Night Owl Reviews 3
Q & A with an Author Look into the Lives of Authors
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Staying On Top Bestselling Authors Share
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Fabulous Fiction An Inside Look
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Inside the Cookbook Find Some Awesome Cookbooks
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Urban Fantasy and the Paranormal Hot UF / PN Releases Every Month
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Love and Romance in Color Diversity in Romance
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Science Fiction & Fantasy A Look Inside the Books
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A Piece Of My Mind Insights for Writers
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History Bits Travel Back in History
24 Romance Stories To Make You Fall In Love
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Teen Reads Young Adult Reads For All
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Dark Streets Suspense at Its Best
Novel Technology The Low Down on Tech for Readers
15 Night Owl ReviewsTM WEtap Media, LLC 2459 SE TV HWY, #153, Hillsboro, Oregon 97123 Reviews@NightOwlReviews.com Editor-In-Chief: Tammie King Director of Marketing: Tammie King Tammie.King@NightOwlReviews.com Š Night Owl Reviews 2012 2
www.NightOwlReviews.com Black Heart, which is the last book of her Curse Workers trilogy, is going to make me cry, I’m sure. It’s a twisty, twisted con-game of a series and one of the best things I’ve ever read. I’m also looking forward Social Suicide, the sequel to Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday, which reminds me of Veronica Mars in a very good way. Finally, I can’t wait to get The Fitzosbornes at War by Michelle Cooper. Her Montmaray trilogy just enchanted me--Dodie Smith by way of Eva Ibbotson, with a dash of something beyond either of them. It’s not coming out in the states until fall, though! I will survive somehow. If you could live in a world created by an author, which book / world would you jump into? Probably the universe of Diana Wynne Jones’s Howl’s Moving Castle and Castle in the Air. I love that there are portals between worlds that are really different than ours. There’s something very whimsical about the process of going between them that always appealed to me as a kid. Magic feels a little strange but still on the edge of the everyday in her books, which is just about how I’d like it in my own life.
ALAYA JOHNSON Current Release: Wicked City
Describe your current release in two sentences?
Wicked City is a romp through an alternate 1920s New York City, telling the story of Zephyr Hollis, an overworked, underfed vampire rights activist. She has a tempestuous relationship with a djinn named Amir--and, in the wake of a series of vampire murders, serious trouble with the police.
What is your favorite TV show?
I have a few that I adore, but Veronica Mars might be at the top--or at least jostling for the top position with a few others (Kareshi Kanojo no Jijyo, Buffy, Supernatural). The third season of Veronica Mars was a very sad affair, but I think the first season is just about one of the most perfect things to ever get on television. And the mystery plotting of the ending blew me away--I never saw it coming, and it made utter sense. Dialogue, characterization, depiction of High School life...VM makes me love television.
What are you working on?
Right now I’m working on my debut YA novel, The Summer Prince, and a second, brand new YA project (I think of this as my DC novel, since it’s the first book I’ve set in the city where I grew up, but that’s all I can say about it for now). They’re both pretty different projects from Wicked City, but I love working in different genres. It means I never get bored.
New York is my favorite city in the world, and getting to travel back in time for Moonshine and Wicked City was a huge pleasure. If you enjoy Zephyr’s adventures, let me know! I love getting emails from fans.
What are your plans for the summer? Any books you are looking forward to?
There are a couple of books I can’t wait to get my hands on that are coming out soon-- Holly Black’s
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Full Interview at: http://scifi.nightowlreviews. com/nor/Interviews/Tamazon-interviews-AlayaJohnson-on-Mar-26-2012.aspx
Night Owl Reviews
A Diamond in the Rough….
For as long as I have been reading, which I can’t remember a time where I wasn’t, I have had the inevitable rough patch or readers block, for lack of a better term. Though they are few and far between it is inevitable that once in a while there is a pause or lull in my reading journey and the dreaded slump begins. The reading slump is never an issue with my desire to read. Quite often I find myself wishing I was reading, but as soon as I try my mind wanders, my interest wanes and all concentration is gone. It is during these times that I turn to TV, the simplistic story, created for me without any effort or imagination on my part. While I have show’s I love, nothing will ever take the place of a well written, well -loved story. In fact, between us, most often while I watch TV shows, I yearn for a book. It is in these spans of time that many books are put aside but eventually one book, one diamond in the rough, will break through the slump and jumpstart my mind, urging me to read on. Often, it is these books that I turn to when a reading slump has begun. It is these books that make the slump almost worth the disappointment it brings, because while I put aside book after book in search of the diamond, the find is sweet and full of excitement when it comes. So, in this edition of Fabulous Fiction, I pay tribute to those diamonds that have helped me escape from the dreaded reading slump and brought me back to my favorite hobby, pastime and rekindled the
joy of reading for me.
Little Earthquakes by Jennifer Weiner, ISBN: 9780743470100 Little Earthquakes follows four women brought together by motherhood and life. Each is quite different from the other but yet they all have something in common and they all have a problem that makes them need support they can bring to each other. The characters are women I could connect with. They were people I pictured myself being friends with. They were real, relatable, understandable and likeable. I loved the way the book switched from character to character, each chapter telling a different part of their story. I loved that I could get to know each woman a little at a time and understand all sides of the story from their own point of view as well as the other characters. I have re-read this novel more than once and each time I devour it and enjoy it. It’s truly one of my diamonds in the rough.
More than Goodbye, by S. Carol Crovo, ISBN: 978-1-61566-981-3
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Every once in a while I come across a book that shocks and amazes me. This was one of those wonderfully enjoyable books. From the moment I started reading More Than Goodbye I knew it was something special. I immensely enjoyed this novel. Ms. Crovo writes with beauty and ease. The book flows from one page to the next revealing Jane’s live to the reader. She lives through the joy, the struggles, surprises and expected moments with new meaning. The author does a wonderful job
www.NightOwlReviews.com with the reality of this novel. Jane, although re-living her life, is not aware of her death or the future until her guider visits her. Each appearance of the guider helps shed light and understanding of life and death to Jane as well as to the reader. The novel is beautifully written and full of emotion. The reader is left feeling just as much a part of Jane’s life as Jane was. The author writes of life and death in the most peaceful and comforting way. The story started with a sad event and unfolded into a lifetime of memories to cherish and understand. Jane was given the chance to live again and see her life in all of its splendor as well as its darkest moments and arrive at the end with closure and contentment along with some enlightenment. I did not want to put this novel down. It is most certainly a unique read. Last Night at Chateau Marmont by Lauren Weisberger, 978-1-43913661-4
After five years of marriage Brook and Julian’s lives are catapulted into the spotlight of fame. Julian, a musician, catches his break and is quickly made into one of the most famous rock stars. Brooke, after working two jobs to help get Julian to this point, is in awe and amazement and couldn’t be more proud of her husband. Then the publicity hits, the constant travel starts and Brooke is left in the background and alone. Fighting to keep her job and her marriage, while remaining supportive, Last Night at Chateau Marmont tells the tale of Brooke and Julian Alters’ lives before and after fame. When the breaking point hits, and Julian is caught seducing another woman, Brooke is left to decipher the truth from the lies to see if she has a marriage anymore. The story is one that a reader will not soon forget. Last Night at Chateau Marmont was simply amazing. I absolutely loved this novel. Lauren does a fantastic job enabling the reader to get to know the Alters individually and as a couple before the fame. This magnifies the readers’ emotions and involvement throughout novel. The reader is able to feel both Brooke and Julian’s personal struggles as well as understand the strain on their marriage. All of this leads up to an amazing ending. I couldn’t have been any happier with this novel. It has every emotion. I laughed, I cried, I was hooked and involved in every aspect.
