Showing posts with label fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fiction. Show all posts

Monday, October 24, 2016

Ungolden Silence by Lydia E. Brew



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Genre: Woman's Fiction
Published: Xilbris Publishing
Released: December 13, 2007
Buy At: Amazon​
Ungolden Silence will explore the world of rape and expose the myths through articles that are based on facts. The main question that needs to be answered is why one human being would rape another human being. These reasons are explored in a compelling story that will make the reader ask questions. Beatrice James wanted to take her co-worker Elaine on her first professional trip, she had to convince her employers and Elaine’s parents that she wanted to take Elaine on the trip. Elaine was in charge of the campaign.

Thomas Paige is a well-respected community leader, however, there is whole other side of side of him. The man can be charming when he needs to be and that is why he can get away with sexually harassing and raping women. He began to harassed Beatrice did not want Elaine to have to deal with it. Beatrice did not want to deal with the fact that she was being sexually harassed.

When any crime takes place, the families of the victims as well as the criminal are involved. Ungolden Silence will illustrate that the criminal is a real person, and rarely does he commit crimes just for the fun of it.

It is important to know that rape is a part of violence. Through the characters of Ungolden Silence it is hoped that society will begin to find a way to eliminate the acceptance of violence, which includes the act of rape.

It is through Beatrice, Elaine, and their colleagues that Ungolden Silence begins to explore the world of rape. Each of the main characters discovers what he has believed about rape and violence is not entirely true. A good example of this is when the firm’s secretary is told what happened on the trip. She discovered that some things that she was told when she was young was a myth.

Through all of the characters, Ungolden Silence offers an alternative to the everyday acceptance of violence. When it comes to rape, it tells us that the rapists are human beings and there is a way to curb the crime.

What does the author wants the reader to take away is that the story is about a woman was rape while she and her business partner was away on a business trip. Her business partner is disabled but that is an important part of the story. However, it is not the main story.

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About Lydia E. Brew:

Lydia E. Brew has Cerebral Palsy and as a child she could not go outside and play with the other children like she wanted to, so she daydreamed about that and other things she felt unreachable instead. This allowed her mind to journey in unimaginable places. With a love for drama, daydreaming and writing, Lydia combined them when she started writing. Her essay, “Why Do You Think They Call It Dope?” was place on the front bulletin board of Roosevelt Elementary School. Lydia had no idea that was the beginning of her writing journey.

When she took literature in Junior and Senior high, Lydia to write composition papers. One in particular was about a talking horse; another one of Lydia’s daydreams put on paper. The teacher would give out the assignments at the beginning of class, and most of the time Lydia would have the story in her head before the end of class. She realized then that being a great storyteller with the written word wasn’t something she had to dream about but she could actually achieve it.

When she turn fourteen years old Lydia met Edith Irby Jones, M.D. When Lydia walked into office and the walls are covered with award and plaques and she knew that there was a story behind the walls. She wanted to tell the story. Lydia attended Texas Southern University and with the help of her Journalism Professor, she wrote Edith, The Story of Edith Irby Jones, M.D.
Lydia, along Mrs. Annie Brew, her mother and Mrs. Helen Lewis, her aunt wrote an activities book, Our Learn Together Book, base on the biography.
Lydia is the author of Ungolden Silence, a thought provoking novel about rape and how it affect not only the victims but the people that surround them. Go to Ungolden Silence.com and Amazon.com.

Author Links:

www.lydiaebrew.com
https://www.facebook.com/Ungoldensilence/
​Twitter - @UngoldenLydia



Tuesday, September 14, 2010

**** Review of The Wielders of the Sengans by C.V. Huffstead

The Wielder of the Sengans: Including the Tomes of Ithren by C.V. Huffstead

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The Wielder of the Sengans by C.V. Huffstead was truly a story of good vs. evil. Captivating and leaving you wanting more.



