Colleen Houck


“I took hold of that scourge -filled ship and crushed it between my limbs, hurtling it into the second sun, the red one that gave me strength. But I was too late." Terraformer

Colleen's blog


  • Thanksgiving Writing Contest & October Contest Winner!

    November 5, 2014


    what are you thankful for, girl in forest pondering

    Just days ago, the whole town was alive with music and laughter. Parades, carnivals, and parties; dancing, eating, and singing. Yes, it was Halloween. The adults danced and danced in costumes both scary and silly while the trick-or-treaters paraded the streets, feasting on skittles, sour pops and all sorts of sweets. The air was filled with excitement and magic that night but now, the streets and sidewalks have gone quiet. Costumes and candy wrappers litter the floor of the children’s rooms and the jack-o-lantern’s light has long since gone out.

    78699-jack-o-lantern-templates

     

    For those of you who participated in October’s Contest of the Month, a huge thanks! We received some awesome costume entries and thought I’d share a couple with you!

    Here’s Tawney as the Big Bad Wolf from the Red Riding Hood story by Brothers Grimm

    grimm7

     

    wolf

     

    Here is Darcy as a dwarf from the book by J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit

    lotr

    Dwarf

    Here’s me and my husband as Bert and Mary Poppins from the book Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers

     

    marypoppins-book_114

    IMG_0468

    Just for fun, here’s a pic of Colleen Houck and husband Brad at the pumpkin patch (taken a few years back)

     

    Picture 118

    Finally, here’s the winner of October’s Costume Contest of the Month. . .

    Allana Lopez as the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland by Charles Lutwidge Dodgson under the pseudonym Lewis Carroll

     

    AliceWonderland2.1

    mad hatter

    The winner of October’s contest will receive a

    1st Edition Tiger’s Curse Collectors Book

    Tiger T-Shirt

    Tiger Bracelet

    Treat (candy)

     Congrats Allana!

     


     

    Well it seems another Halloween has come and gone, ushering in the new season. I watch the leaves spin in circles carried by the chill autumn wind. I see the store windows overwhelming every passerby with Christmas displays and advertisements for the “hottest toys” of the year. “Where has November gone?” I ask.  “What about Thanksgiving?”

    131209162308-christmas-windows-printemps-tablet-large

     

    Macys+Famous+Christmas+Store+Windows+Display+q64IbirJCdUl

     

    window-topper

     

    Selfridges+Reveals+Christmas+Window+Displays+NbY2bLjYDCRl

    I think perhaps we get so carried away in the hustle and bustle of the whole holiday season that we sometimes forget to stop and ponder over the blessings we have. After all, isn’t that what November and Thanksgiving is all about?

    So I’ve decided to make this an annual Thanksgiving writing contest.

    1857-happy-thanksgiving-2880x1800-holiday-wallpaper

    Writing Contest

    Thanksgiving Day is just a few weeks away and despite all the turmoil in the world, a government divided, bad economic times, disease and sickness in homes, and family hardships, there are still so many things to be thankful for. We have someone to love, someone who loves us, friends to laugh with and at times cry with, a beautiful earth that gives us light and food for both body and spirit, we have freedom, and we have life! With life and all its inadequacies, we can still find its beauty and joy.

    As the saying goes, “He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” ` Epictetus

    i am thankful with leaves

    I was reading a magazine (can’t recall which) and I came across an article that stated when a person wrote a thank you letter, researchers found that their happiness soared an impressive 20%. Writing just one letter was said to have a very positive effect.

    Fall Candids

    the lost art of saying thank you quote

     

    So, in honor of Thanksgiving, I decided to create a writing contest with your happiness in mind. One lucky writer and reader of Colleen Houck’s Tiger’s Curse Blog will win a special YA book package (includes: An audio book of Tiger’s Curse) and two runners-up will win a small personalized gift from Colleen PLUS an officially signed copy of Tiger’s Voyage w/ Exclusive Content for a friend new to the Tiger’s Curse Series! This is all provided you meet the entrance requirements in our Thankful Contest. These prizes are a special gift from Colleen Houck to you!


     

    Here’s how the contest will work,

    Step 1:

     Take a moment to step back and reflect on what you are truly thankful for. For some this may take more time than others. Let’s be honest, some of us at times tend to focus on the thorns of a rose bush instead of being amazed to find beautiful roses among the thorns. Organize your thoughts and then write them down. Take two to three paragraphs (that’s right, minimize to just two or three) to share your story of what your thankful for this year and then type them with  your name and the date.

    girl pondering

    Step 2:

     In the spirit of the season, identify one person whom you are especially grateful for this year. Perhaps it’s your mom or dad or a brother or sister, or maybe your good friend. Also consider a teacher or some other person who may have influenced you for good or meant something special to you. Catalog your thoughts and write that person a thank you letter.

