Maria Savva's Blog - Posts Tagged "series"
An interview with author Tara Ford
Today, I'm excited to be introducing you to one of the friendliest and most supportive authors I've met online. Tara Ford not only writes great fiction, she also helps support her fellow indie authors with promotion on her blog.
After reading the wonderful Calling All Dentists I was keen to interview Tara about the book and her writing life in general.
So, without further ado, here's the interview:
In Calling All Dentists you have two female characters who are best friends, but have totally opposite personalities. Which one of the two girls would you say is more like you?
I think that I am more like Emma than Ruby. Ruby is a very sweet girl but far too nice to be considered anything like me. She is somewhat naive too and hopefully I have a little more grounding and experience than she does.
I can empathize with Emma and her fears but I'm not sure I would be as brave as her when it comes to the bottom line.
Emma has a terrible fear of dentists. Is that taken from your own experience or someone you know?
Oh, that would most definitely be taken from my own experiences of dentists over the years - I was terrified of them. I really could never understand why though. After all, a dentist is hardly ever going to tell you some terrible news about your health, like a doctor could!
While I was writing 'Calling All Dentists' it became apparent to me that there were so many people I knew who hated dentists and had real fears about them. I was relieved to find that I wasn't the only one.
I'm also terrified of dentists!
The book is the second in a series although it reads well as a stand alone book. I enjoyed it very much even though I haven't read the first one yet. Are you planning more books in the series?
Yes, there are two more books in the series, 'Calling All Customers' (due out at the end of this year) and then the last book is 'Calling All Neighbours'.
The series of Calling All... books are based around the lives of one family (the Frey family) but the stories are not always directly related to the Frey's and their lives. 'Calling All Customers', in particular, is related to the Frey family in an indirect way, i.e. the book isn't actually about them but they are there somewhere.... The other exception is that the first book, 'Calling All Services' is set ten years before the other three books. Are you confused yet? I am!
A bit! LOL :)
Incidentally, I now have the firm base for my fifth book which is very exciting. I can't write the others quick enough to get on to the fifth one!
That's great!
Apart from the 'Calling All...' series, are you working on any other projects?
Oops - think I just answered that one in the previous question. Well I'm not actually working on it (apart from in my head).
I have also been asked to write a biography for someone which really surprised me. I felt quite honoured to be asked actually and I'm in the early stages of talks about this exciting venture.
Intriguing... I look forward to finding out more about that.
How long have you been writing?
Er... I learnt to write when I was about 4, so I guess it's been for ** years. On a serious note, I've dabbled in writing, bits and pieces, for years. I always wanted to write a novel but could never think of what to write. Now I have come to realise that I was looking too hard all of those years and actually, the subjects/genre/style were right under my nose all of the time.
What would you say is the best thing about being a writer?
The best thing about being a writer is letting my overloaded brain explode out through my fingers and in to a Word document, in the form of words. I am quite a shy person, contrary to popular belief, and have always found it so much easier to communicate through word, rather than speech. I sometimes think that the internet, or more specifically social networks, were created for me and others like me who are able to express themselves easier through written words.
And the worst?
The worst thing about being a writer is doubt. I hear or read a lot about 'writer's block' and yet (touch wood), I haven't experienced it yet. The worst thing for me is wondering and worrying about whether people will like my writing. I am well aware that there will always be those who don't like it but in general we all want it to be liked - right? I suppose that I worry too much about it and possibly have a slight insecurity about what I'm writing sometimes. Perhaps all writers do?
Or am I just a wimp?
I think all writers have that :)
Have you read any books recently that you would recommend? What was it about that particular book or books that you most enjoyed?
I've stepped back almost 40 years just recently. I've been reading some of my childhood favourites, like 'Charlotte's Web' (which incidentally, has now helped me to overcome my fear of spiders... well up to a certain size of spider anyway... I'm working on the bigger ones). I've also just re-read 'The Secret Garden' which I didn't enjoy so much this time around and almost wish I could have left it in my memory dump from years ago and not read it.
I now have a long list of books that I want to read and they are all staring at me from my Kindle - Help! I don't know where to start...
A familiar feeling!
When choosing a book to read do you have a favourite genre, or are you open to trying any genre?
My usual choice of genre is chicklit/romantic comedy. I am open to trying other genres (except maybe horror, due to my 'wimpish' nature) and have read some true and sometimes really inspirational stories in the past too. So, as long as you're not scaring me, I'll have a go at anything.
Put these influencing factors in order from the most important to the least important when you're looking for a new book to read: Characters, Genre, Writing style, Cover, Blurb, Author, Price.
Genre, Author, Cover, Blurb, Characters, Writing style, Price.
What do you think of the current trend of writers giving books away free?
I used to think that this was a cheap and tacky, almost desperate thing to do. I couldn't understand why an author would work so hard to write a novel over a long period of time (whether it be 9 months or 9 years), just to give it away for free.
However, now I do understand this concept as I have done it myself. I read somewhere, some while ago, about the power of free promotions to gain a fan base from where to start working and marketing from. It worked for me in the sense that my free book was downloaded over 3,000 times, in just a few days. What was more exciting and unexpected was the fact that my other book started selling at a daily rate, tenfold to previous sales figures. This has now happened twice for me and I will do it again in the future.
I must stress that these free promotions are only temporary promotions, lasting no more than 5 days and I'm happy with that set up each quarter, throughout the year. I do wonder though, what is the purpose of permanently free books to the authors who wrote them?
I know some authors who have one book permanently free as a sample of their work. I suppose that would work where the author always writes in the same genre, or where the freebie is the first book in a series.
What's your favourite genre to write?
Definitely comedy with some romance thrown in... or is it romance with some comedy thrown in? Not sure which way round but I hope you get the gist of it.
Do you do your best writing in the day or night?
I'm a day person, more specifically, a morning person. It all goes downhill at around 10am. By 7pm I'm an internet zombie, stunned in to a death-like state of immobility as I stare at other people's conversations on Facebook, watch numerous, sometimes pointless, video clips that jump out at me from the newsfeed, about all sorts of weird and wonderful things and then I trawl through the mountains of notifications, messages and general mayhem on Twitter. The internet is the bane of my life and the modern form of procrastination.
Some writers like music in the background when writing, others (me included) prefer silence. What is your preference?
I go for silence for 2 reasons. Firstly, I don't often get it in my busy household, therefore it's the ideal excuse not to write and to further my career in procrastination. Secondly, when it is silent and I do have to write, I can hear the characters in my head clearer. They may be talking to me or having conversations amongst themselves but at least I can hear what they're saying. Weird or what?
Hahahaha!
If you could meet one of the characters from your books and spend a day with him/her, who would you choose and what would you do?
I really liked Ruby from 'Calling All Dentists' and would love to spend a day with her. I would take her shopping to buy some outlandish clothing, sunbathe on a nudist beach (purely for the shock factor - both the shockingly, horrified looks of passers by [I'm not as sleek as I used to be] and to shock Ruby), encourage her to play 'Knock door run' with me, make some crank phone-calls, get extremely drunk in a local nightclub and 'pull' a one-night-stand. Hopefully after all of that, Ruby would be a little more worldly-wise and 'up for a laugh'.
Many authors write much of their fiction inspired by their own life experiences. How much of your own life goes into your fiction?
