Recent Reads: Loss Great Crush

Hated this one!  Just awful, solipsistic, not the least bit funny, self-indulgent... an utter waste of time.

OMG!!!  I had forgotten how beautifully written this book is!  Not a single throwaway sentence, every single word belonged on the page!  And the story - wow!  I had forgotten so many details in the 30 years since I last read it.  Wow - jaw dropping!

I love the idea of Dorsey's books - his tone and humour grab me, but as I've said before: He carries on the joke just a wee bit too long.  

Recent Reads: Magical Clear Ranch

Meh.  I liked the voice, I just didn't find the content/topics consistently interesting.  

WOW!!!  This was terrific!  Stellar research, well documented.
An in-depth look - worth reading! 

I like Dorsey's writing & characters, but with this book as with others by him, I find it drags on a wee bit too long.  If this had been about 20% shorter, I would have loved it.  I laughed my head off for the first 50 pages, but as I went along, I just wanted him to wrap it all up.

Guest Post by Lisa De Nikolits

Me and My Nasty Characters  

Guest post by Lisa De Nikolits

“Tell me, did you purposely try to come up with the nastiest, most unlikeable characters ever, or did that just happen naturally?”

I had no idea how to reply, so I just stared at the woman who had asked the question.  

The woman had recently finished reading The Witchdoctor’s Bones and when we met up at a reading, she followed me to the far side of the room and, with my back against the wall, she wanted answers.

I tried to figure out whether she was wondering if the nasty bits emanated from my own personality, in which case she probably thought I should be on a therapist’s couch instead of standing there chatting to her.

But mostly I was wondering which characters she was referring to, and why she had found them to be as obnoxious as she did; I mean sure, there were some evil people in the book, that’s why it was a psychological thriller, a murder mystery, but even the bad guys had one or two redemptive qualities that created some empathy between them and the reader but perhaps this was an erroneous assumption on my part.

I tried to recall what some early reviewers had said of the characters:

“…they do remind you of characters you've encountered in a late-night screening of Moulin Rouge. You know, the kinds of people you don't naturally gravitate toward but whom you're unable to ignore. You're drawn in. Illicit love, rejected love, misfired love, machinations of all sorts, and all involving characters of dubious integrity and (in some cases) of questionable sanity.” – Doug O’Neill, Canadian Living Magazine.

Rob Brunet (Stinking Rich) called the characters “seemingly normal,” with the book “a lusty dusty romp, with excursions to the nastier regions of human desire.”

Liz Bugg (Calli Barnow Series) called the characters intriguing and Terri Favro (The Proxy Bride) dubbed them sometimes twisted, but none of the reviewers appeared to find the characters as deeply nasty as the reader who had me pinned with my back to the wall, a reader who clearly wanted some explanation.

“Morality,” I finally offered and she looked even more confused. “My books are all very different, right?”

She nodded.

“And if you’re looking for any common denominator among them, it’s this; they all explore human morality. I like to take people and put them into unusual situations and then see what unfolds. It’s like a pressure test, see who breaks first, and how they break, and what the consequences might be. And do I try to create nasty characters? No, I don’t. In fact, I don’t see them as nasty at all but fully human. The truth is, a lot of people out there are absolutely heinous, much worse, in fact than most of the ones written about, because if we were to write about them, they would seem beyond the range of reality. Characters always need to be believable, and sometimes, what people do in real life isn’t believable at all. If you were to write it down, it would seem too far-fetched.”

The reader looked doubtful.

“I agree that some of the characters in The Witchdoctor’s Bones are pretty nasty,” I conceded. “Take Stepfan for example…”

“No! I really liked him!”

Again I was incredulous. “But he’s a selfish, chauvinistic, misogynistic, arrogant, vain and rude man. How could you like him?”

“He didn’t know he was all those things. He didn’t know that nobody liked him. He was just being himself.”

“I see.” I wasn’t really sure what to say next. “Well, I’m glad that the book resonated with you, that makes me really happy.”

The reader eyed me warily and again, I wondered if she thought that the author of such a book needed long-term counseling on a therapist’s couch.

Fortunately I saw a friend arrive and I ducked under the reader’s arm and made a hasty escape.

