E.S. Barrison's Blog, page 22
October 6, 2020
A Discussion of Creativity & Writing: An Interview with Logan Young
Today we are talking with Logan Young about his creative process. [Author] is the author of The Vanquisher of Water.
About Author
Logan Young is a Colorado-based young adult author. As a child, his overactive mind never seemed to shut off, filling his head with all kinds of stories and worlds. Now as an adult, he’s decided to put those stories on paper. When not writing, Logan enjoys getting out and exploring in nature whenever he can.
So let’s get into the questions!
First, tell us about your book!
My debut novel, The Vanquisher of Water, tells the story of Kym Collins. Kym is a young teenage girl who’s life has been negatively impacted by magic. Then, when she discovers that she herself has magic, she must learn to accept her place in a world she never wanted to be a part of.
How did you come up with this idea? What inspired you?
The idea for this world and Kym’s story really came out of nowhere. I was sitting in my parent’s house when I was 17 years old one night in December, and suddenly, the idea of Princirum, the setting of Kym’s story, plopped into my head. I knew there were gods and rulers and demons and people who could do magic, but there also weren’t that many of them. I started writing the mythology of the world, most of which only makes brief appearances in the actual story. Then, once I felt like I had a semi firm grasp on the world of Princirum, I started looking at Kym’s story.
Tell us a little bit about your main character(s). Were you inspired by anyone particular when writing them?
The main character of The Vanquisher of Water is 16 year old Kymbralyn Collins. With Kym, I really wanted a hero who wasn’t, for lack of a better phrase, “special because they are the hero”. I wanted a hero who struggled with their place in the world, and who also struggled with the magic itself. Of course, there is always a little of every author in all of their characters, and that is very true for myself and Kym. Growing up as a competitive swimmer, I was not good when I was young. I had to work really, really hard to improve while other around me with more natural talent didn’t need to work as hard. And that struggle bled into Kym, to whom magic does not come naturally and who has to work extremely hard just to keep up with her magical training.
What about your setting? What inspired you to choose where the story took place?
For a story like the one I wanted to tell, I needed a little more control over it. So, I invented a whole world, complete with it’s own religion, gods, and customs. I thought it would be fun to have a technologically advanced society living alongside a magical world that seemed so stuck in the past they were almost out of place. Then, since this was a magical world, that let me get away with having some very different locations on what is in actuality a relatively small island.
Obviously, stories change from their initial inception. How has your story changed while working on it?
The biggest changes came near the beginning. In the very first draft, I did the rookie author mistake of trying to info dump all of the information I thought the reader would need, resulting in what is now the first chapter starting out as the third. I also spent many, many years writing this book. So, even if the story itself didn’t really change, everything got a little deeper and darker is I grew out of my angsty teen years and into my early twenties.
What is your writing process like?
I’m a big planner. I like to know what I’m going to do and where a story is going to go. However, I alway allow myself the room to let the story deviate from the plan and go where it needs to. With any part of my writing process, I really only have one rule: finish what you’re doing BEFORE you move on to the next part. This really comes in handy during drafting, where I always have ideas about how I could change and “fix” what I did a week ago. So, I jot down the idea so I don’t forget it, and then I keep pushing forward with the draft and save all changes until the draft is done.
What part of the writing process do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy drafting the most. It’s where I feel the most free, and where literally anything can happen in the story, since there really is no story until I write it down.
What was the most difficult part in writing your book? How did you overcome it?
The most difficult part of writing the book came about halfway through the process. I’d been writing the book for about 3 years at that point, and when I sat down to do another read through of the draft, I realized I couldn’t read it. The writing was just too hard to read. I couldn’t get through the first 5 pages of my own story. That was a huge blow. Even to me, the one who loves this story the most, the book was unreadable. So, I ended up rewriting the entire novel, from start to finish. And even though it took months to do, I’m happy I did it in the end, since the book wouldn’t be what it is without that step.
Now let’s talk personal inspiration: did anyone or anything inspire you to be a writer?
I grew up in the Harry Potter era, and it would be ridiculous of me to say that wasn’t a big inspiration, because it was. That series was the series that made me enjoy reading, and want to explore worlds of my own. I was also inspired my the TV series Avatar the Last Airbender, which had so many diverse characters and personalities that made a really fun group dynamic.
Finally, do you have any words of inspiration or tips to new authors?
