Serials and Scenarios - Austin Boyd - Down to Earth

I'm mixing it up a bit this week. Four book blog tours. Oh my. But based on the two I've read and already posted, you shouldn't have any trouble finding a good book to read should you be looking for one.

Austin Boyd - i.e. techie-genius sci-fi guy, dropped in with some answers to some of the standard Scrambled Dreg questionis. (that's Latin, I think : ) or maybe Italian. )


If you were assured of writing a best-seller, what genre would it be? Give us a sliver of information, a characteristic or glimpse of a scene.

Fiction, literary novel. A boy and his dog:

Troy found Scooter fifteen years ago, the puppy’s leg broken by an impact with a passing car. The little guy was a mutt, his mother and father connecting just long enough to make him, and neither around when he needed nurturing. That is, until Troy showed up, a curious boy, age 8.

Scooter learned the neighborhood chasing Troy’s bike, learned about girls when Troy missed filling the feed bowl, learned about college when Troy left for months, and Scooter learned about age as his best friend discovered marriage. Best friends for life, Scooter had little life left in him as Troy ascended the last mile of the trail up Maine’s Mount Khatadin.

2000 miles and fourteen years ago, they began this trail together in Georgia, a boy and his young dog, and a wild cub scout troop, climbing a bug-infested Springer Mountain in the sweltering heat of July. Every year they conquered hills together, found water, ran off snakes in summer, or curled together against the freezing rain of a spring weekend storm. This last summit, their last mile, was all that remained in this life of adventures as Scooter rode to the top on the back of his lifelong buddy. A cold October wind whipping against his face, Scooter buried his nose against the warmth of the nape of Troy’s neck… one last time. The great adventure was at a close. This was as far as he would go.

Fiction character you would most like to be or most identify with and why?

Most identify with: The Scarecrow in Wizard of Oz. He wants a brain, and I find myself asking for wisdom and creativity often. He gets the stuffin’s knocked out of him and pastes on a smile, then comes back slugging. You can’t get the guy down. He’s the ingenious one, a 1950’s McGyver, who always figures a way out of a jam. I love the guy.

Most like to be: Tarzan or Spider-Man. They were my childhood heroes and still are. Larger than life, making a difference, conquering foes and both with great loves in their lives who are confident women conquering their own challenges.

If you could ask any person, living or dead, a random question -- what question would you ask of whom?

Easy question. I ask it all the time. Jesus, what’s your will for my life? OK… that’s pretty heavy… but it’s the truth. I might also ask Him where the woman came from that Cain married. God doesn’t always give us all the answers… and that’s part of what makes faith so invigorating.

Some out there in writing land have strange rituals. Share yours.

I get up at 4 or 4:30 AM to write, stopping around 6:30 to take my daughter to school. I write in the AM so that I can be a Dad in the PM. I do an extensive outline before every novel so that I can refer to it each morning when I get up to write… in a sleepy fog, I can go right to the scene that I’m supposed to do next, and off we go!

What crayon in the box describes you on a good day? Bad day? Which one do you aspire to be?

Ever sniff a box of new Crayolas? I love that smell. Good day, blue or green. Bad day, one of those stupid colors in the middle between blue and green that aren’t one or the other. I aspire to be the green. Good solid bright green. Verdant.


What makes you feel alive?

Exercising and praying at the same time. I’m the old guy in spandex on a blue bike talking out loud as I zip down the road. Neighbors think I’m nuts, but God knows I’m communing with Him.

Where would you most like to travel ----- moon, north pole, deep seas, deserted island, the holy land or back to a place from your childhood, somewhere else? – and why.

The Holy Land, right now. So much of history, and current events, seems to be wrapped up in that area. I want to see it before I pass on.

Favorite season and why?

Fall. The colors, the smells of the forest behind our house, the hunting season (bow) and the cold air. Pumpkins, corn stalks, leafy trails on the mountain, deer moving and squirrels burying nuts. Cross country season and Thanksgiving. School starts. Birthday in October.

Which compliment related to your writing has meant the most and why?

“I couldn’t put it down and got no sleep last night.” I write suspense and techno-thrillers. If she can’t put the book down, then the reader has invested herself in the storyline and is living it. That’s the best compliment for a writer. The worst is, “I couldn’t get into it. I put it down after 2 or 3 chapters.”

What would you do today if you knew you had only a week to live?

No changes, except I probably wouldn’t be in the office. I’d be in the woods walking with my daughter, riding the bike, and working in the yard with Cindy. No focus on the end, but enjoying every bit of living. No special trips. I’m very happy where I am.

