Ronda J. Del Boccio's Blog: Writing is pure Bliss, page 18
May 9, 2016
Book Review of Jewish Historical Fiction Novel Please Say Kaddish for Me by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
Welcome back to another Write On Purpose book review. I share well-written books. I highlight what makes each good from the reader’s perspective, and reveal what writing skills and techniques make it an irresistible read. Thus, each review serves both writers and readers. This time, it's a Jewish historical novel called Please Say Kaddish for Me by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields.
The author describes this book as "The dark side of Fiddler on the Roof." This is the perfect elevator pitch for the historical tale set in czarist Russia at the turn of the 20th Century. Here is the description from Amazon:
Please Say Kaddish for Me by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
Jewish persecution under Russian Czar
1899 Russia under the cruel Czarist rule is not a good place to be a Jew!
Russia under the diabolical Czarist rule is a very bad place and a very bad time to be a Jew. Fair game to marauding peasants and government militia alike, the random slaughter of entire Jewish families is commonplace rather than a rare occurrence. It is, however, a time for brave men. And brave women.
Barefoot, wearing only a flimsy nightgown, sixteen-year-old Havah Cohen alone escapes the brutal massacre by the Czarist tyranny that destroys her home and slaughters her family on a frigid November night in 1899.
Love ignited, lost and found, insurmountable struggles and challenges, Kishinev's Jewish pogroms and all odds against them, Havah and her soul mate, Arel, withstand the storms of life in this unforgettable story of a time and place rarely spoken of, and romance and courage so profound as to be rarely experienced.
While I read more paranormal, fantasy and suspense, I enjoy historical fiction, because I gain insight into another era in a way that my boring history classes in school never conveyed.
What made Please Say Kaddish for Me a great story, and what can authors learn by reading it?
Deeply Personal Historical Perspective
The reader lives this dark era of history through Havah and her people. Havah flees the brutal murder of her family in only a thin nightgown. A family in a nearby town takes her in, yet Havah's horrors are just beginning as she and the other characters navigate dangerous times and constrictive traditions..
There are no sweeping political statements or pontification, just deft storytelling.
Captivating Opening
Writers are advised to start right in the middle of the action and grab the reader's attention. Here's the opening of Please Say Kaddish for Me:
Gunshots and screams woke sixteen-year-old Havah Cohen from a deep and dreamless sleep. She ran to her window and saw flames shooting through the roof of the synagogue. Dense clouds of smoke poured through the windows as men with shovels and rocks smashed the stained glass. BY moonlight she could see her older brother lying beside the road in a blood-stained night shirt. Her other brother, a few feet away, lay face down.
Vivid descriptions
As you can tell from the passage above, Wisoff-Fields pulls you right into the scene with her tight and detailed descriptions. This keeps up throughout the book.
No sagging middle
I'm sure you've read books that start out great but get flabby in the middle of the story. The action remains steady with plenty of twists and turns throughout the novel.
Excellent pacing
Wisoff-Fields takes her time letting the relationships unfold. She does not gloss over the hardships. That's how life is. The story rings true, with all the ups and downs of life in dangerous times.
Interesting characters
Some will make you mad. Some will feel familiar. Some will make unwise choices. Some will lose all hope at times. If you're like me and many other reviewers, there are so many characters introduced at the start that it's confusing for a while, but the story captivated me so much, and in a bit I got them all sorted out as I read.
Havah, the primary point of view character, is complex and interesting. She goes through so much and is saved from death more than once. She is so young yet has lived through so much in that short time.
Cultural Understanding
Without any narrator intrusion whatsoever, Wisoff-Fields conveys Jewish life and culture of the time. Yiddish words pepper the story, yet she gives the translation, so the reader feels included, not lost. The reader comes to know the cultural significance of disability, arranged marriages, and traditions organically through the storytelling.
Writing Tips for Authors
If you're an author, you can learn much to help you hone your craft by reading this book. I took note of these elements with my author's eye while I read the story:
Character development
Plot pacing
Deep point of view
Show don't tell
Avoiding narrator intrusion
I gave Please Say Kaddish for Me a 5-Star Review on Amazon
Click to read my 5-star review.
