called and your pen name and I'll do my best to get it read and write a review as soon as I can.  Feel free to also give me a link to your blog or website too!!!

Looking forward to this.  I'll post this on the publisher's forums, too, so you better get in fast!

Remember to put VAMPIREBUNNY REVIEW in the subject line or I WILL delete your email!!!  Can't wait folks!  Hope to hear from you all soon.

Lotsaluv, Em

Wendy and her Watcher

Review for Dark Things at horrornews.net.  One of those fun, full-detail numbers that writes a nice wee paragraph about each story.  Thoroughly exciting seeing my name on a horror site review.  Made me look something like this XD

Here's my little extract:

“Watching Shadows” by Emma Kathryn is a take off on the character of Wendy from Peter Pan. This story, however, is not the fun trip to Neverland that Wendy experiences in Peter Pan; no this story is about the dark shadow tapping at her window late at night. What does this shadow want? Is the shadow friend or foe? These are questions Wendy wonders as she contemplates letting the shadow into her room. This story was an interesting take off on the Peter Pan story and we realize that not all fairy tales have happy endings.

The full review of the rest of the book can be found at the link above.  I better beat it now because I've got a ridiculous amount of work to do.  Just thought I'd keep you all posted.

On that note, I've had another story accepted for Static Movement's Ruby Red Cravings.  This is another new vampire tale, this one called "Last of the Wilds".  So if you're a fan of my vampire stuff, this anthology is a must-read!!!

Bysie bye my fair bloody bunnies.

Lotsaluv, Em

Yaaaaay!!!!

Behold, excitement and smilies.  Great review for Dark Romance from the Far Side on Amazon.  Check it here.  Or below, where I'm pasting my favourite bit! XD

Blood, Bones, and Bowie by Emma Kathryn is a quirky vampire story that takes you on a musical trip around the world with Ziggy and his Lady. Like Megan's Tattoo, this one ends tragically, but Kathryn's lovely, simple prose makes this a poignant story, definitely one of my favourites.

Eeeep!!!  Very please with this.  Biscuits and fairy cakes for that lovely reviewer.  It's a great book, folks, I recommend getting hold of it as soon as possible.

In other news, I've been managing to get tini tiny bits of writing done lately.  I mean tini tiny, but it's a start.  I don't have much time these days but I'm doing my best to get stuff sent out.  The novella got a knockback, but I'm not going to give up on it.  When I get some time off, I might turn it into a novel, or put it with some other novellas.  We'll see.

Anywho, my short story collection, "Love Bites and Fatal Wounds" is currently sitting in a publisher's inbox, so fingers crossed on that one.  I'll keep you all posted and I'm sorry I've been so out of touch.  Won't be long before I'm back to normal, bunnies.

Until the next time...

Lotsaluv, Em

Back at Last

Hello again, kindly fellows. Been a while hasn't it? I could piss and moan about how busy I've been, but that's not why I've got this blog so I'm going to get right onto the writing.

In super-amazing-exciting news, Daily Flashes of Erotica Quarterly (January - March 2011), has received a freakin' awesome review on Amazon:

I loved it. It was a wonderful mixture of stories. My favorites were "Dark Things" by Emma Kathryn, "Inspired by the storm" by Perverted Imp, "Goddess Dream" by Jessica Weiss, "The Stripper" by Rebecca Brown, and "Teenage Nymphos do Paris" by Breanna Lewis. I finished the book in two nights it was so good!

How coolio is that?!?!?!?!  "Dark Things" is a story I'm really pleased about but this made me even happier about it.  I'm going to order my copy this week and I implore you to do the same!!!!  Aha!

Also, I've updated all my nice cover links on the left here.  Basically, to save me putting it all on blog posts, but it's there anyway.  Have fun clicking away.  Notice that my "Upcoming" list has dwindled to next to nothing, but once my next placement is over, I'll do my best to get some stuff out.  I'm going to try and send some stuff off today, hopefully, so we'll see how it goes.

Still waiting for news on the novella front.  Can't wait to hear what the decision is.  I'm also planning a collection of my published short stories, but there will be news on that later.  And finally, I'm trying to write a young adult novel called "Wolfsbane".  Unfortunately, I don't have much time to write these days, so I've been scrawling little bits on tinitiny notepads that I hide in my pockets.

