True Heroes A to Z: X Factor

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.

-factor: this is my eXtra cheaty post, because let's face it, no one's name starts with X. (Okay, maybe there are a few people, but admirable ones?) So, as long as I'm cheating, I'm going to rant about Leonardo Da Vinci.

Everyone knows this guy for his art: The Mona Lisa, etc. I've heard it said that if his images could be restored in full detail, we'd be blown away by the colors and detail, and I believe it.

He was so much more than a painter: an inventor, a mathematician, a sculptor, a musician, engineer, botanist, writer, teacher and more... He was a creative factory of awesomeness. An innovator.

He imagined up flying machines, a tank, solar power, an adding machine, and even theorized about plate tectonics. He had something, a raw creativity that I admire in anyone, and he pursued it. It's that kind of creativity I hope to cultivate in my own children through allowing them to pursue their interests educationally, a huge reason we home school.

Two more days to get MOONLESS at $1.99.

Jane Eyre meets Supernatural

So while we're talking about the X factor, let me introduce a character who has it (originally interviewed by Kerri Cuevas HERE): 

Bellezza takes a seat, honeydew ringlets spilling loosely over thin shoulders. No more than thirteen, she glares through chocolate eyes that bear as much gravity as a black-hole.

If you had a free day with no responsibilities and your only mission was to enjoy yourself, what would you do?

*blinks in horror* Die. Maybe I’d have to start plotting my own death from boredom.

What are you most proud of about your life?

No man or cage can hold me. I am free. Like the wind.

Do you think you’ve turned out the way your parents expected?

My parents had no expectations, weak things that they were.

You’re saying they’re dead?

Killed old pappy myself.

Can I ask why?

*grin fades* Depends. Do you like horror stories? *brows lower* Keep on this line of questioning and your life will be one.

What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done to someone?

*cocks her head grinning* I sent a woman as strong as myself to the Soulless. And may she suffer for eternity.

Why did you do that?

*grimaces* She stabbed me with gold. Do you know what that feels like? Imagine acid—liquid acid beneath your skin. Now times that by one hundred.

What are you most afraid of?

If you tell anyone this, I will dangle your innards from the nearest flagpole. Understood? *squints, pointing with a threatening finger* I am irredeemable. In the end I will be alone. But I must continue in my mission, for myself, for those who have suffered. I am a product of my circumstances, a tool no loving or respectable person can be. I am needed. 

Who is your favorite inventor? Who is your favorite artist? Do you allow your creativity to come out to play? Met any characters who really have the X factor?

True Heroes: E for Get Your Brain Working

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.

We home school. I know that's crazy to most people, but I'm just beginning to really see the results--in character, in understanding, in individual creativity and accountability. Some days I still think we're insane and wonder why I ever agreed to this, and then I think about people like...

instein, Albert. My son freaks out about this guy--who was so brilliant he got lost when biking back to his own house, or who forgot to put on pants, or who was so invested in his work he didn't even realize his second wife was blind initially.

Besides figuring out the Theory of Relativity, a theory for the time-space continuum, and a formula for discerning the energy of any mass, he is known as one of the most brilliant minds of our time. The guy was dyslexic and came from Germany, leaving behind a country ruled by Adolf Hitler for the safety of the U.S (as a non-observant Jew). He also helped build the atomic bomb (unintentionally), which, say what you will, is evil, but has proved a power that gave this nation its standing in the world as one not to be threatened.

What do I admire about Einstein? His crazy study and personal championing of free thought. He clashed with conventional schools and their way of thought. He was always pushing the boundaries, imagining and then seeking to prove some far-fetched and impossible concept. If only we had a few more free thinkers like that in our midst, can you imagine the society we'd live in?

If you haven't heard yet, for the month of April ONLY, MOONLESS is $1.99!

Recent reviewers have said: "I was transported back in time, right beside Alexia Dumont as the fate of her future loomed in front of her. Loved the connection between Alexia and her blue-eyed, swoon-worthy rescuer, Kiren. Crystal Collier did a great job of interweaving the historical and the supernatural and she definitely left me wanting more!" --Kristin Smith

"Not my typical genre so I started it with some reservation! I was completely roped in by the end and cant wait for the sequel. Very unique and interesting story line. I am hooked." --Linda Voorhees

"This was an interesting take on fantasy, that encouraged increasing involvement as the story progressed. Was hard to put down, especially as the characters and their roles became more developed." --Kenneth Lent

 Get your copy HERE.

And in case you missed my announcement (this blogosphere has been a busy place for the last week!) I'm moving. Yay! We're building a gorgeous new house, and I'll be in transition this summer. Because of that, my publisher has been kind enough to push back the release date for

and I'll be announcing the release date on MONDAY. Wahoo!

What is your take on creativity vs common education? Do you admire Einstein? Have you ever known anyone so gifted they almost couldn't function in society?

Learn From Genius

I think true genius is being willing to imagine, experiment, and make mistakes. My oldest thinks Einstein is the ultimate role model--except for how he got lost biking to his own home, or forgot his wife's name on occasion... Well, I guess there's something to be said for balance too.

I especially loved Einstein's last bit there--as an animate believer in the power of imagination. I think envisioning our potential is how we find something worth striving for, and the fight is what makes life worth living.

Which is your favorite piece of advice and why? Do you have any heroes you think are pure geniuses? Have you ever imagined something up and then made reality?

And finally, enter an editing giveaway and sign up for my cover reveal/book release here! *squee*