M.L. Chesley's Blog, page 29
December 18, 2013
Book Review: The Contaminants by Devin K. Smyth
Title: The Contaminants
Author: Devin K. Smyth
Pages: 155 File Size: 338 KB
ASIN: B00BPK0G6C
Purchase: Amazon
About the book (from Amazon):
When America attempts to "purify" earth to maintain its own dominance, it sparks a worldwide nuclear holocaust. Teen friends Jessil and Soraj are among the few survivors. They escaped on a cruiser that now orbits the planet and is designed to help regenerate the earth's ecosystem. Soraj’s father leads the regeneration process and is hopeful that he can salvage a region in North America for the cruiser’s return.
But when Jessil discovers a message indicating her own father may have survived the holocaust back on earth, she’s determined to rescue him immediately with Soraj's aid. Can they succeed even though the planet they return to is very different from the one they left—and that their success could mean failure for the regeneration process?
My thoughts:
I'm not typically a Sci-Fi reader. Don't ask me why, I have no explanation, even though I love Star Wars and other SF movies.
"The Contaminants" by Devin K. Smyth is a really well written book. You get two points of view in this story, one being Jessil's and the other is Soraj's. Each chapter alternates the point of view, so you're getting a complete understanding of just what happened to Earth.
Jessil is simply an All American girl. She lives on the base with her father, brother and adopted brother before the attack. She's athletic and likes to keep busy. She's devastated that their father was left behind and tries to make the most of what is now her life.
Soraj is, to me, a typical teen who wanted the latest technology and sacrifices an eye to have a SOLE implant. I don't remember being told what SOLE stood for, but Devin explains the use of the device well enough, that it doesn't really matter. He's not as active as Jessil, but you can tell he's got a crush.
The two teens are so different, but they have a dynamic friendship, regardless.
So the creatures that now inhabit Earth are pretty amazing. This is, to me, a typical Sci-Fi story. It's believable, there are no questions raised while reading and it's a very engaging story. I highly recommend it, if you are a Sci-Fi fan.
My Rating:
So with all that being said, I give this book
4 out of 5 skull and crossbones.
Author: Devin K. Smyth
Pages: 155 File Size: 338 KB
ASIN: B00BPK0G6C
Purchase: Amazon
About the book (from Amazon):
When America attempts to "purify" earth to maintain its own dominance, it sparks a worldwide nuclear holocaust. Teen friends Jessil and Soraj are among the few survivors. They escaped on a cruiser that now orbits the planet and is designed to help regenerate the earth's ecosystem. Soraj’s father leads the regeneration process and is hopeful that he can salvage a region in North America for the cruiser’s return.
But when Jessil discovers a message indicating her own father may have survived the holocaust back on earth, she’s determined to rescue him immediately with Soraj's aid. Can they succeed even though the planet they return to is very different from the one they left—and that their success could mean failure for the regeneration process?
My thoughts:
I'm not typically a Sci-Fi reader. Don't ask me why, I have no explanation, even though I love Star Wars and other SF movies.
"The Contaminants" by Devin K. Smyth is a really well written book. You get two points of view in this story, one being Jessil's and the other is Soraj's. Each chapter alternates the point of view, so you're getting a complete understanding of just what happened to Earth.
Jessil is simply an All American girl. She lives on the base with her father, brother and adopted brother before the attack. She's athletic and likes to keep busy. She's devastated that their father was left behind and tries to make the most of what is now her life.
Soraj is, to me, a typical teen who wanted the latest technology and sacrifices an eye to have a SOLE implant. I don't remember being told what SOLE stood for, but Devin explains the use of the device well enough, that it doesn't really matter. He's not as active as Jessil, but you can tell he's got a crush.
The two teens are so different, but they have a dynamic friendship, regardless.
So the creatures that now inhabit Earth are pretty amazing. This is, to me, a typical Sci-Fi story. It's believable, there are no questions raised while reading and it's a very engaging story. I highly recommend it, if you are a Sci-Fi fan.
My Rating:
So with all that being said, I give this book
4 out of 5 skull and crossbones.
December 6, 2013
Friday Faves & Funnies...
It's Friday! And we're that much closer to Christmas.
You can throw rotten apples at me later, ha!
Being that it's the holidays, let's focus on some holiday favorites. One thing I absolute must do this time of year is watch "A Christmas Story". It isn't Christmas without it, for me.
