Steph's Writing Thought of the day and A Book Review
Mood:  caffeinated
Topic: Writing
It's been a busy morning. I was putting together my Official Online Newsletter and my two year old wants me to play with him.  Sigh... I've been meaning to get here sooner, so forgive. My writing thought of the day is: THEME.

What is theme?  Well, it's like the glue that holds your story together. It's the story arc that your main character takes.  Some examples of theme are:

Greed is not good
Coming of Age
Love wins out in the end.

Can you think of any stories which highlight those themes?

In my novel, "The Wolf's Torment," the main theme is a coming of age story. Prince Mihai is 18 years old and must soon learn how to govern a kingdom, but as the prologue, and his father, King Stelian, implies, Mihai is still a boy chasing a girl's skirts.  As the book continues, Mihai realizes he has to "grow up," because so many people depend on him.  Since he's the main character of the novel, he takes on that journey with him. Without a strong or steady theme to keep your plot steady, all you have are scenes, really.  Unless you know where you want to take your main character (that's what the theme gives you) he'll just go from scene to scene and the growth or development of him will be lacking.

Anyone want to share some themes they're tackling in their writing?

And now... another book review. Enjoy
Smiles,
Steph

Book Review for “John”

Written by: Cynthia Lennon
Hodder & Stoughton
ISBN: 0-340-89511-X
404 Pages
20 pounds
5 Stars

Cynthia Lennon starts her autobiographical tale reflecting on the death of her famous ex-husband, John Lennon and within the first chapter reveals two insights into John’s personality that haven’t really been discussed before in books about the Beatles. It’s a catchy start to a heartwarming, sweet, yet tragedic tale.

As the book starts, Cynthia is a teenager beginning art college. Shortly thereafter she encounters John Lennon. The two make an unlikely couple. She was raised in a nice neighborhood to be a “good” girl and John Lennon is a teenager rebel with only one cause – rock and roll.

Cynthia points out they had several things in common in the book – they were both short sighted and bonded over losing their parents when they were seventeen. (Cynthia lost her father when she was seventeen and John lost his mother.) Soon, Cynthia and John embark on a relationship. Her love is what John needs. She’s a steady constant in his life which is filled with uncertainty.

Cynthia is there before John and the Beatles make it famous. She talks of their humble beginnings and John’s family. We learn John’s Aunt Mimi, the woman who raised him, is a very totalitarian matriarch who very rarely showed John small, simple, loving gestures. John also has two younger sisters who adore him, Jacqui and Julia. There are so many sides to John. He’s in love, yet has a ferocious jealous side to him. He can be kind and tender, yet John dislikes confrontation. An example of this is how Pete Best is told to leave the band. Brian Epstein breaks the news to Pete and John never sees him again.

Cynthia and John had been with each other four years before their son Julian is conceived. John marries her right before the Beatles begin to take off. As the Beatles ride the wave of fame, Cynthia is by John’s side. It isn’t easy for the couple, but their love gets them through.

The book shifts when Cynthia begins to talk of John’s drug use. It’s his use of drugs that drives a wedge between them. John’s decline and destruction is sad to read about in such a personal way. The way he cuts Cynthia and Julian out of his life is quick, deliberate, precise, and very hurtful. Cynthia must find her own way with little financial support from John.

It’s hard to put this book down. The beginning draws you in and the reader barely has a chance to catch their breath. Happiness quickly turns to misery, pain, and despair much in the same manner as the Beatles overwhelming success turns sour at the end of the sixties.

Cynthia offers fresh insights on a musical history that has been practically hashed to death by the number of books written by the Beatles. Her thoughts and impression on Yoko are not put out there in a mean-spirited way – instead Cynthia presents the facts as is and lets the reader come to their conclusions. This is a wonderful read for those who are true fans of the Beatles and John Lennon.

Steph's Writing Thought of the day and A Book Review
Mood:  caffeinated
Now Playing: Mereditch Brooks, "Blurring The Edges"
Topic: Writing
I don't have much time, but I thought I'd pop on in and leave you with this food for thought:

Research.

What about you ask? It's a valuable tool for you, the writer.  Research gives your writing {b}authenticity.{/b}  But I don't have the ability to research, you argue.  YOU DO. Trust me.  If you're on the Internet right now, you can Google anything. Research has helped bring authenticity to may writing. I've written several stories that have been researched.  THE MUSIC BOX, THE WATCH TOWER, and RED PAINT, CRIMSON BLOOD are all stories that I researched.  They all received Honorable Mentions in Writer's Digest Competition and I believe they did goo because I researched them.

