Ronda J. Del Boccio's Blog: Writing is pure Bliss, page 29
April 21, 2015
Book Review of Dystopian SiFi Novel Black Cloud Rising: Chrysalis by Darrel Sparkman
Welcome back to another Write On Purpose book review. Each week, I review a well-written book, highlighting what makes it 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 week's review is yet another in a genre I don't often read. I like expanding my horizons. This time it's Black CLoud Rising: Chrysalis by Darrel Sparkman
I don't often read dystopian books because so many of them have a strong theme of futility. Not so with Chrysalis..
Why did I feel this book was well-written enough to give it a 5-star review?
About Black Cloud Rising: Chrysalis by Darrel Sparkman
Here is the description from Amazon.
Colton Blaine had it all. A great job in scenic Springfield, MO, a new house in suburbia, a beautiful wife and two wonderful kids. Then fuel supplies ran out and the delivery trucks stopped running. No long haul deliveries? No food. Most cities had only a two-week supply of food on the shelves. The nightmare had just begun.
Law enforcement and the National Guard crumbled before the organized gangs. The city and countryside became a funeral pyre of desperate, starving people with no hope, nowhere to go and nothing left to do but die. Zombies? Nope, just plain folks like you and me.
Fast paced and raw, CHRYSALIS is the story of one man’s journey from despair to triumph, and what he became to get there.
A Character's Hero's Journey
Throughout Chrysalis we follow Colton. As the tale begins, he lives a cushy life in a suburban home with a wife and kids. Circumstances beyond his control, namely the collapse of society, turn his life and society inside out. He begins his quest for survival in the midst of gangs, dwindling resources, sickness, betrayal and death. His personal journey takes him to a whole new way of being, for better or worse.
The hero's journey (or monomyth) is the 1 story that captivates and truly unites all of humanity, even those who have no contact with the outside world. Mythologist Joseph Campbell uncovered this global pattern as his life's work.
An emerging hero goes on a quest for a goal, in this case survival in a world without gas, food delivery, running water, etc. This quest leads to a road of trials a series of challenges. Finally, the ultimate goal is either achieved or in some cases lost.
In this story, Colton's happy life is disrupted by the changes in society. No fuel menas no food deliveries. No power means no more city water. His challenge is survival. The person he loved dearly showed her true colors early on in the book.
Character Development
What makes this a 5-star read for me is watching Colton make his choices in the midst of the various challenges. He finds his innovative side in the search for potable water. He tries to recover from the betrayal by someone dear to him while evading gangs and trying to stay alive.
Character development is what makes this societal collapse story work for me. Colton and a cast of well developed characters populate this struggling world.
I love a story with an interesting hero. This really is a book about the people coping more so than the mechanics of dealing with the collapse of society..
About Darrel Sparkman, frontier Author
Darrel Sparkman resides in Southwest Missouri with his wife. Their three children and 
eleven grandchildren live nearby. His hobbies include gardening, golfing, and writing. In the past, Darrel served four years in the United States Navy, including seven months in Viet Nam as a combat search & rescue helicopter crewman. He also served nineteen years as a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician, worked as a professional photographer, computer repair tech, and along with his wife Sue, owned and operated a commercial greenhouse and flower shop. Darrel is currently retired and self-employed. He finally has that job that wakes you up every day with a smile.
Connect with Darrel Sparkman
Website
Connect with Darrel Sparkman on Facebook
Buy Chrysalis
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Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author, speaker, and Amazon Top Reviewer
Read More Book Reviews by Ronda Del Boccio
Looking for more book reviews? I share insights on books in most genres. See them all in the Book Review Category
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 19, 2015
Social Media for Authors: How Do I Use the Top 10 Social Networks?
Authors, you've been told you have to be all over social for book marketing. It can be confusing to know what to do with the top networks.
This infographic will help. Want to get in and out of social networks FAST while still being social and growing your author platform? Look for details below the graphic.
Want to get in and out of social networks FAST while still being social and growing your author platform?
Join the FREE "Social edia Quickie" class & disover how to check in with all your networks in 1 minute per site. Reserve your seat now at WriteOnPurpose.com/quickie
7 Steps to the Perfec Story
This is a great infographic from the Content Marketing Association. (See original source). I thought it might be useful to you. Thanks to the Content Marketing Association for this awesome tool.
