Category Archives: Books

November 29, 2012 · 8:37 pm

Book Review — Dreamlander

by K.M. Weiland

About the Story 

Dreamlander

What if it were possible to live two very different lives in two separate worlds? What if the dreams we awaken from are the fading memories of that second life? What if one day we woke up in the wrong world? Every night, a woman on a black warhorse gallops through the mist in Chris Redston’s dreams.

Every night, she begs him not to come to her. Every night, she aims her rifle at his head and fires. The last thing Chris expects—or wants—is for this nightmare to be real. But when he wakes up in the world of his dreams, he has to choose between the likelihood that he’s gone spectacularly bonkers or the possibility that he’s just been let in on the secret of the ages.

Only one person in a generation may cross the worlds. These chosen few are the Gifted, called from Earth into Lael to shape the epochs of history—and Chris is one of them. But before he figures that out, he accidentally endangers both worlds by resurrecting a vengeful prince intent on claiming the powers of the Gifted for himself. Together with a suspicious princess and a guilt-ridden Cherazii warrior, Chris must hurl himself into a battle to save a country from war, two worlds from annihilation, and himself from a dream come way too true.

My Review – by Rich Weatherly

Dreamlander is a fantasy story, but it reads like a thriller. It is a rip roaring adventure and one of the best novels I have read in a long time.

Dreamlander excels as a work of fantasy. Imagine you are plagued by a relentless recurring dream. At the end of the dream, you are warned to stay away and are shot in the head. At that instant you waken from this horrifying nightmare. Now imagine the world as we know it is only part of a parallel universe and your dreams are not simply dreams but a portal to another universe. Such is the premise of Dreamlander.

Chris Redston, the protagonist, lives in Chicago where he works as a journalist in the world we know. It is set in our time. When he learns that dreams are real and he has a special role in the other world, the stage is set for a fascinating journey. His conscious life becomes a seemingly endless state of wakefulness alternately waking in one world or the other. He learns the princess of his dreams is the guardian of the Gifted and he is the Gifted. Readers might draw parallels to The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, yet Dreamlander is original, unique and deserves a place of its own in this genre.

Follow Chris as he is caught up in a world of intrigue, treachery and war at home and in Lael, his place in the other world. Dreamlander brings a diverse cast of realistic protagonists fighting for survival against seemingly overwhelming odds. Weiland’s world building features well crafted, warring kingdoms, and alliances that do battle for the loyalty of their residents. A map helps guide readers as they try to visualize the wonders of this magical kingdom. In Lael battles are fought with swords, daggers and a steam powered gun. Combatants ride warhorses. Citizens travel between cities via tram like cars. Chris must learn sword craft, and how to fight on horseback under supervision of the protector of the princess who is his guardian. In Lael Chris even enjoys a reunion with his parents and siblings but from an earlier time.

Dreamlander is anything but predictable. Loyalties shift. As in war, the pendulum shifts between the defenders and would be conquerors. Tension builds toward a frantic climax. Add to this, an imbalance in the universe that portends the end of both worlds and you have the makings of an original example of high fiction. I found myself flying through the pages at a frantic pace. Dreamlander is that good.

Where to buy
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Kobo

About the Author, K.M. Weiland

K.M. Weiland, Author

K.M. Weiland, Author

K.M. Weiland writes historical and speculative fiction and mentors other writers through her website, editing services, workshops, books, CDs, and blogs.

Why I write:
Stories are like breathing. Life without a story in my head is one-dimensional, stagnant, vapid. I love the life God has given me, but I think I love it better because I’m able to live out so many other lives on the page. I’m more content to be who I am because I’m not trapped in that identity. When I sit down at my computer and put my fingers on the keys, I can be anyone or anything, at any time in history. I write because it’s freedom.

Writing routine:
I set aside two hours, five days a week, to write, usually between four and six p.m. I’m a firm believer in Peter de Vries claim: “I write when I’m inspired, and I see to it that I’m inspired at nine o’clock every morning.” I spend the first half hour scribbling ideas in a writing journal, reviewing character sketches and research notes, reading an article on the craft, and proofreading what I wrote the day before. Then I pick a soundtrack, say a prayer for guidance, and dive in.

