Trey Stone's Blog, page 40

I hate the summer

I always misjudge.

I always think I’m going to have lots of time – lots of time to do the things I want.

Now during the summer, when I’m off work a few weeks here and there, I think it’s going to be relaxing and chill.

And sometimes it is. I get to sit down and write – and I managed to write a lot. Sometimes. At least a bit more than I usually do when life is going about like normal.

 

But then it backfires. You get busy, seeing this person and that, having to do all the things you’ve put aside for later. Suddenly you haven’t written in weeks, and getting back into it is even harder than before.

It’s especially hard, if you know you did really well last time you sat down for a session (at least I do). Am I going to be able to be as productive? Can I top it? How will I feel when fail being as good as I was the other time?

I try to keep it up, as regularly as possible – because I’m best when I’m doing something regularly. It makes it easier to not get to unmotivated, and it makes me going at an even pace. Both with writing, reading and reviewing.

But the summer is like the worst time for writing, and reading. It’s hot, it’s bright, it’s awful. Can’t be outdoors because I’m blind as a bat in sunlight, and it’s too warm indoors. I want the winter, the cold, freezing rain thundering down on my roof. The dark corner of my living room, the big chair with a cup of coffee.

I’m looking forward to getting back to normal, everyday life. Back to a sensible rhythm – back to writing and reading like I’m used to, back to regular review and hitting my personal deadlines. I need it to be cold and dark again.

How’s your summer been?

Book Review: Shadow of Punishment by Jacques Oscar Lufuluabo

Here it is, finally a new review. It’s been a while, I know, summers are weird like that. You think you’ll have more time away from your everyday responsibilites, yet there’s never more time to get stuff done.

Anyways, as usual, minor spoiler warning.

Plot: It’s kind of difficult to describe, there’s so much going at the same time. There’s murder, love affairs, lying, thieving and conspiracies. It’s all centered around a rehab clinic, the people who work their, and their spouses and family. I thought I had figured out in the beginning who the protagonist was, but in one sense, there really isn’t one at all, there several, all different pawns in several intertwining plots. To begin with, they don’t even seem to be connected, but of course, what lies beneath the surface is slowly revealed.

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My first impressions were that this was a bit slow, and a bit complex. The pace felt like it was just below where it ought have been, and I was to begin with a bit confused when trying to keep track of all the different characters – I don’t know why, maybe it was the Italian names that did it. (This book is translated to English, and though it’s very well done, there are some mistranslations/errors, mostly in phrases/words that just don’t have the same function in English).

But even though the pace was a bit too slow for my liking, the excitement and suspense was there. I really wanted to read on constantly, wanting to piece it together. In one sense the pace made me more invested, because I was like “Come on, what are you hiding? Reveal the things!” *cue nail biting*

So it definitely kept me going, and though I for a while didn’t think much of the plot, finding it a bit stereotypical, around 2/3 of the book the excitment really ramped up, when all the different plots started mingling together. I appreciated the ending, I thought I had it figured out, but I ended up being surprised after all. I was a bit disappointed by the end, because there’s at least one mystery that wasn’t quite revealed, but I assume this leaves room for a sequel.

The final conclusion is that this is a great mystery/thriller, well written and cleverly plotted, albeit a bit slow paced and long. Recommended for any lover of the genre.

I found it a bit long, a bit too descriptive and a bit to telly-not-showy-but then again, (if you’ve ever read this blog), I tend to say that often. I often prefer a shorter, more concise book over a long, richly and beautifully described one.















But then again, more bang for your buck I suppose.

Go check out Shadow of Punishment!

Book Review: The Awakening – Dragon Knight Chronicles by Andrew Wichland

Plot: Alec-Ryuu Jun Yamamoto learns the hard way that he’s the chosen one, and has to prove himself.

Alec-Ryuu, or Ryuu, as he prefers to go by, is not a normal teenager. He’s taller, stronger, and faster than most. But the differences aren’t all good. His eyesight and hearing is different, making him have to wear earplugs and lenses to cope with the world like the rest of us. But he copes, and he has friends. Four of them to be exact, and they’ve all trained just as hard as Ryuu has, for their examination at the the Academy. When they’re done (and hopefully pass), the dream on moving out into the world, defending people and keep fighting the fight against the Black Dragon as soldiers, not just kids.

But they end up becoming so much more than that.

