K. Williams's Blog - Posts Tagged "k-williams"
Book Review P. Bond for "The Bugle"
Book Review P. Bond for "The Bugle" - Newsletter of the 125th New York Regimental Association, Inc.
Blue Honor by K. Williamshttp://www.bluehonor.com/
Hello Pards,
I am writing this and listening to one of my fav singers (Jeff Buckley) hoping his song "Hallelujah" can help me find all the words I want to say in this review. If he fails me, I will put on some U-2...lol
Okay! Lets get down to business. Shall we pards?
Back in September, at the Civil War Encampment, I had the Pleasure and Honor of meeting the very beautiful Miss Williams under her tent. She was selling her Civil War historical fiction book Blue Honor. As I was talking to her, I found out it was a love story during the Civil War. As she was explaining the story line to me, I missed what she said because I was thinking to myself "I never read a love story book," and "Love stories are not me. I want action and shoot 'em up type books," and "What would the guys think of me reading a love story book?"
Well, I owe buying the book to Corporal Bob Sandusky (editor's note: I'm innocent I swear I had nothing to do with this) who stated in front of Miss Williams that he wanted a review on Blue Honor for "The Bugle" and I think that was right after he stated to Miss Williams: "I don't know why we put stripes on him. He is a marshmallow." I think my face blushed as red as the British Regimental Coat I wear for Rev War.
So, I just got done reading Blue Honor and I have to say it was one of the best historical fiction books I have read in a very long time. I am putting her book up there with Alan Eckerd's historical fiction book on the French and Indian Wars: Wilderness Empire.
As I was reading Miss Williams's Blue Honor, I felt like I was one of her characters. When she wrote about the lads sitting around the fire drinking and passing spirits, I thought about myself and my pards at past events. I felt the rain and being wet while eating my rations around a fire or crawled up in my dog tent eating. We've all been there.
There was a part in the book that I really enjoyed. It was when an Irish soldier was playing the banjo. I thought about myself since I play banjo and period music, but I also could not help thinking about my Great Great Grandfather Patrick Fitzpatrick and what it must have been like for him and his pards in the 69th NY during the war.
Miss Williams captured everything in one book: love, the home front for the soldiers' families, the battles, the officers and their mistake's, what it was like to be captured by Johnny's and having to suffer life in a prison camp and an army hospital. Most important, what Miss Williams really caught onto was the life of the soldiers themselves and the harsh suffering they had to live day in and day out, every single day of their lives, wondering if they would return home, or be wounded, or worse, be killed.
There was, in fact, a soldier who was wounded and I thought about my Patrick at Fredericksburg, wondering if his pard helped him in the same manner. (If you want to know who got wounded, you have to buy the book. I am not telling.)
The letters between Emily and her lover Joseph, I thought made the book and kept your interest to read more. I found it very hard to put the book down. As soon as I put it down, I picked it right back up. I had to know what happened next. I felt like if I closed the book, I was putting the characters' lives on hold and dragging out the suffering of those in pain because of the deep love they held for each other.
Miss Williams outdid herself in a wonderful and outstanding work of art. Miss Williams, Thank you for a wonderful book and bringing the Civil War to life like no one has before.
I HIGHLY recommend all to go get this book!
Review by 3rd Sgt Peter M. Bond
Blue Honor by K. Williamshttp://www.bluehonor.com/
Hello Pards,
I am writing this and listening to one of my fav singers (Jeff Buckley) hoping his song "Hallelujah" can help me find all the words I want to say in this review. If he fails me, I will put on some U-2...lol
Okay! Lets get down to business. Shall we pards?
Back in September, at the Civil War Encampment, I had the Pleasure and Honor of meeting the very beautiful Miss Williams under her tent. She was selling her Civil War historical fiction book Blue Honor. As I was talking to her, I found out it was a love story during the Civil War. As she was explaining the story line to me, I missed what she said because I was thinking to myself "I never read a love story book," and "Love stories are not me. I want action and shoot 'em up type books," and "What would the guys think of me reading a love story book?"
Well, I owe buying the book to Corporal Bob Sandusky (editor's note: I'm innocent I swear I had nothing to do with this) who stated in front of Miss Williams that he wanted a review on Blue Honor for "The Bugle" and I think that was right after he stated to Miss Williams: "I don't know why we put stripes on him. He is a marshmallow." I think my face blushed as red as the British Regimental Coat I wear for Rev War.
