K. M. Wray

Book Review: Mind over Magic -Lindsay Buroker

A few weeks ago, a favorite author of mine, Lindsay Buroker, came out with a new series: A Witch in Wolf Wood. It was a bit different from most of her books, at least the ones I’ve read so far and a great starter to the series. At .99cents, I definitely encourage you to check it out!

The main character: Morgan Keller, is middle aged and her grandmother has just died. Unfortunately for Morgan and her sister, they knew nothing of her grandmother -she’s a witch. And with her arrival, Morgan is about to discover that witch blood runs in her veins as well. But of course, things aren’t as simple as that since a wolf shifter, tenant of her grandmother’s, lives on her property and doesn’t want Morgan there. Then there are others in the area who covet this piece of property and Morgan’s life is threatened… a few times. Soon she’s mixed up in a mystery she wasn’t planning on.

Morgan was a likeable character and I’m wondering how the series will look going forward. The curiosity may cause me to read further though I still haven’t decided if I’ll pursue this series. (Usually I like to see how long a series is before investing.)

Check out the book here using this link:

Mind Over Magic

And let me know what you think. Do you like the wolf shifter trope? What did you think about Morgan’s discovery of her magical abilities?

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Binge-worthy Reads

The weather is cooling off outside and one of the fun things about changing seasons (or colder temperatures) is we who love reading have an excuse to binge read for the weekend.

Here are some reads by a favourite author of mine: K. M. Shea. They’re older books, so the editing quality isn’t as strong as her newer books, but they are still amazing reads!

Check out these reads:

Complete 7 book series (episodic style) for .99cents: King Arthur and H er Knights

Robyn Hood: A Girl’s Tale

Robin Hood: Fight For Freedom

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New Release! Twilight’s Curse

So it’s been a while. The summer was good but a bit challenging with work commitments and I wasn’t able to get around to as many blog posts as I was doing earlier this year. However, I have read some interesting books, so some book reviews should be coming soon!

That aside, I was able to dive a bit deeper into my writing: fiction and non-fiction endeavors and am pleased to announce the release of: Twilight’s Curse: Book 1 in the Twilight Realm Series!

It is set in a land governed by elves and is a Young Adult fantasy filled with memorable characters, a slow burn clean romance, magic, dragons and fighting.

This book will be available for purchase on Amazon for .99cents this Friday, October 22nd, but you can pre-order it as well.

Order on Amazon

I’m really excited about this series. It began with a picture of a girl with tattoos of daggers on her forearms. The daggers detach from her skin and she’d use them to fight. It took a bit of time for me to work out the ideas but now not only is book one, Twilight’s Curse, complete, but so are books 2 and 3. (The sequels will be out in 2022! Editing does take time.)

Please check out this amazing preview page. It includes the book blurb as well as the first chapter.

Preview

Take a moment to upvote the book while visiting the page. This will really help to increase advertising opportunities.

Thanks so much for your support and I hope you enjoy the read!

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Feedback: Working with Editors

Every writer, at some point, needs to work with an editor. And any experienced author knows the importance of doing this before publishing their book.

While not all my experiences with editors has been good, I have been fortunate to find some pretty amazing people who care about my work and my voice as an author. So what makes the editor-author relationship work?

First: Find someone you feel comfortable working with. The author-editor relationship needs to be comfortable and you need to understand each other. Editors will give feedback throughout your work and as authors, we need to receive it (more about this in a moment). However, if you find that an editor is overly critical or they’re doing too much to change your author’s voice, then maybe you need to find another editor.

Second: Receive the feedback the editor gives you. Their perspective is different and they’re going to point out issues with your work that you don’t see. Realize that this is why you’re paying them money and that their feedback will only make your writing better. Early on I realized that I could only take a manuscript so far and that I was too close to the story to look at it with the objectivity it needed. It was time for help, so I found an editor. Several revisions later, the manuscript was transformed.

