Birthdays: Sarah Orne Jewett (1849), Lawrence Clark Powell (1906), Alison Lurie (1926), Aliki (1929), Malcolm Gladwell (1963), Adriana Trigiani (1969), Kiran Desai (1971), Jenny Han (1980),

Alison Lurie won the 1984 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for her novel “Foreign Affairs”

Quote: “We are the children of a technological age. We have found streamlined ways of doing much of our routine work. Printing is no longer the only way of reproducing books. Reading them, however, has not changed.”― Lawrence Clark Powell

“The great subversive works of children’s literature suggest that there are other views of human life besides those of the shopping mall and the corporation. They mock current assumptions and express the imaginative, unconventional, noncommercial view of the world in its simplest and purest form. They appeal to the imaginative, questioning, rebellious child within all of us, renew our instinctive energy, and act as a force for change. This is why such literature is worthy of our attention and will endure long after more conventional tales have been forgotten.” ― Alison Lurie, Don’t Tell the Grown-Ups: The Subversive Power of Children’s Literature

“Writing is a solitary occupation. Family, friends, and society are natural enemies of the writer. He must be alone, uninterrupted and slightly savage if he is to sustain and complete an undertaking.”― Lawrence Clark Powell

“You can’t write well with only the nice parts of your character, and only about nice things. And I don’t want even to try anymore. I want to use everything, including hate and envy and lust and fear.” – Alison Lurie

Tip: Dangling modifiers: modifiers are words or phrases that enhance other words in a sentence. If you misplace them (dangling), you can change the meaning of a sentence, or make it impossible as in: “Carrying the box, the leaves blew across his path.” In this case, it sounds like the leaves are doing the carrying. Much better: As he carried the box, the leaves blew across his path. Or: The leaves blew across his path as he carried the box.

Jumpstart: You’re going to be on a reality show—one that’s never been seen before. What will it be? What will the challenges be? What is the prize? Why are you doing this?

Birthdays: Lucretia Hale (1820), Eugene Field (1850), Paul Bourget (1852), Joseph Roth (1894), Cleveland Amory (1917), Allen Drury (1918), Barbara Dillon (1927), Jack Bickham (1930), John Bierhorst (1936), Demi (1942), Ellen Stohl Walsh (1942), Jon Berkeley (1962)

Cleveland Amory was an animal rights activist. Most of his books centered on his cat, Polar Bear, like “The Cat Who Came for Christmas”.

Allen Drury won the 1960 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for “Advise and Consent”

Quote: “Books cannot change. A thousand years hence they are what you find them today, speaking the same words, holding forth the same cheer, the same promise, the same comfort; always constant, laughing with those who laugh and weeping with those who weep.” – Eugene Field

Tip: Watch your verb tenses. Whether writing in present or past tense, keep it consistent. I’ve seen too many books where the writer slips from present tense (I am doing this) to the past (I did this) to future (I will do this) sometimes in the same sentence. Most books are written in third person/past tense (She painted the picture.). Some in first person/past tense (I painted the picture). Whatever person/tense you choose, make sure you are consistent throughout.

Jumpstart: This is National Beheading Day. Why would anybody name a day after such a horrible practice? What is the history behind this day? Your character celebrates this day – why and how?

TREVOR’S REDEMPTION by Amber Daulton

Fiction, Romantic Suspense, #3.5 in Arresting Onyx, 275 pages (heat level 5)

4****

Blurb: The danger and lies are more than she can handle.
Shea O’Bannon feels like a fifth wheel around her romantically paired-off friends, but there’s too much slime in the dating pool for her to bother with it. Then she sees her two-timing ex, Trevor Madero, serenading the mostly female crowd at a live-music bar. God knows trouble follows him around, but her desire for him rushes back in anyway. After he rescues her from a handsy drunk, temptation takes over.
Determined to prove he never stepped out on Shea, Trevor slides back into her life—and her heart—with forever in mind. Even with the wall he keeps up to protect her, his secret criminal life weighs heavy on his soul and drives a wedge between them.
When the truth comes out and his enemies target them both, they’ll have to fight for their love, or kiss it goodbye.

Thoughts: Wow. This story has it all – heat, danger, suspense, and more. In this addition to the Arresting Onyx series, Shae and Trevor have to clear up previous misunderstandings. But the heat between them is obvious. They care for each other, but need to deal with issues not just from their pasts, but Trevor’s ties to Onyx. I loved Trevor’s aunt and Shea has a great group at her back so they both have support, but there’s a lot to overcome.

Recommendation: recommended – and also suggest you read the other books in the series to get the whole story. If you like your stories hot and the relationship that works, pick this series up.

