K.J. Simmill's Blog, page 31

Book review: Estela Vazquez Perez -Dark Serenade (@EVazquezPerez)

It was an impossible choice. After having his soul condemned to hell by Goldendeath, [image error]Victor’s friends are left with a difficult decision. To allow him to suffer eternally in the depths of hell, or condemn him to immortality and reveal to him a world of darkness that would not only taint his soul, but they themselves were part of and kept hidden from him. An eternity of torture, one one of torment, either way, his soul is lost. But in their world perhaps there is the hope of salvation

Dark Serenade is a gothic romance, and second in Estela Vazquez Perez’s Montenegro series. It follows the plights and trials of Victor, a pure, big-hearted, generous but condemned soul. Paranormal romance lovers will find this book has much to offer. confusion, jealousy, love, intrigue and a quest for redemption will keep you engrossed beginning to end.

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Book review: Joanne Keltner – Possessed (@JoAnneKeltner)

Jackie was born with a gift, but to a twelve-year-old, it had seemed more like a curse. [image error]When her talent manifested itself in the form of a vision in the church it began a string if unforgettable events, and a lie she struggled to live with. Five years on she finds herself a magnet for people’s emotions, their touch ails her, and images and emotions flood her mind. When a solar flare upsets the delicate balance things in town begin to go haywire. Dangers stir and violence escalates. Jackie has the power to help, but to do so she must accept her gift, accept the part of herself she has been denying. She is about to be plunged into a world she had never imagined existed, one she had denied for ao long. Does she have the strength to embrace a part of herself she fears for the sake of those she holds dear?

Possessed is the first book in Joanne Keltner’s Pagan Light series. Written from an engaging third-person perspective, this book was everything it needed to be, dark, hopeful, mysterious, and intense. Jackie battles with the person she believes she needs to be and the person she wants to be. After the events at the church, she turned away from religion, and yet the teachings were ingrained in her core, making her unable to accept the part of herself that defied the church. I enjoyed watching her growth and the alterations of relationships within her small social circle. Emotions run high in teenagers at the best of time, and recent events only worsen this, causing one friend to seek revenge and another to seek solace. Self-discovery, evolving relationship, acceptance, and sinister happenings combine to create a gripping plot, vivid characters, and an enjoyable journey. I am certainly interested to see where book two may take us.

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Book review: Resolutions – Stephen Drake

Murdock and his tribe face the next influx of humans forced from Earth.

[image error]These pods bring more humans than ever, and where new blood appears, trouble follows. The last settlers, still holding grudges against Murdock, move against him and his tribe, while trying to secure new blood for themselves.  Meanwhile, those heeding his advice venture further afield,

finding new dangers and terrors within this strange land. Each new pod brings with it new challenges, but this one was special, this one not only harboured humans, but the very enemy of the Oomah. Change is coming, and the bonds of loyalty will be tested to their limits, and beyond.

I have followed this series from the beginning, and highly recommend book one as a starting place to give you a full appreciation for the depth and complexities of the story. The characters are diverse, interesting and well-conceived, and the plot has more than one surprise in store, as well as some revelations and explanations to really answer any questions raised from the

previous books. As a reader you are drawn straight into the story, to the

hardships and difficulties. You’ll love, hate, and weep as you are integrated

into the characters’ lives. Action, chaos, vengeance, hope, judgement,

survival, and love mesh to create a plot like no other and one that, as always, leaves

you wanting more.

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Book review: The Paper Boy – Diana J Febry (@DianaJFebry)

It is impossible to forget your first murder scene. More so if you believe [image error]the case in question hadn’t been resolved correctly. When a recent stabbing appears to have a connection to these events it is time for DCI Hatherall to finally explore the overlooked leads in a case that almost ruined his career. He can see things no one else can, avenues left unexplored that are now able to be reopened, but will his desire to prove he was right back then endanger the case, or had justice turned a blind eye all those years ago? 

I do so love it when a plot comes together, and in Diana J Febry’s The Paper Boy, it certainly does. Pete Hatherall is back in this engaging murder mystery, not only tackling murder, but sensitive issues. I loved watching the plot unfold as Fiona and Peter delve deeper into the mystery, uncovering links that, if not for Peter’s past, would have gone undetected. This isn’t the first book I have read by this talented novelist, I love how the murder investigation and character development progress, and appreciated the attention to detail. There are parts of this novel that remind me of a combination of Morse, Midsomer Murders, and Lewis. This is a book you can really lose yourself in, and you can’t help but guess how the escalating situation will conclude.

