Marked
By P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast
3 Stars
MARKED is a paranormal young adult novel.
Zoey Redbird is Marked in the middle of her forehead with the outline of a crescent moon. Deathly ill because she’s in transition from a fledgling vampire to a vampire, she is given two choices: join the blood drinking demons or die. Her best friend is repelled by her. Her mother is only concerned in her second marriage and keeping up the Christian appearance. Before she can get help from her grandmother she has an out of body experience with the Goddess Nyx. She enters the House of Night, a private boarding school, and adjusts to her accelerated and Goddess Nyx gifted abilities while taking her classes and making friends. On the first Full Moon Ritual, her needs are simple: to find a place she belongs, a home.
Something is desperately wrong with the school. The evil starts with a bully-like control over the students, but how deep it goes is anybody’s guess.
MARKED is well written, but predictable. I read it for the novelty: a mother daughter writing team. The characters were two dimensional and I didn’t care enough about the outcome until the very end. There is a significance that lies under the surface.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Conflict in your Romance novel
On April 24, 2010 authors Virna DePaul and Tawny Weber spoke to the Silicon Valley chapter of RWA on Conflict, Conflict, Conflict and Character Growth. Ms. DePaul sold her first book to Berkeley Publishing in 2009 and Ms. Weber has multiple published novels by Harlequin Blaze since 2006. She is also a three times Golden Heart finalist. As if they were a well synchronized tag team, they lectured us on conflict.
Conflict is opposition between the characters and moves the story along. It forces your character to act and gives them a purpose, but keeps them from getting to their goals. It is important that if you use the protagonist or antagonist conflicts, the characters cannot walk away and must be revealed within the first fifteen pages of your novel, depending upon its length.
Why is it so important? Because without conflict there is no story. Your character needs to suffer and work at overcoming or the happily ever after won’t be earned. The reader wants to know what happens next, how they relate, and to care. What does he/she really want? Which path does he take? Why does each path have its issues? What new issues come with his decision?
There are three times of conflict in a romance novel. (1) Situation or External Conflict. This is the day to day, security issues that normally plague even you and me. (2) Emotional or Internal conflict. These are insecurities, fears, doubts, etc. It is separate from the relationship. (3) Romantic conflict. This keeps them back from being a couple. It is a conflict between their internal and external being in opposition to their goals.
Anti conflicts include Man versus Self (their past, fears, and misconceptions), Man versus Something or Someone else (similar to External Conflict and can be Man, society, nature, technology, or even destiny), and finally Man versus love (character against character).
In your novels it is important to use the formula Problem plus Goal plus Conflict equals Less Obvious Action. Conflict should be believable, should be emotional, and should be personal. Show conflict in all aspects of your writing from action (what your characters do) to narration (what your character thinks), and to dialog (what your characters say). Make use of the Conflict Arc.
To improve use of conflicts use it in your every stage of a novel: Character insights; situation/opposing goals; stakes-what’s at risk; planning of action; knowledge/anticipation; obstacles/resistance to plan; execution/delivery; effect/aftermath; contemplation; Reaction/action and conclusion.
Conflict is opposition between the characters and moves the story along. It forces your character to act and gives them a purpose, but keeps them from getting to their goals. It is important that if you use the protagonist or antagonist conflicts, the characters cannot walk away and must be revealed within the first fifteen pages of your novel, depending upon its length.
Why is it so important? Because without conflict there is no story. Your character needs to suffer and work at overcoming or the happily ever after won’t be earned. The reader wants to know what happens next, how they relate, and to care. What does he/she really want? Which path does he take? Why does each path have its issues? What new issues come with his decision?
There are three times of conflict in a romance novel. (1) Situation or External Conflict. This is the day to day, security issues that normally plague even you and me. (2) Emotional or Internal conflict. These are insecurities, fears, doubts, etc. It is separate from the relationship. (3) Romantic conflict. This keeps them back from being a couple. It is a conflict between their internal and external being in opposition to their goals.
Anti conflicts include Man versus Self (their past, fears, and misconceptions), Man versus Something or Someone else (similar to External Conflict and can be Man, society, nature, technology, or even destiny), and finally Man versus love (character against character).
In your novels it is important to use the formula Problem plus Goal plus Conflict equals Less Obvious Action. Conflict should be believable, should be emotional, and should be personal. Show conflict in all aspects of your writing from action (what your characters do) to narration (what your character thinks), and to dialog (what your characters say). Make use of the Conflict Arc.
To improve use of conflicts use it in your every stage of a novel: Character insights; situation/opposing goals; stakes-what’s at risk; planning of action; knowledge/anticipation; obstacles/resistance to plan; execution/delivery; effect/aftermath; contemplation; Reaction/action and conclusion.
A real man in paperback, darn
Viking Heat
By Sandra Hill
December 2009
4 stars
VIKING HEAT by Sandra Hill, a time travel novel, is a romance between a strong Viking and an equally determined 21st century woman.
After her brother’s death by terrorists, Joy Nelson is double dog dared into joining the WEALS; the female counterpart of the Navy SEALS by her two other brothers. On her first mission to stop slave marketing she is transported from 2009 to 955 into what she believes is the recreated village of Hedeby.
