K.L. Hallam's Blog, page 9
February 12, 2018
YA Book Review: The Hush
The Hush by Skye Melki-WegnerMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A repost from my review on the Kidliterati Blog.
“There were creatures in the Hush, creatures of twisted magic, formed from the remnants of real-world sorcery. The Hush was a dumping ground for the leftovers. The residual, dregs of Music and broken tunes …”
A musician traveling with his fiddle, and searching for his father, enters the town of Hamlin. Pegasi patrol the skies. He hopes the locals will like his music enough, he’ll be able to eat that night, and he sets up in the local saloon. Never expecting what would happen when he plays the fiddle, that his music would touch the Song, and he’d be arrested. He didn’t mean to, but he was a natural, raised in the slums by his father. Only Songshapers were supposed to sense the tune of things in a physical way.
Chester is doomed, sentenced to death. The resident Songshaper explains his sentence, while locked behind bars, preparing to be hung. Chester feels music in the stone walls, in the slivers of wood, but there’s no way out. He doesn’t understand how his music connected to Music so quickly. It’s a crime for the untrained in the Song to use it.
Chester stands ready with the executioner, confused about how he got to this point, and the blade comes down, but he’s suddenly someplace else, and not in front of a horde of townspeople ready to watch him die. It’s dark, and he’s with the older teen who requested that difficult song, back at the saloon, the song that got him arrested, and now he’s helping Chester escape. They travel through the Hush, and it’s rife with Echos, and other twisted sorts of magic. Chester meets the others teens in the Nightfall Gang. The legendary gang, who steals from the rich and gives to the poor, he hopes they can help find his father, but they need Chester, and the trials begin.
An absorbing, and a beautifully imaginative world, a musical fantasy like none I’ve read before. The characters deal with tough knocks and adventure at every turn, inventing and utilizing fascinating magic devices and inventions.
View all my reviews
February 7, 2018
Just Keep Writing!
What I’ve been up to lately.
You may know I’ve had a couple giveaways for The Unmoving Sky. While my GoodReads giveaway had near 1500 entries my blog less than ten, I wonder if blog giveaways are a thing of the past. As I’ve seen several Twitter RT giveaways over the last year. Quick and to the point. Live and learn, I suppose.
I’m not self-published, and I’m not with the Big 5 publishers, I’m published through Leap Books, a small press that’s under “traditional” press in the SCBWI Big Book, etc. The Unmoving Sky is my little novella that could. The book was too short and I was too late to join a debut group in 2016, the year I was published. I’d joined the International Thriller Writers, but when they found out my book was a novella, I lost a few of the marketing/awards benefits that come with membership. Apparently, I’d slipped through without anyone noticing my book was a novella. They were wonderfully kind, but unhelpful promoting my book.
I was on my own, with a middle-grade (SFF) book coming out – (editing two books simultaneously was quite the endeavor.) Alas, the rug was pulled out from under me, and the publisher culled 50 authors. I’ve never quite recovered, I’m still writing – of COURSE! It’s where I go to feel better, have a little happy. My short story Charger Nine was published in the October 2017 in the Anthology Alien Dimensions. I have a couple short stories out there, awaiting decisions, and I’m currently revising my Historical, YA with a touch of Fantasy, for THREE YEARS now (almost ready to query. Again.), and last November I finished another YA contemporary—it’s with readers. While researching my latest NaNoWriMo draft, I pulled out old diaries of mine to get back into my YA head. It was a trip! I advise everyone to keep a journal, you will learn so much more about yourself looking back. I laughed because I actually talked to my future self often: “I have to write through these tears, so in years to come, I’ll remember.” A hoot! And much like time traveling. It was mind-altering, and I live for that! It’s also what I like to read. J
As far as my MG, my cancelled book, I may rewrite it and change the characters – when there’s a window of downtime. I enjoy writing short stories when I’m between projects or my work is with readers being critiqued.