The author clearly shows she did her homework with this novel. She skillfully wove Brooke and Julian’s story into recent events of the decade, making the story feel it was almost true. The novel gives the reader the skinny on stardom. It tells the good, the bad and the ugly. It is a must read that will provide comical relief as well as a suspenseful urge to keep reading. Once you pick it up you won’t want to put it down. Summer House by Nancy Thayer, ISBN: 978-0-34549821-2
Summer House is a simply beautiful story of family and the ties that bind. The novel switches from each woman’s story to the next, easily guiding the reader throughout its woven paths. There was never a moment where part of the book didn’t make sense or wasn’t interesting. The more you read, the more you are hooked, wanting to find out more about each character, their story and their family. It is easy to lose track of time while reading this novel. The book makes you feel at home, it harvest the essence of family and brings about the emotions that go along with it. I absolutely loved this book. It was original and exciting with a raw magnetism of emotional understanding. I really enjoyed Nona’s memories because they gave insight into how each of these women has arrived where they are in the present. It shed light onto the Wheelwright family as a whole, giving the reader a broader and more developed picture of the family. It was easy to envision myself on Nantucket Island and with this family throughout the novel. It has a wonderful mix of past and present with a glimpse of the future that enables the reader to feel fulfilled throughout the novel. I would highly recommend this book to any reader. It is warm, heartfelt, smart, and witty and a perfect example of family in all its crazy wonderfulness. It will definitely be part of my permanent library and I look forward to reading it again.
--------------------------Tiffany is an avid reader, reviewer and marketing specialist. You can connect with her via the following outlets. Website- http://www.acozyreaderscorner. com - Twitter - @cozyreadersnook – Facebook http:// www.facebook.com/groups/#!/pages/A-Cozy-ReadersCorner/152514161454295
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Night Owl Reviews
release and genre/category it falls into
Spring has sprung, do you still have time for reading? Between spring cleaning, starting work in my yard and garden and trying to squeeze in exercise- on top of everything else on my to do list- I’m not reading as much as I do during the winter months. That doesn’t mean I’m not still adding books to my wish list or grabbing copies to add to my to-read pile. One book already in my to-read pile is The Slayer by Theresa Meyers (The Legend Chronicles #2). This book is currently touring through Bewitching Book Tours- follow the tour for a chance to win a prize pack with a signed copy of the book. I’m currently reading book one in this sexy steampunk series, The Hunter. I am determined to finish it and get to book two, The Slayer before the tour is over. Another already in my to-read pile is Bloodright (Blood Moon Rising Trilogy, #2) by Karin Tabke. I also have book one sitting with it, I received them for review but haven’t gotten to them yet. They are edging ever closer to the top of the pile though :-) If you loved book one in the Vampire Chef mysteries (like I did) you’ll want to add this to your must read list - Let Them Eat Stake (A Vampire Chef Mystery #2) by Sarah Zettel. This series combines three of my favorite things: vampires, food, and mysteries- what more could I ask for? New additions to popular series this month include: Real Vampires Hate Skinny Jeans (Glory St. Clair, #8) by Gerry Bartlett, Werewolf in Seattle (Wild About You #3) by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Deadly Descendant (Nikki Glass, #2) by Jenna Black, Summoning the Night (Arcadia Bell, #2) by Jenn Bennett, Under a Vampire Moon (Argeneau, #16) by Lynsay Sands, Red, White, and Blood (Nathaniel Cade, #3) by Christopher Farnsworth, and Pure (Covenant, #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout. My must read pick for this month is The Prophet (Graveyard Queen #3) by Amanda Stevens. I read this trilogy- and wow! Spooky, creepy, sexy and entirely thrilling. I was surprised at how fast these books sucked me in and held me captive until the very end. You will love them.
RT: Jo-Bri and the Two Worlds is an urban fantasy
RR: Can you describe your main character in 3 words? RT: Jo-Bri is rebellious but good hearted.
RR: Can you describe your heroine in one sentence? RT: Melinda is shallow but goodhearted.
RR: Can you describe your hero in one sentence? RT: A rebellious and shallow teen wizard from a parallel sword and sorcery world who is forced to grow up when his entire village is slaughtered by an evil wizard who forces him to flee to modern day Montana. RR: What kind of paranormals or paranormal elements are in your book? RT: Witches/sorcerers/wizards
RR: Without giving away details, Can you describe one interesting scene in your book in less than two sentences? RT: Human teen Melinda sees the wounded Jo-Bri staggering onto a road in front of her car, she stops to help him. Thinking her car is a dangerous beast, Jo-Bri makes it disappear.
RR: In two sentences or less can you tell readers something unique about your book? RT: It combines the commercial entertainment and action of a “Twilight” or “Harry Potter” with the social commentary of a “Stranger in a Strange Land.”
This month’s authors who have joined us for the super quick author interviews are Rob Tobin, Mal Olson and Veronica Blade.
RR: Can you list three adjectives that describe your book as a whole:? RT: Exciting, fast-paced, insightful.
Let’s start with Rob Tobin.
RR: What’s the heat level of your book?
RR: Hello Rob let’s start by getting the name of your newest
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JO-BRI AND THE TWO WORLDS by Rob Tobin
JO-BRI is the handsome and rebellious teenage son of legendary wizard parents in an alternate sword and sorcery world. He’s two feet shorter than other boys in his isolated village, and a foot shorter than any of the girls except for the one he falls in love with, KAWILLE, a “midget” of a girl only three or four inches taller than he is. Jo-Bri hates learning the spells his parents keep trying to teach him and would much rather hunt, fish and make out with his midget girlfriend.
SHADOW OF DECEIT by Mal Olson
Can an FBI agent obsessed with redemption and a grieving widow desperate to clear her husband’s name learn to believe in love again? Shannon Riedel faces down danger when a gunman breaks into her office claiming her dead husband swindled him. When FBI agent Tony Crazaniak arrives to investigate, sexual heat sizzles. The ex-Delta Force operative’s massive presence and dark eyes trigger an attraction the young widow finds unnerving. 7
Night Owl Reviews RT: Scorch your panties hot.
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_ page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=4776
RR: And last but not least, where can a reader purchase your book?
www.malolson.com
Thanks Mal, now it’s time to chat with Veronica Blade
RT: Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Smashwords, iBookshelf.
RR: Hi Veronica welcome to the SQAI. Let’ start with a little about your newest release. It looks like a fun new twist on some of the old fairy tales.
Now it’s Mal Olson’s turn to be interviewed.
RR: Hi Mal, can you tell us about your newest release?
VB: A Bite’s Tale: A Furry Fable it’s a YA urban fantasy romance
MO: My newest release is also my debut novel, an adrenaline kicked romantic suspense entitled Shadow of Deceit.
RR: Can you describe your heroine in one sentence?
RR: Sounds exciting, tell us about your main character…in three words:
VB: No way will Cinderella risk exposing her inner beast at the prince’s ball, no matter how much guilt her two cousins throw her way.
MO: Hero Tony Crazaniak is: tall, dark, and dangerous. Or on an emotional level: guilt-ridden, obsessed avenger
RR: Can you describe your hero in one sentence?
RR: What about your heroine, tell us a little about her?
VB: The vampire prince just wants to find the girl he loved and lost...the werewolf girl who bit him.
MO: Shannon Riedel is a young widow desperate to prove herself and her husband innocent of diamond trafficking with the terrorists who killed FBI agent Tony Crazaniak’s Delta Force team three years previously.
RR: What kind of paranormals or paranormal elements are in your book?
