Julie A. Rainey's Blog, page 3

Show, Don't Tell

Ugh. That statement makes my skin crawl. I realize that it is perfectly legitimate, sound advice but it's easier said than done. They are called story-tellers after all, not story showers. *Deep Breath* Okay, I feel better now.

In my quest to become a better writer, I've seen this advice given time and time again, which is good, but I needed a bit more detail as to what exactly that meant. So I scoured the web and found a blog that I think explained it best...and for the life of me, I can't find the link. For some stupid reason I didn't bookmark the page and my history clears every time I close my browser. I can even remember what it looked like but not the name. Grr.

So, I found an alternative that was just as good by Florence Osmund

Here's an example of what it said:

Telling - He was really tired.

Showing - He slouched way down in the recliner, his eyes struggling to stay open, his hand gradually losing its grip on the Miller Light.

Although simple, it actually did help quite a bit. It definitely paints a better picture. I realized I actually had done quite a bit of telling and not showing, so I went back through my second book and was able to expand a lot more and hopefully (fingers crossed) it's much better.

Do you have problems like this with your writing? What tips have helped you?

Adult ADD

Have you ever had a hard time focusing on just one thing at a time? I have a lot of irons in the fire so to speak and it seems that at times I am more focused on one than the others. Even in writing this article I've had to come back more than a few times to finish it because of more pressing matters.

It seems I have Adult ADD or something like it. I get interested in one thing and I totally immerse myself in it until I get bored and move on (or back to) the next thing. So basically I go from genealogy to space stuff to writing my book to blogging to Goodreads, etc. It's enough to make any sane person, crazy.

If I could just stick to one thing I might actually do very well but alas, I get bored way too easily. It appears I have the attention span of a gnat.

Does this happen to you? Any suggestions on how to remedy said problem?

Author Spotlight- LD Sledge

Description:
A literate adult fantasy. A love story, quest adventure to rescue Musette, Nimrod Woodbine’s beloved travel companion, a beautiful human size mouse, kidnapped by the sadist queen Nymphae who really wants Nimrod. Nimrod’s purity will give her immortality she craves. There is sex, healing, despair, danger, horror, a fallen angel, bizarre creatures who help or hinder. A triumph of good over evil.

Where to Buy:
Amazon (eBook)
Amazon (Paperback)

Author Website:
LD Sledge




Reviews:
This is a book that will plunge you into aesthetics. A lot of the prose is almost pure poetry, the wavelength of some of the sentences perfectly balanced.
Nimrod is wanderer on a mission to seek and discover. His traveling companion, a female mouse with a human body, get kidnapped and he has to look for her. It's a quest to save his soul mate, his best friend.
The author has an uncanny ability to see the beauty in everything and give life and personality to inanimate objects—the gardens, the fields, the weather, the sun are given such life it makes one feel in love with the universe. He writes from the point of view of someone passionate about everything around him, a yearning to have this connection with another being, this wholeness, to arrange the pieces of the puzzle in a perfect harmony.
The whole book is a yearning to experience the sensuality of life. It's a painting with words.
It's about adventure. It's romantic thrilling, intriguing and fast moving. Characters operate in different levels that all come together in the end.
It goes into area that no other book I've read has ventured into. It's not going in just one direction, it covers all of life, the beauty of friendship, nature, the beauty and desperation of sex, and the conquering of good over evil. Sandie Thurston, Sydney, Australia
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I fell in love with Nimrod's companion, the lovable mouse Musette. Nimrod's Peril reminded me of a cross between Heinlein's irreverent nature and J.K. Rowling's depth of universe, the way the whole world is created around these characters and the way they interact with their environment and the people around them. Alan Eames. Los Angeles
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I just finished “Perils” (Nimrod’s Peril) and loved it. You have that language flair. I almost call it florid because I think I love ‘9th century novels so much and regard them as florid in the most positive sense. It is a book I will reread. Is there a sequel? Shirley Windward. Los Angeles

One Small Step for Man

I just heard this morning that a true American hero has died. Being the total space fanatic I am, it wouldn't be right if I didn't pay tribute to this legend.

He risked life and limb to go where no man had gone before. He hid from the spotlight, reluctant to call himself hero but in many a person's eyes, he was and always will be just that.

