Maria Savva's Blog - Posts Tagged "quentin-r-bufogle"

In the past couple of years I have read some fabulous books by authors you may not have heard of.

There are lots of good books out there, and before I joined Goodreads, I really only read books by well known authors, or books I could find in my local bookshops.

Many of you may still do that. Maybe you only buy the bestsellers or you only buy books you can find in bricks and mortar shops. I think most people are probably like that.

I just wanted to open up a window for you, and introduce you to some fabulous writers who are not bestsellers, their books are not easy to find in your local shops, but their books are some of the best I have ever read.

Here are a few recommendations.

I hope you will pick at least one from this list to try. Then, if you like it, I hope you'll come back and read another.
And most of all, I hope you'll tell all your friends about them.

Books are written because there is a story to tell, that story deserves to be read.

I've fallen in love with these books, and I hope you will too:

Breathing into Stone Breathing into Stone by Joel Blaine Kirkpatrick

Eighteenth century priest, Father Furio Novia, hates his employer, the Archbishop of Modena; almost as much as he hates Italian master sculptor, Antonio Lisi. When Novia discovers that Lisi uses his beautiful daughter's likeness in nearly every figure he carves, the priest realizes he can make accusations to the Archbishop that the sculptor has an incestuous knowledge of his daughter, Anoria. Novia begins to haunt their lives, and every family in their village of Resceto, not because he believes they have sinned, but because he desires Anoria for himself.For two years their lives twined around one another's, destined to clash in Rome; Novia, committing murder to stay free of the church; Anoria, nearly killing him to escape his lust.(some adult oriented content)

The Day the Flowers Died The Day The Flowers Died by Ami Blackwelder

A Passion set in the time of prejudice. A novel about love and loss. The completed final edition. 1930 Munich. Two Lovers. Different Worlds. A Crumbling Country Book Taste Review: Ami Blackwelder paints her words in this gently narrated historical romance set in Munich, Germany early 1930. The scenes recreate pre-war Germany...

Pixels of Young Mueller Pixels of Young Mueller by Jerry Schwartz

Klaus Mueller dreams of leaving tiny Southland someday to be a rock star. When he chooses stardom over college, however, he learns that his real education is only beginning. He endures a series of god-awful jobs while his music is repeatedly rejected, and he wonders how he will ever achieve success. After moving to the city, where he finds a career and becomes a father, he is torn between the great happiness he has found and the success he still craves. Klaus must reconcile his dreams with reality or spend the rest of his life lamenting what might have been.Pixels of Young Mueller is the story of an artist's growth to maturity and of his revolt against his family's Christian values. The tale of Klaus Mueller, as told in this modern coming-of-age novel, provides new perspectives on classic themes when Klaus confronts the forces that threaten his existence. Readers can listen to Klaus' music online at itsthejerrys.com. (edited by author)

Musical Chairs Musical Chairs by Jen Knox

Musical Chairs explores one family's history of mental health diagnoses and searches to define the cusp between a '90s working-class childhood and the trouble of adapting to a comfortable life in the suburbs. In order to understand her restlessness, Jennifer reflects on years of strip-dancing, alcoholism, and estrangement. Inspired by the least likely source, the family she left behind, Jennifer struggles towards reconciliation. This story is about identity, class, family ties, and the elusive nature of mental illness.


Horse Latitudes Horse Latitudes by Quentin R. Bufogle

Time is running out for Chester Sprockett. How is an unemployed, aspiring novelist supposed to survive when the thirty grand borrowed off his dead father's credit cards is almost gone, and the only work he can find is hawking toys and cheesy novelty items door-to-door . . . on commission yet?

And talk about woman trouble: There's Pandora, the beautiful magician's assistant who dumped him for an investment banker and the dream of becoming a performance artist; Beth, his true love, the girl he let slip through his fingers at the beach (maybe it was all that baby oil) and the mysterious blond nymph who hurls empty beer bottles at him from a black Z28 Camaro.

If it wasn't for the occasional visit from the ghost of his father, Chester would almost certainly be losing his grip on reality, and never navigate his way out of the . . . Horse Latitudes.


