Book Reviews, Author Spotlights & Writing Tips
01 Dec 2016 Leave a comment
So, to beat a dead horse, I’m a planner. I maintain both digital and paper planners. Digital is great on the go, but there is just something about pen to paper that makes things connect in my head. I’ve also discovered the value of specific planners for specific aspects of my life. For example, I […]
via Planning Your Writing Life — Live to Write – Write to Live
01 Dec 2016 Leave a comment
This book of photographs from around the world, with information about each, will make you jealous.
Beautiful…beyond beautiful photos, and amazing experiences!
My favorite was of the man sitting in the fire. Yes…you read that correctly. Art Wolfe, captured an amazing photo of that, and the story behind it is incredible as well.
This book is going to sit on my coffee table, as I will browse through it again from time to time.
It is hardbound and would make a great gift.
I received a copy for free and voluntarily reviewed.
30 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
in AuthorSpotlights, LESLIE TATE, Recommended reading
LYRICAL REALISM
I write about relationships.
When asked about my target audience, I usually quote Kurt Vonnegut: ‘Write to please just one person’. If asked about the bottom line/my unique selling point, I generally say I’m a writer, not an entrepreneur – and I back it up with what Lewis Hyde said in The Gift: ‘…it may be possible to destroy a work of art by converting it into a pure commodity’. When asked for my genre, I usually say ‘lyrical realism’.
Those last two words can trigger a voice in in my head saying ‘‘literary’, but I keep that quiet, even to myself. Literary is a phrase usually reserved for heavyweight writing that has earned its place in the canon – and as Jeanette Winterson says in her Essays on Ecstasy and Effrontery ‘all the arts suffer from canonization’. By that she means that once a work of art becomes part of the so-called great tradition we cease to read its true qualities. In her words: ‘familiarity… history, popularity and association all crowd in between the viewer and the picture and block it out’. So I avoid the word literary because it sounds arrogant and might kill my books. Of course secretly I aspire to writing literature, but I balance that belief with ruthless criticism of my own work. It’s never good enough or finished, so any label I might give it is provisional.
But I do work hard at my ‘lyrical realism’, aiming to:
Maybe I fail in the attempt, but I prefer taking risks to sales talk about ‘grabbing the reader’ and books as ‘products’, or the minimalist approach advocated by some academics. It means I’m constantly looking for ways to vary standard expressions, while trying to keep a line into the heart. Like music, writing needs contrast, so a good sentence mixes the direct with the complex, the immediate with the meaningful. In the words of poet Don Paterson: ‘For the reader to be blown away by the original phrase it must already be partly familiar to them.’
In terms of character and language, Purple, my coming-of-age novel, has two distinct narrative voices. It begins with a third person account, set in the Sixties, of Matthew Lavender’s youthful rebellion, and continues with his gran Mary’s first-person story of her family and marriage. Matthew’s section is written in close third person; it alternates between long and short sentences, mixing formal and informal language, and it dips in and out of his head. Mary’s section avoids long sentences, colons, semi-colons, dashes or ellipses and uses references and expressions from my N.E. England upbringing.
In Heaven’s Rage, my autobiography, I dig beneath the surface to tell the inside story of childhood, cross-dressing, alcoholism, illness and recovery, focusing on how these experiences have helped me to appreciate the hidden sides of life. And the use of different styles – including novelistic writing, psychological theories, dialogues and poetry – makes it possible to visit and revisit the key moments of my past, approaching each incident from more than one angle. The common thread running through the book is the power of the imagination.
In Blue, the novel that follows on from Purple, the genre is historical, told in the form of a satirical-romantic-adventure. The big-picture element is that it covers that time in life when couples struggle to ‘stay alive’ against the pressures of jobs and bringing up children. It’s also, like Purple, an investigation into modern love.
As Saul Bellow says, ‘Realism specializes in apparently unmediated experiences’. So when I write lyrically I have to take great care to stay grounded and keep the reader close by my side. I want to pack it all in, live and breathe the action and the feelings, while maintaining the flow. So every word counts, no detail is arbitrary and I have to pick my way through the action with a sharp eye on emotional truth.
It’s all about stretching the language, filling the gaps and moving gracefully from one scene to the next. And the more effortlessly lyrical the writing seems, the more it has been worked and reworked. So the trick is to develop the full range of expression, to write with freedom while fixing it forever in an artificial form. And that’s the hardest rewrite of all.
ABOUT LESLIE’S BOOKS
Heaven’s Rage is an imaginative autobiography. Reporting on feelings people don’t usually own up to, Leslie Tate explores addiction, cross-dressing and the hidden sides of families. Writing lyrically, he brings together stories of bullying, childhood dreams, thwarted creativity and late-life illness, discovering at their core the transformative power of words to rewire the brain and reconnect with life. “A Robin Red breast in a Cage / Puts all Heaven in a Rage” – William Blake.’ You can buy Heaven’s Rage here. https://gumroad.com/l/Eegjv#. Or http://www.lulu.com/shop/leslie-tate/heavens-rage/paperback/product-22943294.html
Purple is a coming-of-age novel, a portrait of modern love and a family saga. Set in the North of England, it follows the story of shy ingénue Matthew Lavender living through the wildness of the 60s and his grandmother Mary, born into a traditional working-class family. Both are innocents who have to learn more about long-term love and commitment, earning their independence through a series of revealing and closely-observed relationships. Purple is the first part of the Lavender Blues trilogy. You can buy it here. http://leslietate.com/shop/purple/ or on Amazon
Blue tells the story of Richard and Vanessa Lavender, who join a 90s feminist collective sharing childcare, political activism and open relationships. Boosted by their ‘wider network’ they take secondary partners, throw parties and observe the dance of relationships amongst their friends. But finding a balance between power and restraint, and handling shared love, proves difficult… Blue is the second part of the Lavender Blues trilogy. You can buy it here. http://leslietate.com/shop/blue/
or on Amazon.
On Leslie’s website www.leslietate.com you will find weekly interviews and guest blogs by writers/artists/musicians, as well as Leslie’s own writings.
You can contact him on Facebook at Leslie Stuart Tate (personal) and Leslie Tate (author page). His Twitter handle is @LSTateAuthor.
30 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
30 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
Originally posted on Roadie Notes: Armand Rosamilia is an author with Devil Dog Press. He has a wonderful sense of humor and loves to joke around. He is a proud family man and loves his wife and kids dearly! He has written many many stories and let me tell you they are good! If you…
via Getting personal with Armand Rosamilia — ARMAND ROSAMILIA
30 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
An extract by Carla King, on BookWorks Site: Are you ready to upload your book for sale to the online retailers? Got all your front and back matter, images, fonts, and ISBNs? Use this checklist to make sure you’ve done everything you can to create a quality book that competes with books produced in the […]
via A Book Production Checklist for Indie Authors — Chris The Story Reading Ape’s Blog
29 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
Top 5 Marketing Tips for Indie Authors
My fellow writers often ask my advice on various aspects of writing and publishing, not because I’ve enjoyed great success (though I have enjoyed moderate success), but because I’ve tried just about everything. I’ve run discount promotions, blog tours and pricey print ads; participated in television interviews, spoken at book clubs, and performed on stage at comedy events. Every step is a learning experience. Different strategies work for different authors, but here are my top five. Some of these relate more to the sale of ebooks than print, because when it comes to sales, that’s where I’ve had the most success. There are many aspects that come into play, and these are just a few, but assuming the content of a book is decent, of course, here’s what I recommend for increasing sales.
1. Kick-Ass Cover.
Your book is already out, so this doesn’t apply to you, right? Wrong. If you have a good book with a mediocre cover, it would be worth your time to redo the cover and re-release the book. Your cover must be eye-catching, intriguing, and a little edgy. Those were my main goals (along with a cover that shows well as a thumbnail) when speaking with my graphic design artist for my first cover.
By “redo”, I mean hire a professional. I’ve seen too many indie authors design their own covers (and do their own interior formatting), and then wonder why the book doesn’t sell. We’re often blind to our own faults (which is why we have critique groups). You’ve probably spent a good chunk of your life writing this book, so spend a small chunk of money to make it presentable.
2. Reviews Upon Release.
Have as many people as possible ready to post a review of your book within three days of release. This means you must plan ahead. Six weeks before publication, email friends and fans and ask them if they would like a free advance copy of the book via PDF in exchange for an honest review. Four weeks before publication, send the PDF to those who responded. Send reminders five days before the release day and again on your publication day. Ask them to post on any of the following: Amazon, Goodreads, Twitter (with a hashtag of your title), Barnes & Noble, Kobo, iTunes, and Google Play (assuming you have your book on those platforms). Only about half those who agree to post reviews will follow through (but thank them all anyway). If you have 20 four- and five-star reviews on Amazon within three days of your release, you’re in good shape.
3. Bookbub.com.
There are a number of similar sites out there, but Bookbub.com is my favorite. It’s not cheap, you may pay a few hundred dollars to run a single ad, and your book must be discounted on top of that. It seems counterintuitive. Try it once and you’ll understand. It’s not easy to get a Bookbub ad and not all books qualify. They have specific guidelines, but check out the site and read through their requirements. If Bookbub turns you down, don’t give up. They rejected my request to run an ad for Hair of the Corn Dog four times over three months. Keep trying, and apply to different categories. When they finally accepted my book for an ad, it sold a few thousand copies within a day as a result, which was a huge contributor to the book making the New York Times Best Seller list.
4. Anthologies.
I’ve been asked over the years to participate in a number of anthologies. Often this meant writing an essay, collecting a hundred dollars, and that was the end of it. I anticipated a similar scenario when approached by Jen Mann, New York Timesbestselling author of People I Want to Punch in the Throat and creator of a blog by the same name. This was a completely different experience and one of the best of my career. Mann connected some of the funniest authors and bloggers on the web and created a community of writers willing to share and learn. Those types of connections are priceless.
5. The Real You and the Virtual You Should Match.
When you meet someone in person, hopefully you don’t shove your book in their face and tell them that you accept cash, check, or credit card. You shouldn’t behave that way online, either. Cultivating an effective presence on social media means behaving with the same balance of tact, respect, and confidence that you do in person. That will allow you to make the most of online communities like the one mentioned in #4. Remember, your goal in making those connections is to cultivate a lasting, mutually beneficial relationship with fellow writers, not to earn a few bucks on a single sale.
28 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
27 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
Aspects of Georgia’s unique history can only be told through its extant rural churches. As the Georgia backcountry rapidly expanded in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, the churches erected on this newly parceled land became the center of community life. These early structures ranged from primitive outbuildings to those with more elaborate designs and were constructed with local, hand-hewn materials to serve the residents who lived nearby. From these rural communities sprang the villages, towns, counties, and cities that informed the way Georgia was organized and governed and that continue to influence the way we live today.
