Olga Núñez Miret's Blog: Author Translator Olga, page 100

Y os recomiendo más blogs!

Como recordaréis, las semana pasada decidí recomendaros unos cuantos blogs que sigo con asiduidad por si no los habíais descubierto aún. Hoy os traigo unos cuantos más. Y sigo la colección! Relatos jamás contados (Raquel Sánchez García) http://relatosjamascontados.blogspot.com.es/

El blog de Raquel os interesará no solo porque habla de sus libros (que ya sería interesante de por sí) y suele promocionar sus obras y las de otros escritores, pero también porque es una lectora y reseñadora empedernida. Y no solo de los libros más populares, si no que tiene un interés especial en libros independientes, y eso ofrece a los lectores una buena opción para descubrir obras que quizás no serían tan fáciles de encontrar en otros sitios. A leer!

BCN Express (Juan Alberto Recrivello) http://bcnexpres.wordpress.com/

Juan Alberto ha sido invitado mío, pero no podía pasar la oportunidad de recomendar su blog. En él habla un poco de todo, de política, de historia reciente, de escritura, de insectos… Os pone al día de sus novedades literarias y crea mundos esperpénticos, surreales y mágicos. Si os apetece probar algo distinto, subiros a la montaña rusa que es BCN Express!

Así lo pienso y así lo escribo (Eduardo Perellón Cano) http://eduardoperellon.blogspot.co.uk/

Eduardo, que también fue uno de mis invitados hace ya tiempo, tiene un blog donde habla mucho de la escritura (últimamente también ha creado un blog donde escritores comparten sus recetas favoritas con los lectores. No os preocupéis, yo no me he pasado, que lo de cocinar se me da tan bien como las imágenes), y últimamente esta dedicándole una serie a los entresijos de la novela. No os lo perdáis!

Alma sin destino (Frank Spoiler) 

http://frankspoiler-alma-sin-destino.blogspot.com.es/

Recordaréis a Frank, que ha sido otro de mis invitados, y que escribe sobre una gran variedad de temas, desde micro-relatos, a cuentos y colaboraciones con otros escritores, relatos de terror con un “algo” un poco especial, y poesía, que publica en su blog y luego presenta en antologías a la venta. Como os traje a Kokoro la semana pesada, me pareció que no podía dejaros hoy sin otra ración de poesía. Y además Frank siempre encuentra una imágenes perfectas para ilustrar sus poemas.

 

Gracias a los blogueros invitados (que no saben nada de esto), gracias a vosotros por leer, y si os ha gustado, dadle al me gusta, comentad, compartid, haced CLIC y SEGUID!

And more great blogs. 10 Best, insight, technology, photography…

Hi all:

I hope you’ll remember last week I brought you a selection of blogs I regularly follow, just in case you might find them of interest. As I said there are many I follow, and this is only a small sample, but I thought I’d bring you a few more in different subjects, to see what  you think.

Lens aperture Image courtesy of suphakit73 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The very best top 10

http://theverybesttop10.com/

I’ve been following this blog for a long time (I think nearly as long as I’ve been blogging) and never ceases to amuse me. The most amazing thing about it is not only the fact that it is well-thought, it usually provides links (if it’s recipes, to how to make the dish, or to the website), and it has an incredibly wide variety of topics, but also that this blog posts daily, and it never runs out of ideas (well, on Sundays it’s a guest post, but then, even God took a day off). I’ve seen things I never thought I’d see in my life, discovered animals I didn’t know existed, and come to realise that people are far more inventive than anybody gives them credit for. Long live The very best top 10!

A Glimpse of Heaven. The Philosophy of True Health (Dr Glenn Hepker)

http://aglimpseofheaventhephilosophyoftruehealth.wordpress.com/

Dr Glenn Hepker is one of the authors in one of the groups I belong to (ASMSG) and he blogs (and also posts in Wattpad) regularly about his book ‘The Philosophy of True Health’. He replies to readers’ questions and his thoughtful and enlightened replies never fail to bring focus and inspiration to my day. If you haven’t met him yet, don’t miss the chance.

