Quest Writer

Corus the Champion Review

2011-12-05T10:07:00.000-03:30

Not having read the first book of this series, I found it slightly confusing, but was able to make sense of it before too long.
The story follows four brothers in alternate worlds/dimensions. Think of the time of King Arthur/Vikings/Fairies (the slightly scary kind)/etc.

*Spoiler alert* I loved Ewan's gift of song and was torn with him as he sacrificed it to save his friends. One fairy recognized his loss and gave to him a "gift" in order to try to compensate for his loss. This part was well done, clearly told, emotional. Lots of emotion in this book. Lots of loss and anguish, but well told.

This was a good read. I'd recommend getting book #1 first, though. It would make more sense. :)

I was so glad to receive a free copy of this book for the review-Thanks!

For more info check below:
*Book link - http://www.amazon.com/Corus-Champion-Legends-Karac-Tor/dp/0899578640/
Author’s Web site - http://hiddenlands.net/index.php?Itemid=49&id=19&option=com_content&task=view

Other reviews can be found here:
Gillian Adams
Noah Arsenault
Beckie Burnham
Morgan L. Busse
CSFF Blog Tour
Carol Bruce Collett
Theresa Dunlap
April Erwin
Victor Gentile
Nikole Hahn
Ryan Heart
Bruce Hennigan
Christopher Hopper
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Marzabeth
Shannon McDermott
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Eve Nielsen
Sarah Sawyer
Kathleen Smith
Donna Swanson
Rachel Starr Thomson
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
Nicole White
Rachel Wyant

The Monster in the Hollows Book review

2011-09-30T09:48:00.001-02:30

This book, by Andrew Peterson, was a lovely surprise. I remember reading the title of the first book of this series (the Wingfeather Saga) , On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness and thinking it was a satire or for really young kids. I was wrong. The title of this book, The Monster in the Hollows, also led me to believe that it was a horror or thriller, but I was wrong again.

Needless to say, this author is full of surprises. The story line was great. I loved (spoiler alert) how the mother stood up for her son with utter disregard for her safety and total trust. Beautiful! I thought for sure that her trust was unfounded, but....

I also liked the "This Book is in the Care of_____________" page. Small touch but endearing.

A special thanks for the free book sent to me for the purpose of reviewing!

Can't wait to read the other books in the series, now. :)

For more info, visit these links:
*Author’s Web site - http://www.andrew-peterson.com/books/
Author’s blog - http://andrew-peterson.blogspot.com/

Or read some more reviews at:

Gillian Adams
Red Bissell
Jennifer Bogart
Thomas Clayton Booher
Beckie Burnham
CSFF Blog Tour
D. G. D. Davidson
Cynthia Dyer
Amber French
Nikole Hahn
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Shannon McDermott
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirriam Neal
* Eve Nielsen
Joan Nienhuis
Donita K. Paul
Sarah Sawyer
Chawna Schroeder
Tammy Shelnut
Kathleen Smith
Donna Swanson
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
Nicole White
Rachel Wyant

Rebels

2011-07-08T15:26:00.000-02:30

Since I've finished writing by book, Rebel of Castuenda, my husband has been reading it. He pointed out, and rightly so, that my main character is rebellious, disdains her father and authority, and the father is made to look the fool. All typical plots of our day and age and may be negatively influential on my readers.

Ouch.

Now what to do. Option one is to rewrite the part of the plot. I have come up with an awesome alternative that would work and actually makes for a more unique story. The problem is that the main character is what I was like. It is my "life story"...sort of. Hard to change that.

Option two is to show the before (rebellious) and the after in the first book. I meant to show the after in book 2 of the series, but my husband pointed out that some readers may not read book 2 and may be improperly influenced anyhow.

Arrgh.

He has asked me to postpone any decisions until he has had the opportunity to read the entire thing.(hopefully he reads it before the summer is out). :)

2011-05-18T11:36:00.002-02:30

The Ale Boy’s Feast, did a number of things for me: It colored my world. It put a story behind why fiction and fantasy are important. It inspired me in my writing.

The imagery and choice words Jeffrey Overstreet used were like seeing the vivid green of new grass at springtime after a whole winter of monochromatics. The author is definitely talented (and I wonder if his poetic wife may have assisted him in finding just the right word).

The plot centers around a city that hordes colors and beauty only for the elite. The poor people don't have a chance to indulge in such fantasy. To me, this not only describes our world, but also the world of books. I have been criticized by an author of non-fiction who looked down his nose at me for writing fantasy fiction. He lived in a black and white world. I choose to splash color, both in writing, in quilt making, in gardening, in telling others of God's love...in every aspect of my life.

For these above reasons, Auralia's Thread series has renewed in me an inspiration and love for writing.Unfortunately, it is going to have to sit on the shelf for a time, since God has asked me to put it up for the time being. Not easy, but my family needs me more.

Check out this series. Like I said before, it is a series worth buying for your library and one of the few books that I deem deep enough for more than one reading.

Check out these other blogs for more insight:
Gillian Adams
Red Bissell
Grace Bridges
Beckie Burnham
Morgan L. Busse
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
Shane Deal
Chris Deane
Cynthia Dyer
Andrea Graham
Katie Hart
Ryan Heart
Bruce Hennigan
Jason Joyner
Carol Keen
Dawn King
Inae Kyo
Shannon McDermott
Shannon McNear
Karen McSpadden
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Eve Nielsen
John W. Otte
Sarah Sawyer
Kathleen Smith
Donna Swanson
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Dona Watson
Phyllis Wheeler

The Ale Boy's Feast Book Review

2011-05-15T21:03:00.001-02:30

The Ale Boy’s Feast, book 4 and the last of the series of Auralia's Thread, was created by Jeffrey Overstreet
The entire series is a masterpiece of language, beautifully sculpted around an intriguing plot line and fascinating characters.
This series is worth purchasing and keeping on the family book shelf. They are books that you can read more than once, for the depth that they hold. Truly a work of art.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in conjunction to the CSFF blog tour-thanks!

The Ale Boy's Feast primarily follows the Ale boy as he tries to complete the rescue of the survivors of Abascar, a people searching for a new city, hope, and the source of Aurelia's colors.

What I loved: I loved the words, which were each lovingly plucked and arrayed on paper-a real treat for the eyes. I also was pleased that I did not lose track of the story in the midst of the words. Mr. Overstreet displays a superb mastery of writing. I loved the (spoiler alert) forest coming to life to seek vengeance on them. Kept you on your toes.

What I did not like:Honestly, there was not much that I did not like. I did find (spoiler alert) that there were too many characters coming back to life. I could have believed the one, but after a whole slew of them came back, it felt a little unrealistic to me; I felt that I had been jolted out of the of book world zone.But all in all an excellent read!

*****5/5 stars!

Gillian Adams
Red Bissell
Grace Bridges
Beckie Burnham
Morgan L. Busse
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
Shane Deal
Chris Deane
Cynthia Dyer
Andrea Graham
Katie Hart
Ryan Heart
Bruce Hennigan
Jason Joyner
Carol Keen
Dawn King
Inae Kyo
Shannon McDermott
Shannon McNear
Karen McSpadden
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Eve Nielsen
John W. Otte
Sarah Sawyer
Kathleen Smith
Donna Swanson
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Dona Watson
Phyllis Wheeler

Done!

2011-05-05T16:42:00.000-02:30

I finished Rebel of Castuenda Monday night with a total of 92,246 words. I love the grand finale! Now to edit. I have the first nine chapters edited to date.

It's coming! Almost there!

Today's word

2011-04-29T15:41:00.002-02:30

Newsflash: The word count thus far today is 2,220.

Lost anf Found

2011-04-26T10:08:00.000-02:30

My 12 year old son and 11 year old daughter got lost in the woods last night. They left for a bike ride around 7:45 and by 8:20, I noticed it was starting to get dark.

I immediately thought something was wrong and hopped in the van to go find them-mother instinct I guess (Hubby and youngest son were out on a date). (You should have seen me drive that van in the mud on that dirt road-maniac!) I went down quite a ways, but never saw them. I did determine which direction they went due to the bike tracks (It divides into a "Y").

I raced back to the house to see if they were back yet, but they weren't. Todd was back then. He went after them and took the cell.

I stayed home and prayed. By this time it was dark out. I was asking God to strengthen me, to help them keep warm and not be scared, etc. Todd drove down the road all the way to the friend's house that we suspected they were aiming for to see if he could spot them there, but no one. He then continued on down the dirt road as far as he could go.

I called my dad to join the search. I was on the verge of calling the police when I got a call from him. Dad had come around the back way and saw the kids walking on the road. He picked them up and brought them home.

They had decided to walk to a friend's house, but got lost. They ditched the bike which was too difficult to drag through the woods and the marsh. They finally found their way out onto the road. They were soaking wet up to the knees and crying.

What an ordeal! So glad they are safe. They won't be doing that anytime soon.(They won't be going anywhere alone for a looong time!) The youngest said, "I don't ever want to walk on that road again." lol

God is merciful.