So, I just got done reading Blue Honor and I have to say it was one of the best historical fiction books I have read in a very long time. I am putting her book up there with Alan Eckerd's historical fiction book on the French and Indian Wars: Wilderness Empire.
As I was reading Miss Williams's Blue Honor, I felt like I was one of her characters. When she wrote about the lads sitting around the fire drinking and passing spirits, I thought about myself and my pards at past events. I felt the rain and being wet while eating my rations around a fire or crawled up in my dog tent eating. We've all been there.
There was a part in the book that I really enjoyed. It was when an Irish soldier was playing the banjo. I thought about myself since I play banjo and period music, but I also could not help thinking about my Great Great Grandfather Patrick Fitzpatrick and what it must have been like for him and his pards in the 69th NY during the war.
Miss Williams captured everything in one book: love, the home front for the soldiers' families, the battles, the officers and their mistake's, what it was like to be captured by Johnny's and having to suffer life in a prison camp and an army hospital. Most important, what Miss Williams really caught onto was the life of the soldiers themselves and the harsh suffering they had to live day in and day out, every single day of their lives, wondering if they would return home, or be wounded, or worse, be killed.
There was, in fact, a soldier who was wounded and I thought about my Patrick at Fredericksburg, wondering if his pard helped him in the same manner. (If you want to know who got wounded, you have to buy the book. I am not telling.)
The letters between Emily and her lover Joseph, I thought made the book and kept your interest to read more. I found it very hard to put the book down. As soon as I put it down, I picked it right back up. I had to know what happened next. I felt like if I closed the book, I was putting the characters' lives on hold and dragging out the suffering of those in pain because of the deep love they held for each other.
Miss Williams outdid herself in a wonderful and outstanding work of art. Miss Williams, Thank you for a wonderful book and bringing the Civil War to life like no one has before.
I HIGHLY recommend all to go get this book!
Review by 3rd Sgt Peter M. Bond
OP-DEC: Operation Deceit, Press Release
Fiction Thriller Takes Readers on Living History Journey into Secret Exploits of World War II with All the Explosions of a Hollywood Blockbuster
"K. Williams’ historical novel “Op-Dec: Operation Deceit” takes readers back decades when the world was enmeshed in the effects of World War II"
The idea behind K. Williams’ Film Noir-esque work “Op-Dec: Operation Deceit” (ISBN 1468193082) all started in a dream. After writing down the few snippets, it grew into a fast paced read that transports readers back to World War II and popular culture of the 1940s. Despite being fiction, the novel displays actual historical events and people of 1942 alongside the possible emotive speculation of those affected by WWII who are embodied in the fictional characters.
In 1933, at the height of Boston’s social season, Claire is sent away from her childhood home to live in New York. When the feisty heroine returns home several years later, she finds the captivating stranger Carsten Reiniger inserted among Boston’s elite. As memories of her past and the devastating nature of the present collide, she pieces Carsten’s history together and finds a disturbing link to her past.
Williams engages her readers by questioning the assumed ideology people had in 1942 during the war. Her comparison of the struggles some Germans faced due to an automatic association with Nazis can equate to the discrimination that some of Islamic faith face today due to extremists. The work also shows the progression of women in society through Claire, who makes a journey from her sheltered glittering New York to a worldly vantage among the debris of war torn Europe in a matter of a few weeks.
“‘Op-Dec’ is an active method of teaching history through entertainment,” Williams says. “The story suggests that things are not always as they seem. This uncomfortable stance for the reader should provoke deeper thought about the work long after the reader has finished it, leaving them begging for more about the secret war that took place during World War II. It is my hope that I inspire them to go out and get that knowledge.”
Williams believes “Op-Dec” will appeal to readers just seeking entertainment but also those with an interest in historical fiction. The ideas contained among the exciting twists and turns will be valuable to every reader. She also hopes her work will lead to a new perspective on the power of concepts we readily accept about others without question. “It has something for everyone,” she says.
“Op-Dec: Operation Deceit” is available for sale online at amazon.com and other channels.
