K.J. Chapman's Blog, page 15
February 1, 2020
Book Review: Eleven Eleven By Paul Dowswell
Eleven Eleven by Paul Dowswell 4/5
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Set during the final 24 hours before the armistice at 11 a.m. on 11th November 1918, the story follows a German storm trooper, an American airman and a British Tommy. Their destinies converge during the death throes of the first ever conflict to spread across the globe. War becomes incredibly personal as nationality and geography cease to matter to each of these teenagers on the Western Front, and friendship becomes the defining aspect of their encounter. But who will live and who will die before the end of the day?
Review:
This story follows three men: two soldiers and a pilot in WW1. A German, a Brit, and an American. The story is told from the three points of view in the 6 hours after the Armistice was signed and the bigwigs involved decided the war would end 6 hours later at 11am.
What really got to me was the fact that so many lives were lost despite the war being over because it was decided that it would continue for another 6 hours.
Dowswell captures the sheer horror of war and horrific conditions both the Brits and German infantry had to endure. Delving into the mindset of men who are potentially one bullet or shell away from death was fascinating and upsetting to read.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in wartime books as it has been researched well, and the narrative has been well developed.
The opinions expressed here are those of K.J. Chapman and no other parties
All books reviewed on this blog have been read by K.J.Chapman
K.J.Chapman has not been paid for this review
Content belongs to K.J.Chapman
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January 31, 2020
Book Review: One Shot by Tanya Landman
One Shot by Tanya Landman 5/5
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When your childhood disappears in a blizzard. When you’re a girl in a man’s world. When the only thing that stands between you and a life worth having is a gun. You’re only going to get one shot.
Inspired by the life of famous sharpshooter Annie Oakley.
Review:
I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style and prose of Tanya Landman. The world building was immersive, and emotions of hard hitting situations were handled delicately without losing their impact.
The descriptions were so effective, for example, ‘Pa was a quiet man. Say ‘quiet’ to some folks and they think meek. Mild. Timid. Pa was none of those things. He didn’t waste breath on words, but when he did speak, every last syllable was worth hearing.’ This was on the first page and I knew exactly the type of man her father was.
This is a story of fiction that was inspired by the life of the famous shooter and star of the Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, Annie Oakley.
The opinions expressed here are those of K.J. Chapman and no other parties
All books reviewed on this blog have been read by K.J.Chapman
K.J.Chapman has not been paid for this review
Content belongs to K.J.Chapman
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January 22, 2020
Book Review: Three’s a Crowd
Three’s a Crowd by Sophie McKenzie 3/5
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Luke and Eve are heading off on their first holiday together. But they’re staying with Eve’s dad in his Spanish hotel and things aren’t going to go to plan…Eve’s dad treats his daughter like a little girl – and if Luke was hoping for a some summer action with Eve, her father soon puts a stop to it. Eve showcases her singing with the hotel band in the evenings, which means she’s spending a lot of time with the handsome male drummer. Luke’s jealous, but a revenge snog with the gorgeous Catalina doesn’t seem to help his relationship with Eve much, and Cat’s boyfriend is none too pleased either. Suddenly, it’s turning into a holiday from hell…
Review:
A story of a teen boy navigating his relationship with the girl of his dreams whilst on a summer break, and the third wheel that is her father.
The writing and dialogue felt smooth and I can’t fault the style. I can understand why young adults may enjoy this book, but I found it hard to relate to/ like Luke. His jealousy was a bit much for me. Wary of every guy who talks to his girlfriend with a possessive inner monologue.
The opinions expressed here are those of K.J. Chapman and no other parties
All books reviewed on this blog have been read by K.J.Chapman
K.J.Chapman has not been paid for this review
Content belongs to K.J.Chapman
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January 13, 2020
Finding Routine After a Hiatus (Author Toolbox Blog Hop)
As you know, I have taken a long hiatus from writing, partly due to being a full time Mum, and partly because I let other things get in the way of my writing time i.e setting myself too much work for this blog and social media.
