Margo Kelly's Blog, page 10
February 6, 2019
IWSG: Creative Pursuits
Each month, I look forward to the first Wednesday, because that means it's time for the Insecure Writers' Support Group posts.
It's fun to visit to other writers' sites and read their responses to the question of the month. You can hop around, too! Check out the full list of participants by clicking here.
This Month's Question: Besides writing what other creative outlets do you have?
My Answer: Creative pursuits like quilting and needlework help me access my artistic brain from another angle, which ends up fueling my writing.
How about you? What creative outlets do you enjoy?
It's fun to visit to other writers' sites and read their responses to the question of the month. You can hop around, too! Check out the full list of participants by clicking here.
This Month's Question: Besides writing what other creative outlets do you have?
My Answer: Creative pursuits like quilting and needlework help me access my artistic brain from another angle, which ends up fueling my writing.
How about you? What creative outlets do you enjoy?
February 4, 2019
School Visit - Portland, Texas
Recently, I spent the day at G-P Junior High in Portland, Texas, speaking with fabulous teens and teachers about my novel, WHO R U REALLY?, and the importance of online safety. It was a terrific day with thought-provoking discussions and amazing students.
If you're interested in having me visit your school or organization, email me at margokelly1 @ outlook . com (without the spaces).
If you're interested in having me visit your school or organization, email me at margokelly1 @ outlook . com (without the spaces).
January 31, 2019
Book Review: SAY WHAT YOU MEAN by Oren Jay Sofer
The topic of communication fascinates me. Whether between two people in an intimate one-on-one conversation or between a professional speaker and her audience, effective communication is both a skill that can be learned and an art that can be mastered. So when I was asked to review the new book, Say What You Mean, by Oren Jay Sofer, I jumped at the opportunity. Scroll on down for my complete review.
Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication
by Oren Jay Sofer
December 11, 2018 - Shambhala Publications
ISBN: 978-1611805833
Description from the Publisher:
Find your voice, speak your truth, listen deeply—a guide to more meaningful and mindful conversations.
We spend so much of our lives talking to each other, but how much are we simply running on automatic—relying on old habits and hoping for the best? Are we able to truly hear others and speak our mind in a clear and kind way, without needing to get defensive or go on the attack? In this groundbreaking synthesis of mindfulness, somatics, and Nonviolent Communication, Oren Jay Sofer offers simple yet powerful practices to develop healthy, effective, and satisfying ways of communicating.
The techniques in Say What You Mean will help you to:
· Feel confident during conversation
· Stay focused on what really matters in an interaction
· Listen for the authentic concerns behind what others say
· Reduce anxiety before and during difficult conversations
· Find nourishment in day-to-day interactions
About the Author:
Oren Jay Sofer leads retreats and workshops on mindful communication and meditation at retreat centers and educational settings around the United States. A member of the Spirit Rock Teacher's Council, he holds a degree in Comparative Religion from Columbia University, teaches in the Insight Meditation community, and is a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and a Certified Trainer of Nonviolent Communication. Oren creates mindfulness training programs for a number of organizations, including Mindful Schools, Kaiser Permanente, and 10% Happier. He is also the founder of Next Step Dharma and Mindful Healthcare. For more information, visit www.OrenJaySofer.com.
My Review:
Wow.
Say What You Mean, by Oren Jay Sofer, captured my attention on the first page and kept hold until the final page.
Before digging into any nonfiction book, I read and research the author's credentials. I need to know why I should trust and believe anything the author has to offer. And I must admit, not knowing anything about Oren Jay Sofer other than what was offered in his bio, I was a bit skeptical. In today's world, just about anyone can call himself a coach or expert and spout psychobabble to earn a buck. So when I read that Sofer is a "certified trainer" and a "practitioner" but saw no mention of higher-educational degrees, I wondered what I was getting myself into with his book. But I'll be the first to admit, my surface judgment was wrong!
Sofer explains in the introduction that the material in the book "is a synthesis of three distinct streams of practice. . . . mindfulness [Theravada Buddhist tradition] . . . Nonviolent Communication developed by Dr. Marshall B.Rosenberg . . . Somatic Experiencing [nervous system regulation to resolve trauma developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine]" (page 4). So while Sofer may not have a PhD behind his name, he draws his material from recognized and respected leaders in their fields. Additionally, early praise for the book comes from many of his expert colleagues in the fields of psychology, communication, and Buddhism.
Oren Jay Sofer's talent as a writer demonstrates his ability to communicate effectively. He has an ability to humbly engage the reader while combining "classical Buddhist training with the accessible language of secular mindfulness" (page 286).
In a word, I was IMPRESSED with this book.
The simple format of the book, as outlined in the table of contents, allows the reader to follow along clearly:
1: Lead with Presence
2: Come from Curiosity and Care
3: Focus on What Matters
4: Bring it All Together
For example on the topic of presence, Sofer suggests: "Initially, much of the work is simply remembering to be present. One way to support this is to take a few moments each morning to set an intention and then to reflect on how things went at the end of the day" (page 35).
Regarding curiosity and care: "When someone trusts that we're actually interested in understanding them--that we're not manipulating things to get our way, that we're not trying to win or prove them wrong--they can stop defending themselves and just hear what we're saying" (page 75).
