Nov 1, 2024 | Editors' Blog
Today, we’re talking with J G Cope about his book, Made & Unmade
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
I can make an arrowhead from a rock. This is an insight into my psyche. I've always had an interest in history and anthropology. Twenty years ago a neighbor showed me an “arrowhead” he had found. The question got stuck in my head, “How'd they do that?” It became an obsession to learn how.
Why do you write?
Strictly for my own entertainment, as a hobby. Whether or not my writing is good enough for a wider audience can only be answered one way: by tossing it out there and seeing what happens. So, here we go…
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
To a large extent it's a story (in bits and pieces) that has been floating around in my head for over thirty years. I'm not sure why I decided to write it down.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
It allows for vast freedom and brutal honesty, like a no-holds-barred barroom brawl.
How would you describe your writing process?
It starts with what I call a “seed,” which can be anything, but for me is usually a question, “What would happen if…?” I try to ignore it; writing a novel is a long and taxing endeavor! If the idea keeps coming back to me, it eventually sprouts. That's when I know I'm in trouble. From there, it hits what I call “the weed patch stage,” snippets of characters, dialogue, and scenes start filling my head. At that point, I'm stuck, the only way to control the process is to write it down. From there a novel forms from two processes, what I call “thinking about writing” and “actual writing.” Thinking about writing happens from outside of the story. It is the brainstorming and setting of the organizational structure of the story (managing the weed patch). Actual writing happens from inside the story. It is when I get to go inside the scenes and actually experience them, then try to write them down so the reader can also experience them. This is the fun part, where all kinds of unexpected things can happen.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
More than anything else, exposure. Somewhere out there in the world is some group of people interested in reading just about anything one can think of to write about. Social media can cast the wide net to find them.
What advice would you have for other writers?
Being brand new at this, I have no valid advice to give. For me, personally, the advice I give myself: do it your own way. Don't try to copy anyone else. Find your own voice. Tell the story you want to tell, how you want to tell it, then toss it out there and find out if it's any good.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
With an incredible amount of help and guidance from the fine professionals at Alkira Publishing.
What's your next step?
I have already written quite a few other manuscripts. Using what I learn from going through this first (and very scary) publishing process, I hope to let at least a few of my other stories see the light of day. Regardless, it's a hobby for me, so I'm always working on writing something.
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
At the basic, emotional level, with anxiety. In the logical, human being sense, as an opportunity to learn. It makes no difference what I, as an author, am trying to say or how I perceive the story. All that matters is what the reader sees and how they feel about it.
FIND COPE'S BOOK ON AMAZON
Nov 1, 2024 | Editors' Blog
Today, we’re talking with Elizabeth Flanders about her book, Sam, Maddie, and the Mirror Dragon
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
Publishing this book, *Sam, Maddie, and the Mirror Dragon: Two Inspired Teens and Their Quest to Discover Mother Earth's Secrets*, was quite unexpected. During covid my 10-year-old grandson was home alone with online school while my daughter and son-in-law worked outside the home, so he and I zoomed a lot. We share a love for nature and for fantasy books, and when he went back to in-person school, I missed him and spontaneously started writing a story, a love letter to Mother Earth which included a boy and a dragon. Through a series of miraculous synchronicities, the resources to publish the story appeared. This book is an unexpected gift.
Why do you write?
I love the magical feeling of a story revealing itself to me.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
I got the inspiration for this book from my grandson who has said since he was very small that he came here to help Mother Earth and from my own sense of awe and wonder when within the natural world.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
I enjoy being taken into another world and lifted up!
How would you describe your writing process?
My writing happens spontaneously. After I have a good story, I schedule time to proof and edit.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
Participating in social media allows us to engage with people from all over the world.
What advice would you have for other writers?
Write about what you know and are passionate about.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
It’s SO wonderful to hear how others have enjoyed my story.
What's your next step?
My next step is to widen the audience for my book.
What book do you wish you'd written?
The *Dragons of Pern* series by Anne McCaffrey
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
It’s SO wonderful to hear how others have enjoyed my story.
FIND ELIZABETH'S BOOK ON AMAZON
Nov 1, 2024 | Editors' Blog
Today, we’re talking with Yana Metro about her book, Luminiferos: The Darkness Within.
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
My literary journey began at 12 with poetry and at 18 with my first novel, now forgotten in a drawer. However, my PhD was in Physics. After years in research, I swapped atoms for words to pursue storytelling. Now I write full-time and devote every moment to the world of LUMINIFEROS.
Why do you write?