Now, I have set my priorities straight for 2020 and want to dive back in with editing my novella, Zombies and Budgie Smugglers. However, I am finding it harder than I thought I would.
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I have now set myself some rules to get back into a writing routine and wanted to share them with you.
Chose a time of day and stick to it.
The mornings are best for me. My kids are early risers, so getting in a writing session when they’re eating breakfast and watching TV is best for me. If I get it done and dusted, then the rest of my day is free and I don’t feel guilty for not having written or for writing instead of family time etc.
Set low word count goals for the first few weeks.
I work best by hitting word counts rather than time limits. Ideally, 500 words a day would be perfect, but it is a daunting number coming back after a break, so I am setting small word count goals for a while of just 150 words a day. The sense of accomplishment motivates me each day.
Accountability is important.
Having someone ask ,what was your word count this morning?’ or ‘did you sit down and edit today?’ really helps me stay on track. Let people know what your plans and goals are and ask them to encourage you to stay on track every once in a while. My 9 year is best at this as she enjoys writing herself.
Mini deadlines over big ones.
When I was a mother of 1 school age child, I would happily set deadlines for editing and publication etc. Now, I have a toddler with me 24/7 a deadline seems scary. Deadlines used to motivate me, so I enjoy a mini deadline without the big stress of looming dates. For example, getting 15 pages edited in 5 days is doable and an extra push.
Do you have any tips to help me jump back on the writing wagon?
You can check out the other #authortoolboxbloghop participants and their posts here.
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January 9, 2020
3 in 1 Book Review: Short Stories in
Frostbite by E.J Stevens 3/5
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An interesting prequel to an urban fantasy involving a private investigator with a twist. Ivy investigates the paranormal with her psychic abilities. This little short shows promise for the rest of the series.
Rose Awake by A.W Cross 2.5/5
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A sci fi retelling of the sleeping beauty story. The concept was intriguing, however, the narrative felt rushed to me and the dialogue a little stilted. I think it would have been better as a full novel.
Northern Realm Royal Dragons Prequel by Lisa Daniels 2/5
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This is a read for someone who likes perfect romances. The narrative was too unbelievable and flawless for me. Nina was naive and a bit of a damsel in distress. If you like these types of tropes, then you may enjoy this book more than me.
The opinions expressed here are those of K.J. Chapman and no other parties
All books reviewed on this blog have been read by K.J.Chapman
K.J.Chapman has not been paid for this review
Content belongs to K.J.Chapman
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December 30, 2019
My Writing & Blogging 2020 Plans
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As I go forward into 2020, I am trying to prioritise my writing and everything that is part of that parcel. 2019 wasn’t my most productive in regards to my writing, and part of the reason was my blog series deadlines. If I say I’m doing a series for 10 weeks, I will stick to my promise even if that means my writing projects going on the back burner. In 2019, I did 40 weeks in total! That was fine for 2019, as I couldn’t do as much writing with my young son in tow, but now he is a toddler, and I have a little more time, I need to reorganise the workload.
That reorganisation is ensuring I put my writing first. I would like to publish my Zombies and Budgie Smugglers novella this year, and that means serious editing time.
I need to get back into the saddle and remember that my blog and social media accounts are a by-product of my writing goals, not the other way around.
So, what does that mean for Writerly Bookish Stuff?...
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Firstly, I will not be posting any topical blog series this year.
Secondly, book reviews will continue as and when I finish books.
Thirdly, I will, of course, post any information in regards to my books, new releases, and promotions etc.
Finally, I will post one writerly post a month (to correpsond with #authortoolboxbloghop) on every 3rd Wednesday of the month.
I hope to have much more news on my Zombies and Budgie Smugglers novellas to post throughout 2020, and I want to thank all my readers for coming on the journey with me. I hope you stick around to see what I can achieve this year!