Process:
It takes years sometimes for my ideas to find their way onto the page. After the first kernel of inspiration takes root, I play with it and play with it, discovering characters and scenes and plot twists. Finally, when I think it’s ready, I dig out a notebook and start sketching ideas and outlines. Depending on the subject matter, I spend a few months researching, then take a deep breath and pray that all the work will pay off in a way that will glorify God.

Inspiration:
Most of my story ideas begin with a character and a place. An outlaw in the Wyoming Territory. A mercenary knight in the Crusades. A vigilante plantation owner in Kenya. A female spy in the Napoleonic Wars. A barnstormer in early 20th-century Kansas. After that, who knows? Inspiration is a gift from God: bits and pieces, tiny ideas that bloom into unexpected treasures.

Advice:
Writing is both a gift and an art. As a gift, it must be approached with humility: the writer is only the vessel through which inspiration flows. As an art, it must be approached with passion and discipline: a gift that’s never developed wasn’t worth the giving.

5 Comments

Filed under Book Review, Books, Fantasy, Publishing, Writing

October 26, 2012 · 6:34 pm

Reblog: Participants – Crack Your Knuckles and Start Your Engines!

Guest post by Sandy Coelho

It’s that time of year when writers and authors take a deep breath, and step up to meet a challenge to join colleagues from across the globe and make a commitment to write a 50,000 word  novel during the month of November.

It may seem daunting but offers the potential for satisfying fulfillment. Sandy Coelho has written an inspiring article that gives all the information you need to get started. Many of the followers of this blog are writers. I encourage you to step up and give it ago!
Now I’ll turn this post over to Sandy 🙂 

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Participants – Crack Your Knuckles and Start Your Engines!

NaNoWriMo is a week away. The event hosted by the Office of Letters and Light, is in its 13th year and has grown from 21 original participants to over 250,000 in 2011. The concept behind NaNoWriMo is to get people writing – anything; for 30 straight days. The objective is not quality, it’s quantity. Winners are the participants who reach the 50,000 word finish line. The aim of the OLL is to encourage writers and those who have always thought about writing to put their nose to the grindstone and just get it done!

 

 

8 Comments

Filed under Books, Creative Process, Guest Host, Publishing, Writing

September 19, 2012 · 7:24 am

Review – American Dream

by J.J. Brown

It has been more than a year since I subscribed to author J.J. Brown’s blogs during the summer of 2011. At the time I knew of her work as a scientist.  Many of us hold to stereotypes and think of scientists as Stoics; people involved in objective analysis of data and who are somewhat detached from the lives of ordinary people.

I learned from the start those assumptions were unfair, at least with Ms. Brown. She writes with sensitivity and insight about the world around her. It was her poetry that first garnered my attention but I soon noticed the same qualities in her prose.

American Dream gives readers an in depth, well crafted look at life in New York City and landscapes along the Hudson River in New York State. We read of the last days and final moments of a mother dying from stage-four bone cancer. These are touching scenes delivered with warmth and sensitivity. It is in this context we get our first look at the impact on her loving son, Daniel.

While reading American Dream, I came to understand and admire Daniel, the protagonist; a gifted artist who struggles with emotional illness. In Pierre, his psychiatrist, readers see a professional who genuinely cares about his patient. In stark contrast, we discover Daniel’s  cunning, conspiring sister who will do anything to suppress what is best for her brother. Readers will get to know Daniel’s circle of friends. I felt drawn into these characters lives.  At the same time, the antagonist evolves into a pathetic and despised creature. With it’s strong characters and dialog I think it could easily be made into a theatrical play.

Ms. Brown shows us landscapes and architecture in exacting, panoramic detail with writing that appeals to all of our senses.

American Dream excels as a quality work of literary fiction, worthy of comparison with the classics. If you enjoy well crafted characters and a good story, American Dream is a book for you.

Excerpt

Rising from the rock cliffs like a vague image in a dream, ruins of a castle stand at the edge of the Hudson River north of New York City. The blackened stone walls are relics of a prosperous past in a present plagued by loss, debt, foreclosure, and homelessness. People crossing the Tappan Zee Bridge see it and wonder, who owned that abandoned castle on the river? Who lived there?

Brown, J.J. (2012-07-13). American Dream (Kindle Locations 48-51). J.J.Brown Author. Kindle Edition.

Please take a moment to learn more about the author and the book below:

I have included a short bio of Author J.J. Brown below and, included the American Dream book description.

