Val Tobin's Blog, page 29
April 2, 2016
B is for Books #AtoZChallenge
For me, ‘B’ can’t be anything else but books in this A to Z challenge.
Books are like air to me–I can’t live without them.
Here’s what I’m reading now:
Tom Benson’s A Taste of Honey . It’s a vigilante story reminiscent of the movie Death Wish, but with a female lead. I’ve always enjoyed revenge stories, especially when it’s a woman kicking ass. It’s disturbing because of the subject matter, but Benson has an interesting style and a dry humour under it all. I’m just at the halfway point in the novel.
Ian D. Moore’s Salby Damned . Yes, it’s a zombie story, and I was reluctant to pick it up. But Moore ties it into fracking, which gives it an interesting twist. I’m reading it slowly, warily, afraid it might get too gruesome. I’ve been told it’s not, but I’m squeamish. And yes, I recognize the irony, considering how much horror I read–and that I write it.
Alan Annand’s Soma County . This is the third book in Annand’s New Age Noir series featuring Axel Crowe, who is not only a private investigator, but an astrologer. I’ve read all of Annand’s other novels, and always look forward to reading his next one. As always, it’s well written, well constructed (that’s the writer in me talking), but above all, enjoyable to read (from the reader in me). I love that Crowe uses astrology, palmistry, and other new age tools to solve the case. It adds another dimension to the story and another level of fascination to the investigation process.
Stephen King’s Mr. Mercedes . I love reading King’s books no matter how long they are. Sometimes I wonder why a scene was included, but who cares? Even if it’s extraneous, it’s interesting. He always tells a good story. It’s another one I’m reading slowly. With King, you never know what horrible thing is going to happen next. If you enjoy high tension and slow dread, this’ll do it.
I’m heading to the library today to return a stack of books, some of which I needed to write my thesis on the after-effects of near-death experience and the rest novels by Nora Roberts/J. D. Robb.
I’m addicted to Nora. I read her books fast. I can’t put them down, even when the tension becomes unbearable. Nora is one of the few authors who has compelled me to break down and read the end prematurely to make sure it turns out okay. And that’s knowing she always writes an HEA ending. But there have been a couple of novels where I doubted, because it looked so hopeless, and I cracked and peeked.
I’m so ashamed.
I didn’t discover her until a year or so ago, and can’t get enough, especially her SF crime fiction with Eve and Roarke. I must have a Nora book on the go, and I’ve read everything of hers I could get my hands on, so I need more.
Thank God for libraries.
Obviously, I don’t have a monogamous relationship with books–not even serially monogamous. For me, reading is one big orgy.
How To Help a Suicidal Person Overcome the Urge…
A message that needs to be spread.
Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog
Although my blog is primarily for Authors and Readers to get together, there are causes I feel need (and can) to be addressed by everyone, regardless of who or where they are, but especially by authors and bloggers, who have a greater influence than most.
Depression and suicides appear to be on the increase due to all sorts of reasons, from fear of terrorism to health issues through to job losses, etc.
Young Sam has already appeared on my blogHERE discussing depression (which many of you went to, shared and gave his efforts a big boost).
This is a follow-up post from him that I hope will be shared even more.
It should be noted that although Sam’s blog is especially aimed at Teenagers, he is trying to help everyone.
TSRA
When a family member tries to commit suicide, the entire family is plunged into confusion and grief. Life is instinctually valued by all of…
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April 1, 2016
Real Writers Don’t Self-Publish
Well said, Kristen Lamb.
One of the things I love about doing what I do is that I have the ability to connect so closely with you guys and speak on the topics that matter to you. Yesterday, a fellow writer shared an article from The Guardian, For me traditional publishing means poverty. But self-publish? No way. She wanted my take on what the author had to say.
All right.
For those who’ve been following this blog for any amount of time, I hope I’ve been really clear that I support all paths of publishing (vanity press doesn’t count).
All forms of publishing hold advantages and disadvantages and, as a business, we are wise to consider what form of publishing is best for our writing, our work, our goals, our personality, etc. But my goal has always been to educate writers so they are making wise decisions based off data, not just personal…
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A is for Achievement #atozchallenge
I wanted to start the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge with something positive. Today was a big day for me, so I thought I’d blog about achievement.
This morning, I submitted my master’s thesis, called “The After-Effects of Near Death Experience,” for approval. As long as the required corrections aren’t too severe, I should have my master’s degree in parapsychology soon.
It’s been a long, tough slog.
I’ve been working on this for almost five years, first on the courses that fulfill the programme requirements, and then on the master’s thesis. Not having it looming over my head anymore feels surreal but exciting.
Five years ago, when I first considered enrolling in the masters programme, the prospect of the huge amount of work and time it would consume daunted me. But someone once said to me that the time will pass whether you do something or not, so I committed to getting the degree.
The time passed, and now the goal is within reach.
I couldn’t have done it without the support of my family, especially my husband. But I’d never have gotten here if I hadn’t started and then persevered. There were days when I couldn’t stand the thought of how far I still had to go, but I forced myself to concentrate on the thing I had to do right then to keep the momentum going, even if it was just to inch along.
It’s easier to achieve a long-term goal if you keep the end in sight, but focus on each step you have to take to get there.