    Letter writing is a lost art and oftentimes, if a letter is personally handwritten, it is more meaningful to the person receiving it. If you need help on how to write a thank you letter, click here. Choose nice stationary and pen. Take your time and choose your words in a way that shows your gratitude in a more eloquent and heartfelt way.

    write a letter

    Step 3:

    Make a copy of your letter (one to be given to the person you addressed it to, and the copy to be submitted for the contest). You may change the name or leave it blank if you wish it to be anonymous. Place your letter in an addressed envelope and mail it (or hand-deliver it if that is preferred).

    beautiful stationary

    addressed envelope

    Step 4:

    Perform one random act of kindness. This can be lots of fun and since I have no way of ensuring this step is done, please use the honor code. This can be as simple as doing the dishes or some chore for another or visiting someone who’s sick or bringing cookies to someone down or in need, or buying a stranger’s meal or the movie ticket for the person behind you in line. The sky’s the limit with this step so really have fun with it!

    service1 service 2

    Step 5:

    Submit all 5 items to lindalouiselotti@colleenhouck.com. Remember, if you don’t supply me with ALL the required information your entry will not count, so don’t forget!!!

    1) your 2-3 paragraph of things you are thankful for along with a

    2) copy of your thank you letter to someone you care about.

    3) Include your full name and

    4) your mailing address.*Include mailing address for a friend who might like the Tiger’s Series (this is vital if you are a runner up winner)

    5) Also make mention of the random act of kindness you performed as that will be listed also.

     

    This contest will run up through December 1st. The winner will be announced shortly after. Good luck!

    And always remember, “Blessed are those that can give without remembering and receive without forgetting.” ~ Author unknown

    give t hanks block letters

    ~Till next time,

    Linda Louise Lotti

     

    This entry was posted in Contest, Contest Winners, Fans.

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    Categories
    Archive
    Author Bio
    Linda

    I’m Linda Louise, one of the bloggers on this website and Colleen’s little sister. I’m just a girl in her mid-thirties who feels thirteen when I play outside with my boys, fifteen when I sing my heart out listening to tunes while driving by myself, and sixty five when I go out past ten at night. I have a thing for junior mints, Mt. Dew, shrimp and kale (though not all at once) and I have a crush on Superman. I still get girlish butterflies when I read Twilight, cry when I read These is My Words, and smile from ear to ear when I read Anne of Green Gables. I have nightmares about aliens on a regular basis and I have a bad habit of midnight snacking. I love everything sports, except golf (although can that honestly be considered a sport??), and I hate anything that slithers, hisses, or stings. I have a problem with giggling at inappropriate moments and I sometimes wish life was a musical. I love science, hate math, love Dr. Seuss, and hate olives. My family is my world and my joys come from their happiness. I’ve learned I don’t know much about anything and I live for a good adventure, naps, cuddles, stories, exceptional food and The Shire.

  • Tiger’s Curse Movie Director Announced!

    November 4, 2014


    Hello Tiger Fans!

    BIG NEWS!

    There is some exciting breaking news about the TIGER’S CURSE movie that I’ve got to share. A director has been selected! I’m so excited about this! The news was sent out yesterday when an announcement was made at the AFM (the American Film Market) conference that’s been going on this week in Santa Monica, California. Check here touroftoowoomba about upcoming updates.

    One of my film producers, Raphael Kryszek, with Ineffable Pictures, who’s been working on the film with me since 2010, shared the news with me a while back but now that it’s finally been made public, I can tell all of you.

    The director of the TIGER’S CURSE film is Shekhar Kapur, an Internationally acclaimed producer and filmmaker and Golden Globe winning director who has not only worked on a number of Indian films but also headed the film project, ELIZABETH. He also won a special award issued by the International Indian Film Academy in 2000 for Outstanding Indian Achievement in World Cinema.

    It’s a very big step forward getting a director and this one in particular. For me the most important aspect of a movie is balancing thrilling action scenes with character development and allowing time for the building of relationships. I also want TIGER’S CURSE to be a visually beautiful film and showcase the culture I tried to incorporate in the books. This is a man who gets costume, color, gorgeous settings, and, above all else, India. We are very fortunate to have Mr. Kapur on board.

    Here’s what Shekhar Kapur said about being chosen for the TIGER’S CURSE movie.

