I have here an interview with amazing author K. Blake. Soon to be posted is the review of his novel “Crushed”, available right now for ebooks from smashwords.com but will be coming out in paperback soon for those who can’t read ebooks from Amazon and Createspace!
Hope you enjoy the interview, the review for crushed will soon be posted, promise!
-Where are you from?
Originally? I’m from California, but I live in the mid-west now.
-When and why did you begin writing your books, was it first for fun and if so when did you decided you wanted to be published?
I started writing when I was twelve after watching a movie that ended badly. My favorite character was killed off, so I picked up a pencil and six sheets of paper. I rewrote the ending. It was so much fun that I decided to try to write a book. It took me years to finish my first novel, and it wasn’t very good. I think I was about seventeen when I got serious about writing.
-What inspired you to write your first book?
Star Wars. I loved that movie so much that I wanted to write a book with a Han Solo type character as the leading man. It wasn’t very good, and I tossed it into the trash. Now I wish I’d kept it, for a good laugh if for no other reason.
-A lot of writers have issues coming up with titles, how did you come up with the title?
Crushed is the name of the game the teen witches are playing. I called it that because they are using a ‘love’ spell, only it isn’t really love. The boy becomes obsessed with the girl and will do almost anything she asks. It seems more like a crush to me.
-Are experiences in your books based on someone you know, or events in your own life? Once in a while something that I’ve experienced sneaks into my books, but I never use real people. My characters are totally fictitious. I start with someone famous who fits the bill. Then I give them a past and their personality traits are born from their experiences, just like in real life.
-What books are on your bed side table right now?
I am re-reading City of Glass because I want to get City of Fallen Angels, but I’ve forgotten everything about the first three books. Unfortunately I don’t have a lot of time to read because I am working on my own books more often than not.
-What was the hardest part of writing your book?
I had a hard time with Kristen’s character. At first she was an average girl, but she came off as too needy. She eventually evolved into the strong character that she is today.
-Do you have any advice for other writers?
Read a lot. Write a lot. Don’t give up.
-Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Yes. Writing is a lonely profession, and the readers keep me sane. I try to create captivating worlds and breathe life into characters that the readers will fall in love with. Then I open my world up to everyone and invite them inside. I hope you all enjoy my books. I hope you laugh and cry and fall in love.
-Can you tell us a bit about your book “Crushed”?
Here is a short blurb:
The Noah sisters rule Titan High with their beauty, brains, and magical powers.
Each year they play a secret game: Crushed. The girls pick their targets carefully and blow enchanted dust into the boy’s faces, charming them, but this year Kristen makes a grave mistake. She chooses the wrong boy and almost dies that same day. Coincidence? Maybe.
But something isn’t quite right about Zach Bevian. He doesn’t behave like a boy who’s been Crushed. He goes from hot to cold, from looking at her with contempt to asking her out on a date. She doesn’t know what to think. Does he hate her or is he truly falling for her? Is he trying to kill her, or is he trying to save her?
Monday, August 1, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Dangerous Angels- Francesca Lia Block
Title: Dangerous Angels
Auhor: Francesca Lia Block
Publisher:HarperTeen
Pages: 496
From the back of the book: Lanky lizards! The slinkster-cool novels in Francesca Lia Block's Weetzie Bat series have finally been compiled into one delicious volume. All of the ethereal, mesmerizing titles are here--Weetzie Bat, Witch Baby, Cherokee Bat and the Goat Guys, Missing Angel Juan, and Baby Be-Bop--together like the big, beautiful family described on their pages. Block's unique, poetic style immediately draws readers into an intoxicating magical-realist world populated by empathetic, original characters (as well as a few ghosts, fairies, and genies..... http://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-Angels-Weetzie-Bat-Books/dp/0064406970
Review: I picked this book up many times, attracted to it by the cover and name, but would put it back down when I found another book I liked better (my mom limits me to two books per bookstore visit, or else I would come out with one of every book)so finally when I did buy it I was super excited to read it. I got home and started reading... and reading, waiting for to get to a good point where I would be sucked into the story and unable to put it down. I have this rule with books, it may not have a good opening so I'll give it a chance to impress me and read the first hundred pages, giving the author plenty of time to trap me inside the world they created. Well this book had a good introduction, really well written. I was thrilled, hoping the rest of the book would continue this way. That thrill didn't last long before things started going downhill. It started with a character called 'my-secret-agent-lover-man' was introduced and it kept getting worse from there.
