A.L. Butcher's Blog, page 117
March 13, 2018
Writer Wednesdays – Guest Post – T. R. Robinson – Who Do Authors Write For?
Today we welcome Tanya Robinson – who discusses the following topic:
Who Do Authors Write For?
It would seem many authors and writers (authors to the extent they are authoring a product) forget they are not generally writing for themselves. Having said that, it has to be acknowledged there are a variety of different takes on the topic e.g. some feel it is only correct to write what they want without consideration of others; others say writing should be entirely geared toward the anticipated audience even compromising upon content to satisfy them; others suggest an amalgam of styles. Of course, in varying circumstances any of these, or a combination, may be appropriate. Nevertheless, this post is intended to be pragmatic and realistic.
When anyone writes, author or not, it is usually for others to read whether it be a book, letter, article, post etc. Consequently, authors/writers need to consider, phrase and frame their writing from the readers’ perspective. It is very easy for them to get so caught up in what they are doing as to forget who they are putting pen to paper/fingers to keyboard for. This, for the readers at least, can often lead to uninteresting, dry and irrelevant narrative, commentary and dialogue which will do no one any favours. Fundamental to authorship, which is what is primarily being discussed here, is the desire for others to read the end product. The author who writes purely for their own entertainment is truly a rarity, an inspiration and a challenge to most.
Despite the above comments and observations, when it comes to books, though other forms of writing may be included, all should, at least in principle, be writing because it is what they want to do and not because they seek fame or wealth. Naturally most authors would love their books to become bestsellers but to only write with that motivation can lead to distorted, poor quality publications. Make no mistake, readers, on the whole, are not ignorant, foolish people; they will quickly note when something is below par. Nevertheless, despite all that has been said, it must be acknowledged, as a general rule, authors want their books to sell; scriptwriters want agents, producers and directors to take up their ideas; newspaper and magazine columnists want their articles read; letter writers want the recipient to comprehend all they have to say; etc. Consequently, though they may be writing out of a genuine desire to do so, most will also, inevitably, seek to formulate their writing to achieve their aim.
Regrettably there are books where it is clear the author has got caught up in their own thoughts. They understand what they are writing and expect their readers to have the same comprehension without giving thought to whether they have the same background knowledge or experience. It is really easy for authors to fall into this trap; to get carried away with what they know forgetting others will be approaching the work with different perspectives, knowledge and experience. People’s comprehension of a phrase, idea, concept or word is frequently subject to their background; social, cultural, national, religious. However, it would be a minefield to try and take in all the various possibilities. Overall, authors and writers should constrain themselves to writing within their own national understanding. It is more than likely, if a reader has chosen their book, they are either from the same national or cultural background or have a good comprehension of it.
Now to the nitty-gritty of the subject. It is not easy for an author to step back from their ‘baby’ and view it from an others perspective. Most just want to get on with ‘their’ writing and not be bothered by such distractions. Some may even be so arrogant as to consider the requirement to consider others, primarily the reader, trivial; hopefully those who think like that are a minority.
So what does it take to write for readers?
Research what readers want, whether it be in books, films, blogs or even letters.
Consider the reader’s background, if possible.
Authors should be aware of how things they read impact upon them; what they like and what they do not and why. They need to learn from this.
Erase or limit superfluous words, phrases and descriptions, which may make sense to them and their circle of acquaintances but are not in wide popular use.
Treat readers with respect: give them credit for being intelligent individuals.
If the writing is specific, bear in mind the age, and as far as they can know it, the knowledge and experience of the people they are writing for.
Avoid narrative or dialogue that talks ‘down’ to the reader.
These are just a few thoughts. No doubt readers of this post will think of other aspects that should or need to be considered.
One observation, regarding fictional works in particular, though the point may be extended to other genres. A book will distinctly benefit if the author is able to view the story as a film in their head. Characters, dialogue, scenery, etc. can all be based upon what they see and as a consequence may be more discernible for the reader. This is not something all writers find easy, though most, if they relax, are able to gain something from such vibrant imaginings.
The crux of the matter is simple: authors and writers should make time to stand back from their writing and take an objective view, endeavouring to see it as a reader will. If they really find they cannot do this, they should get a friend, acquaintance, editor (if they have one) or a reader to have a look. If they do not have anyone they could try asking their ‘friends’ and contacts on social media, perhaps somewhere like Goodreads. There are usually several people willing to participate in, and assist with, such ‘beta’ reading i.e. this is similar to testing new on-line sites and systems but of course, in this instance limited to reading.