     

    Colleen Houck has created a brilliant story of a young girl’s journey through amazing adventures in the discovery of herself. Of who she really is. Yes there are tigers, amazing backdrops, heart stopping action and of course love. But at its center, is an enthralling exploration of a young American teenager’s heart. Her desires. Her fears. Her mission and how she wins. I am super excited to direct this film.”

    And, bonus, he looks like Mr. Kadam!

    In addition to this, it was announced that Shakhar Kapur will also be producing the movie along with Raphael Kryszek and Jesse Israel. And that Lotus Entertainment’s Bill Johnson and Jim Seibel and Lotus’ D.J. Gugenheim and Ara Keshishian are going to be executive producing the film.

     

     

    Ineffable Pictures’ Raphael Kryszek said regarding the choice of director, “We are thrilled to pair Kapur’s creative talent with Houck’s epic adventure. This is the first film in a franchise certain to capture the hearts and minds of audiences around the world. Lotus shares in our vision and passion for TIGER’S CURSE and we are excited to make them part of the TIGER’S CURSE family.”

    And Bill Johnson from Lotus Entertainment said: “We think TIGER’S CURSE has the ability to really capture the imagination of a large, worldwide audience with its combination of fantasy, adventure and romance. We are excited to be a part of launching something special into the marketplace.”

     

    Concept_A-Version_09

     

    You can follow my movie producers and the director to get breaking news and updates at @ineffablepics@shekharkapur@LotusEntLA, Lotus Entertainment, Ineffable Pictures, Shekhar Kapur, & Ineffable Pictures Facebook. And, of course,  you can always follow me on Twitter and Facebook, and sign up for my newsletter.

    If you’d like to read up on all the social media articles about the director, here are links to the sites I’ve found. If there are more I haven’t seen, let me know and I’ll add them here.

    WE ARE MOVIE GEEKS

    VARIETY

    SCREEN DAILY

    THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

    COMINGSOON.NET

    DEADLINE

    DARK HORIZONS

    THE WRAP

    ENEWSPAPER OF INDIA

    EMPIRE

    BOLLYWOOD LIFE

    MID-DAY

    THE TIMES OF INDIA

    Thanks everyone! Leave a comment to let me know what you all think! The next step is casting which is very exciting to think about. Who do you think would be the best actors and actresses for the characters in TIGER’S CURSE?

    Time to celebrate now. Love to you all,

     

    Colleen

    This entry was posted in Movie, News, Tiger's Curse.

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    Categories
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    Colleen Houck

    New York Times Bestselling author Colleen Houck is a lifelong reader whose literary interests include action, adventure, paranormal, science fiction, and romance. When she's not busy writing, she likes to spend time chatting on the phone with one of her six siblings, watching plays, and shopping online. Colleen has lived in Arizona, Idaho, Utah, California, and North Carolina and is now permanently settled in Salem, Oregon with her husband and a huge assortment of plush tigers.

  • “Bubble Bubble Toil and Trouble”, A Closer Look at Witches

    October 30, 2014


    macbeth witches


     

    “Eye of newt, and toe of frog, Wool of bat, and tongue of dog, Adder’s fork, and blind-worms sting, Lizard’s leg, and owlet’s wing, For a charm of powerful trouble, Like a hell-broth boil and bubble.”                            

       – William Shakespeare

     


    witch on broom stick with woman on back

    The witch, the sorceress, the devil’s consort, the enchantress flying across the moonlight, what do we know of their mysterious origins? Who is the woman behind the myth of the witch with extraordinary supernatural powers? Why were they tortured and burned at stakes and how did the belief start that witches could fly? Let us discover the forbidden secrets, the enduring power, the myths and the magic of the Witch
    A witch is a powerful being of fairy tale and myth who has haunted the human consciousness for thousands of years. She has been seen as the dark side of herself, the shadow who’s become a monster.

     

    Beginnings

    There are many different beliefs as to the origins of the witch. It is believed by some that they came from early Goddess colts. These were the women who served the Goddess. These Goddess figures, some dating back 20,000 years, were revered for their magical ability to increase fertility and nourish the land. For thousands of years, the Creation Goddess was worshipped. She goes by many names; in ancient Mesopotamia she was called Inanna, the “queen of heaven”, in Egypt, she was called Isis, in the land of Canaan, she was Asherah. All of them held power over the forces of life and death. There were those women who would worship these Goddesses and dedicated their time to serving those in need. They were holy priestesses and over time, they were known as the Wise Women. They made house calls to care for the sick, removed impurities, took off sorcery, cured babies, helped with infertility, to name a few. From earlier spiritual ceremonies stemmed the beginnings of witchcraft. During these times, the Wise Women were looked to for help and council. They were seen in a positive light in their communities. Later came the rise of Christianity and the use of “magical healers” was no longer necessary. Religious persons became tremendously suspicious of their methods and were soon seen as heretics, minions of Satan. According to these religious fanatics, these Wise Women did not rely on God and practiced “black magic”. They labeled them as witches.

