Toi Thomas's Blog, page 76

Sample Sunday 36

Here is approximately 100 – 150 words from a randomly selected original piece for your enjoyment. These samples can include excerpts from my all my WIPs and my Eternal Curse Series, but only as works in progress (not the final products). These samples of published and unpublished works are protected under the U.S. Copyright agreement.

Eternal Curse: Battleground chapter 5 (wip)

We all sat in the cold darkness of the laboratory and listened to Dad talk about the glory days of Mom and his nights out on patrols. I guess by the time I came along, a lot of things must have changed, just as he’d said. I never knew about these patrols he and Mom went on until that moment.

Reliving the past was helping and enlightening us all in so many ways, but Dad’s reaction was the most obvious. Slowly, little by little, Dad was beginning to transform. I escaped up stairs briefly, through an old lift system that ran straight through Sheldon’s quarter and even onto the third level of the domicile, to gather up Dad’s things so we could help him dress. We were all optimistic that he might’ve actually been able to make his public appearance at the service later on.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Filed under: EC: Battleground, Samples Tagged: angels, demons, Eternal Curse: Battleground, family, fiction, reading, sample excerpt, spec-fic, Toi Thomas, war, wip

Adventures in Blogging: Word Count vs. Page Numbers

I’ll be writing about my adventures, from my point of view, while offering my opinion on whatever the current matter happens to be. I hope you will enjoy it, if for no other reason, because you’ll get to see just how crazy my mind and reactions can be sometimes.

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Word Count vs. Page Numbers

Aside from the fact that books have gone digital, I wonder whether there is any reason to have page numbers other than to distinguish one page from another in a print copy. It has become quite clear to me that page numbers are utterly insignificant to the actual length of the story. In this advanced age, what is the proper way to measure the length of a book?

Average reading time: Based on what as an average would this be viable? This concept actually works in terms of audio books because you know exactly how long the recording is (the listen time is given). That’s not to say that when you’re reading you read at the same pace as professional narrator, whether that be slower or faster.

Page Numbers: I’ve already stated that this doesn’t work, but here’s why. Not all books are formatted the same. Depending on page size, font type, font size, margins, bindings, etc…, there are just too many different variables for this to be a standard.

Word count: While this doesn’t take into the consideration the miniscule differences that would occur in formatting overall, the word count is probably the best way to determine or have an idea of how long or short a story really is- and pictures/graphics don’t confuse things.

Why isn’t the word count included in basic book stats on retail and social sites?

File size: I have no idea why file size is listed on retail and social sites. Let’s be honest, if you’re reading a digital copy of a book, you probably have an e-reader or compatible device that’s well equipped to contain that book and many more. If not, you could always delete some other stuff you’re finished with. Again, how does the file size really help to determine the length of the story? If there are images/graphics, intros and acknowledgements, plus extras (which most ebooks now have), the file size isn’t going to be indicative of the actual length of the title story you purchased or borrowed.

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So, what do these two books have in common? I haven’t given it much thought, but I know you can’t find a word count for either of them online (unless I’ve missed something)…

but more on these in a minute.

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Now, this whole idea came to me a while back when I read a book that seemed to be a fairly good length, but once I finished it, it seemed like a very quick read. It’s true that when you’re really into a book you can fly through it, but this was not the case. After reading a few more books thinking that they would either be longer than they were or shorter than they were, I began to look back at the books’ formats.

Most of the books I read range between 250 and 350 pages, but now and then I read an epic or scan a short story- I never considered that there could be a major difference in the length of what I was reading outside the two parameters I just mentioned.  After going back and looking at these books I realized that they all used different fonts, different font sizes, different paragraph and chapter spacing and more. While most of these books were in the 6 x 9 category, some were not, which again added to the deception…

Okay, maybe I’m getting a little carried away here. There’s no conspiracy to trick me into reading more or less than I want to, but surely you can understand why this issue has begun to slightly bother me.

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Here’s an example of why I think page numbers and file sizes are virtually worthless. Pay close attention to the differences in page numbers and file sizes.

