Roland Clarke's Blog, page 31

The Must-Have Thesaurus

Hi everyone! Today’s an exciting day because I’ve been helping Angela and Becca at Writers Helping Writers keep a BIG secret: what the next book in their thesaurus series will be.

It might seem strange for an author to not tell their readers about the book they plan to release…unless your names are Becca and Angela. They are known for writing books on showing, not telling, and couldn’t pass up a chance to do just that by waiting for the cover reveal, which is today!

So, without further ado, I give you…



[image error]

The Emotion Thesaurus Second Edition!

You might have heard of The Emotion Thesaurus before, or even have a copy. The original released in 2012 and quickly became the go-to guide on expressing character emotion. The book’s lists of body language, thoughts, and visceral sensations for 75 unique emotions made brainstorming character expressions and reactions so much easier.

The Emotion Thesaurus is one of my primary writing resources – well-thumbed in my quest to improve my characters’s emotional behaviour.

In this second edition, the authors have added 55 entries, bringing the total to 130 emotions.

That’s not all, either. This book is almost double in size with lots of new content. You can find a full write up for it HERE and a list of all the entries (plus some samples!) HERE.

Plus, this book is available for pre-order! You can find it on Amazon, Kobo, Apple Books (iTunes), and Indiebound.

One last thing I wanted to mention…

Angela & Becca are giving away a free webinar recording of one of their popular workshops on Emotion, so head over if this is an area of struggle for you. It might really help!

I’m off to pre-order my copy of The Emotion Thesaurus Second Edition now before I tackle another scene.

2019 Cloak and Dagger Challenge

[image error]

Yesterday, I posted my 2018 books and hinted at
another Challenge as well as the Goodreads Reading
Challenge. While the Goodreads target includes all genres, this other one
is restricted to the genres that my writing falls into. My current WIP is a police
procedural but the Cloak and Dagger Challenge encompasses other related genres.

If you want to learn
more, visit the sign-up site at: https://www.booksmoviesreviewsohmy.com/2018-cloak-and-dagger-challenge-sign-up/

However, here are
the rules copied from the site:

Challenge Rules:

You
can read any book that is from the mystery/suspense/thriller/crime genres.
Any sub-genres are welcome as long as they incorporate one of these
genres.You
don’t need a blog to participate but you do need a place to post your
reviews to link up. (blog, goodreads, booklikes, shelfari, etc.)Make
a goal post and link it back here with your goal for this challenge.Books
need to be novellas or novels, please no short stories. (At least 100
pages +)Crossovers
into other challenges are fine.The
Challenge will be from Jan. 1st to Dec. 31st. (Sign up ends March 15th)

This year we are doing the link up a little different. Both
Barb and I keep forgetting to do the link ups each month so I thought it would
be easier on us if we did Quarterly link ups, so there will be four review
link-ups. (Jan-March, April-June, July-Sept and Oct-Dec)

There will be a monthly link up so that others can check out
your progress and look at your reviews. At the halfway mark and at the end we
will have a giveaway for those participating.

If you tweet about your progress or reviews please use the
hashtag #CloakDaggerChal so others can see it.

Levels:

5-15 books – Amateur sleuth

16-25 books – Detective 

26-35 books – Inspector

36 – 55 – Special agent

56+ books – Sherlock
Holmes

My 2019 Cloak and Dagger Books

Looking back at my diverse 2018 reads according to Goodreads, I
managed to read 11 ‘Cloak and Dagger Books last year – that made me an Amateur
sleuth.

But I’m not aiming to read any Cozy Mysteries in 2019, so my
aim is to reach the Detective level. Is that realistic?

This is my current list of ‘eligible’ books based on
the paperbacks on my desk and on my US & UK Kindles. However, the ones on
the UK Kindle, I am unable to access except on the Kindle Cloud reader – such
as the rest of the brilliant Fiona Griffiths series. Plus, I am likely to see
some tempting reviews that I have to act on as well – and I have some unbought ‘wants’
at Amazon.

