Abhorsen, by Garth Nix, Reviewed.

This fantasy was recommended by readers on Goodreads. Had I realised, before I started to read, that this book is aimed at young adults, I probably wouldn't have bothered. And that would have been a real shame, because I thoroughly enjoyed this yarn of good versus evil.

The book is the third in a trilogy, so certain aspects only grew clear as this section of the tale unfolded. But the author has woven the fabric of his fiction with such skill that I was prepared to put up with references that initially meant very little. It wasn't long before I was absorbed by the characters and their adventures. The imagined world, with its division into a magical realm and one of technological progression, worked well, especially highlighting the prejudices, distrust and suspicions harboured mutually on each side of the dividing wall. I've no doubt that this could be read by some as an analogy on divisions currently experienced in the Middle East, but I was happy to read the story simply as an escapist romp through a well-drawn landscape.

The characters, including the animal personalities, are all well-rounded individuals with their hopes, dreams, quirks, faults, gifts and positive attributes. I found them all credible and felt they avoided the stereotypical so often found in fantasy of lesser quality. The plot is clever, sufficiently convoluted to hold mature attention, and unusual enough to sustain the story. The imagined world is similar enough to our own that it requires no lengthy descriptions but unusual enough to require its own maps for guidance. That strikes me as a good balance between imaginative creation and reliance on existing experience to satisfy both the reader's quest for novelty and the need for familiarity.

The denouement begins a good way from the actual end and the author skilfully builds the tension, making the book a real page-turner. My reading of this book was interrupted by a trip away from home and visits to various family members, which made it impossible to sit down and read it through without interruption. Had I had that opportunity, I've no doubt that I would have read it from cover to cover in one sitting, however.

If you enjoy your fiction with originality, adventure, and wholesome companionship (there is no sex or even romance in this volume), you'll enjoy this. The quality of the writing is good throughout and there is enough action and emotion to satisfy the reader. I recommend it.

Author Interview with Lakisha Spletzer

When people first meet me, they always asks the same questions. Who are you? (translation: don't recognize your author name) and, You're a writer? I always smile and give them a quick breakdown on me. After all, it's only fair to let others know about yourself.

Yes, I'm a writer, I've always been a writer. I've been writing stories since the tender age of 8. When I hit my teen years I went from short stories and fan fiction to writing poetry. Lots of poetry. After high school I attended college and got two degrees. I left my home state of Virginia and moved to sunny Florida. I didn't decide to become a published writer until after meeting a local writer's workshop group in 2004. It took me six years to finally write not 1 but 2 complete novels and get them published.

Tell us about Werelove Dusk Conspiracy in a few sentences.

Werelove Dusk Conspiracy is a story about a teenager who is neglected by her only living parent, is bullied at school and who yearns for more than what her life has handed her. Throw in kidnapping attempts, an obsessed villainess, a handsome rescuer, a bold, blunt, yet steadfast friend, and you've got the gist of this novel.

How did you come to write this particular book?

Werelove came about because of NaNoWriMo which is an annual online writing contest during November to write a 50,000 word novel. I wanted to write a YA novel and had some ideas rattling around in my head right before NaNoWriMo 2008, and decided, why not. The first 40,496 words of Werelove were written that month. It took me until July 2009 to write the entire first draft.

If you have a favourite character in your novel, why that particular one?

No author likes to pick just one character and it's very hard with this novel because I wrote so many that I like, but, if I did have to choose, I would have to pick Laylah because she's the closet to my heart with Stefan coming in a close second.

Where and when is your novel set and why did you make these specific choices?

I wanted to combine two of my loves, shapeshifters and outer space, into one location. Werelove is set in the future in the 23^rd century and on the planet of New Terra which is inhabited by humans and Weres (shapeshifters).

Beginning writers make many mistakes; what do you think is the most harmful?

Thinking that your manuscript is perfect after writing it. I kid you not. I've met writers who bragged that they didn't need to do any revising or that they only did one round of revisions. *shakes head* Sorry, but you've just doomed yourself to a name as a bad author. Actually, that's strong. Rather I should say, especially with those whose “finished” product is riddled with mistakes, you gain a reputation as “oh, you're one of those people, the self-published kind.” Trust me, you don't want that label, so please, let someone other than family and friends edit your work who will give you honest opinions.

And just to let you know, Werelove Dusk Conspiracy went through seven rounds of revisions before I published it.

How do you know where to begin any given story?

Mine usually start with vague ideas, maybe a jotted down sentence. I sit and I think about what type of character(s) have given me the idea and then I started building a world around them.

What sort of displacement activities keep you from actually writing?

I'm a single parent so my children are the biggest distraction but also fatigue, disinterest and my day job, all keep me from writing on occasion.

How long does it normally take you to write a novel?

