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Review: A SYMPHONY OF ECHOES (Chronicles of St. Mary’s #2) by Jodi Taylor
There’s always a vague worry when picking up the second book in a series that it won’t quite measure up. That the first amazing novel was a flash-in-the-pan fluke, sucking up all of the author’s creativity and leaving only the dregs of inspiration for future installments. Luckily, I loved A Symphony of Echoes at least…
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Con Report: DogCon 5
It’s kind of crazy to think that it’s been 5 years since I’ve been involved with Raw Dog Screaming Press. There are other dates to mark that anniversary that might be more “official,” such as the date my first book with them was announced (at DogCon 3), but I quietly mark the beginning of this…
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September Wrap-Up & October Goals
I know the month isn’t quite over, but I’m off to Broadkill Resort for DogCon V tomorrow, so let’s do this thing! September Wrap-up: Words were written in book 4! Specifically, 15k of them, so the goal was officially met. I’m in the swing of things now, and doing that thing where I look at the…
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Review: HIDDEN DESIGN: THE PROPHECY by Tia Tormen & C.K. Stone
Sex sells. Everyone knows that. Marketing professionals especially know that. But does the inclusion of sex necessarily make something better? Erotica has become more mainstream in popular fiction within the past few years and can make any genre book more appealing to the right audience. In some cases, however, the sexual element can detract from…
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Review: A WIZARD’S FORGE (Woern Saga #1) by A.M. Justice
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…
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“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…
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Parallel Paths Interview with AM Justice
And then there was that awkward moment when my doppelganger on the Internet reached out to me…and turned out to be a lovely person. Speculative fiction author AM Justice says it best: Once in a while you run across a kindred spirit on the Internet, someone whose life has followed a path similar to yours.…
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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…
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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.
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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.
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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…
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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…
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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.
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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:
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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!
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Calico in Conversation Interview, part 3!
The final installment of my interview series at Calico in Conversation is now live! Go check out my thoughts on attending conventions, a few book recommendations, and other projects percolating in my brain. Don’t forget, there will be a quiz next week.