This book was not something I would recommend to a friend, honestly I don't think I've finished it, I threw it in the good will pile, and I don't usually put any books in there.
Rate: Over all I give this book from 1, I couldn't finish it to 10, unputdownable, I rank this book a 1.
Ushers, INC by Rusty Fischer
Title: Ushers, INC
Author: Rusty Fischer
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Pages:124
From The Back:
When the streets are full of bloodsuckers, werewolves, zombies and ghouls, where will you turn? The cops don’t know how to stop them, the Army’s pretty much given up and even the Marines are stumped when their bullets and grenades fail to stop the onslaught.
Have no fear, Ushers, Inc. is here! Four high school movie ushers, who collectively have seen over 42,000 hours of B- and C-horror movies know just what to do to keep your town being overrun by the undead!
Review: Right off the bat I loved this book. When Rusty contacted me, and I read the blurb (above) I loved this book. The first chapter made me love it even more, and all the chapters after that. The strong characters in this book are definitely something to be commended, there are some books out there where the MC's aren't too relate-able, or they can be irritating, but I love Abby,Zack, Tracy and the rest of the gang. The voice throughout the whole book is solid, humorous, and totally drew me in. I love all the movie references throughout the whole thing, and the usher uniforms are hilarious. But aside from all that this book does something that I haven't read before, (yes it has vampires and werewolves and the like, but it's different I promise!). Having the Ushers take care of all the beasties, using their collective knowledge from horror movies, now that is entertaining. There were so many times while reading this book that I laughed out loud. This book is full of all sorts of awesome. I have one last thing to say to conclude this review... "Werevombie!"
Read the book and you'll understand!
Rusty also has another book available, called Zombies Don't Cry from Medallion Press.
Review The Screaming Stone by J.P. Osterman
We got an email from J.P. sometime in April asking us if we wanted to review her book, now there had been a lot going on that month and I hadn't checked the email, I was ALMOST to late to get my hands on this wonderful ARC--For those of you who don't know what an ARC is, it is an Advanced Readers Copy. It has taken me a while to sit down and read it, mainly because my life has become pretty busy lately (as you can tell with my lack of reviews) but man I'm glad I sat down and read this book.
- Title: The Screaming Stone
- Author: J.P. Osterman
- Genre:
- Cover: I love this cover, it's simple, and bright, and right from the cover you know that the MC has a relationship with her grandfather.
- Synopsis of the book: Meet mischievous Marcie, part of a family with large secrets. Trying to make sense of her mother's crazed actions Marcie looks to her strange cousin Robbie and the adults around her fro direction. After dead Uncle Charlie's funeral, they embark on a quest to find answers to questions that have puzzled their family since the Civil War. Sifting through lies, secrets, and Irish folk tales, Marcie believes "The Screaming Stone" contains the magic to uncover the truth and lead them to the hidden treasure.
- Your Thoughts On The Book: The Screaming Stone starts right off with that sense of adventure that you get only when you're a kid, reliving your childhood, or reading a good book. I love Marcie and her cousin Robbie's characters, they are well written and enjoyable to read. This is a book filled with family secrets, and a family torn apart by secrets and lies. By the title you would think that this is a fantasy book, but it's not, even so, this is a really good read.
- Would you Recommend the book?: YesOver All Rating (1-10): 8
The Screaming Stone will be available on Amazon, within the next couple of weeks.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
Review of Clockwork Angel
The very first thing that I noticed about Clockwork Angel was that the mythology was consistent with the previous novels but cleverly adds a character that is very unique, and not previously in the mythology. I also like how this book, which happens before the Mortal Instruments Series, ties into that series by using familiar surnames for many of the characters, and even, has a character drawn straight from the first series. After the first few chapters it becomes a page turner and you want to continue reading to find out what happens.