RR: Without giving away details, can you describe one interesting scene in your book in less than two sentences?
VB: Vampires, witches, werewolves and other shifters.
RR: Without giving away details, Can you describe one interesting scene in your book in less than two sentences?
MO: In Tony’s rental car, after a harrowing experience at night in a spooky area of downtown Milwaukee, sexual tension between Shannon and Tony gets steamy enough to melt the ice right off the windshield until an unforeseen interruption cools things off. (It’s a highly emotional scene as well, and the interruption adds a bit of humor for the reader, not for Tony and Shannon.)
VB: After spending three summers together, the boy prince finally kisses his love, only to be bitten when she loses control and morphs into a werewolf.
RR: In two sentences or less can you tell readers something unique about your book?
RR: What’s the heat level of your book?
VB: Cinderella is a werewolf and the prince is a vampire. Need I say more?
MO: It’s a true romantic suspense in that the two threads are equally balanced, but the sexual tension and romantic elements get hot and spicy in places.
RR: Can you list three adjectives that describe your book as a whole?
RR: Can you give us List three adjectives that describe your book as a whole?
VB: Sweet, Romantic, Fantasy
RR: What’s the heat level of your book?
MO: Adrenaline-kicked romantic suspense
RR: And last but not least, where can a reader purchase your book?
VB: Very sweet.
RR: And last but not least, where can a reader purchase your book?
MO: It’s available in paperback and ebook at amazon.com, and most other ebook retailers, The Wild Rose Press, and my website. Here are the links: http://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Deceit-Mal-Olson/ dp/1612170129/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=133031 0630&sr=1-
VB: Currently, it’s an Amazon exclusive. RR: Thanks for joining us.
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VB: Thanks so much for having me!
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A BITE’S TALE / A FURRY FABLE by Veronica Blade
A Cinderella who spends her nights as a wolf. A prince with a taste for blood.
Seventeen year old Cydney struggles against her werewolf nature, trying to keep everyone around her safe. No way will she risk exposing the beast at the prince’s ball, no matter how her two cousins try to persuade her. Turned into a vampire to save his life, the prince refuses to live up to his royal duties. He just wants to find the girl he loved and lost...the werewolf girl who bit him. But his father, the king, commands him to attend a ball where he must choose a wife. SHAKEN / MIND READER, #1 by Susan Hatler
High school junior, Kylie Bates, can suddenly read minds. When she touches people’s hands, she’s able to see their deepest thoughts. As if that’s not freaky enough, her dad sends her to help hottie detective, Sam Williams, track down a missing girl. Then, finding the missing girl leads to much more than Kylie’s prepared for. Like discovering that her dad has been lying to her. That she has a family she never knew about. That the girls have powers similar to hers. Oh yeah, and that someone is out to get her. 9
Night Owl Reviews
Fated / Alex Verus, #1 by Benedict Jacka Score: 4 Stars Reviewed by: A.M. Donovan This is the first of the Alex Verus novels. We get introduced to the main players in this world (Alex, Luna, Starbreeze, Sonder, Talisid, Arachne, et al.) and get a very good introduction to a world that exists out of sight of our normal world, but sometimes crosses over or
influences our world. Fated is a combination of Harry Dresden, The Da Vinci Code, the Sorcerer’s Apprentice and National Treasure (in the best sense!). So if this is the kind of combination that makes your eager fan boy heart squeal with glee, you will be very happy. This is a bit gritty, dark and hopeful, in the right amounts with dark wizards, white wizards (and the definitions of said wizards is a little different from what we are accustomed to seeing) schemes, betrayals, murders, ambushes and lost treasure. If you are looking for a great romance, you will need to look elsewhere. If you are looking for a good book with an introduction to an interesting world that is a little off the beaten path, you will really enjoy this work. The second book is due out June of this year. Do yourself a favor, read this book and preorder the second one (cursed). That is before we lose this author to the grind of being a British Solicitor. Shadow Ops / Control Point by Myke Cole Score: 4 Stars Reviewed by: Aemelia
In a world changed by magic, Oscar Britton was a
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helicopter pilot for the United States Army, attached to the Supernatural Operations Corps (SOC), a loyal officer who didn’t question his orders, until the day he was told his target was a teenage kid. The same day he was given that order, he unexpectedly begins wielding his own magic, a rare and forbidden power that takes him from soldier to outlaw in a snap. Thinking the SOC would like nothing better than to kill him,
he goes on the lam. When the SOC catch him, they want to convince Britton to be on their team, as part of a special magic unit. Will Britton stay his military course, or will he discover that sometimes you have to take charge of your own destiny? ***** Myke Cole did a great job introducing a new world, full of fascinating characters. He built a magic-crazed world, a desolate military outpost, and characters and creatures that flowed off the pages. The world building slowed the book down, but yet felt necessary as an introduction to the new landscape for this series. The non-stop action kept the story moving, and kept me hooked to Britton’s struggle in his new role in the world. He had to struggle with the understanding that the lines between right and wrong are sometimes really fuzzy, while at other are blatantly black and white. He made mistakes, yet he was able to learn from them. I also enjoyed the side characters, especially the goblin Marty, he was an interesting little guy. I was sadden by the loss of some characters, but look forward to seeing many of them return in the next book of this series, which I will absolutely be looking for when it comes out.
www.NightOwlReviews.com
There are quite a few different holidays during the month of April and a few of those highlights include April Fools Day and Palm Sunday on April 1, Children’s Day in Taiwan on April 4, Good Friday and Passover on April 6 (although Passover runs through April 14); Easter and Buddha Dday on April 8; World Parkinson’s Disease Day on April 11; the anniversary of Titanic striking the iceberg on April 14; Yom HaShoah on April 19; Earth Day on April 22; Astronomy Week on April 23 through 29 and, on April 26 through the 28, Gathering of the Nations PowWow. There is also Income Tax Pay Day on April 15 (since it falls on a Sunday this year, it will be observed on the 16th), Administrative Professionals Day on April 25 and National Arbor Day on April 27. A couple books that might be of interest for this month include: The Very First Easter by Paul L. Maier and Frank Ordaz (Illustrator)
This book is geared toward children between ages 5 and 10, is for either family reading or religious education and provides an introduction to Easter.
All About Passover by Kinny Kreiswirth Provides an overview of the history and customs of Passover and is written in a way children will be able to understand. A few of the book’s highlights include: the story of exodus, about chametz and matzah, the tradition of tzedakah during this time period, and a little bit about
the seder. Also included are some recipes and illustrations. Jesus, Buddha, Krishna, and Lao Tzu: The Parallel Sayings by Richard Hooper (available May 1)
Richard Hooper is a theologian and philosopher and has written this book to show a few common threads among some of the world’s spiritual traditions. The topics are organized thematically (i.e., The Great Way, Suffering, etc.) and appear in four columns based on who the sayings are attributed too. Before Earth Day: The Origins of American Environmental Law, 1945-1970 by Karl Boyd Brooks
Karl Boyd Brooks looks at the time period from the end of World War II to Earth Day 1970 and traces how Americans’ relationship with the environment changed and how the new statutes emerged. Readers are taken into legislative hearing rooms, lawyers’ conferences and administrators’ office to show how the new body of law regarding air pollution, deforestation and other potential environmental threats were forged. Also included in the book is how environmental law was influenced by the New Deal, how cultural, intellectual and economic changes in postwar America brought forth new ways to solve environmental problems that endangered public health and degraded natural aesthetics. All of this shown through real-world examples and is, according to the Amazon.com blurb, well researched.