Naturally, as with anything, there are exceptions to the general rule. Some tales and stories need to be told in the author’s own style. The work may not become popular but it has to be acknowledged many interesting works would have been missed if some authors had not the courage and determination to write in the style they considered most suited their work e.g. James Joyce; William Faulkner, Jack Kerouac; etc. Sometimes a story has to be told in an individual style.
Whatever the circumstance, and no matter the style adopted, authors need to remember who they are writing for. They must avoid tunnel vision and accept, in most cases, they are not primarily writing for themselves.
T. R. Robinson is the author of memoir and biographical fiction. More about her, her writing and life may be found at https://trrobinsonpublications.com
Here Be Dragons Bundle – #Fantasy
Vol III
They stalk our myths and hunt our past—dragons—humankind’s greatest and oldest foe. Good, bad, legendary and deadly. Dare you enter the dragon’s lair?
Tales of dragons, their friends and their foes.
Available for pre-order now! Released 31st March 2018
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Available on
Here Be Dragons on Bundle Rabbit
Featuring 13 fabulous dragon-themed stories.
The Crown and the Dragon – John D. Payne
Dragon Writers – Lisa Mangum
Of Blood and Scales – A. L. Butcher
Devouring Light – J.M. Ney-Grimm
Ascension of the Whyte – Karen Wrighton
Of Dragons and Centaurs – Deb Logan
Night of the Clockwork Dragon – Louisa Swann
The Legend of G and the Dragonettes – Russ Crossley
The Dreamweaver’s Journey – Diana L. Wicker
Graybill – Rita Schulz
Star-drake – J.M, Ney-Grimm
Like at Loch Ness – Karen L. Abrahamson
Winter Glory – J.M. Ney-Grimm
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March 10, 2018
Dirty Dozen Character Interview – Kate Williams – Chief of Police – Mystery
CHARACTER NAME: Kate Williams, Chief of Police of Mendenhall, Manitoba
Tell us a little about yourself.
Let’s see. I’m a career police officer, over 30 years now, and I’ve served in big cities all across Canada. Now I’m the chief of police in Mendenhall, Manitoba, population 16,514, and to my surprise, I love it. I’m 54, 5’3” and usually a little rounder than I like. Lately, however, I’ve been looking a little gaunt, but can you blame me, after everything that’s happened?
Tell us why you’re embarking on this adventure?
I took the job of Chief of Police of Mendenhall two years ago, when the politics of the job in Toronto got to be too much. For some reason, I had thought policing in a small town would ease me nicely into retirement. So far, I’ve been shot, attacked by a madwoman, had my car destroyed by a sniper, been freaked out by a long-dead woman, and now I have to deal with bull semen and arsonists. And office politics? I had to get shot before my detachment finally pulled together behind me. The big city was never like this.
Do you have a moral code? If so what might it be
Well, of course I have a moral code. Every good police officer has one. Mine is simple: Do the right thing, for the right reason.
Who is your greatest friend?
Huh. I never thought of that. I’m a bit of a loner and don’t make friends easily. I have friends, of course. Well, maybe they’re friendly acquaintances. The people I’m closest to are my colleagues, especially my deputy chief, Rob McKell. Which is surprising, really, when you consider that he was supposed to be a shoo-in for the job of chief of police and I swooped in from “outside” to take it from him.
Who is your greatest enemy?
I don’t have any personal enemies. Or, if I do, they’ve never identified themselves as such. There are people I don’t like, of course, but I avoid them. On the professional front, well, that’s a different story. You can’t be a police officer—a good one—without making enemies of the people you arrest. For me, it’s rarely personal. For them, it’s very personal.
How do you define ‘heroism’?
Doing what needs to be done even when you’re afraid or could get hurt.
Tell us about your family?
How much time do you have…?
My dad’s been dead for 15 years but Mom’s still hale and hearty, in spite of the accident that almost killed her last year. At 78, she’s met someone and is planning to move in with him. Took me a bit to get used to that idea, let me tell you. I have a brother, Charlie, who lives in the Maritimes. Like me, he never married. Then there’s Rose, my sister. She’s a few years younger than me, high strung, and every once in a while, a serious pain in the ass. She’s married to John, a university professor and a peach of a man with the patience of a saint. They have two kids: Sean, who’s travelling in Europe right now, and Amanda, who is the apple of my eye and who—to my joy and her mother’s outrage—has moved to Mendenhall.