Haran, The Watcher, continually sings praise to the Most High. She battles the dark forces continually keeping them encrusted in the Earth. Illfaeyan is a young lord who's heart was consumed by the darkness. Haran helped to fight the battle that locked Illfaeyan behind fire, keeping his darkness at bay. Illfaeyan never gave up hope of being set free though.



Haran walked the Earth, travelling to different lands singing her praise when she finds an infant. Raising this infant as her own, she knew there was something special about her, but she never dreamed that Eliah would eventually take her place in God's plan.



When Haran realizes that Eliah is in fact the one who will replace her, she sings her departure as Eliah unknowingly awakens the darkness of Illfaeyan. Eliah was pushed into the dark forest, and now faces the battle against evil, as it is now her place to send Illfaeyan back to the Earth.



Assisted by the last of the Great Silver Wolves, Eliah faces the battle of her life while she learns her destiny.



Huffstead did a great job with this tale. Fast paced and leaving you wanting to find out what happens next, I give The Wielders of the Sengans **** (4) Stars, BK Walker. http://bkwalkerbooks.weebly.com





View all my reviews

Monday, June 28, 2010

***** Review of Edging Past Reality by David Fingerman

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Edging Past Reality
Author - David Fingerman
Publisher - Two Harbors Press
2008


Synopsis of Edging Past Reality:

Get ready to expect the unexpected when you read this collection of chilling short stories The short stories of Edging Past Reality will take you to the precipice of reason and then push you over the edge.

If you think you can always believe your eyes, and you're sure that what you believe is true, it's time to check your certainties at the door ... and start Edging Past Reality. In this collection of short stories, as you're warned in the introduction, ''the most common and familiar elements of life ... explode into a circus of horror.'' Imagine an inviting, lush meadow that turns shockingly deadly. A mirror that holds more than mere reflections. A trial where your life hangs by a call-in vote.

David Fingerman, a master of the unforeseen and unpredictable, will take you on a number of seemingly ordinary journeys and then smoothly veer off course, surprising you with twists and turns that propel you toward destinations that are not only unexpected, but often terrifying.

My Thoughts -

I loved this book.  Edging Past Reality is a magnificent compilation of short stories.  Fingerman has a fantastic imagination,  bringing an unexpecting twist to reality.  Some stories will give you chills,  others will make you shutter,  all will have you thinking.  I do have a few of my favorites out of this compilation and I am going to elaborate a bit on those for your enjoyment and a good taste of what you can expect from David Fingerman.

Fingerman has grouped his stories into categories,  so I will take a story out of each category that I absolutely loved.

Too Young To Know Any Better:
A Halloween Story - Trick or treating and lost in the woods,  little Tommy comes across a lone house.  After knocking on the door,  he becomes enchanted with the lady of the house,  a beautiful witch stirring her brew.  Tommy knows she's a witch and has bespelled him,  though she is so nice he cannot be afraid.  Will Tommy make it out alive? 

Old Enough To Know Better:
Peeping Tom - When the owner of several cabins decides upon check-in which women he would like to fantasize about, he gets more than he bargained for when Amanda checked in.  I so was not expecting the ending,  FANTASTIC!

Is This A Mid-Life Crisis?
A Walk In The Woods - Steve Blanchard was a prestigious lawyer that never took any time for himself.  He lets a co-worker talk him into going to a cabin in the woods.  While there he comes across a wolf.  Deeming the wolf malnourished he starts to feed it and eventually the wolf takes food from his hands.  One day deciding on a walk a snow storm hits and Steve becomes lost.  Taking coverage in a cave,  who should come to the rescue?  The wolf...yes he leads Steven back to the cabin where the door is found ajar.  What do you suppose waits inside for the duo? 


