Kristi Cramer's Blog: Bounded in a Nutshell, page 10
December 14, 2015
Review of "The Wild Operatives Collection" by Vivienne Savage
The Wild Operatives Collection (on Goodreads)
A 5 Star Collection - ☻☻☻☻☻
#1 - The Right to Bear Arms
Vivienne Savage delivers my favorite shifter romance stories. Hot, sexy, and well drawn characters.
Read this and all her books. You won't be sorry.
(Or, if you are sorry, then I'm sorry. There's nothing I can do for you.)
Yeah, this is kind of a cheeky review, but what the hey. Finishing this book put me in a good mood. So read it already.
#2 - Let Us Prey
I like that Vivienne Savage's characters have problems, like Leigh, but they find people who help them by having faith in them, like Ian. I like that the men are Alphas in that they are strong and kick ass, but they aren't jerks who like to boss women around. I like that the women are stronger than they know, until their men help them realize their strength.
Let Us Prey is a story of redemption, of having faith in love and each other, loving people where they are, and fighting back against injustice in the world. Oh, and some hot, steamy sex.
I can't wait to see what the Wild Operatives have in store for the drug dealers in the town of Quickdraw. I just gobble these books up!
#3 - The Purr-fect Soldier
These books keep getting better and better. They're not deep, meaty plots that keep me guessing whether everything is going to work or okay, but this one, I like very much HOW things got resolved. There was just the right amount of angst. When the inevitable happened, and I knew it was coming, I really didn't want to see it go down--in that good dread where you know it's got to happen or it wouldn't be much of a story. Then it did, and just as I'm thinking 'there's the rest of the book blown to angst,' things changed, and took me by surprise.
The external conflict was exciting, and I won't spoil anything, so you'll just have to read and see. If you already read these books, you will love The Purr-fect Soldier. If you're new to Vivienne Savage, this is a great introduction. (You won't have had to read the others first, but it does help as many characters are repeats.)
A 5 Star Collection - ☻☻☻☻☻
#1 - The Right to Bear Arms
Vivienne Savage delivers my favorite shifter romance stories. Hot, sexy, and well drawn characters.
Read this and all her books. You won't be sorry.
(Or, if you are sorry, then I'm sorry. There's nothing I can do for you.)
Yeah, this is kind of a cheeky review, but what the hey. Finishing this book put me in a good mood. So read it already.
#2 - Let Us Prey
I like that Vivienne Savage's characters have problems, like Leigh, but they find people who help them by having faith in them, like Ian. I like that the men are Alphas in that they are strong and kick ass, but they aren't jerks who like to boss women around. I like that the women are stronger than they know, until their men help them realize their strength.
Let Us Prey is a story of redemption, of having faith in love and each other, loving people where they are, and fighting back against injustice in the world. Oh, and some hot, steamy sex.
I can't wait to see what the Wild Operatives have in store for the drug dealers in the town of Quickdraw. I just gobble these books up!
#3 - The Purr-fect Soldier
These books keep getting better and better. They're not deep, meaty plots that keep me guessing whether everything is going to work or okay, but this one, I like very much HOW things got resolved. There was just the right amount of angst. When the inevitable happened, and I knew it was coming, I really didn't want to see it go down--in that good dread where you know it's got to happen or it wouldn't be much of a story. Then it did, and just as I'm thinking 'there's the rest of the book blown to angst,' things changed, and took me by surprise.
The external conflict was exciting, and I won't spoil anything, so you'll just have to read and see. If you already read these books, you will love The Purr-fect Soldier. If you're new to Vivienne Savage, this is a great introduction. (You won't have had to read the others first, but it does help as many characters are repeats.)
November 26, 2015
Review for "Dragonfly in Amber" by Diana Gabaldon
3 or 4 stars? ☻☻☻?
I'm on the fence whether this is a three or a four star read. I spent a small deal of it bored, and wondering how on earth this is going to last for nine books. There were some more good parts, though. Mostly after they get back to Scotland.
I bought the 7 book collection, and I had to put it down after this one. It will be a while before I light into book 3, but I will, because I do need to know what happens.
Dragonfly in Amber (on Goodreads)
I'm on the fence whether this is a three or a four star read. I spent a small deal of it bored, and wondering how on earth this is going to last for nine books. There were some more good parts, though. Mostly after they get back to Scotland.
