Julie Ann Dawson's Blog, page 9

An Interview with Author Thaxson Patterson II

With the release of Bardic Tales and Sage Advice (Vol. VII), we’re running this interview with author Thaxson Patterson II. His story, The Gunslinger with No Hands, won 2nd Place in last year’s Bards and Sages annual writing competition. Thaxson’s story is included in the anthology.

Author Thaxson Patterson II

BAS: Congratulations on your story. What was your first thought when you were notified?

 

Thank you, I was beyond excited to be selected among the winners of the competition. The first thought that raced through my mind after leaping for joy was I hope the readers like my story.

 

BAS: Have you ever entered a writing contest before? What interested you in the Bards and Sages Writing contest?

 

I’ve entered several writing competitions recently. I discovered Bards and Sages through a Google search for writing contests and I’m thankful your site was one of the first to be found. Your contest specialized in fantastical fiction, the kind of genre I love to write, so it was essentially a perfect match for my story.

 

BAS: Your story will be included in the annual Bardic Tales and Sage Advice anthology. Have you had other stories published elsewhere? If so, where?

 

Yes, this will be my second time being published. At the end of January, another short story of mine will be included in a fantasy anthology called The Toll of Another Bell, by Xchyler Publishing.

 

BAS: Tell us what your story is about.

 

The Gunslinger with No Hands falls into the category of supernatural horror with a western flare. It is a story focusing on what keeps bandits up at night, a gunslinger that cannot be outdrawn or outwitted. The lead antagonist is a despicable notorious local outlaw Douglas Dalton, a deserter of the Confederate Army, train robber, and murderer. He leads a band of cutthroats that stage a train robbery where Dalton kills the conductor in cold blood. This act scares his gang into recounting four tall tales of the righteous retribution a man can expect to experience if he kills in cold blood from the Gunslinger with No Hands.

 

BAS: Where did you get the idea for the story?

 

I’ve always been a fan of Westerns, specifically John Wayne and Clint Eastwood classic movies, such as El Dorado and The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. My lifelong reading, collecting, and obsession with a variety of literary genres including Lovecraftian horror, Dean Koontz mysteries, and Stephen King supernatural tales, additionally influenced the creation of this story.

 

BAS: Hollywood just called and they want to turn your story into a movie. Who do you cast in the lead roles?

 

Well if money, age, time, and space were no option, Clint Eastwood was willing to play the heel, he would be my first choice as Douglas Dalton. The Conductor and Foreigner I think would best be played by Jason Robards Jr. and Errol Flynn to give the audience a strong reaction to their demises. The roles of his fellow bandits, Mason, Jones, Grant, and Bullock, need quality character actors that can bring forth their quirkiness as they tell essentially supernatural ghost stories around a camp fire. I’d nominate Lee Van Cleef as Jones, Charles Bronson as Mason, Jack Elam as Grant, and Brian Dennehy as Bullock. The Marshal and Sheriff at the end of the story would have to be played by Sam Elliott and James Coburn without question. I guess in terms of modern actors, I would seek out guys like Daniel Craig for Douglas Dalton and his gang would be filled with Ryan Gosling, Gene Hackman, Sam Sheppard, and Kevin Costner.

 

BAS: If your story had a theme song, what would it be and why?

 

It would be a cross between the theme from The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, composed by Ennio Morricone, and the chilling music from the film The Shining by Wendy Carlos and Rachel Elkind. Imagine that music invoking the spirit of Hollywood Westerns while menacingly breathing down your neck at the same time as if something supernatural was out to get you.

 

BAS: How long have you been writing and who or what originally inspired you to write?

 

Writing has been an ongoing journey full of creativity, joy, and tears, spanning over several years. I started writing as an extension of my art design aspirations and ended up finding this art medium to be more thrilling, liberating, and rewarding than traditionally drawing or painting. I think the ability to craft an entire world every time I begin on a blank white page is both terrifying and exciting. I hope the reader of my story can sense that joy I had in building and crafting this story into something that will delight them and spark their own imaginations.

 

BAS: Do you keep a steady writing schedule, or do you simply write when the muse strikes you?

 

Unfortunately I don’t have a specific muse that inspires me to write. First, I write an outline first, when the story comes from the great beyond to my hard headed noggin, and then try to decipher it into a workable draft.

 

BAS: What is the best writing advice you ever got?

 

“I enjoyed reading your story.” These five simple words are the best words an author is waiting to hear. My family has been the greatest support for me pursuing my occupation of being an author. I’ve learned to have confidence knowing that every mistake I make, is an equal chance at improvement. The more you do something the better you become and it is through repetition and perseverance that your talent will hopefully improve enough to catch up to your ambition.

