Build A Better Blog

Click Here To Buy This Book

Dear Mr. Darren Rowse;

After purchasing your ebook, 31 Days TO BUILD A BETTER BLOG, I knew I would love this book after I turned the pages and immediately got to TASK 1.

I'm all in for action! I love that you get me to DO not just preach at me or passively tell me "what I need to know". I'm now a fan and shall support your endeavors.

Your book is so outstanding and deserves to be known as a blogger bible. I want every blogger that has a goal in mind to read this book!

Since you give us a hashtag and encourage us to blog about this, that's what I'm going to do. I will now have a label #31DBBBDefineYourBrand. 

And thank you Jeff Goins for introducing me to this book. You too have a fantastic blog for writers and look forward to your posts and emails every day.


Sincerely,

Stephanie McKibben

Watch my journey to build a better blog! Continue forth!

Writer's Are Not Authors

Lady Alene - my first published story

It took seeing my first short story on the Amazon site for me to be able to know the difference between a writer and an author. At first I thought calling oneself an author was a bit, well, pompous? Self-righteous? 

But, during my journey I found authors and writers are two different things. Now, I know one person can be both, or either.
 
1) Writers produce words. They are not authors, yet, With out a completed and produced work on paper or digital.
 
2) Authors have gone through the process of publication, no matter how minimal.

Writers push pen across paper or tap keys and read from a screen. Writers create, study, research, analyze the next scene, phrase or the perfect word. 

Authors are a conglomerate of marketer, destiny maker, creator and in their spare time--writer. Or cower in a corner while biting their nails from the pressure of now being published.
 

I attest the difference of writers being mom's-to-be, while authors have already given birth. It's the "now what?" situation. 

The now what is for you to get out there and make friends! Ten should do. And I mean ten really avid friends. Because ten will turn to twenty, to a hundred, to a few thousand. When you were "just" a writer you had time. It might not have felt like it, but now you know the truth! Author's have even less time! But Author's have one thing that writer's don't. They have a finished product. they have a child to show you. 

Author's are a proud bunch and should be, especially if they self-published. Author's have something to show for their hard work! I know all you writers want to be authors so don't let anything stop you! Now, all you writers I'm ready for arguments! And all you author's, show my your baby!  

Writing Rant...

I hardly ever do this, but I must get it out...

I say "potatoe" you say "patatoe", let's call the whole thing off!...  :) 

What one likes another hates. I know a woman who loves dry scholar books, another likes to read complete and utter nonsense. I also know a dyslexic writer who won't stop writing even though people tell her to stop (and I encourage her to get an editor to help her but to keep writing because that's what she wants to do). But I agree with the type of writing that can't be fixed is the non-writing.

Complain about bad writing all you want--everybody's got a belly button, and many people want to show it off. If you force yourself to look and don't like what you see, perhaps you need a vacation. We all started somewhere and though a "bad" MS got published and you might think it only good for the burn pile, those writers got a taste of publishing and they either quit or learned how to get better. Because if you want to keep writing, you need an audience. If you have an audience, you're doing something right.

No Turning Back Now!

So... 

...my website went up.  

Holy shit.  

And the commitment issues side of me says WTF are you doing?  

Organized Stephanie says, you can do it we can make this.  It's possible.  
 
A bunch of back and forth (I should call my blog conversations with myself) and we've committed.  Yes, we as in both stephonavich and Stephanie.  They happen to be the same person but one is a goon with an enthusiastic outlook that has a PhD in orginization and the other is a lunatic artist that needs focus and direction.  The artist side doesn't mind if you call her stephonabitch.    

stephonavich is freaking out.  Stephanie is calmly setting dates, making notes, and kicking ass.  stephonavich is ramming notes in a folder for future stories.  Stephanie is check marking her google docs marketing plan.  stephonavich is thinking of new stories to give the public in a flurry of ideas she thinks has to go out tomorrow.  Stephanie makes a list of all those ideas in google docs.  

One day, I will have a post call Conversations with myself.  

But while my lovely comrades (I mean lovely--as in wonderful--that's not sarcasm) are frantically getting out 50,000 words (which, let's face it, those stories may never see the light of day after this month), I've made a commitment to advance my dreams.  November may be the take a rest from writing month.  The anti NaNoWriMo.  (National Novel Writing Month)

If you are interested, my website is www.stephaniemckibben.com  

I think if it were stephonavich's she'd let it rot.  Good thing it has Stephanie's name on it.   