Quite a bit actually. I think of something that may have happened to me, or someone I know, but usually me. Then I twist it and turn it, take bits out, put other bits in (usually funny bits) and then scramble it all back together and throw it at a wall, just to splatter it a little further. I then scoop it all up and chuck it into a word document. I hope that's not reflected too much in my books, lol.
If you could invite 3 authors to dinner (can include authors from the past) who would you choose and what would you cook?
For a start I am the world's worst cook - I can burn a jelly! So I would hope that the 3 authors would be kind and forgiving. I would probably cheat due to my culinary inadequacies and either ask Mr Fordie (who is a wonderful cook) to pretend to be a hired cook for the evening (I'm sure he'd be up for that) or nip to the local take-away.
My 3 authors would be, Sophie Kinsella - I adore her and love her books. She seems to be a shy-ish person (like me) and I'm sure we would connect. Carole Matthews would be my next choice, she appears to be very outgoing, lively and fun and her books are fabutastic. She could bring me out of my little coconut shell. My final choice would be Roald Dahl, purely because I am so intrigued by his lifestyle, his shed (I would quite like one too) and his writing, I would love to know where his ideas came from. He would probably be the centre of attention actually, thus deflecting from the take-away or the fact that I had to get someone else to cook for me!
What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
Write, write, write... and keep writing. Don't give up on those 'bad days'. Keep at it and believe in yourself. I am completely sure that if I can do it, then anyone can. Another thing that I would say is, get your name known, well before your first book comes out. Social networking is an absolute must, particularly if you are going to be an independently published author.
It's a very good idea to set up a website/blog for yourself too. This is a window for interested readers/fans to go and take a peep through. I believe that the readers want to get to know you a little more, if they like your work.
I'm a great believer in 'what goes around, comes around', hence I do a lot of promotional work to help other authors too. I think this helps me as well.
How much research did you have to do for Calling All Dentists?
I did a little research for 'Calling All Dentists'. Luckily, I like my dentist, who I've been with for 3 years now and I used my experiences with her in either a negative or positive way (back to the 'chucking ideas at the wall' again). I've had some terrible experiences in the past and also my fair share of toothy problems so again, it all went up the wall.
Do you have any news for your readers?
Er... I think I've probably blown this question by waffling in previous questions. I'm looking forward to the release of my third book, 'Calling All Customers' at the end of this year. I'm hoping that it will be the best one yet. A fun read!
I will be going part time when I go back to school in September - yay! All thanks to Mr Fordie's kindly supportive role as husband-type-thing. So I hope to be able to write a lot more and procrastinate a lot less. I may well be banning myself from the internet for a certain amount of time each day, just so that I don't waste any more time. I can also catch up with the ironing!
Sounds wonderful, and I'm looking forward to reading more of your books!
Keep up with Tara Ford's news at the following links:
Author Website: http://taraford.weebly.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rata2e
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/Tara.Ford...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/rata2e2/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/tara-for...
After reading the wonderful Calling All Dentists I was keen to interview Tara about the book and her writing life in general.
So, without further ado, here's the interview:
In Calling All Dentists you have two female characters who are best friends, but have totally opposite personalities. Which one of the two girls would you say is more like you?
I think that I am more like Emma than Ruby. Ruby is a very sweet girl but far too nice to be considered anything like me. She is somewhat naive too and hopefully I have a little more grounding and experience than she does.
I can empathize with Emma and her fears but I'm not sure I would be as brave as her when it comes to the bottom line.
Emma has a terrible fear of dentists. Is that taken from your own experience or someone you know?
Oh, that would most definitely be taken from my own experiences of dentists over the years - I was terrified of them. I really could never understand why though. After all, a dentist is hardly ever going to tell you some terrible news about your health, like a doctor could!
While I was writing 'Calling All Dentists' it became apparent to me that there were so many people I knew who hated dentists and had real fears about them. I was relieved to find that I wasn't the only one.
I'm also terrified of dentists!
The book is the second in a series although it reads well as a stand alone book. I enjoyed it very much even though I haven't read the first one yet. Are you planning more books in the series?
Yes, there are two more books in the series, 'Calling All Customers' (due out at the end of this year) and then the last book is 'Calling All Neighbours'.
The series of Calling All... books are based around the lives of one family (the Frey family) but the stories are not always directly related to the Frey's and their lives. 'Calling All Customers', in particular, is related to the Frey family in an indirect way, i.e. the book isn't actually about them but they are there somewhere.... The other exception is that the first book, 'Calling All Services' is set ten years before the other three books. Are you confused yet? I am!
A bit! LOL :)
Incidentally, I now have the firm base for my fifth book which is very exciting. I can't write the others quick enough to get on to the fifth one!
That's great!
Apart from the 'Calling All...' series, are you working on any other projects?
Oops - think I just answered that one in the previous question. Well I'm not actually working on it (apart from in my head).
I have also been asked to write a biography for someone which really surprised me. I felt quite honoured to be asked actually and I'm in the early stages of talks about this exciting venture.
Intriguing... I look forward to finding out more about that.
How long have you been writing?
Er... I learnt to write when I was about 4, so I guess it's been for ** years. On a serious note, I've dabbled in writing, bits and pieces, for years. I always wanted to write a novel but could never think of what to write. Now I have come to realise that I was looking too hard all of those years and actually, the subjects/genre/style were right under my nose all of the time.
What would you say is the best thing about being a writer?
The best thing about being a writer is letting my overloaded brain explode out through my fingers and in to a Word document, in the form of words. I am quite a shy person, contrary to popular belief, and have always found it so much easier to communicate through word, rather than speech. I sometimes think that the internet, or more specifically social networks, were created for me and others like me who are able to express themselves easier through written words.
And the worst?
The worst thing about being a writer is doubt. I hear or read a lot about 'writer's block' and yet (touch wood), I haven't experienced it yet. The worst thing for me is wondering and worrying about whether people will like my writing. I am well aware that there will always be those who don't like it but in general we all want it to be liked - right? I suppose that I worry too much about it and possibly have a slight insecurity about what I'm writing sometimes. Perhaps all writers do?
Or am I just a wimp?
I think all writers have that :)
Have you read any books recently that you would recommend? What was it about that particular book or books that you most enjoyed?
I've stepped back almost 40 years just recently. I've been reading some of my childhood favourites, like 'Charlotte's Web' (which incidentally, has now helped me to overcome my fear of spiders... well up to a certain size of spider anyway... I'm working on the bigger ones). I've also just re-read 'The Secret Garden' which I didn't enjoy so much this time around and almost wish I could have left it in my memory dump from years ago and not read it.
I now have a long list of books that I want to read and they are all staring at me from my Kindle - Help! I don't know where to start...
A familiar feeling!
When choosing a book to read do you have a favourite genre, or are you open to trying any genre?
My usual choice of genre is chicklit/romantic comedy. I am open to trying other genres (except maybe horror, due to my 'wimpish' nature) and have read some true and sometimes really inspirational stories in the past too. So, as long as you're not scaring me, I'll have a go at anything.
Put these influencing factors in order from the most important to the least important when you're looking for a new book to read: Characters, Genre, Writing style, Cover, Blurb, Author, Price.
Genre, Author, Cover, Blurb, Characters, Writing style, Price.
What do you think of the current trend of writers giving books away free?