 

BAS: What is the worst writing advice you ever got?

 

Strangely, I’ve forgotten if I’ve ever heard anything extremely negative someone has said. Critiques, harsh or glowing, and narrative advice are always welcome but negative comments don’t stick between the ears with me for long. Probably because I’m my own worst critic and grade myself tougher than anyone else ever could.

 

BAS: Besides writing, do you have other creative pursuits and hobbies you would like to share?

 

I’m a grown baby man when it comes to comics and geek culture collecting a small hoard of anime, comics, and manga. Thank goodness for digital storage drives otherwise I would have to invest in constructing a man cave to store all of my stuff.

 

BAS: How many books do you read a year? What was the last book you read?

 

I don’t read as many books as I should or would like to. When I do get the time to read I enjoy reading speculative fiction. Soon I Will Be Invincible by Austin Grossman is a great book about the genre of super heroes and a story I really enjoyed reading and pondering how he constructed it.

 

BAS: Where can readers get in touch with you or follow your work?

 

Readers can follow me at

https://www.facebook.com/ThaxsonII or https://plus.google.com/+ThaxsonPattersonII/posts

 

Or just stop by and read my ramblings on science fiction and fantasy genres at my blog

http://the-grown-baby-man-think-tank.blogspot.com/

2015 eFestival of Words Award Winners!

Congratulations to the winners of the 2015 eFestival of Words Best of the Independent eBook Awards!

For complete details on the 2015 competiton, visit the festival site at www.efestivalofwords.com

Want to be one of the first alerted when the nomination period starts for 2016? Sign up for the Bards and Sages Monthly newsletter. Besides getting periodic updates about next year’s festival, you’ll also get access each issue of the Bards and Sages Quarterly in digital format for free.

Best Anthology

WINNER: Demonic Visions 50 Horror Tales (Book Five) edited by Rob Smale

RUNNER UP: Wicked Seasons: The Journal of New England Horror Writers, Volume II edited by Stacey Longo (NEHW Press)

Best Audiobook

WINNER: Say When (Something More Book 1) by Tara West, Kaylan McKinney-Vialpando (Narrator), Shifting Sands Publishin)

RUNNER UP: Lay Death at Her Door by Elizabeth Buhmann, Hannah Seusy (Narrator) Red Adept Publishing

Best Novel

WINNER: Gastien: From Dream to Destiny by Caddy Rowland

RUNNER UP: Stone and Silt by Harvey Chute (Red Adept Publishing)

Best Novella

WINNER: A Winter Wrong: A Pride and Prejudice Novella Variation (Seasons of Serendipity Book 1) by Elizabeth Ann West (Pemberley Possibilities

RUNNER UP: Fade to Grey by Edward M. Grant (Banchixi Media

Best Short Story

WINNER: Romeo Down: A Short Story by Dale Amidei

RUNNER UP: “Saying Goodbye.” by Rob Smales. From Demonic Visions 50 Horror Tales (Book Five)

Best Short Story Collection

WINNER: Samurai and Other Stories by William Meikle (Crystal Lake Publishing)

RUNNER UP: The Law & the Heart: Speculative Stories to Bend the Mind and Soul by Kenneth Schneyer (Stillpoint Digital Press)

Best Non-Fiction

WINNER: Hustlers, Harlots, and Heroes: A Regency and Steampunk Field Guide by Krista Ball (Tyche Books Ltd)

RUNNER UP: The Horror… The Horror: An Autobiography by Rick Hautala (Crossroads Press)

Best Poetry Collection

WINNER: The Pre-Raphaelite Girl and Other Poems by Paul Chapman

RUNNER UP: Winter’s Homecoming and Other Poems by Robert Zimmermann

Best General Fiction

WINNER: Stone and Silt by Harvey Chute (Red Adept Publishing)

RUNNER UP: Soul of the Desert by Maria Schneider (Bear Mountain Books)

Best Chick Lit/Women’s Lit

WINNER: With the Headmaster’s Approval by Jan Hurst-Nicholson (Just4kix Books

RUNNER UP: Purple Trees by Ursula Wong (Genretarium Publishing)

Best Children’s Book

WINNER: Enjella Uprooted: A Tooth Fairy Gets A New Job by Jane Collen (Streamline

RUNNER UP: Super Zombie Juice Mega Bomb (A Zombie Apocalypse Novel Book 1) by M.J. Ware (CG Press LTD)

Best Fantasy (High Fantasy/Sword and Sorcery)

WINNER: Sword of the Gods: Agents of Ki (Sword of the Gods Saga Book 3) by Anna Erishkigal (Seraphim Press)

