Commander Monday: Jinxie G

Yellow Brigade, meet your commander Jinxie G! Amazon queen, creator and destroyer of worlds, earth mother and certified zombie slayer, Jinxie is not one to be taken lightly, or trifled with. She writes, she reads, she draws and has been known to paint. But most importantly, she is in the spotlight this week for Commander Monday.  She’s also nocturnal, so we’ll  give her a break and turn off the light for a moment.

Ferocious, loyal, kind-hearted and determined, Jinxie is tall in stature, sharp as a double-bladed machete and not one to be trifled with. She wields a longbow with all the skill of an Amazon warrior, and when she’s done saving the world from the shambling hordes of the undead, she will sit us all down and show that she can cook like the Italian master chef that the she is.

N.L. “Jinxie” Gervasio wears many hats. Founder of Just Ink Press,  freelance ghostwriter, editor and writer at the e-magazine titled Forever Nocturne. Love vampires, werewolves, and all things dark and supernatural? Jinxie has just the thing for you. Check out Jinxie’s World for a fantastic place that alternates comfortably between the worlds of reality and dreams. Browse the recipes on her blog to experience extreme salivation, check out current and past writing projects, see what she’s editing and more!

Jinxie spends most of her time writing, editing, editing, writing, editing and sometimes eating or sleeping. Browse her works available on Amazon.com, stop by her website or hop over to say hello on Facebook. If you can get her to stop editing for a moment she might even say hello.

If you’re just joining us for this series, please be sure to check out our previous Commander Monday reports!


Commander Monday: Yellow Brigade – Sean Patrick Flanery

 

Born in Lake Charles, Louisiana and raised in Sugar Land, Texas, Flanery began training in various forms of martial arts at a young age, taking part in his first full-contact kickboxing match at the age of 12. He continued his training while attending the University of Saint Thomas in Houston, but then one fateful day he followed a girl to a drama class and was immediately bitten by the acting bug. Later he moved to Los Angeles and waited tables for a living, before long appearing in television commercials and quickly making the transition to TV roles and onto movies.

Commander Flanery has an impressive filmography, and remains today one of the hardest-working actors in the business. He has appeared in in several episodes of HBO’s hit series Dexter, currently airing its eighth and final season.  He has also co-starred in The Devil’s Carnival, now available on Netflix and Hulu, the TV series Blackout, films The Last Word,  and Broken Horses. Keep an eye out for The Kiss, currently in production.

When not working on various projects, including film, television and music videos, Flanery can be found training and teaching the finer points of BJJ to his fellow Los Angelians – check out Hollywood Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu. He is also a regular guest at comic conventions all over the country. He often enjoys reaching out to fans via online blogging and social networking, and also spending quality time with Donut – his most loyal friend, sidekick and quite possibly the coolest canine on the planet. Despite an ongoing struggle with a powerful Reese’s addiction, Flanery is without a doubt the most suited for the daunting task of leadership, and defending our western shores if and when it all starts to hit the fan.

And if you aren’t already following him on Twitter… what are you waiting for?

If you’re just joining us for this series, please be sure to check out our previous Commander Monday reports!

 


On the Road Again

Phoenix_Comicon_logo

From behind the zombie bunny cages of: RC Murphy

Actually, the title is slightly misleading. Some of your ZSC commanders are always on the road. Traveling from city to city to touch base with brigadiers not only across the United States, but world-wide at numerous conventions. This time around, four of us are converging on Phoenix, Arizona for Phoenix Comicon. The event begins on Thursday, June 5th at 4:00 PM inside the Phoenix Convention Center.

Yellow Brigade commander Jinxie G and Orange Brigade commander R.C. Murphy will be in attendance Thursday through Sunday for the event. You can find them at booth 793 throughout the weekend (coffee runs are one of a few exceptions to this). Red Brigade commander Juliette Terzieff and Special Forces Commander Michael Rooker plan to roll into Phoenix for Sunday only. Keep an eye out for them. Shouldn’t be too hard to find those two, right?

This is a huge event, and a first-time trip for some of us. If you plan to attend, make sure to come find us. Even if it’s to say hi. Mostly, we want to make sure everyone survives the insanity sure to follow once the convention doors open. Kinda like when someone opened a certain barn we all remember from that one show. You know, the one with the staggering, rotting folks on it. Catch our drift?

See you all in Phoenix!


Book Review: The Rock Island Counteractant Experiment

Plagued 2A Plagued States of America book…

In this sequel to Plagued: The Midamerica Zombie Half-Breed Experiment (Plagued States of America), we follow a different character through the apocalyptic world after the initial zombie outbreak and the rebuilding of America.