20$ Giftcard Giveaway

2011-04-22T12:37:00.000-02:30

Maria is having a draw for a 20$ gift card giveaway at Amazon. If your anything like me, I have quite a wishlist ;)

Sounds like great fun (just follow the link on Maria's name)

Free Book Giveaway

2011-04-21T18:57:00.002-02:30

Legendary Space Pilgrims is a book being given away at The New Author's Fellowship Blog, See requirements here.
Read an Author Interview and may you or I win a free book! :)

Spring Cleaning

2011-04-21T15:51:00.001-02:30

I have revamped my blog skins due to some non-functioning features that were aggravating me (namely the tabs that weren't working). It's nice to have a fresh look.

My novel is cruising right along (note progress bar on left), and I am anticipating some lengthy edits to come.

I bought a whole slew of great second-hand books: the first half of the Redwall series (gonna scout for the second half...), LOTR series (ours was ripped), and some books for my littlest buddy to read (a bunch of classics with pics- HG Wells and others) for our home education.

I also bought my hubby and eldest steel toe boots for 5$ each!! He was on the verge of buying some for 200.00$. I prayed that God would direct him to wait, which He did. Love that!

Of Gardens and Spring

2011-04-12T10:05:00.001-02:30

We had quite the thunderstorm last night. Really odd for this time of year, but spectacular. It poured rain as well, getting rid of most of our snow (we may thaw out before July yet!).

I snipped some fresh chives from my herb garden for our scrambled eggs this morning. Nice to be able to pick your own produce.

I hope to work on my book a bit today, after finishing my priorities. The bulk of my housework got done yesterday (though there is always laundry to do), which leaves me a bit more free time.

Oh! I have a cotton plant that is blooming! I got some seeds a while back and they have been growing all winter in the sunniest spot in the house. This morning, I have my first bloom. It looks rather like a hibiscus flower in a light pink/orange. Pretty soon, I will be picking my own bolls of cotton :)

Spring has sprung

2011-04-11T15:29:00.000-02:30

I wanted to write a new post but was uncertain what I should write about: the kids and hubby sliding down a large snow hill, out of control, in a canoe, heading for the river? the kids canoeing in the LARGE mud puddle in the back field? the rhubarb that is peeking up out of the dirt? the pheasant eating from my bird feeder?

Choices, choices!

Unfortunately, our camera is broken, so no pics of these spectacular events (everyone survived with no injuries).

Monday morning was pretty typical here. Lots of laundry and chores. I did, however, stir up the home education a bit by cancelling all regular work and doing a concentrated dose of geography, science, hands on math and language arts, and even threw in a bit of art. I unexpectedly had to deal with some whining (I actually thought they would be thrilled, but one does not like drawing all that much).

Left on my order of the day is to work out, sweep floors, make supper (roast beef already in the oven), and, if I have time, to work on my book.

I am almost done. I can feel the anticipation. I have some side plots to tie off, a story climax to write, and a bit of editing on the last half of the book....and its over. The the second book, Flier of Arianas!

I've discovered I like the challenge of honing my manuscript into a finely polished gem. I like the results, although my eyes often bug out of my head by the time I'm done in the evening.

The next thing I'm contemplating is this: Do my characters have dialogue of their own that sets them apart, or can readers interchange them. That's a tough one, because you don't necessarily want a different accent for each one of them, just a different style. Tricky.

Open Book

2011-03-17T22:37:00.000-02:30

Wanted: Fully Rigged Advice

2011-03-17T20:00:00.000-02:30

*sigh* I think I'm going to need someone with tall ship sailing skills (fully rigged ship) to edit my book. I think I've got most of the terms/actions right, but I can't be sure.

Any volunteers?

Music to write by

2011-03-09T16:38:00.001-03:30

Some thoughts on the topic here

Music ideas here and here and here with music links

Youtube has a neat selection of music under "fantasy music"....

Phrases

2011-03-09T12:11:00.000-03:30

All you need to help you with those certain phrases to help you blaze a trail through your writing-find synonyms for your phrases as well...and then steer clear of them for original one-of-a-kind writing. ;)

Machete ...or cutlass

2011-03-09T12:05:00.003-03:30

Interesting article on this tool and similar tools, it's history, etc: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machete

Not carping

2011-03-09T12:01:00.000-03:30

Just carving.....words into manuscripts. It's been slow. Much mental battle on the way on the values of fantasy fiction in light of eternity, on the values of reading, of writing.

Final conclusion is still pending, but worth has been sighted. Priorities always must be weighed, though.

And whoever said it was easy....?

Delving in...again

2009-10-24T20:42:00.001-02:30

I'm tackling my editing again. I'm glad for the break away. I've distanced myself a bit emotionally from it so I can give I the much needed pruning...with less pain.

What else have I been up to?

Well, we moved just recently. Not far, but in a larger home. A bit more room for my sewing and writing stuff.

I'm sewing quilts and having fun with that.

Much of my time has been devoted to trying to clean and make the "old" house sellable. In between that, my kids and I are having fun with our home education. We're learning about the Native Americans and the explorers this year.

Offworld

2009-08-24T11:39:00.002-02:30

Imagine that you've had the honor of being the first crew to land on Mars and now you've just landed back on Terra Firma...but no one is there to congratulate you...no one is around. No one at all. In the whole planet earth.

This is the scenario given to us in Robin Parrish's book, OFFWORLD.

An awesome read, full of adventure and never-can-guess plot twists.

Wanna read this one? Well...I'm offering a free copy (generously donated by Bethany House and Robin Parrish)! All you have to do is leave a comment and your name will automatically be in the draw.

Contest ends August 30 at midnight.

Robin Parrish’s Web site -http://www.robinparrish.com/
Robin Parrish’s blog -http://twitter.com/robinparrish

Other reviews:

Brandon Barr
Jim Black
Justin Boyer
Keanan Brand
Gina Burgess
Canadianladybug
Melissa Carswell
Valerie Comer
Karri Compton
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Linda Gilmore
Beth Goddard
Todd Michael Greene
Katie Hart
Ryan Heart
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Melissa Meeks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirtika
Eve Nielsen
Nissa
John W. Otte
Lyn Perry
Steve Rice
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Speculative Faith
Stephanie
Rachel Starr Thomson
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Dona Watson
Elizabeth Williams

and the winner is.....

2009-07-28T21:19:00.000-02:30

Keanan! You've won a book!! Congrats :)

The Enclave...and a FREE Book!

2009-07-17T10:32:00.008-02:30

The Enclave by Karen Hancock (her blog)
A young woman, new in her employment, discovers dark secrets about her employers that go much deeper than the scientific community is led to believe.
A very intriguing storyline, well written, and riveting. Lots of depth into the characters and you don't have to be a scientist to know what's going on. Masterfully written.

Ok. The main topic:The Nephilim

Genesis 6

¹And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,

²That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.

³And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

⁴There were giants [Nephilim-NIV] in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.

---Who are these "Nephelim"? This is a highly controversial topic and I was surprised to see it in Karen Hancock's book.

She has them as being beast like demonic type beings that escaped the Flood in pods.

Nephilim aside, I have a real problem with their being another way to escape the judgment of God. Noah's ark is a type of Jesus Christ and the Flood is a type of the final judgment (see Matt. 24, for example). A real problem.

Anyhow, you can judge for yourself...because I'm having a FREE Book draw!
Karen Hancock and Bethany Publishing house have graciously given me not only an advanced reading copy, but also a copy to give away! (Thanks!)
All you do to get your name in the draw is to leave a comment, and your automatically in. I will draw on July 27. Winner will have it shipped to them free of any charge.

Other reviews here:

Brandon Barr
Justin Boyer
Keanan Brand
Grace Bridges
Karri Compton
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Alex Field
Beth Goddard
Todd Michael Greene
Ryan Heart
Christopher Hopper
Joleen Howell
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Margaret
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Eve Nielsen
Nissa
John W. Otte
John Ottinger
Donita K. Paul
Epic Rat
Steve Rice
Crista Richey
Hanna Sandvig
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Speculative Faith
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler

Vanish!

2009-06-21T19:57:00.005-02:30

*Featured book, Vanish
*New release, Valley of the Shadow

Tom Pawlik’s Web site
Tom Pawlik’s blog

My first observation about this book (besides having to read it in the daytime-not at night) was that it reminded me of House by Frank Peretti. It had a similar flavor to it.

Really interesting read. Some surprises in the plot. Good ending. As a writer, I definitely came away with some ideas in writing style.

Meant for adult readers, this book was a wee bit scary (though not too bad).

Would I purchase the next book? No, I don't think so. It didn't grab me. A nice read, but I'm not drooling over it or anything.

But, that's my opinion. Check out other people's opinion here:

Brandon Barr
Justin Boyer
Keanan Brand
Grace Bridges
Karri Compton
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Alex Field
Beth Goddard
Todd Michael Greene
Ryan Heart
Christopher Hopper
Joleen Howell
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Margaret
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Eve Nielsen
Nissa
John W. Otte
John Ottinger
Donita K. Paul
Epic Rat
Steve Rice
Crista Richey
Hanna Sandvig
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Speculative Faith
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler

To Do List

2009-06-15T10:56:00.002-02:30

Mondays are so overwhelming that I've decided to make myself an online to do list.

laundry(wash, put on clothesline, pray it doesn't rain)
get kids to do their chores (an all day task for me, 10 min. job for them)
straighten house (another all day job-since it takes 10 min. to get it looking like a bomb went off)
mail off weekend orders from online shops (I actually got quite a few this weekend)
fold laundry (yup, needs to be done too, but only lasts until the kids throw them in their drawers-or floor)
I should really wash the floor....
plant the HUGE rose (Joseph's Coat climbing rose, gift from my mom-in-love)
switch laundry around
do some language arts pages with the kids (home ed family)
Think about writing in my book....
weed out more flowerbeds (only 5 1/2 more to go...then I can start all over again)
make meals (yeah, should really add that in there somewhere. The kids are bound to get hungry)

...or I could just dynamite the house. Might be easier. ;)

Tuck in and Enjoy!