“Chatting to a fan?” my friend asked and I laughed.

“Um, I don’t think so.”

For more on Lisa and her books, check out:  http://www.lisadenikolitswriter.com/

and follow her on Twitter @LisaDeNikolits

Recent Reads: Ray Oblique Sense

Full speed ahead!!!  This was terrific!  It felt like Ray was in my living room having a chat with me.   I've never seen the biopic, and didn't know much about the man, but - WOW! - quite the life he led!  He tells his story with respect and fondness, and with a healthy dose of self-reflection.  His "can-do" attitude and his refusal to be pitied or to wallow in bitterness are inspiring.  Highly recommended.

This was kind of interesting, albeit out of my usual reading realm.  I agree with the thesis, but question some of the examples Kay uses to illustrate his point.

I think I'm the wrong reader for this book.  I bought it quite randomly (sale table!) and was piqued by the general idea.  However, it really focuses on babies and how they learn to think/believe and how the brain develops.  I'm not overly interested in paediatric brain development.  Nonetheless, some of the tests, experiments and research he discusses are rather interesting.

Excerpt from The Big Red Buckle by Matthew Alan Thyer

The Big Red Buckle

By Matthew Alan Thyer

Synopsis: 

For Marco Aguilar, just being at the race's starting line represents the culmination of two years of careful preparation and training. He feels a momentary pang of guilt knowing that his wife Emma has carried their family while his focus has been elsewhere. But he also knows that winning the Grand Martian Traverse is a shared decision, not just his goal. 

Petrus Mandel is a novice endurance sport athlete hoping to soar alongside Aguilar to greatness. He suspects Aguilar may have a solution to traversing the gaping expanse between the distant shield volcanoes and must face his fears and follow his curiosity.

Together, these two Martian-born endurance athletes run and soar in the solar system's greatest race.

Matthew Says: 

In this scene in “The Big Red Buckle” sports broadcasters Bill Vance and Toma Crysta describe a critical moment in the progress of the race. Their focus is unquestionably on what the protagonists must do to stay competitive, and out ahead of their nemesis. However, I wanted to express the joy that comes from soaring a foot launched aircraft like a paraglider. So, I tried to describe this joy, through the lens of a camera. Marco, standing on the edge of a cliff, plays with his wing, kiting it in the rising breeze that moves up the mountain. I really enjoyed writing this, because it reminded me of why I love to fly. And, perhaps even a little more, because it required that I change my point of view and express that joy by describing the motions associated.

Excerpt:

“And Bill, today race is all about climbing.” Pronounces Toma Crysta, again in the focus of the camera.

“I’m wondering if Mandel and Aguilar have any other wild cards to pull from their sleeves today Toma. Yesterday’s record breaking flight from the side of Ascraeus was impressive and certainly upset the plans of many racers, but will it be enough to get them over the finish line ahead of the passion and drive Greg Neal demonstrated last night?”

Two figures stand motionless with their backs facing east towards the rising sun now. At the left hand side in the field of view another figure comes into frame. This one unpacks his wing while his support team stuffs supplies into his suit. He throws a pair of trekking poles away discarding them as dead weight. Other objects are presented to him and then tossed to the side. He looks rushed compared to the two stoic figures standing motionless nearby.

One of the still figures bends over and picks something up from near his feet.   

The newcomer is trying to fly his wing already as the first riffles of rising air begin to creep up the side of the great mountain. Immediately his wing comes up over his head and he turns and runs off the edge of the cliff. His wing sinks and he moves back and forth across the face of the cliff trying to stay airborne. Scratching for any lift in the light air.

The other two figures have not moved from their roost, waiting patiently for the right moment. Their moment. When a bubble of rising air will present itself and take them up and up. Periodically one of them reaches down and lifts up a handful of fine soil. Letting it slide between his fingers it falls straight down, once, then again, and yet again.

Now 200 meters below is the pilot who rushed to launch.   Still descending. As if in slow motion he slides gently down the cliff face.

Now Marco’s fully illuminated figure bends down once more. He lifts the dirt and lets it fall. It falls at an angle indicating the incoming breeze, the lifting air. Marco turns to Pet and nods once, then lifts his lines. His wing rises quickly overhead with a snap and a ruffle as the high tech fabric inflates and an aerodynamic shape comes to life.

