Category Archives: Author Spotlight
Exploring David Weber’s Honor Harrington Series
David Mark Weber is an American science fiction and fantasy author. He has written several science-fiction and fantasy book series, the best-known of which is the Honor Harrington science-fiction series.
David Weber’s writing style is highly technical, indicating that a mountain of research has gone into his books. I enjoy the technical qualities of his work because they are always spot on accurate regardless of the subject matter. You learn things while reading and only realize you’ve been enriched later.
I’ve recently started reading the book Flag in Exile which is a part of the Harrington series. The protagonist is a woman named Honor Harrington who is helped by her six-legged tree cat named Nimitz. I found it interesting that Nimitz, although looked at as Honor’s pet, is actually sentient, highly intelligent, and gives Honor a close look at the people she meets because of the cat’s high level of empathy.
Honor is the captain of a spaceship and hugely successful at her job. A tall woman who has never thought of herself as good looking, she keeps her hair short and is a bit awkward in social settings. Her misadventures are colorful while usually somewhat reckless, but always on the moral side of the compass.
If you’re a highly technical person, this is the book for you. On the other hand, if technical stories give you grief, you might want to look for another author. I have enjoyed every book by David Weber that I’ve read so far and would have no problem recommending each and every one of them.
I plan on finishing the series before moving on to another author.
Solitaire
Mutineers’ Moon – Book One in the Dahak Series by David Weber
Author David Weber says the genesis for this book began with a question. “Assume that earth doesn’t actually have a moon, but rather a giant starship disguised as our moon which has been there for at least fifty or sixty thousand years. Where did it come from, why did it come here, and why hasn’t it left?”
Weber says the answer to those questions built the foundation for this book and its sequels.
Imagine that an alien race came to earth fifty thousand years ago, had a civil war between two factions of their government and was beaten by their advanced AI ship, Dahak. This ship is also the celestial entity we call the moon and during their last battle for supremacy they find themselves stranded on earth with no way to regain access to Dahak.
The two factions of the crew keep themselves young by using cryo-sleep to maintain their lives. Fifty thousand years later they have influenced the earth to gain space flight to re-enter Dahak, although the human population has no knowledge of the moon’s real purpose.
During one of the first flights to the moon, a human is kidnapped by Dahak and convinced to help get the moon back in readiness for a journey to the alien’s home world.
Dahak also wants information about the original crew and whether all of them were part of the mutiny that caused their present dilemma. Another alien race has been spotted closing in on earth’s solar system and only Dahak’s original crew can stop them.
Dahak’s communications system is unable to contact their home world and that means no help is forthcoming to help save the earth.
The lead characters, Colin MacIntyre, Dahak, and what is left of the original crew will have to find a way to co-exist long enough to defeat an alien fleet with nothing more than a ship the size of a moon, and a handful of humans to supplement the crew.
I quite literally could not put this book down, and was excited to know there were two more installments beyond Mutineers’ Moon. If you’re looking for classic science fiction, Mutineers’ Moon is a great choice for your next read.
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The Sands of Mars by Arthur C. Clarke
Currently, I’m reading The Sands of Mars which was published in 1951, one year before I was born. Arthur C. Clarke qualifies, at least to me, as one of the founding fathers of present-day science fiction, present day being from the 1950’s through the 21st century.
This science fiction classic is the story of the first science fiction author invited on a trip to Mars. His published books about the red planet were released long before anyone had ever been there and revolve around not only how wrong he was about that world, but how much he came to love it.
The plot is rife with political intrigue, includes a thin line of young romance, and a true testimony of man’s fortitude and determination to succeed no matter how difficult the task may be. The Sands of Mars is a reminder that it’s not a matter of boldly going where nobody’s ever been, so much as learning from previous innovators about what we should do when we get there.
The book was written in a more innocent time and reflects the era’s differences when compared with today. However, his Odyssey books are as timeless today as they were when he wrote them. I would recommend his work to everyone, knowing more people will like it than not. I haven’t yet read all his books, but the man’s catalog is extensive. Oh, and don’t worry about which one to pick, as I haven’t found a bad one yet. I’m willing to bet you won’t either.
