Where I'm Going as a Writer

Ever since I finished the fina; book in my series two years ago, I've been in a writing lull. Those five books consumed eight years of my life's focus. I have an outline for a sixth book, but that's on hold for now. I also have an outline for a teen version of Overcoming Obstacles with SPUNK! but between slow research and missing my deadline, that one's not happening either.

Fortunately, this writing community is great for sparking old interests and ideas. There's a book I've wanted to write for years and now is the time to begin.

I teach sessions on publishing and promoting, and the question always arises - do I have a book that covers those subjects? My Overcoming Obstacles ties in with my leadership and goal-setting talks - it's time I wrote another book that ties in with my speaking topics.

Now there's no way I can create a book on par with John Kremmer or Dan Poynter's works. So, I won't even try. But with my extensive notes and research for my two seminars, not to mention the wealth of information online provided by many of you, I can put together a book that would be perfect for those attending my seminars. And of course, anyone else interested in learning more. After all, none of us knows everything!

That is my plan - now time to begin!

REVIEW: The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

Synopsis

Gabry lives a quiet life. As safe a life as is possible in a town trapped between a forest and the ocean, in a world teeming with the dead, who constantly hunger for those still living. She's content on her side of the Barrier, happy to let her friends dream of the Dark City up the coast while she watches from the top of her lighthouse. But there are threats the Barrier cannot hold back. Threats like the secrets Gabry's mother thought she left behind when she escaped from the Sisterhood and the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Like the cult of religious zealots who worship the dead. Like the stranger from the forest who seems to know Gabry. And suddenly, everything is changing. One reckless moment, and half of Gabry's generation is dead, the other half imprisoned. Now Gabry only knows one thing: she must face the forest of her mother's past in order to save herself and the one she loves.

About the Author

Born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina, Carrie Ryan is a graduate of Williams College and Duke Law School. A former litigator, she now writes fulltime. She lives with her writer/lawyer boyfriend and two fat cats in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are not at all prepared for the zombie apocalypse. 

You can visit Carrie at www.carrieryan.com.

My Thoughts

"The story goes that even after the Return they tried to keep the roller coasters going. They said it reminded them of the before time. When they didn't have to worry about people rising from the dead, when they didn't have to build fences and walls and barriers to protect themselves from the masses of Mudo constantly seeking human flesh. When the living weren't forever hunted. 

They said it made them feel normal."

Gabrielle has spent her life in Vista, safe from the zombie hordes that inhabit the lands outside the town. Her mother, who herself came from the Forest of Hands and Teeth, has always made her feel safe in her lighthouse home. But all of that is about to change.

Gabrielle and most of the other characters left me feeling pretty ambivalent. The only character that I really liked or felt any impact by was Elias, the mysterious outsider. Strong, almost chivalrous, I found him to be the most likable character.

It's funny. I love zombie-lit, yet I have such a logical and science-based mind that I often find myself having a lot of problem with the technicalities of many post-apocalyptic stories. Some find a way to legitimize the basis for a zombie theme in my mind. For example, Stephen King has the premise based on a technology-based tone that “resets” the human brain. Brian Keene has a plot that included a sort of demonic possession as the basis for the walking dead. But this story uses the traditional “infection” plotline, and I just have issues with the way it was portrayed in this book.

For instance, it is evident that the heart must still be beating and blood flowing through the veins of zombies, as there is mention of them bleeding. Yet they will be walking around without arms and such. Why doesn’t a zombie bleed to death? If their bodies are working like a basic human body, how are they able to possess electrical impulses that can power their heart when they aren't ingesting and digesting food to provide electrolytes and such? It’s as if the cardio-vascular system is working without the digestive system, but how is the cardio-vascular system being “powered”? And how can they lose a limb and not bleed “to death”? I just don’t get these things, and they just “bug” me. These are the little things that niggle my brain.

Also there was a little inconsistency. Things like deciding that something is one person’s fault, but then later another person is blaming themself for the incident. Huh? You already established earlier it was so-and-so’s fault. Why are you now blaming yourself?

But overall I enjoyed the story.

Quotes:

“Once when I was a child, the ground trembled beneath my feet. They said that it was the earth shifting, settling. But in doing so it threw up a massive wave. I remember standing in the lighthouse and seeing it coming. I remember the compression of air before it hit, the way everything stilled and pulled back for just a breath, and held.

That’s how it feels when Catcher moves toward me...” (p. 18)

The Cover: Love it! It's attractive, and ties into the story nicely.

Five words to describe this book: Haunting, morose, creepy, mild hopefulness

Content Rating: PG-13 for violence and mild sexual situations

My final word: While there were a few hang-ups for me, and while I don't find this to be a "great" story, it held my attention and was enjoyable. It just wasn't really fulfilling, but was more like a greasy appetizer- satisfying my hunger, but leaving me wishing I'd had a nice piece of grilled salmon with remoulade sauce and baked sweet potato instead.