I used to think that this was a cheap and tacky, almost desperate thing to do. I couldn't understand why an author would work so hard to write a novel over a long period of time (whether it be 9 months or 9 years), just to give it away for free.
However, now I do understand this concept as I have done it myself. I read somewhere, some while ago, about the power of free promotions to gain a fan base from where to start working and marketing from. It worked for me in the sense that my free book was downloaded over 3,000 times, in just a few days. What was more exciting and unexpected was the fact that my other book started selling at a daily rate, tenfold to previous sales figures. This has now happened twice for me and I will do it again in the future.
I must stress that these free promotions are only temporary promotions, lasting no more than 5 days and I'm happy with that set up each quarter, throughout the year. I do wonder though, what is the purpose of permanently free books to the authors who wrote them?
I know some authors who have one book permanently free as a sample of their work. I suppose that would work where the author always writes in the same genre, or where the freebie is the first book in a series.
What's your favourite genre to write?
Definitely comedy with some romance thrown in... or is it romance with some comedy thrown in? Not sure which way round but I hope you get the gist of it.
Do you do your best writing in the day or night?
I'm a day person, more specifically, a morning person. It all goes downhill at around 10am. By 7pm I'm an internet zombie, stunned in to a death-like state of immobility as I stare at other people's conversations on Facebook, watch numerous, sometimes pointless, video clips that jump out at me from the newsfeed, about all sorts of weird and wonderful things and then I trawl through the mountains of notifications, messages and general mayhem on Twitter. The internet is the bane of my life and the modern form of procrastination.
Some writers like music in the background when writing, others (me included) prefer silence. What is your preference?
I go for silence for 2 reasons. Firstly, I don't often get it in my busy household, therefore it's the ideal excuse not to write and to further my career in procrastination. Secondly, when it is silent and I do have to write, I can hear the characters in my head clearer. They may be talking to me or having conversations amongst themselves but at least I can hear what they're saying. Weird or what?
Hahahaha!
If you could meet one of the characters from your books and spend a day with him/her, who would you choose and what would you do?
I really liked Ruby from 'Calling All Dentists' and would love to spend a day with her. I would take her shopping to buy some outlandish clothing, sunbathe on a nudist beach (purely for the shock factor - both the shockingly, horrified looks of passers by [I'm not as sleek as I used to be] and to shock Ruby), encourage her to play 'Knock door run' with me, make some crank phone-calls, get extremely drunk in a local nightclub and 'pull' a one-night-stand. Hopefully after all of that, Ruby would be a little more worldly-wise and 'up for a laugh'.
Many authors write much of their fiction inspired by their own life experiences. How much of your own life goes into your fiction?
Quite a bit actually. I think of something that may have happened to me, or someone I know, but usually me. Then I twist it and turn it, take bits out, put other bits in (usually funny bits) and then scramble it all back together and throw it at a wall, just to splatter it a little further. I then scoop it all up and chuck it into a word document. I hope that's not reflected too much in my books, lol.
If you could invite 3 authors to dinner (can include authors from the past) who would you choose and what would you cook?
For a start I am the world's worst cook - I can burn a jelly! So I would hope that the 3 authors would be kind and forgiving. I would probably cheat due to my culinary inadequacies and either ask Mr Fordie (who is a wonderful cook) to pretend to be a hired cook for the evening (I'm sure he'd be up for that) or nip to the local take-away.
My 3 authors would be, Sophie Kinsella - I adore her and love her books. She seems to be a shy-ish person (like me) and I'm sure we would connect. Carole Matthews would be my next choice, she appears to be very outgoing, lively and fun and her books are fabutastic. She could bring me out of my little coconut shell. My final choice would be Roald Dahl, purely because I am so intrigued by his lifestyle, his shed (I would quite like one too) and his writing, I would love to know where his ideas came from. He would probably be the centre of attention actually, thus deflecting from the take-away or the fact that I had to get someone else to cook for me!
What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
Write, write, write... and keep writing. Don't give up on those 'bad days'. Keep at it and believe in yourself. I am completely sure that if I can do it, then anyone can. Another thing that I would say is, get your name known, well before your first book comes out. Social networking is an absolute must, particularly if you are going to be an independently published author.
It's a very good idea to set up a website/blog for yourself too. This is a window for interested readers/fans to go and take a peep through. I believe that the readers want to get to know you a little more, if they like your work.
I'm a great believer in 'what goes around, comes around', hence I do a lot of promotional work to help other authors too. I think this helps me as well.
How much research did you have to do for Calling All Dentists?
I did a little research for 'Calling All Dentists'. Luckily, I like my dentist, who I've been with for 3 years now and I used my experiences with her in either a negative or positive way (back to the 'chucking ideas at the wall' again). I've had some terrible experiences in the past and also my fair share of toothy problems so again, it all went up the wall.
Do you have any news for your readers?
Er... I think I've probably blown this question by waffling in previous questions. I'm looking forward to the release of my third book, 'Calling All Customers' at the end of this year. I'm hoping that it will be the best one yet. A fun read!
I will be going part time when I go back to school in September - yay! All thanks to Mr Fordie's kindly supportive role as husband-type-thing. So I hope to be able to write a lot more and procrastinate a lot less. I may well be banning myself from the internet for a certain amount of time each day, just so that I don't waste any more time. I can also catch up with the ironing!
Sounds wonderful, and I'm looking forward to reading more of your books!
Keep up with Tara Ford's news at the following links:
Author Website: http://taraford.weebly.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rata2e
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/Tara.Ford...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/rata2e2/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/tara-for...
New Release: Sheer Fear, by Geoffrey David West
I've just found out about this new release. Sheer Fear by Geoffrey David West, is the third book in the Jack Lockwood mystery series.
About the book:
What happens when your brother is framed for murder, then dies himself?
Just before he dies, David Hart tells his half brother Jack about the conspiracy to protect a famous public figure from allegations of historic child abuse by killing the accusers and framing him for the murders.
How can Jack find justice for his brother and avoid being killed himself? Simultaneously Jack has an unknown enemy who is playing vicious tricks on him, each one deadlier than the last.
Having read the first two books in this series, I'm very excited about this one and have started reading it today!
You can get your copy on Amazon worldwide:
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Sheer-Fear-Jack...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sheer-Fear-Ja...
If you're a fan of crime fiction/mysteries, you should definitely check out this series. The author has a talent for suspense and creating realistic characters. His books are compulsive reads. I am very glad to have discovered his writing.
The first book in the series is Rock 'n' Roll Suicide.
Action packed thriller/mystery filled with murders and twists. Whilst researching the suicide of rock queen Maggi O’Kane in 1980, ex-criminal profiler Dr Jack Lockwood discovers evidence suggesting that she and her band were murdered to suppress facts she found out about John Lennon’s assassination. First of a series of Jack Lockwood mysteries.
Buy the book:
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/RocknRoll-Suici...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/RocknRoll-Sui...
The second book is Doppelganger.
What happens if you fall in love with a killer? Jack Lockwood, psychologist/criminal profiler and writer falls in love with Lucy Green, whom he later has reason to believe may be the child-killer, Megan Foster. Megan was held in custody aged eight, in 1982, and released ten years later with a new identity. Simultaneously, Jack is being targeted by a gangster who does not want him to write his (unauthorised) biography. What’s more there’s a serial killer on the loose in historic Canterbury, someone christened called ‘the Bible Killer’, who targets women and kills them in a particularly gruesome manner. Is Lucy the Bible Killer? Jack has to find out, but the answers are far from simple...