Marco pauses with his hands on his break toggles, seeming almost to play with the wing and the wind, as the camera looks on. He dances beneath the canopy shifting back and forth to stay centered under the flying body.

Pet's wing comes up in a cloud of dust and his feet are dragged under the arcing parafoil. He struggles to slow the forward progress of the wing above by extending the break lines as far down as they will go. It is lift, a thermal grabs him and shoots him into the air. He twists around momentarily helpless under his flying wing, but then sits back in the harness and soars.

Below them Neal has found lift too. He cannot turn into it yet, being too close to the cliff face, but takes advantage of it just the same running back and forth in the rising air and climbing slowly back toward the summit far above.

Pet is climbing fast, at least 500 meters above the edge of the cliff now. Marco is still playing with his wing on the cliff, kiting it above him a little left and then a little right. Someone new runs out from the most recent rover arrival with a camera pointing it up at the orange and green canopy being danced across the talus.

Hover cameras and scouting drones are converging on the site, many of them break off from the scene at the cliff's edge to follow Pet ever higher into the atmosphere. A few are even below Neal's wing trying to get a shot of all three pilots at once.

And then, with all eyes focused on his joy in the rising sun, Marco stops playing. He turns, bends deeply at the waist and takes two big steps towards the edge turning into a human torpedo, elegant and swift, suspended under his wing.

Immediately, he's found lifting air, his gyre is tight and centered over the invisible column. A pendulum beneath his turning canopy his body rotates outside the center of the spiraling glider. The energy in this thermal is visible, Marco's rise up and away from the cliff side is quick and accelerating. Soon he is circling in tandem with Pet. Below Neal is climbing slowly.

Find Out More:

Matthew Alan Thyer (1972-present) was born on the Western Slope of Colorado and grew up loving the canyons and mountains. He is an Army veteran who served as a signals intelligence analyst. Prior to finding his voice as a writer he worked as an operations engineer, wild-land firefighter, backcountry ranger, kayak guide and river rat.

Matt's hobbies include trail running, backpacking, skiing, mountaineering, bicycling, and paragliding.

Links:

Blog: http://feetforbrains.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MatthewAlanThyer

twitter: @feetforbrains

book: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HC5JWH8

Excerpt from NOT RAW ENOUGH by Randall Bowling

Not Raw Enough

By Randall Bowling

SYNOPSIS:

On the business trip of a lifetime to Tokyo for the launch of his dynamic aquatic invention, Hatteras  businessman Seth Tinsley is certain his new product will astonish and panic the wealthy power brokers in the international seafood industry.  Seth never thought about his success attracting the attention of an wealthy faction willing to go to any means to preserve  the integrity of their country's ancient cuisine.

Before his grand product display at the Tsukiji Market and the media blitz at the United States Embassy, Seth finds out he is wanted by the JNP for mass-murder and has become nothing more than an expendable pawn of the US Government. He finally comprehends that he is also the prey of a company unleashing a deadly gambit to control Japan's sixty-billion dollar seafood industry. Seth figures his only chance against the long odds of staying alive is to somehow escape Japan and lure his enemies back to Kill Devil Hills to sate their not raw enough obsession. 

RANDALL SAYS:

EXCERPT:

International travel is such a sensory overload experience that sometimes even the big things are not remembered. Seth had forgotten how truly nonplused he was with the vaunted Japanese efficiency at the Narita Airport arrival procedures and customs fiasco. Essentially, it sucked.

Like in the old days when he traveled on his gratis airline employee passes, too much of everything was just enough. He’d consumed mass quantities of mediocre champagnes and wines, not bad beers, and when they ran out of the good stuff - the little B&Bs, he did several more Drambuies, a couple of Jaegers and some Cognacs.

Andi had not been impressed by his inclination for the variety of Japanese delicacies and international treats which he packed away, or by his stamina in attempting to single-handedly deplete the liquor supply in the first-class cabin. She tried in vain to get him to keep it to a dull roar, but after hours of his excess, up and down the aisle chatting with every passenger, and a visible lack of conversation with her, Andi landed more than a little annoyed. All in all, the flight had been very pleasant for Seth, too whacked to contemplate his pending problems. He'd executed a complete and blissful escape.