I’m still seeking an agent! I can’t wrap my head around organizing the business side when I’m a writing machine! Ha! Until my bottom hurts! I really need a standing desk at this point. But I LOVE talking to people, it actually comes pretty naturally, but the publishing stuff – help!
For 2018 I’m shouting it out to the Universe, I want a GOOD agent. I have to say after querying for so long, with a couple shelved projects, I know who my top agents are – and can’t wait to meet them!
You may know I’ve had a couple giveaways for The Unmoving Sky. While my GoodReads giveaway had near 1500 entries my blog less than ten, I wonder if blog giveaways are a thing of the past. As I’ve seen several Twitter RT giveaways over the last year. Quick and to the point. Live and learn, I suppose.
I’m not self-published, and I’m not with the Big 5 publishers, I’m published through Leap Books, a small press that’s under “traditional” press in the SCBWI Big Book, etc. The Unmoving Sky is my little novella that could. The book was too short and I was too late to join a debut group in 2016, the year I was published. I’d joined the International Thriller Writers, but when they found out my book was a novella, I lost a few of the marketing/awards benefits that come with membership. Apparently, I’d slipped through without anyone noticing my book was a novella. They were wonderfully kind, but unhelpful promoting my book.
I was on my own, with a middle-grade (SFF) book coming out – (editing two books simultaneously was quite the endeavor.) Alas, the rug was pulled out from under me, and the publisher culled 50 authors. I’ve never quite recovered, I’m still writing – of COURSE! It’s where I go to feel better, have a little happy. My short story Charger Nine was published in the October 2017 in the Anthology Alien Dimensions. I have a couple short stories out there, awaiting decisions, and I’m currently revising my Historical, YA with a touch of Fantasy, for THREE YEARS now (almost ready to query. Again.), and last November I finished another YA contemporary—it’s with readers. While researching my latest NaNoWriMo draft, I pulled out old diaries of mine to get back into my YA head. It was a trip! I advise everyone to keep a journal, you will learn so much more about yourself looking back. I laughed because I actually talked to my future self often: “I have to write through these tears, so in years to come, I’ll remember.” A hoot! And much like time traveling. It was mind-altering, and I live for that! It’s also what I like to read. J
As far as my MG, my cancelled book, I may rewrite it and change the characters – when there’s a window of downtime. I enjoy writing short stories when I’m between projects or my work is with readers being critiqued.
I’m still seeking an agent! I can’t wrap my head around organizing the business side when I’m a writing machine! Ha! Until my bottom hurts! I really need a standing desk at this point. But I LOVE talking to people, it actually comes pretty naturally, but the publishing stuff – help!
For 2018 I’m shouting it out to the Universe, I want a GOOD agent. I have to say after querying for so long, with a couple shelved projects, I know who my top agents are – and can’t wait to meet them!
January 28, 2018
Another Book Giveaway!
Hello, Wonderful People!
My GoodReads giveaway was so successful I thought I'd have another. I'm giving away two print copies of The Unmoving Sky.
If you're a US resident, all you have to do is leave a comment below. What was your favorite book of 2017? Just one, I know it's hard. :-)
I began writing my Young Adult book, The Unmoving Sky in 2011. In part, for my sons, who loved the author Gary Paulson and nature vs man narratives. It was also my exploration of domestic terrorism. My mounting fear of homegrown terrorism as it escalated in the United States. Untempered by the current Administration.
" ... between 2001 and 2015, more Americans were killed by homegrown right-wing extremists than by Islamist terrorists, according to a study by New America, a nonpartisan think tank in Washington, DC."
Snopes: "... trump is quick to condemn Muslim terrorist attacks, but he has been largely silent about hate crimes carried out by white terrorists."
This POTUS spreads lies and misinformation and hate as he tries to divide us and eliminate the freedoms we've gained over the years. He's trying to destroy everything President Obama worked to for, to help the people of this country.
