Timothy C. Ward's Blog, page 60
June 3, 2013
An Author’s Two Favorite Words: “The End.”
Saturday, I got to write these words on the fifth draft of my novel, Kaimerus. This concluded the third rewriteand about 320,000 words that I’ve put into this project. Kaimerus is not done yet, I still need to go through and polish some parts that are first draft quality, but most of the plot holes have been fixed and the ending is what I want.
For those who haven’t heard about Kaimerus, I describe it as, “Firefly crashes on Avatar and wakes up 28 Days Later.” It explores freedom, ambition and...
May 31, 2013
Book Reviews and Podcasts Off-Site
I’ve been contributing a lot to the Adventures in SciFi Publishing podcast and SF Signal as a book reviewer. Here’s a quick rundown of what I’ve delivered recently:
SF SIGNAL Book Review: THE SHAMBLING GUIDE TO NEW YORK CITY by Mur Lafferty
SF SIGNAL Book Review: EXTINCTION POINT by Paul Antony Jones
Adventures in SciFi Publishing 205: Interview with Michael R. Underwood, Author of Urban Fantasy, GEEKOMANCY
Adventures in SciFi Publishing 204: Interview with Michael R. Underwood, North America Sal...
May 30, 2013
Tim and Rachel Review: Star Trek Into Darkness
Tim and Rachel Ward have been married almost four years. They are both a little geeky with their movie tastes. He likes post-apocalyptic movies with quality story and action, and she just wants the girl to get the guy in the end.
Other titles they’ve reviewed: TV show Touch (Season One) and movie John Carter.
Tim: Going to see Star Trek Into Darkness
, what were your hopes, expectations, and maybe fears?
Rachel: Going to see Star Trek Into Darkness, I had high expectations because everyone I spok...
May 28, 2013
Why I want a sequel to NO RETURN by Zachary Jernigan
I recently reviewed NO RETURN, the debut novel from Zachary Jernigan. The short review for those on the fence is that Zachary has thrown down his gauntlet on this Fantasy, Space Opera mashup. His characterization was exceptional, and the combination of intriguing characters and a rich setting is why I’m championing for a sequel. If you’ve read NO RETURN, read on and then share why you think he should or shouldn’t write a sequel. Due to the latest Night Shade Books legal issues, it’s important...
May 25, 2013
Books Received 5/25/13
As a sign of appreciation to the authors and publishers who have shared their stories with me for free, I’d like to start posting covers and synopses to share with you until I’m able to get these books reviewed.
(Thank you to My Bookish Ways for the Interview and Giveaway about Scare Me by Richard Parker. He is doing a giveaway on his website:
‘GOOGLE YOURSELF’ SCARE ME COMPETITION
Click image to add to Goodreads shelf.
If you fancy winning a signed copy of SCARE ME plus a year’s subscription t...
May 24, 2013
SHORT FICTION REVIEW: Ordinary Folk by Kat Heckenbach
Ordinary Folk by Kat Heckenbach
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
The like the idea of a woman struggling to figure out why she has rage issues and a sense of smell for meat that is so advanced that it scares her, but her character was not likable enough, the plot was not surprising enough, the description failed to evoke a sensual connection to the experience, and the climax wasn’t extreme enough for this action/horror story. Also, the overall message of being “ordinary folk” did not really move me or m...
May 21, 2013
Book Review: NO RETURN by Zachary Jernigan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is my review fresh off of finishing today. A more polished review will appear on SF Signal sometime in the future.
NO RETURN displays the kind of prose, worldbuilding and depth of characterization that placeZachary Jernigansecurely within the top tier of Fantasy authors. The prose pulls you in like a piece of art, forcing you to slow down and observe. The worldbuilding makes you imagine maps, bar room brawls over differences in customs,...
“Cornhusker: Demon Gene,” My First Published Story
I’ve been listening to podcasts since before ebooks became a popular way of making money in publishing, and it almost feels like I’ve missed the boat waiting this long to get my first story out there. However, I’ve seen too many premature self-publishers to value catching a ride on the ebook ark more than waiting until my fiction was ready to publish. “Cornhusker: Demon Gene” is my first short story acceptance, but unlike most short fiction sales, I don’t have to wait for rights to publish it...
April 15, 2013
From Manager to Jobless: Let the Adventure Begin
I just kissed my wife goodbye.
Only she has a job now.
Life passes through me like a breeze,
and yet I am stable.
Uncertainty grasps and rides the dust stolen by wind,
but in my core I am firm.
Impregnable.
I will survive.
A pink slip would have been more professional.
No hours. No call.
Four years of knowing their wickedness.
I shouldn’t be surprised.
“I don’t see you on the schedule. I’m sorry. He’s out of town.”
He doesn’t call back.
My world suddenly expands.
There is no limit to what adventure will com...
April 5, 2013
SF Signal Book Review: Shift Omnibus by Hugh Howey
Here’s a sneak preview of myreview of Shift Omnibus at SF Signal. It contains spoilers for Wool, but only minor plot summaries for Shift, which may or may not be considered spoilers. If you are new to this series, check out my review of Wool. I also have more in depth reviews of First Shift and Second Shift, which have spoilers and are meant as more of discussion points for those who have read them.
REVIEW SUMMARY: The sequel trilogy to the best seller, Wool Omnibus, which takes a leap back in...
