Author Dean Koontz Reveals That “Odd Thomas “Is Based on His Rough Childhood

Dean Koontz is one of the best-selling authors of all time. He just released "Saint Odd," the final book in one of his most popular series, a series filled with stories inspired in part by troubles in his own life.

Dean Koontz

"I'm just the guy who lives down the street, and I do books instead of sell cars," Koontz said.

If that's true, then Koontz is the Henry Ford of authors. He's written around 100 different books from sci-fi and suspense to horror with a touch of satire. "When I write a novel, I don't move from page one to page two until I've written 20 or 30 drafts. I have to polish it until I think it can't be any better. Then I can move on," Koontz said. "This comes out of a very deep self-doubt. And that comes out of my childhood."

"He came to me in the most amazing way. I was working on another book, and into my head came the line, 'My name is Odd Thomas. I lead an unusual life,'" Koontz said.Koontz has also led an unusual life. He grew up poor in Pennsylvania and calls his mother Florence a saint, his father a sinner who once tried to stab him. "My dad had 44 jobs in 34 years. He was a violent alcoholic," Koontz said. When Koontz's father was 81 years old, he tried to kill his son.

"I ended up putting it in a novel. We're merciless, us writers. We use everything," Koontz revealed. "You know, it's a terrible thing to say about your own father. I have no happy memories. I literally cannot think of one."He said while those memories were something he had to overcome, they also helped define who he is today.

Right now, Koontz is mourning a loss. He's just released the eighth and final installment in his series about his everyday hero, Odd Thomas, a fry cook who sees dead people. The books have sold 20 million copies.

Saint Odd: An Odd Thomas Novel by Dean Koontz

Best-Selling Romance Writer Nicholas Sparks Ends Real-Life Romance with Wife Catherine.

Best known for his novel "The Notebook," Nicholas Sparks recently admitted he and his now former wife Catherine have decided to end their 25-year marriage. According to TMZ, The couple filed a "post marital agreement" in August 2014.

After their separation, Sparks and ex-wife accepted that neither has a claim on the other's assets so they agreed that neither of them would seek alimony from the other.

The two first met when Sparks was in his senior year at Notre Dame. In October 2014, he revealed to GQ that he met Catherine on a Monday and told her "I will marry you" by Tuesday. They got married in 1989 and share five children, Miles, Ryan and Landon and twins Lexie and Savannah.

In an Interview with US Weekly Spark’s stated "Cathy and I have separated. This is of course not a decision we've made lightly. We remain close friends with deep respect for each other and love for our children. For our children's sake, we regard this as a private matter,"

Nicholas Sparks has an exceptional track record of having novels adapted into film. Here is a list of some of the most popular books that came to life on the big screen.

The Longest Ride 

The Best of Me

Message in a Bottle

Safe Haven

Dear John

The Notebook

The Last Song

The Lucky One

Books That Should Be Made Into Movies

This is a list of books that are NOT movies now, but should be in the future!

City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments, Book 2)

Hush, Hush (The Hush, Hush Saga)

City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments, Book 3) 

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices Book 1) 

Marked (House of Night, Book 1)

Shiver (Wolves of Mercy Falls 1) by Stiefvater, Maggie (2014) Paperback 

Graceling (Graceling Realm, #1) by Kristin Cashore

Frostbite (Vampire Academy, #2) by Richelle Mead

 

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You (Gallagher Girls, #1)by Ally Carter  

The Angel Experiment (Maximum Ride, #1) by James Patterson 

Matched (Matched, #1) by Ally Condie

 

 Artemis Fowl (Artemis Fowl, Book 1) by Colfer, Eoin [2001] 

Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy, #3) by Richelle Mead  

The Summoning (Darkest Powers, #1) by Kelley Armstrong 

A Great and Terrible Beauty (Gemma Doyle, #1) by Libba Bray) 

 The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #5) by Rick Riordan 

Blood Promise (Vampire Academy, #4) by Richelle Mead 

 

Blue Bloods (Blue Bloods, #1) by Melissa de la Cruz 

The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #4) by Rick Riordan 

Evermore (The Immortals, #1) by Alyson Noel 

If you feel that we have overlooked your favorite book, comment below.

Are Men The Real Victims of Sexism?

