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Benjamin Jones's Blog, page 4
June 28, 2011
Guest Post by Madeleine Cook
Madeleine is one of my friends on Twitter (follow her at www.twitter.com/madeleinecook ) and I was looking around her site today and stumbled across an entry on her page that I really liked. I tweeted her and asked for her permission to repost it on my site and she agreed so here it is. Find this and other postings on her site by visiting http://www.misscookblogs.wordpress.com :
"I Just Know...
that a writer is all I want to be. Writing is all I want to do. The thing is I sometimes feel so young, like, nineteen or whatever, and I wonder if people think I’m too young to know what I want to do for the rest of my life. The thing is I know my experience of life is limited, as is my vocabulary, but what am I supposed to do? Not write until I hit 25 in hope that by THEN I’ll have enough “experience” and I’ll be able to write as good as other writers out there?
I want to represent young writers, and I want to prove that no matter how old you are, if you have a talent you will be noticed. I write with all the experience I have. I’m not saying that I have talent or that I’m any good, but if you don’t tell yourself or believe you have what it takes, you’re never going to get anywhere!!
So here I am, working at Millie’s Cookies, writing when I can, and dreaming that someday I’ll get noticed and will be able to share my stories with the world."
This is pretty much my life as well, granted I'm a few years older than Madeleine. Us writers work a "normal" 9 to 5 by day and then spend our evenings and nights working on what we really want to do - emptying out our imagination onto a page and hoping that the world will take notice of us.
Good post Madeleine and thanks again for the permission to post this!
"I Just Know...
that a writer is all I want to be. Writing is all I want to do. The thing is I sometimes feel so young, like, nineteen or whatever, and I wonder if people think I’m too young to know what I want to do for the rest of my life. The thing is I know my experience of life is limited, as is my vocabulary, but what am I supposed to do? Not write until I hit 25 in hope that by THEN I’ll have enough “experience” and I’ll be able to write as good as other writers out there?
I want to represent young writers, and I want to prove that no matter how old you are, if you have a talent you will be noticed. I write with all the experience I have. I’m not saying that I have talent or that I’m any good, but if you don’t tell yourself or believe you have what it takes, you’re never going to get anywhere!!
So here I am, working at Millie’s Cookies, writing when I can, and dreaming that someday I’ll get noticed and will be able to share my stories with the world."
This is pretty much my life as well, granted I'm a few years older than Madeleine. Us writers work a "normal" 9 to 5 by day and then spend our evenings and nights working on what we really want to do - emptying out our imagination onto a page and hoping that the world will take notice of us.
Good post Madeleine and thanks again for the permission to post this!
June 24, 2011
Why You Should Write A Letter
When's the last time you wrote a letter? Not emailed, texted, Skyped, Facebooked or Tweeted someone but actually put a pen or pencil to paper and wrote your thoughts down? Been that long, huh?
The art of actually writing a letter is on the verge of extinction due to technological "advances," some of which I mentioned above, but, in my humble opinion, there is nothing better than writing a letter to someone and/or receiving a letter from someone. I mean, think about it, you can send out a text/tweet/email/Facebook update to a million people at one time and only takes the minimalist of thought behind it.
A letter, on the other hand, is a personal experience and actually involves "work": finding paper, taking the time to gather your thoughts, putting the letter in an envelope, finding a stamp and then dropping it off in the mailbox. Those acts are infinitely longer than the time it takes to send a text but the payoff is much more impactful.
Case in point: my best friend lives in Michigan which is close to a million miles away from me here in Texas. We talk on the phone a lot (and occasionally via email or text) but, every now and then, I take the time to write him a letter and, as holidays dictate, send him a card in the mail. Why do I do that you ask? Other than the fact that I'm a writer and that I like to see words on paper, I know how HAPPY it makes HIM to receive something in the mail from him. I can hear it in his voice when he calls telling me that he got my letter or card and how he's gonna frame my letter and keep the Father's Day card I sent him up for a year. I'm sure he's exaggerating a bit but I know he's genuinely happy to receive it and that, in turn, makes me happy.
So, I challenge you dear readers of my blog, over the next few days, think of someone that you haven't written a letter to in a while (could be a friend, your grandma, sister, brother, whoever) and buy them a card or write them a letter. It doesn't have to be something long; it could simply say "I love you" or "Thinking about you."
You'd be surprised at how happy it makes both you and them!
The art of actually writing a letter is on the verge of extinction due to technological "advances," some of which I mentioned above, but, in my humble opinion, there is nothing better than writing a letter to someone and/or receiving a letter from someone. I mean, think about it, you can send out a text/tweet/email/Facebook update to a million people at one time and only takes the minimalist of thought behind it.
