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Rated: 18+ · Book · Writing · #1342524
Reading, Writing, Pondering: Big Life Themes, Literature, Contemporary/Historical Issues
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Welcome to the 14th century, in a farflung outpost of the Holy Roman Empire, and a new Convent outpost of the terrrifically powerful Roman Catholic Church. Sound historically dull? Hopefully not so--for this is NOT an ordinary 14th Century Convent.

Back after a six-year hiatus....


From NaNoWriMo historical Supernatural novels in Scotland, Michigan, South Alabama and historical horror in Standwood Station, GA-to the Phantom Northern Woods-to singlehandedly refighting the American Civil War-to exploring Social Justice and standing for First Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution-we deal out horror, Supernatural, Historical, fantasy, mystery, and more. We do not fear outspokeness.
And always, always, always, We Do History.
Find it here.




We write it. We read it. We hold strong opinions. We orate.

Meanwhile, whether we're writing or just reading, we love to rave about books and authors right here!


Tower View at Rear of Brightmoor Asylum

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October 18, 2011 at 2:30pm
October 18, 2011 at 2:30pm
#737265
Just got Whitley Strieber's latest, "Hybrids," from the Library-a book I've been waiting six months to read! *Laugh*
But I'm reading "Persuader," one of the perfect Jack Reacher series by that awesome Lee Child-an author I just "discovered" a couple of weeks ago. I've said right along, "Even the End of Civilisation as We Know It shall not interfere if I am reading Lee Child."
Oh! What to do! What to do! [rips at hair] Maybe I could extend both eyes on antennas and swivel one in the direction of "Persuader," the other in the direction of "Hybrids," and just bifurcate my brain?!!

Stay tuned, Gentle Readers, for the solution to this Reading Dilemma!
October 4, 2011 at 11:49am
October 4, 2011 at 11:49am
#735761
this AM, working on writing the climax scenes for
Experimental Plot Challenge  (E)
30 days of prompts to guide you in outlining a story and developing plot
#1800861 by Lonewolf
:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CB17uWuBrL0

and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBfqjp1hQlA

Kansas: Carry on Wayward Son (Live)
and Kansas: Point of Know Return (Live)

both very much apropos to these unfolding scenes-got to keep the inspiration going!
October 3, 2011 at 4:13pm
October 3, 2011 at 4:13pm
#735691
I am SO very thankful to both
Experimental Plot Challenge  (E)
30 days of prompts to guide you in outlining a story and developing plot
#1800861 by Lonewolf

and
FORUM
October Novel Prep Challenge  (13+)
2023 Sign-ups are CLOSED. A month-long novel-planning challenge with prizes galore.
#1474311 by BrandiwynšŸŽ¶
for all the wonderful daily challenges which are so helping me to
organise my thoughts and planning for NaNoWriMo-now only 28 days away! *Smile*
I'm an an outline-phobic novelist, now discovering that outlining can be
Fun!
Easy!
Useful!

and I doubt if I would have ever realised it if not for the folks at these two groups!




Designed by me for NaNo 2009



October 1, 2011 at 7:50am
October 1, 2011 at 7:50am
#735432
Ally my September reading is listed below, for readers' delectation. Exclamation points, from 1 to 3, indicate "specially riveting" books!


30 August- :Stephen King, The Regulators
1 September, 7 September : Robert McCammon, The Five (2011)
2 September-3 September: Scott Nicholson, The Red Church!!
3 September- 4 September:Scott Nicholson, The Farm!!
5 September-6 September: Scott Sigler, Infected
6 September: Scott Sigler, Contagious
7 September- 9 September :Scott Nicholson, The Home
9 September-10 September : Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child, Cold Vengeance (Pendergast
Series, Book 11)
11 September: Greig Beck, Beneath the Dark Ice!
11 September-13 September: Daryl Gregory, PanDEMONium
13 September-15 September: Gary A. Braunbeck, Coffin Country!!
15 September: Tom Piccirilli, A Choir of Ill Children
15 September-16 September: Gary A. Braunfels, In Silent Graves
17 September: Dan Simmons, Flashback (2011) !!!!!!!
18 September-19 September :Steve Berry, The Emperor's Tomb (2010)
19 September: Steve Berry, The Jefferson Key
19 September-21 September: Gary A. Braunfels, Far Dark Fields!!
22 September-23 September: Bentley Little, The Policy!
23 September-25 September: Jonathan Maberry, Dead Man's Song!
26 September-28 September: James Rollins, The Devil Colony: A Sigma Force Novel!!
28 September-29 September: Lee Child, Killing Floor (Jack Reacher #1)!!!
30 September: Sarah Pinbrough, Tower Hill!





