H. Danielle Crabtree's Blog, page 7

What’s on the bookshelf: The Looking Glass Wars

I cannot say I’ve ever been a fan of Alice in Wonderland. Not the books by Lewis Carroll, not the Disney animated film, not Syfy’s miniseries, not the latest movie with Johnny Depp (and who doesn’t like Johnny?). I’ve had an aversion to anything to do with Wonderland my entire life. I cannot explain it; it’s just not my cup of tea.

It is for these reasons that I’ve avoided The Looking Glass Wars, Seeing Redd and Arch Enemy, also known as Frank Beddor’s Looking Glass Wars trilogy. My friends re...

What’s on the Bookshelf: Narrative Voice

I read a lot—from New York Times bestsellers to indie authors just breaking into the business. I’ve seen narrative styles that cross the board with tense and POV, as well as in the content: The thicker novels with more discussion and analysis of inner thought and pain than any amount of character interaction; the mid-novels that are fast-paced, but balance description and analysis (my favorite style); and then the books that are all dialogue with limited description.

Finding your voice is one...

What’s on the bookshelf: ‘The Demon’s Lexicon’

Although, I didn’t find the bulk of the novel as a whole extraordinary in the telling, I did find Sarah Rees Brennan’s “The Demon’s Lexicon” enjoyable.



Alan Ryves has all the heart and soul and is wicked with a gun, and his younger brother, Nick Ryves, has a hard time connecting with anyone or anything except his sword and the demons he calls when he dances. His utter lack of humanity is counterbalanced by Alan’s overabundance of kindness.

At times, their duel natures feel more like two sides o...

What’s on the bookshelf: Don’t judge an editor by…

…His/her price tag. Yep, that’s right. Just like you cannot judge a book by its cover, you shouldn’t judge an editor by how much he/she charges. In fact, I have seen a lot of comments here and there actually saying “expect to pay X price or the editor isn’t any good.” Here is why I have a problem with that statement.

I am a freelance editor who has chosen to charge less than the going rate to edit. My choice to charge below market has more to do with the market I serve than any lack of experie...

What’s on the Bookshelf: The Host

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, I am not a Stephenie Meyer fan. There isn’t a shred of doubt in my mind to that fact after reading “The Host.” I thought it might just be a “Twilight” aversion, which is why I waited so long to read it. More than once, I actually threw those books across the room I was so irritated and annoyed with Bella, and several times alone with “Breaking Dawn.” I had hoped “The Host” might redeem her as a writer for me, but I’ve decided from here on out just t...

What’s on the Bookshelf: Release date, cover reveal for Changed

Welcome! Today I have some great news and information for you all about the second book in the Marked Duology by Jennifer Snyder. First, the official Release Date for Changed is May 21, so if you haven’t read Marked yet, well, you should. Check out more info on the newest novel, the cover and an expert from the book below.

About Changed

Would you fight to the death to prove you are worthy to stand beside the one you loved?

Eighteen-year-old Tessa Morganton’s life has flipped upside down. After l...

Bookshelf: Return to Eden Blog Tour & Giveaway

Welcome to What's on the Bookshelf and the "Return to Eden" Blog Tour with author G.P. Ching. Today I have a Q&A with the Soulkeepers Series author and a chance to win great prizes from G.P.

Each week of the tour, G.P. will award one prize per blog she visits, including a $10 customized Visa Debit Card. She will give away ten of these throughout the tour. Or, the winner's choice of an eBook from either G.P. Ching or any of the Indelible authors along with some signed Soulkeepers bookmarks.

The ...

What’s on the Bookshelf: ‘Frost’

The very name of Kate Avery Ellison’s “Frost” makes me shiver. Her newest novella — just shy of novel length at 47,000 words — paints a cold, icy world full of monsters that haunt the darkness. The very culture of the Frost’s inhabitants consists of engrained, almost ritualistic behaviors that protect them and allow them to survive the harsh world.

But sometimes even that isn’t enough.

When Lia’s parents are killed by the Watchers — the monsters in the forest — she is left to care for her crip...

What's on the Bookshelf: 'Frost'

The very name of Kate Avery Ellison's "Frost" makes me shiver. Her newest novella — just shy of novel length at 47,000 words — paints a cold, icy world full of monsters that haunt the darkness. The very culture of the Frost's inhabitants consists of engrained, almost ritualistic behaviors that protect them and allow them to survive the harsh world.

But sometimes even that isn't enough.

When Lia's parents are killed by the Watchers — the monsters in the forest — she is left to care for her...

Writing Exercises: From Hell

The shadowed form swirled like smoke, dancing against the air currents with each step that it took. I could see its face, but its presence sent a chill down my spine. It was ghost-like, ethereal, but not in the holy-angel-sent-from-God sort of way. This creature felt like it belonged in hell, and it was coming straight for me.