Historic Rural Churches of Georgia presents forty-seven early houses of worship from all areas of the state. Nearly three hundred stunning color photographs capture the simple elegance of these sanctuaries and their surrounding grounds and cemeteries. Of the historic churches that have survived, many are now in various states of distress and neglect and require restoration to ensure that they will continue to stand. This book is a project of the Historic Rural Churches of Georgia organization, whose mission is the preservation of historic rural churches across the state and the documentation of their history since their founding. If proper care is taken, these endangered and important landmarks can continue to represent the state’s earliest examples of rural sacred architecture and the communities and traditions they housed.
MY THOUGHTS:
When I opened to the first page of this book, I gasped! Stunning photography on EVERY page and interesting historical information is given.
I was given a free copy to download on my desktop from the publisher via NetGalley and it was beautiful on-screen, so I imagine the hard copy would make a lovely gift, and amazing coffee table book that you will look at over and over.
Simply stunning and informative!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0820349356/ref=abs_brd_tag_dp?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
26 Nov 2016 2 Comments
in Octavia Williams, Yoga & Meditation
DESCRIPTION:
A book of spiritual guidance and inspiration, invites the serious seeker to discover not only their divinity, but the Master within.
This book of spiritual guidance and inspiration, invites the serious seeker to discover not only their divinity, but the Master within. Comprising over 250 statements of Truth revealed through meditation, it provides the missing link to living in the world, actually free of human lacks and limitations, and awakened from the illusion of separation from one’s true Self. It can bring about life-changing results immediately. The conscious awareness of Truth through one’s own direct experience of Oneness, breaks apart the mental constructs that have been holding beliefs, opinions and ideas in place, controlling life and obscuring the Truth that is within.
Brief, stand alone revelations of pure Truth that cut deeply and straight to the core of Being. Fresh and empowering pointers. A compact spiritual companion offering today’s truth seeker encouragement, guidance and the opportunity to experience their true nature.
Amazon link for purchase:
24 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
JANUARY GRAY REVIEWS WOULD LIKE TO WISH EVERYONE A VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
I HOPE WITH THIS HOLIDAY, YOU GET A FEW QUIET MOMENTS TO READ.
~January
23 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
in COOKBOOKS, Historical Fiction, Recommended reading
22 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
DESCRIPTION:
Childrens stories: This is NOT your usual Oliver and Jumpy book, but for early readers with more reading and less pictures.
Oliver is an elegant tuxedo cat, who is full of himself. As a matter of fact he says: “I love myself!”, quite often. Naughty, isn’t he? But his best friend Jumpy, a kangaroo lady, is aware that he has a soft heart and will always want to help others. The great thing is Jumpy’s pouch, which Oliver loves to ride in! He calls her his kangaroo taxi! These little bedtime stories with their lovely illustrations are great for small kids. A parent can read the text and tell the child in his own words. These animal stories have sufficient text to keep early readers happy and provide some educational value. Love you all! Meow!
Story 58: Down the Well – A frog gets philosophical.
Story 59: Finding the Story – Do you like to write a story? First you need to find one!
Story 60: Story Writing – A funny way to write stories.
Story 61: What a Laugh! – Laughing is healthy.
Story 62: What’s the Time? – A very unusual way to look at time.
MY THOUGHTS:
This series is well written and beautifully illustrated! A great gift for your child this Holiday season!
I cannot recommend these enough!
As of this posting, this book in particular is free to download on your e-reader!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0189N09BO/#customerReviews
21 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
in Non-fiction, Recommended reading, SUSAN MCNICOLL, True Crime
20 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
Time for the third interview in my series where I talk to people from the publishing industry. I’ve already asked a reader in a literary agency, and a literary agent about their jobs, and in the coming weeks I’ll be speaking to editors, designers, publicists, sales people and many others. This week I’ve interviewed Juliet Annan, […]
via Publishing Interviews: The Publishing Director — Claire Fuller
20 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
This isn’t so much of a tip as good sound advice. It’s also not strictly for writers, but all artists regardless of their art form. I’m a writer, and offer writing tips from time to time. That’s the reason I’m addressing my fellow writers in the title. However, this is advice for all artists. The best advice I can give is write for you. Create for you.
19 Nov 2016 2 Comments
I found this Etsy store totally by accident, and I loved her little shop so much, I asked her if I could add a link to it on the sidebar of my blog. Thankfully she agreed!
I am not receiving any items or discount to share her store with you…I legit LOVE these products.
Books made from soap! A book bag of bath salts…several items, what’s not to love?
These would be a perfect gift/stocking stuffer for the book lover in you life!
They range from seven (7.00) on up, with the Harry Potter stuff priced the highest.
Here are just a few of her items:
And…here is the link to her Etsy store! Enjoy! 🙂
https://www.etsy.com/shop/TeaSoapBooks
19 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
via Rolling Stone Yahoo Music Feed http://ift.tt/2fIRkLH
via Review: Metallica’s ‘Hardwired’ Shreds Back to Vintage Eighties Terror — William Chasterson
19 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
Cookbooks Preview: December 2016
The holidays haven’t yet come and gone, but as we eye books hitting shelves in December, we see a slew of titles perfect for those ready to get a jump-start on their New Year’s resolutions.
The fourth book from Hartwig, sports nutritionist and cocreator of the popular Whole30 plan. In keeping with the program, the recipes emphasize eggs, meat, fish, and fresh vegetables, but no grains, dairy, legumes or added sugars. According to our review, “whether or not one buys into Whole30, there is no denying that Hartwig has come up with a clever array of healthy and flavorful dishes.”
We starred this “entertaining tour through the tastes that have made American food the ‘most complex and diverse cuisine on the planet.’” Food writer Lohman’s “conversational style and infectious curiosity make the book wholly delightful,” and “gives fascinating new insight into what we eat.”
For the resolution-makers who want a little more togetherness, a cookbook of 100 family meals (358 recipes in total).
Makeup artist and beauty consultant Rowe spells out ways to “feed” your skin, with ingredients such as pomegranate (“The Elixir of Youth”), spinach, and natural red wine. The book features a foreword by actress Sienna Miller.
The creator of the Wellness Mama blog shows how to eliminate processed foods from family meals in favor of a healthful eating plan. “She marshals current prescriptive-eating hits such as bone broth, maple syrup, cauliflower standing in for starch, and the ubiquitous coconut in myriad forms,” says our review.
18 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
An essential book that belongs on the reference shelf of everyone who works with or enjoys spirits, Spirits distilled is a classic in the making.
17 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
OCEANVIEW PUBLISHING HAS SOME AMAZING BOOKS AT GREAT PRICES! GO CHECK THEM OUT FOR YOUR HOLIDAY READING AND GIFT GIVING!
REMEMBER, THE GIFT OF READING IS A LIFE LONG GIFT!
Now that we made it through Halloween with a candy feast, we can really get serious as we start think turkey, or some wonderful alternative, for Thanksgiving. Hopefully, everyone will have an enjoyable Thanksgiving with family, friends, solitude—whatever you desire. But take some time to relax with a good book—from Oceanview.
November is busy and exciting for us. Our November release, Goliath, by Shawn Corridan and Gary Waid, really hit the ground running. Great reviews (Starred-Publisher’s Weekly) and significant PR activity have it off to a wonderful start, and the authors are working hard with signings, social media, etc. This is a terrific, fast-paced book. You will want to read it in one sitting.
We will also release Final Crossing by Carter Wilson in trade paper and The Deal Collection by Adam Gittlin as an eBook (the three books,The Deal, The Deal: About Face and Deal Master) this month.
In December, we will double your pleasure with two books being released. Dark Fissues, by Anthony Award-winning and best-selling author Matt Coyle, reintroduces you to Rick Cahill. Rick’s a great guy but gets himself in trouble because he insists on seeking out the truth—at all costs. This time, a beautiful woman hires him to prove that her Navy SEAL husband did not commit suicide, but was murdered. This pits Rick against several (old and some new) enemies, who would like nothing more than to see him dead.
Then we release Revelation, by USA Today best-selling author Carter Wilson. When college student Harden Campbell awakens on the dirt floor of a small cell with the mutilated body of his best friend next to him, he realizes that he may be next to die, but also knows what he must do if he is to survive. If this book lets you fall asleep, it will certainly awaken you in a cold sweat. A unique and compelling thriller.
You just have to read both of these December releases.
Several other wonderful things happened for Oceanview this month. Little Lamb Lost by Margaret Fenton, And Then There Was One by Patricia Gussin, and Method 15/33 by Shannon Kirk all made the Amazon Kindle Weekly Best-seller List, and The Perfect Assassin by Ward Larsen made the Apple iBook Weekly Best-seller List. Congratulations to these four highly talented authors.
Also (Drum Roll), the movie script for The Perfect Assassin (Ward Larsen) was finalized by director, Carlo Carle, and casting will now begin! This is a major step for Oceanview Entertainment and partner, Amber Entertainment. Filming in Rome and other locations in Italy should begin before too long. Congratulations to author Ward Larsen and to so many people involved in reaching this milestone. Wow!
Enjoy Thanksgiving, and keep on reading.
Be sure to see the exciting purchasing opportunities below:
17 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
17 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
Show & Tell Me the World by Tom Schamp book review. Click to read the full review of Show & Tell Me the World in New York Journal of Books. Review written by Cindy Helms.
Source: Show & Tell Me the World
17 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
Al Capone: His Life, Legacy, and Legend by Deirdre Bair book review. Click to read the full review of Al Capone: His Life, Legacy, and Legend in New York Journal of Books. Review written by Michael Thomas Barry.
17 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
2Create: Art Collaborations in New York City by Yoav Litvin book review. Click to read the full review of 2Create: Art Collaborations in New York City in New York Journal of Books. Review written by Rhonda Goldberg Sturtz.
