Toi Thomas's Blog, page 117

Author Insight 14

Reading Reviews  I ask and ask and then finally I asked the right question to the right people. What did I ask? Well simply, who wouldn’t mind reviewing my book…and no I didn’t pay anyone to do it. I just wanted to know what someone outside of my family really thought of my book. I was connected with a few people to see if there was interest and ‘tada!’ I got reviews… and honest ones at that. 
I’m thrilled to know that though my book may not be the next great American novel, it hasn’t brought anyone into fits of rage with complete disgust. I’m also pleased to see that downloads of my free ebook have picked-up and will hopefully result in an increase of book sales.
In all I find that writing is still the one thing that keeps me going in the midst of all the chaos of life. Even though I desperately want my book to be widely popular and continue to take measures to help that along, I find that it’s not a bother to me or a worry. I guess I know that deep down in the back of my mind that no matter what happens I’m going to keep writing. I’m sure I’ll come across some highly opinionated person, eventually, who will tell me that my book is crap, but all long as I know I like it and at least five other people like it, I’m good.
Here are a few links to some of my reviews. Some are repetitive, but not all. There’s a good mixture of praise and criticism here, which I’m more than satisfied not to argue with. As a first time self-published author, I’m pleased with this achievement.
GoodReads-book description and reviews. Amazon- book description and reviews.

6 Sentence Sunday 12

This is a weekly meme hosted and originated by 6 Sentence Sunday. Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel -6 sentences from chapter 11.
Dr. Hopeful: The love you have for a father or mother is different from the way you love a brother or sister or even a friend. There is also passionate and romantic love, which usually go hand in hand, but not always. The kind of love shared between romantic lovers should be passionate, but it’s not always the case.
GrayNisol8ed: I’m not sure, but I think I understand about parental and friendly love. I know for sure I don’t understand romantic love. I have nothing to do with that.
To participate, pick six (6) sentences from anything you like (it can be from a Work in Progress (WiP), something you recently sold, something you hope to sell or even something already under contract and available for purchase – and don’t worry, Six Sentence Sunday is for published AND unpublished writers ). Then post them on your blog on Sunday. That’s all there is to it!
Posts are for bloggers only, but comments are open to all. Please post a link back to Six Sunday, the “anchor” site, to let people know where you heard about the idea. You are not required to list the week’s posters on your post…And don’t be afraid to share the love by adding the hashtag #sixsunday to your tweets about Six Sentence Sunday. You can follow the official Six Sentence Sunday twitter at: https://twitter.com/6_Sunday.
*The informative content listed above was taken directly from the 6 Sentence Sunday website with a few paraphrases for ease of viewing and reading. Please review their FAQs for more details.

Review 07

Here is the review I meant to post yesterday. I've been very under the weather and realized that this was the one item I failed to schedule ahead of time. I hope you enjoy it....I also hope you're enjoying today’s interview.
Burning Bridges (The Bleeding Heart Trilogy) by Nadege Richards
I give this book a 4, almost a 3 ½, but the story was really good.
Burning Bridges tells the story of nation divided with a reluctant princess stuck right in the middle of it. The world of Alwaenia is comparable to nations such as North and South Korea or Vietnam, where the differences in the peoples are minimal, but the lives lived and the styles in which they are lived are as different as night and day. Then there is, of course, the presences of an intense forbidden love, to keep the reader pulled in at all times.
Some of the passages were difficult to understand because of the way they are written, but this could be a writing style preference issue. Some of the tense use was awkward and the terminology was sometimes misleading.  Even though much of the conflict in the story is centered around the differences between these two peoples, the differences weren’t very clear. The differences that were clear didn’t seem to offer much reason for the segregation that fuels the conflict of this story.  Also, everything in this dystopian society seems to be very modern except for the fact that no one drives cars. Maybe this kind of technology just doesn’t exist in this world, but it seemed odd to me. 
Aside from the oddities that pressed against my personal view and interpretation of this story, I found that I couldn’t put it down. I had to keep reading it to see what would happen next and to see what understandings would be revealed. The fact that the whole story takes places over a five week period  lets you know that it’s a faced paced journey, but that didn’t keep the author from taking time to develop her characters and pull you into them. Even now, there are elements of the story I still don’t understand, but I know enough to know that I must read the next book.
I’m not an avid YA reader and have very little to compare this too, but I guess I’d say that if you liked Hunger Games you may like this. It is very interesting, though, that the point view switches between the two main characters. I feel that this, almost by itself, is what made the extreme circumstances of their union seem so real and likable. I think this is a story that the whole family could enjoy, but don’t know if the whole family would like it. Mom and daughter could probably gobble this up in days and wait anxiously for sequel, while brother would pick it up if a friend recommended it.
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/440620145

