Category Archives: Art

Virtual book fair with Rockhill Publishing LLC

With 40 writer’s artists and poets taking part in this virtual book fair.

Get Access to Hundreds of Authors On DemandLearn how to start streaming with Miami Book Fair Online! A free and simple registration is all that’s required to access Miami Book Fair Online. To get started, visit MiamiBookFairOnline.com and sign up using your email or Facebook account. Complete your profile and share your interests to receive personalized email notifications about programs and activities as they become available.

Here are some of thing you have to look forward to.


Author workshops

Panels and discussions, where you can join in.

Book shop selling, ezines, graphic comics, novel, swag and official merch from the event with many publishers showcasing their authors work.

Children’s Alley with interactive storytelling, music, art, science, world cultures. So much to see and learn.

Explore the sunshine state of Florida with an interactive map that will take you around to see, art, watch films, see amazing photography, music. Over 100 projects to see and feel part of.

– https://www.miamibookfaironline.com/marketplace/rockhill-publishing-llc


Special Miami Book Fair offer on all print books is 20% off listed price at http://bit.ly/RockHill_PrintBooks using checkout code MBF2020.

And $0.99 on eBooks at https://bit.ly/RockHilleBooks

This discount will run until December 22, 2020.

James L Hill

Publisher, Multi-Genre Author of Adult Fiction, Fantasy, and Sci-Fi with a slant towards the dark side.

RockHill Publishing LLC

P.O. Box 62523

Virginia Beach, VA 23466-2523

Tel: 757-692-2021

jlhill@rockhillpublishing.com

www.rockhillpublishing.com

PLEASE NOTE: I have no affiliation with this publisher nor am I a part of the Miami Virtual Book Fair.

Cute and Fun Children’s book FREE to download right now.

★ Mummys can be so much fun! ★

They love their little ones to bits and are always ready to have a good time—whether it’s a learning situation or just being silly.

Mummy’s will help you ride your bike through the neighbourhood or drive you to school, making each journey an adventure.

Bathtime is far more fun with Mum. And bedtimes just aren’t the same without a story and a big hug goodnight from your superhero and best friend: ♥ Mummy! ♥

Download for free now

About Zach .F.Sydney

Zack is a dreamer and loves taking young readers into worlds where literally anything can happen…flying into space on an amazing Dragon, setting up a wild living room den, full of blankets, lots of cushions, and of course, some campfire pudding pops.

Zack is an entrepreneur and loves running. In his spare time, stunt doubles for Batman, Iron Man, and a really Nice Guy!

Zack has moved 15 times in a thirty-five-year period and has lived in different countries and states across Asia and Europe, but he claims he wasn’t evading the authorities. Zack lives in Buckinghamshire, England (for now).

You can find out more about Zack and sign up for news and special offers at his website > www.zackfsydney.com

Psst… All Zach’s books are on Kindle Unlimited. YES!

“These books are not just fun. They are educational for the kids, and the illustrations are so well done, they match the tone of the book pefectly. Go check it out. It’s free to download until the 15th October”

New Release – clean PNR fantasy

Two exciting adventures in one awesome book.

BLURB

Illusional Reality

Becky Jones is as independent as they come, a marketing executive determined to succeed on her own terms. But her career plan goes sideways when two men try to kill her – and her rescuer whisks her away to an enchanted realm. Her realm.

In Tsinia she is Thya, heir to the throne and gifted with magical abilities, destined to fulfill an ancient prophecy. Her people are kind and peaceful, desperate to forget the evil that looms over them. When she refuses a betrothal to an enemy prince to stop the oncoming war, her act of rebellion sparks old tensions and threatens the future of the kingdom.

As well as battling to save her kinsmen, she is battling with a power within her that is threatening to take over her body, mind, and soul. All while falling for one whose heart she can never have. Thya must find a balance between her needs and those of her people, but in order to do so, she must fight against destiny itself – and forge her own fate, no matter the cost.