Buy the book:
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Doppelganger-Ja...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doppelganger-...
So, if you're wondering what book to read next, why not try one of Geoffrey West books? You won't be disappointed.
Keep up with Geoffrey's news at the following links:
Website: http://www.geoffreydavidwest.com/
Blog: http://geoffreywestdotcom.wordpress.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GeoffreyDWest
Christmas gift recommendations - Books make the best presents!
I know it's only November, but it's the time of year when we think about buying gifts for friends and family.
I thought it would be nice to make a list of some books I recommend. Hopefully it'll help and save you hours of browsing and getting a headache because there are so many choices out there!!
I've read and enjoyed all the books in this list. They're my favourites.
Books make wonderful gifts. They entertain and last a lifetime.
Julie Elizabeth Powell, has written lots of books and they're all excellent, in my opinion. If you know someone who likes fantasy books, you could buy any one of Julie's books for them. Take a look at her author page on Amazon. She has written something for all tastes. http://www.amazon.com/Julie-Elizabeth...
Her books range from Children's books to Horror. Julie is one of the most imaginative writers I know. I'd recommend any one of her books as a great gift, but I've chosen Gone because it's the first one of her books I read and was one of the books that made me start reading fantasy again.
J. Michael Radcliffe, like Julie Elizabeth Powell, is also one of my favourite authors and I've read all his books and would recommend them all as great gifts. He writes fantasy, too, but the difference is that his books usually contain dragons! I love his Beyond the Veil series. You can buy it as an omnibus edition, which I think is nice as a gift, or you can buy each book in the series individually. http://www.amazon.com/J.-Michael-Radc...
Darcia Helle is a very talented author, another one of my favourites, and I have read most of her books. Every one of them is fabulous, so it's hard to choose only one as a recommendation. I'm highlighting her Michael Sykora series because it comes in a box set, which is perfect for a Christmas gift, but I could have recommended many others, especially, Into The Light and The Cutting Edge
http://www.amazon.com/Darcia-Helle/e/...
Helle Gade is a talented poet and photographer, and her books combine the two with stunning photo art and passionate poems. I must admit that before reading Helle's poems I never liked reading poetry. Helle Gade has changed the way I view poetry. Her verse expresses feelings in a way that really touches the heart. All her books are excellent. With Northern Whispers she has collected together all three of her poetry/art books. It would make a lovely Christmas gift.
http://www.amazon.com/Helle-Gade/e/B0...
I'm going to recommend a book series that I have contributed stories to, as well. I think The Mind's Eye Series is a wonderful project, and because it contains photography and stories/poems would make a great Christmas gift. It's also available in paperback and the paperbacks look great. I love them. There are two books available at the moment, which contain stories by Darcia Helle. J. Michael Radcliffe, Jason McIntyre, and myself. Book 2 also contains poetry from Helle Gade and Ben Ditmars. The photography for the series is by Martin David Porter and Helle Gade.
Perspectives: http://www.amazon.com/Perspectives-Mi...
Reflections: http://www.amazon.com/Reflections-Min...
Geoffrey David West's Jack Lockwood Mystery series is compulsive reading. I've read the first two books, Rock 'n' Roll Suicide and Doppelganger - I'd recommend them both. I'm currently reading and enjoying the third book in the series, Sheer Fear. An excellent choice for a Christmas gift for the Crime Fiction fan in your life.
http://www.amazon.com/Geoffrey-West/e...
Mark Rice's Metallic Dreams is the perfect present for the rock/metal fan in your life. It contains humour, fantasy, and romance. I think it's fantastic. (over 18s only).
http://www.amazon.com/Mark-Rice/e/B00...
Quentin R. Bufogle is a talented writer and this is a laugh out loud book that also has a deeper story that many will relate to. It would make be perfect gift for those who appreciate comedy and great fiction.
http://www.amazon.com/Horse-Latitudes...
Terry Tyler is a prolific writer of contemporary fiction. I've read You Wish, Round and Round, and The Other Side, as well as her collection of short stories, Nine Lives, and they're all brilliant. They are the kind of books that contain realistic characters and true-to-life situations. You Wish stands out as my favourite of hers so far; I love the humour. She has a list of books that the fiction fan in your life will love. Check out her Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/Terry-Tyler/e/B...
Lisette Brodey produces great books consistently. I have read all of her books and love them all for different reasons. I'm highlighting Crooked Moon as it's my favourite, but any one of her books would make a lovely gift for someone who likes fiction with depth and meaning. Her books are also very entertaining and well written.
http://www.amazon.com/Lisette-Brodey/...
I'm going to stop there, even though there are probably loads more books I could recommend!
I hope I've given you a few ideas for Christmas gifts :)
I thought it would be nice to make a list of some books I recommend. Hopefully it'll help and save you hours of browsing and getting a headache because there are so many choices out there!!
I've read and enjoyed all the books in this list. They're my favourites.
Books make wonderful gifts. They entertain and last a lifetime.
Julie Elizabeth Powell, has written lots of books and they're all excellent, in my opinion. If you know someone who likes fantasy books, you could buy any one of Julie's books for them. Take a look at her author page on Amazon. She has written something for all tastes. http://www.amazon.com/Julie-Elizabeth...
Her books range from Children's books to Horror. Julie is one of the most imaginative writers I know. I'd recommend any one of her books as a great gift, but I've chosen Gone because it's the first one of her books I read and was one of the books that made me start reading fantasy again.
J. Michael Radcliffe, like Julie Elizabeth Powell, is also one of my favourite authors and I've read all his books and would recommend them all as great gifts. He writes fantasy, too, but the difference is that his books usually contain dragons! I love his Beyond the Veil series. You can buy it as an omnibus edition, which I think is nice as a gift, or you can buy each book in the series individually. http://www.amazon.com/J.-Michael-Radc...
Darcia Helle is a very talented author, another one of my favourites, and I have read most of her books. Every one of them is fabulous, so it's hard to choose only one as a recommendation. I'm highlighting her Michael Sykora series because it comes in a box set, which is perfect for a Christmas gift, but I could have recommended many others, especially, Into The Light and The Cutting Edge
http://www.amazon.com/Darcia-Helle/e/...
Helle Gade is a talented poet and photographer, and her books combine the two with stunning photo art and passionate poems. I must admit that before reading Helle's poems I never liked reading poetry. Helle Gade has changed the way I view poetry. Her verse expresses feelings in a way that really touches the heart. All her books are excellent. With Northern Whispers she has collected together all three of her poetry/art books. It would make a lovely Christmas gift.
http://www.amazon.com/Helle-Gade/e/B0...
I'm going to recommend a book series that I have contributed stories to, as well. I think The Mind's Eye Series is a wonderful project, and because it contains photography and stories/poems would make a great Christmas gift. It's also available in paperback and the paperbacks look great. I love them. There are two books available at the moment, which contain stories by Darcia Helle. J. Michael Radcliffe, Jason McIntyre, and myself. Book 2 also contains poetry from Helle Gade and Ben Ditmars. The photography for the series is by Martin David Porter and Helle Gade.
Perspectives: http://www.amazon.com/Perspectives-Mi...
Reflections: http://www.amazon.com/Reflections-Min...