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This was a great, fun little book that had me hooked from the beginning. It’s well-written, easily read, and always entertaining. It kept reminding me of lots of different things through, a bit like Warcraft, a bit like Star Wars, a hint of Power Rangers, and lots of Japanese culture. In one sense, it reads like watching an anime series. And the whole story of Ryuu and the, boy-finds-his-place-in-the-world, reminded me of Harry Potter more than once.

I really liked the blending of ancient culture, modern technology, and a dab of magic. Yes it’s heavily inspired by ancient Japanese culture, and at the same time, there’s hover cars. And holographic mirror, and sky surfers! (you won’t know what that is yet). I loved the mixing of old and new technology, it’s so fun to see what people come up with, what kind of worlds people create.

This classifies as YA I imagine, and I’d absolutely recommend it to by younger self. Lots of recognizable inspirations, a fun and exciting theme, and a well written story. It’s not too long either, which is always a plus with me. It’s concise and to the point, never getting boring, and never droning on.

There were some typical errors, the odd spelling mistakes, a missing word her and there, but none of that bothered me. There was a page where a section of text repeated itself, and it confused me for a sec, but without that, it’s perfect.

Absolutely recommend The Awakening, Dragon Knight Chronicles Book 1, by Andrew Wichland.

Book Review: Susceptible by Brett Wallach

*possible spoilers warning as always*

Plot: Private Investigator, Phil Allman, is hired to check up on a man who’s suicidal. After meeting the man, and concluding he isn’t suicidal, Phil’s investigation is turned upside down when the man dies the next day – by suicide.

Phil carries on investigation, though the case seems clear cut and is closed by the police. The main suspects are the man’s sister and ex-wife, a hypothesis which is further strengthened when a friend of Phil’s, who’s family also are linked to the sister and ex-wife of the first man, wound up dead. By suicide. And then Phil realizes the insurance payouts are enormous. Chasing the money, Phil is met with a dilemma. Solve the case, or cash in.

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I’ve read one other book by Brett. I found it weirdly unique, and loved it. It was also a Phil Allman novel, and this second one didn’t let me down. Phil is a good guy. An ex-cop turned P.I. He’s divorced and they have a child together. His life is pretty normal, and it has it’s ups and downs, like everyone’s.

The book is written in first-person, present tense, but it’s also reflecting on the past in a way. There’s probably a proper term for this, which I don’t know, but we’re often told by Phil how things used to be, “back then”, before SATNAVs, smart phones, and the internet. I like it, it’s historic in a sense, looking back at when Phil was in his mid-30’s, trying to solve this case. I am never able to decide whether or not I like first-person novels, but in this book it works great, and we learn a lot about Phil this way. What music he likes, what he thinks about people, the things he does,  and his daughter. Phil tells us his story as it’s going on, and this is a book where you can throw “show, don’t tell” straight out the window. I like being told stories.

Phil’s a normal guy, which is one of the reasons I love reading about him. He’s one of the good ones, as I mentioned, but that doesn’t mean he’s not susceptible to all the wordly pleasures, needs and wants all of us possess. He has no quarrel with doing things that benefit him, as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else. No harm no foul, right? Which is why this book is so great.

At first I thought I had it all figured out. Seemed clear cut, the mystery wasn’t so much of a mystery after all. I was just wondering how long it was going to take Phil to figure it out. But then he did – and it turned the whole story on it’s head. Phil figured out what I did, just as easily. But it doesn’t end there. This is where Phil’s, should I say amoral, humanity comes into play. In a big way.

But of course, all’s not well that ends well, because the past comes back to haunt Phil. Threats to him and his family send him out to dig up old wounds, in a hurry none the less. Trying to do the right thing, he’s not quite able, ending up having to defend everything he holds dear.

 

Reading about Phil was just as good this time as it was the last, I recognize things in him, understand where he’s coming from, and sit on the edge of my seat, just hoping he’ll put it all right by the end. This is why Brett’s books are so great – because he writes about real, true people, both good and bad, who you can emphatize with, feel sorry for, and root for.

If you’re looking for an exciting, down to earth read about a P.I. trying to make the best of it all, I highly recommend this.

Book Review: The Plight of a People by J.W. Barlament

*spoiler warning, as always*

Plot: There’s three stories here, one following military man Solinus as he struggles to rebuild after fleeing his home country, one following Emperor Aethon who tries to remain in power and control of his empire and last, one following King Eulasus, who tries to take back his kingdom.

