Petrina Binney's Blog, page 14
August 17, 2021
Writing Tip #29: I know everyone has a mortgage but come on…
Meme: Dean Norris (Hank from Breaking Bad). In the first image, he looks excited and happy. In the second, his face has fallen.Image One: There’s a webinar on how to sell more books and it’s free!!
Image Two: It’s twenty minutes of reasonable advice and then an hour and a half on why you need to buy the course.
August 16, 2021
Book Review – The Axeman’s Jazz by Ray Celestin
Book Review – The Axeman’s Jazz by Ray Celestin
First published, 2014
The story follows several central protagonists including: detective, Michael Talbot, disgraced former detective and newly released prisoner, Luca d’Andrea, journalist John Riley, Ida, a secretary working a side investigation out of the Pinkerton Detective Agency, and a young Lewis (later Louis) Armstrong, as they scour the streets of New Orleans, Louisiana, searching for the elusive and deadly, Axeman.
As the Axeman issues a threat to the citizens of New Orleans, instructing them that unless they hire bands and “jazz it” the following Tuesday night, they will risk his wrath and death by axe, our multiple intrepid investigators hunt the man, who could be a demon, before the next fall of the blade.
The writing is rich and fierce; powerful stuff. The descriptions are so well written and, if I can make a recommendation here, you’ll want to remove all distractions to read this one. As the story follows multiple perspectives, and has many characters to get to know, you’ll want to wallow in it for a time. I wish I’d known that before I read it because, the story of the Axeman is true – I don’t believe he was ever identified – and with the additional introduction of a young Lewis Armstrong, I found myself getting thrown off course by phone calls and emails, ordinary stuff.
There’s no way ordinary stuff should intrude on a book like this.
August 11, 2021
Author Interview with Glenn Quigley
Oh, but I have a treat for you today. One of my favourite authors, and all-round lovely chap, Glenn Quigley. You probably recall that I reviewed the first novel of his Moth and Moon series here… https://petrinabinney.com/2019/12/17/book-review-the-moth-and-moon-by-glenn-quigley/. Well, I was lucky enough to interview Glenn and I hope you’ll enjoy reading our chat.
Tell us a little bit about your Moth and Moon series. What is it about? Who are your main characters? What drew you to this story?
The Moth and Moon series is set on a tiny island in the late 18th century. It’s an alt-history world without religion where nobody is discriminated against because of their sexuality or gender identity. The story is about a burly gay fisherman named Robin Shipp who’s fifty years old, overweight, and a bit of an outcast from the only village on the island. Many years earlier, his father was accused of murdering a local artist and the villagers have been taking it out on Robin ever since. When a hurricane strikes the island, the village is forced to shelter at the local inn — a massive place named The Moth & Moon. Over the course of the story, secrets are uncovered and lies revealed as the truth about Robin’s father and his past is discovered. Along the way, there’s a trip to a lighthouse that proves life-changing for Robin, his ex-lover Duncan, and Robin’s friend, Edwin.
There are lots of characters who round out life in the village, such as the aristocratic Lady Eva-Wolfe-Chase and her wife, Iris.
The story started life as one scene in my head of a then-unnamed fisherman standing at his bedroom window, watching a storm blowing in from the sea. That scene came to me a few years ago and, as I usually do, I wrote it in a document and saved it on my laptop. Usually, those little scenes never become anything more but back in 2017 (I think it was, anyway) I was on a college course (as a mature student) to get a degree in photography and graphic design. I’d always done both but I thought it was time I had a proper qualification. Anyway, the second year of the course did not work out (for various long and boring reasons) and so I dropped out. Then I was left with a problem. What was I going to have to show for that year that I should have been at college? I decided to finally try my hand at writing a story.
My mother had always been encouraging me to write, since it was the only thing I was any good at in school. I opened the document about the fisherman and started to expand the scene. After a while, I had a short story and wondered if I could expand it into my first full-length novel. Which, to my great surprise, I did. I wrote it entirely in secret, not even my partner knew I was doing it. It was a chance to express myself in a new way and play with lots of things I found interesting, such as lighthouses, and the sea, and large, burly men.
The Moth and Moon series by Glenn QuigleyIf you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
Start writing sooner! I wish I hadn’t waited so long. I think part of it was fear of failure.
Are you a big reader?
I’ve always been a reader though the main thing I read is comic books. If I’m not reading a comic, I’ve got a novel on the go. It’s been that way since I was a child. I’m never more relaxed than when I’m lying in bed, reading.
Do you base any of your characters on real people?