Arrival however, quickly became a sobering exercise. Now on the front curb of the airport’s lower level to arrange transportation to their hotel, Seth suffered - badly hung-over and jet lagged. Not a festive combination. 

He had taken the taxis before, but could not justify paying an additional hundred bucks plus verses taking the big bus. You'd only sit in the same traffic jams in the too-small-for-real-Americans Japanese taxis. On a grueling trip like this, first-class or not, experience was no aid.

The heavy air pollution at the curb from the buses and traffic started it. A Japanese woman brushed by Seth as she claimed her bags from the carousel, her recent excessive spritz of a potent, cheap French perfume doing its best to sucker punch Seth. He contemplated what to do when it all demanded release. Saliva flowed freely from under his tongue in amazing quantity, one of his sure signs of eminent regurgitation.

Andi curiously gazed around the congested arrival-area, ignoring Seth and his green-gills. The atmosphere of a place she'd never been before revived her.  A short man, well dressed with chauffeurs cap proudly cocked, approached them and addressed Seth. "Mister Tinsley?"

Seth only nodded, afraid to open his mouth or try to talk.

"Welcome to Japan. I am Sakai from the Okura Hotel to pick you up. Your bags?" he asked, pointing to their collection of Seth's one and Andi's two. He hoisted all three in a practiced maneuver and said, "This way, please," and started up the curb with their bags.

They followed the man to where he sat the bags down behind a shiny, white Rolls Royce. He purposely aimed and popped the trunk with his remote-control key, gently loaded the bags and carefully closed it. He rushed around to the curb-side to open the back door for Andi and motioned them in with a “Please”.

A bus directly in front of the Rolls accelerated dumping a huge black cloud of sickening exhaust that floated and hung directly on them. Seth hesitated getting in the car knowing he had lost the battle with his stomach and tried to decide the most discreet way to do it. He knew he didn't have the time to get back inside the terminal building and find the toilets.

That option canceled as his stomach heaved and demanded relief from the first class abuse. With no time even to bend over, Seth uncontrollably vomited in one hard gush; covering the sidewalk, the shoes of the chauffeur and generously spattering the side of the gleaming white Rolls. The heavy sidewalk traffic of travelers backed out of the way shouting excited epithets while trying to avoid the dispersed mess.

Everything on his stomach had exited at once and he immediately felt better. Seth straightened his tie, dabbed at the corners of his mouth with a handkerchief and got in the car like nothing had happened. The driver watched in disbelief ignoring the chunks of sushi rice marring the shine on his black shoes. He gently closed the door behind Seth and hurried around the Rolls and jumped to his position behind the wheel drove away in silence as though things like this happened to him every day.

After a half-an-hour of deafening silence in the Rolls and stopped dead in the jammed traffic, without turning from her steady gaze out the window, in a condescending tone Andi asked "Feel better?"

"Finer than frog hair. Let's go for Sushi," Seth said too loud.

"Fine!" Andi yelled. "You're a real class act to travel with. Got drunk on the plane, ate and drank everything in sight, hit on every pretty flight attendant - right under my nose, and topped it off by puking on the car, the driver, and half of Japan."

"And you sound like a fucking wife." Seth shouted in a whisper. "I'm terribly sorry if my behavior doesn't merit the Government's stamp of approval. You invited yourself along on this little expedition; now cut me some goddamn slack."

He felt terrible. His head throbbed, although he wasn't sure if it was the pipe injury or the booze. His arm hurt.  He was wasted from the long flight and customs delay and now fuming mad with Andi. The rest of the long drive, ride, stop, wait, ride and then stop again in the heavy, early evening Tokyo traffic continued in roaring silence.

FIND OUT MORE:

Randall's page on AMAZON

Excerpt from ONE GOLD HEART by Sadie Haller

Synopsis 

Mac Wallis agrees to join the wind quintet, Dominant Cord, for the Christmas concert season as a favour to an old friend. It's her first step towards recovery after a vicious attack more than a decade before. However, sparks fly when Dominant Cord's unofficial leader, flutist, Finn Taylor takes issue with Mac's reliance on medication in order to perform.

