Nancy LaRonda Johnson's Blog, page 5

D is for Don't Do It! + Indie Book Review: Prophet

Don’t Do It!
Twitter message: Don’t do it. You’ll be sorry. I know. I did it & look what happened! Learn from me-you’ll suffer less & live longer. Marriage aint worth it!




Nat Turner, born into slavery October 2, 1800, on a Southampton County plantation, became a preacher who stated in his confession he’d been chosen by God to lead slaves from bondage. On August 21, 1831, he led a freedom movement that resulted in the participation of nearly 100 slaves and free blacks throughout the state. This crusade concluded with the ultimate punishment of nearly 60 slave owners, their wives and children. He eluded capture for nearly six weeks was eventually imprisoned and later hanged. The incident frightened the slave owners so much that in a desperate attempt to hold on to their unjust power they enacted harsher laws against slaves and free black that exhilarated the emancipation movement. Prophet is a screenplay of this story.
About the Author
Kenya Cagle holds an MBA in Media Management. He began as a child actor doing community and Off-Broadway Theater. He studied drama at the prestigious High School of Performing Arts, Communications and Media Arts at Empire State College and Business Management at Metropolitan College. Learn more about Kenya Cagle here.
My Review:
An affective and evocative true story told in a way that stays with you. Prophet: The Story of Nat Turner seems true in its historical account, while portraying Mr. Turner in a way that is not only human but preternatural as well. For such a short piece of work, you get an complete life. Mr. Turner’s heart, his faith, his anointment, as well as his violent fight for justice is described in a biblically comparative way that could be disturbing… if you are not sufficiently familiar with the stories of the Bible. A story worth told and reading.
You can purchase Prophet - The Story of Nat Turner for $2.99 from Amazon.com.

C is for Christian Writers Conference + Indie Book Review: Dark Cherub

Christian Writers Conference at Mt. Hermon in the Santa Cruz mountains.
I am very excited to be going for the first time to the Mt. Hermon ChristianWriters Conference, and hope to get many connections with people who understand the growing field of my genre. Christian speculative fiction is horror, sci-fi and fantasy written from a Christian angle. When I went to the San Francisco Writers Conference in 2012, I didn’t know the name of this genre, and it seemed none of the agents and other conference representatives did either. But, as I said, it is a relatively new genre, even though books such as The Exorcist and The Omen fit within it. Famous writers in this field include Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti.
I’ll be attending the conference from April 11th to the 15th. Conferences can be overwhelming, but I of the two I’ve gone to, I’ve also learned a lot. I hope this will be the best so far!



Shadows lurk in the darkness, preying on hundreds of women--women who have one hidden thing in common. A young woman witnesses the unsettling disappearance of her high school principal and soon finds herself facing a harrowing decision. Two friends find themselves facing a power that threatens not only their lives, but the lives of thousands more. One is fighting her own shadows from past decisions. The other is followed by a lurking adversary who nearly killed her five years before. She begins to connect a series of events, and a frightening realization comes to light: they face a power that cannot be fought with guns or weapons. Will they find the answers, and the strength, to cast away the grip of a hostile presence that only wants them dead?
My Review
Parker J. Cole's Dark Cherub is a story that makes you wonder about the evil of humanity, its morality and self-righteousness, and its hope. Christian speculative fiction, including Christian horror, is my genre as a writer, and Cole did it well. Dark Cherub is an intricate story of friendship, hatred, the evilness of Satan and the love of God. There were times when I started to wonder about her pushing her stance on abortion rights, but then the story took a turn to acceptance and understanding. A very enjoyable read. 
About the Author Parker J. Cole is a writer and radio show host who spends most of her time reading, knitting, writing, cooking, and concocting new ideas for stories. Her first novel, Dark Cherub, won Best of Spring Reading 2013 from eMediaCampaigns. She lives in Michigan with her husband and beloved dog Sarah. Visit her site at http://www.ParkerJCole.com. You can purchase Dark Cherub for $3.03 from Amazon.