Get your FREE special report + tutorial, 7 Keys to Writing an Irresistible Book now WriteOnPurpose.com/free
Writing skills: How Do I Edit My work
When I go back through a story, article or chapter (fiction or nonfiction), I call it Spiral Writing. I go through to add, subtract, tweak or enhance a particular element.
Here is a graphic showing the types of editing you'll do. And remember, it's important to get someone else's eyes on your writing...more than one someone.
Get free help with your book
Get a weekly success tip, free tutorials, plus several useful guides, including 7 Ways to Earn Money from Your Book While You're Still Writing It now at WriteOnPurpose.com/free.
Follow your BLISS,
Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author, speaker and mentor
FInd my books onAmazon
April 17, 2015
Helen Keller Quote: The Best and Most Beautiful
(NOTE: Post updated with a writing prompt and writing inspiration..)
Helen Keller inspires me.I created this in honor of her birthday. please feel encouraged to share it.
Writing inspiration: Read this Helen Keller quote. Sit with a piece of paper or your computer and write whatever comes to mind. Don't worry about whether it will ever be published. You might surprise yourself. #WritingInspiration
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart"
Helen Keller inspirational #qoote
Writing prompt: Let this quote be a writing prompt for you. Tell a story about a time when you found hidden beauty by opening your heart, not your eyes. #WritingPrompt
Looking for more nspiration?
My book with Bonnie Tesh called I'll Push You Steer: The Definitive Guide to Stumbling through Life with Blinders On is full of stories that are inspirational and often humorous. You can order it from Amazon or your favorite bookseller.
Follow your bliss!
Ronda Del Boccio,
#1 best selling author of The Peace Seed., I'll Push You Steer and more
April 15, 2015
Are Hardcover Books Irrelevant?
A friend of e is so excited that his paperback/ebook is coming out in a new format. He received 70 pre-orders for hardcover, which was enough for the new release. I am THRILLED for my friend because he's excited.
Hardcover’s share of units was just ahead of e-books, accounting for 25% of unit purchases.
But it got me wondering whether it's really a good thing to put out a hardcover book these days.
According to a Neilson report about the first half of 2014:
Paperbacks sold 42%
Ebooks sold 23%
Hardcovers sold 23%
Should YOU Put Out a Hardcover Edition?I don't have an answer. I hope to start a conversation.
Hardcover sales appear to be biggest for the super-well-known authors. My thought would be to avoid the more costly hardback if you're not a mega-star author like Grisham or King..
What do you think? Do you have hardcover sales success? Reasons why you did or did not publish hard?
Please answer in the comments and on social media.
Follow your B.L.I.S.S,bestselling author, speaker and mentor
April 9, 2015
Book Review of Western Historical Romance the Montana Gallagher Collection by MK McClintock
Welcome back to another Write On Purpose book review. Each week, I review a well-written book, highlighting what makes it good (or not so good) from the reader’s perspective and what writing skills and techniques make it an irresistible (or annoying) read. Thus, each review serves both writers and readers.
This review is a mixed bag. The series is the Montana Gallaghers historical fiction series by MK McClintock.
First I need to say I have immense respect for anyone who follows through from concept to completion of a novel or a series. As a novelist myself, I can attest to how much work it takes.
I enjoyed aspects of the first book, and others annoyed me immensely. And while I typically only review books I like a lot, I'm making an exception.
"I could never immerse myself in the Montana Gallagher series, because so many things about the writing distracted me."
- Ronda Del Boccio, amazon top reviewer
I give this series 3 stars. Here's more about the Montana Gallagher Collection. I like historical fiction, and I really wanted to be enthralled with this series, but alas, it was not to be.The Montana Gallagher Collection
Escape to the old west with three classic novels of family, adventure, and love from the Montana Gallagher collection.
"The Montana Gallagher Collection is adventurous and romantic with scenes that transport you into the wild west." - InD'Tale Magazine
GALLAGHER'S PRIDE
Adventure, danger, and timeless love--Gallagher's Pride is the first in a series about a frontier family's legacy, healing old wounds, and fighting for the land they love.
Brenna Cameron travels from Scotland after losing someone she loves in search of family she didn't know existed. Alone now in the world, Brenna makes an arduous journey, following the trail of discovery to Briarwood, Montana. Here she meets Ethan Gallagher, and the rest of the Gallagher clan. Only with their help is she able to discover lost family, heal old wounds and embark on a treacherous confrontation with a man who destroyed her family.