If you have a story to tell, tell it. Don’t let anyone stop you from telling a story you are excited about. Also, the only person you should be trying to please with your story is yourself. Write the story that excites you, not the one you think other will like.
Thank you for joining us today! If you’re interested in Logan Young, check out the links below!
Social Media
Books
Until next time,
E.S. Barrison
October 5, 2020
A Discussion of Creativity & Writing: An Interview with Patrick D. Kaiser
Today we are talking with Patrick D. Kaiser about his creative process. Patrick D. Kaiser is the author of the Crimson Minds Trilogy, Frost, and more!
About Author
Patrick D. Kaiser is the author of Catch the Moment, Colors of the Heart, The Light Before We Land, and the freshly completed Crimson Minds Trilogy. The upcoming first book: Frost – In his new series: The Death-Bringer Chronicles will be released in September 2020.
Having Asperger’s Syndrome as well as Tourettes doesn’t slow Patrick down in the slightest. His work ethic and positive attitude are infectious according to those in his life. His positivity can especially be seen in his writing; despite using heavier subjects in his books, he addresses them with a light that’s rarely found in fiction these days, resulting in a profound balance of entertaining and thought provoking content that tugs at the heart strings.
His various books are written in a curious, yet engaging style that is difficult to put down. Patrick’s vision is to turn the idea of the traditional verse novel on it’s head & to break new ground, creating something uniquely delicious, all it’s own.
So let’s get into the questions!
First, tell us about your book!
Frost is about a young magical thief who get framed for murder. He teams up with Jack Frost and tangles with the magical FBI and The magical criminal underworld. It is a thriller written in verse.
How did you come up with this idea? What inspired you?
Years ago me and a friend had an inside joke about helping the cops hunt down the criminal Jack Frost. Don’t really remember how it even started. But it stuck with me and this book is the result.
Tell us a little bit about your main character(s). Were you inspired by anyone particular when writing them?
I just used the typical tactics on writing a compelling character. Relatable, mysterious, proactive, & a likable person.
What about your setting? What inspired you to choose where the story took place?
I just like the thought of Paris as a home base for a global crime fighting organization.
Obviously, stories change from their initial inception. How has your story changed while working on it?
It originally started as a high school romance.
What is your writing process like?
I usually start with a chapter title and an idea of where I’m going. Then I write what feels right.
What part of the writing process do you enjoy the most?
Discovering parts of the story I didn’t anticipate.
What was the most difficult part in writing your book? How did you overcome it?
Probably being brave enough to go through with writing Verse Thrillers against everyone telling me it wouldn’t work.
Now let’s talk personal inspiration: did anyone or anything inspire you to be a writer?
The author of Eragon – Christopher Paolini. He was 15 when he wrote it. Learning that that was an option made the decision for me.
Finally, do you have any words of inspiration or tips to new authors?
Trust your instincts. Never let someone tell you it won’t work. If you have an idea you can make it work.
Thank you for joining us today! If you’re interested in Patrick D. Kaiser, check out the links below!
Social Media
Books
Until next time,
E.S. Barrison
October 4, 2020
Goon Squad – Book Review
Book Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5 stars)
Audio Book Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5 Stars)
Total Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5 stars)
Meet the Goon Squad…protectors of modern-day Manchester against rogue talents and other criminal scum. Join Nadiya Kysla as she is requisitioned as “Puppet Girl” for the Goon Squad, a name given to her due to her empathetic abilities…and more! But being a “goon” isn’t like typical law enforcement; with her new team – Ian the Dead Man, Gilbert the “Red Wolf”, and Talos the Robot – they are faced with challenges they can’t even begin to fathom.
The heart of the Goon Squad really comes from the characters. Each of these characters, called “talents” rather than superheroes, are unique not only by their abilities, but by how they stomp out different tropes in superhero fiction. When I first met Nadiya, I thought I would be getting a stereotypical, chaotic, Harley Quinn type of anti-hero. I am so glad I was wrong! Instead we receive a female lead who has innate empathic abilities…and more! She likes having fun, loves her plush panda, and wants to do what is right. Then there’s Gilbert, the Red Wolf, who is so determined to be a good person that villains often fail to find “dirt” on him. He spends his time fighting down the wolf inside of him, making him both the heart and the strength of the squad. Then there’s Ian Mears, the walking dead man: sarcastic, witty, he is probably the most stereotypical type of character…but in all the best ways! A team like this needs someone to “tell it how it is” after all. The only character that really remains elusive is Talos, but based on the ending of book 3, that is with reason.