Book Description

In American Dream, a young artist with depression faces eviction from his one-room, city apartment. He unexpectedly finds himself in line to inherit a family castle. The reclusive artist works to escape the long shadow of his dying mother, with the help of his psychotherapist. While illustrating his first animation film and overcoming depression, the artist tries to provide a home for his estranged son. The artist’s older sister schemes to exclude him from the inheritance because of his mental state, and control him as his guardian. His creative spirit defies ownership and redefines success. In this moving portrait of an atypical New York family, author J.J.Brown explores ties between emotional illness and creativity.

More about the author

J.J.Brown, author of “Vector, a Modern Love Story” lives in Brooklyn. Born in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, the author has lived in New York City for two decades. J.J.Brown is also a scientist with a PhD in genetics, and is published in leading science journals.

Author J.J. Brown

You can learn more about J.J. Brown through her blogs and websites:

Links

J.J. Brown Official Website

Author J.J. Brown’s Blog

J.J. Brown Science page

The article that inspired my novella, “Toxic Situations.”

American Dream on Amazon.com

Amazon Author page

9 Comments

Filed under Author Interview, Book Review, Books

September 11, 2012 · 3:14 pm

Review & Interview of a chapbook by Poet Jan Spence

Review of Navigating the Old Road by Jan Spence

When Jan Spence announced her new chapbook of poems, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy. Jan writes beautiful poetry. We are both members of the Denton Poets’ Assembly so I’ve had the pleasure of listening to, reading and enjoying her poems.

She sets the tone for the book in the dedication.

“These poems are dedicated to all the strong souls who are faced with very challenging circumstances in their autumn years yet who continue to see, as Rumi says, blessings falling like blossoms all around them.”

This is a retrospective look across life’s journey by a Baby Boomer. It addresses issues that all will face if they are privileged live long enough. You will experience a full range of emotions while reading these well crafted poems about life; from the simple joy of new freedoms, and play with grandchildren to reunions with old friends.

Jan takes a humorous look at certain un-pleasantries that come with age as well. Yet, I did say a full range of emotions. These poems address sadness at the loss of loved ones and they take a somber look at the eventual destiny of all; end of life concerns.

Between joy and somber we find pleasant recollections of events and memories that have become Jan’s legacy. That said, Jan’s book honors her generation and is well worth reading by those who have shared the journey and by those who wish to learn from her journey. I highly recommend it.

Navigating the Old Road is available directly from the publisher:
To order from Finishing Line Press –  click here.
and to order from Amazon.com – click here.

Jan Spence Interview Questions

My guest for this post is Jan Spence. Jan is a member of the Denton Poets’ Assembly, an affiliate of the Poetry Society of Texas.

Welcome to My Place, Jan.

After reading your new chapbook, Navigating the Old Road, I can’t wait to discuss it with you.

I understand you have an interesting story about how this book came to be. Would you like to share it with my readers?

Well, I entered a contest through Finishing Line Press for “New Women’s Voices.”  I figured I was new enough on the scene of the writing, so I sent in my collection of poems.  I didn’t win the contest – or even place – but they contacted me and said they would like to publish my poems.  So I surmise that perhaps I misinterpreted the meaning of the word “New” in the phrasing of the contest title.

Would you like to share any background on a poem or group of poems in the book?

First, I feel like I need to issue a little disclaimer.  All of the poems easily can be read like a memoir, but they aren’t exactly that specific.  I don’t want to be accused of misrepresenting the truth.  Like most poets, my poems are based on my own experiences, but several similar “happenstances” may be combined into one poem that is representative of the overall feeling.  A little “poetic license,” if you will, rather than representing actual facts.  Others in the collection are exactly like I experienced them, such as the one where I felt the presence of my mother shortly after her death.  Overall, I didn’t set out to write a collection of poems about aging.  I just realized one day that I had quite a few poems on the subject, and at that point, my focus became more intentional.

Would you like to share with us how you started writing poetry?

I can remember loving to write poetry WAY back in middle school and high school, and I still have some of those poems.  However, I didn’t write poetry regularly after high school until I was nearing retirement.  I think the idea of retirement made me begin to wax poetic!  It still does!

Do you have more books of poetry planned or for that matter, are you writing or have you written books of prose?