[image error]



The Things You Didn’t See by Ruth Dugdall –
read and reviewed: https://rolandclarke.com/2019/01/09/the-things-you-didnt-see-a-review%EF%BB%BF/
The
Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton – I’m currently reading this unusual mystery that feels
like Cluedo crossed with Groundhog Day with Agatha Christie pulling the
strings.Murder
Keeps No Calendar by Cathy
Ace – a short story collection from Welsh Canadian author, Cathy Ace whom I
first discovered when I picked up a paperback in a Welsh market.The
Pot Thief Who Studied Edward Abbey by J. Michael Orenduff – 8th in the Pot Thief Mysteries
series but can be read out of order. I won this in an author giveaway.The
Fake Date by Lynda
Stacey – a psychological thriller that received excellent reviews, especially
from a reviewer I follow. Plus, the protagonist has amnesia like my detective.A
Beautiful Poison by
Lydia Kang – one of my January free Prime reads with an unusual premise.Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier – the February/March selection
for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group Book Club and an overdue read. Hunter’s Chase by Val Penny – a ‘well plotted’ crime novel
reviewed by an author I rate.No Life
Until Death by Garry
Rodgers – Vancouver-based police procedural from a retired RCMP homicide
detective whose informative blog I follow.The
Silent Dead/Death in the Lakes by Graham Smith – first in police procedural series set in the Lake
District, UK.The Frame-Up by Meghan Scott Molin – the premise of a female
comic book writer tackling crime and the sample hooked me.The
Good Knight by Sarah
Woodbury – a historical mystery set in 12th century Wales so three
reasons to tempt me.The
Lady of the Lakewood Diner by Anne R. Allen – a comedy whodunnit with Woodstock era characters and
more. And a writer that I follow and admire.The
Inside Passage by Pendelton
Wallace – first in the Ted Higuera suspense thriller series. Scared
to Death by Rachel
Amphlett – set in an area of the UK, Kent, that I know well, plus this is the
first book in the Kay Hunter series.This
Thing of Darkness by
Harry Bingham – a must-read as I’m a fan of Welsh detective Fiona Griffiths;
this is the fourth novel in the series.Montbel: A
French Murder Mystery
by Angela Wren – another visit to the Cevennes is due so I must read this
Jacques Forêt Mystery, the third outing in enjoyable series. See my review of Book
1 at https://rolandclarke.com/2017/09/12/messandrierre-a-review/
.Shallow
Waters by Rebecca Bradley – police procedural by a
retired police detective set in Nottingham, UK. Second in the D.I. Hannah
Robbins series.Marred by Sue Colettta – the first in a series by the
respected crime writer that deals realistically with the attempt to bring a
serial killer to justice.The
Spy’s Bedside Book by
Graham Greene (Editor), Hugh Greene (Editor), Stella Rimington (Introduction) –
collection of short stories.A
Noise Downstairs by
Linwood Barclay – it’s about time I read another novel by one of my favourite authors,
and this one involves memory loss as well.



[image error]

This feels like a daunting list, but it’s only mid-January so there’s no
reason to panic, Jonesy. If you have any suggestions as to books I should add,
comment away.

I might have a larger task with the fourteen additional books that I need
to read for the Goodreads Reading Challenge. Children’s books, and novellas?

2018 Reads and Beyond

[image error]

As a writer, reading is an
important part of the process. Reading teaches me many writing lessons while
entertaining me. I hope that it’s making me a better writer.

Inspired by some of the writers
and readers that I follow, here is my 2018 reading list and top books of the
year. Most were not published in 2018, but that’s when I read them so that’s
what counts.

[image error]

First, the list as I reviewed them – with links:

Avalanche (A
Stone Mountain Mystery #3) by Kristina Stanley – 5 stars

The
Warrior’s Path (When Women Were Warriors #1) by Catherine M. Wilson – 5 stars

For The
Winner (Golden Apple Trilogy #2) by Emily Hauser (Goodreads Author) – 5 stars

A
Journey of the Heart (When Women Were Warriors #2) by Catherine M. Wilson –
5 stars

A Hero’s Tale
(When Women Were Warriors #3) by Catherine M. Wilson – 5 stars

Death in
Dulwich (London Murder Mystery #1) by Alice Castle – 4.7 stars

Apricots and
Wolfsbane by K.M. Pohlkamp – 4.9 stars

Air and Ash
(TIDES #1) by Alex Lidell – 4.3 stars

The
Shepherdess of Siena by Linda Lafferty – 4.3 stars

The Last
Wish (Saga o Wiedźminie #1) by Andrzej Sapkowski – 5 stars

Lord of
the Flies by William Golding – 4.5 stars

The
Secret Keeper by Kate Morton – 5+ stars

[image error]

The
Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (The Chronicles of Narnia) by C.S. Lewis –
4.4 stars

The
Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald – 4.3 stars

Sword of
Destiny (Saga o Wiedźminie #2) by Andrzej Sapkowski – 5 stars

Look the
Other Way by Kristina Stanley – 4.6 stars

The
Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware – 5 stars

Never on
Saturday by Sue Barnard – 4.4 stars

Heathcliff:
The Unanswered Questions Finally Answered? by Sue Barnard – 4.4 stars