My instinct is to say no. I didn’t used to, though I would take certain mannerisms from people I knew. Or sometimes as a character developed, I’d notice certain traits appear which I recognised. If I couldn’t see a character clearly in my head, I might base their physical appearance on a real person. In the Moth and Moon series, the innkeeper, George Reed, is based on a real person, though.
Come to think of it, the story I’m working on at the moment has a main character which is very definitely based on a real person. An actor I admire greatly. It’s a bit of a shortcut to getting into a character’s head as I already know how he moves, and sounds, and looks. Oh, and another character is based on a comedian that I love. So the answer is yes. Yes I do.
What do you think is the most difficult part of the writing process?
The first draft is often very hard. That struggle to get up to a minimum word count so you know you have enough story to work with can take months and months. But it’s also a lot of fun at times. I’ll tell you what’s proper nerve-wracking, though — seeing that first email from your beta reader. Knowing that someone else has read your story and has given you feedback. That doesn’t seem to get any easier.
Who are your favourite authors? Do you feel they’ve had an influence on your writing?
I love Armistad Maupin’s work. His way with dialogue has definitely been an influence on me. I also love Grant Morrison though their work is a lot more meta than mine, so how much of an influence they’ve been, I couldn’t say.
What is your next project? Is it something you can talk about?
I’m working on a spin-off from the Moth and Moon series. I can’t say who is the star without spoiling book 3, We Cry The Sea, but I will say it’s based on Blackrabbit Island and is part murder-mystery, part redemption story. It’s a bit grittier than my other books, faster paced, and with more action.
Tell us five of your favourite films.
The Age of Innocence (the ending makes me cry.)
Ghostbusters (it might be the perfect film)
Little Women (the 1990’s one)
The Shining (for the whole atmosphere of it)
And I dunno, probably a comedy with Sandra Bullock.
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
I’m definitely not an early bird, I despise early mornings with a fiery passion. Though I also don’t really stay up late very often, either. Is there an afternoon bird? A noon crow? A lunchtime albatross? If there is, I’m one of them. I get my best work done in the afternoon.
Where do you find inspiration?
I’m very inspired by Cornwall. I’ve been a few times and I adore the place. The island in my books is based heavily on the area. I have an overly-romantic view of life there, I admit, but I find it easy to get washed away in images of it and it really helps with my writing, so there’s no harm in that, is there?
Do you have a pet peeve in writing, any words or phrases that make you roll your eyes?
There are certain stock tough guy phrases that occur mostly in comics which annoy me beyond the telling of it. Calling guns “pop guns” and swords “pig-stickers” makes me want to throw the book out the window.
It’s your ideal dinner party. Who are your guests? (They can be literary, fictional, real, living or dead, so go crazy)
Well, my partner, Mark, for one. Graham Cole, who played my hero, PC Tony Stamp on The Bill. I’m lucky enough to call him a friend but I don’t get to see nearly enough of him. Entomologist, TV presenter (and basis for the innkeeper of the Moth & Moon) George McGavin would be another one. Nicole Byer from Nailed It because I find her delightful. Cher, for the hell of it. And Robin, from my books, because I want to apologise for everything I put him through.
Which literary character is most like you?
According to my friends, Robin Shipp. Though given he’s a big, clumsy oaf that is something of a back-handed compliment. Apart from him, I can’t say that I’ve even really seen myself reflected on the page.
Where can we find you on social media?
I’m on Twitter @glennquigley and Facebook.com/glennquigleyauthor
Author, Glenn QuigleyWhat is the greatest ambition you have for your writing?
I’d love to be able to make a living from it. Yeah, awards would be nice, films would be great, and a Netflix deal would be just lovely, but to know that enough people like my work that I could comfortably support myself with it would be the dream. Oh, and also to get a lot better at it.
Do you have any unfinished manuscripts lurking in the back of a drawer?
I have a prequel to the Moth and Moon series written that I’m letting lie quiet for a while. I want to come back to it with fresh eyes at some point. I’ve got a few short stories from the world of my books that I’d love to collect into one volume at some point. And I’ve got a standalone short story that I really like. I should do something with that, actually… I find it so hard to work on more than one story at a time. Once I start a new one, it gets all of my attention.
What advice would you give to potential authors?
Don’t do it alone. If you have Twitter, get involved with other authors. Join in with hashtag games. The writing community on Twitter are a really friendly bunch and it can be a real boost to see other people going through the same creative struggles as you. And they’re only too happy to help with advice, or even just a bit of encouragement. And sometimes that’s all we really need.