About the Author: Kelly L. Williams is currently working on her master’s at Empire State College and hoping to turn “OP-DEC: Operation Deceit” into a screenplay. She also has several projects in the works including a sci-fi trilogy, a long-term fantasy series and other screenplays. She was born and raised in New York and is a graduate of the University of Albany.
###
The views and opinions expressed in this press release do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of CreateSpace or its affiliates.
"K. Williams’ historical novel “Op-Dec: Operation Deceit” takes readers back decades when the world was enmeshed in the effects of World War II"
The idea behind K. Williams’ Film Noir-esque work “Op-Dec: Operation Deceit” (ISBN 1468193082) all started in a dream. After writing down the few snippets, it grew into a fast paced read that transports readers back to World War II and popular culture of the 1940s. Despite being fiction, the novel displays actual historical events and people of 1942 alongside the possible emotive speculation of those affected by WWII who are embodied in the fictional characters.
In 1933, at the height of Boston’s social season, Claire is sent away from her childhood home to live in New York. When the feisty heroine returns home several years later, she finds the captivating stranger Carsten Reiniger inserted among Boston’s elite. As memories of her past and the devastating nature of the present collide, she pieces Carsten’s history together and finds a disturbing link to her past.
Williams engages her readers by questioning the assumed ideology people had in 1942 during the war. Her comparison of the struggles some Germans faced due to an automatic association with Nazis can equate to the discrimination that some of Islamic faith face today due to extremists. The work also shows the progression of women in society through Claire, who makes a journey from her sheltered glittering New York to a worldly vantage among the debris of war torn Europe in a matter of a few weeks.
“‘Op-Dec’ is an active method of teaching history through entertainment,” Williams says. “The story suggests that things are not always as they seem. This uncomfortable stance for the reader should provoke deeper thought about the work long after the reader has finished it, leaving them begging for more about the secret war that took place during World War II. It is my hope that I inspire them to go out and get that knowledge.”
Williams believes “Op-Dec” will appeal to readers just seeking entertainment but also those with an interest in historical fiction. The ideas contained among the exciting twists and turns will be valuable to every reader. She also hopes her work will lead to a new perspective on the power of concepts we readily accept about others without question. “It has something for everyone,” she says.
“Op-Dec: Operation Deceit” is available for sale online at amazon.com and other channels.
About the Author: Kelly L. Williams is currently working on her master’s at Empire State College and hoping to turn “OP-DEC: Operation Deceit” into a screenplay. She also has several projects in the works including a sci-fi trilogy, a long-term fantasy series and other screenplays. She was born and raised in New York and is a graduate of the University of Albany.
###
The views and opinions expressed in this press release do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of CreateSpace or its affiliates.
Kirkus Review: OP-DEC: Operation Deceit
Williams’ World War II spy thriller brings to life a shadowy world of espionage, Nazis and secret
agents.
In 1933, Boston socialite Claire’s domineering industrial tycoon father inexplicably sends her mother away from their home. Claire goes to live with her aunt Noreen until, nearly a decade later, as World War II rages, Claire returns home. She finds her father as unpleasant as ever and embroiled in business with a mysterious and off-putting foreigner named Carsten Reiniger. Claire’s suspicions are confirmed when she and Noreen are kidnapped by Reiniger and her father, who are both working for the Nazis. Tailed by the U.S. government, the women and their captors flee to Germany. But Claire soon discovers that Reiniger may not be what he seems, and she must try to decipher the mystery while attempting to escape with her aunt. Williams vividly evokes the pre-war and wartime eras, depicting days of chaos, confusion and uncertainty. Likewise, she is mostly successful in avoiding the trap of drawing the Nazi characters as cartoonish villains or goose-stepping stooges; Williams’ Nazis are real folks with all the foibles of ordinary people, making them that much more chilling. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of Claire’s father, who is introduced as an unrepentant bad guy and never moves beyond that one-dimensional characterization. The narrative crackles with intensity in the beginning but slows once the women are abducted. The bulk of the novel, a chronicle of Claire and Noreen’s passage to Germany as captives, presents a travel itinerary peppered with dialogue between the principals. Including several more intriguing situations, in addition to the mystery of Reiniger’s allegiance, would further the theme of duplicity. The book does pick up steam at the end but ratcheting up the suspense and editing for brevity would have made this a taut, lean thriller.
