Jessica McHugh's Blog, page 8

Three, Four, Five Stars a Liar?

Something hasn't been sitting well with this Writer Chick and I would like to discuss with you, my wonderful friends and followers. That subject is:


1 STAR AMAZON REVIEWS
(dun dun DUNNNNN)


I've been reading a lot lately, particularly books by indie and self-published authors. So far, I've been quite impressed. However, there are times when I am not. You can't please everyone all the time, right? But although I have received a 1 star review (ouch), I've never left one and I probably wouldn't leave one on books by authors I web-know. So here's the thing: I've checked out several debut authors' self-published books and found an insane amount of 5 Star reviews. I look through them and realize that more than half of the reviewers are also indie/self-pubbed authors. Okay, a little strange but no huge deal. 

Then, I look at the 1 Star reviews.

Most of these unfavorable reviews are not malicious; they simply state that they did not like the book and the reasons why: shoddy character development, unrealistic plot, clunky prose, etc, which are all typical mistakes made by first-time authors. (I call attention to my own 1 Star review for my first novel, "Maladrid"). These are things you learn through time, experience, and critique.


However, when you click on the "comments" below the negative reviews, there are a barrage of responses from the same 5 star-giving authors accusing the negative reviewer of "attacking" the author or trying to "bring down the rating on purpose". Just like a high-star review lays out what the reader liked about the book, shouldn't a low-star review talk about what they didn't like?!

It really makes me wonder if we, as authors and reviewers, are doing a disservice to our readers by perhaps not being as honest as we could be. Plus, I don't care if the author is your best friend, an author should never EVER insult a reader because they had a differing opinion. Personally, I think Amazon should ditch that "comments" section. 

But I won't ditch mine. Feel free to let me know what you think. Thanks for the time, droogies!

God is Dead. Long Live the Capesman. (99 cent eBook)

It's READ AN E-BOOK WEEK, droogies! And my dystopian/dark-fantasy novel "From the Herald's Wearied Eye" (published by Reliquary Press) is ONLY 99 CENTS in ALL E-Book Stores!!


Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Heralds-Wearied-Eye-ebook/dp/B0042AMG2Y

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/from-the-heralds-wearied-eye-jessica-mchugh/1103532283

iBooks: http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/from-the-heralds-wearied-eye/id385598758?mt=11

"The imagery was fantastic, putting me right into a world I hope I never have to live in. The characters pull you in, to a point where you can identify with (almost) all of them, even if you don't want to. It's a book I will most definitely read again." (Amazon.com)

"Jessica McHugh has once again used her wordcrafting skills, and ability to seamlessly blend genres, to create a terrifying world expressed in a truly gripping tale."

"I love "end of the world as we know it" stories - and this was the most original I've come across so far!" (Amazon.com)

"I was most fascinated with the side story of religion and God and the Capesman. It's a really intriguing take on what the world may become if God were to cease to exist and her spin on HOW that happens is beyond my wildest imagination. Each page is hugely entertaining and once more I felt drawn to follow the story to the end because of how vested I became in the characters and their lives."

FROM THE HERALD'S WEARIED EYE
In Cartesia, no one is free except for those who don't understand the meaning of the word. The Council, populated and run by deviants and murderous politicians, has reduced nearly all cities to either impoverished wastelands or places operated solely for their hedonism. But the Shakespeare-loving vigilante named Shal has had enough of the Council's tyranny and she's going to put an end to them once and for all.
Her struggle to protect her stepsister, escape Malay Prison, avenge her father's death, and do it all without being sent to the Herald of the dead called the Capesman, takes her on a maddening journey of war and emotion she'd never seen coming; especially not with only one eye.
From the Herald's Wearied Eye follows Shal, a soldier named Raoul, and the Capesman through the world of Cartesia where the good live underground, God is long dead, and even one's own mind cannot be trusted.

No Stars in Sight

She giggles at the notes sloppily written by children too eager for quarters than answers.

"Your teeth become the stars," she writes back, amused by her lie.

She's constantly surprised by how quickly they eat it up; even with gaping holes in their mouths, they chew every inch of the fib as they imagine her: more fairy in flowing gowns than fanatic collector.

"Teeth become stars," she scoffs as she shakes her tooth-filled sack and envisions where she'll place them.

A few windchimes needed repair, but a brand new rainstick would be perfect. Luckily, she'd gotten a good haul. Little Betty's incisors would produce the ideal storm for a dark night with no stars in sight.


Happy National Tooth Fairy Day!

Have a Dollar? Have a New World!! (some sky too)

THE SKY: THE WORLD is now only $0.99 on Amazon Kindle, Nook, and iBooks. It's only for a limited time, so pick up your copy today!!If you're into print, visit www.ReliquaryPress.com!!