What is your greatest skill/asset
Who the heck knows? I think it’s my stubbornness, but my family and colleagues would argue that’s a failing.
What is your greatest weakness (we won’t tell).
Kids. I’m deeply uncomfortable around kids. The younger they are, the worse it is. They look at me as if I’m some kind of alien. May have something to do with the way I talk to them. ::sigh::
How would you describe yourself?
I’m a police officer. A good one.
How do you think others see you?
First, they see the woman, even when I’m in uniform. Almost without exception they are surprised that I am the chief of police. Then they accept and we move on. Mostly.
What is your greatest fear?
That I’ll let another child killer go.
Books in which this character appears:
Kate features in the Mendenhall Mystery series, along with DC Rob McKell, Constable Marco Trepalli and Kate’s niece, Amanda Coburn. The series consists of: The Shoeless Kid, The Tuxedoed Man, The Weeping Woman, The Untethered Woman and The Forsaken Man.
Links, short author bio…
Marcelle Dubé grew up near Montreal. After trying out a number of different provinces—not to mention Belgium—she settled in the Yukon, where people still outnumber carnivores, but not by much. Her short fiction has appeared in a number of magazines and anthologies, and her novels have been published by Carina Press and Falcon Ridge Publishing. Her best-known work is the Mendenhall Mystery series, featuring Chief of Police Kate Williams, “a heroine for our times,” as one reviewer named her.
Dubé writes mystery, science fiction and fantasy fiction. Her work is available as print and e-books.
Web: www.marcelledube.com
Twitter: @MarcelleDube
Facebook: www.facebook.com/marcelle.dube.3
March 9, 2018
Dirty Dozen Character Interviews – Kairi Johnson #Sci-fi #Bundle
CHARACTER NAME Kairi Johnson
Tell us a little about yourself.
Unfortunately, I’m an orphan. I don’t know anything about my family—and I really wish I did! I’m also a student at the University of Colorado where I have an awesome boyfriend, Josh and my best friend Dakota.
Tell us why you’re embarking on this adventure?
My adventure all started when I went with Josh on a spring break road trip to Padre Island, TX. I actually found …an engagement ring when I was packing the car! But it really went downhill from there when we ran into a tornado and then I got stranded by the side of the road. So, as for the ‘why’ I basically had to, I had to figure out what was going on so I could save myself and my friends.
Do you have a moral code? If so what might it be
I definitely have a moral code. Since I don’t have a family, my friends are precious to me. I would do anything, and I do mean anything, to keep them safe.
Would you kill for those you love?
Definitely.
Would you die for those you love?
Definitely.
What is your world like? How does it differ to mine?
Who is your greatest friend?
My greatest friend is Dakota, she’s my sister from another mister. We met in the foster care system and I’d do anything for her.
Who is your greatest enemy
Is your world populated by different races? How do they get along?
How do you define ‘heroism?’
Heroism is showing up and standing up to difficulty even when you don’t understand what’s going on or you’re not sure you can succeed.
Tell us about your family?
I wish I knew.
What is your greatest skill/asset
I keep on going no matter what! Is that stubbornness? I guess it is.
I’m starting to get an inkling, however, that I might have a special power which might turn out to be my greatest skill/asset.
What is your greatest weakness (we won’t tell).
I am much more insecure than I seem. I’m also very lonely. I get envious of other people who have families.
Within your civilisation what do you think is the most important discovery/invention?
How would you describe yourself?
I would describe myself to others as fiercely loyal and tough. With no family I’ve had to be tough and depend on myself.
How do you think others see you?
I think others see me as a regular woman, but they’re wrong. Josh says I’m pretty…
Do you believe in god(s)?
Within your culture what is the political structure.
Do you believe you will be successful in your quest
What is your greatest fear?
What do you think of your author/creator?
If you could have three wishes what would they be?
Do you believe in magic?
Tell us about your greatest achievement
For the author
Books in which this character appears: Temporal Dreams
Links, short author bio…
Links
This also features in Spring Surprise Bundle
Spring Surprise on Bundle Rabbit
Spring Surprise – Universal Link
Lesley L. Smith has published seven science fiction novels including Temporal Dreams, The Quantum Cop, A Jack By Any Other Name, and Conservation of Luck.
