Michelle Scott's Blog, page 12

6 Things You Should Know Before Starting a Book Club

[image error]I keep a special bookshelf on GoodReads for book titles that I’ve read with my book club.  The other day, I was looking it over and discovered that we’ve read forty-nine books together!   Which makes sense since our group has been meeting about four times a year for the past twelve years.

Going to book club is one of my favorite activities.  A lot of people have told me that they would like to start one, but aren’t sure what to do.  It’s easy, but I do have a few recommendations.

Set a schedule.

My group is rather formal in that we all take turns hosting and we always plan our next meeting when we are together at the current meeting.  That way, we know who’s hosting next, what the date is, and (sometimes) what the next book will be.  We also like to meet on Friday evenings since we tend to stay pretty late.  My advice is to pick a day and time that works for you, and stay consistent.
Not everyone has to like the book!

Sometimes, the stress of being the host is due to selecting the next book.  Don’t worry…not everyone has to like it.  Some of our best discussions have come about due to opposing views on a book.  We started our club with the idea that we would read books that we would probably never read on our own.  We’ve read non-fiction, historical novels, and even fantasy.  Don’t be afraid to explore!
Food and beverages?

Our book club host is responsible for serving a meal, too, but that doesn’t have to be the case.   You could choose to serve a dessert or hors d’oeuvres.  We’ve even had meals that tie in with the theme or setting of the book, but that isn’t necessary, either.  We’re full-on wine drinkers, but you don’t need to indulge if you don’t care to.  Mocktails (alcohol-free cocktails) are always a fun alternative.
Discussions

Yes, not everyone has to like the book, but having a few discussion questions  ready never hurts.  Sometimes, the questions are conveniently located at the back of the book.  Other times, you can find them simply by Googling ‘discussion questions’ along with the title of your book.  We like to begin our discussions by going around in a circle with each of us giving our star rating (one to five) and then saying a few words about why we chose that rating.  Like I said, not everyone has to like the book, but beware!  You need to come to book club ready to listen to others’ viewpoints!  If someone loves the book, and you hate it, be considerate of their feelings.  Everyone has good reasons why they like/dislike something, shaming them will only break up your club.
How many members?

My book club has changed shape over the years.  Only a few of us are charter members.  Sometimes, one or more of us needs to take a break from the club, only to return a few months later.  Be flexible!  Right now, our group has eight members, which has been a good number for us.  This number has allowed us to have enough voices for a great discussion, but not so many that the host is overwhelmed.

If you’ve ever thought of having a book club, I strongly encourage it.  There’s something special about being able to share the love of reading with others who share that same interest.

Why You Should…or Shouldn’t…Get Kindle Unlimited

[image error]First and foremost, let me begin by saying that I am 100% in support of public libraries.  Books should always be freely available to the public, and there is nothing more wonderful than stepping into the local library and browsing the bookshelves.

However…

Sometimes you can’t always find everything you want.  Yes, I know that’s a sacrilegious statement, but it’s also true.  Let’s face it.  More and more authors are turning away from traditional publishing in order to pursue self-publication.  Whether that’s a good trend or not remains to be seen.  But it is a trend.

Take my own books, for example.  Even though the Straight to Hell series is published by Harper Collins as an e-book, it is not available on Overdrive or Libby (the apps I use to download library books onto my Kindle.)  My other books, such as the recent paranormal series Restless Spirits , is self-published and also not available on these apps.

I’m not alone in this.  Many of my favorite authors are also self-published.  Most of their titles are on Amazon only and not available in the library.  This means that if I want to read one of their books, I can either buy it outright, or use Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited to rent it.

But is Kindle Unlimited really worth it?

After being an unlimited member for the past four months, this is my $.02:

KU costs $10.00 a month.  Most of the books I’ve been reading from it are priced anywhere from $.99 – $4.99.  I figure if I’m reading three books a month, I’m probably getting my money’s worth.  (Providing they’re not all $.99 books.)
KU doesn’t have many big-name authors such as Stephen King.  If you are looking only for these kinds of books, KU probably isn’t for you.
Other than the above mentioned big-name authors, KU does have a very good selection of novels.  I enjoy romances, urban fantasy, and thrillers, and can find a lot of titles that interest me.
KU offers magazines as well.  I can borrow magazines such as Oprah’s magazine and Real Simple.  They also offer a few comic books.

Basically, whether or not KU is worth it depends on the kind and number of books you read.  I started my membership because they were offering a special of three months for $9.99, and I’ve kept it going since I found it worthwhile.   I’m not sure if I’ll continue with it over the summer (nice weather can keep me from reading!), but I’ll be sure to come back to it again.

Cover Reveal – A Darker Shade of Evil

I’m thrilled to be a part of an upcoming demon and devil anthology called A Darker Shade of Evil.  The collection features ten stories by ten authors, including USA Today and best-selling writers.

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Deadly demons, diabolical devils, and other creatures of the night keep you spellbound in a world of dark delights as they trifle in forbidden passions, suspense, and kick-ass battles. It’s all right here for you in this captivating urban fantasy and paranormal romance anthology!

