Showing posts with label #DickIsBack. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #DickIsBack. Show all posts

Thursday, October 15, 2020

National Boss Day - good or bad? by J.C. Kavanagh

 

The Twisted Climb 

Book 1 of the award-winning Twisted Climb series

I read on my calendar that today is National Boss Day. I live in Canada and have never heard of this 'national' day, promoted by Hallmark and of course, bosses. I had to chuckle. Boss Day?

And then I had to wonder...  how did National Boss Day come about? I found the answer courtesy of Google and Wikipedia. 

In 1958, a woman by the name of Patricia Bays Haroski from Deerfield, Illinois, wanted to show appreciation for her boss in a special way. It just happens that Patricia's boss was her father and his birthday was October 16, thus Boss Day. Being his daughter and aware of the trials and tribulations of being boss-man and perhaps, a maligned boss-man, she wanted her colleagues to better understand and appreciate the work, dedication and challenges faced by her dad - their boss. The idea must have gone over well because it slowly gained butt-kissing traction, and in 1962, the Illinois Governor officially proclaimed October 16 as National Boss Day.


Now I'm all for a national day - more so when it's a national 'holiday' - but Boss Day? Truly, isn't every day 'Boss Day' when the employee does their job and makes their boss, and therefore the company, look good? Greeting card company Hallmark encourages workers to buy a National Boss Day card (which Hallmark started printing in 1979) so the worker can extol the generosity and fairness of their boss, via the honey-tones of the adjective-laden, bleeding-heart cards.

Let's not destroy the concept, though. Perhaps a reversal? Instead of the employee thanking the boss for being kind and fair, the boss should thank the employee for making his/her job less challenging. I mean, what goes around, comes around - right?

Here's what Mark Stevens, president of the marketing firm MSCO and author of Your Marketing Sucks, says about National Boss Day.

"The dumbest idea I have ever heard of."

Uh huh. I've been my own 'boss' as an author since 2014 when I lost my career job due to business restructuring. Say no more? 

Question for readers: is being bossy the same as being 'bully?' Check out Jayden's character from the award-winning Twisted Climb series and decide if her view of life and her sassy approach to all things not going her way, is bully or bossy. 

Cheers... Happy National Boss Day to me!

J.C. Kavanagh, author of
The Twisted Climb - Darkness Descends (Book 2)
voted BEST Young Adult Book 2018, Critters Readers Poll and Best YA Book FINALIST at The Word Guild, Canada
AND
The Twisted Climb,
voted BEST Young Adult Book 2016, P&E Readers Poll
Novels for teens, young adults and adults young at heart
Email: author.j.c.kavanagh@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/J.C.Kavanagh
www.amazon.com/author/jckavanagh
Twitter @JCKavanagh1 (Author J.C. Kavanagh)

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

The Big Cheese, by J.C. Kavanagh

 

Darkness Descends
Book 2 of the Award-winning Twisted Climb series

Regular BWL blog readers will know that I have a great love of nature, in all its forms. I also have a particular fondness for the moon, in all its eerie glory. I have binoculars that are strong enough for celestial viewing and I take full advantage of clear, night-time skies. Did you know that the moon was formed four and a half billion years ago, about 60 million years after the solar system? Yeah, me neither. 


Scientists hypothesize that the moon was formed when a Mars-sized object hit the earth and the impact was such that a chunk of both the object and the earth ricocheted back into space and began to orbit the earth. Supporting this theory is the fact that the 'dark' side of the moon is 50 km (31 miles) thicker than the 'bright' side, allegedly because the projectile objects fused together. 

Rising full moon from my backyard, winter 2019

I also learned, courtesy of Wikipedia, that approximately five tons of comet particles crash into the moon every 24 hours. Back in 1651, an astronomer named Giovanni Battista Riccioli believed that the flat plains between the moon's craters were water-filled seas. In Latin, they were called 'maria.' Some believed that the cratered surface meant the moon might be composed of a cheesy substance. Today, we know the moon is composed of mainly iron, no dairy. Clear observations of the craters and 'maria' can be seen with the naked eye, and in greater detail courtesy of a good set of binoculars.

Quick view of the moon phases

Astronomers have determined that there are millions of craters on the bright side of the moon, and of those, 300,000 have a diameter greater than 1 km (0.6 mile).

My fascination with the full moon is found in my Twisted Climb books. The three main characters, Jayden, Connor and Max, meet in a moon-lit dream world and embark on many action-filled adventures. Here's a few 'moon' excerpts from The Twisted Climb and Darkness Descends:

Jayden Nanjee looked up. The full moon shone like a ghostly yellow torch against the midnight black of the night sky. The pale, low-lying clouds seemed to hug the earth as the moon peeked in and out of their embrace. 

And...

Creamy puffs of clouds filled the sky, circling the moon in a slow dance. His gaze followed the milky orb as it appeared to slide behind a cloud, throwing the field into murky gloom. 

And...

The moon slid behind a gathering of heavy, bloated clouds, leaving only shadowy blackness. 