I bought the 7 book collection, and I had to put it down after this one. It will be a while before I light into book 3, but I will, because I do need to know what happens.
Dragonfly in Amber (on Goodreads)
November 7, 2015
Review of Perfect Touch by Elizabeth Lowell
I'm probably more at 3.5 stars, but here's the deal. The first, oh, third of the book is S L O W, with so much internal dialog used as exposition that I wondered if I would be able to finish. Who *thinks* all that stuff? In that kind of language?
The descriptions of Wyoming (and the paintings) were beautiful, and I think captured the region well. It is beautiful country.
When the action finally started, it finally started getting good, and I binge read the last 8th of the book.
Then we got to the end, and (view spoiler)[ the bad guy just tells all, everything he did, and the accomplice was just sprung on us without much in the way of clues - in fact I'm not sure there was anything I could look back and say oh yeah, if only I'd paid attention to that, I could have figured it out sooner. (hide spoiler)]
So, the action was well done, but I thought the mystery resolution points were a little weak. Oh, and I mentioned the head-hopping in my status updates. How distracting! If it were truly omniscient, it would show all characters' thoughts, but it is mainly the H/h, and then at the end, we even get into the bad guy's head for a couple paragraphs. In my opinion, that's just lazy.
The romance was refreshing. No angst, which is a thing I totally appreciate.
In summary, I more than liked it, by the end, but I can't say I loved it.
Here are my status updates:
10/19/2015 marked as: currently-reading
10/21/2015 page 40
10.0% "Yeesh. A lot of internal dialog, blatantly used as a device for exposition. Here's hoping it gets better.
And what's with the 1.5" line spacing? Trying to make the book look longer than it is? Mixed with the tiny font, it is confusing, and a challenge to read. :-/" 10/24/2015 page 70
19.0% "Interesting thoughts about art and Wyoming, but the head-hopping is killing me. And again (still) the internal dialog as exposition. Yawn." 10/26/2015 page 120 32.0% 10/29/2015 page 194
52.0% "It's starting to get better. Even though I'm impatient, I do like the descriptions of the Wyoming landscape. Reminds my of my driving time." 10/31/2015 page 238
64.0% "She sure draws bad characters well. I'm plotting ways they can get rid of Liza!"
The descriptions of Wyoming (and the paintings) were beautiful, and I think captured the region well. It is beautiful country.
When the action finally started, it finally started getting good, and I binge read the last 8th of the book.
Then we got to the end, and (view spoiler)[ the bad guy just tells all, everything he did, and the accomplice was just sprung on us without much in the way of clues - in fact I'm not sure there was anything I could look back and say oh yeah, if only I'd paid attention to that, I could have figured it out sooner. (hide spoiler)]
So, the action was well done, but I thought the mystery resolution points were a little weak. Oh, and I mentioned the head-hopping in my status updates. How distracting! If it were truly omniscient, it would show all characters' thoughts, but it is mainly the H/h, and then at the end, we even get into the bad guy's head for a couple paragraphs. In my opinion, that's just lazy.
The romance was refreshing. No angst, which is a thing I totally appreciate.
In summary, I more than liked it, by the end, but I can't say I loved it.
Here are my status updates:
10/19/2015 marked as: currently-reading
10/21/2015 page 40
10.0% "Yeesh. A lot of internal dialog, blatantly used as a device for exposition. Here's hoping it gets better.
And what's with the 1.5" line spacing? Trying to make the book look longer than it is? Mixed with the tiny font, it is confusing, and a challenge to read. :-/" 10/24/2015 page 70
19.0% "Interesting thoughts about art and Wyoming, but the head-hopping is killing me. And again (still) the internal dialog as exposition. Yawn." 10/26/2015 page 120 32.0% 10/29/2015 page 194
52.0% "It's starting to get better. Even though I'm impatient, I do like the descriptions of the Wyoming landscape. Reminds my of my driving time." 10/31/2015 page 238
64.0% "She sure draws bad characters well. I'm plotting ways they can get rid of Liza!"
November 2, 2015
Review of "Outlander" by Diana Gabaldon
5 Stars! ☻☻☻☻☻
Loved this book. It's funny, kept me guessing, and yet a little predictable. If I had any issues with it, it's something I'd call the Jessica Fletcher Syndrome, where if anything bad was going to happen, it will happen to her or to someone close to her. Of course, that is the nature of fiction.