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Book review: Chariots of War: Decimation – Paul Liversage

The Skeletexians spread their rule across space like a plague of locust, devouring [image error]technology and destroying all in their wake. This time, however, their paths crossed with the wrong species. The Federation are not afraid to fight back, and the ensuing war is a battle for survival itself.

Chariots of War: Decimation is the science fiction debut by Paul Liversage. This novella sets a good foundation of knowledge into the development and progress of humanity. It reads a lot like a historical perspective, whereby the plot explores events rather than the lives and interactions of characters while focusing on the unfolding war and tactics. There are are some epic space battles, written in such a way that any Trekkie would at once have fond flashbacks to their own favourite captain battling the odds. This is a great foundation, with plenty of detail and action. I look forward to watching the author’s style grow and develop.

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Book review: The Oldest Enemy – Micheal J Webb (@mjwebbbooks)

Pastor David Lighthouse had to do something. The events he had seen unfold were too [image error]similar to those he had witnessed before, events which had surrounded his own fiance and haunted him to this day. He was certain he could do something the police could not, find answers. Although they were answers not everyone would be willing to entertain. Using his skills as an investigative reporter he begins to dig, placing himself once more in the crosshairs as a prime suspect. The deeper he digs, the more harrowing the truth becomes, and the more it seems something wishes to prevent him from reaching the truth. Overcome vices tempt him like never before, testing his faith and discipline as he delves deeper into a battle that has waged for centuries. They say it is always darkest at the foot of a lighthouse, and there is a definite darkness surrounding him, but so too is he a source of light, and perhaps even a means to drive back the darkness and prevent those who would unleash an ancient evil upon their world from succeeding.

If you were to take the first season of Supernatural and add a more political and Christian twist, you would find yourselves with Micheal J Webb’s The Oldest Enemy. Writing in a smooth and flowing style you’ll find yourself hooked, unable to put it down, unable to look away, and unable to shake that foreboding feeling you are no longer alone. There is some amazing tension building. From page one to the final climax is a steady and suspenseful escalation. The characters are perfectly flawed, each with a burdened past that forged them into who they are today, and the influence Lauren and David have on one another pushes them towards the people they must be. With antagonists you will despise, and protagonists you can really root you’ll be whisked along on a journey filled with action, suspense, romance, danger, and a quest for survival.

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Book review: A Not So Immaculate Conception – Crystal Estell (@EstellsPlace)

Lacey had a ten-year plan. She was on track, prioritising work, focusing on blueprints, [image error]and most importantly, pushing aside her personal life to ensure she got the contract of a lifetime. All was on track until words from an elderly woman set her on edge. Lacey knew she couldn’t be pregnant. She hadn’t had sex for eleven months, or so she thought, and yet the tests confirmed it. The doctor advised, while rare, sex-related amnesia is not unheard of. She remembered flashes of the steamy dream, but the face of her lover evades her. With nothing else to do, she begins her hunt for the father, drawing Zak, a work friend, closer into her life as her condition threatens to see the contract slip through her fingers. Lacey has a plan for everything, but a baby and love was not in the cards. Can she find the father who brought her a night of mind-blowing passion, and can she separate the truth between the life she is pretending to have with Zak and the feelings she really harbours?

A Not So Immaculate Conception by Crystal Estell is a brilliant romantic comedy it had a Bridget Jones’ baby kind of vibe to it, and it would certainly make a movie people would fall over themselves to see. I loved Lacey’s character, her cute, clumsy, yet driven, serious, and stubborn personality makes her instantly likeable, and the building tension between her and Zak is brilliant. There were moments that sent my stomach aflutter. The complicated relationships, along with the web of secrets and lies, add to the tension and humour. Lacey had a plan for everything and her failure to plan sent her world spinning, and set at every turn sweet Zak is there, waiting, giving her space, or holding her close. The humour in this book left me chuckling, and the romance was so beautifully scripted there were times you wanted to shake Lacey until she saw everything her own stubbornness was forcing her to miss. Romance, suspense, tension, and humour make this a wonderful and fun read.

Book link:

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What is the correct way to write speech in a novel?

I have recently had a friend of mine ask why they see so many different takes on speech

punctuation throughout different books. So I thought I would use my own years worth of research, and not only answer the question but show one of the common takes on what should be done, punctuation-wise.

Why do different books have different ways of showing speech?