Synopsis--The Real Reason Why I Want To Self-Publish

Sin-op-sus -- any word with "sin" as the first syllable makes me think I'm doing it wrong.  

Seriously your publisher NEEDS this!  Your agents NEEDS this!  They can be up to 12 pages.  I've seen one that's 32 pages long.  That's like a novella.  

Why can't you jot a paragraph for the Synopsis?  Actually that's a query.  Besides, demon meets girl and falls in love doesn't quite get the mood of a book.  How do they fall in love?  What's the struggle?  Can a demon fall in love?  And what's wrong with her to love him back?

 

Those are the kinds of questions you might be asked.  But instead of a blow by blow it might help to give a two page summary of your book.  

Keep in mind the pinnacle points.  You know, Act 1, Act 2 and Act 3.  Okay tangent time--I truly believe that a book can have more than 3 Acts, but that's for a later discussion.  

What happens in each Act of your book?  What is the inciting incident?  Aside from that what is the struggle, how does the MC cope?  What does the MC learn?  Who helps the MC realize they are being a dick/their struggle is founded.  What makes them keep going, what internal insight does the MC finally reach?  

That's a synopsis.  I'd read that novella!  I just don't want to write it!  Go ahead, call me a coward...(but there actually is a more serious reason as to why I'm going Indie.  That I'll share with you later.) 

 

Nose Droppings Guide On How To Make A Great Review (Of A Book)

I've sometimes read a book, wanted to say something about it, but then I was like, what am I going to say?  So I have these questions I answer.  I don't always go by the formula but it helps when I'm stuck!  It's easy.  See questions below and answer them! 

 1) Who are the main characters and what is their struggle?

2) What line/scene was most memorable about the book?

3) How did the book make me feel or what reflections did I gain?

4) Was this a leisurely read or did it have significant meaning/what was it?

5) What was the deciding factor to buy/read the book?

I Believe That...

Inspired tribute to American Gods.  In a scene near the end of American Gods by Neil Gaiman, one of the characters explains what she believes in.  It's inspiring and awesome along with the book.  I highly recommend it!

I Believe That...

 

People can change if they want to but they can't change if someone else wants them to.

E-books and traditional publishing will still be around 100 years from now but traditional publishing might not be 200 years from now.

Planet earth is so far in the boondocks that it's going to take us humans to go visit for life in the center of the galaxy.

Another planet in the opposite end of the boondocks is wondering when we'll show up.

I could eat PBJ's for lunch every week day but maybe not every weekend.

You should take care of what you think in your head because it shapes your soul.

When I die I will be missed even if no one knows who I am.

Because the sky is blue and the grass is green I've adapted to love those colors as the epitome of health.

Crying is the soul bleeding and tears are poison that needs an outlet for one to heal.

Death is an adventure.

Righteousness is an eternal inheritance and Alucard will come for you one day.

Love is God, not the other way around.

Hell is not a place or a destination but your own personal nightmare that needs to be confronted before you gain true confidence.

Zack Fair is a sexy-ass whatever he is.

Marcus interferes with my life more often than I'd like to admit.

Fun is a requirement to live, otherwise you exist.

Google is the next American God.

Just because I talk to myself, doesn't make me crazy, it makes me sane.

Kindness should be sprinkled out liberally everyday so that this world doesn't become intolerable.

With Corso Riggs by my side, I will defeat Darth Vader.

Those who tell me to shut up are those I shouldn't bother talking with.

The safest place on earth is under a rainbow.

Reality is too constrictive when it comes to imagination and children.

Stephanie is the most beautiful girls name ever.

Opening your heart to yourself can be dangerous but worth the risk because if you don't it has no reason to beat.

Yak's spit to be funny.

No one can make you feel a certain way, but that doesn't give them license to hide behind when they try to hurt you or say something that's "truthful".

The Queen Chess piece should never be relied upon; she's a woman and can change her mind and sides.

Vegan's don't understand that this world is not fair, but I admire their choice, not because they are "superior" and don't eat meat but because going without something that the body needs for years takes beyond the will to live and longevity or a devil's worth of self loathing.  