This is the subject of the book "Stand by your Manhood" by Peter Lloyd

Lloyd hit the headlines a few years ago in the UK after suing his gym because they had women’s-only sessions.

He stated that he was “not against single-gender gym sessions” but insisted that “you can’t reduce the hours men can train when they pay the same price as women,because it’s not our fault if women feel that way” and now he has written a book about it!

In this angry, funny, provocative book Peter Lloyd says men, are these days, considered to be the 'overrated, unfashionable gender', claiming people build entire careers from man-bashing. He argues that men suffer from sexism too, both casual and institutionalized.

Lloyd grapples with some of the “burning questions facing the brotherhood today”: Why isn’t there a male contraceptive pill?Why does no one care men die before women? And the big one: Why should men pay on the first date?

Frank, funny and long overdue,This is a book men everywhere have been waiting for.

Justin Bieber Spotted Reading A Self-Help Classic !!

Is Justin intent on self improvement?

The 20 year old pop sensation who is often found in court for several minor offenses was recently spotted carrying around a self-help classic on personal development whilst having lunch with Cory Gamble in Los Angeles.

The book the teen idol was reading is a classic essay by James Allen,entitled As A Man Thinketh published in 1902.Could Justin finally be trying to be a better man?
Self-help books like As A Man Thinketh have gained massive popularity among celebrities, who more likely than not see it as a convenient philosophy for strengthening their belief that they deserve every ounce of privilege they enjoy.

As A man Thinketh by James Allen is a quick read that everyone needs to have in their library.The title comes from the Bible: "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." -- Proverbs, chapter 23, verse 7

It’s a book that’s recommended by all of the self-help guru’s, including Tony Robbins, and many of the worlds most influential leaders and entrepreneurs. The message is simple and it’s a book that you can easily read in an hour.James Allen also talks about how disease and health are related to your thoughts.

As A Man Thinketh by James Allen is a powerful and inspiring book, a must-read for anyone seeking a better quality of life.

Marvel - Latest News, Rumors & Gossip

Kristen Stewart Interested in Joining Marvel Movies: Twilight star Kristen Stewart is interested in joining the marvel universe. She commented on movies like Marvel’s blockbusters, saying: “I love watching those movies. I would love to show people that I can do more than just be ‘Kristen Stewart’ in a different movie, in a different circumstance.”Stewart further commented that playing the lead role in Snow White and the Huntsman is similar to a Marvel role and as for which franchise in particular she’d be interested in, Stewart stated:“I’m sure I could get on board with Captain America, you know what I mean?… It would just have to be the right thing.”

Black Widow Returns for ‘Captain America 3′: Natasha Romanoff a.k.a.Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) made her debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe assisting Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) in Iron Man 2, and after joining The Avengers, joined forces with Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) to save the world in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. She teams up again with the Avengers in Age of Ultron and will also appear in Captain America: Civil War

‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ Teaser Hints on more Black Panther: Thanks to Marvel Studios’ announcement last year, a few details have come to light about the Black Panther movie coming soon.Get on Up star Chadwick Boseman will play the lead role, and will make his first appearance as the character in next year’s sequel Captain America: Civil War.
 
The groundwork for Black Panther will be laid much sooner than that. Avengers: Age of Ultron Trailer has dropped further hints about Black Panther-related plot elements that will be featured in the film.

New ‘Avengers 2′ Trailer: The Hulk Loses Control: The second official Age of Ultron trailer instead offers a better look at Ultron in action, with a few additional bits of dialogue. The focus however, is squarely on The Hulk losing control. Where early marketing had us wondering if the Hulk was fighting an Ultron-controlled Iron Man or if he’s being setup, it’s made much more clear here that he does in fact, lose control and that Iron Man must battle him to stop his rampage.

Marvel`s Secret Plans for re- booting Spiderman: Marvel and Sony are in discussions to share spider man, with Marvel wanting the character to appear in Captain America: Civil War, there's a new rumor that Marvel really wants to reboot the character with a new actor. Latino Review Sources believe this deal could still happen, and Marvel has plans for its own Spider-Man solo movies.

Best Sellers In Romance

New Releases !!!