A letter, on the other hand, is a personal experience and actually involves "work": finding paper, taking the time to gather your thoughts, putting the letter in an envelope, finding a stamp and then dropping it off in the mailbox. Those acts are infinitely longer than the time it takes to send a text but the payoff is much more impactful.
Case in point: my best friend lives in Michigan which is close to a million miles away from me here in Texas. We talk on the phone a lot (and occasionally via email or text) but, every now and then, I take the time to write him a letter and, as holidays dictate, send him a card in the mail. Why do I do that you ask? Other than the fact that I'm a writer and that I like to see words on paper, I know how HAPPY it makes HIM to receive something in the mail from him. I can hear it in his voice when he calls telling me that he got my letter or card and how he's gonna frame my letter and keep the Father's Day card I sent him up for a year. I'm sure he's exaggerating a bit but I know he's genuinely happy to receive it and that, in turn, makes me happy.
So, I challenge you dear readers of my blog, over the next few days, think of someone that you haven't written a letter to in a while (could be a friend, your grandma, sister, brother, whoever) and buy them a card or write them a letter. It doesn't have to be something long; it could simply say "I love you" or "Thinking about you."
You'd be surprised at how happy it makes both you and them!
June 21, 2011
Review of Humanity's Ultimate Battle (H.U.B.) Volume 3: The Tipping Point
Avid readers of my site will know that I have reviewed each of the H.U.B novels are they are written. As it’s now time for H.U.B Volume 3 I’m sure you of course knew I’d be reviewing it sooner or later and giving my view on the continuing struggles between the Vampire Nation and the human race.
The third book starts showing that the tensions between the vampires and humans are growing. Attacks on humans are growing but also attacks on vampire from the humans are building up too. To add to the problems there are also tensions between vampires too as there are issues between “pure” vampires and vampires that were once human. It’s all tension building up which of course all lead up to that one event that some are looking for, that “tipping point” that will send both races into a war to decide just who will take control.
What interests me in this novel is how intelligent the idea of the “tipping point” really is. From the hinting of such a thing to the eventual event we know is coming the story does not rush into pushing the reader into the event but actually takes it time and creates a scenario for it to happen. Where some stories would almost trivialise such event this story as a whole (over not just this novel but the series itself) is working towards something big, something big enough to create an event that at this point now feels like it will be World War 3. We have the vampires, some happy to live with the humans in peace, some who want to control them like “cattle” and then you have the humans. Just as with the vampires some humans just want to live in peace together, but others want to eradicate the threat of the vampire and they will do it by all means. The main tension between the two races is that of anger and fear.
The vampire does not feel fear just anger, but they can be galvanised into a full force by a forceful act by the humans, something to really create that anger within them. With humans they are driven by fear and they can be manipulated by it, and this fear can be created by the anger of others; both human and vampire. This is how they are manipulated in this novel as the positions of power change from neutrality to aggression in the issue of the vampire. All it takes is one event to push both fear and anger.
This book, even though it is slow at times really creates a good build up to the event that will (I am assuming will lead to the war). When the actual event does occur the slowness of the build up is forgiven as you read the words on the page and wonder how people could be so stupid to do what they do, how can they fall into the trap of total naivety of their actions which mirror events in the real world. I was impressed at the way the novel handled what is quite a complicated idea really and look forward to the next part of the story.
Read the review from the source by visiting http://www.pissedoffgeek.com/wordpres... .
Thanks to Paul and everyone else at Pissedoffgeek.com for the constant support and for another great review!
H.U.B. Volume 3 arrives 9.10.11! http://www.whatishub.net
The third book starts showing that the tensions between the vampires and humans are growing. Attacks on humans are growing but also attacks on vampire from the humans are building up too. To add to the problems there are also tensions between vampires too as there are issues between “pure” vampires and vampires that were once human. It’s all tension building up which of course all lead up to that one event that some are looking for, that “tipping point” that will send both races into a war to decide just who will take control.
What interests me in this novel is how intelligent the idea of the “tipping point” really is. From the hinting of such a thing to the eventual event we know is coming the story does not rush into pushing the reader into the event but actually takes it time and creates a scenario for it to happen. Where some stories would almost trivialise such event this story as a whole (over not just this novel but the series itself) is working towards something big, something big enough to create an event that at this point now feels like it will be World War 3. We have the vampires, some happy to live with the humans in peace, some who want to control them like “cattle” and then you have the humans. Just as with the vampires some humans just want to live in peace together, but others want to eradicate the threat of the vampire and they will do it by all means. The main tension between the two races is that of anger and fear.