The Sky: The world has all 5-star reviews on Amazon and was called "the very reason that it's a good thing for readers that indie publishers exist" by Book Reviews Weekly. I decided to share some of my favorite reviews of TSTW so far:


(Jamie Ratliff, Book Reviews Weekly)
I read a lot of struggling authors and sometimes it's hard to get through some of the books. The Sky: The World was not one I struggled with.
The Sky: The World was very enjoyable, and I am surprised that it's not been picked up by a bigger publishing house. 

(Mike Griffiths, Innsmouth Free Press)
The Sky: The World is a short, intense and entertaining book, the kind you might like to read in one sitting if you had the chance. Jessica McHugh takes us to a fantastic world, similar to the alternative realities created by Michael Moorcock, particularly in his Warlords of the Air series.
Ms. McHugh is inventive and full of surprises and takes the reader into a world that is hard to second-guess and predict. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys exploring new worlds and unraveling intricate plots. The book is unique and I look forward to exploring more of what this author has to offer.

(Gareth Wilson, Falcata Times)
Whilst not every author manages to sign a deal with one of the big houses, some of the smaller independent ones like Reliquary Press have managed to score some serious talent. That's what occurs within this title by Jessica McHugh, the writing is imaginative, the dialogue is the type that readers will love and when backed with a decently paced plot as well as some outstanding characterisation makes this a difficult title to put down. 
(Amanda Toth, Novel Addiction)
Holy cow! This is one of those books that amazes you.. how so much could happen in so few pages.
This book was so complex, so awesome. There is just so much to this book that it's amazing how much action the author jampacked into 159 pages.
The world in "The Sky: The World" is complex and breathtaking. I'm so glad I got the chance to read "The Sky: The World" by Jessica McHugh. This is definitely an author to watch for any fans of good fiction.
(Ron Godfrey, Amazon.com)Weird science, love, intrigue, intoxication, covert missions, sabotage, a healthy dose of the supernatural, and a zinger of an ending. It's all there, in 159 pages.
(Bear in mind, it takes Stephen King 1000 pages to accomplish the same thing)
There were a few (very few) times I could sense a twist coming, and it usually propelled me forward in my chair yelling -"NO...don't do that!" But the rest of the time I DIDN'T see it coming, and just got sucked deeper and deeper in. Jessica McHugh is quite a wordcrafter, and has a wonderful way of sneaking up on you with surprises. ...one of the many things that makes reading her works so thrilling.


PLEASE GRAB A $1.00 COPY OF THE SKY: THE WORLD AND SUPPORT THIS WACKY INDIE AUTHORS. I really really appreciate it, and hey, you might just find a new favorite book.KINDLE: http://www.amazon.com/The-Sky-World-ebook/dp/B004O6MT50NOOK: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-sky-jessica-mchugh/1026481552?ean=2940012281692&itm=6&usri=jessica+mchughiBOOKS: http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-sky-the-world/id421159773?mt=11

An Ocean Affair

An Ocean Affair
No one dreams of dying on the beach. Atleast, not like this. If they do, it is a dream flanked by happymemories: days and nights of salty kisses and footsteps that followthem home to embed grains of reminiscence in the carpet. No onedreams of crimson clumps or wondering whether you'll be able towriggle free before high tide washes the ability to wonder away.
While I wait for the clock to run out,I'll dream I'm dying elsewhere: in my bed, many years from now,with him curled around me and not a clump of crimson to be found.I'll dream of a life in which I hadn't been so careless, soimpulsive, so…deserving of this. I never meant to hurt him. All Iwanted was love in my life, and now I don't have love or life. 
Unless…
The waves lick adoringly and the softsands cradle me like never before. The ocean seems to whisper "Loveyou, love you, love you. Come with me to the depths, and we'll danceforever. No one has asked you to dance before, have they? They musthave known you were waiting for me."
The crimson clumps look like valentinesnow.