10 Things You Didn’t Know About The Fifty Shades Movie !!

The filming of the steamy flick, which is based on the raunchy book by author E.L. James, began in early December 2013 in Vancouver, Canada and now we’re just a month out from the release of the Fifty Shades of Grey movie. Get out the floggers and riding crops, the ‘Fifty Shades’ flick will be rated NC-17. Here`s 10 things you didn’t know about the upcoming movie.

1. Jamie Dornan`s views on S & M: "I'm an extremely liberal person, I don't give a fuck, if people are into that they're into that. By the way, if people make such a hoo-hah about the violence against women aspect of it, it's far more common for men to be the submissive. And it's consensual! There's weirder shit than that. I think plane spotting is far weirder than S&M"

2. Casting Controversy:Charlie Hunnam was initially playing the sex god himself, Christian Grey, but fans were angry. Hunnam then left the project .Dakota Johnson, who will play Anastasia Steele, was also rumored to claim that she would have to leave as well if she didn’t have the right chemistry with the new actor. Two weeks after all the indecision, the studio cast Jamie Dornan, and it seemed all the issues were resolved because Dornan and Johnson have “hot sizzling chemistry.”

3. Tension between James and Movie Director: a movie of this magnitude is also not without its hiccups. E! News reported tension between James and the film’s director Sam Taylor-Johnson. Reportedly they have had a disagreement over the script and how closely it will stick to the book.

4. Dakota Johnson’s Boyfriend Jordan Masterson Jealous over Fifty Shades Movie Scenes: Dakota Johnson’s boyfriend in real life, Jordan Masterson is not too happy with her girlfriend getting steamy and dirty with Jamie Dornan. By the looks of it all, their chemistry looks sizzling so the news that Dakota’s actor boyfriend is not too happy with her decision of taking up this offer, will definitely make you sit up and take notice.

5. Sam Taylor-Johnson the director of the movie is not unfamiliar with sex scenes : Given the directors lack of credits and the magnitude of the movie , the decision to give said director this movie was a gamble. Fans and business insiders were expecting a bigger name; well-known directors like Gus Van Sant and Joe Wright were rumored to be vying for the X-rated opportunity. Despite Taylor-Johnsons’ virtual greenness, the director’s work lends itself to Fifty Shades’ erotic content. Johnson was said to have landed the gig in part due to her 2008 short film, Love You More, which told the story of two teenagers losing their virginity.

6. Christian`s trademark sex props transition from book to screen: According to Entertainment Weekly, the film will not feature Anastasia’s “Inner Goddess” monologue, which is Anastasia’s commentary all through the series. However, the riding crop, Christian’s necktie, and the famous hardware-store scene are all slated to make the transition from book to screen.

7.Grey`s Control Freak issues loosely based on E.L. James herself!: Christian Grey is famously OCD when it comes to his business, his appearance, and his sex life. But it seems like Grey’s control freak inclination might have been loosely based on Fifty Shades author E.L James herself. Focus Features wooed the former fanfictress with script, casting, and director approval. Fans of the books will be happy to learn that James is taking such a hands-on approach to the film adaptation of her sizzling trilogy.

8. Jamie Dornan Isn’t shaken by Fifty Shades’ X-Rated Sex Scenes: 31-year-old Dornan hails from Northern Ireland, and made his name modeling for Calvin Klein and Abercrombie & Fitch. The model showed off his acting capacities in ABC’s Once Upon A Time and BBC’s The Fall. While Fifty Shades is a make or break role for Dornan, there’s one thing he definitely isn’t afraid of: the film’s raunchy content. The actor insists, “I’m a fairly worldly guy, I grew up in a very liberal place. I’m not saying we had a playroom, but I’m not perturbed or shocked by [the sex in the book]. It’s essential to tell the story. I can’t believe films that don’t invoke the sexual side of it. So it works for me.”

9. The Elusive Anastasia Steele: Fifty Shades isn’t focused on just Christian Grey. The books also center on the story of protagonist Anastasia Steele, a virginal college student and sadomasochist / submissive -in-training. Anastasia will be played by Dakota Johnson, a relative newcomer. Johnson swears, “I’m not afraid of this story, I understand this girl and I get it.” But the 24-year-old is still slightly afraid of her parents, Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson. She further states, “I’m obviously not going to invite them to take part in this experience. I don’t need to watch movies of theirs where they do things like this. Why would you want to watch that?”