Werelove Dusk Conspiracy took nine months to write and my other novel Jewels, took six months.

Who or what inspires you?

My children, people, nature, you name it, it's fair game when it comes to striking my imagination.

Do you think writing is a natural gift or an acquired skill?

I think it can be either or both. For me it is natural and I acquired skills to polish it. I know some indie authors (self-published) that said they'd never written anything before that first novel and that they did extensive research to be able to do so.

What single piece of advice would you give to writers still hoping to be published?

Keep your options open. The market is changing and right now, ebooks, self-publishing and e-readers are the hot topics. Read up on these subjects. Be knowledgeable. Don't just think you can send your MS off and bam!, you'll be accepted. Only a small percentage ever get that lucky. With the new surge in self-publishing via Kindle, Smashwords.com, PubIt, and other places, you can take your fate into your own hands.

What are you writing now?

I've got three stories going right now. Moonbeams is a fantasy novel, I've got Nightcorn which is a paranormal novel and I've started on the sequel to Werelove, “Midnight Revelations”.

Where do you actually write?

A better question would be, where DON'T I write. If I can grab a few seconds, I sit and whip out my notebook and write on whatever story is in that particular notebook.

Links:

Author Website:

Author Blog:

Amazon UK:

Jewels

Werelove Dusk Conspiracy

Amazon UK Kindle:

Jewels

Werelove Dusk Conspiracy

Interview with MJ Webb, Author.

MJ Webb is the author of Jake West – ‘The Keeper of the Stones’.  The book started out as a project for his children that he thought would take countless years to complete (hence why it was aimed at teenagers and young adults, even though his children were two and three years old at the time).  He started writing and couldn’t stop.  Forty-three chapters later he realised he had an epic on his hands which would delight and enthral young minds.

A fulltime worker and dad, he has very little spare time and had to sacrifice things in order to write this novel; his gym membership went (gone up a notch on his belt), golf clubs were sold (paid for a few flyers) and hisTriumph Daytona went to some lucky chap from Lincoln.  His marriage somehow survived the ordeal and he and his wife are still on speaking terms (though it was touch and go for a while).

It’s been the hardest, most fulfilling thing he’s ever done and to finally see it in print....  Priceless !

Tell us about Jake West – ‘The Keeper of the Stones’ in a few sentences.

My debut novel is an introductory novel intended to be the first of a three book series.

When fifteen year old Jake West and his best friend, Ben Brooker, help Jake’s grandfather clear his attic of the junk he’s collected from his years of travelling, the boys discover an old chest containing a beautifully carved wooden box.  The box contains a set of five mysterious stones and, when they erupt to emit a bright beam of light, it sparks an epic journey which will lead Jake into a dangerous world and to the discovery of some strange family secrets.

In an instant he becomes the latest in a long line of world protectors, a symbol of hope to millions and prey to all the warriors, wizards and evil tyrants who now know of his and the stones’ existence.  When fifteen year old Jake West and his best friend, Ben Brooker, help Jake’s grandfather clear his attic of the junk he’s collected from his years of travelling, the boys discover an old chest containing a beautifully carved wooden box.  The box contains a set of five mysterious stones and, when they erupt to emit a bright beam of light, it sparks an epic journey which will lead Jake into a dangerous world and to the discovery of some strange family secrets.

It’s an epic tale set in a war torn fantasy land of deposed Kings, wizards and ferocious warriors. A story of courage, honour, loyalty and friendship. But it’s also about coming of age and facing ones fears.

The fate of millions on this world and countless others now lies in the hands of a teenage boy from Lichfield; if he can’t protect the Stones.......

How did you come to write this particular book?

I was looking through a book club magazine, trying to take advantage of the introductory offer and choose some books for my children. I wanted ones for when they were much older, but I wasn’t impressed with the choices and I found myself thinking, ‘I could write a book.’ The more I thought about it, the more the idea gripped me and I raced for a pen.  Forty-three chapters later, the plot had grown beyond all recognition and I realised this was book 1 of a series of adventures.

If you have a favourite character in your novel, why that particular one?

I love the main evil warrior, Sawdon. He is awesome and incredibly scary but you can’t help but admire his sense of pride, loyalty, honour and the respect and adulation he has earned from his warriors. Wouldn’t want to face him in battle though.

Where and when is your novel set and why did you make these specific choices?

Lichfield, England. Present day. I love this city. It’s full of history and character. The people are the kindest I’ve known. There’s a real feelgood factor surrounding the place even in the worst of times and it’s always welcoming.

The fantasy land of Rhuaddan on the continent of Estia. It allows my imagination to run riot.

How can people buy your book?

Online at www.authorhouse.co.uk and .com where it’s at it’s cheapest. Also on other sites including Amazon.

