Wednesday, August 4, 2021

IWSG Wednesday

 


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

This month’s co-hosts: 

Cathrina Constantine http://cathrinaconstantine.blogspot.com

PK Hrezo  http://www.pkhrezo.com/blog 

PJ Colando  http://www.pjcolando.com/    

Kim Lajevardi  http://kimlajevardi.com/ 

Sandra Cox  http://sandracox.blogspot.com/ 

 

August 4 question

What is your favorite writing craft book? Think of a book that every time you read it you learn something or you are inspired to write or try the new technique. And why? 

 

Mary Buckham’s WRITING ACTIVE HOOKS (Books 1 and 2) and WRITING ACTIVE SETTINGS (Books 1,2 and 3) 

HOOKS available at Amazon

SETTINGS available at Amazon

 

 

I found these books to be extremely helpful and feel they really bumped up my writing game. In her active settings Buckham talks about description, conflict, emotion, backstory and anchoring the setting. In her hooks she talks about dialogue, foreshadowing and where to use hooks.  I highly recommend these series and now that I think about it, I’m going to have to go back and reread them. I’ll be interested to see everyone else’s recommendations.

 

July and August reviews in no particular order.

* Disclaimer. If I run into an occasional typo, I ignore them and don't factor them into my review.


TALES FROM THE GARDEN by Sally Cronin

More charming shorts from author Sally Cronin.

These stories take place in a mysterious garden where fairies rule and stone statues come to life. Two of several delightful stories are about a pregnant doe in danger and a boy running away from abusive parents who saves a goose from certain demise. Both the doe, and the boy and his goose, find sanctuary in the enchanted garden.  These are among the magical stories the author shares with us.  The captivating tales will appeal to young and old alike. So, grab your iced tea and find a comfortable seat in your own magical garden and settle in to read these wonderful stories.

Available at Amazon

 

 


TITANIUM BLUE by Sherri Lupton Hollister

This is the third in the Leeward Files. The story of Jenna and Tar, and their journey to restore their marriage while protecting their young son from the evils that lurk in Leeward. The story has plenty of steam, drama, and characters that draw the reader in. Friendships rule in this well told tale.

Available at Amazon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


DOG WALK OF THE APOCALYPSE, a short story by Alexander Pain

Alexander Pain has built a small insulated world called Chattahoochee Run that is fighting the zombie apocalypse. This short is another story of an inhabitant of the complex and he and his dog’s encounter with a zombie. I’m not a zombie fan, but I love everything I’ve read by this author. He has a wry sense of humor that shines through his stories. It’s not so much about the genre as it is about a well told tale and Pain delivers.

Available at Amazon

 

 

 

 

 


LAWS OF NATURE by Jacqui Murray

Once again Jacqui Murray creates an epic prehistoric adventure.

Murray’s novels are always filled with a plethora of facts about prehistoric man. What they ate. How they hunted. How they communicated. And how they survived. I can’t begin to fathom the amount of time that goes into researching the worlds she creates. What strikes me the most about her stories is how people—and animals—from different cultures learn to live together. Come together. And form a pack. It’s a wonderful lesson in today’s tempestuous times.  

This particular series is about Lucy. A Homo habilis female who takes her place among the men to step up and lead her pack. She does so with both strength and gentleness and earns the respect and loyalty from everyone that follows her.

If you happen to be looking for a book that reaches into the past, has a strong, fearless female, this series is for you. So grab your coffee, put your feet up and prepare to enjoy.

Available at Amazon

 

Read any good books lately? Got a favorite writing craft book?

 

 

 

 

128 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

Thank you for the reviews and for the books which inspire you.

Valerie-Jael said...

Thanks for the good book reviews, the first and last books today are my faves. I always have at least 2 books on the go, one fiction and one non-fiction. Have a great day, hugs, Valerie

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Sandra - great ideas ... lots of reading improves the learning process, let alone educating us about the world. I'm now reading about Greenland in the 1800-1900s ... cheers Hilary

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I find these ideas fascinating and think I may need to learn more if I ever decide to write a book. I know about a hook in music, but never considered it in storytelling. Fascinating read.

LOVE Jacqui's book!!!!

Natalie Aguirre said...

That's great that you found an author who wrote a series of craft books that have helped you. I'm glad you enjoyed Jacqui's book so much.

Erika Beebe said...

All these books sounds great, especially Jacqui's. Happy IWSG Day.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Buckman's books are going on my list.
Thanks for co-hosting today!