B is for The Barker + Indie Book Review: Echo of a Siren

The Barker

“Better luck next time!” the barker yells out, his shrill laugh a claw to my nerves. He puts his hand on my shoulder, heavy and warm, feeling much larger than it looks. I peer up at his stony, pale face. His black eyes pierce through me, searching me, making me feel naked and ashamed.
“You’d better get going, little girl. Your mamma’s gonna start gettin’ worried.” His hand still on my shoulder, holds me. I’m no little girl, and my mom’s ten years dead, but I am unable to say a word or to move. 
“See what happens when you lose Life’s Big Question, gal? You lose!” Opposite to his high-pitched laugh, his voice is a booming baritone that shatters my eardrums. Blood drips from my ears, down my neck. His hand melts through me, gets hung up on the bone, then sinks down and to the left, fully grasping my heart as if it’s the size of a loquat, and squeezes.
The barker’s eyes lock on mine, heat radiating from them. No, not radiating… they suck the energy and life right out of my eyes, from my heart, while he rattles my heart within his closed palm.
“Now, gal! Yo’ mamma’s waitin’ on you to come on in.” His laugh seems to split my head wide open. The fire in his eyes sears mine right out of their sockets and scorches my brain. “No use tryin’ to fight it. Ain’t no denyin’ it neither. You lose this time. And there ain’t gonna be no next time! Not fo’ ya.”
Before my body disintegrates into my hardened, shrunken heart, I hear him say to himself with incredulous humor, “Life’s Big Question. Get’s ‘em ev’ry time.”
His hand lets go of my heart and I drop into darkness. By the sounds and feel, I know the barker gives a couple of pats to his pocket and gets back to work.
Tightening pressure. Suffocating heat. Incredible sadness – everything that’s encompassing my deadening heart, all that’s left of me. Alone. Silence. Except for a soft whisper that comes in the erratic rhythm of another dying heart somewhere below mine: “That’s-what…happens…when-you…leave-behind...the-lessons…learned-from…your-parents…. Your-grand…mother…had-also…told-me…to-never…say…‘I-don’t-know’…to-life’s…big…questions.”
The whisper dies and there's only silence. My mother’s heart, after ten years of waiting, ceases. A profound coldness fills her void. Now I must keep going – heart pumping, hurting, fearful – to-wait…and-learn…whether…my-daughter…will-answer…better.…



Greg’s world was turned upside down the night of the storm. Unexpectedly plucked from the sea’s watery grave by a mysterious woman, he knows he should feel grateful for his life when so many were not as fortunate.
Rachel is a siren, her role is to lure men to their deaths. But she cannot bring herself to destroy Greg. As unfamiliar human emotions begin to take over her, she has to fight against the siren within her, as well as the Siren Counsel in order to find some peace of mind.
However, for Greg, whenever Rachel is around, someone always seems to die. When he tries to begin a new life for himself, she is still there and it is not until she tells Greg her story that they each become ready to move forward in their lives.
But will fate permit them to live as a normal couple with so much death in their wake?
My Review
Although this is a sequel, it works well as a stand-alone, as I have not read Dodd's first book. I enjoyed this story, and looked forward to seeing how it would work out. It works very well as a romance and mystery, and follows the sad consequence of a sole survivor of a storm none of the victims had any business being caught in. It's a very entertaining and engaging story. Although there were some explanations, at times there could have been a bit more to let the reader truly believe why - such as why there were so many people angry that Greg survived, and why Greg so easily accepted the truth of his savior.
Still, as stated before, I was drawn to this tale and eager to find out what would... and will happen in the third book of this series.
About the Author
Sonya C. Dodd was born in Norfolk, England and still lives there today in North Elmham with her two sons: Hugo and Branwell.
Although Sonya has been writing for a number of years, she only recently began to publish her writing.
Sonya writes in a number of genres including: romance, supernatural and thriller. Sonya has also written a number of short stories.
The Kindle version of Echo of a Siren is available on Amazon.comfor $1.50.Visit Sonya’s blog: https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/5776819

A is for Ain't Got No Time For This! + Indie Book Review: No Heaven

Ain’t got no time, but I just gotta do it!
Everyone, I loved Arlee Bird's A to Z Challenge the first time I did it last year, that despite taking entrepreneurship classes, working full-time, writing more – in other words, just ain’t got the time for it – I just gotta do this!
So, with no promises to no one… as you probably do or do not know, I’d stopped blogging for an indefinite period of time for the above reasons… let’s give this A-Z Challenge thing a whack!!!!!!
Though themed person I self-proclaim to be – there’s no theme in this challenge for me.
Also, while I'm back to blogging (for the time being), I get to get on with my Indie Fever Reading Challenge book reviews: 

