The Book Pusher: March Mini Book Reviews: V. Diffenbaugh, J. Johnson, J. Moyes, L. Thomas

{Note to followers: if you want an email when a new post goes up, go the left column and subscribe for emails. Thanks.}

THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS Vanessa Diffenbaugh:  Women's Fiction

An amazing journey of a foster child into love, loss, and growing up with all of life seemingly against her. Her one solace gives her voice--flowers and their meanings. This is an absolutely must read.

IN ANOTHER LIFE Julie Christine Johnson: Women's Fiction

An eighth-hundred-year-old murder mystery and three men locked in an eternal struggle of right vs. wrong, creates a fascinating story of past and present.

ME BEFORE YOU Jojo Moyes: Women's Fiction with romantic elements

I'll never forget Louisa Clark and her journey of discovery with Will Traynor. Riveting and awe-inspiring storytelling--Absolutely Must Read

AFTER YOU Jojo Moyes: Women's Fiction

[Spoiler Warning!] Sequel to Me Before You Louisa is two years out from the death of Will Traynor and she's stuck on hold until a series of events starting with a fall from the fifth floor finally shakes her into a new orbit. Fitting follow up to Me Before You.

SHARPE SHOOTER Lisa Thomas: Cozy Mystery

A witty sleuth makes a splash while investigation a family mystery. If you like cozy mysteries, this one is a good fit.

Next Week: Where Do You Read?

IWSG: In the Beginning...

{Note to followers: if you want an email when a new post goes up, go the left column and subscribe for emails. Thanks.}

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.

Thank you, Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh for creating this fabulous blog hop!

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter hashtag is #IWSG

Our Co-Hosts for March 2 are
Lauren Hennessy
Lisa Buie-Collard
Lidy Wilks
Christine Rains
Mary Aalgaard

Thanks for all the work, y'all!

Source

 In the beginning for me was words. They fascinated, titillated, were always around, but not fully appreciated until they connected and created Story.

Story is an old concept. We've had Story since we gained the ability to communicate with others. 

• It's what we've told ourselves under night skies when we were scared.
• It's what we tell others to protect our hearts from pain.
• It's what we share when we seek to help with each salve the pain of those around us.

My story (WIP) is about a mother, shook to her core, when she comes to motherhood late in life. She's fully ingrained in thinking she's not worthy of the role she now fills and cries out in that age-old angst that all mothers know. What if I can't protect my child? What if she's ripped away from me? What would that leave now that my heart is firmly entwined with hers?

What's you story? How did it begin?  How did you come to be a storyteller? 

 Next Week: The Book Pusher is back...of course. ;-)

Back Brain Blender

{Note to followers: if you want an email when a new post goes up, go the the left column and subscribe for emails. Thanks.}

Source

I know you're wondering what on earth a Back Brain Blender is. ;-) 

It's my term for my subconscious mind where images of everyday life, snippets of conversation, ideas for scenes all come together to create story. I've found that it works best when I let go of trying to write. That's why I keep notepads on my nightstand, in both autos, and anywhere I might have an idea splatter out of my subconscious and into the light.

For example: I'd completed two intense months of edits and plugging holes on my WIP when we took a mid-January vacation in Jamaica. Yes, warm, tropical, delightfully romantic Jamaica. I truly didn't expect to write a word. Of course, my subconscious had other ideas. As I relaxed on our veranda surrounded by the verdant green and the hummingbirds, I found my brain spinning out bits and pieces like a blender operated without a top. It's like turning over a compost pile to hunt for treasure--rich, fertile imagination roared to front and center.

 I took a notebook with me just in case, and that proved to be wise. When I got back to cold, wintry Georgia, I had taken thirteen pages of scenes for two future WIPs, three blogposts, and ideas for the pitch I gave twice on February 20. 

That's what I mean about a back brain blender. You never know when your next story idea, a scene that unlocks a block, or ideas for telling others about your work will come.

Let the Back Brain do its thing. Just keep paper and pen handy for the "accidents."

Next Week: IWSG

The Book Pusher's February Mini Book Reviews Part 2: L. Bujold, D. Gabaldon, K. Hannah, S. Meissner

{Note to followers: if you want an email when a new post goes up, go the the left column and subscribe for emails. Thanks.}

GENTLEMAN JOLE AND THE RED QUEEN Lois McMaster Bujold: SF Romance

 A fabulously twisty and rewarding SF Romance by a master in the field. Must Read, but only if you've read the entire Vorkosigan series beforehand. 