17 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
If you’re a museum nerd and you have a daughter/son/niece/nephew/cousin that you want to brainwash, this is the book for you! You Can’t Take a Balloon into the Metropolitan Museum by Jacqueline Preiss Weitzman and Robin Preiss Glasser is a beautifully illustrated tale that seamlessly integrates art in a museum with the hustle and bustle of […]
via Book Review: You Can’t Take a Balloon into the Metropolitan Museum — Once Upon A Museum
17 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
Some are born with fire in them. ✮✮✮ SECOND CHANCES, HOPE, & RED-HOT CHEMISTRY… FIRE IN YOU is coming! The final book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Wait For You World, don’t Miss Brock and Jillian’s passionate and richly moving story in this standalone contemporary romance releasing November 28, 2016! And check out […]
17 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
An analysis of a classic imagist poem T. E. Hulme (1883-1917) wrote very different poetry from the verse composed by his near-contemporaries, ‘Georgian’ poets such as Rupert Brooke and John Drinkwater – or, indeed, the surviving ‘Victorian’ poets such as Thomas Hardy. His poems are clear, direct, and simple. Yet not so simple as to make […]
via A Short Analysis of T. E. Hulme’s ‘Above the Dock’ — Interesting Literature
17 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
DESCRIPTION:
Detroit’s top TV newsman Frank DeFauw hunts down the story of a judge who may be corrupt—and is one of his best friends. Booze, drugs, womanizing and a passion for the news are all part of what makes brilliant, erratic Frank a major player in this deeply troubled city.
Plagued by his own dark pleasures and followed by a deadly assassin, Frank is finally forced to decide if digging out the truth about a bribe to his pal the judge is worth risking his career, his family and his life.
With supple prose, brilliant dialogue, complex characters and a twisting plot, this opening salvo of The detroit im dyin Trilogy is a fast-paced urban crime thriller, a classic noir story of corruption, betrayal and murder.
MY THOUGHTS:
This is my kind of story!!! Within the first three pages, this Author manages to make you connect with the characters and explosively pull you into the story.
This is my favorite kind of writing. I really enjoy when an Author briefly introduces me to the characters, and then takes off with the story.
The main character, Frank, is likeable and unlikable in that making the character more relatable kind of way. You cheer for Frank, but sometimes he makes you shake your head, which really makes him feel more real.
This book was fast paced in my opinion. Well rounded plot and characters.
The only reason it took four sittings for me to get through, is because my real world life kept interrupting. Had I had the proper amount of free time, I would have easily read this from cover to cover.
I will continue to stick with this series, and look forward to reading them.
This is currently available for $3.99 on Amazon and would make a great weekend read!
16 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
16 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
16 Nov 2016 2 Comments
DESCRIPTION
From the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller, The Husband’s Secret…
A “cheerfully engaging”* novel for anyone who’s ever asked herself, “How did I get here?”
Alice Love is twenty-nine, crazy about her husband, and pregnant with her first child. So imagine Alice’s surprise when she comes to on the floor of a gym (a gym! She HATES the gym) and is whisked off to the hospital where she discovers the honeymoon is truly over—she’s getting divorced, she has three kids, and she’s actually 39 years old. Alice must reconstruct the events of a lost decade, and find out whether it’s possible to reconstruct her life at the same time. She has to figure out why her sister hardly talks to her, and how is it that she’s become one of those super skinny moms with really expensive clothes. Ultimately, Alice must discover whether forgetting is a blessing or a curse, and whether it’s possible to start over…
MY THOUGHTS
I impulse purchased the soft cover copy of this book while I was out shopping. No, I do not need more books, but something about the feel and smell of a physical book (most books I receive or purchase are e-books), just grabbed me.
I took it home, sat down and read it cover to cover.
But wait…
I REALLY enjoyed this book, and I REALLY didn’t. If the Author had simply told Alice’s side of the story it would have been WAY better.
The author also used two other narratives, (the sister and grandmother) and one was told in letter format and the other in journal format.
These were long-winded letters, and dragging journal entries that simply did not add to the story. Not at all.
So, instead of just Alice’s story, which was very interesting, you have two other stories that slowed the pace of the book.
I recommend you skim these parts. Read enough so the ending makes sense. I promise this will not take away from the best part, which is Alice’s story. 😉
The only ridiculous part of this book was the record-breaking, enormous lemon meringue pie. ( I think it was lemon.) Utterly ridiculous and unbelievable, and added nothing to the story. I think the author added this part just so Alice and another important character could have a conversation that did add to the story. So…I see the reason, but the route to it was silly.
I give this book 3 1/2 stars because I did read it in one sitting, and it’s worth reading just for Alice’s story. 🙂
16 Nov 2016 1 Comment
This is a reboot of one of my most popular posts from early in my blogging incarnation. The words in this post are just as true today as they were when it was posted. I’ve made some updates based on what I’ve learned along the way. If you are like me, you are aware of […]
via Indie Authors – Your Fellow Authors are Not Your Enemies — Don Massenzio’s Blog
16 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
Why Picture Books Are Important by Doug Cushman The first picture book I recall was from the classic Little Golden Book series my mother bought at the Big Bear super market in Ohio. In Scuffy the Tug Boat, the toy
16 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
Many Deadheads claim that the quality of the live recording of the show made by Betty Cantor-Jackson (a member of the crew) elevated its importance. Once those recordings—referred to as “Betty Boards”—began to circulate among Deadheads, the reputation of the Cornell ’77 show grew exponentially. That aura grew with time and, in the community of Deadheads and audiophiles, the show at Barton Hall acquired legendary status.
Rooted in dozens of interviews—including a conversation with Betty Cantor-Jackson about her recording—and accompanied by a dazzling selection of never-before-seen concert photographs, Cornell ’77 is about far more than just a single Grateful Dead concert. It is a social and cultural history of one of America’s most enduring and iconic musical acts, their devoted fans, and a group of Cornell students whose passion for music drove them to bring the Dead to Barton Hall. Peter Conners has intimate knowledge of the fan culture surrounding the Dead, and his expertise brings the show to life. He leads readers through a song-by-song analysis of the performance, from “New Minglewood Blues” to “One More Saturday Night,” and conveys why, forty years later, Cornell ’77 is still considered a touchstone in the history of the band.
As Conners notes in his Prologue: “You will hear from Deadheads who went to the show. You will hear from non-Deadhead Cornell graduates who were responsible for putting on the show in the first place. You will hear from record executives, academics, scholars, Dead family members, tapers, traders, and trolls. You will hear from those who still live the Grateful Dead every day. You will hear from those who would rather keep their Grateful Dead passions private for reasons both personal and professional. You will hear stories about the early days of being a Deadhead and what it was like to attend, and perhaps record, those early shows, including Cornell ’77.”
16 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
Characters are an important element of every story. So how do you make sure your story has characters that stand out? That readers find interesting and believable? Writers in the Storm posted an article about becoming your character, so that you don’t make mistakes like head hop or have multiple viewpoints for one character. The […]
via Indie Authors: Tips for Writing Characters That Resonate — Musings and Marvels
16 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
Indie Authors: Organization and Writing Tips
To that end, Duolit has provided a helpful free monthly planner for authors. The idea is that to-do lists can be too daunting, and if you schedule activities in your calendar you will actually get more done. The planner has you choose a focus for the month. For example, building a website, writing, planning promotions, etc.
Of course, writing (arguably) the most important activity you can do as an indie author. So you want to make sure you spend some time each day writing. Monica Leonelle gives some great advice on how to write more. In addition to using dictation software, she advocates making a small to-do list for the day (so it can complement your calendar), where you fill in things to do for a two hour chunk of the day, three 25-minute sessions, and five five-minute tasks. I haven’t tried this method yet, but I can see how it would be satisfying to do.
Shelley Hitz also advocates scheduling your writing time as a way to improve.
Yes, the more you write, the better your writing will become. But it’s also good to figure out what makes writing good, and how you can improve your skills. Forbes recommends three books that will help with just that, including The Sense of Style and The Getaway Car. Sounds intriguing, especially for books on writing.
Writing flash fiction can also improve your writing as a whole, according to Kate Tilton. This is because in flash fiction, you have to make every word count.
According to Brain Pickings, great storytellers must have three qualities: magic, story, and lesson. And R.S. Mollison-Read wrote about two other essential writer skills: imagination and analysis.
Live Write Thrive provides a 10-item checklist of questions to ask about your story. Questions include character reactions, what the conflict is, and what the point of the scene is.
And The Book Designer talks about joining writer groups to help you write, and also promote your book. The article also provides a long list of groups you can join.
And last, if you’re looking for some inspiration, Writers Unplugged shares 21 quotes for novelists. Here’s my favorite:
“There is something delicious about writing the first words of a story. You never quite know where they’ll take you.” ~ Beatrix Potter
16 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
How to Survive (and Maybe Enjoy) Going Public with Your Book
Recently, I asked a debut novelist what events she had planned around her book launch. She shrugged and said, “Not much. Most marketing is done online these days. That’s fine with me. I hate speaking in public.”
She’s right. Unless you’re selling like Paula Hawkins or John Grisham, your publisher won’t pay to send you anywhere. It’s more cost effective for them to put their marketing budget toward advertising and online promotions. And, hey, we writers aren’t typically the most confident public speakers.
At the same time, if you don’t do book events, you’re going to miss out on connecting with readers and celebrating not only your book, but the craft of writing. Even if the idea of appearing in public seems nonsensical or downright scary, set up your own events and get out there. Here are some tips to help you survive going public with your book:
Think Beyond Bookstores
Many bookstores won’t arrange events for indie authors unless they’re local (and some won’t even do it then). Even if you’re traditionally published, it’s important to think beyond the bookstore. This past weekend, for instance, I got together with authors Connie Hambley, Laura Moore, and Natalie Reinert to talk about their books and my most recent novel, Folly Cove, on a panel about why authors put horses in fiction. We held the panel at Equine Affaire, a huge horse event, and signed books afterward through Taborton Equine Books. What a blast!
Make It a Conversation
If you’re scared to speak in public, try Toastmasters, practice in the mirror, or do what I did and take a stand-comedy class. Nobody wants to listen to an author drone on from notes at a podium or read an entire chapter of a book. For each event, try to talk about yourself and the book for a few minutes, then read for no more than ten minutes and take questions. The idea is to turn your event into an interesting two-way conversation.
Try the Meet & Greet Approach
Some of the weirdest but most entertaining events I’ve done are “meet and greets.” I typically do these at Barnes & Noble bookstores, but I’ve arranged them at other stores as well. The idea is that you sit at a table somewhere in the store that gets heavy traffic—often by the front door or the cafe—and talk to people. That’s it. It’s like being a Wal-Mart greeter, except you don’t have to wear a blue smock and you happen to be sitting at a table with a stack of your books on it. The idea is that, by engaging in conversation with you, people will want to buy your book. To my surprise, I like doing this, maybe because there’s no real pressure in, say, complimenting the sweater of a woman who walks by, or answering questions like, “Where’s the bathroom?” (Many people will think you’re a bookstore employee at first.) I have met all sorts of people this way, and I have sold a surprising number of books to complete strangers.
Don’t Forget the Library
By far, most of my author events take place at libraries. Sometimes I meet with book clubs, but other times I arrange events myself, often to coincide with a theme—an upcoming holiday, local settings, or whatever else the librarian thinks patrons might enjoy. I’ve also run writing workshops at various libraries, or I’ve met with their ongoing writers’ groups to talk about publishing. It’s a great way to build a community not just for your book, but for yourself.