Other books by Arthur C. Clarke that I’ve read include:
The Fountains of Paradise
The Nine Billion Names of God
The City and the Stars
The Sentinel
Childhood’s End
Rendezvous with Rama
The Hammer of God
Earthlight
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Writing Tips from Well-known Authors
Writing success comes down to hard work, imagination, more hard work, passion – and then more hard work. Even if you are an absolutely fantastic writer who will be remembered for years to come, you will still most likely receive a good amount of criticism, rejection, and possibly ridicule before you get there. It happens to everyone, no matter whom they are, and should come as no real surprise. These writers, having been through it all, offer us some writing tips without pulling punches.
- I would advise anyone who aspires to a writing career that before developing his talent he would be wise to develop a thick hide. — Harper Lee
- A scrupulous writer, in every sentence that he writes, will ask himself at least four questions, thus: What am I trying to say? What words will express it? What image or idiom will make it clearer? Is this image fresh enough to have an effect? And he will probably ask himself two more: Could I put it more shortly? Have I said anything that is avoidably ugly?. — George Orwell
- Find a subject you care about and which you in your heart feel others should care about. It is this genuine caring, and not your games with language, which will be the most compelling and seductive element in your style. ― Kurt Vonnegut
- In the planning stage of a book, don’t plan the ending. It has to be earned by all that will go before it. — Rose Tremain
- You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking its good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it. That’s why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence. — Octavia Butler
- You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club. ― Jack London
- Introduce your main characters and themes in the first third of your novel. If you are writing a plot-driven genre novel make sure all your major themes/plot elements are introduced in the first third, which you can call the introduction. Develop your themes and characters in your second third, the development. Resolve your themes, mysteries and so on in the final third, the resolution. — Michael Moorcock
- Writing a book is a horrible, exhausting struggle, like a long bout with some painful illness. One would never undertake such a thing if one was not driven on by some demon that one can neither resist nor understand. — George Orwell
- There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are. ― W. Somerset Maugham
- If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time — or the tools — to write. Simple as that. – Stephen King
- The nearest I have to a rule is a Post-it on the wall in front of my desk saying ‘Faire et se taire’ (Flaubert), which I translate for myself as ‘Shut up and get on with it.’— Helen Simpson
- Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.– Anton Chekhov
- Remember: when people tell you something’s wrong or doesn’t work for them, they are almost always right. When they tell you exactly what they think is wrong and how to fix it, they are almost always wrong. – Neil Gaiman
- The main rule of writing is that if you do it with enough assurance and confidence, you’re allowed to do whatever you like. (That may be a rule for life as well as for writing. But it’s definitely true for writing.) So write your story as it needs to be written. Write it honestly, and tell it as best you can. I’m not sure that there are any other rules. Not ones that matter.— Neil Gaiman
- If writing seems hard, it’s because it is hard. It’s one of the hardest things people do. – William Zinsser
- Get through a draft as quickly as possible. Hard to know the shape of the thing until you have a draft. Literally, when I wrote the last page of my first draft of Lincoln’s Melancholy I thought, Oh, shit, now I get the shape of this. But I had wasted years, literally years, writing and re-writing the first third to first half. The old writer’s rule applies: Have the courage to write badly. – Joshua Wolf Shenk
- Substitute ‘damn’ every time you’re inclined to write ‘very;’ your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be. – Mark Twain
- The first draft of everything is shit. -Ernest Hemingway
- Start telling the stories that only you can tell, because there will always be better writers than you and there will always be smarter writers than you. There will always be people who are much better at doing this or doing that — but you are the only you. ― Neil Gaiman
- You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you. ― Ray Bradbury
- Don’t take anyone’s writing advice too seriously. – Lev Grossman
Even famous authors on occasion have a tough time, and often go through periods of self-doubt. So take a lesson from them and never give up. Don’t put off your writing plans. There has never been a better time than now to realize your dream of becoming a published author. Tell your story and let your voice be heard!
Solitaire
A Writer’s Secret Ingredient?
Perusing the web this week I discovered a guest post that I found to be particularly outstanding and possibly very helpful to other writers. It was a recent post from author and guru of all things writing and publishing, Jane Friedman. I regularly get her newsletter, Electric Speed, which contains a myriad of information for writers. (I highly recommend subscribing to it, by the way.) https://janefriedman.com/.
The post is about a secret ingredient that can keep readers riveted to your book down to the very last line, rather than lose interest and have it fall to the floor. The guest was C. S. Lakin, a writing coach, workshop instructor, blogger and award-winning author of 30+ books.
