Sunday, August 31, 2014

My First Wife

Yes, I know; everyone who knows me is frowning at the title of this post and scratching their head. Don’t worry; it’ll make sense—maybe.

One day at work, a few of the guys were sitting around discussing their first wives, some favorably, some not so favorably. The stories grew wilder by the minute and, like they were competing in some primal contest, each one tried to top the other.

Not to be outdone, I joined in the conversation. I told them all about my first wife, how pretty she was, how loving, caring, and supportive she was, and intelligent too—after all, she did marry me. (Some would insist this would be more of an argument against her intelligence). I bragged on how well she could cook—as evidenced by my ever-expanding stomach—and how she was a great mother to our children. I kept talking for a good five minutes or better, regaling them with the many wonders of my first wife.

It must have been something in my tone, or my eyes. Or, maybe I didn’t do a very good job of keeping the smirk off my face, but finally, one of the guys said, “How come I get the feeling you’re not really being honest with us?”

I said, “What do you mean? Everything I’ve told you about her is the absolute truth.” And it was.

Another one of them gave me a disbelieving frown. “I didn’t know you’d been married before.”

“I haven’t,” I said. “Didn’t know we were talking about second wives. I’m still married to the first one. After all I’ve told you about her, why would you think I’d want to change?”

They all laughed and shook their heads. And then, they changed the subject. Guess they didn’t want to talk about wives any more, be they first, second, or even third wives.

Oh, and as for the contest, I think I won!

_____________________________________


Current Read
Her Best Match
Tamie Dearen

SPOTLIGHT Author
Traci Sanders
When Darkness Breaks


Bruce A. Borders is the author of more than a dozen books, including: Inside Room 913, Over My Dead Body, The Journey, Miscarriage Of Justice, and The Wynn Garrett Series. Available in ebook and paperback on iTunes, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Diesel Books, and Smashwords, or at www.bruceabordersbooks.weebly.com. Amazon Profile - http://www.amazon.com/Bruce-A.-Borders/e/B006SOLWQS Bruce A. Borders also serves as the Vice President of Rave Reviews Book Club http://ravereviewsbynonniejules.wordpress.com

Saturday, August 23, 2014

The Hugo Reward - Guest Post by Danica Cornell


Today, it is my pleasure to welcome a friend and fellow board member of Rave Reviews Book Club, author Danica Cornell. Danica is a sci-fi writer and the creator of the DARK STAR Series. I'm happy to play host for this great author. And now, here's Danica.


The Hugo Reward
By Danica Cornell

Before I begin, I would like to thank author, Bruce A. Borders, for inviting me to be a guest here today.  Shortly after meeting Bruce on Twitter, I was presented with the opportunity to join Rave Reviews Book Club, where we both currently serve as members of the Governing Board.  During our time working together, I’ve grown to appreciate Bruce not only as a fabulous writer, but also as a caring colleague, mentor, and friend...

For those sci-fi/fantasy readers who’ve been following me for awhile, there’s a pretty good chance they’ve come to recognize my deep affection for dogs.  I mean, let’s face it, I include these animals in my DARK STAR Series, and I even have a  webpage dedicated to, “Henry”, a cantankerous and comedic canine character!  


“Henry”, DARK STAR’s Cantankerous and Comedic Canine Character.


With all of this in mind, I’m sure it comes as no surprise that topping my list of favorite dogs, sits my very own dachshund, Hugo.  And for those who may be wondering, the answer is yes—I did name him after science fiction’s prestigious Hugo Award! 

In truth, my little hot dog has more personality than you can shake a fetching stick at, including heaping doses of playfulness, intelligence, and stubbornness—traits which this breed are known for.  But what makes Hugo truly endearing, is how sweet and sensitive he is.  (Not to mention, protective.)  It’s quickly clear to anyone who meets us; Hugo’s a mama’s boy!
 

Hugo with DARK STAR author, Danica Cornell.

An interesting thing about my canine companion, (other than the fact that he runs our house), is that despite being similar to DARK STAR’s, “Henry”, I actually created “Henry” before meeting Hugo.  In other words, I envisioned a character that ended up being similar to a pup, which would one day join my family!  (A case of life imitating art—or arf, if there ever was one!) 