Luciana Cavallaro said...

Buckman's books sound good. I am a big fan of Jacqui's books.

Sonia Dogra said...

Thank you for hosting today and the recommendations too.

Steph W. said...

Thanks for the recommendations!

Jill Weatherholt said...

Thanks for the recommendations, Sandra. I loved Jacqui’s book!

Christine said...

Thanks for that book recommendation it sounds like very practical advice for the writer.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

You'll probably find a bunch more tidbits when you reread those books.

Christine said...

Well 5 books really sounds like something to add to my collection. Not that I write much.

Mae Clair said...

Hi, Sandra
Thanks for sharing your reviews. I have a few of these on my TBR list!

kjmckendry said...

First of all, thanks for hosting this month! I will have to check out those writing books, thanks for sharing!

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Thanks for co-hosting, Sandra. And for the list of books I can check out. Happy IWSG Wednesday.

Ronel Janse van Vuuren said...

Excellent recommendations! I've added them to my TBR.

Ronel visiting for IWSG day Being Busy vs Being Productive

Toi Thomas said...

Thanks for co-hosting this month and for the book recommendation. I also enjoyed your book reviews. Will be adding to my TBR!

Computer Tutor said...

I am in such good company, Sandra! You are a star. "Dog Walk of the Apocalypse"? Who could not read that books.

Jemima Pett said...

I really must read Tales from the Garden - it is right up my street :)

Thanks for co-hosting today!

Pat Garcia said...

Hi,
I have not read any of her books but have just purchased two of them from Amazon. Thanks for recommending her Craft books, and thank you for co-hostimg.

Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange

Loni Townsend said...

I haven't heard of Mary Buckham's books before. I'll have to check them out. Thanks for co-hosting!

cleemckenzie said...

Great choice of go-to writing books, Sandra. Thanks for co-hosting today and for sharing that line-up of book recommendations!

Birgit said...

What a great way to showcase writers from your circle. I really like the garden one which appeals to me. I have always been influenced when I reread the Diary of Anne Frank and To Kill a Mockingbird. I love the bios from Barry Paris on Greta Garbo and Louise Brooks. He has investigated everything thoroughly and keeps you captivated.

Computer Tutor said...

Grin

Computer Tutor said...

Sighing with happiness

Computer Tutor said...

Yay! On this otherwise difficult Wednesday, you are a bright light, Erika!

Computer Tutor said...

Do you hear me applauding you? It's pretty loud.

Computer Tutor said...

Happy dance going on over here. Woot!

Samantha Bryant said...

Interesting! I'll have to check out those books. @samanthabwriter from
Balancing Act

Michelle Wallace said...

Thank you for co-hosting the IWSG bloghop today!
I've never heard of WRITING ACTIVE HOOKS. They sound intriguing.

Chrys Fey said...

Both of those writing craft books are new to me. Thanks for the recommendation!

talklady said...

Thanks for co-hosting - isn't it great duty!

Thanks for reminding everyone of Lisa Cron's book - the best!

Fundy Blue said...

Thanks for the craft book recommendations, Sandra. Happy co-hosting today!

Sandra Cox said...

Both good choices.
I do the same, Val:) I'm trying to get through bios on the Presidents. I'm on Jefferson. Ha ha. Yes I have a long way to go.
And the first and last are great pics;)

Kate Larkindale said...

Thanks for the book tips!

Olga Godim said...

Your book reviews are inspiring. Thanks for co-hosting this month.

robbiesinspiration said...

Lovely reviews, Sandra. I loved TAles from the Garden and have Jacqui's book on my TBR.

chickangell said...

Had not heard of these before. Will definitely have to check them out. Thanks!

Jemi Fraser said...

I don't know those craft ones. Thanks for the tip!

Karen Lynn said...

I'm knee deep in three books, right now! But Discovery of Witches is the one that I'm most enthusiastic to recommend.

ashok said...

Great blog..happy to visit

Sherry Ellis said...

I read the Man Who Moved a Mountain by Richard C. Davids. That is an excellent book about a preacher who tamed a lot of mountain men.

Thanks for sharing your writing craft books.

Adrienne Reiter said...

I'll have to check those books out. My favorite is How I Write - The Secret Lives of Authors, edited by Dan Crowe. Thank you for co-hosting!

Sandra Cox said...

Hey, Hils. You can't read too much, can you?
I'll look forward to learning about Greenland on one of your future blog posts.
Cheers,

Sandra Cox said...