Of course you can always go to a library. You can read several books on the topic you want to write about.  You can watch a movie, you can go VISIT the place you want to write about.  Say you're writing a Gothic tale that takes place in colonial New England.  You can go visit Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts.  You can't there? Google it.  Use Google maps to give you a reference where it is.  

That said, anyone else want to share their research tips?
Smile,
Steph

That said, it's time for my daily book review...

Book Review for: “Wanting What You Get”
Written By: Kathy Love
Kensington Publishing Corp.
ISBN: 0-8217-7613-4
320 pages
$5.99
5 Stars

Kathy Love weaves a masterful tale of contemporary romance in “Wanting What You Get.” Set in Millbrook, Maine, this is the second installment of the “Stepp Sisters” series. Ellie Stepp works as the town’s librarian. Just when she thinks she’ll never find love, she’s in for a surprise. Love’s writing is crisp. “Wanting What You Get” is a satisfying romantic escape to New England.

Ellie’s sisters, Abby and Marty, left Millbrook to find adventure outside of Maine, but Ellie stayed behind finding a job as the town’s librarian. At Abby’s wedding, Ellie, as the maid of honor, is paired with Mason Sweet, Chase’s longtime friend and best man. Mason is also the town’s mayor and someone Ellie has secretly harbored a torch for since high school.

Mason is a hard edged character. His wife left him and he feels as if he’s going through the motions in his life. He shares a dance with Ellie and comes to see her for the sweet, honest person she is.

Mason does his best to fight his attraction to Ellie. She’s a kind girl and he’s a downright scoundrel. On occasion, he also drinks too much. Ellie, however, doesn’t want to fight the attraction between them. She wants to embrace it. Her steadfast nature gets through to Mason, but he falls asleep before he can make love to her. The next morning, a sober Mason apologizes and Ellie forgives him. They make love and begin a heated, yet secret affair.

Mason adores Ellie. He finds her honest and down-to-earth, unlike his wife who was materialistic. However, he believes it’s better to keep the affair a secret so as to keep Ellie’s reputation safe since he’s such a scoundrel.

Ellie loves spending time with Mason. She accepts him as he is. Their lovemaking is torrid and untamed, awakening Ellie’s passion. Soon, the couple grow emotionally close. Mason admits to Abby and Chase that he’s seeing Ellie, but when his haughty parents show up, he gets drunk and breaks up with Ellie.

Ellie doesn’t have time to be sorry for herself. She’s pregnant with Mason’s baby. When he finds out, he goes to Ellie and proposes. Ellie says no to him – he’s a drunk and needs to get his act together. Mason starts going to AA. The ending is a rich reward for the reader.

Love’s follow up to “Getting What You Want,” is emotionally more complex which makes it that much more enjoyable.  Her love scenes are vivid and full of emotional passion. Love’s dialogue engages the reader. The names of her character have symbolic meaning. She does write in a “Lonesome Dove” perspective without any clear divisions or line breaks which can be disconcerting to some.  Her plot and pacing are right on point, allowing the reader to slow down and take a breath before the action starts again. “Wanting What You Get,” is a great book to curl up with for some late night reading.

Steph's Writing Thought of the day and A Book Review
Mood:  caffeinated
Now Playing: Pink
Topic: Writing
Just wanted to share my "writing" thought of the day. Yesterday, I talked about entering competitions to establish writing credentials and hone your writing.  Today, I just wanted to talk about the process used to put a novel a together - at least for me.

Plot
You've got to have a compelling plot. There's got to be a firm beginning, middle, and end. Also, be aware of the genre you're writing for.  Romance and Gothic genres have very specific rules that should be followed. Sculpt a plot around the rules of the genre you're writing for.

Pacing
Allow for action oriented scenes - in fact try to work it out so your beginning is full of action that hooks a reader.  In between the action, have character building scenes. These slow the pace down a little and let the reader catch their breath before you dive back into the action.

Characters
Have interesting and compelling characters.  The main character has to grow and change. They've got to be dynamic.  Make your supporting cast interesting.

Mechanics
Master the mechanics so you present a polish product.  No one wants to read a story riddled with punctuation and spelling mistakes.