Mac can't understand why the asshole who so completely humiliated her at their first rehearsal keeps showing up in her late-night fantasies as the Dom of her dreams. It's not even like he's the good kind of bad boy.

After his marriage ended in disaster, Finn tries to steer clear of damaged women, but as a Dom, he feels compelled put aside his own hang-up to help Mac reclaim her independence and her former life.

A note of warning, this story contains material not suitable for readers under 18.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sadie Says:  Mac has suffered a nightmare and her screaming wakes Finn and their friend, Sully. This excerpt takes place shortly after Finn and Sully have calmed Mac down and Sully has returned to his own bed.  What makes this scene special for me? Finn kisses Mac for the first time.  

Excerpt

Finn thought hard. Talk about walking a fine line. What to ask that pushes the envelope without tearing it? He needed to make this question count because he didn't want to make her shut down.

"Right then, let's go for an easy one. What's your favourite part of a man's body. Where do your eyes go first when you meet a man you find interesting?"

"I check out the upper arms. I like them to be muscular, but not in a body-builder way. If a guy needs to flex his biceps in the mirror, his arms are too muscular. I want to feel like those arms are for holding me and keeping me safe, not for his own personal eye-candy."

"I can assure you that I never flex any of my muscles in a mirror. I'm going to cheat a bit, and ask a follow up question. How would you rate my arms?"

Finn resisted the groan that threatened when Mac reached up and gave his left biceps a bit of a squeeze.

"I'd say you're well within acceptable muscular parameters."

"That's a relief. Your turn to ask me something."

"Same question."

"My favourite part on a man's body is..."

Mac giggled. "Smart-ass. You know what I meant."

Finn toyed with giving a less provocative answer, but he refused to be anything less than completely honest.

"Okay, I'd have to say lips. They're so very versatile."

"I buy that."

Finn watched with interest as Mac caught her lower lip in her teeth and screwed her eyes shut. He waited patiently for her to resolve her inner conflict.

With her eyes still squeezed shut, she said, "You got a follow up, so it's only fair that I do too. How would you rate my lips?"

She'd no sooner got the words out and her face was buried into his shoulder.

Finn just about stopped breathing. It was the logical follow up, but that she'd asked it had him scrambling for an answer that would satisfy her, but not scare the shit out of her. Finally, he went with his instincts.

He took her chin between his thumb and forefinger and gently guided her face to meet his. He paused for a moment and looked into her eyes before touching his lips to hers. "Kissable, most definitely kissable," he declared. He gave her another, slightly longer kiss before releasing her chin.

For more on Sadie Haller, check out her books on:  

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H3QA5MM

B&N - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940149024544

And you can get updates about Sadie and her writing by visiting her website: http://www.sadiehaller.com or following her on Twitter: @SadieHallersPen 

Excerpt from Mirtis Tod by Karen Wodke

Mirtis Tod

By Karen Wodke

SYNOPSIS:

Mirtis Tod is not well. Her friend, Chet, convinces her to see a doctor. Dr. Olum is very intrigued by her condition, so much so that he wants to keep her hospitalized against her will. Mirtis doesn't trust the medical staff and escapes. But physicians are not the only ones pursuing her. A dark, hooded figure stalks her as well. If you like your tales a bit on the strange side, you will enjoy this novelette.

KAREN SAYS:

I enjoyed writing this story and only regretted that it couldn’t be a longer tale. Because of Mirtis’s condition, however, it was necessary to be brief.  This scene is one of my favorites because it shows the nature of the friendship between Mirtis and Chet. He does his best to help her and sticks with her even though she has a bizarre and ghastly problem, one with seemingly no solution. 

EXCERPT:

“The first thing we’re going to do is get you a bath. Honey, you smell like you spent the night in a sewer!” Chet guided her to the bathroom and fussed around, running water in the tub and laying out towels.

Mirtis leaned tiredly against the doorjamb, watching him with bleary eyes.

“Here now, this will make you feel better.” He opened a jar and breathed deeply of its contents. “Eucalyptus and mint bath salts. My favorite for curing exhaustion.” He sprinkled them liberally under the flow of water. A light froth formed. “Smell that?”