August 9, 2021
Book Review – Killing The Beasts (DI Jon Spicer #1) by Chris Simms
Book Review – Killing The Beasts (DI Jon Spicer #1) by Chris Simms
First published, 2014
The story follows two men in their early thirties. While Tom seems to have it all – young wife, lots of stamps in the passport, well paid job working on the advertising and sponsorship side of the Manchester Commonwealth Games 2002 – he’s dissatisfied with his life. Though his wife enjoys spending his money and living the high life in the city, Tom dreams of running a little cafe in Cornwall, out of the rat race and into the fresh air. But how will he ever convince her? And will his sanity stretch all the way to the opening ceremony?
Meanwhile, rugby-playing Detective Inspector Jon Spicer is on the trail of a gang of car thieves, who target high end vehicles in the middle of the night, using a garden cane and an opened letterbox, when the biggest case of his career lands in his lap.
There’s a murderer in their midst. An unknown assailant who attacks women in their homes and stops their breathing with some bizarre-looking cloudy gel. But the women have nothing in common and if Jon wants to keep his position as senior investigating officer on the case, he’ll have to take a step back from the car thefts case – just as they target an old friend.
An absolute rollercoaster. I loved this book. For me, the story took a bit of following – I got so wrapped up in the narrative, I didn’t pay proper attention to the timeline. That said, the biggest twist almost knocked me off my chair, which is no bad thing.
The writing is extraordinary and chilling:
“‘God, I feel like I could dance,’ she said urgently, blowing her breath out and running her fingers through her hair once again. ‘Is it hot in here? Are you hot?’
The man looked around the room as if heat was a visible thing. ’No,’ he replied with a little shake of his head.
“‘I feel hot,’ she said, placing her mug on the table, then waving one hand a little too energetically at her cheek and pulling distractedly at the neck of her dressing gown. The man kept his head lowered, pretending to search for a pen in his jacket pocket.
“The girl went to sit down, stumbling against the leg of the coffee table. ‘Whoops!’ She said with a strange giggle, though panic was starting to show in her eyes. ‘I… I’m dizzy.’
“The room had begun to shift in and out of focus and her breath wouldn’t come properly. She leaned forward and tried to steady herself by putting one hand on the arm of the sofa.
“The man watched impassively.
“Now visibly distressed, she attempted a half turn to sit down, but her coordination was going and she missed the sofa, crashing onto the carpet. As she lay on her back, her eyes rolled up into her head and then closed completely.
“The man calmly got to his feet and put his briefcase on the table. After entering the combination for the lock, he opened it up and removed a long pair of stainless steel pincers from inside.”
1% in, Prologue, Killing The Beasts (Di Jon Spicer #1) by Chris Simms
A great set of characters, really well-observed, with crackling dialogue and evocative scenery. I truly admire this author and will look forward to reading the rest of the series. Bravo.
August 6, 2021
Author Interview with V. A. Rudys
Now, some of you may recall (given that it was only a couple of days ago) that I wrote a review for V. A. Rudys’s debut novel, My Wife Jodie. Well, I loved the book and I am delighted to say that I got a chance to interview the author himself today.
Enjoy.
Tell us a little bit about your debut novel. What is it about? Who are your main characters? What drew you to this story?
The story is about Ethan whose life is what most would be jealous of. However, when he discovers that the reason behind his perfectly seemingly life is his wife Jodie – story becomes eerie. However, story is not about how Jodie engineered Ethan’s life, the story is about honesty between lovers. How far can someone can go to protect their loved one and where the line blurs between helping and controlling.
Are you a big reader?
When I was a younger I could never get into the books. My head would hurt after 15 minutes of reading and I would struggle remembering the plot. Little did I know, that I have astigmatism (eye condition making double vision) which was causing my headaches. Also, later I found out my visual dyslexia which caused me to read words incorrectly was making it hard to follow plot line. I had an eye laser surgery to cure my astigmatism and I started to listen to audio books, still holding an actual book following lines with my finger as the narrator would tell me the story. That was it, that was my solution to be able to read books which now I do and love.
What’s the most unusual subject you’ve researched for your writing?
Hard to detect human poisons in toxicology assessment.
Do you base any of your characters on real people?
Yes almost everyone. Now the strange part is the most of them are based on versions of me (someone I used to be, someone I want to be, part of me friends like me, part of me I dislike about myself) I extract a quality and build a person from there.
What do you think is the most difficult part of the writing process?