2009-05-19T10:47:00.004-02:30

Tuck by Stephen R. Lawhead turned out to be a really good read! I thoroughly enjoyed this one.

Mr. Lawhead, from what I see of the man through his writing, is a very knowledgeable and learned man. He thoroughly knows his Robin Hood legends and tales.

In this book, we find a King Raven that is battle weary and his band has thinned out. Yet he still has a few tricks up his sleeve!

Not a predictable book (which is rare these days), clearly written but not simple, and captivating!

A worthwhile read!

Buy Tuck here
Stephen R. Lawhead’s Web site

See what everyone else has to say about Tuck:
Brandon Barr
Jim Black
Keanan Brand
Rachel Briard
Grace Bridges
Valerie Comer
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Alex Field
Beth Goddard
Todd Michael Greene
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Christopher Hopper
Joleen Howell
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Kait
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Terri Main
Margaret
Melissa Meeks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Caleb Newell
Eve Nielsen
Nissa
John W. Otte
John Ottinger
Epic Rat
Steve Rice
Crista Richey
Hanna Sandvig
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Robert Treskillard
Rachel Starr Thomson
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
Jill Williamson

Blaggard's Moon-a Review

2009-04-20T10:17:00.004-02:30

Do you love tales about merciless pirates, fantastical creatures, blackmail, conniving, trickery, and a smidge of romance?

Blaggard's Moon has it all!

This is a great book that I would rate an 8/10.
Perfect for adult to young adult.
A mix of old world and fantasy.

I loved (as a writer) the layout of this story. It is told from the mind of a doomed man, recalling the tale he has heard and memories he has lived.

George Bryan Polivka is a very talented writer who knows how to spin a good tale.

Go buy this one!

Check out more reviews here:

Brandon Barr
Jennifer Bogart
Keanan Brand
Melissa Carswell
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Alex Field
Marcus Goodyear
Todd Michael Greene
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Kait
Carol Keen
Mike Lynch
Magma
Margaret
Melissa Meeks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Nissa
John W. Otte
Steve Rice
Crista Richey
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Rachel Starr Thomson
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Jason Waguespack
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
Jill Williamson

Speak and Write

2009-04-18T13:25:00.002-02:30

Have you ever wanted to just tell your computer what to write and it will do it for you? You Can!!
I found a free download to enable you to write your novel by simply talking to your computer.

It's fun!
I recommend you do the training first so it recognizes your voice. It also learns as it goes.

A fun way to write!

All Night Book Talk

2009-03-23T15:00:00.003-02:30

I'm up to 35, 523 words. Precisely. It's getting there.

The fun part is that I really enjoy reading over my story (again). That's gotta be a plus.

My friend Jamie and I got together this weekend and pulled an all-nighter. (Well, 'til 4:00 am anyhow.) We played games and then got to the business of discussing my book, Rebel of Castuenda. (She's my first reader.)

Seems all is well in book world. Quite pleased with the feedback and her interest in it.

Though, pulling an all-nighter has cost me. I'm not as young as I used to be. I've been sleeping off and on for the last 2 days! And I have a cold. Yuck. From now on, I think I'll aim for making bedtime a little earlier.

Red Letter Days

2009-03-13T21:59:00.000-02:30

Check this out!

"The Red Envelope Project

Join the Red Envelope Project in representing the unborn on March 31, 2009 by sending empty red envelopes from all over the nation to the White House.

On the front of your envelope, address it to:

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20500

On the back of your empty envelope, write the following message:

This envelope represents one child who died in abortion. It is empty because that life was unable to offer anything to the world. Responsibility begins with conception.

Mail your envelope(s) on March 31, 2009.

For more information, visit www.redenvelopeproject.org and read the FAQs"

A great idea!

Death, Musings, and Writing

2009-02-25T20:19:00.003-03:30

I thank God for a faithful friend of mine, who is also a first reader for my book, Rebel of Castuenda. She is persistent in egging me on to keep writing 'cause she can't wait to see what's next in the story.

I also have a local librarian who keeps asking me how it's going.

Just this week, this same librarian asked the same question. This time, however, she asked it with a look of, "Are you really ever going to finish it?"

Ouch! Yet a good question for me to evaluate myself. At the rate I have been going, it doesn't look good.

So, I have reprioritized my time/schedule to reflect this desire of mine to write.

Another thing that got me thinking about my writing is the death of my aunt. My hubby had asked me what would I do if it were me coming home from a funeral minus my husband. Yucky thought. I also thought about what if it were me dying. (happy thoughts, I know)

One thing I wanted to do was to have my series finished; to get down on paper the story of these people. To record their sorrows, triumphs-their stories. My visions.

So, off I go to work. (If only I could type quickly-arrgh!)

Cyndere's Midnight Shines!

2009-02-16T11:27:00.005-03:30

Finally!! The long awaited book two is here!!

Jeffrey Overstreet's first book (Auralia's Colors) was a beautifully melody that spilled out into a breathtaking symphony by the end of the book.

Cyndere's Midnight was aptly named. The music takes a haunting turn into darker paths that are splashed with hope and triumphs.

It takes a previous "bad guy" and looks into what made him like that. His struggles to emerge from the "curse" that he's under. It's a struggle against the tide.

Jeffrey Overstreet is descriptive to a point of creating colorful images (pardon the pun), but not to the point of wordiness.

I look forward to more of his writings (and to the next in this series)!

To see more about him and his work, check these sites out:

Cyndere’s Midnight -http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400072530
Jeffrey Overstreet’s Web site - http://lookingcloser.org/
Jeffrey Overstreet’s blog - http://lookingcloser.org/category/journal/
Jeffrey Overstreet at Facebook -http://www.facebook.com/people/Jeffrey-Overstreet/42902959

To get more reviews, check out these blogs:

Brandon Barr
Keanan Brand
Rachel Briard
Melissa Carswell
Valerie Comer
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Shane Deal
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Andrea Graham
Todd Michael Greene
Katie Hart
Timothy Hicks
Jason Isbell
Jason Joyner
Kait
Carol Keen
Magma
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Eve Nielsen
Nissa
Wade Ogletree
John W. Otte
John Ottinger
Steve Rice
Crista Richey
Alice M. Roelke
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Fred Warren
Jill Williamson

The Book of Names Book Review

2009-01-19T18:57:00.003-03:30

*Featured book, The Book of Names
D. Barkley Briggs’s Web site
D. Barkley Briggs’s blog

I had the opportunity to read this book and was struck at how real the emotions in this book are. And rightly so, since the book delves into the loss the writer and his family have experienced, while taking you on a fantasy journey into another world.

My main let down in this book was the lack of surprise. What I mean by this is that I could guess the plot much of the time. But I'm a seasoned, hardened reader ;)

There was one scene in the book that I found to be a bit vivid in the element of violence-that of the girl being dumped into the water and tied. Yet this was properly placed as being evil and wrong. Like I said before, the emotional aspect of this book was very well done.

For more on this book from different perspectives, visit the blogs below.

*Participants’ Links:
Sally Apokedak
Brandon Barr
Keanan Brand
Rachel Briard
Valerie Comer
Frank Creed
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Shane Deal
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Andrea Graham
Todd Michael Greene
Timothy Hicks
Joleen Howell
Jason Isbell
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Carol Keen
Magma
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirtika
Eve Nielsen
Nissa
Steve Rice
Crista Richey
Alice M. Roelke
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Rachel Starr Thomson
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Jason Waguespac
Phyllis Wheeler
Timothy Wise

Sunshine, Tulips, and Editing

2009-01-18T20:35:00.004-03:30

I had to have more flowers after the bright tulips that my hubby bought me died. These were on sale, so I indulged.

I am already longing for spring, for gardening, for sunshine, for heat (it's reportedly -38 here today.YIKES!)

In the meantime, I had better get my book editing done. Once spring gets here, I'll want to be out in it.

I finally got over the hump. The hump being looking at the same section for 6 months or so. It's a bit more exciting now (go figure).

My good friend Jamie (see I spelled it right!!), has been my goad to prod me along. She's one of my first readers and is frantic to get to the rest of the book (which is all written by hand and legible only to me). I do love the suspense though, he he he :) Actually, I'm thrilled she is so glued to it.

Editing

2009-01-09T10:17:00.001-03:30

My editing efforts are coming along steadily. Slow but always progressing. The reason it is so slow is that I am learning how to type (using more than one finger). Multitasking. :)

Singing

2008-11-05T09:26:00.001-03:30

Song lends my soul feet with which it dances without inhibitions.

Writing...again

2008-10-08T11:59:00.002-02:30

Finally! I am editing again. It's not as fun as writing, especially when it's your own stuff you're correcting.