Geoffrey David West's Jack Lockwood Mystery series is compulsive reading. I've read the first two books, Rock 'n' Roll Suicide and Doppelganger - I'd recommend them both. I'm currently reading and enjoying the third book in the series, Sheer Fear. An excellent choice for a Christmas gift for the Crime Fiction fan in your life.
http://www.amazon.com/Geoffrey-West/e...
Mark Rice's Metallic Dreams is the perfect present for the rock/metal fan in your life. It contains humour, fantasy, and romance. I think it's fantastic. (over 18s only).
http://www.amazon.com/Mark-Rice/e/B00...
Quentin R. Bufogle is a talented writer and this is a laugh out loud book that also has a deeper story that many will relate to. It would make be perfect gift for those who appreciate comedy and great fiction.
http://www.amazon.com/Horse-Latitudes...
Terry Tyler is a prolific writer of contemporary fiction. I've read You Wish, Round and Round, and The Other Side, as well as her collection of short stories, Nine Lives, and they're all brilliant. They are the kind of books that contain realistic characters and true-to-life situations. You Wish stands out as my favourite of hers so far; I love the humour. She has a list of books that the fiction fan in your life will love. Check out her Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/Terry-Tyler/e/B...
Lisette Brodey produces great books consistently. I have read all of her books and love them all for different reasons. I'm highlighting Crooked Moon as it's my favourite, but any one of her books would make a lovely gift for someone who likes fiction with depth and meaning. Her books are also very entertaining and well written.
http://www.amazon.com/Lisette-Brodey/...
I'm going to stop there, even though there are probably loads more books I could recommend!
I hope I've given you a few ideas for Christmas gifts :)
New Release - Weird: A Henry Ian Darling Oddity: Missive Two - Julie Elizabeth Powell
Weird: A Henry Ian Darling Oddity: Missive Two - by Julie Elizabeth Powell
What is the significance of what Henry Ian Darling found in the boot of a car?
And how did his wife know of the event?
How could anyone be cruel enough to do such a thing?
Find out where the discovery leads this collector of oddities and what it may mean for Henry’s ultimate quest - finding the enigma, that which will save or destroy all dimensions.
Julie Elizabeth Powell's imagination never ceases to amaze me. I have read and enjoyed all her books and am thrilled to find that she has just released the second in her new "Henry Ian Darling Oddity" series.
I loved the first story in the series (Weird: A Henry Ian Darling Oddity Missive One) and am looking forward to reading this one.
You can find both books on Amazon:
Missive 1:
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Weird-Henry-D...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Weird-Henry-Dar...
Missive 2:
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Weird-Henry-D...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Weird-Henry-Dar...
Author links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Julie-Elizabeth...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julieelizabe...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/starjewelz
Website: http://www.freewebs.com/julizpow/
Weird: A Henry Ian Darling Oddity: Missive Two - Julie Elizabeth Powell
Weird: A Henry Ian Darling Oddity: Missive Two by Julie Elizabeth PowellMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I'm a big fan of Julie Elizabeth Powell's books and having read the first book in this series I was looking forward to Missive Two. This is a wonderfully engrossing story. It's told in the first person by the character Henry Ian Darling. His story is indeed a 'weird' one but it kept me interested throughout!
In the first book we found out that Henry had died and then come back to life and had been slightly 'changed' because of the experience. In this story we find out more about how he's changed.
After the discovery of something in the boot of a car we are taken on an adventure as Henry and his wife Clara, try to put a stop to a powerful and evil witch's plans.
I don't think it's essential to have read the first story to enjoy this one because the author has explained a lot of the background in this book, but I would definitely recommend Missive One as well as this Missive.
This fantasy series is turning out to be a lot of fun to read and the characters are fascinating. I'm now looking forward to Missive Three!
View all my reviews
Book Review: The Quarantined City 3: Spot The Difference, by James Everington
The Quarantined City 3: Spot the Difference by James EveringtonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the third story in an intriguing and puzzling six-story serial. I'm really enjoying the series so far. The writing is compulsive and the characters are quite unique.
In "Spot the Difference" things become even more confusing for Fellows. He is desperate to rid his house of the ghost and will do anything, it seems, even agreeing to read another story by the mysterious writer, Boursier. After reading the story, he is told the whereabouts of the elusive writer.
When Boursier meets up with his friend Georgia, later, she confesses something that he had never known about her. The ending of this third instalment of "The Quarantined City" suggests that there is something even weirder about Boursier's stories.
I'm looking forward to the next story.
View all my reviews
New Release: Zed, by Jason McIntyre
One of my favourite authors has a new release! Jason McIntyre, author of the Dovetail Cove series of books, has released the latest title in that series.
About the book:
It’s the waning dog days of August, 1975 and Tom Mason’s in Dovetail Cove for the last few weeks of his summer job at the group home. His boss and the home’s owner is Karen Banatyne, one of the wealthiest folks in town. It seems like she’s got it in for Tom; she's the only one standing in his way as he scrimps for a new camera.
But Karen has her own problems. A regulatory agency might cut off her funding, plus her hubby hasn’t been seen in a few weeks, and she’s not saying why. Most ominous of all, it seems as though something’s hiding in the hot spring north of the main beach and one of Karen’s ‘houseguests’ is about to come face to face with evil. Tom is too.
Buy links:
Amazon (Worldwide)
US: http://amzn.com/B012PB6W44
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B012PB6W44
AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B012PB6W44
CA: http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B012PB6W44
Barnes & Noble
http://tinyurl.com/ptxjvx9
iTunes
http://tinyurl.com/pvmbsry
Follow the link to Jason McIntyre's website to find out more about his books: http://www.thefarthestreaches.com/
About the book:
It’s the waning dog days of August, 1975 and Tom Mason’s in Dovetail Cove for the last few weeks of his summer job at the group home. His boss and the home’s owner is Karen Banatyne, one of the wealthiest folks in town. It seems like she’s got it in for Tom; she's the only one standing in his way as he scrimps for a new camera.
But Karen has her own problems. A regulatory agency might cut off her funding, plus her hubby hasn’t been seen in a few weeks, and she’s not saying why. Most ominous of all, it seems as though something’s hiding in the hot spring north of the main beach and one of Karen’s ‘houseguests’ is about to come face to face with evil. Tom is too.
Buy links:
Amazon (Worldwide)
US: http://amzn.com/B012PB6W44
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B012PB6W44
AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B012PB6W44
CA: http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B012PB6W44
Barnes & Noble
http://tinyurl.com/ptxjvx9
iTunes
http://tinyurl.com/pvmbsry
Follow the link to Jason McIntyre's website to find out more about his books: http://www.thefarthestreaches.com/
New Release: Drawn Apart, by Lisette Brodey
Talented author, Lisette Brodey has just released the third book in her YA Paranormal trilogy "The Desert Series". The 3rd book is "Drawn Apart".
About the book:
When Avalon Martelli and Stephanie Lambert meet at the start of their junior year at Mystekal High, they form an instant connection. Stephanie is from South Jersey and Avalon from North Jersey, and they both feel out of place in the Southern California desert.
Aside from having a home state in common, they each possess a talent for art and the heartbreak of a broken family. Avalon has the gift of sight, where the future is sometimes revealed in her paintings, while Stephanie’s drawings are all about forever love. As Stephanie, a self-described poetry geek and hopeless romantic, talks about past lives and eternal happiness, Avalon denies she’s in love with her best guy friend, River Dalworth, who is attending art school in Los Angeles.