The vampire does not feel fear just anger, but they can be galvanised into a full force by a forceful act by the humans, something to really create that anger within them. With humans they are driven by fear and they can be manipulated by it, and this fear can be created by the anger of others; both human and vampire. This is how they are manipulated in this novel as the positions of power change from neutrality to aggression in the issue of the vampire. All it takes is one event to push both fear and anger.
This book, even though it is slow at times really creates a good build up to the event that will (I am assuming will lead to the war). When the actual event does occur the slowness of the build up is forgiven as you read the words on the page and wonder how people could be so stupid to do what they do, how can they fall into the trap of total naivety of their actions which mirror events in the real world. I was impressed at the way the novel handled what is quite a complicated idea really and look forward to the next part of the story.
Read the review from the source by visiting http://www.pissedoffgeek.com/wordpres... .
Thanks to Paul and everyone else at Pissedoffgeek.com for the constant support and for another great review!
H.U.B. Volume 3 arrives 9.10.11! http://www.whatishub.net
June 8, 2011
Cover for H.U.B. Volume 3: The Tipping Point
New cover for H.U.B. Volume 3! Check otu the blog post and let me know your thoughts on it.
http://benjaminjoneswrites.weebly.com...
H.U.B. Volume 3 arrives on 9.10.11. Visit www.whatishub.net for all the information on it and to get caught up on the series by getting Volumes 1 and 2!
http://benjaminjoneswrites.weebly.com...
H.U.B. Volume 3 arrives on 9.10.11. Visit www.whatishub.net for all the information on it and to get caught up on the series by getting Volumes 1 and 2!
June 6, 2011
New H.U.B. Volume 1 & 2 Review
Humanity’s Ultimate Battle is waged on the pages of the first two volumes of a unique series penned by Benjamin Jones. HUB follows the struggles of humanity coming to grips with a secret that has been kept for thousands of years. Vampires are real. They’re so real, in fact, that they hold key political positions. They operate just like normal humans. They have jobs, houses, families and bills.
I think that’s what hit me the most with HUB. The vampires have a very human element that is missing from most vampire literature. And it’s not the Rice or Meyers way of providing the human element of incessant whining. HUB shows what it’s like for a society of people who live on the outside of the world that they have a direct connection to. There are vampire children that are actually born, not just a creepy “stay a kid forever” turning.
The sun doesn’t always shine, though. The book begins with an opening scene showing crushed humanity living like cattle on an island. The fear that is expressed in one short introduction is palpable. For me, that island is always on my mind while I’m reading through the books. It’s not often that you anticipate the final battle, but damn, you know it is coming and it’s going to be good.
This is a vampire book. It’s not a main character struggles to live and love with a vampire. There are very few humans that are introduced that aren’t slaughtered a mere page later. Instead of the old routine of vampire vs. human that shouldn’t be able to compete with a vampire, we get a story that shows how far above the humans the vampires are on the food chain. The vampires are divided, with most wanting a peaceful integration into normal society. However a rogue group is determined to turn humans back into the cattle that they were meant to be. Every action by this group leads us closer to the final showdown. Every time they force a hand, you can feel the pressure of the humans to take it back to them. There are more and more humans that aren’t happy with sharing their world with bloodsuckers. The acts of violence rendered on innocent vampires just because they are different hearkens back to a time in our own country’s history where people were treated differently due to their not being “normal” in comparison to the majority. It is a darkness that lends strength to the story, though. You realize that there are bad people on both sides. You also realize that it’s all going to come to a head and when it does, there’s no guarantee for humanity.
The vampires themselves are pretty standard fare, with pale skin, usually attractive, fingers that elongate into claws, silver eyes and long fangs. They don’t sparkle, so that’s a definite positive. They also regenerate wounds quickly, have super strength and speed. The vamps don’t have to have the blood to survive, but some of them relish in the joy of the hunt. There have been many vampire takes presented throughout the years, but one small part of Jones’ foray that stuck with me is the “stake in the heart” death. It’s not there, woe to the one who tries. But there is hope for humanity as the vamps can be killed and the government is organizing a new weapon against the bloodsuckers. Want to know what it is? Well, read Volumes 1 and 2 to find out.
All in all, HUB is a fresh take on a theme that has been put through the wringer time and time again. The words flow quickly and effortlessly, allowing the works to be consumed rather quickly. Benjamin Jones (pictured above) has a hell of a start on a good series that could easily be transferred to other media. It’s nice to see vampires back as the demi-gods they are, not playing fetch the pale grunge girl with a bunch of Native American werewolves. Check out the details and even get a free PDF copy of Volume 1 on www.whatishub.net and keep an eye out for future installments to be released later this year. It’s not every day that you get a free copy of a book. Use it to introduce yourself to a world that sees humans on the receiving end of some brutal violence. The books balance the action with a sense of determination and despair, love and hate from both humans and vampires. What more do you need?