The answer is relatively straightforward. A lot of a book’s style can come down to either a publishing house or author’s preference. Some places insist on a single [image error]quotation mark (’) being used for speech, whereas others adopt the double quotation mark (“). There is no right and wrong, although different locations will have a more common/preferred style. The truth is, as an author, you can use either, however, consistency is paramount. There is little that can be more jarring to a reader than a change in style part way through.

In my own work I consistently use double quotations for speech. In special circumstances, where internal thoughts or voices can be heard, I use a single quotation, and make the text italic to show the difference in interaction type.

The reader will develop their own feel for the style, so it is vital to make this a smooth and consistent experience.

So if there is no right and wrong answer, what should I do?

The best thing to do is to choose your method, and stick to it. As I said above, consistency is key.

When I first started writing I did months of research around the correct uses of speech. I hated the contradictions of one person saying one thing is right while another says something else, and never was there a definitive resolution. So I decided I would keep note of what I used, and how I used it. This ensures each of my books retain the same layout. For your reference, I am sharing my collection of rules below. Please note, I am not saying this is the right or only way to do it, just that this is how I do it following my research, and the information I was taught during my editing, proofreading, and copywriting courses.

Speech rules:
Always end speech with punctuation

Use a comma if there is a tag line such as he said, she gasped, etc.

Example “Hi,” she said, twirling a lock of hair around her finger.

Use a full stop if the next line following speech is a new sentence.

Example “Whatever you want.” He turned, closing the door softly as he left.

— (EM-dashes) are used inside the speech marks if the speech is cut off abruptly.

Example “What the—”

… (ellipses) are used if the speech trails off, or to indicate a short pause in speech

Example “But he said…”

! if emphasis is needed. Try not to overuse these so that when you do use them it makes more of an impact.

Example “What!”

? if the speech ended in a question

Example “What?”

Note: If the speech marks close with an exclamation point or question mark and are followed by a tag line you, a capital is not required

– wrong “What?” She questioned

– right “What?” she questioned

Always use a capital after opening a speech mark, unless:

1. The person has spoken before a tag line, and said tag line ends with a comma

Example:

“Hi,” she panted, “how are you?”

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2. The speech is segregated by an EM-dash to add additional information. In the case of this there should also be no closing punctuation and no space between EM-dash and the speech mark, or first word.

 

Example

“Hi”—she darted across the road—“how are you?”

Note: One thing to be cautious of, a lot of editing software will automatically reverse the opening speech mark after the em-dash to face it, so always double check this.

Wrong —”how are you?”

Corrected —“how are you?”

When not to use a capital after closing speech marks

1. When the text following the speech relates to how something is said, aka, a tag line.

Example

“You’re alright,” she whispered.

“If you say so,” he groaned.

2. As noted previously, if speech ends in a ? or ! a capital is not used after the closing speech marks if it is followed by a tag line.

Examples:

“Hi, how are you?” he said

“Hi.” There was a flurry of movement.

“Hello?” she whispered. “Is anyone there?”

“Hello,” she whispered, “is anyone there?” Her voice trembled with fear.

3. If speech marks are closed to add extra information with an EM-dash

Example:

“Hi”—she darted across the road—“how are you?”

How do I present speech?

Can I put speech anywhere, or does it need its own line?

There is much debate around this topic, and it is one of the hardest to Google an answer [image error]on. The one thing everyone agrees on is “New speaker new line” after all, if you have multiple people speaking in the same paragraph the reader will not know who is saying what.

“Hello?” she whispered. “Is anyone there?” The sound of movement echoed from above. “I’m here, where are you?” – It is really unclear here how many people are speaking. It could be one, two, or even three.

The largest cause for debate on this matter, however, is where the speech should occur. I favour opening speech on its own paragraph, whereas other people put it part way through the narrative.

“Hello?” she whispered as the sound of movement echoed from above. “Is anyone there?”

or

The sound of movement echoed from above. “Hello?” she whispered. “Is anyone there?”

Both of these are perfectly acceptable.

I use a new line to open speech, what do I do when someone spoke in the paragraph above and speaks again in the next paragraph, do I have to start a new line?

No. When someone has already spoken, and speak again a few paragraphs later, the standard method it to insert the text into the narrative. To start speech on a new line might suggest to the reader a new person is speaking.

 Example

“Hello?” she whispered as the sound of movement echoed from above. “Is anyone there?” The cave was dark and damp. She had long given up hope of rescue, and yet she knew something lurked within the shadows.

Her eyes began to close as fatigue stole her precious awareness. The sound of ruffling fabric caused her to startle, her vision scanned her surroundings desperately. “Hello?” she called again, fear lining her voice. She didn’t know what would be better, an answer to her desperate cries, or silence.