"Stuck. Stuck! Stuck!!!"
Other traditions that have become favorites are taking the left over candy canes and crunching them up into chocolate chip cookie dough and baking cookies.
I like having spiced cider. This year I want to try mulled wine. I also like watching "It's a Wonderful Life". But most of all, it's spending time with my family that makes this my favorite time of the year.
So what traditions do you have that are your favorite?
On to the funnies!
You can throw rotten apples at me later, ha!
Being that it's the holidays, let's focus on some holiday favorites. One thing I absolute must do this time of year is watch "A Christmas Story". It isn't Christmas without it, for me.
"Stuck. Stuck! Stuck!!!"Other traditions that have become favorites are taking the left over candy canes and crunching them up into chocolate chip cookie dough and baking cookies.
I like having spiced cider. This year I want to try mulled wine. I also like watching "It's a Wonderful Life". But most of all, it's spending time with my family that makes this my favorite time of the year.
So what traditions do you have that are your favorite?
On to the funnies!
December 4, 2013
Insecure Writer's Support Group...
It's that time of month again AND that time of year!
Wow. Last month of the year and last IWSG post for 2013. If you want to know who else is participating visit the Ninja Captain behind it all, Alex J. Cavanaugh.
So I posted a bit of an insecurity yesterday. You can see that post here if you missed it.
For today, I'd like to be a bit more on the advice giving side, than the whiny, oh-my-gah-I'm-a-writing-failure! side. (I'm talking about me, not you.)
I see lots of my friends posting links to new releases. They talk about how this, that and the other thing will be out next month and the following month, there will be more. And don't forget to stay tuned to when you can see this short piece, that short piece AND a bag of chips with it all....
I'm being facetious. And by now, you're asking where is the advice?
Well, everyone goes their own pace. All the books I've read about being a writer and making time to write every. Single. Day... just doesn't pertain to me. I know lots of people who have trouble finding time to write. On the opposite side of that coin, I know lots of people who have too much time to write.
Personally, I can't write everyday. My creative process won't allow it. I have to come up with ideas, jot down as much info as I can, and then let it marinate for awhile. Sometimes, I go months without writing a single word, then all of a sudden, I'll write eighty thousand.
Does that mean I'm less dedicated than those people who have a new book out every week?
No. It just means I work differently than everyone else.
Story of my life. I am proud of the fact that my life-long address has been The Island of the Misfit Toys.
I'll be hopping around and visiting you all today to see what your insecurities are, and/or your advice! Have a great day.
Wow. Last month of the year and last IWSG post for 2013. If you want to know who else is participating visit the Ninja Captain behind it all, Alex J. Cavanaugh.
So I posted a bit of an insecurity yesterday. You can see that post here if you missed it.
For today, I'd like to be a bit more on the advice giving side, than the whiny, oh-my-gah-I'm-a-writing-failure! side. (I'm talking about me, not you.)
I see lots of my friends posting links to new releases. They talk about how this, that and the other thing will be out next month and the following month, there will be more. And don't forget to stay tuned to when you can see this short piece, that short piece AND a bag of chips with it all....
I'm being facetious. And by now, you're asking where is the advice?
Well, everyone goes their own pace. All the books I've read about being a writer and making time to write every. Single. Day... just doesn't pertain to me. I know lots of people who have trouble finding time to write. On the opposite side of that coin, I know lots of people who have too much time to write.
Personally, I can't write everyday. My creative process won't allow it. I have to come up with ideas, jot down as much info as I can, and then let it marinate for awhile. Sometimes, I go months without writing a single word, then all of a sudden, I'll write eighty thousand.
Does that mean I'm less dedicated than those people who have a new book out every week?
No. It just means I work differently than everyone else.
Story of my life. I am proud of the fact that my life-long address has been The Island of the Misfit Toys.
I'll be hopping around and visiting you all today to see what your insecurities are, and/or your advice! Have a great day.
December 3, 2013
Let's Be Honest...
Writing has been put on the back burner for me for a bit now. I did work on revisions of book two for a time after the move and it went well.
Now?
Meh. I feel like I have writer's block. But we all know what stress can do to you. As much as changes in lifestyle and all those other little bits and pieces that roll into one big ball of "I-don't-wanna!!!".
Funny thing is, I've worked through stress and writer's block before. But it seems like it always changes and becomes just that much harder to write through.
It adapts.
Which forces ME to adapt even more.