I totally loved Jamie, and the shit he went through...holy cow. No spoilers, but just, wow. Ms. Gabaldon sure put him through it.
Outlander (on Goodreads)
Loved this book. It's funny, kept me guessing, and yet a little predictable. If I had any issues with it, it's something I'd call the Jessica Fletcher Syndrome, where if anything bad was going to happen, it will happen to her or to someone close to her. Of course, that is the nature of fiction.
I totally loved Jamie, and the shit he went through...holy cow. No spoilers, but just, wow. Ms. Gabaldon sure put him through it.
Outlander (on Goodreads)
November 1, 2015
Review of the Spellbound Consortium series by A. Payne & N.D. Taylor
I'm going to post my reviews of all the Spellbound Consortium Books in one blog entry.
The series so far consists of 3 full length novels, one novella and one short story collection. There is one remaining full length novel to come.
The Regent's Gamble - Book 1
What a delightful romp. I read the original, unabridged version, which was a mouthful, but the underlying story was very intriguing, compelling, and kept me guessing all the way. It is an introduction into a fabulous world, full of great characters and great creatures.
The abridged version should be more focused and easier to follow. I look forward to reading the next book in the Spellbound Consortium series.
ETA - I listened to the audio version of the updated, abridged version and it was fantastic! Will Watt is perfect for the job, and my hopes for the streamlined story were realized.
5 Stars for the updated edition. ☻☻☻☻☻
Primal Legacy (Spellbound Tales #1) This was actually the first story in the Consortium I completed, and it was a little rough to enter at this point, as many of the secondary characters were already well established from other books, but Dahlia and Felipe were a cute couple, well suited to handling the crisis that occurred in the rain forest. I liked that Dahlia was a strong character who could kick ass as well as deal with Felipe and his people with compassion and even passion. Felipe was also strong and I could believe in his innocence of the ways of the world - due to the limited exposure his tribe had with the outside world.
I did like the story, but it fell short of *really like it*, so the rating would be 3.5 stars. ☻☻☻?
The Collector's Treasure (Book 2) This took some time to process, but WOW.
Definitely my favorite Spellbound Consortium book so far.
I was right there with Griffin and Aisling and all their trials and beastly things the writers put them through. I don't want to give spoilers, but prepare to ride a hell of roller coaster with these two. I felt so bad for Griffin, and Aisling too, though more for Griffin.
It has been a long time since I read a book and actually fretted for a character as though he was a real person, thinking about him when I wasn't reading and trying to justify reading when I should be doing something else, and that says a lot about the quality of this story.
I was also very impressed with the way this story dovetails with Book 1 and Tales 1, which speaks to the authors' dedication to plotting and executing some complex story lines. I look forward to reading The Gatekeeper's Key, and any future Spellbound books to come.
There were a couple things I thought could be explained a little better, but nothing to take away from giving it a 5 star review. And these days a 5 star is saying a lot from me here on goodreads.
Well done, Taylor & Payne! ☻☻☻☻☻
A Spellbound Christmas Cute shorts. Sweet shorts. Sexy shorts. Exciting shorts.
These three short stories pack a pretty good punch for Christmas stories. The first story is a sweet first Christmas for a newly forming family that is just figuring out what a family Christmas should look like. The second story is about a lonely hell hound who finds connection and discovers he is needed by a special friend. That one is something of a tear-jerker.
Then there is the third story. It's not every Christmas story that features society balls where sizzling tangos are disrupted by gun-toting fanatics and chaos and magic abound.
Yep, they're not your typical smarmy Christmas tales. If you are wondering whether you'd like to read the Spellbound Consortium books, but you're not sure you want to commit, this trio of tales will give you a good idea of the series, and by the time you're done, you'll know if they are something you'll like or not.
4 Stars ☻☻☻☻
The Gatekeeper's Key (Book 3) 4.5 stars ☻☻☻☻/
These books keep getting better. The skill of the authors has grown so much. The storytelling remains rich and vivid, while the verbiage gets more concise - and therefore packs a more powerful punch.