And...

The moon was unfolding itself through the parting clouds, creating shadowy figures behind every tree.

And one more...

A yellowish full moon shone brightly from the heavens, ghoulishly displaying its pock-marked face. 



So yes, the moon played a pivotal role in the spooky setting of The Twisted Climb's dream world. If you're looking for a book series that will take you on one crazy adventure after another, then you have to read The Twisted Climb series. Moon-gazing will never be the same.



J.C. Kavanagh, author of
The Twisted Climb - Darkness Descends (Book 2)
voted BEST Young Adult Book 2018, Critters Readers Poll and Best YA Book FINALIST at The Word Guild, Canada
AND
The Twisted Climb,
voted BEST Young Adult Book 2016, P&E Readers Poll
Novels for teens, young adults and adults young at heart
Email: author.j.c.kavanagh@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/J.C.Kavanagh
www.amazon.com/author/jckavanagh
Twitter @JCKavanagh1 (Author J.C. Kavanagh)

Thursday, July 16, 2020

My lost boy, by J.C. Kavanagh

 The Twisted Climb award-winning books
The Twisted Climb, Book 1 of the award-winning Twisted Climb series
Covid has brought about many changes to family life. Routines have been upended, patience has been tested, relationships have become stronger, or in some cases, weaker. Physical limitations have strained many a family, including mine. However, even before Covid came about, I was slowly wilting under the estrangement of my oldest son who is in his 30s. I don’t know what I did but it doesn’t seem to matter. He just doesn’t want any part of me. I wither inside.

As many writers do to unlock the emotion within, I took pen to paper (literally), and wrote this poem.

My lost boy
The first breath
The first cry
The joy in my heart
I cannot lie
He was beauty and perfection
Wrapped in cotton so fine
My first-born son
Graced my life and my family
A wee little brother for a loving big sister

The years flew by
And my baby shed his baby
He became a young boy
A big talker
A better skater
Hockey was his fuel
His talent seemed limitless
Scouts came a-watching
Team Canada came a-calling
Until the slam
Until the bam
Until the snapped shoulder
Made his dreams a sham

There was no turning back
There is no ‘undo’
It is what it is
And life goes on

But bitter is the soul
Whose dream was so big
Smashed by a smash
A shoulder no longer seen
Just like the dream
It flitted so brightly
A star in the sky
Dreamt so mightily

The consolation continued, but
The bitterness grew
And became a cement stone
Taking root, growing bold.
Fingers pointed outward, never within
Blame took hold, and joy died within

Where is my boy, my handsome son so fine
He is lost in his darkness, hands over his eyes
My love can’t seem to reach him
Though I try and I try
I will not stop, no, I cannot stop
For a mother’s love and
God’s good grace
Remains unwavering... 
I’m waiting

* * * 

Stay safe everyone. This too, shall pass.

And, on a much lighter note, I do have a great suggestion to pass the time at home this summer - read my award-winning books. If you like action / adventure / suspense / drama and a dash of paranormal, then The Twisted Climb series will take you to all those places. Enjoy!






J.C. Kavanagh, author of
The Twisted Climb - Darkness Descends (Book 2)
voted BEST Young Adult Book 2018, Critters Readers Poll and Best YA Book FINALIST at The Word Guild, Canada
AND
The Twisted Climb,
voted BEST Young Adult Book 2016, P&E Readers Poll
Novels for teens, young adults and adults young at heart
Email: author.j.c.kavanagh@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/J.C.Kavanagh
www.amazon.com/author/jckavanagh
Twitter @JCKavanagh1 (Author J.C. Kavanagh)

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Dreams are NOT dreams in Darkness Descends, by J.C. Kavanagh

Darkness Descends, 
Book 2 from the award-winning Twisted Climb series 
Unlike the incredible, scary and mind-blowing adventures in the dream world of Darkness Descends, my writing dreams are actually coming true. The day is finally arriving - the official Chapters' launch of The Twisted Climb - Darkness Descends. Yes, I'm a-quiver with anticipation knowing I'll be re-acquainted with so many of The Twisted Climb readers and fulfilling my promise that I'd be back with the sequel.

Saturday the 20th is the big day. I'll be heading to the Chapters' store in Brampton, Ontario armed with custom book marks and a come-hither smile. The last time I was there (April 2018), I sold-out all copies of The Twisted Climb - but I made sure to inform every person who purchased a copy that the sequel, Darkness Descends, was in the final editing stages. And that it contained even more action and adventure and drama.

The book has been well received and in fact, has multiple 5-star ratings on Amazon as well as three 5-star ratings from the American book review company, Readers' Favorite. Lit Amri wrote: Darkness Descends has a "very well thought out premise. The "fantastical and ominous dream world" and "the clever plot twists make Darkness Descends an absolute page-turner."

Stephen Fisher agreed:  Darkness Descends is "a cleverly conceived story. J.C. Kavanagh does a superb job of creating a vast and puzzling dream world. She really brings this story to life, and I was entertained on all levels. I could not put The Twisted Climb-Darkness Descends down.

