MSM 1- Main Street Magazine "Blogging It!": 4/18/10

Interview with Author Jennifer Rardin

Jaz Parks and her vampire boss, Vayl, have already fought demons, vampires, and reavers… curious yet? I certainly was and I wanted to know more, more about the Jaz Parks “Bitten” series and more about the author Jennifer Rardin.

I asked Jennifer to introduce herself to MSM readers, and this is what she had to say: “I'm a redhead, chocoholic, and author of the Jaz Parks series. {6^th book now released} My kids are nearly grown, hubby's a big kid at heart, and I'm on my second childhood, so we all get along pretty well. Except when we play Wii curling. Then the gloves come off, baby!”

I was instantly drawn in, after all, we all know that it’s a battle zone in the Wii curling world! ~smiles~ Jennifer’s wonderful sense of humour catches you right off- she is the kind-a girl you could hang with over a beverage and enjoy a few laughs. It was certainly my pleasure to get to know her, and I have a funny feeling you will as well.

MSM:

What's the single thing you want the listener/viewer to know about your books?
JR:

You're gonna laugh. Out loud. Probably in public, in which case you might want to have a good excuse ready. I suggest you tell people the guards didn't even see you slip through the barrier fence. You'll probably never have to share a seat on the train again.”

MSM:

What was the motivation behind the Jaz Parks series?
JR:

I've always loved vampire stories, so when hubby encouraged me to write one I twisted my arm behind my back and said, "Well, if you insist." Because I just can't say "no" to the man. He's cute.

MSM:

Why do you think vampire books are so popular?
JR:

I'm sure it has nothing to do with the rampant, graphic, stellar sex, since mine are doing well too. I've gotta say it's the lure of immortality. Because we all suspect we're going to be turned sooner or later. And we really need to know how to spend the next couple of hundred years without driving ourselves stark, raving mad. The answer seems to lie somewhere between gainful employment and eternal love.

MSM:

How do you plan on hooking new readers to give your books a try?
JR:

Bribery works wonders for me. Unfortunately I've nearly waded through my entire buyoff budget, leaving me with only pickle-loaf sandwiches and navel lint to tempt potential readers. So all I can do now is suggest you read the sample chapters on my webpage. And maybe talk to the fans who meet me there every day. They're the best in the universe. No contest.

MSM:

What three things does your book give the reader?
JR:

Laughs, Love, and Bubblegum

MSM:

Who is the author behind the pen?
JR:

I'm just a regular person with a head full of stories. It finally got to the point where I had to write them down or go nuts, and I found that once they transferred to paper I felt a helluva a lot better. My house is clean but not spotless. My family is amazing. And I can't shake the feeling that I don't quite deserve all this good fortune.

MSM:

What age group, gender have you found is attracted to your stories the most? Why do you think that is?
JR:

Jaz entertains a startling array of readers. My youngest (so far) has been an eleven-year-old boy and my oldest has been a granny. However, the writing does seem to attract mainly young women in their twenties which, when you realize that Jaz is twenty-five, you kind of understand how they might connect with her.

MSM:

Who is the force behind Jaz Parks? Where do you draw her traits from?
JR:

Jaz began as a voice in my head (a lot like her own inner character) maybe fourteen years ago, and got too loud to ignore while I was writing Once Bitten, Twice Shy. She grew, in part, out of reaction to all the heroines I objected to in my reading at the time. I thought they'd given up too much of their vulnerability and femininity in exchange for their power. Many of her traits also had their genesis in my daughter. But Jaz quickly became her own character, which is how every good heroine should develop.

MSM:

Do the books need to be read in sequence, or can a newbie pick up any one of the "Bite" books without having to read the one before?
JR:

The books are written to stand alone, and I reference previous action enough so that a newbie should be able to figure everything out no matter which book he/she picks up. However the characters and their relationships do progress as the series moves along, so I'd suggest you start at the beginning.

MSM:

Last thoughts/comments
JR:

One of the joys of being a writer has been interacting with fans. So please feel free to visit me on the web. I'm there nearly every day!

http://www.jenniferrardin.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennifer-Rardin/19356585468?ref=share
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/477469.Jennifer_Rardin
http://reluctantadults.blogspot.com/
http://www.twitter.com/JenniferRardin

I highly recommend that you go to Jennifer’s website (http://www.jenniferrardin.net) and read a sample chapter of the Jaz Parks series, if you are like me, you won’t be able to stop reading, instead of getting your work done! So….if the magazine is late coming out…I am blaming it all on Jennifer!