What qualities make a successful writer?

A vivid imagination, the ability to absorb information and learn continually, humility and a sense of humour.  Oh and patience....  Lots and lots of patience.

How do you set about writing a piece?

I set out a loose plan of where I want to go/get to. Then I completely ignore it and let my pen foxtrot all over the page until my fingers ache. I read it back, edit it 32 times (not really) and decide enough’s enough. Really, my limited available time means that I often sit down not knowing what I’m going to write, only that I have to write something. I’ve found forcing it out actually works and I’m soon in the groove and flowing until I can’t stop.

Beginning writers make many mistakes; what do you think is the most harmful?

Impatience. Submitting before your work is ready and burning those valuable bridges as you rarely get a second chance.

To what extent are grammar and spelling important to a writer?

It depends if you can afford a full professional edit. I couldn’t and it was therefore vital. My readers may not care, but those in the industry I’d like to impress sure do.

How much revision of your MS do you do before you send it off?

Oh absolutely loads of editing and re-editing, right up to the last minute.  Never satisfied.

To what extent do you think genre is useful in the publishing world?

I think it can be harmful to pigeonhole people’s work. Because mine is classed as fantasy, many publishers and agents would not even look at it. I think that is a little short sighted and wonder if they passed on J K Rowling’s books for the same reason? I respect their right to make that decision, but I wish they’d have just taken a glance at it.  (SA – this is a common problem for fiction writers who step into the fantasy world – I suspect many agents and publishers have no idea of the richness of the genre. But, to be pragmatic about it; if the agent/publisher isn’t keen on the genre, they’re hardly going to devote time and effort to it, are they?)

What single piece of advice would you give to writers still hoping to be published?

Take all advice on board but make up your own mind in the end. You should know if your work is good enough and if you believe in yourself, persevere and keep trying. You have to be in it to win it.

What are you writing now?

The sequel. Seven chapters in its untitled and absolutely blooming brilliant. Lol

Do you have a website or a blog that readers can visit?

Yes. www.jakewest.co.uk  I’m also on Facebook in the Fans of Jake West Group. 

Given unlimited resources, what would be your ideal writing environment?

I’m happy at home in England. A nice country cottage somewhere and a roaring fire. Bliss.

Where do you actually write?

Martini. Anytime, anywhere, any place. The search for peace and quiet is endless. Anyone free for babysitting?  

Interview with Jake Webber, Author

Image by stuartaken via FlickrA lifelong resident of Louisiana, Jake Webber enjoys researching and studying history. He attended Louisiana State University and is a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Monroe. His professional background is in the medical field. He is married and lives in Baton Rouge with his wife and two children. Jake is an avid reader who loves a good story. He also loves history. In his first novel, he combines the two loves for an interesting adventure.