     

    Inanna creationn goddess in ancient mesopotamia

    Inanna, Goddess of ancient Mesopotamia

     

    Isis creation goddess of Egypt

    Isis, Goddess of Egypt

     

    Asherah, creation goddess of canaan

    Asherah, Goddess of Canaan

    Witch Hunts

     

    witches burned at stake

    The familiar witch we know of today in popular folklore and superstition is a combination of numerous influences. The characterization of the witch as an evil magic user developed over time. Witch hunts appeared in southern France and Switzerland during the 14th and 15th centuries and spread in the 15th century to parts of Germany. During this time, the supernatural was a part of everyday life. Witchcraft was used by peasants, who invoked particular charms for farming and agriculture. Over time, the idea of “white magic” changed to “dark magic” and became associated with evil spirits and the Devil.

    salem witch trials

    salem witch trials2

    Men and women believed that all the misfortunes were attributed to the work of the Devil so when things like crop failures, infant death, contention between neighbors, etc. occurred, it was the supernatural to be blamed.

    devil re-baptizing a male witch
    In the early 1600’s, Springfield, Massachusetts experienced America’s first accusations of witchcraft. The first recorded witch trial was when a husband and wife, Hugh and Mary Parsons, accused each other of witchcraft. He was found innocent and she was sentenced to be hanged for the death of her child. She died in prison before the hanging. Then there were the Salem Witch trials in the year 1692 and 1693.  In Salem, Massachusetts (and surrounding towns) there was a series of hearings before local magistrates followed by court trials prosecuting persons accused of witchcraft. Over 150 people were arrested and imprisoned (not including those who were not formally pursued by authorities) and 55 were convicted of witchcraft. Many were hanged to death while others died while in prison. It was recorded that one of the men convicted refused to enter a plea and was crushed to death under heavy stones in an attempt to force him to do so.

    witches tied up

    Other accusations of witchcraft and wizardry led to another prosecution in Tennessee as recently as 1833.
    Flying on Broomsticks

     

    the broomstick

    There seems to be different theories on this one so I’ll give you the two that seemed most credible to me.

    Theory A:

    The first known reference to witches using broomsticks to fly dates back to 1453. A witch named Guillaume Edelin confessed to using a “flying ointment” that was used for flight on the broomstick. Shortly after this time period, witches began to be associated with their broomsticks in recorded history around 1456.

    So, what is this “flying ointment” you ask? First of all, it is important to note that many supernatural beliefs and stories throughout history were fueled by the use of drugs. And, what better way to make you think you can fly than to be high on some hallucinogenic? Drug use among these witches was part of their rituals and was indeed quite common. Many hallucinogenic compounds were made from a number of plants and were also used during the middle ages to make “brews”, “ointments”, or “witches salves”.

    Theory B:

    The origin of witches riding brooms comes from a Pagan ritual known as the Harvest Fertility Rite. The Pagans would “ride” brooms through the fields and jump as high as they could, signifying how high they wanted the crops to grow. As the Christian religions came into the picture, this ritual was somehow later connected with witches and exaggerated to say that witches could really fly.

    witch on broomstick older history

    Green skin, warts, pointy chins and long noses, ugly old widows

    Throughout history, witches were depicted as regular looking women although typically plain, older, and widowed. It seems as though the iconic witch with green skin, a long nose and pointy chin is the imaginings of the wicked witch of the west from the film The Wizard of Oz in 1939. Prior to that film, the Wicked Witch of the West was described by the author as short, squat, one-eyed had a big bulbous nose, and an extremely long pointy cap.