The story of Jean-Luc and Krystine is a great love story as well as a great adventure. We're taken on the run from gargoyles at Notre Dame in Paris, through tunnels full of demons in a Labyrinth in Greece, and defending civilians from possessed gunmen across Central Park.
The battle against an organization of occultists is growing more heated with every book, and I find myself rooting more and more for the company of young mages and their fae and sylvan friends who put their lives on the line time and again.
The characters are so well drawn and the story so seamless that I felt like I was inserted into their lives, a passerby, or a close friend, who is asked to participate in the action. The drawback to that is sometimes I felt like important things had happened that I wasn't privy to, and I occasionally got lost. However, as I read on, things became clear again.
These books are supposed to be standalone, and the first two both contain a story arc that is complete by the end, however The Gatekeeper's Key has a story arc that is not complete, though I understand the next book will wrap up the entire series, including the overarching storyline. I do recommend that readers start with The Regent's Gamble, and follow the stories in order, if only to help you avoid spoilers, because the stories are intertwined, and the books do reference things that happened in a previous book.
The series so far consists of 3 full length novels, one novella and one short story collection. There is one remaining full length novel to come.
The Regent's Gamble - Book 1
What a delightful romp. I read the original, unabridged version, which was a mouthful, but the underlying story was very intriguing, compelling, and kept me guessing all the way. It is an introduction into a fabulous world, full of great characters and great creatures.
The abridged version should be more focused and easier to follow. I look forward to reading the next book in the Spellbound Consortium series.
ETA - I listened to the audio version of the updated, abridged version and it was fantastic! Will Watt is perfect for the job, and my hopes for the streamlined story were realized.
5 Stars for the updated edition. ☻☻☻☻☻
Primal Legacy (Spellbound Tales #1) This was actually the first story in the Consortium I completed, and it was a little rough to enter at this point, as many of the secondary characters were already well established from other books, but Dahlia and Felipe were a cute couple, well suited to handling the crisis that occurred in the rain forest. I liked that Dahlia was a strong character who could kick ass as well as deal with Felipe and his people with compassion and even passion. Felipe was also strong and I could believe in his innocence of the ways of the world - due to the limited exposure his tribe had with the outside world.
I did like the story, but it fell short of *really like it*, so the rating would be 3.5 stars. ☻☻☻?
The Collector's Treasure (Book 2) This took some time to process, but WOW.
Definitely my favorite Spellbound Consortium book so far.
I was right there with Griffin and Aisling and all their trials and beastly things the writers put them through. I don't want to give spoilers, but prepare to ride a hell of roller coaster with these two. I felt so bad for Griffin, and Aisling too, though more for Griffin.
It has been a long time since I read a book and actually fretted for a character as though he was a real person, thinking about him when I wasn't reading and trying to justify reading when I should be doing something else, and that says a lot about the quality of this story.
I was also very impressed with the way this story dovetails with Book 1 and Tales 1, which speaks to the authors' dedication to plotting and executing some complex story lines. I look forward to reading The Gatekeeper's Key, and any future Spellbound books to come.
There were a couple things I thought could be explained a little better, but nothing to take away from giving it a 5 star review. And these days a 5 star is saying a lot from me here on goodreads.
Well done, Taylor & Payne! ☻☻☻☻☻
A Spellbound Christmas Cute shorts. Sweet shorts. Sexy shorts. Exciting shorts.
These three short stories pack a pretty good punch for Christmas stories. The first story is a sweet first Christmas for a newly forming family that is just figuring out what a family Christmas should look like. The second story is about a lonely hell hound who finds connection and discovers he is needed by a special friend. That one is something of a tear-jerker.
Then there is the third story. It's not every Christmas story that features society balls where sizzling tangos are disrupted by gun-toting fanatics and chaos and magic abound.
Yep, they're not your typical smarmy Christmas tales. If you are wondering whether you'd like to read the Spellbound Consortium books, but you're not sure you want to commit, this trio of tales will give you a good idea of the series, and by the time you're done, you'll know if they are something you'll like or not.
4 Stars ☻☻☻☻
The Gatekeeper's Key (Book 3) 4.5 stars ☻☻☻☻/
These books keep getting better. The skill of the authors has grown so much. The storytelling remains rich and vivid, while the verbiage gets more concise - and therefore packs a more powerful punch.
