Riley Amos Westbrook's Blog, page 124
June 3, 2015
#SupportIndieAuthors, loving meeting new people addition
Today our new guest is L.F. Falconer, and I’ll admit her story has an interesting premise (*Looks over at his imposing TBR pile.* I really should make more time for reading…course that would mean less writing…) Anyways, give her book a look! The art on the front kind of reminds me of Legend of Zelda’s style when Ocarina of Time first came out on the N64.
Bio:
A maverick with a pen, Nevada author L.F. Falconer brings her own unique style to dark fantasy, infusing the real with the unreal to provide imaginative insights into hard social issues.
Book title: The Vagabond’s Son, Prelude to a Legacy by L.F. Falconer
genre: fantasy/epic
Blurb:
The ogres call them pixies, and who in their right mind is going to argue with an ogre? Certainly not Laramato when he sells them his wife. This is the story of the child left behind.
Born to an outlaw, he rises to power, only to betray his kingdom in the end. Eighteen months old when his mother disappears, Adalanto is left in the insular care of a drunken brute, but his most difficult battle for survival doesn’t begin until he leaves home. Suddenly thrust into society, the emerging demons he carries within threaten every aspect of his young life–from his stormy temperament, his view of women, the moral choices he makes, to the all-consuming thirst for the love he never knew.
A fresh, dramatic prequel for mature readers.
Social links:
www.facebook.com/lffalconer
www.twitter.com/lffalconer
www.goodreads.com/author.show/6485699…
website www.lffalconer.com
youtube trailer: http://youtube.com/watch?v=exBeUqf5_0
1. What do you do to keep your spirits up through a bad review?
I realize not everyone who reads my work is going to love it, but bad reviews always sting a little. During that initial sting, I do try to analyze the review and extract what positive I can from it. Even a bad review often contains some good criticism, so I do my best to make it a learning experience. But if it contains nothing useful, I simply re-read a few of my rave reviews to assuage my bruised ego and move on. Bad reviews happen. I don’t dwell on them.
2. What has been your greatest inspiration for writing your story?
My greatest inspiration in writing “The Vagabond’s Son” came from digging deep inside the psyche of what started out to be a secondary character in my upcoming fantasy saga, “The Legacy of Skur.” Once I moved Adalanto into a leading role, he started to come to life in such a powerful way and his backstory became so intense and interesting that I knew it needed to be told in detail. Thus, Adalanto got his own book. A character unbroken by a harsh life, Adalanto inspired me as he constantly proved that adversity can be overcome through the strength of one’s own determination and beliefs.
3. Are there any people you feel need a shout out for supporting you?
First and foremost, I have to acknowledge photographer Catherine Steelmon, my longtime friend and (unpaid) proofreader/editor/consultant. In fact, I dedicated my second novel to her for all the invaluable help and encouragement she has offered me over the past twenty years. More recently there is a group of folks in Reno who call themselves the High Sierra Writers that have become a pillar of continual support and advice.
4. Has self-publishing taught you any lessons that you feel will help you in life?
I think the most important lesson that self-publishing has taught me is to believe in myself. I may not have been able to entice many traditional publishers with my offbeat stories, but by publishing them on my own, I have begun to garner a few true fans. My following might be small, but I appreciate each and every one of them. They are concrete proof that my lifelong love of fiction writing has not been in vain. Proof that hard work and dedication to one’s aspirations can make a person stronger.
and last, What’s your favorite color?
My favorite color? I have none–I like them all! Every single color has its own unique beauty and place in the world and I could never choose one over another. It’s kind of like being at a buffet where I want to try everything. (And I often do.)
If you’d like to be a part of either the #SupportIndieAuthors segment or the #RileyAmosReviews segment drop me a line at RileyAmosReviews(at)gmail(.)com. I always love meeting new people!
And don’t forget to check out my own works.
Breath of the Titans:The False Titanbringer
Filed under: Riley Amos Reviews, Support Indie Authors Tagged: Support Indie Authors
Cruisin’ through books, cause books make life worth living with Aly #RileyAmosReviews just the one today!