Third: Editors do different kinds of work, so make sure you know what you’re looking for. Here are the main ones:

Critique: general comments about what needs improvements.
Developmental editing: looks for plot holes, missing details, weak world building, etc.
Line/copy editing: tightens up sentences and word use.
Proofread: any final errors.

Each stage of editing serves a different purpose at a different time and it’s usually useful to have more than one editor working on your manuscript if you need so many edits.

Fourth: Remember they’re people too. I find editors almost always apologizing for their profession and granted, their job is to point out mistakes, so people can become defensive. However, a good editor and a good cover artist are probably two of the most important people authors need for the success of their manuscript. Honestly, I value my editor(s). They improve my work and help me become a better writer. Perhaps seeing an editor like a trainer or coach for our manuscripts might help if you struggle with the editing process. In one of my early manuscripts, an editor told me that my descriptions were weak, so I took that feedback and found books, blogs, videos on the subject and a year later, he said there was a huge improvement. His comment didn’t hurt because he wasn’t attacking me or my work, he was pointing out an area that needed improvement and I did something about it.

If you are struggling with an editor, try talking to them. If that doesn’t work, then consider looking for a new editor. Find someone you have a good connection with because they are one of the most valuable people in a writer’s life.

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Why a Writer Writes

When I tell people that I am a writer, I’m not really sure what they think or expect. And in all honesty, I’ve yet to come up with the best answer. I write because it’s in me to do so. I write because I want to. I write because it’s a place of enjoyment.

I get the impression at times that people think a writer spends endless hours writing, coming up with brilliant ideas and penning them to paper (electric or other). And I think in my early aspirations of being a writing I had these same ideals.

Since then, I’ve come to learn that writing, good writing, takes a lot of discipline, focus and hard work.

If you have a desire to write a novel, that’s great. But approach those longings realistically. Very often, we don’t have someone in our corner cheering us on to write. More often, we have to discipline ourselves to find the time needed to write our manuscript. And believe me, this takes discipline. It means saying no to certain activities we’d rather say yes to. It also means finding the right balance of social and dedicated writing time.

In order to develop our discipline and see our manuscript to the finish line, we need focus. Writing a manuscript takes A LOT of time (A LOT of time). And as the writer, we need to keep our minds focused on the story we want to create. Sometimes we have an abundance of ideas that pull for our attention and by all means we should be writing those ideas down and keeping track of them. However, what we don’t want is ten great ideas, ten partially started manuscripts and a lot of frustration with unfinished projects.

And finally, in order to write an amazing manuscript, it takes a lot of hard work! Yep, you heard that right. We have to write when we don’t want to and when we don’t feel like it. We also have to choose to keep going when we want to give up. But that’s the beauty of it all.

I began this blog by mentioning why I write and not really sure I have an answer. I write because I love the challenge and I love the feeling of reward from all the work I put into the manuscript. I love pushing myself to learn and try new things. And I write because of all the creative ideas running around my mind begging to come out. I write because it’s fun and there’s no better way to spend a few hours bringing those imaginary characters and worlds to life. The discipline, focus and hard work are what help me finish!

Do you want to be a writer? I’d love to hear your ideas and what keeps you writing.

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Book Review: Mythical Alliance -by Claire Luana

This book originally left me with mixed feelings. And it wasn’t until I spent a bit of time reflecting that I figured out I really liked the book. There was one feature I didn’t like and it is personal preference.

The characters were fun and fairly believable. They felt real and well-balanced. The main character was fun and you experienced her growth. The love interest wasn’t rushed and while a bit of an ‘instant attraction’ that is common in a lot of fantasy, there was an element of slow burn. You know the two will end up together and the journey will be an enjoyable read. I expect in the coming books we’ll see lots of them working together and getting to know each other amidst the building of their relationship.

