Gregory S. Lamb's Blog, page 11
August 1, 2013
July 5, 2013
Book Review: “The Self Publishing Playbook” by Shane Lee
Four Stars on this “Fast Moving Train”
When Shane Lee offered me a review copy of his latest volume on self publishing, I was reluctant to take him up on it but in the end, glad I did. As an indie author, I’ve read quite a number of books in this category. However, Shane did something with “The Self Publishing Playbook” that others seemed to lack, he established some credibility with his target audience by interviewing twelve successful self published authors.
Lee tailored a series of interview questions for each of the authors in order to tease out their insights on what they did in the process of writing, self publishing, and marketing their work. I was already familiar with many of the tips and advice contained within the pages, but quickly realized that the words of Mr. Lee and the authors he interviewed motivated me to continue seeking out new ways of improving my own journey as an indie author.
The only critique or perhaps warning I can offer to potential readers of this kind of book is that the transitional landscape between traditional publishing and self publishing is very fast moving. Already some of the techniques presented in “The Self Publishing Playbook” need updating to keep up with the changes in the industry. My advice is that if one is interested in learning about self publishing, they’d better get the latest and read it quick before things change too much.
July 4, 2013
Book Review: “My Beautiful Bus” by Jacques Jouet Translated by Eric Lamb
Five Stars – Masterfully Lyrical
Jouet’s prose sang to me from the very first sentence. In his wonderfully crafted novella, Jouet conjures up emotions of happiness and laughter as he takes you along a journey through France aboard “My Beautiful Bus.”
The characters are all so diverse from those that travel on their journey from here to there and the locals who get on and off between villages where friends and relatives reside. The landscape passes by the windows of the meticulously maintained bus that is ready for every stretch of the journey. From the eccentric driver of the bus, Basile, to the quirky passengers, to include the author, readers will laugh out loud as they imagine the windows fogging up inside as more and more passengers board at the various stops along the way in the early ours of the day.
I went there, to every local, along with Jouet as he reflects on the writings of other philosophical authors of days past. For the proud reader, “My Beautiful Bus” is a piece that should be displayed proudly on the main shelf of the main room in the house. I was torn when I finished reading this light hearted story, an escape that took me from the grind of day to day. Torn because the journey was over, but elated with happiness. Jouet is a master of wit and observation and to have it translated into English with such accuracy and emotion was for me a delicious treat.
June 27, 2013
Book Review: “Minutes Before Sunset” by Indie Author Shannon Thompson
I loved the character development. I think young adult readers will be able to identify with them. I’m looking forward to reading the the other books in the series.
My Kindle review copy was given to me by the author through publisher AEC Stellar, Inc.
May 18, 2013
Book Review: ICE Blue by indie author Susan Rae
Five Stars of Cold Entertainment!
Aptly titled, “Ice Blue” is an action packed page turning mystery thriller with a steamy romance thrown in to keep things interesting. Susan Rea drops the reader right into the middle of the action with tension and suspense that builds and builds.
Rae tackles an important theme and uncovers the ugliness of human trafficking in this story that takes place during a Chicago winter. When the lovely and capable paramedic, Angela DeLuca arrives at the scene of an accident on an icy highway, she meets up with ICE agent Troy Deavers. Their paths cross several times before Angela and Deavers end up in a predictable and cliche’ romance. When Angela finds an abandoned baby on her doorstep, the mystery of where it came from begins.
I really enjoyed the tension between all of Rae’s characters, but I especially appreciated the courage this author took to expose an important issue plaguing our society. Rea is my hero for placing the human trafficking issue in the United States at the forefront of good fiction. James Patterson can stand aside as I can’t wait to read the third volume of the DeLuca series when it comes out next year.
Thanks Susan Rae for providing me with a review copy.
March 27, 2013
March 24, 2013
Goodreads | Book giveaway for The People in Between by Gregory S. Lamb Mar 05-Mar 25, 2013(showing 1-30 of 250) entries
The Giveaway ends in about 16 hours. Look for another one this summer. I’ll be celebrating the release of my techno-thriller, “A Dangerous Element,” with another give away.
March 14, 2013
Book Review: “Show & Tell In A Nutshell – Demonstrated Transitions from Telling to Showing” by Jessica Bell
5 Stars – It was just what I needed!!
I didn’t hunt this book down. It was recommended to me, so I snatched it up immediately after reading the blurb. When I read Bell’s introduction it was like looking in a mirror. I’ve been critiqued on occasion for having produced too much telling and not enough showing in my fictional works.
I nearly gave up the search for a concise and practical set of tools like the ones Bell offers in her quick to read, easy to use manual. I now have a new found confidence to get back to working on revising one of my works in progress, using the techniques I’ve picked up by reading “Show & Tell In A Nutshell.” Thanks Ms. Bell for doing such a great job making the concept so accessible.
March 5, 2013
March 1, 2013
Book Give Away Planned for Goodreads Friends
For those not familiar with Goodreads, you can register for a free account and ask to be my friend. I’m planning on setting up a give away of five signed copies of “The People In Between” this month in celebration of 30 years of marriage to my lovely wife. I’ll be announcing the give away details at Goodreads.