My thoughts go out to his family in this time of grief and hope they find comfort and solace in the fact that he was loved by many.

Rest in Peace man from the moon.

Author Spotlight - Marc Cosentino

Description:
Gritty true-life stories of heroism and humor in the NYPD, from being dragged in the window of a fleeing suspect's car, to snow-sledding on riot shields, to the dangers following a "manly breakfast" in a patrol car with the windows up...

.....Veteran NYPD officer, actor and entrepreneur Marc Cosentino tells it like it is from the cop's point of view--that's what the cops say, anyway. So climb in to the Patrol Car and head on out. Just remember to dodge the falling refrigerators...

Where to Buy:
Routine Patrol Website
Blurb

Author Website:
Routine Patrol

Reviews:
"The book was great! It had a blend of different styles which made it interesting and kept it lively. There was never a dull moment as I always wanted to find out where Capallano's wit and humor led him. ....."The biggest thing I got out of reading it was a lot more certainty on what it's like to be a cop and it certainly changed my oppinion on what they do. Honestly, I felt a great sense of pride and respect for the men in blue and Cappallano is what every young boy and man dreams a cop should be: Bold, witty, intellgent and dauntless." -MF

Author Spotlight - Jack Thompson

Description:
When the young husband of a wealthy heiress is found dead on his
yacht floating off the California coastline, his death is ruled an
accident and the case is closed. The grieving widow, certain her
husband was murdered but getting no help from the police, turns to Raja Williams, a wealthy Oxford-educated private investigator, who has dedicated his resources to help those in need of justice. When Raja arrives in Los Angeles and more bodies begin to pile up, he suspects a coverup that may go as high up as the governor. With the help of his partner Vinny, a highly skilled hacker, Raja must unravel the case before everyone involved, including the two of them, winds up dead. The Color of Greed is the first book in the Raja Williams series.

Where to Buy:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Smashwords


Author Website:
Jack Writes

Promotions:
Review Copies available here.

Reviews:
The Ultimate Detective Story - This is the first detective story I've read by Jack Thompson. It reminds me of the old time radio shows where the private detective comes to the aid of a woman; in this case, a recent widow. The author doesn't waste any words and neither does a good detective put his feet up on his desk. It's time for action, and that is what the novel offers. Detective Raja Williams speeds to the west coast at the call of new client, Clarice Hope. Her husband, Randy, had been found dead on the topside of his
yacht that had drifted into a harbor in the dark of night. The police have no evidence of foul play, but Clarice is sure the he's been murdered. Vinnie is Raja's assistant and researcher who keeps him informed and supplied with techie equipment as if he were Agent 007. Right from the beginning of Raja's investigation, his pride and joy classic vehicle, 1966 Alpha Romeo Duetta, has the brake lines cut and careens off a cliff right after Raja safely bails out. Raja and Vinnie, with the support of the LAPD, delve deep into more deaths and political deception. An aggressive story for the reader to embrace. The story is 'catnip' for the readers who love detective stories. Detective Williams and Author Jack Thompson have achieved success.
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Hard to Put Down - Gripping ... Chock full of suspense and
intrigue. The riveting conclusion, with it's shocking revelations,
will leave you spellbound. I can't wait for the next book!

Author Spotlight - Marc Nash

Description:
It's hard to have a synopsis of 52 different stories, but I thought I'd list some of the subject matter of the stories: Cyborg Programming, Bingo Callers, Kebab Shops, Prison Regimes, Lego Brick Building, Messy Divorces, Hangovers, Honest Politicians, Badge Collectors, Interrogations, Wrinkles, Talent Shows, Knife Throwers, Shamans, Shoes, Identity Theft Victims, Tarantulas, Apple Trees, Hit Men and Women, Theme Restaurants, Actresses, Bloggers, Charity Auctions, Child Therapy, Urban Wastegrounds, Child Soldiers, ECT, Crazy Golf, Greek Myths, Bouncers, Poisoned Confectionary, Court Jesters, Celebrity Lookalikes, Gangs, Indian Temple Dancers, Vultures...