Interview 05

Greetings humans, half-breeds, and everything in between. A while back I had the pleasure to interview my new friend, Bridget Straub. She has been visiting the ECS as a guest and sharing loads of interesting insights into her work. Be sure to look around and see that she has to offer. Here are the results of our interview. A good time was truly had by all and here’s how it went down.  Hi there Bridget! It’s so awesome to have you here at the ECS Universe. Don’t worry about the darkness, your eyes will adjust.
 So tell me who is Bridget Straub?
I am an author, artist, and mother to three kids, although they aren’t all kids anymore. I write just about every single day and I love it! I also have created the covers on each of my books, and when I’m not writing, I’m usually drawing.
That’s so cool Bridget. I too like to draw though I don’t do it as much as I used to. I think it’s pretty sweet that you did your own covers. My cover for Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel was a collaboration.
So whacha got for me today?
My third novel “The Salacious Marny Ottwiler” has just been released and is a comical look at a novelist whose life has spun out of control (and no, it is not autobiographical.)
Are you sure about that Bridget, I can’t seem to keep some of myself out of my books (hehe). Seriously, this sounds like a great read and of course it’s comical. I mean, the life of a writer, though few may know it, is never quite dull.
 So who’s staring is this 2 dimensional script read of “The Salacious Marny Ottwiller”?
Marny is as one reviewer said, “such a deliciously flawed main character, she's cynical and hopeful, funny and troubled, crazy and brilliant.” I loved that description because that’s it exactly. She’s trying to piece her life back together and instead of wallowing in self-pity when things don’t go as planned she just powers through.
I like the sound of that. I like characters that face harsh times like it’s just another day while still recognizing that is won’t be easy…Oh, and who doesn’t love a strong female character.
 Past, present, future, is there a rhyme or reason to your writing?
I like to write on my bed. I fantasize about having a great office and a beautiful desk, but the reality is that I’ve done it this way for so long that I would probably just sit there wasting time. Generally while writing I have Pandoraon my laptop so that I can listen to music and on a good day I have a delicious Vanilla blended from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf on the nightstand next to my bed. Some days I’m writing a post for my blog and then promoting my books, but I also have a few other novels in various degrees of completion that I can edit and/or continue.
 
Outstanding! I knew we were going to get along just fine from the start…I too right in bed and have thought about using a desk. I actually have one, but it’s mainly reserved for watching and waiting for print jobs and sending emails.
What author(s) has most influenced your writing? Why or how?
Even though I don’t write in the same genre, Ann Rice’snovel “The Witching Hour” made me want to be a better writer. I loved that I was never bored even when at times the depth of her detail could get overwhelming. Funnily enough I don’t read many authors over and over. In a way I am more drawn towards movies.
Shut up! Are you trying to make me gaga over you? Seriously, I have been inspired by authors that I write nothing like, seldom read authors more than once, and like you I find that sometimes I’m more drawn to movies.
IMDBSo whose brain are you just itching to scratch?
I’ve said this before but it would be Yeah, she is pretty neat. I enjoy her work as an actress, but haven’t looked into her writing. I guess I’ll have to do that.
Who is so you and why?
I had to think about this one and decided that I both like and relate to  
Again, wonderful. I like that you relate so well to movies and the characters therein. I find that while I love books and get caught up in their stories, I seem to relate to characters that have been presented to me on the big screen better.
What’s your ideal reading spot for your next highly anticipated read?
AmazonI am looking forward to Reading Jenny Lawson’s“Let’s Pretend This Never Happened”. I am hoping that I can get it for Christmas because I want the hardback, which is still my favorite way to read a book. Of course ideally when I do read it, I’ll have a Vanilla Blended at my side, along with some music on to block out any other noise.
 