Get your own copy of Please Say Kaddish for Me
Order in paperback or Kindle from Amazon
Purchase or order from your favorite bricks and mortar bookseller.
About Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
Kansas City native, Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the author of THIS, THAT AND SOMETIMES THE OTHER, an anthology of her short stories, which she also illustrated. Her stories have also been featured in several other anthologies, including two editions of VOICES.
A woman of Jewish descent and the granddaughter of Eastern European immigrants, Rochelle has a close personal connection to Jewish history, which has been a recurring theme throughout much of her writing. Growing up, she was heavily influenced by the Sholom Aleichem stories as well as Fiddler on the Roof. Her novels PLEASE SAY KADDISH FOR ME and FROM SILT AND ASHES, represented by Loiacono Literary Agency and published by W & B Publishers, were born of her desire to share the darker side of these beloved tales--the history that can be difficult to view, much less embrace.
Before becoming an author, Rochelle attended the Kansas City Art Institute, where she studied painting and lithography. She and her husband, Jan, have raised three sons in the Kansas City metro area and now live in Belton, Missouri. When she takes a break from writing and illustrating, Rochelle enjoys swimming, dancing and maintaining her blog, ADDICTED TO PURPLE
Connect with Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
Amazon author page
Blog
Facebook page
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About Ronda Del Boccio
Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best 
selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.
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May 3, 2016
Book Review of Twitter in 30 Minutes by Ian Lamont
Welcome back to another Write On Purpose book review. I share well-written books. While this book could help with social media for authors trying to navigate the hashtag infested lands of Twitter, it may also be useful for anyone who is new to or confused by Twitter.
Social media can suck a lot of time out of your life, in case you hadn't noticed. And if you want to learn how to use sites like Twitter more effectively, there area a lot of guides. I searched "how to Twitter" and got 4,908 results
SO if you're new to Twitter or totally confused by it, which guide should you choose? There are good and bad books on the topic. Many are written above the head of the newbie who wants to wrap their head around all the hashtags, at signs and brief messages.
Author Ian Lamont offered me a digital copy of Twitter in 30 Minutes, and I have to say, this is the perfect guide for the Twitter greenhorn. Here is the book info from Amazon.
Twitter in 30 Minutes by Ian Lamont
Updated and revised third edition of the top-selling
Twitter book! Are you interested in using Twitter, but don't know where to start? Are you mystified by hashtags, retweets, and other strange conventions? The revised and expanded third edition of Twitter In 30 Minutes is here to help! This unofficial Twitter tutorial will walk you through the basics, using plain English, step-by-step instructions, and lots of examples from real Twitter users. In no time, you'll learn how to:
Create a new Twitter account online or on your phone
Customize your Twitter profile with photos and a bio that's right for you
Navigate Twitter icons, the Twitter app, and Twitter.com
Follow other Twitter accounts … and block those you don't like
Identify local people and organizations on Twitter
Find people who share the same interests and hobbies
Compose your first Tweets
Share photos on Twitter
Use hashtags, retweets, and other Twitter conventionsThere's more. Twitter In 30 Minutes shows you how all kinds of people use Twitter to promote their businesses, connect with their Twitter followers, explore their interests, and have fun! It's peppered with real-world examples, from everyday people to top Twitter celebrities.
Authored by award-winning technology journalist Ian Lamont, the revised third edition of Twitter In 30 Minutes covers Twitter's new interface for the Web and mobile devices such as the iPhone and Android phones. There are new screenshots, along with instructions for Twitter registration on iOS and Android devices.
s is a perfect introduction to people who are new to Twitter, as well as those who already have accounts and want to learn how to get the most out of Twitter. Buy the book today!
What makes this a great investment?
Click to read my 5 star review.
Follow-along instructions
You can literally have the book beside you, follow along and do everything from setting up your account to finding people to follow to writing your first tweet. Instructions are simple to understand and implement.
