Fran Friel's Blog
July 23, 2021
REVIEW: J.S. Morin - EXTINCTION REVERSED (series)
Extinction Reversed by J.S. MorinMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
First time reading J.S. Morin. I completed this series and truly loved it!
Extraordinary, thought-proving series. Marvelous cast of characters. Brilliant concept, well-wrought, sustained, and satisfyingly completed. It’s one of those series I’m sad to see end. Some of these characters will stay with me for a very long time. Thanks, J. S. Morin for an awesome ride!
View all my reviews
July 15, 2021
THE DINER METHOD - A Little WooWoo
Besides being a writer, most of you know I’m a little woowoo around the edges. Well, maybe a lot woowoo through and through. So, I’m going to share a little of my woowoo with you-oo-oo. ❤
The pandemic and the madness of so many people have made it hard for me to hold my balance and keep my heart open, so I’ve been working on that. I’ve been studying and taking some courses (MIndValley.com) that have really helped me to refocus.
One of the Masterclasses was on Forgiveness. Here’s a very brief process that I found powerful in shifting my thinking from annoyance or anger to understanding/empathy. I wrote it up in the program community, and I’ll share it here with you:
THE DINER METHOD
In addition to the wonderful Forgiveness process Vishen shared in his Masterclass on Forgiveness this evening, later in the zoom call he mentioned The Diner Method.
The Story:
He told the story of going to dinner with a friend, and having a server who forgot his coffee for 20-minutes, then brought it to him cold. Then she forgot his guacamole. She was having a rough night.
When he paid the bill he left a $20 tip. His friend was shocked at the generous tip. "Why did you leave such a tip for such poor service?"
Vishen replied that she had given him stellar service. She kept coming back, trying and trying again. What helped to switch his thinking was The Diner Method which he based on Neale Donald Walsch's course, "Awaken the Species" in MindValley.
The Practice:
The practice is to recognize and function from the fact that we are all connected - All ONE. So the practice is to say to yourself, for example, when the coffee was forgotten: "Oh, there I go again, forgetting the coffee." Or bringing it cold: "There I go again, bringing the cold coffee."
This method helps us to identify our self as other. It creates a deep empathy and understanding of the other. Neale says, "Oh, there I go being human again." This really works, but I LOVE Vishen's specific way of saying this. It makes it more personal and easy to empathize with our Oneness/Sameness.
Walk-in Healing:
And the other thing he mentioned from Neale was the practice of whenever we enter a room, enter with the intention of it being healing. For example, when we walk into a work, we walk in with the thought of bringing healing into the room. What a wonderful way to shift our thinking about work or any environment.
"Your life is not about you, but about everyone whose life you touch and how you touch it." --Neale Donald Walsch
July 9, 2021
Stunning Anime: “The Aquatope On White Sand
Stunning New Anime:
“The Aquatope on White Sand” 💙💙💙
Gibbli movie-quality animation. Gently paced, mystical undercurrent, with gorgeous renderings of the seaside on the island of Okinawa. All combined with lovely characters and gorgeous music, I won’t soon forget Episode 1.
On CrunchyRoll (watched w/ Japanese subtitles - SO much better!):
https://www.crunchyroll.com/the-aquatope-on-white-sand
July 5, 2021
PROJECT HAIL MARY Review: Loved the Heck Out of This Book
AUDIBLE REVIEW - Andy Weir’s, PROJECT HAIL MARY
Narrator, Ray Porter, truly makes this already marvelous book, Magnificent! Highly recommended, even if you’ve read the book.
PROJECT HAIL MARY was hugely engaging for this science nerd, but less sciencey types will love Weir’s compelling story and brilliant characters (the kind you miss when you finish reading). The story gets better and better with a flashback devise that smoothly clues us in on the reason for our hero’s disastrous dilemma.
This is accessible SF, not Hard SF, but I think there’s enough science to please most serious SF readers, as well. I loved the heck out of this book.
August 29, 2019
Author Interrogation with John Buja aka. J. Edwin Buja
A Chat with John Buja
It was a privilege to interrogate, er...interview the magnificent, John Buja. I hope you enjoy our time together as much as I have.
