Sharon Maria Bidwell's Blog, page 5

Reads October 2023

The Hollowing, Robert Holdstock
One of a series, unfortunately, I have read none of the previous books. This presented no problem as I quickly got the hang of what was happening in the mysterious Ryhope Wood, and the strange Mythagos that live there created from memory. This is a tough book to rate. Based on an imagined world and the style of the author’s world-building I’d have to give this 4.5 out of 5, but on enjoyment I only liked the book, not loved it — maybe a 3.5, as I found it somewhat wandering. Still, I cannot fault this imaginative work, the creation of a magical world blended with mythology and anthropology. I may check out Mythago Wood in time, as that is the first novel, and seems more highly rated.

Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death (audio), M.C.Beaton, read by Penelope Keith
I’ve always wanted to dip into the world of Agatha Raisin, but never had the time. When I saw Penelope Keith narrates most of the series, I opted to listen to them. Not the best writing, but these are purely entertainment and the performance was perfect. Easy reading, dated in parts regarding social views (but that’s fine and the author wrote the first book in 70s). Although predictable, there’s something about Agatha’s sharp personality that’s difficult not to love. Possibly, those who love the books would like to be her, if only occasionally.

Ordinary Horror, David Searcy
Oddly, although I read this in October, I plucked it out of a mountain of books at random and understood it was literary, not horror, despite the title. On one level, this story is excellent and for the first few chapters I was engrossed by the strange plant Mr Delabano puts in the ground, but by the halfway point I felt bombarded by a sense of isolation. No doubt this is may be what the author intended, as the book is about the isolation of suburban life, but the style weighs heavily and didn’t seem to follow any path. The pace varies, plodding, sometimes enjoyable. If you’re looking for riveting and exciting, this may not be the book for you. It’s more one of social commentary. The writing likely deserves a 4/5 even though the author goes too much in to the minutiae of Mr Delabano’s life, but my personal enjoyment lingers around a mere 2. As for the grand payoff I’d heard about, I was disappointed. At one point, I wondered if the old man would end up killing his often unwelcome neighbours, but this didn’t happen. A lot is obscure. I’m sure there are many passages that will speak to some but bore and confuse others. You’ll never really know if the strange plant influences Mr Delabano’s neighbourhood, or if he is simply going mad under the weight of loneliness.

The Scarecrows, Robert Westall
Reading this acclaimed YA novel as an adult, without being told Simon’s age, I would have found it difficult to pinpoint. At times, he seems older; other times younger than his 13 years. This is a book about coming to terms with loss. Simon cannot accept his mother has moved on. The ghosts of the story are many but of the psychological kind. Simon’s hate haunts the book as do the characters. Simon idolises the memory of his father, and moments when his inner demons get the best of him both torment him. Whether the ghosts of the ruined water-mill are real is another matter, but they’re real to Simon. The book’s full of tension and misery. Alas, I found it hard to like Simon and hence care about him because of his early attitude in the book where he doesn’t care what happens to his hamsters, even though he cares far more about a stray cat and her kittens later on. It’s a slight point, but one that may annoy some modern readers. Still, the book is compelling and I can see why it’s award-winning, mostly owing to the writing and the atmosphere the author creates.

Fear, L.Ron Hubbard
I can imagine when this first appeared it caused a few chills if not scares, but the book really relies on a shock ending, one that’s maybe not so shocking now and one I guessed at shortly before it occurred. It definitely reads like an old classic, so anyone who likes M.R.James may well like this. The events leading to the end are seriously strange. At times, it feels as though the world is melting around the central character and all because of four missing hours and a lost hat. I enjoyed the story, but was not at all fearful.

The Keep, Jennifer Egan
Taken at random from my ageing to be read mountain, this book wasn’t what I was expecting. There’s no gothic atmosphere about it, and some of the narrative jolts you out of the book until you realise the narrator is not who the third person opening leads you to believe. Once I understood that, I quickly got the hang of it. There are three main characters — Danny, a New Yorker visiting his cousin Howie in a castle ruin Howie wants to turn into an exclusive hotel; Ray, a convict undertaking a writing class; and Holly, a once drug addict, now teacher of creative writing. The book is an interesting idea, though the story didn’t offer all that it promised. There are too many interesting threads that lead nowhere and I failed to find the end satisfying because the Holly’s decisions make little sense, especially as she has children. I enjoyed this book, but I didn’t love it. I’ve seen some say the author perfected her style in later books, which sounds interesting, though I may or may not try one.