Write the first draft
And then when you're done, get feedback. Tweak it.  I found in that writing the first draft, I'm getting used to the characters.  When it comes time to write the second draft, I'm more secure in that because I know my characters a lot better.  EXPECT to write 2nd 3rd and even 4th drafts.

Edit
I can't say enough about editing.  Editing polishes your product. Self-editing is a skill though and one that has to be acquired through continuous editing on your part.  Writing is 10% writing and 90% editing.

In future entries, I'll take apart the process one by one and look a little more indepth at it.

And now... my daily review. Enjoy.

Book Review for: “Suddenly You”
Written By: Lisa Kleypas
Avon Books
ISBN: 0-380-80232-5
375 pages
$7.50
5 Stars

Lisa Kleypas, A New York Times bestselling author, crafts a masterful historical romance with “Suddenly You.” Kleypas is a skillful plotter. “Suddenly You” is a book the reader can’t put down.

The novel starts in 1835 against the backdrop of London’s fast moving society. Jack Devlin is a young, successful publisher, bastard son of an Earl who grew up at an abusive school. He enjoys the company of the female sex, but doesn’t want to lose his heart to a woman.

Amanda Briars is a successful novelist – a rare accomplishment for a woman in her time, but after carrying for her sick parents, Amanda is past what everyone considers her prime – she’s thirty. Amanda’s settled into the fact that she’s a spinster. Against her better judgment, she visits a high-priced bordello. She wants to hire a man to have sex with her on her birthday. The madam, Mrs. Bradshaw, arranges for Jack, unwittingly, to meet with Amanda.

Jacks wants to meet Amanda because he wants to publish a novel she wrote. When she opens the door, there’s some serious miscommunication between them and Jack takes advantage of Amanda’s plight. The would-be lovers kiss and grow amorous, but Jack calls it off before going too far. When he leaves, Amanda secretly hopes to see him again.

The next time Jack and Amanda meet it’s in a business setting. Amanda is embarrassed, but Jack is thrilled. He loves Amanda’s writing and offers her a contract she can’t refuse. Soon, they begin working together as writer/editor and their chemistry is undeniable. After attending Jack’s Christmas party, Amanda gives into the passion between her and Jack. The couple make love, but Amanda, wanting to guard her heart, makes Jack agree to a three month affair.

Both Jack and Amanda enjoy their passionate lovemaking. During an evening out, they make love in a small parlor, however, Jack is careless and Amanda is soon pregnant.

Knowing how Jack feels about marriage, she tries to keep the truth from him, but when she attempts to marry someone else, Jack refuses to let her. He marries her after she confesses the truth about the baby. Amanda is still unsure about the situation, but their marriage and their willingness to admit their love is tested when Amanda loses the baby.

Kleypas is a master at description, painting 1830’s London with broad, yet vivid words that easily allow the reader to picture the backdrop of the story. Her love scenes are tantalizing. Kleypas writes in a “Lonesome Dove” perspective which switches point of view without line breaks or clear divisions which some readers might find disconcerting. Her dialogue is “spot on,” for the time period. The plot and pacing are perfect, allowing the reader to slow down and get a breath before accelerating again. “Suddenly You” is a delicious way to spend a rainy weekend.


Any Lisa Kleypas fans? I'd love to hear what you have say about her. It's my first book I read from her and I was impressed.

Smiles,
Steph

Steph's Writing Tidbit & a Story
Mood:  caffeinated
Topic: Writing

  I just wanted to blog a few thoughts on the writing world before I have to start the day. It's been a while since I've been out to cruise the Internet, so I'm not very much up to date with the latest happenings, but some tidbits never change much and so I offer this nugget for you to muse.

You've finished your writing project and you're ready to query agents. Where to start? Where to begin? I'll cover query letters in another Writing World Tidbit, but when you do get ready to write that query letter, you want to convey to the agent that you do some creditability as a writer. But if you're a working mom, how can you get that creditability? One of the things that works for me is to enter writing contests.

I don't enter just any old writing contests. Some aren't very legit. But the one I LOVE to enter and I enter every year is the Writer's Digest Annual Writing Competition. They usually receive over 17,000 entries. They have one GRAND prize winner and they have 10 competition category FIRST PLACE winners. Then those who score 2-100 get certificates for being an Honorable Mention. If you're an honorable mention winner that is a writing credit and that's something you can put on your query letter to let the agent know that hey, my writing has been recognized. Their entries are due by June and they post the winners in Oct.

