Happy Saturday, everyone! First of all, I'd like to thank everyone for participating in my Henna Head Giveaway this week. The comments here, on my Facebook post and over at my blog, A Writer's Rush, have been awesome! I got 100% thumbs up on the henna, so I guess I'll be using it again :). I really had fun with all of you and loved the henna conversation. Everyone who commented (here, my blog or on FB) was put in a random drawing for my 'From Kenya, With Love' gift pack. As promised, I have a winner announcement!
BUT since I'm so mean, I'm going to make you scroll to the bottom of this post to see who it is. Wait, wait...don't get annoyed. I'm giving you a trail of visual treats on your way down :). Call it PG rated eye candy.
As you know from the blurb at the end of my Henna post, my latest release, Through the Storm, is set in Kenya's Serengeti. It centers around a daring bush pilot, Mac Walker, and his not-so-daring sister-in-law who finds herself with information that could bring down an ivory poaching ring. Information that could endanger her, Mac and their difficult teenage nephew, whom they were given joint custody of only months ago.
I thought it would be fun to share my Hollywood inspiration photos for these three characters, starting with my rugged, Indiana Jones-ish hero who has dedicated his life to helping track and rescue wildlife for both researchers and authorities cracking down on poaching.
Mac Walker:
Yep...Daniel Craig...minus the suit. Image Source: |
Image Source: http://www.giantbomb.com/daniel-craig/3040-90200/ |
Now Daniel Craig in this outfit is totally what Mac the pilot would look like. Image Source: http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/daniel-craig/images/18541093/title/daniel-craig-photo |
Tessa Henning:
Anne Hathaway...And this sequence of photos shows how she changes in the story from the wife of a wealthy man, to one on the run...then weary as she hides out at a camp in the Serengeti. Image Source: http://www.denofgeek.us/movies/colossal/246183/anne-hathaways-monster-movie-now-under-threat |
Anne Hathaway Image Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3184163/Robert-Niro-finds-purpose-assistant-CEO-Anne-Hathaway-new-trailer-Intern.html |
Image Source: http://feministfiction.com/2013/01/31/on-fantine/anne-hathaway-in-les-miserables-1920x1080/ |
Then there's their teenage nephew, Nick, who recently lost his parents in a plane crash. He's still angry and feels unwanted. Add all that to 'normal' teen rebelliousness. His mom was Tessa's sister and his dad was Mac's brother.
Nick Walker:
Zac Effron Image Source: http://www.thehairstyler.com/mens-hairstyles/casual/medium/straight/Zac-Efron-smooth-hairstyle |
Zac Effron...told you I had eye candy :) Image Source: http://www.haircutshairstyles.com/zac_efrons_midlength_hairstyle-100.shtml |
And that's not all folks!
I have the hit song that in my mind totally embraces this book. Does anyone here remember Toto's hit song that released in 1982...Africa? I can't stop listening to it! I loved it then and now I can't get it out of my head for so many reasons. It's plain awesome (hey, I was an 80's teen) and the music video...you just have to watch it for the wrist bands, lip liner and library full of books in the middle of nowhere in Africa. Oh, there's danger too! Here's the link:
I also love, love, love the lyrics. I'm blown away by how well they describe Mac, his passion for Africa and his work...and his relationship with Tessa, since they knew each other as kids. Here's a link to the lyrics (written by David Paich...who stars in the video...and Jeff Porcaro):
I even have my boys hooked on this song now! :)
Okay, I've made you wait long enough. I won't delay by posting my book blurb and buy links again. You've been so patient. I'll get right to announcing my giveaway winner.
And the winner is...
Tanja Dancy!
Congratulations, Tanja! Please send me your mailing info through my website contact page: http://www.rulasinara.com/p/contact-me.html or at rulasinara at gmail dot com with Henna Head Giveaway winner in the subject line.
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
Rula :)
www.RulaSinara.com
Congratulations, Tanja!
ReplyDeleteYou know I love your stories, Rula, and THROUGH THE STORM sounds particularly intriguing. Since the plot involves animals and poaching, knowing a little about your passion for animals, I trust the bad guys get what they deserve at the end!
I love Anne Hathaway as an actress. Great choice for your heroine! I can readily see Zac Effron as a troubled teen. I look forward to reading THROUGH THE STORM.
Thanks, Kate! I know you share my love of animals :).