I love art (and admire people who are good at it. If I have any skill on this area it is only the capacity to appreciate it) and although I will normally read around and look for images on the internet, there are two blogs I always keep going back to.

Leanne Cole Photography:

http://leannecolephotography.com/

Leanne shares her images, techniques and experiences with other photographers and the public in general. Although I must confess I’m rubbish at taking pictures and therefore the technical points go well over my head, I never miss the opportunity of checking her offerings, her experiments and her discussions. And the conversations and comments are worth their weight in gold. The only problem is her images of Australia are quite difficult to resist… (Oh, and she recently shared some of her paintings… gorgeous).

First Night Design (Sarah Vernon):

http://firstnightdesign.wordpress.com/

Sarah has an incredible (as I’ve said many times my ability to do anything involving images is not zero, is in the negative numbers) ability to find vintage and classical images, add textures, and create fabulous visual treats, that become everyday objects (cards, cushions, mugs…). She is happy to share her process, her successes and failures (as she sees them), and she also posts about family history (amazing connections), interesting quotes… Have a look and see what you think! (She has been having some technical problems of recent but as the very generous blogger she is, she has been sharing some great content from other blogs).

Mashable

http://mashable.com/

I can’t say I’m particularly up-to-date in technology, but I like to try and keep informed (there are many sources of information but things change at speed of light, so not an easy task). I discovered Mashable a while back and I’d be surprised if anybody out there hasn’t come across them, but just in case… I’ve got used to the music in their videos (you have to watch one to know what I’m talking about), they post regularly throughout the day on a variety of subjects, so I never quite catch everything, but if you pick the most popular posts, you’re bound to be pretty ‘on the know’.

I’ll leave it there for now. Thanks to the blogs for being there, thanks to you all for reading, and if you’ve enjoyed it, like, share, comment, and most of all CLICK and FOLLOW! (Ah, and share other great blogs for everyone’s benefit).

Autor invitado. Alejandro Aguayo y su libro ‘Cómo publicar un ebook sin volverse loco’

Como todos los viernes os traigo un autor invitado. A Alejandro Aguayo lo conocí en Facebook a través de uno de los grupos de autores a los que pertenezco. Y naturalmente, con tantos autores amigos, y tantas personas interesadas en escribir y publicar libros, cuando ví el título de su libro, y comprobé que además había publicado una nueva edición, ampliada y renovada, supe que tenía que presentarlo en mi blog. Porque tiene razón, con tanto consejo, y tanta confusión, lo de publicar un libro, aunque sea en formato electrónico, puede acabar volviéndonos locos. Así que aquí os presento:

Cómo publicar un ebook sin volverse loco de Alejandro Aguayo

Segunda edición ampliada de este sencillo manual paso a paso para publicar un libro electrónico sin fallecer en el intento y evitando los típicos errores de principiante. Trucos, recursos, programas y sobre todo la experiencia de muchos autores “indies” que actualmente triunfan con sus ebooks como Blanca Miosi, Bruno Nievas, Enrique Laso, Gabri Ródenas, Lidia Herbada, Blas Ruiz Grau, Roberto López-Herrero, Largo Javariega y otros.

 

A la venta en amazon en http://myBook.to/eBook  por 2.68€

Ya que lo bueno, si breve, dos veces bueno, ahí os lo dejo.

Gracias por leer, y si os ha interesado, no os olvidéis de darle al me gusta, compartir, comentar, y hacer CLIC!

New Book. ‘The God Code. A Hidden Secret’ by Jordi Díez

Hi all:

As usual on Fridays I bring you a guest (and recently also new books). A few weeks ago I shared a new book by one of the writers I know from one of the groups of writers in Spanish who had had her book translated (Blanca Miosi). Today I have another guest from the same group, Jordi Díez (this time from Terrassa, Catalonia), who’s had his bestseller  ‘El Péndulo de Dios’ translated to English, ‘The God Code’. If you’ve enjoyed ‘The Da Vinci Code’ I would have a look at this novel.

