WELCOME
May 25, 2011
The Blood Chronicles: Dark Fiction, Dark Fantasy or Horror?
The Blood Chronicles: Dark Fiction, Dark Fantasy or Horror?: "What's up with all these genres? I mean, how many do we really need? Take romance for example; I bet there are at least 25 sub-genres to rom..."
May 23, 2011
Pick Your Poison
Title: Poison Reality
Author: Nedyne Shorts-Nettles
ISBN: 978-1-4489-2664-0
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Pages: 186
Reviewed By: Brian Knight
Official Premium Promotional Services Rating:
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The bitter end to hatred…
The strife and struggles of dysfunctional families are seen everyday. There are, at times, those examples of success that provide hope and a silver lining to an otherwise bad situation. In “Poison Reality” we see the catastrophic damage caused by a few, the strong emotions stirred by love and the consequences brought about by decisions made from hate and anger.
Each Character in “Poison Reality” has their faults, worries, and shortcomings. Each also handles those aspects of their life differently; some through alcohol, some through violence and some through improving themselves as best they can. Ironically, it is through a violent act that one catches a glimpse of the life he could have had. But is it too late for him?
“Poison Reality” delves into the darkness surrounding dysfunctional families and the damaging effects those individuals have on people around them. All is not lost though as a sliver of hope and redemption shines through the shadows. Shorts-Nettles has developed a plot driven story that possess a certain emotional connectivity that we can all relate to. The surreal settings and events that follow each character of the story will tug at your heart, anger you and leave you thinking for after the last word.
“Poison Reality” is the debut novel by author Nedyne Shorts-Nettles. This emotional account of multiple individuals tied together by violence and insecurities strikes hard at the core of many fears we have for family members. I recommend this book to those who enjoy stories that engage the emotions by connecting with real life situations.
You can learn more about this author and her book by visiting her site HERE.
Author: Nedyne Shorts-Nettles
ISBN: 978-1-4489-2664-0
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Pages: 186
Reviewed By: Brian Knight
Official Premium Promotional Services Rating:
The bitter end to hatred…
The strife and struggles of dysfunctional families are seen everyday. There are, at times, those examples of success that provide hope and a silver lining to an otherwise bad situation. In “Poison Reality” we see the catastrophic damage caused by a few, the strong emotions stirred by love and the consequences brought about by decisions made from hate and anger.
Each Character in “Poison Reality” has their faults, worries, and shortcomings. Each also handles those aspects of their life differently; some through alcohol, some through violence and some through improving themselves as best they can. Ironically, it is through a violent act that one catches a glimpse of the life he could have had. But is it too late for him?
“Poison Reality” delves into the darkness surrounding dysfunctional families and the damaging effects those individuals have on people around them. All is not lost though as a sliver of hope and redemption shines through the shadows. Shorts-Nettles has developed a plot driven story that possess a certain emotional connectivity that we can all relate to. The surreal settings and events that follow each character of the story will tug at your heart, anger you and leave you thinking for after the last word.
“Poison Reality” is the debut novel by author Nedyne Shorts-Nettles. This emotional account of multiple individuals tied together by violence and insecurities strikes hard at the core of many fears we have for family members. I recommend this book to those who enjoy stories that engage the emotions by connecting with real life situations.
You can learn more about this author and her book by visiting her site HERE.
May 19, 2011
Let It Rest OR Keep The Fire Burning?
About a year ago I wrote an article regarding the debate of whether to let your manuscript rest or continue working on it. The next question in this debate is - how long do you let it rest until you start working on it again? At first I could see the advantages and disadvantages to both arguments. I, for one, liked the practice of letting it rest but only for a few weeks (a month at the maximum).
I agree that when we are in the flow it is awfully hard to stop writing. The fire gets into us and all we want to do is work on our manuscript. It goes against logic to think that taking a break from our manuscript could actually help improve it. In regards to putting the manuscript away, taking a break or even starting another project; I can see the advantages there too. I mean, when we write those last two words our brains are fried and we are exhausted. Often the words on the screen blur together and we can recite the sentences from heart. The only way to take care of these conditions is to take a break. After a break we can come back with an invigorated mind and fresh eyes. These are two things that can pay off in big dividends.
