Debra R. Borys's Blog, page 2
January 13, 2020
New Year, Old Work in Progress
[image error]Wow! 2019 was pretty much a bust for me. After publishing Cry Baby Cry in mid-2018 I vowed to rework one or two old manuscripts that I thought showed promise. But either I was burnt out from publishing seven books since 2012 or the lukewarm reception of Cry Baby had me discouraged, because I barely looked at anything writing-related throughout all of 2019.
Often, though, when I take a hiatus from writing I come back stronger than ever, with renewed energy and ideas. It’s like my subconscious has been writing all that time without telling me. I’m a little concerned, however, that things might not work the same when the project I plan to work on is a rewrite, rather than generating new material. After all, rewriting uses the critical, editor portion of my brain, not the creative side which could have been working in secret.
I’d started working on the idea of this rewrite way back in 2016 and even blogged about it HERE and HERE. Then Cry Baby Cry started bullying its way into my thoughts and I got sidetracked. So for 2020 I’m vowing to get back to this story-line that was once important enough to me that I actually published two versions of it from memory: one for PersonalNovel in the U.K., Through the Dark, and a U.S. version released by myself, Eyes at the Window. The new title of this reincarnation is TBD, but I’m leaning toward something like WATCHER.
It helps that an old writer colleague of mine, LuAnne Bydalek, recently contacted me through this website. I believe I might have been working on this story, or a version of it, when we first met at a writer’s conference at IWU. Bringing back old memories might just be the kick in the pants I need to give this old manuscript a new look.
August 9, 2018
Refreshing. A Perfect Read
[image error]Starza Thompson from Windy City Reviews gave Cry Baby Cry a mixed review, suggesting I give the characters more depth. I appreciate her insight, though, especially since she had so many other great things to say about it, like:
“Her ability to create characters that are LGBT without having that be their only characteristic is refreshing.”
and
“If you’re looking for a suspenseful thriller that will keep you entertained, Cry Baby Cry is the perfect read.”
From Windy City Reviews, August 2018
Please click through to read the full review on the Windy City Reviews website. I would love to hear whether you agree or disagree with the many points Starza makes.
July 13, 2018
The Rating Race Begins
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It’s almost 1:00 in the afternoon already and I swear I only intended to spend a half hour updating by Cry Baby Cry website. The thing, is, though, that in the process of doing that, I discovered the book had received its first 5-star rating on Goodreads, which resulted in a whole flurry of postings and updates on all my websites and social media venues.
Then, just as I thought I could go throw a load of clothes in the washer, a five star review on Amazon popped up and ZOOM, there I am, off again. I promise, though that this will be my last update of the day (unless I discover more reviews and ratings later on!).
The first 5-stars came from Sheri Wilkerson on Goodreads:
The second one was posed on Amazon by Marydale S. and comes with some wonderful accolades.
This is a page-turner by a seasoned author. I especially like the fact that this author not only writes from experience (she has been a volunteer worker among homeless youth) but also from and with compassion. Her books are more than entertainment; they teach us tolerance and awareness of lives that aren’t conventional, easy, or “socially acceptable.” A worthwhile read!
Thanks to Sheri and Marydale. And I look forward to hearing what YOU think of it, too. Let me know.
June 11, 2018
Pride
[image error]The title to my latest, and last, post on my Birthing the Next Book blog has a double meaning. Pride that I am finally finished with Cry Baby Cry and ready to launch my baby into the world. Pride in celebration of Gay Pride month, an event dear to Avril McCartney’s fictional heart.
I hope this book will be well received, but also that anyone who reads it will understand how joyful it can be to look past preconceived prejudices of gender in order to truly see the heart of the person.
I have loved getting to know Avril. I hope you enjoy her, too.
June 3, 2018
Help! Looking for Beta Readers
[image error] Help! Having finally finished the first draft of Cry Baby Cry, I am now in the process of editing in preparation for a July 1 book launch event. The problem? I’ve been working on this book so long–one year–that I either hate everything I read or love it too much. I need beta readers, people willing to read the manuscript with a critical eye, not looking for typos and grammar mistakes, but whether or not the story makes sense. I’m particularly interested in getting feedback from anyone who is familiar with or sensitive to LGBTQ issues. I want to convey the subject appropriately and need an educated eye to see if I’ve done that.
If you are interested in would like to receive either an ebook or pdf copy of Cry Baby Cry, please email me at StreetStoriesNovels@gmail.com.
Here’s a summary of the story:
Even if gender identity was a choice, no one has a right to force you to choose. Lily’s father needs to learn that lesson. Now, if only Jo can teach it to him before anyone dies.
Lily May is only one of the estimated 40% of homeless kids who identify as LGBTQ in Chicago. She tried to be a good girl and change her ways. But when the path to forgiveness leads to hell on earth, sin feels like the only option.
Haunted by the memory of her failure to rescue a murdered girl, reporter Jo Sullivan once again finds herself racing to find the answers.
June 2, 2018
My Books
Book 1 – Painted Black
[image error] [image error] Jo Sullivan and graffiti artist CRY search for a missing street kid and unearth murder, corporate greed, and a bizarre collection of freeze-dried corpses.
[image error] Book 2 – Bend Me, Shape Me
Snow Ramirez is convinced psychiatrist Mordechai Levinson is responsible for one kid’s suicide, and may be targeting her brother Alley as his next victim.
[image error] Book 3 – Box of Rain
[image error] When the severed head of a gang banger is found in a dumpster, Jo must figure out why the evidence seems to point to the one kid least likely to have committed the crime.