As fun as the multiple stories throughout the audio rendition are, I think the episodic nature of each chapter didn’t always work. I understand it was supposed to be like a comic book, and I could picture each scene as a comic book, but as an audio book, it left something to be desired. Possibly if I read this on my kindle instead, I might have been a bit more engaged. So I can’t say if it was the writing or narrator that left me distracted.
I can totally picture this as a comic or TV show though! The author’s goal was to paint a comic with prose, and he did do just that! And with a cliff hanger like that…I am sure to pick up the next part when it is released!
So if you want some darker, but still heroic, deeds…check out Goon Squad! It’s fun and worth the ride!
What’s it about?
An ongoing, episodic ”prose comic” from which the pictures are summoned by the magic of words, Goon Squad is set in an alternate version of modern-day Manchester. Its biggest divergence from the real city is that it — along with most other large urban centers — has a team of superheroes to protect it against unusual threats with which the conventional forces of law and order would have problems.
Goon Squad on Goodreads
A Discussion of Creativity & Writing: An Interview with B.D. West
Today we are talking with B.D. West about her creative process. B.D. West is the author of Wynter of Wolves.
About Author
B. D. West is a writer of fiction, children stories, poetry, romance, short stories and especially science fiction. She has been writing since the young age of 15. Poetry has always been one of her favorite ways of expressing how she feels even though that changes every day. Her favorite saying is “What I feel today might not be necessarily how I feel tomorrow and poetry helps me to work that out”. B. D. West has a passion for story telling that can be felt in every word written on paper from the poems that she writes to the daring fictional worlds that she creates. Inspired by her surroundings in North Carolina B. D. West often enjoys writing poetry and fictional stories based on local folklore. She also has a soft spot in her heart for the writings of Edgar Allan Poe and if you look carefully you may spot his style shining through her poetry.
B. D. West debut novel Wynter Of Wolves has been what she calls ‘A labor of Love’ and she is excited to share it with the world.
So let’s get into the questions!
First, tell us about your book!
Wynter Of Wolves is about a man living in Alaska and he runs a home town bar with his dog Indigo at his side. He always felt like he did’nt belong and knowing he was adopted only increased those feelings. Three strangers enters his bar one night and his life changes forever.
How did you come up with this idea? What inspired you?
In 2018 I had a dream that I was standing in a frozen wood watching a man from a distance. He was chopping wood and I could feel how frustrated he was and before I woke up, I knew he was a wolf. My husband urged me to write the dream down and the next year the story came to life.
Tell us a little bit about your main character(s). Were you inspired by anyone particular when writing them?
Wynter’s character was influenced by my husbands personality. Like my husband, Wynter is always searching for more than what is in front of him and he is fiercely protective of his family.
What about your setting? What inspired you to choose where the story took place?
I chose Alaska because of the winter setting and I love a play on words. Then as you read the book, Wynter begins to travel to some of the most beautiful places in the US and Canada to some known and hidden places reserved only for the wolves.
Obviously, stories change from their initial inception. How has your story changed while working on it?
I thought about building a full fantasy world for the wolves but then as I began to think about Wynter, I thought it would be fun to place the wolves in a position of hiding in plain sight, as if they have been running the world.
What is your writing process like?
I first write out my ideas into a composition book and then I lay out a storyline on paper. Then I just sit down with my notes and I begin my rough draft on my laptop. I take my time because in a story, like the ones I write, there is a lot of research involved. Then after the rough draft is finished; the real work begins. I begin the rewrite and then the editing.
What part of the writing process do you enjoy the most?
The rewrite is the most fun because I can begin to fill in the details and I love researching places and history I could possibly use.
What was the most difficult part in writing your book? How did you overcome it?
The editing is always the hardest part but I just slow down and take my time.
Now let’s talk personal inspiration: did anyone or anything inspire you to be a writer?
My English teacher gave me an assignment in high school and after she read my paper I had wrote, she said I could be a writer some day. Until that moment I had only just loved to read books. I never thought that my imagination could take me somewhere. She gave me the inspiration to find my direction.
Finally, do you have any words of inspiration or tips to new authors?