This duology includes Illusional Reality and The Quest

I

ILLUSIONAL REALITY BOOK 1

THE QUEST BOOK 2 OF ILLUSIONAL REALITY

AND NOW YOU CAN GET BOTH BOOKS IN ONE GREAT NOVEL.

Also on Kindle Unlimited

readerlinks.com/l/1450339/duology

Illustrator Extraordinaire

 

Jacks work is so detailed, professional and friggign cute!

Introducing you to Jack Foster. Children Book illustrator

Jack Foster attended the American Academy of

Art in Chicago. He was originally signed as a political cartoonist

for a Chicagoland newspaper, but finally in 2009 after years of

submitting work, he signed his first children’s book contract with

Guardian Angel Publishing. Since then Jack has illustrated over

80 published books. He still lives in the Chicagoland area with

his wife Aleithia. Jack has 5 children and 14 grandkids.

 

Here are a few samples of his amazing work

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Links

webpage: jackfosterart.com

blog: mrbiblehead.blogspot.com

facebook: facebook.com/jacktoon

twitter: https://twitter.com/jack_jacktoon

instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackfoster1428/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-foster-b72ab115/

 

Cover Reveal for Illusional Reality, The Quest.

We have a fabulous virtual party to celebrate this wonderful cover created by the awesome Sharon Lipman from Fantasia covers.
(and check out her animations WOW)
FACEBOOK

 

Quest ebook final

 

Now I have to get back to editing or this book will never be ready for you to read.

Handmade Quality Cards

I love seeing stuff like this.

It’s not just about independant authors. There are artists, musicians and crafters, like this lady.

Take a look and help support the indie community.

http://gemimapuddleduck.com

Quack Quack

Stone Cold feature

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STONE COLD YA supernatural thriller

 

Reviews:

Interesting storyline, well crafted. The author has the ability of gaining the readers attention and never letting go. Not my usual reading genre but was recommended by a very good friend – I’m glad she did!!

An intriguing YA thriller, “Stone Cold” presents the truly ugly side of bullying, whether it is as simple as older children demanding a younger child’s lunch money, or more complex such as backbiting and hurtful gossip, or even more maximal, such as crimes against persons and against property–all in the name of “looking out for number one,” and let the rest of the world-all the victims and potential victims-suffer. In this story, the tables are turned, and for once a lifelong victim of bullying finds she-or someone like her-has the upper hand and the power to influence change.
“Stone Cold” is also a story of moral values, and of justice vs. retribution, mercy vs. vengeance, and friendship vs. the need to be part of a clique. I think it will find a wide audience, because there are very few who haven’t been the victim of at least some form of bullying, gossip, betrayal, at some point in our lives. Yet not many of us would go to the extent Billy does to solve her problems, and to prove herself superior to her detractors.

 

 

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One moment, Billy was on her way to the bathroom, the next she was standing outside the hostel covered in mud. She couldn’t remember having a shower, let alone going outside.

Why on earth would I go outside in my pajamas, barefooted? Billy wondered bewilderedly.

The iced chill of the air stabbed through her clothes like daggers. She’d never felt so cold before. She was about to make her way back, only after taking one step, she stopped. A sharp pain pierced the bottom of her left foot. When she lifted it up to have a look, she was surprised to see the sole bleeding.

“How on earth did that happen?” She said aloud.

Billy limped her way back to the hostel, but stopped when she reached the front door.

If I walk through the main entrance I’ll have the supervisors and Professor Brian on my case, and I don’t particularly want to answer their questions.

The last thing Billy wanted was for everyone to know about her sleepwalking escapades, if that was what it was. So she decided to enter from the back. Luckily, her dorm was not far from the backdoor.

It appeared that everyone was asleep, and she managed to creep past without waking anyone. Carefully sitting on the edge of her bed, she lifted her foot up to have a closer look.