Horsemanship
by Gina McKnight (Editor) – 5 stars

Mr
Churchill’s Secretary (Maggie Hope Mystery #1) by Susan Elia MacNeal – 3.7
stars

The
Strange Death of Fiona Griffiths (Fiona Griffiths #3) by Harry Bingham – 5 stars

Code Name
Verity (Code Name Verity #1) by Elizabeth E. Wein – 5+ stars

Joseph
Barnaby by Susan Roebuck – 4.6 stars

Method
Acting For Writers: Learn Deep Point Of View Using Emotional Layers by

Lisa Hall-Wilson – 5 stars

The
Ragged Edge of Night by Olivia Hawker – 5 stars

What
Child Is This by Rhys Bowen – 5 stars

Eadric
And The Wolves: A Novel Of The Danish Conquest Of England by David K.
Mullaly – 4 stars

[image error]

I’ve missed a few books – the Children’s ones –
but these are the majority. On reflection, there are more five stars awarded than
memorable books, and I’ve tended to be unfair to the authors I interact with.
Why? Reverse favouritism?

Anyway, thinking back over the year and looking
for memorable reads, here’s my top three for each of the genres that I lean
towards:

Thrillers- Mystery- Suspense-Crime:

The
Secret Keeper by Kate Morton – 5+ stars

[image error]

The
Strange Death of Fiona Griffiths (Fiona Griffiths #3) by Harry Bingham – 5
stars

Avalanche (A
Stone Mountain Mystery #3) by Kristina Stanley – 5 stars

Fantasy:

The
Warrior’s Path (When Women Were Warriors #1) by Catherine M. Wilson – 5
stars

[image error]

The Last
Wish (Saga o Wiedźminie #1) by Andrzej Sapkowski – 5 stars

For The Winner
(Golden Apple Trilogy #2) by Emily Hauser (Goodreads Author) – 5 stars

Historical
Fiction:

Code Name
Verity (Code Name Verity #1) by Elizabeth E. Wein – 5+ stars

[image error]

The
Ragged Edge of Night by Olivia Hawker – 5 stars

Apricots and
Wolfsbane by K.M. Pohlkamp – 4.9 stars

Some of these cross genres and showed that is achievable seamlessly. These lists
lead into my top five reads of 2018 – well fiction reads – in order.



Top Five Reads
of 2018

1.             Code Name
Verity (Code Name Verity #1) by Elizabeth E. Wein – 5+ stars

[image error]

2.            The
Secret Keeper by Kate Morton – 5+ stars

[image error]

3.            The
Warrior’s Path (When Women Were Warriors #1) by Catherine M. Wilson – 5
stars

[image error]

4.            The
Strange Death of Fiona Griffiths (Fiona Griffiths #3) by Harry Bingham – 5
stars

5.            Avalanche (A
Stone Mountain Mystery #3) by Kristina Stanley – 5 stars

Top Non-fiction has to be my ‘desk-bible’ – Method
Acting For Writers: Learn Deep Point Of View Using Emotional Layers by Lisa
Hall-Wilson. By the use it has already got, that 5 stars rating is low.

[image error]

Keeping track of my reading has been my
Goodreads account. I’ve now taken part in the Goodreads
Reading Challenge for the last three years and passed my modest goal each
year. I set the bar low as there are days when I struggle to read more than a
few pages; not because the books are bad but because of health issues.

In 2018, I read 45 books and passed my target of
3o – call that figure 42 as three books got counted twice. Only 28 got reviewed
– as above – but Goodreads did keep tally so I must have some reviews
outstanding.

However, despite reading 41 books in 2017, I have
kept my goal for 2019 low at 35. I am ahead as I type this, but I’m now reading
a chunky 500-page book.

In my next Book Review post, I will list some of
the books that I plan to read – with another Challenge as the target.

Finish the Damn Book! – a review

[image error]

Time for another book review in this new style post that’s
not on a Thursday. And this was one of the few non-fiction reads planned for
2019. Plans are like rules, of course.

[image error]

Finish the Damn
Book!: An Inspirational Guide to Writing

by

Martin
McConnell (Goodreads Author)

This isn’t about
grammar or syntax, it’s a wake up call for anyone wanting to write a book,
create artwork, or craft lyrics and poetry.

Write faster, improve
faster, and create poetic prose through this iterative process.

New writers often
struggle at first. Experience enhances writing ability. The only way to improve
is to write more, edit more, and iterate. McConnell puts you on the fast track
to developing your writing skills and gives you the motivation needed to
overcome not only writers block, but to boost your productivity in all aspects
of life.

