John R. Stuart's Blog, page 6
March 14, 2015
Here's another positive 4 STAR review for RAMBLE ON...
Here's another positive 4 STAR review for RAMBLE ON...- left on Amazon.ca
"Ramble On was one of the most enjoyable books I have read. I loved relating to the groups and song titles in each chapter. You were totally surprised at all the twists and turns that happened when you least expected them, and all the characters were so real to life you felt you where right there with them every step of the way. Rock and rolling all the way to the end."
http://www.amazon.ca/RAMBLE-Drugs-Rock-Roll-Murder-ebook/dp/B00JNCKEW0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1426354962&sr=1-1&keywords=ramble+on...
"Ramble On was one of the most enjoyable books I have read. I loved relating to the groups and song titles in each chapter. You were totally surprised at all the twists and turns that happened when you least expected them, and all the characters were so real to life you felt you where right there with them every step of the way. Rock and rolling all the way to the end."
http://www.amazon.ca/RAMBLE-Drugs-Rock-Roll-Murder-ebook/dp/B00JNCKEW0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1426354962&sr=1-1&keywords=ramble+on...
March 10, 2015
FOR THE GOOD OF THE CONFEDERACY is now available at all major ebook vendors!
REBEL EMPIRE- book 3,
FOR THE GOOD OF THE CONFEDERACY
is now available at all major ebook vendors!
Previously only available as an Amazon kindle ebook - FTGOTC is finally available at the following:
APPLE ITUNES-https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/for-good-confederacy/id974120624?mt=11
KOBO-https://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/for-the-good-of-the-confederacy
BARNES & NOBLE-http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1121346601?ean=2940046615357
Previously only available as an Amazon kindle ebook - FTGOTC is finally available at the following:
APPLE ITUNES-https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/for-good-confederacy/id974120624?mt=11
KOBO-https://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/for-the-good-of-the-confederacy
BARNES & NOBLE-http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1121346601?ean=2940046615357
March 7, 2015
5 Star Review for RAMBLE ON…
5 Stars for RAMBLE ON…
As an independent writer I live for moments like this- the first 5 star review for RAMBLE ON… my ode to Drugs, Sex & Rock n Roll.
“What an amazing book! Everything from the music selection to the history of weed and rock n roll, I enjoyed every chapter. This book was definitely a page turner. The characters were well described and portrayed. You can learn a lot of about rock n roll and reflect on your life decisions. This story really makes you think about the wrong and right decisions you made in your life. And if you did make a wrong decision, did you learn from it and not let it repeat itself or did it shape you to what you have become. You start thinking about your own character in life. The idea of listening to each music selection while reading a section was a awesome idea. There were a few slow parts in the book, but it always picked up. And the END, was such a SURPRISE! I could not believe how this story turned out. What a shocker. A book to remember. I look forward to reading other materials from this author. Well written!!”
http://www.amazon.com/RAMBLE-JOHN-R-STUART-ebook/dp/B00JNCKEW0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1398785826&sr=1-1&keywords=ramble+on...
As an independent writer I live for moments like this- the first 5 star review for RAMBLE ON… my ode to Drugs, Sex & Rock n Roll.
“What an amazing book! Everything from the music selection to the history of weed and rock n roll, I enjoyed every chapter. This book was definitely a page turner. The characters were well described and portrayed. You can learn a lot of about rock n roll and reflect on your life decisions. This story really makes you think about the wrong and right decisions you made in your life. And if you did make a wrong decision, did you learn from it and not let it repeat itself or did it shape you to what you have become. You start thinking about your own character in life. The idea of listening to each music selection while reading a section was a awesome idea. There were a few slow parts in the book, but it always picked up. And the END, was such a SURPRISE! I could not believe how this story turned out. What a shocker. A book to remember. I look forward to reading other materials from this author. Well written!!”
http://www.amazon.com/RAMBLE-JOHN-R-STUART-ebook/dp/B00JNCKEW0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1398785826&sr=1-1&keywords=ramble+on...
February 18, 2015
The Alternate History Weekly Update.
Recently discovered a great blog that is dedicated to one of my favourite genres of fiction - The Alternate History Weekly Update.
http://alternatehistoryweeklyupdate.blogspot.ca/
This blog provides interesting posts on a wide variety of alt history subjects, and is a must read for fans of alternate history fiction.
Shameless plug time, my new ebook, FOR THE GOOD OF THE CONFEDERACY is featured on the site's new releases for 2015-02-17
http://alternatehistoryweeklyupdate.blogspot.ca/
This blog provides interesting posts on a wide variety of alt history subjects, and is a must read for fans of alternate history fiction.