Her short science fiction has been published in several venues including “Analog Science Fiction and Fact” and “Daily Science Fiction.” She is an active member of the Science Fiction/Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) and Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers (RMFW).
She is also a founder and editor of the speculative fiction ezine Electric Spec (http://www.electricspec.com). For more information, please see http://www.lesleylsmith.com.
March 8, 2018
Book Spotlight – Assassin 13 – Adult Dystopian
Title: ASSASSIN 13
Author: Tom Reppert
Genre: Adult Dystopian TimeTravel
Main character description (short): Like all badass heroines, Lauren projects sass and grit to cover past hurts. She’s trained as an elite assassin and takes pleasure in the lives she ends to better her world. Then she ends up in 1920s Hollywood, and her purpose shifts from hit jobs to caring for and protecting others, ironically, from gangsters who were idolized in her dystopian world.
Synopsis: Lauren Ramirez, an Assassin 13, which means she’s the best at her profession, is betrayed by her employer, the President of the United States, when she takes a high-rank target job to get information on her mother’s killer. While she’s attempting to escape in a space shuttle from his trap, she hurtles through a time displacement anomaly and lands in the glam of 1927 Hollywood.
Lauren finds herself working for one of Hollywood’s top actresses, Pauline Windsor, who is dating mafia member Benny Sorrentino. He is caught up in a gangland war with the Colombini brothers for the city’s profitable bootlegging and gambling rings. Even as she clings to the revenge for her mother’s death and somehow fixing her broken shuttle to return for the information, Lauren’s relationship with the people she meets, stunt pilot Remy Garnett, Pauline, and Pauline’s children, all begin to change the hard surface of her heart.
When Pauline’s relationship with Sorrentino draws her and her family into the gangland war, Lauren must decide whether to use her 22nd century talents and technology in their defense or abandon them to slip back into her time and get the information she needs to avenge her mother.
Brief Excerpt 250 words:
A malignant aura emanated from him that only Lauren could see. The Pelosi brothers flanked him like two cobras.
When he walks, he brings menace like the night, Matt said quoting some long forgotten future movie.
Leaning down, Sorrentino kissed Pauline quickly on the lips. “Hey, doll.”
Doll? That’s a bit cliché, isn’t it? Matt said. Is he going to stick a grapefruit in her face now?
Focused on the gangsters, she didn’t answer.
Pauline’s eyes lit up, then worry crossed her face. “Ben, are you all right?”
He waved her concern away, “Hardly more than a scratch. I’m fine.” He glanced at Lauren with raised eyebrows. A dark look came into his eyes. “I remember you, toots.”
“Ben, this is Lauren Ramirez. She manages my business affairs. She was at the dinner party.”
“Yeah, good to see you again.” Sorrentino reached for Lauren’s hand, but she kept both under the tablet. Frowning, he retracted his, and locked eyes on her. “Business manager? Then you’re just the person should be here with what I got for Pauline. Miss Ramirez, or is it Mrs.?”
“Benny the Bug,” Lauren said. “How did you get a name like that?”
He stiffened. His features grew dark.
Pauline glared at her. The room had been silently watching. Now, tension floated through like static electricity among gasoline barrels.
Lauren’s hand went theatrically to her chest in a picture of innocence. “I hope I didn’t offend you, Mr. Sorrentino. I meant no harm. Benny the Bug? That is your name, isn’t it.”
“What the hell’s with you?” His voice, low and cold, sounded like gravel being stomped.
Why should readers buy this book (50 words max)? Buy this book because it is a fun read. It is entertainment pure and simple. I write books I would want to read. It is heart-pounding, thriller action, so I’m told, with a little romance and strong emotions. I hope people will feel those when they read it.
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Author bio:
Tom Reppert is an army veteran with a BA in English and History, as well as MAs in Creative Writing and Professional Writing. He spent twelve years in Africa and Asia teaching English Literature and Composition. An award-winning author, his writing includes educational essays, short stories, and novels Past Murders, The Far Journey, and The Captured Girl. Tom lives in Sandpoint, Idaho on idyllic Lake Pend Oreille, where he is currently working on his next novel, one set both in the future and the past.