Mason Jones is a good, strong character, and as the story progresses, we learn a little here and there about the Army Ranger. His development is paced nicely, and the story has enough action to keep one reading. When all hell breaks loose in the zombie testing facility, the action is non-stop, edge of your seat to the end.

Though I did the copy edit on this novella, I am always about giving honest reviews, and Better Hero Army asked if I would do so. I would definitely recommend this novella and its prequel if you’re into action-packed zombie stories. I look forward to working with Better Hero Army again and to see where he takes this story line. Even though I received this story as work, I did purchase the novella.

I give this novella 5 Jinxes (stars) per my star rating system: 1=hated it, 2=disliked it, 3=liked it, 4=really liked it, and 5=loved it.

You can grab a copy of the book by clicking on the cover photo above or by clicking HERE.


Commander Mondays: Addy Miller

Stand aside, Yellow Brigade! Second Lieutenant Addy Miller is stepping up to the spotlight! This vibrant and fearless young miss has both the brains and the courage to both lead and inspire us all when the inevitable finally begins. While many of us will always remember her as the pajama-clad undead waif in the opening sequences of The Walking Dead pilot episode Days Gone Bye, Addy is no stranger to the industry. At the age of twelve, she is the youngest member of Zombie Survival Crew Command, and it goes without saying that this bright young shining star will only shine brighter as the days grow darker.

 

 

 

Beginning her career as a child model at the age of four, Addy first appeared on the big screen in Addy Miller and Frank Darabont2008, starring as the younger Lily Owens (Dakota Fanning)  in the award-winning film, The Secret Life of Bees. She went on to make guest appearances in the television series Tainted Love, and it cannot be mere coincidence that she also had a small role in Blood Done Sign My Name with Special Forces Commander Michael Rooker. In 2010, working closely with director Frank Darabont and makeup guru Greg Nicotero, her brief appearance in The Walking Dead earned her a permanent place in the memories of zombie and horror fans everywhere. From there she continued on with appearances in the television film The Shunning and the series It’s Supernatural. Her preference for roles that challenge her to draw upon the darker and more difficult human emotions set her apart from other child actors, and she holds herself to her own high standards at all times.

 

Addy has very quickly become a regular in the comic-con and horror show circuits. When her busy and demanding schedule allows, she can be found touring and meeting fans from all over the world.  This straight-A home-schooled student has been active in raising awareness for autism through public events, charity auctions and much more. Addy also has an interest in the goings-on behind the camera, and it wouldn’t surprise any of us a bit if she were to try her hand at directing, writing or producing somewhere down the road.

 

Coming soon:

Addy has been working hard and has several upcoming roles in both film and television. She has recently worked on several films including Plan 9 and Nowhere. She has also appeared in the short films Burying the Truth and Red Rose.   Currently in production are Sick People, Dark Places and the Kickstarter-funded horror film The Devil’s Tree.

Keep watching! This young star can only soar higher and shine brighter.

If you’re just joining us for this series, please be sure to check out our previous Commander Monday reports!

 


Tasty Survival – Prickly Pear Jelly

This recipe from Yellow Brigade Commander Jinxie G works great in the southwest where Prickly Pear cacti are abundant!

PRICKLY PEAR JELLY 6095716446_a913849ddd

You’ll need a pot to cook over a fire, tongs, gloves, a bowl and an instrument to mash like a potato masher.

tunas 018Pick fruit with gloves and tongs. You don’t want to prick yourself with those needles! There’s a reason it’s called Prickly Pear.

While holding the fruit under running water with the tongs, brush off the needles with a wire brush. Yes, a wire brush.

Prickly pear fruit choppedPlace them in a pot. Cover with water and boil until tender (about 1 hour). Cut them in half after cooking, as they will mash easier. Drain and mash with a potato masher. Strain with double thickness cheesecloth (juice should be clear, no needles, etc.).  Put pulp in garbage, not disposal (if indoors).

Measure 2 cups prickly pear juice with 1 ¾ oz. pkg. pectin, assuming you’ve got some with you. If not, raid a local grocery store because let’s face it, no one’s going to be yanking pectin off the shelves during an apocalypse. Bring to boil, stirring constantly.

Add 3 ½ cups sugar and 3 Tbsp. lemon juice. Boil—rolling boil—for 3 minutes . . . stir constantly.

Remove from heat and skim off foam.

Pour into glass jars and seal.

Mmm mmm good! Now you have jelly to go with whatever your apocalypse breakfast will be!

prickly pear jelly

You’re welcome.