20th Century Ghosts, Joe Hill
I took some time over this book, not because I wasn’t hooked, but because I dip in and out of books of short stories. If you’re expecting to get Stephen King type stories (Joe Hill being his son), think again. There’s an element of that — after all, Hill has read his father’s stories for years, but these are undoubtedly from his own imagination. Hill is not a replica of his father. This collection shows what writers can achieve when they truly think outside the box without fear of having readers wonder what the hell they just read. And yes, I wondered. There’s horror here, but that’s not all. Sometimes the most disturbing moments are the most ordinary. Abraham’s Boys sticks in the mind, as does Voluntary Committal, which makes a nice novella to end the collection. The Black Phone film took the best from the short story found in this book, and built on it — a slight disappointment here for me because I saw the film first. My Father’s Mask has to be the most open to interpretation and I’m unsure I liked it. You Will Hear the Locust Sing is truly strange, as is Pop Art, yet the latter stays with you. In the introduction, Christopher Golden calls it transcendent. I’m not sure I’d go that far, but it has a peculiar haunting quality and it’s not horror or a ghost story. This is a difficult collection to recommend, as enjoyment will depend on the open-mindedness of the reader to accept extraordinary stories.

Reads September 2023

False Memory, Dean Koontz
This was a re-read for me, and I’d forgotten how suspenseful this book is. Still, I must admit I enjoyed the first two-thirds more than the last. The overall arc is a thriller with a not-so-subtle subtext of dysfunctional and functional families. Enjoyable characters, though like many books, the bad guy became almost comically accentuated (though truly repellant enough to love to hate), as did the terrible mother and father(s) of the plot line. The basic idea is frightening when taken seriously (and I dread to think one day possible if it isn’t already), but the final third to quarter of the book often left me chuckling, though by that time I just went along for the ride when a surprising new patient turns up. It’s difficult to explain further without spoilers and I hate when reviewers do that, so I won’t. Some parts of the book feel overwritten, going on too long, though some of these made the characters’ despair resonate deeply, while those toward the end of the book made me want to skip through a few pages. This well plotted and exceptionally executed book has all the right emotions embedded, but would benefit from some tightening. One warning: it may be triggering for those who’ve suffered abuse.

The Satsuma Complex, Bob Mortimer
Not as out loud funny as I imagined, but a fun, quirky, entertaining thriller that’s highly amusing. I loved the characters, especially Grace and her dog, Lassoo.

Scratchman, Tom Baker
Reading this made me feel like Alice falling down the rabbit hole. Bizarre. Surreal. Far more wild and wacky than I was expecting, but who can fault the wild and wonderful imagination of Tom Baker? His sense of humour shines through? The theme of the book is fear, and this resonates by the end. I’m tempted to get the audio, just to hear this brought to life by the author/Doctor.

Update September 2023

Hi Everyone!
AT HOME:
We had a lovely holiday staying just outside Carbis Bay. Managed lots of walking. Went into St Ives twice, once walking along the coast path, once via a short train op from St Erth. The weather was lovely, even too hot (for me), so I didn’t mind when the weather broke mid-week, giving us a couple of cooler days. Not been to the bottom of Cornwall for many years and won’t be going that way again until the work on the A30 concludes. Although not as bad as we feared, roadworks still caused a 50 minute delay in the journey.

The house refresh goes on, although we’ve finally moved on to the upstairs hallway. Next it’ll be the bannisters and, finally, the downstairs hall. I have to say the colour Poetry in the Crafted range by Crown proved to be the perfect colour. The only way I can describe it is like a soft but strong pistachio green.