Only weeks before graduation, Stephanie is in a car accident and falls into a coma. Devastated, Avalon believes it is all her fault. The night before, she had painted Stephanie with her head against the steering wheel—and hadn’t told her. She confides this to River, who has come home to be with her, but he can’t convince her she’s not to blame. Avalon loudly proclaims to the universe that she no longer wants her gift, but River warns her she may receive another one in its place.
Avalon and her family, along with Stephanie’s mother, pray for a miracle. River tries to console her, but she finds his presence difficult, knowing he has someone else who “just might be the one.” Trying to push her own pain and disappointment aside, Avalon keeps vigil for her best friend, hoping that Stephanie will wake up and have her greatest wish fulfilled— the meeting of her soul mate.
I really enjoyed the first book in the series and am looking forward to finding time to read the others.
You can buy the new book on Amazon worldwide:
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/DRAWN-APART-D...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/DRAWN-APART-Des...
Author links:
Website: http://lisettebrodey.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrodeyAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LisetteBrodey
About the book:
When Avalon Martelli and Stephanie Lambert meet at the start of their junior year at Mystekal High, they form an instant connection. Stephanie is from South Jersey and Avalon from North Jersey, and they both feel out of place in the Southern California desert.
Aside from having a home state in common, they each possess a talent for art and the heartbreak of a broken family. Avalon has the gift of sight, where the future is sometimes revealed in her paintings, while Stephanie’s drawings are all about forever love. As Stephanie, a self-described poetry geek and hopeless romantic, talks about past lives and eternal happiness, Avalon denies she’s in love with her best guy friend, River Dalworth, who is attending art school in Los Angeles.
Only weeks before graduation, Stephanie is in a car accident and falls into a coma. Devastated, Avalon believes it is all her fault. The night before, she had painted Stephanie with her head against the steering wheel—and hadn’t told her. She confides this to River, who has come home to be with her, but he can’t convince her she’s not to blame. Avalon loudly proclaims to the universe that she no longer wants her gift, but River warns her she may receive another one in its place.
Avalon and her family, along with Stephanie’s mother, pray for a miracle. River tries to console her, but she finds his presence difficult, knowing he has someone else who “just might be the one.” Trying to push her own pain and disappointment aside, Avalon keeps vigil for her best friend, hoping that Stephanie will wake up and have her greatest wish fulfilled— the meeting of her soul mate.
I really enjoyed the first book in the series and am looking forward to finding time to read the others.
You can buy the new book on Amazon worldwide:
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/DRAWN-APART-D...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/DRAWN-APART-Des...
Author links:
Website: http://lisettebrodey.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrodeyAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LisetteBrodey
Some of my favourite reads from 2015
I've discovered some talented authors this year and also read some new books by some of my favourite authors.
In no particular order, here are some of my favourite books from this year:
(they may not all have been published in 2015 but are books that I read this year)
Eli's Coming, by Darcia Helle
From one of my favourite authors, the first in a series. I'm looking forward to the next book.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Elis-Coming-C...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Elis-Coming-Cha...
The Smell Of Paprika, by James Everington
I enjoyed the first four books in this series. It's a weird fantasy tale. There are strange characters and even stranger goings-on. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series, and would definitely recommend the stories.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Quarantined-C...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Quarantined-Cit...
Weird: A Henry Ian Darling Oddity Missive One, by Julie Elizabeth Powell
Another series I have enjoyed this year. I'm looking forward to more "weird" stories about Henry Ian Darling :)
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Weird-Henry-D...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Weird-Henry-Dar...
The Cestus Concern, by Mat Nastos
Again, this is the first book in a series. I am looking forward to finding time to reading more by this author.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cestus-Concer...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Cestus-Concern-...
Living the Dream, by Tim Baker
I read the first two books from this series this year and enjoyed them. I have some other books by this author on my Kindle and am looking forward to reading more of his work.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Living-Dream-...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Living-Dream-Ti...
Dreams of a Calico Mouse: The Poems of Dorien Grey
If you like poetry, I'd highly recommend this collection.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dreams-Calico...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Calico-M...
Those Pesky Rabbits, by Ciara Flood
If you're looking for a good book to read to children, this one's great. My nieces and nephew (age range 4 years - 8 years) absolutely love the book.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Those-Pesky-R...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Those-Pesky-Rab...
Odin's Eye, by Maria Haskins
This is one of the new authors I discovered this year. She also writes poetry and has a new collection which I'm reading at the moment. She's joining us for book 5 of the Mind's Eye series.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Odins-Eye-Mar...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Odins-Eye-Maria...
Daddy's Glove, by Thomma Lyn Grindstaff
I've read quite a few of Thomma Lyn Grindstaff short stories this year and enjoyed them all. This is another author that I've invited to join us for book 5 of the Mind's Eye series.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Daddys-Glove-...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Daddys-Glove-Th...
Easy Target, by Jenny Hilborne
An engaging, suspenseful thriller. Although the second book in the series, I enjoyed reading it even though I haven't yet read the first one.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Easy-Target-J...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Target-Jen...
------------------------------------
Those are my top picks of 2015.
I must also mention the two Mind's Eye series books that were released this year.
Triptychs and Tales From The Cacao Tree.
I contributed short stories to those anthologies. There are stories from many talented writers, including Darcia Helle , Julie Elizabeth Powell,Lisette Brodey, Eden Baylee, Jason McIntyre, and J. Michael Radcliffe. There are also poems from Ben Ditmars and Helle Gade. Well worth reading.
Triptychs:
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Triptychs-Min...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Triptychs-Minds...
Tales From The Cacao Tree
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tales-From-Ca...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Tales-From-Caca...
In no particular order, here are some of my favourite books from this year:
(they may not all have been published in 2015 but are books that I read this year)
Eli's Coming, by Darcia Helle
From one of my favourite authors, the first in a series. I'm looking forward to the next book.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Elis-Coming-C...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Elis-Coming-Cha...
The Smell Of Paprika, by James Everington
I enjoyed the first four books in this series. It's a weird fantasy tale. There are strange characters and even stranger goings-on. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series, and would definitely recommend the stories.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Quarantined-C...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Quarantined-Cit...
Weird: A Henry Ian Darling Oddity Missive One, by Julie Elizabeth Powell
Another series I have enjoyed this year. I'm looking forward to more "weird" stories about Henry Ian Darling :)
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Weird-Henry-D...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Weird-Henry-Dar...
The Cestus Concern, by Mat Nastos
Again, this is the first book in a series. I am looking forward to finding time to reading more by this author.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cestus-Concer...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Cestus-Concern-...
Living the Dream, by Tim Baker
I read the first two books from this series this year and enjoyed them. I have some other books by this author on my Kindle and am looking forward to reading more of his work.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Living-Dream-...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Living-Dream-Ti...
Dreams of a Calico Mouse: The Poems of Dorien Grey
If you like poetry, I'd highly recommend this collection.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dreams-Calico...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Calico-M...
Those Pesky Rabbits, by Ciara Flood
If you're looking for a good book to read to children, this one's great. My nieces and nephew (age range 4 years - 8 years) absolutely love the book.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Those-Pesky-R...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Those-Pesky-Rab...
