Circa24's Blog, page 3

Who is your favorite villan in other author's books?

A good villain can spice up a story more than a sympathetic hero. Literature includes so many outstanding ones. In Robert Graves’s “I Claudius,” the semi-fictionalized portrayal of Livia stands above the others for her cunning and intrigue. For the banality of evil and the cold-blooded use of others, Iago (Othello by Shakespeare) and Commander Waterford (The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood) stand out. For self-righteousness, Conner Brooks’ rationalizations of his actions drive the story forward in “Ill Wind” by Kevin J. Anderson and Doug Beason.

Of course, these top my list in my mindset at this moment. Catch me again in a month or when I’m in a different mood, and I’m likely to give you a different list.

The Etymologicaon

The Etymologicon: A Circular Stroll through the Hidden Connections of the English Language by Mark Forsyth

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Consider this one if you’ve thought about reading an etymology book for fun but never got around to it. I admit I’m weird and keep a copy of a ragged, old, red American Heritage Dictionary near my desk just for its Proto-Indo-European glossary. However, this one made my list of bedtime stories. Forsyth builds humor into his book, explores common words with fascinating histories, and explores words lost to time. –And somehow, he manages to bring the collection full circle, ending where he started.



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Goodreads Book Giveaway

Goodreads Book Giveaway Thomas Hardy Was an Optimistby Circa24

Giveaway ends December 01, 2023.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

Who is your favorite character in Silent Consent?

I love them all, but Garry, Charlie, and Vera have a slight edge. Charlie, in particular, refused to bend to my will and took control of the story, driving it in directions that kept altering my universe. Initially, I wanted to write a short story, and Garry ensured that didn't happen. Each time I tried to wrap up his story, he'd nudge me and let me know he wanted people to learn more about him. And Vera's response to her bullies inspired me.

My fondness for the above does not diminish my affection for Jimmy and Carmin. It's fun to construct villains, but the adventure begins when they see themselves as heroes.

And no, I'm not hearing voices. Something happens when you're writing. The characters reach a point when their backstories coalesce into solid personalities. At that point, when they cease to be outlines, you're obliged to treat them as partners if you want their stories to ring true.

If you could travel to any fictional book world, where would you go and what would you do there?

My father used to say that if everyone could put their troubles in a large pile and we could choose which ones we wanted, most of us would take back our own. I think that goes for fictional worlds, too. Interesting ones have lots of drama or absurdity in them, and few make for places we'd really like to live.

Tick-Tock, Tick-Tock: A New Giveaway has made its way to GoodReads

📚 Get ready for a literary treat this November! Starting on November 2, we're kicking off an exciting Goodreads Giveaway featuring my debut collection of short stories, "Thomas Hardy Was an Optimist."

📆 Join us for a month-long journey and celebration of the power of hope, resilience, and optimism. The Giveaway concludes on December 1, World AIDS Day, also known as "The Day Without Art." I lost many friends to that pandemic, and for me, withholding the results of this Giveaway until after the remembrance is a way to commemorate its impact.

Don't miss your chance to win a copy of this collection and delve into its emotions and experiences. Join us, spread the word, and make November a month to remember.

Why does Alisha Strongbow call Garry Aster a “psychopath?”

Remember, Alisha Strongbow is a Med-Gen and familiar with primary diagnoses. She also knows Garry and what he is capable of—both the good and the dark side.

Not all psychopaths fit the stereotype of evil ax murderers. Many individuals with antisocial personality traits thrive in society without crossing legal boundaries or resorting to violence. These traits can bestow certain advantages in various fields, such as politics, the military, law enforcement, and business. They can also manifest as deep loyalty and protectiveness toward loved ones, although their emotional range tends to be limited. Garry tends to be gruff, not always choosing words to spare the feelings of others.

From a young age, Garry displayed many of these distinctive features, but what sets him apart is how he channels them into positive social endeavors. His hero status is well-earned. He defends those in need, including Stormy and the school janitor. He has a penchant for enhancing the lethality of his weapons and takes satisfaction in turning the tables on predators who dehumanize the vulnerable. His integrity and unwavering loyalty to friends and coworkers often compel him to risk life and demotion.

Garry also has another trait common in psychopaths: He is an adrenaline junkie who craves new experiences and danger. He’s an unapologetic thrill-seeker who will ignore his personal safety for the sake of reality and the opportunity to positively impact the world. Garry teeters at the edge of crossing the boundary between having the trait and high-functioning psychopathy. He navigates the fine line between his darker inclinations and his unwavering commitment to justice and protecting the oppressed.”

Last week’s wordsearch solution

If you haven’t tried last week’s word search yet, oops. Because here’s the solution.

A New Giveway Is Coming.

Join me next month as we embark on the adventures in the world of my first book of short stories, Thomas Hardy Was an Optimist: A Collection of Short Stories From the Plague Years

In this varied collection, I delve into diverse narratives featuring a range of compelling characters, some grappling with the challenges of HIV while others navigate different challenges in life’s intricate tapestry.

Mark your calendars for a month of literary exploration when our GoodReads Giveaway event kicks off on November 2 and culminates on December 1, World AIDS Day. Don't miss your chance to immerse yourself in this storytelling and the power of resilience. Stay tuned for an opportunity to receive one of the 100 free copies of this (hopefully) thought-provoking collection.

What Prompted the Writing of Silent Consent?

My journey with ‘Silent Consent’ began during a challenging time in my life when someone close to me was undergoing physical rehabilitation. The daily commute to the rehabilitation center, involving two hours of train and bus rides three times a week, provided time for solitude and reflection.

During one of these commutes, I crafted a short story that would ultimately lay the foundation for the first chapter of my novel. Drawing from my background in teaching animal behavior classes, this tidbit sparked a disturbing question: What will happen in our world once the declining oil reserves no longer meet our energy demands?

Like any species facing dwindling resources, we would endure population collapses and radical societal transformations aimed at controlling the last vestiges of energy. Our endeavors to preserve our civilization would occur within a deteriorated world with scant remaining resources. Our farmlands would suffer from diminished fertility, a trait we would likely share due to the endocrine damage wrought by pollution, especially those already disrupting animal estrogen and testosterone production.

As I waited for and rode the trains and busses three days a week, the first chapters of  Silent Consent flowed into my notebooks. The narrative demanded its existence, and I couldn’t resist its call for life. Two years and many edits later, I had my first draft.