Where to Buy:
Amazon
Amazon UK

Author Website:
Blog
You Tube Channel
Twitter @21stCscribe

Reviews:
I can’t think of another novel I’ve read that had so many beautiful words that evoked such expressive imagery outside of a Pat Conroy novel. But this was no ordinary “novel”… “52 FF” by Marc Nash is a collection of 52 stories that are 1000 words or less. In his prologue, he explains his background of this particular brand of storytelling and what inspired/motivated him, then says how we could read 1 story a week for a year. Well, I highly doubt anyone will be able to exercise that sort of restraint! I confess I read the entire thing in one sitting! It is obvious the author is incredibly skilled, and I was eager to see what each new story would bring. I loved each and every one of them, and thought they each had their own unique “flavor” or “message” – some easier to see than others, but all supremely interesting and engaging. Fans of the literary and surreal with an edgy twist will love this book!
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They say good things come in small packages and that is definitely the case with the stories in “52FF”! I liked how this book was in “bite-sized chunks”, and found it easier to read than many full-length novels, but just as rewarding. The stories were deceptively complex, multi-layered, and thought-provoking. Some were funny, some dark and twisted, others cynical…but all were supremely intelligent and cause you to think on a deeper level. I have to mention that I was not a big fan of the chunky formatting and wish it would have had the proper spacing and intents. But it was still a great read. I think my favorite one was ‘Bowing Out”, but there were so many good ones it’s hard to choose. A great read for lovers of original literary fiction, and I would recommend it without hesitation.
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This is my first time in reading a collection of Flash fiction, and I will say that I am definitely hooked! I love how each story was condensed into small vignettes that I could read and easily finish in short amount of time, even on my coffee break at work. I found the author’s writing style to be nothing short of genius, and I think I even discovered some new words to add to my “favorite words collection” (yes, I actually have one). Despite the short length (flash fiction is defined as being 1000 words or less…) I was blown away by how much “story” the author managed to convey in such few words. Each tale was just as interesting as the last, each with its one unique twist, and all very well- written.
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To read more reviews, click here.

Author Spotlight - Michael Cargill

Description:
Look at the person sitting just across from you. It doesn't matter whether they’re a loved one, a friend, or a complete stranger. Now look at their face. Are they happy? Are they sad? Or are they angry? Can you even tell? How well do you actually know the people closest to you? Have you ever seen the real person that lies just underneath what you see...?

Where to Buy:
Amazon
Amazon UK
Smashwords

Author Website:
Blog
Facebook

Other Titles By Michael Cargill
Description:
John is not a very nice man. He works for the government. So who has tied him to a chair and what do they want? James is a British soldier during WWII. Tom is a young boy with a terrible secret. Three stories. Three very different people. All of them battling to survive. Description:
None of the residents of Barnaby Close are particularly unhappy. It's in a nice area and the families are well off and caring. So why have they started killing each other? Description:
Sam is a quiet and lonely boy who had the misfortune to be born a few years before World War II. Finding shelter from German bomber planes is almost a daily part of his life now but he wonders when his luck will run out...
Description:
Statements, thoughts and diary entries written by the violent, the naive and the perverted. Sarcasm and irreverence abound in this collection of humorous articles.

Author Spotlight - Lee Ray

Description:
"Bushels and Barrels - Redefining the American Dream" is an inspirational, non-fiction book aimed at discussing life's toughest challenges and riches rewards with the reader.  By infusing my personal life into the discussions, I hope to be able to relate with the reader better and show them I have lived the life and learned the lessons I'm passing along personally.  By the end of the book, I hope I have helped teach them there are blessings in every day of our lives, we have to put forth the effort to find them at times.  I believe the reader will now know how to survive negative events and strive for a more positive perspective and life.

Where to Buy:
Publisher's Site
Barnes & Noble
Amazon
Ask David

Author Website:
Facebook
Blog
Lee Ray

Reviews:
Lee has written a book that takes a lot of courage to write. Exposing your life to the world is not easy.The use of his experiences to provide examples and inspiration for others to find the positive in every event is well done. The book is well-written and thought provoking.
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In Bushels and Barrels, author Lee Ray takes a refreshingly positive approach to dealing with
the struggles and adversities faced by Middle America today. Of course we all grew up with
an interpretation of the "American Dream" and we all thought we'd have exactly that by now,
right? But if we don't, what do we do then?