Senior Moments:
A Midnight Stroll - When a series of unexpected murders have taken place in an apartment building of seniors,  it has become unsafe to be out on your own in the town.  Seventy two year old Francis cannot stand sitting inside though and he takes a stroll through the park.  After tripping and hurting his ankle,  he is helped by a young Indian named Bear.  Bear helps Francis home telling him he should not be out alone with all the murders.  They chat and tell each other of their pasts and how they have come to where they are today,  when Francis invites Bear up for tea.  You think you know what will happen in the end...but are you certain that will be the outcome?

It certainly is a toss up as to which ones are the best of short stories in Edging Past Reality,  but David Fingerman certainly knows how to deliver.  I give this title ***** (5) Stars,  BK Walker,  http://bkwalkerbooks.weebly.com



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Learn more about this author and even get a peek into Edging Past Reality with great excerpts:  David Fingerman

Don't forget to check out David's guest post and give away here.

Purchase Edging Past Reality at Amazon


BK Walker Books - All Rights Reserved







CymLowell

Friday, June 25, 2010

Guest Post & Give Away - Edging Past Reality or Edging Towards Success? Please Welcome Author David Fingerman


Welcome to my blog David and thank you so much for stopping in.  David is a speculative fiction author,  and I am currently reading his compilation of short stories,  Edging Past Reality.  So far I am loving this book,  and I even have a few favorites,  but....you will have to wait for my review for my thoughts on that.  I will say I am almost finished so you won't have to wait too long lol.  Anyways,  David has put together a nice post for us on virtual books tours.  Please be sure to leave him a comment for your chance to win a copy of his book,  and since this is his last stop on his tour,  you won't have to wait too long to know if you are the lucky winner of this fantastic book!  Also,  one lucky commenter will win a $15 Amazon Gift Card.  Good luck.

The floor is all yours David.

A couple of years ago I first heard the words 'Virtual Book Tour.' Until recently I wasn't really sure what that meant or consisted of. After doing a little research I was intrigued. The idea of selling my book from my computer sounded very appealing. I mean, getting up in the morning and checking my calendar - if nowhere to be, say good-bye to shower and pj's are staying on even though I'm going to be interviewed ~ what could be finer? Anyway, I found a couple of sites that offered to put tours together, but for one reason or another I put it off. I think it had something to do with fear of the unknown. Then B.K. Walker and Authors Supporting Authors came along. When the offer for a tour was staring me in the face, I knew I could no longer say no. The second biggest question I had was, will this result in my selling more books? There were no definitive answers that I could find. Some people I talked to thought they sold more books, but it could've been general marketing. One thing everyone I spoke with agreed on - it was worth it. My biggest question ~ what did I have to do? For those of you considering a virtual book tour, be prepared to answer a lot of questions and write blogs. How hard can that be? We're all writers, right?
From April 21 to June 25 I had twenty stops. They were mostly interviews and guest blogs plugging my book (and soon to be released book - I was hoping Silent Kill would be out by now, but such is life), a couple of online chats, and one blog talk radio interview. It was a lot harder than I anticipated. Answering questions about myself was easy. The hard part was changing the answers so I wasn't saying the same thing every interview. Same thing with blogs trying to pimp Edging Past Reality. How many different ways could I tell people to buy my book? Turns out quite a few. As for sales, I definitely sold books directly because of the tour. I don't know how many more came directly from the tour, but I must say that it's been the best two months in sales since EPR first made its debut. But what impressed me even more than sales were the people I met. Virtual book touring is a networking goldmine. I met dozens of wonderful authors, each one more than willing to be used and abused as they use and abuse others all in the name of marketing and promotion. I'm pretty sure most of my fellow writers call it helping each other out, but I digress. If any of you have been waffling about joining a virtual book tour - my advice? DO IT!
It's only fitting that the last stop on my first virtual book tour is here. It's because of Brandi that I, and a number of other authors, got to take advantage of her hard work and take part in the tour. So on behalf of myself, and hopefully all the authors you arranged to go on tour ~ Thank you so much for letting us use and abuse you. Ahem, excuse me ~ for helping us all out.
And being that this is my last blog for the tour, let me say one last time:
~BUY MY BOOK~



