S.L. Dearing's Blog, page 11
March 30, 2013
TWIST Reviews – One Story at a Time – Truth or Dare by Jon Messenger
Disclaimer: These reviews pertain to stories in the anthology – Paranormal Anthology with a TWIST. I have a story in this book (Bloodlines – I won’t be reviewing my story 
, so many feel that I cannot objectively review other stories in the same book I am also featured in… that being said, to each their own, I know my own level of integrity. Thus, people can choose to believe me or not. I want to review them and give my opinion… so I am.
Synopsis: Four college friends are sitting around playing Truth or Dare, when a dare takes the game to a new level. Who will win the game?
Review: Jon Messenger has written a beautiful tale with anxious twist and turns. I wasn’t sure where it was going, but enjoyed the wonderful use of imagery to build my tension. The dialogue was natural and the style was easily read. When the TWIST was revealed, I felt the full impact and was riddled with emotion. An excellent read. I look forward to reading more from Jon Messenger.
Jon Messenger has written several novels as well as being a contributor to TWIST and Apocalypse: An Anthology by Readers and Authors. He work is available at Amazon.
March 29, 2013
EDITING SERVICES
Editing Services
.0020 a word for Re-Edits*
Re-Edits are done on books that have already been edited that you are not happy with. I simply go through and edit them again, correctly. I don't charge full price because I know that the authors have already paid someone to edit it once. This is ONLY for books that have previously been edited and that have already been published.
Anyone looking for editing services, look no further... Cynthia Shepp!! Excellent!!
March 28, 2013
They call me… SPAZ!
So, I’ve been spending the evening with my dear friend, Claudia. She is, without a doubt, the best person in the world at pushing my buttons. And yes, her nickname is SPAZ.
We met in 1998 at LACC (LA City College – TV Program). She was a taurus, just like me (I’m May 8, she’s May 15). Strong-willed, hard-headed, stubborn, mouthy and argumentative, loyal and fun… we got along like gangbusters. We spent the next three years hanging out, making films and having fun. It was during this time she earned (yes, earned) the nickname, SPAZ. How you ask? Well, it was a series of events. First, her absolute love of NKOTB… no, I wasn’t a fan, but she spent HOURS trying to get glimpses of them and chat with them and then she would talk about them incessantly – causing the boys to mock her endlessly, and the boys claimed it was NSync, which made her crazy. Ultimately, she would laugh that fabulous, dusky, throaty laugh (same laugh today). The famous Bear interviews (inside mockumentary based on the life of deceased producer – another story for another time) when she fell off a stool and off a flat, she survived, the rest of us weren’t so sure we would. It took 15 minutes to stop laughing. When she miscalculated her gas range on a road trip and didn’t have the cash to continue and had to sleep in a Wal-Mart parking lot in Texas (she’s fine, she got money from a friend), when she showed up to a casual Christmas party in a prom dress, when she passed out on Sunset Blvd and ended up on TMZ, then called me to tell she was passed out on Sunset Blvd. and ended up on TMZ. Anyway, these stories go on and on and on.
During this time, she moved to Florida, then back to California, then Alabama, and then she was gone for a long time. Recently she came back to Southern California and I have missed her. Whenever she comes to LA, we try to hang out or get dinner. I just learned she may be moving back into the city and I’m jazzed. Tonight we had dinner with Dave and then she came back here to hang out and drive back to the Inland Empire tomorrow. She’s been here for 4 hours and we have spent 3 of those hours arguing. I don’t know why we do it, but we do, and it’s never mad, just a lot of yelling and then laughing. We disagree and she pushes my buttons and sometimes I push hers. But I realized, I really don’t argue with anyone else the way I do with her. I don’t know why… Maybe we work out our aggression on each other. That’s a good thing.
Our “fighting” has never changed in the last 15 years, it’s exactly the same. Has our relationship grown, yes, in many ways it has, but we are still each other’s best argument waiting to happen. And she is still SPAZ… just when I think she may have outgrown the name, she will do something spectacular that warrants the moniker. I’m trying to get her to write a book about her life… because she has had an amazing, full life. She has never been afraid of taking chances. She is the one taking it by the horns, doing what she wants and seeing the joy and beauty in everything, having a great time. We may fight and she may push those buttons, but my life has been enriched just by knowing her. She is definitely an inspiration… she’s my nemesis… she’s my friend…. and her name is… SPAZ.
You can follow SPAZ at the links below:
Twitter: @NikonAddict75
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/COakenfull
You should all know… she’s on the list… no really, whatever the list, wherever the list, she’s on it… ask her. I love you, Claudia!!
March 27, 2013
TWIST Reviews – One Story at a Time – Sweet Lenora by Bart Hopkins
Disclaimer: These reviews pertain to stories in the anthology – Paranormal Anthology with a TWIST. I have a story in this book (Bloodlines – I won’t be reviewing my story , so many feel that I cannot objectively review other stories in the same book I am also featured in… that being said, to each their own, I know my own level of integrity. Thus, people can choose to believe me or not. I want to review them and give my opinion… so I am.