Second , I liked the plot and pacing. The story didn’t feel rushed and there was a nice balance or mixture of the author’s use of tension and conflict used in the story to keep the reader interested. The author did a great job of building curiosity while unfolding the story. It was a bit like a mystery with clues that lead to the next clue. There was a bit of fighting and wondering how the main character will get herself out of the next sticky situation.

Third, I liked the story and I look forward to read more. It had a complete ending though in the future books, the author had forewarned that cliff-hangers will happen. That the series is finished the author’s consideration in letting her readers know this is further incentive to continue the series.

So after a bit of consideration, what didn’t I like? It’s simple and when I realized it, I laughed. The main character tends to swear quite a bit. The author’s overuse of the f-bomb looses it’s power and honesty makes the main character feel a bit like she has a potty mouth. While it’s expected that characters may swear in adult books, there is the hope that when it’s used, it’s well placed and effective. If I continue with the series, I hope the author focuses more on her amazing writing and a bit less on fitting the f-bomb into every verbal exchange and emotional reaction.

Thanks for the great read, Claire Luana.

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Memorable Characters and Why We Love Them

Imagine with me for a moment. You open a new book and read the first few lines. The story pulls you in and soon you’re lost. You can’t put the book down. The main character just captivates you and you are compelled to find out how their journey ends!

Ever experience this? If you love reading, then no doubt it has been a repeat occurrence in your life. Characters, more specifically well developed characters, are the reason we have trouble putting a book down, so let’s look at some of those elements today.

First, a memorable character is relatable. There are things about this character with which we identify. It might be their struggle or their personality that feels like, ‘that’s me!’ Or it might be their strengths and weaknesses that recognize in ourselves. Very often, a writer intentionally crafts a character with relatable human qualities so the reader can connect with them.

Second, the character is likeable. When writing characters, (or reading their journey) a character should be someone we like. This means they have qualities we admire or wish we had. They have good habits. If a character does seem a bit offensive, the writer will masterfully craft in redeemable qualities to help the reader develop sympathy.

Third, a character has weaknesses. The hero in the story is of course larger than life and has qualities that support this. They might be stronger than other characters, but they are usually weaker then their enemy. However, sometimes the character is weaker than all the other characters and these are usually beloved characters. They represent the underdog in all of us and we love the payoff of their success or eventually triumph over their enemy.

Fourth, they are well-rounded. This means the character feels like a real person. They have depth and seem very complex which creates tension for the character and the reader (and the writer). If a character lacks this balance, then they feel flat and uninteresting.

I hope you enjoyed this blog and the next time you pick up a book and find yourself lost in the story and rooting for the main character, try to identify what you love so much.

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Bored and Uninspired

Let’s face it, this pandemic has lasted longer than most of us have imagined and it’ll be with us for a while left. It has changed our lives in both positive and challenging ways.

When the pandemic first hit, the newness of it was kind of fun. We get to work from home, there’s more time for writing and spending time with our families as well as other activities we enjoy. And while the world is on hold… life did carry on. Now it’s been well over a year and even in lockdown, social distancing, isolation (whatever word you use) the Boredom has come over for a visit along with her friend Uninspired.

Have you been feeling it? I’ve noticed it in my life and despite our third lockdown with heavy restrictions in my city, I’ve had to be creative in finding some solutions. Usually a step away from the norm helps, but this time around, even that was difficult due to having to remain at home. So what did I do?

I moved furniture. No kidding. Often it helps to see something different and change one’s location when feeling uninspired. So I decided that if I couldn’t change my location, I’d change how I saw my home and moved my furniture around. Walking into the various rooms in my home and seeing them with a different set-up helped.

I tackled some chores. Last fall when a major lockdown started, my bathroom faucet decided it was time to sprout a leak. Well everything was locked down including what we could purchase at stores. We could only buy essentials. So my kitchen sink became multi-purpose. That lockdown turned into an extended lockdown that lasted a few months and by the time things started to open up again, I was used to using the kitchen sink and put off replacing the bathroom faucet. Then lockdown hit again and I found myself at IKEA buying a shelving unit and remembered that I needed a new bathroom faucet. Voila! Now I need to re-train myself to start using the bathroom sink again. LOL.