Shameless plug time, my new ebook, FOR THE GOOD OF THE CONFEDERACY is featured on the site's new releases for 2015-02-17
February 15, 2015
NOW AVAILABLE - REBEL EMPIRE, book 3 - FOR THE GOOD OF THE CONFEDERACY
For fans of my series - REBEL EMPIRE, book 3 -
FOR THE GOOD OF THE CONFEDERACY
is now available as an Amazon Kindle ebook.
http://www.amazon.com/GOOD-CONFEDERACY-REBEL-EMPIRE-Book-ebook/dp/B00TM02HFU/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1423999351&sr=1-1&keywords=for+the+good+of+the+confederacy
The Union lost the American Civil War in 1863 after the climactic battle of Serpents Mounds and the by the year 1900 the Confederate States of America has become a World power. Having defeated the British Army in Canada the Confederacy now rules most of North America. Now allied with France, the United Germanic Empire and the Empire of Japan the Confederacy has been fighting an all out war with the armies of Britain in both Europe and the Orient.
FOR THE GOOD OF THE CONFEDERACY continues the exploits of Confederate agent provocateur - Black Judah Lee as he searches for his nemesis - the deadly Mountie Robert Thornton. In a tale of revenge and war that sweeps from the jungles of the Orient to battlefields of France, Lee continues to leave a wake of death and bloodshed behind him.
http://www.amazon.com/GOOD-CONFEDERACY-REBEL-EMPIRE-Book-ebook/dp/B00TM02HFU/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1423999351&sr=1-1&keywords=for+the+good+of+the+confederacy
The Union lost the American Civil War in 1863 after the climactic battle of Serpents Mounds and the by the year 1900 the Confederate States of America has become a World power. Having defeated the British Army in Canada the Confederacy now rules most of North America. Now allied with France, the United Germanic Empire and the Empire of Japan the Confederacy has been fighting an all out war with the armies of Britain in both Europe and the Orient.
FOR THE GOOD OF THE CONFEDERACY continues the exploits of Confederate agent provocateur - Black Judah Lee as he searches for his nemesis - the deadly Mountie Robert Thornton. In a tale of revenge and war that sweeps from the jungles of the Orient to battlefields of France, Lee continues to leave a wake of death and bloodshed behind him.
February 11, 2015
Poetry Institute of Canada - Thinly veiled Vanity Press
I have a confession to make! Last year I wrote a poem, a really, really bad poem. Ok, I can’t take all of the credit for this extremely bad piece of prose, as a friend from Starbucks co-wrote the poem with me. I’ll share this horrendous example of putrid writing with you at the end of this blog.
But I’m extremely proud of this bad work of art, as it was intended to be terrible, and it was written to prove a point. The point being that the Poetry Institute of Canada will likely print every piece of bad prose that is sent to them.
I was introduced to the Institute through my elderly father, who had submitted several pieces of work to them for consideration in their 2013 and 2014 Poetry and Short Story contests.These contests are run on an annual basis and prizes are actually given to the winners. Now how much of an honor is it when they award multiple prizes at every level except for the grand prize?
This year there were 5 - 2nd place prizes, 10- 3rdplace prizes, and 20 - 4th place prizes.
Are there some good examples of writing submitted, probably, but it’s a given in the industry that the Poetry Institute is a thinly veiled Vanity Press that prints writing of any quality - good, bad or terrible. To the best of my knowledge their books are not sold in book stores (other than their own), on line and do not appear in library catalogues. Draw your own conclusions! Most well known writer’s sources list the Institute as a printer to avoid. They do produce the promised books and send them to the gullible fools that enter the contests so, it can’t really be considered a scam.
Well, my father wouldn’t believe that the books published by the Institute are simply an opportunity to feed the ego of amateur writers and that they will print virtually anything, no matter how bad it is.Therefore my friend and I decided to test our suspicions and produce a remarkably bad poem and submit it to the contest.
Our poem entitled- REFLECTIONS ON REFLECTIONS was written in less than 3 minutes as we each blurted out a random line of meaningless gibberish. We began each sentence of prose with one of the letters forming the word reflections, purposely forgetting the final S. We created a real stinker.
Then we submitted it for consideration. After a few months I received a letter from the Institute informing me that the poem had been chosen as part of the top flight of entries to be considered for one of the prizes. Then comes the part that confirms this is a vanity press, for the paltry sum of X $ I could receive a copy of their anthology entitled RIVER MAGIC. Of course I declined.