Synopsis: Young Lenora is a dutiful daughter who abides by her mother’s wishes, despite the fact that she is becoming a woman and struggles to fly free in a position obsessed 1930s town. But Sweet, Sweet Lenora is about to learn that freedom has it’s dangers.
Review: I was thoroughly impressed with Bart Hopkins grasp of protocol and position in this story. Although, I felt that this was taking place a few years earlier (turn of the century) as opposed to the 1930s. However, this did not take away from the story. Once again, the author’s style has an easily readable flow and his description is felt. When Lenora is excited, I felt it, when she is disappointed, I felt it. I thought the TWIST was going one way, then it took a turn. Ultimately, I did have an idea where it was going, but that’s me and I’m a little bit of a TWIST detective. I very much enjoyed this story and it was beautifully executed.
Bart Hopkins is also the author of Texas Jack and Fluke (Co-Author David Elliot). Both are available on Amazon.
March 25, 2013
TWIST Reviews – One Story at a Time – Number 18 by Michael Loring
Disclaimer: These reviews pertain to stories in the anthology – Paranormal Anthology with a TWIST. I have a story in this book (Bloodlines – I won’t be reviewing my story , so many feel that I cannot objectively review other stories in the same book I am also featured in… that being said, to each their own, I know my own level of integrity. Thus, people can choose to believe me or not. I want to review them and give my opinion… so I am.
Synopsis:
A horrible villain stalks a woman through a carnival, waiting for the right moment to strike. A cat and mouse game that will end badly… but for whom?
Review:
I was very impressed by Michael Loring’s style and flow. His images were vibrant and clear. He beautifully executes the tension in this story, creating block after block of pressure as we anticipate what will happen next. I personally did figure out the TWIST in this story, but it didn’t detract from the read and that doesn’t mean you will figure it out. It was a wonderful story and I look forward to reading other works by Michael Loring in the future.
Michael is also the author of Dehumanized available at online retailers.
TWIST Reviews – One Story at a Time – Voices of the Soul by Rene Folsom
Disclaimer: These reviews pertain to stories in the anthology – Paranormal Anthology with a TWIST. I have a story in this book (Bloodlines – I won’t be reviewing my story , so many feel that I cannot objectively review other stories in the same book I am also featured in… that being said, to each their own, I know my own level of integrity. Thus, people can choose to believe me or not. I want to review them and give my opinion… so I am.
Synopsis:
Throughout her entire life, Ella has heard voices. Voices inside her head. She’s never given much thought as to why she has this gift… or this curse, depending on which way you look at it. It’s not until she meets the mysterious Jonah that she begins to question her inherited abilities as a Soul Seer.
Learning to deal with loss and love, Ella manages to live a seemingly normal life… or so she thought.
Review:
I was blown away by this story. Rene Folsom is an amazing writer and her style flows beautifully. Her imagery is devastatingly vivid and her characters believable and enchanting. As each story in this anthology has a TWIST, I am looking for them. I didn’t see it coming in this one… COMPLETE surprise!! It is my understanding that Ms. Folsom is creating a series of short stories based on this story (The Soul Seers Series) and I look forward to finding out what happens to Ella and Jonah.
This story is also available for individual purchase on Amazon and other retail outlets. Rene Folsom also has a novella available called Heart You, also available at online retailers.
Polyamory and Pregnancy by Jessica Burde – Review and Blog Tour Stop
Review: First, let me state that I’m not in a polyamorous relationship and it’s not the path for me (no judgement, just a statement). I have also not had the opportunity to experience pregnancy yet, although I hope to one day. Having said that, I do have a basic knowledge of polyamory and how it works and pregnancy (I’ve been around a lot of pregnant women and as I said, hope to be myself one day). Now that you have a bunch of information you probably don’t care about, on to the review of Polyamory and Pregnancy by Jessica Burde.
I have to say this book is extremely thorough. I personally had no idea how detailed and expansive polyamory could be, and although this book is geared to non-monogamous committed peoples facing a pregnancy in their group, there was information that would apply to traditional monogamous couples as well. The author tries to address all the concerns that might possibly arise from the pregnancy within a polycule and in my opinion does so very well. Not only does she address the potential issues, but she offers possible resolutions. I was very much drawn to the author as she uses her own experiences within the book, thus lending the air of legitimacy to her findings.
Her message is clear, take the time to address everyone’s concerns and try to deal with them head on. The fact that there will be all kinds of emotions from everyone involved and that it may change the dynamic of your relationship (before and after the pregnancy), whatever you do, don’t avoid it… discuss it and try to find a resolution. I thought this advice was great for anyone in any relationship. I also enjoyed her second message, no matter what your issues are, your children are what matters. Make the decisions that are best for them, not the adults. Workout your differences and try to be the grown-ups you are supposed to be. Overall, this was an interesting read and I believe those involved in polyamory can gain quite a bit of knowledge from reading this book.
On a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being AWESOME), I give this book a 4. It was a quick read, full of information and potential resolutions. There were some typographical errors (that shouldn’t deter you) and there was a few times that profanity was used. As I am not involved in polyamory, I found the beginning to be a bit technical (but again, she was covering all bases and this book is for those involved in polyamory). Over all, a very informative book and fairly easy read.