September 20, 2011 at 9:20am
September 20, 2011 at 9:20am
#734550
Review of “Flashback,” Dan Simmons (2011)

Much of science fiction's post-apocalyptic view revolves around nuclear holocausts and nuclear winter, and this has been the case since the 1950's. Some very good novels in this genre, though, examine the collapse of civilisations rather than simply the decimation of the human population. Dan Simmons' newest novel, “Flashback,” is an exceptional and glorious example-a premise that is frighteningly possible, and all too probable.

Mr. Simmons capably bases his “New World” on historical and present events up through our own time. Set in about the mid-2030's (several times “the first third” of the 21st century is mentioned), the collapse of civilisations and the absorption of much of the globe by militant Islam unfolds with clarity from the mistakes and sheer ignorance of the recent past. Without blaming any one particular individual, political party, or group, Author Simmons makes clear that the road to destruction is smoothly paved, indeed greased, with the denial of all of us.

Yet murmuring over lost civility is not the sole focus of this novel. A massive cast of characters is ably juggled, and even the “bad guys” seem, if not approachable, at least comprehensible. As for plot lines, Mr. Simmons is a past master at constructing them and bringing them to conclusion; and he is one of the few authors I've read who can also juggle timelines without confusing either the reader or himself. I recommend “Flashback” as an extraordinary must-read for any adult with a modicum of literacy, for high schools and universities, for politicians and cultural magnates-for anyone who fancies himself in control of our global, national, cultural, and personal future.

September 15, 2011 at 1:14pm
September 15, 2011 at 1:14pm
#734164
Just completed the first novel I had read by horror author Gary A. Braunbeck-Coffin County. I'm now perusing the first of the two Bonus short stories included in the paperback edition. Mostly my brain is still stunned, coming to terms with the incredibly interwoven mythology and religious history (rewritten) of this novel. The story of several notable citizens of small town Cedar Hill, Ohio-the surface viewpoint-Coffin County unfolds like the manifold variations of a Nautilus shell. Gory? Yes. Perversely homicidal? Yes. Historically founded? Yes. But Author Braunbeck never once drops the plot threads, which are as intricately interwoven as a ball of yarn tapped out by a kitten. His conclusion is astonishing, gratifying, horrifying, and amazing, all at once. Would I could ever write a page as well as he writes an entire novel! I'm anticipating reading his several other novels, and hoping his writing career lasts a lifetime.
September 1, 2011 at 8:15am
September 1, 2011 at 8:15am
#732913
Good Morning, Gentle Readers! Today is September 1-Taijii Japan begins to slaughter dolphins, Tony the Tiger is still encaged at a Louisiana truck stop. Here is my reading through Aug. 31.

24 August-26 August: Patrick Lee, The Breach!!!
27 August-28 August: Patrick Lee, Ghost Country!!!
29 August-30 August: Blake Crouch, Desert Places (Andrew Z. Thomas Book One)!
30 August: Blake Crouch, Locked Doors (Andrew Z. Thomas Book Two)
30 August: Blake Crouch, Snowbound
30 August- :Stephen King, The Regulators!!!
31 August=:Joseph Nassise, Heretic (The Templar Chronicles, Book One)!!!