Why, not just how
It's great to know where to click, but it's better to know WHY. Lamont also tells you things like why you want a picture and how to decide what is tweet-worthy.
Screenshots
Screenshots don't do much for me as someone who is mostly blind, but the sighted people will love them. That means you can see exactly what something looks like (at least today) where to click and what to do.
Covers all the basics
I've seen plenty of social media guides supposedly written for beginners that are more advanced. This is truly a basic guide for the person who is wet behind the ear tufts yet wants to use Twitter with ease. I'm sure you'll feel comfortable as you follow the advice in Twitter in 30 Minutes.
Buy the Book
About Ian Lamont
Ian's top-selling book GOOGLE DRIVE & DOCS IN 30 MINUTES is now available as a video course! Go to the official companion website at http://googldrive.in30minutes.com to see viewing options OR copy and paste this coupon link into your browser to get 25% off: https://www.udemy.com/google-drive-do...
Ian is the founder of IN 30 MINUTES® Guides and the author of TWITTER IN 30 MINUTES, EXCEL BASICS IN 30 MINUTES, DROPBOX IN 30 MINUTES, GOOGLE DRIVE & DOCS IN 30 MINUTES, and PERSONAL FINANCE FOR BEGINNERS IN 30 MINUTES. These are quick guides for a complex world -- the goal being to help people understand the mildly complicated (and sometimes frustrating) aspects of modern life. Readers love the guides, which are designed to be read in a single sitting. Thousands have been sold, with many repeat customers. Ian's latest book is IPHONE 6 & IPHONE 6S IN 30 MINUTES, available for the Kindle or as a paperback.
A former technology and business journalist, Ian's writing and editorial work have garnered awards from the Society of American Business Editors and Writers and the American Society of Business Publication Editors.
Ian is a graduate of the Boston University College of Communication, the Harvard Extension School, and MIT's Sloan Fellows Program in Innovation and Global Leadership. He lives in the Boston area. When he's not working or writing, he likes to spend time with his family, work on his Chinese cooking skills, and geek out on data-driven genealogical research
Connect with Ian Lamont
Amazon author page
blog
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About Ronda Del Boccio
Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.
Join Ronda's readers for free stories, sneak peeks at her next books and more at WriteOnPUrpose.com/read
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May 2, 2016
Happiness Is a Hot Cup of Coffee
Coffee is part of my blissful life. You can watch for and use the hashtag #BLISSfulLife to experience awesomeness.
I love a good cup of coffee. I enjoy being able to sit on my screened-in deck with beautiful Jemma dog beside me on her cushion and birds singing all around me.
While I'm writing, I require coffee. It helps me stay in the flow.
Coffee is not about the caffeine. It's about the palate. The taste. The smell. The experience. Drinking coffee is a delightful gestalt of pleasant experiences.
For my morning deck coffee, I'm content with the Follow your BLISS mug with butterflies, because I'm drinking the brew straight away. It cools off some, but I finish before it's cold.
WHile writing, I get really annoyed when I go for a sip and the delightful beverage is cold. Sure, I can use the microwave, but then I have a couple warm sips and it cools off again before I want more. Plus I don't like irradiating my food. As is, I only use my microwave for things like warming coffee, and it's in shock on those few occasions I ask it to work.
SO I decided perhaps a thermal mug is the answer for writing coffee. Just then, I received an offer to review a Liquid Savvy 18 oz thermal container at a steep discount in exchange for an honest review. I love it when that happens!
I've been giving the mug a workout with things like coffee and lemonade. Did this do the trick?Sort of, but not quite. I gave the Liquid Savvy 4 stars on Amazon.
What I like:
Fluids stay close to their original temperature for about 4 hours, which is usually enough time.
Container is sturdy enough for travel.
Multiple lid options depending what is needed.
What I don't like as well
Temperature stasis is way less than advertised, and that just annoys me.
Sipping lid is hard to seat properly.
Sipping lid doesn't have a handle.