Well thank you David for the wonderful post.  You are most welcome and thank you so much for participating in the tour.  I am very excited for Silent Kill and I cannot wait until it's released.  Please be sure to keep us updated.
You can visit David Fingerman on the web at http://www.davidfingerman.com ,  where you can also get a taste of Edging Past Reality with a few excerpts.  Trust me,  you won't be disappointed!  You can also find him on Facebook.  If you would like to purchase his book,  it is available through Amazon.  Just click the link below,  and you will be taken directly to the purchase page.  Thank you so  much for stopping in David,  as always,  it has been a pleasure.  Wishing you much success in the future,  and don't forget to let us know when you hit NY Times Best Seller's List :),  (fingers crossed).  

If you are interested in going on Virtual Book Tour with your own book,  please visit http://virtualbooktourcafe.weebly.com for details.

Thank you all for stopping in and reading.  










Now for the Giveaway:

Since this is David's last stop on his tour,  let's go out with a Bang!  By leaving a comment for David,  you will be entered to win a $15 Amazon Gift Card!  So if you don't win a copy of the book,  you can use your gift card towards the purchase of Edging Past Reality!  Winner will be drawn Wednesday,  June 30th,  also in celebration of the last day of June.  Once the winner responds,  I will email the AGC right to your inbox!




Here's how to enter:


  • Leave a comment for David for an entry to win his book and an entry for the AGC
  • Become a follower of my blog by clicking "Follow" on Networked Blogs or Google Friend Connect on the left sidebar  (1 extra entry)
  • Become a Fan on Facebook for BK Walker by clicking "Like" *found in right sidebar too or click link (2 extra entries) 
  • Follow me on Twitter *also in right sidebar (1 extra entry)
  • Share this Post and let me know where you shared it  *in right sidebar (1 extra entry)
  • Don't forget to leave your email address so if you are the winner I can email you your AGC
Be sure to tell me all you have done for extra entries,  and leave your email.  Thanks again for stopping in and Good Luck!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

***** Review by Daniel Dietz at BK Walker Books of Cyber Writers by Karen Kostlivy

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Reviewed by Daniel Dietz

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Mason Witt is an average kid who loves skateboarding.  He had been grounded for a week for riding his skateboard in the neighbors empty pool,  and today was his first day of freedom.  He was anxious to get off the bus to ride his board.

When he got home his mother made him his favorite snack of apples and peanut butter,  so he ate quickly to be able to ride his board before they had to run errands.  Before going to play,  he ran to his room to put his backpack away and checked his email.

Being a pen pal on Cyber Writers,  he found an email from Africa.  Before he was able to read it,  his mother yelled that they had to leave sooner than anticipated so they could get his brother Jamie at Karate,  then go get hair cuts.

While getting their hair cuts Mason was so excited to get that email he asked the barber if he knew anything about Africa.  When asked why,  Mason told all about being a pen pal with Cyber Writers.

Finally home,  Mason grabs a slice of pizza and runs upstairs to check his email.  He starts reading and the introduction of Lutalo begins.  Lutalo is in desperate need of help to return a Zebra and his missing father.  "The Zebra is what brings prosperity to farmers crops and harmony to all villagers".  The Zebra is known as the "Zebra of Life". 

Getting ready for bed Mason crawls under the covers to finish reading his email.  Suddenly he feels vines,  jumping out of bed he realizes that his bedroom is changing into a jungle.  Mason has been virtually transported to Africa.

Follow Mason and Lutalo during their adventures through Africa,  as they begin the chase in hopes to safely return the Zebra of Life and Lutalo's father,  Mwamba.

Kostlivy did a great job with her first book in the Cyber Writer Series.  I found myself anxious to find out what happened next,  and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.  I was amazed with the plot and she kept my attention from beginning to end.