Brought to you by USA Today and international bestselling authors, these stories of sexy, alpha heroes and heroines will keep you turning the pages as devils, demons, hunters and other dark delights draw you into their conquests, twisted power plays, deception, scorching heat, and yes, even love.

* Heat Rating: Spicy to Erotic Romance

* No Cliffhangers

* Happily-Ever-After or Happy-For-Now

A Darker Shade of Evil will be available for pre-order on May 31!

A Writer’s Toolbox Part One – Software

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My husband has been a woodworker for many years. His first project was a dresser/cupboard for my son’s bedroom. Hubby tried hard to make a quality piece of furniture, but it looked rather, well, homemade. In part, this was because it was his first attempt, and he was learning. The other thing, however, was that he didn’t have the right tools. Now, twenty-five years later, he’s got a garage full of tools and has made most of the furniture in our house (including the kitchen cupboards!)

 

Writing is the same way. If you’re going to be a writer, having the right tools is important. For years, I wrote in MS Word because it was the only word processor I had access to. Don’t get me wrong – Word is a great program. However, I have found that I don’t need all of its bells and whistles. I’ve used the software for nearly as long as my husband has been woodworking, yet I still only know about a third of Word’s commands.

 

The other problem I have is that – at least when it comes to writing – I am a very visual person. I need to see a picture of my novel in order to know what events come when and which characters are in what scene. I’ve tried using color-coded index cards (not a bad way to go, but they are too easily mis-filed) and white boards (takes up too much space on the walls of my tiny office.) A writer friend of mine swears by Excel graphs, but I never could plot things the way I wanted.

 

So, finally, after much debate, I bought a copy of Scrivener software. It was a marriage made in heaven! Now, I can shuffle not only my index cards, but my files as well. I can take snapshots and map out my characters’ arcs. Overall, it has saved me a ton of frustration, grief, and time.

 

[image error]A great beginning to a new project

 

Don’t worry…I’m not here as a shill for Scrivener. What I’m trying to say is that in order to increase your productivity, you need to find what works best for you. Whether you choose Google docs or even write longhand in a notebook, it doesn’t matter. However, I encourage every writer to try using different tools in order to find what works best.

Five Fabulous Vacation Spots for Book Lovers

Is it too late to start thinking about summer vacation?

Here in southeast Michigan, the trees are starting to bud, and the ground is scattered with those little, red things that drop from the trees. I have to admit it’s a little annoying, yet I’m so happy for a sign of spring.

If you’re like me, you’re probably already starting to plan for summer vacation. Here are five, fabulous vacation spots for book lovers.

[image error]1. Laura Ingalls Wilder’s home(s)

This one is on my  vacation to-do list.  I’ve been saying for years that I want to visit Walnut Grove, MN an De Smet, SD, but I’ve never had the opportunity.  However, for those of us who love the Little House books, this is a must-see mecca.  In fact, Minnesota Public Radio mapped an entire road trip around these sites.

2. Author’s Ridge and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Concord, MA

[image error]I love poking around old cemeteries.  I also am a huge fan of Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Nathaniel Hawthorne.  Those prestigious authors are only among a few who are buried at the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.    Additionally, Concord, MA boasts several homes including Alcott and Emerson’s along with Thoreau’s famous cottage on Walden pond.  Making this trip was a highlight for me, and I plan to return the next time I’m in the area.

3.  Hemingway’s Fishing Spots – Michigan

[image error]Hemingway was, among other things, an avid fisherman, and he fished quite a few rivers here in my home state.  I’ve visited a couple of them, but I’m partial to the Boardman since it’s close to one of my favorite vacation spots: Traverse City.  There’s a wonderful trail near the river that lets you dip your toes in the water.  Beware!  It’s icy cold.  After you visit the Boardman, you can venture into Traverse City and see the marvelous Traverse Bay.  There’s also a self-guided tour for the real aficionados.

4. Jack London State Historic Park, Glen Ellen, CA

[image error]I’m pretty sure that Jack London gave me my fascination for all things Alaska.  “To Build a Fire” was the first short story of his that I read, and I’ll never forget it.   I haven’t been to this state park yet, but I would love to visit.  In addition to London’s grave, the historic park includes the remains of his home, “Wolf House” which, unfortunately, was burned to the ground in 1913.

5. House of the Seven Gables, Salem, MA

[image error]Imagine my disappointment when I came to visit this iconic home only to find out that I’d arrived too late, and it was closed for the day!  This house was an inspiration for Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel of the same name.  Salem itself is an interesting town as well.  It’s full of history tied to witches and the witch trials.  Definitely worth a stop.   I know that I, for one, will be sure to get back there.

There are many, many more places here in the United States that relate to authors and fiction, and I can’t wait to see them.

Color Palettes and Mandalas

Can I admit to being addicted to eye candy?  I love Pinterest and can spend a lot of time looking at and creating boards.  One that I’ve recently created is centered on color palettea.

One thing I use the palettes for are my knitting and crocheting projects. If you ever see me without a book in my hands, it’s because I’m holding knitting needles or a crochet hook.  Not only does it give me a break from writing, it also allows me to keep my hands busy while I listen to an audio book or binge-watch a little Netflix.  This past winter, I completed two sweaters and started on two throws which I’m hoping to finish soon.