The biggest obstacle
to becoming an author is finishing the first draft, and that monster known as ‘writers
block’ is usually the scapegoat. This book will show you how to put that
monster in the corner while you crank out chapter after chapter.

It’s short, fun to
read, and will leave you reaching for an ink pen by the time you’re done. Put
away the distractions and excuses and finish that damn book!

Review 3.5 stars

 Finish the Damn book! is a short motivational book that was what I needed to get me back to the keyboard of creativity – well almost. It might be focused on new writers, but writers struggling with monsters like ‘writer’s block’ and ‘prevarication’ will get a kick out of the forthright lessons – a kick in the ass as the author says.

McConnell doesn’t mince his words
in delivering his honest message, albeit one that some of us have heard often –
and ignored. The book is neatly divided into two parts: ‘The First Draft’ and ‘Post
Draft’ with useful appendices for further digging. Getting your first draft
down without distractions, excuses, and evasions, is the primary goal in simple
suggestions that rang true for me. Only when that first draft is finished can a
writer tackle the editing phase – harder but fun.

This isn’t a writing guide with detailed
steps on what to do, but a series of motivational kicks to keep you on the path
of getting a book finished. Like me, other writers might find that McConnell’s
productivity is daunting and some of his suggestions questionable. Yet, he advises
taking what we need and discarding things that don’t fit with our approach. But
there are warnings of dangers when we wander. Just don’t expect everything claimed
on the tin.

This isn’t a desk-bible for me, but when I wander off-piste I will dip back in. Four stars minus 0.5 for irritating editing mistakes – like ‘reigns’ for ‘reins’. Given the author’s editing suggestions, I was surprised.

I won this book in a
NaNoWriMo-related competition with no obligation to write anything – but I am
grateful to Martin McConnell for sending me a copy. And my NaNo wins prove to
me that there is value here.

Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey – a review

[image error]

As a reader and a gamer, this was inevitable – a second game related book. Although the first was a book that led to a game – Witcher – while this arose from a game. But both related to games that absorb/distract me.

[image error]

Assassin’s Creed:
Odyssey

by 

Gordon
Doherty (Goodreads Author) 

THE OFFICIAL NOVELIZATION BASED ON THE POPULAR VIDEO GAME FRANCHISE.THE OFFICIAL NOVELIZATION BASED ON THE POPULAR VIDEO GAME FRANCHISE.

They call her misthios–mercenary–and she will take what she is owed.

Kassandra was raised by her parents to be fierce and uncaring, the ideal Spartan child, destined for greatness. But when a terrible tragedy leaves her stranded on the isle of Kephallonia, near Greece, she decides to find work as a mercenary, away from the constraints of Sparta. 

Many years later, Kassandra is plagued by debt and living under the shadow of a tyrant when a mysterious stranger offers her a deal: assassinate the Wolf, a renowned Spartan general, and he will wipe her debt clean. The offer is simple, but the task is not, as she will need to infiltrate the war between Athens and Sparta to succeed.

Kassandra’s odyssey takes her behind enemy lines and among uncertain allies. A web of conspiracy threatens her life, and she must cut down the enemies that surround her to get to the truth. Luckily, a Spartan’s blade is always sharp.

            Review 4.4 stars

As a fan of historical fiction and a gamer, this was an enjoyable
book throughout. I admit that I finished the main questline of the game, Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey before reading
this novelisation. And I played Kassandra
preferring the performance of the voice actress, Melissanthi Mahut.

Kassandra is a mercenary who is caught up in a conspiracy that threatens her life – and the future of Greece. Here past is entwined with Sparta’s past and one she can’t avoid.

This novel was as immersive as the game but building on what
I already knew of the ancient Greek world and from the game world. Not
surprising from Gordon Doherty, a writer of ancient historical fiction who
clearly knows how to make a historical period come alive – in this case, the
Second Peloponnesian War between
Athens and Sparta at the head of their respective Leagues.

Once finished, I was interested to see how far the historical
detail departed from reality, knowing that some have called the Assassin’s
Creed universe ‘alternative history’. In this storyline, there are elements and
a few characters that are fictional and perhaps ‘alternative’. But the
background, the world and many of the principal players are historical – like my
favourite, Brasidas. The
characters come alive – helped I admit by meeting them in game – although they
may not have the complexities that some readers might expect.

The game is visually stunning – as Greece is – but this
novel adds the smells of the world from the flowers and sea breezes to the unwashed
bodies and corpses. There are moments that are darker, more visceral and
realistic. That’s the power of crafted words.