Author Social Media Links
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/Tom-Reppert-1506957986047973/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Repptom
Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7219792.Tom_Reppert
Goodreads
Book: ASSASSIN 13
Category/ Genre: Adult Science Fiction
Teaser: Assassin 13 is a time travel thriller set in a dystopian future and 1927 Hollywood.
Lauren Ramirez, an Assassin 13, which means she’s the best at her profession, is betrayed by her employer, the President of the United States, when she takes a high-rank target job to get information on her mother’s killer. While she’s attempting to escape in a space shuttle from his trap, she hurtles through a time displacement anomaly and lands in the glam of 1927 Hollywood.
Lauren finds herself working for one of Hollywood’s top actresses, Pauline Windsor, who is dating mafia member Benny Sorrentino. He is caught up in a gangland war with the Colombini brothers for the city’s profitable bootlegging and gambling rings. Even as she clings to the revenge for her mother’s death and somehow fixing her broken shuttle to return for the information, Lauren’s relationship with the people she meets, stunt pilot Remy Garnett, Pauline, and Pauline’s children, all begin to change the hard surface of her heart.
When Pauline’s relationship with Sorrentino draws her and her family into the gangland war, Lauren must decide whether to use her 22nd-century talents and technology in their defense or abandon them to slip back into her time and get the information she needs to avenge her mother.
Click to Tweet Get your FREE copy of ASSASSIN 13 by @repptom MARCH 16! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38929567-assassin-13 #timetravel #scifi #ontheporch #hollywood #dystopian #readers Please RT!
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Blogs Participating in the Blog Tour (with more chances to win a free hard-copy of ASSASSIN 13!)
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The book will be free March 16-20
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Kirkus Review: “Characters are dynamic, especially headstrong Pauline, but Matt is a real surprise; he adds comic relief and Hollywood trivia to keep Lauren informed, even if she occasionally threatens to scrub the opinionated AI from her neurobots. The old Hollywood backdrop imbues the story with authenticity, including the name-dropping of classic film stars and the impending introduction of movie sound, a possible detriment to the current silent-era actors. Reppert wisely simplifies the time traveling, with its explanation decidedly less important than rich character development. Regardless, the oddly practical ending should appease fans of the subgenre. A striking tale flaunting a strong protagoni
Dirty Dozen Author Interview – Lesley L Smith – #Sci-fi #Bundle
Author name: Lesley L. Smith
*Please tell us about your publications. I’ve published seven novels and many short stories, mostly science fiction. See the bio below for specific titles. I love the interplay of the logic science with the fun of imagination. I also love strong quirky characters. Kirkus Reviews said of my novel Quantum Murder “Imagine if Janet Evanovich had given Stephanie Plus a science-teaching degree…”
What are your views on authors commenting on reviews? Never, never, never!
How do you deal with bad reviews? I try to avoid reading any reviews. This helps eliminate the problem!
Sometimes, you can’t avoid it, as with editorial reviews. In this case you need to know so you can (usually) tell them not to publish it. Then, you just have to grit your teeth and power through it.
Sort these into order of importance:
Great characters
2.Good plot
Awesome world-building
4.Technically perfect
I must admit I read for character. And I write for character.
How much research do you do for your work? What’s the wildest subject you’ve looked at? I’m a physicist in my day job, and I write a lot of science fiction, so I don’t generally have to do a lot of research. The one exception to this was my time travel novel Temporal Dreams—which was based on the Australian Aboriginal idea of Dreamtime. I did a ton of research on this. It is wild and utterly fascinating. It taught me that scientists don’t truly understand what time is. Yes, that’s a strong statement—but I stand by it!
How influential is storytelling to our culture? I think storytelling is at the heart of our culture. Storytelling is oldest profession, in my opinion. I think storytelling is how we truly communicate with other human beings. It binds us together into a common human culture.
What’s the best advice you’ve received about writing/publishing? Just do it! I wish I’d gotten serious about the whole writing/publishing thing earlier. If anyone reading this is considering taking the plunge: Do it. Do it now.
Tell us about your latest piece? One of my recent novels was Temporal Dreams. This is actually a time travel novel. I love time travel and I wanted to write a novel about it for a long time, but I also wanted to try to create something fresh. I had to do a lot research to see what was already out there. (This was awesome research, by the way!) I ended up using the Australian Aborigine mythology of Dreamtime—which is fascinating.
