E.S. Barrison's Blog, page 13

Trixie & Katya’s Guide to Modern Womanhood – Book Review

Book Rating: ★★★☆☆   (3.5 / 5 stars)
Audio Book Performance: ★★★★★ (5 / 5 Stars)

 Are you trying to survive modern womanhood? Who better to give you a bunch of tips and tricks but Drag Race Superstars, Trixie Mattel and Katya! With tips up their sleeves (or under their wigs) about make up, hair, traveling, and dating…what don’t they know about? Certainly then can help you navigate your blossoming womanhood to become the best woman possible!

Honestly, I picked up this book due to my love of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and it did not disappoint. There is a heartwarming message imbedded in this, mixed with humor often expressed by drag queens: you do you, but make sure you be fabulous while doing it. Make-up won’t change your insides, and not every “fad” will be for you, and that’s okay. They will admit they’re not the epitomes of fashion, nor are their lives something to live by, but the helpful tips throughout their book will help you be your best self.

This was definitely book I preferred as an audio book. Trixie and Katya’s narration gave flavor to the book that might not have been there otherwise.  After all, as with any comedic-advice books, some parts grew a bit cumbersome. Often times, books like this can meander, or give the same repetitive advice masked in harsh jokes. Probably the best part of this book were the dialogue pieces between Katya and Trixie. These natural-feeling conversations reminded me what I loved about these two queens the most, and gives a more human insight into their thoughts.

Overall, it was a fun afternoon listen that made me go onto Youtube right afterwards to watch RPDR clips. Really, that’s all you can hope from something like this…to have a smile on your face! 

What’s it about?

Drag superstars Trixie Mattel and Katya have long captivated fans with their stunning looks, onscreen chemistry, and signature wit. In Trixie and Katya’s Guide to Modern Womanhood, the pair channel that energy into an old-school etiquette guide for ladies.

In essays, conversations, and how-to sections peppered with hilarious, gorgeous photos, Trixie and Katya will advise readers on beauty and fashion and tackle other vital components of a happy home, such as money, self-love, and friendship; sharing advice and personal stories in high-concept fashion. 

Informative, humorous, and heartwarming, Trixie and Katya’s Guide to Modern Womanhood is the book that their fans have been waiting for.

Trixie & Katya’s Guide on Goodreads

Oddkins – Book Review

Book Rating: ★★★★☆   (4 / 5 stars)
Audio Book Performance: ★★★★☆ (4 / 5 Stars)

 When old toymaker, Isaac Boddkins, passes away, he leaves behind a toyshop filled with magic toys with one true destiny: make a child’s life happy. But, with evil afoot, and evil toys awaking deep beneath the factory, the toys – led by Amos the Bear – must find the new toymaker before it’s too late. Can they dare venture into the skyscrapers to find her? Or will the dangers end their small lives?

In a heartwarming tale that is reminiscent of Tim Burton’s movies and Pixar’s Toy Story, we arrive in a world where magic is fueled not just by our imagination, but by something greater than we ever imagined. Toys are not just playthings, but heartwarming objects that help children through their hardest times. 

I wouldn’t say that there is anything unique about this story: it’s a classic battle of good versus evil, and light versus darkness. But, considering this predates Toy Story, it is a great look into the possible magic within our childhood toys. It’s not just a tale about toys finding a new toymaker, but also about find your inner child, and doing what is right. 

It’s about holding onto courage and your friends first, and giving up last. Alpha omega.

While the story is endearing and I think anyone will enjoy it, to an extent it did get a little preachy. I have not read any of Dean Koontz’s other works, so perhaps this is common in his writing, but for me the very definitive discussion of a “Lord Creator” in a children’s book was a tad off-putting. In addition,  parts of it felt a little silly or made me wonder why there wasn’t an easier resolution. I won’t look into it too much though, since this fable is geared towards a younger audience.

Overall, it was fun to listen to Oddkins, and I adored getting to know more about Amos, Butterscotch, Skippy, Burl, Gibbons, and Patch. It definitely is a fable for all ages, so if you have some time…definitely check it out! 

What’s it about?

When the death of their creator leaves them without protection, a band of magic living toys must attempt a dangerous journey across the city to another toyshop, while under attack from evil toys serving the Dark One.

Oddkins on Goodreads

On Editing with Tina Capricorn

Writing is hard. Editing can be harder, but it doesn’t have to be. 

Hi, I’m Tina, and I am fresh off the launch of my first book The Anchor of Time and I wanted to share some hot tips that I learned about editing.