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Night Owl Reviews
This month I decided to start something a little different. I am going to introduce you to fantastic YA publishers by introducing you to new series. To start out I am going to introduce you to Harlequin Teen and the soon to be released book by Julie Kagawa. She is the celebrated author of The Iron Fey Series and in the coming month will be releasing a new title called “The Immortal Rules”. This novel is about a girl named Allison Sekemoto who, in a moment of life or death, chooses to become the very creature she despises, a vampire. Ally goes on a journey to stay in touch with her humanity and learns that there is more to being a vampire than just blood and death. In the ever popular genres of paranormal and dystopia this novel seemlessly weaves tales of old and new in a way that makes the whole thing fresh and exciting. Ms. Kagawa has a way with words, making descriptions lyrical and vivid in the mind so that you feel immersed in the characters’ world and experience. Harlequin Teen has been turning out excellent book after excellent book since the imprint started back in 2009, and they continue to publish beautiful work after beautiful work. They have released other wonderful novels such as The Soul Screamers Series by: Rachel Vincent and the previously mentioned Iron Fey Series. Harlequin has other books in it’s imprint, usually
releasing one to two books a month. Some of the more recent are:
• Inside by: Maria V. Snyder, this is the third novel in the Inside series. This series is a dystopian or postapocalyptic novel.
• Alliegance by: Cayla Klover, this is the second novel in the Legacy series. This series is a fantasy novel featuring a queen, magicwielding, and of course betrayal. • New Girl by: Paige Harbison, this is a new contemporary novel, with possible mystery undertones. • On a Dark Wing by: Jordan Dane, a paranormal novel featuring angels.
Harlequin has turned out many novels over the years in all it’s imprints and I truly can’t wait to see what else Harlequin Teen turns out for those of us obsessed with YA. ---------------------------------
Monica is a lover of books and is currently serving her countery abroad!
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www.NightOwlReviews.com
Inside the Mind of a Suspense Agent
An interview with Literary Agent Josh Getzler of Hannigan, Salky Getzler I’m sure lots of you wonder just what it is that agents who represent the suspense genre look for in a manuscript – what it is that sets it apart from the hundreds of queries and manuscripts they receive. For the answers, we went straight to the source: Literary Agent Josh Getzler! Josh started his career out of college as an editor at Harcourt, then left to get his MBA. He took an unexpected turn out of business school and entered the world of minor league baseball, where he owned and operated a team for 11 years. In 2006 he returned to publishing as an agent, starting at Writers House, then moving in 2009 to Russell & Volkening. In May of 2011, Josh and his two partners formed Hannigan Salky Getzler Agency (HSG) in the corner of a funky business incubator in Soho. Some of Josh’s clients include: Jeff Cohen, Gerald Elias, Geoff Rodkey, Joshua Gaylord (who also writes under the name Alden Bell), Nancy Bilyeau. We asked Josh some very specific questions to get his take on the suspense genre in general, as well as what an agent looks for! What made you choose to represent this genre above other possibilities, like, say, romance?
Well, I have spent my life reading mysteries and thrillers, but not romances! That may seem glib, but it’s more the truth than anything else. I’ve been a mystery/thriller junkie
my whole life, from The Westing Game and The Great Brain through Agatha Christie, Frederick Forsyth, to Daniel Silva and Donna Leon (and those are the folks who aren’t my clients!). It’s not all I do—I do represent a romance here and there, and some commercial and literary fiction and nonfiction and children’s books. But I get incredibly happy when I know I can go home and dig into a new piece of crime fiction. What do you look for in a thriller/ mystery?
I want to learn something, and I want it to have an interesting voice. Look, there are only so many plots in a mystery novel—whether it’s a cozy or a police procedural or an amateur sleuth…--and fundamentally it’s figuring out whodunit. So the trappings are the difference-makers. It’s why I like to read books in a time or place or industry I don’t know much about. (Or if I do—like 16th Century England—I want to see familiar actors behaving in new ways.) Do you prefer contemporary or historical suspense, and why?
While the easy answer is historical, because it’s a particular love of mine, the truth is that if the setting is unique, then it doesn’t matter. But I am a true sucker for a dark historical mystery or thriller. I get very excited—almost giddy— when I receive one as a query. More than when I get an LA
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Night Owl Reviews procedural or a Miami strip joint novel. I have great respect for the writers who make those work, but they’re not as interesting to me as Ancient Rome or the classical music world or a Russian farmhouse in February.
Traci Hall
What do you forsee as the future of the suspense market?
One thing I think is interesting is the development of YA suspense novels, whether by unknowns or by Brand-name authors like John Grisham or James Patterson. Folks are realizing that teenagers (particularly, but certainly not exclusively) often skip “upper” YA for adult genre fiction, whether romance or science fiction or suspense. But YA suspense was often either too young or too silly. Now it’s becoming better and more sophisticated.
Have e-books and e-publishing taken a toll on the suspense genre and why or why not? I don’t know if I’d put it that way. It’s certainly affected suspense, but more that we are seeing a huge spike in the number of titles available as ebooks (whether independently published or through new electronic imprints). It’s also been a tribute to the Internet community of crime fiction lovers that the word is getting out about new books. Because it’s not through newspapers or magazines or ads anymore. What advice would you give an author writing his or her first suspense novel?
Ooh, so much! Let me see: 1) It needs to have PACE from the very beginning (and don’t start with a description of a tree or rain!). 2) The stakes need to be understandable, whether it is a cop trying to solve a crime or an innocent woman trying not to be killed. 3) It’s a good idea for the protagonist to stop once in a while and say “why is this happening?” or “What is happening?” These are good recapitulations for readers as well as writers. 4) Read Frederick Forsyth (particularly Day of the Jackal), Donna Leon, The Silence of the Lambs, and Steve Berry’s Templar book. 5) If it’s historical, don’t write in period “forsoothly” talk. 6) Make the reader CARE We agree: Character Development is just as important as plot! Thank you Josh, for this glimpse into the mind of a suspense agent! If you are interested in learning more about Josh and his agency, Hannigan Salky Getzler, you can visit them on the web at: http:// hsgagency.com or friend them on Facebook!
By Toni LoTempio – admin by day, writer by night, Toni is the author of several paperback and e-books of romantic and paranormal suspense – check out her website at www.tonilotempio.webs.com and her cat’s blog! www.catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com Check out her YA fantasy, MY SUPERHERO SISTER and her paranormal romances, NO REST FOR THE WICCA and RAVEN’S KISS. She is also featured in the paranormal romance anthology, KISS ME KILL ME, available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
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Inescapable
www.NightOwlReviews.com
C.C. HUNTER
This is the first young adult novel I’ve read since I was a teenager. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but I was pleasantly surprised. C. C. Hunter did a fabulous job of writing a believable, exciting story that kept me captivated until the end. Not only did the story have intriguing characters and a strong plot line, but it also addressed issues that are typical of the teenage lifestyle. Hunter used words to transport the reader into a magical world of misunderstood teenagers who are struggling to find their place in society and with each other. Even the hormonal urgings kept me entertained. Young adults and older grownups alike should enjoy watching the struggles of typical adolescents as they debate between giving in to the “s” word, or holding on to their virginity until the right moment comes along. This is one series that I plan to continue until the end. Definitely a book I would recommend checking out.
the other uncertainties in her life will suddenly make sense. But finding the answers she needs only brings her more questions—and more heartache because if the Death Angels are to be believed, death is imminent for someone at Shadow Falls, and this time there’s nothing anyone, including Kylie, can do to stop it. What is the one thing you do not want to live without?