~Scofield
Many thanks to Mr. Scofield and the good folks at www.bettergeekthannever.wordpress.com for their awesome review; so glad you guys (and gals liked it). You can read the full review at the source by visiting www.bettergeekthannever.wordpress.com to go to their site (show them some love!).
I think that’s what hit me the most with HUB. The vampires have a very human element that is missing from most vampire literature. And it’s not the Rice or Meyers way of providing the human element of incessant whining. HUB shows what it’s like for a society of people who live on the outside of the world that they have a direct connection to. There are vampire children that are actually born, not just a creepy “stay a kid forever” turning.
The sun doesn’t always shine, though. The book begins with an opening scene showing crushed humanity living like cattle on an island. The fear that is expressed in one short introduction is palpable. For me, that island is always on my mind while I’m reading through the books. It’s not often that you anticipate the final battle, but damn, you know it is coming and it’s going to be good.
This is a vampire book. It’s not a main character struggles to live and love with a vampire. There are very few humans that are introduced that aren’t slaughtered a mere page later. Instead of the old routine of vampire vs. human that shouldn’t be able to compete with a vampire, we get a story that shows how far above the humans the vampires are on the food chain. The vampires are divided, with most wanting a peaceful integration into normal society. However a rogue group is determined to turn humans back into the cattle that they were meant to be. Every action by this group leads us closer to the final showdown. Every time they force a hand, you can feel the pressure of the humans to take it back to them. There are more and more humans that aren’t happy with sharing their world with bloodsuckers. The acts of violence rendered on innocent vampires just because they are different hearkens back to a time in our own country’s history where people were treated differently due to their not being “normal” in comparison to the majority. It is a darkness that lends strength to the story, though. You realize that there are bad people on both sides. You also realize that it’s all going to come to a head and when it does, there’s no guarantee for humanity.
The vampires themselves are pretty standard fare, with pale skin, usually attractive, fingers that elongate into claws, silver eyes and long fangs. They don’t sparkle, so that’s a definite positive. They also regenerate wounds quickly, have super strength and speed. The vamps don’t have to have the blood to survive, but some of them relish in the joy of the hunt. There have been many vampire takes presented throughout the years, but one small part of Jones’ foray that stuck with me is the “stake in the heart” death. It’s not there, woe to the one who tries. But there is hope for humanity as the vamps can be killed and the government is organizing a new weapon against the bloodsuckers. Want to know what it is? Well, read Volumes 1 and 2 to find out.
All in all, HUB is a fresh take on a theme that has been put through the wringer time and time again. The words flow quickly and effortlessly, allowing the works to be consumed rather quickly. Benjamin Jones (pictured above) has a hell of a start on a good series that could easily be transferred to other media. It’s nice to see vampires back as the demi-gods they are, not playing fetch the pale grunge girl with a bunch of Native American werewolves. Check out the details and even get a free PDF copy of Volume 1 on www.whatishub.net and keep an eye out for future installments to be released later this year. It’s not every day that you get a free copy of a book. Use it to introduce yourself to a world that sees humans on the receiving end of some brutal violence. The books balance the action with a sense of determination and despair, love and hate from both humans and vampires. What more do you need?
~Scofield
Many thanks to Mr. Scofield and the good folks at www.bettergeekthannever.wordpress.com for their awesome review; so glad you guys (and gals liked it). You can read the full review at the source by visiting www.bettergeekthannever.wordpress.com to go to their site (show them some love!).
June 1, 2011
Independent Authors vs $$
Let me start by saying.... AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! Sorry, just had to scream and get that out.
Now that that's out of the way, for us unsigned/independent authors, especially those like myself who have spouses and children to support, trying to do everything that you want to do with your book isn't always feasible and, no matter how much you deal with it, it always sucks and hurts.
I was supposed to be attending SoonerCon 20 in Oklahoma City, OK this weekend but, due to a lack of funds, I'm not going to be able to attend. This is the second convention where I've lost money by paying for a table in advance but then not being able to have enough money to either a) finish paying off the balance of the table in time or b) not having enough money for the rental car, hotel & the rising gas costs.
Having to carefully monitor my funds it feels like I have to choose the battles I fight: I can get the copyright but the book cover is going to have to wait until the 15th; I can't get the $20 ad but I can get the $5 ad; it's always something and it's FRUSTRATING!
I really don't know what to do except to keep trying to save and keep writing and know that ONE DAY I will look back on this and laugh. Right now I feel like crying, though.