Focus on what matters: "In some respect, we can boil the essence of any communication down to one of these two messages: 'Please, meet my need' or 'Thank you, you've met my need.' . . . When we hear one another in this way, our heart responds with two profound emotions. . . . [compassion and gratitude]" (page 132).
Bringing it all together: "Humanizing the other person requires the humility and empathy to step outside of your own story and consider other perspectives. If you can put yourself in their shoes and imagine, even for a moment, what might be going on for them, it can have a profound effect on the conversation" (page 231).
The design of a nonfiction book is essential to readers trying to absorb as much information as possible. Say What You Mean, by Oren Jay Sofer, features subtitles, charts, practice items, principles defined, Q&A, and key points throughout the book, reminding and reinforcing the ideas taught within its pages.
Plus, in the printed version of the book, a sound icon is included next to certain practices indicating that there is a companion guided-audio practice on Sofer's website. This is a great additional feature.
As a huge fan of inspirational and thought-provoking quotes, I loved how Sofer opened each chapter with a quote on the art and power of communication.
Truly, the only point in this book that I disagreed with was the concept of saying no to someone. I'm a true believer that I have a right to say no to anyone for any reason without needing to give an explanation. Sofer advises, "If you say no without affirming their needs in some way, the other person may interpret your response as not caring about them" (page 204). I recognize that I will always have room to grow into a better person, and this may be one of those areas, but for now, I reserve my right to say no without justification.
Some of my favorite lines from the book:
"Our words are carried on a wave of breath, the same breath that feeds the cells of our body with oxygen from the moment we are born until the moment we die. Pause to take this is for a moment: we use the same physiological process to speak as we do to sustain our life energy" (pages 18-19).
"The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place" (page 94).
"When one speaks authentically, vulnerability carries tremendous power" (page 123).
In conclusion, I highly recommend Say What You Mean, by Oren Jay Sofer, to everyone--especially to parents, partners, public speakers, salespeople, teachers, leaders, and learners.
[I received a complimentary copy of this book from FSB Associates in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my opinion.]
Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communicationby Oren Jay Sofer
December 11, 2018 - Shambhala Publications
ISBN: 978-1611805833
Description from the Publisher:
Find your voice, speak your truth, listen deeply—a guide to more meaningful and mindful conversations.
We spend so much of our lives talking to each other, but how much are we simply running on automatic—relying on old habits and hoping for the best? Are we able to truly hear others and speak our mind in a clear and kind way, without needing to get defensive or go on the attack? In this groundbreaking synthesis of mindfulness, somatics, and Nonviolent Communication, Oren Jay Sofer offers simple yet powerful practices to develop healthy, effective, and satisfying ways of communicating.
The techniques in Say What You Mean will help you to:
· Feel confident during conversation
· Stay focused on what really matters in an interaction
· Listen for the authentic concerns behind what others say
· Reduce anxiety before and during difficult conversations
· Find nourishment in day-to-day interactions
About the Author:Oren Jay Sofer leads retreats and workshops on mindful communication and meditation at retreat centers and educational settings around the United States. A member of the Spirit Rock Teacher's Council, he holds a degree in Comparative Religion from Columbia University, teaches in the Insight Meditation community, and is a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and a Certified Trainer of Nonviolent Communication. Oren creates mindfulness training programs for a number of organizations, including Mindful Schools, Kaiser Permanente, and 10% Happier. He is also the founder of Next Step Dharma and Mindful Healthcare. For more information, visit www.OrenJaySofer.com.
My Review:
Wow.
Say What You Mean, by Oren Jay Sofer, captured my attention on the first page and kept hold until the final page.
Before digging into any nonfiction book, I read and research the author's credentials. I need to know why I should trust and believe anything the author has to offer. And I must admit, not knowing anything about Oren Jay Sofer other than what was offered in his bio, I was a bit skeptical. In today's world, just about anyone can call himself a coach or expert and spout psychobabble to earn a buck. So when I read that Sofer is a "certified trainer" and a "practitioner" but saw no mention of higher-educational degrees, I wondered what I was getting myself into with his book. But I'll be the first to admit, my surface judgment was wrong!
Sofer explains in the introduction that the material in the book "is a synthesis of three distinct streams of practice. . . . mindfulness [Theravada Buddhist tradition] . . . Nonviolent Communication developed by Dr. Marshall B.Rosenberg . . . Somatic Experiencing [nervous system regulation to resolve trauma developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine]" (page 4). So while Sofer may not have a PhD behind his name, he draws his material from recognized and respected leaders in their fields. Additionally, early praise for the book comes from many of his expert colleagues in the fields of psychology, communication, and Buddhism.
Oren Jay Sofer's talent as a writer demonstrates his ability to communicate effectively. He has an ability to humbly engage the reader while combining "classical Buddhist training with the accessible language of secular mindfulness" (page 286).
In a word, I was IMPRESSED with this book.
The simple format of the book, as outlined in the table of contents, allows the reader to follow along clearly:
1: Lead with Presence
2: Come from Curiosity and Care
3: Focus on What Matters
4: Bring it All Together
For example on the topic of presence, Sofer suggests: "Initially, much of the work is simply remembering to be present. One way to support this is to take a few moments each morning to set an intention and then to reflect on how things went at the end of the day" (page 35).
Regarding curiosity and care: "When someone trusts that we're actually interested in understanding them--that we're not manipulating things to get our way, that we're not trying to win or prove them wrong--they can stop defending themselves and just hear what we're saying" (page 75).