Writing is essential to me; it's a vital need. Ever since childhood, my mind has been bursting with ideas, and pursuing storytelling keeps me grounded and fulfilled. Without it, I'd feel lost. Through my writing, I strive not only to entertain but also to inspire and help others. My epic fantasy journeys aren't just about adventure; they're about reminding readers of the simple truths and values that make life meaningful.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
My LUMINIFEROS series is a planned 7-part saga of romance, self-discovery and two worlds on the brink. It was inspired by the idea of interconnectedness or oneness. I write it to provide a heartfelt escape into a magical world, where fantasy and romance are seamlessly interwoven with philosophical musings.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
Fantasy provides unlimited freedom for my imagination, allowing me to share my thoughts on the nature of reality in a playful and entertaining way. It also lets me explore the deep emotions and romantic journeys of my heroes, which I absolutely love writing about.
How would you describe your writing process?
I write almost non-stop from dusk to dawn. Bless my husband for his patience!
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
It allows authors to be closer to their readers, hear their feedback and suggestions, and humbly appreciate their passion for the work.
What advice would you have for other writers?
Stay open-minded, thicken up your skin and never give up on your calling!
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
I design my covers myself, ensuring every detail reflects the book’s content. For titles, I draw from the core philosophical idea. For instance, the Luminiferos series is inspired by “luminiferous aether,” a hypothetical substance through which light waves travel.
What's your next step?
To finish the five remaining books in the series. Even if this ends up being my only published work, I’d be content. It’s a labour of love, and I pour every free minute into making it a valuable and captivating read.
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
I’m usually a bit terrified at first. If it’s positive, I exhale in relief and savour the moment. If it’s negative, I brace myself for the sting, then read carefully to find any constructive feedback. Regardless of the outcome, I always thank the reader in my heart for taking the time to read my work.
FIND YANNA'S BOOK ON AMAZON
Oct 28, 2024 | Editors' Blog
“I began writing fictional stories when I discovered how therapeutic it was for me, to get my thoughts, experiences and zany humor on the printed page. I was also surprised to find out that many readers found emotional relief from everyday stress after reading my stories, revealing how the symbiotic physiological benefit is shared by both the Author and the Reader.
So, if you have something to say that you think is important enough for others to read, especially if what you have to say will benefit other people in some meaningful way, then write a Book and feel better about yourself for doing it!”
Here are three of Robin's books to read via Amazon:
Oct 25, 2024 | Editors' Blog, Historical, International Review of Books
We recommend this book to readers who enjoy fable-like narratives with a blend of myth and wisdom, as it offers a unique perspective on survival through being underestimated, vivid depictions of Timbuktu and desert life, and thought-provoking proverbs, despite some disjointed historical elements.
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Which line stood out from all the others in the book?
From the beginning: The mysteries of the desert were hidden within its ever-shifting sands, much like the currents and eddies of an ocean. And from the ending: What an old man sees while lying down, a young man can never see even when climbing a tree.
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General Summary for Context:
The author introduces an intriguing protagonist—an aging scholar from the renowned University of Timbuktu—whose journey home sets the stage for an epic tale. As the story unfolds, a diverse cast of characters and subplots enrich the narrative, including encounters with zombies and legendary warriors, firmly rooting the novel in the fantasy genre. However, it is equally grounded in history, with the author skillfully weaving in historical events, making it a unique blend of fantasy and historical fiction. While this genre mix is innovative and refreshing, it may present a challenge when it comes to marketing due to its unconventional nature.
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Concise Review:
Cazembi, a wise and revered scholar, embarks on a perilous journey back to the University of Timbuktu. But the year is 1591, and Africa is swept by a tide of change. Fearing the dangers of crossing the Sahara, Cazembi joins forces with two merchant brothers and the legendary warrior Ayaan. Their journey soon turns violent as they face not only a rival faction but also the horrors of the undead.The story masterfully follows Cazembi and his companions through a series of gripping trials, offering plenty of intense battle scenes. Yet beneath the excitement of swordplay lies a deeper layer of quiet wisdom, expressed through proverbs passed down from the elders.
I particularly enjoyed the rich historical detail, which vividly captures life in the desert, with all its myths and legends. While the book incorporates elements of fantasy, it is firmly grounded in historical fact, making it both entertaining and educational. The inclusion of African proverbs, such as “A butterfly cannot think it is a bird just because it can fly,” added a layer of cultural depth that I found captivating.
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General Thoughts on the Novel:
While I typically don't enjoy books where all the main characters meet a tragic end, the premise of Kho—the character who survives not by being the wisest or the bravest, but by being the most underestimated—imbues the story with the feeling of a fable or a myth. This unique angle adds a timeless quality to the narrative, reminiscent of ancient legends.However, I found that the historical elements sometimes felt disjointed. Certain parts, particularly in the last chapter, read more like a copy-and-paste from Wikipedia rather than being seamlessly integrated into the plot. This detracted from the flow of the story, making the historical context feel a bit forced at times.That said, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Timbuktu and the lives of the desert people, which the author brought to life in vivid detail. What truly enriched the experience were the numerous proverbs and wise sayings scattered throughout the text. I found myself jotting many of them down, as they offered thought-provoking insights worth reflecting on.