I’ve idolised Sparta – sometimes – but I’m convinced now
that Sparta is not the place for me. Athens is more suited to my artistic and
democratic temperament – but under Perikles.

This novelisation adds more to the plot – even alternative
motives and actions that embellish a storyline that must work in a game setting
where it’s hard to have multiple endings. For me, there were few surprises, but
I enjoyed the development of characters and situations that fleshed out events
and structure. Time was more akin to what one would expect – journeys take days
and weeks; scouting out a target can take weeks, if not months; events occur
over months, even years. We mustn’t forget that the Second Peloponnesian War lasted
almost thirty years, from 431 to 404 BCE.

This novelisation ended with a clever scene that worked for
the Assassin’s Creed universe and was perhaps better although different from my
ending. A fun and recommended read if you enjoy this genre of book.

Story – four stars

Setting/World-building
– five stars

Authenticity –
five stars

Characters – four
stars

Structure – five
stars

Readability – four
stars

Editing – four
stars

**

I’m still exploring the game of Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey, although I am now on side-quests and
exploring places unfound – and I have yet to slay the Minotaur. At some point
in the future, I will review the game – if there is the demand. For now, the
focus will be on books – albeit the current one is non-fiction.

The Things You Didn’t See – a review

As I’m a writer that reads, this book review comes first and then the life problems are the footnote to this new style post.

[image error]

The Things You
Didn’t See

by

Ruth Dugdall (Goodreads
Author)

Her instincts are telling her something isn’t right…

On a chilly morning in rural Suffolk, Cassandra Hawke is woken by a gunshot. Her mother is clinging on to her life, the weapon still lying nearby. Everyone thinks it’s attempted suicide—but none of it makes any sense to Cass. She’s certain there’s more to it than meets the eye.

With her husband and father telling her she’s paranoid, Cass finds an unlikely ally in student paramedic Holly. Like Cass, she believes something is wrong, and together they try to uncover the truth. But is there more to Holly’s interest than she’s letting on?

With her family and loved ones at risk, Cass must ask herself: is she ready to hear the truth, and can she deal with the consequences?

**

            Review 4.4 stars

If I went by the blurb, this book would be Cassandra Hawke’s
tale – but that’s just part of this novel which starts twenty years earlier
when eight-year-old Holly Redwood sees a ghost shot at a remote farm on
Halloween.  The unresolved experience lurks
in her past until as a trainee paramedic she is called out to help with an
attempted suicide – at the same farm.

Cass doesn’t believe that her mother committed suicide but
her husband and her father behave as if she is paranoid. However, she befriends
Holly who believes her as the explanations don’t feel right. And Holly suffers
from synaesthesia, a condition where the person can feel the emotions of others
as if they are their own – a mixed blessing it seems for Holly.

The setting pulled me in, in part as I know Suffolk and
Norfolk. The descriptions were immersive, blending imagined places with the real
ones that matched my memories.

The author uses two POVs to differentiate the two protagonists
– first person for Cass and third for Holly. First allows the reader to see
into Cass’s confused thoughts – the mind some say is paranoid. There are
reasons for that, but I’ll just say that those are cleverly unclear at first.
Who is telling the truth?

Holly as a protagonist stood out for me – and not just because of the prologue that set the unsettling feelings going.

As a fan of first person and deep POV, I kept wanting to get inside Holly’s head more than was possible. However, two first person POVs is hard for some readers, and the author made the necessary choice choosing Cass – a mind that twists the plot. And the suspicions. Would Holly as first person POV instead been a different book?

Suicide or murder? What starts as an ‘open and shut’ case, works
through murder suspects at a steady pace that was in danger of losing me –
especially when I identified the culprit or thought I did. But there was enough
drama for me to read on and meet all the secondary characters – including the
suspects. They all had their own traits and worked. But too many felt irritating,
even if there was some justification for their attitudes. Death and murder have
repercussions. Or do they for everyone? Who profits?

This is not a rushed mystery but as the plot deepens, the
pace picks up. I had my suspicions, but my suspect remained hidden from the
police for a long time. There was a point where I felt the story was being
drawn-out, but I was also teased and tested. Suicide can be instigated, and I
have experienced that. But that may or may not be the resolution?

Am I teasing or tempting you? Read this recommended novel to
find out what happens in this cleverly crafted story. The twist works even if…well,
you’ll see what I mean.