I always tell my fellow authors to never give up or listen to negativity. As writers we hear a lot of hurtful comments on wanting to be writers or about works we have put out into the world. It can sting but I encourage them to keep their heads up and keep writing. I also encourage them to surround themselves with a writing community whether from social media or at a local library because the support you get is all you need.
Thank you for joining us today! If you’re interested in [author], check out the links below!
Social Media
Books
Until next time,
E.S. Barrison
October 3, 2020
A Discussion of Creativity & Writing: An Interview with Myria Candies
Today we are talking with Myria Candies about her creative process. Myria Candies is the author of Black Hollow.
About Author
Myria Candies is a young American author who writes a variety of genres– such as horror, dark fantasy, mystery and thrillers. Her own projects are taken from her grueling nightmares and life experiences.
Her debut novel is, “Black Hollow”, and she has a number of other projects to be published. She resides in the state of Washington with her loving husband. Myria is sweet, down to earth person, who loves to find new authors and hidden gems.
So let’s get into the questions!
First, tell us about your book!
My book is a gothic thriller with a pinch of horror, romance, paranormal activity and mystery. It follows a man James, who is lured to the estate Black Hollow. While he is there, many horrors arise and a past he didn’t know about.
How did you come up with this idea? What inspired you?
My nightmares and childhood have inspired for this novel.
Tell us a little bit about your main character(s). Were you inspired by anyone particular when writing them?
Elene was inspired by my sister who struggles mentally and Marcus was inspired by my brother.
What about your setting? What inspired you to choose where the story took place?
I chose Boston because that was where it was set in the nightmare.
Obviously, stories change from their initial inception. How has your story changed while working on it?
It has changed drastically with each and every draft. It was actually called “Black Hollow Creek” and it was about the creek behind the house but that disappeared when I discovered I was not a fan of the ending for that one.
What is your writing process like?
I have tons of drafts and I end up rewriting the entire story to make sure it comes to life in a certain way. Then, I pass it off to my content editor and copy editor.
What part of the writing process do you enjoy the most?
I love getting the ideas. Not necessarily the nightmare part, but waking up and realizing that the dream can be converted into a book.
What was the most difficult part in writing your book? How did you overcome it?
I actually burnt my hand toward the end and I had to release it that month. I was going to wait on it, and release it next year but my pre-orders were in high demand and I had found out you cannot cancel a pre-order otherwise you will be suspended. So I had to type and edit with only one hand.
Now let’s talk personal inspiration: did anyone or anything inspire you to be a writer?
I have always written but after I heard Ellen Hopkins speak at a book signing, I realized that I could put my own experiences into books while having it still be fiction. So each piece of my stories, have something from my past that I relate to thanks to lovely Ellen.
Finally, do you have any words of inspiration or tips to new authors?
I have always written but after I heard Ellen Hopkins speak at a book signing, I realized that I could put my own experiences into books while having it still be fiction. So each piece of my stories, have something from my past that I relate to thanks to lovely Ellen.
Thank you for joining us today! If you’re interested in [author], check out the links below!
Social Media
Books
Until next time,
E.S. Barrison
October 2, 2020
A Discussion of Creativity & Writing: An Interview with Lilianne Milgrom
Today we are talking with Lilianne Milgrom about her creative process. Lilianne Milgrom is the author of L’Origine.
About Author
Paris-born, internationally acclaimed artist LILIANNE MILGROM lives in the greater Washington, DC, area. She exhibits her artwork around the world and is the recipient of multiple awards. Her articles and essays have appeared in the Huffington Post, Daily Art Magazine, Bonjour Paris and Ceramics Now magazine. In 2011, she became the first authorized copyist of Gustave Courbet’s controversial painting L’Origine du Monde, which hangs in the Orsay Museum in Paris. Milgrom spent close to a decade researching and writing L’Origine. L’Origine is her first novel.
So let’s get into the questions!
First, tell us about your book!
‘L’Origine’ traces the extraordinary, clandestine odyssey of an iconic 19th century painting that shook up my world and continues to scandalize all who set eyes upon it. My book brings a fresh, feminine perspective to Gustave Courbet’s infamous portrait of a woman’s genitals entitled L’Origine du monde (The Origin of the World) – a painting that was commissioned by an Ottoman pasha and then passed secretly from collector to collector over centuries and continents. Today it draws millions of visitors to Paris’ Orsay Museum every year. But L’Origine is more than a riveting romp through history – it also reflects society’s historically complex attitude towards female nudity.