The God Code by Jordi Díez

The God Code

Cècil Abidal, an experienced and well-known auditor for a non-profit organization, is asked to organize an auction for an antiquities’ lot of dubious origins found among the ruins of an old chapel. The artifacts’ value is not high but he´s assured the proceeds will fund humanitarian causes. He accepts the job even at the risk of his own reputation. However, what at first appears to be an ordinary sale of illegal antiquities, suddenly turns complicated when, at the last minute, an ancient codex is added to the inventory and a mysterious bidder pays a million euros for it. After the sale, and just as the codex´s falsehood is revealed, one of the auction’s “go-betweens” is murdered in unusual circumstances. In order to remain alive, Cècil needs to find the original codex. His desperate search takes him to Azul Benjelali, an old love and also an expert in ancient languages who disappears just as she is about to discover the location of a more than a thousand-years old relic that has been lost for centuries. Finally, with Mars´s (a mysterious and beautiful woman) help, Cècil races against time and is taken from one clue to the next while tracking the historical events that connect the Romans with the Templars, the Almogavars, Napoleon’s troops and the Nazis. This is a puzzle he desperately needs to solve before the secret falls into the hands of those who have been after it for centuries.

http://viewBook.at/thegodcode

Thanks for reading, and if you’re as intrigued as I am, like, share, comment, and of course, CLICK!

No os perdáis estos blogs!

Hola a todos. Como sabéis normalmente los martes me dedico a crear posts… un poco de todo. De mi escritura, reseñas (de libros, cine, teatro…), de la vida, pensamientos varios…

He decidido que sería una buena idea compartir con vosotros algunos de los blogs que sigo, por dos motivos. Primero porque mi vida está algo cambiante y no sé exactamente con cuanta frecuencia podré crear contenido para traeros al blog, así que me pareció que presentaros blogs que vale la pena leer siempre sería una ayuda. Y también de vez en cuando (muy de vez en cuando), me nomina alguien para un premio de bloguear, pero hace unos meses tuve una crisis de premios y decidí que prefería escribir en lugar de aceptar premios, así que me pareció que en lugar de eso sería bueno ir haciendo algún post para compartir blogs que sigo, a ver si la gente se anima a leer, que ese es el mejor premio.

He notado que mis amigos y compañeros en materias de blogging en español no suelen publicar posts tan a menudo como los que lo hacen en inglés. A veces leo un post muy bueno pero no veo otro de la misma persona por varios meses, así que iré añadiendo nombres a la lista e intentaré publicarlos de vez en cuando.

Net World Network Image courtesy of Vlado / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Hoy:

El tiempo habitado (Julie Sopetrán)

http://eltiempohabitado.wordpress.com/

Julie me descubrió a mí. Si alguien le da al me gusta en uno de mis posts, yo visito su blog. Cuando lo hice con Julie descubrí no solo a una escritora que no conocía, sino también una obra variada, poesías para niños, poemas en español e inglés, fotografías y citas, obras completas recogidas con amor. De vez en cuando me paso a explorar y nunca salgo decepcionada. Os la recomiendo.

Kokoro alma (Francisco Pelufo Martínez):

http://kokoroalmapoesia.blogspot.com.es/p/mi-libro.html

A Francisco ya le conocéis porque ha sido un invitado mío y habréis visto sus comentarios en mis posts. Tiene varios blogs, pero en este sigue publicando sus poemas muy a menudo, y os invito a que os paséis por allí, especialmente si sois románticos.

Blanca Miosi y su Mundo:

http://blancamiosiysumundo.blogspot.co.uk/

A Blanca también la conocéis, no solo porque ha venido de invitada, sino, porque todo el mundo conoce a Blanca. Blanca es como el hada madrina de muchos de los escritores independientes y en su blog nos presenta a autores, nos explica el proceso de su escritura, generosamente ofrece consejos sobre como promocionar libros… No os lo dejéis pasar.