Caviar Dreams Caviar Dreams by Judy Nichols

Your best friend's in love with a lying, scum-bag thief. How do you tell her? Because what she doesn't know could kill her. This is photographer Lisa Watson's dilemma. Lisa has always relied on her plain, overweight friend Debbie to cheer her up when she's down on her luck (which is most of the time). When Debbie falls hard for a handsome stranger named Derek. Lisa is skeptical, believing Prince Charming is more interested in Debbie's money than her kind nature. Derek may be a small-time hustler, but he has big-time plans. He intends to blackmail his wealthy lover, Robert Helton, a conservative industrialist desperate to hide his secret gay life. However, Derek's plan takes a fatal turn when Debbie is found dead in her apartment.


Harmony Bay: An adventurous slice of waterfront life where mystery surrounds history... Harmony Bay by Tom Gahan

Harmony Bay uncovers the rich historical past of a small town through the eyes of newcomers...Detailed description laced with historical references gives the reader a feel for life in a bayside town

Enemies and Playmates Enemies and Playmates by Darcia Helle

When the abused decide to fight back, the abuser's world might just shatter. Lauren Covington's family maintains a grand facade that belies the life they live behind closed doors. Alex Covington, Lauren's father, keeps a tight rein on his family through dominance, abuse, and obsessive control. Consequently, Lauren doesn't believe she could ever trust a man, much less fall in love with one.

When Lauren meets Jesse Ryder, her carefully constructed protective wall shatters. She falls hopelessly and completely in love. It's only fitting that Jesse is a private detective who had once worked for her father, had defied him, and was now the subject of Alex Covington's wrath.

Amidst devastating loss, betrayal, and her father's destructive pursuit of Jesse, Lauren finds the trust and love she had always longed for.

Digger's Bones Digger's Bones by Paul Mansfield Keefe

Archaeologist Angie Cooper's colleague and friend, Tarek "Digger" Rashid, is murdered in front of her. But not before giving her cryptic photographic clues to a hidden tomb and the two thousand year old bones within. Angie must battle a ruthless hitman, hired by a U.S. senator with presidential aspirations, and a sociopathic religious zealot while overcoming severe acrophobia. Caught in a web of lies, deceit, and betrayal, she works to unravel the secret of Digger's bones. Bones that affect the lives of all they touch.

Digger’s Bones is an action packed thriller that takes you from the churches and burial tombs of ancient Jerusalem to the harrowing cliffs of Bandelier National Monument and the glacier capped Zugspitze in Germany. Angie Cooper, her career in shambles, finds herself on the run from mercenaries, the Holy See, the FBI, and Interpol while trying to solve one of archaeology’s great mysteries. Yet some things are better left in the past.

Twenty-Five Years Ago Today Twenty-Five Years Ago Today by Stacy Juba

Kris Langley has always been obsessed with murder. She blames herself for the violent death of her cousin when they were kids and has let guilt invade every corner of her existence. Now an editorial assistant and obit writer for a Massachusetts newspaper, Kris stumbles across an unsolved murder while compiling "25 Years Ago Today" items from the microfilm. She grows fascinated with the case of a young cocktail waitress who was bludgeoned to death and dumped in the woods. Determined to solve the case and atone for the death of her cousin, Kris immerses herself in the mystery of what happened to Diana Ferguson, a talented artist who expressed herself through haunting paintings of Greek mythology. Not only does Kris face resistance from her family and her managing editor, she also clashes with Diana's suspicious nephew, Eric Soares - until neither she nor Eric can deny the chemistry flaring between them. Kris soon learns that old news never leaves the morgue and that yesterday's headline is tomorrow's danger, for finding out the truth about that night twenty-five years ago may shatter Kris's present, costing her love, her career, and ultimately, her life.

My Schizophrenic Life: The Road to Recovery from Mental Illness My Schizophrenic Life by Sandra Yuen MacKay

Vancouver artist Sandra Yuen MacKay has an abnormality of the brain - a disease called schizophrenia. As she says, "my life is schizophrenic because I have schizophrenia. It will always be there". Much of her life has been a struggle to cope with the symptoms of her disease and the side effects of the medications required to keep those symptoms in check.