How did you come up with this idea? What inspired you?
In 2011 I was in Paris on an extended artist residency and when I saw this shocking painting, it was love at first sight. I wrangled permission to become its first copyist at the museum. It was totally out of my comfort zone but it was the experience of a lifetime. After my 6-week stint at the museum I began to dig further into the painting’s history and I just knew I had to tell its story.
Tell us a little bit about your main character(s). Were you inspired by anyone particular when writing them?
Actually, the books’ protagonist is the painting itself, but I’d say I was inspired and awed by the artist himself, Gustave Courbet. He was the quintessential ‘enfant terrible’ – volatile, passionate, provocative, sexy. But he was terribly arrogant and rubbed a lot of people the wrong way and – without giving too much away – his enemies got the better of him in the end.
What about your setting? What inspired you to choose where the story took place?
Well, I am Paris-born and the story begins in Paris. Who doesn’t love Paris? But its a very cosmopolitan setting that reaches to Constantinople, Vienna, Budapest and even Brooklyn!
Obviously, stories change from their initial inception. How has your story changed while working on it?
Good question and so true. I struggled at the beginning thinking I wanted to write historical nonfiction. But then I felt too limited when it came to the gaps in the painting’s provenance. Once I decided to write fact-based fiction, it really took off.
What is your writing process like?
I used a ton of index cards because my book spans a century and a half. I would shuffle them around and edit like crazy to pull out only the most juicy and interesting bits. I also had a white board with a time line that I kept referring to. I did not have an outline, but I did know I was going to break it up into three parts. I write with the idea of each chapter being able to stand on its own, so after finishing a chapter, I would then know where the next chapter was going.
What part of the writing process do you enjoy the most?
Writing! With research a close second. And the marketing of the book a definite last!
What was the most difficult part in writing your book? How did you overcome it?
Hmm….writing a book is a difficult process with lots of challenges. My personal challenges presented themselves all along the way – I questioned whether others would be interested in my story, I questioned the tone, the POV, the structure. But aside from these typical writing challenges, I was at times overwhelmed by historical facts and forced myself to pick and choose carefully.
Now let’s talk personal inspiration: did anyone or anything inspire you to be a writer?
I’d have to say that the painting itself was my inspiration for writing the book, but other authors inspired my love of writing.
Finally, do you have any words of inspiration or tips to new authors?
So cliche, but never give up. I had Barbara Abercrombie’s book ‘A year of Writing Dangerously’ by my bedside. It was inspiring when I felt an an impasse.
Thank you for joining us today! If you’re interested in Lilianne Milgrom check out the links below!
Social Media
Books
Until next time,
E.S. Barrison
September 30, 2020
A Discussion of Creativity & Writing: An Interview with Jack Salva
Today we are talking with Jack Salva about his creative process. Jack Salva is the author of Dybbuk’s Asylum, Guise, and The Ruination Trilogy.
About Author
Jack Salva has had a number of different jobs in a number of different cities in a number of different industries giving him a broad range of life experiences upon which to draw. He is an avid gamer so it is only natural that his characters are creative problem solvers with high degrees of adaptability and a panache for fun. Being an animal lover and advocate, it is no surprise that animal companions also feature prominently in his stories. When not working on his next novels he can be found spending time with his adorable wife, working for their animal sanctuary, or gaming.
So let’s get into the questions!
First, tell us about Dybbuk’s Asylum.
Knowledge is Survival.
More than a motto, it is the principle that compels the Knowledge Reclamators to venture forth into the dangerous wilds of the post-Luddite Tyranny world, braving mutated Altered and cunning death traps, in search of precious information crèches.
Beguiled by the promise of a singular reward and treasures for the taking, Caern Bloodson and his team embark on a perilous mission to retrieve a unique artifact with a sordid history. Thrust into an uneasy alliance with the Clockwork Grenadiers, they travel to a blighted island where all previous expeditions have resulted in madness or death. It will take more than rayguns, clockwork contraptions, and Caern’s unique puzzle-solving intellect to survive this task before time runs out.
However, perhaps some buried secrets are best left unearthed.
How did you come up with this idea? What inspired you?