I do have more poetry planned.  This publication is a chapbook, which is a short book of poems.  Finishing Line Press designated only 26 poems be included.  So I have other poems on aging – some a little less personal and more universal/metaphoric – that I would like to add to this collection and expand it to a full poetry collection.  I also have a couple of other areas that seem to keep emerging in my poetry, and maybe they will coalesce into collections. 

Although I’ve never written a book of prose, I have partially finished stories that I am resolved to complete.  I admit to feeling overwhelmed by the idea of a novel.  I think I need to start with short stories, which really don’t have to be extremely short. 

Is there anything else you would like to comment on that I haven’t addressed?

How about a good piece of advice I was given!  I was told in a workshop once to read really good poetry if I wanted to improve my writing, and that has worked for me.  If I read exquisite writing, it  always ignites the muse.  For me, writing regularly and reading good poetry like Mary Oliver, Billy Collins, Jane Hirschfield and others are key to my growth as a writer.  I would like to thank you, Rich, for this opportunity, and I would like to thank my poetry critique buddies who hold me accountable, inspire me, and keep me writing. 

Thank you, Jan for giving us a compelling backstory for the poems. I’m confident my readers will find it interesting.

Jan Spence and I are members of the Denton Poets’ Assembly. For more information about this organization, please visit: http://dentonpoetsassembly.weebly.com/

Denton Poets’ Assembly Meets on the third Saturday each month for its monthly meeting. Everyone is invited. Time: 10 AM – Noon
Location: Emily Fowler Central Library
502 Oakland Street
Denton, TX 76201

 

12 Comments

Filed under Arts and Poetry, Author Interview, Book Review, Books, Poetry, Writing

September 7, 2012 · 3:12 pm

Book Review — Shadows of Destiny

Shadows of Destiny by Gale Minchew, opens with the main character Analise in the throes of a terrifying nightmare.

“I was drenched in sweat as if I had been running for hours away from some unknown enemy I couldn’t really see.  My throat felt scratchy and raw.  My chest was tight, and a burning sensation filled my lungs.  Tiny pinpricks of alarm stung my arms and legs.”

This recurring dream plays out over the course of this suspenseful, paranormal, young adult novel. The dream features a young woman with a child that is only a few days old. She sees this dark-haired, striking young woman place the tiny bundle in a cardboard box. It is clear the woman is under extreme duress. Nonetheless, she takes the child and makes her way to the steps of magnificent church with stained glass windows. There, she places the child on the steps of the church.

At this point, Analise feels a connection to the scene and she struggles to understand why she is drawn to it. Toward the end of the dream, Alalise senses an ominous presence; something threatening. A dark shadow approaches the young mother and fear grips Alalise. The scene ends with a struggle between the dark, shadowy figure and a guardian. Here-in lies a mystery that Analise will attempt to unravel and find meaning in. Her Destiny is to solve this mystery.

Analise Michaels has lived in foster homes her entire life after her parents abandoned her. When the story opens, she is eighteen and beginning her senior year in high school. She lives with Rose Michaels. Rose adopted Analise and finally provided a real home. Rose is wise, kind and has special gifts that Analise will need to rely upon. It is through Rose that Analise learns that she too has similar gifts. Rose, a guardian angel Constantine, and another guardian help lead Analise through this an array of challenges giving advise and looking after her interests.

The mystery takes place over the backdrop of senior year activities at Jefferson High School. I enjoyed the drama this setting created. Prior to her senior year, Analise had been just another girl in school. For some reason, during this final year she is noticed and sought after by the quarterback of the football team. This sets up a rivalry between Alise and the spiteful girlfriend of the quarterback, Melissa. Melissa’s clique has a well-defined pecking order. They generate firestorm of dramatic interplay using jealous sneers, taunts and backbiting antics as a form of intimidation. By contrast we see a joyful Analise and her peers designing and building floats for a completion between high school classes. One of the highlights is a mysterious masquerade ball. Who was that girl and the guy with her?  Young people who read the story will readily identify with this part of the story, its characters and the various interactions between school mates. Interwoven with campus politics is the mystery we found at the opening.

Shadows of Destiny gives the reader a unique blend of suspense, and mystery that includes an exciting cast of human and other worldly characters. I think it is fitting to learn the author is a licensed psychologist who is involved in child custody and related cases.

I encourage you to pick a copy.

Author’s Biography

Gale Minchew is a licensed psychologist who resides in East Texas with her husband and two children. In her professional practice, Dr. Minchew specializes in issues related to children and families. However, over the past couple of years, she has consulted with adults and children who have experienced a broad range of paranormal phenomena, as well.