So I just continue watching all these new releases come from my writer friends and try not to let it get to me. I mean... I NEED. To. Write.
It's that simple. If I don't write, I go nuts. Okay... well, I AM nuts, it just makes it worse, that's all.
Seems like my blog theme so far has been: "Whine. Complain. Repeat." Maybe I'll just start posting up some of my flash fiction that I've been doing for writing prompts. I need to do something. You're all bored of my whiney-ness, I can feel it. Ha!
I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving holiday!
And a huge congratulations to all who participated in NaNoWriMo! Like I posted on Twitter, doesn't matter if you reached the 50,000 word mark, the fact that you TRIED is good enough for me.
Now?
Meh. I feel like I have writer's block. But we all know what stress can do to you. As much as changes in lifestyle and all those other little bits and pieces that roll into one big ball of "I-don't-wanna!!!".
Funny thing is, I've worked through stress and writer's block before. But it seems like it always changes and becomes just that much harder to write through.
It adapts.
Which forces ME to adapt even more.
So I just continue watching all these new releases come from my writer friends and try not to let it get to me. I mean... I NEED. To. Write.
It's that simple. If I don't write, I go nuts. Okay... well, I AM nuts, it just makes it worse, that's all.
Seems like my blog theme so far has been: "Whine. Complain. Repeat." Maybe I'll just start posting up some of my flash fiction that I've been doing for writing prompts. I need to do something. You're all bored of my whiney-ness, I can feel it. Ha!
I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving holiday!
And a huge congratulations to all who participated in NaNoWriMo! Like I posted on Twitter, doesn't matter if you reached the 50,000 word mark, the fact that you TRIED is good enough for me.
November 29, 2013
Black Friday Freebie...
I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving. I know I did! Time with family is always good and fun. A day spent together is always a good day.
I am sure lots of you are out shopping, but in the spirit of it all, I'm offering up "Adversarius" for free today. Why?
Well, if you happen to be purchasing a Kindle for a family member who likes fantasy, load up the Kindle with some freebies!
So here is the link. Please feel free to share it.
And enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend!
I am sure lots of you are out shopping, but in the spirit of it all, I'm offering up "Adversarius" for free today. Why?
Well, if you happen to be purchasing a Kindle for a family member who likes fantasy, load up the Kindle with some freebies!
So here is the link. Please feel free to share it.
And enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend!
November 27, 2013
Happy Thanksgiving...
Hey everyone! Just wanted to give you all a Turkey Day shout out!
I hope you have all had a wonderful year, lots to be thankful for. I won't be around much this weekend, but check back here on Friday. I'll be giving away my ebook, 'Adversarius' for free.
You know, so when you buy those Kindles, load them up with some free books!
Personally, I'll be hiding out on Friday. I don't do Black Friday.
Anyway, have a great, safe Thanksgiving and I will see you all next week!
I hope you have all had a wonderful year, lots to be thankful for. I won't be around much this weekend, but check back here on Friday. I'll be giving away my ebook, 'Adversarius' for free.
You know, so when you buy those Kindles, load them up with some free books!
Personally, I'll be hiding out on Friday. I don't do Black Friday.
Anyway, have a great, safe Thanksgiving and I will see you all next week!
November 25, 2013
It's All About Character...
So, was watching Charmed the other night. Yes, I know. Stick with me, I have a point.
It was the episode where the Elders took Leo away from Piper when they tried to secretly get hitched. Holly Marie Combs plays Piper in the series and I've always liked her best. Simply because I like her acting and how she portrays her character, Piper.
It was the end of the show and Piper was crying. But it was more than that. It was moving. I mean, I could have cried right along with her.
When any other character cries, I feel like, "Meh. Come on, get over it already." But not with Piper.
It isn't just Charmed, either.
The scene in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. You know the one, where Edward... I mean Cedric dies. It's a powerful scene, made more so by not just Daniel Radcliffe's portrayal of Harry, but of Jeff Rawle's portrayal as well, (Amos Diggory, Cedric's dad). The wail of a man who just lost his son. I've seen other movies where it comes across as mildly moving, but this guy nailed it. I bawled.
Maybe it's because I'm a mom. Maybe not.
We're moved by these characters, not just in movies, but in books, too.
Tell me you haven't gotten the sniffles during emotional scenes of your favorite books. When I was reading Melanie Rawn's "Dragon Prince" series, I cried when Rohan died and again, when Sioned died. The scenes were powerful, the characters, well loved.
