The Book Pusher: October

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Here's a harvest of books for you!

UNDERCITY Catherine Asaro: SF
Undercity is a stirring addition to Asaro's Skolian Empire Series. The main character is an unlikely hero--Major Bhaajan--a PI with a voice you'll love.

BEAUTY LIKE THE NIGHT Joanna Bourne: Historical Romance

With another fabulous romance, Joanna Bourne finds Severine de Cabrillac an interesting romantic option--a jewel thief and wine maker. But can they find who killed his wife and is after Severine in time? You'll turn the pages as fast as you can read because Bourne has created a wonderful plot--a always.

THE FEATHERED BONE Julie Cantrell: Women's Fiction

This is an amazing examination of faith and grace at the intersection of abuse and family life. Set against the backdrop of New Orleans and Katrina, Cantrell's story will stop you cold and rebuild your compassion.

IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER Julia Spencer-Fleming: Mystery

Not only are Spencer-Fleming's books wonderful, intricate mysteries, she also creates deep, rich characters. The developing relationship between Clare Fergusson, the Episcopal priest, and Russ Van Alstyne, the police chief, is amazing for it emotional reality. If you read mysteries, read these books! If you love real characters, read these books.

SEVEN STONES TO STAND OR FALL Diana Gabaldon: Historical Fiction with elements of SF

Anytime you read this master of fiction's words, you're in for a treat. That goes double for new words. This anthology is stuffed with five older short (well, at least by Gabaldon's standards) pieces

and two ravishing new ones. Get it now!

THE ALMONST SISTERS Joshilyn Jackson Women's Fiction

This is Jackson's best book yet. With an unflinching vision, The Almost Sisters takes on the real layers of the South and race, allowing us to come to the truth of who we are and what we could become. Absolutely must read now!

CLOSER HOME Kerry Anne King: Women's Fiction

No matter how far you go, you're always moving closer to home. At least, that's what Annalise Redding discovers in King's story. Good read!

THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US Charles Martin: Adventure/Romance

The Mountain Between Us is an amazing testament to enduring love and the stamina and faith required to maintain it. Must Read (Now, a movie, but I haven't seen it.)

TWO ROADS HOME Deborah Raney: Christian home life 

The second story of the five Chicory Inn series is a sweet story of counting the blessings and choice we all make. A sweet read.

LIFT AND SEPARATE Marilyn Simon Rothstein: Women's Fiction

This is a wry look at marriage, family, mothers, and of course, bra sizes and fit. This one will have you in stitches--and tears. Good read.

Next Post: November IWSG

IWSG October, Conference Report, and Links!

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IWSG Poster Child

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! Co-Hosts: Olga Godim, Chemist Ken, Jennifer Hawes, and Tamara Narayan!

October Question: 
Have you ever slipped any of your personal information into your characters, either by accident or on purpose?

Short Answer: 

Of course! Why recreate the wheel? ;-)

Long Answer:

My main character is a retired history teacher who is recently widowed and childless not by choice. I'm a retired teacher, childless not by choice whose husband is very much alive and a wicked plot-twist generator. My hubby is the body model, as am I for the two characters. In fact, all that my MC says about her hubby--elementary teacher, tall, blonde, gorgeous, etc. is all about my man. Like I said, why recreate a person who isn't like the one who still makes my heart beat after forty years? 

Many of my characters are drawn from real people. Why not? After the hours I've invested in people watching, it's only to be expected. Right? 

Conference Report:

I've just returned from the 2017 ACFW conference. I came home with four agents looking for my proposal. One's already said no. Three to go. Cross your fingers for me. 

Links!

• "The Perfect Query Letter" explains that there is no such thing perfectly. 
• "Writing Tips: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Wounding Your Fictional Characters" is marvelous!
• Be sure to read Kathryn Craft's "Say a Little Less, Mean a Little More."
• And check out "Book Awards: How Much Should You Be Spending on Book Awards"
• This is useful!: "How to Structure a Premise for Stronger Stories"
• And another good one: "The 3 Types of Character Arcs"
• And this is the best one of the list! "The 6 Emotional Arcs of Storytelling" (Sharing Kurt Vonnegut's info)
• This is from one of my all-time favorite authors and good friend, Kimberly Brock: "Writer's Perspective on Point-of-View"
• And I can't neglect Nathan Brandford's "How Writers Can Defeat Imposter Syndrome"

Next post: The Book Pusher for September to fill all your reading needs...uh...for awhile. ;-)