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What’s your next writing adventure? Right now I’m trying to finish the third book in my Quantum Cop series. The protagonist, physicist Madison Martin, uses quantum physics to solve mysteries. It’s called Quantum Mayhem and I’m a little bogged down in the middle. It’s tough coming up with mayhem that can still be resolved. Wish me luck! J
What is the last book you’ve read? I just reread the Collegia Magica Series by Carol Berg. Wow! The world building and characterizations are truly amazing.
Is there a message in your books?
I do have some pretty strong messages in my books. Since I write science fiction and often have female protagonists (and am a female scientist), I’m trying to show readers that anyone can be a scientist. In particular, women and people from under-represented groups can be awesome scientists! I try to encourage people, in general, to make dreams and to follow them.
How important is writing to you?Writing is very important to me. Once I made the mental leap from someone who wanted to be a writer to someone who was a writer—it was huge! I try to write at least a little every day.
Links
This also features in Spring Surprise Bundle
Spring Surprise on Bundle Rabbit
Spring Surprise – Universal Link
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Bio
Lesley L. Smith has published seven science fiction novels including Temporal Dreams, The Quantum Cop, A Jack By Any Other Name, and Conservation of Luck.
Her short science fiction has been published in several venues including “Analog Science Fiction and Fact” and “Daily Science Fiction.” She is an active member of the Science Fiction/Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) and Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers (RMFW).
She is also a founder and editor of the speculative fiction ezine Electric Spec (http://www.electricspec.com). For more information, please see http://www.lesleylsmith.com.
March 4, 2018
Dirty Dozen Author Interview – Mandy Eve Barnett
Name: Mandy Eve Barnett
Please tell us about your publications. As a multi-genre author, I have published works in a variety of styles and genres.
My first book, Rumble’s First Scare is a children’s picture book. It tells the tale of a young monster going above ground on his first All Hallows Eve to scare the beings that live there. My other children’s book, Ockleberries to the Rescue, is a chapter book for older children (or perfect for bedtime stories); it is the story of two magical woodland sprites and how they help their forest animal friends. Each chapter is a different animal.
I have one YA novella published entitled Clickety Click, which tells the story of a young orphan, whose guardian’s have a secret identity, which she discovers and why they must protect her until destiny calls.
Currently, my published adult books are The Rython Kingdom, a novella set in medieval England and relaying a troubadour’s adventure’s when he is invited to the King’s court. He aids the King and a lovely and mysterious young woman in saving the kingdom from a vengeful witch. The second novel is The Twesome Loop. A romance with a reincarnation twist set between England and Italy. It is in two time periods 1874 and 2000. The four main characters’ stories overlap in both eras.
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What first prompted you to publish your work? I am extremely fortunate to have a wonderfully supportive writing group, who encourage me to write and one member is a publisher. So after some persuasion from everyone, I let Rumble into the world. Once I felt the sheer joy of someone telling me they enjoyed my story there was no stopping me.
Are you a ‘pantser’ or a ‘plotter’? Most certainly a panster, once an idea forms, I let the story flow in whatever direction it wants and edit and revise later. I tried to plot using the ‘romance formula’ once and it was the one and only time I suffered writers block. Never again!
How influential is storytelling to our culture? As a species, we have always relayed stories and I don’t think that will ever change. We have a multiple of mediums to utilize for story telling now from spoken word, to books, to television and film. Even games have storylines. Telling tales is a way to preserve history, be it personal or cultural and, of course, they are the most wonderful entertainment.
Sort these into order of importance:
Great characters
Awesome world-building
Good plot
Technically perfect
How much research do you do for your work? What’s the wildest subject you’ve looked at? There is quite a lot of research in my books, although some is personal knowledge gained from past interests, such as reincarnation and the natural world, others are ‘new’. One in particular was intriguing. I read about a body being found in a USA motel five years after the person was murdered. Yep, let that sink in! It was too good a circumstance not to use, so I incorporated it into a manuscript, along with two other unusual real news stories. I then had to research how a body can mummify and what conditions are required for it to do so.
What’s the best advice you’ve received about writing/publishing? Not to expect to be a best seller – it is a pipe dream for the vast majority of authors and you will only be unhappy reaching for an unrealistic goal.
If you could be any fantasy/mythical or legendary person/creature what would you be and why? Oh this is hard as I have always been fascinated with the magical realm. As one of my passions is the protecting of the natural world, I think I would want to be a protector of all animal life and be able to shapeshift in order to save threatened animals.
