C.L. Roman's Blog, page 7
October 13, 2014
Book Review: Cephrael’s Hand by Melissa McPhail
Synopsis: “All things are composed of patterns…” And within the pattern of the realm of Alorin, three strands must cross: In Alorin…three hundred years after the genocidal Adept Wars, the realm is dying, and the blessed Adept race dies with it. One man holds the secret to reverting this decline: Bjorn van Gelderan, a dangerous … Continue reading →
August 8, 2014
One Often Overlooked Element of World-Building
Some great advice from this week’s guest author, Melissa McPhail Every author should understand world-building. Whether engaged in the writing of genre or literary fiction, an author crafts a unique world with each novel. Even when set in the present day, the novel’s events layer a new dimension upon our visible reality. It’s the dimension … Continue reading →
August 4, 2014
Cover Reveal and Giveaway!
Cephrael’s Hand by Melissa McPhail Are you ready for the reveal of the new Cephrael’s Hand cover? Because here it is! What do you think? Does it do a good job conveying the fantasy genre? Is it a book you’d be attracted to in the store? Does it make you want to learn more? Thank you … Continue reading →
July 27, 2014
Blog Tour: Gemini Rising by Jessica O’Gorek
Today I am participating in an exciting blog tour. Not only do you get to hear about a new author, but Goddess Fish is offering some great prizes as well. Check out Jessica O’Gorek’s book below, and follow the tour for the opportunity to win an Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card. Remember, the … Continue reading →
July 11, 2014
Absence Makes the Heart…
“The Experts” used to say that posting every day was the best way to engage readers and increase your following. But at the last conference I attended, Jason Brick told us that twice a week was more than sufficient. And according to John Locke (no, not the philosopher, and definitely not that weird character on “Lost.” … Continue reading →
July 8, 2014
Book Review: The Cassie Scot Series by Christine Amsden
When I first noticed Christine Amsden’s book on Aileen Aroma’s book page I felt only mild interest. The cover seemed to align with middle grade fiction and, though I like YA books, I tend to steer clear of anything aimed younger than that. Then I read the blurb and thought, “hmmm, that doesn’t sound middle grade.” … Continue reading →
July 6, 2014
When Research hits the Real: Three Old Cures Made Current
Three old cures made current Continue reading →
July 1, 2014
Book Review: Knight of Flame by Scott Eder
Scott Eder’s Knight of Flame is an exploration of the power of love, forgiveness and reason over hatred, guilt and selfishness, done with bold expertise and more than a dash of imagination. Eder’s story-craft is vibrant and original, a must read whether you are at the beach or on your lunch hour. Synopsis: Fire. The most … Continue reading →
June 27, 2014
Character Names in Three Places You Might Not Have Thought to Look
For a lot of writers, naming characters is a huge challenge. There are a lot of factors to take into consideration. The mountain of advice on this topic is gargantuan. Character names: shouldn’t be too similar, should fit the character, highlight some virtue or flaw, be ironic or misleading, revelatory, be lived up - or down – …
June 24, 2014
Book Review: Necromancer Awakening by Nat Russo
Necromancer Awakening by Nat Russo is one of the finest examples of fantasy genre fiction I have ever seen. I started to say, “seen in a long time,” but the qualifier isn’t applicable, since Russo is well able to hold his own among such lights as Martin, Gaiman and Gabaldon. Synopsis: Texas archaeology student Nicolas … Continue reading →