10. Who will play the bitchy Mrs. Robinson?: We are yet a month away from the much awaited premier of Fifty Shades and Universal Pictures not announced who will be playing Elena aka Mrs. Robinson, Christian Grey’s close friend and BDSM mentor and Anastasias arch nemesis . Rose McGowan is reportedly up for the part. The 40-year-old Charmed star met with E.L. James recently, igniting rumors of an imminent casting pronouncement. Meanwhile Katie Holmes is said to be chasing the role as well, and has been spotted spending extra hours in the gym in an attempt to get in shape for the film.

10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Ant Man Movie !!

With a brilliant creative cast, the planned Ant-Man movie promises to be an awesome treat for marvel fans.Ant –Man is scheduled to hit theaters July 17 2015.Here`s 10 things you didn’t know about the Ant-Man movie.

1.Paul Rudd to play Lead Role: After numerous denials, Paul Rudd was officially announced to be playing the lead role in 'Ant-Man’. But what we didn't know was that he would appear next to Ranger Smith from the Yogi Bear cartoons. That seems like a confusing creative choice by Marvel until you realize that Ant-Man was created the same year that Yogi Bear ended its run in 1962.

2.Roron Corobb to make an appearance:  The Ithorian Jedi Master from Star Wars: Clone Wars — is going to make an appearance in Ant-Man. Disney also owns the Star Wars trademarks, so a crossover isn’t unorthodox.

3.Did you know that Hank Pym has gone by several different names?: A lot of people may know that he has also used the Giant-Man title, As well as Giant-Man, he has used another title whilst possessing the ability to grow to giant size – that being Goliath. He has also adopted the insect-themed Yellow jacket mantle and has even used the Wasp title for a short period of time– one usually reserved for his wife Janet van Dyne.

4.Michael Douglas added to cast: Douglas' appointment is the most fascinating, according to sources Douglas is said to be playing Hank, AKA Henry Pym, a scientist who became the first Ant-Man in the comic books.

5.Edgar Wright Suddenly Departs from Ant Man: Edgar Wright suddenly departed 'Ant-Man' after changes were made to his screenplay. The search for a replacement was ugly and public and no one came out looking good.

6.Peyton Reed take over directing duties in the wake of Wright’s departure: His past work has showcased receptivity that would work wonders with a character like Ant-Man. With films like 'Bring It On,' 'The Break-Up' and 'Down with Love,' Reed has showcased a variety and dominion of tone that most hired hand directors don't. With 'Anchorman' whiz Adam McKay rewriting the screenplay, there is some optimism after Wright's departure.

7.Evangeline Lilly admits she thought about jumping ship! : Lilly had admitted she thought about jumping ship from the project after Wright left, but was convinced to stay once she realized the original script wouldn't have worked with the rest of Marvel's Cinematic Universe. She’s now feeling positive about the direction of the film and has promised that "we're in really good hands" with new Ant-Man director Peyton Reed.

8.And the Bad Guys are...: Patrick Wilson was originally cast in 'Ant-Man' in a villainous role, he dropped out in the midst of script changes, and now Corey Stoll's Darren Cross will be the main adversary. Darren Cross is the head of Cross Technological Enterprises and a longtime foe of Ant-Man in the Marvel comic book world. Although depicted as a massive, Hulk-like baddie on the page, this version of Cross will wear a suit similar to our hero, have similar powers, and eventually become the villain known as Yellow jacket, which was actually an alternate identity of Ant-Man himself in the comics.

9. When and where is it Filming? : The original plan was for 'Ant-Man' to film in England at the legendary Pinewood Studios (home to several previous Marvel film shoots), but those plans fell apart when the production couldn't secure space in time. Instead, 'Ant-Man' will be the first film to shoot at the new Pinewood Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. The film started shooting in April, 2014.

10.Ant –Man originally scheduled for later release date: The film was set to be released November 6, 2015 however, the film's release date was officially pushed up to July 17, 2015, putting it in the middle of one of the major summers in movie history. 'Ant-Man' has one major ally in the fight: 'The Avengers: Age of Ultron,' which opens a few months prior and will surely give millions of moviegoers a proper tease of what's to come.