Early in her life, Sandra started to exhibit the typical symptoms of this disease which came as a surprise to her unsuspecting family. Her book chronicles her struggles, hospitalizations, encounters with professionals, return to school, eventual marriage, and success as an artist, writer and advocate.

Fade Fade by Darren Smith

"Perhaps the best way to describe just how much this book caught my imagination is to reveal that even almost a year after reading it, there are still scenes that I remember vividly, quotations that I can recall and to confess that I will never think of doughnuts with sprinkles in the same way again."

"Brilliantly written love story captures your thoughts and emotions throughout the whole reading and long after it. The lucid and detailed narration provides multi layered complexity of each character's personality, startling revelations, creative turns of the plot."

"Dramatic and touching, the author does a brilliant job of capturing the reader's attention and reeling them into the depths of his story telling."

What Remains What Remains, by Rosemary Poole Carter

WHAT REMAINS is set on a rundown plantation shortly after the Civil War. In the shadow of live oaks and Spanish moss, Isabelle Ross, who has lost her fiancé to the war, joins forces with journalist Paul Delahoussaye to untangle a web of secrets, lies, and murder.

Road Markers Road Markers by Jason C McIntyre

Dean is a forty-something sales rep for a company that ropes small, mostly blue-collar firms into long term cellphone plans. Heading home from a bad meeting, he begins to see evidence that he can will things to happen just by thinking about them. But will this tantalizing realization lead him to cross the line for good?

* * *

Most of these writers have written more books, and I'm looking forward to reading more of their work.

Give them a try.

Remember, if you like a book, remember to review it, either here on Goodreads, or on Amazon and other bookseller websites. Authors are always grateful for honest reviews. It doesn't have to be anything detailed, just a couple of lines to say why you liked it would be wonderful.

Happy reading!

Last week was a great one for writers and readers, with World Book Day, and now it's Read an Ebook Week! From 6th March - 12th March 2011


Here are a few reading suggestions from me:

Firstly, my own Amazon kindle books :) 'Cutting The Fat', 'Pieces of a Rainbow', and 'Love and Loyalty' are currently only $0.99/£0.70!! My novels are just $2.99/£2.20. I would love it if you'd try one of my books this week!

Remember, you don't have to own an ereader to read kindle books. Amazon.com have free apps for iphone, ipad, pc, mac, blackberry and android, so you can read the books wherever or how ever you like!











Here are a few more suggestions, either books I've read and loved, or books I'm looking forward to reading, by some of my favourite authors!























Many authors are reducing the price of their books for Read an Ebook Week, so keep an eye out for free ebooks and discount codes.

A great website to check out for free/discounted ebooks is Smashwords.com

I hope all of you will read an ebook this week!! :)

Quentin R. Bufogle was one of the first authors I met here on Goodreads when I joined in 2008. When we met, I just knew we would be friends, he has a wonderful sense of humour and is one of the most genuine people I've ever met. Even though we've never met in person, we have become good friends.
His novel, Horse Latitudes, is one of my favourite books; the laugh out loud tale about an unemployed aspiring novelist reaching for the American Dream. It's a must read. Quentin is giving away a copy of the book to one lucky winner, more details about that later.

Quentin is a humourist, and I'd recommend his blog here on Goodreads where he shares stories, some true, some fictional, but all extremely funny.

Here are his replies to my interview questions:

Your bio says that you were a cartoonist & illustrator in the ‘80s & a contributor to National Lampoon magazine. Can you tell us more about that?