First bit of advice, write better copy. This may seem like a no brainer, however after editing my first book–which took six years and many, many rewrites because–I realized I was teaching myself how to write better which made editing easier. But what does that mean?

Show Don’t Tell

“Don’t tell me the moon is shining, show me the glint of light on broken glass.” –Anton Chekhov

From your descriptions to your characters–show us, don’t tell us. Narrative summary is not an engaging way to get people to turn the pages. An actual scene with your characters conversing is a more engaging way to introduce your world, the plot/conflict, and your characters. When I read a book and there are pages of ‘info-dumping’ instead of clever world building, it’s an immediate DNF book.

‘As if’

Maybe this was more of a problem for me writing sci-fi/fantasy, but writing with conviction and certainty means this phrase is pretty much out of place (unless your character’s POV is unsure) ‘As if’ is a weakening phrase, it weakens the prose and the context it is setting up. Be bold, be certain–this is your story!

‘Found’ 

This is one that really annoyed me throughout the editing process. So many writers use it: ‘He found that he was unsure of what to do about the party.’ What did he find? Find is such a weird word, I like to relegate it to actual treasure or missing car keys in my work, not nebulous emotions. Look how much stronger the sentence is without it… ‘He realized he was unsure about what to do about the party.’ Realize is a more clarifying word and brings us closer to the character’s perspective.

Adverbs 

We’ve all heard it–adverbs weaken your copy. A string of adverbs and adjectives can be confusing and the words can actually detract from each other and the story! They are superfluous and considered by many in the biz (Stephen King among them) as lazy writing. This isn’t to say don’t use them, but use them sparingly and when you do, try to use unusual ones or not overuse the same one. Less is more with adverbs.

Some great books I used for reference are On Writing by Stephen King,  The First Five Pages by Noah Lukeman, and Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne & Dave King. The best way to become better at your craft is to practice every day, but also research. These books really helped me!

Have an Editing Plan

To all my indies out there, before you publish, hire a professional editor! This will help the manuscript so much, and it will give a professional touch. EVERYONE NEEDS AN EDITOR. No one writes a perfect first draft, and if they say they do, well then they’re selling something.

On my first book I had it professionally edited twice and at the very end, I tried to cut corners and let a very gracious family member (who offered) do my final proof read… but if you’ve never proofread a 90k document in Word before… let’s just say I recently hired someone and am doing a second edition this year because cutting corners just isn’t something to be done with a final proofread (I thought I was safe because I had it professionally edited twice, but no).

 I also realized that my editing process would really benefit from a final proofread after the ARC read is complete and I get all my final feedback. Now that I’ve done a book from start to finish, I have an editing plan for my second book:

Finish Rough DraftSelf-edit until you are satisfied it can be looked at and understood by another reader…Professional edit, development and structure. Self-edit/add additional copy based on feedback.Beta Read, get some trusted friends to read it and give their feedback.Self edit based on feedback. Could also hire an editor to do line edits at this point.Release it into the wild with an Advanced Reader Copy. At this point the manuscript should be close to polished and ready for publishing. Final Proofread! Hire someone, I think it’s worth it…Publish

Thanks for reading, if you want to follow along my writing, editing and publishing journey this year, find me on Instagram @tinacapricornwrites

You can find Tina Capricorn below…

In Your Dreams – Book Review

Book Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5 / 5 stars)

 Henry Trank leaves a seemingly normal life, but after he moves to Salem for his new job as an EMT, he begins to exhibit strange nightmares that feel all too real. He recruits the help of the lovely and stunning Joanne from a local coffee shop, who he’d been drawn to since the first day he walked into the shop. But what starts as an ordinary date turns into an adventure that leads Henry to meet witches, demons, and venture into the past. With Halloween night approaching, can he and his friends figure out what is going on before it’s too late?

Robert Sanborn’s debut novel is a paranormal adventure that takes what we know and spins it on its head. Mixing together common elements of witches, werewolves, demons, and history, we are introduced to an endearing protagonist that most “nerdy” individuals can relate to. His romance with Joanne is endearing, and you begin rooting for them right away. 

The pieces of the puzzle are masterfully done; each character serves a purpose, and while I figured out one twist prior to the end, it did not take away from the overall mystery and magic woven through the air. In fact, despite not being a huge fan of the “soulmate” trope, the way it was done in this book still made me love the main couple without complaint. 

I think the main thing that took away from this book for me is obvious grammatical and structural errors. While it wasn’t enough to detract from the story as a whole, and in fact I had a load of fun reading it, some of the errors did make me pause and think. The biggest incident of this is how story starts in first person, but after two or three chapters switches to third person for the duration of the tale. First person pops up occasionally for a line or two, which makes me wonder if the author original wrote the story that way? It is possible this is done on purpose, but personally it didn’t quite land. 