FILM/TV:
We’re still working our way through Supernatural, now on Season Six. I finally get why the series had such a fan base. Once the series got over the basic Sam and Dean just hunts a new monster every week and became more personal, it took off. That’s the basis for all good writing. Create characters your audience can care about and then throw as much and increasing conflict at them as possible.

We’ve got way more to watch than we have time for right now, so I’m behind most people starting new seasons, but I’ve been a fan of Black Mirror and was happy to see series six appear, which we’ve just started. Joan is Awful, episode one of season six may be my favourite episode to date. It is funny even as it’s thought provoking, questioning the use of A.I. and our rights along with so many relatable issues in a world using so much technology.

Also saw Good Omens 2, which I loved, but then it’s difficult for me not to love anything by Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman (yes, Terry has gone but he and Neil worked on the book and kicked around ideas for a sequel), or staring David Tennant, or Martin Sheen, so this was always going to be a treat. I can’t say I loved season 2 as much as season 1, but as Neil has explained, this season acts as a bridge between 1 and 3. He has promised we will get the third instalment ‘in some format’. Let’s hope the third series gets made, although I’d also love the trilogy in print. Some hated season 2 because of the ending, but have they not heard of a cliffhanger? That end is not the where the story finishes. In Good Omens, angels and demons are genderless and asexual and, I confess, I’ve never considered Good Omens as a love story, but I’m happy to accept it either way. It’s simply great story-telling.

WRITING:
Two announcements this month. Wildest Dreams re-released at JMS Books, and Night to Dawn #44 magazine, featuring my short story Brain Dead, is now available.

Detective Inspectors Frederick Dick and Riley Silcox have more important things to concern them than their names being a source of amusement. While Riley embraces his homosexuality, Frederick’s attraction to Riley brings him nothing but torment. Although Riley suspects Fred might be gay, if true, he’s certain the man isn’t happy about it, and Riley doesn’t intrude where he’s not wanted. Despite being on assignment, Riley has no reason not to pursue other relationships, especially with the attractive Scotsman, Calhoun. If only he knew how much Fred wants him, it could be a different story.

They endeavour to uncover a new and exclusive drug with strange side effects and recuperative powers, but become victims when they find the supplier. Does Frederick only hallucinate running wild in the woods? Or, like Riley, will he choose to run naked, baring not only his body but also his soul, revealing the reason for his celibacy, and why having Riley around means that isn’t working out for him, at all.

Stay happy and healthy!
Sharon x

Night to Dawn #44

Night to Dawn magazine #44, ebook and print, features my short story, Brain Dead. Available directly from the publisher and Amazon.

Wildest Dreams Re-releases

Previously available from Loose-id, now released by JMS Books.

Detective Inspectors Frederick Dick and Riley Silcox have more important things to concern them than their names being a source of amusement. While Riley embraces his homosexuality, Frederick’s attraction to Riley brings him nothing but torment. Although Riley suspects Fred might be gay, if true, he’s certain the man isn’t happy about it, and Riley doesn’t intrude where he’s not wanted. Despite being on assignment, Riley has no reason not to pursue other relationships, especially with the attractive Scotsman, Calhoun. If only he knew how much Fred wants him, it could be a different story.

They endeavour to uncover a new and exclusive drug with strange side effects and recuperative powers, but become victims when they find the supplier. Does Frederick only hallucinate running wild in the woods? Or, like Riley, will he choose to run naked, baring not only his body but also his soul, revealing the reason for his celibacy, and why having Riley around means that isn’t working out for him, at all.

“Brekkie.” Riley beamed across the table, hoping to infect the other man with his sterling humour. “Full English… or the equivalent. Do they call it the same here, in Scotland? Was there such a thing as a full Scottish?” In his mind such a dish included a slice of fried haggis with a helping of handsome police officer on the side.

“Whatever they call it, I hope you won’t take too long. We have work to do.”
So, Fred was surly, sullen, appearing in no mood to joke around or repay a smile. No way would Riley let the other man’s sour disposition bring him down. The buzz of last night still vibrated through his veins. He was wired.

“All the more reason to fill up on fuel before we go.”