X is the universal sign for "this is worth the booby-trap that might kill you."

Sharing...

Sharing this scene I'm working on.  It came as inspiration when I was trying to get Marcus to understand that there might be something else going on with Platt than just her rejecting him.  Jessica saved my butt and has become quiet the muse.

"She doesn't know your intentions."  Jessica was talented at knowing the answers to questions and making them statements.  Somehow it was a relief to let her control the conversation.

"You would do anything for her?"  Jessica looked at him in a way that told him she already knew the answer but wanted him to say it anyway.

"Within my power."

"Is it within your power to speak to her?"

Marcus blanched at her in answer.

Jessica set her hands to her hips.  "You would fight for her?  You would lay a king's ransom at her feet?  You would bed her and claim her above all others?"

He didn't know what kind of mind trap she laid and said nothing.

"You would do all that, but you wouldn't do the most difficult thing of all.  No you would leave her to do that, all you men leave the most frightening of terrors up to women."

Marcus growled at her implication of calling him a coward.  He did not hide behind women's skirts.

"Prove to her that you are brave then.  Prove to her that you above all others can withstand what most men can't and won't."

"And what pray tell would that be?"

"Hand her your heart at the risk of her destroying it."  Jessica's small frame trembled.  "Lay yourself bare and tell her how you feel."

Horror surfaced and the words made Marcus sweat.  Could he literally hand Platt his heart instead?  That would be less painful and safer to bear. 

Jessica pointed at his nose.  "That is what women give with no reserve and with everything we have.  It's no less devastating when a man shows nothing in return."

"She refused."  Marcus whispered.

"Did she refuse you or the temptation of your body?"  Jessica scowled.  "One does not equal the other and the pressure is on her to give the both of you what you want."   

Marcus was breathing hard.  He remembered Platt turning away from him in her room.  Platt's words were precise and guarded.  He missed something or didn't understand her.  There was something she needed from him but the customs of humans were not like anything he knew. 

"I've tried to show her."  Marcus gritted his teeth.

"Oh I'm sure you'd show her a wonderful time under silk, but so have you with me and set off without a word.  If that's how you plan to show your feelings for an unmarried maid then no wonder she refused." 

The War Against E-books

Article titles reveal the vibe traditional-publishing feels about self-published authors and vice-verse.  You might think traditional-publishing are targeting E-Books, but really they are targeting Amazon and independent authors.  Also, the monkey flinging is just as rampant against traditional-publishing.  Here are some headlines I've seen lately;

"Is traditional Publishing Dead?", "Amazon A Threat To Society", this last one; "Staying Relevant Biggest Challenge to Publishers, Not E-Books" made me realize, yes, traditional publishing are launching nukes.  

If we can't have it no one will.  Yet this statement made by Marcus Leaver proves to me how far gone the higher ups have strayed from being relevant.  Here's a clue--E-Books ARE relevant.  Amazon reports 75% of their books sold are E-Books.  Amazon also has the lead as a reseller of books.  (Notice the period of that last statement--it's for real)

 

War is defined in the Stephanisms dictionary as "You want what I have and am going to take it from you."

 

That's what traditional publishing is saying.  the music industry tried the same thing.  Napster is killing us!  Stop buying pirated music!

 

Stop making me pay $15 for one song, then we'll talk. 

 

I've seen through the shrugs of authors saying, "that's the way publishing is."  One writer I know can't write what she wants to write because she's under contract to write what the marketers want her to write.  

Yes, she, her agent, her publisher all want to make money but this goes against what the same people tell her to write whats inside.  So, you want me to write sincerely, but you want me to write what you want me to write?  Also, one writer can crank out 3 books, 3 GREAT BOOKS, a year but her publisher won't let her--why?  Because of her contract.  One writer is not allowed to enter into a certain genre because it would be too competitive against another author they have.  

What buyers can't buy both?  Now I come to find agents put in a clause with writers saying if Agent#1 can't find a home for your book they make you shelf it.  If you part with that agent and find another that can sell your book Agent#2 AND Agent#1 get their 15% (which is 30% not given to the writer).  Does that seem right to you? "That's the way publishing is."  -- "That's the way that government is." -- "That's the way the DMV rolls." -- "That's the way..." No.  I point at that and say UNETHICAL.

