Judith Post's Blog, page 98
January 30, 2017
Cover Reveal: A Desolate Hour by Mae Clair #RRBC Author
I’ve read the first book and I’m reading the second book in the series now. Love them. If you like creepy supernatural, these are great reads.
Happy Monday, everyone! I’m kicking off the week by doing a cover reveal for A Desolate Hour, the third and final book in my Point Pleasant mystery/suspense series focused on the Mothman of urban legend.
A DESOLATE HOUR
Book 3 in the Point Pleasant Series
Genre: Suspense/Mystery
Length: 79,000 Words
Publisher: Kensington Publishing/Lyrical Underground Imprint
Publication Date: July 18, 2017
BLURB:
Sins of the past could destroy all of their futures . . .
For generations, Quentin Marsh’s family has seen its share of tragedy, though he remains skeptical that their misfortunes are tied to a centuries-old curse. But to placate his pregnant sister, Quentin makes the pilgrimage to Point Pleasant, West Virginia, hoping to learn more about the brutal murder of a Shawnee chief in the 1700s. Did one of the Marsh ancestors have a hand in killing Chief Cornstalk—the man who cursed the town with his dying breath?
While…
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January 28, 2017
Reviews
I have a brainy, literary friend who won’t review a book unless he can wholeheartedly give it five stars. He’s well-read, favors the heavyweights. Knows all the classics. Which means he hardly ever writes a review.
I’m not that picky. I’ve read plenty of classics (not nearly as many as him), and I admire the hell out of great writing. But in my mind, those authors are the top strastophere of writing. They stand APART from we regular mortals and shouldn’t even be ranked alongside ordinary writers. And let’s face it, we’re all biased. What we consider good writing is subjective. I’d list Elizabeth George, Alice Hoffman, and Sarah Addison Allen as icons of greatness, and maybe add Caleb Carr and Barbara Hambly, but my friend would list Stephen King, and another friend would add Eudora Welty and Flannery O’Connor. We haven’t even mentioned the classics, because who could live up to those?
Today, I only read heavyweight books occasionally. They demand too much time and emotional energy. These days, I read books just as often to relax and enjoy. Agatha Christie was an author I could count on for hours of fun. Does she compare to Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles? No. But would I give her five stars? In a heartbeat. Because what she did, she did well.
That’s my new test for books I read. Do they deliver on what they promised? When I pick up a romance, I don’t expect The Thornbirds. That book was romance on steroids. I expect an interesting heroine who meets an intriguing hero and plenty of bumps to keep them apart before a happy ending. And good writing. The stronger the writing, the better. I’m talking about ALL the components of good writing–grammar, language, pacing, plotting, description…the works. The more it delivers, the more stars I give it.
And that brings me to “stars.” I’m a writer. I tend to maybe be more generous than the average reader. I know. That surprises some people. They expect me to be pickier, to have a higher standard. But I know how HARD it is to get the balance right and to hold a reader’s attention for an entire book.
I worked as a waitress for two years when I was in college. Being a waitress is hard work! To this day, I overtip because I remember all of the times I was tired, grumpy, needed to study for a test, and didn’t really want to wait on people, but had to. If the waitress doesn’t get my food to me at a decent time, I remember when we were short-shifted, and I was trying to pick up extra tables while giving decent service to my own customers. I know there are bad waitresses out there, but I still leave them some kind of a tip.
Because I’m a writer, I can’t make myself write a review that’s under three stars. A decent book deserves three stars. A good book deserves four, in my opinion. And an exceptional book that keeps me entertained, even if it has a few flaws, I give five stars, because it made me happy for three or four nights before I fell asleep. It stood out for me in some way. I wish there was some giant, gold star you could give to books that stand far above the rest, but there isn’t, so I try to say that in the review itself.
One and two star books? I probably don’t finish, and I’d never review them. I know some people would say that’s being a coward. They’d say I bought a bad book and wasted my money and I should warn other readers not to go there. But books are sort of like movies. Some of the ones I didn’t enjoy at all, someone else loved. Plus, I just can’t do it. I know how many hours and how much effort went into those books. I can’t make myself trash them.
As for reviews, in general? Every writer needs them. I think the magic number is 50 to get Amazon to notice your novel. 25 is good, but that might have changed by now. Kensington put my fourth romance up on NetGalley to try to get advance reviews, but there are a LOT of books to compete with. Some authors get reviews with book tours. I found this article that I need to read: https://booklaunch.com/amazon-reviews/. I don’t know if you write reviews when you read books or not, but it’s the best way to support an author you like. That’s why I make an effort to do it–as long as I liked the book.
Happy reading and happy writing!