Is there a message in your books? I actually spent quite some time trying to pinpoint the basis of my writing a while ago. Every story has a basis of love, magic and mystery – without these life is dull and boring so embrace your inner child and love unconditionally.
What is your writing space like? I recently moved and have arranged the master bedroom that I inhabit to my liking. I have a writing space at one end of the room with an L-shaped writing desk in one corner, a multi drawer storage unit full of notebooks, pictures, promotional material etc. and a large sofa chair for reading beside it. A reading lamp has dual purpose for reading or writing as I can swivel it back and forth. I still have to put up my inspirational board and a personal letter from Stephen King (my literary hero).
Tell us about your latest piece? I have just submitted my second YA novella, Creature Hunt on Planet Toaria, to my publisher for editing and am working with an illustrator for the chapter headers. The narrative is set on another planet and tells of four friends battling a large alien monster.
Once I have completed a freelance writing project this month (fingers crossed my client keeps delaying), I will immerse myself into an old manuscript I have left alone for far too long, entitled Life in Slake Patch. It is a speculative fiction story set in an alternative matriarchal society and told by a young man living in this realm, who becomes the catalyst in dramatic changes and conflict.
What’s your next writing adventure? I have two other manuscripts that I plan to publish next year (again fingers crossed). One is a western romance, Willow Tree Tears with a barrel racer caught between two men vying for her love and the other, The Giving Thief is a thriller/suspense, following a young man’s story after he murders someone.
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/Mandyevebarnettcom/
@mandyevebarnett
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6477059.Mandy_Eve_Barnett
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01MDUAS0V
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Bio (short version)
Mandy Eve-Barnett is a multi-genre author writing children’s, YA and adult books. Her passion for writing emerged later in life and she is making up for lost time. With five books published since 2011 and five more in progress, she indulges her Muse in creative as well as freelance writing.
Mandy regularly blogs: www.mandyevebarnett.com, where she encourages support and networking for all writers. She is also prolific on social media. As Secretary of her local writers group and President of the Arts & Culture Council she lives her creative life to the fullest.
Mandy currently lives in Alberta, Canada but is originally from England. Her background is diverse and gives her rich experience to utilize in her writing. Mandy has been a nursing professional, a business owner, and a sort after administration expert. She has traveled throughout Europe, parts of America and Canada and was born in Africa.
Mandy is passionate about writing to the point of obsession and she succeeded in becoming a published author in record time. Mandy’s venture into freelance writing has been successful and she and regularly contributes to the Never Been Better page in the Sherwood Park newspaper as well as several anthologies.
Mandy has a new YA novella, Creature Hunt on Planet Toaria coming out in the first half of 2018 and is revisiting and editing a speculative fiction novel, Life in Slake Patch in the second half of 2018. (hopefully to be published in the fall 2018). Other manuscripts in the ‘pile’ are a thriller/suspense, The Giving Thief, and a western romance, Willow Tree Tears. With several requests for a sequel to The Rython Kingdom it has been added to the pending pile.
Read an E-Book Week! Smashwords Sale!
Smashwords site-wide promotion!
March 4, 2018 – March 10, 2018
There are tons of books in this sale – here are mine! I am sure there will be more to follow from other authors!
Tales of Erana: Just One Mistake FREE with code RAE75
Shattered Mirror – A Poetry Collection FREE with Code RAE75
The Light Beyond the Storm Book I only $1.50 (half price) with code RAE50
The Shining Citadel only $1.75 (half price) with code RAE50
The Stolen Tower only $1.62 (half price) with code RAE50
The Watcher FREE with code RAE25
March 3, 2018
March Pot O’ Gold Book Giveaway! #Freebooks #Prizes
March 2018 Literary Giveaway Prizes:
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Grab your lucky pair of socks, your rabbit’s foot and/or your go-to lucky charm because N. N. Light’s Book Heaven has an incredible giveaway this month. I don’t know if they kidnapped a leprechaun or what, but they’ve got a potful of goodies to give away. You can win an Amazon gift card, a beautiful St. Patrick’s Day mug, books galore and more. You don’t need to kiss the blarney stone, just have a valid email address. Click on this link to enter today before the leprechaun escapes and claims his treasure: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/92db775010/
With so many wonderful authors and books available, it’s imperative to have a reliable and trustworthy place that can help you choose what to read. It’s even better when you get a chance to win free books through a giveaway! Every month, enter to win free books from multiple authors via N. N. Light’s Book Heaven. Several authors are offering their books throughout the upcoming year in this innovative and collaborative approach to building a new and immersive online reading community. Authors, bloggers and book reviewers are partnering to share fantastic reads, quality reviews and powerful connections all in one place.