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

OUTSIDE IN by Andrew Grey

Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Gay, Novella

4****

Blurb: Years of relocating without putting down roots have left Daniel Houseworth filled with anxiety, as change piled on change. Finally buying a home, he wants a settled life, one he can count on. The tall, broad, and strong man across the street catches his eye. But to Daniel, Stanley is the epitome of intimidating—just what he doesn’t need, regardless of how scorching hot he may be. Nonprofit economic development specialist Stanley Jackson knows he can be unapproachable, with his wide build, tattooed arms, close-cropped hair, and dark eyes. He’s noticed hisintriguingly endearing new neighbor, Daniel, and the way he avoids him. But when Daniel brings home a lost kid goat, Stanley cautiously approaches him and offers help to find Delia a proper home. Daniel quickly comes to care for his charge and does his best to put his anxiousness aside for her sake. As Daniel gets to know Stanley’s heart, the once intimidating qualities shift to intense attraction. But just as Daniel begins to let his guard down and trust that hunky Stanley could feel the same about him, Stanley is presented with a job offer that could stop their budding relationship in its tracks.

Thoughts: I loved this story – mostly because of Delia. I loved that Daniel rescued her, and fell in love with this sweet little baby goat… and that, for her own good, he was willing to give her up to a better life. And that he sees past Stanley’s size and tats to the soft man underneath. The only thing I didn’t care for was that Stanley and his family didn’t seem to resolve anything. Or, rather Stanley just turned his back on them—as they did him. So I guess it was the only outcome there could have been. But the best part was the end. Thank you, Stanley. 

Recommendation: This is a short novella in typical Andrew Grey style. Recommended.

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

GET IT TOGETHER by Puja Rios

Nonfiction, Self Help, 184 pages, expected publication date 9/19/23

5*****

Blurb: As a woman and dynamic leader in sales—and the C-Suite—Puja Bhola Rios has developed a proven, results-oriented program and mindset for success. However, success starts with personal development, and Puja has mentored countless people in how to “Get It Together.” You may not be lucky enough to work for Puja, but now you get to learn from her. If you want to push past your current goals, want to truly excel, want focus and inspiration, Get It A Winning Formula for Success from the Boss You Need is the one transformational book that can get you where you want to be. No matter where you are in your career and life, she has the energy and insights to make sure you go after—and achieve—what you aspire to. Born into an immigrant family, she was raised on the ethics of hard work and ambition. But she also has the keen insights of being a woman in the C-Suite. Strong, warm, funny—Puja’s advice will bring results—but also build your self-belief, until you are capable of accomplishing anything! This book will help Puja operates without limits. She has unlocked the to have it “all,” you need to learn to laser-focus on the goals you really desire—and tune out all the other noise. A coach, a mentor, a leader, and a fierce believer in building opportunities for women and all who aspire to greatness, Puja is the boss we all need (and wish we had).

Thoughts: This is a book aimed at helping you achieve success and does so through anecdotes, guidelines, and personal experience. I love that it is written by a woman—and an immigrant—who has achieved that success. She focuses on personal development, goal setting and achievement, shutting out distractions, overcoming setbacks, critical thinking and understanding the “big picture”, progress, opportunity, empowerment, and more. By following her guidance, you should be able to make achievable goals—and then reach them.

Recommendation: definitely recommended. In fact, I will be purchasing copies of this book for several people I know who could use it!

Disclaimer: thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this ARC for me. Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Birthdays: John Locke (1632), Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809), Anna Ella Carroll (1815), Maurice Maeterlinck (1862), Marquis James (1891), Preston Sturges (1898), John E. Williams (1922), Rene Depestre (1926), Thom Gunn (1929), Gillian Rubinstein (1942), Sue Harrison (1950), Karen Hesse (1952), Michael Kube-McDowell (1954),

Maurice Maeterlinck won the 1922 Nobel Prize in Literature.

Marquis James was a two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Biography.

John Williams won the 1973 National Book Award for “Augustus”

Karen Hesse won the 1998 Newbery Award for “Out of the Dust”

Quote: “Deep feeling doesn’t make for good poetry. A way with language would be a bit of help.” – Thom Gunn

“If the bee disappeared off the face of the earth, man would only have four years left to live.”

― Maurice Maeterlinck, The Life of the Bee

Tip: Like vs. as if – everyone overuses “like” but in a lot of cases, it can be changed to a different word. For instance: He looked at her like she was a drink of water and he was dying of thirst. (In this case, like can be changed to ‘as if’: he looked at her as if she…)

Jumpstart: She settled the mask over her face. “Are you ready for this?” He nodded and put on his mask as well…

REMNANTS OF FIRE by Alana Lorens

Fiction, Paranormal Suspense, 192 pages

5****

Blurb: Looking for a fresh start, Sara Woods takes a job as a news reporter in a small town. Her first assignment for the Ralston Courier is to investigate a string of deaths, all young women, all her age. To deal with chronic back pain, she goes to the Goldstone Clinic, a local healing center with a strange reputation. As local doctor Rick Paulsen teaches Sara how to access hidden energy skills and reveal secrets from her past, police officer Brendon watches Sara’s every move. The deeper she digs into the Goldstone, the harder it is to deny links to the paranormal. Can she figure out what is going on and who to trust before it’s too late?

Thoughts: I wasn’t sure I was going to like this book – I’m not a huge vampire fan – but this one pulled me in and kept me reading. For one thing, the vampires in this story aren’t your usual “fangs out/suck your blood” types. They’re different. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t danger and death involved.