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 Let’s start at the beginning I suppose. Solinus is an experienced military officer, who when he foresees that the empire can’t withstand the next battle that is coming their way, decides to find as many people as possible who are willing to flee and settle new lands. After a long journey overseas, this is done. But after settling new lands and rebuilding, they start to run out of resources. Which is when Solinus and his men have to go looking for timber in uninhabitated areas around their new home. And it is here they meet, the enemy. Tribal warriors attack them, again and again, which eventually leads to a proper war toward the end of Part I.

I gotta say, I probably preferred Part I out of all of the three. Solinus is more interesting, even though he’s a bit flaky at times, and seems to be nearly indestructible, he was by far my favourite character.

In Part II, Aethon and his brother are both Emperor’s together, Aethon the clever, political one of the two and his brother the military man. When forces try to take their kingdom from them, force both external and internal, the brothers are set on war. Seeing as Aethon is such a political person, much of what this part focuses on is how he tries to win alliances, stop rebellions, alter history, and remain the ruler, whilst his brother is off to war. Eventually also Aethon has to take to the battlefield.

I liked the political aspects of this, for the same reasons I love ASOIAF, it was great reading about how Aethon always had an iron claw around his empire, not letting anyone too close to it. But it was a bit strange that it was so disconnected to Part I. I felt like something from the earlier part, which is also earlier in history was going to be relevant in Part II, but other than a few statutes, there aren’t much of a connection. Also, Aethon at first hit me as a sly, cunning man, who’d do anything to keep his rule. But when he’s on the battlefield, he seems almost nice and caring and loving. People change I suppose. (Also, I’m pretty sure he was in awe when he first killed a man, but then went on a glorious rampage killing person after person. Like Solinus, Aethon seems a bit too powerful if he’s suddenly the best swordsman in the realm after one battle).

Part III happens a few generations after Aethon’s war is over, and we follow King Elesus who-though he rules his kingdom to a degree-isn’t alone in doing so. He starts a revolution, attempting to reclaim it.

At this point in the story, I don’t quite see how this was different than Part II, nor where the connection was other than a few generations of separation. Elesus like Aethon is also an amazing fighter and warrior, though he’s never killed anyone before. And this part saw the most obvious piece of foreshadowing I’ve seen in ages.

In general I liked the story and all the parts and the writing, and the political aspects of it, but I wanted there to be more of a connection between the three parts. I wanted there to be something that meant something from one to the other, something that I could remember and be like, “Of course!”

Also, I felt like the stories could easily fleshed out with some more sideplot, to leave me hanging for a bit, eager to come back to the main plot. Yet, the book is still incredibly long, exhaustingly long for me. Great work by Barlament to be able to write so much, I’ll commend any author with that ability, because I only ever write the bare minimum, and then I edit and it gets shorter. Then I usually have to flesh it out again with rewrites. But this could have done with being a bit shorter, in my opinion, a bit more to the point.

All in all, a solid debut. Check it out here.

 

Tips and Tricks

I’ve been struggling a bit with my motivation and concentration recently. I know what to do – I’m doing rewrites and edits on the second draft of my second book – but I’m just finding it so hard to acutally sit down and do it recently.

So I figured I’d do something else and write a little post about a few tricks I have up my sleeve, to focus and get the work done.

Remember, these aren’t softwares or programs to actually help you do the work – I might do a post about that later, though I mostly just use Word at the moment, (pretty old schoold I know) – no these are just things to help me relax and concentrate.

Rainy Mood

I’m not sure I can remember the time before I knew about Rainy Mood. It’s essentially all there in the name, it’s a website full of rainy sounds. There’s an app as well, and they’ve done quite a lot of work on it since it was first launched, adding different types of rain, background music and thunder. It’s great for all those days when you want to sit inside during a storm and write, but the fucking sun is out, burning everything to a crisp.

Nosili

Nosili is similar, except it’s not all rain. There’s different types of sound you can turn on and off, giving you that motivating background noise you’ve always dreamed of. You can even press ‘Random’, ‘Productivity’ or ‘Relax’ to get a few standard modes (well the random one isn’t standard I suppose, but you get it). Not sure if there’s an app version of this, but I imagine there is. Personally, I love the fan noise, second to bottom, on the left. The background hum is amazing.