Here's a little bio from John's Amazon Page to get you started:
J Edwin Buja has spent his life surrounded by books and has written everything from children's novels to software technical manuals. With an MA in History, he discovered early on that researching and writing hold the key to happiness. Who else would think scanning through years of microfilm to index an old newspaper would be a dream job?
The King of the Wood is his first novel in the genre of magical realism, but it will not be his last.
For more than thirty years, he has been married to the most wonderful woman on the planet. He lives in a small village somewhere in Ontario.
______________________________
Fran Friel: Welcome, John! Thank you so much for joining me for a little chat. So, what are you working on at the moment?
John Buja: Lots of things. I have two books of a proposed six-book set that I need to revise to make them less Canadian. They’re time travel/history stories for Grades three to six. The main reason I did them was to be able to do a lot of research. I love to research.
There are two ghost novels that need to be finished, a humorous novel about mud that is an allegory for WW1, a YA book that is the first of a trilogy. All need to be cleaned up for submission.
FF: Wow, you have your hands full, John. So much good stuff on the deck getting ready for your hungry readers. And heck, leave the "Canadian" in there. We love Canadians!
Now, tell us something about yourself that few people know.
JB: I like to cook. I wish I could dance.
FF: Yumm! Next time I'm in the neighborhood I want to sample that Buja Canadian cuisine...and do a little dance.
Now, some geographic nosiness. Where are you from? And where are you living now? Where would you love to live?
JB: I was born in England and moved to Canada when I was eight. I now live in a small village in eastern Ontario where just about everyone but Dianne and I speak French but it works.
If I could live anywhere, it would be somewhere that doesn’t have snow and sub-zero temperatures.
FF: I hear you on the temperature thing, John. I finally found my way to California for that reason. I'm getting soft though. 50 degrees Fahrenheit is starting to feel cold, especially when it's windy. Now, that's a fine California Whine for you.
Most writers have their writing haunts, so where's your favorite place to write?
JB: At my desk in the basement. It’s in a cozy corner, surrounded by books, and no one can see me.
FF: Sounds dreamy with a little Hobbit vibe. Nice.
How about your dream place to write?
JB: In a room with a huge window overlooking a lake and a forest.
FF: Even better, John. I can feel the peace and quiet of it. Perfect!
So, in what genre do you write and what drew you to it? Also, do you have any non-fiction titles?
JB: I try to write horror because I’ve been reading it since I was very young. Most of it ends up being funny. The children’s books are historical with the only fantasy element being the time travel.
I have written about fifty software manuals that are incredibly boring but are sprinkled with references to Deep Purple because I don’t take things seriously.
FF: HA! Deep Purple in your software manuals? Brilliant. No doubt the best software manuals ever!
What other work have you done besides writing?
JB: Fourteen years as a bookstore manager. Four years as an instructor for adults changing careers who thought there was tons of money to be made in high tech.
FF: I get the image of you in the mystical stacks of a little English bookstore, John, happy as a peach surrounded by all those delicious words.
When did you start writing? Has it always been a passion for you?
JB: The first stories I wrote were with a friend in school. We were about seven. They were about bomber pilots in WW2 and war in general. I’ve wanted to be a serious (?) writer since I was in high school, but I am easily distracted from writing by such things as full-time jobs, life, and food.
FF: Yeah, that food and shelter thing can be a drag, but I'm so thrilled you're a "serious" writer now. We're all lucky you made it to the other side.
What are your long-term goals or dreams for your writing and for your life?
JB: Long-term I’d like to put out horror novels and short stories and perhaps make a little money on the side to supplement my meager pension. Money isn’t the driving force.
FF: I suspect that money will flow faster and harder than you expect, John. I've read your work!
Do you have a family? Are they supportive of your writing? Pets?
JB: I’ve been married to Dianne for almost thirty-seven years. No pets (ick) or children (even ickier).
Dianne was a grade school teacher for thirty-four years. She now makes amazing quilts and watercolor paintings. She acts as my publicist because I’m no good at it.