Click on photo to check it out on Amazon
The first time He walked our Earth; he came to teach people The Way to inner peace and everlasting life without fear of death or oppression by those with religious or political power.
He Failed.
As Eloah (aka Yeshua ben Yosef) returns to save the world from darkness lurking just beyond the public eye, his presence challenges modern Christianity and the core beliefs of a religion founded in His name.  The ensuing struggle to save humanity is on - in a good versus evil battle of epic proportions.
My Review:
No Heaven by Lex Allen is quite intense story with real characters. The story flows well and is intricately told. As complex as it is, each character has an important role that pushes the plot forward. I, unfortunately, don't get the feeling of caring for any of the characters, which made me want to complete the story only to get to the end of it. Being part of a series, there's no surprise that questions are still raised by the end of this first part. The ending, however, was too abrupt and gave no sense of finality.
Being Christian, I also found the basis of the story far fetched. Written in a style of providing facts and arguments, I had to remind myself that it is meant to be fiction, which made it a bit more tolerable. Those, however, who are looking for a new way of viewing Christianity, may find this quite imaginative, evocative and intriguing.
About the Author:
Lex Allen was born in San Marcos, Texas and raised in the cities of Corpus Christi and Austin. At age 17, he joined the U.S. Army. His extensive military career and subsequent civil service employment with the U.S. Department of Defense took him to Germany where he now lives in a century old Bauernhaus with his wife of 30 years and their two-year old dog, Chloe. He took an early retirement from civil service in 2012 to pursue his writing career full-time.
Following the publication of “No Heaven” and “No Hell”, Lex is hard at work on the conclusion of the Imagine Trilogy – “No Religion”, scheduled for release in the Spring/early Summer of 2014.

An unplanned hiatus

Please forgive me as I take another hiatus from blogging. I hadn’t planned on this, but have got so much going on, I am not able to keep up with blogging as well.
Maybe when I come back, I’ll throw a big party - an overnight pajama party, with truffle filled piñatas and party favors that come in diamonds, with champagne spouting harmonicas and balloons that pop out fairies who teach us the most amazing dance moves!

Until then….

Celebrating the Rewrite + Indie Book Review: Last Days in the Life of Jillian

For VikLit’s Celebrate the Small Things blog hop, I’ll talk about one of the things that has been taking over my life….
After the mad dash to complete the first draft of Anticipating Dawn, and after receiving treasured comments from my first beta reader, I’ve come to realize that now I need to give this sequel more care. This is only my second novel. And me being me, it’s a darned strange story. Thus, it needs more care in the creation of its connective tissues to make sure the synapses engage properly. I have to remember that and be happy to have the ability to perform this intricate procedure, and to temper my desire to rush and start sending out query letters! Woe is me….
I remember when writing my first book, Anticipation of the Penitent, and believed it was complete. Come some several months later, I’d realized that it was only about halfway done. Limbs need to be amputated and reattached, grafts executed and patches affixed before it could have the life I meant for it. I do believe Anticipating Dawn is much more than halfway done, but it is not yet whole. 

Didn’t I expect this? Didn’t I tell myself it wouldn’t be complete for a few months yet? Still, my head nearly convinced me that it was close to perfect and needed only a couple of tweaks. Crazy brain!
Well, the operation has begun, and Anticipating Dawn will be in recovery (editing time) in about three months (Two? One and a half, maybe?) to be revealed as my much more sound second bouncing baby creation. And what a beautiful creature it will be!
I'm looking forward to reading your celebrations!




The Last Day in the Life of Jillian (The Last Days)
The first book in a series of The Last Days.Jillian and Evan are trapped and Evan is ill. Jillian recalls the events that have led to their demise and documents the stages of Evan's infection as he changes into a being to be afraid of.
My Review
It's been a long time since I've been truly scared reading a book or, in this case, a story. This one did scare me, caused my heart to beat faster from the suspense of it all, and it continued to long after the story was over. I don't think I've ever read a zombie book or story, and this was a great introduction to the genre. Loved the main character. Jillian's voice carried me throughout, and her neighbors and husband, as well as her descriptions of her sisters, seemed very real. The scenes, conversations, zombie outbreak, all very believable. The storytelling was superbly done, with the side stories (or explanations) giving it a grotesquely genuine spice. Thankfully, I didn’t have any scary or even strange dreams after reading this.

