Stop by for some fun with random lists of thirteen things.
Review of “Crossing Borders”
I just recently finished Z. A. Maxfield’s book “Crossing Borders”. It’s a devastatingly hot and romantic m/m read. The realism of the story makes for sheer, down-to-earth escapism.
Right from the start I liked the main characters. Tristan is a college student questioning his sexuality. Michael is a public servant surprised and delighted to offer some answers.
Michael has eyed Tristan since the skateboarding youth showed a reckless side worthy of an expensive ticket. The joy of them finding one another is nothing short of wonderful. I urge you to buy this book and follow the couple through their journey toward love.
Additionally, if you like what you’ve read here and want to know more about Ms. Maxfield, please click below to read my interview with her:
Thursday Thirteen
Click below for a little Thursday diversion. We dare ya!
Being a Writer
Today happens to be an extremely exciting time for me. While considering what to write for this very blog post, coincidentally, I received my first ever payment as an author!
Although this is just one more step on my chosen path, I thought it fitting to share what this humble writer thinks constitutes the title.
Although this is just one more step on my chosen path, I thought it fitting to share what this humble writer thinks constitutes the title.
If you have a million dollar, multi-book deal, you’re a writer. That states the obvious.
However, there are many unpublished people out there with notebooks and hard drives overflowing with stories. Is he or she any less of a writer? I don’t think so.
If you, dear writer, have the courage to share your tales, however that might be accomplished, I commend you. For those of you who’ve not yet taken that step, I hope you’ll change you’re mind.
Bring your gift into the light of day and brighten someone’s existence. If you’d like suggestions on where to take your stories online, mention it in a comment and perhaps I or someone else can give you ideas. It can be scary but there are some wonderful places out there. And the world can never have too many storytellers.
Happy writing!
Thursday Thirteen
Book Review of “Kelland”
Just hours ago I finished the novel “Kelland” by Paul G. Bens, Jr. I’m still sorry it’s over, actually.
I would call the book a drama first, with minor supernatural elements. The biggest of these is, who is Kelland? Man? Woman? Child? Lover? Priest?
I would call the book a drama first, with minor supernatural elements. The biggest of these is, who is Kelland? Man? Woman? Child? Lover? Priest?
Kelland is all these things, depending upon what the interacting character needs for his or her part to play out. I honestly don’t even know what Mr. Bens would say Kelland actually is! Angel? Devil?
All I can say for sure is that I was drawn into the stories of the five main characters from the start. It didn’t matter that the vignettes jumped back and forth through time and from person to person. Never once did I feel at a loss from beginning to end. Rather, this reader loathed putting the title down. At the same time, I could do so and come back to where I left off without confusion setting in.
There is a dark side to each of the story threads, and they culminate into something any reasonable human being will find sadly disturbing and downright infuriating. But rather than being a depressing tale, I found in “Kelland” an exultant scope of hope and redemption. It’s a story of forgiveness.
If you’re looking for pirates, ghosts, or lots of steamy sex scenes, don’t buy this book. If, instead, you want to read compelling drama about believable people in real situations, “Kelland” just might be for you. I appreciated all 250 pages and wanted more when they ended, so I would definitely recommend this for the reader willing to walk down those twisting alleys of the human psyche.
Thursday Thirteen
It’s that day of the week again, where we in the blogosphere like to have fun listing thirteen random items.
Thursday Thirteen
It’s that day of the week again. Come along and enjoy a list of thirteen items. Today, we’re featuring yogurt:
Size Matters
Just like a lot of things in this world, stories come in all sizes. When I was younger, nothing short of a novel length tale really got my juices flowing. Whether it was because I had more time for such an investment or perhaps my imagination needed more time and complexity to take flight, I suppose I’ll never know.
Once I started writing, I became drawn to more succinct pieces. A whole serial came out of my imagination before I even realized how short each segment turned out. Now I enjoy reading short story collections more and more, too. It’s as if I find more of a powerful punch in brevity.
The trick with authoring such material is finding a publisher. I understand that the endeavor, while not impossible, can be especially tough depending on the genre. That said, a very encouraging mentor suggested I write my own short story anthology. The challenge is intriguing. Selling a collection as a fledgling artist might be a real trial in its own right, but the reward of writing cannot be discounted. I hope you’ll wish me luck.
What about you? Whether as a reader or a writer, do you have a preference about the length of story you would rather read?
Flash Fiction Friday
Kick back with a short read this Friday…
A. Catherine Noon This is a blast from the past. I wrote this for a flash-a-day competition but I like it, and figured I’d share it today. Enjoy!