Favorite chore

Gardening with my wife. We love to work in the yard together, whether it’s cutting the grass, pulling weeds, or planting a new garden. Outside work is fun. I also love to clean a kitchen. Cannot stand to cook… won’t even boil water… but give me the ugliest yuckiest kitchen after a big dinner party, a rag, a bottle of dish soap, and turn me loose. Love it.

Grammatical pet peeve…sound off.

Use of the word ‘which’ . Somehow people stick it into sentences in the most egregious ways when they are talking.

Societal pet peeve…sound off.

Not washing hands in the bathroom. Why is it that most of the architects in the world are clueless and design bathrooms so that you have to pull the door open from the inside?


Thanks, Austin. Okay, people come back tomorrow for Boo Humbug. A frightfully/lovely twisted Christmas Carol.

Serials and Scenarios - Demon: A Memoir

Click on the cover to read more about Demon.

Go here to read the first chapter.

Tosca Lee's site and an article written by her for Halloween 2007





My Review:

A couple of months ago I read the first chapter of Demon. It intrigued me and I put the book on my must read list. Then I had the opportunity to join a blog tour. The book arrived in the mail and I had to squeeze it into an already stretched reading schedule.

Upon opening it, I was pulled in and not let go until the last page, and now, I still mull over the details of this story.

There are so many wows that I can’t even begin to go into them, but I’ll try.

First, this story is fascinating. We all have spiritual awareness and curiosity. Look at what we read and watch. Even if we don’t or won’t admit that there is more to this life than birth, taxes and death, we know, deep within while wrestling with haunted thoughts at two a.m. that life is bigger than us. The premise of Demon is an angel who slipped up during worship, took his eyes off God and is forever damned. Only to witness the creation of pathetic creatures of clay who are given mercy and forgiveness and dare they accept God fully, a seed of God Himself, and his struggle with these mud creature and the God who created them.

Secondly, Tosca Lee is a talented writer. I’m amazed that Demon is a debut novel. Her descriptions, dialogue, characterization and level of tension are top notch. I will reread Demon when I have time to read at a pace where I can slow down and savor the rich sensory details.

Thirdly, Demon is haunting. I will ponder the spiritual implications of this story for a long time. If there is even a hint of truth within this story, a chance that some of what is shared about the clay beings importance to God, then maybe I need to live my life differently. Maybe I should be a person whose prayers and walk of faith make the demons uneasy.

Demon does not carry horrific or gory images, but it’s unsettling. Easily ruffled feathers might want to use caution. Otherwise, I can’t imagine someone who shouldn’t read this fascinating account of God’s story through the eyes of one of His enemies.

Scribbles and Scrambles - Taking My Checkerboard and Leaving

Does anything get any more heart-rending than parenting? I suppose marriage comes in a close second.

But right now I’m a parent who’d like to take my checkerboard and go home.

Unfortunately, I can’t afford the tiny apartment; so I’ll be staying put.

I feel like I owe a public apology to God.

God, I’m sorry for all the times I’ve clenched my fists and raged at You. I’m sorry I’ve accused You of not loving me because You say no. I’m sorry for not trusting that You say no because yes will gut me and leave me squirming in spiritual, emotional or physical agony or a nice mix of all of the above.

Do you ever find it amazing that God only flooded the earth once? If it were up to me, I’d probably start over with a literal clean slate every generation. Why would God, who can even see our yucky thoughts not only LET us populate His earth, but send His Son into it to offer salvation?

And our response is a lot like a snotty, selfish teenager or a defiant three-year-old…You haven’t done enough God! I want my way. NOW!

Please forgive us. Thank You for Your great mercy which keeps lightning bolts and floods restrained.

Serials and Scenarios -The Return

This will be a review intensive week at the Dregs. For those of you who aren't so into the book reviews/interviews, hang in there. I'll think of something off-the-wall that will hopefully entertain you. So stay in touch. Besides, you might find something that will interest you.

My first review of the week is The Return. You can click on the book cover to be directed to Amazon for more information. Or visit Austin Boyd's website by clicking here.

Austin will be dropping in (ha, ha, his book is about space, hee, hee) later with an interview. You won't want to miss that.

My Review:

I need to go on record here...I'm not a sci-fi lover. So when I picked up The Return, the next book on my stack not knowing what to expect and turned to the first scene set on Mars, date 2020, I nearly choked.

This novel is 460 pages long, give or take a few.

But, I had committed to reading the book and writing a review. And since I try to find good things to say in my reviews, I was a little concerned that I could find something good at all to praise.

Then I started reading.

Well done, Mr. Boyd.