Stand up to hate and discrimination!
I don't think there's anything I despise more than bigotry and racism.
The mark of an unevolved soul.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
My GoodReads giveaway was so successful I thought I'd have another. I'm giving away two print copies of The Unmoving Sky.
If you're a US resident, all you have to do is leave a comment below. What was your favorite book of 2017? Just one, I know it's hard. :-)
I began writing my Young Adult book, The Unmoving Sky in 2011. In part, for my sons, who loved the author Gary Paulson and nature vs man narratives. It was also my exploration of domestic terrorism. My mounting fear of homegrown terrorism as it escalated in the United States. Untempered by the current Administration.
" ... between 2001 and 2015, more Americans were killed by homegrown right-wing extremists than by Islamist terrorists, according to a study by New America, a nonpartisan think tank in Washington, DC."
Snopes: "... trump is quick to condemn Muslim terrorist attacks, but he has been largely silent about hate crimes carried out by white terrorists."
This POTUS spreads lies and misinformation and hate as he tries to divide us and eliminate the freedoms we've gained over the years. He's trying to destroy everything President Obama worked to for, to help the people of this country.
Stand up to hate and discrimination!
I don't think there's anything I despise more than bigotry and racism.
The mark of an unevolved soul.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
January 22, 2018
Women's March 2018 in New York City! Here We Are Again.
We began the march by following the pink pussy hats ...
I read that over 200,000 marched in NYC, however, my hubby, being a numbers man, estimated that number to be MUCH higher. Millions of PEOPLE screamed shut this regime down around the world!
The GOP is complicit in Terrorizing the Nation! History will judge. The one good thing to come out of the illegitimate election: LOOK AT ALL OF US COMING TOGETHER. Against Hate, against Discrimination, Bigotry, and Racism, which holds this COUNTRY BACK. I want to move into the age of enlightenment but ignorance keeps us locked in the upside down. Keep RISING UP! and Speaking Out!
There were so many people I stood in the same position for an hour!
I LOVE my fellow Americans who are standing up against INJUSTICE and RACISM.
There is Hope!
January 4, 2018
Book Review: The Crystal Ribbon
The Crystal Ribbon by Celeste LimMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Reposting from my review on The Kidliterati.
During the Northern Song dynasty in Taiyuan province of Medieval China lived a girl named Li Jing.
Spirit guardians protect the villages, such as the Great Golden Huli Jing, the five-tailed fox jing that saved hers years ago, and Jing shares a name with. Teased constantly, she’s reminded to be proud of her name because it’s a part of her. The village shamaness says her name ties her to their village jing, like a crystal ribbon, that it will protect and help Li Jing “find the home of her spirit.”
Since Li Jing’s mother died in childbirth, she watches over her younger brothers. Her aunt Mei and Grandmamma live with them, and her Baba. With hardly enough to feed themselves, they offer the tutelary spirits their best crops. And in order to survive, Jing’s family sells her to a family in Xiawan, where she becomes a tongyang-xi — wife, and nursemaid to a three-year-old. Jing’s life goes from hard to worse and she’s sold once again.
Facing unimaginable adversity, Jing’s only option is to run away, and she wants to go home. A magical spider, a nightingale, and a traveling stranger help her find a way.
A richly depicted historical fantasy, emotionally charged, filled with magic and hope, and some of the loveliest metaphors. Readers will be inspired by Li Jing’s resilience and strength.
View all my reviews
*** You still have time to sign up for my Goodreads Giveaway! link on the side panel >>>
Open to USA, UK, Australia, and Canada!
December 22, 2017
Happy Holidays!
May you find Peace and Joy this season! And Books!
The Unmoving Sky
Available in Print eBook or Audible! Ask for it at your favorite Indie Bookstore.
Barnes and Noble!
McNally Jackson Books!
Audible
Wishing for peace on Earth!
"If you want peace, fight for justice!" Democracy Now.