But I really like my story. I get thinking, "My story is so lame...it's not coming together...not coherent." And then I read it again-and I like it! I really like it. It recaptures my attention and precious few books do anymore.

Starting Over

2008-10-07T16:02:00.003-02:30

I like a clean sheet of paper, lined, just waiting to be written on.

The possibilities are endless-and so are the ideas.

Scrumptious!

2008-10-07T16:01:00.009-02:30

2008-10-07T16:01:00.007-02:30

2008-10-07T16:01:00.005-02:30

2008-10-07T16:01:00.003-02:30

2008-10-07T16:01:00.001-02:30

Open

2008-04-06T23:10:00.005-02:30

Digging for Pearls asked me to participate in a survey, sharing 10 struggles I face as a Christian woman. She'd love to have you participate as well so go on over and vent!

I'm gonna be brave and post my response here (very untypical of me):

Ten struggles I face...
-submitting to the leadership of my husband in decisions in our home. Sometimes I think I am so right-but I should let God work in his heart and be my defender. (I like stating my point in a persuasive way and defending it at all cost).

-balancing firmness and gentleness in raising the children.

-crucifying self. It wants to reign supreme. My family must come first.

-knowing how to be a good friend to other women. How to develop a good relationship and keep it healthy and thriving.

-There's a lot of worldly philosophies that have crept into the church. I've had to unlearn somethings that were merely tradition that I was taught was biblical. A tough one to sort out at times.

-This next one sort of falls under the self centered thing above. I have strong pulls into the creative field.
I'm into fabric arts and am a writer. Yet I know that God wants me to concentrate on raising my kids and being there for my hubby as first priority.
It's a constant struggle to keep things balanced. I've even given it up for a few years and will do so again if it gains preeminence in my life.
Yet it is a drive in my life. It is part of my make-up. Just not a priority at this moment, and maybe never.
A hard one.

-loneliness. I miss the quiet times I had with God (before the kids, the hubby, the noise, the priorities). Most nights when the family is all tucked into bed at night, I'm too tired and worn out to do more than read a chapter and jot down in my journal that I'm tired. I miss the one-on-one with God when I just pour out everything to Him. I wish it was more often.
I know I could wake up early (I tried that and the kids got up earlier too) or try other methods, but maybe I just have to live through it and trust Him step by step to meet even these needs.

-feeling like a full spiritual sponge and not knowing how to wring it out. I've been a Christian for most of my 32 years and gathering up the many lessons God has taught me. I want to share that in a way that will glorify God and not vaunt myself.

One way God has started to answer this is through Bible classes that I do with my kids in our homeschool. Its been really good to do some exposition of the Bible together.

...2 more...

-losing weight.Exercising. Being self-disciplined in this area. I never had to before I had kids and so never taught myself how to do this.

-housekeeping has never been a strong suit. God has taught me much about consistency and selflessness in this field, but I still struggle with the labels attached to this weakness.
I'm a woman-housekeeping should come naturally to me. How good of a wife/mother can I be if I can't even do this?
Thankfully He continues to teach me that His opinion is the only one that counts. :)

Thanks for this chance to vent!
-Eve

Hi

2008-03-18T20:26:00.002-02:30

I'm still here. The creative bug bit hard and so I'm over at creative explosions...creating. Come by to visit if you like.

I've had more dreams about my book and I've written it all down for future ideas. Hoping to get to more editing soon.

Sick

2008-02-25T10:24:00.002-03:30

My kids all got the stomach flu this past week. I have had some sort of bug that made my neck and back muscles feel tight and sore. Nasty.

So that's why I haven't been by to visit anyone. I'll be by soon. :)

2008-02-19T16:00:00.010-03:30

To Merral's surprise, Vero was waiting for him at the terminal.

"How did you know I was on the flight?"

"It's hardly a stunning feat of intelligence to check the passenger lists." Vero stared at Merral. "You know, you look dreadful."

"I'll tell you about it. But not here."

His friend had a vehicle outside, and once they were inside and had closed the door, Vero turned to Merral. "Have you met them?" he asked.

"No. I found no trace of them. At least not physically."

"But. . . ?"

"I found enough evidence to make me know that I—we—have to fight."

"I am glad you now agree. But I am concerned. What did you find?"

"Let me be clinical," Merral said, trying to keep his voice level. "In under two days I found evidence of sin, to my knowledge, unparalleled in Assembly history. I found, among other things, a flagrant and open desire to dishonor parents, a gross outbreak of anger in public, and . . . something else I will not name."

"In two days?" Vero's eyes opened wide. "The rot is faster than I thought."

Merral stared out of the windscreen at the lights of town. Then he turned to Vero.

"The rot? Vero, you have no idea at all how bad it is. You see, I didn't find the rot in others; I found it in myself."
-Shadow and Night by Chris Walley

Facts: 640 pages, Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, young adult/adult (in my opinion), speculative fiction/science fiction (in my opinion again), by Chris Walley, 2 books in one.

Overview:Mankind has had a respite from the tendency to sin. During this time, they have populated many other planets. But something is going wrong on one of these planets, the planet farthest from Earth.

Initial Eye Catcher:Probably the two page letter that came with the book. That must have been a killer to write! *grin* The world and its differences caught my attention. Also the mystery of what was happening to their planet.

I Liked:Imagining what it would be like if mankind did not have the tendency to sin. Very interesting. The book was great. I loved it.

I Didn't Like:Not much that I didn't like. In fact I'm racking my brain for one... I didn't like the main character's girlfriend.

Conclusion:A great buy! A must have. (man, these writers are getting better all the time)

My Rating:10/10

For Your Interest:Web site, Author blog

*Participants’ Links:
Brandon Barr
Jim Black
Justin Boyer
Grace Bridges
Jackie Castle
Carol Bruce Collett
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
Gene Curtis
D. G. D. Davidson
Chris Deanne
Janey DeMeo
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Marcus Goodyear
Rebecca Grabill
Jill Hart
Katie Hart
Michael Heald
Timothy Hicks
Christopher Hopper
Heather R. Hunt
Jason Joyner
Kait
Carol Keen
Mike Lynch
Margaret
Rachel Marks
Shannon McNear
Melissa Meeks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirtika or Mir's Here
Pamela Morrisson
Eve Nielsen
John W. Otte
John Ottinger
Deena Peterson
Rachelle
Steve Rice
Ashley Rutherford
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Rachelle Sperling
Donna Swanson
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Robert Treskillard
Jason Waguespac
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise

It's my day!

2008-02-19T08:22:00.001-03:30

Happy birthday to me.... :)

V- Day!

2008-02-14T16:42:00.001-03:30

Happy V-day all! And guess what? My b-day is in 5 days! The fun just never ends. *grin*

Newspaper Article

2008-02-05T13:45:00.000-03:30

I found this article in an old dictionary belonging to Todd's grandmother. Interesting. Click on pic to view in larger detail.

Emotional Words

2008-02-02T19:20:00.000-03:30

Here's some links words that show emotions:

One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Nine
Hope that helps all of you in your writing!

Ice Storm

2008-01-29T15:36:00.001-03:30

Here is a twig off my rose bush-covered in ice. Our camera needs new batteries, so I scanned it.

Flying Away

2008-01-28T20:16:00.000-03:30

The fantasy bug bit me while I was making my fabric art postcards. Here is the result.

Widget Fun

2008-01-25T16:14:00.000-03:30

Wanna see what I'm up to with my arts and crafts? Check out this widget:

Fun widgets, Marcus!

A Colorful Tale

2008-01-21T15:53:00.000-03:30

"Roots like carrots bled orange dye. Taters from the house-kitchen rot bins could be mashed into pastes of brown, white, and grey...Colors rivered and washed in tides in her head, and she swept them accordingly across stone canvases. The moonlight was enough, and when it was not, she worked with shimmering hues that danced up the cliffs to light the tree trunks and illuminate the outstretched wind-shaped boughs."-Auralia's Colors by Jeffrey Overstreet

Facts:334 pages, WaterBrook Press (September 4, 2007), Jr. to adult fantasy fiction.

Overview:Auralia, origins unknown, is brought up by the outcasts of society. She makes gifts of such vivid and rich colors that it attracts the attention of others, namely those who have forbid the use of color except for those of high status. Her gifts are used to bring a whole nation to awaken and remember, to come alive in full color. Yet not everyone wants her to (of course).

Initial Eye Catcher:The cover is beautiful, the imagery is such a delectable palette! The artsy side of me really took to this book.

I Liked:Everything, but especially the language...word, beautiful words and imagery! I could not guess what was coming which is a rare treat. A superb work of art!

I Didn't Like:I felt that the plot could have been a tiny bit stronger in the beginning, but maybe I just got caught up in the descriptions. :)

Conclusion:You gotta buy this one!! And the sequal(s).