Gracias a los blogueros (que no saben que están de visita), gracias a vosotros por leer, y si os ha gustado, y sabéis, dadle al me gusta, comentad, compartid, y sobre todo haced CLIC y SEGUID!

Blogs I follow. Come and have a look! Today blogs on writing and personal blogs

Hi all:

I decided I should share some of the blogs I follow and read regularly (as much as I can) for a couple of reasons. One is because I’m a bit in flux at the moment and as I wasn’t sure how much new content I could provide, I thought it was only fair to share the content of some of the blogs I come back to regularly so you would have  a chance to go exploring. Another reason is that every now and then I get offered some award for blogging, and as I decided some time ago to concentrate on the writing, I don’t follow through. A fellow blogger (more about her later) when she gets offered and award, she shares some of the blogs she follows and finds inspiring, and I thought that was a very good idea. So, thank you Teagan!

I follow many more blogs and I read as many as I can, but I thought I’d leave you a selection of a few (more next week) by topic. I hope this would become a feature and I’ll bring you updates regularly.

Image courtesy of Dominic Harness / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Today I thought I’d share some of the blogs that offer good information on all aspects of writing, and some that are by writers who talk about their trade, but also about their lives and other equally (or to my mind sometimes much more) fascinating themes.

Seumas Gallagher:

http://seumasgallacher.com/

This Scotsman now living in warmer and drier climates, has a unique style of interaction and loves social networking (you have to read him to know what I mean. I won’t try and imitate his style). He is amusing, provides useful information, and his approach proves that being unique and genial are strong assets in this world of blandness and copycats. Go on and check him out!

Daily Writing Tips (Maeve Maddox):

http://www.dailywritingtips.com/

Not being a native English speaker, I’m always trying to check my language and looking for tips, suggestions and good explanations. Maeve’s post never fail to teach me something new, and they’re always well thought and researched. A great resource!

Communicate Resources for Writers (Cate Artios)

http://cateartios.wordpress.com/

I know Cate through one of the writers’ groups I belong too, and we belong to the same Tribe in Triberr, so we share each other posts regularly. I enjoy the posts of all of my colleagues, but I’ve found Cate’s posts again a great resource and a mine of information. Cate creates her own posts and she’s always prompt to reblog and share posts she thinks will help others. Thanks Cate!

Sandy Appleyard (Author of hopeful memoirs and fiction)

http://www.sandyappleyard.com/

I’ve been following Sandy’s post for a while. She always manages to discover a new way to promote your books and increase visibility, and she’s always generous in passing the information on and offering help if you have difficulties. Now I’ve joined a group she’s created in Facebook and I’m sure there’s plenty more learning to come!

The Creative Penn (Joanna Penn):

http://www.thecreativepenn.com/

Joanna Penn and ‘The Creative Penn’ are well-known for their efforts in informing writers about resources, technology, programmes, training opportunities, and bringing innovators to her blog. I can’t imagine there are many people who haven’t come across her yet, but just in case somebody has been asleep for a while, I thought I’d mention her.

Teagan’s Books (Teagan Geneviene):

http://teagansbooks.wordpress.com/

Teagan’s blog, like many blogs of writers (I guess including mine) are a bit of a mix. Sometimes we all like to feel that it is our blog and therefore we’ll write about what we like, and if somebody likes it, all the better. But what I love about Teagan’s Books is the writing. Teagan is committed to writing a new piece (instalment) every week, and she takes to writing challenges like duck to water. I only discovered Teagan recently (although it feels as if we were close friends already) but I’m glued to her series of the three ingredients, where she’s writing a story set in the 1920s incorporating 3 food ingredients every week (these are provided by friends and other bloggers). She’s done other writing assignments before and I hope to be able to catch up with them soon. And don’t miss the care she takes in finding great period images for her posts (and of course, the recipes)! Go Teagan!

The next three blogs are by writers about writing also, but to me they have a bit of a more personal style.