The Unmoving SkyAvailable in Print eBook or Audible! Ask for it at your favorite Indie Bookstore.
Barnes and Noble!
McNally Jackson Books!
Audible
Wishing for peace on Earth! "If you want peace, fight for justice!" Democracy Now.
December 10, 2017
My Response to “Diversity is not our Strength” tweet by Steve King (R-Iowa)
“It’s a small world after all … “ the song went as my boat ride passed children of all ethnicities, holding hands across the world at Walt Disney. It was Diversity. Inclusivity. Love.
It's a Small World Walt Disney My mother, an immigrant from Greece, had become single by the time we moved to Florida. I was 8-years-old, my brother three years younger, and she had little help from anyone aside from friends. She taught belly dancing, and her friends from Syria, Turkey, or Lebanon turned our place into the United Nations. Memories of whirling dervishes, their laughter, and joy shared among these women, echoes in my heart and memory. They found each other in an otherwise isolated existence living in Central Florida and formed bonds to last years.
This was the early 80’s, my mother was tall and beautiful in a striking way. Exotic. She stuck out of every crowd. Her broken English I never noticed until someone pointed it out, or if I were away a while I’d hear it.
At 13-years-old, we moved to Key West after my mother married her friend, Kamal, from India, and we lived there for a time. Turned out Kamal was gay. (Long story there) I have fond memories of his sister’s Tandoori Chicken, unable to sleep, but the stomachache was well worth the indulgence.
While we lived in Key West, my mother met a Cuban man, and with the help of his son, translated the passions running between them. We moved to Miami and she learned to cook arroz con pollo and café con leche. I had a new family, five brothers and a stepsister, all born in Puerto Rico. I loved learning all about them, their cool jobs, and wild adventures. I was 15 when my stepsister told us she was gay. My oldest stepbrother was also gay, the one who explained dreams and astrology to me, and understood the abstract ideas I enjoyed talking about. The youngest of my stepbrothers lived with us. Close in age, we bonded over teasing and taunting, while forced to share a home for a year, before I left for college.
Diversity strengthens ME!
This is my America. Diversity is my America. In the melting pot of New York City, I’ve found a home., and now married with children to a Jewish man.
Dear Steve King (R-Iowa): On my father’s side, we're descended from Arthur H. Hallam, whom Tennyson wrote In Memoriam A.H.H., and your white-supremacy behavior is ignorant and wrong. I have no trouble calling out racists or bigots.
We have but faith: we cannot know;
For knowledge is of things we see
And yet we trust it comes from thee,
A beam in darkness: let it grow.
I have faith in the good people of the earth moving toward unity. #OneLove
November 7, 2017
The Unmoving Sky is Moving into Bookstores.
"Paperback Writer ..." the song that's been ringing in my ears.
THE UNMOVING SKY now available in Paperback at Barnes & Noble
And in one of my most favorite Indie Bookstores McNally Jackson Books! ~ Yay!
If you don't see The Unmoving Sky in your local bookstore, please, pretty please Ask!
You can even ask your librarian. I have a lot of legwork ahead, and now without a publicist, I could use every little elf available.
Now to sling word-count for my NaNoWriMo Draft! Happy Writing and Reading, friends.
THE UNMOVING SKY now available in Paperback at Barnes & Noble
And in one of my most favorite Indie Bookstores McNally Jackson Books! ~ Yay!
If you don't see The Unmoving Sky in your local bookstore, please, pretty please Ask!
You can even ask your librarian. I have a lot of legwork ahead, and now without a publicist, I could use every little elf available.
Now to sling word-count for my NaNoWriMo Draft! Happy Writing and Reading, friends.
October 20, 2017
YA Book Review: Now is Everything
Now Is Everything by Amy GilesMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A repost from my review on The Kidliterati.