Which is best? What should we do? I said it before and I will say it again - do what works best for you. I do recommend you stick with your decision and don't let others dictate which you should do. You know how your muse operates and you know what works for you. Okay, I kinda got on a soapbox there so back to the main topic of this article.
I wrote two novels. One I continued working on straight through. I didn't stop until it was completely done. My second novel I put on the shelf for approximately three months. What did I learn from that little exercise? While I did finish both novels I can tell you that it took me longer to recover and start the next novel after I finished the first. I felt really beat down and burned out. It was only temporary but it was still there. The three months I allowed the second novel to rest almost drove me crazy. My muse went nuts because it wanted to start writing again. I was split because I wanted to write and finish the second while my muse just wanted to write. When the wait was over I picked up the novel again. It was like I started fresh because new thoughts came to me and I saw more things to correct or rearrange. The end result was a crisper, sharper manuscript. Can you get the same results from working straight through without stopping? Yes, I think so but it would take some solid upfront research and planning.
As much as it drives me crazy I think I will let my manuscripts rest before I finish them from now on. That seems to work well for me. Which do you prefer?
I agree that when we are in the flow it is awfully hard to stop writing. The fire gets into us and all we want to do is work on our manuscript. It goes against logic to think that taking a break from our manuscript could actually help improve it. In regards to putting the manuscript away, taking a break or even starting another project; I can see the advantages there too. I mean, when we write those last two words our brains are fried and we are exhausted. Often the words on the screen blur together and we can recite the sentences from heart. The only way to take care of these conditions is to take a break. After a break we can come back with an invigorated mind and fresh eyes. These are two things that can pay off in big dividends.
Which is best? What should we do? I said it before and I will say it again - do what works best for you. I do recommend you stick with your decision and don't let others dictate which you should do. You know how your muse operates and you know what works for you. Okay, I kinda got on a soapbox there so back to the main topic of this article.
I wrote two novels. One I continued working on straight through. I didn't stop until it was completely done. My second novel I put on the shelf for approximately three months. What did I learn from that little exercise? While I did finish both novels I can tell you that it took me longer to recover and start the next novel after I finished the first. I felt really beat down and burned out. It was only temporary but it was still there. The three months I allowed the second novel to rest almost drove me crazy. My muse went nuts because it wanted to start writing again. I was split because I wanted to write and finish the second while my muse just wanted to write. When the wait was over I picked up the novel again. It was like I started fresh because new thoughts came to me and I saw more things to correct or rearrange. The end result was a crisper, sharper manuscript. Can you get the same results from working straight through without stopping? Yes, I think so but it would take some solid upfront research and planning.
As much as it drives me crazy I think I will let my manuscripts rest before I finish them from now on. That seems to work well for me. Which do you prefer?
May 17, 2011
This Is - Pax Corpus
Title: Pax Corpus
Author: Ryan S. Fortney
ISBN: 978-1-4581-1321-4
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Pages: 143
Reviewed By: Brian Knight
Official Premium Promotional Services Rating:
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To protect and serve the survivors…this is Pax Corpus.
The virus that brought about the apocalypse quickly turned into an epidemic before anyone truly knew what was happening. Dante Marcellus, then of the NYPD, soon found himself protecting the last remnants of humanity, as they evacuated from New York, from blood thirsty, ravenous zombies. The murder of the president by a zombie sends the country into marshal law. As he, and his unit, clear another neighborhood of possible evacuees things take a turn for the worst. A routine mission to a bank unleashes visions and creatures never before seen. In “Pax Corpus,” Dante struggles to survive in a dangerous and uncertain future without memories from his past.
As Dante’s memories come back things continue to spin out of control. Soon he questions his own sanity as the truth of the situation is discovered. Unfortunately for Dante his troubles are far worse then zombies. A third group is determined to usher in a new era; one without humans. As the mystery unravels Dante and his unit discover the plot and set out to stop it. But the forces against Pax Corpus are closer than even they now. As the odds build against Dante he grows more determined to survive and save those around him. In “Pax Corpus,” we see the power of determined survival.