 

Yes you worked your tushy off trying to sell that book but your going piss and moan and cry when someone better can sell the book?  Does the crappy sales guy that just couldn't help you get commission from the sales guy that did know what you were talking about, saved you hours looking and direct you to the product?  No.  Crappy sales guy gets fired. 

 

No wonder E-Books are kicking your ass.  Yes, I agree, there are a lot of crappy E-Books out there but still they are kicking your ass!  So instead of getting up, bringing your game to the customers the way they want it your trying to pull technology back?  Really?  

The Big 6 have the power to rise above it a kick the m***er-living-s**t out of E-Books and all your doing is crying on the pavement?  The way I see it traditional-publishing is being a doormat, an osterige, an armadillo, or my favorite--a pill bug. 

 

Despite my ramblings I want traditional publishing to rise above a be successful.  I'm one of those that nods my head and say, "I can see that" when I find out something wacky about publishing.  

But the fact that they are waging war against the entrepreneurs that are making leaps and bounds by technology is looking more like suicide.  Traditional publishing takes offense that technology is bringing more readers in and by passing them to get to what they want because it's convenient?  Is this what I'm seeing?  

I saw a report that 50% of books are impulse buys.  So why not take the information and apply it.  Your being dumb-asses and your forcing everyone to choose sides and really if you want to see the future, look at the music industry, look at the Motion picture writer's strike.  The future is a repeat of the past if you don't learn from it. 

What Do You Call Books?

"The world doesn't need another book."

 

That's like saying the world doesn't need another child in the world.  Books are thought of as immortal but really that only happens if the books are hugely popular.  We study Shakespeare, and their are people who read it for fun and search for old books of Shakespeare's ilk.  I commend you because you're something of a linguist as well.  Face it, we don't talk like we use to.  We don't write like we use to.  In fact writing has changed so much in the last decade to compete with other forms of entertainment that the difference is instantly noticeable. 

 

"Call me Ishmael." -- How many of you truly understand that when this was written "Ishmael" meant something equivalent to, well, think of the worst word that you should never ever say, ever.  That's what Ishmael meant during that time. 

 

Today Ishmael sounds like any other name to me.  The ancient library of Alexandria had plenty of scrolls (books they'd be called now-a-days).  Where are they now?  Buried?  Bottom of the ocean?  Dust?

 

So the world doesn't need another book.  Heck, the world doesn't need another person either.  I prefer to say, "There are many like it, but this one is mine!"

Random Epiphany

"When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."

I figured this saying out!  It's simple but the word "conspires" tripped me up; yet it was the right word.  

The universe will use negative and positive influences to get you to move in the direction of your personal legend.  When Santiago lost his money to a thief the universe was moving him in the direction of his personal legend.  

You might think, how could God let this happen?  But really God is conspiring with the universe to get you to MOVE!  The universe is a power of negative and positive.  This epiphany has hit me and yet at the same time I feel stupid for not getting it the first time.  It took me two times for something right up my alley to click.  But I feel enriched for having "got it", or really being led to the conclusion, by myself. 

~ The Alchemist ~ What a fantastic story. 

Webinar's Done Right; Seven Secrets of Successful Self Published Authors

The latest free webinar from Writer's Digest was "Seven Secrets of Successful Self Published Authors".  Our hosts were Chuck Sambrio (Yay!  Love him!) and Keith Ogorek.  

As a presenter I thought Keith had some imperative information not only for writers who want to self publish but also for those that want to go the traditional route.  

He gave us the seven secrets of successful self-published authors and they all are self explanatory to the point it hurts!  I can phrase it in a sentence.  When you want something go get it.  So let's take a look at the steps to do that! 

 

1) Describe Your Reader.
Do you have in your mind's eye the person that will read your book.  "Every man, woman and child" is a lofty goal, and Kevin respects that, but let's narrow it down a little from that.  Who is going to read your book?  Are they 30-ish professional women with no romantic life or guys with a lazy streak and want to know how to do (fill in the blank here) fast.  Figure it out!  If you don't know who to market to, how do you expect to reach them?