SA: Tell us about Lafitte’s Black Box in a few sentences. JW: Lafitte's Black Box is an action/adventure set in New Orleans aimed at teens and young adults. Discovering a box that has been buried for two centuries, a young boy finds himself on a quest for Lafitte's treasure through modern day New Orleans. Since moving to the Big Easy, Deveraux Parker has had a hard time fitting in and finding friends, but as events unravel, he makes some unsavory pals and begins an unexpected adventure taking him to the oldest and most mysterious places in old New Orleans. SA:   What qualities do you need to be a successful writer? JW: Imagination, patience, tenacity, and self determination. I think a keen eye that sees things in people and situations that other people maybe don't see. Small things or odd eccentricities that may be beneath the surface that can be incorporated into characters or stories. SA:.  What is your working method? JW: Initially, a rough outline of the story, character development by writing a few paragraphs about them...their personality, look, fears, insecurities, desires, etc.  Research of places, people, time period, etc. Then I close my eyes and imagine the scene and write. Review and rewrite. SA:  What is the single biggest mistake made by beginners to writing? JW: Possibly not putting enough research into the story or into the story's setting.  Maybe poor character development as well. SA:    How did you come to write this particular book? JW:  Lafitte's Black Box came to me literally during a night of insomnia. I began to imagine ways to fall asleep and the premise of the book came to my mind. My main character is pulled back in time through a dream. I mentioned to my wife that I wish someone would write a book as I described what I had imagined. My wife suggested to me that I should write it. The next morning, I thought to myself, why not and began researching writing and my central character and setting. SA:    If you have a favourite character in your novel, why that particular one? JW: Gaston, the pirate that Devereaux befriends is my favorite. He has the look of a killer but a heart of gold. I actually wished I would have developed him a bit more. I can see him coming  back later in the series. SA:    How can people buy your book? JW: My book is available on Amazon, Kindle, Amazon.co.uk, Barnes and Noble, and most Internet book sites. Many independent bookstores have it as well as some Barnes and Noble and Borders. Many of the stores will order it as well if you ask. It's also available on my publishers site, http://www.llumina.com/store/lafittesblackbox.htm. SA:  To what extent are grammar and spelling important to a writer? JW: I think to a great extent. Certainly, an editor and publisher will correct those, although some errors slip through. I believe a writer could lose some credibility. Hooray for spell check. SA:    How much revision of your MS do you do before you send it off? JW: As much as I can and feel comfortable before sending it off. I'll reread it and rewrite many times. SA:  Where and when is your novel set and why did you make these specific choices? JW: Lafitte's Black Box is set in New Orleans both in the present and in the early 1800's. My central character, Jean Lafitte, lived there and during that time. I think New Orleans is a mysterious and interesting place. I wanted to teach a little history of Louisiana and the city of New Orleans to the reader. SA: To what extent do you think genre is useful in the publishing world? JW: It helps classify and define a work. Writers and story's can be grouped and placed. It's useful for the publisher to target writers, audiences, advertising, etc. As soon as you think of an idea for a story, you will begin looking at who your audience will be. You will think to yourself, what kind of story is this. So to answer your question, I think in the publishing world it is very useful. SA:  What are your writing habits? JW: Writing is new to me. I like to write short stories. I am my worst critic and will get frustrated and not write for awhile. I am currently writing the follow up to Lafitte's Black Box. I have the third in mind to write afterwards for at least a three part series. SA:  How do you know where to begin any given story? JW: I think each story is different. Each story is special. The beginning usually comes to me and I let it take me to where it leads. Sometimes that is to a dead end, but sometimes it can me magical. SA:  What sort of displacement activities keep you from actually writing? JW: My real job is a distraction.  That is sort of a joke, but it puts food on the table. I have a hard time writing at home. There is always too much going on around me which makes it too hard to focus on my writing. Finding those quiet moments are a gem and those moments have to be taken before they are gone. SA:  Do you have support, either from family and friends or a writing group? JW: My family is my biggest support. My wife and my mother are a great support. I bounce things off my father as well. He has been very supportive. My friends have shown an interest as well. SA: Is presentation of the MS as important as most agents and publishers suggest? JW: Absolutely. It must be done professionally and must look professional. Shabby presentation or any presentation not done by the guidelines put out will be ignored or worse remembered by the agent or publisher. SA: How long does it normally take you to write a novel? JW: My only published novel took a year to write from pen to paper until I put a period on the last sentence. But that doesn't include the first and second revision. My second is taking me longer however. SA: What are your inspirations?  JW: I have many small inspirations here and there. My family, wife, and kids are an inspiration. Just looking at this beautiful world around me that God made inspires me. People or strangers may inspire me on any given day. I am inspired by other writers and their works. Some writers that have inspired me are Ernest Hemingway, Irwin Shaw, and Stephen King.  SA:   If there’s a single aspect to writing that really frustrates you, what is it? JW: I don't know if it is one thing or another but I'll have moments where I have total writer's block. There will be no writing during that time. It may last a week, two weeks, or more. SA:   Do you think writing is a natural gift or an acquired skill? JW: I think there are writers that are wonderfully and naturally gifted. I also think that some writers maybe aren't so gifted but they can develop and become really good. Some people discover that they are natural writers and those people, with practice, can become great writers. SA:  What are you writing now? JW: As mentioned above, I am writing my second novel which is actually a follow up, or second in a series to the first. I am using the same premise the first used. It will take place in a different time and place but will still have my main character and friends in it. I will introduce some new characters in this next book. It will follow with a third. SA: Is there any aspect of writing that you really enjoy? JW: I enjoy when I really sit down and the story comes flowing out of me, usually faster than I can type. At those times I don't worry about grammar or sentence structure. I'm just trying to get the story out as fast as I can before that moment is gone.  I worry about fixing the grammar and those things later. To me, that is the best part of writing. SA:   Do you have a website or a blog that readers can visit? JW: I have a blog that I would encourage your readers to visit. I started this blog to give a little background on my book. I show the reader the places in the book with photographs and give the reader a little history of the places as well. The blog link is: http://lafittesblackbox.blogspot.com/ SA: Given unlimited resources, what would be your ideal writing environment? JW: A small place away from the home. I would like a small office near some shops and cafes. I write better away from home, somewhere quiet. The cafes would be a nice place to go and people watch, relax, gather my thoughts, and go back and write.   SA:  Where do you actually write? JW: Early in the morning Word of the Day is divorced from the post that precedes it and produced in response to a request from a follower to provide just such a service. Word of the Day; lyrical – enthusiastic, effusive language. ‘In order to enliven the talk on accountancy, Gerald expressed his thoughts in lyrical language, but most of the audience fell asleep anyway.’