Will humans be eradicated? Can Dante put the pieces of his past together in order to untangle the secret surrounding the zombies?
From the first word, Ryan S. Fortney weaves a fast paced story of survival, thrills and horror. With each passing page, it is virtually impossible not to be absorbed in the struggle of man versus extinction. The more you read the more you connect with the characters and their will to survive.
The strength of “Pax Corpus” lies in the plot and ever changing scenes of struggle and survival; the characters grow, adapt and transform from page to page as circumstances and challenges confront them. This novel is for those who enjoy apocalyptic sagas and mental thrill rides.
Author Ryan S. Fortney’s debut novel is sure to draw you in and toy with your sense of reality. This is a story that will flash in your mind long after the last page.
Check out author Ryan Fortney's website HERE.
Author: Ryan S. Fortney
ISBN: 978-1-4581-1321-4
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Pages: 143
Reviewed By: Brian Knight
Official Premium Promotional Services Rating:
To protect and serve the survivors…this is Pax Corpus.
The virus that brought about the apocalypse quickly turned into an epidemic before anyone truly knew what was happening. Dante Marcellus, then of the NYPD, soon found himself protecting the last remnants of humanity, as they evacuated from New York, from blood thirsty, ravenous zombies. The murder of the president by a zombie sends the country into marshal law. As he, and his unit, clear another neighborhood of possible evacuees things take a turn for the worst. A routine mission to a bank unleashes visions and creatures never before seen. In “Pax Corpus,” Dante struggles to survive in a dangerous and uncertain future without memories from his past.
As Dante’s memories come back things continue to spin out of control. Soon he questions his own sanity as the truth of the situation is discovered. Unfortunately for Dante his troubles are far worse then zombies. A third group is determined to usher in a new era; one without humans. As the mystery unravels Dante and his unit discover the plot and set out to stop it. But the forces against Pax Corpus are closer than even they now. As the odds build against Dante he grows more determined to survive and save those around him. In “Pax Corpus,” we see the power of determined survival.
Will humans be eradicated? Can Dante put the pieces of his past together in order to untangle the secret surrounding the zombies?
From the first word, Ryan S. Fortney weaves a fast paced story of survival, thrills and horror. With each passing page, it is virtually impossible not to be absorbed in the struggle of man versus extinction. The more you read the more you connect with the characters and their will to survive.
The strength of “Pax Corpus” lies in the plot and ever changing scenes of struggle and survival; the characters grow, adapt and transform from page to page as circumstances and challenges confront them. This novel is for those who enjoy apocalyptic sagas and mental thrill rides.
Author Ryan S. Fortney’s debut novel is sure to draw you in and toy with your sense of reality. This is a story that will flash in your mind long after the last page.
Check out author Ryan Fortney's website HERE.
May 13, 2011
The Gremlins of Friday the 13th
Okay, for most of the day my last article was MIA. I'm not sure what happened to Blogger but this was a widespread problem. I am very happy to see that my article is back; however, the comments are still missing. Maybe they will return but then again maybe they will not.
Did anything strange, weird, crazy or odd happen to you today?
Have a great weekend everyone.
Oh, almost forgot, I posted a new article on my other blog - http://www.bloodchronicle.blogspot.com/. I really like the cat.
Did anything strange, weird, crazy or odd happen to you today?
Have a great weekend everyone.
Oh, almost forgot, I posted a new article on my other blog - http://www.bloodchronicle.blogspot.com/. I really like the cat.
May 11, 2011
Small Stuff Can Add Big Things To The Story
You have no idea how happy I am to finally have the time to post an article on the New Author. I've been trying to get this done for days now but every time I get ready something pops up and demands my attention. I'm sure all of you have crossed that bridge a time or two.
What do I intend to write about today? Well, nothing big, just the small stuff. You know, we have always been told to write what we know. We need to write what we are passionate about and have knowledge of in order for the story to really come jump off the page. It amazes me how the human psyche can take something like that and run to extremes with it. When I read that advice I immediately jumped to an awful time and experience in my life because it was large enough to make a novel. I knew every detail about the plot and emotions so writing it would be easy. Oh how naive I was (and for the most part still am). In part I was on to something because the scope of that story was indeed very large and encompassed a great deal but I don't think that is the true intention of that advice.