The first few chapters could be confusing to a reader new to the universe that the book takes place in. Also I found the firsts couple of chapters to be somewhat uninteresting, which is not to say they don’t have interesting events happening in them; I just found that they didn’t stick in my mind.
Overall Clockwork Angel is quite interesting, and I enjoyed it. I would give it a 7/10 on a scale where 1 is horrible and 10 is my all-time favourite book. I would defiantly recommend this book to anyone that has read the Mortal Instruments Series, and if you haven’t read that, then go read it, and then read Clockwork Angel if you enjoy that series.
-Zack
Sunday, May 22, 2011
The Truth About Forever- Sarah Desson
Title: The Truth About Forever
Author: Sarah Desson
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Pages:384
From the back of the book: Macy's summer stretches before her, carefully planned and outlined. She will spend her days sitting at the library information desk. She will spend her evenings studying for the SATs. Spare time will be used to help her obsessive mother prepare for the big opening of the townhouse section of her luxury development. But Macy''s plans don''t anticipate a surprising and chaotic job with Wish Catering, a motley crew of new friends, or ... Wes. Tattooed, artistic, anything-but-expected Wes. He doesn't fit Macy''s life at all--so why does she feel so comfortable with him? So ... happy? What is it about him that makes her let down her guard and finally talk about how much she misses her father, who died before he eyes the year before? Sarah Dessen delivers a page-turning novel that carries readers on a roller coaster of denial, grief, comfort, and love as we watch a broken but resilient girl pick up the pieces of her life and fit them back together.
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Truth-About-Forever-Sarah-Dessen/9780142406250-item.html?ikwid=the+truth+about+forever&ikwsec=Books
Review: I pulled this book out of the school library. It was actually the first book I went and picked up. I read the back cover and was in love with what the book promised. I didn't bother looking for anything else to read I just went and took this one out to read. I began reading it on the way to one of the family reunions three hours from home (I don't think I looked up from the book once)and I finished it that night.
This book took me a page to get into but after that... I didn't put the book down. Reading in the car usually makes me car sick and it did this time as well but I didn't care I kept reading, ignoring that feeling in the pit of my stomach.
The characters, were really easy to get into their shoes and imagine yourself as them, something I always love in a book. The main girl, Macy, I pretended I was her the whole book and her romantic counter- part, Wes, well I can say is yummy. The romance between the two is so cute and very realistic.
And the plot, very well written with very few moments where there were dull parts, not once did I want to put the book down even when it was slightly dull because I knew it would pick up again.
It was an amazing read if you want to "be" a character and I will recommend this book to anybody looking for a good read. I give this rate because this book is one that I will re-read in the future many times. The only issue... I need to return it to the library now... not usually a problem but I seemed to have not packed it back up and it is somewhere where we had the reunion.
Rate: I rate this book from 1, I couldn't finish it to 10, unputdownable, a 10.
Reviewer: Bec
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Author Interview- Sarah Fall/ Judith Bronte
What a way to start a new month with an interview!
So as some may know if you follow my Twitter (rebeccamsauve) or Ashs Twitter (awriter12) we have had the great pleasure of e-mail Sarah Fall asking if she would like to do an interview with us and she agreed! So below this post you will find a review for her book "The Greatest of These" and now here is the interview. I hope you enjoy reading it, I know I did.
I would just like to thank Sarah soo much for the chance to let us interview her,and review her book, taking time out of her day to e-mail us back!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When and why did you begin writing?
I started to seriously think about writing a book after finishing a mediocre novel in 1998. It was a real disappointment, and I wondered if I could do better. One of the great thrills about writing your own novels, is having the freedom to write them exactly the way you want. It's hugely satisfying.
Do you ever get writer’s block? What advise to you give writer’s to get over the dreaded curse?