Focus on what matters: "In some respect, we can boil the essence of any communication down to one of these two messages: 'Please, meet my need' or 'Thank you, you've met my need.' . . . When we hear one another in this way, our heart responds with two profound emotions. . . . [compassion and gratitude]" (page 132).
Bringing it all together: "Humanizing the other person requires the humility and empathy to step outside of your own story and consider other perspectives. If you can put yourself in their shoes and imagine, even for a moment, what might be going on for them, it can have a profound effect on the conversation" (page 231).
The design of a nonfiction book is essential to readers trying to absorb as much information as possible. Say What You Mean, by Oren Jay Sofer, features subtitles, charts, practice items, principles defined, Q&A, and key points throughout the book, reminding and reinforcing the ideas taught within its pages.
Plus, in the printed version of the book, a sound icon is included next to certain practices indicating that there is a companion guided-audio practice on Sofer's website. This is a great additional feature.
As a huge fan of inspirational and thought-provoking quotes, I loved how Sofer opened each chapter with a quote on the art and power of communication.
Truly, the only point in this book that I disagreed with was the concept of saying no to someone. I'm a true believer that I have a right to say no to anyone for any reason without needing to give an explanation. Sofer advises, "If you say no without affirming their needs in some way, the other person may interpret your response as not caring about them" (page 204). I recognize that I will always have room to grow into a better person, and this may be one of those areas, but for now, I reserve my right to say no without justification.
Some of my favorite lines from the book:
"Our words are carried on a wave of breath, the same breath that feeds the cells of our body with oxygen from the moment we are born until the moment we die. Pause to take this is for a moment: we use the same physiological process to speak as we do to sustain our life energy" (pages 18-19).
"The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place" (page 94).
"When one speaks authentically, vulnerability carries tremendous power" (page 123).
In conclusion, I highly recommend Say What You Mean, by Oren Jay Sofer, to everyone--especially to parents, partners, public speakers, salespeople, teachers, leaders, and learners.
[I received a complimentary copy of this book from FSB Associates in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my opinion.]
January 18, 2019
The Scariest Part: Margo Kelly Talks about WHO R U REALLY?
The scariest part of this novel is the truth inside, because much of the story happened in real life. The good news is: my daughter is fine and thriving. But the bad news is: there are too many teenagers across the nation who go missing every single day because they were beguiled by an online predator. I know it sounds like yesterday’s news, and in some sense it has become boring to adults. But that only makes it easier for the guy trying to lure your child away. And today, there are new avenues to do just that.My daughter participated in an innocent online role playing game where she met a guy. He seemed nice. He seemed to need a friend. He seemed safe. But in fact, he was none of these things.
Over a year’s time, while I thought she was playing a simple game, this guy manipulated her and had her convinced they were in love. Not only had they exchanged cell phone numbers, but they had also arranged a time and place to meet … after school and before sports practice. That meant he would have had her for hours before I ever even went to pick her up from practice. Luckily, I discovered texts on her phone before anything came to fruition. But one of the scariest things was that she chose to believe a complete stranger over her own mother. He’d swayed her so well. He was an expert at what he did.
The plot of Who R U Really? offers up several fictional characters for readers to suspect as the online predator, and I won’t give away the details of that story here. But I will tell you that in real life, the predator had convinced my daughter (who was eleven going on twelve at the time) that he was a nineteen-year-old boy who needed a friend. In fact he was about three decades older. And because he lived in another state and because I stopped the process before he harmed her, there was nothing the police could do about it. Of course they investigated, but he had not yet broken any laws when it came to my daughter. Even though the police knew exactly who he was and where he lived, they could only watch him. I hope they still are, because as far as I know, he is still online playing games with young kids and trying to lure them away from their parents. He’s even fished around and tried to reconnect with my daughter over the years.
A local police detective said to my daughter, “It is your job to tell others—your real everyday friends that you go to school with—tell them what happened to you, so nothing like this can happen to them.” My daughter agreed. This novel was born with the hopes of helping others spot and unmask internet predators.
Here are a few tips for young adults to stay safe online:
1) Only accept friend requests on FB (and other social media) from people you know in your everyday life.
2) Be transparent with the people in your real life who love you.
3) Trust your parents. You don’t have to always agree with them, but trust that they have your best interests in mind.
4) Keep your actual birthdate, phone number, email, street address, even city private. No one online needs to have that personal information about you.
5) Most importantly, remember that there is strength in numbers. Use the buddy system, and do not ever meet an online acquaintance by yourself. Not ever. Just don’t even play with the idea.
While my daughter did the opposite of several of these above items, she is now my hero for being willing to share her personal choices, conversations, and feelings, regardless of the negative judgment she might receive as a result.
Who R U Really? is primarily a work of fiction, but the essence of the plot is what happened when my daughter was nearly abducted. And that’s the scariest part.
...
“Inspired by her own daughter's terrifying story, Kelly has painted a realistic picture of how a smart girl can get caught up in something dangerous online. Guaranteed to give readers goosebumps—particularly as events heat up toward the end. … A good choice for families to read together.” – School Library Journal
“Thea’s mistakes, while frustrating to encounter, are frighteningly plausible, and the relationships among characters are well–fleshed out, especially between mother and daughter. Kelly’s first novel is a suspenseful page-turner with multiple suspects, a little bit of romance, and a strong but not overbearing message.” – Kirkus Reviews
To learn more about Who R U Really? simply click here or click on the tab at the top of the page.
