Mary and I wish all of you a happy and relaxing Labor Day weekend. It’s best enjoyed with a good book - why not try something new? Find new authors in your favorite genre in our List of Authors. Happy hunting!
We’ll be back next week with more reviews and new authors.
Marius
By Doreen Murphy-Lee:
Existing the Moments by Taylor DiVico plunges the reader into the emotional upheaval of the grief of a widow. However, as the story unfolds, amidst the widow’s horror, beauty emerges.
Existing the Moments takes you on an emotional roller coaster and has you feeling you are right there with the characters. The characters, at the start of the book, are all strangers to the reader, but through her development Taylor DiVico has you believing that you’ve known them all your life. Excellent read.
To find out more about Taylor DiVico, please visit her profile on AllTheseBooks.com.
by J.E. Braun, author of PARANOIA
Dark Canvas is a solid debut by Jody Summers that draws readers into a macabre world of psychic visions, unsolved murders, and evil entities. Unfortunately, Summers’ mechanics occasionally fall short, as point-of-view shifts, typographical errors, and repetitive sequences prove to be a bit distracting. Despite this, I encourage readers to push past these distractions so that they can fully experience the mysteries and horrors of Dark Canvas.
In Dark Canvas, Sean Easton – an innocent, if not naïve, farm boy - is drawn to Kira McGovern – a world-wise, ex-model who has started an innovative business venture in which she creates memorial paintings from people’s cremated remains. Kira soon begins to experience visions from the people she is memorializing – visions that start out horrifying, but ultimately teeter on the verge of deadly.
As Kira McGovern paints astoundingly vivid pictures with her brush, so does Summers create an astoundingly vivid story with his pen. The reader can practically see New Orleans and the Easton ranch – the two locations at which the majority of the story takes place. Though I felt the love story between Sean and Kira could have been handled more subtly, they, as well as all of the characters in Dark Canvas, were both three-dimensional and sympathetic.
With Dark Canvas, the more I read, the more I felt drawn into the story. I found myself hungrily turning pages as the action peaked, trying to find out what the answers would be. Summers leaves you enough clues to solve some of the mysteries on your own, but just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, he throws in another twist. In the end, Dark Canvas turns out to be a frightening and entertaining ride that could be a solid launch for Jody Summers’ writing career.
Jody Summers profile on AllTheseBooks.com
Taylor DiVico is the author of Existing the Moments, an inspirational story about the ups and downs of life. You can find out more about Taylor by visiting her profile on AllTheseBooks.com.
BookHuntersBlog.com: Did you study the craft of writing or dive right into it?
I dove right into it at a young age and by the time I got to college. Majoring in Philosophy, a certain affinity for substantial, mind-enhancing writing grew. A style was born at that point, and I’ve been crafting it ever since!
Tell us about your life experiences.
There are quite a few! Mainly, music has always guided me. I began classical training as a violinist at age five, and from that point on, became classically trained in piano, later learning guitar. As a child, I attended music institutions away from home such as, Hartwick College, and Crane School of Music. There was lots of independence at a young age which most prepared me to embrace life and to seek adventure. A love for traveling the globe and moving came next, so many European and cross-country backpacking trips, Phish tours, and the list goes on…all good material for a writer. It’s been a full life!
What is the meaning of life?
Well, I have to assume the meaning of life is different for everyone. For me, it’s humility and with that, constant evolution as a person bringing forth the ability to gain wisdom through many experiences and people who grace my presence along the way.
What really matters in life?
All things intangible… happiness, love, goodness.
Are you religious or spiritual?
I seek consult in philosophy, and through readings of the ancients and their successors, open-mindedness has been my best companion in this life. Spirituality envelops me without needing to be defined. It’s just there.
How can one get through rough times that are seemingly unconquerable?
Nothing is unconquerable, but the dissipation of hope. Get through rough times by remembering the good times and tell yourself there will be more. Depend on your friends and family and realize that it’s okay to be vulnerable because in the end, we all are. Pick yourself back up and be greater than ever!
Do you do a lot of people watching?
Yes! I love watching the way people interact with each other and finding commonalities in their reactions. I always imagine a sort of background story.
What do you think of the current state of our society? Everything seems to be style over substance and materialistic possessions are more important than living a fulfilled life.
I think it’s repulsive, but underneath that, as a society, it speaks volumes of a certain sadness and detachment from what really matters. It just sends a skewed, cynical message to people, and moreover, to children. Fulfillment is so much deeper and so I think there are so many unfulfilled people in the world, masking their problems and indulging in a therapy that is no more real as it is helpful. In the end, it’s just a pair of shoes, and they’re probably wicked uncomfortable.
How do you know when you’ve found true love? Is there even such a thing?