Overall, these errors did not take away from my enjoyment. The story was intriguing and dark, picking on areas of common knowledge, while creating its own original twist on reincarnation and witchcraft. If you enjoy paranormal adventures and the Salem Witch Trials, I highly encourage you to check out this book. Personally, I cannot wait to see what Sanborn does next! 

What’s it about?

They hide in his dreams … watching … waiting …Night after night they get closer.Tonight, they’ve gotten too close …

Henry Trank awakens from another terrifying nightmare. An angry mob from a time and place he’s never been chase him through a dark and snowy forest. Murder on their minds.
 
At first he thinks nothing of it, everyone has nightmares. But then things start to follow him back from those dreams … unexplainable things. And suddenly it’s a very big deal.

He turns to the only person in Salem he knows he can trust for help.
A green-eyed, raven-haired Witch named Joanne. Beautiful, funny, mysterious … and so familiar! The bond he feels with Joanne is something he can’t explain. A feeling far stronger than it should be for the three short months he’s known her.

Together they begin to unravel the mystery of Henry’s dreams. They discover an incredible secret from a time and place they never could have imagined. But time is short, Halloween in Salem draws near …
And the watchers from his dreams are becoming the enemies in his reality!

If you’re a fan of Supernatural Suspense, Paranormal Romance, and Historical Fiction, this is the book for you.

The Westing Game on Goodreads

The Cleaners – Book Review

Book Rating: ★★★★★ (5 / 5 stars)

Imagine if you could detect memories in everyday objects. That is the case with two sisters, Clara and Beatrice, who have a hypersensitivity to memories greater than most others. Clara wants to forget, and thus ventures to visit Gui, a young man who runs a “cleaning shop” that wipes away memory residue. But upon meeting Gui, and learning he can hardly remember anything, as well as an encounter with her sister that sparks memories deep in her past, Clara wonders if she is doing the right thing. Perhaps not everything should be forgotten after all.

I have always been fond of stories that have to do with memories and how they attach themselves to items and people. It’s a part of the human condition, I suppose, to be interested in these types of things. What if that memento caries the memories of your dead grandmother? Are stories really forgotten? 

Just those mere questions lure me into stories like this. In a world where recalling memories from objects is commonplace, and someone like Gui (who’s memory is similar to most people in the real world) is unusual, it brings about questions of personal humanity. Are we really human if we forget our past? What happens when everything becomes a dream?

Whether the author meant this or not, Gui’s plight in this world could be synonymous to dementia or Alzheimer’s. He doesn’t remember. He is reliant on videos…but they might as well be actors on a screen playing on scenes of his life. In seeing Gui like this, Clara realizes the own importance of her memory. As much as she would love to forget the betrayal and heartache from a lost lover, it is that story that makes her who she is. 

Some things are best forgotten. Some aren’t. 

Overall, I think, this short story was extremely well done…and I think I won’t forget it for quite some time. 

What’s it about?

Touch the past or wash it away? Two sisters have a choice in this unforgettable short story of everyday magic and the power of memory by the Hugo and Nebula Award–winning author Ken Liu.

Gui is a professional cleaner at A Fresh Start, scrubbing away the unpleasant layers of memory that build up on the personal objects of his customers. Memory-blind himself, he can’t feel those wounds. Clara can, and she prefers them irretrievable. Until her sister, Beatrice, ultrasensitive to memory, raises one that could change Clara’s mind. For Gui, the past is gone. For Clara and Beatrice, deciding what to remember reaches to the heart of their shared history.

The Cleaners on Goodreads

The Last of Polaris – Book Review

Book Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 / 5 stars)

The future has arrived, and it’s a vampire filled wasteland that Zelina can only somewhat remember. Cursed to live forever, she constantly is forgetting bits of her past. She has only one constant in her life: her love, Reed. But, when the evil sorcerer Bo captures Reed, Zelina needs to find a way to rescue him while teaming up with people she has long forgotten from her past. 

In the conclusion to the Polaris Chronicles, we have abandoned the past, ventured through the present, and have arrived in this apocalyptic future. Like all the stories before it, The Last of Polaris takes a tongue-and-cheek approach to the fantasy elements, positioning Bo as a wicked leader who just is evil for the fun of it. The story itself has come full circle though: the immortal princess, the first vampire, and her King-Brother come together again for one last fight. 

