I'm Still Alive!!

Hi, all! Long time no post! I'm still around, but blogging just got away from me. So, here's a little update on what's new!

"Miss Gemquist and the Pearl of Peking" got a new look a couple years back. I decided I wasn't entirely happy with my original cover and so painted a new one in Corel Painter. I love it so much better!! So here's the new cover:

 

I know that it's been almost 3 years since book 1 was released, but, please don't despair! Book 2 is still in progress, it's just faced a major set-back. Last December, I was all getting ready to make the grand announcement that my second novel was finished and off to the editing/formatting stage when my computer had a catastrophic malfunction with the word processor 😭. I'd been just days away from finishing the actual writing, but the malfunction irreparably corrupted the file. I spent months taking my laptop to different PC repair places or techs that I knew, but no one could resurrect even a smidgen of the original file. So, I'm left with no other choice, but to begin the rewriting phase all over again.

So please bear with me! I don't know how long it will take me to do it, but I've no intention of just giving up. In the meantime, you can always reread the first book or recommend it to your friends and family! It's available on Amazon in either Kindle or paperback format or can be read for free with a Kindle Unlimited subscription! 

You can also follow me on my new website! 

Goodreads Confession: Bad Reviews

I'm sure anyone that uses Goodreads has been faced with this: you finish reading a book and you didn't really like it, or you liked it but it has serious problems. The question that immediately follows is this: do you leave a bad review or just choose not to review it at all? Unless I really hated the book (and I have read ones that I just relished shredding to pieces), I hate leaving a bad review.  When I read a book, I want to like it, and the more I want to like it, the worse I feel when I don't, or when it just falls short (you know, the ones that aren't out-right awful, but aren't great either). I just feel so mean doing it, however, I do it anyway. Why? Because no matter how upset the author may be about it, and I realize that for some this may be very upsetting if it's a new author, I have to be honest about what I thought.  They published the book for everyone to read so they have to accept that not everyone is going to like it and might even hate it. However, I also write them because others may have the exact same issues with them that I do and would rather know about them before getting into the book and being disappointed.

Why am I writing all this? Well, the last two ebooks I read I had to leave less than stellar reviews for.  In fact, I really rather shredded one of them and felt pretty bad about it while writing it.  You see, the book just came out in March and I'm the first one to leave a review of it on Goodreads. To make matters worse, it's a new author. I only gave it 2 stars and a fairly detailed (and brutal) review.  Hopefully, the author will learn from reviews like mine (I'm quite sure I will not be the only one to leave such a review) and will improve their future writing.  Perhaps even do a major rewrite of the one that I reviewed and then re-release it (it really needs it!!).

(However, I must admit some perverse pleasure in shredding a book I truly hated!)

Confessions of a Library Clerk: Summer Reading Program - an Insider's View

Ah, Summer Reading Program, I'm sure many of you reading this have at some point or other participated in this annual activity at your local library.  It works the same most everywhere: get a reading log, read lots of books, record your time, turn log back in when a certain number of hours has been accomplished, hope you get drawn for whatever the prize is, and get more logs for more reading.  There are, of course, some variations on this based on whether you're in the adult program, teen program, or children's program, but the format is still pretty much the same.  It's always a lot of fun, and it encourages those that may otherwise be timid readers to get involved and read more.

However, now that I work at a library, I get to see another side of this program: the chaos.  You may not realize this, but there are months of prep before the summer reading program even begins!  Besides getting the prizes sorted out there's a whole lot more that goes on to prepare for this yearly madness.  There's getting the summer reading book bags (which are different every year and for every library system), getting the logs (first and second logs) ready (nearly all of them have to be numbered so as to keep track of how many sign up; there are also a few unnumbered logs in case someone loses there first log), there's getting all the other sign-up goodies ready (bookmarks, small fun items for the kids, etc.), getting all the book displays to match with the reading program theme, decorating the whole library in accordance with the theme, and, of course, any special programs going on just because of summer reading. And this is just the list of prep that I know of!  In all likelihood, there's probably a bunch of stuff that I'm not even aware of that should be added to that list.  This, however, is just the chaos before the actual program begins!  After it starts there's a whole new level of madness!