That’s sounds cozy. I must admit that I don’t currently have a preference for how I read books, but I do cherish my hardcovers and paperbacks more, since I acquire so few of them. Aside from print books I also indulge myself in ebooks and audiobooks. This seems like it will be an interested read, memoirs usually are.
What was your favorite book or story, pre teen years?
*** Eloise! By Kay Thompson
Whoa there with the Eloise! You really got excited about that, but I can’t blame you. I get excited about my favorite childhood reads too.
Now this where the questions get a little kooky; are you ready?
You got it.
Alright then, here we go.
IMDBIf you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
This is really hard! It would have to be something upbeat and funny and with great scenery. Possibly “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” or “Bridesmaids” which I didn’t expect to like but then enjoyed even more the second time I saw it than the first.
I’m with you on “Bridesmaids,” it was totally unexpected and very funny. People keep telling me that “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” was good, but I just couldn’t get into it. Oh well, can’t win’em all.
What makes you geek out?
Watching  “The Voice!” I am constantly impressed by how talented every contestant on that show is. I look forward to it every week.
You know what’s crazy; my husband will watch that show from time to time. I’ve heard great things about it. I don’t watch much TV, but this seems like something worth viewing.
 So what’s testing your patience right now?
I’m curious to see “Silver Linings Playbook” with IMDB
Ooo, that’s a good one. Not too many people in my circle are excited about it, but that’s not unusual for me. I think this will be pretty good and a different kind of part for Cooper and Lawrence.
 
When the soundtrack of your life is playing in your head, what songs express your glee and what songs bring out your rage?
WikipediaThe last time I was really angry about something I had that Carrie Underwood song “Blown Away” (<=listen) in my head. I was so annoyed by a friend of mine that I was walking down the street with the words “There’s not enough rain in Oklahoma to wash the sin out of this house”. I think that’s how it goes and it was on a loop in my head. As for my happy song I like “Mr. Brightside”(<=listen) by the Killersas well as “Tenth Avenue Freeze Out” (<=listen)by Bruce Springsteen.
Great choices all around. I love that you really dove into this question, so many are afraid to talk about being upset and how they deal with it. I have a sound track song for just about everything…Oh, and “Mr. Brightside” is an awesome song.
What’s the most fun experience you’ve ever had, to date?
Probably seeing Bruce Springsteen at the Santa Barbara Bowl, a small outdoor venue. All of his shows are always fun but this was back in the early days and it was magical.
I love that tone of nostalgia I just pick up from you. This sounds like it was magical. I’m not a huge Springsteen fan, but he does have some good songs that just can’t be ignored.
 Remind me again how I was lucky enough to meet you?
Through aLinkedin writing group.
Oh yeah that’s right. I’m all the time reaching out to meet new people and make connections. I’m sure glad you reached back out to me.
Not that you can see into the future, but in your opinion, what does the future hold?
I truly believe the future holds a lot of good times. I have faith in people and their ability to persevere and I am hopeful that we are all headed towards a steadier economy and a more peaceful existence.
What a wonderfully optimistic outlook on the future. I’m always seeking to be hopeful. Thank you so much, Bridget, for sharing with me this week. I wish you the best in all your endeavors.
Ok humans, half-breeds, and everything in between, that’s all for today. Be sure to follow this blog to see who will be visiting next time. For more from Bridget Straub, check out these great links: http://bridgetstraub.com/https://www.facebook.com/#!/bridget.straub

Guest Post 02: Bridget Straub

 Need a good reason to read a book? I doubt it, but here’s a reason to check out the works of Bridget Straub, my lovely guest this week here at the ECS.