To my happiness and surprise, the story shows how much thousands of years can change people…and people who might have once loved each other may no longer actually be “in love”. This was a nice change of pace from the idea of soulmates and unbreakable bonds. Instead, the star-crossed lovers who started this whole wild adventure thousands of years prior hold no distaste over one and other, nor some realistic ideal about their future, and move on. Thus, they come together as a family…almost as siblings…to fight evil and hopefully succeed.  Sometimes, the happy ending you dream of isn’t the one you end up receiving.

I do think the middle book was the strongest in this series, perhaps because it planted real-life elements with Polaris in tow. This third and final book I think needed just a little bit more page time so we could see how the world developed with Bo in charge. It moves fast, from Zelina hiding with Reed, to Daniel reemerging from the water, to the final battle that happens almost in the blink of an eye. This might have all been done with purpose, and while I am picky about the pacing of the book, for the most part, the author uses this fast-pace to their benefit.

The Polaris Chronicles was an endearing, fast paced series that takes through thousands of years at such a rapid pace. I think it will stick with me for awhile…and I cannot wait to see what Violet Schofield puts out next! 

What’s it about?

A group of miscellaneous rebels must work together to save the human race from a vampire-ruled dystopia. Will they succeed? Well, it is the last book in the series…so…fingers crossed!

The Last of Polaris on Goodreads

The Dogs of Venice – Book Review

Book Rating: ★★★★☆   (4 / 5 stars)
Audio Book Performance: ★★★★★  (5 / 5 Stars)

Venice: the City of Love, and where Paul goes after his husband ends their five-year relationship in an attempt to free himself of the chains laid down by constant companionship. But as a fascination with a dog takes hold of Paul, he sets out on a journey throughout the magical city to find himself…and learn it’s okay to be lonely. 

An enchanting tale that transports you to Venice, you’ll wrap yourself in this short story and explore not just the streets of this enchanting city, but also the messages it holds. People can’t be trusted, dogs aren’t always care free, and sometimes love ends. In the end, all you’ll have is yourself. While it takes Paul awhile to learn these, convinced that the streets of Venice will transform him, the central message is there, looming in the shadows, just like a broken heart.

This story drew me in more than others, primarily due to the memories I have of Venice from my trip in 2016. My first trip abroad, going to Italy left a mark, and I could easily visualize everything Paul explored, and the total amore he found in the city. Venice has a way of whisking people into its embrace. You get lost in its street. Like Paul, I went to Venice to learn more about myself (although with a companion), and I came out with a better understanding of myself. 

The poetic nature of this story, as well as the unclear end with few resolutions, might not be for everyone. Paul doesn’t come out a changed man, or with a new lover. Instead, he comes to the conclusion: it’s okay to be sad, it’s okay to be alone, and it’s okay to trust yourself before anyone else. It’s bittersweet, emotional…and might make you want a dog as well! 

If you want a quick listen, I recommend checking out The Dogs of Venice on audible. On top of being a heartwarming story, Neil Patrick Harris is a fantastic narrator. Definitely worth the time and the listen!

What’s it about?

A heartbroken Paul takes a solo trip to Venice while his ex-husband moves out of their joint place back home. While on the trip Paul looks for a connection and meaning.

The Dogs of Venice on Goodreads

The Good, the Bad & the Ugly of Editing

 Editing: it’s probably the most important aspect of publishing a book. More than the book cover or sometimes even the story itself, editing can often make or break a good story. Why? Because editing helps polish the story and make it shine. Without editing, a good story could become unreadable, cumbersome, and looked over by readers. 

As the first part of my series, The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly of Self Publishing, we’re going to talk about Editing. Everyone has had both good and bad experiences with their editing: between using software, hiring editors, and discovering typos…we all are faced with different hurdles throughout our publishing journey.

Over the next two weeks I’ll be sharing thoughts and stories from many different authors (including myself) in regards to their experiences with editing. 

What can you look forward to in the coming weeks? Let me tell you!

Insights on editing softwareInsights on finding and working with an editorMistakes that authors have made along the wayAnd more!

So stay tuned while we begin to discuss all these topics and more. As a reader, you might understand more about the amount of effort put into an author’s work. As a writer, you’ll learn about all your options. We can all continue to learn and improve our craft.

So if you’re interested, stay tuned.

Come Join Me (Digitally) @ the Sunshine State Book Festival

Do you miss bookish conventions? While the world is still livid with Covid-19, it doesn’t mean you can’t support your local (or not so local) authors!

I’m honored to be taking part in the Sunshine State Book Festival on January 30th, a virtual festival hosted by the Writer’s Alliance of Gainesville! In a way, having my first “live book event” “in” Gainesville is fitting: I went to the University of Florida for 3 years, then proceeded to live in Gainesville for 3 more years while working before moving to Orlando. 