2) Believe In Your Work.
Who doesn't believe in their work really?  You wrote it for a reason, right?  But this equates to not giving in to the fear of "If I don't get a traditional publisher I'll fail."  Kevin says NO WAY!  Believe in your work.  Let the reader decide.  Ultimately it's the readers who will tell you if your work is worth reading.  Not a publisher, not an agent, not an editor.  They ARE important, but Kevin says it's better to have that book out there than die with a manuscript in your desk drawer.  I agree!

3) Set A Deadline.
I'm at fault on this one.  I figured I'd work on my skill--I estimated ten years really, but now I'm thinking of pushing past that mentality.  A deadline whether it be by next years Comic-Con or my birthday doesn't matter.  It does matter that I have one.  This will push me to get it out there.  While I'm trying to "perfect" my craft I realize I will be spending my life perfecting my writing.  I will set a deadline but if I don't make it, I'll at least have pushed further and gone farther.  True I'll go down the route of looking for a home for my manuscript when I feel it's time, but having a date gives the goal more meaning. 

4) Understand Your Goals and Options.
Kevin says--what do you want for your book?  I say, You've got options!  Your bona-fine.  I say what do I want in my writing career?  Be clear.  Do you want to live off of your soul-exposing art?  Or do you want to write a book a year and build a platform for traditional publishing?  Understand self-publishing and traditional.  Look into each and see what you like about both and decide.

5) Social Media
Kevin isn't the only one who says social media is a plus for your book.  He also explained how you can get people involved with the issues surrounding your book--fiction, non-fiction your book is about something!  Blog about it's issues.  I'm thinking my first question might be, "Would you let your daughter marry a demon?"  Okay that's an interesting topic.  *snicker*  He also says, don't forget about word-of-mouth!  Still the best social media you can get!

6) Make A Marketing Plan BEFORE Your Book Is Published.
Read it again.  See how the word "BEFORE" is stressed?  Let's write it again class--Make a marketing plan before your book is published.  That means I'll need help--possibly from Abbot press (Kevin's company) if self-publishing is the way.

7) Party Hardy.
Yep you read it right.  Musicians are celebrated.  Performing arts are celebrated.  Novelists need to celebrate too.  When your book gets printed, do a book-lift-off!  Party!  One author based their book around a certain restaurant and had her book party at that restaurant.  Now a meal is on that restaurant's menu you can order.  Awesome!  Think about your party and how you can make it unique. 

Kevin went through much more detail than my above abbreviations.  Chuck said over 1,000 people attended!  That's great marketing for Abbot Press...and you know what?  I didn't feel marketed to.  Fantastic job Kevin!  Thank you Writer's Digest! 
 

9 Things you should know about the universe

Jay Pasachoff

The transit of Venus, astronomy’s most rare predictable event, will take place next summer, on June 5, 2012. With the transit and several other astronomical events right around the corner, the Williams Alumni Review asked astronomy department chair Jay Pasachoff what we ought to know about the universe.

1. Hubble changed everything.
2. What looks like empty sky isn’t.
3. Don’t rule out life on other planets.
4. The universe just keeps getting bigger faster.
5. The next frontier is infrared and very, very cold.
6. Pluto’s getting hotter.
7. Astronomy’s rarest predictable phenomenon is just around the corner.
8. Mercury will cross the sun in 2015.
9. This fall and winter are also prime times to see astronomical events.

Go HERE for more info on this article and about astronomer Jay Pasachoff.

He said. He did. He…He…He

<rant>

I never thought I would have to say this—writers, don’t start every sentence of your novel with He…

I’ve come across enough self-published books to know that some are worth-while.  I can recommend Riding Through It by Carol McKibben.  I can recommend Eragon by Christopher Paolini.  (It started out as a self-published book that turned traditionally published)  Other than that, I can’t recommend anything.  Why?  Because there are books out there that start every sentence with “He…”. 

</rant>

Audible Short Story: The Ghosts of Ragged-Ass Gulch by Bill Pronzini Narrated by Nick Sullivan

Nick Sullivan has the perfect sound as a detective.  He really made the story very rich with his Bogart swagger voice!  The story felt in-between a scooby-doo episode and an old detective mystery.  I went along with it saying to myself, "Hey Steph, you got it for free and who can resist that voice?"  But I started liking the story more because of the supporting main character, Carrie.  She was a hoot!  Her character put a lot of life into the story.