Now that that's out of the way, for us unsigned/independent authors, especially those like myself who have spouses and children to support, trying to do everything that you want to do with your book isn't always feasible and, no matter how much you deal with it, it always sucks and hurts.
I was supposed to be attending SoonerCon 20 in Oklahoma City, OK this weekend but, due to a lack of funds, I'm not going to be able to attend. This is the second convention where I've lost money by paying for a table in advance but then not being able to have enough money to either a) finish paying off the balance of the table in time or b) not having enough money for the rental car, hotel & the rising gas costs.
Having to carefully monitor my funds it feels like I have to choose the battles I fight: I can get the copyright but the book cover is going to have to wait until the 15th; I can't get the $20 ad but I can get the $5 ad; it's always something and it's FRUSTRATING!
I really don't know what to do except to keep trying to save and keep writing and know that ONE DAY I will look back on this and laugh. Right now I feel like crying, though.
May 24, 2011
A little good, a little bad
Hello and welcome back to my wonderful (at least in my eyes) blog.
It's been a minute since I've updated this - had a cruise that I was FORCED to take in which I spent many hours drinking and relaxing - it was terrible I tell ya, truly terrible. :-)
Anywho, I'll start with the "negative" and get those out of the way first. Over the last few weeks I've been working with others (I really HATE having to depend on other people for things) on things that I need to get done and things are not going as planned and it has kinda dampened my spirits a bit.
I also received the first non-glowing review of HUB Volume 1 & 2 which, I know, really isn't a bad thing but, as Erykah Badu so eloquently put it: "I'm an artist and I'm sensitive about my shit!" (love her!!) Moving on, the person liked the book but there were things that she didn't like which is to expected - you can't please everyone. I do appreciate her for even taking the time to post her thoughts as any publicity/review is a good one. She could very well be 100% accurate in whatever she's saying so it's all good. I will take all her comments (good and bad) into consideration and continue to work on making my writing that much stronger. So, thanks for those that have left their comments and, if you've read HUB and haven't reviewed it, please do so; I would love to hear from you.
Side note to that: if you've purchased any of my work via ebook on Amazon, Kindle or Smashwords PLEASE shoot me an email at ben(at)whatishub.net and let me know who you are so that I can add you to my Wall of Fame which is where I put everyone up who has purchased any of my work as I appreciate and love everyone of you.
Another thing that's been going on is a little thing called life which, as we all know, isn't always good. I've been dealing with some life things that have had me in a not-very-good mood lately but the sun is peeking through the clouds and it's getting better. I'm no longer feeling like BLAH.
Moving on, I have sold a few ebook copies of HUB recently so that's always nice.
Work continues on Head Above Water and I'm really looking forward to getting that out. Right now I'm been pretty much burying myself into the editing of it and I'm roughly 60% completed. After I complete it then I'm going to pass it on to my new editor and hopefully she won't find TOO MANY errors in it. Be on the lookout for the Head Above Water ebook to come by the end of the year.
Waiting for a few more reviews/critiques of HUB Volume 3: The Tipping Point to come in before I finalize that. 9.10.11 is the day!
Follow me on Twitter by visiting http://www.twitter.com/maddwriter and follow all things HUB on Twitter by following http://www.twitter.com/hubiscoming
Will be back with more goodies later including a new book review from an author I have become friends with through Goodreads. If you're an author that I would like your book reviewed or would like to do a guest blog/posting then shoot me an email at ben(at)whatishub.net
Thank you!
It's been a minute since I've updated this - had a cruise that I was FORCED to take in which I spent many hours drinking and relaxing - it was terrible I tell ya, truly terrible. :-)
Anywho, I'll start with the "negative" and get those out of the way first. Over the last few weeks I've been working with others (I really HATE having to depend on other people for things) on things that I need to get done and things are not going as planned and it has kinda dampened my spirits a bit.
I also received the first non-glowing review of HUB Volume 1 & 2 which, I know, really isn't a bad thing but, as Erykah Badu so eloquently put it: "I'm an artist and I'm sensitive about my shit!" (love her!!) Moving on, the person liked the book but there were things that she didn't like which is to expected - you can't please everyone. I do appreciate her for even taking the time to post her thoughts as any publicity/review is a good one. She could very well be 100% accurate in whatever she's saying so it's all good. I will take all her comments (good and bad) into consideration and continue to work on making my writing that much stronger. So, thanks for those that have left their comments and, if you've read HUB and haven't reviewed it, please do so; I would love to hear from you.
Side note to that: if you've purchased any of my work via ebook on Amazon, Kindle or Smashwords PLEASE shoot me an email at ben(at)whatishub.net and let me know who you are so that I can add you to my Wall of Fame which is where I put everyone up who has purchased any of my work as I appreciate and love everyone of you.