I'd forgotten about music hooks:)
Jacqui's book is wonderful isn't it?

Computer Tutor said...

I'll have to look for the Man Who Moved a Mountain. The thought of taming mountain men makes me giggle!

Hot guys said...

Think the book cover with the dog on it is my fave 🧡

Sandra Cox said...

Jacqui's writing never disappoints. She's definitely found her niche.

Sandra Cox said...

Jacqui's book is a great read, isn't it, Erika. And yes. All of these stories are wonderful:)

Diane Burton said...

Thanks for cohosting this month and thanks for sharing your craft books.

Sandra Cox said...

Doesn't that dog have the sweetest face?

D.L. Finn said...

Great reviews! I have Sally's book on my TBR list. I will have to bump it up. I loved Laws of Nature and found I had to add the Dog/Zombie book to my list. I also added Hooks and Settings. Thanks for all the great suggestions. xo

Computer Tutor said...

Glad you loved it, Denise!

Sandra Cox said...

I found them extremely helpful. Hope you do too;)
Hosting is entirely my pleasure. Thanks for the opportunity and for all you do for the rest of us.

Sadira Stone said...

Thanks for the book recommendations! I've heard good things about these. I wish you happy writing in August.

Sally Cronin said...

Thanks Valerie.. delighted you enjoyed the cover.. I enjoyed writing the stories..

Sally Cronin said...

I hope you enjoy Jemima.. I had fun writing it..

Sally Cronin said...

Glad the Tales from the Garden appealed Birgit.. one of my favourites.

Sally Cronin said...

Thanks Denise.. lovely review from Sandra..x

Sally Cronin said...

Thanks very much Sandra for sharing your review for Tales from the Garden here too... so pleased you enjoyed.. hugs

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the recommendation. Mary Buckman is new to me.

Looking forward to Jacqui's new book! Thanks for co-hosting today!

PK HREZO said...

Oh these are all new to me! Awesome. Thanks for sharing! :)

Sandra Cox said...

Good to know. Thanks for sharing, Sherry:)

Sandra Cox said...

Hi Luciana:)
They are good and I'm a fan of Jacqui's too:)

Sandra Cox said...

My pleasure. Thanks for stopping by, Sonia;)

Sandra Cox said...

You bet. Thanks for stopping by, Steph.

Sandra Cox said...

I loved it too, Jill:) Thanks for stopping by.

Rebecca M. Douglass said...

I didn’t know about those writing books— adding them to the list :)

Jeanie said...

Books on the craft of writing -- I know I've read some. I have no idea way back when!

Computer Tutor said...

Thanks, Lee! There are killings in the book but my folks didn't understand the meaning of 'murder'. That does arrive in the next trilogy, though.

Melissa said...

I thought I had a lot of craft books. Now I'm seeing there are way more out there I have never heard of.
Thanks for co-hosting.

S.E. White Books said...

Fun! I love quick reviews. And thank you for co-hosting this month!

J.P. Alexander said...

Suerte con los libros y aunque leer libros sobre escribir ayuda. También lo hace escribir uno debe seguir siempre escribiendo. Te mando un beso

J Lenni Dorner said...

TALES FROM THE GARDEN has a really cool cover! Great post. Thanks for co-hosting this month.

nashvillecats2 said...

Hi Sandra thought I would look up friends today, I'm still having problems with Blogger....... I can't write a new post myself.
Hope you are well and happy, Take care and keep safe.
Yvonne.

Lynn La Vita said...

Thank you for introducing me to Hooks and Settings. They sound like excellent craft writing books.
Thank you for co-hosting our August IWSG blog hop.

Nancy Gideon said...

Thanks for co-hosting this month, Sandra, and for the book suggestions. Always on the hunt for that next great read!

Sandra Cox said...

Hey Christine,
I found both series very helpful. Hope you do too:)

Sandra Cox said...

No doubt:)

Sandra Cox said...

Hey Mae, How are you? How's Raven?
You've got some great reads to look forward to:)

Sandra Cox said...

You bet. Thanks for stopping by:)

Chemist Ken said...

I have some of Mary's books, but not all of them. Maybe I'll go back and get the rest. Thanks for co-hosting this month!

Sandra Cox said...

You bet, Joylene. Thanks for stopping by.

Sandra Cox said...

Hey Ronel, Thanks for stopping by. Those TBR lists get longer and longer don't they?

Sandra Cox said...

Great. Thanks for stopping by, Samantha.