RUNNER UP: The Invisible Hands – Part 4: Mate (Dark Tales of Randamor the Recluse Book 7) by Andrew Ashling (Ormidon Publishing)

Best Fantasy (Urban/Contemporary)

WINNER: Goddamned Freaky Monsters (The Tome of Bill Book 5) by Rick Gualtieri (Westmarch Publishing

RUNNER UP: Infernal Games: Templar Chronicles Book 4 by Joseph Nassise (Harbinger Books)

Best Historical Fiction

WINNER: Gastien: From Dream to Destiny by Caddy Rowland

RUNNER UP: A King Uncaged, A Historical Novel of Scotland (The Stewart Chronicles Book 2) by J.R. Tomlin (Talon Novels)

Best Horror

WINNER: Bigfoot Hunters by Rick Gualtieri (Westmarch Publishing)

RUNNER UP: Hell’s Gate: A Victorian Monster Novel by Edward M. Grant (Banchixi Media)

Best Literary Fiction

WINNER: A Winter Wrong: A Pride and Prejudice Novella Variation (Seasons of Serendipity Book 1) by Elizabeth Ann West (Pemberley Possibilitie

RUNNER UP: Summer Symphony by Brandon Shire (TPG Books)

Best Mystery/Suspense

WINNER: Deadly Betrayal (Deadly Vices Book 3) by Kristine Cayne

RUNNER UP: A Girl of Great Price by Milo James Fowler

Best Roleplaying Game

WINNER: Doctor Who – The Sixth Doctor Sourcebook by Cubicle 7 Entertainment

RUNNER UP: Book of the Deceived by Onyx Path Publishing

Best Romance

WINNER: Divine and Dateless (Eternally Yours Book 1) by Tara West (Shifting Sands Publishing)

RUNNER UP: A Love That Never Tires (Linley & Patrick Book 1) by Allyson Jeleyne (Fifty Forty Productions)

Best Science Fiction

WINNER: Dakiti by E.J. Fisch (Transcendence Publishing)

RUNNER UP: Salt by Colin F. Barnes (Anachron Press)

Best Thriller

WINNER: Absinthe & Chocolate by Dale Amidei (Single Candle Press)

RUNNER UP: She’s Gone (A Pete Maddox Thriller Book 2) by Alan Petersen (17th Street Books)

Best Young Adult

How to Create Discount Codes With Createspace

This is a short step-by-step guide to help authors create discount codes to use with Createspace.

Benefits of Discount Codes through Createspace

1. You can offer special deals to your most loyal fans. I often include discount codes in my newsletter, for example, so my most loyal fans can get titles at reduced rates.

2. You can allow contributors to group projects to get copies of the book at reduced costs for their own use instead of having to deal with the accounting issues of shipping books yourself. I do this all the time with my Quarterly magazine, as contributors often want to get additional copies and I don’t want them to pay retail prices on Amazon.

3. You can offer wholesale discounts to smaller retailers that want to sell your book but do not do business with Ingram. This is particularly useful for non-standard businesses such as flea market vendors, hobby shops, gift shops, and others that don’t generally deal with book distributors.

How to set up the codes

Go to the Project Homepage for the book you want to create a code for. Under “Distribute” Click “Channels.”

Start by going to the Project Page for your book.

Directly below the “Createspace estore” option you will see “Discount Codes.” Click there.

Look for the Discount Codes Option

If this is your first time setting up a code, click the option to create a new code. The site auto-generates a code for you to use. If you have pre-existing codes, you can instead click the option to see the full list of existing codes.

This is where you create and apply your discount codes.

Note: The site is cumbersome in that the discount code list will show you how many times a code is used, but not WHERE the codes are used! This isn’t a big deal if you only have one or two titles. But if you have dozens of titles, you either need to keep your own list of where the codes are used, or manually check each title to see which codes are being used.

What the discount list looks like.

Select your code and add it to the Code listing.

Decide if you want to offer a flat dollar amount or a percentage off. Use the drop down menu to select your option.

If using a flat dollar amount, enter the amount (format: 0.00). If you selected percentage, instead enter a whole number (10 for 10$, 25 for 25%, etc).

Once you have entered your code, hit Save Changes.

Note: You cannot offer a discount for below the minimum Createspace estore price. If the discount would put you below the minimum estore price, you will get an error message.

Once you have your code, you can give that and the direct link to your book on Createspace to people to use to buy.

Book Review: A is for Arsenic

A is for Arsenic: The Poisons of Agatha Christie by Kathryn Harkup is a delightful, entertaining, and thoughtful look at how one of literature’s greatest mystery writers used poisons. Some might consider the topic a bit morbid, but Harkup’s approach to the material is actually educational and fun.