Oh, this one is easy. It’s coffee. I need my cup of java in the morning. Now, I enjoy Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts coffee when I’m traveling, but I really prefer my own coffee. It’s taken me a while to perfect the process and I swear by it. I use Lola Savannah coffee and I’m hooked on the Cinnamon Stick flavor. I buy the decaf and the regular and mix them so I won’t be climbing the walls while I try to write. Oh, and I take it with cream and no sweetners. Depending on my mood, I may use fat-free creamer or a vanilla-flavored creamer. Now you got me wanting a cup.
Sara Trimble
This months interview is presented by Tamazon. Hi C.C. and welcome over to Night Owl Reviews. To get started can you describe Taken at Dusk in two sentences? Kylie Galen believes if she can uncover what she is, all
writing environment.
Please describe your
That’s a great question! I have an office/study downstairs, just off the laundry room, so it’s separated from the living area. It used to be a three-car garage that
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Night Owl Reviews we had made over into my dream office. However, my dream office stays pretty messy. I really need to get some of the stacks off my desk. I have two French doors that lead out to the patio and my backyard. I usually spend most of my day in there, working. I follow the same routine, usually. Here’s what I do when I’m starting a new book: First, I get a new container of Super Glue and then I apply it generously to my butt, which I then place in my chair in front of the computer. That way, I have no choice but to stare at the computer screen until the story starts flowing. Okay, so maybe I don’t use Super Glue but the rest is definitely true. I sit at my computer, staring at the screen, scribbling a line or two, then deleting them and starting over. And I keep doing that until I finally get the story flowing. Now, sometimes it happens right away. The story is like a gift from above—I just have to type it as it flows into me. Other times . . . well, let’s just say that I’d rather have dental surgery without anesthesia. When I’m on a deadline, I generally write every day until the book is finished. That includes weekends and holidays, which can be really hard on my family. But I look at my writing as if it were any other job, and I thank my daddy for that. You see, my father was a plumber, and I never, ever recall him getting up in the morning and saying, “I can’t go to work today because I have plumber’s block.” Now, I know there were days he didn’t want to work. Days his job was pretty crappy. (Hey, that comes with the territory when you’re a plumber. LOL.) But he went to work. And like I said, I borrowed my daddy’s work ethic. That’s why I go to work every day. Now, I’ll be honest. Sometimes my output is pretty crappy, but most of the time I can save it the next day with edits. I guess my point is we all have good days and bad days, but I will work through them, like I’m sure everybody does when they have a job. What is your favorite TV show?
Oh, this is a hard question. I have several TV shows that I always watch. I’m a huge fan of true crime stories, like the ones they do on cable TV where you hear about a case and how the detectives and forensic experts were able to solve the crime. I also enjoy scripted TV
shows. One of my favorites is Castle. It has those police procedural elements but it also has a great romance in the making, and I’ll admit it—I’m a sucker for a good romance. I also enjoy Bones for the same reason. What are you working on?
Right now, I’m working on Whispers at Moonrise, book four of my Shadow Falls series. I’m having a blast writing it, too. Kylie has grown so much from the first book, Born at Midnight. She’s still struggling with her identity and still having a difficult time choosing between Lucas and Derek. She also has a new ghost she needs to help, and this one is so different from the others that it’s probably her biggest challenge yet. You see, the ghost is someone Kylie knows is still alive. So what the heck does that mean? Where do you want to travel?
Years ago, I used to write a lot of travel articles so I did a lot of traveling, not only in the US but overseas, as well. I’ve been to Paris and felt extremely pampered. I’ve also been to China and had lunch in some pretty strange places that served some pretty strange food. (I’ve learned that if you have to ask what the dish is, you probably won’t want to eat it. Let’s just say that toad soup taught me that lesson.) I still enjoy traveling and would love to travel with my Hubby and explore new places. What are your plans for the summer? Any books you are looking forward to?
After I finish writing my current book, I will have two other books to write under my contracts. One of them is book five of my Shadow Falls series, and the other is book three of my Hotter in Texas trilogy of humorous romantic suspense novels for Grand Central/Forever as Christie Craig. When I’m not working on the books, I have speaking engagements and book signings, such as the one for Romance Writers of America in July in Anaheim, California. It will be a busy summer for me. How was your road to publication? Have you every had to deal with rejection letters?
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www.NightOwlReviews.com Funny you should ask me about my road to publication and if I’ve ever had to deal with rejection letters. One of my favorite talks I like to do for aspiring writers is about my path to publication. I usually end the talk by pulling out a suitcase filled with rejection slips. And believe me, I’ve got a ton of them, too. You see, deciding to become a writer is one of the scariest things I’ve ever done. Now, don’t get me wrong—I love writing. I think it’s part of being Southern, and I love telling stories. But having write those stories down on paper, and obey all of those grammar rules they taught us in junior high, well, that was the part that scared me. It still does. You see, I’m dyslexic. For me, that means I’m a terrible speller and often I get words and sentences backwards. But when I was in my early twenties and Hubby asked me what kind of a career I wanted to pursue, I told him I wanted to be a writer. And I never regretted taking that leap of faith, either, although it was the hardest, and scariest, thing I’ve ever had to do. You see, not only did I have to learn how to write, I had to learn how to deal with my dyslexia. There were many times I thought about giving up but I hung in there. And you know what? I think being dyslexic actually helped me become a better writer. The experts say that dyslexics are very intuitive. And I think this is what helped me understand people’s emotions, which is so important in developing characters in fiction. Plus, being dyslexic forced me to work harder, and that led to my viewing a rejection as an invitation to try harder.
What has been the best way for you to engage readers? Face to Face / Chatting Online / Twitter / Facebook / Blogging This is a great question. I blog every week at my website, www.CCHunterBooks.com and I also have two Facebook accounts – http://facebook/CCHunterfans and https:// www.facebook.com/ShadowFallsSeries. The one for the Shadow Falls series was created for me by my publisher, and it has excerpts from my books. I also am on Twitter http://twitter.com/cchunterbooks. Connecting with me on Facebook and Twitter are the best ways to interact. I frequently run contests and post all the info at Twitter and Facebook. I really love connecting with the readers of my books.
It may take me a while to answer email, especially if I’m under a deadline, but I do try and answer every one I receive. However, I really like meeting readers at signings and events, too. I think a lot of people think writers can be stand-offish, but most of us love talk to readers. Like I’ve said before, writing is the best job in the world! What is the best thing about being an author?
Hmm. That’s a good question. For me, the best part about being a writer is the freedom it gives me. I can do my job anywhere and believe me, I have. For example, I’ve written while flying across country and while driving, too. Of course, I was a passenger during both trips. LOL. Writers get to use their imaginations every day. We create new worlds, new people. We send our new people off to have fantastical adventures. And best of all, I actually get paid to do it all. And to think when I was back in grade school, my teachers told me I’d never get anywhere in life by keeping my head up there in the clouds. If you had to choose one person to have dinner with, who would it be? And why?
Oh, this is such a hard question to answer. Would the person be living or dead? Real or a character from a book? If it was a real person, I would probably choose to have dinner with my Great Grandmother Plummer Bronson. . She passed away when I was young and there are so many things I’d love to ask her. She was considered a healer and people actually came to her house to have their fortunes read. Plus, she was just one great lady. If it’s a character from a book . . . well, I’d invite Bella from the Twilight series, mostly so I could ask her what the heck she was thinking when she chose Edward over Jacob. Okay, seriously, I get why she did it but Jacob was one hot werewolf! I’d like to thank Night Owl for having me visit them and giving me a chance to talk about my newest baby, Taken at Dusk. I love writing about Kylie and her friends at Shadow Falls, and being able to talk about my books at Night Owl is one of the neatest things ever. CC
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Night Owl Reviews
THE LADY & SONS JUST DESSERTS More than 120 Sweet Temptations from Savannah’s Favorite Restaurant by Paula Deen
As Paula Deen will tell y’all, there’s just no satisfying way to finish a delicious meal without a scrumptious, mouthwatering dessert!