“Where have you been?” Susan whispered loudly, making Billy jump. “Jesus what happened to you?”

“Ssh, I don’t want to wake the others,” Billy answered. “Listen can you swipe some dressings and antiseptic and meet me in the bathroom in five minutes? Don’t tell anyone, okay?”

“Sure,” Susan agreed and climbed out of bed.

Billy grabbed clean nightwear and then limped to the bathroom. She noticed her toiletries lying on the floor under the bathroom mirror. As she bent down to retrieve them, she caught a glimpse of her reflection and couldn’t understand how she’d gotten into such a state. Dried mud covered her pajamas and most of her hair. Maybe I decided to have a mud bath instead, she laughed at her joke.

Billy took a quick shower and reflected on her dilemma.

So far, only Susan knows about the incident. I hope it stays that way. I can’t get it straight in my own head, let alone having to explain it to anyone else. How am I supposed to explain why I was outside in the first place without sounding nuts? I’m glad Susan knows, though, as I really need her help.

Dressed in clean nightwear, Billy waited patiently for Susan, and giggled when she turned up minutes later with her hands full of first aid products.

“What did you do, raid the box?” Billy laughed.

“Well, I didn’t know what you’d need,” Susan replied uncomfortably. Dying to know what had happened, she held her tongue until Billy finished cleaning and dressing the foot.

“So, where have you been?” Susan asked impatiently.

“Don’t laugh, but I was sleepwalking,” Billy said.

“You couldn’t have been sleepwalking; you haven’t been to bed yet.”

“I know. I fell asleep in the bathroom.” Billy smiled falsely

“No!” Susan laughed.

“I guess all the hard work and fresh air has finally caught up with me. I’m totally shattered.”

Billy was relieved that her explanation had worked. Actually, Susan had quite a giggle at her expense. Luckily, she didn’t question her any further.

Billy got through a restful night without anyone else finding out about her little escapade, and in a couple of days, she totally forgot about the incident. That was, until it happened again. In fact, it happened twice.

 

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  Reading of STONE COLD

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDgh0oiU-FU

 

 

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Buy here

Stone Cold

 

To Ink or not to Ink?

Tattoo 101

The original word derives from the Tahitian word tatau. ‘ta’ meaning hand, repeated twice to represent the action. And ‘u’ which means colour.

Tattooing is an art form that can be traced all the way back to 3300BC.

Tattoos were first used as a symbol of rank, identification, for protection, to display someone’s lifestyle; such as gang members, armed forces, and prisoners. Nowadays, they have become a popular body decoration. Including cosmetic tattooing known as permanent make up. Tattoos that enhance the eyebrows, permanently colour the lips, eye lines, and even moles.

Tribal cultures cut designs into the skin using non-electrical tools cut from bamboo or metal, and then rub ash or natural dye in the wounds. This is a ceremonial, coming of age custom, which is sure to hurt!

These days, in European countries, tattoo artists use a hand-held electronic machine. Groups of needles are attached to an oscillating unit. Needles drive in and out of the (dermis), second layer of skin, usually at 80 times per second while ink is inserted.

*Did you know* Samuel O’Reilly invented the first electronic Tattoo machine in 1891.

Be safe

A tattoo is a wound, and like all cuts and scratches, prone to infection.

To lower the risk of infection, follow these steps.

  • Make sure the Tattoo parlour is clean. If in doubt, look for somewhere else to get your tattoo done.
  • Check to see if the tattooist uses an autoclave. (sterilizer)
  • Is the artist a licensed practitioner?
  • If you surfer from allergies, heart disease, diabetes or are pregnant, contact your physician before getting a tattoo.
  • Contact your health department for a list of recommended tattoo shops.
  • Make sure the tattooist uses disposable gloves, needles, and facial masks.

There is a risk of Herpes Simplex Virus, Tetanus, and Hepatitis if the instruments have not been sterilized correctly.

There is also a chance of an allergic reaction caused from the ink pigment. Most tattooists will recommend performing a patch test.