Groups Are Great
If appearing alone scares the pants off you, either because you’re a shy public speaker or don’t think you can draw a crowd, try arranging a panel. I speak on a panel of cross-genre writers, The Nevertheless Writers. Together, we often draw more of a crowd than we can do individually, especially if we’re speaking to aspiring writers. It’s also fun to get together with other writers in your genre and speak on a common topic, whether it’s horror, time travel, or families in conflict.
Don’t Do This to Sell Books
Finally, the most important advice I can give you about book events is this: Don’t do them because you want to sell books. Arrange events with the goal of meeting new people, connecting with librarians and booksellers, visiting with old friends, and—most importantly—to celebrate why books matter.
15 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
Salento by 5 is a collection of richly woven Italian stories, written by three local Italians and two American travelers. A friendship begins in the Rome airport, migrates to Salento, the southernmost Italian region of Puglia, blossoms over food and wine, and culminates in a narrative filled with nostalgic and personal recollections of Salento’s unique history, culture, and people. Enjoy the book’s watercolor sketches, the local recipes, and off-the-beaten path travel hints that only the Salento by 5 authors can provide. Whether you are an armchair traveler or looking for a new Italian adventure in a not so well known region, Salento by 5 has a little something for everyone.
This book will be printed in paperback in color and is available in e-book formats
Salento by 5 delivers well-crafted tales that appeal to all the senses from steaming mussels and freshly baked bread to traditional folk music and jagged stones underfoot in the sparkling Adriatic and Ionian Seas. The authors’ great love of and respect for the region shine through in both the prose and artwork, and the five different voices in this book dive into the traditions, customs, and cuisine of Puglia like no other I’ve seen. It’s simply a must-read for anyone interested in southern Italy. –Michelle Fabio Author of 52 Things to See and Do in Calabria
What a charming and unique travel memoir with stories written by an American couple and the close friends they made during their trips to the Salento. You’ll soon be falling under the spell of this special place and the people who inhabit it. Viana La Place, author of My Italian Garden
15 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
in Cookbooks & Recipes, DIDIER QUEMENER, Recommended reading
DESCRIPTION & AUTHOR INTERVIEW
#1 Amazon Best Selling Author in French Cooking, Food & Wine
A Parisian private chef invites you into his kitchen for a taste of his favorite winter recipes—and anecdotes about growing up in the French countryside.
Chef Didier Quémener, author of Chef Q in Paris: The Fall Collection, is back with his second book, this time focusing on winter. Didier’s mantra is cooking with seasonal products. They’re inexpensive and flavorful. What’s not to love? Growing up in the French countryside, Didier learned how to make the most of each season, choosing the tastiest ingredients to warm the body and soul. Today, he shares delicious, easy and inexpensive recipes, as well as tips and stories from his life then and now.
Like Didier’s fall cookbook, this one, too, has French flair, but doesn’t stop at French borders. Didier has traveled throughout the U.S., Europe and China, and he brings these voyages to his cuisine. If you enjoy cookbooks with a seasonal and international flavor, this one will delight your palate!
It’s such a fun idea to have four cookbooks in your series, one for each season. Why did you choose to focus on seasonal cooking?
Seasonal products are the key to great cooking! To truly enjoy food at its best, we have to appreciate what nature gives us—and at the time when it’s ready to be on our plates. For instance, I can’t see myself cooking a cherry pie in December or a French apple tart in June! Follow the seasons, and logically your meals will be tastier.
French cuisine sounds delicious but French cooking sounds hard. Are your recipes easy? Involved? Somewhere in-between?
That’s another myth that needs a good debunking! Like all great cuisine in this world, French cuisine started in the countryside where people had to be wise and frugal, using products available to them at a given time. Today, French “haute-cuisine” is a different ballgame, but when it comes to traditional, original and tasty French cooking, there is nothing complicated about it. The recipe? A bit of time, the right products and the right method!
You’re a French-American chef living in Paris who sometimes works in the U.K. and often travels the world. I’m guessing I’ll find international influences in your cookbook, and not just French recipes, right?
You’re correct! That’s what I love about traveling: being exposed to a variety of cuisines, products, stories behind recipes, etc. I love to learn about new foods and ingredients, and see how the locals use them in their cooking. Then I bring my discoveries back to my own kitchen!
French Cookbooks
Seasonal Cookbooks
Gourmet Cookbooks
For new and experienced cooks who like: french cooking, seasonal cooking, appetizer recipes, dessert recipes, main course recipes, drink recipes, cocktail recipes, healthy eating, healthy cooking, french cuisine, secrets of the best chefs, gourmet cooking, vegetarian recipes, clean eating
MY THOUGHTS:
This book is just as good, if not better than his Fall Collection cookbook!
My favorite thing about his cookbooks are the easy to follow directions and easy to find ingredients.
This collection of Winter recipes is sure to warm your belly!
I also appreciate how he explains and shows you how clean and healthy eating isn’t as difficult of intimidating as it seems.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, and honestly adding his book collection would be an excellent addition to anyone’s kitchen, and these would make great gifts for the cook and/or food lover in your life.
15 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
Veteran Washington Journalist Gwen Ifill Dies At 61 Gwen Ifill — host of “Washington Week” and “PBS NewsHour” — has died at age 61. She leaves a legacy as a pioneer among women and African-American journalists and as a mentor to younger journalists. Read more on NPR
via NPR News: Veteran Washington Journalist Gwen Ifill Dies At 61 — William Chasterson
15 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
I’m amazed when I see fellow bloggers with a Goodreads widget showing multiple books shelved as currently reading. It isn’t the number I find shocking, but the type of books. More often than not, all those books are novels. It’s not that I’m appalled by the thought of reading multiple novels at a time. I don’t understand. Could it be people aren’t marking a book as finished before adding the next reading endeavor to the list? In some cases, perhaps, but I doubt it’s a blanket answer.
via Thoughts on Reading Multiple Books at Once — Drew Martin Writes
15 Nov 2016 2 Comments
in January's Thoughts, Recommended reading
My goal for Indie Authors in 2017, is to really get the word out as to how important reviews are, and how easy they are to do.
The last time I checked, once an Author receives 50 reviews on Amazon, their book will start getting suggested to people who are browsing Amazon.
When I receive a book in exchange for my review, I do not read the other reviews until I have already posted mine. I do not want anything at all to influence my opinion.
However, when I am outright buying a book, you bet your bottom dollar that I look at every single review before purchasing.
Reviews and word of mouth are what helps Authors sell their books! And do you know how much Authors appreciate your reviews? It means the world to them! It means someone chose their book over a bazillion others, to read! ❤
Writing is hard work, as much as the movie industry has made it seem romantic. It is time away from family and friends, it’s a lot of tears and self-doubt. Yes, there are beautiful moments in writing, however it is still hard work.
And, Authors spending time on promoting means they have to spend time away from actually writing.
“TOUGH LOVE AND A SWIFT KICK IN THE RUMP”
Okay, so this is where I give you a swift kick in the rump!
I hear so many readers say they don’t know what to say when leaving a review.
I DON’T BELIEVE THEM!
After this insane political season, I have fully come to realize that EVERYONE HAS AN OPINION AND KNOWS PERFECTLY WELL HOW TO EXPRESS IT!
So, don’t give me anymore excuses, and please make leaving reviews for books you read, a Resolution that you REALLY stick to in 2017!
Pinky promise?
Love,
January
14 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
I really loved this book by the talented Janet MacLeod Trotter, who is no stranger to weaving a classic saga. Having really enjoyed reading The Tea Planter’s Daughter back in 2012 (one of my first Kindle books), I was delighted to be offered an advance copy of this second book in the Tea Planters trilogy (though […]
13 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
The synopsis gives us a flavour of what The Woman on the Orient Express has in store for us, promising secrets not easy to unravel on a journey on the iconic train line. The subject, ‘The Woman’ is Agatha Christie, the reason for the trip is an escape from England after the end of her […]
via The Woman on the Orient Express – Lindsay Jayne Ashford — Cleopatra Loves Books
12 Nov 2016 2 Comments
On a recent trip to Seattle, I took some time to go to the Amazon bookstore in University Village. I wanted to see what the behemoth online retailer would do with a bookstore. Although Amazon began as an online bookseller, it has morphed into the Wal-Mart of the Internet. It still sells books, but books […]
via A Review of the Amazon Bookstore in Seattle — Story & History
11 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
Writing is not a walk through the park, neither is trying to get your book published so hopefully these few harsh, but helpful writing tips will assist you in this long journey. The first draft always sucks – Your first draft will never be amazing let alone good but that’s what editing is for. The […]
10 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
1. WRITE IN WHATEVER TIME YOU HAVE One of J.K. Rowling’s most famous quotes is: “Sometimes you have to get your writing done in spare moments here and there.” This is crucial advice on writing a book. It’s easy for us to imagine successful writers spending all day penning beautiful paragraphs, but everybody had to […]
09 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
by G. Robert Frazier Before you crack open Pegasus Down (Oceanview Publishing), the new novel byPhilip Donlay, you better buckle up: You’re in for a hell of a ride. This action-thriller soars from start to finish with page-a-minute suspense and thrills to keep you riveted to your seat, just like an on-screen summer blockbuster. Donlay […]
via Review: Buckle up for Philip Donlay’s latest, Pegasus Down — Adventures in Writing
09 Nov 2016 2 Comments
I am delighted to welcome Patricia Salmone, author of The Italian Thing, with a short story that takes us on a journey through an elderly woman’s life to a place where dreams can come true. Put your feet up and grab a cup of coffee or glass of wine… JULIA By: Patricia K. Salamone Cathy […]
08 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
in KATHERINE ARDEN Tags: Fiction
And indeed, crops begin to fail, evil creatures of the forest creep nearer, and misfortune stalks the village. All the while, Vasilisa’s stepmother grows ever harsher in her determination to groom her rebellious stepdaughter for marriage or confinement in a convent.
As danger circles nearer, Vasilisa must defy even the people she loves and call on dangerous gifts she has long concealed—this, in order to protect her family from a threat that seems to have stepped from her nurse’s most frightening tales.
08 Nov 2016 2 Comments
A revelatory account of the life of beloved American music icon, Paul Simon, by the bestselling rock biographer Peter Ames Carlin
To have been alive during the last sixty years is to have lived with the music of Paul Simon. The boy from Queens scored his first hit record in 1957, just months after Elvis Presley ignited the rock era. As the songwriting half of Simon & Garfunkel, his work helped define the youth movement of the ’60s. On his own in the ’70s, Simon made radio-dominating hits. He kicked off the ’80s by reuniting with Garfunkel to perform for half a million New Yorkers in Central Park. Five years later, Simon’s album “Graceland” sold millions and spurred an international political controversy. And it doesn’t stop there.