Webpage: http://www.judithpostswritingmusings.com/
Author Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JudiLynnwrites/
Twitter: @judypost
January 27, 2017
January 25, 2017
January 21, 2017
It’s not all about the writing
If you’ve read my blog much, you know that I’m a sucker for writers who can mesmerize me with their use of language. I’ve said it before, but Theodore Sturgeon’s The Silken-Swift (a short story in his anthology E Pluribus Unicorn) still stuns me with its lyrical beauty. I reread it off and on just to remember how beautiful words can be– (available here: http://www.baen.com/Chapters/9781625791177/9781625791177___2.htm). Alice Hoffman and Sarah Addison Allen feel poetic to me when I read them because of their what-feels-simple-but-isn’t, visual, almost magical quality. Elizabeth George’s mysteries…well, what can I say? I idolize her writing. It makes me work, it has so much depth, so many layers. She’s NEVER a fast read for me. I savor her.
All that said, to my shame, I’ve discovered that I can be had with almost any magic and abandon, even if the writing’s just passable. Sometimes, I just want something FUN. If word repetition and misplaced commas are only occasional, I go with the characters and the story. I’m reading The Crystal by Sandra Cox right now and absolutely enjoying it. Yes, once in a while, commas are in the wrong place. Do I care? For about half a second. I’m too busy trying to keep up with all of the characters’ shenanigans. And there’s MAGIC. Kathy Palm would be proud of me. Her book series, which someday I’ll gladly announce and promote because she belongs to my writers’ club and she’s read us chapters that are AWESOME, is a fantasy series. She loves magic, but I might love it just as much. My magic taste runs to fun and games, though, like When Demons Walk by Patricia Briggs and Firelight by Kristen Callihan. And Sandra Cox delivers plenty of fun. There’s a crystal ball–that was bespelled–by a fairy. Gabby Bell buys it before Christopher Saint can steal it, and the mayhem begins. (I found this book on Mae Clair’s blog: https://maeclair.net/blog/). I’d read three romances in a row–all good–but I was ready for something fun and frivolous. And so far, this book is really delivering. The writing is solid–(no, it’s not up to Elizabeth George, but neither am I). The star of the book is the STORY.
Every once in a while, I get so absorbed in word choice, plot, and pacing that I forget to just have fun with my characters. Yes, every book needs a BIG question that drives the story. It needs tension and pacing. But some books, every once in a while, have a SPARK. And that spark can make me stay up past midnight and risk turning into a pumpkin to see what happens next. It’s just plain FUN. And inbetween serious books, romances with angst, and characters buried under problems, a little fun is sometimes welcome. Can’t wait to finish this book!
The Crystal, by Sandra Cox: https://www.amazon.com/Sandra-Cox/e/B002BM3AKC/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1483562143&sr=1-2-ent
By the way, I put up chapter 3 of VERDANTA on my webpage if you like nymphs, sprites, and mortals. http://www.judithpostswritingmusings.com/
Author Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JudiLynnwrites/
Twitter: @judypost
January 19, 2017
Webpage
Okay, I suck at marketing, but here goes anyway: Chapter 1 of Verdanta.
http://www.judithpostswritingmusings.com/
January 14, 2017
The Big, Final Push
For loving writing so much, I sure complain a lot. Maybe my nature? I’m an optimist–but a grumbling optimist. When I start a book, I fuss about how hard beginnings are. I pull teeth over first chapters and how many times I rewrite them. If I write short, punchy chapters to keep a pace brisk, then I worry that I’ll have enough plot points for each fourth of my book. If I use lots of dialogue, my words look like they’re swimming in white space. Will I have a high enough word count no matter how many pages I type? Once I reach the middle, I brace myself for the muddle, for the sagging when all of my characters and subplots get bogged down. When I push past that, will all of my subplots and foreshadowing come together in some kind of a cohesive whole? Will I have a big enough ending?
After I thought about it, I decided every part of writing is hard, and I’m never actually sure if I’m getting it right. Somewhere along the way, I lose energy. I see more flaws than stellar moments. That’s when ideas flood me for new books, books that look bright and shiny, books that would never tax me, that I’d fly through with no doubts–until I start working on them:) I’m at that point now in my sixth Mill Pond romance. I’ve reached over 200 pages (I know, just the set up for some fantasies:). I’ve pushed off my last plot twist for another few pages, and I’ve written so much that I can’t tell if my timing, tension, and storyline are still on track. BUT, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve gone back and tweaked chapters as I plugged along, so the light brings me hope. I can smell the finished manuscript.
Seventy more pages, and I should be able to breathe a sigh of relief. Hope your writing’s coming together for you, too. And Happy Writing!
I posted a few, short snippets on my webpage: http://www.judithpostswritingmusings.com/
My author Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JudiLynnwrites/
If you’re a member of NetGalley, SPICING THINGS UP is available for review now: https://s2.netgalley.com/widget/redeem/105151_53734_1484342435587944a39d020_9781516101351_US
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Twitter: @judypost
January 11, 2017
It’s up! Cover Reveal for Book 5!