I'm not sure how it is with other libraries, but this is what I've observed at mine.  For the first two weeks or so there is a steady, non-stop stream of people signing either themselves, their kids, or their grandkids up! If they work at a school, they might even sign up the kids from any summer classes they may be teaching!  And of course, following the flurry of signing up at whatever station has been set up for summer reading (usually at the public service desks), there is the ensuing chaos at circulation with myriads of books being checked out or requested.  This is the first two or so weeks,  however, come the third week that is when the chaos is in full swing. Remember all those books checked out during the first two weeks (not the mention the weeks prior)? Well, this is when you start to see them all coming back.... at once, because of course they can't just trickle in gently, that would be to easy. But really, this is no big deal right?  This is normal: what gets checked out, must be returned within a set period of time.  However, it's not quite this simple.  The number of books being checked out dramatically increases during summer reading.  People that usually only check our 2 or 3 books, are now checking out 6-8; and those that usually check out large numbers of books?  Yup, their check outs are easily double their norm.  Oh, and did I mention that the number of books being shipped out to/requested from other libraries has also just about doubled? And this level of chaos will continue for pretty much the rest of the program!

Now don't get me wrong, this is all great for the library!  However, it can be killer to keep up with.  For everyone: PSD is swamped, circ is swamped, and let's not forget the poor pages.  Again, remember all those books being returned? Well, someone has to put them all back again! (And hope the shelves where they go back to are in a somewhat decent order still, but, that's really just wishful thinking during the summer: the #1 untold rule of paging during summer reading is - always assume the shelf is out of order, especially if it's in the children's area.)  Ah yes, those poor, poor pages. With seemingly endless streams of books being pulled from the drop boxes (inside and out) and sent back to them to reshelve.  Right when they may have been getting sooooo close to emptying the paging shelves from the last bunch of books, here come a whole pile more!!  *Sigh* Oh, well.  

As a former page myself, I know that I really should feel terrible (or at least somewhat sorry) for the constant barrage of incoming books that can make a page feel as if they really haven't accomplished anything by the end of the day because the paging shelves are still full, but............ I really don't.  I just can't help laughing, and saying 'I'm so glad that's not me anymore!'  

If you are reading this and you are a library page, I will tell you what my page supervisor used to tell me: ........... job security! 

Book Review: Worlds of Ink and Shadow by Lena Coakley

I've seen mixed reviews from others about this book, but, personally, I really enjoyed it!  

The main characters of 'Worlds of Ink and Shadow' are the Bronte siblings (Charlotte, Emily, Anne, and their brother Branwell) and set while they are still in their teens.  Somehow, Charlotte and Branwell are able to cross-over into their written world, Verdopolis.  This 'how' is very important.  At first, the story is rather light-hearted with Charlotte and Branwell writing together and crossing-into into Verdopolis to interact with their characters (Branwell has written the villian, and Charlotte the hero), however, as the story progresses it starts to take a darker tone. More and more hints are dropped about just how it is that Charlotte and Branwell are able to cross-over, and eventually you learn the truth about it.  Things go from the siblings having fun with their written worlds/characters, to fighting to save each other.  I loved every minute of this transition!  

In the beginning, all the siblings have a lot of issues: Anne is too shy and is almost scared to speak up (even when she should), Emily is too reckless and bitter about something she doesn't understand, and Branwell and Charlotte are often bickering and envying each other; but they really do love each other, and as the story goes on they grow and come together in the end to make things right.  The ending is rather poignant, but there really is no other end fitting for it. 

I really, really enjoyed this book and love how the author actually used real worlds/characters that the Bronte's created when they were children.  The mixture of historical detail with the author's own imagination was just great! 

Book Review: The Falling Machine by Andrew P. Mayer

Just finished reading this one and thought I'd give a review of it here.  In a word?............... Lame!!

When I first found 'The Falling Machine' listed on GoodReads, I thought the premise of superhero organization meets Steampunk sounded really interesting.  The concept was great so I was really looking forward to a great story. Needless to say, I was sorely disappointed.  What could have been a marvelous story turned out to be an epic fail.

The writing style was so dry and boring I almost quit during the first chapter. However, I hate not finishing a book so I stuck it out hoping it would get better............ it didn't.  I found the narrative cumbersome and difficult to follow. One moment you were following Sarah, the next you'd be off with someone else without any warning or indication of any kind. It does this throughout the whole book, switching back and forth following at least 5 different sets of characters and there is never any warning. The change could literally be the very next paragraph with no indication prior that you were finished following the previous character until suddenly you find yourself following someone else and seeing their thoughts.  There were also ending/grammar issues (missing words, etc.) that made the book even harder to get through.

The characters? I hated them all. The only two characters that were even remotely likable are killed off. I know Sarah was supposed to be a fiery, independent young woman, but I found her to be highly annoying, overly feminist, and a bit of a brat at times. Nathaniel, who I think is supposed to be in love with Sarah, is a huge chauvinistic jerk and her father is almost as bad.

