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?