FF: Shhh...I won't tell my pets about your "ick" comment. They were under the illusion that everyone loves them. But that Dianne--what a gem!
Besides writing, what do you do for fun?
JB: I like TV shows (just about anything, especially if it has dancing) and schlocky movies. I just started building model kits after almost fifty years away from the hobby. And I collect all kinds of stuff – books, comics, records, cider and scotch bottles, Walking Dead action figures, toys, and other stuff I’ve forgotten about.
FF: Who would have thought--dancing and schlocky movies? Wonderful!
If we want to read your work, what would you recommend we start with?
JB: My two children’s books are out of print. There is a novel out now, [The King of the Wood], that was supposed to be horror but turned out to be a sort of rural fantasy/magic realism thing. I have some short fiction that I’m willing to share.
FF: You and I do writing Sprints together each week at the Writer's Secret Weapon Accountability Club (gah, that's a mouth full!). Why did you choose to join the WSWAC group?
JB: I need someone to kick me in the ass and make me sit down and write. Also, this makes me feel like I’m part of a community. It’s good to be able to talk to other people about the craft.
FF: Butt kicking and community is exactly why I started the WSWAC. I get to kick butts and and I have to show up and get MY writing done in order to do that. You all keep me accountable, as well. A butt-kicking win-win!
What has been your experience of sprinting in the WSWAC so far? Have you done sprinting before?
JB: This is my first time sprinting. In the first session, I wrote over 5000 words. I like it.
FF: No way! You beat my sprinting word count by a mile. Wow.
What is your biggest challenge as a writer?
JB: Sitting down and doing it. I tend to want to get other things finished before I write.
FF: What books for writers, tools, conventions, blogs or websites do you recommend for other writers?
JB: I’ve been going to Necon, [Northeastern Writers' Conference] for over thirty years. My most important tools are a dictionary, a pencil and notepad, Word, and something to drink.
FF: Necon is simply the best! Camp for Writers. And your old school writing approach is beautiful, John. So many of us overcomplicate this thing to death. Yay, you!
Describe your writing process for us. What’s a writing day look like for you?
JB: When I’m on a roll, I start early in the morning then break for lunch. Sometimes I’ll do more writing in the afternoon and evening. I once did 20,000 words in a single day, but that’s rare. If I can do 2000 to 5000 a day, I consider it a good day.
Before starting anything, I do an outline and character profiles. I’m a fanatic for timelines and correct geography. If a character goes west, it had better be the right direction based on other elements in the story.
FF: 20,000 in a single day? Epic. I suspect you needed a nap after that one.
Have you had any game-changers as a writer? Something that changed your thinking or your process?
JB: The people at Necon make me feel legitimate as a writer. There are so many writers there that are willing to lend a hand and provide advice.
I attended three Borderlands Bootcamps in 2005, 2006, and 2017.
Mentors? Trish Cacek got me back into writing after a very long break. She’s determined and doesn’t take “I’m busy” for an answer. Craig Shaw Gardner has been incredibly supportive.
FF: Well, I'm sure glad that Trish isn't taking No for an answer. We're all lucky that you're writing and sharing your storytelling gift with us, John. Thank so much for wordsmithing and for taking the time to have a chat with me. It's been a privilege talking with you and getting to know more about you and your writing life.
_____________________________
Be sure to visit John on his Amazon Page, and stop by Facebook for a chat with the man himself. And be sure to have a listen to a Live interview with John at The Department of Tangents, Ep100!
Thanks for visiting the Yada Feast. See you again soon!
Wickedly Yours,
Fran Friel
It was a privilege to interrogate, er...interview the magnificent, John Buja. I hope you enjoy our time together as much as I have.
Here's a little bio from John's Amazon Page to get you started:
J Edwin Buja has spent his life surrounded by books and has written everything from children's novels to software technical manuals. With an MA in History, he discovered early on that researching and writing hold the key to happiness. Who else would think scanning through years of microfilm to index an old newspaper would be a dream job?The King of the Wood is his first novel in the genre of magical realism, but it will not be his last.
For more than thirty years, he has been married to the most wonderful woman on the planet. He lives in a small village somewhere in Ontario.