GALLAGHER'S HOPE
Return to the beloved town of Briarwood with this frontier romance about second chances and finding love in the face of overwhelming odds.
Isabelle Rousseau must escape New Orleans and the memory of her family's tragic loss. With her younger brother in tow, she accepts a position as the new schoolteacher in Briarwood, Montana. Desperate to keep what's left of her family together, Isabelle joins her life with a stranger only to discover that trust and hope go hand in hand.
GALLAGHER'S CHOICE
Somewhere between the rugged mountains and open plains on the Montana frontier, the Gallaghers struggle to find peace, hope, and love on a wild land.
Eliza Gallagher is tough, resilient, and rides a horse like she was born in the saddle. All necessary qualities for someone who runs a cattle ranch. She had more to avenge than any of them and she was counting on those skills to finally find the justice they all sought -- until she realized it could cost her everything and everyone she loved.
Ramsey Hunter finally knew what it was to have a family and what it took to keep that family together. He knew coming back wouldn't be easy, but he never imagined what he would have to risk to keep it. Eliza got him home; now Ramsey has to do whatever it takes to save her life and help bring peace to Hawk's Peak.
One man could not destroy them. Another could not tear them apart. They fought for their family, their love, and their legacy . . . and they survived.
Sexual Content Rating: Subtle / Clean Romance (with subtle language suited to westerns)
Genre: Historical Western Romance/Western
What worked for me?
Compelling Characers
I love epics and family sagas. I read The Thornbirds as a kid and have read numerous fantasy series, one of them encompassing 12 books, so I'm not at all opposed to an extended family saga.
McClintock creates interesting characters with engaging back stories (histories). I find her population works in its context.
Terrific Sense of Place
MCClintock does a brilliant job making you feel the wind blowing and otherwise feeling a part of the scene.
What doesn't work for me?
Head Hopping
"Head hopping" means jumping from one character's head or thoughts to another's in the same scene. It is the sort of thing any writing instructor or seasoned writer will tell you not to do as a writer.
Beyond the "it simply isn't done" factor, and more importantly to me, it drives me absolutely out of my mind nuts!
For example, the reader is with Brenna as she disembarks the train in Montana. We're inside her head. Then POOF, there's a man and we're inside his head.
AAAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHH! (insert image of Lucy pulling the football away so that Charlie Brown goes spinning and yelling ARRRGH).
If I hadn't been reading on an iPad, I would have thrown the book against the wall to hear a satisfying THUD.
Head hopping detracts from the story, because the reader is bouncing around from head to head.
Lack of Research
Maybe it's because some of my friends/mentors are among the top western and historical writers, but I'm super sensitive to wolly history.
I don't get the sense McClintock knows much about horses. THer are lots of places throughout the series that simply don't read true.
Same thing for history. Now, I don't write historical fiction and wouldn't unless I thoroughly researched everything from the clothing to customs to foods to language.
The dialogue doesn't quite ring true. Cultured gentlemen cuss in the presence of ladies. THis sort of thing would not have been tolerated back in the day.
I could never immerse myself because so many things about the writing distracted me.
About MK McClintock
MK McClintock is an author, entrepreneur, and photographer. She spins tales of 
romance and adventure inspired by the heather-covered hills of Scotland and the majestic mountains of home. With her heart deeply rooted in the past and her mind always on adventure, she lives and writes in Montana.
Learn more about MK by visiting her website and blog at mkmcclintock.com.
Connect with Author MK McClintock
Website/blog
Amazon Author page
Follow on Twitter
Buy the books
Disclosure: I received a free copy of the series in exchange through the Tomoson's service for an honest review.
Please share this review all over the social web!
Follow your B.L.I.S.S.
Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author, speaker, and Amazon Top Reviewer
Read More Book Reviews by Ronda Del Boccio
Looking for more book reviews? I share insights on books in most genres. See them all in the Book Review Category
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 7, 2015
BLISSful Life Product Review: Digital Meat Thermometer
There are so many aspects of life beyond books, and I sometimes review various products, carefully selected by me, to have a cool, BLISful life. Life has many facets.
I often receive free products to test in exchange for an honest review, and this Puna Digital Meat Thermometer is one such item. I'm a foodie, so I love to cook and try out new tools. Then I can report back to you and let you decide if it's something you might wish to have.