Odin's Eye, by Maria Haskins
This is one of the new authors I discovered this year. She also writes poetry and has a new collection which I'm reading at the moment. She's joining us for book 5 of the Mind's Eye series.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Odins-Eye-Mar...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Odins-Eye-Maria...
Daddy's Glove, by Thomma Lyn Grindstaff
I've read quite a few of Thomma Lyn Grindstaff short stories this year and enjoyed them all. This is another author that I've invited to join us for book 5 of the Mind's Eye series.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Daddys-Glove-...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Daddys-Glove-Th...
Easy Target, by Jenny Hilborne
An engaging, suspenseful thriller. Although the second book in the series, I enjoyed reading it even though I haven't yet read the first one.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Easy-Target-J...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Target-Jen...
------------------------------------
Those are my top picks of 2015.
I must also mention the two Mind's Eye series books that were released this year.
Triptychs and Tales From The Cacao Tree.
I contributed short stories to those anthologies. There are stories from many talented writers, including Darcia Helle , Julie Elizabeth Powell,Lisette Brodey, Eden Baylee, Jason McIntyre, and J. Michael Radcliffe. There are also poems from Ben Ditmars and Helle Gade. Well worth reading.
Triptychs:
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Triptychs-Min...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Triptychs-Minds...
Tales From The Cacao Tree
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tales-From-Ca...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Tales-From-Caca...
Guest post: Jason McIntyre, author of ZED
Today I have a guest post from one of my favourite writers, Jason McIntyre.
He recently released his novel, Zed, which is part of the Dovetail Cove series of books.
Here's Jason to tell us a bit more about the book, and if you scroll down you'll find a fun interview with one of the characters from the novel :)
***************************************
Writing my latest novel, ZED, was profound and scary and fulfilling all at once. Why scary? Believe it or not, I always try to scare myself as I approach a new piece of work. It makes the story better and more urgent and, truth be told, it pushes me further—as a writer and a person.
Often, those scares come from writing about a topic or in a style that is completely new for me. In the case of ZED, the story worked out in a way that I was able to incorporate special-needs patients living in a care home, something I had some experience with but had never brought to the page. Some of characters have developmental challenges. Others, physical disabilities. The period of the novel is the 1970s, a time when understanding and acceptance of such things was very different than it is today.
One of them, Zeke, turned into a main character and one I’m extremely proud of. His disability becomes central to the book but never was it approached with negativity. In fact, for the most part, Zeke’s honesty and earnest approach to life is a breath of fresh air. He acts as a counterpoint to many of the characters who don’t have learning disabilities — those who act greedily or take their situations for granted.
Apparently, when Marcel Proust was fourteen years old, his friend Antoinette asked him this list of questions. While these questions were originally intended for his personal use and self-enlightenment, I find them to be helpful questions to ask my characters as I try to understand them more deeply. Oh, and by the way, this is very serious. Only the most serious writers talk to their fictional characters. Out loud. At the dinner table.
Here is Proust’s Questionnaire, with answers by Zeke, one of the main characters the novel, ZED. To note, Zeke suffered a serious brain injury as a boy. He’s in his sixties now, but developmentally, he’s very much been ‘left behind’.
1. What is your idea of perfect happiness? My truck.
2. What is your greatest fear? Something happening to my truck.
3. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Sometimes I’m not as strong as I want to be. Try as I might, I can’t lift the heaviest things anymore. Mr. Tom says I’m just getting older…but I feel like, I dunno, I feel like I’m only about six. Seven, tops. I should be able to lift stuff.
4. What is the trait you most deplore in others? Lying. You’re not gonn lie, are you?
5. Which living person do you most admire? It used to be Mr. Tom but no I ain’t so sure. I like Police Chief Birkhead. Him’s a good man and he has a real nice car and a good haircut. Hard to get a good haircut here in town. My daddy used to cut mine but…huh? Oh, Okay. I’ll answer the next one.
6. What is your greatest extravagance? What’s a ‘extra-ga-vants’? Huh? Oh, well, I put the premium gas in m’gas tank. It’s a penny more, don’t you know, but it’s worth it. Daddy says we gotts ta take care of the things we work hard for. Or we might lose em.
7. What is your current state of mind? Um. Hungry. Mostly. Is it almost lunch time? Karen says we gots ta eat three squares a day. Fidela makes bad lunches. If’n you ask me, her lunches taste like square blocks o’ wood. Sorry, that was mean. I like Fidela, she’s a nice lady. Even if she can’t cook worth sawdust.
8. What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Don’t know what a virtue is. Huh? Oh, I guess…em…Honest-ness. I like it when I don’t have to work really hard to know what someone wants me to do. Just tell me. I’ll do it.
9. On what occasion do you lie? Uh-uh. Nooo waaaay. Zeke, he NEVER lies. Daddy says we always gots to tell the truth. I found out the hard way when I told a fib long time ago. But I don’t really remember doing that. Daddy has to remind me.
10. What do you most dislike about your appearance? My truck.
11. Which living person do you most despise? It’s not nice to say out loud. But if’n you come a little closer, I’ll whisper it in your ear.
12. What or who is the greatest love of your life? Aren’t you paying attention? My truck.
13. When and where were you happiest? At that there hot spring. North of town. And with Mary. When we was out there together, that was the best time of…ever.
14. Which talent would you most like to have? Counting. And remembering. I got a broken glass thinker bottle, that’s what Daddy says.
15. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? You gotts a bad thinker too! I just told you!
16. What do you consider your greatest achievement? You don’t know by now? My truck!
17. If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be? A smarter man than even my Daddy.
18. Where would you most like to live? Oh I couldna live anywhere but the Cove. It’s my home. Good and proper.
19. What is your most treasured possession? Not gonna answer this one anymore! Daddy always says you gotts ta pay attention.
20. Who are your favorite writers? I never learned to read more than a hundred words. Maybe less. Maybe fifty.
21. Which historical figure do you most identify with? What’s a ‘istorigul’ figgur?
22. Who are your heroes in real life? Most people are pretty good, if ya let ‘em be.
23. What are your favorite names? Tom. I really liked Mr. Tom but then he…oh nevermind. I still like Mr. Tom.
24. What is it that you most dislike? Olives. Oh. And raisins. I like raisins from a box but not in stuff. Raisins ruin a cookie and a muffin.
25. What is your greatest regret? That I didn’t eat more breakfast. Fidela’s breakfast is better than her lunch. I shoulda filled up this mornin.
26. How would you like to die? I don’t want to talk about bad stuff, kay? But I guess if you made me answer…I’d want to die helping. I’m good at helping. I try harder than anybody I know.
27. What is your motto? C-O-O-G-E-R-Z! Go, Cougars!
About the book…
ZED by Jason McIntyre Booktrope Editions, 2015
There are two kinds of people in the tiny island town of Dovetail Cove: those who shop at the Foodway on Broad and those who shop at Harlow's on Main. Nineteen year old Tom Mason is neither.
It's the waning dog days of August, 1975 and Tom's only here for his summer job at the group home so he can afford a new camera and impress his professors back home. His boss, Karen Banatyne, cuts corners on the food bills and dopes her handicapped 'houseguests' so she can re-up her financial grant income. The Banatynes are the wealthiest couple in town but Karen's hubby, Chris, hasn't been seen in a few weeks and Karen isn't saying why. Something’s hiding in the hot springs north of the beach, just off the main road. And the local handyman is seeing things that may or may not be real.