Yet I find that as soon as one goal has been achieved, I’m already eyeing the next one. While I’ll have to wait a while before I can dive into the Ph.D. programme, I’ve got a couple of novels that need my attention. One is almost ready to go to my editor, the other is in first draft and needs me to read through and revise.
So, onward and upward.
March 31, 2016
A Time for Courage: and other military stories
The latest from author Tom Benson.
Now available!*
I’m delighted to report the publication of my fourth anthology of short stories. The primary theme is of course military, but as suggested in the title, ‘courage’ is the underlying feature of this collection.
In some cases how the character deals with adversity is fairly obvious, but in other tales the conflict and solution is more subtle.
*
Here I have created 12 stories using a wide spectrum of scenarios. Military experiences can be funny, heart-breaking and, everything in between.
This anthology is a blend of my personal experience and knowledge, together with specially created pieces to highlight the peaks and troughs of service life.
These tales can be enjoyed equally by those who have served and, those who have never donned a uniform.
Humour, fact, fiction, and fantasy are used to portray service in theatres as varied as Vietnam, Northern Ireland, Ancient Briton, the Persian Gulf…
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March 29, 2016
This Isn’t About The Ghomeshi Case
Well said.
I am not an idiot. I know, it really needs stating.
I’m far from a lawyer, and I don’t pretend to be.
As an intelligent woman who used to write and amend laws, I’ve got a general comprehension of concepts like presumption of innocence, the burden of guilt and reasonable doubt.
You wouldn’t know it from the Men On The Internet.
In the wake of the Ghomeshi verdict, I said I believed women. Just that. Simple.
Since then, I’ve been inundated with men explaining veeeerrrryyyy sssllloooowwwlllyy that there’s such a thing as innocent until proven guilty, you know little lady.
WHAT?! THERE IS?! I have literally never heard that phrase in my whole life! I thought everyone was guilty of all the crimes until proven otherwise. Oh boy, I’m going to need to go back and reassess a whole bunch of life choices.
And you’re telling me that reasonable doubt is a…
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March 26, 2016
Book review: The Experiencers (The Valiant Chronicles #1) by Val Tobin
Nice review for The Experiencers.
Darrienia: The Forgotten Legacies Series
I came across this author a little while ago via an indies for charity group and asked if she 
would be willing to do an interview (here). I instantly brought her first book as it piqued my interests.
Whilst UFO and abduction stories rarely make my reading list, I am so glad I picked up this book. The Experiencers was a thrilling read, at times I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. There is an excellent combination of the science fiction, and dystopian genres.
The story follows two protagonists on different sides of the spectrum. Michael, an Agency assassin who works to silence those intent of revealing the secrets of UFOs and government plots. He is an executor or kidnapper of those deemed a threat to the mission. A task he
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March 9, 2016
Author Feature Mike Billington
An interview with author Mike Billington.
I had the amazing pleasure of speaking with author Mike Billington this past week.
Mike Billington spent nearly a half century as a reporter covering stories around the world and across the United States including Operation Desert Storm, the Rwandan Civil War, hurricanes Hugo, Andrew, Katrina and Rita as well as the Love Canal environmental disaster and the 9/11 airline crash near Shanksville, Pa. During his career he earned more than 40 awards including the Brotherhood Medal of the National Conference of Christians and Jews for an undercover investigation of white-power extremists, and the Southern Journalism Award for Investigative Reporting for a series he co-authored exposing police abuses of Florida’s Contraband Forfeiture Act. He also received several awards for a lengthy series on infant mortality in Delaware. An Army veteran who spent two tours in Vietnam, his awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Combat Infantryman’s Badge…
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Feed an Author – Leave a Review #wwwBlogs
Excellent post on reviewing books.
Feedback of any kind, whether you are an author, crafter, baker or therapist, is a lifeline to continued success. We all crave that positive remark, or a pat on the back when someone enjoys our products.
I have always tried my best to leave feedback wherever possible. Sometimes that might be a Facebook review for a company or service I have used, a quick comment on a blog post I enjoyed reading or logging on to a restaurant website to thank them for a wonderful meal and service.
As a consumer, I study the comments left by other people and hope that they can assist my decision on whether to buy a product, eat in a restaurant, visit an exhibition, or read a book.
Having published five books so far in the self-help and young adult fantasy categories, I also understand the importance of receiving reviews for your products and…
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March 2, 2016
The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study — the largest, most important public health study you never heard of — began in an obesity clinic
Excellent article on the adverse childhood experiences study that began in an obesity clinic.
Mentions of the ACE Study – the CDC’s Adverse Childhood Experiences Study — have shown up in the New York Times, This American Life, and Salon.com recently. In the last year, it’s become a buzzword in social services, public health, education, juvenile justice, mental health, pediatrics, criminal justice and even business. Many people say that just as everyone should be aware of her or his cholesterol score, so should everyone know her or his ACE score. But what is this study? And why is it so important to, well, almost everyone in 2012, the same way polio became important to almost everyone in the 1950s? Here’s the backstory.
The ACE Study – probably the most important public health study you never heard of – had its origins in an obesity clinic on a quiet street in San Diego.
It was 1985, and Dr. Vincent Felitti was mystified…
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