Laurie Smith’s blog:

http://laurie27wsmith.wordpress.com/

Laurie Smith is a man who seems to have lived many lives in one. I love his Army series, that includes pictures of the period (oh, the pink tank!), his Wednesday offerings (usually great pictures and kangaroos and wallabies for good measure), and recently he’s talking about his experiences as a medium. If you want variety, Laurie is your man!

Barsetshire Diaries (David Prosser):

http://barsetshirediaries.wordpress.com/

Lord David Prosser (as his close friends call him), follows a diary style for his blogs. He writes his daily happenings and posts on a Sunday. Over time I’ve become fond of Reuben (grandchildren always a plus, and he’s gorgeous), his fishes, his brother (what time will he get up today?), the people at the eateries he visits, and the never ending stream of e-mails and posts that keep him glued to his computer (unfortunately my posts are part of the problem). He’s recently published a children’s book with illustrations and he’s a generous and thoughtful blogger, who will add mid-week posts if some good cause comes his way. He’s also become part of my family of bloggers.

Ailsa Abraham:

http://ailsaabraham.com/

I’d love to remember who alerted me to Ailsa’s posts (I think it might have been Seumas, who’s always prompt at reblogging posts he enjoys) but I read one where she was talking about trying to cope with her stroke in such a humorous way that I kept telling everybody I met about it. Ailsa is a writer, now living in France, and she has a fantastic sense of humour. She’s trying her hand at poetry and I cannot recommend her blog enough. Go and visit! You’ll feel better for it!

Thanks to all the bloggers for participating (without their knowledge but I hope they won’t mind), thank you for reading, I hope you’ve enjoyed it, and if you have, please like, share, comment, and especially CLICK and FOLLOW!

Novedad literaria. En un templo de Chiang Mai de Paloma Caraballo

Hola a todos. Como todos los viernes os traigo a una autora de uno de los grupos que frecuento que ha publicado una nueva obra que estoy segura que os encantará. Paloma Caraballo, la autora de La luz en la tormenta ha accedido muy amablemente a traernos su nueva obra, En un templo de Chiang Mai y una breve biografía.

En un Templo de Chiang May de Paloma Caraballo

Sinopsis

«En un templo de Chiang Mai» narra la historia de Marc, un melancólico instructor de artes marciales de 35 años, y una niña de 11 años, Carlota, durante un viaje por Tailandia.

Marc sufre las continuas ausencias de su pareja, y los desencuentros con su socio y amigo por una nueva alumna, Sara, harán que su equilibrio emocional se desestabilice aún más. Una llamada inesperada hará que conozca a Carlota, una niña que cambiará su vida para siempre. Ambos volarán al país asiático y, lo que comienza como unas vacaciones, se convertirá en un viaje interior por las profundidades del amor en todas sus vertientes.

Un templo de Chiang Mai será el escenario en el cual los protagonistas encontrarán la verdadera razón de vivir. Carlota se adentrará en el budismo theravada de la mano de Eric, un novicio español de 14 años, con quien descubrirá una nueva concepción del mundo. La pequeña nos hará partícipes de sus impresiones acerca de los principios básicos del budismo desde la ingenua perspectiva, aunque crítica, de su corta edad.

«En un templo de Chiang Mai» es una narración plagada de pensamientos y diálogos acerca del amor, de la soledad y de los miedos que acechan al ser humano, un jardín de sentimientos que florecen a lo largo de toda la novela de la mano de sus principales personajes.

Biografía de la autora

Paloma Caraballo nació en Madrid y realizó estudios de Geografía e Historia en la Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Ha vivido en Francia, Estados Unidos y Alemania, y habla cuatro idiomas. Desde la infancia supo que deseaba escribir y, durante sus continuos viajes, fue forjando una imaginación dedicada a las Letras.