Discovery of Witches- pages: 594, digital file: 1085 KB, listen time: 24 hours and 2 minutes, word count: unknown

Eternal Curse- pages: 272, digital file: 1529 KB, listen time: unknown, word count: 82,330 (provided by me, the author)

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What would be your guess as to what the word count for Discovery of Witches is? How long do you think the listen time would be for Eternal Curse? It’s not so easy to figure out; is it?

Is this solely my issue or does anyone else feel the way I do? Doesn’t anyone else wish the word count were offered up instead of or along with the page numbers or file sizes?

The books used in the example up top were chosen merely to show a contrast in the information publicly available. The information provided here came from Amazon.com and Audible.com.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Filed under: AdventuresNBlogging Tagged: #thetoiboxofwords, audio books, blogging, Discovery of Witches, ebook, Eternal Curse, file size, information, page numbers, paper back, reading, stories, story length, Toi Thomas, vs, word count

ToiBox Blog Weekly Recap 03/08/14

Check out my Recent Posts links to see what I was up to this week.

I started out the week with Sample Sunday 35- Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel, chapter 5.2.

On Monday, I posted my Geekdom: The Princess Bride.

On Tuesday, I missed the post for my Characters Files (just bad timing).

On Wednesday, I shared a review of Divergent and then…

I posted my monthly IWSG entry discussing Negative Reviews.

On Thursday, I posted a WIP Update 1 – Writer’s Creed.

And yesterday, I posted a simple Friday Forecast.

-Today I’m sad to miss my first chance to meet with a new writing group because of personal matters beyond my control. I do hope I am able to attend and participate down the road.

-Oh…Stick around for another installment of my Adventures in Blogging.

-I hope you’ve enjoyed yourself this week and enjoy a very pleasant weekend.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: author, biography, blessings, blogging, books, character, culture, discussion, entertainment, fashion, geek, interviews, journal, life, likes, lists, reading, reviews, sample, wip

Friday Forecast : 03/07/14

Highlighting interviewees, guest posters, my standard weekly posts, and whatever else I can think of, going into the next week.

So, here what’s happening next week:

Sample Sunday

My Top 5 followed by a guest post: Brummet Media Group

Character Files

WWW Wednesday

Tea and Conversation

Friday Forecast followed by an author interview with Penelope Dyan

Weekly Recap and possible another Adventures in Blogging Post

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Today I’m catching up on my blog reading and preparing to enroll in a writing group. I’m very excited to see how it goes tomorrow, when I meet the Chesapeake, Virginia chapter of American Romance Writers. Romance is not my preferred genre, but since I’ve been dabbling in it, I figured I should be putting effort into really understanding it better.

My Adventures in Blogging return tomorrow with my ideas on Word Count vs. Page Numbers.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: author, blogging, interviews, life, reviews, sneak peak, try this, writing

WIP Update 13 – Writer’s Creed 2

I have been doing a lot of reading and very little writing. I’ve been reading for critique and review, as well as reading for pleasure, but I’ve had much difficulty finding time to write outside this blog. My personal life, work life, and writing life are all battling for my time and mind; at the moment and I don’t think any of them are winning. Hopefully I’ll find a balance soon so I can bring some of my currents WIPs to their conclusions.

Click image to learn more.

I found one beta and am seeking another to offer feedback on my completed WIP sequel to Eternal Curse.

I have been making many new friends in the blogosphere and look forward to sharing with them. I continue my efforts to promote books and authors by interviewing or promoting authors: Penelope Dyan, Lillian Brummet, L.A. Little, Jaq D. Hawkins, as well as others in the weeks to come.

-Do you have a WIP update to share? Do you want to take on the Writer’s Creed 2014?

-Feeling a little lost about what’s going on in this post? Just see the side panel and search My Topics, WIP Updates-Writer’s Creed, to get all caught up. Also check my WIP tab to see what else I may be working on.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Filed under: WIP Updates-Writer's Creed Tagged: author, books, character, Eternal Curse, fiction, Paula Munier, process, promotion, Toi Thomas, try this, wip, Writer's Creed, writing

#IWSG March 2014: Negative Reviews

Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click the image to learn more or sign up.