Gale Minchew Website

Amazon.com link for Shadows of Destiny

8 Comments

Filed under Book Review, Books

July 19, 2012 · 9:02 pm

Book Review — LICHGATES (Grimoire Trilogy #1)

By S.M. Boyce

Imagine a fantasy novel with a taste of Lord of the Rings, Narnia and Harry Potter. You might sense the influences

The Grimoire Lichgates & Author

that must have guided debut author S.M. Boyce. From beautifully crafted descriptions and exposition to action packed thrills, it’s all there: fight scenes that work, magic, shape shifting creatures, time-shifts and a cast of likable good guys offset by terrifying opponents.

Main character Kara Magari stumbles onto an ancient book while hiking on a mountain trail. The talking book, the places it leads her, and the characters will transform her life. Kara is bright, witty and funny. To survive she will need all of those attributes and the help of loyal friends. Part of the problem is she can’t be sure who is friend or foe.

As the latest Vagabond, the World of Ourea is in her hands. It is said the first Vagabond was murdered for attempting to unite a shattered world. Now, Kara has the same assignment.

 

S.M. Boyce’s Blog

 

Links

 

2 Comments

Filed under Award, Book Review, Books, Fantasy Adventure Novels

July 7, 2012 · 11:46 am

Closed Doors, A Trilogy

Rich Weatherly’s new book, Closed Doors is Live on Amazon.com as of July 24, 2012

Quote by Editor, Erin Potter

Wonderful story! Like the others, well written with well chosen words and description that leaps off the page. I felt involved in the stories and wanted more.

Quote from friend, author and blogger, Sandy Coelho

Reader’s will be treated to a vivid compelling story with Toxic Situations. Your writing is engaging; it launches the reader into the story and takes them on a fast-paced thrill ride. I think anyone searching for absorbing, lyrical prose will love this collection.

Closed Doors opens with a novella, Toxic Situations. A break-in at an Atlanta, Georgia laboratory results in the theft of avian flu virus capsules by organized crime figures and an investigation by the CDC.

CDC investigators pursue suspects on a trail from Atlanta to Sydney, Australia. Protagonists for for the novella and short stories are named Craig. Craig Jr. is featured in the novella, Toxic Situations. This story was inspired by a paper written by Dr. JJBrown. Dr. Brown has specialized in viral oncology.

Toxic Situations is followed by two short story prequels: Family Secrets and Thrills at the Esplanade Cinema. These short stories are set in north Texas.

Each story has ties to the Craig Wells family.

Here’s a final quote from Belinda Witzenhausen
Freelance Writer, Editor, Artist, Consultant and Creativity Coach

“After reading Rich Weatherly’s “Closed Doors: A Trilogy”, I am convinced that he is an extremely talented writer who has some fascinating stories to tell. His ability to craft interesting characters and intrigue you with compelling plots while maintaining such a high standard of writing throughout, is brilliant and the mark of a true storyteller.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read his future work; he definitely has a fan in me.”

Rich Weatherly’s Independent Author Network Page

Cover design by S.L. Coelho

18 Comments

Filed under Books, Introduction, Publishing, Texas, Thriller, Writing

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June 27, 2012 · 8:13 pm

Book Review — Grapes of Wrath

by John Steinbeck

“My whole work drive has been aimed at making people understand each other. . . .” —Steinbeck in a 1938 letter

Cover of "The Grapes of Wrath (Penguin Cl...

Cover of The Grapes of Wrath (Penguin Classics)

After years of suffering through the Great Depression and sweeping devastation caused by ‘Black Blizzards’ during the Dust Bowl era, farmers and share-croppers of the southern plains began an odyssey toward hope and the green valleys of California. This was a time of sweeping social and economic change. This was a time when banks, powerful land owners, mechanized farming, prejudice and bigotry sent people packing.

While working as a journalist in San Francisco, John Steinbeck wrote a series of feature articles about these migrant workers. He developed a powerful respect for their initiative and empathized with their plight. Those articles were the stimulus that drove him to write Grapes of Wrath. A short time after its publication, Grapes of Wrath received the 1939 Book of the Year Award from the American Booksellers Association. In 1940 it won a Pulitzer Prize for Literature.