Brandr Igorsson’s learns any remaining family or friends at Bear’s Lair have been killed or taken. Under a berserker’s rage, he dispels vengeance until he faces a pregnant traumatized teenage girl: Liv, his little sister. They return home. Arnis and Erland, two adult but immature Vikings, travel in long boats for a trading voyage. Their final purchase is Joy as a bed partner for Brandr.
Joy? A slave? Never! Following the rules of Engagement proves difficult. She cares about Liv suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The teenager has sequestered herself in her chambers; so afraid and traumatized, she can’t speak. Can Joy as a psychologist heal Liv, keep Brandr from returning to his berserker ways, and get home to her time and brothers?
Sandra Hill writes strong characters with faults and fears. I rooted for them. I am more prone to accept time travel when her characters come from their time into ours. In a time of superstition, I was surprised they didn’t condemn Joy.
By Sandra Hill
December 2009
4 stars
VIKING HEAT by Sandra Hill, a time travel novel, is a romance between a strong Viking and an equally determined 21st century woman.
After her brother’s death by terrorists, Joy Nelson is double dog dared into joining the WEALS; the female counterpart of the Navy SEALS by her two other brothers. On her first mission to stop slave marketing she is transported from 2009 to 955 into what she believes is the recreated village of Hedeby.
Brandr Igorsson’s learns any remaining family or friends at Bear’s Lair have been killed or taken. Under a berserker’s rage, he dispels vengeance until he faces a pregnant traumatized teenage girl: Liv, his little sister. They return home. Arnis and Erland, two adult but immature Vikings, travel in long boats for a trading voyage. Their final purchase is Joy as a bed partner for Brandr.
Joy? A slave? Never! Following the rules of Engagement proves difficult. She cares about Liv suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The teenager has sequestered herself in her chambers; so afraid and traumatized, she can’t speak. Can Joy as a psychologist heal Liv, keep Brandr from returning to his berserker ways, and get home to her time and brothers?
Sandra Hill writes strong characters with faults and fears. I rooted for them. I am more prone to accept time travel when her characters come from their time into ours. In a time of superstition, I was surprised they didn’t condemn Joy.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
How to handle a spirit
Secondhand Spirits
By Juliet Blackwell
July 2009
This is a mystery novel with a strong witchcraft foundation and light romance elements.
Lily Ivory has been a solitary practicing witch until she settles in San Francisco and opens Aunt Cora’s Closet, a boutique for vintage clothing. She has a surprise visitor. Aiden Rhodes, a male witch; definitely not a person to trust by anybody normal or magical. Which makes his gift, a goblin with the ability to change its physical appearance and blend into society, all the more suspicious. She names him Oscar until she can rightfully return it.
Inventorying the possible purchase of old clothing belonging to Mrs. Frances Potts, a little girl is kidnapped from her front porch of the Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood. In her circle the culprit is a demon called La Llorona. A protection spell doesn’t seem out of the question when Lily suspects further danger by evil spirits against the elderly woman. The morning after her excursion she finds the spell wasn’t successful. Mrs. Potts has been murdered. With only an absentee daughter Lily takes on solving the murder and returning little Jessica to her family before her soul is irreconcilable lost under the La Llorona’s influence.
Lily can’t find the answers alone. Who will she ask that won’t run away in normal fashion?
Secondhand Spirits by Juliet Blackwell is filled with the inside world of witchcraft. Vintage clothing is not my thing, but I liked the way she made it part of the story and character. It has a light touch of comedy and sentimentally that won’t crush your spirit.
By Juliet Blackwell
July 2009
This is a mystery novel with a strong witchcraft foundation and light romance elements.
Lily Ivory has been a solitary practicing witch until she settles in San Francisco and opens Aunt Cora’s Closet, a boutique for vintage clothing. She has a surprise visitor. Aiden Rhodes, a male witch; definitely not a person to trust by anybody normal or magical. Which makes his gift, a goblin with the ability to change its physical appearance and blend into society, all the more suspicious. She names him Oscar until she can rightfully return it.
Inventorying the possible purchase of old clothing belonging to Mrs. Frances Potts, a little girl is kidnapped from her front porch of the Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood. In her circle the culprit is a demon called La Llorona. A protection spell doesn’t seem out of the question when Lily suspects further danger by evil spirits against the elderly woman. The morning after her excursion she finds the spell wasn’t successful. Mrs. Potts has been murdered. With only an absentee daughter Lily takes on solving the murder and returning little Jessica to her family before her soul is irreconcilable lost under the La Llorona’s influence.
Lily can’t find the answers alone. Who will she ask that won’t run away in normal fashion?
Secondhand Spirits by Juliet Blackwell is filled with the inside world of witchcraft. Vintage clothing is not my thing, but I liked the way she made it part of the story and character. It has a light touch of comedy and sentimentally that won’t crush your spirit.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Elections
Election time is coming. What? It’s already time to vote for another commander and chief? No, this is local and affects me. The position is for the San Mateo County Coroner.
