Spunk by Helen O’Reilly

In a post-apocalyptic world, can women live without men? Hell yeah, according to the tale told by Helen O’Reilly. Women can provide all the necessities of life living in the forest that used to be New York City.

Men do serve a purpose, however. The women trap and hunt the species to immortalize their community. Once the deed is done, their mantra is, waste not, want not.

I recommend Spunk by Helen O’Reilly for readers who enjoy a good fable sprinkled with humor.

Bridge of Fire by Thomasina Burke

Sequel to ‘Magic Fire’.

 

Bridgette Decker lives an interesting life filled with adversity. A brave woman, Bridgette returns to Honduras where she changes an orphaned girl’s life.  

Back home in Arizona, we witness Bridgette’s skills as a volunteer firefighter and nurse as she assists with The Gladiator Fire in Crown King.  During the battle, she ends up an accident victim flown to Phoenix for emergency care. Does the accident result in suffering for a lifetime?

We share Bridgette’s unexpected love experience after losing her husband in Magic Fire.

The outstanding scenery descriptions of Roatan and Phoenix remain a bonus throughout the story.

I recommend Bridge of Fire by Thomasina Burke for anyone who enjoys adventure and stories about true friendship.

Treasure of La Dura by Robert Cawley

A Deadly Appetite

 

La Dura possessed the treasure to save the protagonist, Maria Ropero, from ruin. She was the last of a proud Spanish family and the sole owner of a giant cattle empire along the Arizona/Mexican border. About to lose everything, she contacted a group of unsavory men to cross the border with her, into Mexico, in search of the treasure of La Dura.

Aware the dangers of the mission were life threatening, didn’t keep Maria from seeking the riches to make her the wealthiest woman in the world. As Maria begged for her life, she cried, ‘You stupid fool. I am Maria Ropero. I own La Dura.’

The story is violent, as expected on such a quest. The men hired to find the gold are the worst of the worst, and their disgusting behavior proved it during the hunt for treasure. There is one exception, Flynn O’Neil, a hero from the Iraq/Afghanistan War. He and Maria fell in love, which I found unnecessary in the midst of the story, with awkward love making scenes.

Treasure of La Dura by Robert Cawley, is an action adventure, with an unpredictable ending sure to surprise readers.

 

 

The Flower Who Wanted A Name by Christina Louise

Less is More

A story about how little flower finally received a name. The key word - ‘finally.’ In his quest for a name, little flower asked for help from all the flowers he met on his path through the garden. He was so eager; the other flowers wasted no time directing him to King Dandy Lion, the king of the garden.

Once he found the king, he received a name suited just for him. To find out the name the king of the garden granted to little flower, you will have to read the book.

Christina Louise’s clever approach to illustrate each flower to match the specific name was brilliant. The Flower Who Wanted A Name is short and sweet, a perfect story for young children.

Want to Be a Writer? Then Do It Properly by Albert Jack

Want to be a Writer? Then Do It Properly by Albert Jack

 

Better Late Than Never

 

Discovering Albert Jack’s book of advice for new writers came too late for my first book, but perfectly timed for my second. Packed with information and guidance, I took copious amounts of notes before concluding I needed the book in print, so I ordered a paperback.

 

I found the most appreciated recommendation about writing narrative: to get the plot and ideas down first, and then add dialogue. This relieves my current struggle of interrupting the flow of ideas while trying to write dialogue, the simple fact to write first and add dialogue later, works. I’ll try a chapter at a time, but the way my mind works, I’m confident in success.

 

Unaware all submissions should be presented with 1.5 line spacing surprised me, I thought 2.0, double spacing.

 

Consider reading, Want to be a Writer? Then Do It Properly by Albert Jack, because it includes easy and significant approaches for writers to develop their skill.

 

 

Vandalism of Words by Derek Haines

I can’t praise this book enough. It is hysterical. After purchasing a copy, I thought it looked like the perfect read while waiting in the doctor’s office. Not only was I laughing out loud, but I ended up sharing the title and author with the person next to me, my doctor, and his nurse.

Vandalism of Words is a compilation of blogs written by Haines. There’s no common sense or thread of reasonableness, which makes reading the entries mindlessly hilarious. However, there’s a surprise if you read between the lines, because it will leave you with food for thought.  

A great combination of entertainment and hidden messages, what more could a reader want?

On Self Publishing by Derek Haines

A seasoned writer and early publisher of his own books, Haines gathers his thoughts to share his experiences in the publishing world. Writers will find invaluable advice on self-publishing, writing, and book promotion, delivered in the unique style owned by Haines.

Explanations are in depth regarding the advantages of blogging, creating websites, and the principles of social media. Sprinkling his words of wisdom with humor makes learning about the world of self-publishing a pleasurable read.

I recommend On Self Publishing by Derek Haines, for passionate writers who are searching for sensible advice and useful suggestions about writing and self-publishing.