So, check out this post at the following link –
https://www.janefriedman.com/the-secret-ingredient-of-a-commercially-successful-novel/
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Forthcoming book – The Atrium
3rd Annual Smashwords July Summer/Winter Sale!
July 1, 2021 – July 31, 2021
Why is it called “Summer/Winter”? Here in the Northern hemisphere, it’s mid-summer. Readers are loading their e-reading devices for summer beach reading and long-awaited vacations. South of the equator they are now in the middle of winter. They’re ready to curl up in front of the fireplace and enjoy a great read too!
Hello to all the readers and authors out there! All my eBooks will be on sale for 50% off, so take advantage and stock up on plenty of books to read over the summer/winter. You will find every type of genre with books from terrific authors all over the world. It’s an opportunity to find exclusive discounts from your favorite indie authors and discover new future favorites. So, check it out at SMASHWORDS.COM.
I’m currently working on a new book called The Atrium and a possible cover reveal will be up on my website soon. In the meantime, I am continuing to do some Spring Cleaning on my digital content to make improvements and move forward into 2021. Can you believe it’s half over already? This year seems to be flying by. Enjoy your Summer!
See you soon!
Solitaire
Fantasy Writing Tips From “Game of Thrones” Author, George R.R. Martin!
“Game of Thrones” is back for the final season. Who hasn’t watched or at least heard of the TV show, “Game of Thrones?” The author, George R. R. Martin, has been writing Fantasy books for years before this series came out. I have been a fan of his for a long time. Since I write Science Fiction/ Urban Fantasy myself, I was curious what his thoughts were on the subject. This article on the site, Lifehacker.com, peaked my curiosity. Here are his top 10 writing tips for Fantasy:
- Don’t limit your imagination
- Choose your point-of-view characters to broaden the narrative’s scope
- It’s okay to borrow from history
- Talk to real people for a believable point of view
- Grief is a powerful tool but don’t overdo it
- Violence should have consequences _ so spare nothing
- Avoid fantasy clichés
- The world is full of “grey” characters to draw from
- Juggling lots of characters takes skill and luck
- All men must die, but we don’t have to give way to despair
To get the details of each of these tips, click on the link below and enjoy!
“The best fantasy is written in the language of dreams. It is alive as dreams are alive, more real than real … for a moment at least … that long magic moment before we wake.”
George R.R. Martin
If you have any tips that have been helpful to you, I’d love to hear about them! Have a great day!
Solitaire
Check out my Dragomeir Series and Prequel books at my website –
Where Do Writers Write?
I came across a very interesting site, The Next Best Book Blog, that not only gives you an idea of where writers come up with their creations, but shows pictures of these locations. (If you’re like me, you will love being able to visualize where the creativity originates.) It is a weekly series that features a different author every week. I have always loved books, and as an author I find it interesting to see where other writers are generating their masterpieces. So here’s the link – Enjoy!
http://thenextbestbookblog.blogspot.com/p/where-writers-write.html
Solitaire
P.S. Where do you write? I’d love to hear from you!
The Next Big Thing – Authors Tagging Authors!
The Next Big Thing – Authors Tagging Authors!
I am thrilled to take part in The Next Big Thing: Authors Tagging Authors! I was tagged by the fantastic Caron Rider and I’m excited to keep this going! So now I have to answer the questions below, tag a new set of 5 authors, then they answer, tag authors, etc. I’m answering questions about my Urban Fantasy novel, The Emerald Dragon, coming soon!
What is the working title of your book?
The Emerald Dragon, Book One of the Dragomeir Series
Where did the idea come from for the book?
It came from an incredibly vivid dream that I had. I thought that it was time for not only books about dragons, but to explain that dragons are actually smarter than we are and interact at the human level.
What genre does your book fall under?
Urban Fantasy
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Main character – Tanis: Viggo Mortenson
Queen Mother : Morena Baccarin
Demi – human form: Dakota Fanning
Basiliskos – human form: Ving Rhames
Invectum – human form: Chris Hemsworth
Dragons – in dragon form: Themselves
And for the authors I have tagged:
Eden Baylee, Author of Spring Into Summer
Kay Glass, Author of Just One Bite
Michelle Muto, Author of Don’t Fear the Reaper
Alex Laybourne, Author of Highway To Hell
J.A. Schneider, Author of Embryo
Many thanks to my friend and fellow Indie Author Caron Rider for tagging me! I hope you’ll keep it going…there are so many talented authors out there!