For mystery and suspense writers, this book should be required reading for both the historical perspective it offers and as a matter of craft. For fans of the genres, the book provides a unique insight into Agatha Christie’s body of work.

This isn’t just a list of which poisons are used in which stories. Harkup presents the science behind the poisons as Christie would have understood it. Christie was well versed in the science behind her preferred method of murder, having worked extensively in pharmacies during both world wars. She also understood the logistics of poison: how easy or difficult they were to obtain, how easily they could or could not be traced, and how investigators would go about identifying them.

Instead of taking a dry, academic approach, Harkup adopts a more conversational tone that will make the book more accessible to casual readers. The approach, however, may put off those expecting a straightforward scientific discussion. This isn’t a science book and it certainly won’t tell you how to poison anyone today. But it does offer an extensive historic look at the use of poisons throughout history and how that knowledge was used by Christie.

A is for Arsenic is a wonderful look into the mind of Agatha Christie and would be a welcome addition to the library of any fan.

Reviewer Note: I was given a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

Book Review: World Religions: A Guide to the Essentials

World Religions: A Guide to the Essentials by Thomas A. Robinson and Hillary P. Rodrigues is a well-organized, easily accessible journey through the histories and beliefs of the world’s major beliefs both past and present. The inclusion of a discussion on ancient religions provides a welcome context in which to view the more contemporary religious practices of our time. Throughout most of the ancient world, religions were inclusive. That is, instead of the practitioners of various faiths considering their beliefs the One True Way, practitioners took a more holistic view. While we tend, for example, to consider the Egyptian pantheon all one religion, the religious beliefs of ancient Egypt were actually multiple different sects that co-existed and often cooperated for the greater good.

Another difference between ancient religions and contemporary ones is the idea that the world was created by one set of gods, but ruled over by another. In some cases, this was a matter of the younger gods overthrowing the older ones. In others, it was a matter of the older gods simply being disinterested in their creation and leaving it to others to run. This differs from most of the world’s contemporary religions, which tend to believe that their god or gods both created the world and rule it.

This discussion provides an interesting juxtaposition when we move into the more contemporary religions, particularly the Western Religions of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. The authors do a good job of presenting each religion in a neutral manner, focusing on the history behind the various faiths without offering any judgment. In this regard, the book is a useful tool for those who sincerely want to learn more about other religious beliefs without all of the modern baggage imposed by so many biased media sources.

The inclusion of the major Eastern religions makes this book even more valuable. So often in the West, we tend to marginalize Eastern religions when we discuss religion in general. But millions of people follow these belief systems, and the authors again do a great job of explaining the fundamental belief systems and histories of these religions in a way that is both neutral and accessible.

Reviewer Note: I was given a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for a review.

The Great Tomes Series: Open for Submissions

Beginning August 1st, we will start accepting submissions for our Great Tomes series. The Great Tomes Series will feature short fiction and novella length works within the speculative genres. Each installment in the series will surround a specific theme.  The series will begin publication in 2016.

 

The Great Tome of Forgotten Relics and Artifacts

Theme: Plots revolving around magical items, cursed relics, ancient artifacts, or alien devices. The device must be central to the plot.

 

Submission Period:

August 1, 2015-October 31, 2015

Tentative Publication Date:

March 2016

 

The Great Tome of Darkest Horrors and Unspeakable Evils

Theme: Plots revolving around monsters, evil aliens, or otherworldly entities that serves as the antagonist for the story. We will not consider stories in which the monster is the protagonist.  For purposes of this anthology, the monster or entity must be a wholly original concept to the story and not based on an existing “real world” legend. (See The Great Tome of Cryptids and Legendary Creatures)

 

Submission Period:

October 31, 2015-December 31, 2015

Tentative Publication Date:

June 2016

 

The Great Tome of Fantastic and Wondrous Places

Theme: Plots revolving around exploration of fantasy or alien locales in which the acts of exploration and adventure are central to the plot.

 

Submission Period:

January 1, 2016-March 31, 2016

Tentative Publication Date:

September 2016

 

The Great Tome of Cryptids and Legendary Creatures

Theme: Plots revolving around the folklore and legends of “real world” cryptids. Examples include the Jersey Devil, bunyips, chupacabras, kelpies, etc. Stories may not be told from the creature’s point of view.

 

Submission Period:

March 31, 2016-June 30, 2016

Tentative Publication Date:

December 2016

 

This is a paying market. Previously published works will be considered. We do not require exclusivity in our publishing agreement. Complete details can be found at http://www.bardsandsages.com/speculative_fiction/great_tome_series

 

2015 eFestival of Words Finalists

Congratulations to the finalists for the 2015 eFestival of Words Best of the Independent eBook Awards! Visit efestivalofwords.com for more details and to vote for your favorites!