Riley scanned the small breakfast card, selecting the biggest breakfast plate listed and ordered. With nothing to entertain him at the table, he studied the room, soon tired of examining poor sketches in ageing frames depicting scenes of the district, and peeked back at Fred. What was wrong with the man this fine day? If his brow pitched any lower, Riley would be able to shelter beneath next time it rained.

“You’re chipper.” The sarcasm escaped before Riley reined it in.

Fred perused the paper — some regional rag — but his eyes didn’t move, leaving Riley unconvinced he took in more than every other word if he read at all.

“Don’t start.” Fred’s muttered response might be in recognition of Riley’s declaration or his stare, but doubtless the man had more to say. Given time Fred might communicate his true view, clearly dour, but a second later, he took Riley by surprise. His jaw adopted a stern line, the decision not to speak written in every line of his features. If Riley deduced anything, Fred knew about Calhoun. Maybe their tryst — Riley battled a grin — was more obvious than he intended. Perhaps his eyes shone with the truth. Possibly he looked shagged out. But then, he and Fred were in adjacent rooms. Maybe he and Calhoun made too much noise. That would be right. Riley cupped his coffee mug, letting the burn scorch his hands.

“You don’t need to remind me about the job. I should be professional, but…” He risked a glance at Fred’s eyes. “Would I get this grief if I were straight and took a female up to my room?”

“Don’t you dare accuse me of being a bigot.” Fred folded the newspaper with a savage twist.

“Fair enough.” Riley spoke slowly, hesitantly, unsure of why Fred acted so riled. “But please don’t imagine this in any way hurts my ability to carry out this investigation.”

“And what if Calhoun’s involved?”

Huh? “Do you believe that?” The idea hadn’t occurred to Riley.

Fred paused, likely weighing the possibility, but shook his head. “No. But if he were…”

“Fine. Fine. I don’t believe he was either, but I promise not to wave temptation, or anything, at anyone else. Okay?” He anticipated Fred’s curt nod. The other man stood, finished with his breakfast — what little he consumed, as indicated by a few toast crumbs on a small plate — while Riley accepted delivery of his. “I’ll meet you out front.”

“Sure. When I’m done.” He’d be damned if he’d rush through the grilled delights in front of him to slice ten minutes off Fred’s day.

Available from many good outlets but if in the US pleased buy direct from JMS Books if possible. This is the best way to help support the publisher and the author, so we can produce more titles.

Re-release of Wildest Dreams

I’m pleased and relieved to announce the re-release of Wildest Dreams at JMS Books on the 22nd of September. Pleased because, having broken my wrist at the start of the year, I’ve not written let alone released much this year. Relieved because something happened to the file and between me and my editor we found far more errors than there should have been or usually is my manuscripts. I’m still not entirely sure what went wrong, but such is the joy of working with technology. The important is, we got there.

Detective Inspectors Frederick Dick and Riley Silcox have more important things to concern them than their names being a source of amusement. While Riley embraces his homosexuality, Frederick’s attraction to Riley brings him nothing but torment. Although Riley suspects Fred might be gay, if true, he’s certain the man isn’t happy about it, and Riley doesn’t intrude where he’s not wanted. Despite being on assignment, Riley has no reason not to pursue other relationships, especially with the attractive Scotsman, Calhoun. If only he knew how much Fred wants him, it could be a different story.

They endeavour to uncover a new and exclusive drug with strange side effects and recuperative powers, but become victims when they find the supplier. Does Frederick only hallucinate running wild in the woods? Or, like Riley, will he choose to run naked, baring not only his body but also his soul, revealing the reason for his celibacy, and why having Riley around means that isn’t working out for him, at all.

Reads August 2023

Inkdeath, Cornelia Funke

By far the best in the trilogy. I throughly enjoyed this, likely owing to the level of anxiety caused by so many perils. Peril is the operative word here. Every chapter, every page, with enough breathing space not to exhaust the reader. The writer has created a universe that will stay in the mind long after it’s finished. The only negatives are a few flaws. I wasn’t able to connect with Dustfinger to the extent I did in the other books, but I still loved him enough to overlook this. And Meggie didn’t seem to have such a starring role. It’s also hard to see Mo change so much. Still, the tension carries this book and makes it my favourite of the three.