______________________________
Fran Friel: Welcome, John! Thank you so much for joining me for a little chat. So, what are you working on at the moment?
John Buja: Lots of things. I have two books of a proposed six-book set that I need to revise to make them less Canadian. They’re time travel/history stories for Grades three to six. The main reason I did them was to be able to do a lot of research. I love to research.
There are two ghost novels that need to be finished, a humorous novel about mud that is an allegory for WW1, a YA book that is the first of a trilogy. All need to be cleaned up for submission.
FF: Wow, you have your hands full, John. So much good stuff on the deck getting ready for your hungry readers. And heck, leave the "Canadian" in there. We love Canadians!
Now, tell us something about yourself that few people know.
JB: I like to cook. I wish I could dance.
FF: Yumm! Next time I'm in the neighborhood I want to sample that Buja Canadian cuisine...and do a little dance.
Now, some geographic nosiness. Where are you from? And where are you living now? Where would you love to live?
JB: I was born in England and moved to Canada when I was eight. I now live in a small village in eastern Ontario where just about everyone but Dianne and I speak French but it works.
If I could live anywhere, it would be somewhere that doesn’t have snow and sub-zero temperatures.
FF: I hear you on the temperature thing, John. I finally found my way to California for that reason. I'm getting soft though. 50 degrees Fahrenheit is starting to feel cold, especially when it's windy. Now, that's a fine California Whine for you.
Most writers have their writing haunts, so where's your favorite place to write?
JB: At my desk in the basement. It’s in a cozy corner, surrounded by books, and no one can see me.
FF: Sounds dreamy with a little Hobbit vibe. Nice.
How about your dream place to write?
JB: In a room with a huge window overlooking a lake and a forest.
FF: Even better, John. I can feel the peace and quiet of it. Perfect!
So, in what genre do you write and what drew you to it? Also, do you have any non-fiction titles?
JB: I try to write horror because I’ve been reading it since I was very young. Most of it ends up being funny. The children’s books are historical with the only fantasy element being the time travel.
I have written about fifty software manuals that are incredibly boring but are sprinkled with references to Deep Purple because I don’t take things seriously.
FF: HA! Deep Purple in your software manuals? Brilliant. No doubt the best software manuals ever!
What other work have you done besides writing? JB: Fourteen years as a bookstore manager. Four years as an instructor for adults changing careers who thought there was tons of money to be made in high tech.
FF: I get the image of you in the mystical stacks of a little English bookstore, John, happy as a peach surrounded by all those delicious words.
When did you start writing? Has it always been a passion for you?
JB: The first stories I wrote were with a friend in school. We were about seven. They were about bomber pilots in WW2 and war in general. I’ve wanted to be a serious (?) writer since I was in high school, but I am easily distracted from writing by such things as full-time jobs, life, and food.
FF: Yeah, that food and shelter thing can be a drag, but I'm so thrilled you're a "serious" writer now. We're all lucky you made it to the other side.
What are your long-term goals or dreams for your writing and for your life?
JB: Long-term I’d like to put out horror novels and short stories and perhaps make a little money on the side to supplement my meager pension. Money isn’t the driving force.
FF: I suspect that money will flow faster and harder than you expect, John. I've read your work!
Do you have a family? Are they supportive of your writing? Pets?
JB: I’ve been married to Dianne for almost thirty-seven years. No pets (ick) or children (even ickier). Dianne was a grade school teacher for thirty-four years. She now makes amazing quilts and watercolor paintings. She acts as my publicist because I’m no good at it.
FF: Shhh...I won't tell my pets about your "ick" comment. They were under the illusion that everyone loves them. But that Dianne--what a gem!
Besides writing, what do you do for fun?
JB: I like TV shows (just about anything, especially if it has dancing) and schlocky movies. I just started building model kits after almost fifty years away from the hobby. And I collect all kinds of stuff – books, comics, records, cider and scotch bottles, Walking Dead action figures, toys, and other stuff I’ve forgotten about.
FF: Who would have thought--dancing and schlocky movies? Wonderful!