Sara Woods is a news reporter in a small town. She usually reports on the society pages and other light pieces, but when the hard news (re: dead bodies) reporter is out of town, she fills in, and thus begins her investigation into a string of deaths of young women. As she digs deeper into the deaths, she becomes involved with a local doctor who teaches her about energy. At first, she doesn’t believe in him, or the clinic where she gets help for her chronic back pain. But she can’t deny that what they did to her helped. She also can’t deny that something strange is happening and it’s all connected to the clinic. She’s also a bit freaked out by the intense consideration she gets from the local police officer, Brendon. And the clinic’s administrator, Chal. With three men after her, she’s not sure who to trust. 

Recommendation: Definitely recommended. This one is different from the usual vampire story but has an ending that satisfies. Would I read more by this author? Again, definitely. 

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Birthdays: Theodore Dreiser (1871), C.S. Forester (1899), Ira Levin (1929), Antonia Fraser (1932), Ann Rinaldi (1934), Sarah Stewart (1938), William Least Heat-Moon (1939), Suzy Cline (1943), Lisa Yee (1959), Jeanette Winterson (1959), Jill Lepore (1966), Thando Mgqolozana (1983)

Ira Levin’s 1954 book “A Kiss Before Dying” won the Edgar Award for best first novel.

William Least Heat-Moon is best known for his book “Blue Highways”

Quote: “The clue to book jacket photography is to look friendly and approachable, but not too glamorous.” – Antonia Fraser

“A book you read when you were a child will read differently when you pick it up later.” – Thando Mgqolozana

Tip: Learn about singular, plural, and possessive nouns: The cat scratched at the door (singular). Three cats showed up on our porch (plural). She was playing with the cat’s toy (single possessive). She was playing with the cats’ toys (plural possessive).

Jumpstart: It’s the future and everyone has a “gem” embedded in their wrist. It monitors your movements, your health, everything about you. Green is perfect; yellow is a problem; red is serious. Yours suddenly turns black…

Birthdays: John Buchan (1875), Guillaume Apollinaire (1880), Eleanor Dark (1901), Caroline P. Miller (1903), Christopher Isherwood (1904), Julio Cortázar (1914), Irving R. Levine (1922), Barbara Ehrenreich (1941), Will Shortz (1952), Nikky Finney (1957), Stephen J. Dubner (1963), Paula Hawkins (1972)

Caroline Miller’s first novel “Lamb in His Bosom” won the 1934 Pulitzer Prize for Literature.

Will Shortz, since 1993, is the crossword puzzle editor for the New York Times.

Nikky Finney is the winner of the 2022 National Book Award for “Head Off & Split” poetry.

Quote: “Without poets, without artists… everything would fall apart into chaos. There would be no more seasons, no more civilizations, no more thought, no more humanity, no more life even; and impotent darkness would reign forever. Poets and artists together determine the features of their age, and the future meekly conforms to their edit.” ― Guillaume Apollinaire, Selected Writings

The novel wins by points, the short story by knockout.” – Julio Cortazar

Tip: Don’t give your reader a laundry list of things: She went to the store, then to the doctor, then worked out at the gym… Break things up with something more interesting.

Jumpstart: I was just so done with everything. With life. I wanted to scream. But that’s not proper. Not polite. So I…

Birthdays: Bret Harte (1836), Paul H. Buck (1899), Leonard Bernstein (1918), Brian Moore (1921), Thea Astley (1925), Patrick McManus (1933), Charles Wright (1935), Virginia Wolff (1937), Frederick Forsyth (1938), Margaret Maron (1938), Howard Jacobson (1942), Charles Ghigna (1946), Martin Amis (1949),Ian Falconer (1959), Lane Smith (1959), Taslima Nasrin (1962)

Paul H. Buck won the 1938 Pulitzer Prize for History for “The Road to Reunion, 1865-1900”

Charles Wright won both the National Book Award and Pulitzer Prize for Poetry.

Charles Ghigna, a children’s book writer, goes by the name “Father Goose”

Quote: ““To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan and not quite enough time.”

― Leonard Bernstein

“The only sure thing about luck is that it will change. ” ― Bret Harte

“Every time we start thinking we’re the center of the universe, the universe turns around and says with a slightly distracted air, ‘I’m sorry. What’d you say your name was again?” ― Margaret Maron, Bootlegger’s Daughter

As a novelist nowadays, you have to assume that everything you say will be, for some reader somewhere (and maybe for hundreds of them), something they know a lot about. And they do not forgive slovenly descriptions riddled with errors.” – Frederick Forsyth

Tip: A fragment is a sentence that is missing something, usually the subject, as in: “And do it now.” In this fragment, the subject is implied. But a fragment can also be a single word: “Now!” They can be used to a good effect, but don’t overuse them or they lose their impact.

Jumpstart: You walk into English class in school. Everyone’s staring at you… why? Are you a student? Or a teacher? What’s happening?