There is such a thing as true love and it is a feeling of such enormity that trying to contain it with the right words seems suffocating to its very essence. You know you’ve found it when you find yourself smiling at nothing and when you begin to see the beauty in every faction of your surroundings.
How do you choose which real-life experience to draw inspiration from?
I don’t think I deliberately choose, but rather am more subliminally affected by so many different aspects of life. Experiences transfer through my writing. I am most inspired by the vastness of life and with that, the fragility of it. Also, the depth of human emotion is beyond fathomable, so I rely on the construction of deep, thought-provoking characters.
What do you think about the future of books with all the new technology coming out (like Kindle and foldable screens)?
I’m all for advancements, especially when it may better accommodate someone’s lifestyle or pace. I still personally attest to the notion that there’s nothing like a good traditional book to kick back with on the beach or on the couch. There’s something about manually turning the pages and unfolding a character’s destiny that can’t be replicated electronically. But that’s just me.
How difficult was the publishing process for you?
It was difficult, lots of waiting, rejections of one query after another, followed by uncertainty, discouragement, and anger at certain points. I went through all the phases and when I realized I was second guessing myself based on other people rejecting me, most of whom hadn’t even read my manuscript yet, I knew my vision had been tainted. I took matters into my own hands and realized that I had to effect my own change. I knew I had a wonderful story to tell and I didn’t want to wait to be “found” so I went with a subsidy publisher and worked two jobs and freelanced so I could pay the expenses of publishing my book. It was an exhausting but fruitful experience and I learned a lot about myself and my drive. Like most trials in life, it made me a stronger person and for that, I’m thankful.
How much of your own promotion do you do?
I do quite a bit of my own promotion. At a time I thought I wasn’t business-savvy enough to promote myself, but I’ve learned so much and I’m trying to put it all to use.
Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?
My best advice would be to just write it down. I meet many people who say they have a great idea for a book and they would really like to write one but they don’t know where to even begin. Simple solution…go to your computer and start typing. See where that first page takes you and don’t be scared of letting your mind create an alternate truth that will someday be your novel.
What are your future plans?
I plan to publish a book of poetry next. After that, my second novel, The Diseased, will be published. I’m currently working on two other fictions, one which is half-way finished and the other in which I only have the first couple chapters written. I think I need to do some more traveling very soon just to keep the inspiration flowing and the view on life fresh. Italy sounds nice. A jump from the cliffs of Capri does the soul some good.
How do you juggle writing with the rest of your life?
With two hands, high-energy, and lots of coffee.
Do you have any methods or rituals to your writing?
Oddly, cleaning my house before I write is a ritual that I need to do. It clears my mind and prepares me to sit down and not be interrupted by the “Oh, I forgot to…” and the “I need to…” My attention span is limited because I’m always thinking of what’s next, so I really have to have everything else done and in place before I can even consider writing something decent. Then, I just take a deep breath and get to it.
How do you find inspiration?
I’m surrounded by it and I try to take notice daily. Sometimes I just see something and I know it is embedded in my mind forever and will become a metaphor or piece of imagery of some sort in one of my books. Music, travel, and love are my muses. I’ve been fortunate enough to have all as constants.
Was there one certain event or happening that made you want to write a book?
I jumped on a plane with a one-way ticket to California, a couple backpacks and enough cash to last a month. I left the one person I loved the very most in life behind to explore life on my own…the toughest decision ever. Lots of pain, apprehension, and excitement. All the feelings presented themselves to me at once and so one fine summer day I sat on the floor of my Huntington Beach apartment with my keyboard in my lap and a swirl of emotion, and began creating Existing the Moments. It was really special and although it would have been more comfortable had I owned a desk, I wouldn’t change that bit of history for anything!
What do you do against writer’s block?
I try not to allow myself to get the universal writer’s block. Basically, if I’m stuck on a part in one novel, I’ll write some music reviews or articles, or maybe even work on a different novel. I always have lots of projects going at the same time. If I’m really in a bad way and there’s nothing coming to mind, I’ll go play guitar for hours and take my frustration out on a ’Dead tune.
Do you use an outline when writing? Do you stay linear or do you skip in time?
No outlines! My mind doesn’t seem to vibe off outlines. They’re too contrived and I’m more of a free-spirited writer.
I skip in time, telling events through flashbacks and connecting the past with the present continually. Linear, again, is too straightforward for me.
How difficult was it to get an agent?
I work without an agent.
How important is a good website and do you utilize blogging?
Having a decent website for people to navigate easily around is definitely important because it promotes you and your work and gives insight as to who you are as an author or person. I blog on Myspace mainly and then I have a music review blog where I review bands, shows, and albums in my spare time.
What do you prefer and why: Mass-market paperback or hard cover for your debut novel?
Paperbacks are more affordable and reasonable for most people to purchase. It’s all the same content, so I suppose I’m all about the mass-market paperbacks.