I also enter Writing Digest Popular Fiction Contest as well. Last year they received over 3,000 entries. They had 5 categories and only give out honorable mentions to the top five who place. Both my stories I entered received honorable mentions. I even got a call from WD's congratulating me on my accomplishment. I didn't get the grand prize, but I got something I could put on a query letter. For the Pop Fiction Contest, their entries are due in Nov and are announced in March.

By entering WD's contest, I''m establishing legit credentials as a writer. Sure, it's slow and you need patience, but it will pay off in the end.

Here's a link to one of my stories that was recognized by the 77th Annual Writer's Digest Competition this year. It scored 8th place in the Mainstream/Literary category. In the future, consider entering WD's contests. They help to polish your writing skills and the recognition is worth it. Enjoy!

 

 http://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/1484802

Writing Stuff & A Book Review
Mood:  caffeinated
Topic: Writing
Writing Stuff

I had some GREAT news from Writer's Digest. My story, "Spontaneous Decision," won 8th place in the Mainstream/Literary Genre in their 77th Annual Competition! I received a free subscription to the magazine and $25.00.  It's the highest I've placed yet in a competition, so I was thrilled.  Another story of mine, "The Watch Tower," was #22 in Genre Fiction.  Good news on the writing competition front.  

I entered the Popular Fiction Contest again this year.  I submited, "The King's Desire," "The Eagle's Nest," and "The Green Rose." You can find all these stories in my "Short Story Shelf" on Writing.Com.

Currently, I'm working on two novel length works, "The Wolf's Kiss," and "The Flames of Madeoc." Work is slow because I have so much other demands on my time, but I'm pleased with how these are developing.  I'm also doing editing work on "Across The Fickle Winds of History."

That's where I am writing-wise. I want to get back to "Twilight Over Moldavia" as soon as I can and in January I'll be gearing up for Writer's Digest 78th Annual Competition.

I'll have more tomorrow on another topic.  For now, here's another book review from me.

Book Review

Book Review for: “Fangs, But No Fangs”
Written by: Kathy Love
293 pages
Kensington Publishing Corp.
ISBN: 0758211333
$14.00
4.5 Stars


Kathy Love dives into the second book of her Young Series, “Fangs, But No Fangs,” by exploring Christian’s life as he tries to find his own way in a world that he barely understands. Love’s writing is crisp. The plot is always in motion. Her characters are interesting and dynamic.

    “Fangs, But No Fangs,” is a paranormal romance and Christian is no ordinary romantic hero – he’s a vampire. In Love’s first series book, Christian made an effort to keep his brother, Rhys, from finding love. Here, Christian is remorseful for his actions, but he needs a little guidance – and a friend to help him sort out his feelings.

    As the story opens, Christian finds that friend in a blog. He tries to talk about his issues through the blog. He’s also living a trailer park. He befriends and in turn is befriended by his neighbor, Jolee, who own a local karaoke bar. Soon, he goes to work for her. As he discovers a purpose in his life, his blog writing falls behind. Jolee also interests him, but he’s hesitant to engage her. After all, he’s a vampire and she might not understand his different needs and lustful cravings.

    Both Jolee and Christian have been hurt in previous relationships and are reluctant to dive into another one, however the chemistry between them undeniable and despite reservations on both sides, they begin to explore a sexual relationship.

    Each encounter between Christian and Jolee is more thrilling than the last, however Christian’s guilt begins to nag at him over his reluctance to be honest with Jolee. He’s afraid to tell her he’s a vampire. Eventually, this causes him to break up with her. Jolee is understandably hurt. Rhys convinces his brother to be honest with Jolee. If she loves him, she’ll accept him as he is. Christian has a choice, as does Jolee. The ending richly rewards the reader.

    Love’s book is hard to put down for those who enjoy paranormal romance. It is told in a “Lonesome Dove,” perspective, where the point of view shifts between characters without any clear divisions or line breaks. This can be disconcerting for some readers. Love uses the past tense appropriately and her dialogue is not only sharp, but witty as well. Her love scenes are erotic and passionate. The story is deliciously paced so the reader can savor every moment between Christian and Jolee. “Fangs, But No Fangs,” is a great book to curl up next to near the fireplace on a cold winter’s weekend or in a relaxing hot bath late at night. It allows to reader to escape to its romantic fantasy.

Catching up! Yikes it's been a while 2X
Mood:  caffeinated
Now Playing: Pink, "I'm Not Dead"
Topic: Life
Well, forgive. It's been two months plus and too long. I'll try and catch you all up.