Plot Holes. I’m obsessed about not having any plot holes. If you read my book you will know what I choose a difficult subject which many movies and books have covered before. Ultimately many of them also carry huge amounts of plot holes. In the end I left 1 plot hole in my book. You can try and find it (Hint: The Shard)
Who are your favourite authors? Do you feel they’ve had an influence on your writing?
Funnily enough I don’t have favourite authors, I read anything. I would go from reading ‘One Day’ to ‘The Road’ to ‘Stasiland.’ But I read all Gillian Flynn books
What is your next project? Is it something you can talk about?
I’m tearing myself between the sequel for ‘My Wife Jodie’ which would follow Amar (person Ethan was allocated to defend in court). Or write stand-alone book.
Tell us five of your favourite films.
I know my favourite three. 1st ‘Run Lola Run’ or ‘Lolla rent’ German movie. I liked it because it makes a movie with a very simple premise and a simple but cool idea.
2nd ‘Amelie’ French movie. Just a such a beautifully told story with a such a interesting main character and beautiful sound track. 3rd ‘500 days of summer’ I know that for a lot of people it was just a simple romantic comedy, but it is much more as from a first glance you feel bad for the guy Summer dumps, but looking more closely you see that Summer hasn’t done anything wrong. I like these types of stories when story teller do not point at characters with their finger and tell them, ‘you are good or you are bad.’
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Early Bird
Where do you find inspiration?
In music.
It’s your ideal dinner party. Who are your guests? (They can be literary, fictional, real, living or dead, so go crazy)
My sister who passed away when she was 17. Meryl Streep and probably Jodie from my book because literally I got very obsessed as I wrote her. Every time she cried I cried with her.
Which literary character is most like you?
Princess Caroline from BoJack Horseman
Where can we find you on social media?
Instagram: V.A. Rudys and Facebook: Vytautas Aleksandras Rudys (yes this is my full name)
What is the greatest ambition you have for your writing?
I would like to make my sister proud of me.
What advice would you give to potential authors?
Are you ready to hear from people that your book is as good to light a fire? I wasn’t, and it makes me sad to know I can cause someone to be angry with me just by trying to do the best I can with my limited ability to write.
You can find V. A. Rudys’s exceptional debut novel, My Wife Jodie on Amazon, here https://amzn.to/3l4BjDH and my review of it, here – petrinabinney.com/2021/07/28/book-rev...
August 2, 2021
Book Review – The Colour of Magic (Discworld #1) by Terry Pratchett
Book Review – The Colour of Magic (Discworld #1) by Terry Pratchett
First published, 1983
The story follows Rincewind, a failed wizard, and wealthy tourist, Twoflower, as they navigate the Discworld (which sit on the backs of four elephants, carried by a giant turtle) with a loyal and snappy treasure chest which travels on multiple running feet.
During their adventures, Rincewind and Twoflower contend with mercenaries, water trolls, the edge of the world, and Death himself. But can the plucky pair survive all those who wish them harm? And when did the treasury chest last eat?
I enjoyed the humour in this, the first of the Discworld novels. It took me longer than I would have liked to get used to the rhythm of the writing, but I’m sure that’s just me. I’ve been spoilt by novels with an excess of commas. However, I really liked this first story. I’ve grown up with Terry Pratchett quotes so it’s about time I learnt where they came from. An excellent introduction to the universe.
July 28, 2021
Book Review – My Wife Jodie by V. A. Rudys
Book Review – My Wife Jodie by V. A. Rudys
First published, 2021
The story follows Ethan Page. A man living his best life, Ethan is a successful lawyer, married to a beautiful artist, living in a hip area of London, surrounded by friends. Ethan and wife Jodie take regular skiing holidays, and live with a certain amount of luxury, having won the lottery a few years back. Although a bad investment caused the pair to lose most of their money, the couple are happy and very lucky in their lives.
But the veneer of their charmed existence starts to crack when Ethan realises just how little of his life is actually his own, and how much he really owes to his wife.
An astonishing debut. I tore through this book in less than two days and I suspect I’ll be thinking about it for a very long time to come. The narrative is well-written and, although the writer mentions his dyslexia in his Author Biography, the writing is clear and free. One or two small errors just added to the author’s voice and startling individuality.
I especially enjoyed the dynamic between Ethan and Jodie, particularly in the early chapters. The good humoured mocking and bantering that come with long-term relationships can be very hard to convey without either party seeming mean, but V. A. Rudys has an extraordinary eye for detail and, even though neither of the main characters is really a hero, they’re written with such heart and understanding, I loved them anyway.
