Jack Eason is sharing a snippet of his new story Magister. #mustread
Review Rogue Elements – The Gamma Sequence Book 2 by Dan Alatorre
FROM USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR DAN ALATORRE
THE PAST DOESN’T DIE. IT WAITS TO BE FORGOTTEN.
After completing the biggest case of his career, private detective Hank DeShear returns home to start treatment for a disabling genetic condition that could end his life, but he learns his partner on the prior case has just been murdered. Was he wrong to conclude the secretive killer known as The Greyhound had declared a truce? Or have disciples of The Greyhound surfaced to carry on with the murders?
DeShear is able to attach himself to an overseas goodwill mission headed by the U. S. Vice President, enabling him to pursue leads in foreign hospitals he thinks could be offshoots of Angelus Genetics’ illegal organ harvesting programs and human trafficking operations. Determined to pursue the truth wherever it leads, DeShear must also keep a low profile so he doesn’t become the next murder victim—but the onset of his debilitating condition may kill DeShear before the murderer gets a chance.
FANS OF ROBIN COOK AND MICHAEL CRICHTON WILL LOVE THE LATEST ADDITION TO THIS WELL-WRITTEN AND SUSPENSEFUL SERIES.
My review:
This is very different from my usual go to read, (which is often YA Fantasy/Paranormal,) but that’s a good thing. It’s great to immerse yourself in new genres from time to time. Rogue Elements: The Gamma Sequence Book 2 is a Medical thriller which packs a punch, with some truly gripping moments which will stay with me for a long time. There are a couple of real, ‘Oh my God,’ instances.. where I could almost see the events/trauma unfolding before my eyes and making me squirm as if it was happening to me…
You really wouldn’t want that!
Dan Alatorre is a talented multi-genre author with wide ranging abilities extending from, for example: cookery books, to paranormal, thrillers, sci/fiction, horror, realistic fiction/fatherly experiences and even romance!
But, from reading this second book in the Rogue Elements series, (unfortunately I haven’t read the first,) and his short stories in Nightmareland I get a gut feeling that his writing style excels whilst scaring and thrilling his readers!
Therefore, if you crave books that aren’t afraid to broach difficult subjects and touch upon dreadful evils such as ruthless organ harvesting – this is for you! Rogue Elements is a fast paced narrative, full of engaging dialogue and the characters are well written and believable.
Alatorre’s strength lies in his ability to write scenes that are almost cinematic in their execution. I wish I could say more but if I did it would spoil the book for you and I really don’t want to do that.
My recommendation: Highly recommended. 5 stars.
Please note: I received a copy from the author but this in no way influences my review.
So, what’s next on my reading shelf?
I’m currently reading Philip Pullman’s Northern Lights which was recommended by a colleague at work, who complimented me saying that there are similarities in our writing style! Now, that’s a compliment… More about that soon, plus do come back for more Indie Book Reviews…
What are you reading? Have you read Dan Alatorre’s Rogue Elements: The Gamma Sequence?
Social Media Links
Authors Website: https://mjmallon.com
Collaborative Blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time
#ABRSC: Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjmallonauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/
M E Hembroff: Voices of Yesterday #NewRelease #PlaistedPublishingHouse
The Voices of Yesterday
Description
In part one Kate is confused and overwhelmed about her parents’ divorce. Her teacher gives the class an assignment to research and write about a historical event, person or place in Riverdale. Kate chooses the Franklin Manor where she lives with her Mom. Her classmate Rose finds information about a fire that left Kate’s Gran an orphan. Kate sets this information aside until she has completed her assignment. As Kate continues her research, she finds her Great Aunt Rebecca’s journal. She stumbles across a link between the Franklin’s and her family. What is that link? How does it affect Kate?
In part two Kate and her mom spend the summer at her Gran’s farm. Kate helps her Mom sort through the items hoarded over the years. She finds old journals written by her Great, Great Grandmother. Old treasures turn up in unexpected locations. A rift has developed between Kate and her dad. She doesn’t accept that he has a girlfriend who he intends to marry. Will Kate find all the family secrets? Will she resolve her issues with her dad?
Author Biography
Marjorie was imaginative since early childhood. She grew up on a farm, before television, where there was lots of scope for imagination. Marjorie did art and writing assignments in school. After she had married and moved to Alberta Marjorie took art and writing classes, some by correspondence. Marjorie joined an art club and took part in their shows. At that time she started to have strange dreams. In these dreams, she held a book with blank pages and no cover. In other dreams, there was a series of books with no covers. Marjorie told one of the art group members about the dreams. That artist had learned to interpret dreams. She told Marjorie she was supposed to write the stories and draw the pictures for the covers. Shortly after that Tiny in Gramma Mouse Tells a Story was born. It wasn’t long before the idea for Bess’s Magical Garden surfaced.