My Rating:********** Another rare 10/10

For Your Interest: Auralia's Colors web site; Looking Closer Journal-Jeffery Overstreet's blog

Participants’ Links in this book tour:
Brandon Barr
Jim Black
Justin Boyer
Grace Bridges
Jackie Castle
Carol Bruce Collett
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
D. G. D. Davidson
Chris Deanne
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Marcus Goodyear
Andrea Graham
Jill Hart
Katie Hart
Timothy Hicks
Heather R. Hunt
Becca Johnson
Jason Joyner
Kait
Karen
Carol Keen
Mike Lynch
Margaret
Rachel Marks
Shannon McNear
Melissa Meeks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirtika or Mir's Here
Pamela Morrisson
Eve Nielsen
John W. Otte
John Ottinger
Deena Peterson
Rachelle
Steve Rice
Cheryl Russel
Ashley Rutherford
Hanna Sandvig
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Rachelle Sperling
Donna Swanson
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Jason Waguespac
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise

Cussing

2008-01-12T16:50:00.000-03:30

"Anybody can write in a cuss word, but it takes real talent to give us the feeling of the cussing without literally spelling it out."-Jeff Gerke at Where the Map Ends.

Postcard Writing Contest

2008-01-07T09:18:00.000-03:30

"The Writers' Union of Canada is pleased to launch its 9th annual Postcard Story Competition, which invites writers to create a dramatic, short, snappy piece in only 250 words. A $500 prize will be awarded to a Canadian writer, and the winning entry will be published in postcard format and distributed in the Union's Newsletter. The deadline for entries is February 14, 2008...

To be eligible, submissions must be written by a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant. Any text, fiction or nonfiction, up to 250 words, in the English language, which is original and not previously published in any format, is eligible. A typed, double-spaced entry in a clear twelve-point font on white paper, not stapled or exceeding maximum word length, along with an entry fee of $5 (cheque or money order) per submission, should be sent to The Writers’ Union of Canada at: 90 Richmond Street East, Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario, M5C 1P1. The deadline for submissions is February 14, 2008. For complete rules and regulations, please go to http://www.writersunion.ca/cn_postcard.asp." -excerpt from the LCP newsletter

Poetry Contest

2008-01-07T09:13:00.000-03:30

POETRY CONTEST FOR CHRISTIAN WRITERS
Utmost Christian Writers (AB) invite entries for their 8th annual Christian Poetry Contest. First prize: $US1000. Open to Christian writers only. Entry fee: $15 per poem. Deadline: February 28, 2008. More info: http://www.utmostchristianwriters.com/poetry-contests.php

Wahoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-01-04T23:08:00.000-03:30

Guess what?!

IT'S FINISHED!

I completed my manuscript, Rebel of Castuenda!

Hooray!!

*Does the happy dance*

This Just In...

2008-01-04T12:30:00.001-03:30

I got a new book courtesy of my CSFF Blog Tour group today. A big thank you to Tyndale House Publishers and to Chris Walley for my free copy.

At first glance (since we all judge books by their covers), it looks sci fi. I think it's a 2-in-1 deal...not sure.

Looking forward to the read, though.

Auralia's Colors

2008-01-04T12:24:00.001-03:30

Besides the beautiful cover and artwork on this one, it has definitely caught my attention. Excellent book! I'll have a full review later, so keep posted.

Meanwhile-go buy it! Definitely a keeper. Gorgeous imagery.

A Peek into Eve's Journal-Temptation

2008-01-02T14:53:00.000-03:30

Luke 4

(Luke 4:1-4)How should we deal with temptation? How did Jesus face temptation?

When Jesus was in wilderness, He fasted. He did not allow the flesh to have rule. He trusted God to provide His needs.

Problem: The devil tells us, "If God is really God, He would give you food to eat. He'd really provide for you."

Solution: The answer is to realign our focus-not on ourselves or our earthly needs but on our spiritual food. We need to dig into God's Word and stay close to Him.

(Luke 4:5-8)Test #2 for Jesus came in the form of the desire for power/prestige/glory-simply put, a place in this world...somewhere on top.

Problem: Our human nature/flesh so longs for recognition and praise of men.

Interesting to note about verse 6 : And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. He has been given power (from God) to distribute some power and glory on earth. we know, though, that ultimate authority resides with God and is His alone. (Psalm 2) Yet God does allow the wicked to flourish-though it is only a flash in the pan. A bad trade-off for those who sacrifice their future for the present.

Solution: Get the focus off self and onto God and worship Him. We are to serve God, not ourselves nor the demands of this world.

(Luke 4:9-13)Interesting that all the kingdoms of the world were shown "in a moment of time". That's all they will ever be, just a moment.

Satan also tries to convince us that he has everything and that we have nothing. But in Christ, we are co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). We may have to wait for the dispersment of some of this inheritance but they are ours today.

By having Satan put behind you, your focus is only on moving forward. The obstacle has been removed.

This next test, Satan uses the Bible, reasoning, and testing God foolishly to try to persuade.

What a stupid thing to do-to try to push God in a corner, to force Him to do something. IE:, "You said you'd protect me, so I'm jumping off this cliff. Now You have to do what you said you would!" Yikes. Who are we to order God around?

Rather we should say like Shadrach and his gang, and like Job:

Our God will save save us if He wants to, but if He chooses not to, we will still obey God and not man. (Daniel 3:16-18)
"Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him...." (Job 13:15)

Ohter Links along this line of thought: L'chaim, Love Notes to Yahweh

I'm Back!

2008-01-01T18:37:00.000-03:30

Hello! I am officially back online. God takes good care of His own. He has blessed us with a new computer (better quality one) that came free with lots of bells and whistles.

I have also been inspired to write and have advanced by another 2,000 words and am on the LAST scene!!!!

My new year's resolution is to take care of my health-so that means exercising and cutting back on the junk food. Hubby even bought me a foot spa to help me recoup after a hard day's work.

I've been doing lots of reading during the holidays which has further solidified my resolve to write some good (as in moral, upright, and decent as well as quality) books to give our youth to read. There is so much crap out there!

My daughter bought me a pen to write with (a snowman pen!!!), so I better get to work. :)

Crashed!

2007-12-27T13:06:00.001-03:30

My computer has died, so it may be a while before I can get back to my blogging. Merry Christmas and happy new year to all of you!

My Poem

2007-12-21T10:00:00.000-03:30

I wrote a poem for my son a while back and stuck it on Helium.com. Today I went to check up on things over there...and found that it is still in first after about 3-4 months-1'st of 80!

Wow. I didn't think I could write poetry. Somebody seems to like it.

Merry Christmas to All my Online Friends!

2007-12-20T13:49:00.000-03:30

I want to wish all of my dear blogging friends a Merry Christmas!...and happy writing over the holidays!

Writing Grant and Other Things....

2007-12-18T10:24:00.000-03:30

I got news on my writing grant application-a no go. We'll try again. :)

Last night we went to hear Todd's sister (Wendy Nielsen) sing here in Moncton. A nice Christmas treat.

It was my youngest child's first time. The orchestra was tuning...he was poised literally on the edge of his seat...then the orchestra stopped and the conductor walked out to the applause of the audience. My kiddo turns to me and whispers, "That was a short one!".

I have not been feeling well for the last three weeks, so Christmas prep and everything has been low key. Lord willing I'll be back to normal soon (whatever that means). :)

We have been hammered by some early snowstorms and will definitely have a white Christmas. We may get our tree tonight. The kids are excited!

Christmas Prep

2007-12-14T08:12:00.000-03:30

Most of you are probably almost ready for Christmas. I still have a quilt to finish and a few gifts to pick up. This is a card I made for my neighbour (who is a quilter like me).

Pop on over to Creative Explosions to see my latest crafty thing: fabric postcards. Fun, fun!

On Writing

2007-12-06T19:10:00.000-03:30

After blowing up supper (the glass dish in the oven exploded), I decided to give myself the evening off. I'm not feeling well anyway. All in all, a great opportunity to soak in the tub and read a book.

The book I chose, was one I had bought second hand (I think). A 3 in 1 book:Becoming a Writer by Dorthy Brande/On Becoming a Novelist by John Gardner/One Writer's Beginnings by Eudora Welty.

I read the intro and the first chapter...and I like it! Listen to this:

"You are likely to hear that your desire to write is perhaps only an infantile
exhibitionism, or bewarned that because your friends think you a great writer
(as if they ever did) [Eve's aside: I am most blessed here.] the world cannot be
expected to share that fond opinion...Books written for painters do not imply
that the chances are that the reader can never be anything but a conceited
dauber, nor do textbooks on engineering start out by warning the student that
because he has been able to make a grasshopper out of two rubber bands and a
matchstick he is not to think that he is likely ever to be an honor to his
chosen profession." -Dorthy Brande

So true. She goes on to say that this book is not like this. So my interest has been piqued.

I find all areas of art to be like this. A hesitant acceptance of those endeavoring to enter into their world. A snooty, looking-down-their-nose attitude at anyone daring to call themselves (writer, poet, painter, quilter....) or even (gasp!) an artist.

I realize that not everyone in these fields view it that way, but in general the art world does.

Yet look at what is classified as art! I'm talking about the stuff you cock your eyebrows at and wonder if your 3 year old could pull that off. :)

If grandmothers' utility quilts of yesteryear can be heralded as art in their mismatched, uneven piecing, surely you and I can pull off the same or better and call ourselves quilter-even artists.