If I have a case of writer's block, it almost always is due to a lack of preparation on my part. If I don't prepare, I set myself up for rapid failure because I haven't a clue what to write. Do I know what will happen in the scene I'm working on, or am I sitting here staring at the blinking cursor, hoping it will just come to me?
My advice to not get hopelessly stuck when you write, is to know your plot, who your characters are, the key scenes you keep going back to in your head that help set the tone for the story. You know, that scene that made you fall in love with the idea for your book in the first place? Have you worked out how to get your characters to that point, so they can say and do the things in that scene? If not, write out a rough outline and keep working out a plausible way to get your characters to that point. Then work out the rest of the story, until you have a satisfying ending. Research any subjects you're not already familiar with, such as the occupation of your characters, the setting where your story takes place, the weather of the area for that time of year, etc. Do your research, plan your novel, know your characters, and when you sit down to write, it will come. In my opinion, preparation is the best way to overcome writer's block.
What kind of books do you read in your spare time?
I'm a fairly eclectic reader and like romance, suspense, mysteries, adventures, and biographies. A few of the books I've enjoyed are "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte (the first time I read this, it took my breath away, it's so romantic), absolutely everything by Jane Austen, "A Story Like the Wind" and "A Far Off Place" by Laurens van der Post (an epic two-book, grand adventure set in an exotic location), and "The Long Walk Home" by Nicholas Sparks (a tearjerker and such a sweet romance).
Do you plan out your book or do you write whatever comes to you?
I'd have to say I'm between a plotter and a seat-of-the-pants writer. Because I post each chapter on my website after I write it, it means I don't have the luxury of being able to go back and change major plot points. My readers have already gone through those chapters and are waiting for what happens next. So I definitely plan ahead, though I don't outline too extensively. I like to keep things a bit spontaneous, especially with dialogue, and that means not outlining every little detail. It's a balancing act.
Who is your inspiration when writing books?
My literary heros are Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte, while my spiritual hero is Jesus Christ. But really, my inspiration comes from a lot of places. Good books inspire me to become a better writer, while poor ones inspire me to work harder so I won't be that terrible. Also, my monthly chapter deadline inspires me to keep working at my craft because I know a lot of readers are waiting for that next chapter.
When you sit down to write a book how do you get the words from your hands to your fingers and then to the page?
I get questions similar to this all the time. From the outside, it may look like magic, but it really isn't. To write, and get the words flowing, I need to know where the story is going, and have at least a general idea of how to get there. The words don't come from thin air. If I don't know where I'm going, how can I know what to type? Sure, I can start without knowing, but then I'm setting myself up for extensive rewrites. Some people are pure seat-of-the-pants writers, but I'm not one of them. If that works for you, however, then go for it. Creatively speaking, the only wrong way to write, is to not write at all.
Do you have a specific writing style?
When a wedding takes place in my books, it may be at the middle, or even at the beginning, but rarely at the end. The relationship of the two main characters is the primary focus throughout, and we get to follow them and see how their romance works even after they marry. They usually become very close friends at some point in the story, and must work to find agreement in their relationship. And then there's the dialogue. That's where I have the most fun. I always have lots of dialogue between the two main characters.
How much of your real life makes it into the book? Do you base charters off people? What about things that you and friends have done, do you use any of that in your writing?
Very little of my real life ever makes it into a book, though I do sometimes resort to giving my characters some of the same experiences, likes and dislikes as myself. It helps me relate to them better. For instance, I was something of a tomboy when I was younger, and it helped me write Abby's character in "Abigail's Journey" (though I've only fished a handful of times, and never fly fished). I also had piano lessons as a girl, and never got very far, just like Charlotte in "Greatest of These." Maddie from "Terry's Journey" has a thing for "Pride and Prejudice," and I do, too. That said, these characters aren't me, and they aren't anyone else, either. They really are fictional.
What was the hardest part of writing your book? What is the easiest?
