Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Ten-Word Tuesday: A Book Review

CassaStar
by Alex J. Cavanaugh

Arrogant attitudes transform into heroism in this character-driven, sci-fi novel.


Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Midweek Mixer

Do you want a really likeable character? Here's a quote that I think will help you create one.


Charles Swindoll said: “Attitude, to me, is more important than the past, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.”

Characters with good attitudes are much easier to relate to than characters who are in perpetual pity part mode.Yes, there will be struggles and their must be weaknesses, but I find that when a character can look past the bad in their life and smile/continue on/fight despite it, that's a character I can really respect and love.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Ten-Word Tuesday: A Book Review

 The Ranger's Apprentice Series
by  John Flanagan

Alternate reality mirrors Europe, only way better with the rangers!


Or....

Adventure, friendship, and even romance, stirred into a fantasy feudalism. 

(And yes, I loved it. Any book I review on Tues. will be a book I would recommend.)

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Midweek Mixer

"Forgiveness is a funny thing. It warms the heart and cools the sting."
-William Arthur Ward

This is an apt quote for the book I'm working on. We build up conflict to make the story dynamic, but there comes a point where the conflict can become more grating than helpful. In these cases, the tool that can best get us away from it is forgiveness. And what a powerful writing tool it is!

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Ten-Word Tuesday: A Book Review

Open Minds
by Susan Kaye Quinn

Normal becomes hunted freak in this fast-paced, near-future sci-fi novel.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Midweek Mixer

"Two things cannot be in one place. Where you tend a rose, my lad, a thistle cannot grow."
-Frances Hodgson Burnett

This quote applies in so many ways, but where writing is concerned, when we actively seek to write well, a rose will grow. My goal for 2012 is to make my finished books become roses.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Ten-Word Tuesday: A Book Review

Children of the Lamp series
by P. B. Kerr

Hilarious puns that will delight the Middle Grader in all.