Character Contest Winner

2007-11-30T21:06:00.000-03:30

I have not written much on my book of late *looks around sheepishly*...but I did win Michael Rigg's character contest over at TheMunsonChapters.blogspot.com ! (SO there! *sticks out a pouty lip*)

My Christmas sewing is in full swing (Creative Explosions). I've been baking cookies, cake castles (for my daughter's b-day), and today I cooked the most delicious cranberry glazed duck. Yum!

Blushing Scarlet

2007-11-26T17:15:00.000-03:30

"Odo, you dunce! Wake up! You're dozing again. It ill becomes you to catch a wink on a dying man's last words. Prick up your ears, priest. Pare your quill, and tell me the last you remember."

"Sorry, Will," he says. He's always ever so sorry, rubbing sleep
from his dreamy brown eyes. And it is sorry he should be--sorry for himself and all his dreary ilk, but not for Will.

"Never feel sorry for Will, lad," I tell him. "Will en't sorry for
nothing."
Brother Odo is my scribe, decent enough for a Norman in his
simpering, damp-handed way. He does not wish me harm. I think he does not even know why he has been sent down here amongst the gallows birds to listen to the ramblings of a dangerous scofflaw like myself. Why should he?

Abbot Hugo is behind this wheeze to scribble down all my doings. To what purpose? Plain as daylight in Dunholme, he means to scry out a way to catch King Raven. Hugo imagines languishing in the shadow of the noose for a spell will sober me enough to grow a tongue of truth in my head and sing like a bird for freedom.
So, I sing and sing, if only to keep Jack o'Ladder at arm's length a little longer. Our larcenous abbot will learn summat to his profit, as may be, but more to his regret. He'll learn much of that mysterious phantom of the greenwood, to be sure. But for all his listening he'll hear naught from me
to catch so much as a mayfly. He'll not get the bolt he desires to bring King Raven down.
"So, now," I say, "pick up your pen, Brother Odo. We'll begin again. What was the last you remember?"

Facts: 464 pages, Thomas Nelson Publishing, adult fantasy (historical? legend?), 2nd in the King Raven Trilogy

Overview: Will Scarlet is captured and forced to tell all that he knows of King Raven and his whereabouts.
Initial Eye Catcher: Great cover (Stephen King feel?)

I Liked: Stephen Lawhead is an obvious student of the legends of Robin Hood. The story gives very detailed descriptions which point to Lawhead's thorough study and his opinion of how it may have been. Very realistic. He masters jumping from Will's thoughts to his cell and then to re-enacting the past. Very hard to do, but Lawhead aces it. He knows his craft and this book proves it.

I Didn't Like: Although Lawhead is a master craftsman, this book lacked (in my opinion) the spark that it takes to make a book a story. Perhaps it was simply that the story has been done so many times (Robin Hood and his merry men). I was bogged down from chapters 1-4, and was getting increasingly discouraged by the lack of much action. I realize that it could be a matter of preference/taste in books. Some of the language was also..shall we say-adult-in nature. Also not a preference of mine.

Conclusion: I can't recommend this particular book unless you like description, a well laid out setting, and a slower moving plot.

My Rating: * * * * * * * * * *

For Your Interest:Stephen Lawhead's site . Buy Scarlet here.

Other books by Lawhead:

King Raven Trilogy
Hood (2006)
Patrick: Son of Ireland (2003) [ Read a preview ]
The Celtic Crusades
The Iron Lance (1998)
The Black Rood (2000)
The Mystic Rose (2001)
Avalon: The Return of King Arthur (1999) [ Read a preview ]
Byzantium (1996)
The Song of Albion
The Paradise War (1991)
The Silver Hand (1992)
The Endless Knot (1993)
The Pendragon Cycle
Taliesin (1987)
Merlin (1988)
Arthur (1989)
Pendragon (1994)
Grail (1997)
Science Fiction
Dream Thief (1983)
Empyrion (omnibus edition)
The Dragon King Trilogy
In the Hall of the Dragon King (1982)
The Warlords of Nin (1983)
The Sword and the Flame (1984)
The Dragon King Saga (omnibus edition)
The Brown Ears Books
Brown Ears: The adventures of a lost-and-found rabbit (1988)
Brown Ears at Sea: More adventures of a lost-and-found rabbit (1990)

Other Reviewers:

Trish Anderson
Brandon Barr
Wayne Thomas Batson
Jim Black
Justin Boyer
Grace Bridges
Amy Browning
Jackie Castle
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
D. G. D. Davidson
Chris Deanne
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Beth Goddard
Marcus Goodyear
Andrea Graham
Jill Hart
Katie Hart
Sherrie Hibbs
Timothy Hicks
Christopher Hopper
Becca Johnson
Jason Joyner
Kait
Karen
Dawn King
Tina Kulesa
Mike Lynch
Margaret
Karen McSpadden
Melissa Meeks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirtika or Mir's Here
Eve Nielsen
John W. Otte
John Ottinger
Lyn Perry
Deena Peterson
Rachelle
Cheryl Russel
Ashley Rutherford
Hanna Sandvig
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Rachelle Sperling
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Robert Treskillard
Jason Waguespac
Daniel I. Weaver
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise

Homefront Happenings

2007-11-19T16:11:00.000-03:30

'Tis getting close (six weeks according to my kids) to that season (shh! Don't say it out loud. Hubby might hear..and it's not even December yet....) In light of that season, my sewing/crafty urges have kicked in. Check out my Creative Explosions site for more on this.

I have been writing in slo-mo and have progress another couple thousand words. The end is slowly nearing....

We had a snowfall which came and went. Frost is setting in its heels and soon the ground will be hard and lumpy. (I wonder where earthworms go in the winter-do they migrate south too?..."What is that rumbling mom?" "It's the great earthworm migration, son.")

We have been adopted by a black cat. The poor thing was nearly crazed with starvation, most likely abandoned by its owners (we live on a dead end, it happens a lot). Since I have bad allergies, we have made him all nice and cozy in the shed.

The other day, the kids ran into the house all out of breath and excitied. "Mom! Mom! We were in the back yard playing spies-and the cat was spying with us too!"

Slacker

2007-11-07T23:51:00.000-03:30

I admit it. I have slacked off with my writing. Probably also the reason for why I haven't blogged about my writing for a while.

I have been battling with a few things:

1)I'm writing a scene about sailing a "tall" ship through a major storm, yet I have no idea how to sail, how a ship would move in the midst of the storm, if you can jimmy up a makeshift sail to help steer, etc. A bit out of my element, I'm afraid. And I'm not sure where to turn to for help. (Any Ideas?)

All this has left me feeling just slightly inadequate and terribly frustrated.

2)My sewing machine has beckoned to me again, and with Christmas coming....

Lousy excuses, I know, but there it is. I've been jotting down ideas here and there, though...and I plan to attack it on my day off tomorrow-really!

Going to Pieces

2007-10-31T22:41:00.000-02:30

A Study in Random Thoughts and Sporatic Musings

Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."

Hmmm...

~~Peace~~makers...piecemakers=people who join together random fabric that has been cut apart.

peacemaker=piecemaker

Still Going...

2007-10-30T17:39:00.001-02:30

First snowflurries today...and another 2,000 words!

What God Writes

2007-10-27T09:51:00.000-02:30

Psalm 12:6

"The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times."

Barking Feechie-Falootin' Madness

2007-10-22T16:00:00.000-02:30

Bark of the Bog Owl book one of The Wilderking Trilogy (B&H Publishers), by Jonathan Rogers.

"I don't want no civilizers around my boy!" Mrs. Turtlebane
repeated. Then she broke into a greenish grin. "But for them what saves his
life, I can make an exception."

She went to work on the vines that bound his feet. When she had
gotten him free, Mrs. Turtlebane fell on Aidan with a hug so fierce it nearly
squeezed the breath out of him.

The terrible she-feechie was now sobbing. "Hawww, hawww, hawww!
You saved my Dobro. Hawww, hawww, hawww. Bless your head and liver. You rescued
my sweet Maypop from that bad old panther."-from Bark of the Bog Owl by Jonathan
Rogers.

Facts:231 pages, 27 chapters and an epilogue, great for middle grade/YA (an especially great book for boys!), a biblical fantasy (remake of the story of King David in fantasy form), Book 1 of The Wilderking Trilogy, B & H Publishers, written by Jonathan Rogers.

Overview:A young shepherd boy meets the hidden Feechiefolk, is heralded as the legendary Wilderking, and aides his country in a war.

Initial Eye Catcher: the title is a real winner, the action smack of adventure, and the characters are so honest and well done!

I Liked:Everything:an absolutely superb book, fits the age group to a tee (I've been reading it to my 7 and 9 year old-even my husband is hooked!), adventure, originality, great identification with the characters...I could go on for days raving about this book.

I Didn't Like:Some of the names are so hard to pronounce (should have a pronunciation guide on his site or something). Corenwald...is it said like Corn-wald or CorENwald? And what exactly does the bark of a bog owl sound like? How would you read Ha-ha-ha-hrawfff-wooooooooo? Looks great on paper but hard for moms. :)

Conclusion:Buy it for your kids along with the sequels-a must! I plan to buy the two other for my kids for Christmas. No kids-buy it anyway. Lots of edge of your seat stuff and lots of laughs.

My Rating: * * * * * * * * * * -a whole 10/10, never before done!!!

For Your Interest: Secret of the Swamp King, Way of the Wilderking.