Mirtis shook her head. Her joints creaked with the movement. “I remember how it smells, but I don’t actually smell it.”

“Well, at least you remember it.” Chet replaced the salts on the shelf and turned to Mirtis. “Let’s get you out of those clothes.”

He helped her undress and supported her as she lowered her body into the water. There she sat lethargically, staring straight ahead. Without a word, Chet soaped a washcloth and smoothed it over her back and under her arms. “You’re a bit bloated around your torso.”

“I know,” she said. “I feel like a gas bag.”

He shook his head and continued scrubbing her. Then he washed her hair and rinsed it, conditioned it, and rinsed it again. Taking a seat on the toilet, he crossed his legs and propped his chin on his hand. He thought they’d chat as she soaked, but she drifted off as if daydreaming. For almost fifteen minutes, they sat in silence. Finally, Chet urged her from the tub, dried her off with a fluffy aqua towel, and dressed her in a pair of his jogging pants and a t-shirt. In spite of the hot bath, her skin was ice cold.

He planted her on one end of his sofa, slid some socks on her feet, and wrapped a blanket around her. “Would you like some herbal tea?”

“No, thank you.” She stared at him. “Do I still stink?”

Chet chewed his lip, torn between tact and honesty. Ignoring her question, he asked, “What did the doctor say that scared you so badly?”

Mirtis wanted to frown, but her eyebrows barely moved. “He said I’m dead.”

“He said what?” Chet’s voice rose.

“Dead.” Mirtis stroked the blanket, mildly surprised she could not detect its softness.

“Well, he’s a quack then!” Chet paced back and forth. “Some kind of a nut!”

“He said I have no heartbeat. I was afraid I’d end up in the morgue, or in a grave.” She leaned her head back and stared at the ceiling. “I just had to get out of there.” 

FIND OUT MORE:

Karen Wodke is an author living in the Midwest. Mirtis Tod is her second novella. Her first publication was a book for readers of all ages titled James Willis Makes a Million. Karen is also half of the writing team of Wodke Hawkinson, whose novels include Betrayed, Zeke, Sue, and Tangerine. She and co-author, PJ Hawkinson, are in final edits on their next book, and Karen is also busy on another solo project. You can connect with the author on Twitter at @WodkeHawkinson.  Purchase link for Mirtis Tod

New for 2014: Excerpt Month

I'm trying something new for the first month of the New Year: Excerpts.  Actually, make that months - January and February.  

I'll be featuring an excerpt a day from various authors, some who are well established, others who are less well-known.  

The excerpts from each are of a section of the book that is NOT part of the preview available on Amazon (or similar). 
As well, the author has included a short write-up of why he/she chose that particular passage.  Finally, the excerpts are from various kinds of fiction: mystery, fantasy, YA, romance and more.  

I hope you will enjoy this introduction to a wide array of new (and new to you) authors!

Fave Books of the Year: 2013

I've read quite a number of books over the last year, many of them were terrific reads, but then just about any book I actually read through to the end is a good one, since I will cast a book aside if it hasn't grabbed me by page one hundred.  With that in mind, here are some titles that stood out for me - listed in NO particular order.  You'll note that only two of the books (Trigger and Chicago) are Fiction.  (Note: I read these in 2013, but they weren't necessarily released in 2013).

• Chris Hedges - Days of Destruction, Days of Revolt  
• Chris Hedges - American  Fascists
• Sean Chercover - Trigger City
• Howard Shrier - High Chicago
• Thomas Frank - Pity the Billionaire
• Patti Smith - Just Kids
• Robert B. Reich - Beyond Outrage  

If I had to say which of the above was my favouirte, I'd have to pick Just Kids.  I sobbed like a two year old when I finished it.  Big fat tears rolled down my face... Yes, really.  It was that good, that poignant.  

Recent Reads: Shot I.Q Payback

An amusing bathroom book.

Another amusing bathroom book.

WOW!   Detailed, filled with interesting backstories and histories.  A thorough look at the birth and growth of the Rap music world.  An interesting read for anyone interested in music/contemporary history/popular culture... even if you're not a Hip Hop fan (and I'm not!).  Heavy lifting but worth the effort.   Reads like a novel.  Really, a terrific, engrossing book - very hard to put down!!!