Tilly Rivers

As seen in the April Issue of MSM

Canadian ISSN: 1920-4299

If you would like to find out how to receive your FREE copy of MSM go to www.mainstreetmagazine.net

Quick Tips

Spring, the time that we roll up our sleeves and give the heave-ho to the hibernating dust bunnies that we have let slumber during the winter months. Now, we are full of positive energy flow from that great power- the sun.

Step one, involving major cleaning projects is to have the CD prepared with all of your favourite tunes to keep you smiling as you go. Do not forget- the volume will need to be loud!

Step two is to go through each room with a pen and paper and make a list of what needs to be done, and what you want to do. Wants for example might be paint or buy new blinds, a need is to get a storage bag ( or cardboard box) for the new winter bedding you bought, clean the switch plates in room A, but necessarily in room B.

Once you have been to the store and purchased the cleaning {please consider buying green/earth friendly products} and storage products that you need from the list you created above, assemble all of the cleaning supplies and tools you need. Tools is a fancy word for mop, pail, cleaning rags, gloves etc. And that old baggy t-shirt you have at the back of the closet that you pull out for such occasions as this.

Start at the top and work your way down so you are not tracking any dirt into the cleaned areas. Always dust the same way, start at the top and dust down! Check your list where you have added items like clean all of the light plates, windows, and hard surfaces, tackle the drapes, base boards and floors.

If you are the type who likes to clean your home one room at a time, the rule is: Don't leave until you are done! That means you bring all of the cleaning supplies with you, plus several bags or storage boxes marked "trash," "store away," "goes to another room," and "give away.”

By the way- for all those items you plan on giving away, check out a new group on yahoo called Freecycle, there is probably one in your area. http://www.freecycle.org/ you can post all of your give away items on the site, and others contact you for a pick up time, it is a great way to 1. Keep things out of dumping sites and 2. Give to others in need. All items are offered free of charge. Please read the rules and regulations for the group in your area before coming a member.

Also, be sure to keep lots of liquids handy for you, spring cleaning is hard work. Personally, I always have a blender of daiquiris on the go, but if you prefer water, well-- that is an option!

Happy Spring cleaning all!

Janice Collins

As seen in the April Issue of MSM

Canadian ISSN: 1920-4299

If you would like to find out how to receive your FREE copy of MSM go to http://www.mainstreetmagazine.net/

That’s The Spirit

It is our first year anniversary so let’s break out the fine glassware and raise a toast to our founder and editor in chief. Here are the drinks that our staff (who shall remain nameless) have chosen to celebrate with;

Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 – a favourite of our boss, this wine delivers the right cross of an angel. A full bodied big red with great complexity this beauty is dense, warm and soft and has great length. Drink it now or let it cellar for as long as 20 years. I’ll drink one now and put the rest away for another special occasion.

Strawberry Daiquiri – our creative genius loves her sweet umbrella drink! A simple recipe keeps her happy and her glass full. All you need is some strawberry schnapps, light rum, lime juice, powdered sugar and of course fresh strawberries. Grab your blender and get to it…and of course the fresh berries are for garnishing. Don’t forget to use a Daiquiri glass and umbrella.

Mudslide – one of our wordsmiths loves this blender beauty. Kahlua, Vodka, Bailey’s, cream, milk and bananas. Throw the ingredients into a blender with some ice cubes, blend until smooth and top with some grated dark chocolate; a very decadent drink. Watch the kids as they will want to give this one a try!

Dirty Vodka Martini – well many of our contributors will be having this twist on a classic shaken vodka martini. Vodka (we prefer Belvedere), Dry Vermouth and Olive Brine. Combine with cracked ice in a shaker. Groove it and strain into a classic martini glass. Garnish according to taste and enjoy!

Scotch – My drink of choice. In a tribute to my father I will be having a 25 year old Cutty Sark from the homeland. As I was taught drink it neat at room temperature in a “proper” glass. Like the gentleman my father was I will be sipping this. I am typically a single malt drinker but this age old blend hits a soft spot for me. A big whiskey that is still graceful and light on its feet.