For more info, visit:

Brandon Barr
Jim Black
Justin Boyer
Grace Bridges
Amy Browning
Jackie Castle
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
D. G. D. Davidson
Chris Deanne
Janey DeMeo
Merrie Destefano or Alien Dream
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Marcus Goodyear
Andrea Graham
Jill Hart
Katie Hart
Sherrie Hibbs
Christopher Hopper
Becca Johnson
Jason Joyner
Karen
Dawn King
Mike Lynch
Rachel Marks
Karen McSpadden
Melissa Meeks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Eve Nielsen
John W. Otte
Lyn Perry
Deena Peterson
Rachelle
Cheryl Russel
Ashley Rutherford
Hanna Sandvig
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Donna Swanson
Daniel I. Weaver
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise

Join the Dance

2007-10-17T17:58:00.000-02:30

Paperclips,

Like miniature trombones

Awaiting a mouthpiece

To voice the arrival

Of the queen of words.

She waltzes over

to meet the pages

Lined for the dance.

The muse begins.

She whirls and twirls

Jumps and glides,

Leaving her mark

On those impressionable pages.

Writing in the Dark

2007-10-12T20:40:00.000-02:30

HiddenInside the cascading tressesof a willow.Sunbeams lighting up moteslike fairy dust.Insatiable longingto capture the moment.By telling?By painting?By pen.***dabbling in poetry to instigate creativity***Of all the people....poetry exercisesOf all the people in the worldI'm glad that I can write,So I can vent upon my pageAnd stay up half the night.
Of all the people in the worldI'm glad that I am Eve.Named for the oneWho ate the fruit,And not a girl named Bev.(Didn't rhyme, you say? Ahh, that's because my name is not pronounced with a hard "E" but a short vowel"e".)***On a trip to King's Landing one day,To shoot turkeys we were asked to payThree dollars a shotTo take home in a pot.'Til I get one, I'll just have to stay.(Can you guess what we did while we were away these past two weeks? Yup. King's Landing-a historical settlement.)***Sensory ExerciseI am a questing writer.I hear voices in my head.I see places yet to be,never before read.I taste a scrumptious word or two,Dip pen into my heart.I smell the fear of paths unknownBut I plunge on ahead.I***StrandedLend me the wings of a dictionaryTo release me.Unshackle meFrom the inadequacyof my literacy.***Friends, Romans, CountrymenLend me your synonyms.***To make a synonym it takesOne writerStuck.One ideaBlurred.And a pen to record it.***Words.Evasive as sleepTransient as a cat.***Besottedwith paperLinedGraphedWhite or colored.Notebooks, SketchpadsSpiral bound and covered.***Asparagus.Spear head,Fern fractal.Sauteed with butter.Delicious art.***Peace isA distant mower.The cicada's droneAnd hot chocolatedrunk alone.***Senses Exercise 2 Smell of VarnishGreying wood trapped in time,Sawdust and paints rejected.Water droplets spread so thinAnd gelled upon this surface. Taste of Candy AppleAlmost crunchyCaramelSweet and sour mix.Glued teethclamped together.Discarded apple bits. Look of a Compost HeapSpotted brownBanana peel.Apples too crabby to eat.Worm's delight. Lumpety clodsBumpety sod.Soils sinking beneath your feet.Buried treasure. Rich loamLiving vine.Leaves flop like elephant ears.Pumpkin pie. The Feel of an Old QuiltCool surface of a brisk fall breeze,Inside a cushion of snow.Snappy fall leavesPatched together withthreads of times long ago. ***For my daughter. While mending her purple teddy bear she sleeps with. My Teddy BearDefuzzedLike a patchy molting rabbit. Yellowed with ageLike Grandpa's coffee stained teeth. As squeezed out of shapeAs an overripe, unskinned bananaIn the hands of a little boy.***

Sore Wrist

2007-09-27T23:33:00.000-02:30

I wrote 3,780 words last night on my draft. Needless to say, my wrist is killing me and I'm tired. 1:00am is way too late, but the words were flowing and stopping them would have meant losing them.

Oh. And its was an awesome scene! *swoons with the recollection*

Author News

2007-09-24T16:25:00.000-02:30

Wayne Thomas Batson (writer of the Door Within Trilogy and his latest book, the Isle of the Swords) is looking at the possibility of having his books made into a movie (or movies?)! Head over to his blog and cheer him on.

How Kind Are You?

2007-09-22T10:27:00.000-02:30

Do you consider yourself a generous person? Most of us would say that we are pretty kindhearted.

Yet, when my hubby (Todd) came home last night from street preaching, he told me something that blew me away.

Todd stayed on the streets until 4:00 am, speaking to one man (Go Evangelism). It was cold.

A homeless guy walked up and saw him shivering. He took off his coat and draped it over Todd's shoulders.

He told Todd to keep it until he was done, and to leave it on the ground. He would pick it up later.

Wow. That is generosity! That is loving kindness!

Writing

2007-09-22T00:41:00.000-02:30

I STEPPED from plank to plank
So slow and cautiously;
The stars about my head I felt,
About my feet the sea.

I knew not but the next
Would be my final inch,—
This gave me that precarious gait
Some call experience.

-Emily Dickinson

The Happy Dance

2007-09-18T15:16:00.001-02:30

Come do the happy dance with me-my grant application is finally complete!

Free Books for a Lifetime

2007-09-17T22:56:00.000-02:30

Okay. You have to go visit Wayne Batson at the Door Within Blog.

Wayne is issuing a fantastic challenge to help get word out on his books...and you have a chance to win a free book everytime he publishes, for a lifetime!! There are other prizes to be one too, so check it out.

Wayne Batson has published these books:
The Door Within (book 1)

Rise of the Wyrm Lord (book 2)
The Final Storm (book 3)

Pre-order his latest book:Isle of Swords

Last Book of the Series

2007-09-17T11:28:00.000-02:30

Check out this series and let me know how you like it.

The Return book three of The Mars Hill Classified Trilogy (NavPress), by Austin Boy.

Evidence & Proof

Participants in this tour:
Trish Anderson
Brandon Barr
Jim Black
Justin Boyer
Grace Bridges
Amy Browning
Jackie Castle
Valerie Comer
Karri Compton
Lisa Cromwell
CSFF Blog Tour
Gene Curtis
D. G. D. Davidson
Janey DeMeo
Merrie Destefano or Alien Dream
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Linda Gilmore
Beth Goddard
Marcus Goodyear
Jill Hart
Katie Hart
Sherrie Hibbs
Christopher Hopper
Becca Johnson
Jason Joyner
Kait
Karen
Dawn King
Tina Kulesa
Rachel Marks
Karen McSpadden
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Eve Nielsen
John W. Otte
Lyn Perry
Deena Peterson
Rachelle
Cheryl Russel
Chawna Schroeder
Mirtika Schultz
James Somers
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise

2007-09-16T19:43:00.001-02:30

2,436 more words written this weekend!

Speed Writing

2007-09-11T20:18:00.000-02:30

Don't use words too big for the subject. Don't say 'infinitely' when you mean 'very'; otherwise you'll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite.-C.S.Lewis

Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it.-C. S. Lewis (1898 - 1963)

Hey! How are all you writers and readers out there? I thought I'd give you an update of my word count. Another 5,124 words!! At this rate, I may finish someday. : )

I'm a Red Crayon

2007-09-07T22:46:00.000-02:30

You Are a Red Crayon

Your world is colored with bright, vivid, wild colors.
You have a deep, complex personality - and you are always expressing something about yourself.
Bold and dominant, you are a natural leader. You have an energy that is intense... and sometimes overwhelming.
Your reaction to everything tends to be strong. You are the master of love-hate relationships.

Your color wheel opposite is green. Green people are way too mellow to understand what drives your energy.

What Color Crayon Are You?

Indescribable

2007-09-07T09:40:00.000-02:30

My Author Site

2007-09-03T14:54:00.000-02:30

Come visit me at my author site and leave your location on the map!

The Word on Words

2007-09-03T14:38:00.000-02:30

I just added another 1,500 words to my word count on my book, Rebel's Ascent. That brings my total to (approximately) 50,000 words. Now most of this is hand written and part of it is on the computer, so it's hard to give an exact count.

I'm Rockin'...Did Ya Know?

2007-08-29T21:48:00.001-02:30

I just got nominated by Writer's Sword as a Rockin' Girl Blogger!!

And I know some others that should go by that title as well:

I pick...

Pages of Discovery-Amy B. (*crowd shouts for Amy*)

Pais Charos-Connie (*yeah Connie*)

...and now the moment you've all been waiting for. Who will be the last one chosen for this pestigous award...

Come on down, Scribe Scrawlings-Scribe! (*crowd goes wild*)

As a bonus, I offer to each of you a free blog template (see here for choices: Eden Blog Designs ) to do with it as you like. To claim your prize, just email me at e d - e n 4 @ hotmail (dot) com (no spaces )

My Brother's Wedding

2007-08-21T20:26:00.000-02:30

My New Sister
My Mom and Dad

Dancing with Family and Friends (I'm in the maroon dress)

That's my dad dancing a jig. : )

My bro and His New Wife

The Vows (was it ever HOT out that day!!)