The grandchild of Jewish immigrants from Hungary, the nearly 75-year-old singer-songwriter has not only sold more than 100 million records, won 15 Grammy awards and been installed into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame twice, but has also animated the meaning—and flexibility—of personal and cultural identity in a rapidly shrinking world.
Simon has also lived one of the most vibrant lives of modern times; a story replete with tales of Carrie Fisher, Leonard Bernstein, Bob Dylan, Woody Allen, Shelley Duvall, Nelson Mandela, drugs, depression, marriage, divorce, and more. A life story with the scope and power of an epic novel, Carlin’s Homeward Bound is the first major biography of one of the most influential popular artists in American history.
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781627790345 |
| PRICE | $32.00 (USD) |
08 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
Writer Guy Bergstrom explains why NaNoWriMo sets up aspiring novelists for failure — and how a different approach, focusing on narrative and structure over output, might be the way to go.
via Why NaNoWriMo is Noble Nuttiness (and Eight Steps to Make It Easier) — Discover
08 Nov 2016 9 Comments
Authors truly do want to hear from you! Most take Constructive Criticism well, and they want honest feedback.
It does not take any time to leave a review. Just mark how many stars you want to give it, and simply say you liked it or not.
Even better if you say why you liked/disliked it, but just one sentence is helpful.
Here are the stars and a basic overview of what they mean. Please DO NOT give an Author one star because your book did not download properly or your hard copy arrived late. You need to take that up with Amazon Customer Service, or whatever service you used to purchase the book.
Not all negative reviews are bad. Some people like reading about the things you did not.
For example:
I was shopping for a purse/tote bag online, and one of the reviewers hated it because she thought the bag was too big. BIG is exactly what I was looking for! 🙂
Once an Author hits 50 reviews on Amazon, Amazon shows their book more.
So please, please, please, take just 10 seconds to give stars and a quick sentence or two about EVERY book you read!
Thank you!
January
08 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
John Benedict (’82) may put people to sleep at his day job, but off-duty, the Penn State College of Medicine alumnus and central Pennsylvania anesthesiologist writes medical thrillers that may keep them up at night. His first two self-published books, Adrenaline, and its sequel, The Edge of Death, were so successful that Benedict was able to […]
via Alumnus publishes third medical thriller: Fatal Complications — Penn State Medicine
06 Nov 2016 1 Comment
Now, if you are on my mailing list lucindaeclarke@gmail.com (just drop me an email and I’ll add your name – sorry, but I don’t know how to put a button on here) and you will find out what is going on behind the scenes. It’s very serious and I am very worried indeed, so it might […]
05 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
in Aaron Shepherd, Children's, Wendy Edelson
Van Amsterdam the baker was well known for his honesty as well as for his fine Saint Nicholas cookies. He always gave his customers exactly what they paid for — not more and not less. So, he was not about to give in when a mysterious old woman comes to him on Saint Nicholas Day and insists that a dozen is thirteen!
The woman’s curse puts an end to the baker’s business, and he believes it would take Saint Nicholas to help him. But if he receives that help, will it be exactly what he imagined?
Find out in this inspiring legend from Dutch colonial New York about the birth of an honored American custom.
MY THOUGHTS:
I have heard and used the term “baker’s dozen”, but I had never given the origin of it any thought. I did not know it was a Dutch story!
This book is short and cute and interesting, and also includes a recipe.
The illustrations are AMAZING AMAZING!
You and your child both will LOVE this book!
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my review. This book is a true treasure.
Here is the Amazon link for purchase:
05 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
in Children's, Derek Valez Patridge, Mary Packard, Recommended reading
Description
04 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
in PAUL ANTHONY JONES, Recommended reading Tags: Science Fiction
I found this series on my Amazon Prime Reading, and after reading Paul’s book Towards Yesterday (see my review), I decided to read these.
I enjoyed these books…and I didn’t…
I enjoyed them enough to read practically back to back over a long weekend, but I also skimmed a lot.
As I stated in my review of his book Towards Yesterday, sometimes this Author gets WAY TOO descriptive for me.
It gets tedious reading paragraph after paragraph of every movement that happens in a situation. In one of the books, it took forever for him to get the main character out of the garage with a vehicle, when she was being pursued.
Also, in this scene, he made Emily (the main character) way too dumb when it came to vehicles. She had moved to New York, and of course, never found the need to learn to drive. But this Author treated her like she had NEVER even ridden in a vehicle in her entire life. She had no idea which was the gas and which was the brake pedal, which I found ridiculous.
Now, I will admit, I skimmed quite a bit the further I progressed with this series, so I may have missed Emily getting taught (but I doubt it)…so, Emily had never driven a car, yet later in the series she knows how to jump a vehicle and change a tire. Oh, she also learns how to drive a CAT, a boat and a helicopter…(she was trained on the helicopter.)
I also didn’t like how when children were brought into the story, Emily, a single career girl Journalist, knows exactly how to deal with children and knows exactly what to say to calm them down. Not every woman has the mothering instinct and it gets played over and over in stories, so just a personal bother on that point…it probably wouldn’t bother many others. 😉
Paul is a great writer, and I was hoping to see him grow more as the series progressed. As far as I’m concerned, he could have ditched the second book entirely and condensed it into either the first or third book.
The second book is nothing but Emily’s tedious journey across country to what she hopes is safety. She originally plans to do this by bicycle…and I just can’t even…
Paul makes her a semi-MacGyver that just doesn’t always help make the story work.
Paul leaves all of his surprises in the last few pages, and ends with cliff hangers.
Overall though, I enjoyed this series and I may or may not read the next one in line. If I do, I will most likely skim it as well.
If he would cut down on the drawn out descriptions of every single breath and movement the characters take, that would really improve these books and his future writings.
I will keep my eye on him though, as he has potential to be a best selling Author.
Believe it or not, I still recommend this series for fans of Sci-Fi. I did enjoy these books for the most part, and the Author does write well enough for you to want to know what happened.
03 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
in Recommended reading Tags: YELLOW HAIR
My name is Andrew Joyce and I write books for a living. I would like to thank January for allowing me to be here today to promote my latest, Yellow Hair, which documents the injustices done to the Sioux Nation from their first treaty with the United States in 1805 through Wounded Knee in 1890. Every death, murder, battle, and outrage I write about actually took place. The historical figures that play a role in my fact-based tale of fiction were real people and I use their real names. Yellow Hair is an epic tale of adventure, family, love, and hate that spans most of the 19th century.
Now that the commercial is out of the way, we can get down to what I really came here to talk about: the Sioux people. The people we know as the Sioux were originally known as the Dakota, which means ally. The name Sioux came from the Chippewa and the French. The Chippewa called them Nadonessiou, which means adder, or enemy, and then the French shortened the name to Sioux.
Every culture has an origin myth. We in the West have Adam and Eve. The Ancient Greeks had Gaia. According to the Norse people, Odin and Ymir founded the earth. If you will allow me, I’d like to tell you the creation story of the Dakota.
In the beginning, before the creation of the earth, the gods resided in the sky and humans lived in darkness. Chief among the gods was Ta՜kuwakaŋ, the Sun, who was married to Haŋyetuwi, the Moon. He had one daughter, Wohpe. And there was Old Man and Old Woman, whose daughter, Ite, was wife to Wind, to whom she gave four sons, the Four Winds.
Of the other spirits, the most important was Iŋktomi, the devious trickster. Iŋktomi conspired with Old Man and Old Woman to increase their daughter’s status by arranging an affair between the Sun and Ite. His wife’s discovery of the affair led Ta՜kuwakaŋ to give the Moon her own domain, and by separating her from himself, created time.
Old Man, Old Woman and Ite—who was separated from Wind, her husband—were banished to Earth. Ite, along with her children, the Four Winds, and a fifth wind—the child of Ite but not of Wind—established space. The daughter of the Sun and the Moon, Wohpe, also fell to earth and later resided with the South Wind. The two adopted the fifth wind, who was called Wamŋiomŋi.
Alone on the newly formed Earth, some of the gods became bored. Ite prevailed upon Iŋktomi to find her people, the Buffalo Nation. In the form of a wolf, Iŋktomi went beneath the earth and discovered a village of humans. Iŋktomi told them about the wonders of the Earth and convinced one man, Tokahe, to accompany him through a cave to the surface. Tokahe did so and, upon reaching the surface, saw the green grass and blue sky for the first time. Iŋktomi and Ite introduced Tokahe to buffalo meat and showed him tipis, clothing, hunting clubs, and bows and arrows. Tokahe returned to the underworld village and appealed to six other men and their families to go with him to the Earth’s surface.
When they arrived, they discovered that Iŋktomi had deceived Tokahe. The buffalo were scarce; the weather had turned bad, and they found themselves starving. Unable to return to their home, but armed with a new knowledge about the world, they survived to become the founders of the Seven Council Fires.
The Seven Council Fires . . . or Oćeti Šakowiŋ . . . are the Mdewakanton, the Wahpeton, the Wahpekute, the Sisseton, the Yankton, the Yanktonai, and the Lakota.
After Tokahe led the six families to the surface of the earth, they wandered for many winters. Sons were born and sons died. Winters passed, more winters than could be counted. That was before Oćeti Šakowiŋ. But not until White Buffalo Calf Woman did the humans become Dakota.
Two scouts were hunting the buffalo when they came to the top of a small hill. A long way off, they observed the figure of a woman. As she approached, they saw that she was beautiful. She was young and carried a wakiŋ. One of the scouts had lustful thoughts and told the other. His friend told him that she was sacred and to banish such thoughts.
The woman came up to them and said to the one with the lustful thoughts, “If you would do what you are thinking, come forward.” The scout moved and stood before her and a white cloud covered them from sight.
When the woman stepped from the cloud, it blew away. There on the ground, at the beautiful woman’s feet, lay a pile of bones with worms crawling in and among them.
The woman told the other scout to go to his village and tell his people that she was coming, for them to build a medicine tipi large enough to hold all the chiefs of the nation. She said, “I bring a great gift to your people.”
When the people heard the scout’s story, they constructed the lodge, and put on their finest clothing, then stood about the lodge and waited.
As the woman entered the village, she sang:
‘With visible breath I am walking.
A voice I am sending as I walk.
In a sacred manner I am walking.
With visible tracks I am walking.
In a sacred manner I walk.’