So when you're writing, of course you want to move your readers. You want them to feel like they're right there in the scene with the characters. That they'll make your readers laugh or cry. That is something that is easily accomplished when you have good, developed characters.
Make sure you take the time to dig a little deeper into your character's psyche.
What characters have you been moved by?
It was the episode where the Elders took Leo away from Piper when they tried to secretly get hitched. Holly Marie Combs plays Piper in the series and I've always liked her best. Simply because I like her acting and how she portrays her character, Piper.
It was the end of the show and Piper was crying. But it was more than that. It was moving. I mean, I could have cried right along with her.
When any other character cries, I feel like, "Meh. Come on, get over it already." But not with Piper.
It isn't just Charmed, either.
The scene in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. You know the one, where Edward... I mean Cedric dies. It's a powerful scene, made more so by not just Daniel Radcliffe's portrayal of Harry, but of Jeff Rawle's portrayal as well, (Amos Diggory, Cedric's dad). The wail of a man who just lost his son. I've seen other movies where it comes across as mildly moving, but this guy nailed it. I bawled.
Maybe it's because I'm a mom. Maybe not.
We're moved by these characters, not just in movies, but in books, too.
Tell me you haven't gotten the sniffles during emotional scenes of your favorite books. When I was reading Melanie Rawn's "Dragon Prince" series, I cried when Rohan died and again, when Sioned died. The scenes were powerful, the characters, well loved.
So when you're writing, of course you want to move your readers. You want them to feel like they're right there in the scene with the characters. That they'll make your readers laugh or cry. That is something that is easily accomplished when you have good, developed characters.
Make sure you take the time to dig a little deeper into your character's psyche.
What characters have you been moved by?
November 22, 2013
Friday Faves & Funnies...
Well, it's Friday once again. It either means the end of a long week has finally come to a close, OR, you're that much closer to the end of the year.
Take your pick.
So let's see... I've been watching Charmed on Netflix these past several days. This will be like, my third or fourth time watching the series from beginning to end. I hear they want to remake it. Please, for the love of all that is holy, DON'T!! There are some shows that are just fine the way they are. Come up with something new. "Friends" was a popular, long running show, yet they're not remaking that one.
Anyway. I'm also watching 'Last Man Standing' with Tim Allen. Funny show! I like it.
But that brings me to some other favorites of mine. Favorite actors and actresses. Like, Billy Zane. ::Swoons and fans herself:: I love Billy Zane.
And Gerard Butler.
I like actresses, too. Alyssa Milano and Holly Marie Combs are two of my favorites and not just because they're in Charmed. I like Kate Beckinsale, although, not for the same reasons Alex J. Cavanaugh does. Ha! (I have something for you, Alex. Other than this pic...)
Who are your favorite actors/actresses?
On with the funnies!
And this one is just for Alex:
Ha! Hope you all have a good weekend! I'll see you on Monday.
Take your pick.
So let's see... I've been watching Charmed on Netflix these past several days. This will be like, my third or fourth time watching the series from beginning to end. I hear they want to remake it. Please, for the love of all that is holy, DON'T!! There are some shows that are just fine the way they are. Come up with something new. "Friends" was a popular, long running show, yet they're not remaking that one.Anyway. I'm also watching 'Last Man Standing' with Tim Allen. Funny show! I like it.
But that brings me to some other favorites of mine. Favorite actors and actresses. Like, Billy Zane. ::Swoons and fans herself:: I love Billy Zane. And Gerard Butler.
I like actresses, too. Alyssa Milano and Holly Marie Combs are two of my favorites and not just because they're in Charmed. I like Kate Beckinsale, although, not for the same reasons Alex J. Cavanaugh does. Ha! (I have something for you, Alex. Other than this pic...)Who are your favorite actors/actresses?
On with the funnies!
And this one is just for Alex:
Ha! Hope you all have a good weekend! I'll see you on Monday.
November 21, 2013
Book Review: The Garnet Dagger by Andrea Cooper
Title: The Garnet Dagger
Author: Andrea Cooper
Pages: 202 File Size: 328 KB
ASIN: B00BS9HTBK
Purchase: Amazon
About the Book:
Forbidden to cross the Elvin barrier into human lands, Brock cannot sate his curiosity. Cursed by a vampyre bite that forces him to feed on the life-essence of others, he is unable to touch another without taking their life. Chained by prophesy, he must find a witch, pierce her heart, and draw her blood for his cure.