I have published three novels and have another one or two in the wings, and I’m seeing a definite pattern among my main characters. Although each of them are in very different circumstances, they are all women looking to improve their lives and to find some balance in a world that can be more than a little chaotic. In my first book, “Searching for My Wand”, Glenda has been named (incorrectly, I might add) after the good witch in the Wizard of Oz. She wants to live up to the fantasy that that image, presents and yet she’s constantly battling her demons and temptations.
In my second novel, “On a Hot August Afternoon”, Stacy is living every girl’s fantasy. She’s married to Pete, a successful rock star who swears he has eyes only for her, and their life together is perfect. They have two adorable little girls and a beautiful new house in an exclusive neighborhood, plus an extended family with whom they are very close. When pictures arrive in the mail on the day before Stacy and the girls are to be reunited with Pete at the family compound in Lake Tahoe, Stacy’s whole world is brought into question.
In my third and most recent novel, “The Salacious Marny Ottwiler”, Marny is searching for balance harder than anyone. She is a novelist whose next book is overdue and whose life in the fast lane has taken a toll. For example, she’s accidentally deleted the eight chapters she had for this book and can’t even remember what it was about in the first place. Her marriage is in the toilet, and her family all think they know what’s best for her, and aren’t shy about letting her know.
All three of these characters are on a journey, and the thing that makes each of them someone you would want to know is their determination to get to the other side. They all have the ability to find humor and/or compassion even in the darkest of times, and because of that, you are rooting for them. They never give up, or cry “why me?”. They look at their circumstances and know that they will not be defined by them. They know there is a light at the end of the tunnel and they move towards it.
I love all three of these characters, flaws and all. Sure, they do things and sometimes make decisions that I certainly would not, and yet they are strong and honest and doing the best that they can. I like their spirit and ability to get up again and again, no matter what life throws at them.

Here here, Bridget! Thanks for these words of motivation. My character, Mira, is also very determined, but I don’t know if she’s much good for finding humor in tough situations. I’m glad all this motivation was inspired by your three novels because, now, all me and my followers need to do is get our hands on these delightful stories.

WWW WEDNESDAYS 10

WWW WEDNESDAYS… is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading, where you share (1)What you’re currently reading, (2)What you recently finished reading, and (3)What you think you’ll read next.
Comments and shares are welcomed here, but please try to share with Should be Reading as this is their meme.
1. What are you currently reading?Progress has been made. I’m still reading The Perfects by Wendy Reaks, Childhood’s End by Author C. Clarke, and Embrace (Gryphon Series) by Stacey Rourke.
2. What did you recently finish reading? Burning Bridges (The Bleeding Heart Trilogy) by Nadege Richards and The Outlander by Diana Gabaldon.
3. What do you think you’ll read next? I haven’t started my Kindle Serial by Robert Kroese called Disenchanted yet, but it’s definitely next, along with others I’m sure.
What is your WWW Wednesday?
Check out what others are reading. Ticket to Anywhere. More to come.

Stacking The Shelves 10

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical stores or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, and of course ebooks! *Create your own Stacking The Shelves post. You can use Tynga’s official graphic or your own, but please link back to Tynga’s Reviews so more people can join the fun!*You can set your post any way you want, simple book lists, covers, pictures, vlog, sky is the limit! *Tynga’s posting Stacking The Shelves on Saturdays, but feel free to post yours any day that fits you.* Visit Tynga’s Reviews on Saturday to add your link so others can visit you.*Visit other participant’s links to find out what they added to their shelves.The information list above was taken directly from Tynga’s Reviews blog.Here’s what I got. The Little Dragons by Rowan Starsmith- ebook Ardinéa by Meredith Anne DeVoe- ebook Batman: Earth One by Geoff Johns, illustrated by Geoff Johns (Author) Gary Frank- graphic novel
Just for fun!I will be sharing the comics, movies, live shows, and vinyl records I’ve added and or will be seeing at venues or theatres.  Please feel free to share and comment.*I finally got to see Skyfall and loved it.*I only caught the tail end of the Hoops and Yoyo special, but it was worth it.Can’t wait to see what I have next week.

