There's something about the candid thought process of the main characters that I really love, and by the time I got a couple chapters in I couldn't put the darn thing down. Meticulous research, wonderful levels of suspense, thrilling and perfect slaughter... I thought something with this many words would take me forever and be … Continue reading Review: Photographs of October
What’s in a Book Title
Let's talk about book titles. Have you ever encountered a book title that made you want to read instantly? I sure have. Let's find out why they are so awesome.
Review: Remembrance by Rita Woods
Woods weaves a tale that reveals the best and worst parts of all of us, whether it's how to get along with people we really don't like, or the uncertainty people can feel around those who would historically do them wrong. She doesn't shy away from using words that make people gasp. Yes, those words. They existed. She puts them the exact right spot to make the impact needed and then continues.
Review: This Tender Land
This book came to me at a perfect time. I was trying to figure out why I so disliked a different book featuring a traveling group, and found the answer in a few things This Tender Land did right.
Who is Joaquin Murieta and Why Had I not Heard of Him?
It's a real question. Why is this bandit, who terrorized people throughout 1850s California, a new discovery for me? Murieta is everywhere and nowhere at the same time. He hides behind the tale of Zoro. He lived on somewhat fictionalized in plagiarized magazine and radio serials. Countless westerns used his life as a model for their honorable bandits. But he himself is lost to time.
Book Reviews: Necessary Sins and Lost Saints, from the Lazare Family Saga
What does over two decades worth of research get you? An artful and brilliant series with the ability to put the reader right into the past. I have the privilege of receiving advanced reader copies before each release so far, and it's hooked me from the first page. Since this is a saga meant to … Continue reading Book Reviews: Necessary Sins and Lost Saints, from the Lazare Family Saga
Burnout
I'm reading books faster than I can review them, and although I'm excited about the next book review post, I feel like I need to address something: burnout and poor health. It plagues every profession, so let's dive in. "My spirit is not well today."More silly drawings are on Instagram @dapplewrites Sometime in October, an … Continue reading Burnout
Book Review: Thirteen Moons by Charles Frazier
I don't want to give away the ending but the beginning words say it all: "There is no scatheless rapture." The main character remembers his life as an orphaned, bound boy to a merchant who trades with the Cherokee Nation pre-removal from their homelands. As he adjusts to his new situation, he learns a great … Continue reading Book Review: Thirteen Moons by Charles Frazier
Book Review: Cherokee Editor
Most who knew Boudinot described him as a sensitive (in a good way) and caring man. Some later described him as a traitor to his nation. After reading this collection of writings, along with Perdu's notes, I see that he had simply lost touch, if he even had it, with the average citizen of the Cherokee Nation.
At the Editor. Now what?
I handed over my manuscript to an editor a little while ago, thinking I'd have oodles of free time to do other stuff. But what have I been doing? Let's see... I read nine books, which is quite an improvement Successfully avoided blogging 😉 Realized I spent too much time on social media and cut … Continue reading At the Editor. Now what?