If we want to read your work, what would you recommend we start with?
JB: My two children’s books are out of print. There is a novel out now, [The King of the Wood], that was supposed to be horror but turned out to be a sort of rural fantasy/magic realism thing. I have some short fiction that I’m willing to share.
FF: You and I do writing Sprints together each week at the Writer's Secret Weapon Accountability Club (gah, that's a mouth full!). Why did you choose to join the WSWAC group?
JB: I need someone to kick me in the ass and make me sit down and write. Also, this makes me feel like I’m part of a community. It’s good to be able to talk to other people about the craft.FF: Butt kicking and community is exactly why I started the WSWAC. I get to kick butts and and I have to show up and get MY writing done in order to do that. You all keep me accountable, as well. A butt-kicking win-win!
What has been your experience of sprinting in the WSWAC so far? Have you done sprinting before?
JB: This is my first time sprinting. In the first session, I wrote over 5000 words. I like it.
FF: No way! You beat my sprinting word count by a mile. Wow.
What is your biggest challenge as a writer?
JB: Sitting down and doing it. I tend to want to get other things finished before I write.
FF: What books for writers, tools, conventions, blogs or websites do you recommend for other writers?
JB: I’ve been going to Necon, [Northeastern Writers' Conference] for over thirty years. My most important tools are a dictionary, a pencil and notepad, Word, and something to drink.
FF: Necon is simply the best! Camp for Writers. And your old school writing approach is beautiful, John. So many of us overcomplicate this thing to death. Yay, you!
Describe your writing process for us. What’s a writing day look like for you?
JB: When I’m on a roll, I start early in the morning then break for lunch. Sometimes I’ll do more writing in the afternoon and evening. I once did 20,000 words in a single day, but that’s rare. If I can do 2000 to 5000 a day, I consider it a good day.Before starting anything, I do an outline and character profiles. I’m a fanatic for timelines and correct geography. If a character goes west, it had better be the right direction based on other elements in the story.
FF: 20,000 in a single day? Epic. I suspect you needed a nap after that one.
Have you had any game-changers as a writer? Something that changed your thinking or your process?
JB: The people at Necon make me feel legitimate as a writer. There are so many writers there that are willing to lend a hand and provide advice.
I attended three Borderlands Bootcamps in 2005, 2006, and 2017.
Mentors? Trish Cacek got me back into writing after a very long break. She’s determined and doesn’t take “I’m busy” for an answer. Craig Shaw Gardner has been incredibly supportive.
FF: Well, I'm sure glad that Trish isn't taking No for an answer. We're all lucky that you're writing and sharing your storytelling gift with us, John. Thank so much for wordsmithing and for taking the time to have a chat with me. It's been a privilege talking with you and getting to know more about you and your writing life.
_____________________________
Be sure to visit John on his Amazon Page, and stop by Facebook for a chat with the man himself. And be sure to have a listen to a Live interview with John at The Department of Tangents, Ep100!
Thanks for visiting the Yada Feast. See you again soon!
Wickedly Yours,
Fran Friel
April 29, 2019
Author Platform? Say What?
Do You Need an Author Platform?Do you need an Author Platform? Yeppers!
Let the remarkable David Gaughran tell you all about it! He'll convince you far better than I can.
https://davidgaughran.com/2019/04/08/how-to-build-an-author-platform-website-email-facebook
david gaughran[image error]
EssentialYour author platform will take time and imagination, but it's essential to success for both Indie and Traditional Authors and Writers. Today it's not just enough to write a great book or two or twenty, you have to find and engage your audience to keep them happy and to keep those book sales flowing.
Get 'er done. Remember Done is way better than perfect but NOT DONE!
Just get that platform in place. Once it's up and running, you can tweak it and add to it to your heart's content. But do it!
Just like publishing, you can polish a book until the cows come home, but no one will care until you actually publish.
People NEED to read what you're writing, so make darned sure they can find you!
Happy Writing!
See you next time...