March Giveaway: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/92db775010/
Literary Giveaway Portal: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/literary-giveaway-portal
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$10 AmazonUS Gift Card from N. N. Light
An Irish Blessing Coffee Mug from Ruth A. Casie (US and Canada only)
e-copy of Prelude to Sorrow (Book 3 of the IX series) by Andrew Weston
print copy of Once Broken by D. M. Hamblin
e-copy of Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles (18+) Book One by A. L. Butcher (Smashwords voucher)
e-copy of Healing Grace by Lisa Lickel (Smashwords voucher)
2 print copies of Circumstances of Childhood by John Howell
autographed print copy of The Colony by RM Gilmour
autographed print copy of The Last City by RM Gilmour
e-copy of Dan Alexander, Pitcher by Jean Joachim
print copy of Dan Alexander, Pitcher by Jean Joachim (US only)
5 e-copy of Tales of Feyron 3 Book Set by Diana L. Wicker
2 e-copy of The Fairy Wren by Ashley Capes
print copy of The Fairy Wren by Ashley Capes
2 e-copy of Curva Peligrosa by Lily Iona Mackenzie
e-copy of Don’t Let Him Go by Kay Harris
autographed print copy of Quest of a Warrior by Mary Morgan (US and Canada only)
e-copy or print copy of Supernatural Pet Sitter: The Rescue (winner’s choice)
e-copy of The House That Built Me by Melissa Keir
e-copy of Dancing Around the Truth by Alanna Lucas (US only)
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Reviews 2018 – The Hinge Factor – Erik Durschmied – History/Military History
Amazon UK link The Hinge Factor: How Chance and Stupidity Have Changed History
Amazon.com link The Hinge Factor
From the wooden horse at Troy to a harrowing photograph snapped in Vietnam, from Robert E. Lee’s lost battle plans to the evacuation of Dunkirk, world history has been shaped as much by chance and error as by courage and heroism. Time and again, invincible armies fall to weaker opponents in the face of impossible odds, when the outcome had seemed a foregone conclusion. How and why does this happen? What is it that decides the fate of battle?
The Hinge Factor is an instructive, fascinating look at how the unpredictable, the absurd, and the bizarre have shaped the face of history in war.
5 Stars.
What is the ‘hinge factor’? Basically, it is the pivotal event that led to a particular outcome of battle – from generals despising each other and not coming to one another’s aid, to the weather, to misunderstood orders, to a war-journalist capturing an iconic shot – which turned a nation against a war. It’s a ‘what if’. What if it hadn’t rained at Agincourt? What is it had been cloudy when the Enola Gay dropped the bomb? What if the Trojans hadn’t fallen for the ruse of the Wooden Horse? In many cases, the outcome and possibly history itself would be very different.
The accounts are fairly lengthy but taken from reliable sources (relatively). Yet each and every one reads like a tale of heroes, courage and, often, sheer bloody stupidity. The author is a correspondent – and it shows. He knows his stuff, and he knows what makes a good story and what is important. (check out his Wikipage Erik Durschmied).
The Vietnam account is actually the author’s own account of what happened in those terrible years, and how news coverage changed the tide of that particular conflict.
The accounts make one wonder how many lives would have not been lost if only the General’s hadn’t behaved like morons, if only it had been cloudy, or hadn’t rained, or the retreating soldiers had spiked their own guns. I found it quite a moving book – history does indeed repeat itself first as tragedy and then as farce (Karl Marx).
The account I found most interesting was the Berlin Wall. I remember seeing that on TV – something many people would never believe could happen. Within a few hours the tide that had been building suddenly erupted and flowed inexorably towards freedom for East Germany (as it was then). It was the only revolution and ‘battle’ in history where no blood was shed. But what if the border guards had started firing at the crowds? What if the orders had come to stop the tide of humanity? There would have been a bloodbath.
As usual, I am meandering into history, so back to the book. It’s well written, well researched, thought-provoking and a must for lovers of history, fate and military history.