6 Sentence Sunday 11

This is a weekly meme hosted and originated by 6 Sentence Sunday. Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel -6 sentences from chapter 10.
After a while, Giovanni was able to stand, so he walked out onto the rooftop with a dirty rag covering his head. He looked down at the people shuffling below. Then he looked up at the other buildings standing tall all around him. He could see that only a block away, there was a large public park, a manmade pond, and several walking paths all filled with people moving about.
“Why am I here?” he thought to himself. Just then, he looked down and saw her …
To participate, pick six (6) sentences from anything you like (it can be from a Work in Progress (WiP), something you recently sold, something you hope to sell or even something already under contract and available for purchase – and don’t worry, Six Sentence Sunday is for published AND unpublished writers ). Then post them on your blog on Sunday. That’s all there is to it!
Posts are for bloggers only, but comments are open to all. Please post a link back to Six Sunday, the “anchor” site, to let people know where you heard about the idea. You are not required to list the week’s posters on your post…And don’t be afraid to share the love by adding the hashtag #sixsunday to your tweets about Six Sentence Sunday. You can follow the official Six Sentence Sunday twitter at: https://twitter.com/6_Sunday.
*The informative content listed above was taken directly from the 6 Sentence Sunday website with a few paraphrases for ease of viewing and reading. Please review their FAQs for more details.

Saturday’s R 4 Sharing 06

This is a weekly meme hosted by Eternal Curse Series. Throughout the week, guests and followers will have the opportunity to vote on the week’s topic. Each Saturday, I will post my thoughts on the subject matter and will include my top 5 whenever applicable. I greatly encourage guests and followers to comment and contribute to the subject of the day. What’s scarier? Black Friday, Family Dinner, or Holiday Traffic
So after much thought, consideration, and experience, I’ve decided that Black Friday is the scariest part of the U.S.  Thanksgiving holiday. I find that though family dinner can be awkward at times, it’s really not that bad. I mean, being surrounded by people who love you and want to know about every aspect of your life may be annoying, but it’s also sweet and endearing.
Thanks to the magic of audio books, podcasts, and good old fashion conversation, holiday traffic isn’t so bad either. The hardest part about it is making sure you’ve gaged your estimated lag time against the size of your gas tank. For me, it’s really kind of nice because my husband does all the driving, unless he’s under the weather.
As for Black Friday, there are so many reasons why I don’t even bother. The fact that I am the anti-shopper, literally having to be forced to make retail purchases, I just don’t think the deals are worth it. I have nothing against others who choose to participate in the gauntlet of Black Friday shopping, but if you try to drag me into it, you’ll have a fight on your hands. I do however admit that I enjoy hearing the ridiculous accounts of the goings on, simply because I’m glad I chose not to be around when they happened.
Comments are welcomed. Be sure stop by this week and vote for next week’s topic.

Review 06

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I'm sharing a story about a family, but it's still the kind of story that contributes to my geekdom. For me Thanksgiving is a time to be with family and a time to rest. So enjoy this and then go back to your families.

 Fables: Peter and Max by Bill Willingham

I give this book a 5.This is a retelling of the classic fairy tale of the Pipe Piper, but there’s very little cute about it (no Disney here). Peter and Max are brothers with skills and talents over any instrument, but they are masters as pipers and they’ve barely hit puberty. Their nomadic lifestyle and happy family are pretty sweet until strange creatures come into their land to enslave, I mean govern, their people. Too bad this new government isn’t the least of Peter’s worries as his jealous older brother begins to exact an undeserved revenge against him.
This story looks at sibling rivalry through the eyes of two brothers, one who feels entitled and the other who’s a little slow to catch on to the fact that there is a rivalry. When I started this story, I must admit, I was rooting for Max. Peter was a little too simple for me in the beginning, but his evolution was enough to make me adore the entire story. Peter had to start out the way he did to become the person he is at the end.
I loved the intermingling of fairy tale characters and the obstacles they faced adapting to the world of humans and little or no magic. My favorite character by far was Bo Peep, but I always do like the strong willed women in these types of stories.  I love that fact that she’s smarter than Peter and they both know it, and they don’t care. Peter knows who and what he is and doesn’t have a problem letting a smart person be smarter, and Bo appreciates loyalty above all.
Max is one of those villainous characters you just love to hate. He is so crazy and evil that you almost want him to have his way just so he’ll stop. In this story, Max is to Peter as the Joker is to Batman, and I love it. As darkly serious as this story is, it’s actually not a bad read for the whole family, even though really young children may not get it.  For anyone who likes action, adventure, and intrigue, this is a good read.
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/450337908