For me, the hardest part of writing a book, is starting one. Get that wrong, and it throws off everything else. I go over the beginning carefully, obsess over it to make sure things are set up exactly the way I want, and with the overall tone that I'm looking for. It means getting things right that I can't go back and later change, for my readers are following the story live-- as live as it gets without them looking over my shoulder as I type. So beginnings are tough. The easy parts for me are the middles. That's where I get to have the most fun with the characters, put them through their paces and struggle to make their relationship work while they're busily falling in love.
What book are you reading now? Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Right now, I'm reading "Gods and Generals" by Jeff Shaara. It's American Civil War research for the sequel I'm planning for "Mountain Wild." Jeff has a definite talent for making history come alive-- something I hope I can do in my own novel. No new authors come to mind, though I'm always on the lookout for a good read.
How did you come up with the title?
I try to match the theme and tone of the book, with its title. For instance, "Mountain Wild" is the story of a wild mountain man who falls in love, "Greatest of These" is about the struggles of an age gap romance, and "Homegrown Dandelions" is about love thriving in the most ordinary places. When coming up with titles, I use the "Synonym Finder" by J.I. Rodale. I look up words I like best, then see if there are any better choices that fit my book.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your current readers or a reader who may go and check out the site after reading the review and now interview?
To current readers-- thanks a bunch for the endless encouragement and overall enthusiasm for my stories. I couldn't ask for a better audience. To everyone else-- I've been writing and posting new chapters on a monthly basis for almost ten years without missing any deadlines. The books are free, and if you do try my stories, I'd suggest starting with a longer one, as the shorter ones were written back when I was more of a beginner. http://www.JudithBronte.com/
Bec and Ash, thanks for inviting me to your website, and for the book review!
So as some may know if you follow my Twitter (rebeccamsauve) or Ashs Twitter (awriter12) we have had the great pleasure of e-mail Sarah Fall asking if she would like to do an interview with us and she agreed! So below this post you will find a review for her book "The Greatest of These" and now here is the interview. I hope you enjoy reading it, I know I did.
I would just like to thank Sarah soo much for the chance to let us interview her,and review her book, taking time out of her day to e-mail us back!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When and why did you begin writing?
I started to seriously think about writing a book after finishing a mediocre novel in 1998. It was a real disappointment, and I wondered if I could do better. One of the great thrills about writing your own novels, is having the freedom to write them exactly the way you want. It's hugely satisfying.
Do you ever get writer’s block? What advise to you give writer’s to get over the dreaded curse?
If I have a case of writer's block, it almost always is due to a lack of preparation on my part. If I don't prepare, I set myself up for rapid failure because I haven't a clue what to write. Do I know what will happen in the scene I'm working on, or am I sitting here staring at the blinking cursor, hoping it will just come to me?
My advice to not get hopelessly stuck when you write, is to know your plot, who your characters are, the key scenes you keep going back to in your head that help set the tone for the story. You know, that scene that made you fall in love with the idea for your book in the first place? Have you worked out how to get your characters to that point, so they can say and do the things in that scene? If not, write out a rough outline and keep working out a plausible way to get your characters to that point. Then work out the rest of the story, until you have a satisfying ending. Research any subjects you're not already familiar with, such as the occupation of your characters, the setting where your story takes place, the weather of the area for that time of year, etc. Do your research, plan your novel, know your characters, and when you sit down to write, it will come. In my opinion, preparation is the best way to overcome writer's block.
What kind of books do you read in your spare time?
I'm a fairly eclectic reader and like romance, suspense, mysteries, adventures, and biographies. A few of the books I've enjoyed are "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte (the first time I read this, it took my breath away, it's so romantic), absolutely everything by Jane Austen, "A Story Like the Wind" and "A Far Off Place" by Laurens van der Post (an epic two-book, grand adventure set in an exotic location), and "The Long Walk Home" by Nicholas Sparks (a tearjerker and such a sweet romance).
Do you plan out your book or do you write whatever comes to you?