As to the plot? I found it extremely vague and lacking. Even at the end you are still left guessing as to what exactly the story is all about. Sure you get bits of information here or there, but not enough to really make the plot make sense.

The only good thing for me about this book was the end. Not that I found it to be satisfactory, but that I was thrilled to be finished with it so I wouldn't have to suffer through any more of it. 

25 Books to Look for in July 2016

Ok, so first off, this is by no means a comprehensive list.  There are gobs of books coming out every month and there is no way I can list all of them.  However,  I will give you a list of 25 books that might interest you that are coming out this July.  This list covers a range of genres, styles, and authors.  Also, just to note, I have not read/do not read all of these authors;  some have been included simply because of the general popularity of the authors.

1. 'The Crimson Skew' by S.E. Grove:

'The Crimson Skew' is the final book in S.E. Grove's Steampunk series 'The Mapmaker's Trilogy.' Release date: July 12th.

2. 'The Black Widow' by Daniel Silva:

For those of you who may be Daniel Silva fans, 'The Black Widow' (book 16 of the series 'Gabriel Allon') comes out on: July 12th.

3. 'A Beauty Refined' by Tracie Peterson:

'A Beauty Refined' , book 2 of Tracie Peterson's series 'Sapphire Brides,' is expected to be released on: July 5th.

4. 'Paper and Fire' by Rachel Caine:

'Paper and Fire' is the second book in the Dystopian/Steampunk series 'The Great Library,' it's expected release date is: July 5th.

5. 'An Author's Odyssey' by Chris Colfer:

You 'Land of Stories' fans will be happy to know that book 5 ('An Author's Odyseey') is scheduled for release on: July 12th.

6. 'Rebellion' by J A Souders:

Scifi/Fantasy J A Souders will be releasing the third installment of the 'Elysium Chronicles' on: July 12th.

7. 'Falling' by Jane Green:

If there are any Jane Green readers out there looking at this blog post, you should be happy to know that her newest book 'Falling' will be available on: July 19th.

8. 'Fallout' by Harry Turtledove:

Generally regarded as a master of alternative history, Harry Turtoledove will be publishing book 2 of 'The Hot War' series on: July 19th.

9. 'Night and Day' by Iris Johansen:

Book 21 of 'Eve Duncan' by Irish Johansen is expected to be released on: July 19th.

10. 'The Transference Engine' by Julia Verne St. John:

'The Transference Engine' is an new Steampunk novel by Julia Verne St. John.  It will be available on (paperback and ebook): July 5th.

11. 'The Loyal Heart' by Shelley Shepard Grey:

Shelley Shepard Grey has a new series coming out this July also.  Book 1 of the new' Lone Star Hero' series will be out on: July 12th.

12. 'The Innocents' by Ace Atkins:

The next installment of Ace Atkin's series 'Quinn Colsson' (book 6) also comes out this July.  The expected release date is: July 12th.

13. 'Gone With the Wool' by Betty Hechtman:

Book 4 of Betty Hechtman's cozy mystery series 'Yarn Retreat Mystery' comes out on: July 5th.

14. 'White Bone' by Ridley Pearson:

'White Bone' is the 4th installment of Ridley Pearson's 'Risk Agent' series.  It comes out on: July 19th.

15. 'Jack' by K.R. Thompson:

K.R. Thompson's 'Untold Stories of Neverland' continues with a 4th book.  The story is only available as a Kindle ebook and will be released on: July 6th.

16. 'Among the Wicked' by Linda Castillo:

If you enjoy Linda Csastillo's 'Kate Burtholder' series, you'll be glad to hear that book 8 will be available on: July 12th.

17. 'Battlesaurus: Clash of Empires' by Brian Falkner:

Fans of the alternative history Science Fiction genre may be interested in Brian Falkner's newest book in his 'Battlesaurus' series.  It's an ebook that will be released on: July 12th..

18. 'Reckless Creed' by Alex Kava:

The 3rd installment of Alex Kava's series 'Ryder Creed' also comes out in July. 'Reckless Creed' will be available on: July 26th.

19. 'Rampage' by John Sandford:

John Sandford's series 'Singular Menace' continues with book 3: 'Rampage.' Scheduled to be published on: July 12th.

20. 'Red Queen' by Christina Henry:

Book 2 of Christina Henry's dark Alice in Wonderland retelling series 'Chronicles of Alice' will be available on: July 12th.