Wow. I’m honestly a little conflicted about the whole Lampoon thing. I should probably tell you that as a kid growing up in Queens, New York, I never thought about becoming a writer. I loved comic books, and from the age of about 8, my dream was to become a cartoonist. By the time I started attending the High School of Art & Design, National Lampoon was the #1 humor magazine in the country – in the world for that matter. They had an estimated readership of something like 8 or 9 million people a month, and the talent was unbelievable. As art students, we were all huge fans. Anyway, when I began making the rounds with my portfolio in the early ‘80s, I decided I’d give the Lampoon a try. I pretty much felt it was a waste of time, competition was fierce, but I gave it a shot. I still remember driving over to the office on Madison Avenue that day. I was stuck in a snarl of traffic and kept telling myself I should just turn around and go home – getting my work in the Lampoon was a-million-to-one shot. A couple months earlier, I’d been in the studio of Neal Adams, a legendary comic book artist, and broached the subject of submitting to the Lampoon. “The Lampoon!” He said, “Are you kidding? I know guys who’d give their right arm to be in the Lampoon!” I mean that’s how huge a deal it was. Anyway, long story short, they looked over my portfolio, and about four months later, Stacey Glick, the art assistant, called with my first assignment. I’d been getting rejected by these obscure little local rags like The Nutmegger, and here I was in the National Lampoon. There’s a caveat to the story tho. Although the Lampoon still exists as licensing company for movie projects, the magazine eventually folded. A few years ago the company decided to put out a compilation of the magazine on DVD-ROM – which included my work. Only they never bothered to pay me for using my stuff in the new format. The company had purchased limited rights for the use of my work (First American & European) and under copyright law, shouldn’t have been allowed to reproduce the work digitally without payment or consent. When I contacted the company to demand payment, I got the proverbial run around. I eventually sat down with an intellectual rights attorney and was told to forget about it – there simply wasn’t enough money in the case to bother. So much for the copyright law.

Which do you prefer, writing or illustrating?

Writing. I came to realize I was a storyteller, not a graphic artist. I’d been using pictures to tell stories. Words were more effective. It was like I’d been in a long-term relationship and suddenly found the true love of my life. I was done with illustrating.

Is there a particular author, or book, that inspired you to start writing?

I’d have to say Henry Miller. No so much his writing style, but his life. I remember a line from The Time of the Assassins: a Study of Rimbaud, his “study” of French poet Arthur Rimbaud.
Miller wrote that in Rimbaud, he saw himself as in a mirror. I feel the same about Miller. I used to read his books during the subway commute to my job on Wall Street. Stumbling upon his work at that point in my life was like someone tossing me a life preserver. I was in my late twenties, trapped in a job I hated, yearning to be a writer and taking my first wobbly, baby steps in that direction. Reading about Miller, a man in his forties who suffered the same predicament, and ultimately had the courage to break free – run off to Paris and write Tropic of Cancer – made me believe that I could somehow find a way.

When did you first discover your love of writing?

Looking back, I realize I’ve always had an affinity for words. Words affected me. I recognized the poetry in them even as a kid. Always had an ear for them. I didn’t become a serious reader tho til I was in my mid-twenties; then I devoured everything. I’d settle on a particular author, like Scott Fitzgerald, and read their entire body of work; then move on to someone else: Hemingway; Cheever; Bukowski; Hesse; Kerouac; Miller... I also made sure to read at least one biography of each author as well. Man, I was hooked! All I wanted was to be worthy of sitting at the same lunch table with those guys.

Do you have any tips for someone who wants to become a writer?

Yeah... for Christ’s sake, do something else!!! Seriously, if you think you could be happy doing something else – do something else! As tough as it might be to become a doctor, or a lawyer, or a nuclear physicist, there’s at least a path to those professions – not necessarily an easy path, but a path none the less.
Writers are not so fortunate. You spend most of your time wandering lost. There’s no formula, no blueprint, no textbook to read. You have to be foolish enough; arrogant enough, to believe that what you’ve written is worth the undivided attention of another human being – and willing to do it for nothing.
Now, if I’ve dissuaded you from becoming a writer, not to worry. You weren’t
one to begin with.

In your debut novel, Horse Latitudes, the main character Chester Sprockett has an ambition to write the great American novel. How much of your own personality is in Chester, and is the book in any way autobiographical?

Well, let’s just say Horse Latitudes is my most autobiographical novel – and I’ve only written one.

How did you go about choosing the cover for your book?