January 11, 2019
Book Review: THE FORBIDDEN DOOR by Dean Koontz
As a huge Dean Koontz fan, I was thrilled when given the opportunity to review his latest book in the Jane Hawk series. Scroll down for my complete review.
THE FORBIDDEN DOOR by Dean Koontz
October 9, 2018 - Bantam Books
ISBN: 9780525483700
Description from the Publisher:
When this relentless rogue FBI agent comes knocking, her adversaries will have to answer—with their lives—in the latest thrilling Jane Hawk novel by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Silent Corner.
“We’re rewriting the play, and the play is this country, the world, the future. We break Jane’s heart, we’ll also break her will.”
She was one of the FBI’s top agents until she became the nation’s most-wanted fugitive. Now Jane Hawk may be all that stands between a free nation and its enslavement by a powerful secret society’s terrifying mind-control technology. She couldn’t save her husband, or the others whose lives have been destroyed, but equipped with superior tactical and survival skills—and the fury born of a broken heart and a hunger for justice—Jane has struck major blows against the insidious cabal.
But Jane’s enemies are about to hit back hard. If their best operatives can’t outrun her, they mean to bring her running to them, using her five-year-old son as bait. Jane knows there’s no underestimating their capabilities, but she must battle her way back across the country to the remote shelter where her boy is safely hidden . . . for now.
As she moves resolutely forward, new threats begin to emerge: a growing number of brain-altered victims driven hopelessly, violently insane. With the madness spreading like a virus, the war between Jane and her enemies will become a fight for all their lives—against the lethal terror unleashed from behind the forbidden door.
About the Author:
Acknowledged as "America's most popular suspense novelist" (Rolling Stone) and as one of today's most celebrated and successful writers, Dean Ray Koontz has earned the devotion of millions of readers around the world and the praise of critics everywhere for tales of character, mystery, and adventure that strike to the core of what it means to be human.
Dean R. Koontz has also published under the names Leigh Nichols, Brian Coffey, David Axton, Owen West, Deanna Dwyer and Aaron Wolfe.
Dean, the author of many #1 New York Times bestsellers, lives in Southern California with his wife, Gerda, their golden retriever, Elsa, and the enduring spirit of their goldens, Trixie and Anna.
My Review:
A strong female character + Dean Koontz's writing = Jane Hawk.
With a plot that continually forces the reader to turn the next page and characters that make the reader consider each written word to truly savor the nuances, THE FORBIDDEN DOOR by Dean Koontz is a terrifying and captivating book.
But be warned, this book is not for the weary-hearted reader. As a huge Koontz fan, I know he always has good win out over evil in the end, but the path getting there is blocked by plenty of bristles and brutality.
The "Arcadians" are taking over Jane's fictional world, and it seems as though they're taking over the series' narrative as well. I loved reading from Jane's viewpoint. I disliked reading the chapters from the brutal Aracadian loyalists' viewpoints, because that was when the story became a challenge to read with all the foul language and extreme violence (physical, sexual, and mental). As I read those pages (because I didn't want to miss any plot points), I kept begging Koontz to please give me back Jane's perspective. LOVE HER. Hate the bad guys. But I suppose that's the point, eh?
The plot in THE FORBIDDEN DOOR kept me guessing and engaged. However, I kept wishing the next chapter would focus on Jane's direct plot line and less on the numerous villains.
When it came to characters, I was thrilled to see some of my favorites working together to rescue young Travis. Beyond that, the story certainly featured some unusual characters, which were a bit extreme and hard to believe. I'd have to say my least favorite was Egon Gottfrey, who believed nothing in the world actually existed. It was all "established by the Unknown Playwright" but then, as if a subliminal message, Koontz wrote, "There's no point hating the Unknown Playwright." Ha. Additionally, there were so many characters introduced, I struggled to know which ones were relevant to the long term story line and which ones were merely expendable. Many could have been cut without affecting the story's outcome. My favorite character (not counting Jane) would have to be Bernie Riggowitz. LOVE him. Everyone needs a Grandpa Bernie in their lives.
This is the fourth book in this series, and boy, there were plenty of unexpected events happening. While some passages seemed repetitive (like the continual explanation that a "LockAid lock-release gun will automatically pick any deadbolt"), there were new elements that happened in the "revolution" that really mucked things up - both for the Arcadians and for Jane. The Jane Hawk series of books definitely needs to be read in the proper order, from start to finish.
Dean Koontz has certainly mastered the art of writing a suspense novel. Some of my favorite lines from THE FORBIDDEN DOOR included:
"A thread of blood sews its way from the right corner of her mouth, down her chin, along her slender throat."
"With the sneeze quelled, she began to move again, only to press her face through the silken strands of a spiderweb that masked her from brow to chin. Startled, she paused to wipe off those sticky threads, wondering if the eight-legged architect might even now be crawling through her hair."
"...a pain in her chest, as if some demonic angler had cast a line and snared her heart with one of those fishing lures that had multiple wicked hooks."
Regarding the evil Arcadians, trying to take over the world: "They had more passion than those who resisted them. ... A passion to silence all dissent and to make a world in which they wouldn't have to hear an opinion at variance with their own."
"Death plays games with the living, just to impress upon them that no one is immune from the touch of his fleshless fingers, not even freckled little girls."