Well long story short, my father’s copy of River Magic arrived the other day and yes, REFLECTIONS ON REFLECTIONS was included. We didn't win a prize, but I suspect that submissions are only considered for a prize if you decide to pony up the fee to purchase a copy of the book.There you have - it’s a vanity press!
Here's the poem- please hold your nose when reading.
Reflections on Reflections ReflectionsEven when the lights are outFords rust in the dying lightLove has abandoned meEven the crows have flown into the morning mistCascading tears streams down my cheekTime has eroded Morrison’s name from his tombstoneI am alone, weighted heavy with draping depressionOne is not the loneliest numberNever will I be with you again
Finis
But I’m extremely proud of this bad work of art, as it was intended to be terrible, and it was written to prove a point. The point being that the Poetry Institute of Canada will likely print every piece of bad prose that is sent to them.
I was introduced to the Institute through my elderly father, who had submitted several pieces of work to them for consideration in their 2013 and 2014 Poetry and Short Story contests.These contests are run on an annual basis and prizes are actually given to the winners. Now how much of an honor is it when they award multiple prizes at every level except for the grand prize?
This year there were 5 - 2nd place prizes, 10- 3rdplace prizes, and 20 - 4th place prizes.
Are there some good examples of writing submitted, probably, but it’s a given in the industry that the Poetry Institute is a thinly veiled Vanity Press that prints writing of any quality - good, bad or terrible. To the best of my knowledge their books are not sold in book stores (other than their own), on line and do not appear in library catalogues. Draw your own conclusions! Most well known writer’s sources list the Institute as a printer to avoid. They do produce the promised books and send them to the gullible fools that enter the contests so, it can’t really be considered a scam.
Well, my father wouldn’t believe that the books published by the Institute are simply an opportunity to feed the ego of amateur writers and that they will print virtually anything, no matter how bad it is.Therefore my friend and I decided to test our suspicions and produce a remarkably bad poem and submit it to the contest.
Our poem entitled- REFLECTIONS ON REFLECTIONS was written in less than 3 minutes as we each blurted out a random line of meaningless gibberish. We began each sentence of prose with one of the letters forming the word reflections, purposely forgetting the final S. We created a real stinker.
Then we submitted it for consideration. After a few months I received a letter from the Institute informing me that the poem had been chosen as part of the top flight of entries to be considered for one of the prizes. Then comes the part that confirms this is a vanity press, for the paltry sum of X $ I could receive a copy of their anthology entitled RIVER MAGIC. Of course I declined.
Well long story short, my father’s copy of River Magic arrived the other day and yes, REFLECTIONS ON REFLECTIONS was included. We didn't win a prize, but I suspect that submissions are only considered for a prize if you decide to pony up the fee to purchase a copy of the book.There you have - it’s a vanity press!
Here's the poem- please hold your nose when reading.
Reflections on Reflections ReflectionsEven when the lights are outFords rust in the dying lightLove has abandoned meEven the crows have flown into the morning mistCascading tears streams down my cheekTime has eroded Morrison’s name from his tombstoneI am alone, weighted heavy with draping depressionOne is not the loneliest numberNever will I be with you again
Finis
December 18, 2014
FOR THE GOOD OF THE CONFEDERACY- FIRST DRAFT IS NOW COMPLETED
REBEL EMPIRE - BOOK 3, FOR THE GOOD OF THE CONFEDERACY- FIRST DRAFT IS NOW COMPLETED
Just a quick update to say that I completed the first draft of the 3rd
book in the Rebel Empire series today.
It's a sweeping story set in both the Orient and France that continues the adventures of Confederate agent provocateur- Black Judah Lee.
I hope to begin the editing and re-writing process in the New Year with a proposed publication date of March 30, 2015.
Tentative cover
Just a quick update to say that I completed the first draft of the 3rd
book in the Rebel Empire series today.
It's a sweeping story set in both the Orient and France that continues the adventures of Confederate agent provocateur- Black Judah Lee.
I hope to begin the editing and re-writing process in the New Year with a proposed publication date of March 30, 2015.
Tentative cover
December 1, 2014
100 Download Milestone- Mr. Jablowski's Treasure
100 Download Milestone- Mr. Jablowski's Treasure
I recently began offering my short story Mr. Jablowski's Treasure as a free download at various ebook vendors. It's particularly gratifying to know the story has reached so many new readers. I would however ask anyone that downloads a copy in the future to please take a few moments to leave either a brief review or comments.
Mr. Jablowski's Treasure is available for free at:
SMASHWORDS- https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
KOBO- http://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/eboo...
BARNES & NOBLE -http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mr-ja...
APPLE ITUNES - https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/mr.-...