So how does this work? On January 30th, the Sunshine State Book Festival will open their “virtual” festival. You’ll be able to browse author books, check out their books, and watch a short video. I will just be one of over 90 individuals showcasing their books! 

And best yet? It’s free to come check it out! Who knows, maybe you’ll find your next favorite read! 

You can find out more about the festival below! 

What will [the Sunshine State] online book festival look like?

Prominent guest speakers will give featured talks—all free and open to the public.

Author booths allow you to virtually “stroll” aisles of our festival from the comfort and safety of your home. Meet authors via brief videos they have provided. Enjoy the experience of book browsing? Click on a book cover, then on Amazon’s “Look inside” feature to view the back cover copy, table of contents, and even read a few pages of the book.

Authors of children’s books will have a separate area of the festival site featuring picture books, chapter books, and middle-grade readers. Several authors are providing fun or educational activity worksheets that visitors will be able to print or download to their computer

Want a sneak peek at example booths? Click the Preview option.

–From sunshinestatebookfestival.com

Check it out online

So make sure to mark your calendars! I look forward to “seeing” you there!

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Unicorn Farmhand – Book Review

Book Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5 / 5 stars)

Dok Saau always thought of himself as a normal horse…except that he knew how to write, and had the cognizant ability equal to, if not greater, than his owner Chang Gao. After a DNA scan reveals that Dok Saau is not just any old horse though, but an endangered unicorn, his life is turned upside-down. Suddenly, people from far and wide are coming to see Dok Saau – for his writing ability, and his ability to “talk” due to computer implanted horn on his head. But, as Dok Saau’s ability to reason and remember continues to improve, nightmares of those who removed his horn and tortured him as a foal wrap themselves around him. Will they destroy the progress he made? Or risk the life of his owner and family? 

Unicorn Farmhand is an endearing, slice-of-life type of story, mixing elements of fantasy and sci-fi into one book. Dok Saau is an interesting character…after all, he is the narrator but also a unicorn! His understanding of the world is limited by experiences; he doesn’t quite understand the cartoonish unicorns on TV, or why the neighborhood kids behave in certain ways. But that’s okay. He is just trying to take in the world and live his life without trouble. 

As a precursor, the book does have some mention of animal abuse. Dok Saau is a victim of mutilation early in his life, and throughout the book he deals with the fallout of these memories…ones that he had suppressed after joining Chang Gao’s family, until local authorities discovered his true origin. I think this was quite an interesting way to discuss trauma…because despite how much better Dok Saau’s life is with Chang Gao’s, he still cannot shake everything from his past.

While I overall enjoyed the story, there were some things that could have been executed better in my opinion. For me, I felt that the story meandered a little bit in the middle, detailing more about Dok Saau’s life as a tourist attraction, than about finding the men who harmed him. This might have just been personal taste, as I found my mind wandering in parts of those scenes, waiting for the next revelation to come along about Dok Saau’s past. But at the same time, I also wanted to know more about the world: the mix of sci-fi elements and fantasy elements were fascinating. So I can’t say if I think this book needed to be longer or shorter; I guess, as a reader, I wish it went on a slightly different path.

But that’s not to say that I didn’t enjoy it, because I did! I think the author did a phenomenal job blending sci-fi with fantasy, while also showing the naivety of a unicorn (or horse). Dok Saau doesn’t see the world like us, and having a story written from a lost unicorn’s point-of-view is so much different than what we read today. 

So why not take an adventure down to Dok Saau’s farm, learn about his past, and along the way…help him fight and defeat those who harmed him? It’s a fun adventure that I think many people will enjoy!

Note: I received a copy of this book at no cost in exchange for my honest review.

What’s it about?

Every horse has a talent or two. Some can sit, some can jump over obstacles, and some can select a button for a treat. For one particular draft horse, Dok Saau, his talent is in writing. He does not just scribble letters in the ground as a trick, but he also uses his talent to express his own thoughts to his bemused owners.

Surprised by his strange talent, his owner Chang Gao brings him to the Horse Fair, where he beats the other horses by writing proper answers to several questions. After a DNA scan, he is revealed to be a unicorn: even though he was supposed to be released into the wild, the authorities let Chang Gao keep him so that he might become a local attraction.

Yet even as he tries to adjust to his new life as an animal celebrity, every now and then he faces recurring nightmares from his troubled past. As he seeks Chang Gao’s help, will he be there to help him defeat his fears? Or would they instead attract something much worse: something that could threaten his comforts or even his own life?

Unicorn farmhand on Goodreads