"Driving cool wheels when you go off a cliff won't buy you a soft landing."
And my ultimate favorite:
"Though evil could win in the short term, it could be defeated in time."
If you're a Dean Koontz fan, I recommend the Jane Hawk series. If you're already reading the series, keep reading, because Koontz offers terrific twists and turns.
[I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my opinion.]
THE FORBIDDEN DOOR by Dean KoontzOctober 9, 2018 - Bantam Books
ISBN: 9780525483700
Description from the Publisher:
When this relentless rogue FBI agent comes knocking, her adversaries will have to answer—with their lives—in the latest thrilling Jane Hawk novel by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Silent Corner.
“We’re rewriting the play, and the play is this country, the world, the future. We break Jane’s heart, we’ll also break her will.”
She was one of the FBI’s top agents until she became the nation’s most-wanted fugitive. Now Jane Hawk may be all that stands between a free nation and its enslavement by a powerful secret society’s terrifying mind-control technology. She couldn’t save her husband, or the others whose lives have been destroyed, but equipped with superior tactical and survival skills—and the fury born of a broken heart and a hunger for justice—Jane has struck major blows against the insidious cabal.
But Jane’s enemies are about to hit back hard. If their best operatives can’t outrun her, they mean to bring her running to them, using her five-year-old son as bait. Jane knows there’s no underestimating their capabilities, but she must battle her way back across the country to the remote shelter where her boy is safely hidden . . . for now.
As she moves resolutely forward, new threats begin to emerge: a growing number of brain-altered victims driven hopelessly, violently insane. With the madness spreading like a virus, the war between Jane and her enemies will become a fight for all their lives—against the lethal terror unleashed from behind the forbidden door.
About the Author:
Acknowledged as "America's most popular suspense novelist" (Rolling Stone) and as one of today's most celebrated and successful writers, Dean Ray Koontz has earned the devotion of millions of readers around the world and the praise of critics everywhere for tales of character, mystery, and adventure that strike to the core of what it means to be human.
Dean R. Koontz has also published under the names Leigh Nichols, Brian Coffey, David Axton, Owen West, Deanna Dwyer and Aaron Wolfe.
Dean, the author of many #1 New York Times bestsellers, lives in Southern California with his wife, Gerda, their golden retriever, Elsa, and the enduring spirit of their goldens, Trixie and Anna.
My Review:
A strong female character + Dean Koontz's writing = Jane Hawk.
With a plot that continually forces the reader to turn the next page and characters that make the reader consider each written word to truly savor the nuances, THE FORBIDDEN DOOR by Dean Koontz is a terrifying and captivating book.
But be warned, this book is not for the weary-hearted reader. As a huge Koontz fan, I know he always has good win out over evil in the end, but the path getting there is blocked by plenty of bristles and brutality.
The "Arcadians" are taking over Jane's fictional world, and it seems as though they're taking over the series' narrative as well. I loved reading from Jane's viewpoint. I disliked reading the chapters from the brutal Aracadian loyalists' viewpoints, because that was when the story became a challenge to read with all the foul language and extreme violence (physical, sexual, and mental). As I read those pages (because I didn't want to miss any plot points), I kept begging Koontz to please give me back Jane's perspective. LOVE HER. Hate the bad guys. But I suppose that's the point, eh?
The plot in THE FORBIDDEN DOOR kept me guessing and engaged. However, I kept wishing the next chapter would focus on Jane's direct plot line and less on the numerous villains.
When it came to characters, I was thrilled to see some of my favorites working together to rescue young Travis. Beyond that, the story certainly featured some unusual characters, which were a bit extreme and hard to believe. I'd have to say my least favorite was Egon Gottfrey, who believed nothing in the world actually existed. It was all "established by the Unknown Playwright" but then, as if a subliminal message, Koontz wrote, "There's no point hating the Unknown Playwright." Ha. Additionally, there were so many characters introduced, I struggled to know which ones were relevant to the long term story line and which ones were merely expendable. Many could have been cut without affecting the story's outcome. My favorite character (not counting Jane) would have to be Bernie Riggowitz. LOVE him. Everyone needs a Grandpa Bernie in their lives.
This is the fourth book in this series, and boy, there were plenty of unexpected events happening. While some passages seemed repetitive (like the continual explanation that a "LockAid lock-release gun will automatically pick any deadbolt"), there were new elements that happened in the "revolution" that really mucked things up - both for the Arcadians and for Jane. The Jane Hawk series of books definitely needs to be read in the proper order, from start to finish.
Dean Koontz has certainly mastered the art of writing a suspense novel. Some of my favorite lines from THE FORBIDDEN DOOR included:
"A thread of blood sews its way from the right corner of her mouth, down her chin, along her slender throat."
"With the sneeze quelled, she began to move again, only to press her face through the silken strands of a spiderweb that masked her from brow to chin. Startled, she paused to wipe off those sticky threads, wondering if the eight-legged architect might even now be crawling through her hair."
"...a pain in her chest, as if some demonic angler had cast a line and snared her heart with one of those fishing lures that had multiple wicked hooks."
Regarding the evil Arcadians, trying to take over the world: "They had more passion than those who resisted them. ... A passion to silence all dissent and to make a world in which they wouldn't have to hear an opinion at variance with their own."
"Death plays games with the living, just to impress upon them that no one is immune from the touch of his fleshless fingers, not even freckled little girls."