Praise for Box of Rain
This quick-paced, sometimes dark, but ultimately good-hearted novel aims for light entertainment with a straightforward message, not unlike the spirited Chicago detective novels of Sarah Paretsky. – Chicago Book Review
“Borys did an excellent job of leading the reader down false paths, painting a suspicious picture of almost everyone, and yet creating an ending that would shock even the most die-hard murder mystery fan.” —Windy City Reviews
“
Box of Rain is an important story for us to read. It’s an inside view of life unfolding in the shadows of our world, providing a new perspective about the challenges good people face trying to survive and live in spite of the circumstances they were born into.” —M. J. Joachim
“A
fast paced murder mystery. I loved the setting in Chicago, the descriptive details are very accurate. I liked Booker, he was a determined young man, determined to make something good out of his life, despite his horrible upbringing. The plot was very good and original, I like that in a book. Overall I feel that those who love murder/mystery will enjoy Box of Rain.” — Sheri Wilkinson for Juniper Grove
[image error]“The pacing is excellent. There are surprises around every corner…Mystery lovers are certain to find Box of Rain to be a gripping story, not only filled with excitement, but one which deals with some very real current issues.” –Cyclamen at Long & Short Reviews
[image error]“Who is the killer? Do Booker T and Shorty survive to see another day? I wondered almost to the end. The characters are very real, the pace is good, and the suspense is great. Ms. Borys tells a wonderful story while teaching us about life in the Chicago projects.” –Dayna Leigh Cheser at Reviews by Dayna
Praise for Bend Me, Shape Me
“I was immediately drawn into the story by Debra Borys’ deft handling of the drama and the raw, gritty dialogue. She’s got a knack for capturing the futility of life as revealed in the characters struggling with their own demons and hardships” — 5-STARS by author Jeffrey Miller
“This was a fantastic follow up to the first ‘Street Stories’ book, Painted Black. This was a rollercoaster of a book both with regards to the action and emotionally.” — 5-STARS at Wistfulskimmies Reviews
“This story is another heart wrenching look into the life of kids on the street. I was immediately drawn into Snow’s story and the book didn’t let go until the end.” —5-STARS at Jenn’s Review Blog
“The author also brings a high degree of craft to the elements that make the story an experience you can see, hear, and smell; she has a talent for both descriptive language and dialogue. The conversations between characters, in particular, ring true. If you want your street people to speak a polite, formal language, look elsewhere.” —4.25-STARS at IndieHeart
“There are many books that try to delve into the darker areas of life on the streets, yet at best can only come across as somewhat believable; Borys is quite the master at not only creating believable environments, but thrilling tales. – 4-STARS by Darian Wilk
Snow is strong, brave, troubled and incredibly fierce. Watching her open up and trust was profound. Jo Sullivan is a reporter plagued by the conditions of the homeless children on the streets. 4-STARS at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Praise for Painted Black
“I would not hesitate in recommending this well-written, fast-paced novel to readers who enjoy character-driven novels that aren’t afraid of taking a (large!) step across to the dark side. This is a promising start to what I hope will become a solid mystery-suspense series.” —Nicola Foster at My Good Bookshelf
“This is a fantastic novel full of suspense and intrigue. Each character comes to life in these pages making it almost impossible to put it down for even a moment as you wonder what is going to happen to Chris and Jo. I think the author has come across an interesting setting for an entire series of novels featuring Jo.” —Angie Mangino at Reflections of a BookWorm
“Whilst on the one hand highlighting the fate these teenagers have to face, it was also a good mystery at its heart. Jo and Chris are damaged in their own ways and must put aside their mistrust of each other to work together. It is a gripping story. A real page turner but also very sad. The characters were true to life and leapt out of the page at me, at times their pain was tangible.” —Kim Tomsett-Fowler at Wistfulskimmie’s Book Reviews
“Painted Black is about the young faces we see on the streets, covered in dirt, wearing worn out clothes, shrouded in looks of hate, pride, and fear…. There isn’t a part of this book you don’t feel, it reaches into your core…. There are many enjoyable books out there, but there aren’t many that make you feel, make you think, make you sit back and contemplate the uglier side of life we try so hard to ignore its existence. This was a very well written book on all accounts.” —Darian Wilk, author of Love Unfinished and Reinventing Claire
“This is a crime/suspense/mystery kind of book, but at the forefront are all the characters that Debra R Borys portrays so well. This was one of those books where you start reading and before you can even blink you are almost done with it. I was so caught up with the characters of this book……Painted Black was a great story and I am glad I got a chance to read it!” —Danielle at The To Be Read Pile
“Painted Black takes place on the gritty streets of Chicago. Midst the pervading misery that often defines the homeless community, something even darker is stirring…. The characters come across as real, and the at times disturbing reality of the way she portrays the lives of the homeless lend the entire book a visceral feel…. Knowing that the portrayal is accurate only lends weight to it. There is also an underlying message of hope, as well.” —Connor Rickett, Cities of the Mind
“Borys depicts the street life and struggles in an engaging, interesting way that draws you in and helps give a little perspective into the lives of the homeless. Maybe the next time you see someone huddled in a door frame or sleeping on a park bench, they won’t be quite so invisible.” —Norelle Done, Seattle Wrote
“One of the most unique mysteries I’ve read in a long time. From drugs, hustling, and child abuse to the seedy and disgusting desires of a strange and twisted man this story keeps you reading from page one to the last word. Dark, gritty and suspenseful this is a seat of your pants ride that you won’t soon forget.” —Jenn’s Review Blog
“Painted Black has a Silence of the Lamb’s feeling about it…..there’s something dark and ominous going on here.…. Fiction can be a great vehicle for exposing the darker side of the human experience in ways that are both important and meaningful and I think that Painted Black fits into this category.” —Quinn Barrett, Wise Bear Books
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April 30, 2018
Weaving Many Threads
March 26, 2018
TMI? Or Just Enough?
March 19, 2018
The Sprint for the Finish
January 3, 2018
On the One Hand
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