Tabletop Audio

This one is amazing. Probably more useful for actually writing than editing or rewriting, but it’s essentially lots of different soundscapes to a variety of different settings/scenarios. Need to write a shotout in a big city? Or a battle in an elven forest? Or whatever else you’re writing, you’ll find a backing track for your thoughts here. As far as I know, it was for DnD players to set the mood for their games, and it bloody works.

Twilight

This last one is an extra one for reading. Have you ever heard that people say you shouldn’t stare at a screen before bed? Because the blue light keeps your brain awake? Well this app (which I use on an android device, but now that I’m thinking about I wonder if there’s one for my pc I can use when writing), let’s you override your screen and dim it. You can also make it more red, which is better for your eyes, and won’t mess up your sleep cycle. I love it, and I haven’t stopped using it since I found it – being cursed with insomniac dendencies for years, it’s a blessing. Only problem is, I keep falling asleep while reading.

That’s it. If you haven’t heard of these, go check them out, and if you have – well good for you. Also, let me know about other things you use that I might not have heard of.

Book Review: The Moon Will Not Rise by John King

We need to talk about this book. We need to talk about Ellen, Tom and the wonderful summer they shared together in 1972.

This is a coming-of-age story first, and I’m not even sure if it fits in any other genre. But I doesn’t have to. Coming-of-age describes everything that this is, and it’s beautiful.

I wouldn’t normally read this, so I’m very happy I accepted this to review. I loved it so much, I actually told my wife as soon as I was done that she needs to read this.

The story is simple, Ellen, a young student, is left alone and homeless when her boyfriend leaves her to travel for the summer. She eventually ends up living with Tom, an older, retired gentleman.

Their relationship is very symbiotic. Ellen gets food, board, and money, and Tom get help with housework, chores, plus company. It’s natural, quiet and simple. Eventually they become closer, sharing stories, as well as their love for books and movies. They become roomates, more than employer and employee.

Dealing with the betrayal of her boyfriend and abandonment from friends, Ellen starts working out, jogging specifically. She starts taking care of herself, changing from a teenager to a young adult. Her relationship with Tom becomes stronger and they talk about life and love, she learning about the cultures Tom has seen around the world, and about his life before he became a lonely old man.

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At first, I was waiting for the story to begin. For some mystery to reveal itself, some kind of action to happen. Then I realized the story was right there, unfolding right in front of me, in the life of Ellen. And I loved it. I was actually emotionally moved. Now, to realize why this is special, know that I’m a 6″, giant, long-haired, bearded metalhead, who’s favourite pasttimes are playing angry music, weightlifting, and being left alone. Of course I have emotions like everyone else, but they’re usually hiding underneath a thick skin of angry anxiety.

But I loved this! I wish I’d read it 15 years ago, because I honestly believe it would’ve made me a better person. (If 15 years younger me would even be bothered to read it though).

The ending, which without spoiling anything sees Ellen and Tom depart from each other, actually had me sit up in bed, and I’m pretty sure I yelled “Nooooooo?” to myself. I was that amazed, so moved, so enthralled.

Reading about Ellen was a joy. Really, it made me happier in the end. If you evee take any recommendation from my blog, in regards to what to read, let it be this, let it be The Moon Will Not Rise by John King. Because we need to talk about this book, people need to hear about it. Knowing the stats of many an indie author’s mind, through sharing motivation and inspiration on Twitter, I can honestly say I think a lot of people would be well served with reading this book.

Please, do yourself a favor. Go have a look.

Book Review: Only Human by Leigh Holland

*probably not even going to be able to spoil this for you*

So, new book review, and this one deserves a new type of structure I think.

First, let me tell you that this was one of the best, funnest, cleverest, originalest reads I’ve read in a long while. Absolutely loved it!

The book starts us off with a being, or a creature, who at first is mended by, but then held captured by a Welsh priest. It calls itself a Twyleth Teg (whatever that is), and the priest obviously have many folklorish names for it, thinking it’s a trickster or demon or a variety of things.

Anywho – the priest asks it to tell a story, and that’s when the real plot of the book begins. Aha! A-story-within-a-story kind of deal. Love it, I’m on board.

And the story is great. Wonderful in fact. Beautifully written, funny, dark. I’m liking it. But for some reason I was under the impression this Twyleth Teg was telling us several stories. And then a new one starts, so that makes sense. But then that’s woven into the first story the Twyleth Teg was telling? I’m confused. But I read on. And eventually – when I start cranking up the old brain, and start paying attention – I realize we have a story-within-a-story-within-a-story kind of deal. Maybe.