"Driving cool wheels when you go off a cliff won't buy you a soft landing."
And my ultimate favorite:
"Though evil could win in the short term, it could be defeated in time."
If you're a Dean Koontz fan, I recommend the Jane Hawk series. If you're already reading the series, keep reading, because Koontz offers terrific twists and turns.
[I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my opinion.]
January 2, 2019
IWSG: Writers' Resolutions
This time of year many people, writers included, are making resolutions. (Are you?) Twitter has been full of threads and Facebook has been full of memes, and while many of them have been funny or thought-provoking, I've chosen one of the most helpful to share with you below (scroll on down).
Sometimes as writers we feel isolated and alone in our endeavors, but in actuality, we are in the same boat, striving toward the similar goals. If we stick together, the journey will be easier and happier. That's why I'm a member of the Insecure Writer's Support Group. It is such a great community of writers helping writers. If you're not already a member, click here and join our ranks and benefit from the group's resources.
Sometimes as writers we feel isolated and alone in our endeavors, but in actuality, we are in the same boat, striving toward the similar goals. If we stick together, the journey will be easier and happier. That's why I'm a member of the Insecure Writer's Support Group. It is such a great community of writers helping writers. If you're not already a member, click here and join our ranks and benefit from the group's resources.
December 5, 2018
IWSG: A Writer's Desktop
Each month, I look forward to the first Wednesday, because that means it's time for the Insecure Writers' Support Group posts.
http://www.insecurewriterssupportgrou...
It's great fun to pop around to other writers' sites and read their posts for the month. You can hop around, too! Check out the full list of participants by clicking here.
This month's question: What are five objects we'd find in your writing space?
My answer: Glancing around at my space, here are the first five things you'd notice:
1. Two monitors - this helps me SO MUCH with the writing process. When researching, I can have data up on one monitor while I'm writing on the other. When revising, I can have notes from a critique partner up on one monitor while I'm making changes to my manuscript on the other.
2. Notepads - I love notepads, and I utilize lists, but I tend to make lists by subject. As a result, I have multiple notepads surrounding me with writing lists, housekeeping lists, shopping lists, etc.
3. Eye glasses - rather than getting one pair of prescription eye glasses, I have tons of "readers." They're less expensive and more fun, but I have three pairs within reach right now. I think they're mating and reproducing somehow.
4. Post-it notes - I use these to make more lists and leave myself reminders about everything.
5. Story binder - my three ring binder contains pages and pages of notes regarding my current project, with sections on character details, plot details, and research notes.
How about you? What are five objects we'd find in your writing space?
http://www.insecurewriterssupportgrou...It's great fun to pop around to other writers' sites and read their posts for the month. You can hop around, too! Check out the full list of participants by clicking here.
This month's question: What are five objects we'd find in your writing space?
My answer: Glancing around at my space, here are the first five things you'd notice:
1. Two monitors - this helps me SO MUCH with the writing process. When researching, I can have data up on one monitor while I'm writing on the other. When revising, I can have notes from a critique partner up on one monitor while I'm making changes to my manuscript on the other.
2. Notepads - I love notepads, and I utilize lists, but I tend to make lists by subject. As a result, I have multiple notepads surrounding me with writing lists, housekeeping lists, shopping lists, etc.
3. Eye glasses - rather than getting one pair of prescription eye glasses, I have tons of "readers." They're less expensive and more fun, but I have three pairs within reach right now. I think they're mating and reproducing somehow.
4. Post-it notes - I use these to make more lists and leave myself reminders about everything.
5. Story binder - my three ring binder contains pages and pages of notes regarding my current project, with sections on character details, plot details, and research notes.
How about you? What are five objects we'd find in your writing space?
November 16, 2018
REVIEW: Pub Site
When offered the chance to explore, experiment with, and review
Pub Site
, I jumped at the opportunity. In the past, for my own author needs, I've simply used Blogger, but there are more advanced and targeted tools out there for authors. Pub Site is one of those tools, and I was curious to learn more.
..........
"Up and running within an hour." - - - Okay. I'd take that challenge. I set a timer for 60 minutes and started from scratch, knowing nothing about the site.
Here are the important items I learned in 60 minutes:
1. The tools on Pub Site made the process quick and easy for me to get started.
2. I followed their step-by-step process.
3. Pub Site offered ten templates to choose from and color variants within each.
4. Once I chose my template, a box popped up offering a tutorial video to help me customize my template. Because I wanted to see how long it would take me on my own, I waited to watch the video later.
5. The "Add Titles" option was confusing to me at first, because I thought it meant add headers or banners to the various pages of the website, but it actually meant add titles of books or other products I wanted to sell on the site. And upon closer examination, I realized when you hover your mouse over the icon, the site pops up an explanation that clicking here will allow you to add products to your site. Admittedly, I was rushing, trying to beat that 60 minute timer to build my site. My advice: take your time and read the little pop ups that are offering assistance.
6. I didn't understand the field "order by" . . . Most fields I was able to figure out, but this one left me baffled.
7. Pub Site offers tons of fields to add purchase links, which look very professional in the final web page.
8. For traditionally published authors, I'm not certain how necessary the "e-commerce" pages are, but I can see that these would be especially beneficial for self-published authors, publishing companies, and collaborative ventures.
9. Since the site gives you the option to add multiple authors, I see the potential for group marketing that could benefit all involved. Small publishers may find this web service especially helpful in designing a professional site.