There are some editing issues that detracted slightly from the story as a whole. In the post note, the author does mention the hope to get an editor in the future. I still recommend this story for those who like a little freaky fictional, but smartly done, scare in their lives.
About the Author
Julie A. Brown, also writing as Julie Cooper Brown. Julie has always loved to write poetry and the like in her younger years. She has written The Last Day in the Life of Jillian as her first attempt at writing fiction and hopes to break through with this new novella. Julie enjoys playing guitar, piano and violin though she is unable to read music. And although she has no degrees to brag of and only an eighth grade education, she is confident in her writing and only hopes to improve her technique in the future.

HNY IWSG!

For this first Wednesday of the month’s Insecure Writer's Support Group for 2014, a group initiated by Alex J.Cavanaugh, I’m celebrating and lamenting.
I’m celebrating completing the first draft of Anticipating Dawn, the sequel to my first book, within my goal of by the end of 2013. Whoopee!!
I’m lamenting because although I expected nothing more than to complete it to the best of my ability for a first draft, I’m fearful that people won’t like it!! But I’ve supplied it to two beta readers, one who’s reading Anticipation of Penitent first and, thus far, finds the first one "very gripping", "quite shocking in places" and "unbelievably sad" – her words, which are oh such wonderful things to hear. I can’t wait to hear what she says about the sequel. Will it be a disappointment or will she think it’s as great as I think it is, or at least has the potential to be?
It doesn’t help that a writer’s group that I’ve been attending for several years is changing in unsatisfactory ways with a new mediator, who seems to want to be a teacher that sees her opinions as more accurate, than a mediator. I may give it one more try.
I’m also uncertain about starting up again on my next project, The Witch of Endor. It’s hard to get myself into another project when this one needs reworking, editing, waiting for beta readers to get back to me, more and more and more editing, querying…. Oh, how do I get my brain around it all?
I’m looking forward to hearing from you all and giving support for your woes.
Happy New Year IWSG!

50 States of Pray + Indie Book Review: The Hunted

My friend, Mark Koopmans, has come up with this wonderful blogfest 50 States of Pray, where on Christmas Eve hopefully people from each of the states will share our prayers, hopes, dreams, disappointments and whatever else for 2013 and onto 2014, all in about 100 words. Now, that’s a challenge!
From California, in 2013, I have:
Published my second book, Salted With Fire.Learned to claim my genre, Christian speculative fiction;Read and reviewed many indie books;Started my journey for a healthier me;Had a wonderful vacation in Hawaii and met Mr. Koopmans;And I have found a new church that I’m falling in love with.I've also spent too much money on a publicist;And didn't get as many book sales as I'd wished.But I do know that God has much more in store for me!

My prayer for 2014 is that I will:
Continue to grow in Christ;Boldly and productively use the gifts God has given me;Get my 3rd and 4th books published;And start the beginning stages of my plan to develop an indie publishing/distribution business.

God bless you all, and have a Merry Christmas!


Karen Black's The Hunted




Synopsis:
When Yvonne’s tranquil existence is invaded by nighttime terror, her days become haunted, filled with exhaustion and fear. From a garden lush with lavender to a forest brimming with danger, the Hunted will take you on a journey bursting with perplexity, incomprehension and disbelief. In the end, you’ll understand.
My Review:
A nicely detailed story of a hunted woman living in two worlds, one a dream, the other real. There is great characterization in this short tale. The intensity of the chase in one world, coupled with the relaxed lifestyle of the other world, draw the reader into the mystery of this story. The catcher is the ending that comes out of nowhere to give the reader that final-line joy.
Author Bio:
An unexpected twist is typically woven into Karen's stories, many of which a include a paranormal influence. She has published three individual short stories: "A Candle in the Darkness", "Mountain Justice," and "The Hunted." Those three stories, along with three others, are contained in the recently released "Stories for the Dead of Night," by The Seven Fates Writers.Karen Black and her husband live in Pennsylvania, with two small, but delightful alien creatures, disguised as cats. One of the little critters is thought to be ET's second cousin, although that has not been confirmed. She believes in ghosts, and loves all things mystical and unexplained.Webpage: http://Storiesbykaren.orgFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/SevenFatesWriters Twitter @KarensStories

50 States of Gray + Indie Book Review: The Hunted

My friend, Mark Koopmans, has come up with this wonderful blogfest 50 States of Pray, where on Christmas Eve hopefully people from each of the states will share our prayers, hopes, dreams, disappointments and whatever else for 2013 and onto 2014, all in about 100 words. Now, that’s a challenge!
From California, in 2013, I have:
Published my second book, Salted With Fire.Learned to claim my genre, Christian speculative fiction;Read and reviewed many indie books;Started my journey for a healthier me;Had a wonderful vacation in Hawaii and met Mr. Koopmans;And I have found a new church that I’m falling in love with.I've also spent too much money on a publicist;And didn't get as many book sales as I'd wished.But I do know that God has much more in store for me!