What are the most difficult and rewarding aspects of being a published writer?
The rewarding aspect is the sense of accomplishment. Seeing my book for the first time was this emotional culmination to a very long and exhausting few years. I cried! Then, when friends and family started calling and signing my guestbook and giving me words of encouragement, I was pleasantly dumbfounded and enlightened by the level of support.
The most difficult part is not being able to fully relish in the publishing of my first book without being distracted by future endeavors. At this time I’m working on my second and third novels, going through the process all over again with this sort of awareness or idea that they have to be better than the first. That’s a little tough, the self-expectations and all, but hopefully positive in the end.
In an Egypt before pharaohs and pyramids, a mysterious civilization nearly changed the course of mankind. Now its secrets are about to be unearthed - but is the world ready for the consequences?
Inspired by the best parts of Indiana Jones, The Mummy and National Treasure, Secret of the Sands by co-authors Rai Aren and Tavius E. is a captivating hybrid of historical fiction, science-fiction, and mystery. The story covers a time before what is in the history books, giving authors Rai Aren and Tavius E. the freedom to propose explanations for many of ancient Egypt’s unknowns still shrouded in mystery today.
The most unique aspect of Secret of the Sands is the dual intertwined storylines. Questions asked in the present are revealed as the past unfolds, slowly inching towards the stunning revelation. Who was this civilization really and where did they come from? What went wrong? Will they ever return and finish what they started?
Secret of the Sands is, at its heart, a love letter to ancient Egypt. The authors’ life-long fascination with the subject matter brings the story to life with contagious enthusiasm and genuine respect. Rai Aren was a member of the Society for the Study of Egyptian Antiquities (SSEA) for many years before and during her foray into writing, and took two (non-credit) courses in Egyptology at the University of Calgary. Archaeology & Anthropology were hands down her two favorite courses in all of her extensive post-secondary education. The novel has been a repeated Amazon.com Bestseller in the category of “Books, Religion & Spirituality, Fiction”.
Secret of the Sands educates while it entertains, and the work-in-progress sequels will introduce a deeper message and new theories when many aspects of Egypt’s past, our own past and certain mysteries of the universe are tied together.
About The Book:
SECRET OF THE SANDS by Rai Aren and Tavius E.
Exclusive Kindle edition available on www.Amazon.com and in multiple eBook formats on www.Mobipocket.com starting August 31st
About The Authors:
RAI AREN
Rai loves the stories of Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, The Da Vinci Code, Angels and Demons, Star Wars, Star Trek, Indiana Jones (her first kitty cat is named Indiana, Indy for short), The Mummy trilogy, The National Treasure movies, and The Matrix trilogy (take the red pill!), to name a few. She loves getting lost in these enchanting worlds and studying their underlying philosophies. Ancient Egypt has held a particular fascination for her since childhood. She feels right at home surrounded by Egyptian art and books.
Rai feels that novels have the ability to take us on magic carpet rides, allowing us to escape into fascinating and engaging worlds, where the stories become real to us. Some of her favorite authors include J.R.R. Tolkien, David Eddings, Dan Brown, James Rollins, J.K. Rowling, Anne Rice, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, Thomas Greanias, and Matthew Reilly. Storytelling is an ancient, timeless practice and is an integral part of who we are. For Rai, writing a novel is a similar, but far more intense experience and she is thrilled to be a part of such an honored tradition. She believes that these stories are out there, waiting and wanting to be told - that they travel the universe in search of the door, the conduit, to the soul who is meant to tell their tale. She hopes you enjoy the worlds she & Tavius have opened the doors to…
TAVIUS E.
Tavius E. (pen name) grew up and currently resides in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He attended Mount Royal College and Athabasca University, majoring in Business and Accounting. Movies such as The Lord of the Rings and The Star Wars trilogies have ignited his imagination. Authors such as David Eddings and Dan Brown have inspired him to write.
He enjoys learning about ancient Egypt and archaeology. He sometimes looks up at the stars in the skies and wonder about all the amazing stories that have never been told. As a result, he and his college friend, Rai Aren, are pursuing their shared interests of being successful storytellers.
Contact Information:
For more information, please visit the profile at AllTheseBooks.com.
E-mail: rai-tavius@secretofthesands.com; rai.aren@yahoo.com
Website: www.SecretOfTheSands.com
MySpace link: http://www.myspace.com/mysteryscifiauthors
Video Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1GkYZZTM5w
Bristlecone Pine Press: http://www.bcpinepress.com
Written and distributed by:
Marius Menzel for AllTheseBooks.com and BookHuntersBlog.com
Webmaster@BookHuntersBlog.com
910-625-1372
BookHuntersBlog.com and AllTheseBooks.com are proud to welcome
A. Jarrell Hayes, author of the fantasy novel Crowning of the King.
We wish our new members all the best!
Marius & Mary