Another thing that's been going on is a little thing called life which, as we all know, isn't always good. I've been dealing with some life things that have had me in a not-very-good mood lately but the sun is peeking through the clouds and it's getting better. I'm no longer feeling like BLAH.
Moving on, I have sold a few ebook copies of HUB recently so that's always nice.
Work continues on Head Above Water and I'm really looking forward to getting that out. Right now I'm been pretty much burying myself into the editing of it and I'm roughly 60% completed. After I complete it then I'm going to pass it on to my new editor and hopefully she won't find TOO MANY errors in it. Be on the lookout for the Head Above Water ebook to come by the end of the year.
Waiting for a few more reviews/critiques of HUB Volume 3: The Tipping Point to come in before I finalize that. 9.10.11 is the day!
Follow me on Twitter by visiting http://www.twitter.com/maddwriter and follow all things HUB on Twitter by following http://www.twitter.com/hubiscoming
Will be back with more goodies later including a new book review from an author I have become friends with through Goodreads. If you're an author that I would like your book reviewed or would like to do a guest blog/posting then shoot me an email at ben(at)whatishub.net
Thank you!
May 5, 2011
Book Review - Bitemarks by Drew Cross
I first became aware of Drew Cross via an interaction on the site Getfanged.com *shameless plug* and, through a conversation, we agreed to "swap" books and I would read/review his book while he did the same for mine.
Drew's book, Bitemarks, is the story about police officer Shane Marks who has a lifestyle that is a little "different" from most and one that a person wouldn't normally come out and say upon introductions. I won't ruin it but through the course of the book Shane is on the trail of a killer who is essentially the same as him only with a slight penchant for murder, hence the "killer" that I mentioned a few words above.
I was able to run through this book in about 3 hours as it is a remarkably good book and a page turner to say the least. While in the middle of reading it I kept thinking to myself on how "fun" this book was which isn't something that I often say when reading a book, especially one that deals with murder and suspense. The interaction between Shane Marks and his partner Marcus are great and are one of the many highlights of the book.
Another thing that I enjoyed was the detail that Drew uses when writing; he writes in a style that I could only call artistry, the words seeming to flow effortlessly with amazing clarity.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to future works from Mr. Cross. Go get this book!
5 out of 5 stars!
Get your copy at the following:
US - Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_nos...
UK - Amazon.co.uk
http://www.amazon.co.uk/BiteMarks/dp/...
Smashwords
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
About the author:
Drew Cross is a 30 year old former model and ex-police officer (but regrettably never a model police officer!) from Nottingham, England; he is married with two small children (The Zeds - Zac aged 4 and Zara aged 3) and a weimaraner dog. When he's not reading, writing, toddler-wrangling or dog-wrestling, he enjoys martial arts, running, cooking various global cuisines and meditating. He has an interest in Eastern philosophy and the Goth subculture, and hopes one day to break the habit of writing about himself in the third person!
Drew's book, Bitemarks, is the story about police officer Shane Marks who has a lifestyle that is a little "different" from most and one that a person wouldn't normally come out and say upon introductions. I won't ruin it but through the course of the book Shane is on the trail of a killer who is essentially the same as him only with a slight penchant for murder, hence the "killer" that I mentioned a few words above.
I was able to run through this book in about 3 hours as it is a remarkably good book and a page turner to say the least. While in the middle of reading it I kept thinking to myself on how "fun" this book was which isn't something that I often say when reading a book, especially one that deals with murder and suspense. The interaction between Shane Marks and his partner Marcus are great and are one of the many highlights of the book.
Another thing that I enjoyed was the detail that Drew uses when writing; he writes in a style that I could only call artistry, the words seeming to flow effortlessly with amazing clarity.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to future works from Mr. Cross. Go get this book!
5 out of 5 stars!
Get your copy at the following:
US - Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_nos...
UK - Amazon.co.uk
http://www.amazon.co.uk/BiteMarks/dp/...
Smashwords
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
About the author:
Drew Cross is a 30 year old former model and ex-police officer (but regrettably never a model police officer!) from Nottingham, England; he is married with two small children (The Zeds - Zac aged 4 and Zara aged 3) and a weimaraner dog. When he's not reading, writing, toddler-wrangling or dog-wrestling, he enjoys martial arts, running, cooking various global cuisines and meditating. He has an interest in Eastern philosophy and the Goth subculture, and hopes one day to break the habit of writing about himself in the third person!