Author Spotlight – Kay Glass
Happy Friday everyone! Today’s visitor is one of my very good friends and I am extremely honored to have her here for Friday’s Author Spotlight! She is an incredibly genuine and supportive person that I am always pleased to work with. Kay is a very talented writer with an engaging and emotionally intense vampire series – the “Just One Bite” Series! She just recently released the third installment, “Taste Of Grief”! I highly recommend adding Kay’s series to your TBR list!
So, without further ado, here is the interview with Kay!
Name three interesting facts about yourself.
1- I often have at least 3 books that I’m reading at one time. One for the bedroom, one for the living room, and at least one on my Kindle!
2- I’m married to my high school sweetheart- we’re approaching 6 years of marriage in November. We couldn’t wait to get married, so we actually got married at the courthouse on Black Friday!
3- I’m only 5’2″, so I have to sit on cushions piled on the chair to reach my desk to type!
What do you do when you are not writing? Any hobbies?
Definitely! Spending time with my family is top priority. We like to take the kids swimming, to the playground, on family bike rides, or just sit around and play dice games! When the kids go to sleep, my hubby and I either watch TV or play Xbox.
Favorite movie(s)?
Oh so many, especially in the horror genre, but my favorite of all times is What Dreams May Come! I also love 80’s movies- The Breakfast Club, St. Elmo’s Fire… the list goes on!
Favorite music?
Almost anything! I write to music, so what I listen to depends on my mood that day. Usually a whole bunch of Evanescence, Godsmack, and especially Rattlesnake Charivari, an indie band I’m addicted to!
Is there anyone who has influenced/encouraged you to write? Who and how/why?
My friends were a huge support, and when I told my mom I was writing a book, she was very supportive, since writing was always a huge part of my life. And I probably would have given up before finishing Love Bite, my first, if not for fellow indie author, Aiden James. He believed I was a writer before I was willing to consider myself one, and answered every question, no matter how strange!
Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
That’s almost like asking me to pick a favorite child! I simply can’t do it. I read nearly everything, from zombie stories to horror to romance to erotica. I read everything I can that my indie friends publish, but I also look forward to certain series, like the House of Night series by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast.
Can you give a brief synopsis of your journey to publication with your first piece of fiction?
With Love Bite, I started writing it long-hand. When I finally had a working laptop, it took me nearly a month to copy and edit what I’d already written so I could finish the story. I had over 70 pages written long-hand and it was a disaster! When I finally looked into publication, Aiden mentioned self-publishing, and I never looked back. I never even bothered submitting to agencies or publishing companies.
Did you listen to any particular music for inspiration while writing the “Just One Bite Series”?
Not so much for inspiration, but I do have a set playlist of songs I keep on shuffle while I write. Again, mainly Rattlesnake Charivari and Evanescence, but there’s also some country, some oldies, and even a few instrumentals.
Do you work with an outline, or just write?
I just write! Even in school, I’d write my paper first, then I’d go back and do my outline and brainstorming. I just can’t write an outline.
What inspired you to write a vampire series?
Paranormal stories were hugely popular, and I was reading a lot of the House of Night series, all of the Twilight Saga, and even rereading ‘Salem’s Lot. I don’t even remember what made me decide on the storyline, but it just came to me, and I sat down and started writing.
In your personal opinion, why do you think people are so fascinated with vampires?
There’s something so dark and fascinating about being immortal. And vampires are now being portrayed as young and sexy, so that heightens the appeal even more. “Wow, he’s gorgeous, and he’ll always look that good!”
Have you ever considered writing a book in first person with a male lead character?
Awesome question, as I haven’t even announced my intention to do so yet, but yes, I’m getting ready to. One of my characters from the Just One Bite series is getting his own background tale. So many people ask me about Eamon, so I decided to write his life story. The prologue is in third person, but the first chapter will pick up back in the 1700’s in Ireland when he was still human, and it’ll be written in first person.
Tell us a little about the third book in the Just One Bite Series, “Taste Of Grief”.