BROTHERHOOD OF THE BLADE Diana Gabaldon: Historical

You can't go wrong with Diana Gabaldon's books! This one is a great read that cuts to the heart of one of her beloved characters, Lord John Grey. Add a neat mystery and Jamie Fraser and it's as good as a read gets. 
 

THE NIGHTINGALE Kristin Hannah: Historical Women's Fiction 

A deeply felt and stirring story of the choices two sisters must make in occupied France in World War II. Must Read! 

SEA CHANGE Darlene Marshall: Historical Romance

Take one delightfully handsome rogue. Add an unexpectedly unconventional heroine. And you have the perfect recipe for a light, historical romance. 

 STARS OVER SUNSET BOULEVARD Susan Meissner: Historical Women's Fiction

This is a beautiful story of the risks and rewards of friendship that survives all strain of reaching for what one holds most dear. Susan Meissner delivers as usual. 

Next Week: Where Do You Read?

 

The Book Pusher's February Mini Book Revew, Part 1: J. Bourne, V. Denman, L. McNeal, A. Mulligan, B. Rogan,

{Note to followers: if you want an email when a new post goes up, go the the left column and subscribe for emails. Thanks.}

The Return of the Book Pusher 

Yes, I'll admit it. I can't stop pushing! And I don't want to. ;-) 

THE BLACK HAWK Joanna Bourne: Historical Romance

Wonderful book! Jo Bourne's unconventional romance plot is amazing. You'll keep turning the pages and eat this one up. 

JADED Varina Denman: Christian Romance with elements of Women's Fiction

Along with Denman's JUSTIFIED, the Mended Heart Series offers a welcome, much more complex plot than usual. The commentary on Christians and their self-righteous behavior is spot on. 

 DOLLBABY Laura Lane McNeal: Historical Women's Fiction

Amazing debut! This is a beautiful story of resilience in Civil Rights era New Orleans--everyone has a story.

 CHAPEL SPRINGS SURVIVAL Ane Mulligan: Christian Women's Fiction

Another delightful, mishap after another continues in Mulligan's Chapel Springs. As always Claire Bennett is at the center of them all. Sweet read.

 ROWING IN EDEN Barbara Rogan: Literary

Must Read for how a professional weaves plot, 3-D characters, internals, and dialog into a wonderful story. 


You know I'll be back with more books for you to drool over later in the month. If none of these is your cup of tea, just wait. 

Next Week: More books...of course! ;-) 

IWSG: Pitch! It's Getting Scary...

{Note to followers: if you want an email when a new post goes up, go the the left column and subscribe for emails. Thanks.}

ISWG

 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 February 3 posting of the IWSG will be Allison Gammons, Tamara Narayan, Eva E. Solar, Rachel Pattison, and Ann V. Friend!

Yikes! I sure hope my first pitches are fastball, not a snowball. ;-) 

Source

 

Source

I'm doing my first pitches for my WIP on February 20. I'm just a bit shaky. Then again, I've gotten ready by hard work and persistence. It's time to get my WIP out there to sink or swim. To that end, I've been diligently honing my pitch and query. I'm attempting to write an interesting synopsis, too. Double Yikes!

So--

Do you have any suggestions? Any hard-learned lessons to share? Any insight into how to handle the nerves and what to say in the session itself? I'll take anything you might like to add about this new step in my writing journey. 

Kathryn Craft's excellent Pitching to Agents: How to Throw a Fiction Fastball has been one of my invaluable my guides. 

Speaking of pitches: Check out the 21st Dear Lucky Agent contest from Chuck Sambuchino.
 

Next Week: More Mini Book Review--Of course! You think I haven't been reading? Perish the thought!

BTW, I didn't mean to highlight the entire post in white. Really, I didn't! I'm a word person, not a tech person. So sue me. ;-) 

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

{Note to followers: if you want an email when a new post goes up, go the the left column and subscribe for emails. Thanks.}

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. 

J. K. Rowling is much more eloquent.  

Next Week: IWSG 

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

{Note to followers: if you want an email when a new post goes up, go the the left column and subscribe for emails. Thanks.}

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...