Buy Now:

Order from Barnes and Noble
Order from Amazon

My Rating: 8 out of 10

Did You Know...

In the area of book trailers, everyone knows about You Tube.

But did you know you can post and view trailers on these sites as well?

Meta Cafe
Vimeo
Daily Motion

The more places the better, right?


Everyone knows to check the Preditors and Editors when looking for a reputable publisher.

But did you know that the SFWA also lists warnings about publishers and agents?

In addition, Every Writers Resource and Publishing Central list publishers of every genre.


And did you know this is read an eBook Week? (Visit their website for more information.) Thousands of eBooks marked down or for free on many of the sites and platforms. (Mine are not free, but you can start The Circle of Friends series for .95) Look for bargains and deals on books this week, and start reading digitally.

Thanks for stopping by and picking Spunky's brain. Go forth and conquer!

Dewey's Read-a-thon

It's that time again! Time for the April edition of Dewey's Read-a-thon. Set for April 9th, the sign-up sheet is posted and they are looking for volunteers. Cheerleaders, prize donators, cohosts, and more are all needed. Go here to volunteer. And go here to sign up as a reader (that's where I'll be!).

The Weeknd Sillies

Tickling your funnybone all weekend long...

Book Giveaways in Blogworld (3-5-11 edition)

NOTE: A reminder that you are free to email me about any giveaways that you are having, if you want me to blog them, and I'll be happy to try to post them even if I am not entering them. Just include a link to the giveaway, what you are giving away, how many copies are being given away, and the deadline in order to assure being included. Email me at nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com.

Here is a list of some giveaways going on in Blogworld*. Please note that new giveaways that were added this week are indented in Blockquotes:

The Bookish Type is having a big blogoversary celebration. A winner gets their choice of 2 books! Deadline is March 8. International!

SMS Book Reviews is giving away a copy of Saving Women's Hearts. Deadline is March 8. US/Canada only.

Peeking Between the Pages is giving away a copy of Wench. Deadline is March 12. International!

The Book Chick is giving away your choice of book as part of her 3 year blogoversary! Deadline is March 11. International!

Book Flame is giving away a copy of Angelfire. Deadline is March 15. US only.

Amused by Books is giving away a copy of The Bird House. Deadline is March 15. US only.

The Book Chick is giving away a copy of One Bird's Choice. Deadline is March 18. US/Canada only.

Eleusinian Mysteries is giving away a copy of The Goddess Test. Deadline is March 19. International!

Suko's Notebook is giving away $60 to CSN Stores. Deadline is March 21. US/Canada only.

A Moment with Mystee  is giving away $25 to Book Depository. Deadline is March 31. International!

Sparkling Reviews is giving a color Nook! Deadline is whenever 1100 followers is reached. International!

*Courtesy Note: Please keep in mind the many, many hours of work that goes into me compiling this list each week. Please be courteous and thoughtful, and do not steal my text. Either recreate your own list, or link to this list and direct your readers here for giveaway information. Thank you so much for your consideration.

GIVEAWAY: $35 CSN Stores Gift Code

I have been spending the last few months becoming familiar with CSN Stores. I've gotten a number of things for my kitchen, and have been really pleased with my experiences, and delivery has been spot on and super fast!

But there's one thing that I still need, and am keeping an eye out for just the right one. You see, my flat panel TV has outgrown my old, ancient entertainment center, and my livingroom is just begging for a new stand to hold my flat panel securely and with a little style. And with CSN Stores having over 200 stores, I'm feeling pretty secure in finding the one I want among their flat panel tv stands.

In fact, I think that this one would fit into my room nicely. Clean lines, simple, nice wood tone...

...sort of closed in, to protect it from the animals and cat fur. Yeah, this is definitely a contender!

And while we're talking CSN, have you heard about Joss & Main? At Joss & Main you can buy top name brand products at up to 70% off retail through your members-only access to their daily sales. Receive daily email alerts, and enjoy the same great service you've come to expect from CSN Stores!

What about you? What would you like from CSN Stores? Why do I ask? You know why!

GIVEAWAY: CSN Stores is offering up a $35 gift code for you to use at any of their 200+ stores! To enter, just leave a comment telling me what you would love to buy with your $35 code if you were to win.

Rules (you knew there had to be some):

• You must be 18 years or older
  
• Open to US and Canada residents only
  
• To enter, just comment below with an item you would love to buy from CSN Stores. Be sure to leave your email address in your comment, or have it visible in your profile.
  
• For extra entries, follow my blog and/or blog about this contest. One extra entry for each. Sidebars are okay.
  
• Leave a separate comment for each entry.
  
• That's a total of 3 possible entries!
  
• Those who don't follow the rules risk being disqualified.

Deadline is March 13, 2011 (11:59 PM EST) 

Good Luck! Ready, Set, Go!