I give Cyber Writers and The Zebra of Life ***** (5) Stars,  Daniel Dietz,  children's book reviewer for BK Walker Books.  http://bkwalkerbooks.weebly.com

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Learn more about this author - Karen Kostlivy

BK Walker Books - All Rights Reserved

I would just like to thank Karen for sending Daniel a signed copy of this book,  along with posters.  She also sent books for Daniel to donate to his school and he was just thrilled!  Fantastic job Karen and Daniel hasn't stopped talking about this book as he anxiously awaits your next installment in the series.  Thanks again for all you have done.

 

Sunday, June 13, 2010

***** Review of My Punishment by Spring Carrion

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My Punishment by Spring Carrion was a phenomenal read.  Spring is a newly published young author that holds nothing back when it comes to her writing.

Aubrey had the perfect life.  A mother and father who found love in high school and loved their daughter with all they had.  Life couldn't have been much better for Aubrey.

That is until the day tragedy struck.  Aubrey and her dad were on their way to her dance lesson when they were struck from behind and pushed into oncoming traffic.  Sadly,  this accident claimed her fathers life.

Through the turmoil of grieving the loss of the man they both loved,  Aubrey's finds she cannot cope,  turning to the bottle for relief of her pain.  Little Aubrey blamed herself,  and so did her mother.

As the years go on,  Aubrey finds herself in a life of solitude.  Kids from school pick on her,  her mother is in her own world,  Aubrey has nowhere to turn.  Her mother doesn't deal with the loss of "her one true love"  continually blaming Aubrey,  and eventually taking it out on her physically.

Through more desolation,  Aubrey deals with becoming pregnant,  to deciding to take her own life.  Will Aubrey escape the darkness that is determined to consume her?

Find out in My Punishment.  Carrion did a fantastic job writing this title.  This title definitely stirred emotions.  You will feel your heart breaking for Aubrey as you follow her through her life.  You will find yourself angry,  sad,  and wishing you could do something to help this child.

I give My Punishment ***** (5) Stars,  and hope to see more from Spring Carrion as she has a beautiful way of enthralling the reader from the moment you read the first sentence.  ~BK Walker,  http://bkwalkerbooks.weebly.com

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Learn more about this fantastic author - Spring Carrion

Purchase My Punishment - Amazon

BK Walker Books - All Rights Reserved


 My Punishment

Friday, May 28, 2010

***3/4 Review of Kami Jin by Lloyd Kaneko

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Kami Jin by Lloyd Kaneko is one title that will definitely get you thinking.  Narrated from the 23rd century,  it is a fantastic display of our world as it is today,  and what may become of it in the future.

Gordon A. Sakata II lives in the 23rd century.  As you can imagine,  the technology of the future is incredible.  Gordon suffered a terrible skiing accident as a child and now has a bionic arm.  His arm runs on a battery that gives it power through a watch he wears on his wrist.  If the watch is removed,  the arm goes dead.  Not only does this watch give his arm life,  but it also harbors a virtual computer.

Through this computer,  Gordon records memoirs of his journey in time.  As a native of Napajan,  Gordon portrays Asian features,  even though he is legally an American. 

His memoirs start with a description of time during the 21st century.  It was when he himself lost his job due to the introduction of droids to replace humans in Corporate America,  that he realizes that the nation was going under.  Humans were losing their jobs,  being forced into the streets,  and no where to turn for help.


As the government decides War is imminent against Napajan,  Asians are captured and forced into concentration camps.  Gordon records daily of the abuse,  and testing being done to prisoners.  When they realize that Gordon can use his computer to transcribe the activities at these camps,  they take Gordon to the mountains,  planning on his demise.

What they never expected,  was that Gordon's wife,  a Princess from an Intergalactic Universe,  would find and rescue him.  Much to Gordon's surprise as well,  he learns of his wife's true identity and that he was born to rule their planet.  Will Gordon be able to save planet Earth from the immorality that is placed upon human's by the government?