Boyd nails character, story and believability. I'll admit that there were a few techie spots that I skimmed. Seriously, details on titanium from Russia and DNA strands and windows for rocket launch do nothing for me. But I was seriously impressed with Boyd's skill with characterization, plotting and his solid and sometimes beautiful writing style. He takes the reader to Mars through the mind of a grieving astronaut and into the thoughts and heart of a confused fifteen year old girl, as well as another dozen or so characters throughout this novel.

After a few paragraphs I turned the book over and read all about Austin. Talk about a techie genius...Yikes. But a techie genius who writes poetry.

Not only has he mastered the basics, he has a great touch with realistic spirituality. Though Christian conversions happen within this novel, they are thoughtful and believable and lack the platitudes that have bothered those who complain about unrealistic pie-in-the-sky Christian fiction.

I'm not going to suggest that those who detest sci-fi run out and grab a copy. But I will suggest that anyone who likes a great story check further into Austin Boyd.

Very, very impressed, Austin Boyd.

Scribbles and Scrambles ~ Sunday Dinner

Martha Stewart, I'm not. I'm not even her backwoods third-cousin fifth-removed.

Therefore, no chance of fancy at my place.

No fall-flaired decor, unless you count the leaves that sneak in on various forms of footwear that may or may not find themselves hastily swept up.

Does this stop me from inviting people to my home?

No.

It may stop people from accepting my invitations...but that's beside the point.

Today I decided to make chili dogs and invite a few people for Sunday dinner. Of course, lunch wasn't ready til two because I had to throw everything together. And clear a few spots. Oh, and decide about the menu (you can't just serve chili dogs) and work around the family members who wanted to be helpful with great ideas of their own.

Finally, after a last minute attempt to make Rice Krispie treats, without recipe or measuring, which resulted in a small fire...

You think I'm kidding. I have witnesses.

After managing to decorate my entire chest and abdomen with chili sauce... We sat down to eat.

We had the best conversation and a relaxed time. Go figure. So, try to stuff that in a gourd, Martha.

Serials and Scenarios - Matt Bronleewe in the Spotlight

Illuminated's Matt Bronleewe dropped in for a visit.



Fiction character you would most like to be or most identify with and why?

I feel like I’m slowly becoming more and more like my main character in Illuminated – August Adams. He may be smarter and handsomer, but I’m trying to give him a run for his money in the adventure department! He has a love for rare and mysterious books, and that’s certainly something I’ve caught the bug for too.


Some out there in writing land have strange rituals. Share yours.

During the last week of finishing a book I lock myself away in a hotel room and live on nothing but Red Barron frozen pizzas and Mountain Dew Amp Tallboys. What a rush!!!


What crayon in the box describes you on a good day? Bad day? Which one do you aspire to be?

Crayon? I’m more like the sharpener on the back of the box!


Pick one…..Pink iguana, purple cow, periwinkle giraffe. Which one and why? Can be negative or positive.

Ummmmmm. I pick plaid wildcat. Or speckled muskrat. Or…sorry…what were the choices?


If you were assured of writing a best-seller, what genre would it be? Give us a sliver of information, a characteristic or glimpse of a scene.

I’d take THRILLER (luckily, the genre I’m already in!) because there are so many different approaches. Historical thriller. Serial killer thriller. Wild mutant forest creature thriller. (Ok…I made that one up…but why not??)


What period of history intrigues you the most?

The Middle Ages. Secret societies, massive religious wars, political zaniness… Huh. I guess some things never change.


What would you write if there were no rules or barriers? (epic novels about characters in the Bible, poetry, greeting cards, plays, movies, instruction manuals, etc.)

Rules? Barriers? What are those?


What makes you feel alive?

Spending time with friends and family. Writing is fun, but in the end I have to remind myself that IT’S ALL JUST MADE UP! NONE OF IT REALLY EXISTS! I feel alive when I see my little girl smile, or my wife laugh, or my boys playing in the backyard.


Book, music, person, food you would take with you on a very long trip.

War and Peace. (You said LONG trip, right?) My wife Karin. And as for the food…well, we’d just have to hit every non-chain joint along the way!


Where would you most like to travel ----- moon, north pole, deep seas, deserted island, the holy land or back to a place from your childhood,somewhere else? – and why.

I would love to go to Antarctica. I just completed my second book – HOUSE OF WOLVES – and Antarctica acts as one of the settings. (I can’t tell you why! It’s a secret!!) Getting to Antarctica was impossible for me…so I had to read as much as I could to get it right… But maybe someday!! (Anyone willing to let me hitch a ride??)


Favorite season and why?

I know I’m supposed to say SUMMER or FALL or whatever, but I choose THE HOLIDAY SEASON!! Thanksgiving, then my birthday, then Christmas, then New Year’s…it’s madness!


Favorite book setting and why?