What Moves the Dead, T.Kingfisher

I can’t help finding this a tough book to review. On the one hand, it’s excellent. The author is definitely a storyteller and there’s nothing wrong with the writing. I might have also thought this original had I not read Mexican Gothic — a fact the author eludes to at the end by admitting to shelving this book for a good long while because of the other book’s publication. Sometimes timing is everything, but that’s no fault of the author. This book also isn’t as deep, in part because it’s short, but it’s unfair to compare the two as both are equally enjoyable and I suggest reading both. The problem is, I didn’t find it all that creepy, but I admit I don’t scare easily. This is a retelling of the Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe, though I didn’t realise that when I bought it. Having read both, I didn’t feel the connection. Alex is an interesting main character, but I didn’t feel that who Alex is had much to do with the outcome of the story. A fun, quick read that left me feeling something was lacking. But I now want to read more by the author and that’s never a bad outcome.

Cloudstreet, Tim Winton

A critically acclaimed glimpse into Australian life from 1944 to 64 featuring two families, the Lambs and the Pickles, brought together in one house. Emotionally, I flipped between love and hate every few turns of the pages. I detest books with no speech marks and even considering the author’s style, I don’t see why he didn’t use the correct punctuation. It wasn’t always immediately clear who was saying what, which I found to be an enormous distraction. Not often, but still annoying. It’s rather tell instead of show, but there’s a rhythm to the narrative that makes this work. As to the story… I loved it in places, loathed it in others. When I loved it, the book was wonderful. When I didn’t, I felt utterly bored. Some characters don’t serve the story, and neither do some of the supernatural elements. Sometimes the story is magical, but other times insufferable as we wander through these lives with no apparent direction or real purpose. I wish I found it as wonderful as others do, because when I loved it, that love was real, but I found it to be too much of a rollercoaster ride with too many dips way down low. Therefore, I’m not knocking anyone who adores this book — not that I would, anyway. Let people love what they love and there’s much to love here. There are some sumptuous sentences, but I think an abiding like of stepping into a life to visit without expectation of an efficacious outcome.

Swan Song (audio), Robert McCammon, read by Tom Stechschulte

The easiest way to describe this book is as an epic analogy against war, especially nuclear war. One can’t help think of Stephen King’s The Stand while reading this, and, I imagine, vice versa, once having read both, but each deserves their own place on anyone’s bookshelves. I can’t say everything I want to say without giving away the plot and outcome, but I’m not sure the anti-hero attempt quite works for me, maybe because it seems so sudden and brief. Sadly, the outcome speaks so eloquently, showing us with a painful foresight that some people may never change, even though hope runs throughout. There was a moment where I rolled my eyes when they get to their final destination and who they find there, but that soon dissipated when the author flipped the story defying my expectations. A head hopping but absorbing narrative worthy of recognition.

A Man Called Ove (audio), Fredrik Backman, read by Joan Walker

Having recently watched A Man Called Otto based on this book, I revisited this story by listening to the audio. I loved reading the novel and still have it on my shelves. The audio did nothing to disappoint. At first glance, one might wonder why they’d want to read the story of a grumpy old man, but Ove is not all he seems and his life is one to be celebrated. One thing the book does better than the film is give us his wife’s point of view. We get to learn of the qualities she saw in him, long before a new family moves into the neighbourhood. We also learn more about his background. If you liked the book, there’s no reason not to enjoy the story in other formats. If you’ve only seen the film, watch or listen to the book, and enjoy how Ove touches the lives of others.