Best Anthology

Demonic Visions 50 Horror Tales (Book Five) edited by Rob Smales

Wicked Seasons: The Journal of New England Horror Writers, Volume II edited by Stacey Longo (NEHW Press)

War Stories edited by Jaym Gates & Andrew Liptak (Apex Book Company)

The Robot Chronicles (The Future Chronicles) edited by David Gatewood

Steampunk Cthulhu: Mythos Terror in the Age of Steam edited by Brian M. Sammons and Glynn Own Barrass (Chaosium)

Stories on the Go: 101 Very Short Stories by 101 Authors edited by Andrew Ashling (Indanth)

Heartbeats: Voices Against Oppression Edited by Jax Goss (Fey Publishing)

Best Audiobook

Say When (Something More Book 1) by Tara West, Kaylan McKinney-Vialpando (Narrator), Shifting Sands Publishing

Shadow of the Wendigo by Dale T. Phillips, Phillip Hoffman (Narrator)

The Handfasted Wife: Daughters of Hastings, Book 1 by Carol McGrath, Heather Wilds (Narrator)

Death of a Spy: Mark Sava, Book 4 by Dan Mayland, Mark Boyett (Narrator)

Just to Be with You: The Sullivans, Book 12 by Bella Andre, Eva Kaminsky (Narrator) (Oak Press LLC)

Lay Death at Her Door by Elizabeth Buhmann, Hannah Seusy (Narrator) Red Adept Publishing

Meritropolis by Joel Ohman, Mikael Naramore (Narrator)

Sand: Omnibus Edition by Hugh Howey, Karen Chilton (Narrator) (Broad Reach Publishing)

Best Novel

City of Whores by Mark B. Perry (Starboard Home Press)

Stone and Silt by Harvey Chute (Red Adept Publishing)

The Devil’s Horizon (Devil’s Fire Book 3) by Matt Tomerlin

Stardust Summer by Lauren Clark (Monterey Press)

Gastien: From Dream to Destiny by Caddy Rowland

Halfway Home by Hugh Howey (Broad Reach Publishing)

What it Takes by Terry Tyler

Best Novella

Movers by Evan Clark (Lantern Tree Book)

Rat’s Tale by DJ Bennett

The Day of the Nuptial Flight by Sarina Dorie. From The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction July/August 2014

A Winter Wrong: A Pride and Prejudice Novella Variation (Seasons of Serendipity Book 1) by Elizabeth Ann West (Pemberley Possibilities)

Fade to Grey by Edward M. Grant (Banchixi Media)

Hard-Boiled Immortal (The Immortal Chronicles Book Two) by Gene Doucette

Taxi – Talk (Book Five) by Sophia DeLuna

Best Short Story

“Carnacki – The Island of Doctor Munroe.” by William Meikle From Steampunk Cthulhu: Mythos Terror in the Age of Steam (Chaosium)

“Light and Shadow.” By Linda Nagata. From War Stories. (Apex Book Company)

“Saying Goodbye.” by Rob Smales. From Demonic Visions 50 Horror Tales (Book Five)

“Just One More Sin” by Alexis A. Hunter. From Spark: A Creative Anthology, Volume IV

“The Longest Night.” by Mercedes Lackey. From A Fantastic Holiday Season: The Gift of Stories (Volume 2) (WordFire Press)

Romeo Down: A Short Story by Dale Amidei

“Effigy Nights.” by Yoon Ha Lee. From The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year, Volume Eight. (Solaris).

Best Short Story Collection

The Law & the Heart: Speculative Stories to Bend the Mind and Soul by Kenneth Schneyer (Stillpoint Digital Press)

Wrapped Around Her Little Finger by Carol Davis

Plow the Bones by Douglas F. Warrick (Apex Book Company)

Nine ‘Til 9 by Mat Clark (Last Page Pty Ltd)

Soft Apocalypses by Lucy A. Snyder (Raw Dog Screaming Press)

Nothing’s Fine by Aurelio Rico Lopez III (James Ward Kirk Publishing)

Samurai and Other Stories by William Meikle (Crystal Lake Publishing)

Best Poetry Collection

Light Spectrums: A Collection of Poetry by Jessica Fuqua

Can You Catch My Flow? by Lidy Wilks

The Poems Choose Me by Kristy Rulebreaker

The Pre-Raphaelite Girl and Other Poems by Paul Chapman

Winter’s Homecoming and Other Poems by Robert Zimmermann

Holes in Space: A Poetry Collection by Andrea Barbosa (The Lonely Poet Publishing House)