Here is to our founder; to her vision, unbelievable patience, perseverance and love of great people, prose and the open word. Cheers!

As always enjoy, share and drink responsibly.

Clare Jackson

As seen in the April Issue of MSM

Canadian ISSN: 1920-4299

If you would like to find out how to receive your FREE copy of MSM go to http://www.mainstreetmagazine.net/

Fashion Sense

Fun and Funky Spring

Spring fashion trends for 2010 are extremely diverse and a lot of fun, From the return of funky and flirty tie-dye-there's sure to be some spring 2010 fashion trends here that every girl can pull off:

Customize Your Flip Flops -Use super glue to add items to the straps of flip flops. You could glue on unusual items like matchbook covers from spots your visited on the last vacation, or symbols like peace signs, hearts, and skulls. Use your creativity; there are unlimited ways to make flip flops a funky fashion statement with a tube of superglue and fun items of your choice

Tie-Dye – A sure to be favourite spring fashion trend of 2010 has to be the return of a grown-up version of tie-dye. Gone are the tattered T-shirts of the 60's, replaced by flirty cocktail dresses and chic tunics. Tie-dye will become an art form as one of the biggest spring fashion trends of 2010, with designers turning it from a flower child arts-and-crafts project into a very wearable print suitable for dressier styles. And expect this to be one of the 2010 fashion trends that last well into the summer.

Ripped and torn denim – Just when you were going to throw out those torn jeans! Super short hot pants and boy shorts isn't for everyone, so if you can't pull off showing this much leg, ripped and torn denim jeans are a great way to show a little leg and get some ventilation on hotter days that you don't feel like wearing shorts. This is one of the hot fashion trends of spring 2010 that any girl can pull off, as you can look for the right style of ripped and torn jeans that suits you- skinny jeans, high-waisted jeans, dark jeans, etc.

Warrior Look: Interesting spring fashion trend, one that would really make you stand out from the crowd, and you could have fun with. Think ancient warrior by wearing shirts with metallic details, like chain-mail inspired beading. You could don belts and corsets with metallic details to create a warrior-style look, or go really over-the-top by looking for tops with metal plating or faux metal plating. You might also find necklaces that resemble chain mail, or metallic cuff bracelets with an armor-like look. This is one of the 2010 spring fashion trends that will likely be a hit with celebrities, and it really makes me think "Rihanna". Plus those gladiator sandals in your closet from last year will come in handy!

So from ultra-feminine styles to retro looks and even some styles that will make you look like you're battle-ready, whatever your tastes in fashion may be, there's sure to be some spring 2010 fashion trends here that will help you do a little spring closet cleaning and have your wardrobe looking as fresh and diverse as all the new flowers outside.

Louise Kana

As seen in the April Issue of MSM

Canadian ISSN: 1920-4299

If you would like to find out how to receive your FREE copy of MSM go to http://www.mainstreetmagazine.net/

It's the Journey that's Important...

Life, sometimes so wearying
Is worth its weight in gold
The experience of traveling
Lends a wisdom that is old
Beyond our 'living memory'
A softly spoken prayer:
"It's the journey that's important,
Not the getting there!"

Ins and outs and ups and downs
Life's road meanders aimlessly?
Or so it seems, but somehow
Leads us where we need to be,
And being simply human
We oft question and compare....
"Is the journey so important
Or the getting there?"

And thus it's always been
That question pondered down the ages
By simple men with simple ways
To wise and ancient sages....
How sweet then, quietly knowing
Reaching destination fair:
"It's the journey that's important,
Not the getting there

John McLeod

As seen in the April Issue of MSM

Canadian ISSN: 1920-4299

If you would like to find out how to receive your FREE copy of MSM go to http://www.mainstreetmagazine.net/

Do you have a Creative Cutie?

We have a new article in Main Street Magazine for all those artistic little people who need a place to show off their artwork and creations.

If your child is between the ages of 3 and 13, grab your camera and snap those works of art and the little artists behind them.

Send them into MSM care of editor@mainstreetmagazine.net we will share your Creative Cuties with the rest of the world.

Be sure to include their name and age!

As well as your name and email address