Steinbeck used powerful, lyrical prose while establishing many of the scenes his characters lived in and passed through. He had a gift of writing in the vernacular language of the people of Oklahoma, and the surrounding states. Most chapters were anchored in dialog between the Joad family members and those with whom they had contact. Most of the story centers on protagonist Tom Joad, second son and parolee from an Oklahoma state prison. Ma Joad, the matriarch of the family is the glue that holds the family together.

The first half of the book follows the family along Route 66 from eastern Oklahoma across the state into the Texas Panhandle, New Mexico, Arizona and deserts until they are awed by the beauty of California. Along the way, they experience devastating losses, disappointment, and innumerable hardships. The Joad family meets and bonds with fellow travelers, and experience the generosity of a restaurant cook and waitress. After arriving in California, the family learns harsh realities of life as Okie migrants while camping in one of the infamous Hooverville camps or shanty towns.

Steinbeck gives the reader glimpses of the causes and social issues as seen through the eyes of his characters, but he doesn’t stop there. At times he breaks up the journey and branches into short narratives that read like prose poems. In these narratives he frequently uses repetition to drive home his message. He hammers on banks. He has little patience for land owners who call the migrants squatters even though many of these people acquired the land earlier though questionable means.

He shows us sheriffs, vigilantes and private security officers working as pawns of the powerful. These are the implements of injustice and the source of escalating tensions. They will stop at nothing to quash dissent. Migrants are exploited through the devaluation of their work by these land owners.

Grapes of Wrath lives up to its accolades. Be prepared for an emotional ride. Use it as an opportunity to assess your prejudices and preconceived ideas about this trying time in our history. If you haven’t read Grapes of Wrath, you need to do so.

John Steinbeck wasn’t alone in his call for better treatment of migrants. Dorothea Lange featured this population in brilliant photo essays. I’m including a link to some of her iconic images.

Dorothea Lange: Migrants in Steinbeck Country

http://louisville.libguides.com/lange

Quote from, Steinbeck, John; DeMott, Robert (2006-03-28). The Grapes of Wrath . Penguin Group. Kindle Edition..

Content resource: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Grapes_of_Wrath

13 Comments

Filed under Award, Book Review, Books, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction

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June 13, 2012 · 7:18 am

Author Interview: Black Loon Lake

by Sandy Coelho

I’m pleased to bring back Sandy Coelho to answer questions about why she wrote, Black Loon Lake. I’m including the book description to help set the context of our conversation.

by SL Coelho

Black Loon Lake, novella cover

 Black Loon Lake Book Description

The novelette Black Loon Lake is rooted in the back-country of British Columbia’s wilderness, where it sets the stage for a tension building, suspenseful read. Three tree planters take advantage of a short break between planting seasons, rest and rejuvenation are on the agenda. What actually happens, no one could have predicted. Engrossing, chilling, and creepy; this vivid, fast paced story is written to entertain.
Tranquil, timeless and treacherous. Those who venture there, are dying to see it!

Welcome back, Sandy. I found Black Loon Lake to be thrilling fiction. Your description of the landscape and the characters within the story gave me a sense of genuine authenticity. While the story is fiction, I’m convinced much of it is based in reality.

  • I believe you’ve mentioned that you and your, family have camped in the British Columbia wilderness which is the setting for the story. Would you like to share some of those experiences?

You’re correct. Before we had our two youngest children, my husband and I spent nearly every weekend from mid-May to mid-September camping at Forestry Reserve sites. Many of these sites are deep in the back country of British Columbia and have zero amenities, but have some of the most spectacular scenery and fishing you can imagine. You must be prepared for every contingency because you are over 2 hours from the nearest town, and there is no cell phone reception. The Conservation officers are strict on rules, what you pack in, you pack out – they take preservation seriously. If you ever have the opportunity to camp like this – it should be tried at least once. It is a serene, beautiful experience.

  • The central characters are tree planters. How did you happen to choose this as background of your characters?

Living in B.C. we’ve come to know a few tree planters. I also researched the profession. It is a difficult way to make money, but their stories have kept us entertained for hours. They are an important part of the green movement and reforestation. If it wasn’t for the hard work of a tree planter – future generations may not have wood to build homes, furniture or know the importance the eco-system plays in the health of our planet. We owe them much IMHO.

  • You feature a Conservation Officer in the story. What has your typical experience with these professionals and do you know what their usual roll is?