For whatever reason, I love any stark, cold environment. Maybe it’s because it puts an immediate edge on the story – it’s intrinsically hostile. I like it so much that I decided to place a portion of my second book – House of Wolves – in Antarctica. But I can’t reveal why!!


Which compliment related to your writing has meant the most and why?

A friend told me that my first book – Illuminated – didn’t sound like me. “Why is that?” I asked. “It was funny and intelligent,” came the reply. Huh. Thinking about it, maybe that wasn’t a compliment.


Superhero you most admire and why?

Batman is pretty great because all the other heroes have lasers shooting out of their eyes and knives ejecting from their forearms and all kinds of cool stuff and all Batman has is a lousy utility belt. He must feel cheated at times, but it doesn’t keep him from kicking butt. Good on you, Batman!!


Super power you'd love to borrow for awhile?

The ability to detect the thoughts of barnyard animals.


Favorite chore

I’m sorry, did you say favorite CHORE? Does watching dvds of the tv show 24 count? What about eating pizza? Does that count?


Societal pet peeve…sound off.

Yeah. How about that person behind the counter at the movie theater who moves at a snail’s pace while my movie starts and I’m missing the trailers and it shouldn’t matter because it’s just the trailers but then again sometimes they take SO LONG TO GET MY POPCORN “DID YOU WANT BUTTER WITH THAT?” HE ASKS FOR THE 2 MILLIONTH TIME and then the movie actually does start and now I’ve missed the first all-important ten minutes where the whole plot is set up and “I’M SORRY SIR, DID YOU SAY BUTTER OR NO BUTTER?” oh my word I’ve told this guy NO BUTTER so many times I think maybe now he’s just trying to sell me on the idea of adding butter JUST GIVE ME THE POPCORN!! NOW!! WITHOUT BUTTER!!



Just hand over the popcorn and have a great weekend!

Serials and Scenarios - Illuminated

Action, adventure, history lovers...this one's for you.

Click on the book cover to visit the Amazon page for more information. Click here for Matt Bronleewe's website. Come back Friday for an interview with Matt.


My Review:



If you threw National Treasure, The DaVinci Code, Red Eye and the Indian Jones movies into a blender, you'd end up with something very similar to Illuminated, but in book format. Bronleewe has crafted a novel full of mystery, intrigue and fascinating puzzles. If Illuminated is not made into a movie, I'll be disappointed. This story screams for the big screen.

Respectful-of-Christians fiction without heavy Christianese so Illuminated should have great crossover appeal. Normally I'm all over character driven fiction and Illuminated is plot, action, plot. But I ended up bonding with the characters. Sometimes a plot heavy novel ends up with stereotypical characters that are as appealing as cardboard cut-outs. Bronleewe has developed heroes with a stereotypical brush, but he has given them a charm of their own, individually. He isn't afraid to slow down and show a positive characteristic within the baddies, and the good guys are not polished to the point of nausea.

I was thoroughly charmed with the humor and personality of this first novel. History is so easily grasped when sandwiched inside a great multi-faceted story. Historical fiction lovers, fans of the above mentioned movies, and story lovers should consider looking into Illuminated. I'm anxious to see Bronleewe grow as a writer. He's one to watch.

One note to Big Honken Chicken Club members...there are some ewwww elements.


Normally I don't add the author's bio, but Matt's is a story in itself so I thought I'd share it with you.

Matt Bronleewe is a recognized producer, songwriter and author. The former member of the band Jars of Clay, has earned numerous awards producing and co-writing albums that have sold a combined total of over 20 million copies. His songs have recently been recorded by Disney pop sensations Aly & AJ, American Idol finalist Kimberley Locke, and more. Bronleewe has worked with Grammy Award-winning artists such as Michael W. Smith, International pop singer Natalie Imbruglia and Heroes star Hayden Panettiere.

Born in Dallas, Texas, Bronleewe was raised on a farm in Kansas, where he lived until he left for college in 1992. At Greenville College in Illinois, Bronleewe formed the band Jars of Clay with his dorm roommate and two neighbors, and the group soon found success. Though Bronleewe opted to leave Jars of Clay early on to pursue an academic career, he soon found himself in Nashville, co-writing, producing, and playing music professionally.

To add to his list of accomplishments, Bronleewe has expanded his love of story telling beyond music into authorship. He is currently penning a 5 book series for Thomas Nelson Fiction. Illuminated, in stores now, begins the adventurous series about rare manuscripts and the mysteries within.Bronleewe currently resides in Brentwood, Tenn., with his wife and three children. He continues to write and produce music, and he also volunteers through his church to help disadvantaged youth in the community. Bronleewe enjoys reading, taste-testing good food and watching sports, as well as indulging his interests in art, architecture, design and science.