Life in General - Joe

Once Joe started going to his therapies, my time on the net got even more limited. Joe has developmental delays and goes to therapies for Occupational, speech, and receives child development therapies as well. He goes 1 hour Tues-Fri. It's been about 3 months and he's really thriving.  Just this last weekend, he really became imitative with saying words. We got him to say E.T. cook, and eat. I'm just really pleased with his progress. I feel like we're catching up with some of the delays but he won't get another eval until Feb or March.  Right now he's 26 months.

Last Friday we all went to JC Penny to take our Christmas pictures.  Joe was a lot better behaved than last year and we actually got a few pictures with him. We we were thrilled. Even said "Cheese" for the camera lady. He was also a kissing bug, just passing out all kinds of kisses to everyone.

That evening, we got a babysitter to watch the boys and we went to our favorite French restaurant, Le Chene which is out in the hills of Canyon Country. We had a nice low key dinner and it was good to get out on a "date."  We've been married 17 years now. Can you believe it?  17 years ago we got married in Nykobig, Denmark.  It was drizzling, not the world's greatest day. We took a taxi to the courthouse and a Justice of Peace married us. It was 500 doner(sp?) Danish money for the marriage certificate which at the time w $100. Our marriage certificate is in five different languages.

I don't want to get long winded and I need material for later on in the week, so I'll go into one of my latest books reviews for now.

Book Reviews

.

Book Review for "Case of the Missing Coach"

 

Written by: V. Gilbert Zabel

4RV Publishing, LLC

ISBN: 978-0-9797513-1-8

143 Pages

4 Stars

 

Zabel's youth filled adventure/mystery novel, "Case of the Missing Coach," challengers readers to solve the case right along with the main character, Ryan. It's fun, harrowing at times, but the reader can't deny Ryan's – or Zabel's – love of baseball which shines through the novel. It's a solid, youth story that all can enjoy.

 

The Jonesville Chargers are a youth baseball team from Texas. As the story opens, they are competing in a regional tournament. There's a core group of players, known as the "base stealers club," and Ryan is not only instrumental to the team, but his father is also the coach. After winning the regionals, the team starts to receive threatening notes and messages. Ryan and his friends decide to do an informal investigation to find out who is behind the threats. The team travels to Washington D.C. to play in the national championships. Security is tight, but the threats come true when one of the coaches is kidnapped. The team rallies together on and off the field. Ignoring the threats, the team advances to the finals. The air around the team gets tense as they struggle to keep up their morale. The FBI along with Ryan and his friends finally figure out where their missing coach is being held, but is it too late for the team to win the national championship?

 

Zabel's writing is deliberate. She intricately laces her clues into the plot with a deft touch that easily can sneak past the reader. The plot moves at a moderate pace, and doesn't linger. The action is immediate, fluidly moving from one scene to the other. The characters are likable, each with their own personality and Ryan, is infused with a curiosity the reader shares.

 

The author uses black and white pictures of boys playing baseball to frame the chapters which was appealing. The pictures also helped set the scene and tone of the story. Zabel also included a list of coaches and players in the beginning which was helpful as it tended to get confusing at times.

 

The story is told in the third person and the point of view is tight, switching with chapters. There's a good blend of dialogue and narration that allows the story to move forward at a good clip. Zabel's story is a nice "feel good" young adult romp that will have the reader rooting for the Chargers from start to end.

Welcome Holly & Jordan from "Trockle!"
Mood:  celebratory
Now Playing: Coldplay, "Viva la Vida"

I just want to welcome Holly Jahangiri and Jordan Vinyard from the children's book, "Trockle."  They're currently on a Blog tour and today we get to spend a little time with them.

 I'm very excited to talk to Holly & Jordan about their book.  I had the opportunity to pick it up a couple of weeks ago and it's just a fun, engaging children's book that I enjoyed very much. 

I did a review for the book, which I posted on Amazon.com.  Holly or Jordan if there's more places you'd like me to put it, let me know.  I'm going to go ahead and share my review and then I have FIVE questions for you. 

 

Book Review for “Trockle”

By: Holly Jahangiri

Illustrated by: Jordan Vinyard

ISBN: 978-0-9797513-2-5

4RV Publishing, LLC

24 Pages

5 Stars

 

“Trockle” is an engaging children’s story that answers the age-old question, “Who’s that lurking under the bed?” Jahangiri paints as vivid a picture with her words as Vinyard paints with her colors. Children of all ages will enjoy “Trockle.”

