Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Now You Can Read My Book--A little writing humor (and truth, too)

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Source

I always tell the well-meaning people who ask if I'm done yet, that while we eat books like popcorn, the process looks like this:
1- buy the farm
2- purchase seed, fertilizer, farming tools
3- plow the fields
4- plant the fields
5- irrigate the fields
6- weed
7- weed again
8- weed once again
9- harvest
10- process the kernels
11- send to the stores
Now, you can read the book.Insert thewinkingemoticon. 
J. K. Rowling is much more eloquent.  
Next Week: IWSG 

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

A Continuation of the Bumper Crop of Mini Book Reviews: J. Bourne, L. Bujold, J. Clavell, A. Royce

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I told you I read a ton of books over my blogging holiday. So, dive in and find a good read. ;-)

MY LORD AND SPYMASTER Joanna Bourne: Historical Romance

This is another wonderful Joanna Bourne romance! Her historical details are lovely and the characters are enticing. This is what all historical romances should be like. 

ETHAN OF ATHOS Lois McMaster Bujold: SF-Space Opera

An ingenious and twisty tale of gender roles and espionage as only Lois McMaster Bujold could create.  

NOBLE HOUSE James Clavell: Historical Suspense

This is another of Clavell's excellent historical fictions about Asia. This time it's Hong Kong in 1963. As always there are a lot of characters, but they are skillfully woven into the tapestry of a riveting story. The backstory of the Straun's and their company is wonderful. As always, Clavell gives a good read.

ONCE BELOVED Amara Royce: Historical Romance

Another of the Needlework for the Needy has found a chance for love--but only if she faces her anxieties and returns to her hometown. 


Next Week: A bit of humor to tide us over...
 

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

January Mini Book Reviews: Bumper Crop!: A. Nathan, L. Higgins, J. Harrison, S. Holmes, P. Rickman

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This is Part One of my epic reading time while I had hand surgery. Enjoy!

THE BANKS OF CERTAIN RIVERS Jon Harrison: Family Drama

What does it take to break a man? Neil Kazenzakis learns--twice--and yet he finds a way to come back. The Banks of Certain Rivers is a wonderful character study set in real life.


RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS Lisa Verge Higgins: Women's Fiction

A beautiful portrait  of love and sacrifice, kindness given and received. This is a deeply heartfelt story what will remind you why we gather together in support. Must Read


STILLWATER RISING Steena Holmes: Women's Fiction

When the worst happens--a mass shooting at a school--a small town finds grief in all its forms. Holme's books explores that grief.


 THE GOOD NEIGHBOR Amy Sue Nathan: Women's Fiction

Amy Nathan's done it again! I was hooked by the first page and all in by the end of the first chapter. Izzy Lane's story showcases the ease of creating a new life online and the dangers of secrets.

THE WINE OF ANGELS Phil Rickman: Paranormal Mystery

This atmospheric and hypnotic mystery isn't your usual paranormal. Phil Rickman's Merrily Watkins will win your heart.

As you can see, my eclectic reading habits continue. So, pick your favorite genre and get busy reading. ;-)




Wednesday, January 6, 2016

IWSG: Book Nerd

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Insecure Writers Support Group
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time.

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter hashtag is #IWSG

The awesome co-hosts for the January 6 posting of the IWSG will be L.G. Keltner, Denise Covey, Sheri Larsen, J.Q. Rose, Chemist Ken, and Michelle Wallace!


You might be a Book Nerd...

Yes, that's part of my study...

Oh, you know you are, so take the quiz already for confirmation. 

I don't think I've met a writer who isn't a book nerd. I'll confess to scoring 44 on the quiz. And I'm proud to proclaim my status.  Most writing craft books and teachers tell fledgling writers to read--everything. To read in their genre, out of their genre, craft books, blogs. You name it, we need to read it.

So, what are you reading at the moment? 

Come on. Share! We won't laugh. You're among friends. ;-)  

Surely, you're not surprised, are you?

And if you've never been exposed to Ira Glass's beautiful truth about creativity, you owe it to yourself to click on THIS

Next Week: The first of January's multiple Mini Book Reviews. What? Of course, I read while my hand recuperated. What did you expect?