Excels at historic details and characterization but lacks intrigue.
agents.
In 1933, Boston socialite Claire’s domineering industrial tycoon father inexplicably sends her mother away from their home. Claire goes to live with her aunt Noreen until, nearly a decade later, as World War II rages, Claire returns home. She finds her father as unpleasant as ever and embroiled in business with a mysterious and off-putting foreigner named Carsten Reiniger. Claire’s suspicions are confirmed when she and Noreen are kidnapped by Reiniger and her father, who are both working for the Nazis. Tailed by the U.S. government, the women and their captors flee to Germany. But Claire soon discovers that Reiniger may not be what he seems, and she must try to decipher the mystery while attempting to escape with her aunt. Williams vividly evokes the pre-war and wartime eras, depicting days of chaos, confusion and uncertainty. Likewise, she is mostly successful in avoiding the trap of drawing the Nazi characters as cartoonish villains or goose-stepping stooges; Williams’ Nazis are real folks with all the foibles of ordinary people, making them that much more chilling. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of Claire’s father, who is introduced as an unrepentant bad guy and never moves beyond that one-dimensional characterization. The narrative crackles with intensity in the beginning but slows once the women are abducted. The bulk of the novel, a chronicle of Claire and Noreen’s passage to Germany as captives, presents a travel itinerary peppered with dialogue between the principals. Including several more intriguing situations, in addition to the mystery of Reiniger’s allegiance, would further the theme of duplicity. The book does pick up steam at the end but ratcheting up the suspense and editing for brevity would have made this a taut, lean thriller.
Excels at historic details and characterization but lacks intrigue.
Late Spring Update
Hello there, fellow readers and writers!
Just got my camera bag from the deviantArt shop. It's as fabulous as I hoped. Cannot wait to load it up with all my stuff. I'm real excited I got it so cheap. Sad that the shop is closing. All good things...
Classes are over for the term. I will be doing my final project proposal this summer and reading a book about Nazi spies during the course of World War II. Grades are in for the classes I just took. I got solid A's in both {Novels into Film (adaptations) and Psychology and History of Film Noir}. I had an amazing time taking these courses.
This past weekend my college hosted the First Annual Student Wellness Retreat. Our students are some of the greatest people out there, and I don't say that because I am one. They are an amazing group and I enjoy getting to meet up with them when I can. My office heard lots of good things about the retreat and we'll be holding it again, but next time there will be a residency involved. This is very exciting stuff.
While at the retreat, I was able to meet up with fellow film students. I also met one of our local news anchors, Benita Zahn, who asked for my card. I wish she had more time because she really wanted to talk shop and that would have been fun. She's a great lady and gave a great keynote at the retreat.
Next up for me is a Final Project Proposal, Some light coursework in preparation for the Fall Term and finishing book two of my trilogy (Faith Fallen Series, see preliminary script: [http://kwilliamsauthor.deviantart.com...]
In case this is your first time reading my journal - I wrote a little about the series in my last entry:
"January 2013 - February 2013 - March 2013 . . .
I am currently working on my trilogy. I will be adapting Faith Fallen into three novels. It currently is a screenplay, which you can take a gander at here: [http://kwilliamsauthor.deviantart.com...]. I have made substantial changes to the text. This summer, I will be working on Book 2 (Burning Down - working title). So far, I know I want to deal with the topic of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. The tide is changing and we're no longer tolerant of women being cast to lesser roles and having to accept the abuse of their partners. It's something that I have cared about for a long time, having friends and family who have suffered at the hands of an abusive family member or partner. I am also a survivor. I don't usually talk about my own experience, preferring to leave it in the past. That said, I am not entirely silent on the issue, and I don't believe that in this era we should be. So this work will be highly personal and very poignant to some. Here's hoping that I do it some justice and shine the light in the dark spaces.
Other than that, it looks like I will provide the body model for one of the covers. It's odd, but it will save money. I can't afford a model right now and with the equipment to do the photos myself and someone to do the photomanipulation (that's the guy I have to pay), things should be well in hand. Now, I just need to take the summer to think out these covers. There will be three, and I am excited to learn what they'll be in the future. Ideas are bubbling around my brain..."
Have a fabulous Spring!
