Tag Archives: books

After “The End”

Posted on April 29, 2016 by

I have had the experience several times now of reading a book that I am very much enjoying–right up until the end.  Then the work either fizzles out, simply stops, or blatantly kicks me in the teeth (as a reader).  … Continue reading →

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Review: Sword of the Ronin

Posted on August 9, 2013 by

Sword of the Ronin by Travis Heermann My rating: 4 of 5 stars A rich, engaging, morally complex historical fantasy, deeply embedded in Japanese culture. This is the second novel in a series, but I must tell you up front … Continue reading →

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To Know the Future

Posted on June 26, 2013 by

As you know, next week will see the launch of Elisha Barber, and with it, the culmination of a dream which will hopefully lead to many more. Will it be a success? The suspense is killing me! And it makes … Continue reading →

Posted in Elisha Barber, essays, fantasy, fiction, history, medieval technology, religion, The Dark Apostle | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Guest Interview: Gail Z. Martin, author of Ice Forged

Posted on June 22, 2013 by

It’s been a while since I had a guest on the blog, so I’m excited to host Gail Z. Martin, author of Ice Forged, to tell us a bit more about her work. If you’re into action, character, and rich … Continue reading →

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Sowing the Seeds of the Perfect End

Posted on June 19, 2013 by

I recently submitted a story to an online journal, and received some feedback from the editor, a couple of changes she wanted to see: first, the character’s motivation was unclear, second, the ending didn’t work. Well, motivation’s not too hard, … Continue reading →

Posted in books, character development, editing, fiction, revision, writing, writing process | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Fantastic Beginnings: taking it slow, with Carol Berg

Posted on May 22, 2013 by

I have recently started reading Transformation, the first of the Book of Rai-kirah, by Carol Berg. I met the author on a panel about torturing your characters and recognized each other as kindred spirits. She’s actually the first person both … Continue reading →

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Respecting Dan Brown

Posted on May 16, 2013 by

If you read Elisha Barber all the way to the end, you’ll find an Acknowledgements page. One of the first names on that page is Dan Brown. Yep, the same author everyone’s talking about this week, with the release of … Continue reading →

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Review: Songs for a Machine Age

Posted on April 24, 2013 by

Songs for a Machine Age by Heather McDougal My rating: 4 of 5 stars This book is a delightful journey through an unusual fantasy world where machines and magic co-exist. While I didn’t find the heroine initially engaging, her talent … Continue reading →

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Focus Groups Taking over the World!

Posted on April 10, 2013 by

This morning’s Wall Street Journal features an article entitled “Test-marketing a Modern Princess,” about how Disney Junior is developing their new Sofia the First television series. Yes, folks, these executives are sitting down with pre-schoolers, reading them storylines and filming … Continue reading →

Posted in books, essays, fiction, marketing, publishing, social media, Uncategorized, writing process | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Kelpie, by T. J. Wooldridge–cover reveal and raffle

Posted on March 27, 2013 by

So my plan was to return to history for this week’s blog, then I found out about my friend T. J.’s raffle, happening this week only! Read the excerpt below, and scope out the rules to win some fun prizes … Continue reading →

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