What brought this change of mind about? I mean, at first I was looking at the big picture but, as the saying goes, the devil is in the details. It really is the small things that combine together that make for an awesome read and an enjoyable story to write. I will admit that I love the big battle scenes in my stories; especially when the flow is fast and the action is crisp. I get worked up when that happens. I also get just as worked up when I read or write a scene that really plays on your senses and/or emotions but remains relatively minuscule in the grand scheme of the story. I have the perfect example.
I am neck deep in writing the first draft of the sequel for Born of Blood and at times it is truly a labor of love. This particular night I was writing a scene in which the good guys are on the run and in hiding from the bad guys. I had many intentions and plans for this section of the story but, to my delight, something impressive presented itself. That something was a cup of coffee.
I love to drink coffee; especially with my wife. I love the smell of it, the warmth of it and how it makes me feel while I'm drinking it. I thought that would be the best thing to add to the story when the heroes woke up the next morning. I, hopefully, expressed my emotions and delight in my writing for that scene because it represented a slight moment in time where the heroes could relax and just enjoy a cup of coffee. This is not a major scene in the book but it is something any coffee drinker can relate to. Heck, after I wrote that scene I wanted a cup of coffee so I guess I got my point across.
My point is this - if you have something in your life that brings you joy, comfort or happiness it really doesn't matter have small or insignificant it may appear in the overall scope of your plot; if you can include it you should. That could turn out to be very powerful writing because the passion and drive you experience in real life will carry over to your story. It could be taking a hot shower or collapsing into your favorite chair or any number of things.
Write what you know and remember the small stuff too.
May 4, 2011
Who Have You Complimented Today?
Title: The Compliment Quotient
Author: Monica Strobel
ISBN: 978-1-936214-37-2
Genre: Inspirational/Motivational
Pages: 164
Reviewed By: Brian Knight
Official Premium Promotional Services Rating:
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This book, like a compliment, is a life enhancing tool.
You look nice today. You did a great job on that project. Wow, that was a great dinner. The house looks awesome. All of these are compliments and many of us have heard them from time to time. Truth be told, we don’t hear compliments as often as we should. Most of the time we wait for that big time moment to offer compliments but in “The Compliment Quotient” we see the true power of compliments in everyday life. As we read we soon learn that giving compliments is not only uplifting to the person we give it to but it also provides a boost to us.
“The Compliment Quotient” delivers more then just why we should give compliments to those we come into contact with. It explains: how to give a compliment; when to give a complaint; the benefits of giving compliments and how to take a compliment when we receive one.
“The Compliment Quotient” is a roadmap intended to help navigate us through the misconceptions of compliments and enable us to look for opportunities to give more compliments on a daily basis. Monica Strobel expresses the importance and need for compliments in today’s world throughout this book. Her desire to motivate and inspire us to up-lift those in need can be felt on every page of “The Compliment Quotient.” The experience shared by Strobel and her friends provide validation and support to the power of compliments.
“The Compliment Quotient” provides that little nudge of positive thinking that, at some time or another, we all need. I recommend this motivational resource to anyone who must deal with hardship and/or difficulties in their life. That, in my opinion, is everyone.
Storms in life will come and go but we have the ability to provide something positive and up-lifting to everyone around us – every day.
If you would like to learn more about Monica Strobel, her speaking engagements and The Compliment Quotient please follow THIS LINK.
Author: Monica Strobel
ISBN: 978-1-936214-37-2
Genre: Inspirational/Motivational
Pages: 164
Reviewed By: Brian Knight
Official Premium Promotional Services Rating:
This book, like a compliment, is a life enhancing tool.
You look nice today. You did a great job on that project. Wow, that was a great dinner. The house looks awesome. All of these are compliments and many of us have heard them from time to time. Truth be told, we don’t hear compliments as often as we should. Most of the time we wait for that big time moment to offer compliments but in “The Compliment Quotient” we see the true power of compliments in everyday life. As we read we soon learn that giving compliments is not only uplifting to the person we give it to but it also provides a boost to us.