Overall, despite some issues with the historical integration, the book’s blend of wisdom and myth makes for an engaging and memorable read.
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Sojourner by Ayaan Pettus is available on Amazon.
Oct 16, 2024 | Editors' Blog, International Review of Books
How we rate this book: American Renaissance is must-read for fans of intellectual intrigue and fast-paced action.
Which line stood out from all the others in the book?
“Do you really, soldier? Cause I’m referring to this notion that the insignificant details of your existence somehow have any power to save the planet, change the world, get the girl, or make this Earth a more peaceful and better place.
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General Summary for Context:
The novel centres around the rise and ambition of a revolutionary young American artist who, through his groundbreaking and controversial theory on art history at the turn of the millennium, ignites a global storm. His radical ideas challenge the very foundations of traditional art and quickly attract the attention of a violent religious sect. This group, interpreting his artistic vision as a divine revelation, becomes increasingly fanatical, evolving into a movement that threatens to destabilize world peace.
Set against the backdrop of Paris in the 1990s, the novel is not only an intense exploration of one man's artistic ambitions but also a scathing critique of the postmodern art scene. Through the lens of this ambitious artist's rise, the story delves into the cultural and philosophical debates of the time, examining the commercialism, elitism, and pretensions that dominated the art world. As the protagonist navigates the often cutthroat and self-indulgent world of Parisian art, he finds himself at odds with both the establishment and the radical religious group that claims to follow his ideas, creating a complex and dangerous dynamic.
At its heart, the novel explores themes of artistic integrity, the power of ideas, and the unintended consequences of creative expression. The protagonist's journey highlights the intersection of art, religion, and politics, forcing both him and the reader to confront the question: Can art, once released into the world, still be controlled by its creator, or does it take on a life—and threat—of its own? As tensions escalate, the narrative pushes toward a dramatic climax, where the fate of not just the art world but global stability hangs in the balance.
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Concise Review:
The story follows the rise of a young American artist, a revolutionary figure with a radical theory about the evolution of art history at the turn of the millennium. His bold ideas, which challenge long-held artistic traditions and redefine the role of art in society, quickly garner attention—but not just from critics and scholars. His theory unintentionally sparks the interest of a violent religious sect that interprets his work as a divine message, giving rise to a dangerous following. As the movement grows, the artist's once-intellectual revolution becomes the catalyst for global instability, with the extremist group threatening world peace in the name of his ideas.
Set against the vibrant yet fractured postmodern art scene of 1990s Paris, the novel also critiques the pretensions, elitism, and commercialization that dominated the art world during this era. The artist's journey through this world exposes the deep philosophical and cultural debates of the time, as well as the clash between artistic integrity and the pressures of fame. As he navigates the art world's convoluted politics, he is forced to confront the unintended consequences of his theory—how ideas, once unleashed, can be co-opted by forces beyond control.
Through this lens, the story examines themes of creativity, power, and the responsibility that comes with revolutionizing thought. It raises profound questions about the role of art in society and how easily it can be twisted into a tool for both liberation and destruction. The artist’s struggle to reclaim his work, and his eventual reckoning with the chaos it has inspired, drives the narrative toward a high-stakes conflict where the fate of global harmony and artistic freedom are intertwined.
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General Thoughts on the Novel:
In this captivating first installment of a bold and ambitious trilogy, the author takes readers on a high-octane journey into the world of art, politics, and espionage. Set in the vibrant yet turbulent landscape of Paris at the turn of the millennium, the story follows the rise of a revolutionary young artist whose radical theory on art history ignites a global firestorm. What begins as a groundbreaking artistic philosophy soon attracts a violent religious faction, transforming his creative vision into a catalyst for political unrest and the potential collapse of world peace.
The narrative skillfully weaves together art and intrigue, anchored by a shocking discovery during the infamous FBI raid at Mar-a-Lago. Declassified papers and the private diaries of a compromised government informer reveal a series of dark historical crimes tied to the artist’s tragic ambition. The novel deftly explores the collision of creativity and ideology, raising questions about the power of art and the unintended consequences of revolutionary ideas.
This gripping spy thriller and murder mystery unfolds with relentless tension, as layers of deception and danger are unraveled. The author masterfully captures the tension and complexity of a world in which contemporary artists are caught in the crossfire of political forces seeking to exploit their work for ideological gain. The portrayal of the postmodern art scene in 1990s Paris serves as both a backdrop and a critique, providing a rich, textured setting for the unfolding drama.
A complex, multilayered plot challenges readers to engage deeply with the narrative, as the story’s many ramifications are revealed. Combining art history, political intrigue, and fast-paced action, this novel is a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection of creativity and power. Readers who appreciate high-stakes international thrillers with intellectual depth will find this book impossible to put down.
Perfect for fans of espionage, art history, and intricate narratives, this first entry sets the stage for a trilogy that promises to be as thought-provoking as it is thrilling.
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