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Before I start my spiel I just want to say that: I never have enough time, there is so much going on in my life that I feel like I’m constantly running even in my sleep, I missed one of my regular posts yesterday because I was on the road and forget to schedule it because of family drama…

But I keep on trying every day, anyway.

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So I’ve received my first two negative reviews for my debut novel, Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel,  and I’m still here. I haven’t thrown my body into frozen shark infested waters, but I’m not going to pretend that the thought didn’t cross my mind. As far as I know, these two reviews haven’t been posted to the public yet, but I’m sure they’ll surface any day now.

I find that I’m not too bothered by the idea of these reviews going public for three basic reasons and one hope.

1. I value the opinions of readers. I mean, I do write to entertainment them, so why wouldn’t I try to take into consideration how they feel about my work. If authors pout, cry, and through a fit every time someone doesn’t like their work, readers may just stop bothering to read.

2. I’m grateful to anyone who’s willing to give my book a try. In my personal experience, most people don’t “waste their time” reading the work of some unknown writer. Just how some people don’t watch indie films or listen to indie music, some people aren’t interested in reading anything indie, “new”, or “small”.

3. I understand that everything isn’t for everyone. I’d be a fool to think that my book would be the first to be loved by all unconditionally and universally. On top of that, I like the idea of being able to learn from such reviews to see if there are things I want to change or improve about my writing. In essence, some people will enjoy my work and some will not because that’s how the world turns, and I’m okay with that.

4. It’s my hope that when these reviews go public that the reviewers are honest without being hateful. I know for a fact how one of these reviewers feels about my book and can’t and won’t argue how she feels. She was very honest and clear about what she did and didn’t like. I may not be happy about it, but I can’t be mad at her for being honest…Now, I have no idea what this other reviewer is going to say. This may be a bash fest in the making or maybe this other reviewer will also be honest and clear, without invoking hate, to explain why he/she didn’t care for my book.

While I’m glad to currently have more positive reviews than negative ones, I’m ready to face the reality that others may not like my book…And I’ll be sure to travel with a buddy when around sharp objects and the ocean.

BTW-Eternal Curse is participating in the Cover Wars over at The Masquerade Crew. Visit my side panel to check it out and possibly give me a vote.

After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:  Tina Downey, Elsie, Elizabeth Seckman, and Julie Flanders!

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Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #220).

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Filed under: IWSG Tagged: Alex J. Cavanaugh, blogging, book reviews, community, Cover Wars, encouragement, Eternal Curse, friends, honesty, insecure writers support group, learning, life, negative, stress, Toi Thomas, writing

Review: Divergent

Divergent (Divergent, book 1) by Veronica Roth

I give this book a 5.

Here is a story that is simple and yet compelling all at once. It’s YA and I like it, no question, which is really saying something for me.

As with all dystopian novels, there is a ridiculous amount of struggle in this book, but if there wasn’t it wouldn’t be dystopian. I don’t know if anyone else feels this way, but this story screams irony to me. Factions are somehow established to keep order and bring peace to this world seemingly built of wreckage, but the characters in the book don’t seem to realize how their factions are flawed and will be their ultimate demise (just a prediction).

Beatrice starts out as a small and meek member of the selfless faction and through a series of hard to imagine, understand, and believe events ends up being, Tris, a semi femme fatale member of the brave faction. There is a great deal of violence to this story that may be all shock value, but I like action in my movies, so why not in my books. There are several unanswered questions remaining when this book comes to an end, but I didn’t feel like I was lost in my understanding. I know what I know about the story and assume the rest will be explained later. Even if my questions are never answered, I’ve enjoyed the intrigue.

While this is a great novel for teens, I wonder if younger teens will be able to grasp the meaning of it all. I enjoyed the story immensely, but could understand why someone who is either a true fan of dystopian works or who isn’t a true fan of YA works might have problems with it. In any case, I think it’s worth a read just to find out whether you like it or not.

