Wednesday, April 7, 2021

IWSG Wednesday

 


The first Wednesday of every month is officially IWSG day. Members post about their doubts and fears, discuss struggles and triumphs, and offer words of encouragement to others who are struggling.

Thanks, as always, to Alex Cavanaugh, founder and Ninja Captain extraordinaire and our awesome co-hosts.

 

The IWSG monthly question can be found under the IWSG Sign-up tab on the Insecure Writer's Support Group Blog.  Remember it’s optional.

 

April 7 question – Are you a risk-taker when writing? Do you try something radically different in style/POV/etc. or add controversial topics to your work?

 

Radically different in style, no. Somewhat different, yes😊 Someone described my Western Romances as Westerns with Romantic Elements and I felt that was a good description. I don’t want the romance stifling the story line or the action.

 

 

AND…

 

In no particular order, March/April reviews.

 


ANGEL’S NIGHTMARE ADVENTURE: A HORROR GAMELIT ADVENTURE by Angel Roman

Two shorts combine to share main characters Angel and Luis's adventures fighting zombies in New York City; the stories told in game form. These shorts are creative, flow smoothly and race from one crisis to another. They are sure to be a hit with gamers and horror readers alike.

Available at Amazon

 

 

 


THE XOE MEYERS SERIES by Sara C. Roeth

This is a YA/Horror/Paranormal series. I’m hooked and currently reading book six. If you enjoy werewolves, demons and vampires mixed in with a good bit of teenage angst and a lot of snark you might want to give this series a go. The first three books of the series are/were free, which is the purrfect way to figure out if you like the series and want to invest in it. (Always check before you hit the buy button in case that’s changed.) A definite thumbs up and recommendation.

Available at Amazon

 


HER GUARDED HEART by Dawn Baca

East meets West and sparks fly.

This is a well-written contemporary romance that meets and exceeds expectations. The settings and descriptions invite you into the story. The protagonists are lovable and the antagonist downright irritating. If that’s not enough, there’s conflict around every corner, leavened with generous dollops of humor and warmth.

Can an American girl and a Russian boy overcome difference and distance? You’ll have to read it and find out.

Available at Amazon

 


LIARS AND THIEVES by D. Wallace Peach

An elf, a changeling and a goblin unite to save their worlds.

Sworn enemies discover that maybe their adversaries aren’t as bad as they have been taught and maybe their own cultures aren’t as perfect as they’ve been led to believe.

This was a fascinating story that was intricately written. The world building is second to none and the characters well-developed. The longer I read, the more I was drawn in. There are surprises that add an extra layer to the story-line and the characters. I enjoyed the read so much I purchased the second in the series.

Available at Amazon

 


ALLIES AND SPIES by D. Wallace Peach

The adventures continue.

The unlikely alliance of an elf, goblin and changeling—normally enemies—continue on their quest for truth in the second installment of The Veil. Even while distrusting each other their bond grows stronger.

This book is every bit as good as the first. I can’t wait to see how the author wraps up this series.

Available at Amazon

 

 

 

 

 

TRAD

THE SILENT CORNER, THE WHISPERING ROOM,  Jane Hawk Novels by Dean Koontz

This series is about a woman who sets out to find why her husband commits suicide and winds up taking on a conspiracy so dark and vast her chances of survival are minimal. This is a well-written series that held my attention. There are several books in the series, but I only got through two. I’m going to need a few reads that are more upbeat before I dive back into the dark.

 


 

 

45 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

All writers are risk takers. Each and every time they release their work to the world they are opening themselves up to criticism. Some justified, some emphatically not.
And I am grateful for their courage.

Valerie-Jael said...

Lots of books that sound good. I can't imagine a life without books! Hugs, Valerie

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Does that mean you invented a new genre?

nashvillecats2 said...

Excellent post Sandra, loved the book reviews and that last pic is a classic.....Thanks.
Yvonne.

Natalie Aguirre said...

I like that you mash up two genres. It makes the romance so much more interesting (at least for me) when it's combined with another genre.

Sandra Cox said...

Innit the truth. We thank you, EC.

Jeanie said...

You're right -- time with books and cats is never wasted. I really need to begin writing more, besides the blog. After I finished my book (well, mostly finished -- still have to add some corrections and edit again) I pooped out!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Dual genres are better.