Autumn in the City of Angels by Kirby Howell
I enjoyed this book very much. I would read book 2 for sure. I think the descriptive and articulate was the author wrote was a breath of fresh air. This book seemed to me a mixture of YA and post-apocalyptic. I can’t say enough great things about it! Check it out for yourself. * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review* 5/5
Filed under: Riley Amos Reviews, Support Indie Authors Tagged: Book Review, Riley Amos Reviews
June 2, 2015
Cruisin through books ’cause books make life worth livin’ with Aly #RileyAmosReviews, 6/2/2015 part 2
I enjoyed Grave Touched enough I will have to read book 1! This book took me for a ride. I enjoyed the horror and the excitement and everything in between. A wicked queen has plans for Emily and the world once they’ve infested enough humans to satisfy her agenda. This book reminded me a little of the movie “Blade” and I enjoyed all of these movies. You see if you like it too! * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review* 5/5
Filed under: Riley Amos Reviews, Support Indie Authors Tagged: Book Review, Riley Amos Reviews
Cruisin through books ’cause books make life worth livin’ with Aly #RileyAmosReviews, 6/2/2015 part 1
Where Angels Prey by Ramesh S Arunachalam
I think the story flows very smoothly. I really liked the character DM Veena who I really enjoyed. I enjoyed the end of the book as well. The book had a real feel to me. I would recommend it for fiction lovers. * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review* 4/5
Filed under: Riley Amos Reviews, Support Indie Authors Tagged: Book Review, Riley Amos Reviews
Cruisin through books ’cause books make life worth livin’ with Aly #RileyAmosReviews, 6/2/2015 ARC part
I was hoping by the title of this book it was very scary and I great read. I think the book was a 3 for sure. I did not know it was book 3 in a series but I was a little lost through the book. I would not read any more in this series. I did not relate to the character of Halle and I just thought the cover was better than the book. * I received this book in exchange for an honest review* 3/5
Filed under: Riley Amos Reviews, Support Indie Authors Tagged: ARC, Book Review, Riley Amos Reviews
May 31, 2015
Taking a moment for a break away from requesting reviews.
I think I’ve typed more words in the past week than I have in all 5 of my released works >.> Anyways, I took a moment to get away from it, so I could “reset” so to say, and I found THIS an interesting read for authors. Enjoy.
Filed under: Uncategorized
May 29, 2015
#RileyAmosGetsReviewed got 2 new ones yesterday!
So I’ve been spending this past week writing to EVERY single frickin’ horror book blogger that I can find, since I’m trying to get 100 reviews of Everyone Dies At The End before the ebook releases next year, and everything else is slacking a bit. Including this place. I have to apologize for that, I’m not trying to ignore you guys.
But I’m back for today! Even if it is only for a little shameless self-promo.
I received two new reviews last night, both of them the kind that makes ya feel good inside.
The first is from Christina McMullen, a wonderful author in her own right. (Seriously, if you enjoy a sarcastic wit, read her works.)
A brief disclaimer: I am typically not a fan of fantasy that doesn’t involve the words ‘urban’ or ‘contemporary.’ That being said, I have been branching out into more sword and sorcery as of late and I find that the hardest part for me to reconcile is plain and even base English in a fantastical setting. Here, the language is very modern and at times, incredibly base. But somehow, where this has been jarring to me in other books, it works brilliantly here.
I imagine that this book reads much like the Lord of the Rings books would to someone who loves Tolkien. I am not a fan of Tolkien, but I rather enjoyed this tale. It is an epic adventure that follows Lov, a half dragon-half elf who is an adolescent when his home, land, and family is destroyed by the Titans, the very constructs that were meant to protect them. The characters are well written and there is an overall humor that carries the heavier parts of the story. I do admit some slight confusion in that I inferred that Lov’s mother, who is a dragon, was an orphan, but his dragon grandfather shows up to train him. It is possible I misinterpreted this or there is something that gets explained later on, so it is a minor nitpick at best.
I can’t wait to continue on with the rest of this series!
And the next one is from Charles, a reviewer at Blue Ink Review. (Don’t worry, I didn’t pay for it, and this isn’t going in their normal queue that I’m aware of.)
This is a vividly imagined tale of elves, orcs, halflings, dragons, fairies, Titans, and other amazing creatures. The hero, a sixteen year old half-dragon, Lovonian, goes out hunting with his uncle on his sixteenth birthday, only to empathically feel terrible things happening to his family and village. He sets out on a trail of revenge where he learns more about the elemental, magical side of his heritage while engaging in tests and mortal combat that takes him through imagination-stretching realms.
I want to thank both of them for leaving me reviews! Every one of them is appreciated, but it’s always nice to see when another enjoys the work you poured your heart into. Thank you both, and may the rest of you have a wonderful weekend!
