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.
Twitter handle: @TheIWSG
Hashtag: #IWSG
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
The awesome co-hosts for
April 1 posting of the IWSG are Melissa Maygrove, Cathrina Constantine, Kate Larkinsdale, and Rebecca Douglass!
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
April 1 question - If you have a playlist (or could put one together) that either gets you in the groove to write or fits with one of your books, what is it? What type of music or what songs?
March/April Reviews in no particular order.
* Disclaimer. If I run into an occasional typo, I ignore them and don't factor them into my review.
THE NOTORIOUS MARQUESS by Marlene Suson
I have mentioned this before, but whenever I need a break from my usual fare, i.e. thrillers, or just want something light and frothy, with quick-witted dialogue and a romance that doesn't overpower, I turn to the older Regency Romances. They both relax and entertain. THE NOTORIOUS MARQUESS fit the bill. I read this book years ago. Recently, I dragged it out, dusted it off and reread it. The plot is standard Regency. The daughter of an earl escapes her evil brother, who controls her fortune, and in disguise, signs up to work as a governess to the sister of a notorious marquess.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story and read it in one sitting.
Highly recommended for those who enjoy Regency romances from the Barbara Cartland era.
Romance writer Ellie Norris just wants to find a quiet place to write her next novel and maybe get away from her demanding fiancé while she’s at it. Unfortunately, she picks Harton’s Crossing, a small town that is about to become overrun by murderous, flesh-eating squirrels. Now she and Luke, the wildlife service agent must find out what has turned cute little fuzzy-tailed rodents into killing machines before the entire populace of Harton’s Crossing turns into squirrel fodder.
I loved this story. Comedy/horror—with a smidge of romance—at its best. The evil is pure and the good is heartwarming. While the protagonists are moral but slightly flawed, the villains have no redeeming qualities and get their comeuppance in a fitting manner.
The lines are classic and if you write you can relate with this one: “I can’t write right now. I’m going insane.”
“That’s not an unusual state for writers,” she shrugged.
I highly recommend SQUIRRELS, especially for folks who enjoy comedic horror or those who just want to kickback with a good read. Though beware, you may never look at squirrels quite the same again. 😊
Available at Amazon
This is the 3rd book in the Dragon Soul Quartet. In it, enemies must now unite to protect not only the dragons but villagers as well. My two favorites in this story were Archer and her nemesis Kearney. They carried the story for me😊 Along, of course, with the author’s prose: “Supple webbing spread fans of water-colored silk, mottled like a moth’s feathery wings.”
There are a lot of characters to keep track of, but luckily the author has included an index.
D. Wallace Peach fans will love the personalities that appear in this story, but more than that they will love the dragons😊
Available at Amazon
AND
Did you know, the author of Doctor Zhivago, Boris Pasternak, turned down the Nobel Prize for literature, for fear of retaliation on him and his family by the Soviet government?
For more information: 150 Interesting Facts About Our Favorite Authors [Infographic]
Thanks for stopping by.
Sandra
40 comments:
Yikes, that squirrel on the cover looks scary. I didn't know that about the author of Doctor Zhivago.
I did not know about the author of Doctor Zhivago.
Squirrels looks like lots of fun. Interesting factoid today.
Oh that's so sad about Pasternak! No, I didn't know...
hugs
Donna
Flesh eating squirrels? Now that's original.
Shame the author had to turn down the Nobel.
I love regency romances. Thanks for the recommendation! Sometimes I just need something light and fun too. I mean, who doesn't? Life gets heavy, eh?
Thanks for sharing-Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com
Wow! Didn't know that about Pasternak and know Lara's theme is running through my head! Thanks for the earworm. 😂
The cover and title of the squirrel book made me laugh.
I talked about fun facts today too ;-) I don't usually read books like the Squirrels (says a fan of Stephen King) but it looks interesting.
Have a fabulous April!
That's a good question -- no playlist here!
Gracias por la reseñas. Te mando un beso.
You are most welcome. Sending you hugs
I didn't know that about the author of Doctor Zhivago.
All the best Jan
Natalie, LOL. Yes, he does:) His son received it for him several years later.
The Soviet Union was a very scary place once.
I'm not sure flesh eating squirrels do it for me, but each to their own... I did know that about Pasternak, but I did minor in Russian Literature in college.
Jamie, That would have been a tough one, wouldn't it?
I had to go get the squirrel book! Great reviews, and you remind I have to grt back to Diana's series :) As for music it used to be Mozart to kick start my writing brain. Xo
The squirrels books sounds hilarious! I've added it to my TBR. Thanks for the recommendation!
Ronel visiting for IWSG day Find Your Unicorn Space
Oh those murderous squirrels! I can see a film being made about this. Whenever I am doing something creative, I listen to classical, soundtracks from films, jazzy songs etc from the likes of Ella, Louis, Judy, Doris etc…
I did know this about Pasternak because I have read bout his life and watched a documentary about him. A movie could be done about his life. Dr. Zhivago is similar to his life. He did have. Mistress whom he loved and she loved him, but, because of his views on that regime, he was often taken to the gulags. The love letters he wrote to her were confiscated. When he died, she repeatedly begged for these love letters. Communist government would send her to Siberia and, she died without ever having the love letters he wrote to her. Talk about vindictive.
Like several others, the squirrel piqued my interest. And I find it sad about Pasternak and his fear of his government. A bit like fearing tRump today.
Good grief. At 7:26 a.m. Wed., I got a "Failed to Publish." See what I mean about tRump? Bad things happen when people oppose him.
Hi Nick, Squirrels is a fun, well written read:) Glad you liked the factoid.
It is sad for sure, Donna. Hugs received and returned.
Hi Alex, Yes:) and Yes:(
Crystal, Innit the truth. Happy Easter:)
My pleasure, Christine:)
CJ, Don't ya hate earworms?:)
It's great, isn't it, Linda?
Happy Easter.
Hi Diedre! Waving:) It's definitely an interesting read. Heading over to see your fun facts. And a fab April to you:)
Jeanie, None here either. Happy Easter.
Hi everybody, nice to see you! Sandra, what a great place you have here :)
Thank you so much Sandra for your review of Squirrels! I'm absolutely thrilled. Happy Easter to all
Jan your factoid for the week. Happy Easter.
That's for sure, Di.
Good on you, Kate. I imagine that was a fascinating course.
Denise, Sylvia will be thrilled:) And Diana too:) Mozart sounds like purrfect writing music:)
Excellent, Ronel. I know Sylvia will appreciate it.
Birgit, That is very sad about Pasternak and his mistress.
Hi Elizabeth, Squirrel is a fun read. And yes sad about Pasternak. Very woo woo about the failed to publish....
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