Whether you enjoy cooking or not, I bet you enjoy staying healthy and not getting sick on undercooked meat! Hard to have a blissful life from a sick bed. THis is so important to me that I wrote a quiz book called Never Eat Dangerously.
Today's review is of a digital meat thermometer. DO you enjoy coking or grilling? Do you write about food or have characters in your stories who do?
Did this Puna Digital Meat Thermometer do its job?
Absolutely. I put it through its paces in my kitchen and let my mom test drive it on her grill. (I don't grill! It terrifies me.) Here's what I found.
It has a nice long stem or handle so you're not up close and personal with the hot food.
I like the display. Even as someone with limited eyesight, it's clear. I can use my phone camera to zoom in on it and see the numbers just fine.
It's also accurate. I have another meat thermometer against which I tested it.Spot on temperature.
Theres clip in case you want to stick it into a pot. I didn't try this but like the ability.
IT's also waterproof, so if you drop it into hit food, it won't melt into your meat. Helpful, that.
If you want to have a peek and perhaps get your own, go to this Amazon Smile link (and a percentage goes to charity) - Get the Puna Digital meat Thermometer.
I hope this review helps.
Get my book Never Eat Dangerously on Amazon.
See all my Amazon reviews at WriteOnPurpose.com/reviews.
DISCLOSURE: I received a free product sample in exchange for my honest review via Giveaway Service, Reference # pma3bf6e4db673b6449c2f7d13ee6ec9c0..
April 6, 2015
Book Review of Spy Thriller Historical Romance Alaina Claiborne by MK McClintock
Welcome back to another Write On Purpose book review. Each week, I review a well-written book, highlighting what makes it 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 week, it's a historical romance spy thriller called Alaina Claiborne by MK McClintock.
This book contains all the sizzle of a good spy thriller and all the spark of a hisgtorical romance. Some aspects of the book I liked very much. Others annoyed me. How did I rate this book?
Slow or Sizzling Start?
Some books instantly grab your attention and won't let go. Others are good enough to keep reading but not arresting at the start. Like a Disney movie, this book began with...well, a tragedy involving Alaina's parents when she was young.
This book fell into the latter category for me. A few things at the start annoyed me, and it was hard to get into the book.
Frankly, I would not have put backstory at the beginning of this novel. I would rather get to know Alaina as she interacts in the story and then find out how the early trauma affects her decisions.
What made it a slower start for me was the combination of early backstory and head hopping.
Head Hopping
Before I get into this bit, I want to say that fortunately the author doesn't hop heads through the whole book. Just in a couple of parts.
"Head hopping" is when an author jumps from one character's head to another in the same scene. It's one of the things "they" always tell newbie authors not to do. Rebel though I am, I happen to find it irritating. I like to go deeper into one mind at a time rather than jumping around.
I've been enjoying books with deep point of view lately, and this book is not. Go figure, a it's a thriller. Deep Point of View means going super deep into a character's motivations and thoughts, not just the surface ponderings. While it is possible to go deep and still have an action book, this book didn't. That's OK. I like depth.
Gorgeous, Talented Heroes
Typical of both romances and thrillers, both the heroes are extraordinary people and stunning physical specimens. WHile this personally tends to drive me nuts, it is common. Fortunately, Alaina Claiborne has a couple of things going on that give her flaws.
She suffers PTS (post traumatic stress) from the thing that happens in Chapter 1. when a similar situation arises later, she is catatonic. McClintock did a great job handling the trauma and resulting stress.
Lots of Chases, Intrigue and Secrets
You have in Tristan a super-spy of a bygone era. There are lots of chases, especially considering Alaina's multiple kidnappings. I thought McClintock handled the action scenes well. Tristan and Alaina are both interesting characters with some substance, so I cared what happened.
WHy Alaina is being chased and kidnapped and why Tristan cares come to light amidst all sorts of secrets and lies.
Not Quite Brain Candy & Not Quite Deep
Overall, I enjoyed this book enough to give it 4 stars on Amazon. Read my Amazon review. Not as shallow as something lie the Stephanie Plum novels and not as deep as some of my favorite authors, but definitely fun, engaging and worth my time.
Description of Alaina Claiborne
Be swept away by the stirring romance and unforgettable adventure of Alaina Claiborne, MK McClintock's first British Agent novel.