Here are a few more fun factoids:

·       Hugo is actually my fourth dachshund!  The first three were Oscar, Sara, and Wilbur.
·       Hugo’s favorite games include fetch and tug-o-war.  He loves to play first thing, (typically while I’m clutching my morning coffee), and again right after dinner.
·       I tend to think of our evening play times as a “Hugo Reward” for a day spent writing and editing.  (Yes, he typically stays right by my side while I work.)

By now, one thing’s probably clear:  My adoration and familiarity with this breed are why I’m including dachshund characters in my DARK STAR series.  Soon, readers will be introduced to DARK STAR’s “Henry” and his younger brofur, “Hector”, who has a knack for lightening the mood at just the right time. 

And the best part of all?  As a writer, I’ve found that through bringing these canine characters to life, I’m having the time of my life.  Not bad for a day’s work!


ABOUT DANICA CORNELL:   


Danica Cornell is the PR/Marketing Director for Rave Reviews Book Club who’s busily penning the forthcoming DARK STAR Sci-fi/Fantasy Series, soon to be published by Cool Geek Books.  To learn more, please visit Danica’s website at www.danicacornell.com.


CONNECT WITH DANICA:

Website  
Blog   
Twitter  
Facebook   
Pinterest    
Instagram   
Google +     
About. Me      
You Tube   

CONNECT WITH DARK STAR’S BELOVED CANINE CHARACTER, “HENRY”!

Henry’s Website Page        
Twitter    

Danica Cornell is a proud member of Rave Reviews Book Club and the Fantasy Sci-Fi Network.




Sunday, August 17, 2014

The Saga Continues

A few weeks ago, I wrote about my troubles of breaking down or, more accurately, my truck breaking down at work—and quite frequently, I might add. I literally couldn’t go more than a day or two without something breaking. Well, I’m happy to report that I’ve been assigned a new truck—a brand new truck! Great, right? Maybe not.

The truck rides nice, the seat is comfortable, it smells clean and new, and the paint is oh, so shiny! So, for the superficial, and ultimately unimportant stuff, they’ve got it covered. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to make much of a difference. The Check Engine light is constantly on, the cruise sometimes works, and the transmission well, it takes a little coaxing.

Given my recent run of bad luck, I guess I shouldn’t have been too surprised when, on only my second night in the truck, it broke down. But not to worry, the mechanic said when he arrived, it was nothing major.

Nothing major? The truck would not run and there I sat, stranded on the highway—again! That’s kind of “major” to me. Actually, the guy did have it fixed pretty quickly and I was only a little late in getting home. Still, I would think a brand new truck would last more than a measly two days. Two days! But, as I was told, I have unreasonable expectations.

I don’t think I do. Not anymore. I fully expect the saga to continue!

______________________________________


Current Read
Inside Room 913
Bruce A. Borders

SPOTLIGHT Author
Kathryn Treat
Allergic To Life

________________________________

Bruce A. Borders is the author of more than a dozen books, including: Inside Room 913, Over My Dead Body, The Journey, Miscarriage Of Justice, and The Wynn Garrett Series. Available in ebook and paperback on iTunes, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Diesel Books, and Smashwords, or at www.bruceabordersbooks.weebly.com. Amazon Profile - http://www.amazon.com/Bruce-A.-Borders/e/B006SOLWQS Bruce A. Borders also serves as the Vice President of Rave Reviews Book Club http://ravereviewsbynonniejules.wordpress.com




Sunday, August 10, 2014

The Stowaway

“Just get to the point,” my wife often tells me. She doesn’t like my longwinded setups that I feel are necessary to a story. Too wordy, she says. My computer sometimes agrees with her. With that in mind, I’ll try to keep this short.

When I was a kid, during one of our family’s many travels, we saw a bum or, vagrant if you prefer, who had caught a ride inside a brand new car being transported by truck—a car hauler. Or, as truck drivers call them, a portable parking lot. A modern-day hobo who’d traded riding the rails for more luxurious accommodations. The guy seemed quite content; dry and comfortable on his journey to wherever he was going. At the time we thought it was odd but later I learned that this happened quite a bit due to the cars being left unlocked during transport— a practice that has since been changed. Apparently, the car companies didn’t like the idea of new cars showing up at the dealership with that lived-in look.