 

Stephen is an everyday little boy who has one last snack and a glass of milk before bed. He brushes his teeth and savors his parent’s hugs, but not even his mom’s can of monster repellent will convince him that the monster under his bed is gone. His dad tries to tell Stephen the monster is only ‘socks and books,’ but Stephen knows better. When his parents ask for the monster’s name, Stephen has an answer – “Trockle.” His parents give him a hug, reassure him he’ll be okay, and leave.

 

Under the bed, shoes and pens start to rustle about. Trockle can’t get to sleep. There was a monster over his bed! Trockle’s mother tries to tell him there are no monsters over the bed, but Trockle knew better. The monster over the bed made the ceiling squeak and creak. He tried to describe the monster to his mother. Trockle’s mother finally admitted to Trockle there wasn’t a monster over the bed, but a little boy. In their sleep, both Trockle and Stephen wish each other good night.

 

Trockle was inspired by the bedtime stories the author would share with her son. The book is richly illustrated by Jordan Vinyard. Her wonderful drawings bring life and heart to Stephen and Trockle. Each character is unique, each page captures the reader’s imagination.

 

The story is well paced and keenly plotted. The opening is one that young readers can identify with – the nerve racking nighttime ritual. Stephen’s anxiety is one all children share with him. Haven’t we thought there was a monster under the bed? What sparkles about “Trockle” is that now the monster under the bed has a face with real feelings, emotions, and anxieties, just like the rest of us. Jahangiri and Vinyard connect with readers not just on the surface, but in their hearts.

 

The descriptions in the book are right on the mark. Trockle, while sweet, looks like a monster. He’s got one big eye and pimples all over. He loves to eat chocolate from Chaco-Taco wrappers.

 

Young readers will enjoy reading Trockle on their own. It’s the type of book children can share with a giggle and a smile with their friends.  For an extra touch, the back cover of the book mirrors the front. Trockle is a sure-fire hit.

 

 ***********

 

#1 - Holly, how long have you been writing?  Jordan, how long have you been drawing?

 

#2 - Tell us about your muse Holly and how he, she or it inspires you.

 

#3 - Holly, How did you pick the name "Trockle?"

 

#4 - Holly or Jordan do you have any more children's stories/books planned?  

 

#5 Who came up for the look for Trockle?

 

Oh - sorry - one more - 

 

#6 Is the book entered in any writing/children's competitions?

 

Smiles,

Steph

 

 

 

 

Book Review
Mood:  rushed
Now Playing: Movie from the motion picture, "Anastasia"

SAVE THE DATE:Visit my blog on 16 SEP. I'll be hosting a blog tour for the book, "Trockle."  More about Trockle to follow...

 

*************

 

Finally, here's my book review for "Push Not The River." I actually feel a little disappointed. I want there to be more to the story.  Usually, I just move onto another book when I finish one, but I want to linger on this one and "Against A Crimson Sky."  I think I'll pick up Jodi Picoli's "The 10th Circle" next, but I'm not sure when I'll do it.

I'm suddenly inspired in learning more about my Polish roots.

****
Push Not The River

By: James Conroyd Martin

ISBN: 0-31231153-2

St. Martin’s Press

$14.95

5 Stars

 

“Push Not the River” is a gripping tale of love and loss, not just on a personal scale, but on a national scale, as the Polish nation is finally taken over by the Russians in 1794. “Push Not the River,” is a story based on the Countess Anna Maria Berezowska’s diary which she kept from 1791-1794. Her story is fascinating, compelling, and will have the reader anxiously turning the page to find out what happens next.

 

The story begins with seventeen-year-old Anna reeling from the loss of her immediate family.  Her father is killed in a fight with a peasant, and her mother, grief stricken, gives premature birth.  Anna’s infant brother and her mother also pass away. Anna goes to stay with her aunt and uncle, the Gronska’s. They live in Halicuz, a town in southern Poland.  They have a son, Walter, who is in the Russian army, and a daughter, Zofia, a couple of years older than Anna. Zofia takes a liking to Anna, and befriends her.

 

While exploring the countryside, Anna meets a young man, Count Jan Stelnicki, who is only a few years older than her.  Anna finds herself losing her heart to him.  When she finally comes out of mourning for her parents, she spends a wonderful day riding with Jan and he asks her to marry him.  The moment is ruined as Zofia arrives – jealous that Anna has captured Jan’s heart when she wanted it for herself. A fight ensues and Jan leaves.  Anna has sprained her ankle and Zofia goes for help.  While Anna waits, she’s raped, and doesn’t recognize her attacker. Finally, her uncle and Walter arrive to take her back to the house.