Marjorie’s favorite author has always been L.M. Montgomery. In some ways, she felt akin to Anne the main character in the Anne books.
Marjorie has since written and self-published Gramma Mouse Tells a Story, Bess’s Magical Garden and the sequel The Mystery of the Hidden Cabin. She now resides in Strathmore Alberta. Her books are sold at local craft sales every fall and Christmas as well as on Amazon. She has also written numerous stories. Some can be found on her website.
Book Links
Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/170826681X
eBook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081LHWTCK
Web site:
https://www.mhembroff.wordpress.com
www.amazon.com/author/mehembroff
https://www.facebook.com/mehembroff
https://twitter.com/margiesart1
http://www.goodreads.com/mehembroff
http://www.plaistedpublishinghouse.com
It’s been great having another Marjorie over! That’s a first…
Bye for now,
My Buy Book Link YA/Fantasy: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime
Author Spotlight – Cendrine Marrouat & David Ellis #Poets #Submissions #Auroras & Blossoms Poetry Journal
Today, it is my great pleasure to welcome not one, but two poets…
Author Spotlight – Cendrine Marrouat & David Ellis
Cendrine and David co-founded Auroras & Blossoms Poetry Journal, a magazine that promotes inspirational and uplifting poetry no matter the topic. They accept everyone, as long as they have something positive to say in their poetry.
They published the first issue of their magazine in October of this year.
You can submit one free poem per submission period to the magazine.
13-16 year olds can also submit to the magazine, via their parents and guardians.
Furthermore, Auroras & Blossoms are also looking for article submissions or essays relating to poetry that are inspirational in nature.
For more information regarding their poetry journal, how to submit and to subscribe to their magazine then go to: abpoetryjournal.com
Bios:-
Cendrine Marrouat
Originally from Toulouse, France, Cendrine Marrouat has called Winnipeg, Canada, her home for 16 years. She is a photographer, poet, author, French instructor, and the Head of marketing and communications at ConnexionFranco.Coop. She has also co-founder two projects, FPoint Collective and Auroras & Blossoms Poetry Journal.
Cendrine specializes in nature, black-and-white and closeup images. Her photography seeks the mundane to capture the fleeting, but true beauty of life in its many forms.
Cendrine is passionate about haiku. She has studied the Japanese poetry form extensively and written many pieces since 2006.
In 2015, Cendrine was recognized as a Top 100 Business Blogger by BuzzHUMM. Social Media Slant, her former blog, also made Fit Small Business’ Best Small Business Blogs of 2015 & 2016 lists.
Walks: A Collection of Haiku (Volumes 1 & 2) are Cendrine’s 12th and 13th books. Other releases include five collections of poetry, three photography books, a play, two social media ebooks, and a spoken word CD.
Website: https://www.cendrinemedia.com
Email: cendrine@cendrinemedia.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/cendrinemedia
Instagram: http://instagram.com/cendrinemedia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cendrinephotography
David Ellis
David Ellis is a UK based author of poetry, fiction and music lyrics. He has been writing poetry and music lyrics for years.
His debut poetry book ‘Life, Sex & Death – A Poetry Collection Vol 1’ is an International Award winning volume, having won an award in the Readers’ Favorite 2016 Book Award Contest for Inspirational Poetry Books.
Think of him like the thriller genre in that he is fast paced, relentless and impossible to put down!
His latest book ‘See A Dream Within: Found “Poe”try Based On The Collected Poetry Works Of Edgar Allan Poe’ can now be purchased on Amazon Kindle, on Lulu and in print at major outlets.
Connect with him on Facebook:- TooFullToWrite (FB)
Like his Facebook Page:- Toofulltowrite – The Creative Palace For Artists & Author Resources
Follow him on Twitter:- @TooFullToWrite
For Creativity Resources, Writing Advice, Guides, Author Interviews and Poetry, visit his website/blog at:- www.toofulltowrite.com
It’s been wonderful to discover two new poets, plus Auroras & Blossoms Poetry Journal. Sounds like a great opportunity to submit your work.
Do get in touch if you’d like to be featured on my blog. Writers, poets, artists and creative individuals are all welcome.
Bye for now,
Buy Book: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime
Social Media Links
Authors Website: https://mjmallon.com
Collaborative Blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time
#ABRSC: Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjmallonauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/
#SCBWICon19: Tips for Newbies #Writing #Illustrating #Conference #Agents
I had a wonderful weekend at the SCBWI conference in Winchester and thought I’d share my experience with you.