I love this cover! Miriam doesn’t look one bit like the Miriam in the book, but the “feel” of the book is SO right. I love it. Hope you do, too.
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January 7, 2017
Some Characters…
My fourth romance is available for pre-sale now. It’ll be a long time before its release–the day after spring solstice on March 20, 2017. I’m a horoscope junkie, so I hope that’s a good sign:) But you met Tyne and Daphne in book 3. Tyne is Paula’s fellow chef–the guy who doesn’t mince words and says what he thinks, Mr. Hot Stuff. Daphne is the girl Chase fantasizes about. At the beginning of LOVE ON TAP, Paula and Chase both have a thing for someone who’s not right for them. I’ve met plenty of people who fall for Mr. or Miss Wrong over and over again, and always with disastrous results. That’s what I wanted to show in book 3. It’s not the traditional way to start a romance or plot it out, and it confused some readers, but I liked it. To me, it was realistic. And Tyne, as a friend to both Paula and Chase, was happy to offer his opinions on their romantic mishaps.
I intended Tyne to have a small part in book three. When I plot a book, I start with an idea. For book three, it was a girl with a crush on Mr. Wrong and a guy who fantasized about a girl who had nothing in common with him, and the two had to figure out that they were REALLY meant for each other. After the idea, I think about what characters will work for that story. Paula is a widow, raising two young children and trying to balance being a mom and a chef. All she’s done since losing Alex is work and spend time with her kids, but she’s finally ready to dip her toe in the dating pool again. Except that she’s always attracted to a bad boy. And Tyne is happy to tell her that Jason’s a loser and she should move on. Chase owns a bar and can have any woman he wants–except Daphne–and he’s ready to settle down and thinks he wants her. Tyne makes a few comments on that, too. After I decide on my characters, I do character wheels for them. I learned that concept at a workshop by Shirley Jump, then tweaked it to work for me. (Shirley’s offering a workshop on intensive revision starting Monday, if you’re interested: https://www.margielawson.com/lawson-writers-academy-courses/detail/2-writing/299-jan-2017-intensive-on-revision.) Anyway, Shirley recommended having a close friend for each of your characters, because then the character has someone to talk to, to spill your gut. I gave Paula her fellow chef, Tyne.
I meant Tyne to be there for Paula to bounce ideas off of. The thing is, Tyne just won’t keep his mouth shut. He has opinions about everything, even though he’s well-meaning. I loved Tyne, but I had trouble writing his dialogue. He’s SO not like me! He says things I’d never say. I had the same problem with Brody in book 2. I’m an “early” Libra. I try to smooth things over and avoid confrontation. I hate conflict. When I’m really direct, it’s been a long time coming. (I’m working on that for 2017, though.)
Brody and Tyne don’t give a damn. Sometimes, they push peoples’ buttons just to see what happens. When they do, it’s outside my comfort zone. I’d never do it, so I needed to “hear” someone else. For Brody, I heard my grandson Tyler–a Gemini. With Tyler, you get what you get, whatever he’s thinking–and he tends to think he’s right and you’re wrong. If he annoys people…well, life happens, right? But he has a BIG heart. He won’t win an award for tact, but he’s funny and warm, and he CARES. For Tyne, I “listened” to my grandson Nate. Nate–an Aquarius–has a million ideas buzzing in his head all the time. He thinks outside the box, gets restless easily, and doesn’t mind sharing his opinions. If he annoys you, he’s sorry, but that doesn’t mean he’ll stop. And he has a big heart, too.
I liked Tyne so much in book 3, he changed my writing. I was using single POV for the romances, but when I started book 4, with Tyne and Daphne as the stars, I wanted Tyne to be able to express himself, too. Tyne just wouldn’t stay in the background. That’s what Daphne liked–to sort of disappear if she could, to go unnoticed. So book 4, SPICING THINGS UP, is the first time I did the girl’s AND the guy’s POV. It added a lot. What was implied before became in-your-face, irrefutable, so that’s what I’m doing from now on. (I’m a slow learner. I’ve already told you that.) Anyway, characters can push and prod a writer. It’s a good thing. And bless Tyne, he wanted a starring role, and he deserved one. I hope you like him as much as I did.
For my books: http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/book.aspx/34332
Webpage: http://www.judithpostswritingmusings.com/
Author Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JudiLynnwrites/
Twitter: @judypost[image error]
January 5, 2017
Cover Reveal–late–oops!
Something went awry. It couldn’t be my fault, so I’m thinking Kathy Palm’s faeries did it! But somehow I missed the cover reveal for my own, damn book! Maybe New York lost power when my publisher sent me the news. I’m not sure, but Book 4 is available for pre-order now, and I wrote a little about it on my webpage:
http://www.judithpostswritingmusings.com/
http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/book.aspx/34332
Kathy’s blog: https://findingfaeries.wordpress.com/
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