EM-dash rules and usage

In speech to add detail:

Do not use any closing punctuation inside the speach marks, and do not capitalise after the EM-dash.

Example:

“There”—he gestured towards speeding car—“that’s the car I was telling you about.”

In a description:

When using an EM-dash to add a little extra information (a parenthesis) you don’t need to use a space, punctuation or a capital before or after the EM-dash

Example:

Today he—or more specifically the hunter named Aeolos—would receive an influx of requests

An EM-dash is used in speech, and sometimes in narrative to indicate abrupt stop (someone being interrupted) or missing word.

Example

“What the—”

 

Before you go:

I hope you enjoyed this and it proves a useful resource. As I mentioned above, these are the rules I follow based on the research and courses I have done. It is important to be aware that there are some variations especially in the rules between British and American English. You may do things completely differently, as long as you are consistent a reader will always know what to expect from you.

Thank you for stopping by, credits for the pictures I have used are found below. I hope to see you again soon.

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Article by K.J. Simmill (KS the Dreamer)

Since I still have your attention, and this is a marketing post, it must be time for some shameless self-promotion – check out my award-winning books here, and have a great week x

Parchment and Quill picture by K.J. Simmill
Letter image by Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Quotation image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay 
Thanks image Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Book Review: Whispers from the Depths -C.W. Briar (@CW_Briar )

Betka had been branded at a young age, her markings present for all to see. While men tore her elder sister, Tonsa, away, she was allowed a precious few years to remain with [image error]her father before being forced into servitude. Her Whisperer Voice condemned her to a life of service, and to hurt another was to reflect and amplify the pain back on to herself. She was a captive in mind, body, and spirit, forced to sacrifice for all. Her only hope at freedom was to earn eleven rubies for her shackle. When news of an attack reached the palace, seeing an opportunity, she volunteered her services. Not only in the hope of  chance to be free, but the place under siege was the location her sister had been sent to serve. But the path is never easy. The very person who condemned her to slavery is leading the mission, and worse still, the siege is of no normal force. A great and powerful evil has risen, and it seeks to claim everything in its never-ending fury.

Whispers from the Depth is an intense and gripping fantasy by C.W. Briar. From priests to slaves we watch the fall of the Whisperers as the followers of Rask take their place in power. Whilst Betka’s story occurs in a time beyond this, we are granted small insights into the path, added to the chapters in a similar manner to an intermission. All events from past to present unfold to knit together and become part of the greater picture. I thought the portray of Betka’s character was brilliant. Her range and progression on emotions, forbidden thoughts, anger, and hatred as she steers from the course her gifts force her to follow, was executed well, as was Asi’s character, who in contrast embraced all the teachings offered with a never faltering will to serve and protect. Betka’s development is as deep as her character, and I loved watching how situations tempered her right until the end. Packed with action, conflict, and tension Whispers from the Depth will keep you engaged, enraged, and wanting more.

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Book review: Moon Deeds – Palmer Pickering (@PalmerPickerin1)

Cassidy had heard the music from the stars for a long time; even though the Shaman’s [image error]Shield, she could still sometimes hear their song. There had been a time when her twin brother, Torr, had once recited the message, but the words had long been muted, and the true melody was forgotten. Her mind was on other things now, such as the Shaman’s Shield failing, and her brother being the first line of defense against the Tegs. Little did the twins know that this calling was just a fraction of the destiny about to be laid before them. Magic has proven to be the only force capable of defending against their attackers. Being from Shaman descent they have been born to tap into this gift; they are the Star Children, and humanity’s only hope of survival.

Moon Deeds is the first book in Palmer Pickering’s Star Children Saga. This space opera is set in the not so distant future, yet embraces a world changed, altered, and scarred as mankind gets their wish for visitors from other planets. They brought with them new technology, new ideas, and far more than humanity had bargained for. There is only one hope of defence, and that is magic. I thought the book had a solid scene setting, world-building, and vivid characters who display no shortage of growth, moxie, and perseverance. There is so much to love about this book, from its complex and intricately woven plot filled with tension, strife, and discovery, to the personal attachment you begin to build with the characters due to finely executed character building, engaging personalities, and difficulties in both moral dilemmas and situations. The pace is perfect to build tension, and I loved the length of this book. There is something to be said for bigger books; they often feel more complete and developed, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in hours of reading. This is a really strong and engaging first book and the combination of magic and technologies will find it at home on any sci-fi or fantasy lover’s bookshelf.

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