The idea for the world started with the concept of ‘steampunk zombies’. Fortunately, it grew beyond this. The story idea started out as a short story concept, but just kept growing. I wanted to introduce a number of world concepts in a classic treasure hunt setting. The story also drops things that will reappear in later novels.
Tell us a little bit about your main character(s). Were you inspired by anyone particular when writing them?
There are four main characters. Well, really five. Four are the Knowledge Reclamators with the fifth being the team leader of the expedition. Caern Bloodson is the leader. He is kind of what I would like to be in that world. All the female characters were inspired by different aspects of my wife. The other male on the team is patterned after the classic engineer/scientist/adventurer from old movies.
What about your setting? What inspired you to choose where the story took place?
I wanted the group to be away from their normal stomping grounds. Somewhere foreign. The idea of a deserted island with a hidden laboratory is a classic that I wanted to put my own spin on. It also helped me expand my world.
Obviously, stories change from their initial inception. How has your story changed while working on it?
The core of the story did not change during writing. However, details did get added. A lot of them. I found myself going into more depth concerning antagonists and their motives. Also, I added more background.
What is your writing process like?
I start by jotting down notes. I write down key things I want to have happen or elements I want in the story. I do a very loose outline, basically where do I start and where do I end. Then I make it up as I go. I am very much a pantser, with some plotter. At least for these stories.
What part of the writing process do you enjoy the most?
World building, no question. I love coming up with backgrounds, gadgets, history, all of it. The richer the world, the more in depth the characters, the easier it is to write stories because the characters help me.
What was the most difficult part in writing your book? How did you overcome it?
I think finding a good way to provide the reader background that didn’t sound like “let’s take a break and learn about the world”. I solved this by dropping little asides into the narrative. Also, when larger data dumps needed to happen, I tried to break them into pieces.
Now let’s talk personal inspiration: did anyone or anything inspire you to be a writer?
I have always wanted to be a writer. I was inspired by comic books and science fiction novels. I want to tell stories, but never thought I could. My wife convinced me that I could. I owe her a lot for that.
Finally, do you have any words of inspiration or tips to new authors?
Write! It is a simple thing to say, but tougher to do. Know that there will be a lot of people who do not like your writing. There will also be a lot who do. Forget the first and appreciate the second. Above all, write what you enjoy. It will show in your work.
Thank you for joining us today! If you’re interested in Jack Salva, check out the links below!
Social Media
Books
Until next time,
E.S. Barrison
The Mist Keeper’s Apprentice October Review Blitz!
Reviews are the lifeblood of authors. This is why I commit so much time into reviewing books by other indie authors: it’s so important.
My ultimate goal for the end of the year is to have 50 reviews on Goodreads and 20-25 reviews on Amazon. While this might be a stretch, hey, I can try, right? But, while I try to review every book I read, I know sometimes that it is hard for readers to remember. So, I’ve created a fun little prize pack as an incentive to those of you who enjoyed the book but forgot to leave a review (oops!).
That’s right, you heard what I said…a prize pack! What does this prize back include?
Well let me show you!
[image error]*Note: Prize Pack Items will vary*
Also: every person who submits their review will receive a SNEAK PREVIEW at A Pool of Peony, the sequel to The Mist Keeper’s Apprentice!
How do you get one of these nifty little prize packs? Well, that’s simple.
Leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads, or any other Bookish websites/social media!Fill out the survey below and provide links to your 3-star or above rating & review!
It’s that easy!
Wait…wait…you said 3-star and above? Are you bribing us?
Not at all! But, I do think that anyone who wants one of these prize packs should probably be someone who *enjoyed* the book. It would be weird if someone who enjoyed the book rated it 1- or 2-stars. I suppose it is possible…but that would be kind of strange. But that’s beside the point. The point here is that you should leave an honest review…but I hope that if you enjoyed the book you at least rate it 3-stars or above.
And there’s more to this…
In addition to the prize pack, you will also be entered into a contest to receive a SIGNED HARD BACK EDITION of A Pool of Peony when it is released in 2021! So *obviously* you should want to know what happens next, right?
Okay, cool. How do I get all of this then?
Easy! Fill out the survey below! Really! It’s that simple!
I can’t wait to send out all these prize packs!
September 28, 2020
Bedtime Stories for Cynics – Book Review
Book Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5 stars)
Audio Book Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 Stars)
Total Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5 stars)
Are you sick of all those happy bedtime stories? Do you want something to please your cynical mind? Then Nick Offerman presents to you a series of bedtime stories that will quell your need for all things negative and rude.