Filed under: Breath Of The Titans, My books, Support Indie Authors Tagged: Book Review, books, Review, Riley Amos Westbrook
May 27, 2015
#SupportIndieAuthors, Our first Murder Mystery edition!
Today we have a new guest on our blog, and I think our first Murder Mystery book. Honestly, I’ve never read a murder mystery, so this will be an interesting experience(It’s in the pile Marianne!).
What are two nice middle-aged church ladies doing at a New Age goddess retreat? And why is the manager of the Thunder Bay Charity Casino found murdered next door to the conference? Will Mary Carlisle, St. Stephen’s lovelorn organist, ever capture the heart of the church gardener? Find out the answers to these and other burning questions in The Serenity Stone Murder, a kinder, gentler murder mystery set in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Writer Bio
Marianne Jones is a retired teacher from Thunder Bay, Ontario. Her work has appeared in Reader’s Digest, Canadian Living, The Globe and Mail, and numerous literary and denominational publications. Her books include The Land of Mogan, a children’s fantasy novel, Here, on the Ground, an award-winning collection of poetry, Great- Grandma’s Gifts, a picture book for preschool and early elementary, and The Serenity Stone Murder, a cozy mystery set in Thunder Bay.
Marianne has been named International Poet Laureate by Utmost Christian Writers. Her poetry has won numerous awards, and some of them are permanently installed at Prince Arthur’s Landing at Marina Park in Thunder Bay.
Marianne is a member of The League of Canadian Poets, The Writers Union of Canada, and The Northwestern Ontario Writers Workshop (NOWW).
How do you get over a bad review?
I’d be lying if I said that criticism doesn’t hurt. I usually call my sister, who says soothing things, and then I remind myself that not everyone is going to like my work. I also keep a file of encouraging things people have said to me over the years about my writing. It’s human nature to forget the positive and focus on the negative, but I’m trying to reverse that trend.
What inspired you to write your story?
My sister kept urging me to write a murder mystery set in our home town of Thunder Bay, Ontario. When she described a ridiculous weekend conference she attended with a friend, suddenly I could visualize my protagonists, Margaret and Louise quite clearly, and I became excited about writing this story. I identify more with Margaret, who has a sarcastic edge and doesn’t suffer fools gladly. And I had fun playing with the notion of these two middle-aged friends traipsing all over Thunder Bay in search of clues, sometimes squabbling and sometimes encountering a series of eccentric characters.
Is there anyone that deserves a shout out?
My Mom was always my biggest supporter. She loved the idea of having a writer in the family. I also am grateful to poet Debbie Okun Hill at https://okunhill.wordpress.com/ for her kind words and support, as well as well-known blogger Susan Toy for her selfless support of writers.
Has self-publishing taught you any life lessons?
My first self-published book was a children’s fantasy novel, The Land of Mogan. Although both the children and adults that read it gave it high praise, I didn’t have the know-how or courage to promote it, so it didn’t reach a broader audience. Writing is an act of courage. Publishing your work is an act of courage. Marketing requires courage as well. Putting ourselves out there means opening ourselves up to possible praise, criticism or indifference. I had to learn that enthusiasm and a quality product aren’t enough. We need to be strategic and determined to market our work as well. The mistakes and successes work together to make us more professional.
What’s your favorite color?
Green.
Remember, if you’d like to be featured in the #SupportIndieAuthor series, please drop me a line at RileyAmosReviews (@) Gmail (Dot) com. Until next week, keep writing!
And don’t forget to check out my Breath Of the Titans: The False Titanbriger series.
*FREE* Little Black Stormcloud
A Mother’s Love
War of the Chiefs
Filed under: Uncategorized
Looking for ARC reviewers is a pain in the butt…Hopefully it proves worth it!
I’ve been sending out a ton of review requests on an ARC for Everyone Dies At The End. Trying to get a hundred reviews is proving to be a challenge, but one that I’m learning to relish in! Still, I just hope the return turns better than it’s been on Breath of the Titans so far. I think I sent out hundreds of that book, and I think I have 5 reviews….and with that, I’m reminded my work isn’t finished! Catch y’all later!
Filed under: Musings Tagged: musings
May 26, 2015
Cruisin through books ’cause books make life worth livin’ with Aly #RileyAmosReviews, 5/26/2015 part 2
This was a very fun book for me. I think the character were very likable and I had fun reading this book. I enjoyed going a long for the ride with these great characters and I think the author did a great job with this book. You should give this book a try. * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review* 4/5
Filed under: Riley Amos Reviews, Support Indie Authors Tagged: Book Review