Sturdy but heavy.
Order your own Liquid Savvy 18 oz Insolated Water Bottle
I hope this helps you!
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#1 best selling author, speaker, and Amazon Top Reviewer
About Ronda Del Boccio
Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.
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April 25, 2016
Book Review of Science Fiction Thriller series Mind Dimensions Omnibus by Dima Zales and Anna Zaires
Welcome back to another Write On Purpose book review. I share well-written books. I highlight what makes each good from the reader’s perspective, and reveal what writing skills and techniques make it an irresistible read. Thus, each review serves both writers and readers. This time, it's a science fiction thriller series called Mind Dimensions Omnibus by Dima Zales.
I received a free copy of the set in exchange for an honest review. I love stories about mind powers, and that's what attracted me to this set. I had not been familiar with the author before now. Before I share my truthful review, here is more about the series:
Mind Dimensions Omnibus (Volumes 0 to 4) by Dima Zales and Anna Zaires
All 5 books in the popular Mind Dimensions series from a New York Times bestselling author, available for the first time in one convenient, discounted omnibus edition. Over 1500 pages of thrilling action, adventure, and unique mind powers.
The Thought Readers (Mind Dimensions Book 1)
Darren's had it easy his whole life. Finishing Harvard at eighteen, a lucrative job on Wall Street at twenty-one—all things are possible when you can cheat by stepping outside time. Thanks to his ability, he's a know-it-all, but what he doesn't know is how he's able to do what he does.
That is, until he meets Mira and discovers her dangerous, hidden world.
The Time Stopper (A Mind Dimensions Story Prequel)
Mira can stop time, but she can't change anything. After her parents are murdered, she'll do anything to get revenge—even take on the Russian mob.
The Thought Pushers (Mind Dimensions Book 2)
Darren’s life turned upside down when he met Mira. Now, as he races to uncover his own identity, he confronts new enemies—and realizes his unique powers might extend further than he ever imagined.
The Enlightened (Mind Dimensions Book 3)
Kidnapped, consciousness expanded—and that’s just the start of Darren’s day. As a new danger comes to light, he has one chance to save a loved one’s life and avenge the wrongs of decades past.
Some crimes can never be forgiven.
The Elders (Mind Dimensions Book 4)
Darren’s new powers are unpredictable, but they’re precisely what he needs to save everyone he loves. The Elders can teach him what he needs to know, but their help comes at a price.
Ultimately, Darren has to make a choice.
What is he willing to sacrifice for those he loves?
What did I think of the series?I gave Mind Dimensions Omnibus a 5 star review.
Science Fiction: Idea Books VS Character BooksPainting this with a broad brush, science fiction stories tend to be either character driven or idea driven. Here, you have a little of both, not one or the other. The scientific idea behind the series has to do with theories of time, chaos and possibility. Add to that the thriller flavor of bigger-than-life protagonist and other interesting characters who have fully developed histories.
Excellent World Building
Every book is its own world, and in realms of science fiction, fantasy, and paranormal powers, it's even more so. Why? Because the reader is carried outside reality into another world. The rules of this world have to make sense within its context. Zaires and Zales crafted a world in which some people have special mind powers. Each classification of ability is well thought out.
Lots of Action + Food for Thought
Action adventures and thrillers are fun. I like them in my literary mix. I also enjoy when a book with chases, secrets and death threats also gives the reader something to ponder. Numerous ethical issues arose as I watched Darren, Mira and the others navigate their lives.
Interesting Mind Powers
You'll encounter some new terms and ideas in the Volume 0 prequel, The Time Stopper, as will protagonist Darren. Asked whether he is a reader or a pusher, he doesn't know how to answer. Along the way, you'll find out what makes someone Enlightened in this worldview and meet other powers.
Advantaged-Disadvantaged
Hot-shot Darren, who finds himself thrown into a whole new world when he meets someone else who seems to share his powers, is in some ways at a disadvantage. He was never trained how to use his abilities. Yet in some ways, this is a huge advantage for him, because he never learned the limits that supposedly come with his Mind Dimension powers. I enjoy stories that play with polarities in this way.