I’ve hauled cars a few times in my illustrious trucking career, and mindful of the possibility, I always made sure to check the vehicles for unwanted passengers anytime I had stopped. Like the car companies, I’m not in to giving out free rides. I never had the “pleasure” of finding any passengers, although I have seen a few from my lofty perch in the cab of my truck.

These days, with the electronic locks and advanced alarms, stowaways on car haulers aren’t much of a problem. Sure, these sophisticated systems can easily be defeated provided you have the right equipment but the typical vagrant seeking a cheap fare doesn’t usually carry an RF transmitter capable of accessing the Remote Keyless Entry. And even if they did, I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t have the technological knowledge to use it.

Consequently, it’s been several years since I’ve seen anyone bumming a ride in a portable parking lot. That is, until this past week. I was passing a car hauler and glanced over just in time to see the guy—stretched out in the back seat of a Dodge Charger.


And the point of all of this? (I hear my wife asking). Nothing really. Just something to ponder as you make your next vehicle purchase.

______________________________________


Current Read
Inside Room 913
Bruce A. Borders


SPOTLIGHT Author
Kathryn Treat
Allergic To Life


_________________________________

Bruce A. Borders is the author of more than a dozen books, including: Inside Room 913, Over My Dead Body, The Journey, Miscarriage Of Justice, and The Wynn Garrett Series. Available in ebook and paperback on iTunes, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Diesel Books, and Smashwords, or at www.bruceabordersbooks.weebly.com. Amazon Profile - http://www.amazon.com/Bruce-A.-Borders/e/B006SOLWQS Bruce A. Borders also serves as the Vice President of Rave Reviews Book Club http://ravereviewsbynonniejules.wordpress.com


Monday, August 4, 2014

The Greatest Thing Since...

I’m sure everyone has heard the expression, The greatest thing since... (Fill in your own marvelous invention, the wheel, indoor plumbing, or electricity). I think “sliced bread” is one of the most popular. At least that’s what I’ve heard most often.

But I like to be different; to say things my own way, and somewhere back in my early teens, I decided “sliced peanut butter” was the appropriate ending for that saying. The expression on people’s faces and the puzzled looks they gave me were sometimes hilarious. Of course, those who did not appreciate my humor always made it a point to inform me that peanut better is not sliced. Really? And one person even felt compelled to enlighten me as to how dumb I was for making such a statement.

I just laughed. I’m not sure what the appropriate response to that would be. And, I didn’t let it stop me. I continued to repeat the saying—along with many others. But this was my favorite. When my kids got old enough to actually hear what I was saying, they all tried to “help” me, their “old” dad, who they must have thought was going senile.

Then one day, in the course of my travels as a truck driver, I was sent to pick up a load of snacks from the plant where they were made. The load wasn’t ready so, I had to wait. As a lot of places do, they had a driver room where we could watch the production. Imagine my amusement when I saw the assembly line for crackers and peanut butter snacks. The crackers came down a conveyor belt, where the peanut butter was then added—not squirted, as I would have thought, but in slices. Yep, slices! In order to keep a uniform consistency, I was told, the peanut butter was formed into logs, chilled, and then sliced. What a great idea!

After that, I didn’t hesitate to tell anyone who objected to my little saying that they were wrong. I think my kids were the only ones who appreciated it though. At the time, I couldn’t help but think it was nice to be vindicated. Great actually. The greatest thing since, wait—this WAS sliced peanut butter!

____________________________________


Current Read
Inside room 913
Bruce A. Borders

SPOTLIGHT Author
Kathryn Treat
Allergic to Life

_______________________________

Bruce A. Borders is the author of more than a dozen books, including: Inside Room 913, Over My Dead Body, The Journey, Miscarriage Of Justice, and The Wynn Garrett Series. Available in ebook and paperback on iTunes, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Diesel Books, and Smashwords, or at www.bruceabordersbooks.weebly.com. Amazon Profile - http://www.amazon.com/Bruce-A.-Borders/e/B006SOLWQS Bruce A. Borders also serves as the Vice President of Rave Reviews Book Club http://ravereviewsbynonniejules.wordpress.com