This year our incumbent is Robert Foucrault. Coroner Foucrault has held nearly every position in this office. Beginning as removal personnel, he has progressed to pathology assistant, to coroner’s deputy, to chief deputy, and finally Coroner. This gives him overall knowledge of every aspect of our office. An invaluable asset.
Our deputies in the field and in the office continue to perform their duties in accordance with the law and with the compassionate wishes of the family as evidence by the many positive feedback surveys. We have multiple outreach programs. To name just a few: our deputies speak at high schools on career choices; we have an active internship program; and we’re just beginning a “Save a Life” for juveniles under probation.
Running against Coroner Foucrault is Stacie Nevares. Ms. Nevares work experience in our office has been in a limited capacity as an office assistance. Ms. Nevares has made invalid and false allegations against our office and its staff. Her improvement suggestions were already incorporated into our office before her employment, or they conflict with the law and the performance of our job.
This year our incumbent is Robert Foucrault. Coroner Foucrault has held nearly every position in this office. Beginning as removal personnel, he has progressed to pathology assistant, to coroner’s deputy, to chief deputy, and finally Coroner. This gives him overall knowledge of every aspect of our office. An invaluable asset.
Our deputies in the field and in the office continue to perform their duties in accordance with the law and with the compassionate wishes of the family as evidence by the many positive feedback surveys. We have multiple outreach programs. To name just a few: our deputies speak at high schools on career choices; we have an active internship program; and we’re just beginning a “Save a Life” for juveniles under probation.
Running against Coroner Foucrault is Stacie Nevares. Ms. Nevares work experience in our office has been in a limited capacity as an office assistance. Ms. Nevares has made invalid and false allegations against our office and its staff. Her improvement suggestions were already incorporated into our office before her employment, or they conflict with the law and the performance of our job.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Promotion for Bookaholics
Have you ever wondered what the latest romance novel is, but don’t want to fork out the money for a paperback without knowing if you’d like it? Well, book reviewers, not just by Amazon, but many web sites are available.
I’ve got a site for you. Bookaholics? Besides all the information available through their website: http://bookaholicsromancebookclub.web.officelive.com/default.aspx you can also become a member of their group. We meet once a month at Borders in Milpitas, CA. Who else is going to sit with you for an hour (or more) while you gush about the latest regency, historical, paranormal, mysteries, etc? Not your best friend, but these women understand why a novel can become as important as the next episode of American Idol.
I’ve got a site for you. Bookaholics? Besides all the information available through their website: http://bookaholicsromancebookclub.web.officelive.com/default.aspx you can also become a member of their group. We meet once a month at Borders in Milpitas, CA. Who else is going to sit with you for an hour (or more) while you gush about the latest regency, historical, paranormal, mysteries, etc? Not your best friend, but these women understand why a novel can become as important as the next episode of American Idol.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Dust to Dust by Heather Graham (Book Review)
Dust to Dust
By Heather Graham
As the world grows closer to the apocalypse predicted by the Mayans on December 21, 2012, heroes are being activated and called to duty. Scott Bryant is one such person; not invincible, but stronger and faster than humanly possible.
Melanie Regan suddenly goes from drawing awkward stick figures to award winning details. However soon after she sketches an earthquake, one strikes. They are common in LA, but this is no coincidence because entities have come forth from the split earth to cause further destruction than what nature had inflicted. Being a member of ‘the Alliance’ she expects to place herself in deadly danger, but she fights against including innocents even one that she feels an emotional bond to and seems to hold some purpose in the coming battles. Because of her sightings/drawings and the dreams of catacombs and an Oracle Scott has been having, they are sent to Rome, Italy.
An ultimate evil is spreading. Corrupting anybody with guilt. Although Melanie hasn’t been human in a long time, she isn’t immune from the effects. When the third party of their team joins them, she must admit the truth to Scott.
Dust to Dust, The Prophecy: Book 1 proves Heather Graham is a talented author. I couldn’t put the book down. She blends reality with a paranormal element and characters I want to root for. You will recognize side characters from her previous books.
By Heather Graham
As the world grows closer to the apocalypse predicted by the Mayans on December 21, 2012, heroes are being activated and called to duty. Scott Bryant is one such person; not invincible, but stronger and faster than humanly possible.
Melanie Regan suddenly goes from drawing awkward stick figures to award winning details. However soon after she sketches an earthquake, one strikes. They are common in LA, but this is no coincidence because entities have come forth from the split earth to cause further destruction than what nature had inflicted. Being a member of ‘the Alliance’ she expects to place herself in deadly danger, but she fights against including innocents even one that she feels an emotional bond to and seems to hold some purpose in the coming battles. Because of her sightings/drawings and the dreams of catacombs and an Oracle Scott has been having, they are sent to Rome, Italy.
An ultimate evil is spreading. Corrupting anybody with guilt. Although Melanie hasn’t been human in a long time, she isn’t immune from the effects. When the third party of their team joins them, she must admit the truth to Scott.
Dust to Dust, The Prophecy: Book 1 proves Heather Graham is a talented author. I couldn’t put the book down. She blends reality with a paranormal element and characters I want to root for. You will recognize side characters from her previous books.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