    The changing image of the witch over time

    Witches and Wicked Bodies

    An old woman with warts and a long pointy nose

     

    ugly witch

    The Wicked Witch of the West from the film Wizard of Oz

     

    wicked-witch-of-the-west-2-300x230

     

    The cauldron

    boiling-cauldron

    The use of cauldrons in association with witches was popularized by Shakespeare’s play Macbeth. There is a Celtic legend that tells of the cauldron being used to bring dead warriors back to life, although speechless and soulless. Cauldrons symbolize the Creation Goddess and represent the womb (due to the fact that it holds something). If it is being used on an altar, it represents earth. If you were to go shopping for a cauldron sold in “metaphysical” stores they may have various symbols of power inscribed on them.

    wicked witch casting spell

    Shhhh, did you hear that? I think I hear voices. They are chanting, no, they are singing…
    Double, double toil and trouble;
    Fire burn and caldron bubble.
    Fillet of a fenny snake,
    In the caldron boil and bake;
    Eye of newt and toe of frog,
    Wool of bat and tongue of dog,
    Adder’s fork and bling-worms sting,
    Lizard’s leg and howlet’s wing,
    For a charm of powerful trouble,
    Like a hell-broth boil and bubble.
    Double, double toil and trouble;
    Fire burn and caldron bubble.
    Cool it with a baboon’s blood,
    Then the charm is firm and good.

    scary witches around cauldron

    I believe I heard the Song of the Witches by Macbeth. Did you hear it too?

    The black cat

    black cat

    The black cat is a strong stereo-type associated with witches but in most modern witch stories and films, there is seldom a black cat. Throughout history, a real witches’ familiar can be any kind and color of animal. In Asian witchcraft, there are two types of witches associated with either the fox or the snake. It is believed these witches would make a bond by agreeing to care for the animal in exchange for the animal’s loyalty and magical powers. There are many cultures with superstitions about black cats, often ascribing good or bad luck to them. Folk magic tells us that the color black color is a strong antecedent for magical properties. Black cats have played a major role in folklore and mythology. In the middle ages they were believed to be the witches’ incarnate. They were believed to be supernatural servants of witches, or even witches themselves. When witches were burned at the stake, it was common for their familiars to be killed along with them. Still today, there are many people who maintain these superstitions about the black cat.

    So now we see just how these ancient beginnings molded and shaped the spooky image of the witch we know today. The potions, the sorcery, the cauldron, the broomstick, the black cat, the creepy features and the pointy hat,
    all associated with the Halloween image of the Witch.
    Let’s look at some of the witches over history,

    The three witches from the film Clash of the Titans (old) **These witches CREEPED me out when I first watched the film.

    clas of titans witches old

    One of the three witches from the newer film remake of Clash of the Titans (I haven’t seen t his one yet but this witch is definitely creepy!)

     

    ???????????????????????????????

    There are stories of both the bad witch and the good witch, as found in Wizard of Oz

     

    good vs bad witch oz

     

    Disney’s Snow White Witch

     

    snow white witch

    The modern goth witch

     

    gothic witch modern

    And let’s not forget how society puts a “pretty” spin on the image of the witch

     

    cute witch costume

    Well, we all know what time it is, that’s right, it’s HALLOWEEN! I want to wish you all the happiest, safest Halloween! I’ll post costume pictures soon! My little girl will be a character from a classic fairy tale! Feel free to share what you are going to be for Halloween this year by leaving a comment (and dont forget to enter the Halloween costume contest)!!

    Happy-Halloween-Witch-Flying-On-Broom-At-Scary-Night-Wallpaper

    Happy Halloween!

    It’s late and we are sleepy,
    The air is cold and still.
    Our jack-o-lantern grins at us
    Upon the window sill.
    We’re stuffed with cake and candy
    And we’ve had a lot of fun,
    But now it’s time to go to bed
    And dream of all we’ve done.
    We’ll dream of ghosts and goblins
    And of witches that we’ve seen,
    And we’ll dream of trick-or-treating
    On this happy Halloween.

    -author unknown
    ~ Till next time, 

    Linda Louise Lotti

     

    This entry was posted in Mythology.

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    Categories
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    Author Bio
    Linda

    I’m Linda Louise, one of the bloggers on this website and Colleen’s little sister. I’m just a girl in her mid-thirties who feels thirteen when I play outside with my boys, fifteen when I sing my heart out listening to tunes while driving by myself, and sixty five when I go out past ten at night. I have a thing for junior mints, Mt. Dew, shrimp and kale (though not all at once) and I have a crush on Superman. I still get girlish butterflies when I read Twilight, cry when I read These is My Words, and smile from ear to ear when I read Anne of Green Gables. I have nightmares about aliens on a regular basis and I have a bad habit of midnight snacking. I love everything sports, except golf (although can that honestly be considered a sport??), and I hate anything that slithers, hisses, or stings. I have a problem with giggling at inappropriate moments and I sometimes wish life was a musical. I love science, hate math, love Dr. Seuss, and hate olives. My family is my world and my joys come from their happiness. I’ve learned I don’t know much about anything and I live for a good adventure, naps, cuddles, stories, exceptional food and The Shire.