The story of Jean-Luc and Krystine is a great love story as well as a great adventure. We're taken on the run from gargoyles at Notre Dame in Paris, through tunnels full of demons in a Labyrinth in Greece, and defending civilians from possessed gunmen across Central Park.
The battle against an organization of occultists is growing more heated with every book, and I find myself rooting more and more for the company of young mages and their fae and sylvan friends who put their lives on the line time and again.
The characters are so well drawn and the story so seamless that I felt like I was inserted into their lives, a passerby, or a close friend, who is asked to participate in the action. The drawback to that is sometimes I felt like important things had happened that I wasn't privy to, and I occasionally got lost. However, as I read on, things became clear again.
These books are supposed to be standalone, and the first two both contain a story arc that is complete by the end, however The Gatekeeper's Key has a story arc that is not complete, though I understand the next book will wrap up the entire series, including the overarching storyline. I do recommend that readers start with The Regent's Gamble, and follow the stories in order, if only to help you avoid spoilers, because the stories are intertwined, and the books do reference things that happened in a previous book.
August 9, 2015
All my books are available in (almost) all markets again!
I haven't posted my buy links in a long while. My books are available in all markets right now, including two audiobooks, so if you haven't already, check them out.
Last Shot at Justicehttps://itunes.apple.com/us/book/last-shot-at-justice-boys/id968949241https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/last-shot-at-justice-the-boys-of-syracuse-kansas-1https://www.scribd.com/book/256204898http://www.amazon.com/Last-Shot-Justice-Syracuse-Kansas-ebook/dp/B00CAWDE22https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/520308http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/last-shot-at-justice-kristi-cramer/1120788796https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-lastshotatjustice-1681642-153.html
Last Shot at Justice the Audiobookhttps://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/last-shot-at-justice-boys/id996942336http://www.amazon.com/Last-Shot-Justice-Syracuse-Kansas/dp/B00XXEZ1OAhttp://www.audible.com.au/pd/Fiction/Last-Shot-at-Justice-Audiobook/B00XUT1UWUhttp://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Last-Shot-at-Justice-Audiobook/B00XUTV0PM
Last Second Chancehttps://itunes.apple.com/us/book/last-second-chance-boys-syracuse/id968950458https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/last-second-chance-the-boys-of-syracuse-kansas-2https://www.scribd.com/book/256207954http://www.amazon.com/Last-Second-Chance-Syracuse-Kansas-ebook/dp/B00T3OQTVIhttps://www.smashwords.com/books/view/520314https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-lastsecondchance-1739196-149.htmlhttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/last-second-chance-kristi-cramer/1121154282
Last Second Chance the Audiobookhttps://itunes.apple.com/us/book/last-second-chance-boys-syracuse/id968950458?mt=11http://www.amazon.com/Last-Second-Chance-Syracuse-Kansas/dp/B012H1BRT2http://www.audible.com.au/pd/Fiction/Last-Second-Chance-Audiobook/B012F4Y3LKhttp://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Last-Second-Chance-Audiobook/B012F4ZKJE
Knight Before Dawnhttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/knight-before-dawn-kristi-cramer/1113883844http://www.amazon.com/Knight-Before-Dawn-Kristi-Cramer-ebook/dp/B00A549X7Whttps://www.smashwords.com/books/view/520295
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-knightbeforedawn-1146946-149.html
Last Shot at Justicehttps://itunes.apple.com/us/book/last-shot-at-justice-boys/id968949241https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/last-shot-at-justice-the-boys-of-syracuse-kansas-1https://www.scribd.com/book/256204898http://www.amazon.com/Last-Shot-Justice-Syracuse-Kansas-ebook/dp/B00CAWDE22https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/520308http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/last-shot-at-justice-kristi-cramer/1120788796https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-lastshotatjustice-1681642-153.html
Last Shot at Justice the Audiobookhttps://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/last-shot-at-justice-boys/id996942336http://www.amazon.com/Last-Shot-Justice-Syracuse-Kansas/dp/B00XXEZ1OAhttp://www.audible.com.au/pd/Fiction/Last-Shot-at-Justice-Audiobook/B00XUT1UWUhttp://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Last-Shot-at-Justice-Audiobook/B00XUTV0PM
Last Second Chancehttps://itunes.apple.com/us/book/last-second-chance-boys-syracuse/id968950458https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/last-second-chance-the-boys-of-syracuse-kansas-2https://www.scribd.com/book/256207954http://www.amazon.com/Last-Second-Chance-Syracuse-Kansas-ebook/dp/B00T3OQTVIhttps://www.smashwords.com/books/view/520314https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-lastsecondchance-1739196-149.htmlhttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/last-second-chance-kristi-cramer/1121154282
Last Second Chance the Audiobookhttps://itunes.apple.com/us/book/last-second-chance-boys-syracuse/id968950458?mt=11http://www.amazon.com/Last-Second-Chance-Syracuse-Kansas/dp/B012H1BRT2http://www.audible.com.au/pd/Fiction/Last-Second-Chance-Audiobook/B012F4Y3LKhttp://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Last-Second-Chance-Audiobook/B012F4ZKJE
Knight Before Dawnhttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/knight-before-dawn-kristi-cramer/1113883844http://www.amazon.com/Knight-Before-Dawn-Kristi-Cramer-ebook/dp/B00A549X7Whttps://www.smashwords.com/books/view/520295
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-knightbeforedawn-1146946-149.html
August 2, 2015
The Boys of Syracuse, Kansas series is going back to All ...