Your Pal,Fran
Let the remarkable David Gaughran tell you all about it! He'll convince you far better than I can.
https://davidgaughran.com/2019/04/08/how-to-build-an-author-platform-website-email-facebook
david gaughran[image error]EssentialYour author platform will take time and imagination, but it's essential to success for both Indie and Traditional Authors and Writers. Today it's not just enough to write a great book or two or twenty, you have to find and engage your audience to keep them happy and to keep those book sales flowing.
Get 'er done. Remember Done is way better than perfect but NOT DONE!
Just get that platform in place. Once it's up and running, you can tweak it and add to it to your heart's content. But do it!
Just like publishing, you can polish a book until the cows come home, but no one will care until you actually publish.
People NEED to read what you're writing, so make darned sure they can find you!
Happy Writing!
See you next time...
Your Pal,Fran
April 6, 2019
SUPER SECRET PROJECT - CLUE #1
WHO LOVES A SUPER-SECRET PROJECT? I DO! And if you do, too, you're going to love this one!
It's hard not to talk about the project yet, but suffice to say, I'm Super-Excited about it, and I can't wait to share it with you.
Because of its super-secret nature, I can only release little bits and pieces about it to you, but it will be worth it in the end. Some lucky person will win the Grand Prize for following the clues to the Center of the Labyrinth!
It's early days and I promise this will be a fun and fascinating journey for you (and for US!)!
CLUE #1
And for more Clues (Free Stuff, Fun Stuff and Discounts!), Join the Horde!
Thanks SO much for stopping by. See you next time!
From My Tiny Office of Paradise,Fran Friel
It's hard not to talk about the project yet, but suffice to say, I'm Super-Excited about it, and I can't wait to share it with you.
Because of its super-secret nature, I can only release little bits and pieces about it to you, but it will be worth it in the end. Some lucky person will win the Grand Prize for following the clues to the Center of the Labyrinth!
It's early days and I promise this will be a fun and fascinating journey for you (and for US!)!
CLUE #1
And for more Clues (Free Stuff, Fun Stuff and Discounts!), Join the Horde!
Thanks SO much for stopping by. See you next time!
From My Tiny Office of Paradise,Fran Friel
October 19, 2017
FREE Book Giveaway - BOOKTOBERFEST and FALL FANTASY Are Here!
LOVE DISCOVERING NEW AUTHORS?Then here's your chance to feast on a plethora of new fiction, plus it's FREE! Try a taste from this smorgasbord of authors in two fantastic Giveaways:BOOKTOBERFEST - Ends October 31st!
FALL FANTASY - Ends October 30th!
Enjoy the feast and let me know what you think!Wickedly Yours,Fran FrielPS - My novella, Beach of Dreams, is in both Giveaways
Click Here for Access ---> https://books.bookfunnel.com/booktoberfestfun
FALL FANTASY - Ends October 30th!
Click Here for Acess ---> https://books.bookfunnel.com/fallfantasygiveaway/k8doaf62s2
Enjoy the feast and let me know what you think!Wickedly Yours,Fran FrielPS - My novella, Beach of Dreams, is in both Giveaways
July 7, 2017
Fran Friel at Squarespace!
VISIT FRAN AT HER NEW HOME AWAY FROM HOME!We've moved to SquareSpace where we can spread our wings and stay close to home at the same time at franfriel.com:
Visit and Join for FREE Stuff!Fran Friel's Darker Side of Fiction: https://www.franfriel.comCome on by and join the VIP Horde for FREE STUFF and Discounts and Giveaways, Oh My!
Join the Horde Here: https://www.franfriel.com/join
Or for more info: https://www.franfriel.com/vip
As always, thanks so much for stopping by!
Wickedly Yours,Fran Friel
Get Cozy with Alison Golden and Company
Summer Whodunnits: Six Midsummer Cozy Mysteries
Today, my friend, Alison Golden, became a USA Today Best Selling Author. In celebration, I'm bringing you an exquisite deal.
For just 99 cents you can get the Summer Whodunnits: Six Cozy Mysteries!
Go get 'em, before they revert back to $4.99 (still a bargain).
Happy Reading!
Wickedly Yours,
CLICK THE BLOG TITLE TO LEAVE A COMMENT OR A LIKE. Thank You!