Best Non-Fiction

How I Got Him To Marry Me: 50 True Stories by Cherise Kelley (Size 12 By St Patrick’s Day)

The Horror… The Horror: An Autobiography by Rick Hautala (Crossroads Press)

Old Souls: The Sages and Mystics of Our World by Aletheia Luna

Hustlers, Harlots, and Heroes: A Regency and Steampunk Field Guide by Krista Ball (Tyche Books Ltd)

Self-Publisher’s Legal Handbook: The Step-by-Step Guide to the Legal Issues of Self-Publishing by Helen Sedwick (Ten Gallon Press)

Writer’s Guide to Character Emotion: Best Method to Craft Realistic Character Expression and Emotion by Sherry Soule

The Ultimate Beauty Guide: Head to Toe Homemade Beauty Tips and Treatments For Your Body, Mind and Spirit by Adi Atar

Best Roleplaying Game Product

2300AD: Ships of the French Arm by Mongoose Publishing

2300AD: Libreville – Corruption in the Core Worlds by Mongoose Publishing

Advanced Bestiary for the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game by Green Ronin Publishing

Hell on Earth Reloaded: Companion by Pinnacle Entertainment

Romance in the Air • A World of Adventure for Fate Core by Evil Hat Productions

Book of the Deceived by Onyx Path Publishing

Doctor Who – The Sixth Doctor Sourcebook by Cubicle 7 Entertainment

Best Fiction (General Fiction)

Soul of the Desert by Maria Schneider (Bear Mountain Books)

Stone and Silt by Harvey Chute (Red Adept Publishing)

No Perfect Secret by Jackie Weger

What it Takes by Terry Tyler

Life’s What Happens by Kathy Clark (Nightwriter93)

But Can You Drink the Water? By Jan Hurst-Nicholson

Troubled Waters (The Lake Trilogy, Book 2) by AnnaLisa Grant

Best Children’s Book

Enjella Uprooted: A Tooth Fairy Gets A New Job by Jane Collen (Streamline)

A Secret In Time (Big Honey Dog Mysteries) by H.Y. Hannah (Wisheart Press)

Oliphant Island: A Tale of Three Sisters by Mary Davis

Impact (The Dean Curse Chronicles Book 3) by Steven Whibley

Super Zombie Juice Mega Bomb (A Zombie Apocalypse Novel Book 1) by M.J. Ware (CG Press LTD.)

Misty: The Proud Cloud by Hugh Howey (Broad Reach Publishing)

I Think My Mom’s a Superhero: Early Reader Superhero Fiction – Kids Read Along Books (Moms Are Superheroes Series Book 1) by Bolaji Oye (Brave Little Heroes)

Best Chick Lit/Women’s Lit

Purple Trees by Ursula Wong (Genretarium Publishing)

With the Headmaster’s Approval by Jan Hurst-Nicholson (Just4kix Books)

Not Quite Perfect (Oakland Hills Book 3) by Gretchen Galway (Eton Field)

If Wishes Were Husbands by Jane Killick and Elizabeth Kyne (Windtree Press)

Sorry’s Not Enough by J. Lea López

Du Rose Legacy (The Hana Du Rose Mysteries Book 3) by K T Bowes

The Matchbaker by Jerrica Knight-Catania (Romancing the Book, Inc.)

Best Contemporary Fantasy/Urban Fantasy

Demon Down: Book Four of the Xoe Meyers Fantasy/Horror Series by Sara C. Roethle (Vulture’s Eye Publications)

Solatium (Emanations, an urban fantasy series Book 2) by Becca Mills

Silent Moon by Sarina Dorie (Soul Mate Publishing)

Goddamned Freaky Monsters (The Tome of Bill Book 5) by Rick Gualtieri (Westmarch Publishing)

The Devil and Preston Black (Murder Ballads and Whiskey Book 1) by Jason Jack Miller (Raw Dog Screaming Press)

Hedge Witch (The Cloven Land Trilogy Book 1) by Simon Kewin (Stormcrow Books)

Infernal Games: Templar Chronicles Book 4 by Joseph Nassise (Harbinger Books)

Best Fantasy (High Fantasy/Sword and Sorcery)

Monsters of Elsewhere by Matthew Waldram

The Invisible Hands – Part 4: Mate (Dark Tales of Randamor the Recluse Book 7) by Andrew Ashling (Ormidon Publishing)

Balanced on the Blade’s Edge (Dragon Blood Book 1) by Lindsay Buroker

Beneath the Canyons (Daughter of the Wildings Book 1) by Krya Halland

Sword of the Gods: Agents of Ki (Sword of the Gods Saga Book 3) by Anna Erishkigal (Seraphim Press)