Outstanding job. I would love to see this grace the silver screen, or possible cable series."



 Here's a wee snippet from The Twisted Climb - Darkness Descends.


The canoe began to move sideways in the river as the current of the Devil’s Door Rapids strengthened. They were drifting down the river instead of across it.

“Paddle hard!” Max shouted. The steam seemed to be thickening as they paddled against the current. Connor finally matched pace with Jayden’s stroke as they struggled to travel across. Perspiration glistened on their foreheads and they redoubled their efforts to manipulate the canoe on a forward path. The air temperature was rising significantly and the mist loomed like a low-lying fog. The moon glared down from its peak in the black sky, its rays sparkling within the fog around them, like mini diamonds. Suddenly, a chorus of wolf howls wailed in the distance. It was a familiar, chilling sound.

“It’s getting hotter and I can’t see through the mist,” hollered Jayden.

“What did you say?” The water was lapping loudly against the hull of the canoe, drowning Jayden’s voice.

Max leaned forward and his knee bumped into the zippered bag tied to the yoke. Curious, he unzipped it and peered inside.

“What’s in the bag?” Connor asked.

Max pulled out an unusual pair of goggles, holding them up like a peace offering to the moon. He gasped in delight when he realized what he held.

“Oh yeah!” he hooted into the darkness “They’re night vision goggles!” They were similar to a pair he borrowed regularly from his next door neighbour.

Max placed them over his eyes and adjusted the head strap. Immediately, the terrain was transformed into neon green and dark grey and he could see across the river and into the shadowy base of the squat mountain. They were heading in the wrong direction, though, and Max barked out new directions.

“Connor, steer to port!”

“In English,” Connor yelled. “Steer to the left?”

“Yes, left!” replied Max. “Left equals port!”

Max adjusted the goggle lenses to adapt to both the moonlight and the viscous waves of fog. He could see the current in the water moving on his right which meant they were travelling in the proper direction – across and not down the river.

Jayden glanced back in mid-stroke. “What do you see? And what is that sound?”

The calming rush of river water had slowly been replaced with a louder and more thunderous crashing sound.

Max moved his head in slow motion to the right, analyzing the imagery illuminated through the goggles. Internal gauges on the perimeter of the viewfinder displayed distance and temperatures. Based on the temperature fluctuations, he detected numerous hot springs sluicing all around them. Straight ahead, about 60 metres according to the goggles, a sandy shoreline loomed. But to the right, the river appeared to fall off and the thunderous cascading sound was louder than ever. The strong current was pulling them toward it. Max knew what it was: Devil’s Door Waterfall.

“Stay left! Jayden, give me some paddle power and Connor, steer hard to port – left!”

Jayden renewed her efforts, bending forward with each stroke. She couldn’t distinguish river or land through the mist, and the crashing sound of water made it difficult to hear Max. She leaned forward and her foot touched something at the bottom of the canoe. It was a zippered bag. The shadows in the bow prevented her from identifying it and she kicked the bag into the moonlight. Hoping it contained another pair of goggles, she leaned forward, eagerly unzipping the bag with one hand. The moon finally evaded cloud cover and burst into brilliance just as Jayden reached in and touched a smooth, cool object. Grasping it firmly, she pulled on it but stopped suddenly. Whatever was in there was alive and squirming. Inhaling sharply and repulsed by the contact, Jayden released it in disgust. She withdrew her hand and then recoiled in horror as the bag rippled and undulated in slithering motions. There were no night-vision goggles in this bag.

“Snakes! SNAKES!”

Jayden bolted backward, falling into the bottom of the canoe. She rolled to one side in panic and the canoe tipped precariously. Her left hand still gripped the paddle while her right hand searched for support.

Max grabbed hold of the gunwales, the topside of the canoe. “Be still or we’ll tip!”

Jayden scrambled back as the moonlight became a spotlight on the snakes slithering out of the bag. The canoe tipped sideways again as she pulled herself in a semi-upright position in front of Max. Her paddle was dragging in the water and the force of the current yanked it out of her hand.

Connor was scrambling with his paddle, bringing it from left to right in an attempt to stay on course while maintaining balance. But it was too late.

The first snake lifted its head, poised to attack, and Jayden lurched to the left. Her sudden movement sent the canoe into capsize mode and before anyone could react, it overturned. She screamed helplessly as they were thrown into the hot, churning rapids.

* * *

If you're in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) on Saturday, October 20, come by the Chapters store at
Market Hall, 52 Quarry Edge Drive, Brampton, Ontario L6V 4K2.



J.C. Kavanagh 
The Twisted Climb - Darkness Descends (Book 2) 
AND
The Twisted Climb, 
voted BEST Young Adult Book 2016, P&E Readers' Poll
Novels for teens, young adults and adults young at heart
Email: author.j.c.kavanagh@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/J.C.Kavanagh
www.amazon.com/author/jckavanagh
Twitter @JCKavanagh1 (Author J.C. Kavanagh)




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