In this beautiful hardcover edition of The Lady & Sons Just Desserts, Paula — author, restaurateur, and Food Network star — devotes her trademark southern charm to a tempting collection of more than 120 delightful recipes, guaranteed to indulge any sweet tooth. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or an after-dinner treat, there are crowd-pleasers here for any occasion. THE HOUSE OF VELVET AND GLASS by Katherine Howe
Katherine Howe, author of the phenomenal New York Times bestseller The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane, returns with an entrancing historical novel set in Boston in 1915, where a young woman stands on the cusp of a new century, torn between loss and love, driven to seek answers in the depths of a crystal ball. Still reeling from the deaths of her mother and sister on the Titanic, Sibyl Allston is living a life of quiet desperation with her taciturn father and scandal-plagued brother in an elegant town house in Boston’s Back Bay. 18
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Paula Deen & Friends Living It Up, Southern Style
It’s no secret that I love Paula Deen. I was excited to find this latest cookbook of hers. This one begins with a lengthy acknowledgement to her friends for sharing their party ideas and recipes. The contents are simple and grouped by events rather than the usual, pork, beef, chicken, soups, etc. Quite a unique idea, I think. The foreword explains how this particular book came to be. We all know Paula has several cookbooks out, but none of them show how to put several recipes together to create a fun event. This book does that. As you flip the pages of this cookbook you’ll find an introduction. I don’t usually like a wordy beginning for a cookbook, but Paula’s interesting way of telling a story drew me in. And then came the first actual recipe, Beer-In-The-Rear Chicken. Now that’s enough to make you laugh. She covers several events such as a birthday bash, a bridge club supper, a tailgate party, a teen’s slumber party and even a hunt lunch in the field. An ice cream social is included toward the end and a page of metric equivalencies. Have you ever seen a recipe written with metric measurements? If you have please forward it to me, because I haven’t. There are no pictures by the recipes and that is a downfall for sure. The allure of having a whole event’s menu already planned out tends to make me overlook that. I wish more cookbooks were presented in this format.
1. Bring the milk to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the cornmeal and stir rapidly with a whisk until smooth. Reduce the heat to very low and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes, until the mixture becomes very thick. Remove from the heat and let cool. 2. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
3. Place the cooled mixture in a large mixing bowl; add the butter, eggs, baking powder, and salt. Mix with an electric mixer until combined and free from lumps, about 5 minutes. Pour into the prepared casserole dish and bake for 30 minutes. Serve hot with plenty of butter on the side.
***If you’ve begun collecting Paula Deen’s recipe books I urge you to continue and get this one as well. It has some new, fun ideas that are presented in a way that is not only useful, but time saving as well. ***
Looking forward: Next month I’ll be reviewing Robin Takes 5
Featured Recipe - Kentucky Spoon Bread 3 cups whole milk 1 ¼ cups white cornmeal 2 tablespoons butter, melted 3 eggs, well beaten 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Paula-Deen-FriendsLiving-Southern/dp/0743267222/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=U TF8&qid=1333058535&sr=1-1 Pamela Reviewer/Freelance Writer www.thefantasticfoodie.wordpress.com
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Night Owl Reviews
The Racism Theme in Romance Novels You’ve probably heard about The Hunger Games—you know, the bestselling novel and now blockbuster movie that’s been all over the news. When the movie released several weeks ago, it did extremely well, which was expected. What wasn’t expected was the backlash from moviegoers who complained about the black actors who portrayed characters from the novel (character names: Cinna, Thresh, and Rue). They somehow overlooked the words “dark brown skin” the author used to describe Thresh and Rue specifically. Below are some of the comments people posted on Twitter to express their anger and disappointment at the casting choices. I won’t add any commentary. The words speak for themselves.
of the conflict. Those of us writing and reading interracial and multicultural romance are striking blows against racism, one book at time. So while the ignorant, appalling comments made by these people will make headlines for awhile, we’re still moving forward, still loving, still believing that we can all find love, no matter what we look like, with whomever we choose. What better way to overcome racism than to show people of different ethnic groups and races beating back the ugliness of it to find love? Below are my choices for romance novels that contain heroes and heroines who overcome racism to find their happily ever after.
• “why does rue have to be black not gonna lie it kinda ruined the movie”
Romiette and Julio by Sharon M. Draper
• “why did the producer make all the good characters black” • “Eww rue is black?? I’m not watching” • “call me racist but when I found out rue was black her death wasn’t as sad” Because of the uproar, I decided to write a different column from the one I had planned. The books I’ve listed are romance novels, but they all deal with racism as part
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When Romiette Cappelle meets Julio Montague, she feels as though she has met the soul mate who can rescue her from her recurring nightmare about fire and water. But like the Shakespearean characters whose names echo theirs, Romiette and Julio discover that not everyone approves of their budding romance. In their case, it is because Romiette is African-American and Julio is Hispanic, and the Devildogs, a dangerous local gang, violently oppose their interracial relationship. When the Devildogs threaten to teach them a lesson, Romiette and Julio come up with a risky plan to escape
www.NightOwlReviews.com from the gang’s fearsome shadow. But things go terribly awry, and the two find themselves caught up in a deadly reality. Fever by Joan Swan
When Alyssa Foster, an Asian doctor, is taken hostage by a prison inmate, she knows she’s in deep trouble. Not just because Teague Creek is desperate for freedom, but because the moment his fingers brush against her skin, Alyssa feels a razorsharp pang of need. A man with a life sentence has nothing to lose. At least Teague doesn’t, until his escape plan develops a fatal flaw: Alyssa. On the run from both the law and deadly undercover operatives, he can only give her lies, but every heated kiss tells him the fire between them could be just as devastating as the flames that changed him forever. Warning: This book contains numerous racial slurs.
by her mother’s Cherokee kin. Dreaming of finding a place where people won’t see the color of her skin first, she travels from the East Coast, where she has grown up, to Whidbey Island to become a nanny for a wealthy family. But when she arrives, things are not as they should be. She finds settlers steeped in hate, bitterness, and prejudice. Mystery swirls around Aaron Dutch, a striking, six-foot-three Native American. When the townspeople are still reliving the past, why do they accept Aaron’s presence in their community and seem to respect him? With the tolerance show to him, why does it seem he won’t give Calla a chance? An intriguing portrayal of life, prejudice, betrayal, and forgiveness in the 1920s. Afterburn by Sonia Hightower
Their love burns hot, but will it stay fueled? Crystal is an enlisted mechanic with a tragic past. Grant is an officer and a pilot with a broken heart. The love between them burns hot, but their relationship won’t stay fueled if they can’t beat the obstacles that stand in their way. Besides breaking the fraternization rules, Grant and Crystal have the difference of race between them…but can they prove to the rest of the world, and to each other, that love is color blind? Afterburn is about overcoming one’s past, not judging others, learning to forgive, and what it’s like to be a woman in a “man’s world.”