Enlace:

http://MyBook.to/chiangmaia

También os dejo un enlace a su primera novela, para que aprovechéis la ocasión si no la habéis leído:

«La luz en la tormenta»

Enlace: http://MyBook.to/tormenta

Gracias a Paloma por traernos su nueva obra, a vosotros por leer y no os olvidéis si os ha gustado de darle al me gusta, compartir, comentar, y hacer CLIC!

 

 

Literary novelties. ‘September Again’ by Hunter S. Jones.

Hi all:

As you know I like to bring you guest authors and their new books on Fridays. Today I have an author, Hunter S. Jones, who has many diverse interests (she loves music, has a keen interest in historical settings, steam-punk, erotica) and whose romantic stories are nothing if not thrilling and fascinating. I bring you her new novel in her ‘September Stories’ series, ‘September Again’ and just in case you’ve missed it, I remind you of the first in the series ‘September Ends’. I hope you get to know her work and love it as much as I do.

 

September Again by Hunter S. Jones

September Again (September Stories) 

Hunter S. Jones (Author), An Anonymous English Poet (Author), BZ Hercules (Editor), Robin Ludwig Designs (Illustrator)

According to Cherokee beliefs, opportunity will bless you twice.

September Again, second in the series, September Stories, is the follow up to the hugely popular indie sensation, September Ends. September Again finds Liz Snow Savage leaving England. She follows her daughter Zelda Savage back to America after Zelda’s betrayal of her. More drama ensues as Liz looks for meaning in life while Zelda finds her direction after the tragedy of losing Jack O. Savage, The Poet. Set mainly in Chattanooga, Tennessee, September Again chronicles the rhythm of life’s cycles. The ebb and flow of love unravel the mystery of Liz’s past. September Again allows a further glimpse into the intricate web of passion and desire which have entangled Liz Snow, Pete Hendrix and Jack O. Savage for years. Will a chance encounter finally reveal the truth? What act will change the destiny of Liz and Zelda forever? The story of sin, salvation and redemption continues in Book 2 of the September Stories, told through a mosaic of prose with a smattering poetry.

Magic happens when you least expect it.

Link:

http://bookshow.me/B00JOQFCOU

And you shouldn’t miss the first novel in the series:

September Ends by Hunter S. Jones

September Ends

Hunter S. Jones (Author), An Anonymous English Poet (Author), Hercules Editing and Consulting (Editor)

Sometimes when you believe it’s the end, it’s only the beginning.

A secret betrayal with no time for revenge. The mystery unravels to reveal the magic of love.

September Ends is contemporary fiction with romance, erotic and supernatural elements, bound together by poetry. It reveals the intricate web of passion and desire which entangles Liz Snow, Pete Hendrix and Jack O. Savage. The story is told through Liz Snow’s diary, Jack O. Savage’s poetry, and from letters sent across the Atlantic. Traveling throughout the lushness of a summertime in Tennessee and Georgia, September Ends journeys into the elegance of London’s West End and is finally settled in the countryside of Cornwall, England, a decade later.

September Ends is a story of sin, redemption, and salvation through love, because love happens when we least expect it.

Link:

http://bookshow.me/B00FJD05YO

And here her Amazon author page just in case you want to know more…

http://www.amazon.com/Hunter-S.-Jones/e/B009SLNLKS/

Thanks for reading and as you know, if you’ve enjoyed it, like, share, comment, and please, please, please, do CLICK!

Ver para creer. Muestra de escritura.

Hoy he publicado un post en inglés con un par de reseñas de libros, pero ando rezagado con mis lecturas en español así que decidí compartir una historia que escribí hace mucho, y que creo que os traerá recuerdos (a algunos. Los más jovenes igual ni sabéis de qué estoy hablando).

Espero que os guste.

Girl with magnifying glass Image courtesy of Naypong / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

VER PARA CREER/3D

—¿Qué está mirando toda esa gente?

—¿Dónde?

–Ahí… —le dijo la mujer alta, impaciente, a su compañera, señalando a una tienda cercana.