You must read this book. Plus, look at that cover. Gorgeous.
July 26, 2021
Book Review – The Dark Chorus by Ashley Meggitt
Book Review – The Dark Chorus by Ashley Meggitt
First published, 2020
“I was born right here in this asylum – literally into bedlam; delivered into a stark white-tiled cell, in what I’ve come to think of as The Screaming Room. As quickly as I arrived, I left. Prised from my mother’s arms, I swapped one institution for another. But even as the car took me away, the darkness of my mother’s despair curled itself around my soul, anchoring me to her and my birthplace. I know this because I remember.”
First line, Chapter One, The Dark Chorus by Ashley Meggitt
A dark one, this. The story is told by the Boy (who remains unnamed throughout the novel) and psychiatrist, Eve. Born into a mental institution, the Boy has felt such grief at the loss of his mother that he senses her essence is trapped – not quite in the world, not quite out of it – in a sort of purgatory which the Boy recognises as the Dark Chorus. Not many people can see these disembodied spirits, but the Boy knows it is his destiny to pluck his way past the others and rescue his mother’s soul.
Teaming up with other troubled teenagers, Makka and Vee, the Boy finds himself exacting vengeance on the truly wicked of this world and, in so doing, feeding the remnant of a fallen angel. But can he convince psychiatrist Eve that the world she used to see as a child was real? And will he ever find a vessel suitable to sustain his mother’s soul?
An incredible story, really well-told. The writing is lyrical, I highlighted so many passages, I might as well have lit up the whole book. That said, the subject matter is very heavy, dealing, as it does, with racism and child abuse, as well as all matters spiritual. Not a book for everyone, perhaps, but a really rewarding read for those who decide to do it anyway.
July 25, 2021
Book Review – A Little Bit Of Everything For Dummies by John Wiley and Sons
Book Review – A Little Bit of Everything For Dummies by John Wiley and Sons
First published,
3.5 stars, really.
Having been the go-to guidebooks for a good number of years now, the Dummies Guide produced this selection as a sort of introduction to their style of teaching. The subjects covered in this book include: eating clean, meditation, compassion focussed therapy, nutrition, Windows 10, coding, iPhone for seniors, GoPro cameras, business planning, Office 2016, small business marketing strategies, investing, blogging, Facebook, eBay, LinkedIn, guitar, bridge, chess and digital photography.
The trouble is, in some instances, it’s just one chapter from the original Dummies Guide book. I don’t really need to know how to buy my first guitar. I’d sooner know how to tune the thing. I don’t really care about computers or LinkedIn so, I’ll be honest, I skimmed those chapters.
I did find the chapters on playing bridge and chess interesting, and the writing is concise, not overly flamboyant, it does what it needs to do and, let’s face it, when you’re learning about a new subject, that’s what you need. I’d certainly recommend the Dummies Guide books if this large sampler is anything to go by. However, this book itself is a little confusing, given that it is a mish-mash of multiple subjects which have little, if anything, to do with each other.
July 24, 2021
Book Review – The Chronicles of Aveline: Awakening (The Lady Crusader #1) by Ken Fry
Book Review – The Chronicles of Aveline: Awakening (The Lady Crusader #1) by Ken Fry
First published, 2018
The story follows Lady Aveline Fitzwilliam, daughter of Sir Philip, the Lord of Froulingham Manor, from the year 1181. Growing up motherless, in a great manor house during the time of the Crusades, has not dented little Lady Aveline’s desire for adventure nor her need to prove herself. When a former Crusader and battlemate of her father’s comes along, Lady Aveline is tutored in the ways of weaponry and soon becomes a better shot than many a man her mentor, Sir Cedric, has seen.
But, naturally, Lady Aveline has to grow up, and with the family’s estate at risk, from one son going into the clergy, and another going off to fight in the Holy Land, how long will it be before Sir Philip Fitzwilliam loses everything? And can the love that blossoms between Lady Aveline and the handsome Sir Quentin de Ballon bring anything but heartache and devastation?
A really enjoyable story about a period of history I didn’t know anything about. The character-development was top notch and the descriptions were stunning. I tend to read late at night and it’s not unheard of for me to reread a chapter the next day to remind myself of where I was in the story before continuing. I didn’t have to do that with this book. It’s so vividly told that I knew exactly where I was without having to flip back a few pages which, to me, is a mark of exceptional storytelling.
Although there were a handful of tense changes, which caused me to misstep a little during the reading, I couldn’t give this story less than five stars.
I’ll look forward to reading the second instalment.