I HOPE YOU ENJOY IT - JOHN R. STUART
I recently began offering my short story Mr. Jablowski's Treasure as a free download at various ebook vendors. It's particularly gratifying to know the story has reached so many new readers. I would however ask anyone that downloads a copy in the future to please take a few moments to leave either a brief review or comments.
Mr. Jablowski's Treasure is available for free at:
SMASHWORDS- https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
KOBO- http://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/eboo...
BARNES & NOBLE -http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mr-ja...
APPLE ITUNES - https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/mr.-...
I HOPE YOU ENJOY IT - JOHN R. STUART
November 5, 2014
REBEL EMPIRE BOOK 3 - STATUS. FOR THE GOOD OF THE CONFEDERACY
Here's a quick status report for readers of my alternative history series - REBEL EMPIRE
Book 3 - FOR THE GOOD OF THE CONFEDERACY is nearing completion and I hope to have it published in the spring of 2015.
This book continues the exploits of Confederate agent Black Judah Lee and takes place in the Orient and Paris.
Book 3 - FOR THE GOOD OF THE CONFEDERACY is nearing completion and I hope to have it published in the spring of 2015.
This book continues the exploits of Confederate agent Black Judah Lee and takes place in the Orient and Paris.
August 29, 2014
Free Download Available - Mr. Jablowski's Treasure
Ultimately the goal of every writer is to reach their audience, to have someone read and enjoy their work. It would also be nice to make some money for the sale as well, but as an independent writer that's a tough road.
I really want to reach my audience and in order to to so I'm now offering my short story - MR. JABLOWSKI'S TREASURE as a free download. If you enjoy the story, please leave comments or write a brief review.
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/328907
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mr-jablowskis-treasure-john-r-stuart/1116057697?ean=2940044608344
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-ca/books/Mr-Jablowskis-Treasure/hzBvXl5BzUKLRv9OL48k-w?MixID=hzBvXl5BzUKLRv9OL48k-w&PageNumber=1&s=ArNgvvalDkGQhD6Zq_9ang&r=1
https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/mr.-jablowskis-treasure/id667813706?mt=11
Here's a brief synopsis:
There’s always something interesting and exciting happening when you’re thirteen and summer vacation has just begun. In the summer of 1966 a young boy is having the summer of his life, riding his bike, playing baseball and having fun by tempting the wrath of the nasty old man that lives nearby. But things get much more exciting when he discovers an amazing treasure - which he carefully keeps to himself, until he runs afoul of the local school bully. However, the secret escapes and ultimately leads to unexpected consequences. Mr. Jablowski’s Treasure is a coming of age story in the tradition of such childhood classics as STAND BY ME, THE SANDLOT AND THE PIG MAN
Available at most eBook vendors for free. So please take advantage of this offer, and if you like this short sample of my writing then try one of my three novels.
REBEL EMPIRE - Book 1 - GETTYSBURG REDUX , Book 2 - REBELS & DESPERADOS
or
RAMBLE ON... - A tale of Sex, Drugs, Rock n Roll & Murder
I really want to reach my audience and in order to to so I'm now offering my short story - MR. JABLOWSKI'S TREASURE as a free download. If you enjoy the story, please leave comments or write a brief review.
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/328907
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mr-jablowskis-treasure-john-r-stuart/1116057697?ean=2940044608344
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-ca/books/Mr-Jablowskis-Treasure/hzBvXl5BzUKLRv9OL48k-w?MixID=hzBvXl5BzUKLRv9OL48k-w&PageNumber=1&s=ArNgvvalDkGQhD6Zq_9ang&r=1
https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/mr.-jablowskis-treasure/id667813706?mt=11
Here's a brief synopsis:
There’s always something interesting and exciting happening when you’re thirteen and summer vacation has just begun. In the summer of 1966 a young boy is having the summer of his life, riding his bike, playing baseball and having fun by tempting the wrath of the nasty old man that lives nearby. But things get much more exciting when he discovers an amazing treasure - which he carefully keeps to himself, until he runs afoul of the local school bully. However, the secret escapes and ultimately leads to unexpected consequences. Mr. Jablowski’s Treasure is a coming of age story in the tradition of such childhood classics as STAND BY ME, THE SANDLOT AND THE PIG MAN
Available at most eBook vendors for free. So please take advantage of this offer, and if you like this short sample of my writing then try one of my three novels.
REBEL EMPIRE - Book 1 - GETTYSBURG REDUX , Book 2 - REBELS & DESPERADOS
or
RAMBLE ON... - A tale of Sex, Drugs, Rock n Roll & Murder