She handed the wakiŋ to the head chief and he withdrew a pipe from the bundle. On one side of the pipe was carved a bison calf. “The bison represents the earth, which will house and feed you,” she said.
Thirteen eagle feathers hung from the wooden stem. White Buffalo Calf Woman told the chiefs, “The feathers represent the sky and the thirteen moons. With this pipe, you shall prosper. With this pipe, you shall speak with Wakaŋ Taŋ՜ka (God). With this pipe, you shall become The People. With this pipe, you shall be bound with the Earth for She is your mother. She is sacred. With this pipe, you shall be bound to your relatives.”
Having given the pipe to the People, and having said what she had to say, she turned and walked four paces from the lodge and sat down.
When she arose, she was a red-and-brown buffalo calf. She walked on, lay down and came up as a black buffalo calf. Walking still farther, she turned into a white buffalo and stood upon a hill. She turned to bow in the four directions of the four winds and then she vanished.
Because of White Buffalo Calf Woman, the Dakota honor our mother the Earth; they honor their parents and their grandparents. They honor the birds of the sky; they honor the beasts of the earth. They know that Wakaŋ Taŋ՜ka resides in all animals, in all trees and plants and rocks and stones. Wakaŋ Taŋ՜ka is in all. They know that Wakaŋ Taŋ՜ka lives in each of us.
Because of White Buffalo Calf Woman, they have become Dakota.
You can follow Andrew and find his book at these places:
Happy Reading!!!
03 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review/ref=dpx_acr_wr_link?asin=1419722336#
03 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
“Anyone who has the power to make you believe absurdities has the power to make you commit injustices” – Voltaire “So, you must be Christopher. I have been looking forward to meeting you. My name is Niccolo,” said the large tomcat whose presence commanded the room. “Forgive the manners of my comrades. They are very […]
02 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
in PAUL ANTHONY JONES, Recommended reading Tags: Science Fiction
What if…in the middle of an ordinary day of your life, you and everyone else on Earth, suddenly found yourselves 25 years back in time?
Do you think this would be a good or bad thing for you, and what things would you change if given a second chance?
That is the premise of this book by Paul Anthony Jones, and it does make you wonder.
I found this book on my Amazon Prime Reading, and read it in two sittings.
I enjoyed this book, although sometimes the Author got entirely TOO descriptive for me. Sometimes he takes you through absolutely every step and motion a character takes/makes.
It didn’t blow me away, it isn’t one I will read again, but as a fun weekend Sci-Fi read, I do highly recommend it.
01 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
in Victoria Helen Stone, Women's Fiction
DESCRIPTION:
Evelyn Tester is sleepwalking through her suburban life—until a late-night phone call startles her awake. Her husband, a prestigious psychiatrist, has been in an accident. And he isn’t alone.
Suddenly Evelyn’s world isn’t as tidy as she thought. And in the midst of it all is Juliette, not only her husband’s secret lover but also his patient. If news of the affair were to get out, it would ruin more than just Evelyn’s marriage. Although it’s a bitter pill for Evelyn to swallow, protecting her family means staying silent—even if, as she begins to discover, the night of the accident has consequences far more dangerous than the unmasking of an affair.
But the more Evelyn learns about Juliette’s picture-perfect life—complete with a handsome, unsuspecting husband—the more she yearns for revenge…and satisfaction. Her growing obsession fuels her rage, burning away her complacency. What will be left of her after it flames out?
MY THOUGHTS:
I got this book through my Amazon Prime early release, and read it in ONE sitting. I like the layout of Before/After, and the pace of the story.
The characters and plot are complete and complex.
It made you wonder what you would do if you were in Evelyn’s shoes.
A realistic story.
Definitely put this one on your TBR list!
Here is the Amazon link for purchase:
01 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
Go check out what books are on deck for release this new month of November!!!
01 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LOWM1OU/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
01 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
I recently wrote a self-publishing guest post for indie author, Theresa Sopoko. I wrote the article in a bid to convince myself that self-publishing is the way to go. While everyone secretly wants to be published by one of the Big 5, I’ve finally begun to see that the advantages to self-publishing are actually pretty great (if […]
via 9 reasons why you should self-publish – with cats — millie schmidt writer
01 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
The girl gasps, her face suspended between fear and delight. “Who are they?” she whispers, as if they might be overheard.
The boy grins, for he’s realized with sudden clarity that he’s found a friend.
“The Story People, of course.”
—
When Ben Palermo inherited his uncle’s bookstore in small-town New Holden, Indiana, it was like stepping back in time. The nostalgia, however, is tainted by a painful past, one that Ben would rather leave behind. Can he stay in this town and run the business that holds so many conflicting memories for him? Or will he finally sell? When a group of well-meaning women make it their mission to keep him in town by finding him a wife, his life is about to get more interesting … and complicated.
Rosemary is a children’s author and illustrator with a painful history of her own. When she meets Ben, she is overwhelmed by his disarming charm … and familiarity. But when a series of events casts Ben in a suspicious light and a persistent friend makes claims on her heart, Rosemary must discover the truth in order to finally reconnect with her past.
The Story People is a celebration of the connection forged when a book is opened, loved, and shared and the vision and purpose found when letting God use you wherever you are.
01 Nov 2016 Leave a comment
From December to New Year’s Eve, reawaken the wonder, joy, and magic that is Christmas with daily scripture and inspirational readings of stories behind popular Christmas traditions, carols and movies. Enjoy a wealth of fun activities to help make the most of the season, including heartwarming holiday recipes and homemade gift ideas.
With this soon-to-be-cherished holiday devotional, best-selling author Ace Collins will capture your imagination and help to make each day of December more memorable and meaningful to you, and those you love, by shining a light on the real spirit of the season.
31 Oct 2016 Leave a comment
in BEATRICE COLIN, Recommended reading Tags: Fiction, Literary Fiction
My heart my heart…I am not a softy at all (well, a closet softy), and this book is still tugging at my heart. It is a must read. I read this one right after reading All The Light We Cannot See, and wow, what an amazing combo to read back to back even though they are by two different Authors writing on two different themes.
This book will be available for purchase in November on Amazon. Go get it and grab a box of tissues on the way.
Set against the construction of the Eiffel Tower, this novel charts the relationship between a young Scottish widow and a French engineer who, despite constraints of class and wealth, fall in love.
In February 1887, Caitriona Wallace and Émile Nouguier meet in a hot air balloon, floating high above Paris, France–a moment of pure possibility. But back on firm ground, their vastly different social strata become clear. Cait is a widow who because of her precarious financial situation is forced to chaperone two wealthy Scottish charges. Émile is expected to take on the bourgeois stability of his family’s business and choose a suitable wife. As the Eiffel Tower rises, a marvel of steel and air and light, the subject of extreme controversy and a symbol of the future, Cait and Émile must decide what their love is worth.
Seamlessly weaving historical detail and vivid invention, Beatrice Colin evokes the revolutionary time in which Cait and Émile live–one of corsets and secret trysts, duels and Bohemian independence, strict tradition and Impressionist experimentation. To Capture What We Cannot Keep, stylish, provocative, and shimmering, raises probing questions about a woman’s place in that world, the overarching reach of class distinctions, and the sacrifices love requires of us all.
30 Oct 2016 Leave a comment
in Catherine McKenzine, Mystery, Thriller, Suspense
Welcome, neighbor!
Julie Prentice and her family move across the country to the idyllic Mount Adams district of Cincinnati, hoping to evade the stalker who’s been terrorizing them ever since the publication of her bestselling novel, The Murder Game. Since Julie doesn’t know anyone in her new town, when she meets her neighbor John Dunbar, their instant connection brings measured hope for a new beginning. But she never imagines that a simple, benign conversation with him could set her life spinning so far off course.
We know where you live.…
After a series of misunderstandings, Julie and her family become the target of increasingly unsettling harassment. Has Julie’s stalker found her, or are her neighbors out to get her, too? As tension in the neighborhood rises, new friends turn into enemies, and the results are deadly.
MY THOUGHTS:
Suspenseful, masterfully plotted with well fleshed out characters. You feel like you know Julie and her family.
This book took me by surprise several times while I was reading it, with many unexpected twists and turns.
A flawless, gripping page turner.
I received this from NetGalley by my request, and read and reviewed it by my choice. Here is the Amazon link for purchase.
29 Oct 2016 Leave a comment
I know I push buying books from Indie Authors, as I’ve said before, the price typically ranges from 99 cents to 4.99.
But, here is one of my favorite places where you can get books for FREE in exchange for your honest review. You do NOT need a blog or a broad social networking reach.
Be sure to ALWAYS post on Amazon.
GoodReads is a great place as well, and quick and easy.
Also, since 99% of you have a Pinterest, go ahead and add a Book board! 🙂
NETGALLEY
How it works:
After easy e-mail/password sign-up (sign up as Reader), and account confirmation, you can select the categories you like.
You can then browse the categories and request books. Be careful to pay attention to which countries that particular book is open to request.
There is also a Read Now section, where you do not have to wait for approval of the book.
Once you’ve read the book, they have an easy 5 star section and you can also add comments if you choose.
This is one of my favorites, but it is easy to request too many and get overwhelmed. I did not have to wait long for my first approval, but some people have had to wait a couple days.
One of my favorite things about NetGalley, is it offers a wide range of Authors. Some are newbie/Indie Authors, and others are well established/well known Authors.
So, go take a look and happy reading!
28 Oct 2016 Leave a comment
Chloe Henderson’s colourful little book is full of uplifting quotes with illustrations and tips that will get the aspiring writer motivated to write: Write a book you’d like to read. If you wouldn’t read it, why would anybody else? (Hilary Mantel) The scariest moment is just before you start. No tears in the writer; No […]
27 Oct 2016 Leave a comment
The news went out on Publishers Lunch yesterday, and John re-posted the announcement on his blog, and here it is again: New York Times bestseller Carrie Vaughn’s BANNERLESS, a novel in which an investigator must discover the truth behind a mysterious death in a world where small communities struggle to maintain a ravaged civilization decades […]
26 Oct 2016 2 Comments
in Hannah Todd, Health & Wellness, Memoir
“Keep smiling and being you. Don’t let the world change you”
Hello Me, it’s You is a collection of letters by young adults aged 17-24 about their experiences with mental health issues. The letters are written to their 16-year-old selves, giving beautifully honest advice, insight and encouragement for all that lays ahead of them.
This book was produced by the Hello Me, it’s You charity, set up by the editor, Hannah. Hannah was diagnosed with depression and anxiety whilst at university and found comfort in talking to friends about their experiences, realising she was not alone in her situation. This inspired the idea for the charity and book. Through the creation of materials such as this, the charity aims to provide reassurance for young adults (and their families) who are experiencing mental health issues and give a voice to young adults on such an important topic. The result of that will hopefully be a reduction in the negative stigma surrounding mental health and an increase in awareness of young people’s experiences. All profits go the Hello Me, it’s You charity, for the production of future supportive books.