The mystery wasn't complicated and had all the good writing necessary for a short but I felt it lacked that certain spark to make me want to be a devoted fan.  Yet all-in-all the short did it's job.  I'm going to look up more of Bill Pronzini's other works because of this one.  It was an entertaining 1 1/2 hours and well worth the time and price of admission! 

Audiobook review: Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel narrated by Sandra Burr

As a writer I see various different sections that could have been handled better throughout the book yet I admire the foretelling, the pace, and Mrs. Auel's storytelling ability.  As a reader, I found this book just as unique and moving as I did when I read it at fifteen though I remembered the overall story.  Ayla is an inspiring heroine without being overpowering or losing her femininity.  The story intrigued me at the beginning, crescent in the the middle and came to the authors full meaning at the last two hours.  Mrs. Auel's thoughts about the stone-age make the story and her point drive home with Creb's (a main character) insights.  The divide between clan and "the others" is firm, each character had their own voice and the plot was built up greater and greater till the last bomb at the end.  Style was great -- Mrs. Auel has a definite voice. 

Now for what readers can understand--this book was fun, entertaining and extremely unique to any book I've ever read or ever will read I suspect.  And I mean unique by it has nothing to do with sci-fi either.  It's refreshing from other historical books as it's set in the stone-age.  I liked the book even though, and I quote another reviewers comment, "Ayla (the main character) discovers everything aside from cold fusion...".  She (Auel) gets you into the culture and life of her world that could have very well been a real occurrence.  It's a must read.  I didn't rate it higher only because of technical writing issues even my amateur eye caught, not because the story was not fully integrative.  I plan on reading the next in the series -- or "remember" it as I listen to it again anyway! 

Book Review: Catch Him And Keep Him by Christian Carter

* Re-post from Thoughts, Adventures and Uncommon Questions

As a writer, I read many different books to get different insight.  When I read, I look at the style, voice, the intrigue I feel for the characters or the person if it's a memoir.  But the way Christian Carter writes draws you in and it's hard to break off.  He grabs your insecurities, throws them on the floor and says, now how does that look?  Ugly, huh?  Then, he jumps on the the poor insecurities and stops you from picking them back up when they scream for mercy. 

I can completely tell he's using the "I have a secret" method to get me to read more and it works!  I feel compelled to absorb every paragraph, consume the knowledge he has and is trying to pass on.  It's maddening because you want to know the secret!  Instead of plopping answers in your lap, you have to listen carefully, re-read and analyze what the point is.  What?  Actually engage your brain to help him find the answers? 

Christian markets to women.  What does he sell?  Advice.  MEN advice.  His ability to communicate to women at their level is amazing.  He's worked with countless therapists, advisers, and councilors to help women better understand their men, themselves and their relationships.  But what he really does is get women back on track to their inner power.  He reminds us not to give away our feminine strength while giving away the "secrets" to men in such a subtle way you'll think it was your idea.

So much of what he says I already know, but it's so uplifting to hear his positive message that I can't help but get back to the most secure and confident person that I can be.  To me his writing is worth studying not only to research as a how to get your reader hooked, but also -- he's got a great message.  Who wouldn't want a caring, generous man who lifts up your spirits in their life? 

Book Opinion: Abraham Lincoln; Vampire Hunter

Abraham Lincoln; Vampire Hunter
Narrated by Scott Holst

I was actually not interested in reading Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter but the voice of Scott Holst could not be denied.  I'm leaning more and more to audiobooks because I can "read" during my commute.  I love reading a story but my eyes wander on the page sometimes and I've been known to skip over important passages.  Also, who doesn't love to be read to?

I'm finding I'm not as selective with the purchases of audiobooks, now purchasing audiobooks I've already read (with my eyes), because I have a narrator I can hear.  Now I think, oh--10 hours?  That's 7 days of commute time.  Suddenly 1,000 page books don't scare me!  A book changes when the words are spoken outloud.  This was also the case for this particular audiobook.  I don't think I would have been that interested in reading the book.  But when listening, it came alive. 