Buy the Series
Dima Zales' books are available all over.
Get the Mind Dimensions Omnibus set.
If you want to start with the prequel, get The Time Stopper.
About Dima Zales
If you'd like to know when the next book comes out, please sign up for Dima's newsletter at www.dimazales.com.
Dima Zales is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of science fiction and fantasy. Prior to becoming a writer, he worked in the software development industry in New York as both a programmer and an executive. From high-frequency trading software for big banks to mobile apps for popular magazines, Dima has done it all. In 2013, he left the software industry in order to concentrate on his writing career and moved to Palm Coast, Florida, where he currently resides.
Dima holds a Master's degree in Computer Science from NYU and a dual undergraduate degree in Computer Science / Psychology from Brooklyn College. He also has a number of hobbies and interests, the most unusual of which might be professional-level mentalism. He simulates mind reading on stage and close-up, and has done shows for corporations, wealthy individuals, and friends.
He is also into healthy eating and fitness, so he should live long enough to finish all the book projects he starts. In fact, he very much hopes to catch the technological advancements that might let him live forever (biologically or otherwise). Aside from that, he also enjoys learning about current and future technologies that might enhance our lives, including artificial intelligence, biofeedback, brain-to-computer interfaces, and brain-enhancing implants.
In addition to writing The Sorcery Code series and Mind Dimensions series, Dima has collaborated on a number of romance novels with his wife, Anna Zaires. The Krinar Chronicles, an erotic science fiction series, is an international bestseller and has been recognized by the likes of Marie Claire and Woman's Day. If you like erotic romance with a unique plot, please feel free to check it out, especially since the first book in the series (Close Liaisons) is available for free everywhere.
Connect with Dima Zales
Amazon Author Page
Website
Blog
Facebook Author Page
Goodreads
About Anna Zaires
Anna Zaires is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of contemporary dark erotic romance and sci-fi romance. She fell in love with books at the age of five, when her grandmother taught her to read. Since then, she has always lived partially in a fantasy world where the only limits were those of her imagination. Currently residing in Florida, Anna is happily married to Dima Zales (a science fiction and fantasy author) and closely collaborates with him on all their works.
After graduating from the University of Chicago with a degree in Economics, Anna spent eight years on Wall Street analyzing stocks and writing research reports. In 2013, she became a full-time author, pursuing her lifelong dream of writing romance novels.
Dima Zales is the love of her life and a huge inspiration in all aspects of her writing. Every book Anna writes is a product of their unique collaborative process.
In addition to reading and writing, Anna enjoys drinking tea (coconut oolong, anyone?), watching addictive TV shows, and discussing book ideas during long walks with her amazing husband.
She loves hearing from her readers, so please don't hesitate to drop her a note through her website or connect with her on Facebook, where she hangs out way too often. Also, please visit her husband and collaborator, Dima Zales, at www.dimazales.com, and check out their fantasy & science fiction books.
Connect with Anna Zaires
Amazon author page
Website
Blog
Facebook page
Goodreads
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About Ronda Del Boccio
Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.
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It Takes a Village to Raise a Leader Dog: Jemma’s Story
Leader Dogs for the Blind accepts NO Federal money. Grants and donations from Lions Clubs, Purina, Subaru, individuals and more provide the gift of independence to blind and visually impaired individuals such as myself.
Leader Dogs asked me to share a story about me and Jemma for Sellers Bowman Subaru to share on their site.
My life is so much better because Leader Dog Jemma shares it with me. We are a perfect match!
Ronda Del Boccio
Here's a screenshot of the powerful story of love I shared:
Each dog costs well over $30,000, in training and everything else, but we clients don't pay anything. IT's all because of the generosity of donors like Sellers Bowman Subaru that we are a team, and I am so very grateful.
Meet & Follow Leader Dog Jemma on the Social Web
Jemma is a busy dog. Not only is she my guide, toy reviewer and treat tester, but she also shares her adventures in her own voice on her own Facebook page and Instagram Feed.
