Disclaimer: I received a free ebook of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. It’s no surprise that I was drawn to this book immediately, considering it’s fusion of fantasy and science-fiction elements, it’s excellent world-building, and its awesome protagonist named Vic (short for Victoria). But I’ve been burned by free … Continue reading Review: A WIZARD’S FORGE (Woern Saga #1) by A.M. Justice
Author Interview with A.M. Justice: Parallel Paths Redux
A few weeks ago, a lovely speculative fiction author contacted me out of the blue with an interesting proposal. She had stumbled across me on the Internet and thought it would be fun if we did a bit of cross-promotion since we had so much in common. She featured me with an interview on her … Continue reading Author Interview with A.M. Justice: Parallel Paths Redux
Author Interview: Jessica Knauss
I was delighted to interview author Jessica Knauss in support of her new novel, Awash in Talent (now available in ebook and hardcopy). About the Book So much Talent can kill you. Welcome to Providence, Rhode Island, home of telekinetics, firestarters, and psychics! Emily can’t escape her annoyingly Talented telekinetic healer sister without committing a crime. Kelly … Continue reading Author Interview: Jessica Knauss
Review: BURN FOR ME (Hidden Legacy #1) by Ilona Andrews
I really try not to be one of those people who judges a book by the cover, but I don't think there can be any argument that the cover of Burn For Me is about the most romance cover to ever be a romance cover. I don't care. Buy the book anyway. Ilona Andrews overturns … Continue reading Review: BURN FOR ME (Hidden Legacy #1) by Ilona Andrews
“Evolution of Vampires in Popular Fiction” on Speculative Chic
About a year ago, I was lucky enough to be featured on SF Signal, an amazing blog that featured all things speculative fiction. To help promote my own brand-new, nontraditional vampire novel, I condensed years worth of research into a short article on the evolution of how vampires have been represented in popular fiction throughout … Continue reading “Evolution of Vampires in Popular Fiction” on Speculative Chic
August Wrap-Up & September Goals
Another slow month production-wise, another stressful month regarding real life. I'm having a hard time living by myself, and disaster struck one of my favorite places in the world earlier this month. August Wrap-Up: I aimed for 15k to 20k words drafted for book 4. I am actually impressed that I ended the month with … Continue reading August Wrap-Up & September Goals
Review: SWEEP IN PEACE (Innkeeper Chronicles #2) by Ilona Andrews
This particular collection of books by writing team Ilona Andrews is published as serial novels on their website. When I read the first book in the Innkeeper Chronicles, I was really afraid that it was going to be a meandering mess. However, I ate up the first book (Clean Sweep) and was happy to come back … Continue reading Review: SWEEP IN PEACE (Innkeeper Chronicles #2) by Ilona Andrews
Review: NO NORMAL (Ms. Marvel Vol. 1) by G. Wilson & Adrian Alphona
My husband has been on a kick for graphic novels written by women, and I've been on a kick for diversity representation in speculative fiction, so this was a delightful find for both of us. I'm not familiar with any incarnation of this Marvel hero, but I was easily absorbed into the story line. I am … Continue reading Review: NO NORMAL (Ms. Marvel Vol. 1) by G. Wilson & Adrian Alphona
Review: JUST ONE DAMNED THING AFTER ANOTHER (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #1) by Jodi Taylor
I stumbled across this book and picked it up on a whim, and I’m ever so glad that I did. While the concept of “secret organization that uses time travel for historical research purposes” isn’t new, Taylor manages to make this version her own with a number of subtle changes to the trope. One of … Continue reading Review: JUST ONE DAMNED THING AFTER ANOTHER (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #1) by Jodi Taylor
Review: SMALL MAGICS by Ilona Andrews
Favorite story: Because I'm always thrilled to learn more about Kate's protege, I was delighted to read "Magic Tests" in this collection. Julie shined in this story, especially because she's not just a miniature version of Kate. She's been influenced by all the adults in her life, and it shows in the way she handles interpersonal … Continue reading Review: SMALL MAGICS by Ilona Andrews
RDSP News Roundup
It's been a while since I posted, because I've been a bit caught up in things like writing book 4, reading lots of books, and binge-watching Orphan Black. (No spoilers, please. I'm only on season 2.) But lots has gone on in the world of my amazing publisher, Raw Dog Screaming Press, in the meantime. I … Continue reading RDSP News Roundup
Bean Hollow
Tomorrow night, I should be meeting my writing group at an amazing local coffeehouse in Historic Ellicott City. But I can't, because it is functionally gone. As a military brat, I'm only a transplant to Howard County, Maryland. I've been here since I finished undergrad, because it was where my parents happened to be stationed … Continue reading Bean Hollow
July Wrap-Up & August Goals
What a whirlwind of a month, filled with emotional highs and lows! July Wrap-Up: The Steel Magic book launch went really well, and I think the book had a great reception where I talked about it online and in person. Thank you to everyone who helped spread the word and promote my second novel. Book … Continue reading July Wrap-Up & August Goals
Speculative Chic is LIVE
I'm pleased to announce the launch of a new blog focused on all aspects of speculative fiction: books, film, television, games, and more! Speculative Chic Please join us for our soft launch today, and consider subscribing to continue receiving great content from a bunch of awesome people (like yours truly). We'll have everything from in-depth reviews to … Continue reading Speculative Chic is LIVE
Author Interview: Jennifer Loring
To celebrate the release of, What's Left of Me, the second book in the Firebird Trilogy, author Jennifer Loring has stopped by give us a peek into her life as a writer! Don't forget to also check out book 1, Firebird. 1. What's the hardest thing about balancing writing with the rest of your life? I would write, … Continue reading Author Interview: Jennifer Loring
Book Giveaway!
To conclude my interview series, Calico in Conversation is hosting a scavenger hunt through each of my interview segments. If you've been reading carefully, you have a chance to win ebooks of BOTH Steel Victory and Steel Magic in the format of your choice! Go here to see the questions and find the entry form.
Reader’s Choice Award Finalists
Thank you so much to everyone who voted for Steel Victory in the 2015 RDSP Reader's Choice Award poll! As you can see, this super snazzy belt and bragging rights for the next year are on the line! Congratulations to my fellow finalists: All the Darkness in the World by Andy Deane (horror novel) An … Continue reading Reader’s Choice Award Finalists
20 Questions: Author Edition
Fellow urban fantasy author Romarin Demetri tagged me to answer some questions about author-type stuff, so I thought I would play along. 1. What is your author name? I write under my initials, J.L. Gribble, because my first name is not pronounced the way it's spelled and I decided to make it easier on everybody … Continue reading 20 Questions: Author Edition
STEEL MAGIC Launch Party Recap
Thank you so much to everyone who came out to East City Bookshop in Washington DC last night for the official launch party for my second novel, Steel Magic! This independent bookstore was a great space for an event, and the staff was very welcoming. I'm really glad that I had such a great experience … Continue reading STEEL MAGIC Launch Party Recap
Guest Post: Andi Adams’ Suggested 5 Most Helpful Books on Writing
Today, author Andi Adams has stopped by to share her thoughts on some great craft books on writing. I've read a few of these, and I absolutely swear by the second book on her list! Don't forget to check out Adams' new fantasy novel, The Girl in the Glass Box, to see how she puts her … Continue reading Guest Post: Andi Adams’ Suggested 5 Most Helpful Books on Writing