21. 'The Shadow Hour' by Melissa Grey:

Also coming out in July is book 2 of 'The Girl at Midnight.'  'The Shadow Hour' will be coming out on: July 12th.

22. 'Guilty Minds' bu Joseph Heller:

If you prefer listening to books to reading them, you may be pleased to know that Nick Heller book 3, 'Guilty Minds' is scheduled to be available on audio in July. It's release date is: July 19th.

23. 'Outfoxed' by David Rosenfelt:

Book 14 of the 'Andy Carpenter' mystery series will also be coming out in July. Release date: July 19th.

24. 'The Divided Family' by Wande E. Brunstetter:

'The Divided Family' is the 5th installment of Wande E Brunstetter's novella series 'Amish Millionaire.'  It comes out on: July 1st.

25. 'Insidious' by Catherine Coulter:

And lastly (for this list anyway), July also hosts the release date for book 20 in Catherine Coulter's 'FBI Thriller' series.  'Insidious comes on on: July 5th.

So, that brings us to the end of the list!  As mentioned earlier, this is by no means a comprehensive list of all the books coming out next month, but hopefully it is a list of some of the highlights.

Adaptation Alert: The Selection

Good news for all you 'Selection' fans! So, I was curious and decided to do a little research on IMDB and look of Kiera Cass's book 'The Selction' just to see if anything would come up.  Lo and behold, it did!  Upon further Googling, I found out via the author's own website that in 2015 Warner Brothers bought the rights to make a movie out of her book!  Not much information is available yet other than that Katie Lovejoy as been tasked with the adaptation with Denise DiNovi, Allison Greenspan, and Pouya Shahbazian as producers. Stay tuned for more information!

Adaptation Alert: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Great news for all you fans of Ransom Riggs' book 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children'!  If you haven't heard yet, then you will be thrilled to learn that it will be coming to the big screen on September 30, 2016.  It will likely not surprise you to know that the director in charge of turning this creepy book with all the vintage photography into a live-action movie is none other than Tim Burton. A perfect choice for such an unusual book!

Miss Peregrine is being played by actress Eva Green (no stranger to Tim Burton films having played Angelique Bouchard in 'Dark Shadows') and Asa Butter field from 'Hugo,' 'Ender's Game,' 'The Boy in the Stripped Pajamas,' and the BBC TV show 'Merlin.'

They will be joined by such names as Samuel L. Jackson, Judi Dench, and Ruppert Everett.  Colleen Atwood, the magnificient costume designer 'Into the Woods,' 'Snow White and the Huntsman,' and the 2010 Tim Burton 'Alice in Wonderland,' will also be designing the costumes for film.

Here's the sneak peek:

For more information about the film or to see the trailer visit IMDB.

Farenheit 451 Read-Alikes

Alright, so firstly I must admit that I have not yet read 'Farenheit 451' by Ray Bradbury despite it being a classic.  However, working in a library as I do and frequenting Goodreads on an almost daily basis, I have read a lot about it.  'Farenheit 451' is a classic Dystopian novel in which books are illegal (being believed to be the source of strife, unhappiness, etc.) and so need to be destroyed.  In this world, hiding books can have serious consequences.

There are also several read-alikes to Farenheit 451. So if you liked this book you might want to give one of these a try:

1) 'The Reader' by Traci Chee:

The world of 'The Reader' is again a Dystopian world in which books are illegal. They are a magical item, so reading is forbidden and the society in which the main character lives is illiterate.  It is high fantasy story about mystery, murder, revenge, and more in a world with many dangers.  'The Reader' is expected to be published this September and is the first book in the series: Sea of Ink and Gold.  I don't know about you, but I can't wait to finally read it!

2) 'Blood, Ink & Fire' by Ashley Mansour:

Ok, so if you've read any of my other blogposts than you may remember seeing this cover before.  'Blood , Ink & Fire' is another Dystopian world in which reading has been made forbidden.  In this world, books have been replaced with technology that just streams images.  However, for one character, something is different about this stream.  She sees words. This leads her to become obsessed with them and to discover an underworld of booklovers she never knew existed.

3) 'Ink and Bone' by Rachel Caine:

In the world of 'Ink and Bone' books still exist and can still be read, however, it is illegal to personally own books. This is a world where the Great Library of Alexandria not only still exists, but rules and with an iron fist.  Books are deemed more valuable than lives. 'Ink and Bone' is the first book in the series: The Great Library.  Its sequel is 'Paper and Fire and should be coming out in early July.