Kaneko did a great job of creating a thought provoking plot.  What can we as a society do to keep ourselves in the running?  What Kaneko speaks of is actually happening in our society today.  It is very disheartening to think about it,  and to think about what might become of us in the future. 

Kami Jin,  meaning paper people,  the example used in this story is exactly how the government treats citizens,  discarding them as if they were paper plates being thrown into the trash.

Though Kami Jin was a little slow to start,  once the action started,  especially at the end,  I found myself anxious to see what happened next. 

I give Kami Jin ***3/4 (3.75)  Stars,  BK Walker.

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Learn more about this author - Lloyd Kaneko

Purchase Kami Jin  -  Amazon

Available in paperback and on Kindle.



 


BK Walker Books - All Rights Reserved

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Author Spotlight - Melody Dempsey

 I was born in Chelsea Massachusetts. I have been married for 31 years and I have two grown daughters, and five "furry babies. Two cats and three dogs. 
I have always enjoyed writing ever since I was in Elementary school. I remember the feeling of excitement I would get whenever my English teacher wanted us to write a story. I remember once when I was in the third grade, my teacher wanted all of us in the class to write a short story of any topic of our choosing. I wrote a comedy about a dog and a cat. I can't remember all of the story now, but I do remember reading it and the class loved it! I remember the story was about the comedic antics of one dog and a mean cat. The story ended with the dog being chased up a tree. That image is still funny. I remember winning the first place blue ribbon for that story. 

I actually started to write seriously when I was around 14 years old. During the summer months I found that I had more time on my hands. I loved to read more in my early teen years. After reflecting back on the materials I read, I would sit, with pen in hand, paper in front of me,(there were no home computers back then), and I would start to create my own stories. I have always been very fond of fiction, adventure, human interest stories, mystery, and thriller novels. I also enjoy comedies, and of course, stories about animals. 


The Forest Portal tells the story of three teens as they embark on an amazing journey through time. Thrilled about the last day of school, Cameron Maine, his younger sister Collette, along with their friend Taden, decide to go to the beach for an afternoon of fun and relaxation, but Cameron has other plans he has not revealed to the other two. He tells them he wants help collecting seaweed, shells, and other seashore items. Taden questions his friend’s request, but reluctantly decides to lend a hand.
Cameron has plans to develop a sealant that turns old wood new again. Taden, feeling doubtful about the plausibility of Cameron new project soon discovers, along with Cameron and Collette that the sealant actually turns out to be a paint that has the ability to turn wood bight, rainbow colors. Excited, the three decide to paint some trees in a heavily wooded area behind Cameron and Collette’s house. The three soon discover, to there amazement that the two freshly painted trees has the ability to transport them into another time, another place. The trio find themselves probing even more into a dimension so bizarre, deeper into the realm of an unknown world that they discovered, sending them on a journey that makes a summer they will never forget! 




Excerpt:


Cam was somewhat relieved when he saw that the paint on the trees dried clear. “Well looks like this stuff might work after all!” he said, smiling.

Taden touched one of the trees. “It’s dry.” He inadvertently stepped to the inside of one of the trees.
Suddenly a whirlwind of colors started to materialize around the space between the two trees. Taden jumped and the colors disappeared as quickly as they had appeared just seconds before. He looked around.
He found himself in a large field.

“What the hell?” he said out loud as he stood there stunned. Taden took a couple of steps backwards. He saw the colors again, then suddenly found himself back in the woods. He turned around and saw Cam and
Collette gaping at him, both as white as sheets.

“W…Where did you go?” Cam managed to stammer out.

Taden looked at him, bewildered. “I….I have no idea! I….It was strange! I was in the middle of this huge
field! The woods were gone. I didn’t see you two, then the next thing I know, you two appear again!” he exclaimed as he sat down on the ground.

Cam gave him a funny look. “You were in a field?” he questioned, in disbelief.

