Riley Amos Westbrook's Blog, page 12
December 6, 2016
Real diary (84)
December 5, 2016
Cruisin’ through books cause books make life worth living with Aly 12/5/2016 part 3
This book was very interesting. I enjoyed it very much. It really appealed to me with the Norse mythology in it. I think that is not used is these types of storied very often. I was taken by the story and the characters. Everything was easy to understand in the book and it moved at a speed I was good with and the plot was exciting for me to read. * I received this book from the author–this is my honest review* 5/5
Filed under: Musings, Riley Amos Reviews, Support Indie Authors
Cruisin’ through books cause books make life worth living with Aly 12/5/2016 part 1
For me, this book has it’s ups and downs. I was drawn to the book because I love scary stories about mirrors. They can be very creepy. My childhood bedroom had a bunch of mirror on one wall to make the room look bigger but I think movies with mirrors scare me more because of this.
They was some sexual parts in this book and I’m not real sure if they fit in the story but I enjoyed the picturing how beautiful yet scary this mirror was. * I received this book from NetGalley—this is my honest review* 3/5
Filed under: Musings, Riley Amos Reviews, Support Indie Authors Tagged: Book Review
Cruisin’ through books cause books make life worth living with Aly 12/5/2016 part 2
I really enjoy this series! I think Matt is a great author. I can’t wait to read more from him. I love a good Carnival so the title of the book caught me right away. This book never let me go until the end. It was a great book! It took off right were book 1 (WICK) left off. I loved it so much I didn’t take good notes for a review on this one. *I received this book from the author—this is my honest review* 5/5
Filed under: Musings, Riley Amos Reviews, Support Indie Authors Tagged: Book Review
December 3, 2016
Creating Rich Characters – Prompts
Great post Diane! Love it!
While my days are spent grinding out my WIP, I thought I’d share an old post about writing character bios, specifically about using prompts to expedite the process.
The prompt-list below looks more complicated than it is (a result of explanations and examples). For some prompts, a word or two is sufficient, while others require some contemplation. Unsurprisingly, I force my main characters to endure the entire process; incidental players get a pass with a mere smattering of details, and everyone else falls somewhere in between.
Ultimately, I believe that this pre-work pays off, not only in rich characters. To me, the process of writing flows with greater ease. My characters are immensely cooperative in telling their own stories when they know who they are.
The External Character
Physical Description: Appearance goes without saying, but add at least one remarkable feature: glass eye, cleft chin, crooked teeth, chewed nails, scars, moles, beady…
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Filed under: Musings
November 30, 2016
Cruisin’ through books cause books make life worth living with All 11/30/2016
I guess on this book I am confused how all these characters have anything to do with book one. I liked the book but caught myself wondering how it all fits together. I enjoyed meeting new characters and learning more about them. Cricket was a interesting character and I liked her. * I received this book from the author—this is my honest review* 4/5
Filed under: Musings, Riley Amos Reviews, Support Indie Authors Tagged: Book Review
November 26, 2016
You carry your happiness with you! The world isn’t black and white. #Asmsg #Iartg #SupportIndieAuthors @infinitewaters
The world is not black and white, it’s all that and more. I love talking to new people every day. I tend to go out of my way to meet and make new friends, I enjoy it so much. And I don’t avoid what people would term ‘polite’ conversation. I’ve always been someone who pushed boundaries and looked to expand my own personal bubble.
I’ve worked hard at this, as I look back on world history and find it bursting at the seams with situations that might have been avoided if ignorance and hate were fought instead of taught.
We like to act like the world has hard definitive and straight edges, that there’s only one way to do things, but that’s not the way nature works. Instead of being black and white, you look around the world and find it is a myriad of colors, and each one has a distinct hue. And that task you hate to do, there’s another, easier way to do it. We need to remember that a system that works for ourselves may not work for another.
We seem to have forgotten that. We seem to have forgotten that our diversity is what makes us strong. We’ve forgotten that the only thing we can control is ourselves and that listening to each other is how we grow.
I had an amazing Turkey Day, but not everyone did. Friends of mine having to fight their families. Others not feeling welcome to their gathering. People just being rude and standoffish. What the hell happened?
It’s like we quit listening to one another, and now we’re all wondering why no one is willing to admit they’re only waiting for their turn to talk.
I didn’t grow up in a diverse family, we’re as white as white can be, but I was raised to be respectful of all cultures and religions. Living in a strongly conservative household, I was encouraged to seek out new faiths and doctrines for living life. I jumped at the opportunity, studying as many cultures as I could. And I learned a lot about the world from studying other religions and societies.
To me, the world was never black and white, and it never will be. Just because you disagree with someone doesn’t mean you can’t love them. We need to stop trying to make people conform to our ideals because forcing our views onto people will never be acceptable.
The thing that upsets me the most is the violence! You get better results with honey than you do with a stick. We all think differently, we should all act accordingly.
But we don’t. Not yet anyways. I’m hoping we get back to that frame of mind as a society. I hope we start to re-open our minds to other people’s thoughts and ideals.
Even if we as a people don’t, I as an individual will. I hope you will join me and #ChooseLove over hate.
And don’t let anyone dim your sunshine! As Ralph Smart says, “You carry your happiness with you.”
Filed under: Musings
November 21, 2016
Costa Rica
Hey guys, if you like Aly’s reviews, she’s started a blog of her own! She’s still trying to figure out what it is, but why don’t y’all show your support by giving her a follow. Easily one of the biggest indie authors supporters I know!
My husband and I went to Costa Rica in May 2016 . It was great I enjoyed it! We stayed in an all-inclusive. We did some zip lining and that was my first time. I have to say I scared myself the second line out. My favorite was the beautiful White Faced monkeys that came down to the resort the last day we were there to visit. They were so close I could’ve pet them but since they are still “wild” animals I just enjoyed they beauty. They were having so much fun being crazy sweet monkeys!
Filed under: Musings
Cruisin’ through books cause books make life worth living with Aly 11/21/2016 part 4
As Wings Unfurl by Arthur M. Doweyko
This is a dystopian novel. I’ll admit I was intrigued. A fight between demonic and heavenly angelic-like beings kind of reminds me of the TV show “Supernatural” which I love. So in this case, this book caught my interest right away. I would love to have a guardian angel, myself. This book has action and takes me to new places in my mind. I enjoyed reading it. * I received the book from the author–this is my honest review* 4/5
Filed under: Musings
Cruisin’ through books cause books make life worth living with Aly 11/21/2016 part 3
Sons of Light and Darkness by Adam Ingle
I enjoyed this book. It was a great fun read for me. “The demon Mestoph stumbles upon a hidden cult of banished angels and demons.” There were many great characters in this book and the story line had me wanting more. *I received this book from the author—this is my honest review* 5/5
Filed under: Riley Amos Reviews, Support Indie Authors Tagged: Book Review