Jinxie G

PS: Jinxie would like to thank her wonderful Aunt Pat for this recipe! =)


Book Review: Plagued: The MidAmerica Zombie Half-Breed Experiment

ZOMBIE BOOK, folks!!! Pay attention…

Reviewer: Jinxie G

Plagued

Plagued: The MidAmerica Zombie Half-Breed Experiment

When Tom, the son of a powerful Senator, becomes stranded in the Plagued States of America while searching for his lost sister, his only hope of survival rests in the hands of a few grizzled veteran zombie hunters and a mysterious half-breed zombie woman he thinks may know where to find his sister.

I was asked to review this book, and chose to purchase it myself rather than receive a review copy.

One can’t say this book by Better Hero Army lacks action. In fact, it’s full of enough action and detail to really keep you reading. The first three chapters move quickly and are very well-written. Beginning with chapter four, however, the editing errors creep in and take over, though the action and detail never stop.

I was impressed with the detail throughout the novella. Better Hero Army does an excellent job in describing the people and surroundings, giving a good layout of the land, enough to give the reader a good visual. Logistically, I had a few issues, but other than that, it was well done.

Tom is the main character, of course, and I’d consider Penelope—the half-breed zombie—the other main character, as Tom grows quite attached to her and the story centers around the two of them. The only part that bothers me with Penelope is that a certain thing I can’t discuss here because it’ll be a spoiler doesn’t get explained in the end. Cliffhangers are one thing; leaving the reader hanging without an explanation is another.

Tom is desperately trying to find his sister for penance, for the mistake of a scared twelve-year-old boy. There is a good plot to this story, background is well thought out, but it doesn’t wrap up everything at the end. I know there will be other books to follow, so I’m hoping this isn’t one of those ‘let’s split one book up into five’ deals. As much as I enjoyed the story—though not totally enthusiastic about it—it drives me bonkers when an author splits a story like that.

Plagued2Plagued is in need of a good copy edit by an experienced editor. I’m rating the book 3 stars (my star rating system: 1=hated it, 2=disliked it, 3=liked it, 4=really liked it, and 5=loved it) because while I enjoyed the story overall, there were a lot of distractions with misspelled words, lack of punctuation, passive voice, and formatting, etc.

I wish Better Hero Army the best of luck with the series and future endeavors.

Plagued can be purchased on Amazon in both Kindle and paperback formats.

Jinxie G


Book Review: The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

In Mary’s world, there are simple truths. 
The Sisterhood always knows best.
The Guardians will protect and serve.
The Unconsecrated will never relent.

And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village. The fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth.

But slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power. And, when the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness.

Now she must choose between her village and her future, between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded by so much death?

The Forest of Hands and Teeth
Carrie Ryan
Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Hardcover: (March, 2009), ISBN-13: 978-0385736817
Paperback: (February, 2010) ISBN-13: 978-0385736824

Debut novel The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan is a compelling action-packed story filled with the horrors of a world succumbed to zombies and is the first of a series.

Mary’s life within the village surrounded by the Forest of Hands and Teeth is too secluded for her after growing up listening to her mother’s stories of the ocean and what the world was like before the Return. She dreams of leaving the village one day to see the ocean for herself, and after a breach threatens her home, it looks like she’ll get her wish as she and her closest friends take a journey that leads them into an unknown world.

While Mary is torn between the boy she loves and the boy who loves her, she never loses faith in her mother’s stories and strives forward in their journey to see that what her mother said was true.

This book is captivating, compelling, and a fast-paced zombie thriller that will have you turning page after page and sitting on the edge of your seat until finished. Never have I been so pulled into a book, wrought with emotion, and nearly screaming out loud as things went bump in the night in the story and in reality. It pulls you in, holds you within its pages as you make your way through with Mary’s narration and intense internal dialog that has you feeling every emotion, every fear, and hearing every sound—especially those ongoing moans of the Unconsecrated.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth is a top-notch YA book that carries a lot of praise with it, which can be found on Carrie Ryan’s website: http://www.carrieryan.com.

Kudos to Carrie Ryan for writing such a brilliant piece of work and for coming up with a title that literally jumped off the shelf at me. It was the reason I bought the book!

Read the excerpt here.

The Dead-Tossed Waves continues the series, available now, as is book 3, The Dark and Hollow Places.