Take time to play. Usually reading is something I can get lost in, but this time around even books weren’t holding my interest, so I watched a few movies and played some games and that has helped.

Take care of you! Most important and one that encompasses all of the above is taking care of yourself. This means exercise and eating right as well as rest and some indulgences. One thing I find I need when feeling stressed or uninspired is I need take out. Since I usually cook most of my food, a real treat for me is getting something I really enjoy from a restaurant and not having to worry about clean-up.

So what are some ways you tackle the boredom and lack of inspiration?

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Book Review: Dragons of the Watch -by Donita K. Paul

I was first introduced to Donita K. Paul’s books quite a number of years ago when I stumbled into a book store and found a book in the clearance section. I gave the book a read and had to continue the series. That book, Dragon Quest, was the second book in the Dragon Keepers Chronicles. Perhaps one of the things I loved about Donita K. Paul was the fresh voice she brought to the fantasy genre. She imagined new creatures and beings in her fantasy world and her writing was rich with details.

Recently, I’ve been re-enjoying, Dragons of the Watch, a stand alone novel that is part of a spin-off series of books from the Dragon Keepers Chronicles. This was and still might be my favorite book in this particular world she built.

The main characters: Ellie and Bealomondore are trapped in Rumbard city which is a city once built by giants. The city is now stuck in a bottle and the former inhabitants are long gone save a bunch of wild children who haven’t aged past six and a very old giant who’s living as a hermit in the library.

During the story the main characters have to work backwards to figure out what happened to the city so they can escape all while trying to avoid the hoard of giant children determined to capture them. This inspires Ellie to tame the wild children and befriend the old giant through cookies and nurture. Bealomondore’s only focus is to leave the city, but agrees to help Ellie.

Aside from fantastic world building and tension that keeps you wondering what’ll happen next, there a sweet romance that develops between Bealomondore and Ellie that feels timeless. The pacing of the story does feel slow in the sense that a trip to the countryside and back to bake cookies does take a few chapters. But much happens in those chapters that moves the story forward and enough tension is established to keep a reader interested.

This book in particular had numerous elements that inspired me with my own book, Hidden. The love story between Ellie and Bealomondore was endearing and made me want the same sort of romance for Tully. The idea of people being trapped by events that happened in the past and needed uncovering was also intriguing. The two tales are vastly different though.

If you enjoy a clean fantasy read with sweet romance and rich world building, then check this book out today.

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Book Review: Riptide: Lost Daughters of Atlantis Book 1 -By Allie Burton

Our main character, Pearl Poseidon, was raised as circus act due to her ability to breath underwater. But as a run-away teen she’s trying to make it on her own. Her underwater abilities threaten to expose her when she saves a drowning child and she finds that there are others just like her.

It is an energetic read that held my interest. The main character and her love interest’s connection didn’t really make sense. She was really mean to him and it felt kind of forced or like the author was trying to bring the characters together but create tension at the same time. The plot was good but did feel a bit jumpy due to a lot of flashbacks to justify Pearl’s abilities. It might have been better to have a prologue that established Pearl’s abilities the night she ran away. As for Pearl, she was a conflicted character with secrets who’s discovering secrets and when she does find out… she went from, ‘nope not possible’ to suddenly not only accepting her new reality but acting according to her role.

Hmmmmm

I wouldn’t say I hated the book because I didn’t. However, it’d be hard to say I loved it. It’s okay and I think it suits a teenage audience who would appreciate the read. It’s a clean romance and the main character does draw the reader’s empathy. It’s a light read that hold the reader’s attention and is good for a relaxing afternoon. And it’s perm free on Amazon, so give it a try and perhaps you might find a new author who appeals to you or a teen in your life.

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