My publisher did ask for my input in selecting a cover image, but also made it clear that the final decision was theirs. As it turned out, the actual cover illustration for Horse Latitudes is almost identical to the one I suggested – something I was very pleased about. The image of a tiny, bathrobe clad Chester Sprockett, dangling from the bikini of a giant bathing beauty whose face is partially obscured from view, wasn’t only intended to be sexy and provocative; but symbolic of Chester’s thwarted love life, and the insecurity I believe all men feel on some level regarding the female sex.

As well as writing your novel, you’ve also been featured in the Las Vegas
Weekly, can you tell us a bit more about that?

I sent a review copy of my novel to the magazine, and, as I’d expected, got nothing by way of response. Soon after I read an article by Scott Dickensheets, the Weekly’s editor, about the closing of a local bookstore due to the lousy economy. Seeing an angle, I fired off an e-mail to Scott, the gist of which was: Granted the economy sucks, but perhaps publishers, bookstores & reviewers were sowing the seeds of their own demise by refusing to publish, promote, or review new authors. A few weeks later I was checking out the online version of the Weekly, and nearly fell out of my chair: Scott had featured my novel in a piece titled, Five Random Passages from Horse Latitudes, by Local Novelist Quentin R. Bufogle. Since then I’ve contributed several pieces to the magazine – mostly fiction.

How much can you tell us about the book you’re currently working on, which I
believe is titled, The Siren of Neptune’s Beach?

I knew you were gonna ask me that. The Siren of Neptune’s Beach, is something, well... different. I know you’re supposed to be able to summarize a book in 2 sentences, but not a chance. First & foremost it’s funny. It’s a romance, a mystery; a fable. It’s about surfers and beatniks and early ‘60s rock ‘n’ roll; about an old legend involving a moon goddess, and a desolate, long forgotten stretch of beach where time stands still. It’s part The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, part Don Quixote, and part Wuthering Heights. Does that help?

Who are your favorite authors and what is it about their writing that you like?

Charles Bukowski, because of his simplicity & dark sense of humor. Hemingway, because he taught us all that less is more. Henry Miller, because he showed us the light at the end of the tunnel.

Is there a book you own that you’ve read more than once?
The Time of the Assassins, by Henry Miller is one I’ve gone back to time and again.
Also, Hot Water Music, a book of obscenely funny short stories by Charles Bukowski – and for some reason I never seem to tire of reading biographies of Jack Kerouac. (and at this point I should be tired!)

What was the last book you read?

A really wonderful book of short stories which I gave 5 stars: Pieces of a Rainbow, by Maria Savva.

Thank you :)

Are you reading a book at the moment?

I’m sorry to say that I’m not. Between trying to finish the final rewrite of my new novel; blogging, tweeting, and facebooking, I don’t have much time for reading these days. Look forward to getting back to it tho.

What do you think of ebooks?

I think they’re great. Cost less for publishers to produce, and readers to buy. But I don’t think they’ll ever replace the experience of browsing in a bookstore; or that unique bond you feel with an author, holding a print book in your hands.

How important are reviews for you as a writer?

I think any writer who says reviews aren’t important is lying. We want people to like what we write. It’s part of the reason we’re writers – but I think you need to take reviews, both good and bad, with a grain of salt. I always think of that line from the poem If, by Rudyard Kipling: “If you can meet with triumph and disaster, and treat those two imposters just the same.” You should never believe you’re as good as your best review, or as bad as your worst.

What else are you working on now?

Trying to stay focused on The Siren of Neptune’s Beach for the most part.

Where can people buy your book?

You can buy Horse Latitudes in both trade paperback & Kindle editions on Amazon.com:

Horse Latitudes at Amazon.com

You can read the first 25 pages or so for free by clicking on the “Read first chapter FREE” icon on the right side of the page just above the “Frequently Bought Together” listing.

Do you have your own website or blog where people can read more about your
work?

You can check out my blog, fiction, and book reviews at:

Quentin R. Bufogle

Also follow me on Twitter: Twitter

And friend me on Facebook:
Facebook

Thank you, Quinn


If you'd like to win a copy of Horse Latitudes leave a comment here. One lucky winner will be chosen on 17th March 2011. Good luck!