Sleeping Beauties, Stephen King and Owen King

Definitely an epic, this doorstop of a book slowly sets the scene of a world without women as they succumb to a strange plague. Like all King novels, this is heavily character driven. Though I would struggle to choose parts to cut, the book feels overly long. I struggled to continue with it in many places, especially once we learn what happens to the women after they’re cocooned, which was when my interest wavered even though I’d survived a communicative fox and other strange creatures appearing, which I saw no reason for. By then I’d invested too much to give up, but this took me ages to finish and I sometimes felt I was turning each page through sheer will. What people get from this will depend on their experiences. Let’s just say I’ve excellent reasons to want to return home, so my viewpoint is no doubt influenced by that choice. The book’s expertly composed, well thought out, and immersive, but I spent much of it wondering if there was a point. Had women written this, I can imagine an outcry that it’s an attack on men… and in that exact sentence is perhaps the point of the book, but while it’s an interesting topic to explore, I found the innate message somewhat flawed. Yes, it examines much of what’s wrong with the world, but I struggle to believe a world ran by women would work better; the same ridiculous power struggles often rise to the fore, no matter who is in charge. This novel is entertaining in parts, not so much in others. It’s explorative. It’s needlessly overlong, not scary, and anyone expecting the usual Stephen King novel may find they are disappointed (or pleased) that it’s not. However, I now want to read something else by Owen King.

Update July 2023

Had a horrendous trip to the in-laws. Traffic jams, roadworks, diversions, reports of animals on the road and people throwing things from a bridge. Could anyone have thrown anything else into the mix? If I put all this into a story readers would say I’m being melodramatic or unrealistic, proving life is stranger than fiction. All this added a good couple of hours onto the journey, which did me no good at all.

Once back home, we continued with our ‘refresh’ of the house, repainting one wall in the guest bedroom, and touching up any marks. It’s never looked so good. I’ve now moved on to the room’s ensuite shower room, but discovered the wall needs a little attention once I pulled off the paper. I think it’s because we papered over bathroom paint, so we’ll put a different base coat on the wall we intend to re-paper once it’s repaired. Otherwise, there’s not much to do in there with snagging (small cracks in new builds) only over the shower.

FILM/TV:
We finished the Netflix limited series Midnight Mass, which turned out to be a questioning religious take on vampire mythology. The arguments presented and the thought-provoking dialogue were exceptional. About to finish watching the Basil Rathbone Sherlock Holmes films, which have been a nostalgic joy. And we watched series 4 of Stranger Things (Netflix), which we enjoyed the most of all the seasons. The way Netflix enhanced the sound was excellent and I hope they make this a more regular feature.

WRITING:
I now know why I’ve not written much since breaking my wrist, having received my latest edits. Many were stupid mistakes because I was typing with one hand and using dictation. However, surely my brain was also scrambled, as I should have caught most, if not all, of them during the last read. I must have gone over it too many times by then, so my eyes filled in the blanks, which is why writers need an editor or at least a second set of eyes. Fortunately, I have a fab editor. Wildest Dreams this will re-release in the autumn.

I also received my copy of Night to Dawn magazine #44, also out this autumn, containing my short story Brain Dead. More on that nearer the time.

Stay happy and healthy!
Sharon x

Reads of July 2023

Wounds, Nathan Ballingrud
When I started this book, I initially thought, WTH am I reading? I didn’t think this author’s work was for me, but as I went further and got used to his way of world building, which is to drop the reader straight into the darkest depths of hell, I became engrossed. For those of nervous dispositions they’d likely say they’re grossed out, but gory descriptions aside, it was the imaginative creativity of the writer’s style. Bizarre, surreal, warped… the stories presented here are all these things and more. From the borders of hell, indeed. Strangely, I enjoyed each subsequent story more, starting with my least favourite to the best — to my knowledge, The Butcher’s Table being a vision of piracy we’ve never seen before.

Ticktock, Dean Koontz
Mingle a devil doll, an unexplainable creature, a mad headlong dash to escape its deadly intent, a woman who seems more capable than any secret agent, and a dog with more abilities than your most intelligent canine and to some this book may seem ridiculous. The author explains his reason for writing this, but on this re-read, all I can say is it’s a lot of fun. Suspend belief and go along for the ride and the book reaches a satisfying if extraordinary conclusion. Some books are purely there to entertain.