I'd have to say I'm between a plotter and a seat-of-the-pants writer. Because I post each chapter on my website after I write it, it means I don't have the luxury of being able to go back and change major plot points. My readers have already gone through those chapters and are waiting for what happens next. So I definitely plan ahead, though I don't outline too extensively. I like to keep things a bit spontaneous, especially with dialogue, and that means not outlining every little detail. It's a balancing act.
Who is your inspiration when writing books?
My literary heros are Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte, while my spiritual hero is Jesus Christ. But really, my inspiration comes from a lot of places. Good books inspire me to become a better writer, while poor ones inspire me to work harder so I won't be that terrible. Also, my monthly chapter deadline inspires me to keep working at my craft because I know a lot of readers are waiting for that next chapter.
When you sit down to write a book how do you get the words from your hands to your fingers and then to the page?
I get questions similar to this all the time. From the outside, it may look like magic, but it really isn't. To write, and get the words flowing, I need to know where the story is going, and have at least a general idea of how to get there. The words don't come from thin air. If I don't know where I'm going, how can I know what to type? Sure, I can start without knowing, but then I'm setting myself up for extensive rewrites. Some people are pure seat-of-the-pants writers, but I'm not one of them. If that works for you, however, then go for it. Creatively speaking, the only wrong way to write, is to not write at all.
Do you have a specific writing style?
When a wedding takes place in my books, it may be at the middle, or even at the beginning, but rarely at the end. The relationship of the two main characters is the primary focus throughout, and we get to follow them and see how their romance works even after they marry. They usually become very close friends at some point in the story, and must work to find agreement in their relationship. And then there's the dialogue. That's where I have the most fun. I always have lots of dialogue between the two main characters.
How much of your real life makes it into the book? Do you base charters off people? What about things that you and friends have done, do you use any of that in your writing?
Very little of my real life ever makes it into a book, though I do sometimes resort to giving my characters some of the same experiences, likes and dislikes as myself. It helps me relate to them better. For instance, I was something of a tomboy when I was younger, and it helped me write Abby's character in "Abigail's Journey" (though I've only fished a handful of times, and never fly fished). I also had piano lessons as a girl, and never got very far, just like Charlotte in "Greatest of These." Maddie from "Terry's Journey" has a thing for "Pride and Prejudice," and I do, too. That said, these characters aren't me, and they aren't anyone else, either. They really are fictional.
What was the hardest part of writing your book? What is the easiest?
For me, the hardest part of writing a book, is starting one. Get that wrong, and it throws off everything else. I go over the beginning carefully, obsess over it to make sure things are set up exactly the way I want, and with the overall tone that I'm looking for. It means getting things right that I can't go back and later change, for my readers are following the story live-- as live as it gets without them looking over my shoulder as I type. So beginnings are tough. The easy parts for me are the middles. That's where I get to have the most fun with the characters, put them through their paces and struggle to make their relationship work while they're busily falling in love.
What book are you reading now? Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Right now, I'm reading "Gods and Generals" by Jeff Shaara. It's American Civil War research for the sequel I'm planning for "Mountain Wild." Jeff has a definite talent for making history come alive-- something I hope I can do in my own novel. No new authors come to mind, though I'm always on the lookout for a good read.
How did you come up with the title?
I try to match the theme and tone of the book, with its title. For instance, "Mountain Wild" is the story of a wild mountain man who falls in love, "Greatest of These" is about the struggles of an age gap romance, and "Homegrown Dandelions" is about love thriving in the most ordinary places. When coming up with titles, I use the "Synonym Finder" by J.I. Rodale. I look up words I like best, then see if there are any better choices that fit my book.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your current readers or a reader who may go and check out the site after reading the review and now interview?
To current readers-- thanks a bunch for the endless encouragement and overall enthusiasm for my stories. I couldn't ask for a better audience. To everyone else-- I've been writing and posting new chapters on a monthly basis for almost ten years without missing any deadlines. The books are free, and if you do try my stories, I'd suggest starting with a longer one, as the shorter ones were written back when I was more of a beginner. http://www.JudithBronte.com/
Bec and Ash, thanks for inviting me to your website, and for the book review!
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