That got your attention, didn't it? Well, I haven't won the Man Booker Prize for fiction... yet ;)



I have been awarded the "The Irresistibly Sweet Blog" Award, by my fellow author and blogger, the awesomely talented Jason McIntyre

Thank you, Jason, that's very "sweet" of you :)

The rules for accepting the award are as follows:

1) Thank and link to the person that nominated you.
2) Share 7 random facts about yourself.
3) Pass the award to 15 of your blogging buddies.
4) Notify the recipients.

Here's where you can find Jason's blog
I would highly recommend it as a very entertaining place to visit on the world wide web.

7 Random facts about me...

1. I am no good at writing lists of facts about me
2. I'm currently putting the final edits on my soon to be released novel, 'The Dream'
3. I like heavy metal music
4. I once acted as a defence lawyer for a celebrity's brother when I was a criminal solicitor, and met the said celebrity's mother (sorry, can't disclose who it was... client confidentiality)
5. Babies always seem to like me for some reason
6. I can knit
7. I can't swim


Here (in no particular order) are 15 more wonderful blogs I would recommend:

Darcia Helle -- A Word Please

Joel Blaine Kirkpatrick -- The Tale is The Thing

Lisette Brodey -- Molly Hacker

Neil Schiller

The Secret Writer

Julie Elizabeth Powell

Quentin R. Bufogle

Ann Mauren

Catherine Rose

Stacy Juba

Jen Knox

Paul Mansfield Keefe

Marty Beaudet -- By A Thread

Susan Helene Gottfried -- West Of Mars

Notes from an Alien

I've just finished reading an advance copy of 'The Shelter', a short story by James Everington, and it made me realise that I know so many talented writers through connecting on Goodreads, Twitter, BestsellerBound.com etc., but most if not all of them are still unknown to the book buying public.

James Everington is one of those writers who makes me want to keep reading... he keeps the story flowing and moving, making the reader curious to find out what happens next.





I would encourage you to check out his short story collection, The Other Room, and make sure you grab a copy of his creepy story 'The Shelter' as soon as it's published!

Some other notable independent authors that you mustn't miss, are:

Darcia Helle
Joel Blaine Kirkpatrick
Ami Blackwelder
Neil Schiller
Jen Knox
Julie Elizabeth Powell
Quentin R. Bufogle
Stacy Juba
Jason McIntyre
Lisette Brodey
Andrew Blackman
Bill See
Tom Gahan
Mark McKenna

This is by no means an exhaustive list, I'm sure I've missed out some of my favourites.

I would encourage you to try reading some of the above authors' books... you won't be disappointed.

Those of you who follow my blog will know that this year I've started a new series. Each month I will recommend one of my favourite books.

So far, here are the recommendations:

In January I recommended the wonderfully romantic, The Day The Flowers Died by the talented Ami Blackwelder






In February, my pick was the entertaining murder/mystery Caviar Dreams by Judy Nichols






This month, I'm recommending a book by one of the first authors I met here on Goodreads, Horse Latitudes, by Quentin R. Bufogle.







This is one of the funniest books I've ever read, and anyone who follows Quentin's blog here on Goodreads will know that he is a very funny man. He can always be trusted to raise a smile with his original stories and blogs.

I think everyone should read Horse Latitudes. It's the kind of book that many people will be able to relate to, because although there is a humourous edge to the writing, the underlying story is one about a man who is looking for his purpose in life.

Here's the review I wrote when I read the book:

"In the Sargasso Sea there is no wind. Many, many years ago, when ships travel by sail, they would sometimes get stuck here. For weeks and weeks they would sometimes drift, waiting for the wind to come. The sailors called this 'The Horse Latitudes'."
Chester Sprockett receives this definition of the Horse Latitudes from the owner of a little coffee shop after he explains he has writers' block. In fact most of Chester's life has become stuck, he feels he is always waiting for something... Once a high school football star, now he is unemployed, has split up with his girlfriend and his dream of writing a bestselling novel seems unreachable as he is suffering from writers' block.
'Horse Latitudes' is almost like a book of short stories; each chapter describes a significant event in Chester Sprockett's life. The stories are like different parts of a jigsaw puzzle that make up the whole book.
Chester is in his mid-thirties living alone in the house he was born in. He lives with regrets of what could have been - holding on to the past - wishing he had been braver and told Beth how he felt about her way back then in high school; wishing he had not let the chance of a football scholarship slip through his hands...
Chester's father had run up debts on credit cards and after he died there is a threat that Chester could be forced to sell the house the pay off the debts. He tries to find work and is disillusioned when he joins a firm of salesmen, knowing that his real dream is to write the bestseller.
His late father visits him one day when Chester is suffering from fever; his visit helps Chester realise that he needs to be liberated from everything that is holding him back from following his dream...liberated from the Horse Latitudes.
This book is full of hilarious and insightful observations. It was a joy to read and I would recommend it to everyone!! As I was reading it, I thought it would be excellent if this book was made into a film, it definitely has a 'Hollywood' feeling about it. It will make you laugh out loud. One example is when Chester is looking at Beth: "She was just standing there in her bikini holding the ice cream... In fifty years she'd be old and wrinkled. In a hundred fertilizer. It didn't matter." There's plenty more laughs where that came from. Do yourself a favour and buy 'Horse Latitudes'. It's a tonic we all need in the credit crunch era!!

I hope you'll try the book. It's available at Amazon in paperback and also in Kindle format:

Amazon

It's also at Barnes and Noble in paperback and Nook format:

B&N

Look out for another recommendation next month.

Happy reading!

I've been nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award by my good friend, author Darcia Helle. Thanks, Darcia!

I always enjoy reading Darcia's blog and would recommend it to everyone. Here's a link to her blog: Quiet Fury Books Blog







The rules of the Versatile Blogger Award are as follows:


1. Thank the person who gave you the award
2. Include a link to their blog.
3. Paste the award on your blog.
4. Share 7 things about yourself.
5. Pass this award on to as many as 15 blogs you enjoy reading and let them know about the award!

So, I suppose now I should tell you 7 things about me. Here they are:

1. I'm usually the first person on the dance floor at parties
2. I'm usually the last person to leave the dance floor at parties
3. I have a collection of song lyrics that I have written over the years
4. I have had all my wisdom teeth removed
5. I eat far too much chocolate
6. My favourite film is Shirley Valentine
7. I used to watch horror movies as a child

Now, I must pass the award to some of my fellow bloggers (avoiding picking the same ones as Darcia did!). I thoroughly enjoy reading the following blogs:

Joel Blaine Kirkpatrick's blog: The Tale is The Thing

Lisette Brodey's blog Molly Hacker

Quentin R. Bufogle's Goodread's Blog

Jess C. Scott's Blog

Felicity Lennie's blog

Susan Buchanan's blog

Calum McDonald's: blog

Joe Gande's blog

It's nearly Halloween.



I've always loved a good ghost story. It might have something to do with the fact that I grew up in a haunted house. Many of my novels and stories have some elements of paranormal in them, probably for the same reason.

Open Culture posted a blog today about horror author H.P. Lovecraft's books. You can get his complete works free, either as an e-book or audiobook. Follow the link to find our more: http://www.openculture.com/2014/10/h-...

Reading that blog got me thinking about what books I could recommend as Halloween reads.

Here are a few suggestions:

Her Fearful Symmetry, by Audrey Niffenegger.



From the bestselling author of The Time Traveler's Wife. I loved absolutely everything about this book. It's definitely spooky, and there are ghosts in it. I'd say this is a more or less perfect Halloween read. It's great for those who don't really like gory books. It's also quite light-hearted in parts even though the theme is dark and disturbing.

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Her-Fearful-Sym...

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Her-Fearful-S...

Legend of the Pumpkin King by J. Michael Radcliffe.



If you like fantasy tales, J. Michael Radcliffe is a master of the genre; this is a nice little story. It's part fantasy and part horror. It will definitely get you in the mood for Halloween.

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Legend-Pumpkin-...

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Legend-Pumpki...


Dying Embers, by M.R. Cosby.