Watch for her hashtag #LeaderDogJemma
Learn about Leader Dogs for the Blind !
LIKE Jemma's Facebook Page: Leader Dog Jemma's Adventures
FOLLOW Jemma's Instagram photos: LeaderDogJemma on Instagram
WATCH her videos in the Leader Dog Jemma's adventures YouTube Playlist
READ about her Leader Dog Chronicles
Please share this all over the social web!
Follow your B.L.I.S.S.
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#1 best selling author, speaker, and Amazon Top Reviewer
About Ronda Del Boccio
Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.
Join Ronda's readers for free stories, sneak peeks at her next books and more at WriteOnPUrpose.com/read
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April 23, 2016
Dogs Need to Play! My Golden Retriever with Kong Goodie Bone
Dogs definitely need to play. I give my Leader Dog plenty of activities. It's so rewarding to watch her have a good time! If you have pets, you know how good for your health and sanity they are. Jemma is certainly not a pet, but out of her guide harness, she's just a dog who needs lots of cuddles, fun and exercise.
I bought her a Kong Goodie Bone back when we were at Leader Dogs. Basic Kong toys are among very few approved playthings. (Kongs and Nylabones. Period).
The Goodie Bone by Kong is shaped like a bone but with a short shaft at each end. You put something inside, and the dog has a long lasting treat, because it takes time to work it out of the bone.
I made a cool discovery this week. My girl loves Dentasix. I give her one emery day. The problem I had until recently was that she eats it in under a minute. Now, I stuff the treat into the Goodie Bone, break it off and put the other half in the other end.
Voila! Now she has something to do for ten minutes instead of one.
Enjoy your own BLISSful life with your furry companion. Use and watch for the #BLISSfulLife hashtag.
Meet & Follow Leader Dog Jemma on the Social Web
Jemma is a busy dog. Not only is she my guide, toy reviewer and treat tester, but she also shares her adventures in her own voice on her own Facebook page and Instagram Feed.
Watch for her hashtag #LeaderDogJemma
Learn about Leader Dogs for the Blind !
LIKE Jemma's Facebook Page: Leader Dog Jemma's Adventures
FOLLOW Jemma's Instagram photos: LeaderDogJemma on Instagram
WATCH her videos in the Leader Dog Jemma's adventures YouTube Playlist
READ about her Leader Dog Chronicles
Please share this all over the social web!
Follow your B.L.I.S.S.
Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author, speaker, and Amazon Top Reviewer
About Ronda Del Boccio
Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.
Join Ronda's readers for free stories, sneak peeks at her next books and more at WriteOnPUrpose.com/read
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The post Dogs Need to Play! My Golden Retriever with Kong Goodie Bone appeared first on Write On Purpose .
April 20, 2016
Writing Skills Advice: How to Avoid Using Very
Very is a very boring word. Teehee. Yeah, I used it. Here are a bunch of ways to avoid using it.
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Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author, speaker, and Amazon Top Reviewer
About Ronda Del Boccio
Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.
PS Before you go - Join NOW for FREE Tools for Writers!
What you get: The Author Profit Pack and MORE, including...
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Book Review of Cozy Mystery Moonlight Can Be Murder: A Ned McNeil Mystery by Blanche Manos
Welcome back to another Write On Purpose book review. I share well-written books. I highlight what makes each good from the reader’s perspective, and reveal what writing skills and techniques make it an irresistible read. Thus, each review serves both writers and readers. This time, it's a cozy mystery by Blanche Manos titled, Moonlight Can Be Murder: A Ned McNeil Mystery.
This is one of the better cozies I have read. You'll find out why shortly. First, have a look at the book cover and description.
Moonlight Can Be Murder: A Ned McNeil Mystery . by Blanche Manos
Nettie "Ned" McNeil cannot imagine why her Uncle
Javin feels that he is in danger, but she loads her suitcases into her car, leaves Atlanta and her late husband, and makes the long trek to Ednalee, Oklahoma, to help out. When she arrives, Uncle Javin's white Victorian house is strangely dark and silent.