Sandra Cox said...

We've missed you, Yvonne.
The light is always on:)

Sandra Cox said...

My pleasure, Toi.
Always glad to add to the TBR pile:)
Thanks so much for stopping by.

diedre Knight said...

Thanks for the recommendations. We can never have too many useful resources ;-) I enjoyed the reviews, nice way to showcase.
Thanks for co-hosting!

Sandra Cox said...

Why thank you, Jacqui:) But you, Sally, Alex and Sherri are the stars:)

Sandra Cox said...

Enjoy, Jemima. There's lots of good stories in it.
Thanks for stopping by.

Sandra Cox said...

Good on you, Jeanie:)

Sandra Cox said...

You bet:)
Jacqui's book was great wasn't it? And you're in for a treat with Sally's and Alex's.
xoxoxo

Victoria Marie Lees said...

I'll need to check out Mary's book, Sandra. The reviews are great. I'll have to check out these titles, too. Thanks for co-hosting this month's question. All best to you!

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks for stopping by, Michelle.
If you try the series, I hope you find it helpful;)

Sandra Cox said...

You bet.
Thanks for stopping by, Louise.

Sandra Cox said...

My pleasure, Pat. Hope you find them helpful. Thanks for stopping by.

Sandra Cox said...

My pleasure.
Thanks for stopping by, Kate.

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks so much, Olga. I appreciate that.
AND thanks for stopping by:)

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Robbie. Both books are excellent:) Wishing you good reading. Thanks for stopping by:)

Sandra Cox said...

Hope you find them helpful. Thanks for stopping by.

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, J.P.
Hugs,

Sandra Cox said...

You bet, Jemi:)

Kalpana said...

Hi Sandra - your books look fascinating. I want to read Tales from the Garden first.
Thanks for the recommendation of Writing Active Hooks - should be useful.
Thank you also for co-hosting the IWSG this month.

Sandra Cox said...

You bet. Thanks for stopping by, Loni.

Sandra Cox said...

I've been intrigued by that one. It's on my TBR list.
Thanks for stopping by, Karen.

Sandra Cox said...

I appreciate you stopping by:)

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks for that suggestion, Adrienne, AND for stopping by.

Liesbet said...

I enjoy reading your reviews here, Sandra, and always recognize a couple of names. I'm so glad you liked Jacqui's book - she is an amazing author and human being with fascinating stories to tell. I can't wait to dig in one of these months. I wish I had more time to read, though, and envy your book collection and commitment. :-)

Not sure the cover of DOG WALK OF THE APOCALYPSE fits its genre...

Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for co-hosting this month!

Sandra Cox said...

You bet:) Thanks for stopping by, Diane.

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks Sadira, I'll take all the happy writing wishes I can get:)
Glad the word is getting out about these great stories.

Sandra Cox said...

Hi, Liesbet:)
I'm glad you enjoyed the reviews, Liesbet. So many great stories. So little time.
Jacqui is an amazing author, isn't she?
Thanks so much for stopping by. Take special care.

Emma L Gill said...

I’ve not heard of Mary Buckham’s books - thank you for the recommendation! And for co-hosting! :)

Sandra Cox said...

My pleasure, Sally. Like all your stories, it was wonderfully written.

Sandra Cox said...

Entirely my pleasure, Lee. Thanks for stopping by.

Sandra Cox said...

Entirely my pleasure, PK:)

Sandra Cox said...

Hi Rebecca. Hope you find them as helpful as I did:)

Sandra Cox said...

There's a plethora of them for sure;)
My pleasure. Thanks for stopping by, Melissa.

Sandra Cox said...

Me too, S.E.
Thanks for stopping by.

Liza said...

Thank you for co-hosting this month. I'm developing an amazing list of books on craft. Just added your recommendations!

Sandra Cox said...

It is a great cover isn't it?
You're most welcome. Thanks for stopping by:)

Sandra Cox said...

I hope they're as helpful for you as they were for me, Lynn.
Thanks for stopping by.

Sandra Cox said...

There's definitely some good ones, Nancy. Thanks for stopping by.

Sandra Cox said...

Isn't she great?
You're most welcome. Thanks for stopping by, Ken.

Sandra Cox said...

Innit the truth about useful resources:)
Thanks for the kind words and for stopping by, Diedre.

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks for sharing the bios, Birgit.
Glad Garden piqued your interest.

Magic Love Crow said...

Thanks for the books and the reviews Sandra! Big Hugs!