This is a book of dark and strange tales with ghosts that turn up often as memories from the past. It's an ideal read to put you in the frame of mind for the spooky goings-on at Halloween. The characters will lead you down very dark and ghostly paths.

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Dying-Embers-M-...

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dying-Embers-...


The Other Room and
Falling Over by James Everington.



I couldn't decide between James Everington's two brilliant collections. These contain horror, paranormal, and all things twisted. He has some other books that are also dark and highly recommended. These stories definitely challenge our perception of reality and are just right for this spine-chilling season.

The Other Room:
Amazon US:http://www.amazon.com/Other-Room-Jame...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Other-Room-Ja...

Falling Over:
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Falling-Over-Ja...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Falling-Over-...

While we're on the subject of horror, you could try 13, by Julie Elizabeth Powell, if you want to be shocked and scared. This is a perfectly crafted horror story that will send shivers down your spine.





Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/13-Julie-Elizab...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/13-Julie-Eliz...

If you want ghosts in your Halloween read, but would prefer a book that will also make you laugh, you should check out Into The Light, by Darcia Helle and Horse Latitudes, by Quentin R. Bufogle.





Into The Light is the story of a ghost who is trying to help to solve his own murder. It will definitely add an element of fun to your Halloween.

Horse Latitudes features a ghost who helps the main character make an important decision. It's a book that will definitely make you laugh out loud.

--------------------------

I've seen lots authors promoting special Halloween stories or posting on Twitter about their books that would make great Halloween reads, so below is a list I have compiled from those promotions. I haven't read any of the books listed below, but they all sound great and will be added to my never-ending TBR list!

Shadow the Ghost Dog by J T Therrien



(Children' fiction)

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Ghost-Do...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shadow-Ghost-...

Sad I Am, by Regina Puckett



Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N99F1K8/
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00N99F1K8/

Dark Before Dawn, by Stacy Juba



Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Before-Daw...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dark-Before-D...

-----------------------

Talented author, Justin Bog has been posting chapters from his current work in progress since May this year, on his blog. It's a horror story called The Play (The Queen’s Idle Fancy). Having read both of Justin's published works I know this must be good. I haven't found time to read any of it yet! Seems like the ideal time of year to start. The first part is here: http://justinbog.com/new-horror-ficti... and you can follow the story on his blog.



-------------------------------

As I mentioned at the start of this post, some of my novels and stories have elements of paranormal in them. The Dream and Haunted both feature ghosts. There are also ghost stories included in my short story collections Fusion and 3.

The new novel I'm working on also features a ghost, but probably won't be released until Halloween next year!





Haunted:
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Haunted-Maria-S...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Haunted-Maria...

"3":
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/3-Maria-Savva-e...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/3-Maria-Savva...

The Dream:
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Dream-Maria-Sav...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dream-Maria-S...

Fusion:
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Fusion-Maria-Sa...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fusion-Maria-...
-----------------------------------



I hope you find something from the above suggestions to help make your Halloween more spooky! Whatever you're planning, have fun and stay safe!



HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

KING OF THE NEW YORK STREETS by Quentin R. Bufogle

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I have read books and stories by this author before, so I knew he was a great writer and was intrigued to see that he had written a memoir. I like memoirs because in general it's like reading someone's diary and I've always been curious about the way people think and behave. This is a pacy, compulsive read. It's a no holds barred, honest account of the author's life as a teenager growing up in New York in the '60s and '70s. It is more or less centered around his quest for love as a young man, and there are some touching and poignant memories brought to life when he talks about the women he encountered. It is in many ways a love story. However, there are plenty of ups and downs in his romantic dalliances, all of which are interesting to read. It's not only about a young man chasing girls, however, this memoir has a depth that is captivating. The author has a way of connecting with the reader by including references to the past that conjure nostalgia. There are also stories about his time as a boxer, his ancestry and family background, and anecdotes about crazy things he and his friends got up to, all of which are entertaining. One of the things this writer does well is intersperse humour into his writing and this makes it all the more engaging. Quentin R. Bufogle has done a brilliant job of telling his story and it's a story that will resonate with many, I'm sure.



View all my reviews