April 29, 2011
Wanna Be Famous
As some of you may know, I have a BIG fascination with music. I think I may love it almost as much as I do my writing and I hardly ever write w/out listening to music. Over the last couple of weeks I have found myself listening to one particular song more than any of the other 6,000+ songs on my iPod and that song is Famous by Jazmine Sullivan. Peep the lyrics:
"Famous"
I used to dream about cars and things.
Bout being a star and things.
I thought that I would outgrow this feening.
My dream won't go away.
It's more like a nightmare.
Keepin me up all night,
Like a nightmare.
It's taking over my mind.
My desire burns inside like a flame
And it can't and it won't be contained.
Cause I gotta be famous
I need to be somebody
No one wants to be invisible
Everyone just wants to be seen.
I know one thing is so irresistible
Cause we all need a reason to be.
So I wanna matter.
To the world.
To a girl.
Watching me on tv.
Watching me and I want her to wanna be me.
To be me and I wanna be her dream.
Be hear dream.
So I gotta be famous.
I gotta be somebody.
So I gotta be famous.
I gotta be somebody.
And I'll do anything to get where you are.
I'll do anything to reach the stars.
You don't want what you have,
But I want it so bad.
You say it ain't fair but what ain't fair is no one cares if you ain't famous.
You ain't famous.
Oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh oh. Oh oh oh.
So I gotta be famous.
I gotta be somebody.
Cause I gotta be famous.
I need to be somebody
Her lyrics so closely mirror my feelings in regards to writing. All I want is to be heard, for people to read my books and have that recognition, not even monetarily (though it helps) butjust to know that people actually have my book on their shelf.
My favorite lines are:
No one wants to be invisible
Everyone just wants to be seen.
I know one thing is so irresistible
Cause we all need a reason to be.
So I wanna matter.
To the world.
To a girl.
Watching me on tv.
Watching me and I want her to wanna be me.
To be me and I wanna be her dream.
Be hear dream.
That's dope when she says that no one wants to be invisible and how she wants to matter to someone and how she wants to be that girls dream and for that girl to want to be her. That's the only way we get to live forever.
Thank you Jazmine Sullivan for making such a wonderful song, one of several that you have. This song is my theme/anthem and will be for as long as I write and am finally tasting my glass of fame. Cheers to all of us chasing that dream!
"Famous"
I used to dream about cars and things.
Bout being a star and things.
I thought that I would outgrow this feening.
My dream won't go away.
It's more like a nightmare.
Keepin me up all night,
Like a nightmare.
It's taking over my mind.
My desire burns inside like a flame
And it can't and it won't be contained.
Cause I gotta be famous
I need to be somebody
No one wants to be invisible
Everyone just wants to be seen.
I know one thing is so irresistible
Cause we all need a reason to be.
So I wanna matter.
To the world.
To a girl.
Watching me on tv.
Watching me and I want her to wanna be me.
To be me and I wanna be her dream.
Be hear dream.
So I gotta be famous.
I gotta be somebody.
So I gotta be famous.
I gotta be somebody.
And I'll do anything to get where you are.
I'll do anything to reach the stars.
You don't want what you have,
But I want it so bad.
You say it ain't fair but what ain't fair is no one cares if you ain't famous.
You ain't famous.
Oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh oh. Oh oh oh.
So I gotta be famous.
I gotta be somebody.
Cause I gotta be famous.
I need to be somebody
Her lyrics so closely mirror my feelings in regards to writing. All I want is to be heard, for people to read my books and have that recognition, not even monetarily (though it helps) butjust to know that people actually have my book on their shelf.
My favorite lines are:
No one wants to be invisible
Everyone just wants to be seen.
I know one thing is so irresistible
Cause we all need a reason to be.
So I wanna matter.
To the world.
To a girl.
Watching me on tv.
Watching me and I want her to wanna be me.
To be me and I wanna be her dream.
Be hear dream.
That's dope when she says that no one wants to be invisible and how she wants to matter to someone and how she wants to be that girls dream and for that girl to want to be her. That's the only way we get to live forever.
Thank you Jazmine Sullivan for making such a wonderful song, one of several that you have. This song is my theme/anthem and will be for as long as I write and am finally tasting my glass of fame. Cheers to all of us chasing that dream!
April 27, 2011
H.U.B. Volume 3 + Other Goodies
Morning/afternoon/evening to all of you.