Immortal at Sea (The Immortal Chronicles Book 1) by Gene Doucette

The Watcher’s Keep: An Epic Fantasy (The Triadine Saga Book 1) by Timothy Bond (myOstrich Press)

Best Historical Fiction

City of Whores by Mark B. Perry (Starboard Home Press)

Daughters of the Dragon – A Comfort Woman’s Story by William Andrews (MADhouse Press LLC)

A King Uncaged, A Historical Novel of Scotland (The Stewart Chronicles Book 2) by J.R. Tomlin (Talon Novels)

The Swan-Daughter (The Daughters of Hastings Book 2) by Carol McGrath (Accent Press)

Gastien: From Dream to Destiny by Caddy Rowland

#Havana62: To the Brink of Nuclear War (Hashtag Histories) by Phillip Gibson

Scherzo: Murder and Mystery in 18th Century Venice by Jim Williams (Marble City Publishing)

Best Horror

Consumption by Michael Patrick Hicks

Fool’s Ride (The Jenkins Cycle Book 2) by John L. Monk

Bigfoot Hunters by Rick Gualtieri (Westmarch Publishing)

Chicago Fell First: A Zombie Novel by Aaron Smith (Buzz Books USA)

Hell’s Gate: A Victorian Monster Novel by Edward M. Grant (Banchixi Media)

Madness Inherent by Aurelio Rico Lopez III (James Ward Kirk Publishing)

Soft Apocalypses by Lucy A. Snyder (Raw Dog Screaming Press)

Best Literary Fiction

Summer Symphony by Brandon Shire (TPG Books)

Stardust Summer by Lauren Clark (Monterey Press)

Apron Strings by Mary Moroney

A Winter Wrong: A Pride and Prejudice Novella Variation (Seasons of Serendipity Book 1) by Elizabeth Ann West (Pemberley Possibilities)

The Resurrection of Tess Blessing by Lesley Kagen (SparkPress)

Waiting by Bonnie Dodge (BookTrope)

When You Were Older by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Best Mystery/Suspense

Deadly Betrayal (Deadly Vices Book 3) by Kristine Cayne

Love Poison by Peter Barber (Red Adept Publishing)

Quicksilver (The Forensic Geology Series) by Toni Dwiggins

Justice Overdue: A Private Investigator Mystery Series (A Jake & Annie Lincoln Thriller Book 5) by Rayven T. Hill (Ray of Joy Publishing)

A Girl of Great Price by Milo James Fowler

A Spy Came Home (Mac Ambrose Book 1) by H.N. Wake

The Obituary Society by Jessica L. Randall

Best Romance

Divine and Dateless (Eternally Yours Book 1) by Tara West (Shifting Sands Publishing)

The Love of Wicked Men (Part One) by Brandon Shire (TPG Books)

Dirty Deeds (Cole McGinnis Series Book 4) by Rhys Ford (Dreamspinner Press)

The Way You Look Tonight (The Sullivans Book 9) by Bella Andre (Oak Press LLC)

Without Words by Ellen O’Connell

False Start: an Assignment: Romance novel by Barbara Valentin

A Love That Never Tires (Linley & Patrick Book 1) by Allyson Jeleyne (Fifty Forty Productions)

Best Science Fiction

Skylights by Luther M. Siler (Prostetnic Publications)

Dakiti by E.J. Fisch (Transcendence Publishing)

Tactics of Conquest (Stellar Conquest Series Book 3) by David VanDyke (Reaper Press)

The Oasis of Filth – Part 3 – From Blood Reborn by Keith Soares (Bufflegoat Books)

The Draco Eye (Space: 1889 & Beyond, Vol. 3.2) by Sharon Bidwell (Untreed Reads)

Shadowrun: Fire & Frost by Kai o’Connal (Catalyst Game Labs)

Salt by Colin F. Barnes (Anachron Press)

Best Thriller

A Requiem for Dead Flies by Peter N. Dudar (Nightscape Press)

Absinthe & Chocolate by Dale Amidei (Single Candle Press)

Deadly Journey by Declan Conner (Scorpion Books)

BAD DEEDS: A Dylan Hunter Justice Thriller (Dylan Hunter Thrillers Book 2) by Robert Bidinotto

She’s Gone (A Pete Maddox Thriller Book 2) by Alan Petersen (17th Street Books)

March Into Madness (The Mark Taylor Series Book 4) by M.P. McDonald

LASSITER (Jake Lassiter Legal Thrillers Book 8) by Paul Levine (Nittany Valley Productions, Inc.)