What really had me was the description and setting in the beginning.  I could see the old fading town.  I had a grasp on how life was.  It got more interesting from there.  Some might find the first pages boring, but it really did take off after you understood that vampires are real! 

Abraham Lincoln; Vampire Hunter has the feel of a memoir.  I really felt that Abe was the second narrator of the story.  Facts of his life coaleased with the fiction of Seth Grahame-Smith's storytelling.  I don't know about the accuracy as I'm no Civil war historian, but I feel as though there was a great deal of research put into this book.  Seth respectfully and tastefully wove this story to make me think, you know...that would make sense.

My only one question I had at the end was -- who were the eleven names on the note?  I can justify everything else to, why did Henry chose him to write the book?  To, how did Henry convince Abe to hand over the journals? 

I would recommend this book to those who like memiors, those who like history and vampires mixed together, and those who have studied the 16th president.  It's a slow pace book but by no means did it let go of my attention.

View all my reviews

Repost by Austin Kleon: Steal Like an Artist and Relax: Nothing Is Original

The great teachers of my life tell me good authors borrow, great writers steal!  It's good to see I'm not alone and understand what the saying really means.  Star Wars is great, but I'm not going to rewrite Star Wars in some other genre with my characters doing the same thing.  That's plagiarism and that's not cool.  But Austin Kleon might give you a better understanding than I can of what is "stealing".  See the link below!

Link to Austin Kleon

Book Opinion: My Immortal Assassin by Carolyn Jewel

Being a fan of Carolyn Jewel's "My..." series I looked forward to "My Immortal Assassin".  The covers of her books are always hot too!  This series continued on with Durian, the sworn fiend to Nicodemus, and Gray, vanilla human.  Gray turns out to be not so vanilla after the mage Christoph kills Tigran, Gray's lover, and the demon directs the power of his magic into Gray. 

When Gray tries to kill Christoph, Durian intercedes.  Being a demon, Durian has no love for mages, but Nicodemus has agreed Christoph no harm will come to him if he doesn't harm "free kin" (which are demons without mage masters).  Now it's up to Durian to keep Gray from killing Christoph and keep the mage from enslaving Gray.

Okay, that was my interpretation of the book.  Here are my thoughts.  The book started off with what I've come to know as Jewel's formula.  Female in trouble, demon comes to kill her, for some reason the demon doesn't, they fall in love and have lots of sex.  There really wasn't a obvious story arc (but there were hints) from the first two books.  This is the book that really makes you aware that there will be more to the series (and why it will continue).

I liked this book but not as much as the second one--I liked "My Forbidden Desire" better than "My Wicked Enemy" even!  I knew a "Christoph" who was wild-eyed, too skinny and freakishly unstable, so I placed a mental image of him in the place of Jewel's Christoph and it worked well. 

On the case of the book as a whole, it felt a little all over the place and seemed a bit drawn out on the sex scenes -- not as in too much of one sex scene, but the build up seemed forced at times.  I had a little bit of difficulty in knowing who was talking.  However, I loved the concepts, I loved the world, I love the details.  That's why I'm going to be reading more!

I had some other nagging questions...but these are kinna spoilers...so don't look!

•  Why did Gray give up going after Christoph?  -- I realize she did it to save Durian, but I'm just not convinced about the circumstance.
•  Who made the stupid rule of not allowing demons to have sex in there true form without permission?  You might as well tell teenagers not to have sex.  See how good that does.  "Ah Nicodemus?  May I please have true form sex with this human?"  How's that gonna go?  I'd like to slap the most noble wise being that set that rule.  
•  Why did Leonidas make Gray a full fledged witch?  That was kinda of like here ya go! Have this power that takes years of practice and training and now you have that all within a blink.  It did not make sense.  I mean Gray already had some of Christoph's magic, why not have it grow organically from that?  -- Weird scene.  
•  When do I get to see more of Kaynan?  It seemed in the last book there was going to be a book about Kaynan and Matty, but that doesn't seem to be working out according to the third book.  

Now you might think I'm down on the book, but I'm not.  I did like it, however I have seen better writing from Jewel and have fully confidence in her writing ability and to entertain.  So I'm getting the next book about Iskander!   On her website, it said it would be out July 2011.  But in the book it said January. 

Here's a link to her website: Carolyn Jewel