Wednesday, February 1, 2023

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.

Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post. And please be sure your avatar links back to your blog! Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.   


The awesome co-hosts for the February 1 posting of the IWSG are Jacqui Murray, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Pat Garcia, and Gwen Gardner!

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Remember, the question is optional!

February 1 question - If you are an Indie author, do you make your own covers or purchase them? If you publish trad, how much input do you have about what goes on your cover?

 

I have my covers done by the awesome folks at pixelstudio. Their prices are very reasonable, they do a great job and they’re easy to work with. I did my first…and probably my last cover, heh…on Return to Silverhills (coming in March).Oh, and if anyone can help me get the word out please shoot me an email or mention it in the contact form on the right. Thanks!

 

December, January, February Reviews in no particular order.

Occasional typos do not factor into my reviews.

 

IN DARKNESS: THE VAMPIRE by L. Diane Wolfe will be released February 7

Anna, a young woman who works as a drudge in a tavern, meets a group of strangers one night and overhears them talking about finding Zancrela, a magical place she’s always wanted to visit so she offers to guide them. An offer that’s accepted but with a caveat of dire consequences if she fails: her life. Not too long after the trek begins, she discovers she’s traveling with a band of vampires and most of them consider her nothing more than a food source.  Danger becomes her constant companion as the chances of her survival lessen.

Ms. Wolfe has created an interesting storyline with well-developed characters. The tale flowed smoothly and held my interest with plenty of action/adventure and just enough romance to keep me reading. Thumbs up to the author for this entertaining story.

Available at Amazon

 

VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE: A Blend of Poetry and Prose by Sally Cronin

Once again Ms. Cronin has created a delightful read. So many wonders and rich diversity. There’s something for everyone. Nature and the paranormal can be found in many of her offerings. The poetry is beautiful. The short stories outstanding. I would have a hard time narrowing down a favorite but if I did it would be one of the following: Miss Lloyd’s Robin, The Neighborhood Watch or The Green Hill. If you enjoy poetry, short stories or just escapism reading, you’re sure to like Ms. Cronin’s latest. So, grab your cocoa or beverage of choice, put your feet up and enjoy.

Available at Amazon

 

 

 

 

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU by Julie Lence

All Camille Prescott wants for Christmas is to get married. Not to any ole cowboy mind you, but one with money. But like most Christmas wishes, things go awry and she finds that maybe who she is wishing for isn’t who she wants after all.

A fun read for the season, grounded in the historical lifestyle of the old West, and filled with romantic tension and cowboy action.

Available at Amazon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRADS

THE LAST FOUNDING FATHER * JAMES MONROE AND A NATION’S CALL TO GREATNESS by Harlow Giles Unger

 

This is the first book I've read by this author. He did an amazing job of bringing history to life. Of the books I've read on the United States Presidents, I'd rate Monroe's story as one of the best.

Available at Amazon

 

DARK MATTER by  Blake Crouch

Well written but creepy. Very, very creepy.

Available at Amazon 

 

So what have you been reading? Or writing:)


 

26 comments:

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

You always try to tempt me with great books. I'm off to check out several of these, Sandra.

Elephant's Child said...

I love your support of others, whether they are writers or not. Thank you for being you.

Deniz Bevan said...

Congratulations to the authors with new releases!

Natalie Aguirre said...

Congrats on your upcoming release. Email me if you want me to shout out about your book in my Follower News. natalieiaguirre7@gmail.com

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I'm so happy you enjoyed the story. And I'd be happy to help with your next release.

Ronel Janse van Vuuren said...

Good luck with the new release! I've sent you an email :-)

Looks like you read quite a variety.

Ronel visiting for IWSG day Strategies to Be a Successful Author

Jeanie said...

When I finally get my family history book printed, I will do the cover. It will probably be photos, though if I was a better artist, I might try a painting. I love some of the covers you shared here.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I'll help you!
Good review for Diane's next book.

Donna said...

This is a great place to find wonderful authors!
Thanks Sandra!
hugs
Donna

Sally Cronin said...

Thanks very much for sharing your review for Variety Sandra... always delighted to receive your feedback ♥

Valerie-Jael said...

I am a non stop reader, and good history books are always my fave! Hugs, Valerie

D.L. Finn said...

Great reviews,Sandra :) I loved Sally's and found another one to add to my list. As for covers, recently I have started doing my own. I'm enjoying it but have a lot to learn still. Xo

Computer Tutor said...

Good reviews, as always, Sandra. If your cover designer made covers for Keeper Tyree and Mateo--don't ever lose him. Those are inspired.

cleemckenzie said...

Great job of giving shout outs! You're the best, Sandra.

Christine said...

Thanks for sharing.

Sandra Cox said...

Yay on checking out the books, Elizabeth.
Thank you and right back at ya, EC.
Deniz, Thanks for author well wishes.
That's great, Jeanie.

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Natalie. I'll be in touch.
Di, Loved your story. Thank you. I'll be in touch.
Back at ya, Ronel. You have a new one out or coming out, correct? Thanks so much for the offer, I'll be in touch.
Thanks, Alex. I'll be in touch.
They definitely are wonderful, Donna. Hugs

Adam said...

Currently working on a work in progress

Truedessa said...

Sandra, Congratulations on another upcoming book. I don't know how you do it!

Fundy Blue said...

I've always liked your covers, Sandra. The cover on "Geller's Find" really draws you in. I loveMonument Valley, so this is on my To Be Read list! Have a great day!

J.P. Alexander said...

Suerte a las escritoras te mando un beso.

Birgit said...

That first book put me on edge right away! I mean that in the best way. Your nook covers always looks good. I'd want help but I would Wang to be part of the cover's look.

Sandra Cox said...

I loved it, Sally:)
Val, You can't read too many books, that's for sure. And you learn so much by reading history, don't you? Hugs
Denise, Yes, Sally's was definitely a keeper, wasn't it. I LOVE your covers! Keep up the excellent work.xo
Thanks, Jacqui:) Glad you like the covers.
Lee, Right back at ya on shout-outs:)
Christine, You bet:)
Thanks, True;) It's probably going to be a long dry spell from here:)
Fundy, Yay! You just made my day:)

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, J.P. Hugs
Birgit, Vampire is a good one. Glad you like the covers and yes the author's feedback is a must on covers.

J.Q. Rose said...

Thanks for the reviews of the books. I love reading about the Presidents. I liked O'Reilly's books about Lincoln and Kennedy. I am re-reading the Mitford series books. I appreciate them so much more at this age rather than I read them 20 years ago.

Sandra Cox said...

Hey Cuz, Not familiar with the Mitford series. Unger really did a great job with Monroe. I'm now reading his bio of John Quincy Adams.
Thanks for stopping by:)