Work on Humanity's Ultimate Battle (H.U.B.) Volume 3: The Tipping Point is pretty much done (at least the writing portion of it, anyway). I'm really happy with the way that it has turned out and serves a perfect bridge between the first two volumes and volume 4 which is where the s**t really hits the fan. So far the reviews from the few people that have read it have been extremely positive and includes the following:
"After reading Volumes 1 & 2, I was really excited about been given the chance to exclusively read the next Chapter in what has got me so enthralled. Volume 3 is a lot more laid back than the first two BUT make no mistake there may not be as much blood shed this time around but the storyline unravels what potentially could lead to volume 4 being the best book in the series of HUB. The book ends on a very sad note for the Vampire nation and its at this point you know that the War between the two nations is about to get cranked up and made a thousand times worse, am glad I don't live in this world that has been created by Author Benjamin Jones cause World War III could about to erupt in Volume 4. A thoroughly enjoyable read that left me wishing Volume 4 was already witten and was right next to me ready to read.
Rating 4 Book out of 5!!! " - Mark Horrobin from Manchester, UK
And this from my good friend Benjamin Rogers, author of Faith & The Undead: "Just finished Hub 3 and I have to say that it is incredibly strong and well written. As with the second edition you are really building a world here and it is really good and intriguing!"
So, based off those reviews, I know that it's going to be something special when it drops. It will arrive on 9.10.11 as an e-book (be on the lookout for it on Smashwords, the Kindle and Nook) and possibly as a printed up version as well depending on how my funds look. Either way, be sure to check out http://www.whatishub.net for information on how to get your copy!
I submitted the cover design that I want to Chris Leepow, the artist who did the wonderful cover for Volume 2 and he thinks my vision is easily do-able so I'm waiting to get the results back. Based off the sample pic he provided I can already tell that the cover for Volume 3 is going to be MEAN!! That should be debuting very VERY soon!
The trailer for the H.U.B. book series is up and I encourage you all to check it out. You can find it by visiting the HUB Youtube page at http://www.youtube.com/user/hubiscoming .
Also, while I'm on the subject, be sure to visit and become a fan of HUB on Facebook by visiting http://www.facebook.com/pages/HUB-Boo...
Get your copy of HUB Volume 1 & 2 by visiting http://www.whatishub.net (available as an e-book and in paperback). Support independent artists!
One last plug, be sure to visit my good friend Mark's hip hop blog/site at http://underground-dope-hiphop.blogsp... If you love hip hop then you can't go wrong here!
Be sure to follow me on Twitter: @maddwriter and @hubiscoming
More later....
Work on Humanity's Ultimate Battle (H.U.B.) Volume 3: The Tipping Point is pretty much done (at least the writing portion of it, anyway). I'm really happy with the way that it has turned out and serves a perfect bridge between the first two volumes and volume 4 which is where the s**t really hits the fan. So far the reviews from the few people that have read it have been extremely positive and includes the following:
"After reading Volumes 1 & 2, I was really excited about been given the chance to exclusively read the next Chapter in what has got me so enthralled. Volume 3 is a lot more laid back than the first two BUT make no mistake there may not be as much blood shed this time around but the storyline unravels what potentially could lead to volume 4 being the best book in the series of HUB. The book ends on a very sad note for the Vampire nation and its at this point you know that the War between the two nations is about to get cranked up and made a thousand times worse, am glad I don't live in this world that has been created by Author Benjamin Jones cause World War III could about to erupt in Volume 4. A thoroughly enjoyable read that left me wishing Volume 4 was already witten and was right next to me ready to read.
Rating 4 Book out of 5!!! " - Mark Horrobin from Manchester, UK
And this from my good friend Benjamin Rogers, author of Faith & The Undead: "Just finished Hub 3 and I have to say that it is incredibly strong and well written. As with the second edition you are really building a world here and it is really good and intriguing!"
So, based off those reviews, I know that it's going to be something special when it drops. It will arrive on 9.10.11 as an e-book (be on the lookout for it on Smashwords, the Kindle and Nook) and possibly as a printed up version as well depending on how my funds look. Either way, be sure to check out http://www.whatishub.net for information on how to get your copy!
I submitted the cover design that I want to Chris Leepow, the artist who did the wonderful cover for Volume 2 and he thinks my vision is easily do-able so I'm waiting to get the results back. Based off the sample pic he provided I can already tell that the cover for Volume 3 is going to be MEAN!! That should be debuting very VERY soon!
The trailer for the H.U.B. book series is up and I encourage you all to check it out. You can find it by visiting the HUB Youtube page at http://www.youtube.com/user/hubiscoming .
Also, while I'm on the subject, be sure to visit and become a fan of HUB on Facebook by visiting http://www.facebook.com/pages/HUB-Boo...
Get your copy of HUB Volume 1 & 2 by visiting http://www.whatishub.net (available as an e-book and in paperback). Support independent artists!
One last plug, be sure to visit my good friend Mark's hip hop blog/site at http://underground-dope-hiphop.blogsp... If you love hip hop then you can't go wrong here!
Be sure to follow me on Twitter: @maddwriter and @hubiscoming
More later....