“Yeah,” Taden replied, still not believing his short experience, feeling as if he just walked out of a dream.

Collette was gawking at the trees. “We saw colors appear between those trees when you disappeared. It
was weird!”

Taden looked at her.


Melody is currently working on a sequel to The Forest Portal.  To learn more about Melody and her works,  please visit http://www.authormelodydempsey.com

Sunday, May 23, 2010

VBT Pit Stop #2 with Lorrie Struiff


Everyone has secrets. Homicide Detective Rita Moldova has a secret, a crystal amulet from her Roma bloodline that allows her to see the last image a victim had seen in their eyes before they died. Now, a ritual killer is terrorizing her town and the crystal’s magic has suddenly stopped doing its job. 
 FBI agent, Matt Boulet, is sent to lead the task force and gives the group strange orders. Worse, Rita senses he is holding back a deep, dark secret about the killer. 
When she confronts her seer mother’s advice, she learns another secret about their clan that she finds impossible to swallow.

Rita swims through a whirlpool of confusion as the investigation continues. Can Rita deny the lore of the ancients? Can she deny her growing feelings for Matt Boulet?




Today I'd like to welcome Lorrie Struiff,  author of Gypsy Crystal.  Please give her a warm welcome,  and thank you so much for being with us today Lorrie.




Hi,



Thank you so much for having me here today. And, a warm welcome to all of you readers.




                           WHAT IS NEEDED FOR A GOOD STORY



Have you ever started reading a novel and fifty pages in, your eyes start glazing over? Or the same scene is described for two pages? The characters are cardboard- stiff?

You look again to see the name of the author who wrote the book. "Really?" you ask. Then you try to stay with the novel, but again with your eyes glazing until you must put it aside and reach for another book in your TBR pile. The story is not holding you, it's boring.

So, what is needed for a good story?

The best stories have a strong theme, a fascinating plot, a fitting structure, unforgettable characters, a well-chosen setting, and an appealing style. The story must be well written to capture the imagination.

Great stories make a promise. They promise fun, excitement, and to take you along for a great
read. The reader trusts the author to deliver on that promise.

People decide if they like a novel after reading only a few pages. Great stories are rarely aimed at everyone. The most effective stories match the world view of a tiny audience--a target audience-- and then that tiny audience spreads the good word on the story.

In Gypsy Crystal, my theme follows the mystical lore and traditions of the Roma people. Imagine a homicide detective with a secret amulet that mysteriously helps her in her job. The plot of capturing a serial killer who is loose in her town, and the pacing of the structure slowly building with twists and turns to rise to a dramatic end. My main characters, Rita and Matt, spark feelings in the reader as well as with each other. The setting for my story takes place in a location I know well and adds to the authenticity. The story is trendy and fits with the paranormal style prevalent in today's popular novels.

Is Gypsy Crystal well written? That is for the reader to decide. But I think it will grab you from page one and your eyes will not glaze over because you will be too busy turning the pages. The novella has many surprises in store for the reader. Try it, I think you'll like it.


        (Blurb)

        Rita Moldova's best-kept secret, a crystal amulet that shows her the last image a victim
had seen when they died and has helped propel her career as a homicide detective  until
prostitutes start dropping.

        A ritual killer dubbed the Ripper by the media is terrorizing her town and it's Rita's job
to help end his killing spree. The problem  Rita's mystical amulet, passed down through her
Roma bloodline, has failed for the first time in memory to do its job  and it's making it a real
bitch for Rita to do hers.

        To make matters worse, the FBI has sent in hunky agent, Matt Boulet, to lead the case
and Rita finds herself attracted to him.
        When Rita visits her mother  a gifted seer in her own right ­ and her uncle to glean what
she can about the history of the amulet and the lore of their clan, she learns much more than she
bargained for, and the truth is too much for her to swallow.