My next project is going to be another throw, only this time I’m keeping it and not giving it away! I want to crochet a mandala like this one.

The color pallet board also helps me out when I’m creating new book covers. Right now, urban fantasy book covers are full of vivid colors which makes them really stand out. I’ve even started a Pinterest board just for them!

Are any of you knitters or crocheters? I’d love to see your projects if you are.

 

Review – Velvet Buzzsaw

[image error]I’ve seen a lot of horror movies in my day.  Nearly every weekend, I treat myself to at least one.  What may surprise some people, however, is that I have discriminating tastes.  I don’t like gore fests, and I absolutely loathe torture porn.  Unfortunately, I’ve been seeing a lot of that lately.  I hope it’s not making a comeback!

My favorite horror movies are those with a lot of atmosphere.  TV shows like The Haunting of Hill House and movies like Get Out are among my top picks.  These eerie movies creep me out much more than watching blood and guts.  I’m always up for a horror movie or series with a great story line.

So when I heard about Velvet Buzzsaw, I knew I had to watch it.  I went in blind, only knowing that one of my favorite actors, Jake Gyllenhaal, starred in it.  The moment I started watching, I knew that I was in for something different.

The entire movie is a commentary on the art world, something I know nothing about.  It revolves around a group of art dealers and critics who can make or break an artist’s career in a heartbeat.  Gyllenhaal is especially loathsome in his role as a cruel, arrogant art critic.  Surprisingly, the movie is incredibly funny, not taking itself, its subject matter, or its characters too seriously.  For example, the art displayed in the movie is laughably absurd.  I mean, who would want to put a giant, white egg on display?

My one complaint is that Velvet Buzzsaw doesn’t always work as a horror movie.  It takes forever for the supernatural elements to show themselves.  The movie focuses more on the art world than on the horror theme.  I think this is why audiences don’t know what to think about it.  Yes, it is horror (it has some wonderfully, scary parts), but at the same time, it’s pretty slow-moving.  The ending is also rather obscure.  I finished the movie wondering who the hero was supposed to be.  I always want to root for a character, yet I couldn’t find one to get behind.

If you strip away the comedy and the art commentary, you’re left with a very basic horror premise. Yet, the setting and concept behind Velvet Buzzsaw make it unique.  I really loved this movie and would be thrilled to see horror branch out into something more unusual.  I mean, how many slasher movies can a person watch?

 

Deadly Spirits – New Release

I’m so excited to announce that I’ve just published the latest installment in the Restless Spirits series…Deadly Spirits.

[image error]With lives in the balance, Ethan will do anything to tip the scales. Ethan’s had enough of talking to spirits. After all, his psychic abilities nearly have nearly gotten him killed more than once. Unfortunately, a reoccurring vision won’t let him rest. A horrific tragedy is on the horizon, and if Ethan doesn’t do something, a dozen people will die.

Thankfully, he’s not tackling this mission alone. Enter fierce, fearless Christian. Christian might test Ethan’s limits, but he’s loyal and good in a fight. He also holds answers that could help Ethan harness his supernatural skills.

As Ethan and Christian frantically work to stop the impending disaster, things take a disastrous turn when Ethan’s boyfriend ends up in the hospital. Now, Ethan must choose between stopping the massacre or saving David.

Either way, someone’s going to die.

Deadly Spirits is now available in the Kindle Store.  You can also read it for free with the Kindle Unlimited program.

 

Magic – Trying to Write About Something That Doesn’t Exist

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My husband likes koans (A koan is a paradoxical idea that is sometimes used for meditation.  For example, “What is the sound of one hand clapping?”)  Anyway, the other day, he asked me to picture a color that didn’t exist.  Needless to say, I couldn’t do it.  Magic falls into the same category.  As an urban fantasy writer, I need to describe it; however, it doesn’t exist which makes it hard to put on a page.

I’m always interested in how other writers structure their magical systems.  They are so creative!  Take the Harry Potter series.  Rowling’s characters use wands, of course, but they also recite words to go along with their spells.  It’s a complex and interesting type of magic.  (And, let’s be real, who among us hasn’t tried saying wingardium leviosa just to see if it really works!)

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Another book series that I love is The Magicians by Lev Grossman.  In this series, there are many different types of magicians, such as travelers, physical magic users, and light benders.  These magicians use complicated hand signals to work magic.  The signals are really apparent on the TV series.  I am amazed at how dexterous the actors are, and I love watching them cast spells.

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In my books, I have my magic users combine everyday objects such as black salt (yes, that’s really a thing!), bird feathers, candles, copper bowls, and hemp.  Because I love crafting (I’m an avid knitter) and cooking, I think of magic as an art or craft.  My characters do chant spells, but the real magic comes from the combination of ingredients.

Describing something that doesn’t exist can be challenging.  That’s what makes it fun!

Lifetime Movie Review – Escaping the Madhouse

Here it is!  Another Lifetime Movie Review.  This one is even five stars!  If you only watch one LMN movie this year, Escaping the Madhouse is the one to see.