My prayer for 2014 is that I will:
Continue to grow in Christ;Boldly and productively use the gifts God has given me;Get my 3rd and 4th books published;And start the beginning stages of my plan to develop an indie publishing/distribution business.

God bless you all, and have a Merry Christmas!


Karen Black's The Hunted




Synopsis:
When Yvonne’s tranquil existence is invaded by nighttime terror, her days become haunted, filled with exhaustion and fear. From a garden lush with lavender to a forest brimming with danger, the Hunted will take you on a journey bursting with perplexity, incomprehension and disbelief. In the end, you’ll understand.
My Review:
A nicely detailed story of a hunted woman living in two worlds, one a dream, the other real. There is great characterization in this short tale. The intensity of the chase in one world, coupled with the relaxed lifestyle of the other world, draw the reader into the mystery of this story. The catcher is the ending that comes out of nowhere to give the reader that final-line joy.
Author Bio:
An unexpected twist is typically woven into Karen's stories, many of which a include a paranormal influence. She has published three individual short stories: "A Candle in the Darkness", "Mountain Justice," and "The Hunted." Those three stories, along with three others, are contained in the recently released "Stories for the Dead of Night," by The Seven Fates Writers.Karen Black and her husband live in Pennsylvania, with two small, but delightful alien creatures, disguised as cats. One of the little critters is thought to be ET's second cousin, although that has not been confirmed. She believes in ghosts, and loves all things mystical and unexplained.Webpage: http://Storiesbykaren.orgFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/SevenFatesWriters Twitter @KarensStories

Celebrate! + Indie Book Review: Watcher

It’s been quite a while since I’ve posted on VikLit’s blog hop, Celebrate the SmallThings. but today’s a good day to re-indulge. It’s been a good few months. Though I've decided to slow down my blogging significantly, I plan to be involved with this meme at least once or twice a month.
**Last week, I was in Hawaii, and met up with a great blogger friend, Mark Koopmans. Here’s a pic (just be gracious in your comments.) He’s definitely a sweetheart, and my sister and I had a fantastic time in Honolulu. You can see his blog post of our visit by clicking here.


**The Kindle version of Anticipation of the Penitent is free on Amazon.com from today, 12/20 to Sunday, 12/22. Spread the word!

**An interview will be posted today regarding Anticipation of the Penitent at Indie Author Land, a free spot for promoting yourself.
**I’ve finished my Christmas shopping and even wrapping way ahead of time! First time in… forever. :)

 **And, here’s another indie book review:


Watcher - A Short Story Of Terror [Second Edition]by Alen B. Curtiss
Synopsis:

The stalker - spending his time observing, following, studying those who he calls his Play Mates. His victims - spending their time living their lives, going about their daily routines, oblivious to the fact they have been singled out, have been selected to participate in the End Game.
Driven by a need even he doesn't fully understand, the stalker is compelled to play his game until the very end, compelled to ensure he and his chosen Play Mate are locked together, as close as lovers, as the End Game concludes. It is his game. They are his rules.
But what will happen if one of his victims refuses to play his game, refuses to abide by his rules. Will the End Game be completed, as dictated by the stalker's primal urges, or will a new and even more sinister game be created?
My Review: 
A short story of horror, Watcher goes into the mind and acts of a grizzly stalker, rapist and killer. The killer's motivation are thoroughly hashed out, and how you think the story will play out, thankfully, does not. Instead, the story ends with a not-so-nice twist. Some of the storyline could have been developed and "shown" more instead of being "told." Lingering questions, however, keep you intrigued even after the story ends. In the whole, this was an entertaining story into a demented mind.
Author Bio:
Born in the southern counties of England, Alen has travelled extensively throughout the UK, living for a time in most of it’s various different regions.Now settled in the Lake District, Cumbria (local to Penrith), he has decided to dedicate his time to one of his greatest passions – writing. An avid reader, and a big fan of horror, fantasy, sci-fi, adventure, and anything else in between, Alen has decided to write in all the various styles that he loves.As he has said – “They say a journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step. I say a journey into the fabulous unknown begins with the first word on a blank page.”
Get your copy from Amazon.com for $1.50. Alen B. Curtiss' blog.