Story – four stars

Setting/World-building
– five stars

Authenticity –
five stars

Characters – four
stars

Structure – four
stars

Readability – four
stars

Editing – five
stars

**

Falling Future

I was aiming to write this review for Thursday 3rd
January, but I was still working through New Year emails, my IWSG post, and
other messages that overwhelmed me into Friday and beyond. And then came the
weekend, and writing was not easy as my mind was fractured by my MS. Plus, the
emails kept coming.

Anyway, this review was delayed until I could make a realistic
space – and create a new banner that lets me post any day of the week.

It didn’t help that I fell on the floor – or rather crashed
out of my manual wheelchair transferring to a power chair. We’ve been looking
at buying a power wheelchair, but they are expensive – especially on two
retirement incomes. Second-hand is more manageable so that is the route we are
going.

Falling hurts – especially when I smashed my head, broke a
tooth, and bruised my right arm; I’m right-handed. Falling could be a theme too
– for my memoir. Falling in love, falling from horses (or ponies) and falling
ill – which means falling on the ground.

So, do I start working on / distracting myself with my life story? Should it be called ‘The Art of Falling’ or ‘A Life of Falling’ or something else?

[image error]Next week’s new arrival

#IWSG – Questions, Questions and more Questions 

[image error]

Created and hosted by the Ninja Captain himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure
Writer’s Support Group monthly blog post is here again – and so am I.

Apologies for the two weeks of silence, but it was those midwinter
distractions, and even now I feel inundated with emails that subtly hint at
what I should be doing.

But I hesitate to reflect on 2018 or make resolutions for
2019. Okay, I may review my reading tomorrow and I have resolved decided
to develop and focus on Fevered
Few, my NaNoWriMo novel. But more about that another day/week/month.

First, the IWSG post which got me scribbling in my little
black notepad over midwinter-fest.

January 2 question – What are your favourite and least favourite questions people ask you about your writing?

“What are you writing
now?” is my favourite question and lets me ramble about my WIP – or attempt
to explain it as briefly as possible. Answer:
Fevered
Few

[image error]

“Why haven’t you
published anything since 2013?” is THE question that I dread so my least
favourite. Answer: Because I take
years to finish anything and change novels mid-edit.

“So, you never submit
anything?” annoys me because I dislike the Answer: Nothing of value it seems.

“Why are you being rejected?” is another least favourite,
and enough to make me feel dejected. Answer:
What do you think?

“But you’ve been a winner?”
is a question/comment that hovers midway between favourite and not. Answer: This is a chance to crow about
a writing prize as a kid and the giveaways that make up my TBR pile. Or the
point when I confess that my writing has yet to win a prize this century – so,
that’s why I’m an Insecure Writer in an Ace group called IWSG.

And now the real question: “What are the questions to ask – or not ask – about your writing?”

***

The awesome co-hosts for the January 2 posting of the IWSG
are Patricia Lynne, Lisa
Buie-Collard, Kim Lajevardi, and Fundy
Blue!

Purpose of IWSG: To share and encourage. Writers
can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak.
Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a
safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer
in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a
personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG
post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is
officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your
thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you

What Child Is This – a review

[image error]

I fell behind with my reading during NaNoWriMo in November, although I did finish Book 2 in a fantasy trilogy, but my review of that is pending my reading Book 2.

After my November focus on writing, this month has seen me focused on a beta read – and my WEP/IWSG contribution.

However, I have been reading a novel as well, plus the short story that earns today’s Thursday Creation Review as this was seasonal with an uplifting message.

 

[image error]

What Child Is This

by

Rhys Bowen

Christmas during World War II is a time for small miracles in this bittersweet short story by the New York Times bestselling author of The Tuscan Child and In Farleigh Field.

Jack and Maggie Harris are adrift on ravaged streets during the London Blitz. Their home is gone. They have nowhere to go and nothing left to lose. With only the memories of their greatest loss—the death of their child during a Christmas years before—Jack and Maggie settle in a seemingly deserted mansion for the night.

Inside they find shelter, warmth, and a bit of cheer. They also discover a surprise. Now, in the darkest of times, the unexpected compassion of strangers will make this Christmas one to remember forever.

 

Review 5 stars

As the festive season drew on, I was treated to this wonderful Christmas read – an Amazon First Reads free with my Prime membership, but I would have willingly bought this.

Set during one of the darker moments in Britain’s history, when the country was locked in the midst of WWII, this short story paints a snapshot of the London Blitz. An image of a time when people tried to remain strong and strive to be positive – as these characters do.

Jack and Maggie Harris are bombed out of their home in the East End, already scarred with the loss of a child during another Christmas. Their unfolding attempt to find shelter, warmth, and a bit of cheer on Christmas Eve was uplifting – light in the darkness.