Book One of the British Agent Novels
Alaina ClaiborneHow far would you go to avenge your family and save the one you love?
In nineteenth-century England, Alaina Claiborne had a loving family, a cherished friend, and devoted servants. She spent her days riding across the grassy hills of the English countryside, joyful and at peace.
Then tragedy strikes and her world is forever changed. Searching for those responsible is her only focus . . . until she meets Tristan.
Tristan Sheffield, a man of many talents, searches out those who don't want to be found. His past is filled with secrets and deeds he would rather leave deeply buried. However, when his life unexpectedly entwines with Alaina's, he soon discovers they share more than a mutual desire to catch a murderer.
On their hunt for a man driven by greed, Tristan and Alaina find that love is the greatest weapon against evil, and they'll stop at nothing to survive.
Experience romance, adventure, and mystery with the British Agents in Victorian England.
The British Agent Historical Romantic Mystery Series (stand-alone titles):
Book One - Alaina Claiborne
Book Two - Blackwood Crossing
Book Three - Clayton's Honor (Coming April 2015)
Setting: Victorian England, Sensuality Rating: PG-13
Buy the Book
buy Alaina Claiborne on Amazon
About MK MCClintock
MK McClintock is an author, entrepreneur, and photographer. She spins tales of romance and adventure inspired by the heather-covered hills of Scotland and the majestic mountains of home. With her heart deeply rooted in the past and her mind always on adventure, she lives and writes in Montana.
Learn more about MK by visiting her website and blog at mkmcclintock.com.
Connect with Author MK McClintock
Please share this review all over the social web!
Follow your B.L.I.S.S.
Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author, speaker, and Amazon Top Reviewer
Read More Book Reviews by Ronda Del Boccio
Looking for more book reviews? I share insights on books in most genres. See them all in the Book Review Category
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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Need Writing Inspiration? How to Find Out What People Are Seeking And Buying
if you're a writer, and especially if you blog, aren't you constantly looking for writing inspiration? There's always that next blog post, article or book chapter to craft.
Where the Rubber Meets the Road
It's too easy to share what you ThINK people are seeking instead of what they really, really want.
So many would-be authors want to write a book about some topic that is so far beyond what the reader even knows to consider. They'll say their reader wants X but have no dat.
This quote perfectly lays out the issue.
"You might be an amazing writer, but if people aren’t interested in your topics you’re losing opportunities"-- Daniel FUturman. see original article sourceDAniel
How Do You KNOW What People Want to See
Most people hate market research. I think of it as a treasure hunt! This song lyric has important implications for authors who want to grow your audience:
"Tell Me What You Want, What You Really Really Want."
Spice Girls, "Wannabe"
How do you know if what you're writing about I\s what people are seeking?
The market tells you precisely what they want every day. You just have to know where to look!
How to Read Your Audience's Mind
Amazon and other marketplaces -
People go to Amazon to SHOP, so you can tell a lot by seeing what is selling well.
Look for the best sellers in the category you write.
Start typing a search term and make note of what words come up in predictive search.
Make note of the 1-2 star reviews, as they tell you what the market hates.
Look at top reviews to see what your market loves.
Google Trends -
Daniel Futurman reminded me of Google Trends. Frankly, I hadn't thought about it in a long time. Deeper than what's trending on any social network, you can track what people seek over time. You can seqrch for specific words or phrases of interest to your audience and find out where the interest lies.
Knowing the trends can increase website traffic.
Write about what people want. Simple, right?
What people seek relates to what they will ultimately buy.
ASK them!
It's so obvious yet so overlooked. Ask people what they're seeking or where they're stuck.
I periodically send out an email asking my subscribers and customers a question such as: Y9ou can do this. The blanks are for whatever it is you teach or help people do. Another option is to surveyyour audience using a tool such as Survey Monkey,
For every one response, figure there are 100 people with a similar concern or question.
Where are you stuck?
What frustrates you about ______?
What's your biggest question about _____?
Where are you in your process of _____
If you write a great book that solves a problem people don't know they have, or solves a problem they don't have, your book will not do well at all! It won't cause cravings that lead them right back to you.
Follow your BLISS,
Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author, speaker and mentor.
PS Need more help with your book? The Instant Author Formula course guides you through knowing what your ideal customer craves and writing THAT book following any of seversl super simple "recipes." Claim it now at WriteOnPurpose.com/iaf.
Writing is pure Bliss
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