 

Anna is pregnant as a result of the rape and is forced into a marriage she doesn’t want to Count Antoni Grawinski. The marriage is unbearable for both of them. Antoni and Jan duel over Anna, but it’s not Jan who kills him, but a mysterious sniper. Just as Anna and Jan are about to give into their feelings, Poland is threatened by yet another partion, and Jan goes off to war before Anna can tell him she loves him. Anna stays with Zofia in Praga, near Warsaw, but Zofia, now Countess Gronska, is an enigma to her cousin, and Anna can’t help but wonder if Zofia is continuing to keep her from Jan.  As the Russians burn Praga, both Anna and Zofia face the ultimate challenge.

 

“Push Not the River,” is wonderfully paced in a grand, sweeping style that will keep the reader enthralled in Anna’s story. The plot is tight, expertly weaving between the destruction of a nation and the love story of Anna and Jan. Anna’s story is so very human, it’s one that leaves the reader thinking about her even after they put the novel down.

 

Another Week passed
Mood:  rushed
...and I'm busy as usual. We visited the CHP Dispatch center and the Sheriff's Dispatch center at work this week.  Both places were very interesting and I thought it was amazing how they did things differently from us and it still worked.

****

I got my copy of "Trockle" by Holly Jahangiri with illustrations by Jordan M. Vineyard.  I'll be featuring Holly & Jordan in a Blog tour on 16 Sep. Trockle is a Children's story about "the monster under the bed." It's very cute and I definitely think it will appeal to kids. "Trockle" was published by {user:vzabel} 's publishing company, 4RV publishing, LLC.   If you get a chance, check it out or write to Viv for more information.  I love WDC and I'm a strong supporter of those who are published on Writing.com.

FYI - If you want to check out their blog tour when it comes, it will featured on my OFFICIAL website's blog at:  http://sgcardin.tripod.com/blog

***

Well, I haven't gone to the movies, but I did finish the book I was reading, "Push Not the River," by James. C Martin.  "PNTR" is the book prior to "Against A Crimson Sky." I loved PNTR.  The love story between Anna and Jan is very sweet, yet they have to fight to be with each other.  Zofia is definitely an interloper, but there's more to it than that.  As Poland falls apart, Anna and Jan struggle to find and be with another. It's a great book. The plot and pacing are spot on.  Anna is the main character, but Zofia is a very dynamic supporting character. I'll have a review up shortly.  Anyone else read any good books?

***

As usual, my writing has suffered.  The only thing I managed to do was put together my article for "The Thin Blue Line," a magazine for LAPD by their union, The Police Protective League.

***

Well, the Olympics are done and I missed the opening ceremony.  {e:frown} I found the Olympics fun and nice summer event to watch.  

***

Barack Obama accepted the nomination of his party this week and I thought he gave a great speech. I popped over to his website to check it out.  It had a lot of cool stuff, but I had to go to another website to order my magnet bumper sticker.  I have to admit, I haven't seen too many political stickers on the cars in the LA area. I think this area was big for "Hillary." Not so surprisingly, I don't see many "W" or "McCain" bumper stickers. Just an observation.

I do think McCain's pick for VP was inspired but I'm curious to see how her firing of a state official (because that official wouldn't fire her ex-brother-in-law) will play out.

Smiles,
Steph

It's been a loooong week
Mood:  happy
Now Playing: Coldplay
Well, it's been a long week. I am in training for 3 weeks so my hours are from 0700 am to 0330 pm. (thankfully we usually get out around 3!) but with both Brent and I working day watch hours it's hard on us.

This is course is a POST certification for 911 Dispatchers. POST stands for Peace Officer Standard Training and so this is a basic course that all dispatchers in the state of California are encouraged to have. It's a course that I should have had when I first joined in 2000, but they didn't have it at the time.

Mind you, there's no easy way to get to downtown LA. Parking is limited and the premium spaces charge $8.00 a day! That said, a couple of my co-workers and myself decided to take the train.

We catch the train in Santa Clarita. It's a 35 mile ride to downtown LA. From there, we walk about 3-4 city blocks to the downtown dispatch center where the classes are held. Taking the train offers three benefits: #1 - no parking fees #2 - save on gas #3 I don't have to worry about a traffic accident making me late.