I liked all the background detail of the period which echoed what I knew of the Blitz from other books and my own research. Having lived in and explored London, I could envisage where this occurred.

And I related to the characters, who, even in this tight tale, rang true with reactions and emotions that added to the story’s magic. The main characters especially had understandable flaws within their positivism.

The ending was a reward for all – including this reader – and it had me smiling and feeling festively satisfied.

Story – five stars

Setting/World-building – five stars

Authenticity – five stars

Characters – five stars

Structure – five stars

Readability – five stars

Editing – five stars

#WEP/IWSG December 2019 challenge – RIBBONS AND CANDLES.

[image error]

My #WEP/IWSG post for December is a continuation of my Halloween/Deja Vu or Voodoo post, White Lady. I continued to explore the incident during NaNoWriMo so this is derived from what I wrote in November.

However, the incident is too long to conclude her, but the conclusion will be in 28 writing days – more or less. This incident in the career of Sparkle Anwyl plays a key part in Fevered Few, Book 1 of the Snowdon Shadows police procedural series.  

Rushlight Wreathes

Ghost hunting doesn’t fall into my remit as a police officer, but my inquisitive nature wanted to identify our ‘White Lady’ during off-duty hours at home. Why had the ghost appeared on the old track between Porthmadog and Tremadog on Halloween?

My tingling tattoos and the mnemonic CALENDS had stirred up this cold case investigation. C for Coach, A for Accident, L for Lady, E for Eerie N for Night, D for Dreams, S for Spirits.

With no local police records before 1857, I trawl the old North Wales papers for coach-related incidents after 1811 and the founding of the ‘new town’ of Tremadog.

Fist pump as details match.

On November 1st, 1836, Dinah Adelaide Quinlan, the seventeen-year-old daughter of a retired soldier, Major Bernard Algernon Quinlan living in Tremadog was run down and crushed under the hooves of a sporty Phaeton carriage, driven by an unknown but uniformed person that was seen leaving the battered body at Major Quinlan’s house off Isgraig. The reporter was unclear why Dinah was on foot as her family owned a Berlin carriage, but she never requested the vehicle from their coachman.

Delving further, I discover that Major Quinlan served with the British East India Company’s Madras Army in Southern India between 1790-1805. On his retirement, he acquired a substantial property in the new town, and invested in the area. A photo shows a middle-aged Major Quinlan in his uniform decorated with medals on ribbons.

If Dinah was the ghost and died in 1836, there must be a grave or family tomb. Where if the family were Church of England? Her funeral details state the church of St Cynhaearn, known as Ynyscynhaearn.

Familiarity warms my spine – my tad’s parents are buried there. A visit to the place where they rest in peace, alone, yet surrounded by the sleeping graves of more than three centuries worth of parishioners.

A click as the door of the flat opens. I look at the mantel clock – midnight. As Kama walks into the kitchen I embrace her.

“More cold research? Found anything, cariad?”

“After three evenings of digging, chellam.” I stroke her face. “Are you up for visiting a graveyard? One where our ghost might be buried?”

Kama blinks and hangs up her biker jacket, then peels off her leather pants. “I’m free on Friday – isn’t that your day off as well?”

“If crime takes a slow day – yes. Date then.”

##

The stone walls seem part of the white-dotted green fields beyond that were once filled with water centuries earlier. There is an atmosphere of serenity, as few other than sheep wander down the narrow track.

Slate gravestones, orphaned from their corpses, are lined up along the side benches. Tears start to trickle as we read the names and imagine past lives. Welsh and English at peace in this corner of our troubled land.

My ancestors lie in a simple family plot awaiting the next member. I shudder, fearing who is most at risk. At least, my tad is now a desk sergeant and no longer front-line like me. I shake off the fear and focus on searching.

“Major Bernard Algernon Quinlan.” Kama points at a family grave comprising a more ostentatious mounted urn surrounded by a yew and an ornate railing. “There’s not just one person in here.”

“Died in 1840 aged 73. Buried alongside his wife – and his daughter Dinah Adelaide Quinlan.” My heart tightens, and my throat constricts. “She was the first to be buried here – a tragedy. I wish we knew more. Burial records before 1837 are less organised and vary between churches.”

“Does that mean more cold research?”

“That carriage killed her – accident or murder? Cold case so I’m hooked as ever.”

Gravestones are never cold names. Gateways to memories beckon.

##

Kama has the addiction too – but she’s the real detective.

“This ancestry site has descendants of Major Quinlan.” She points to our desktop screen. “A direct descendant of his son posted this – Edwin Quinlan.”