Tasty Survival – Smoked Jerky on the Run

stock pic of jerkyAs part of our collective efforts to prepare for the z-poc, ZSC command has undertaken a mission to bring you a series of recipes to keep the body strong and the spirit lifted during dark times. Now, don’t go thinking you’ll be cooking these up in the early days of the infection. You’ll be too busy slaying walkers on the move for this kind of fare. But once the initial dust settles and you’re in the fight for the long haul, you’re going to want something other than the beef jerky, energy bars and chocolate you’ve got stashed in your Go Bag.

Speaking of jerky, this week’s survival recipe comes from the desk of Yellow Brigade Commander Jinxie G!

Smoked Jerky on the Run!

Angry Javelina with TusksBeing on the run from the shambling horde doesn’t leave a lot of time for cooking every day, so a good way to get that protein you’ll need is to make some jerky out of whatever large game is in your area when you can’t loot any from surrounding stores any longer. Heck, you could probably even use this for javelina (native to the Southwest and quite the nasty beast in temperament).

Most people don’t realize that Arizona and the Southwest have deer and elk, along with the mountain lions and javelina, so this very basic recipe really goes a long way. I haven’t tried this using javelina, and that’s a different type of meat, but hey, it’s worth a shot. Either way, the meat from a javelina is good to eat. Have a pig roast, if anything.

Was2728591We’ll just go with the deer/elk/buffalo recipe. I’m also assuming you know how to skin these animals. If you don’t, that should be on your “Top 10 Things I Need to Know for the Zombiepocalypse” list.

First, you’ll want to trim off all visible fat from the meat because it becomes rancid. Cut the flank steak lengthwise with the grain into long thin strips no more than ¼ inch thick. Rub it aggressively with salt cover for 10 to 12 hours so it’ll absorb the salt and release some of its natural juices. At this time, you can add additional spices, fruits, liquids, etc. This is why I require spices in the Yellow Brigade Go Bag (you’ll have to be logged in to view that link).

300_557291Next, you’ll need to build a scaffold to support the meat over a slow fire beneath it; the heat and the smoke completes the process in half a day, and with an occasional sunning, the meat will keep for months.

Not too hard, right? Just get yourself somewhere safe for a couple of days so you can do this and you’ll have that protein you need for a good long while, depending on the size of the animal, of course.

Happy hunting!

Z-poc recipes 3

I’d like to thank my ex-husband, the bow hunter from Wyoming, for helping me with this.


FREE eBook Event!

Hey Zombie Survival Crew,

Yellow Brigade Commander Jinxie G has another new book out that’s also loaded with vampyres, werewolves, and the gods. Why? Because it’s the sequel to The Dracove. I give you Gods & Vampyres.

This paranormal read picks up right where The Dracove left off, with a kidnapped Kylie, pissed off vampyres yelling at each other, and the entrance of a major player.

War is on the horizon…

Jinxie is gearing up for her 5-day FREE eBook event!

January 30th through February 1st, you will be able to download Gods & Vampyres for FREE. What’s even better? From February 2nd through February 3rd, The Dracove will be FREE again.

You can get the first two books in the Prophecy series for FREE this week and this week ONLY.

____________________________________________________

The DracoveThe Dracove – Book I of the Prophecy series

Kylie O’Rourke has unwittingly walked into the path of two vampyres—one who wants to use her as a sacrifice, and one who only wishes to win her heart. As she is pulled into their clandestine world, she learns more about her history and the reason behind her horrible nightmares.

Master vampyre Cianán searches for the one woman who could take his immortality to the next level—godhood. But, when he finds his Chosen One, his progeny Grantlund stumbles onto the Master’s plan . . . again. As if losing his first sacrifice to the bastard wasn’t enough, the Fates were to torment him with a second time.

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G&VGods & Vampyres – Book II of the Prophecy series

War.

The act never changes, only its players over thousands of years.

When Kylie is taken for use as a sacrifice in an ancient ritual, Grantlund races to save her life, but he has to wait for that perfect moment or all will be lost. Not only does he have to go up against his former Master, Cianán, one of the oldest and most powerful vampyres on Earth, but now the gods are involved, and Cianán has a very prominent one in his corner.

Grant will do anything to stop Cianán from destroying his lover and this world, but what price is he willing to pay? Death at the hands of the woman he loves?

An epic battle is about to begin, and not even the gods know who will come out the victor.

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Click on the images for direct links to the books. This promotion has already started, so share, share, share, folks! Word of mouth is an author’s best advertising!

Jinxie plans to work hard to get the next Prophecy series book out—Gemini – Book III of the Prophecy series. She says it needs some editing, and perhaps some dissection, where a novella may come of it.

Also, don’t forget to check the Just Ink Press website for Special Content.

*twirls crossbow*

J