Recent Reads: Damned Sin Contagious

Very funny at times, especially when Madison talks about her life among
the living and her parents.  Descriptions of setting (Hell) are terrific - very evocative, and  much of the inner dialog will make you chuckle.  Plot dragged on a bit though.

An interesting slice of Chicago at the turn of the century.
A nonfiction book (history) that reads like a novel, peopled with a range
of interesting characters.  Worth reading.

Hmmm... Basically pretty good, but too much filler and much of the content is either common sense or obvious.  Still, if you're only going to read one book on marketing/branding, this is a good one to check out.  

Recent Reads: Pity Pineapple Pilot

This is the 2nd book of Frank's that I've read and I enjoyed Billionaire as much as I enjoyed Wrecking Crew.  Thomas Frank is a provocative writer and his research is thorough.  Read this.  It will piss you right off, but read it anyway.  

Ooooh Oooh oooh!  This was my first Dorsey book and I will be back for more!!!  How had I never heard of him and the Serge Storms/Coleman series???  The plot here wasn't the strength - the characters were.  Hilarious at times.  Recommended for fans of Carl Hiaasen.  I'm eager to read more of these.

A quick, concise "How To" for aspiring TV writers.  Worth reading if you want
to learn a bit about script writing and creating a TV series.  

Recent Reads: Brethren Screen Judge Out

Not up to snuff (and I'm usually a loyal Grisham fan).  I gave up on page 108.  I found that I just didn't care about any of the characters.  Sorry!

WOW!  No wonder  this book is thought of as "The Bible"!  A tad repetitive, but crystal clear,  with an easygoing tone.  Definitely worth a read for ANY writer (or aspiring writer), not just those who are interested in screenplays.

I really liked the writing tone and style.  The voice is good, smooth and engaging.  But but but (I should point out here this book is NON-FICTION!) the real life Mr. Parker does one or two dingbat-ish things that make you want to smack him!  Still, it's an interesting tale, and it's well told.

Interesting premise, interesting thesis (though he wanders from it at times).  Many interesting case studies and/or anecdotes.  Notice that I said "interesting" three times here.  It's not compelling, it's not funny, it's not engaging... merely interesting... Hmmm...

My Maiden Voyage with Beta Readers

I've never before used Beta Readers.  In fact, until a couple of months ago, I didn't even know for sure what a Beta Reader was or was supposed to do.

Short explanation: Beta Readers are folks (often fellow writers, but not exclusively) who read your manuscript and give you feedback.  The feedback can take on just about any shape - from formatting to dialogue to plot to structure to punctuation, and everything in between.

A little while ago, I (nervously) sent the manuscript of Frisky Business to six people.  They all got back to me fairly quickly (which in itself was a very good sign.)  

Wow!  What a cool process this beta reading thing is!  The overall reactions were positive, very positive, and obviously that made me do a happy dance!  Yay!  


But, despite the loads of good karma these six people gave me, they also offered criticism - constructive, well-intended criticism.  

I'm so very glad they did!!!

As I read through their comments, I found myself nodding in agreement.  I thought to myself: "Yes... Good point!   ...My gawd, he's right!   ...Wow, her suggestion is terrific!" and so on.  

I can honestly say that there wasn't one point raised by a single one of them that I disagreed with.  So, revisions are being made, and Frisky Business will be a better book because of going through this process!

It's a good feeling to try something new and to have it work out so well, so satisfyingly.  That's probably because I was smart enough to choose good Beta Readers.

Recent Reads: Scoundrel Woman Jump

I have no idea what the point of this book was... Not the amusing joyride I was expecting.  Maybe I missed something, but it just didn't work for me.

I am a die-hard Fforde fan.  This was okay, but it is not the strongest in the Thursday Next series.  Nonetheless, I'll keep reading the series when the next Next installment comes along.  There were a few fun moments and clever lines here.

Jonah Geller is a kick-ass sleuth!  I love Howard's writing - a great plot, terrific characters, and there are some fabulous lines that truly made me laugh out loud!  Delicious, meaty, stick-to-your-ribs, hard-boiled stew.