Tom may learn what friendship is from his lovable charges at the care home, might just come to understand the real value of a dollar, and may yet piece together the weird goings-on in the tourist town that he couldn't wait to leave but now realizes he's going to miss. Even if it conspires to kill him.
ZED is part of a group of books and stories about the citizens of Dovetail Cove. But it's not a series. Each book stands on its own while sharing the same universe and telling a much larger tale. Enter at your own risk.
Find Jason McIntyre:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Jason%20McIntyr...
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/"...
Apple iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/author/jason...
Social Media
Website: http://www.thefarthestreaches.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJasonMc...
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jasoncmcintyre
He recently released his novel, Zed, which is part of the Dovetail Cove series of books.
Here's Jason to tell us a bit more about the book, and if you scroll down you'll find a fun interview with one of the characters from the novel :)
***************************************
Writing my latest novel, ZED, was profound and scary and fulfilling all at once. Why scary? Believe it or not, I always try to scare myself as I approach a new piece of work. It makes the story better and more urgent and, truth be told, it pushes me further—as a writer and a person.
Often, those scares come from writing about a topic or in a style that is completely new for me. In the case of ZED, the story worked out in a way that I was able to incorporate special-needs patients living in a care home, something I had some experience with but had never brought to the page. Some of characters have developmental challenges. Others, physical disabilities. The period of the novel is the 1970s, a time when understanding and acceptance of such things was very different than it is today.
One of them, Zeke, turned into a main character and one I’m extremely proud of. His disability becomes central to the book but never was it approached with negativity. In fact, for the most part, Zeke’s honesty and earnest approach to life is a breath of fresh air. He acts as a counterpoint to many of the characters who don’t have learning disabilities — those who act greedily or take their situations for granted.
Apparently, when Marcel Proust was fourteen years old, his friend Antoinette asked him this list of questions. While these questions were originally intended for his personal use and self-enlightenment, I find them to be helpful questions to ask my characters as I try to understand them more deeply. Oh, and by the way, this is very serious. Only the most serious writers talk to their fictional characters. Out loud. At the dinner table.
Here is Proust’s Questionnaire, with answers by Zeke, one of the main characters the novel, ZED. To note, Zeke suffered a serious brain injury as a boy. He’s in his sixties now, but developmentally, he’s very much been ‘left behind’.
1. What is your idea of perfect happiness? My truck.
2. What is your greatest fear? Something happening to my truck.
3. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Sometimes I’m not as strong as I want to be. Try as I might, I can’t lift the heaviest things anymore. Mr. Tom says I’m just getting older…but I feel like, I dunno, I feel like I’m only about six. Seven, tops. I should be able to lift stuff.
4. What is the trait you most deplore in others? Lying. You’re not gonn lie, are you?
5. Which living person do you most admire? It used to be Mr. Tom but no I ain’t so sure. I like Police Chief Birkhead. Him’s a good man and he has a real nice car and a good haircut. Hard to get a good haircut here in town. My daddy used to cut mine but…huh? Oh, Okay. I’ll answer the next one.
6. What is your greatest extravagance? What’s a ‘extra-ga-vants’? Huh? Oh, well, I put the premium gas in m’gas tank. It’s a penny more, don’t you know, but it’s worth it. Daddy says we gotts ta take care of the things we work hard for. Or we might lose em.
7. What is your current state of mind? Um. Hungry. Mostly. Is it almost lunch time? Karen says we gots ta eat three squares a day. Fidela makes bad lunches. If’n you ask me, her lunches taste like square blocks o’ wood. Sorry, that was mean. I like Fidela, she’s a nice lady. Even if she can’t cook worth sawdust.
8. What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Don’t know what a virtue is. Huh? Oh, I guess…em…Honest-ness. I like it when I don’t have to work really hard to know what someone wants me to do. Just tell me. I’ll do it.
9. On what occasion do you lie? Uh-uh. Nooo waaaay. Zeke, he NEVER lies. Daddy says we always gots to tell the truth. I found out the hard way when I told a fib long time ago. But I don’t really remember doing that. Daddy has to remind me.
10. What do you most dislike about your appearance? My truck.
11. Which living person do you most despise? It’s not nice to say out loud. But if’n you come a little closer, I’ll whisper it in your ear.
12. What or who is the greatest love of your life? Aren’t you paying attention? My truck.
13. When and where were you happiest? At that there hot spring. North of town. And with Mary. When we was out there together, that was the best time of…ever.
14. Which talent would you most like to have? Counting. And remembering. I got a broken glass thinker bottle, that’s what Daddy says.
15. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? You gotts a bad thinker too! I just told you!
16. What do you consider your greatest achievement? You don’t know by now? My truck!
17. If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be? A smarter man than even my Daddy.
18. Where would you most like to live? Oh I couldna live anywhere but the Cove. It’s my home. Good and proper.
19. What is your most treasured possession? Not gonna answer this one anymore! Daddy always says you gotts ta pay attention.
20. Who are your favorite writers? I never learned to read more than a hundred words. Maybe less. Maybe fifty.
21. Which historical figure do you most identify with? What’s a ‘istorigul’ figgur?
22. Who are your heroes in real life? Most people are pretty good, if ya let ‘em be.
23. What are your favorite names? Tom. I really liked Mr. Tom but then he…oh nevermind. I still like Mr. Tom.
24. What is it that you most dislike? Olives. Oh. And raisins. I like raisins from a box but not in stuff. Raisins ruin a cookie and a muffin.
25. What is your greatest regret? That I didn’t eat more breakfast. Fidela’s breakfast is better than her lunch. I shoulda filled up this mornin.
26. How would you like to die? I don’t want to talk about bad stuff, kay? But I guess if you made me answer…I’d want to die helping. I’m good at helping. I try harder than anybody I know.
27. What is your motto? C-O-O-G-E-R-Z! Go, Cougars!
About the book…
ZED by Jason McIntyre Booktrope Editions, 2015
There are two kinds of people in the tiny island town of Dovetail Cove: those who shop at the Foodway on Broad and those who shop at Harlow's on Main. Nineteen year old Tom Mason is neither.
It's the waning dog days of August, 1975 and Tom's only here for his summer job at the group home so he can afford a new camera and impress his professors back home. His boss, Karen Banatyne, cuts corners on the food bills and dopes her handicapped 'houseguests' so she can re-up her financial grant income. The Banatynes are the wealthiest couple in town but Karen's hubby, Chris, hasn't been seen in a few weeks and Karen isn't saying why. Something’s hiding in the hot springs north of the beach, just off the main road. And the local handyman is seeing things that may or may not be real.
Tom may learn what friendship is from his lovable charges at the care home, might just come to understand the real value of a dollar, and may yet piece together the weird goings-on in the tourist town that he couldn't wait to leave but now realizes he's going to miss. Even if it conspires to kill him.
ZED is part of a group of books and stories about the citizens of Dovetail Cove. But it's not a series. Each book stands on its own while sharing the same universe and telling a much larger tale. Enter at your own risk.
Find Jason McIntyre:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Jason%20McIntyr...
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/"...
Apple iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/author/jason...
Social Media
Website: http://www.thefarthestreaches.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJasonMc...
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jasoncmcintyre