Friends at the End of a Spinning Street

I pick a pocket just to feelThe stranger grope and softer steal.When locks are legs and beds are bars,I dream too deep with soiled starsThat twinkle-speak, "She ridesagain". "Your faithful foe and fearsomefriend."I say "let danger lead me in,And we'll pen and sword till Mightyends."I drink the poison, she preps the penFollowed by a graver sin.She giggles at my broken nib,As her tongue moves up and hands movein. She strips my mind and dulls the acheTo hone and own what I create.Blank pages are panicked blankets laidTo constrict and sever with no pay.But beyond the empty, ashen shore,My saviors stand: the kids of lore.They dance so fast, they twirl and leapAnd save my dormant mind from sleep. While Lady Danger snips my laces,I dream of centrifuge embracesThat separate my bad from goodAnd spin down grief, crushed underfoot.When I pick pockets, friends fill my palmsWith Lady Danger's whining psalms.I crush the paper; it quenches meAnd spurs a character release.But soiled stars still twinkle-speakAnd their brand of battle stillrepeats,Dragging me into times of woeWhere I adore a periled throe. But now I picture my friends, my kids,Characters with built-in lidsFrom which I can no longer supAnd Lady Danger can't corrupt.I defeat her now with inky gracesAnd perfect centrifuge embraces.  

An Eventual Confession

An Eventual Confession
(1/19/12)
Forgive me my candor.I am a candid sort prone to wildconfessionsThat make the wolves howl from theirdens,"My but she can go on!"I do not aim to annoy or delay you,But I must speak my mind before itflees in fearAnd the truth with it. Forgive these breaths I take before Itell youPrecisely why I've called.A confession cannot bloom in breathlesssoil Nor can the roots reach the truth,Buried in bone below apparent earth.

Forgive me my dawdling.I am nervous sort prone to a claytongue and muddled wordsAt which the clock taps itself andtocks,"Out with it, or out with you!"I do not aim to displease or hinderyour day,But I must admit my heart before itlocks itself behind a cageAnd my courage with it. Forgive this dripping anxiety beforeyou slip upon itAnd lie flat-backed to hear my truth.A first impression is dented earth in arainstormAnd washes away even before the sun candry it,Leaving us with a clean slate, kissedby dew.
Forgive me my love.I am an enamored sort prone to granddeclarationsAt which even lovers groan behindringed fingers,"A lovesick girl is just the thing tomake a man feel sick."I do not aim to own or change you,But I must admit my longing before youare stolen awayAnd my hope with you. Forgive my lips before you kiss them,So our sins may be heavenly.A transgression as great as loving youburns the soulIn the greatest way; in a hellish,happy wayThat at last leaves me silent for youreventual reply.

Our Monarchy

(Dedicated to the best best friend in the whole world, Jenny Rigiel)

Our Monarchy

We rule the world.
Small and wonderful in pink palms,
We calm the seas that stir in our unrest.
Yes, even gods have off-centuries.
But when we're on, we herald dusks and dawns
To make poets pause and compose.
Such is our reward.
Even when ruling from different shores,
We are hand in hand.
No matter how easy in separation to drift from the plan,
We always return and remember
What brought us together:
A day when we were skinny, knee-skinned dreamers
Who thought to rule a place of late night whispers and howls.
A place where houses speak for eternity
And laughter is the only tender.
Where no storm ends our fun forever
And every lantern leads to lark.
Where music makes our fences
And dance, our march to war;
For the battles we endure are ones of fettered fancy
And answers to lifelong questions:

Will we still rule at bedtime,
When the lanterns dim and we no longer feel our fingers?
Will we still command the flow when our lives are ebbing,
When the webbing of our dreams seems only sticky string?
Will we make thrones of brittle bones
And trumpet age in youthful tones?

The answer is clear:
How could we not?
We rule the world.

Frown Addiction

1/5/12

Remember your baby's smile.
You won't see it through broken buildings
Or blacked out windows.
You won't see your baby's smile in the alleys
Or between spindly legs. 
Remember your baby's smile until it's solid
And hide it behind locks even he cannot pick.
Be wily with his smile.
It is worth more than the rings and things you tried to keep
From being stolen in your sleep.
Hide the treasure in a worthless but sturdy chest.
The prettier the locket, the bigger chance he'll hock it
And the pearls within.
Remember your baby's smile.
You won't see it once it hits a counter
Or a quivering palm.
You won't see your baby's smile in the smoke
Or demon dens under the bridge.
Remember your baby's smile
Before muscles go slack
And neither parent nor child can lift the corners.
Tell him how it was when he would smile.
Tell him of the days when he cared about his happiness
And yours.
Tell him how it was when you would smile.

The Scary Things Have Spoken

The Scary Things have randomly selected a winner for the "Danny Marble & the Application for Non-Scary Things" giveaway. The illustrated and autographed hardcover novella (available from amazon, Reliquary Press, and more) goes to...


AXEL HOWERTON
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I know, Dead Face Lady!! I was surprised too!!

Congratulations, Axel!! Please email your mailing address at jessica.mchugh@ymail.com.Thank you to everyone who visited the 12 Days of Creepfest and Holiday Hop, and thanks to my guests and inky cohorts for another awesomely successful blog hop!!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!