Being Plumville by Savannah Frierson
Living in the small, southern town of Plumville is effortless, seamless, and safe if you follow the rules. You’re given them from birth, and anything that could possibly make you break them is removed from your life-even if it’s your best friend. Such is the case for Benjamin Drummond and Coralee Simmons, two best friends separated during childhood because Benjamin is white, Coralee is black, and relationships between the two races are unspoken in its taboo. However, fifteen years later during the turbulent 1960s, Benjamin and Coralee are reunited, and despite their upbringing, neither is able to deny what they had in their innocent youth, nor suppress the desire to rekindle it-maybe even into something more. Deception Pass by Vanessa Tyler
Calla is too dark to be white, and too light to be accepted
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Delaney Diamond is the best-selling author of AfricanAmerican and interracial romance. Her second release in the Hawthorne Family series, A Hard Man to Love, and the third book in her Hot Latin Men series, Private Acts, are now available. Enjoy free reads and the first chapter of her novels on her website at www. delaneydiamond.com.
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Night Owl Reviews
A Piece of My Mind Emails
Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it---Charles Swindell Don’t ever say you’re not good enough if that person can’t see how amazing you are, then they’re the one who is not good enough for you---Anon.
Having a support system is huge for writers. My parents were always encouraging and told me they were behind me, whether or not I made it in the business. My wife was always there for my successes and failures. It’s easy to find hundreds of reasons to quit writing. Surrounding yourself with people that want you to succeed helps you to write on.--Stephen J Cannell The way to get started is to quit talking and start doing---Walt Disney ****************
on the radio. The one email I seem to get most often is “Do you know Stephen King’s (or insert their favorite author’s name here) address or I can write to him/her directly?” Even if I know the address or a phone number of another writer, I won’t share it with someone he or she does not know. I always suggest they email their publisher or contact their agent. One author once asked me in an email “What should they do if they met writer/director Kevin Smith at the comic book shop (Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash and the place where the AMC-TV show Comic Book Men is shot) which he owned?” I didn’t know what to say other than just “Be Yourself” and smile. Then there are those special emails. These are from writers that seem to want to vent their problems or situations to me. I don’t mind being their email clearinghouse to air out what is on their mind. Some just feel they need a person to talk to, so they fill this pent up frustration of writing and rejection... and place it on the email page for me to reap their passion of not getting the brass ring. There are the few who email me and say they cannot find time to write. They state they have millions of ideas but not the time to put it on paper or computer. Their excuses range from their primary job wants them to work more overtime... or their children need to be driven to soccer, ballet, Boy Scouts, etc... or their daughter is involved in Girl Scouts and it’s their cookie sale week time...or they come home from work, after making dinner for their family, reading a few emails, Tae-Bo workouts, watching a few minutes of TV, they are so tired they cannot write. All these excuses are valid and totally right for them. In this day and age, these reasons are believable. However there are ways to work around these excuses for not being able to write. The first thing I tell these writers is SEMPER FI (Seize
“The first thing I tell these writers is SEMPER FI.”
It’s funny, because I write my newspaper columns, Affaire De Couer, this internet column and co-host two radio shows (A Good Story is a Good Story & The Ashley Fountainne show) on Blog Talk Radio, I get Emails from many people. I enjoy the nice things many have to say to me. Some of the questions that are asked in these emails are interesting and thought provoking. So are some of the comments they make, most are very positive on what I have written or said on the radio (or the achieved versions of the shows). It boosts my ego to know people read and listen to me. It is funny I still also get emails from a show I did with Marsha Casper Cook & Virginia S Grenier on June 3 of Last year or the YouTube Video Candy O’Donnell did on me. However, some of the Emails I get are downright crazy... like “Have you ever met Weird Al and what is he like?” I just smile, that one of my listeners heard me say I like Weird Al
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www.NightOwlReviews.com the day). I am not a marine, but I believe these words. Citibank used to have a lovely ad which had an expression which is posted on my wall, next to my computer. LET’S GET IT DONE. I view it daily as positive re-enforcement to write. Lets break down what we can do to find more writing time. If your boss wants you to work late or more overtime (and in this economy, it happens a lot), write a page a day at lunch or dinner breaks. If you write a page a day, five days a week, and fifty weeks a years...that is 250 pages, which is a size of a good novella or 10 short stories. This is not bad for 30 minutes a day of work! If you drive the kids to soccer, etc. ...pull out the laptop or a spiral notebook and write. If you can do it in the soccer stands, great! If you have to, I know the car is not the most perfect place to write, but try and it see if you can work while waiting for the kids. If you come home and you are so busy, change the game plan for yourself. Avoid the Internet, too many people waste time on the net rather than buckling down to write. It might mean that your family has to help out making meals and freeing up time for you to pursure your dream. If you all help each other out then it’s all for the greater good. The late Steven J. Cannell (creator of such TV shows as The A Team, 21 Jump Street, The Greatest American Hero, Wise guy and other shows) once said in an interview that when he came home from a full work day at the studio, he would work two hours straight on whatever project he was doing. This could mean a novel, a treatment, or a script. According to him, “I missed a lot of family dinners, but to
think of what characters I could have missed creating.” To many writers, writing is not their first job and I understand that. However If you treat your writing like a hobby, you won’t succeed. You have to have as much passion as you do with your nine to five job. Always remember writing is a career. If you don’t remember that fact, you will have set yourself for failure. Do not ever do that! To count-point what I have said about failure. Let me quote noted writer/filmmaker Kevin Smith (a few of his films-Dogma Clerks, Red State … wrote Green Arrow and Daredevil comics). So you know, he is a Renaissance artist who I respect greatly. He also won a Harvey Award, given for achievement in comic books, in 1999 for Best New Talent based on his work with Marvel’s Daredevil as well as his comic book series “Clerks” and “Jay & Silent Bob” for Oni comics. “Something has to be said for failing. It’s not the failure you feel, it’s the failure that people project when something disappoints. You’re back to ground zero, where there’s no expectations, and that’s where I like to be. People like to set the bar high. I like to put the bar on the ground and barely step over it. I like to keep the expectations really low”. If you ever get to watch him in concert, his latest one is on DVD from Shout Factory. So you know I love `all of your emails, the email address is audioworld@yahoo.com ...love to hear from you. Also I would love for you to follow me on Blog Talk Radio. I do thank you. So until next time, keep reaching for the stars
BRUNNER THE BOUNTY HUNTER: OMNIBUS by C. L. Werner C.L. Werner was a diseased servant of the Horned Rat long before his first story in Inferno! magazine. His Black Library credits include the Chaos Wastes books Palace of the Plague Lord and Blood for the Blood God, Mathias Thulmann: Witch Hunter, Runefang and the Brunner the Bounty Hunter trilogy. Currently living in the American south-west, he continues to write stories of mayhem and madness set in the Warhammer World. Omnibus edition collecting all three novels in the Brunner the Bounty Hunter series. Dark and savage tales set in the world of Warhammer, by author C.L. Werner. 23
Night Owl Reviews