Lady 52: A Jack Daniels/Nicholas Colt Novel by Jude Hardin and J.A. Konrath

Best Young Adult

Wishing Will by Daniel Harvell and Benjamin Lund

Polarity in Motion by Brenda Vicars (Red Adept Publishing)

Confessions of a Middle School Assassin: Code Name: Macho Book One by Denninger Bolton (Javelina Books)

Grunge Gods and Graveyards by Kimberly G. Giarratano

Know Thy Frienemy: a Darkworld novel: Destiny Walker #2 by Misti Wolanski

All the Butterflies in the World by Rodney Jones (Red Adept Publishing)

Threats of Sky and Sea by Jennifer Ellision

Book Review: Medieval Tastes

Reviewer Note: I was given a review copy of this book for a review

Massimo Montanari’s Medieval Tastes: Food, Cooking, and the Table is a detailed, well-researched, and insightful look into the evolution of the culinary arts and how our modern concepts of “Medieval” food are, frankly, hilariously wrong. This is not a cookbook, but rather a historical account of the development of cuisine during the medieval period. Montanari discusses not only how our modern ideas of what foods were eaten during the Medieval era is flawed, but also how the foods items themselves were fundamentally different centuries ago.

Much of our modern thought on medieval cuisine is rooted in entertainment media and the romanticizing of the time period courtesy of medieval festivals and events. Montanari digs deep into the actual historical records to reveal how complex and at times controversial certain culinary movements were during the time period. It is an intriguing look into the day-to-day lives of both commoners and nobles and how food played a role beyond mere sustenance.

The book is weighed down, however, by the academic tendency to over-explain and use cumbersome language and sentence structures to make a point. Casual readers interested in the topic will not find the text easily accessible. Part of this may be the fault of the translator, as sections of the book do in fact read like literal translations instead of conversational ones. Perhaps a more careful attempt to make the work readable for English speakers would have made the text easier to follow. I should also note that my review copy was an unedited proof, and some of this awkwardness may have been rectified in the final, edited version.

Book Review: Haunted Plantations of the South

Haunted Plantations of the South is a disappointing collection of ambiguous vignettes of various alleged ghost sightings at predominately tourist destinations in the South. In truth, the book reads more like a tour guide than a thoughtfully researched work on the subject.

Each listing includes only the barest details of the alleged hauntings, and the author rarely cites any sources. It is almost as if some of the stories are being taken verbatim from guided tours of the plantations themselves. This is tragic, as the limited information presented hints at some truly fascinated stories. I had hoped this collection would offer some really intriguing tales of hauntings and their histories. Instead, all the book offers are vague snippets written in a dry style.

As I read through the book, I often found myself feeling uncomfortable at the sanitized depiction of slavery presented in the book. These hauntings occur on Civil War era plantations, and many of the hauntings involve slaves who died under horrific circumstances. But the author presents the information with all of the casualness with which one would read a grocery list. The complete indifference to the circumstances that led to the slaves’ deaths was troublesome.

Reviewer Note: I was given a comp copy of the book for review

Tentative Panels for the 2015 eFestival of Words

We are currently working on the final schedule for this year’s eFestival of Words Virtual Book Fair. Here are some of the topics the Planning Committee are working on:

Tentative Panels

Heroes Versus Villains!: This is a follow-up to our Ask the Villain panel from last year. In this panel, authors will adopt the persona of either the hero of their book or the villain and will stay in character the entire panel.

The End Is Near: The Allure of Post-Apocalyptic Fiction: A discussion of dystopian and post-apocalyptic fiction. Why we write it and why we read it. .

Why “Happily Ever After” Matters in Romance: Specifically for romance authors, a discussion on why the HEA is the defining trait of the romance genre.

Has YA Gone Too Dark?: This topic is inspired by discussions with attendees last year. Parents once trusted the “young adult” label to mean the book was “safe” for their teenagers to read. But most popular YA titles published today include often surprisingly dark and adult themes. .

For Love of Tropes: While people often claim they hate tropes, many of the biggest sellers are built on them. In this panel, writers share their favorite tropes and why they are still relevant. .

Scene of the Crime: How to Build a Crime for Fiction: Mystery, Suspense, and Thriller writers talk about how to create a crime worth investigating…and reading. .

Minnows and Whales: Gary Gygax once said that a reader will swallow a whale, but choke on a minnow. This panel discusses how speculative fiction writers balance the speculative with the believable so readers don’t “choke” on the plot. .

Diversity and Representation in Books : What exactly does it mean? Why is it so important? How does it affect the story and the reader’s reaction to the story? .

In addition, author Kristine Cayne is developing a panel topic on LGBTQ and/or M/M romances. Kristine will be the moderator of the panel and is working on the exact subject of discussion.

If you are an author interested in participating in this year’s festival, there is still time to register! Just sign up with our volunteer form and we’ll get you involved!