“The Compliment Quotient” delivers more then just why we should give compliments to those we come into contact with. It explains: how to give a compliment; when to give a complaint; the benefits of giving compliments and how to take a compliment when we receive one.
“The Compliment Quotient” is a roadmap intended to help navigate us through the misconceptions of compliments and enable us to look for opportunities to give more compliments on a daily basis. Monica Strobel expresses the importance and need for compliments in today’s world throughout this book. Her desire to motivate and inspire us to up-lift those in need can be felt on every page of “The Compliment Quotient.” The experience shared by Strobel and her friends provide validation and support to the power of compliments.
“The Compliment Quotient” provides that little nudge of positive thinking that, at some time or another, we all need. I recommend this motivational resource to anyone who must deal with hardship and/or difficulties in their life. That, in my opinion, is everyone.
Storms in life will come and go but we have the ability to provide something positive and up-lifting to everyone around us – every day.
If you would like to learn more about Monica Strobel, her speaking engagements and The Compliment Quotient please follow THIS LINK.
May 2, 2011
An Interview With Author Rebecca Woodhead
**UPDATE - EVERYONE WHO LEAVES A COMMENT WILL BE ENTERED TO WIN A FREE COPY OF REBECCA'S BOOK - PALACES AND CALLUSES.**
Also, stay tuned because in the near future I will repost this article and we will have a second drawing at that time. Yes, there will be a second opportunity to win a copy of Rebecca's book.
It is my honor and pleasure to present to all of you the first interview with author Rebecca Woodhead. I cannot tell you how proud I am of Rebecca. As you will find out during the interview; I've known Rebecca for a few years now and I have seen her journey from start to finish. It is amazing to see her come full circle.
This interview is unique for The New Author because Rebecca took the time to sit down and record her responses to my questions on Youtube. Now you can plug in your headphones, turn up the volume, relax and enjoy the English accent delivered in Rebecca's voice.
Now for the bonus; Rebecca is giving everyone here at The New Author 25% off her book "Palaces and Calluses" until the end of June! That's right, if you are part of the New Author community you can save 25% off the cover price until June. To get the discount simply follow this address http://books.withrebecca.com and enter the discount code wordnerdknight.
I hope you enjoy the interview. I believe Rebecca will be dropping by to respond to your comments.
Before I go I want to thank Rebecca for a number of things. First, she has been a close friend of mine for a long time now. It's always a great thing to have friends to lean on; even if they are on the other side of an ocean. Second, many of you will verify this after you read her book, Rebecca included me in her acknowledgments and for that I am hugely grateful and third, well, the first two are the big ones and I believe I will leave it there.
Also, stay tuned because in the near future I will repost this article and we will have a second drawing at that time. Yes, there will be a second opportunity to win a copy of Rebecca's book.
It is my honor and pleasure to present to all of you the first interview with author Rebecca Woodhead. I cannot tell you how proud I am of Rebecca. As you will find out during the interview; I've known Rebecca for a few years now and I have seen her journey from start to finish. It is amazing to see her come full circle.
This interview is unique for The New Author because Rebecca took the time to sit down and record her responses to my questions on Youtube. Now you can plug in your headphones, turn up the volume, relax and enjoy the English accent delivered in Rebecca's voice.
Now for the bonus; Rebecca is giving everyone here at The New Author 25% off her book "Palaces and Calluses" until the end of June! That's right, if you are part of the New Author community you can save 25% off the cover price until June. To get the discount simply follow this address http://books.withrebecca.com and enter the discount code wordnerdknight.
I hope you enjoy the interview. I believe Rebecca will be dropping by to respond to your comments.
Before I go I want to thank Rebecca for a number of things. First, she has been a close friend of mine for a long time now. It's always a great thing to have friends to lean on; even if they are on the other side of an ocean. Second, many of you will verify this after you read her book, Rebecca included me in her acknowledgments and for that I am hugely grateful and third, well, the first two are the big ones and I believe I will leave it there.
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