Dissecting a Firefish

2007-08-20T19:40:00.000-02:30

The beast's head was a mountain, bald, irregular, and misshapen. It glistened
with small dark scales overlapping in no discernable pattern. Its enormous
mouth, reaching across the entire base of its head, the rough triangle visible
above the water, was like that of a deepwater devilfish, a sullen horseshoe
frown set in a permanent grimace enhanced by a dramatically jutting jaw, with
ragged, razor-sharp white teeth poking up like an array of knives.-excerpt from The Legend of the Firefish by George Bryan Polivka

Facts:347 pages, 22 chapters, Young Adult/Adult Historical Fantasy, Book 1 of the Trophy Chase Trilogy, Harvest House Publishing, written by George Bryan Polivka

Overview:With dreams of different life than what others expect him to lead and a talent in swordsmanship, Packer Throme stows away on an ex pirate ship(...or is it....). He alone has information on the legendary firefish, information that may lead them straight into their jaws....

Initial Eye Catcher:The sea, pirates, swords, and the hunt for the Firefish-what's not to love? *grin*

I Liked: Bryan has mastered settings and is great in fostering the right mood for each scene. I love the Firefish; the descriptions are vivid. The chase is riveting and...er...shocking. ;)

I Didn't Like: (Spoiler alert) The scene were Panna pummels the old man. I found it did not suit the plot. I felt her strength could have been shown more effectively in a different manner.

Panna's story was, in my opinion, the weaker of the two.

Conclusion: Awesome read. Definitely buy this one.

My Rating: **********

For Your Interest:

BOOK #2 (Love the cover!)
*Bryan’s blog
*Harvest House’s “Talk Like a Pirate” contest

Participants:
Trish Anderson
Brandon Barr
Wayne Thomas Batson
Jim Black
Justin Boyer
Grace Bridges
Amy Browning
Jackie Castle
Valerie Comer
Karri Compton
Frank Creed
Lisa Cromwell
CSFF Blog Tour
Gene Curtis
D. G. D. Davidson
Merrie Destefano
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Beth Goddard
Marcus Goodyear
Russell Griffith
Jill Hart
Katie Hart
Sherrie Hibbs
Christopher Hopper
Jason Joyner
Kait
Karen
Dawn King
Tina Kulesa
Lost Genre Guild
Terri Main
Rachel Marks
Karen McSpadden
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Eve Nielsen
John W. Otte
John Ottinger
Lyn Perry
Deena Peterson
Rachelle
Cheryl Russel
Chawna Schroeder
Mirtika Schultz
James Somers
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Jason Waguespac
Daniel I. Weaver

2007-08-13T17:39:00.000-02:30

8,000 words this week!!

Shelfari

2007-08-04T13:04:00.001-02:30

Check out my Shelfari at the bottom of my blog!

Beach Writing Day

2007-08-03T22:10:00.000-02:30

Today was HOT...so I went to the beach.

I had already written over 2,000 words today, and I wanted to keep the ball rolling (ball-point pen, that is). So I brought my pen and book, chair, a pillow/writing surface thingy, and some great fruit snacks (cherries, plums, apple, peaches...yum).

Picture it: I'm by myself, no kids, hubby is home, sweltering hot, free beach with lots of sand and c..ccool water. You there yet? Okay.

I set up my chair, chuck my stuff on the chair, and almost run into the water in my haste to get cooled off.

Splash! As soon as I'm waste deep, I dive in. Cold water closes over my head, drowning out the voices around me. I skim along the bottom of the water for as long as I can hold my breath. White shells dot the sandy bottom. The water is blue-green...and colder than I thought it was going to be. But I'm not complaining.

After I feel nicely cooled, I went back to my chair and dried my face and arms to write. I do so, but get stumped by a plot quirk.

I watch people on the beach. An older pair of ladies catch my attention. One is clad in a bathing suit, sitting in the water, cooling off. The other, fully clothed, is dipping her feet. She loses her balance and stumbles. She almost catches herself and then goes down, splash, into the water.

I catch my breath, wondering if she's all right. She rolls off her side into a sitting position, with a "I guess I'm swimming after all" attitude. I chuckle.

Then I notice her friend. She is laughing her head off. Oh, she's trying to cover her mouth, but she can't stop. I join in with a full laugh myself.

I met a couple there, who were just visiting (tourist). He asked my if I was doing papers (I assumed he meant school papers). I told him I was an author working on my book and that it was my first. He told me that he had a brother in Toronto that had published quite a few books of poetry.

He asked me what genre I was writing and I said fantasy fiction. He said, "You have to be slightly crazy to write that kind of stuff." I laughed it off, but how rude!

Actually, everyone should be slightly crazy-it's more fun and you worry less about what people think. *Big Grin*

When I leave the beach, I notice the sky is filling up with fast billowing clouds. I'm driving, almost home and the sky is now black and orangey...not a good sign. The wind picks up. I drive past a lady trying to rescue her laundry that's whipping around on her clothesline. Debris is flying in the air...and my hubby is standing in the driveway, arms outspread, enjoying it all.

Lightning flashes all over the horizon as I climb out of the car. It's gonna be a doozy! I'm excited, I love storms, the badder the better.

Finally, the rain starts. We rush around, closing all the windows inside the house...the car window is partly down-oops. Hubby runs out, being pelted by buckets of rain. The wind tears around the house. I fear for my corn in the garden. Rain, rain. We needed it.

After a while, the storm moves on. My corn is leaning, but not too badly. Everything looks fresh and new. Our bunnies come out of their cage to sniff the wet green grass. The air has been washed and is cooled.

Novel Creation Tools, and Much More...

2007-07-27T19:07:00.000-02:30

I have found more great writer's tools:

*Ask the English teacher-i before e, tricky verbs, and many other questions are answered here. You can even email your questions!

*The Elements of Style by William Strunk, Jr.-a must for every writer...and here it is, online!

*C.S. Lewis Quote Page-great quotes here. The man knew how to think.

*yWriter (3mb)(Novel creation tool)-really awesome way to organize your writing, analyse, see how much time has passed between scenes, etc. Easy to use. Two thumbs up from me!

A "Fearless" Review

2007-07-20T20:09:00.000-02:30

I'm back. I've been away for, like, ages! Good to be back.

Hot off the press is Robin Parrish's Fearless.

Samuel could only pray that he himself would bear the brunt of
the meaningless attack, and that somehow Gina would survive this. Because he had
failed her, just as he had failed Helen. The whole city had gone to Hell and
there was nothing left to hope for....

Samuel felt a great whoosh and suddenly the crowd
around him was replaced by a wide, full view of the hazy gray sky above. He
squinted his eyes to see that the crowd had fallen back several yards away, many
of them lying in a circle with a ten-foot radius around him...

One person was still standing...

Between Samuel and certain death.-excerpts from Robin Parrish's Fearless.

Book 2 Buy Here

Facts: 393 pages, Young Adult/Adult Supernatural Suspense, Book 2 of Dominion Trilogy, published by Bethany House, written by Robin Parrish.

Overview:Through varying circumstances, there are some who suddenly have bizarre talents. The Guardian, known as Grant to his closest friends, has superhuman strength and perception abilities. He also is aware of a prophesy being fulfilled through his actions...and he doesn't like it. How does he stop the Secretum group from interfering and find out more about them at the same time (and keep from getting killed by them)? Why are all these natural disasters happening-is it his fault?

Initial Eye Catcher: High Action!

I Liked: Natural disasters, super-human powers, all-odds-against-ya type of action, mystery of who the Secretum are and what they really want. Great suspense. Great personal insight into the characters and their struggles. Scene descriptions are phenomenal, in my opinion. The imagery it created in my mind was as if I was really there-in some very unique places. Great for men and women and teens.

I Didn't Like: It sounded very much like the Fantastic Four or XMen to me. Although I do like this feel, it didn't come across as original, to me. I also wouldn't recommend reading this without reading the first-rather confusing at times.AND...it didn't end!!!You have to read the last book in order to find out if Grant lands in a splat when he falls or if he somehow survives! Aaargh! I like a semblance of closure at the end of a book. This left you with a cliffhanger.

Conclusion: A great read-but buy all books. (And Robin, could you hurry up on that last one? Pleeease?)

My Rating:**********

For Your Interest:Other books by Robin Parrish:

(Book 1) Buy Here

Robin Parrish's Blog . His web site.

Other participants in this book tour:

Trish Anderson
Brandon Barr
Wayne Thomas Batson
Jim Black
Justin Boyer
Grace Bridges
Amy Browning
Jackie Castle
Valerie Comer
Karri Compton
Frank Creed
Lisa Cromwell
CSFF Blog Tour
Gene Curtis
D. G. D. Davidson
Merrie Destefano
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Beth Goddard
Marcus Goodyear
Andrea Graham
Russell Griffith
Jill Hart
Katie Hart
Sherrie Hibbs
Christopher Hopper
Jason Joyner
Karen
Dawn King
Tina Kulesa
Lost Genre Guild
Rachel Marks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Eve Nielsen
John W. Otte
John Ottinger
Lyn Perry
Rachelle
Cheryl Russel
Hanna Sandvig
Chawna Schroeder
Mirtika Schultz
James Somers
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Jason Waguespac
Daniel I. Weaver