Trigger warning: Due to it’s nature, the content of this book may be triggering. Contains personal experiences of depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, trichotillomania and other mental health issues, as well as issues such as assault.
MY THOUGHTS:
If you have ever dealt with, or are dealing with a mental health issue, this book is for you. If you haven’t, most of us at least know and love someone who is/has. So again, this book is for you.
As of this posting the year is 2016 and although there have been improvements, mental health is still misunderstood by society in general.
The negative stigma still attached is appalling, and these very personal letters show the guilt people have of dealing with a mental issue.
Touching. Honest. Raw.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
I received a copy by request, from NetGalley and read and reviewed by my choosing. Here is the link for purchase:
26 Oct 2016 Leave a comment
Originally posted on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life: Today we are celebrating the recent release of award winning children’s author Janice Spina. Colby The Courageous Cat is a must for all children and cat lovers alike. Written by Janice Spina and illustrated by John Spina. Available in print and Kindle versions. About…
25 Oct 2016 1 Comment
WHETHER YOU’RE IN THE MIDDLE OF WRITING YOU’RE MASTERPIECE OR JUST ABOUT TO BEGIN HERE’S HOW TO SURVIVE THOSE BUSY WRITING MONTHS. 1. PACK YOUR LUNCH Writers are notoriously bad for getting so engrossed in their work that they forget to eat. You might be struggling for time and spending hours making meals is the […]
25 Oct 2016 Leave a comment
This book will be published November 15, 2016 and is available for pre-order:
25 Oct 2016 2 Comments
Originally posted on Nicholas C. Rossis: October is closing with a bang, as author C.C. Ekeke has organized an amazing giveaway of 26 sci-fi books from different subgenres. I am participating with Pearseus: Rise of the Prince. Please note that this is an actual giveaway, not a one-winner-takes-all promo. Just click on the book cover and…
25 Oct 2016 Leave a comment
Movember Foundation Fundraising:
Because Beards anthology
November 1st sees the launch of a scorching-hot bumper-sized 500+ page charity anthology, raising funds for the Movember Foundation.
Entitled Because Beards, the collection’s theme is, as you might guess, that every man is gorgeously bearded.
It’s the anthology EVERYONE will be reading.
We want to keep our men fit, strong and healthy. The Movember Foundation’s goal is to help achieve that and they need our support to do so. It’s fundraising time.
ALL proceeds from the sale of this anthology go towards supporting prostate cancer research and treatment, and other critical men’s health initiatives.
Twenty-one authors have donated stories to this sizzling erotic romance collection. It’s priced at just 99p/99c to allow everyone to enjoy some bearded sexiness, and to feel good about having made a donation to this great cause.
(a print edition is also on the way for those who prefer their steamy reading on paper).
Later this year, we’ll be updating everyone on how much money we raise for this wonderful charity.
Could we reach US$1million? We’ll see!
Please do spread the word wherever you can.
One of the authors donating a story to this fantastic project is Emmanuelle de Maupassant: best known for her debut novella, The Gentlemen’s Club (named by Stylist Magazine as one of the sexiest reads of 2015).
Emmanuelle’s short story, Highland Pursuits, is set in the 1920s, featuring defiant aristocratic debutante Lady Ophelia Finchingfield, as she navigates life, love and lust, in the rugged highlands of Scotland. Her leading man is enigmatic Hamish, red-haired, wild and passionate. With a cast of eccentric characters, an ancient castle, a villainous French count, and some very naughty sex scenes, it’s not to be missed!
To tease your tastebuds, here’s a snippet from Emmanuelle’s story.
He gave her a smile that could have been any man’s smile, given to any woman: a smile that went back into the forest and its shaded dells, into the granite almost. It was the same smile men have been giving to women for centuries. His smile was one of complicity, of intimacies shared, and of remembrance of touch. A flood of heat threatened to overwhelm her. Her body, an archive of desire, remembered everything…
Discover more about Emmanuelle de Maupassant via her website www.emmanuelledemaupassant.com
Visit her Amazon author page or pop over to find her on Facebook
Pre-order your copy of Because Beards, priced at just 99c/99p, via these links:
Everyone involved in the Because Beards project has given their time, resources and talent free of charge, so that all proceeds from this anthology reach our charity.
Our AMAZING team comprises not only our 21 authors, but cover designer Jessica Hildreth, photographer Wander Aguiar and swoonsome model Jacob Rodney. Thank you to all the lovely book bloggers who are helping spread the word about this anthology, and to Heather Roberts and Jenny Flores for their superb PR work.
Because Beards features stories by Alexis Alvarez, Faith Andrews, M. Andrews, Jeannine Colette, Hayley Faiman, Angelita Gill, Ace Gray, Ruthie Henrick, Scott Hildreth, Evie Lauren, Jerica MacMillan, R.C. Martin, Emmanuelle de Maupassant, Leslie McAdam, Maria Monroe, Adrienne Perry, J. Quist, Renee Rose, Kacey Shea, Martha Sweeney, and Tom Sweeney.
Goodreads fans can add the anthology to their ‘To Be Read List’ here. Your support (and reviews) will help make this project a success.
Thank you.
24 Oct 2016 Leave a comment
in FICTION
But a year later they are unexpectedly thrown together, after Hal receives an invitation he cannot resist. An Italian Contessa asks him to assist on a trip of a lifetime–acting as a reporter on a tremendous yacht, skimming its way along the Italian coast toward Cannes film festival, the most famous artists and movie stars of the day gathered to promote a new film.
Of all the luminaries aboard–an Italian ingenue, an American star, a reclusive director–only one holds Hal in thrall: Stella. And while each has a past that belies the gilded surface, Stella has the most to hide. As Hal’s obsession with Stella grows, he becomes determined to bring back the girl she once was, the girl who’s been confined to history.
An irresistibly entertaining and atmospheric novel set in some of the world’s most glamorous locales, THE INVITATION is a sultry love story about the ways in which the secrets of the past stay with us–no matter how much we try to escape them.
23 Oct 2016 Leave a comment
Acclaimed New Zealand fiction writer and comic artist Sarah Laing chats about her graphic memoir, Mansfield and Me.
via Mansfield and Me: Sarah Laing on Comics, Her Graphic Memoir, and New Zealand — Discover
22 Oct 2016 Leave a comment
Description:
Happy Birthday to the New York Times Best Seller, Big Nate! Celebrate twenty-five years of the Big Nate cartoon strip with this jam-packed compendium of everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the character and Lincoln Peirce, the creator behind him.
If there’s one word that Big Nate would use to describe himself, it would be E-P-I-C! And so is this slipcased, jam-packed book full of cartoons and memorabilia celebrating 25 years of Lincoln Peirce’s long-running comic strip: Epic Big Nate.
Hundreds of cartoons, selected by Peirce and presented with his witty and informative commentary, trace the evolution of the Big Nate comic strip and its colorful cast of characters. Also included is an exclusive Q&A featuring Peirce and Diary of a Wimpy Kid author Jeff Kinney, detailing the friendship and mutual admiration that contributed to each cartoonist’s success.
Featuring highlights from 1991 to 2015, Epic Big Nate is a must-have for Big Nate fans of all ages!
MY THOUGHTS:
Even as an adult, I’m a big fan of Big Nate, and this contains 25 years of the comic strip, along with other interesting information.
The Holidays are quickly approaching, and this would make a great gift for your Child or anyone who enjoys comics.
This is available for purchase on Amazon on October 25th, 2016 and can be pre-ordered at this link in Hardcover:
21 Oct 2016 Leave a comment
in Recommended reading, Rosemary George, WINE & DRINK
DESCRIPTION:
Faugères is one of the most individual appellations of the Languedoc. Although it produces white and rosé wines the appellation is most famous for its rich, ripe red wines made from the classic Rhone varieties Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre. The Faugères wine appellation was created in 1982 and is now producing consistently excellent wines, the secret being in the steep hills surrounding the village of Faugères where the schist, or decayed slate, provides unique soil drainage and moisture retention and introduces distinctive minerality into the wine. The Mediterranean climate of long, hot summers and short cold winters is tempered by Faugères’ proximity to the coast, which produces distinctive and elegant wines.
Faugères is a compact vineyard compared to many of the other appellations of the Languedoc, but the variety is infinite, prompted by the human hand and the perceptible differences between the different villages. The white wine, which accounts for just 2% of the appellation, is a perfect example of the way the white wines of the Languedoc are developing and improving with every vintage, their wonderful herbal flavours conjuring up the scents of the herbs of the garrigue, fennel, bay and thyme. Pink Faugères, which accounts for 18% of the appellation, provides delicious refreshing drinking with acidity and delicate fruit. The wines of Faugères always have a distinctive freshness which places them amongst the finest of the Languedoc.
Rosemary George’s The wines of Faugères is a comprehensive guide to the wines of a remarkably compact and homogeneous area which covers just seven villages and a couple of hamlets. The wines of Faugères covers the history, geography and climate of the region, as well as its grape varieties and viticulture, before profiling the individual producers and their wines. It ends with an indispensable assessment of vintages going back to the creation of the appellation in 1982.
Faugères’ wines, currently little known outside of France, are set to become the next global wine discovery, and Rosemary George’s The wines of Faugères is the most up-to-date and authoritative guide to this beautiful region and its fascinating wines.
MY THOUGHTS:
An informative and detailed read, told in a very interesting manner, without being obnoxious or pretentious.
I enjoy wine, although I do not consider myself a wine snob by any means, I do feel I know much about the topic.
This was a very educational guide and I learned quite a bit.
I received this requested copy from NetGalley and read and reviewed it at my choosing. This would make a lovely gift this Christmas for someone.
Here is the link for purchase:
21 Oct 2016 Leave a comment
There comes a time when every writer needs to step back and see what a #writerslife looks like from the outside – and yes it looks like cats. Be warned, these stages can come in any order, you can be in the middle of number 6 when suddenly inspiration strikes and you’re back at number 1. […]
via The nine stages of #thewriterslife – with cats — millie schmidt writer
20 Oct 2016 Leave a comment
in FICTION
” I wrote my suicide note today. It was shit. I can’t die and leave a shit suicide note behind. It has to be something epic…”
DESCRIPTION:
WINNER: 2013 Beryl Bainbridge Award for First Time Author
Life is a bitch. Depression is a bitch. Spending your life with depression, working with bitches is the worst of the worst.