Celeste must escape the monks who have held her prisoner for years. Her magic has been kept dormant by her captors. An ancient powerful Warloc craves her powers. If he succeeds in devouring her magic, she and the world will die.
When Brock falls in love with Celeste before realizing her demise is his cure, will love triumph over his desire to be healed? Will he risk everything to save her from a Warloc, an oath breaker, who also wants her dead?
My thoughts:
Okay, first of all, this is a cool concept. I would never have thought about an Elf being turned into a Vampyre. Second, the way this vampyre kills is just downright awesome. Completely off the mainstream beaten path.
Andrea Cooper paints a very vivid world in "The Garnet Dagger". Her characters, Brock and Celeste, are very well developed.
Brock is a typical, curious Elf. Sadly, it is his curiosity that gets him in trouble. But he is willing to do what he must to fix his mistake.
Celeste is a very strong-willed girl. She doesn't take no for an answer, which is good. Seems like Brock needs someone like that in his life. They are the epitome of Yin and Yang.
The book has some errors, nothing major. The writing style is a little different than what I am used to, but Andrea keeps you in the story at all times.
So what am I rating this book? I give it:
3.75 out of 5 skull and crossbones
Author: Andrea Cooper
Pages: 202 File Size: 328 KB
ASIN: B00BS9HTBK
Purchase: Amazon
About the Book:
Forbidden to cross the Elvin barrier into human lands, Brock cannot sate his curiosity. Cursed by a vampyre bite that forces him to feed on the life-essence of others, he is unable to touch another without taking their life. Chained by prophesy, he must find a witch, pierce her heart, and draw her blood for his cure.
Celeste must escape the monks who have held her prisoner for years. Her magic has been kept dormant by her captors. An ancient powerful Warloc craves her powers. If he succeeds in devouring her magic, she and the world will die.
When Brock falls in love with Celeste before realizing her demise is his cure, will love triumph over his desire to be healed? Will he risk everything to save her from a Warloc, an oath breaker, who also wants her dead?
My thoughts:
Okay, first of all, this is a cool concept. I would never have thought about an Elf being turned into a Vampyre. Second, the way this vampyre kills is just downright awesome. Completely off the mainstream beaten path.
Andrea Cooper paints a very vivid world in "The Garnet Dagger". Her characters, Brock and Celeste, are very well developed.
Brock is a typical, curious Elf. Sadly, it is his curiosity that gets him in trouble. But he is willing to do what he must to fix his mistake.
Celeste is a very strong-willed girl. She doesn't take no for an answer, which is good. Seems like Brock needs someone like that in his life. They are the epitome of Yin and Yang.
The book has some errors, nothing major. The writing style is a little different than what I am used to, but Andrea keeps you in the story at all times.
So what am I rating this book? I give it:
3.75 out of 5 skull and crossbones
November 20, 2013
Going Back...
Well, as I sit here, I have just sent off an inquiry to go back to school online. I'm hoping to take some online courses in computer graphics.
I have an associates degree in advertising art/marketing, but have not really done much with it, unless of course, you count the marketing I've done for my book.
My graphics experience is mostly hands on, old school stuff. I'm sure you all remember me talking about, a while back, using the GIMP program to do some stuff. I'm still learning. But now I want to learn more and get my degree. It's difficult to go back to work if you don't know half the stuff you need. Which, I only know half of graphic arts, I don't know computer graphics.
So wish me luck. Also, in the next few days, look for a new page on my blog. I'll be posting up my jewelry I've been working on. I'm looking into opening an Etsy store, but for now, I'll just use my blog as my website.
Hope you are all having a good week and I'll see you again on Friday!
I have an associates degree in advertising art/marketing, but have not really done much with it, unless of course, you count the marketing I've done for my book.
My graphics experience is mostly hands on, old school stuff. I'm sure you all remember me talking about, a while back, using the GIMP program to do some stuff. I'm still learning. But now I want to learn more and get my degree. It's difficult to go back to work if you don't know half the stuff you need. Which, I only know half of graphic arts, I don't know computer graphics.
So wish me luck. Also, in the next few days, look for a new page on my blog. I'll be posting up my jewelry I've been working on. I'm looking into opening an Etsy store, but for now, I'll just use my blog as my website.
Hope you are all having a good week and I'll see you again on Friday!