All seventeen-year-old Hadley wants is to protect her sister from the monster. The monster her mother won’t go against. The brut that pushes her at the gym, and laughs at any pain she suffers, and like a drill sergeant, has her up at the crack of dawn to run every day despite her injuries. The monster is her father.
Hadley can take it. She can take just about anything he dishes out. So long as he stays away from Lila, her 10-year-old, spirited and carefree sister, who’s innocent of his torments, for the most part. Hadley wants to keep it that way and plans to enroll at a local college, instead of Cornell, her father’s alma mater. The college he’s forcing her to attend.
Hadley doesn’t confide in anyone at school, she doesn’t tell her friends what’s happening at home. Hadley suffers alone.
Until she meets Charlie.
All the girls swoon over Charlie, kind, humble, and contentious. Hadley can’t understand why he likes her. They fall hard for each other. But her father’s on to him, becoming suspicious and even more controlling of Hadley until suddenly he’s not. The monster has found Hadley’s weakness and sets his sights. Then the next tragedy strikes; a tragedy that changes everything.
Told in two timelines: then and now. Beautifully written, its subject difficult to read at times. There were many triggers for me, personally. Hadley’s emotional journey of being trapped in an abusive family was written with sensitivity and understanding—and suspense! It was also difficult to put down.
2017 Debut Author.
View all my reviews
October 4, 2017
Read Charger Nine Now!
I'm pretty excited to have another piece of my imagination out in the world!
My science fiction fantasy, Charger Nine, is in the 13th Issue of Alien Dimensions, for their one year anniversary! I wrote this story and as soon as I finished writing it, I found Alien Dimensions through Duotrope and discovered that my Ecco Warrior, Cassandra, was a perfect fit for this issue. Serendipity. Everything takes place off-planet.
Enjoy! And since writers need so much support, if you like what you read, please leave a review.
Alien Dimensions is a monthly anthology of science fiction, fantasy and metaphysical short stories by new and established authors. In this 1st anniversary extra long issue:
Aura Who by Aric Merchant
One to the Left by Isaac Teile
Charger Nine by Karen L. Hallam
One Chance by Sam HonourUnder the Surface by Alison McBainRejuvenation by Neil A. HoganPromises Kept by Patrick S. BakerSacrifice by Nicky MartinThe Ghost Haunter by Martin Roy HillTiara and the Comet Apocalypse Part 6 by Neil A. Hogan
This issue is paying tribute to the 13th Doctor in Doctor Who by containing stories featuring strong, female characters. Being the 13th issue, and being released in October, also included are a couple of stories to help you celebrate Halloween!
Many thanks to all our contributors and readers for helping us make it to this auspicious milestone. We hope you enjoy this extra special release of Alien Dimensions.
My science fiction fantasy, Charger Nine, is in the 13th Issue of Alien Dimensions, for their one year anniversary! I wrote this story and as soon as I finished writing it, I found Alien Dimensions through Duotrope and discovered that my Ecco Warrior, Cassandra, was a perfect fit for this issue. Serendipity. Everything takes place off-planet.
Enjoy! And since writers need so much support, if you like what you read, please leave a review.
Alien Dimensions is a monthly anthology of science fiction, fantasy and metaphysical short stories by new and established authors. In this 1st anniversary extra long issue:
Aura Who by Aric Merchant
One to the Left by Isaac Teile
Charger Nine by Karen L. Hallam
One Chance by Sam HonourUnder the Surface by Alison McBainRejuvenation by Neil A. HoganPromises Kept by Patrick S. BakerSacrifice by Nicky MartinThe Ghost Haunter by Martin Roy HillTiara and the Comet Apocalypse Part 6 by Neil A. Hogan
This issue is paying tribute to the 13th Doctor in Doctor Who by containing stories featuring strong, female characters. Being the 13th issue, and being released in October, also included are a couple of stories to help you celebrate Halloween!
Many thanks to all our contributors and readers for helping us make it to this auspicious milestone. We hope you enjoy this extra special release of Alien Dimensions.
