Kick-Trash Writerly Wednesday, and True Heroes: N

True heroes are all around us, in our every day lives, but some people stand out. During this A-Z Challenge I hope to share several of my real life heroes, and invite you to share yours in the comments.

ikola Tesla. Yes, I'm a total fan of all things geek...except for maybe Darwinism, so it probably shouldn't come as any wonder I look up to Tesla, who was arguably one of the brightest minds to ever walk the earth. I mean, what I wouldn't give for his wireless electricity! How did we NOT patent that one into existence?

From Serbia, Tesla never graduated college. How's that for ironic? He slept rarely, as in 2 hour stints here and there, and ran 10 miles a day to keep his brain active. He claimed a photographic memory and definitely dealt with OCD.

He found himself working in electronics and migrated to the USA where he worked for Thomas Edison, until he got his own backers. And failed. He eventually secured another backer and went on to create car motors, and such things as X-rays, radio/remote control, transatlantic radio signals, and of course, the Tesla Coil. Heck, he even was working on a "death ray," or directed-energy weapon for the military.

I admire this man for his tenacity, for his pursuit of passion, even when funds were hard to come by. I admire his mind, and the dedication he gave to his work. Really, I'm in love with his brain.

Are you ready to meet a new author and enter to win an awesome book? 

Last week, Tara Tyler shared Pop Travel with us, along with two truths and one lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win one of three amazing prizes.

Tara's game:

1. Tara was a singing camel in a school musical.

2. She was a singing rebel in a school musical.

3. She was a singing penguin in a school musical.

And the lie is: 

#3. Tara was also a tree and a farmer and once had to turn down a part in Hello Dolly because the rehearsals were too far away. She's been in a lot of musicals. She loves to sing and has always had a big mouth that projects well =) She may try out for community theater some day.

Way to guess those of you who got it right! You are officially human lie detectors. And the winners are:

...DRUM ROLL...

Jennifer Hawes
and
Misha Gericke

Congrats ladies!

And now to today's feature, a book I can't wait to read that promises non-stop action and pure awesomeness (and whose author's name starts with an N! How cools is that?):

At the age of twenty, Kanze Zenjiro's bloody footprints mark the bodies of those who stood in his way to protect the throne of his beloved nation of Nihon. Now, the tyrannical Iberian Empire is bent on destroying his kingdom, and they are sure to send their steam-powered giants and iron spiders against him.

Zen embarks on a quest that takes him on the most dangerous journey of his life. To succeed, Zen must live up to his nickname, the Dragonfly Warrior, and kill all his enemies with only a sword and a pair of six-guns and somehow survive a test of faith and loyalty in a world so cruel and merciless, it borders on madness.

Pick up your copy HERE.

And now, let me introduce you to the amazing author: 

Jay Noel was born in New York but lives in St. Louis with his family. He received a degree in English, and despite what people say, an English degree isn't a big waste of time. Jay's been blogging since 2005, and he's a regular contributor to CultureBrats.com and inkPageant.com.

Right now, Jay is on a Farmer's Cheese kick. No artificial anything, and it's got enough flavor without overwhelming you. It's awesome when you shred it and put it on a salad, or you can just cut a chunk off and eat it plain. 

Jay gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for a chance to win one of these cool steampunk bookmarks. You have until Tuesday, April 22, at 1 p.m. EDT to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on April 23.

TRUTH OR LIE

1. In 2002, Jay had a near death experience. His heart stopped while in the hospital, and that's why he never takes anything for granted.

2. Jay's a big time extrovert, and spent a lot of time on stage. He participated in musicals, plays, speech and debate. He even got to the National Championships in humorous interpretation.

3. Jay had a strange encounter with a ghost when he was 13 years old and it radically changed him forever. He's been infatuated with the paranormal ever since.

Okay friendlies, which is the lie? Do you look up to any intellectuals? Who is your favorite inventor? Favorite modern invention?