It was a first time for me and I have to say it was such an amazing conference.
For newbies there is a wealth of support, including a SCBWI Newbies & Lone Rangers Facebook group which I joined a bit late, so here’s the link: Newbies & Lone Rangers SCBWI group
On the first day of the conference, Friday 1st of November, there were arrangements to meet up and gather newbies together to help them out. Unfortunately, I missed the earlier part of these, as I struggled to find my airbnb which was a little out of the centre of Winchester but I did catch up with the newbie crowd later at 5pm.
TIP: book your accommodation early and try to find a hotel, or airbnb in the centre of Winchester.
It’s a full-on conference with so many seminars and talks plus the invaluable one-to-ones with agents too.
TIP: keep an eye on your one-to-one times. If like me you get really engrossed listening to a speaker talking about i.e. your first page of your manuscript you might just miss your all important one-to-one like I did! That was so embarrassing! But, the lovely conference organisers managed to reschedule my one-to-one with agent Catherine Pellegrino who (was lovely.) We chatted after I’d sneaked away for a much needed calming down/don’t panic lunch. And wonder of wonders Catherine said that she liked my writing style and my characters, so I am submitting the first few chapters of my first novel and synopsis to her soon. Wish me luck!
All the conference goers, helpers, etc… are so friendly that it is easy to make new friends wherever you go and you might even find yourself dining with fellow authors you’ve never met before as I did prior to the fancy dress party on Saturday night. That was such fun! I love dressing up… I went as the black cat Shadow in my book.
TIP: talk to everyone!
Highlights for me were:
- The Hook which was judged by the following agents: Amber Caraveo (Skylark,) Megan Carroll (Watson Little,) Gemma Cooper (The Bent Agency,) and Clare Wallace, (Darley Anderson.) They are looking for submissions particularly in the YA romance category.
All four hook contestants were amazing but my two favourites were YA authors: Helen MacKenzie SCBWI Scotland who was in my Friday night critique group (and she won first prize,) and Ellie Rose McKee.
Here’s a Twitter announcement from Ellie’s feed:
If you missed me on ‘The Hook’ on Saturday, either in person at #SCBWICon19 or via the @KidLitTV_NYC livestream, you can watch my pitch now over on my YouTube channel https://t.co/rMbD7mYYpi
— Ellie Rose McKee (@EllieRose101) November 5, 2019
Ellie had a terrible cold throughout the conference. I had huge respect for her that she managed to get on stage and deliver a pitch whilst feeling so poorly.
TIP: bring drugs/sweets/comforting elixirs to combat viruses, warm clothes, etc. Just in case you or someone else needs them.
- The party and magical cake! Here are some photos of the Central East group currently run by Debbie Edwards. Photos courtesy of Debbie: http://www.purpleraypublishing.co.uk/
More Highlights…
- The Friday Night Critique with Matt Killeen, Helen MacKenzie, and Angela Murray which I found really helpful.
- Geraldine McCaughrean’s Keynote Speech.
- The one-to-one that I had with agent Catherine Pellegrino.
- The ruthless revision workshop with Sara Grant – which I found very useful as I am in the editing phase with the second book in my series The Curse of Time.
There are many awesome videos of the conference on the Facebook KidLit TV page which are well worth perusing. The link is here: https://www.facebook.com/KidLitTV/
I have come away with lots of positive vibes about the conference and the experience in general. Oh, and Winchester itself was a lovely place to visit, but the weather could have been better! Here I am looking particularly windswept and wet waiting for a bus…
Wait a minute… across from the bus stop I spotted this tree with its lovely heart.
So that’s why I walked in the rain!
I’ve found my tribe… I have two now! The Bloggers Bash Tribe who I meet up with every year in London at the Bloggers bash https://twitter.com/BloggersBash and now I have the SCBWI tribe too: https://www.scbwi.org/
Other posts about the conference:
Words and Pictures SCBWI Conference
Helen Murzin SCBWI-BI Conference 2019 — Curiouser and curiouser
Finding your Tribe: http://www.bbtaylor-books.com/finding-your-tribe/
Preparing for a writers conference: https://catherinerosevear.wordpress.com/2019/10/25/preparing-for-a-writers-conference/
Are you intending on coming to a SCBWI conference?
Or were you at this year’s conference? Do let me know in the comments below.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Curse-Time-Book-Bloo…/…/1999822439/
My social media links:
Authors/Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time