IWSG Wednesday and Did You Know Thursday

 

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.

 

SQUIRRELS: Protect Your Nuts by Sylvia Kay Rose

 

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 

 

EYE OF BLIND by D. Wallace Peach

This is the 3^rd 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

 

 

IWSG and Did You Know

 

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 

The awesome co-hosts for the April 2 posting of the IWSG are Jennifer Lane, L Diane Wolfe, Jenni Enzor, and Natalie Aguirre!

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 2 question - What fantasy character would you like to fight, go on a quest with, or have a beer/glass of wine with?

 

I'm not picky. Either Thor or Iron Man would work for me. ;)

 

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.

 

DEATH IN THE ABSENCE OF RAIN by Caleb Pirtle III

The fifth book in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles

This story centers on Graham Huston, the owner of the local newspaper, who has a ghostly visitant while fighting his own ghosts/demons from his past.

The tale is well-written and told in a mystical poetic voice. It will definitely appeal to the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicle followers.

Can be read as a standalone.

Available at Amazon

 

 

 

BORN AND BRED TEXAN by Jinx Schwartz

This is the ninth book in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles Series

So far, I haven’t read a book in the series I haven’t enjoyed and Ms. Schwartz’s offering is no exception. Her main character, Blue, is a feisty widow returning to her home in Magnolia Bluff, hoping to heal from the loss of her husband. She gets more than she bargains for when a dead body is found on her property, followed by several sets of human remains.

Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries, feisty heroines, and story lines with plenty of humor running through them. 

This book can be read as a standalone. 

Available at Amazon

 

SUNFLOWER TANKA by Colleen Chesebro and Robbie Cheadle

Authors from around the world have offered their renderings of ‘into the light’ using the symbolic sunflower. There was much talent and many different takes. Here are just a few lines that caught my eye:

‘into the light, she emerged

ready for her second chance’ ~ Yvette Calleiro

‘how fast time passes

youngsters—now teens or adults

elders, no longer sprightly’  ~  Robbie Cheadle

‘silent guardian

owl—a speedy feathered wraith’ ~ Colleen Chesebro

‘winter rain sputters

bruised clouds surrender the sky

a spring dawn beckons’   ~ D. Wallace Peach

‘whispers of sunlight

awaken sleeping autumn’ ~  Gwen M. Plano

There is much, much more to read. A treasure for poetry lovers who enjoy beautiful wordage.

Available at Amazon 

 

AND

 

Good bud, author D. L. Finn,  is hosting Reuben and me at her place. Denise is a multi-talented author whose writings include middle-grade stories, paranormal reads, inspiring poetry and lately she's opened a Gratitude store where she has many lovely items that display both her photography and her poetry. If you're in the vicinity, please stop by and join us.

 

Available at Amazon

 AND

Did you know, Oscar Wilde  went to prison and did hard labor because of his sexual proclivities?

For more information: 24 Crazy Author Facts You Need to Know — On Book Street