The Boys of Syracuse, Kansas series is going back to All Markets on Sunday, August 9th. This is your last chance for the foreseeable future to borrow and read for free! Last Shot at Justice (#1)
Detective Mitzi Reardon doesn’t know what she did to anger her boss, but he is gunning for her. Now a prostitute is dead, and she is the prime suspect with the law hot on her heels. With nowhere to run and no one to trust, Mitzi’s only hope lies in the hands of a sexy stranger.
http://www.amazon.com/Last-Shot-Justice-Syracuse-Kansas-ebook/dp/B00CAWDE22
Last Second Chance (#2)
An ex-con's search for a new start leads to a chance at a life and a love he never expected. But the life he left behind won't stay quietly in his past.
http://www.amazon.com/Last-Second-Chance-Syracuse-Kansas-ebook/dp/B00T3OQTVI
May 2, 2015
Looks like we passed the judges! Last Shot at Justice - t...
Looks like we passed the judges!
Last Shot at Justice - the Audiobook - is headed to retail, which means it will soon be on sale on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes!
Last Shot at Justice - the Audiobook - is headed to retail, which means it will soon be on sale on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes!
March 22, 2015
Last Shot at Justice ~ the AUDIOBOOK! Now available on CD
After a steep learning curve for designing and printing the packaging for the CDs, they are finally under production. We have 10 complete sets available for direct sale right now! There will be 25 copies in the first run. So if you are someone who prefers to get your fiction through your ears instead of your eyes, hit us up. Elaine from Coyote Monster Audio did a great job. If you are an author who has a book you'd like to hear in audio, check out her ACX profile and ask her to audition for you. Elaine may be my sister, but I'll confess, I was worried when she offered to read my book. I was very pleasantly surprised (and thrilled!) at how it turned out.
Check my website for purchasing options.
It will soon be available on USB flash drives, too.
Last Shot at Justice will also be available on Amazon and iTunes, soon. It is currently in production on ACX. We'll keep you posted when it becomes available.February 27, 2015
Influences & Inspirations: A Tribute to Leonard Nimoy
Woke up to the news this morning that Leonard Nimoy has died. After the initial check to make sure this wasn't one of those "Morgan Freeman died" spoofs, it got me thinking about influences.
Like many from my generation, Star Trek was one of the shows I watched as a kid (in reruns, thank you very much – I'm not quite old enough to have seen the first runs) that had an impact on the way I think. On my creativity, on my imagination and my logic.
I remember watching and discussing episodes with my best friend Shelly, and having a ball with the subtle, cynical and often sarcastic humor that Spock's character embodied. Spock was anything but cold and clinical, he was warm and full of life. At least to me.
Thinking fondly about it now, I realize that some of my best humorous writing happens in that same understated way. The best stuff sneaks in while I'm not even aware, and it isn't until I read it back that I think, "Oh, that's funny!"
Sometimes I think the things that crack me up are so abstruse that no one will get it, so it often surprises me when people comment that something in my book made them laugh out loud. It always makes me smile to know I brought laughter to someone's day.