10. After 50 minutes of adding content for myself as the author and for one of my books, I clicked on "view site." WOW. I had high expectations, and yet, I was still pleasantly surprised at how professional the site looked after only a short amount of time invested by me.
11. I was also pleased to see in the "view site" option, there were many easy-to-click edit buttons to add taglines and additional content.
12. I was confused on how to add a blog page - but keep in mind, I did not watch the tutorial before experimenting to see what I could accomplish in the first 60 minutes.
So, there you have it. Those twelve items listed are the major things I accomplished and learned in the first 60 minutes. No. My site was not finished. But I was thrilled with how it looked after just one hour invested. I'd predict, it would probably take at least another hour to get it closer to being finished. If you have more than five books to enter data for, it would take even longer. Probably plan data entry time of about 5-10 minutes per book, depending upon whether or not you already have the content created. For me, it was simple to copy and paste the data into the new website.
But that's not all.
After signing up for my free 14-day trial, I received an email from the company welcoming me and offering to personally answer any questions I had. I replied and asked about setting up the blog page (see #12 above). I received an immediate response with helpful tips.
Terms of Use
While I am not a lawyer and cannot offer legal advice, the terms of use appeared pretty standard. Nothing popped out at me as alarming or unusual. The terms are long and thorough, but I encourage you to take the necessary time to read before agreeing to them.
14-day Free Trial
I highly encourage you to take advantage of the free trial to experiment with the site and see if it works for you.
So, how much does it cost?
According to the site: "Streamlined and affordable pricing - Our all-in-one package is just $19.99 a month and includes all of our current and future releases and features, including a complete ecommerce solution, and book-specific features. It also includes industry leading website hosting."
Final opinion from me:
I had high expectations of Pub Site and was still pleasantly surprised at how professional my author website looked after only fifty minutes entering content into Pub Site's easy-to-use template.
..........
"Up and running within an hour." - - - Okay. I'd take that challenge. I set a timer for 60 minutes and started from scratch, knowing nothing about the site.
Here are the important items I learned in 60 minutes:
1. The tools on Pub Site made the process quick and easy for me to get started.
2. I followed their step-by-step process.
3. Pub Site offered ten templates to choose from and color variants within each.
4. Once I chose my template, a box popped up offering a tutorial video to help me customize my template. Because I wanted to see how long it would take me on my own, I waited to watch the video later.
5. The "Add Titles" option was confusing to me at first, because I thought it meant add headers or banners to the various pages of the website, but it actually meant add titles of books or other products I wanted to sell on the site. And upon closer examination, I realized when you hover your mouse over the icon, the site pops up an explanation that clicking here will allow you to add products to your site. Admittedly, I was rushing, trying to beat that 60 minute timer to build my site. My advice: take your time and read the little pop ups that are offering assistance.
6. I didn't understand the field "order by" . . . Most fields I was able to figure out, but this one left me baffled.
7. Pub Site offers tons of fields to add purchase links, which look very professional in the final web page.
8. For traditionally published authors, I'm not certain how necessary the "e-commerce" pages are, but I can see that these would be especially beneficial for self-published authors, publishing companies, and collaborative ventures.
9. Since the site gives you the option to add multiple authors, I see the potential for group marketing that could benefit all involved. Small publishers may find this web service especially helpful in designing a professional site.
10. After 50 minutes of adding content for myself as the author and for one of my books, I clicked on "view site." WOW. I had high expectations, and yet, I was still pleasantly surprised at how professional the site looked after only a short amount of time invested by me.
11. I was also pleased to see in the "view site" option, there were many easy-to-click edit buttons to add taglines and additional content.
12. I was confused on how to add a blog page - but keep in mind, I did not watch the tutorial before experimenting to see what I could accomplish in the first 60 minutes.
So, there you have it. Those twelve items listed are the major things I accomplished and learned in the first 60 minutes. No. My site was not finished. But I was thrilled with how it looked after just one hour invested. I'd predict, it would probably take at least another hour to get it closer to being finished. If you have more than five books to enter data for, it would take even longer. Probably plan data entry time of about 5-10 minutes per book, depending upon whether or not you already have the content created. For me, it was simple to copy and paste the data into the new website.
But that's not all.
After signing up for my free 14-day trial, I received an email from the company welcoming me and offering to personally answer any questions I had. I replied and asked about setting up the blog page (see #12 above). I received an immediate response with helpful tips.
Terms of Use
While I am not a lawyer and cannot offer legal advice, the terms of use appeared pretty standard. Nothing popped out at me as alarming or unusual. The terms are long and thorough, but I encourage you to take the necessary time to read before agreeing to them.
14-day Free Trial
I highly encourage you to take advantage of the free trial to experiment with the site and see if it works for you.
So, how much does it cost?
According to the site: "Streamlined and affordable pricing - Our all-in-one package is just $19.99 a month and includes all of our current and future releases and features, including a complete ecommerce solution, and book-specific features. It also includes industry leading website hosting."
Final opinion from me:
I had high expectations of Pub Site and was still pleasantly surprised at how professional my author website looked after only fifty minutes entering content into Pub Site's easy-to-use template.
November 7, 2018
IWSG: Seeing Creativity in Life
First Wednesday of the month = Insecure Writer's Support Group. If you've not heard of it before, check out the complete details by clicking here.