Taste of Grief picks up after a life-changing event that ended Bitten By Regret. Diandra and Lizbeth aren’t speaking, and the women need to do some serious talking to rebuild their damaged relationship. Adrian steps onto the scene as well as their new live-in housekeeper, and he’s also a Wiccan, which is disturbing to Diandra as she doesn’t understand the difference between black magic and white. Also, bodies are turning up all over Bethany Beach as Lizbeth and her boss, Alexar, race to stop the madman injecting his victims with a heart-stopping dose of cocaine. They’ll be bodies, blood, romance, adult content, and some character changes that’ll surprise those who enjoy the series!
If your series were to be made into a movie, who would play the lead roles?
Oh boy, that’s a tough one! Maybe Evan Rachel Wood for Diandra, Dakota Fanning for Lizbeth, and definitely Paul Walker as Eamon.
Can you tell us about your upcoming project/book?
Which one!? I’m actually writing Eamon’s Story right now, as well as the fourth book in the series, titled Bite of Envy. I’m also writing an erotic short story series under the pen name Kendra Glenn. My mood for the day dictates what I work on, and three entirely different projects keep my mind active and satisfied.
What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?
The toughest criticism would have to be the reviewer who misunderstood an important scene in Love Bite and suggested that I was supporting domestic violence/ spousal abuse. That one stung, as I am a survivor of it myself. And the best compliment There have been so many, like when a certain indie author referred to me as a “sure bet!” That made my month, and still makes me smile.
Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?
Never give up! If you think it’s not good enough, don’t destroy it! Set it aside, work on something else, and maybe you can come back to it and fall in love. Never give up, never stop writing, and always believe, if you’re writing, you’re already a writer!
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MEET AUTHOR, KAY GLASS
Kay Glass is the author of the Just One Bite series, the short stories Heaven Can Be Hell and Table of Blood, and the upcoming Strange Curses series. She also writes and publishes under the pen name Kendra Glenn. She lives in Delaware with her husband, their two children, and a variety of beloved pets. When she’s not writing, she can be found reading, swimming, and spending time with her family.
YOU CAN FIND KAY GLASS HERE
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ABOUT KAY’S BOOKS
BOOK ONE – LOVE BITE
Diandra Malone is only 28 years old when her life changes forever. Years of infertility left her depressed, but she’s finally pregnant. Before she has a chance to process the news, she finds out her husband has been brutally murdered.Lizbeth Snyder was a cop before she was framed for a crime she didn’t commit and kicked off the force. Living a desperate life on the streets, salvation comes from the oddest direction: the finding of Jonah Malone’s body.Now she’s living a wonderful life with Diandra and baby RaeLynn. The downside? Diandra is a vampire, and Lizbeth is being hunted by a very dangerous vampire- dangerous, and held in high esteem in the community. What will the future bring for these women, and how will Diandra handle her new vampire life? Find out how life changes with just one bite…
BUY ON AMAZON: (ON SALE FOR ONLY $0.99!!)
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BOOK TWO – BITTEN BY REGRET
Four months can change so many things. Diandra has come to terms with being a vampire and what that means for her. Lizbeth has landed a new case, and it’s a nasty one: someone is selling tainted heroin on the Delaware streets, a potent mix that’s intended to kill. Jonah returns, seeking a favor from his former wife, and grudgingly from her new love as well. Is a favor all he wants, or is he seeking a way back to the life he had before? RaeLynn is older, growing more every day. This special baby has more tricks up her tiny sleeves!Lizbeth races the clock to stop the tainted drugs from killing anyone else, while Diandra deals with the regret she feels over the twists her life has taken with just one bite.
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BOOK THREE – TASTE OF GRIEF
Diandra and Lizbeth are back, and this time things are very different. Cocaine overdose victims are turning up in Bethany Beach and Lizbeth and Alexar are busy trying to clean it up. But when a surprising twist turns the case upside down, Lizbeth may have to compromise all she holds dear to make things right.District Attorney Giles Carson has plans for Lizbeth, as well. He’s not done with her, and he’s not forgiven her for ruining his clandestine efforts. Now a death threat hangs over her head and Diandra won’t just stand aside and let someone come between her and the woman she loves.The more things change, the more they stay the same- until they change again with just another bite.
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Solitaire Parke - Sci-Fi/Fantasy Books 