It's all good. Days like today, when I'm reminded that my style didn't come out of a vacuum, I read back and see my wry humor showing through and bless the books and shows that influenced me.
I have tried on more than one occasion to write a "logic scene" in classic Star Trek style. I've even had success to varying degrees. Well, success in my eyes. I have yet to publish any of them. In one of my earliest novels, a hero character is trying to confuse an android using circuitous logic. The android predictably gets all boggled, but when the hero turns away, the android smirks and the reader realizes it was just going along to make the hero feel better.
Lately I have been revisiting some of my older work, looking to see if any of it is salvageable (as if I don't have enough new material clamoring in my head to get out!) and I see how strong these early influences were—and still are, if I'm honest about it.
Today, so many shows and movies seem to be regurgitating the stories I grew up with—from Red Dawn and Footloose to Total Recall and 12 Monkeys—that it seems like there's nothing new in Hollywood. It's sad to see, but then there are other shows that reassure me that there are artists who are still pioneers, who still stretch the limits of creativity to bring fresh new stories to eager viewers.
I look back to my childhood with fondness for those writers, directors, and actors who challenged me to become a writer. Who, all unknowing, shaped my style with a master's touch—like Michelangelo's marble with the statue waiting to be uncovered. I like to think I've taken over the art, and I'm still chipping away bits at a time, uncovering the greatest works I still have inside.
Thank you, Mr. Spock/Nimoy. Thank you Mr. Roddenberry, and yes, Mr. Shatner, and countless others who inspire and inspired me. You each have made the world a better place to live. And we have all prospered.
Like many from my generation, Star Trek was one of the shows I watched as a kid (in reruns, thank you very much – I'm not quite old enough to have seen the first runs) that had an impact on the way I think. On my creativity, on my imagination and my logic.
I remember watching and discussing episodes with my best friend Shelly, and having a ball with the subtle, cynical and often sarcastic humor that Spock's character embodied. Spock was anything but cold and clinical, he was warm and full of life. At least to me.
Thinking fondly about it now, I realize that some of my best humorous writing happens in that same understated way. The best stuff sneaks in while I'm not even aware, and it isn't until I read it back that I think, "Oh, that's funny!"
Sometimes I think the things that crack me up are so abstruse that no one will get it, so it often surprises me when people comment that something in my book made them laugh out loud. It always makes me smile to know I brought laughter to someone's day.
It's all good. Days like today, when I'm reminded that my style didn't come out of a vacuum, I read back and see my wry humor showing through and bless the books and shows that influenced me.
I have tried on more than one occasion to write a "logic scene" in classic Star Trek style. I've even had success to varying degrees. Well, success in my eyes. I have yet to publish any of them. In one of my earliest novels, a hero character is trying to confuse an android using circuitous logic. The android predictably gets all boggled, but when the hero turns away, the android smirks and the reader realizes it was just going along to make the hero feel better.
Lately I have been revisiting some of my older work, looking to see if any of it is salvageable (as if I don't have enough new material clamoring in my head to get out!) and I see how strong these early influences were—and still are, if I'm honest about it.
Today, so many shows and movies seem to be regurgitating the stories I grew up with—from Red Dawn and Footloose to Total Recall and 12 Monkeys—that it seems like there's nothing new in Hollywood. It's sad to see, but then there are other shows that reassure me that there are artists who are still pioneers, who still stretch the limits of creativity to bring fresh new stories to eager viewers.
I look back to my childhood with fondness for those writers, directors, and actors who challenged me to become a writer. Who, all unknowing, shaped my style with a master's touch—like Michelangelo's marble with the statue waiting to be uncovered. I like to think I've taken over the art, and I'm still chipping away bits at a time, uncovering the greatest works I still have inside.
Thank you, Mr. Spock/Nimoy. Thank you Mr. Roddenberry, and yes, Mr. Shatner, and countless others who inspire and inspired me. You each have made the world a better place to live. And we have all prospered.
Bounded in a Nutshell
The skinny on Kristi's life, musings, and occasional bits on writing, works in progress, and promotions.
My blog title is from Shakespeare's Hamlet:
Hamlet:
O God, I could be bounded in a nutshell, and ...more
My blog title is from Shakespeare's Hamlet:
Hamlet:
O God, I could be bounded in a nutshell, and ...more
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