Podrían haber sido hermanas, aunque probablemente sólo eran amigas. Las dos tenían unos cuarenta años, llevaban gabardinas y bolsas de la compra, la única diferencia entre las dos era que una era unos centímetros más alta que la otra. El centro comercial era un buen lugar para pasar otra mañana aburrida mientras sus maridos trabajaban, sobretodo en un día lluvioso.

A unos pasos de ellas habían al menos unas veinte personas, todas mirando al escaparate de una tienda grande. Parecía que estuvieran en trance, fascinados, sin apenas moverse…

—Vamos a ver —dijo la mujer baja.

Cuando llegaron allí, empujaron a un par de jóvenes y se plantaron en primera fila, para tener mejor vista.

—Ah, es otra de esas tiendas con posters del Ojo Mágico.

Había dos enormes posters  y una pequeña nota con instrucciones.

—Yo jamás he conseguido ver nada—dijo la mujer alta—. No creo que se pueda. Creo que nos están tomando el pelo. Como en el cuento del traje nuevo del emperador.

Un niño cerca de ellos dijo que él lo podía ver.

—¡Tonterías! —dijo la mujer alta.

—¿Por qué no pruebas con las gafas? Yo me he dejado las mías en casa— le sugirió su amiga.

—De acuerdo, de acuerdo, lo intentaré.

La mujer alta se puso las gafas, y se concentró en el póster de la derecha. Bizqueó, se balanceó hacia delante y hacia atrás, y entonces…

—Ah, sí…¡Es increíble!…Hay una puerta…parece…muy real…Casi puedo tocar la empuñadura…—ella levantó la mano y…

—Bueno, pues yo sigo sin ver nad…— la mujer baja se interrumpió a media frase —¿Dónde estás? ¿A dónde has ido?”

Su amiga no estaba en ningún sitio. Miró a su alrededor, entró en la tienda… Nada. Desaparecida. Se debía haber ido mientras ella estaba entretenida con el póster.

—Es de muy mala educación dejarme tirada así— se murmuró a sí misma.

El mismo niño le susurró a su padre:

—La señora en el póster…La de la derecha…¿La ves? Está en medio de un espacio vacío y negro, y parece sorprendida…¿No crees que se parece mucho a la señora que estaba aquí al lado hace unos minutos? Creo que es ella.

—¡No digas tonterías! ¡Es solo un póster!

El niño miró a su padre, nada convencido. Detrás de ellos, la señora baja echó un último vistazo a su alrededor, miró al póster, se prometió a sí misma que la próxima vez traería las gafas, y que jamás le volvería a hablar a su amiga de compras. ¡Desparecer de esa manera no se hacía!

Gracias por leer y si os ha gustado, y sabéis, dadle al me gusta, comentad y compartid!

New books reviews. ‘Believe’ by Mia Fox and ‘Phantom Bigfoot Strikes Again’ by Simon Okill

As you all know, I’m a writer and I’ve always loved books and reading. Unfortunately I don’t always have time to read as much as I’d like (for pleasure rather than for professional reasons, although when you’re a writer, reading other people’s books is always informative as well). Recently I’ve finished reading two book, a romantic novella with a paranormal touch, ‘Believe’ and a Young Adult story also set in the realms of fantasy (or maybe not. Bigfoot anybody?). I thoroughly enjoyed both reads and I thought I’d shared the reviews with you.

Believe by Mia Fox Cover

Believe (#1, Chasing Shadows Series)

Romance, Grief and a Love that Survives Everything

I came across ‘Believe’ through a sample posted in Wattpad and the beginning of the story hit me like a bomb. The different voices, the changes in rhythm and twists and surprises and the transitions form sweetness and everyday life to tragedy made me want to keep reading.

‘Believe’ is the first in the ‘Chasing Shadows Series’ but rather than starting slowly and building up the tension, we hardly have time to get to know the characters before we are thrown into emotional turmoil and deep waters.