*I can’t imagine what Hollywood will do to this story on the big screen. I’m a little scared.

This review has been posted to GoodReads.

If you’d like to obtain a copy of this book, try these links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Filed under: Reviews Tagged: "the system", being overwhelmed, books, cultural study, drama, dystopian, fiction, friends, future, humanity, life, reviews, romance, sci-fi, YA

My Geekdom 09: The Princess Bride

Pins from Pinterest that inspire me and indulge my geekness. http://pinterest.com/toinette_thomas/thats-hot/

Please do not copy this image. Click this image to visit Pinterest and share, share, share :)

Aside from this being really cool concept art, this is such a great read and watch. I fell in love with this movie when I was a kid and can’t stop myself from quoting it. I’m no sap, and while there are about ten exceptions to this rule, I’m not a chik-lit or chick-flick kind of girl. So it’s a good thing that isn’t what this story is. It is, however, a love conquers all tale that mingles fantasy, romance, action, adventure, comedy and drama, to keep you wanting more.

I aspire someday to be able to tell my stories and mix in a mint of humor. I adore comedy, but I can’t write it. I don’t think there is anything in the Eternal Curse Series worth laughing about, but don’t let me give you the impression that the book is that dark and hard; it’s not. There are sweet moments in Eternal Curse that beckon to the triumph of Buttercup finding Wesley after he’s defeated Humperdinck; there just isn’t any witty statements about the true condition of Wesley’s body as he falls in her arms, unable to stand on his own.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Filed under: My Geekdom Tagged: author, blogging, books, Eternal Curse, fiction, geek, humor, inspiration, movies, Pinterest, Princess Bride, process, romance, Toi Thomas, try this, writing

Sample Sunday 35

Here is approximately 100 – 150 words from a randomly selected original piece for your enjoyment. These samples can include excerpts from my all my WIPs and my Eternal Curse Series, but only as works in progress (not the final products). These samples of published and unpublished works are protected under the U.S. Copyright agreement.

Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel chapter 5.2 (wip)

Mira smiled, leaned in closer to Giovanni, and answered, “You were not at all what I was expecting to see the first time I laid eyes on you. I was expecting maybe a pale, skinny man, who looked malnourished. You’re not that at all.”

“So I guess I disappointed you,” replied Giovanni.

“On the contrary,” said Mira. “You really are gray and so much more than I could have imagined.” She continued in a slightly flirtatious tone, “You’re not like any person I’ve ever seen, and I definitely don’t think you’re the monster you imagine or describe yourself to be.”

Giovanni tilted his head down and scooted a little bit away from Mira. “You’ve only been here one day,” he said with a sigh. “You have plenty of time to change your mind. You have not yet seen the monster I can be.”

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Filed under: EC: Giovanni's Angel, Samples Tagged: angels, demons, Eternal Curse, family, fiction, Giovanni's Angel, reading, romance, sample excerpt, shape-shifting, spec-fic, Toi Thomas, war, wip

ToiBox Blog Weekly Recap 03/01/14

Check out my Recent Posts links to see what I was up to this week.

I started out the week with Sample Sunday 34- It’s Like the Full Moon, chapter 3.2

On Monday I posted a Mira’s Closet.

On Tuesday I added to my character files the preferences for Giovanni.

On Wednesday I posted my Blogdom for Jan.-Feb.

On Thursday, I posted about a Day in My Life.

And yesterday, I posted a Friday Forecast and the…

WIP The Movie blog hop post.

-Today, I’m visiting a sick relative and trying to catch up on my blog reading.

Tomorrow starts a great ebook promotion from Smashwords.com. I’ll be discounting my ebook, 40 Days and Night of Eternal Curse, for anyone interested. 

I hope you’ve enjoyed yourself this week and enjoy a very pleasant weekend.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: author, biography, blessings, blogging, books, character, culture, discussion, entertainment, fashion, geek, interviews, journal, life, likes, lists, reading, reviews, sample, wip