It's so easy to get bogged down and depressed under the weight of the world around us.
What people often forget is that it's the struggles that make us stronger and the adversity that
makes us better and more able to deal with things as they come our way. It can be hard to see
sometimes, but it is true.

The author writes "We're all living the dream, right? Sometimes we just need to change exactly
what that term actually means." This is the tone and message of the book: to redefine our
dreams and realize that maybe, just maybe, we're already living them, and we just need to
open our eyes and change the way we think to realize it.

All readers will be able to identify with the struggles presented in Bushels and Barrels. The
commonality of individual difficulties is widespread, even if the exact problems aren't the same.
Lee Ray's history and stories of his own life are easily relatable, and his choice to overcome
them and move forward in his life and in his faith is inspiring.

Each chapter addressing struggle is immediately followed by another that highlights the
blessings we each have, encouraging readers to alter the way they perceive the world they live
in and the way they look at hardship. From each complication we face in life, a blessing is sure
to be there, too, we just have to look for it.

Bushels and Barrels is a thought-provoking read that helps to remind us that life is what we
make of it, just as it always has been and always will be.
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To read more reviews, click here.

*10% of all sales will be donated in support of K-Love Radio!*

Guest Post and Author Spotlight - Tony Talbot

Make Some Walls
Whenever I write a story - any story, short or otherwise - the first thing I have to do is make a world for the characters to live in. It's perhaps the easiest part of the process, but still one which needs some thinking over before you put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard).

For a start, it's important to think logically and sensibly about the world your character is going to find themselves in, and to adapt either your characters or your world to suit your story. If your character is in a wheelchair for example, you're going to need some way of getting them upstairs without breaking up the story, or else confine them to one floor.

Let's take a solid example: The haunted house. And by that, I also mean the haunted town (See Stephen King's IT for example) or even the haunted spaceship (which is essentially the plot of Alien).

Let's walk through those examples and see what we can do with the worlds they need.

So your character - let's call him Joe - has found themselves in your haunted house. You want Joe to stay there, at least until the story is finished...or until Joe is...

First question about this world: Why doesn't Joe simply leave?

I know if I was in a haunted house, logically, sensibly, I'd head for a door. But I need some walls for the story...can't have Joe wandering off without finishing what I've got him here for!

The door is locked? Fine. What about a window? Bars across them?

Hmm...okay. Now I've got Joe looking round the little haunted house I've just made and interacting with it.

Can he smash the glass and shout through the window for help? No, the house is on an island. Now I'm expanding the house to the local area around it.

Can he use his cell phone to call for help? Flat battery. No signal.

The point is, whatever Joe chooses to do at this point, the little world I've made won't let him until he finishes the story. Joe is going to get increasingly desperate to get out, and at some point in his wandering through the haunted house, he's going to meet the bogeyman and one of them won't make it out alive.

In Stephen King's IT, he has the main characters trapped by the fact that they're children, and only children can see the Big Bad. Where else could they go? They can't leave exactly leave town at the age of twelve. In Alien, the crew of the spaceship are trapped inside a literal vacuum of space while the monster stalks them.

And walls don't always have to be physical. Joe could hear his little sister screaming upstairs, and there's no way he's going to walk away from that. Even if he gets out of the house, he's going to go right back in there and rescue her like a good brother.

This is a simple example, but you can hopefully see how the world has adapted as I've needed it to. A character who can easily walk out of a story isn't going to make an interesting read.

So when you create a story, think about how the world you create will shape that story, and think - logically and sensibly, no matter what the genre - how you can keep your characters there until the end. Keep bouncing them against the walls you've made for them until they break through.
Tony's Book
Teaser:
Dylan James is used to boarding schools. He's been thrown out of so many in the past two years, he's lost count. So when an elite academy in Oregon offers him a place, he doesn't think he'll be there more than a week.

But Eight Mile Island isn't like anywhere Dylan has been before. In the dense forests around the school, there are things that look human but aren't.

Things that are hungry, and waiting...

But that's the start of the mysteries, mysteries that mean Dylan may never escape.

Even if he wants to...

Welcome to Eight Mile Island.

Where to Buy:
Amazon UK
Amazon

Author Website:
Tony Talbot
Blog
Twitter @authortony
Facebook
Goodreads

*Tony's book is part of the 100 follower giveaway!*