Ella suffers a huge loss and the author shows great skill at capturing, through inner dialogue, the depth of sadness and desperation she experiences. Despite her sister’s attempts at restoring normality and comforting her, Ella wants her boyfriend, Nate, back. And it seems he does not want to leave her either.

Is this love beyond death? Or a manifestation of grief? Ethan, the therapist/resident assigned to her case when she finally collapses, has issues of his own. What will their meeting do for both of them? Is it fate?

The story is gripping and intriguing and the writing vivid, sensual and focused on the internal workings of the minds of the characters. As a reader I found it difficult not to empathise and share the feelings of the characters, their doubts and insecurities, and also their excitement.

I recommend ‘Believe’ to readers who enjoy an emotional rollercoaster and being thrown into the internal universe of the characters. Only one word of warning. The book ends up on a cliffhanger and I know some readers find that frustrating. Personally, I’m looking forward to the next book.

If you want to have a look:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IVXZ5AS/

Phantom Bigfoot Strikes Again by Simon Okill

‘Phantom Bigfoot Strikes Again’ by Simon Okill

Movie waiting to happen

I had read the previous incarnation and incursion of Simon Okill’s into the world of Bigfoot and Big Beaver. I saw that the author had written a young adult version of the novel and of course I had to read it. Much of my original review still stands and I’ll include the parts that are relevant, although I must admit that I prefer this version. Why? Although the story is still humorous, it has become also more complex, and the characters are more nuanced. We have added elements to the story (the aliens and the fact that Duane’s affinity for the Bigfoot is fully explained now and he even has special powers) and the characters are more fully-fledged. Although it is classed as a young adult book, I think adults will enjoy it as much, if not more, than younger readers, especially as many of the cultural references might be more familiar to people of a certain age.

I am not a genre reader. I don’t read a particular type of novel (or even only fiction, although it is my predilection) exclusively and I normally see what tickles my fancy at the time of choosing a book, although once decided I’ll usually stick to it.

I like comedies and humour but rarely buy books that are exclusively humour. I probably watch more comedy films than I read comedy novels.

One thing that struck me as soon as I started reading Simon Okill’s new novel was how much it felt like a film. From the establishing of the setting (‘Big Beaver’) and the characters (female sheriff still pining for the boyfriend who left five years ago for unknown reasons, large donut eating deputies, lascivious female bartender, young Native American chief with wise sayings, hunters and crackpots) in the first few pages you feel as if you’d walked into Big Beaver and are an observer (when not a full participant. I must say I sometimes thought I could smell the Bigfoot) in all the shenanigans taking place. It made sense when I read that Mr Okill had written a number of scripts. He has a knack for it, that’s for sure.

You have a mysteriously disappeared youth (that like Peter and the wolf had pretended to be abducted so many times that nobody believes he’s gone missing), bizarre crimes (Bigfoot breaking and entering to have a bath and leaving a variety of sweet foodstuffs there), FBI investigating team (hot female agent and the return of the Big Beaver prodigal son) and some set pieces you’ll never forget (alien abduction by Swedish-looking and lusty aliens from the planet Abba).

And of course, you have the Bigfoot. Although narrated in the third person this is an omniscient narrator who gets in the heads of all character, including the Bigfoot. If the human characters keep defeating your expectations (they’re all familiar types but keep surprising you), the Bigfoot are (at least to me) completely unexpected. Loveable and romantic, civilised and wild, they are not far from the noble savage ideal…only a bit hairier.

If you like out-of-the-ordinary comedies, have a soft-spot for lovable and unwise characters and long to submerge yourself in an unexpected world you’ll feel right at home in Phantom Bigfoot Strikes Again. Imagine ‘American Pie’ or ‘There’s something about Mary’ in a small mountain-town setting, with Bigfoot, and you might get a vague idea of what the book is about. If you fancy that image and are looking for a series that promises never ending entertainment, what are you waiting for? Go on and buy the book!

If you want to read more about it:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H5Y2AWU/

Thank you for reading and if you’ve enjoyed it and are interesting in the books, like, share, comment, and of course, CLICK!