I have friends in this diverse profession, I asked questions and conducted research. In a nutshell, they conserve and protect our natural resources, enforce provincial compliance with environmental laws, and are involved in search and rescue. They have a special investigations unit which deals with criminal behavior which may have an environmental impact.

  • Have you had contact with dangerous creatures in the wilderness?

Yes. This province is primarily forest so wildlife encounters are unavoidable. We’ve encountered Bears (Black, Brown) and have seen Grizzlies from a distance; Moose (which can be extremely dangerous), and Cougar not far from our current home. In fact, this morning we had Conservation Officers knock at our door to warn us a large black bear was spotted in our neighbor’s yard earlier in the day. My husband has had a close encounter with a rattlesnake, he just missed stepping on it – he was warned by its rattle. You have to be aware of your surroundings and go out prepared – then you can enjoy the beauty without fear.

  • My purpose with this interview is to draw more readers to your compelling story. Are there other comments you would like to add?

Without giving anything away, I think Black Loon Lake is a relevant, fun read. It’s a novelette so not too big a time commitment. If you enjoy a thrill, pick it up, in fact…download it to your e-device and enjoy it while you’re camping!

Rich, thank you for taking the time to feature my story. You have said you enjoyed it and I hope others will also find it entertaining. I appreciate being here and your support. I’m deeply grateful.

10 Comments

Filed under Author Interview, Book Review, Books, Creative Process, Thriller

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June 4, 2012 · 4:20 pm

The Versatile Blogger Award #Gratitude– Times 2

June 4, 2012 by Rich Weatherly http://RichWeatherly.WordPress.com

I checked my inbox recently to find messages from Belinda Witzenhausen ~ http://bwitzenhausen.wordpress.com/ and Doris ~  Doris http://miartedoris.wordpress.com, announcing that my personal blog http://RichWeatherly.wordpress.com had been nominated for the “Versatile Blogger Award”!

Belinda and Doris are talented, creative writers and artists. I am honored to have been nominated by them for this award. The rules of acceptance for this award nomination are as follows:

  • Thank the person/people who nominated you and link back to them in your post
  • Share 7 things about yourself
  • Nominate 15  bloggers you admire The 7 things about myself which I would like to share with you here are:
  1. My wife and I were married 44 years ago this past May 2012.
  2. We have two lovely daughters and six grandchildren which we dearly love.
  3. I retired from the corporate world and began a career in creative writing last year. Throughout much of my career my work included technical writing, corporate photography and media production. Fiction writing is far more enjoyable.
  4. I’m an avid reader of historical fiction, thrillers and poetry. This has provided a foundation I use in my writing. My first published fiction is pending release in early summer. Closed Doors, a Trilogy consists of two short stories and a thriller Novella.
  5. I have an eclectic musical taste: from Classical, to Folk, Country and Rock N Roll.
  6. I work at staying fit and healthy. Last year I lost 60 pounds by closely monitoring calorie burn and eating fewer calories than I burned.
  7. I’m amazed at how many like minded people I’ve connected with on social media. Many are as close as those in my local community and I cherish their friendships.

The 15 fabulous bloggers I choose to nominate are all extremely talented and giving writers:

  1. Belinda Witzenhausen – Inspirational Creative Coach
  2. Doris – Arts Advocate
  3. Sylvia McGrath – Advocate for people with disabilities
  4. Shelli Johnson – Award Winning Author about the impact of war
  5. Sandy Coelho – Popular Author and supporter
  6. K. M. Weiland – Author and amazing writer’s resource
  7. August McLaughlin – Author and blogger on health issues
  8. Susie Lindau – Humorous blogger and amazing flash fiction writer
  9. Lana Meredith – Strong willed survivor
  10. Kirkus MacGowan – Author, blogger and friend
  11. Elizabeth S Craig   and Author Site – Author and resource for writers
  12. Jeannie Campell – Therapist who analyses fictional characters
  13. Abbie Jones – Fantasy author who presents contests and writing samples
  14. Darcy Pattison – Advice to fiction writers
  15. Eve Redwater  – Poet

Choosing nominees was not an easy decision  ~ there are so many more that should be on this list, so please don’t feel bad if you’re not included! You’re all my favorites! That’s pretty much it! I am honored Belinda and Doris nominated me and thank them for doing so! Wishing everyone a wonderful week!  🙂

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