“Who has a daughter called Dinah. But the family is from the West Country – Truro.” The mother lode or a red herring. “This Edwin is named after the Major’s oldest son, the dead Dinah’s brother. And Dinah occurs down the generations. Do the family know more?”

Kama opens another link. A black and white photo of a family group taken in 1840, the year Major Quinlan died. The group is in what must have been a lavish sitting room in the family home. Soft lighting comes from strategic candles and rushlights. The photo shows Major Quinlan, his son Edwin Owen Quinlan and his wife, another daughter with her Royal Navy uniformed husband.

Kama points to the son-in-law. “It’s only a photo but that man is hiding something – or am I being too suspicious?”

[image error]Rushlight – Public Domain

Not CALENDS but CANDLES.

The tingling of my tattoos agrees with her, and I tap out a new mnemonic on my studded bracer. S-I-N.

S for Suspect. I for Inheritance. N for Naval. In Celtic folklore, there is a tale of bringing candles to the church to count sins. Was this the unknown figure that retrieved the body?

I zoom in to a mirror – reflecting a carriage and two horses outside.

“If that’s a phaeton then you may be right. Unfortunately, our suspect is dead, and the crime is more than cold. But we can resolve something.”

“What make of carriage that is and did the family own that type – although the latter will be problematic.”

Finding a photo of a 19th century phaeton that matches proves difficult as the reflection is indistinct. However, our search for records on period vehicles in Snowdonia yields a name – Raimund Virtanen, a horsebox builder who knows about 19th century vehicles.

A recent group photo of him presenting rosettes with long ribbons at a horse show suggests that he is respected – or has influential contacts.

A lead or a dead end?

***

Comments are welcome as usual, but for the WEP Challenge, the following applies:

Word Count 999: MPA

(FCA welcome – if you want to send one, just let me know in the comments.)

[image error]

#IWSG – Five Objects * #NaNoWinner2018

[image error]

This  Insecure Writer’s Support Group monthly blog post is a few hours late as I’ve been dealing with the backlog from November, primarily from NaNoWriMo. But more about that at the end.

First, the IWSG post which got me thinking – in a lateral way.

December 5 question – What are five objects we’d find in your writing space?

Clutter – where do I start?

In fact, my space is organised clutter as I know where everything is when I need it – I just forget to take the pills sitting in front of me. There’s the usual computer-related paraphernalia, notebooks with writing projects and piles of books including – but not limited to – writing guides. Okay, there are my gaming notes as well.

However, my five are indicative of my writing life:

Water jug – as keeping my body refreshed after my coffee fix is important. Water is the better fluid for this body although, the Brit part of me likes a cup of tea.
Spiro-meter – as my MS health problems include breathing – and talking sense – and… Well, the hospital gave this to me, and I’m meant to use it every to keep my lungs active – or something. I don’t use it enough though.
Union Jack dart – from the stepson that helps around the garden as it is a reminder of my nationality.
Dog treats – as they need attention at key writing moments. Feed the muse, I say. (We now have two kittens as well – for the dogs to chase).
Snowdon – or rather a blown-up photo of the view from our old house in Wales. The reminder of where my heart is, where my police procedural series is set, and where I need to go once this post is written.

[image error]

Five – so, that’s all folks. Okay, one more: Method Acting for Writers by Lisa Hall-Wilson. My highly recommended writing guru/guide as I’m learning how to write Deep Point of View. Here’s the review I wrote recently.

*

The awesome co-hosts for the December 5 posting of the IWSG are J.H. Moncrieff, Tonja Drecker , Patsy Collins, and Chrys Fey!

Purpose of IWSG: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting! 

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG

*

NaNoWriMo – #NaNoWinner2018. This was my fifth win since 2011, although I also forgot to validate another two years. So, just one year when I wrote nothing.

This year, I was aiming to get the first draft down for Fevered Few, a collection of shorts within a framing device. The ‘collection’ deals with the backstory for the main protagonist in the Snowdon Shadows series. Plotting in advance helped immensely, although trying to fit writing around screaming great-grand-kids was frustrating as my MS-ravaged brain doesn’t handle noise or interruptions.

However, I scraped past the 50k target by the end of November. But the draft was unfinished, so I’ve had to spend the last few days writing the closing chapters. And the ‘collection’ has evolved into a novel – the first book in the Snowdon Shadow series.

Now, I’ll leave it for about a month – to ‘marinade’ – then return to it in the New Year and tackle the daunting editing-revision phase. My insecurity phase.

[image error]