A Guide to Becoming Distinctly Average is a laugh-out-loud, dark comedy, which delves into the depths of a thirty-something dog groomer’s mind as she struggles to cope with life, depression and dogs who wee up her sofa.
Ultimately, the question she must ask is…
Can I carry on?
MY THOUGHTS:
Depression is something that is still not handled correctly nor viewed in the right way, not even in today’s society.
This Author takes an awesome Fictional approach to it, and it is both disturbing and yes, hilarious. Not that depression is a joke, but her humorous approach to the topic is still spot on.
I highly recommend reading this book. This is one book that will stick with me for quite awhile
I received my requested copy from NetGalley and read and reviewed at my choosing.
Here is the link for purchase:
20 Oct 2016 Leave a comment
Be prepared to drool all over the screen as you look at pictures of the most perfect reading nooks you will ever see. Like this one… Or this one… LOOK AT ALL THOSE WINDOWS!! AND THIS COZY NOOK WITH A VIEW! GAH! I think it is obvious what I want for […]
20 Oct 2016 Leave a comment
Are your promotional efforts sending out an impenetrable fog of Buy, Buy, Buy that no one pays any attention to? Perhaps it’s because the considerations that matter most in the social platforms indie authors use to promote their work are also the things that should matter most in their personal life. 1. Write More […]
19 Oct 2016 Leave a comment
THE MALTESE ISLANDS You will find the Maltese Islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino glistening in the centre of the Mediterranean, 90 km south of the Italian island of Sicily and roughly 300 km north o…
Source: MALTA (The Hidden Treasures)
19 Oct 2016 Leave a comment
in Art, M.J. GRADL, R. BEAUCLAIR Tags: Non-ficiton
19 Oct 2016 2 Comments
Yellow Hair documents the injustices done to the Sioux Nation from their first treaty with the United States in 1805 through Wounded Knee in 1890. Every death, murder, battle, and outrage depicted actually took place—from the first to the last. The historical figures who play a role in my story were real people and I […]
19 Oct 2016 Leave a comment
Originally posted on From the Pen of Mae Clair: December is approaching, and with it, the release of book 2 in my Point Pleasant saga, A Cold Tomorrow. In anticipation of the December 20th release, Kensington Publishing is running a Goodreads giveaway. This is your chance to win a hard copy of the book while helping a hard-working author…
18 Oct 2016 Leave a comment
in Armando Lucas Correa, Historical Fiction
A stunningly ambitious and beautiful debut novel, perfect for fans of Sarah’s Key and All the Light We Cannot See, the story of a twelve-year-old girl’s harrowing experience fleeing Nazi-occupied Germany with her family and best friend, only to discover that the overseas asylum they had been promised is an illusion.
In 1939 before everything changed, Hannah Rosenthal lived a charmed life. Her family moved in Berlin’s highest social circles, admired by friends and neighbors. Eleven-year-old Hannah was often taken by her mother for an afternoon treat at the tea room of the beautiful Adlon Hotel, both dressed in their finest clothes. She spent her afternoons at the park with her best friend Leo Martin. But, in an instant, that sunlit world vanished. Now the streets of Berlin are draped with red, white, and black flags; their fine possessions are hauled away, and they are no longer welcome in the places that once felt like home. The two friends make a pact: come what may, they promise to have a future together.
As Hannah and Leo’s families desperately begin to search for a means of escape, a glimmer of hope appears when they discover the Saint Louis, a transatlantic liner that can give Jews safe passage to Cuba. After a frantic search to obtain visas, the Rosenthals and the Martins depart from Hamburg on the luxurious passenger liner bound for Havana. Life aboard the ship is a welcome respite from the gloom of Berlin—filled with masquerade balls, dancing, and exquisite meals every night.
As the passengers gain renewed hope for a bright future ahead, love between Hannah and Leo blossoms. But soon reports from the outside world began to filter in, and dark news overshadows the celebratory atmosphere on the ship; the governments of Cuba, the United States, and Canada are denying the passengers of the St. Louis admittance to their countries, forcing them to return to Europe as it descends into the Second World War. The ship that had seemed their salvation seems likely to become their death sentence.
After four days anchored at bay, only a handful of passengers are allowed to disembark onto Cuban soil, and Hannah and Leo must face the grim reality that they could be torn apart. Their future is unknown, and their only choice will have an impact in generations to come.
Decades later in New York City on her eleventh birthday, Anna Rosen receives a mysterious envelope from Hannah, a great-aunt she has never met but who raised her deceased father. In an attempt to piece together her father’s mysterious past, Anna and her mother travel to Havana to meet Hannah, who is turning eighty-seven years old. Hannah reveals old family ties, recounts her journey aboard the Saint Louis and, for the first time, reveals what happened to her father and Leo. Bringing together the pain of the past with the mysteries of the present, Hannah gives young Anna a sense of their shared histories, forever intertwining their lives, honoring those they loved and cruelly lost.
18 Oct 2016 Leave a comment
in Jon Frankel, Science-Fiction
New York, 2180. Manhattan is cut with sewage-filled canals and walled in by levees. The world has been suffering from epidemic despair and apathy, when Dr. Ruth Bryson invents Paragane, a Euphoric drug that cures ennui and depression. Monozone Inc, the monopolistic pharmaceutical who employs her, is thrilled.
There is only one problem: the drug kills 10% of everyone who takes it.
Bryson knows she must either fix Paregane or stop it, but if she is caught she will certainly be killed.
MY THOUGHTS:
This is a must read for fans of Science Fiction, futuristic plots and themes. However, it did lag in a few places for me. I did not enjoy Chapters 11 & 12 at all, as I feel they just dragged along with too much description.
It was hard to connect with most of the Characters in this book as well. I seriously did not care if Dr. Ruth Bryson got caught and killed or not, but I seriously adored the character Felix.
A little bit slower paced than what I prefer, but it was still a good read. The concept itself, and the play out of that during the book makes this worth the read.
I received my requested copy from NetGalley and am giving this review at my choosing.
You can get it at this Amazon link.
I received my requested copy from NetGalley and am giving this review at my choosing.
16 Oct 2016 Leave a comment
in Cookbooks & Recipes, Food52
PUBLISHERS DESCRIPTION:
A smart, inspiring cookbook of 100+ recipes from the founders of the powerhouse web site Food52 showing just how they–two busy working parents–actually plan, shop, and cook for delicious dinners (and breakfasts, lunches, and desserts)–all through the week. The secret? Cooking ahead.
Finally, anyone can learn how to maximize (and enjoy) time in the kitchen. Food52 founders Amanda Hesser and Merrill Stubbs start with flexible base dishes they make on the weekend, then use them in multiple ways for quick weekday meals–exactly the way they really cook for themselves and their families. Both authors tackles every month of the year, providing seasonal recipes and clever tips and strategies that yield delicious, dependable results. This indispensable cookbook lays out the building blocks of modern meal planning, encouraging readers to be creative, confident, and resourceful in the kitchen all year-round.
MY THOUGHTS:
I like this book, I like the layout, I like the recipes.
However, I do not think it is ideal for two working parents planning ahead. I am not a parent, but even preparing ahead just for the two of us is a big undertaking with these recipes, and I am certainly not spending weekends grocery shopping and cooking for the week ahead.
A really nice cookbook, but not what I am looking for as far as plan ahead meals. As far as a regular cookbook, with a Seasonal layout, and full lists of ingredients and instructions, I highly recommend it.
I am sure some Mom’s out there will find this useful too, it simply and honestly isn’t what I was looking for, but I certainly cannot knock the quality of this book because of my personal search for plan ahead meals!
Go give it a try and get back with me about what ideas you tried and how it worked out.
My honest review is for a special copy from NetGalley that I voluntarily read.
It will be available for purchase October 18th 2016
The Amazon link for purchase is:
16 Oct 2016 Leave a comment
Originally posted on The Picture Book Review: Absolutely Aggie is a fantastic book that will make you simultaneously feel as if you’ve been given a hug and told to stand up straight. It’s a book about accepting who you are and finding the courage and hope to being even better than ever. This book will…
15 Oct 2016 Leave a comment
All’s well until Elephant comes in, feeling sad because he has no hair. Can Maxwell help? Of course! After some careful thinking, he devises a solution to help even Elephant feel his best.
Cale Atkinson’s bright, cartoon-like digital illustrations beckon readers into Maxwell’s world in this playful tale. Rhyming text, speech bubbles, and a refrain make this story a fun read-aloud accessible to early readers. Full of personality and style, Maxwell has a genuine charm and enthusiasm for helping others that kids will find immediately contagious.
LEVELING
Grade Range: PreK–3
Fountas & Pinnell: J
Reading Recovery: 17
Lexile: AD 520L
COMMON CORE
L.1.1,1f,2,2a,2d,4,4a,5,5a,5d
RF.1.1,2,3,3a,3b,3f,4,4a,4b,4c
SL.1.1,1a,1b,1c,2,4,5,6
W.1.1,3,5,6,8
RL.1.1,2,3,4,5,6,7,9,10
14 Oct 2016 Leave a comment
in Recommended reading, Reference/Wine
Austrian wine has experienced a truly sensational quality boom in the last twenty years and is widely regarded as a phenomenon in the wine world. Austrian wine is found on every good wine list and is widely appreciated by a growing band of ardent consumers. In this thorough and engaging book, the product of visits spanning almost forty years, award-winning wine writer Stephen Brook takes a tour around Austria’s wine regions and samples wines from nearly 300 producers in a quest to discover just what it is that makes this country’s wines so special.
Austria has a long tradition of wine making. Vines have been cultivated in the same regions for thousands of years. With an ideal geological and climatic environment Austrian vines thrive in the essential conditions for authentic, distinctive wines packed with character and personality.
Austrian estates have recognized the importance of combining traditional viticulture with modern vinification processes to create wines of the highest quality. The sheer diversity of the country’s wine culture has also played an essential part in the re-emergence of Austrian wine, from lively and light-bodied or monumental and opulent white wines, to charming, fruity and full-bodied reds with long cellaring potential, and enticing and elegant sweet wines that are among the world’s best.
After an introduction charting the history of Austrian wine making and the regulations regarding its production Brook details the grape varieties used, before embarking on his journey round the regions. Each chapter starts with a guide to the viticultural history and topography of the region and the defining characteristics of its wines. Prominent wineries are discussed, notable features of their history and wine-making methods detailed, and typical wines assessed. The book ends with a chapter on vintages, with notes on prominent wine-producing years from the last half century and detailed analysis of vintages from the last decade.
From armchair wine-buffs to those studying Austrian wine, The Wines of Austria is an invaluable resource for anybody interested in this wine-producing gem.