Does it hurt?

It depends on your pain threshold. Some say they feel a tingling sensation, others like being stung by a nest of hornets. Again, it depends on the size of the tattoo and on which part of the body the design is tattooed. A recent survey carried out, showed that the fear of pain is the main reason why people will not have a tattoo.

After care

  • The tattooist should cover the finished tattoo with a bandage. Leave the dressing on for 24hrs.
  • Make sure you do not touch the tattooed area.
  • If you see and redness or swelling around the area, use an ice pack.
  • Wash the tattoo with antibacterial soap.
  • Do not go swimming or lay too long in a hot bath after having a tattoo.
  • Keep out of the sun until the tattoo has healed. When in the sun, it’s best to use sun protection factor (SPF) 30 on the tattoo, this not only protects your skin, but it stops the tattoo from fading.

 

Removal

There are two ways to get rid of an unwanted tattoo. The first is what’s known as Cover-up. You get the tattoo covered over with another. Not a great result, but at least you got rid of your ex’s initials.

The second way is to have laser treatment. This procedure can remove up to 95% of the tattoo, but it is said that the cost and pain will be greater than when you first got the tattoo done. Lesson learned I think!

A recent survey showed that the most popular place on the body to have a tattoo is on the back. People spend anything from $15-$500 on tattoos. 50% regret having the tattoo done. Surprisingly, only 30% felt any significant pain. The most popular kind of tattoo in Europe is symbols, such as star signs, Chinese symbols, and tribal patterns. In America, stars are thought of to be the most requested tattoos.

Henna tattoos are the most popular form of temporary tattoos. In the tourist resort where I work, there are 14 tattoo parlors selling Henna and permanent designs. Everywhere you look women are walking around with Henna tattoos on their arms, legs and back. The guys have then on their upper back, below the neck and the top of their arms. The artist will trace the design onto paper and place it on the desired part of the body. The print remains on the skin and then is drawn over with a special pen. These tattoos can range from lettering, symbols, to animals and flowers. Draw your own design and the artist will turn it into a tattoo. Henna Tattoos can last between 7-14 days.

*Did you know* tattooists traditionally refer to the small bikini line tattoo as ‘Tramp Stamp.’ Might be wise to think about having your tattoo on the shoulder or ankle.

Greeks don’t have a love for tattoos, so there was no way my hubby was going to permit me to get a permanent one. Actually, I had no interest in getting a tattoo until I had my first Henna. I’ve been collecting frogs since I was 15, so a frog tattoo was ideal for me. I had the Henna done on my left ankle it looked as though the frog was climbing up my leg. It was so cool and I deliberately wore skirts just so I could show my tattoo off.  I was very disappointed when it started to fade. I wanted to grab a black pen and go over the design. However, I allowed it to die away, as hubby had already agreed how awesome it was and allowed me to get a real one. It hurt like a mother….

Paul, a professional tattooist from the UK, recommends anyone who is seriously thinking of having a tattoo done, to look through tattoo magazines, and when in a studio, ask to see the artist’s work. He said that people that come in already have an idea of what they want and pick a tattoo that means something to them.

Think carefully before you get a permanent tattoo. Many get them done on impulse and then regret their decision, soon after. Others love their life-long tattoo. It may be best to try a temporary tattoo first to see you can live with it. A tattoo is a big deal it’s a life-long commitment.

COPYRIGHT Karina Kantas March2012

Kabuki Mask from Chinese warlord. Thanks Nick (the bubble)

Geisha. Represents beauty, peace, tradition, and tranquility. 9hrs 2 sittings.

A tribute to lost family members

Doug is a fan of Fight Club

Will be blogging about this awesome TV show soon.
This awesome tattoo of SAMCRO's logo took five hrs to create and was done in one sitting. I will be doing a blog on the fab TV show Son's of Anarchy, so make sure you subscribe to this blog.