Don’t go into this audible production thinking it will be happy-go-lucky. If you’re hoping for that, then this isn’t for you. No, you’ll be dragged into a series of narcissistic tales filled with unlikable heroes and no real morals. They’re fun, sometimes obnoxious, but worth a quick listen.
Nick Offerman introduces each story in his Ron Swanson-esque charm, and each storyteller is skilled in keep you engaged. But…not every story is a home run though (such as “Casey in the Sack”), but there are gems that will make you laugh (such as “The Empress’s New Bangs”). Each person’s own taste will play into what they think of these Bedtime Stories…and some people might love them all, while some like a few.
If you have an hour or so, give these stories a listen. Or just pick one, and dedicate 8 mintues before bed to learning about Goldilock’s unfortunate demise or how the Tortoise kicked the Hare out of his home. I’ll definitely check out the second edition of this series, because if anything, they are some gems within these cynical tales.
What’s it about?
Are the kids asleep? Yes? Good. This one isn’t for them. Now, if your weary, grown-up mind has been searching for a snarkier alternative to your favorite childhood tales, this Audible Original, hosted by Nick Offerman (Parks & Recreation), will scratch that itch – and then some. Enjoy a hilarious collection of short stories, featuring performances from the likes of Tommy Chong (Cheech & Chong), Tony Hale (Veep), Patton Oswalt (The Goldbergs), and David Spade (Saturday Night Live).
Bedtime Stories for Cynics on Goodreads
September 26, 2020
The Weighing of the Heart – Book Review
Book Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 / 5 stars)
Nick Braeburn is trying to step into a new life after his break-up with long-term girlfriend, Hannah, in New York. As an Englishman in New York City, he has melded into a proper American, feeling out of place with his English family. After the wealthy Peacock sisters take him up as a tenant, he is drawn to their priceless piece of Egyptian art in their study, as well as their neighbor Lydia. But when both Nick and Lydia come together under the influence of a crime, all their secrets begin to unravel.
In a piece that, like many thrillers, places us in the mind of the perpetrator, we also get a harrowing glance at Nick’s own self sabotage. He’s not a narrator you can trust; he gets confused by reflections and his own thoughts. On top of that, he’s selfish with questionable morals, but at the same time, his own bad decisions haunt him. In a way, it is reminiscent of Theo in The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides, although not as devious and cunning.
One of the genius parts of Owen’s writing here is the uncertainty around Nick: is he a psychopath, a sociopath, a schizophrenic, or something else? Does he know what he is doing is wrong? How deep does his influence go? Some people might want more clear cut answers, but by leaving that to the reader’s imagination, we are able to paint Nick in whatever life we deem suitable. Or darkness. Whichever you prefer.
Honestly, having listened to a bunch of audio books over the past month, this would have done very well as an audio book. I found myself skimming passages that I didn’t think important, only for details to come back up again later. An audio book might have helped negate that, or possibly a break in the long detailed paragraphs that took us back through Nick’s life. But this is a small thing that doesn’t take away from the story.
I do think, as much as I enjoyed this story, the book won’t be for everyone. It involves problem solving on your own. The crime itself isn’t hard to uncover: two individuals steal something that lead to their own pasts unraveling. Instead, what you are really putting together, is the long and entwined story of Nick, the Peacock Sisters, Lydia, and the rest of their acquaintances. Are any of them actually good? Are they all suffering from delusions of grandeur? Or, even at the end, are we being lied right in the face?
If you enjoy a good thriller, check out The Weighing of the Heart, and make your own decisions about Nick’s actions. It’s worth it.
What’s it about?
Following a sudden break-up, Englishman in New York Nick Braeburn takes a room with the elderly Peacock sisters in their lavish Upper East Side apartment, and finds himself increasingly drawn to the priceless piece of Egyptian art on their study wall – and to Lydia, the beautiful Portuguese artist who lives across the roof garden.
But as Nick draws Lydia into a crime he hopes will bring them together, they both begin to unravel, and each find that the other is not quite who they seem.
Paul Tudor Owen’s intriguing debut novel brilliantly evokes the New York of Paul Auster and Joseph O’Neill.
The Weighing of the Heart on Goodreads