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I’ve probably confused you. I’ve confused me. My point is. This book is great. It’s clever, mysterious, captivating, and at points hilarious. I loved that I struggled to figure things out, to understand how things were pieced together (I’m not even sure I knew what was going on by the time I finished), but I loved it all the way through.

There’s demons, witches, parallel worlds (I think), skinchangers, and generally, lots of awesome writing.

If I’ve been rambling to the point where you don’t know what to get from this review, I’m sorry. But I highly recommend this book.

Go check it out!

Micro Work

I’ve made a discovery. It’s nothing new. Nothing fancy. Most of you are probably great at it already.

But I’m awful at it. Or thought I was.

I’m very structured and organized (kind of). I like to lay out my day, my things, my schedule, in a neat order. My things, the way I work, the errands I run.

And when I do work – any kind of work – I like to have time. Most of you are probably familiar with the feeling of not being bothered to start something new, if you know you won’t have a lot of time to do it. Yeah?

So when I work, I like to have… at least an hour. Half an hour can do, if you extra time in both ends to set up/pack down whatever it is your doing. But you get what I mean. Have to be somewhere in an hour? Need to leave ten minutes early? It’s already ten minutes past? Can’t bothered.

Until now.

I’ve started trying to fit more times to work (and when I say “work” in this post, I mean write), in a busy schedule. So I’ve started doing 15 minute sessions. I wouldn’t have dreamed doing that a year ago. Wouldn’t have bothered. Doesn’t feel like enough time to get my brain working, to drag up the ideas, concepts and… whatever else excuse I can think of.

But I’m doing it now.

And, I’m not saying it’s amazing. It’s not like I find a new groundbreaking, revolutionary way to work. I don’t feel like I get as much done, and yeah, it’s still a bit of a hassle.

But the thing I’ve noticed is, that I have a lot less time to procrastinate. (And boooooy do I procrastinate. It’s weird all the things you remember you wanted to learn, try, buy, eat, and create when you’re supposed to do something else.)

 

So yeah, if you’re used to being able to work in any little space of free time you have, well then I’m sorry if I wasted your time. But if your used to having to put aside a lot of time to get your writing done – try not to. It might surprise you.

 

Just my two Thursday cents.

Book Review: The Earth Bleeds Red by Jackson Paul Baer

*spoiler warning*

Plot: Scott and Jessie have the loveliest life together, a perfect little dream, with their daugther Ashley on top. Everything is red roses and summer winds, and their most beautiful family ever. Even when Scott is run over, he’s quickly back on his feet with the support of his wife and lovely daugther, and life is soon back to normal.

Until the day the police calls, Ashley is missing. She went missing from her boyfriend Brandon’s house, and there’s blood. Too much blood. She can’t have survived they say, and Brandon adamantly claims that someone broke in, assualted them both, and left with Ashley. Unbelievable, of course. He must have done it, only to ruin Scott and Jessie’s perfect life. Or is he telling the truth?

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Review: Let me start off with my catch phrase: I absolutely loved this book. At first I was disappointed, because I thought it would be a crime thriller, the type I’m quite fond of (and also write myself), where you’re thrown into the action headfirst at the beginning, and it just tumbles downhill until it’s over. But this isn’t that kind of book. The only way I can describe it is as a Drama. It’s about Scott, Jessie, Ashley and their family life. For example, it takes nearly 1/4 of the book before any of the stuff mentioned above really happens. At first I thought, why isn’t it kicking off yet? I was annoyed at the incredibly detailed descriptions of what Scott and Jessie where doing, how they ate their eggs, what perfume they put on, how they opened the door (not sure that last one really happened). But then I started appreciating their story, their life. The love they shared for one another, and the things they did together (even though I have to admit, Jessie is occasionally sickly jealous). I enjoyed seeing them go shopping, go to the cinema, tend their garden, go to church.

But then, I enjoyed even more seeing it all be torn apart. When Ashley disappears. How they cope, or try anyway. How they treated eachother, what they did, said and felt.

This book really grew on me, when I managed to look away from the religious overtones, and the weird double narrating voice (there’s a mix between third person and first person, but it’s not indicated in anyway when you can expect a switch. Have never seen a book do it this way before, so it caught me off-guard).  But this is a great crime/thiller/drama read. To me it reads like a mix between Taken and Gone Girl, this kind of jarring family drama where the people who are left behind will do anything to set things right.

I highly recommend it! Go check it out.