Just got my camera bag from the deviantArt shop. It's as fabulous as I hoped. Cannot wait to load it up with all my stuff. I'm real excited I got it so cheap. Sad that the shop is closing. All good things...
Classes are over for the term. I will be doing my final project proposal this summer and reading a book about Nazi spies during the course of World War II. Grades are in for the classes I just took. I got solid A's in both {Novels into Film (adaptations) and Psychology and History of Film Noir}. I had an amazing time taking these courses.
This past weekend my college hosted the First Annual Student Wellness Retreat. Our students are some of the greatest people out there, and I don't say that because I am one. They are an amazing group and I enjoy getting to meet up with them when I can. My office heard lots of good things about the retreat and we'll be holding it again, but next time there will be a residency involved. This is very exciting stuff.
While at the retreat, I was able to meet up with fellow film students. I also met one of our local news anchors, Benita Zahn, who asked for my card. I wish she had more time because she really wanted to talk shop and that would have been fun. She's a great lady and gave a great keynote at the retreat.
Next up for me is a Final Project Proposal, Some light coursework in preparation for the Fall Term and finishing book two of my trilogy (Faith Fallen Series, see preliminary script: [http://kwilliamsauthor.deviantart.com...]
In case this is your first time reading my journal - I wrote a little about the series in my last entry:
"January 2013 - February 2013 - March 2013 . . .
I am currently working on my trilogy. I will be adapting Faith Fallen into three novels. It currently is a screenplay, which you can take a gander at here: [http://kwilliamsauthor.deviantart.com...]. I have made substantial changes to the text. This summer, I will be working on Book 2 (Burning Down - working title). So far, I know I want to deal with the topic of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. The tide is changing and we're no longer tolerant of women being cast to lesser roles and having to accept the abuse of their partners. It's something that I have cared about for a long time, having friends and family who have suffered at the hands of an abusive family member or partner. I am also a survivor. I don't usually talk about my own experience, preferring to leave it in the past. That said, I am not entirely silent on the issue, and I don't believe that in this era we should be. So this work will be highly personal and very poignant to some. Here's hoping that I do it some justice and shine the light in the dark spaces.
Other than that, it looks like I will provide the body model for one of the covers. It's odd, but it will save money. I can't afford a model right now and with the equipment to do the photos myself and someone to do the photomanipulation (that's the guy I have to pay), things should be well in hand. Now, I just need to take the summer to think out these covers. There will be three, and I am excited to learn what they'll be in the future. Ideas are bubbling around my brain..."
Have a fabulous Spring!
OP-DEC: Operation Deceit rated highly recommended by Midwest Book Review! Mid West Book Review, May 2012
OP-DEC: Operation Deceit rated highly recommended by Midwest Book Review! Mid West Book Review, May 2012
http://www.midwestbookreview.com/rbw/...
Op-Dec
K. Williams
CreateSpace
100 Enterprise Way, Suite A200
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
9781468193084, $25.99,
createspace.com
The 1930s were a prelude to a world at war. "Op-Dec: Operation Deceit" delves into a story of high society, and the daughter of high society in Claire Healey. Driven from her parents, she travels throughout New England, and in the process they uncover secrets that many with money and power would prefer to keep quiet, and Claire isn't sure how far they will go. "Op-Dec" is a riveting read with plenty of twists and turns, highly recommended.
http://www.midwestbookreview.com/rbw/...
--- somehow missed this though I knew they requested the book. Happy tears and shaking. :) very pleased.
http://www.midwestbookreview.com/rbw/...
Op-Dec
K. Williams
CreateSpace
100 Enterprise Way, Suite A200
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
9781468193084, $25.99,
createspace.com
The 1930s were a prelude to a world at war. "Op-Dec: Operation Deceit" delves into a story of high society, and the daughter of high society in Claire Healey. Driven from her parents, she travels throughout New England, and in the process they uncover secrets that many with money and power would prefer to keep quiet, and Claire isn't sure how far they will go. "Op-Dec" is a riveting read with plenty of twists and turns, highly recommended.
http://www.midwestbookreview.com/rbw/...
--- somehow missed this though I knew they requested the book. Happy tears and shaking. :) very pleased.
Indie Book Review is in, and ...
And again! Another review in.This time from NY Indie. And, what did they have to say?