Inside she finds him lying on the floor in a pool of blood. So begin her first moments back in her old home town, where the mystery of Uncle Javin's violent death pulls at Ned. But his mysterious murderer seems to always be just a few steps ahead of her search. How can she protect her own life as she pursues a killer who will stop at nothing to guard a deadly secret?
I like cozies, because they're suspenseful tales about people being thrown into difficult circumstances. Sure, there's a dead body, but without the gore of true crime mysteries. What else makes this a good read?
Excellent, tight description
I love when an author uses few words yet conveys much. Here are a couple of examples:
"He indicated a straight backed, wooden chair which faced a broad, cluttered desk."
"I tugged (the shade) up and was surprised to see sunlight dancing on a snow-covered world, its brightness belying any of the evil that happened here."
Terrific sense of place
Sense of place, in case this is a new term to you, means you know where you are. When the author is skilled, you have a movie running in your head and can see each scene unfold in your mental theater. Manos pulls the reader into each scene. The two examples of description above convey this well.
"The morning sun pricked dazzling ruby and sapphire sparks from the snow mounding the yard, and in the light of day, the house seemed inviting."
You can see the sparks on the bright snow, can't you?
Well done deep point of view
The reader experiences everything in the story from the point of view of Ned McNeil. Blanche does a great job of conveying how Ned experiences what happens, not simply what's going on in the world around her. Here's a snipped from when she sees the name plate on the desk of the Chief of Police.:
"A memory stirred deep within me, but I was too upset to pursue it."
Secrets
No spoilers. A few secrets turn the plot and move the characters' actions.
Enjoyable POV character
I enjoy cozies featuring amateur sleuths of many different ages and backgrounds. I like Ned. Being inside her head is interesting. She's a widow with a love for coffee and good friends.
Ready for more in the series
Moonlight Can Be Murder is the first of a series, and I am interested to see what happens next with Ned McNeil. I previously reviewed one of her co-authored books, The Cemetery Club.
Buy Moonlight Can Be Murder
You can get the book from your favorite online or bricks-and-mortar bookseller.
Buy on Amazon
Order from Pen-L Publishing
About Blanche Day Manos
A native Oklahoman, Blanche Day Manos became a transplanted resident of Arkansas when she and her husband moved closer to their children. A descendant of both Cherokee and Irish ancestors, she has a love for tradition, history, and the tales that accompany them. A fan of cozy mysteries since childhood, Blanche devours the books of her favorite authors and is always on the lookout for new ones. She has enjoyed success in selling to various periodicals but her first love is mysteries. Her first two cozy mysteries, written with co-author Barbara Burgess, are The Cemetery Club and Grave Shift. They have recently been re-published, newly-formatted, edited, and with new cover pictures by Pennell Publishing. The third book in her Darcy and Flora cozy mystery series is Best Left Buried. All three books are available from Pen-L.com and Amazon.com.
Connect with Blanche Manos
Wesbite
Blog
Amazon Author Page
Facebook Author Page
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Ronda Del Boccio
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About Ronda Del Boccio
Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.
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The post Book Review of Cozy Mystery Moonlight Can Be Murder: A Ned McNeil Mystery by Blanche Manos appeared first on Write On Purpose .
April 18, 2016
Using Inspirational Quotes for Writing Prompts?
Looking for something to spark your creative juices? Try using inspirational quotes.
I personally don't believe in "writer's block," but I do believe in helping the creative juices flow when needed. I call it "priming the pump."
One way to tickle the writer brain is to begin with something on which to focus. How about trying an inspirational quote? Here's how it works:
Using Inspirational Quotes as Writing Prompts
Note: this works for fiction, nonfiction, or poetry.
1. Find a quote you like, or perhaps select one with which you disagree.
2. Write the quote on your paper or screen.
3. Start writing for 3 minutes, and don't stop. No editing. No proofing. Just write. You can go longer if you want, but a lot of times, all it takes to shake loose your muse is to start writing anything.