Book Synopsis: The first complete guide to pregnancy in polyamorous relationships, Polyamory and Pregnancy covers every step of welcoming a new life into your polycule. Whether you are planning ahead for future children or are on your way to the baby shower, you will find something here to help on your journey:
Unexpected pregnancies
Planning for pregnancy
Important decisions during and after pregnancy
Poly-friendly prenatal care
Birth certificates and paternity
Custody and co-parenting
And more…
About the Author:
Jessica Burde is an author, freelance writer and poly activist. She has been in polamorous relationships for nearly 10 years and is a member of the Polyamory Leadership Network and Yahoo PolyResearchers group. Jessica is also the author of the PolyonPurpose blog, which covers topics such as STIs and safe sex, children in polyamory and religious views of polyamory. Much of her freelance writing has been for medical and parenting websites, including advice for new parents, the stages or pregnancy and more.
Jessica has several future books planned for the Polyamory on Purpose Guides series, including Safer Sex for the Non-Monogamous, The Poly Home and Raising Children in Polyamory. She plans to publish one guide a year. Jessica also writes fiction, and has a novel-length erotic fantasy that she hopes to release as a webserial in October 2013.
A mother of 3 children, all born into polyamorous relationships, Jessica currently lives in western Tennessee with her long-term partner and youngest son. She misses the Appalachian mountains and hopes to move east in the next few years.
About Polyamory:
Polyamory can be defined as the practice of having or desire to have more than on sexual/romatic/intimate relationship at one time, in an honest and ethical manner. A person in a polyamorous relationship might be part of a group marriage, a swinger, a single person with several SOs, dating a person in a married couple, in an open marriage or any combination of the above. The central focus of polyamory is that these relationships occur with the full knowledge and consent of everyone involved.
Poly folk face some unique challenges in a culture designed for monogamy. Polyamory on Purpose was started first as a blog and now as a book series to discuss some of the daily-life challenges and ways to navigate them.
Important Links - 
Author’s Blog – http://jessicaburdesblog.wordpress.com/
Main Website – http://polyamoryonpurpose.com/
Twitter: @jessicaburde and @polyonpurpose
Goodreads; http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/10758093-jessica-burde
For more reviews about this book, please go to the following Blog Tour Links:
3/26/2013 - http://www.loupdargent.info/
3/27/2013 - http://www.rbtlreviews.com/
3/28/2013 - http://outofcontrolcharacters.blogspot.com/
3/29/2013 - http://mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/
3/30/2013 - http://www.lynnsreadandreviews.blogspot.com/
3/31/2013 - http://www.recentread.com/
http://sweettreatblogblog.wordpress.com/
4/1/2013 - www.alittlebitofrnrreviews.com
4/2/2013 - http://annsnizekauthor.blogspot.com/
4/3/2013 - http://krystalclearbookreviews.wordpress.com/
4/4/2013 - http://libraryendofuniverse.blogspot.com/
March 18, 2013
Paranormal Anthology with a TWIST – It’s LIVE!!!
The second book brought to us by Editor and Book Reviewer, Cynthia Shepp, is now available. This time she has partnered with author and designer, Rene Folsom, to bring us a collection of multi-genred tales, all containing a unique and unexpected TWIST. This isn’t a review, just a notice of release .
What began as an idea soon set into motion a chain of events that would lead to heart-stopping action, amazing suspense, and stories that will stick with you way after you are done.
Unique, unexpected, beyond imagining…shocking TWISTS that will have you frantically turning back the pages to see what clues you overlooked to have missed what was coming.
Paranormal stories that span across the genre and will wow you, shock you, and leave you gasping for more.
11 different authors, one main idea, and worlds that will TWIST your imagination…
Featured Stories:
“Voices of the Soul” by Rene Folsom
“Number 18″ by Michael Loring
“Sweet Lenora” by Bart Hopkins
“Truth or Dare” by Jon Messenger
“Suburban Zombie” by Anthony Lance
“All I Want for Christmas” by Jason Brant
“In the Eyes of the Beholder” by Penelope Bartotto
“Little Tchotchkes” by Nicki Scalise
“I am Serna” by Magen McMinimy
“Bloodlines” by S. L. Dearing
“Metronome” by Eaton Thomas Palmer
Edited and Compiled by Cynthia Shepp & Rene Folsom
Head on over to Amazon and grab a copy… you won’t regret it!!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BVSXAE8/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_tmb
March 16, 2013
Heart You by Rene Folsom – Review
This story was deftly written. Author, Rene Folsom, pulls the reader in from the first sentence and like that anticipated kiss, leaves you breathless and wanting more. Her writing is effortless and leads you joyously into the melee that is Heart You. The clincher comes from a candy laced kiss and hurls you straight into the arms of pure pleasure. You will walk away looking to walk toward a “helping hand.” This short was definitely worth the read and definitely a bargain.
Rene Folsom delivers a tremendous story, filled with delicious tension and a fulfilling release. This is her first published work and I am looking forward to her future endeavors, whatever the genre.
This story is Erotica and contains F/F and F/M/F sexual situations. Adult Content.