Note: I am reading "The Regulators" at night; so 150 pages on Tuesday, 125 pages on Wednesday, hope to finish it tonight; but I am also starting the newest, awaited, Robert McCammon, "The Five," today; and as all of his novels, the book is sizeable, so I may not get to finish "The Regulators" tonight.
August 29, 2011 at 9:30am
August 29, 2011 at 9:30am
#732703
Over the last few days I have read a pair of tremendously exciting books, by author Patrick Lee. http://www.patrickleefiction.com/books.php Both "Breach" and "Ghost Country" are riveting, compelling, page-turners (to crank out that old cliche'). Thrillers, mysteries, science fiction, political thriller, all in one, the two carry the same pair of protagonists, but certainly can be read as stand-alone novels. These are must-reads, in my opinion. Mr. Lee's web site doesn't specify a next book in the series, but according to his page at Fantastic Fiction, the third in the series will be released later this year. I cannot wait! http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/l/patrick-lee/
August 24, 2011 at 10:21am
August 24, 2011 at 10:21am
#732367
10 August- 13 August: Stephen King, Desperation
13 August-14 August: Chevy Stevens, Never Knowing (2011)
15 August-16 August: Scott Sigler, Ancestor EXCELLENT!
16 August-17 August: Brian keene, Dark Hollow (LeHorn's Hollow Book One)
18 August-19 August: Brian Keene, Ghost Walk (LeHorn's Hollow Book Two) !!!
19 August-20 August: : Blake Crouch, Abandon!!!
21 August: Hallie Ephron, Never Tell A Lie !!
21 August- 23 August : Brian Keene, Ghoul!!
23 August; Hallie Ephron, Come and Get ME!!

Scott Sigler rocks! If you like Del Tormo & Hogan; if you like King's The Stand; if you like Jonathan Maberry's Joe Ledger trilogy (all of which I highly recommend), you're going to love Ancestor. Another I-can't-put-this-down genetic engineering thriller-and yes, the author left room for a sequel, which could be added seamlessly.
Brian Keene has become one of my favourite horror writers; I've read several of his recently and have several more to go. So far my favourites are the two books of the LeHorn Hollow duology (which can each be read as a stand-alone): Dark Hollow, and Ghost Walk. Ghoul is also a great coming-of-age horror (think of Stephen King's Dreamcatcher! for the delineation of these realistic characters). Blake Crouch's Abandon, although not what the blurb led to expect, was riveting; the author does an excellent task of balancing two disparate but linked eras. I have three more by Mr. Crouch to read now. Hallie Ephron's two novels are surprisingly riveting mysteries. Never Tell A Lie has been made into a movie. I recommend both books, each of which I read in a very few hours.
August 7, 2011 at 2:12pm
August 7, 2011 at 2:12pm
#730881
I had yet another experience this morning of Inspiration of the type that began the writing of The Testament Logging Corporation Chronicles on Dec. 9, 2009, almost 20 months in the past. That series, by March 20, 2010, had two full novels (The Phantom Logging Operation and The Haunted Greenhouse) and Book Three was at approximately 22 chapters between March 20 and 31, 2010, but was put on hold to write a stage play for April 2010 Script Frenzy; to research and begin to write a Civil War series in April and May 2010; to begin on an urban fantasy novel (Finding the Abandoned Child) in early June 2010. Due to my emotional grief over the Gulf, I sort of stopped writing at all under NaNoWriMo in November 2010, which I won (upwards of 50,000 words) on a historical science fiction, which like Book Three above and Abandoned Child remain as yet unfinished. Since I'm inspired now toward Book Four of The Testament Logging Corporation and have been for a couple weeks thinking about the next book which is to be a historical perspective on one of the characters threading throughout the series, my other novel-in-progress, begun May 31, 2011 (Magpie Peggy and the Serial Killer) and two more of serious interest on which I have been planning and researching since the end of May, will also be on hiatus for now. Perhaps one of those (since I haven't begun to actually write on either) can be picked up for 2011 NaNoWriMo this November! *Wink* I'm also thinking that Book Three-which has another problem in that I am having difficulty facing up to one of its more serious themes-may become a novella..We shall see. I do believe I have something important to say in it, so I'm sure that even though Book Four is demanding to be let in the door (I'm so glad, I really enjoyed the hero-protagonist of Books One and Two and it's lovely to be able to write of him again), Book Three will remain ready for me to take it up again in the near future.

Book Update: I've read the following:
27 July: John Connolly, The Whisperers
31 July: Eleanor Druse, The Journals of Eleanor Druse (Kingdom Hospital)

1 August-2 August: Elizabeth Lenhard, "Date with Death," (Charmed series)
2 August-4 August: Sarah Rayne, House of the Lost
4 August-5 August: Andrew Taylor, The Lover of the Grave
6 August-7 August: Susan Hill, The Shadows in the Street (A Simon Serrailer Mystery #5)
and today am starting on Brian Keene, The Rising (a zombie novel)

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