4. Go on to your real project.
Sample Inspirational Quote
Here is a sample quote to spark you:
Miracles happen in moments. Be ready and willing.
- Dr. Wayne Dyer
Give it a try and let me know your results.
Follow your B.L.I.S.S.
Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author, speaker, and Amazon Top Reviewer
About Ronda Del Boccio
Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.
Join Ronda's readers for free stories, sneak peeks at her next books and more at WriteOnPUrpose.com/read
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The post Using Inspirational Quotes for Writing Prompts? appeared first on Write On Purpose .
April 14, 2016
Book Review of Historical Southern Novel Pathways of the Heart by Diane Yates
Welcome back to another Write On Purpose book review. I review well-written books, highlighting what makes each good from the reader’s perspective and what writing skills and techniques make it an irresistible read. Thus, each review serves both writers and readers.
This time it's a historical southern novel based on the life of the author's mother, Pathways of the Heart by Diane Yates. Here's a photo of Clella and Kenneth and info about the book.
Pathways of the Heart by Diane Yates
How do you seek to redeem yourself when you don’t know what
you did wrong?
When Kenneth asked Clella to marry him, she agreed, believing their love would never die. But times and people change. Six children, the Great Depression, and two decades later, Clella feels desperate. The man she thought would always be by her side is miles away while she tries to remain faithful and pick up the pieces in another town. When a chance meeting changes everything, Clella’s faith and beliefs are tested.
Follow Clella through her true story about love, loss, betrayal, and the courage to love again.
I don't read much mainstream fiction, nor general fiction based on someone's own family history. Sowhat made this book worth reading for me?
Reading Outside the Usual Genres
I tend to prefer paranormal, suspense, cozy mystery, fantasy, and other extraordinary aspects. But because I'm an author, I like to dip into a wide variety of genres. So from time to time I read a mundane novel, which everyone else calls "mainstream." Every so often I even shock my writer friends and write an ordinary life story myself.
For anyone who loves family sagas, historical fiction, or Christian stories, Pathways of the Heart is definitely a book you will want to read.
Family History
Pathways isn't just a historical novel peopled with characterws from the author's imagination. It's Diane's novelization of the life of her mother Clella's rough life.
I find myself wondering what it was like for Diane to turn the tales her mother told her into this book.
History
I like historical fiction because I can gain insight into how life really was in the daily life of people who lived in that time. My grandparents lived through the Great Depression, and they told me some stories, and my parents grew up in the 1950's. Yates gave me more historical nugget and perspectives while telling her mother's story.
Real Life Romance
Most romance fiction makes me want to throw the book at the nearest wall, which I don't because I'm using my Kindle FIre. But we all know life isn't all roses, and most love stories have a big bad conflict that gets resolved.
Life doesn't work that way. Sometimes a big issue gets resolved, but most of the biggies grow and multiply over time. Clella's life is definitely messy. She and Kenneth fall in love, and she believes they will build a life together, through all the ups and downs that come with living. They live in primitive conditions, struggle through the depression, and have six children. She does not get the husband she thought she would have.
Get Pathways of the Heart
About Diane Yates
Diane and her husband, Rick, have worked several years in youth and adult ministries in their church, where she wrote plays and skits as well as Sunday School curriculum and Bible studies. She has three children and eight grandchildren who are the crown of her life.
Yates is a member of the Columbia Chapter of the Missouri Writer’s Guild and the President of the Ozarks Writers League. Her heartfelt dedications of love for her mother, Pathways of the Heart and All That Matters, are now both available.
Connect with Diane Yates
Amazon's Diane Yates Author Page
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Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author, speaker, and Amazon Top Reviewer
About Ronda Del Boccio
Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.
Join Ronda's readers for free stories, sneak peeks at her next books and more at WriteOnPUrpose.com/read
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The post Book Review of Historical Southern Novel Pathways of the Heart by Diane Yates appeared first on Write On Purpose .
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