While the metro system isn't as developed or as comprehensive as other cities, I can't complain. There's a route from house to work so I'm thankful for that.

****

Well, Barack Obama just announced Joe Biden as his running mate. While I'm a tad disappointed it's not Hillary, I do think Biden is a strong pick and I'm hoping this gives the ticket some momentum. I have to admit I got a snicker out of McCain not knowing how many houses he owned. For me, it showed just how out of touch he is.

***

Well, I've been watching the Olympics when I can. The diving and track & field stuff is addictive.  I don't have much to comment on though.  The Chinese do develop some very good athletes, but, IMHO, the 3 Chinese gymnasts in question are UNDER age.  They just look underage.  I have no respect for those who take steroids to enhance their performance and I have no respect for those who lie about their age.  I have nothing personal against the gynamist. Hell, they're all talented.  My issue is with the government who seemingly has no problem with lying about those three gymnasts' ages.

***

Because of my work week I have had NO TIME to write. I hoping to find time this weekend. We'll see. When I take the train I have to get up at 3:30 am to get ready and leave at 4:30 then I'm off to the train station with my co-worker, Tom. We get there at 4:45 and the train leaves at 4:58. The train gets to work at 5:50 which leaves me with about an hour before class starts. I can't take a later train because it would get there too late. The good news is that the city will give me $50.00 for taking the train for a month.

*********

I'll leave you with a recent book review from a book that has left such a good impression on me, I can't seem to stop thinking about it.

Steph

Book Review for: “Against a Crimson Sky”

By: James Conroyd Martin
ISBN: 0-312-32682-3
St. Martin’s Press
$24.95
4.5 Stars

“Against a Crimson Sky” takes a gripping historical look at the final partition of Poland (1795), it’s people, and tells the personal story of the Stelnickis. Martin uses a grand, sweeping style reminiscent of epic storytelling to paint a vivid picture of the era. “Against a Crimson Sky” is a book that can easily be visualized on the movie screen.

The story beings in 1794 shortly after the Russians invade Poland before the country’s final partition. Zofia Gonska is pulled from a river escaping death. Switching scenes, Countess Anna Berezowska-Grawlinska (minor Polish nobility) makes her way back home to Sochaczew after the Russian invasion of Praga and reunites with her lover, Count Jan Stelnicki. As Poland is finally taken over by Russia, Prussia, and Austria, Anna and Jan get married and start their family.

Zofia, Anna’s cousin, had previously tried to keep Anna and Jan apart. Now, she finds herself drawn to the peasant boy who saved her, Jerzy. Zofia though is like a bird that can’t stay still and the peasant life isn’t for her. She leaves Jerzy and returns to Praga, a town just outside of Warsaw, and gives birth to her daughter, Izabel.

Anna and Zofia make peace, yet Jan finds married life unable to satisfy his restless nature. When Napolean hints that he would return Poland to the Poles, Jan and his friend, Pawel, join the Emperor’s legion, leaving Anna to raise their three children, Jan Michel, Tadeusz, and Barbara. Anna, uncomfortable with the local magistrate, Dolinski, leaves Sochaczew and moves in with Zofia at Praga.

As Napoleon marches across Europe, Anna and Zofia, as members of Poland’s nobility, help to entertain various European dignitaries, including Russia’s Czar, Alexander, and even Napolean himself. Zofia is always in the thick of Polish intrigue while Anna prefers to keep her eyes on her boys who have gone to military school.

After years apart, Jan is reunited with Anna in Sochaczew as their boys join Napolean’s march into Russia. This time it’s Anna who leaves Jan to work as a nurse in Praga. As Napolean’s march into Russia holds the promise of a reunited Poland, will Jan and Anna’s marriage withstand another separation? The end of the novel is surprising and satisfying.

The book’s historical backdrop is intriguing and the supporting cast is not only dynamic, but strong in it’s own right. Zofia, Pawel, Charlotte, and Dolinski have their own interesting stories to share. Anna is a vibrant lead character in her own right and is a steady, grounding force during the turbulent times of the book. Anna’s nobility, whatever the situation, always shines through.

The pace is quick and the writing is sharp. The book is a sequel to “Push Not the River,” but stands on it’s own. For an exciting look at Poland’s struggles and the human condition in the face of war, “Against a Crimson Sky,” is a book that will keep the reader turning the page.