The purpose of the group is "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!"
http://www.insecurewriterssupportgrou...
This month's question: How has your creativity in life evolved since you began writing?
My answer: I see world building elements, richer character development, and plot twists in most everything I study now. For example, even when I'm quilting, I see ways to make the whole quilt more dynamic based on the "world" of the quilt, the fabrics chosen for their "character" and the unusual surprises I can include.
How about you? How has your creativity in life evolved since you began writing?
The purpose of the group is "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!"
http://www.insecurewriterssupportgrou...This month's question: How has your creativity in life evolved since you began writing?
My answer: I see world building elements, richer character development, and plot twists in most everything I study now. For example, even when I'm quilting, I see ways to make the whole quilt more dynamic based on the "world" of the quilt, the fabrics chosen for their "character" and the unusual surprises I can include.
How about you? How has your creativity in life evolved since you began writing?
October 15, 2018
Book Review: HOW TO FRACTURE A FAIRY TALE by Jane Yolen
When offered the chance to read an early copy of Jane Yolen's collection of fractured fairy tales, I jumped at the opportunity! Scroll down to read my full review.
HOW TO FRACTURE A FAIRY TALE by Jane Yolen
November 5, 2018
Tachyon Publications
ISBN: 9781616963064
Description from Publisher
Fantasy legend Jane Yolen presents a wide-ranging offering of fractured fairy tales. Yolen fractures the classics to reveal their crystalline secrets, holding them to the light and presenting them entirely transformed; where a spinner of straw into gold becomes a money-changer and the big bad wolf retires to a nursing home. Rediscover the tales you once knew, rewritten and refined for the world we now live in―or a much better version of it.
About the Author
Jane Yolen is a novelist, poet, fantasist, journalist, songwriter, storyteller, folklorist, and children’s book author who has written more than three hundred books. Her accolades include the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Awards, the Kerlan Award, two Christopher Awards, and six honorary doctorate degrees from colleges and universities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Born and raised in New York City, the mother of three and the grandmother of six, Yolen lives in Massachusetts and St. Andrews, Scotland.
My Review
The title alone caught my attention, and then when I saw that this book was written by Jane Yolen, I knew I had to read it!
In an introduction by Marissa Meyer, she writes, "There is a history of tales told and retold that spans centuries--even millennia--and reaches to all corners of the globe."
How to Fracture a Fairy Tale, by Jane Yolen, is a collection of short stories and poems based on familiar fairy tales--but altered in fun, creepy, and imaginative ways. Yolen explains, "A fracture is a break . . . [it] can hurt like a sprain or reveal like a geode being split apart to show the jewels within."
Yolen takes well-known fairy tales and splits them apart, sometimes leaving them still quite familiar and other times shining a light from an unfamiliar angle to reveal new truths and possibilities.
This collection is a perfect choice to read when you have only a few minutes at a time to devote to the book. Read it while you're waiting at the doctor's office, or waiting in line to pick up your kids, or waiting anywhere!
Some of my favorite lines from the book:
"I felled her with a single blow of the fry pan."
"Of course he had the big bran-muffin eyes and the sled-jump nose and the gingko-leaf ears that identify a troll immediately."
"Instead she floated like a swan and the river bore her on."
[I received an early copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my opinion.]
HOW TO FRACTURE A FAIRY TALE by Jane Yolen
November 5, 2018
Tachyon Publications
ISBN: 9781616963064
Description from Publisher
Fantasy legend Jane Yolen presents a wide-ranging offering of fractured fairy tales. Yolen fractures the classics to reveal their crystalline secrets, holding them to the light and presenting them entirely transformed; where a spinner of straw into gold becomes a money-changer and the big bad wolf retires to a nursing home. Rediscover the tales you once knew, rewritten and refined for the world we now live in―or a much better version of it.
About the Author
Jane Yolen is a novelist, poet, fantasist, journalist, songwriter, storyteller, folklorist, and children’s book author who has written more than three hundred books. Her accolades include the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Awards, the Kerlan Award, two Christopher Awards, and six honorary doctorate degrees from colleges and universities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Born and raised in New York City, the mother of three and the grandmother of six, Yolen lives in Massachusetts and St. Andrews, Scotland.
My Review
The title alone caught my attention, and then when I saw that this book was written by Jane Yolen, I knew I had to read it!
In an introduction by Marissa Meyer, she writes, "There is a history of tales told and retold that spans centuries--even millennia--and reaches to all corners of the globe."
How to Fracture a Fairy Tale, by Jane Yolen, is a collection of short stories and poems based on familiar fairy tales--but altered in fun, creepy, and imaginative ways. Yolen explains, "A fracture is a break . . . [it] can hurt like a sprain or reveal like a geode being split apart to show the jewels within."
Yolen takes well-known fairy tales and splits them apart, sometimes leaving them still quite familiar and other times shining a light from an unfamiliar angle to reveal new truths and possibilities.
This collection is a perfect choice to read when you have only a few minutes at a time to devote to the book. Read it while you're waiting at the doctor's office, or waiting in line to pick up your kids, or waiting anywhere!
Some of my favorite lines from the book:
"I felled her with a single blow of the fry pan."
"Of course he had the big bran-muffin eyes and the sled-jump nose and the gingko-leaf ears that identify a troll immediately."
"Instead she floated like a swan and the river bore her on."
[I received an early copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my opinion.]