DeleteLOVE this post, Rula, and I can't wait to dig into THROUGH THE STORM. Wishing you a very happy Mother's Day!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Loree!! I've really been earning my Mother's Day this week since I've spent the past three days in doctor's offices with my eldest. He's a runner and he fell at a school meet, which resulted in a broken wrist, tons of abrasions etc...Bad enough breaks that he needed CT scans yesterday to check for bone fragments before setting. He's very stoic when it comes to pain, but he's also a handful when he's frustrated and irritable (can't blame him though) ;).
DeleteI tell ya, as a mother of 3 teen boys, I really felt sorry for my heroine while writing this story lol! Talk about empathy!
Oh, Rula! Sympathies on the injured boy. Tell him I'm praying for his speedy healing. And for your sanity. Your book sounds wonderful - loved the eye candy. While Daniel Craig is certainly handsome, I always thought his performances were without passion - then I saw him interviewed and he's totally charming and a real riot. So, I can see him in this with Anne Hathaway - love her. And thanks for the music. In the 80s I had three teenagers, a full time job, and a new Harlequin contract so I barely noticed music. this was a treat. CONGRATULATIONS TANJA! And blessings on all moms everywhere.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Muriel! I agree about Daniel ;). I'd say his 'visual' matched what was in my head, but blended with the personality of Indiana Jones lol. Quite a male combo!
DeleteAnd Happy Mother's Day to amazing you!!!
Thank you so much Rula! I sent you an email with my info. I will really enjoy this prize. I loved reading about your time in Africa and henna and seeing your inspirations for Through the Storm.
ReplyDeleteYou're so welcome, Tanja, and super congrats! Thanks for playing!
DeleteRula, So sorry about your son's fall. I understand the antzyness with an injury. They're just no darned fun. Hope your book arrives soon in my mailbox. I think they arrive slower every month. Happy Mom's Day everyone.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Roz! This kid is antsy without an injury, which is why running is so great for him lol. Thanks on my book too! Happy Mom's Day to you!
DeleteRula, dear! I hope your son is okay and all bones set. My son was constantly breaking bones when he was a teen. I blamed on his milk allergy when he was a baby. Fruit juice and water kept him alive---or pure spunk. I loved the headshots of Daniel Craig and Anne Hathaway and I so could see Zac as Nick.
ReplyDeleteI finished the book last night and it is superlative. Your best yet and it left me hungry for more. I have never been to Africa but for me it's the most exotic fantasy destination I can envision. I wish you great success with it. Stunning descriptions of the ivory trade and the poaching and I loved how you wove Ben into the story. I fell in love with that guy in your last book. Whoh. What a guy. Five stars from me!!!
Squeeee!!!! Thank you, Catherine!! You just totally made my day. I'm hanging on to your comment as my Mother's Day gift lol :). I'm so glad you loved the story. You just made me so excited. Thank you!!!
DeleteAnd I hear you regarding milk allergies. My kids couldn't have dairy for a long time when they were younger, as we figured out their allergies and got them adjusted to a gluten free diet because of issues. But these days it's easy to get almond milk and it's fortified with more calcium than regular milk. And now they get plenty of yogurt and cheese too. But this one is my 'toothpick' child who is long and lanky and breaks bones a lot. I think he stumbles on himself!
Congratulations Tanja!
ReplyDeleteRula, fun post :) I've used Anne Hathaway as a heroine too. I think besides her looks, I'm enthralled by her name. She's Shakespear's wife!
OMG I didn't know that lol! That's so cool. My middle kid is Shakespeare obsessed so I'm off to quiz him to see if he knows (knowing him, he does lol).
DeleteRula, I thoroughly enjoyed this post! Even though he had a small part, I was intrigued with Mac in your first book. I was so excited when I learned he was getting his own story. And what a great premise. Can't wait to read it. (So sorry to hear about your son. Poor guy.)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carol! And congrats on your book being featured by Harlequin as a top Mother's Day gift!!
DeleteWhat a fun post, and the books sounds so suspenseful. I was planning on getting it e-book, but the cover is so gorgeous I might have to get the paper copy instead.
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks, Beth! I do love the cover :). And unlike the previous two books in the series, this one does have an element of suspense!
DeleteLove your eye candy, Rula! And I have loved Mac since Book one in this series! it's about time he got his own story. Congrats to Tanja on the win. She won't be disappointed :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amy!! :) You know I love your heroes!
DeleteMany times I have had such thoughts. I feel empathetic with you. Thanks for your sharing. Have a happy day and be happy
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