        As the investigation continues, Rita learns she can't deny the lore of the ancients, or her
growing feelings for Matt Boulet.





Excerpt

    Detective Rita Moldova peeked around the corner to make sure the hallway was empty. Making a quick right turn, she slipped into the autopsy lab to have a few minutes alone with the body. She tucked her white shirt tighter into her jeans and zipped her windbreaker to stay warm in the chilly room. The harsh odor of
formaldehyde hit her nostrils and stung her throat.
    Her heart twisted at the sight of the young, auburn-haired woman lying on the stainless steel table. A white sheet covered her to the navel; bruises blemished the once pretty face. Contusions marred the pallid skin from elbow to shoulder. The gash on the front of her neck gaped, exposing open veins and torn tissue.
    Rita flipped her thick, dark braid back over her shoulder, snapped on one latex glove, leaned over the corpse, and peeled back an eyelid. In her bare hand, she clasped a star-shaped crystal hanging from the gold chain around her neck, an endowment from her maternal Roma bloodline. The crystal heated in her palm, warm energy pulsing up her arm to her shoulder. The face captured in the victim's eye coalesced and stared back. Rita drew in a sharp breath. Bobby Driscoll! She had known him since high school, and now he worked as a uniform in her precinct. What the hell was going on?


    Visit my website for more info. http://struiff.wordpress.com/ and to read the reviews.

Gypsy Crystal is now available in print and MultiFormat e-book at Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Gypsy-Crystal-Lorrie-Unites- Struiff/dp/1770650415/ref=tmm_pap_title_0








Bio

Lorrie Unites-Struiff is a native of West Mifflin, twenty minutes from downtown,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She writes short stories in different genres that have appeared in various publications and anthologies. When she is not sitting in front of her computer, she's often found checking out bookstores, leading her writing workshops, or having lunch with local authors.

Be sure to leave a comment here today,  and follow Lorrie on her tour,  leaving a comment along the way for your chance to win a copy of Gypsy Crystal.

Also by leaving a comment today,  you will be entered into a drawing to win a writer pack and a surprise book from BK Walker Books. Winner will be drawn Friday,  May 28th. 








Good luck!  Thank you again for chatting with us today Lorrie.  You have been very insightful and I just love the excerpt.  I can't wait to read your book,  it's on my list :).

Saturday, May 22, 2010

***** Review of Color Me Jazzmyne by Marian L. Thomas

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Color Me Jazzmyne by Marian L. Thomas is an excellent read.  From beginning to end it will definitely stir emotions,  as you feel Naya Mona's story,  and feel her pain.

Naya Mona' lived a life that no child should ever have to endure.  As a child she had a father that loved her,  went to every play,  loved to hear her sing.

That was,  until she became a young woman.  Then her life took a drastic turn,  as her father forgot to be a father,  and she ends up pregnant.  Forced to succumb to her father's touch and harsh rules, and having her baby torn from her when her father was mad it wasn't a girl,  Naya dreams of the day that she could leave the darkness and be free.

Searching the colors of her crayon box,  Naya finally finds her escape.  Young,  and no clue where to go,  who to turn to,  she finds her way to New York. 

Through a series of events that quickly have her searching her crayon box again,  she finds her voice,  becomes Jazzmyne the jazz singer,  and she is faced with the son she never had the chance to know. 


Her son arrives,  demanding answers,  wanting to know his roots. The problem is,  she is not sure she wants to open her crayon box,  to bare all those nasty colors to someone she doesn't even know.

Follow Naya as she tells the story of her life.  She is speaking to her son,  but you will be drawn in and will feel her pain as she hesitantly relives her past, as she adds new colors as well as pulls the old ones.

Thomas did an excellent job describing this tale,  pulling you in from beginning to end.  This is one story you won't be able to put down until you have finished it in its entirety. 

I give Color Me Jazzmyne ***** (5) Stars, BK Walker

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Learn more about this author - Marian L. Thomas

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