Anyway, that's all folks, I'm going to go see what I can come up with.  Miss you all.  Totally missing being on the forums, too.  Hope you're all doing okay dokay and have smiley faces.

Ta-ra bunnies.

Lotsaluv, Em

Not That I'm Dying or Anything...

But this is what I want written on my grave!!!!

Hahahahahahaha!  Taken from the awesome Dinosaur Comics!  My favourite internet fun!

Little bit of news: my next post will not be written by me, but by the lovely Gwen Mayo. Ms Mayo has just had her novel Circle of Dishonor published by Pill Hill Press.  She's doing a fabulous blog tour and shall be making a pitstop here, at the home of the Vampire Bunny.  There's always room for visitors at this tea party.

Lotsaluv, Em

High Fives for my Postie

Today my postman made me a very happy lass when my copy of Pill Hill Press' Haunted plopped onto my doorstep.  I scurried across the room, with the dog barking behind me (he hates it when the door goes), pulling the porch door open, then squealing with joy as I ripped the book free of his cardboard.  It's gorgeous.  Absolutely gorgeous.  Some really great stories in this one.  I'll post a proper review once I've read more, but it's a cracker so far.  So, yes, I'm a smiley girl today.  If you would like a copy of Haunted: An Anthology of the Supernatural and you're in the states, click away.  However, if you're in the UK (like me), just click here instead.

On top of that, my story "Riding" shall be appearing in Static Movement's Were-What? anthology.  Here's the cover:

Pretty freaky lookin' but still amazing.  Ironically enough, I watched The Wolfman on blu-ray today, as I edited my entry for the anthology.  I love Hugo Weaving.  He's the coolest guy ever.  Love him the most in Prescilla, I just want to hug him.

Anyway, in other news, I ordered a copy of The Weaving by Gerald Costlow and it arrived yesterday.  Started reading it at work last night and I'm impressed so far.  Will put up a full review when I'm done.

And while I'm linking galore, I better plug my other books. If you haven't read Pandora's Nightmare yet, then why not?!?!?!?!?!  This lovely little picture will direct you to purchasing in the US.  Or, if you're a UK buyer, click here.  It's a great book.  Lots of fun and genuinely scary in places.  Get it and take it on holiday with you.  Then, once you're back leave an honest review on Amazon (or your blog, whatever).

Well, that'll do for today, I think!  Ta-ra!

Lotsaluv, Em

Diamonds review

Good review boogie time. For Diamonds in the Rough, this time. Boogie boogie woogie woogie. Read this and grin from ear to ear:

"Emma Kathryn: "Belle of the Bayou." I occasionally thought of Christopher Moore's novels as I read this. Can't end a collection without a vampyre/zombie story, right kiddies? That said, this piece is unencumbered, lithely, and clever, with great use of setting. The milieu is so detailed that I thought it would leap off the page at times. "

Woop-de-doop!!! Lots of smiley thank yous for the kind reviewer.

^_^

Lotsaluv, Em

Howl Review and New Anthologies

Review of Howl on amazon. My story is singled out amongst the book's "particular gems":

"Particular gems are "Introducing Gemma Nye", which is smart, sexy, and gross all at once; "Legend of La Chusa" in which a monstrous owl becomes the spirit of vengeance. There is also a fantastic riff on the Brothers Grimm, and the haunting tale, "The Hunt" which begins simply, with a little black fox. "

Three new acceptances. "The Cross" will be featured in Wicked East Press' Cup of Joe: Coffee House Flash Fiction anthology. This is another vampire episode. One I'm quite fond of. Should be appreciated by those who've been following my vamp on Elfwood.

"A Pirate's Life for Me" is also a vampire short (same vamp!) and will be appearing in the magazine Ethereal Tales. Next issue is out April 30th, so I'll post the details around about then.

Short story "Ruined" will be appearing in Lame Goat's Novus Creatura, which is edited by John "JAM" Arthur Miller and should be a v funky read.

Will keep you updated on these as I learn more.

Lotsaluv, Em