"...K. Williams' determined efforts to draw the reader into the visceral and almost-tangible experience of the fatigue, hardship and duration of the journey…this diamond-of-a-novel, author K. Williams has a hit on her hands and a bright future in historical fiction," – NY Indie Review
I'm gonna go cry happy tears. What a year I've been having. 3 out of 3 great reviews for my novel. I couldn't be more delighted.
"...K. Williams' determined efforts to draw the reader into the visceral and almost-tangible experience of the fatigue, hardship and duration of the journey…this diamond-of-a-novel, author K. Williams has a hit on her hands and a bright future in historical fiction," – NY Indie Review
I'm gonna go cry happy tears. What a year I've been having. 3 out of 3 great reviews for my novel. I couldn't be more delighted.
The Trailokya Trilogy Companion Book
The Trailokya Trilogy Companion Book is up on Wattpad... #TheTrailokyaTrilogy
http://www.wattpad.com/story/31078818...
http://www.wattpad.com/story/31078818...
Today's the big day!
"I just read an advanced copy of the work and I'm super excited to recommend this reading. OP-DEC is a World War II spy thriller. Fast paced and an edge of the seat reading. Carsten Reiniger is the most likeable villain you'll ever meet."
Get your copy now!
Book Trailer Video: http://tinyurl.com/pkjl5fd
Amazon - http://tinyurl.com/nnfgctx
B&N – http://tinyurl.com/ntpmxsn
My New Book Is Out! Please Welcome: The Shadow Soul.
Hi, everyone! I'm really excited to announce the release of my newest novel, the first in the Trailokya Trilogy. The Shadow Soul is unlike anything you've ever read, and that's why I had to write it.
"THE TRAILOKYA TRILOGY, BOOK ONE: THE SHADOW SOUL, is a fascinating page turner that brings to the table everything a reader would want...an elaborate fantasy world that is both mesmerizing and brutal.
It’s rare that you see such a blend of themes in one novel. This is a world you’ll be hard pressed to leave, a world that is so detailed and intricately woven that you’ll yearn to return to it. This is just the beginning of a remarkable, spine tingling series."
- Kara Storti, author of the upcoming young adult novel, Indigo In D-Town
Trailer: https://www.goodreads.com/videos/8499...
"THE TRAILOKYA TRILOGY, BOOK ONE: THE SHADOW SOUL, is a fascinating page turner that brings to the table everything a reader would want...an elaborate fantasy world that is both mesmerizing and brutal.
It’s rare that you see such a blend of themes in one novel. This is a world you’ll be hard pressed to leave, a world that is so detailed and intricately woven that you’ll yearn to return to it. This is just the beginning of a remarkable, spine tingling series."
- Kara Storti, author of the upcoming young adult novel, Indigo In D-Town
Trailer: https://www.goodreads.com/videos/8499...
My New Book Is Out! Please Welcome: The Shadow Soul.
Hi, everyone! I'm really excited to announce the release of my newest novel, the first in the Trailokya Trilogy. The Shadow Soul is unlike anything you've ever read, and that's why I had to write it.
"THE TRAILOKYA TRILOGY, BOOK ONE: THE SHADOW SOUL, is a fascinating page turner that brings to the table everything a reader would want...an elaborate fantasy world that is both mesmerizing and brutal.
It’s rare that you see such a blend of themes in one novel. This is a world you’ll be hard pressed to leave, a world that is so detailed and intricately woven that you’ll yearn to return to it. This is just the beginning of a remarkable, spine tingling series."
- Kara Storti, author of the upcoming young adult novel, Indigo In D-Town
Trailer: https://www.goodreads.com/videos/8499...
"THE TRAILOKYA TRILOGY, BOOK ONE: THE SHADOW SOUL, is a fascinating page turner that brings to the table everything a reader would want...an elaborate fantasy world that is both mesmerizing and brutal.
It’s rare that you see such a blend of themes in one novel. This is a world you’ll be hard pressed to leave, a world that is so detailed and intricately woven that you’ll yearn to return to it. This is just the beginning of a remarkable, spine tingling series."
- Kara Storti, author of the upcoming young adult novel, Indigo In D-Town
Trailer: https://www.goodreads.com/videos/8499...