I love the cats and books sign.

Sandra Cox said...

It would definitely be a stark world without books, wouldn't it, Val?

Nancy Gideon said...

Oooh! Thanks for bringing up Dean Koontz's series. I loved the first book then the 2nd got lost on my TBR pile. Plan for this afternoon - start digging! Books and Cats! YES!

Sandra Cox said...

The last picture looks right up your alley, Yvonne, books and cats:)

Sandra Cox said...

Hmm, invented a new genre....I like it!

Christine said...

Thanks for sharing!

R's Rue said...

Thank you

Computer Tutor said...

A paranormal modern western romance--and you made it not risky at all, Sandra. I'm still waiting for the sequel.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Sandra - love the time spent with books and cats ... is most definitely never wasted ... so so true. Risk taker - we're here ... I'm not sure I could write a book ... but I'm happy doing a few shorts and the blog - keeps me out of mischief - otherwise a romance might creep in - very dangerous!! Cheers Hilary

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Although I'm not a writer of books, I take pride i writing on my blog. My problem is I vacillate back and forth between third person and first person. Sometimes I do it in the same post. I admire your courage as a writer. I think that's why you get such good reviews, too, dear.

cleemckenzie said...

I'm not a romance reader, but I do love a good western. If there's a love story included, I'm fine with that, too, but I want some horses and open spaces in those westerns. Keep going, Sandra.

anny cook said...

Hello, Sandra.
Still writing...though it's a slow go with a bad year. Tried to find you on FB, but no go. So sorry I lost touch with you. As for writing, well, there are always other things we need to do, aren't there?

Chrys Fey said...

Romance doesn't have to stifle the story line or the action. It can be a good blend of both (all). Western romantic-suspense? Maybe? Id that a thing? lol I'd read it! ;) But I do adore stories with romantic elements that are secondary. <3

Sandra Cox said...

Oh, Anny. What a wonderful surprise. I'm on twitter, but don't do FB. Heading over to your place now.

Sandra Cox said...

I'm with ya, Chrys. Completely agree:)

Sandra Cox said...

Oh yeah. I'd forgot about Mateo:) Heh.
Thank you. I really appreciate that.
AND I've started it....barely:)

Sandra Cox said...

Books and cats, a purrfect combo:)
I love your posts. They're always so interesting and full of information.
Take special care.

Sandra Cox said...

Mash up genres. I like it!

Sandra Cox said...

Definitely not wasted.
What book are you working on? Is this your art journal?

Sandra Cox said...

Agreed:)
It's definitely a sign for cat and book lovers, isn't it, Di?

Lee said...

The cat on that poster looks just like my Remy! :)

Birgit said...

You are getting through quite a few books. I like to think I am adventurous but ..no...I am not a risk taker. Heck I am one who very slowly walks into the water and hate it when my friend would splash me. Love the cat on the books...very cute.

Sandra Cox said...

Your posts are wonderful no matter what person you right them in.

Sandra Cox said...

Heh. You are so funny:)

Sandra Cox said...

Hope you enjoy it, Nancy. I've tried a couple of times to read the third book but gave up. Just too much misery. The HH loved the series and said it ends well. Let me know what you think.

Sandra Cox said...

Awww. Sweet Remy.

Pat Hatt said...

No one wants to be stifled haha do you and screw the rest.

J.P. Alexander said...

Cuando escribo si trato de correr riesgos pero a veces lo pienso mucho y no lo hago. Lo que si trato es de poner mi forma de pensar. Buena entrada

Sandra Cox said...

My pleasure:)

J.Q. Rose said...

Wow what a wonderful diversity of genres in your list. Whatever you do when you write your Westerns is done right for me. I love'em, pahdner. Love the cat graphic and quote. So true!!!

Sandra Cox said...

My pleasure, Rue:)

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Lee. And yes, horses and open spaces are a must:)

Sandra Cox said...

There ya go:)

Sandra Cox said...

I like that:)
Hugs,

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Cuz! :) You make me smile, pahdner;)
Take special care.

Magic Love Crow said...

I like how that person described your writing! Thanks for the reviews! Great post! Big Hugs!

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks so much, bud:)
Big hugs received and returned. They took the breath right out of me:)

Sandra Cox said...

PS And you are most welcome for the reviews. Lots of great authors out there. So many books. So little time:)