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December 2, 2019
ARC Review: Shadow in Ar’Sanciond
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Shadow in Ar’Sanciond by Sarina Langer 5/5
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Review:
If you have read Langer’s Relics of Ar’Zac series, then this is a great addition to the world you have come to know, and if not, then this is sure to entice you to read more.
A great, little read that gives insight into how certain events unfolded with characters that are included in the main series, but also a standalone in it’s own right. I enjoy learning more about the history of worlds I feel immersed in.
If you are a Brandon Sanderson fan, then Langer is a writer of high fantasy who you should enjoy with layers of world building and indepth backstory.
The opinions expressed here are those of K.J. Chapman and no other parties
All books reviewed on this blog have been read by K.J.Chapman
K.J.Chapman has not been paid for this review
Content belongs to K.J.Chapman
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December 1, 2019
November Update
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Thanks for popping in for my November updates post. It felt like I had been a bit sporadic this month, but doing this post proved I did get a fair bit accomplished.
Writing
With just weeks until 2020, I have decided to write what I want when I want. This means I have done a lot of WIP hopping, but it’s the only way to make me sit down and write of late.
Blogging
I have finished my 4th and final blog series of the year. I hope you enjoyed my Picture This series as much as I enjoyed writing it.
I am going to take the next month to work out my routine for Writerly Bookish Stuff in 2020. I need to be consistent, but understand my own time constraints. I will let you know the plan after Christmas.
Reading
I have read a LOT of Christmas novellas this month. I did 7 reviews in total in 3 blog posts.
I am currently reading an ARC of Shadow of Ar’Sanciond by Sarina Langer.
What’s Next?
Next is Christmas. That is my sole focus, but I will continue posting book reviews and the odd Christmassy post.
Keep your eyes peeled for my plans for 2020.
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November 26, 2019
Picture This: Episode 10
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And here we are, the final episode of the Picture This series. Thank you for joining me on this writing prompt adventure.
From now until the New Year I will be only dropping in for book reviews and anything Christmassy that catches my fancy. I need to take some time to figure out a new routine for Writerly Bookish Stuff in 2020.
Now, back to today. Of course, this post is Christmas themed. Please, join in with your own interpretations if you want.
Prompt:
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Finally, the house is asleep. I thought they’d never go, especially when Mum cracked open the Baileys.
The tiny box in my hand feels like a lead weight, but even so, I am certain of my choice. I place it in Josh’s stocking, my hand trembling.
It’ll be the first thing he opens tomorrow, and when he turns around, he’ll find me on one knee. I’m not one for convention, and maybe he’ll say no, but I do know that I love him and want to make a commitment.
I turn around to see Josh in the doorway, mouth agape, and a tiny box of his own in his hand. “I thought you were in the bath,” he says, blushing.
I could laugh out loud. “No, just adding some final stocking presents.”
I slip passed him as he tries to hide the box in his pocket. I think tomorrow is going to be interesting.
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November 20, 2019
3 in 1 Book Review
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Christmas by the Sea by Beth Wisemen 2/5
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The descriptions and world building were well written, but the romance felt rushed. Just because someone saved your life, you don’t necessarily have a romantic connection with them on the first meeting after.
Her Christmas Bonus by Rain Danvers 2/5
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What can I say? Not my cup of tea. The out of the blue actions of the characters to force the narrative put me off a little.
The Billionaire Brothers’ Christmas by Jenn Roseton 3/5
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A sweet, Christmas tale about 5 brothers making Christmas special for their wives and kids. A little disaster with planning the Christmas dinner is the main story plot, but I do like an ‘it all comes good in the end’ tale. Sometimes, the characters felt a little flawless, but I can forgive that at Christmas.
The opinions expressed here are those of K.J. Chapman and no other parties
All books reviewed on this blog have been read by K.J.Chapman
K.J.Chapman has not been paid for this review
Content belongs to K.J.Chapman
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