Romance and Romance Elements The realm of Urban Fantasy is a different one for me. I’ve always associated it with science fiction and fantasy, but boy was I wrong. The genre contains paranormal elements and a great deal of world building. While I’ve been hearing the term tossed around the past few years, this month I finally forayed into my first two books. Partway through both novels I thought, “Where’s the romance?” The question must be common since Royal Street author Suzanne Johnson addressed that issue in a guest article she posted on my blog on her release day, April 10. Here’s Johnson’s response: “Hey…Where’s the Sex? There’s a hint of sexual awareness in Royal Street, but I made a conscious decision to have it play a very backstage role. Mostly because of the book’s Katrina setting. My heroine (the wizard, thank you very much) has watched the city she loved be destroyed. She’s trying to find her mentor, who’s gone missing. She has serious abandonment issues anyway, and has led a pretty sheltered life as far as guys are concerned. She’s running from a revenge-seeking undead pirate. Within this setting, I thought it would be inappropriate, not to mention unrealistic, to have her drop everything for a quickie, much less fall madly in love. I was there for the Katrina aftermath. Believe me, romance was the last thing on my mind. Want romance? Wait for books two and three, which move the story a couple of years after the storm.” Officially, I’d pigeonhole Johnson’s book into Urban
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Fantasy with that magical term “romantic elements.” Is there potential for romance there? Oh, yes. Does the reader get teased into which potential male could be the romantic interest … yeeeesss. (Note: Read that second “yes,” with a drawn-out hesitation. I’ll get more in-depth in the following review.) Suzanne Johnson Royal Street Tor Books
First, I need to admit that I’m totally prejudice when it comes to Royal Street. It’s set in New Orleans, and for the longest time I “waited” for its release. Finally, that day arrived on April 10, and you know the sweetest surprise: Yes, the wait was worthwhile! As mentioned previously, Johnson’s debut novel starts right in the days prior to Hurricane Katrina hitting the Gulf Coast, and its aftermath. With her mentor Gerry either missing or AWOL, and as a “junior wizard sentential” Drusilla “DJ” is charged with protecting New Orleans and its surrounding areas after Katrina weakens the borders between this world and the “preternatural beyond.” Her partner? A sexy assassin who’d rather shoot first and not ask questions later. Johnson offers some swoon-worthy descriptions of Alex. She reels us in, and then leaves us waiting for some additional resolution. (That’s all right. Reading forplay is all right. I can be
www.NightOwlReviews.com patient.) With a string of ritualistic murders happening throughout the ravaged city, and hints of a Voodoo connection, DJ must enlist the help of some uncommon foes, the historical dead. Pirate Jean Lafitte has a score to settle with DJ, and legend Louie Armstrong merely wants to share his blues. Johnson blends the perfect mix of wacky, seemingly impossible, characters with a developing storyline and a fine woven story with an undercurrent that’ll pull on the reader’s heartstrings. The only problem? Wanting more. Book 2 River Road releases in November. Allison Pang A Sliver of Shadows Pocket Books
From her sparse opening words, “Run, Abby,” Allison Pang grips the reader and sets the fast pace in book 2 in the Abby Sinclair series, A Sliver of Shadow. For fans of fairy tale-inspired TV shows such as Grimm and Once Upon a Time, A Sliver of Shadow covers familiar territory. Here’s a glimpse at one description that Abby experiences on her quest: “The last part was said with an exceptionally feral grin, her teeth clipping hard upon each word. I caught the faint outline of a fox muzzle overlapping her mouth, nearly superimposed upon her face, but it was gone before I could truly see it.” (pg. 200) (Note, with publishing production schedules, Pang’s novel was written prior to the fall season of shows. Talk about great timing!) The book combines touches of paranormal with fantasy, and it’s easy to relate to Abby’s emotional journey. Pang’s syntax and word choice is simply enchanting, and readers should enjoy getting reeled into her world. EROTIC ROMANCE
After two books featuring “romantic elements,” we need some hawtness to counterbalance it! Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy all sorts of reads, but this is the romance column,
right?
Kristabel Reed Covet: A Regency Ménage Ravenous Romance
Who says a “Regency” must be proper and stiff? Well, we’ll take the stiff and add in a whole different sort of intrigue! Charlotte’s waited three years for her best friends William and Grayson to come back from war. Throughout that time, she didn’t know how she could possibly choose between the two strong men. She never thought either one of them may change. But with Grayson must take on the duties of his Earl title, he pushes aside that which he wants the most for what’s proper. Although all three have been groomed to behave within the confines of a proper society, there are ways to skirt the issues. Reed adds intrigue and death threats to the plot, which ratchets up the action. Readers of Ravenous Romance anthologies may be familiar with Reed’s short fiction “Inamorata” in the Once Upon a Threesome anthology, edited by Lori Perkins. With her latest full-length novel, I’m glad she’s giving us even more to … enjoy. What do you covet?
enticing new reads.
Other reads this month included Tessa Dare’s new historical release, A Week to Be Wicked, and Heather Graham’s The Unseen, in the new line of Krewe of Hunters. Readers meet a whole new cast of characters in these paranormal romances. This past week, I spent at the RT Convention in Chicago. And, I’m positive I’ll come across some
Until next month,
By Louisa Bacio, Love Knows No Bounds http://louisabacio.blogspot.com
Bacio recently released the m/m erotic paranormal The Vampire & The Werewolf: A New Orleans Christmas, which is available via Amazon, Ravenous Romance, and other e-retailers. For more information, visit www. louisabacio.com.
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Meet the Authors
In this month’s article entitled “Meet the Authors”. I would like to explore the impact of social networking on author visibility via Facebook, Twitter, Emails, Chats and blogs. Gone are the days of struggling to hunt up juicy tidbits about the next new release. As we entered the digital age full force, social networking has become the staple for keeping abreast, in touch and informed about the news and current events. One of the things that makes the entire social networking concept work in the publishing industry is that it allows fans the ability to get up close and personal so to speak with their favorite authors. Many authors embrace social networking and welcome their fans into their private domain. They cultivate fan connections by sharing pictures from recent vacations and whimsical antidotes, share posts of support for various causes, and promote book tours, contest and giveaways. Some authors use the platform to impart words of wisdom for aspiring writers and other reiterate the importance of supporting authors during these eBook booming days. Going one step further social networking also offers fans the ability to participate in reader poles and conduct conversations/ discussions about plots, characters and where a series is headed directly with an author. The benefits of Facebook and Twitter are not limited to just well-known authors. Lesser known and debut authors have found a well of new readers to cultivate thanks to the social media concept. Instant postings of reviews from Night Owl Reviews, Goodreads.com, Twitter and more perpetuate the announcements of new potential reads. Review sites such as NOR, Dear Author, and RT help to cultivate and spread the word about new and exciting releases. Author interaction as we knew it is a thing of the past. No longer considered the behind the scenes individual hunkered over a type writer or computer. Most of today’s authors have the same life responsibilities, hopes, desires and problems as everyone else. Author’s social networking brings the humanistic side of the individual to the forefront;
helping to cultivate a bond previously unavailable between author and reader. Author’s networking is not limited to the social networking sites listed above, many authors maintain extensive blog/web sites where fans may leave comments, ask questions, enter contests or just muse over the author’s latest ramblings. As we fans embrace technology and integrate it into every nuance of our everyday life, authors are doing the same. They are now reaching fans near and far, spreading the word of impending new releases and touching our lives in ways never possible 5 years ago. Facebook has allowed the ability to connect with the author we previously knew very little about. Twitter gives us the opportunity to experience the writing process through the words of our favorite authors. We are privileged to experience the trials and tribulations of a successful completion of a first draft and the horrors of writer’s block and rewrites. Best of all we are welcomed into the daily lives of some of the most exciting writers and are able to witness first hand their creative genius. If you have a favorite author, check them out on Facebook and Twitter. If you have a long standing series that you have been reading, don’t forget to checkout its website. About Victoria Mays
I currently own a classic nook wifi-3G, an iPod Touch 4th Gen and an iPad wifi-3G. You would probably ask why so many, the nook is more for indoor reading for me, while the iPod Touch is for that on the go reading in line at the bank, waiting for a movie to start etc. The iPad is used for long term review reading and annotating. I still purchase my favorite authors in Imprint books, but my library has grown exponentially since I have embraced eBook technology. Novel Technology “E-books and Technology Made Simple” next month’s article “E-Book Pricing” Where do we go from here?