Making Money, Terry Pratchett
No doubt baffling, but I have a handful of Terry Pratchett books left to read, well aware that when I’ve read them, there are no more (although I can and may well read them again). Therefore, though it’s been out for many years, this is my first reading of Making Money. What Terry and Moist von Lipwig did for the post office, he does here for the banks. What more can I say? Fine comic writing. Wonderful satire. Outstanding as always with a cast of unforgettable characters, including a dog with a newfound and beloved toy.

Tuck Everlasting, Natalie Babbitt
Thought-provoking tale with not-so-subtle themes on the meaning of life and death, immortality, and even freedom. I’d include this on any recommended reading list for children and teens. Although listed as a children’s book, this is one many adults enjoy. Still, I found this cautionary tale to be too short and would have preferred more emotional writing, even when I was of the intended age. Of course, if everyone lived indefinitely it would spell disaster, but it’s easier to see how it would be worse for the people in the book, then perhaps for someone with greater aspirations in a more modern world. A bittersweet read that doesn’t pack such a punch when we’ve moved so far away from a time when horses are the only means of transport. I couldn’t help thinking of vampire stories where they’ve had to invest their money, return as a distant relative to claim their own fortunes. In another scenario, eternal life might not be a curse for some, especially if it was possible to end it at a time of one’s choosing. Therefore, the warning here holds true, but not entirely, though it leaves the question of what you would do when Winnie is confronted with the offer at the end of the book.

Sole Survivor, Dean Koontz
A well plotted supernatural thriller, this book is going to mean different things to different people primarily depending on their religious beliefs. At first, I was a little irritated by its message, which I saw as potentially flawed. Without giving away the revelation, it’s hard to explain why, except to say there’s no way to know the truth behind what someone shows people. I think the main character of Joe Carpenter explores a husband’s and father’s grief well, but the book feels overlong. There’s an almost comfortable ride, even through moments of tension and a lot left toward the end to be revealed. Not as boring as an info dump, still it’s a lot to take in. It’s like 90% of the book builds question after question and then the remaining chunk provides the answer and it left me feeling a little bombarded as I finished the novel. Having said that, I’d have to take time to consider how anyone would present this story in another format and it’s an imaginative plot. We know Koontz for incorporating his religious beliefs and there’s a high percentage of that here, but, as I’ve said, everything here is open to interpretation. It’s gripping enough to be well worth reading once, though this was a re-read for me after many years.

The Writer as Typesetter

Typesetter used to be an actual job. While I’m sure professionals typically handle book layout at major publishing houses, writers at mid-size and smaller publishers must now do it themselves. The days of huge mechanical machines are gone. Machines where someone had to lie out each word for printing, a job which must have been horrendous. So much of publishing is now electronic and I’m not referring solely to e-books. Writers handle the writing process, manuscript submission, edits, and layout.

At heart many object to this. I understand this is more cost-effective for the publisher. With new companies, a tiny publisher, and those offering a larger percentage split, it’s even crucial. Still, it leaves a lot to chance and sometimes can be a complicated process. The writer often has to work a day job, raise a family, have a life, AND write, AND promote. To lie out a work for publication can feel like the last insult. One reason this bites is a writer can go to all the hassle of formatting work to submit to a specific publisher, only to have it rejected. They then have to re-format the work to submit elsewhere. That’s why I firmly believe in the old Standard Manuscript Format. I certainly believe no publisher should require a writer to format a work any other way prior to acceptance, and not, necessarily, even then. Since when has a writer had to be a typesetter?

Likewise, most publishers have a house-style using a particular punctuation system and spelling rules. It’s impossible for writers to keep up with these ever-changing and differing systems. For any writer working with more than one publisher, it can be a nightmare, especially if the house-style updates. I’m a UK writer who often writes for a US market, so whether my books appear in English or American, spellings vary. Usually, I have no option but to at least accept a different punctuation system. I’ve had to come clean with these publishers, to tell them I only know one punctuation system: the one I grew up with. The more I tried to learn another, the worse my punctuation became. Some of these things are too much to ask of the average writer on an average day. It’s something any would-be writers out there need to be aware of. Typesetter is also commonly now part of the job.