by Jason Joyner | Feb 18, 2008 | Blog, CSFF, fiction, sci-fi
This month’s CSFF blog tour is focusing on Chris Walley’s book from a few years ago entitled The Shadow and Night. I actually bought a version that includes books 1 and 2 (The Power of Night) of the Lamb Among the Stars trilogy, although this tour is focusing on just the first book.
I am reluctant to fully dive into discussing the book. I’ve only gotten to about page 125 out of 296, so I don’t feel like I can fully comment on it. However, I have had a particularly hard time getting into the book, and I’ve got some major reservations so far on what I have read. I know that I’ve read other books that took a while to get into, but this one is different so far. I would encourage you to check out my fellow tourmates listed below, as I will be doing this week. I may post more detail about why I’ve had a hard time reading this book depending on my time and what I see on the tour.
You can also check out Chris Walley’s site and blog for more information.
Brandon Barr
Jim Black
Justin Boyer
Grace Bridges
Jackie Castle
Carol Bruce Collett
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
Gene Curtis
D. G. D. Davidson
Chris Deanne
Janey DeMeo
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Marcus Goodyear
Rebecca Grabill
Jill Hart
Katie Hart
Michael Heald
Timothy Hicks
Christopher Hopper
Heather R. Hunt
Kait
Carol Keen
Mike Lynch
Margaret
Rachel Marks
Shannon McNear
Melissa Meeks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirtika or Mir’s Here
Pamela Morrisson
Eve Nielsen
John W. Otte
John Ottinger
Deena Peterson
Rachelle
Steve Rice
Ashley Rutherford
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Rachelle Sperling
Donna Swanson
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Robert Treskillard
Jason Waguespac
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise
by Jason Joyner | Feb 18, 2008 | Blog, CSFF, fiction, sci-fi
This month’s CSFF blog tour is focusing on Chris Walley’s book from a few years ago entitled The Shadow and Night. I actually bought a version that includes books 1 and 2 (The Power of Night) of the Lamb Among the Stars trilogy, although this tour is focusing on just the first book.
I am reluctant to fully dive into discussing the book. I’ve only gotten to about page 125 out of 296, so I don’t feel like I can fully comment on it. However, I have had a particularly hard time getting into the book, and I’ve got some major reservations so far on what I have read. I know that I’ve read other books that took a while to get into, but this one is different so far. I would encourage you to check out my fellow tourmates listed below, as I will be doing this week. I may post more detail about why I’ve had a hard time reading this book depending on my time and what I see on the tour.
You can also check out Chris Walley’s site and blog for more information.
Brandon Barr
Jim Black
Justin Boyer
Grace Bridges
Jackie Castle
Carol Bruce Collett
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
Gene Curtis
D. G. D. Davidson
Chris Deanne
Janey DeMeo
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Marcus Goodyear
Rebecca Grabill
Jill Hart
Katie Hart
Michael Heald
Timothy Hicks
Christopher Hopper
Heather R. Hunt
Kait
Carol Keen
Mike Lynch
Margaret
Rachel Marks
Shannon McNear
Melissa Meeks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirtika or Mir’s Here
Pamela Morrisson
Eve Nielsen
John W. Otte
John Ottinger
Deena Peterson
Rachelle
Steve Rice
Ashley Rutherford
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Rachelle Sperling
Donna Swanson
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Robert Treskillard
Jason Waguespac
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise
by Jason Joyner | Feb 15, 2008 | Blog, CFBA, fiction, reading, reviews
I’m excited this week to discuss the new book My Name Is Russell Fink by Michael Snyder for the CFBA book tour.
I spent time from 2005 – 2006 hanging out at faith*in*fiction, a blog and forum established by Bethany House editor Dave Long. There was great discussion on the issues affecting Christian fiction. One of the clever folks that were there was Mr. Mike Snyder. We heard a little of the development of his book at that time. I’m glad to say that the fruition of his initial effort is well-worth the read.
The book follows the titular Russell Fink through some mis adventures as we see life through his eyes. He is dealing with a job he detests, a severe bout of hypochondria (stemming from his twin dying of cancer as a child and his fear of sneaky cancer cells), a clingy fiancee, and his televangelist father trying to overcome past scandal. Along the way he finds a way to move out of his parents’ house, investigates the apparent murder of his beloved dog Sonny, and meets an old flame who stirs some passion into this drifter.
The strength of this book is the writing. As I mentioned the clever folks from f*i*f before, Snyder was one of the tops in that category. His writing sparkles with wit and whimsy. You never know where he is going to turn next, from whiskey-soaked dog biscuits to microwaving oranges and breaking into zoos (see, you’ll just have to read it to figure out what all that means). At first Russell is a hard character to like, since he is so passive and basically irresponsible in all of his conflicts. However, as he slowly grows into accepting some responsibility and starts to make a change in his life, you start pulling for him. All the time, the writing keeps you on your toes and with a grin on your face.
The plot suffers a little confusion at the end, and I couldn’t always follow where certain threads came or went, or if all of the major plot points were resolved. There is one point I want to write the author to ask him about, it was such a dangling string. Still, I can recommend this book because, even if isn’t fully sure of where it is going, the journey there is a lot of fun by the enjoyable writing. I look forward to seeing where Michael Snyder goes from here, having his first book under his collar…I mean belt.
by Jason Joyner | Feb 15, 2008 | Blog, CFBA, fiction, reading, reviews
I’m excited this week to discuss the new book My Name Is Russell Fink by Michael Snyder for the CFBA book tour.
I spent time from 2005 – 2006 hanging out at faith*in*fiction, a blog and forum established by Bethany House editor Dave Long. There was great discussion on the issues affecting Christian fiction. One of the clever folks that were there was Mr. Mike Snyder. We heard a little of the development of his book at that time. I’m glad to say that the fruition of his initial effort is well-worth the read.
The book follows the titular Russell Fink through some mis adventures as we see life through his eyes. He is dealing with a job he detests, a severe bout of hypochondria (stemming from his twin dying of cancer as a child and his fear of sneaky cancer cells), a clingy fiancee, and his televangelist father trying to overcome past scandal. Along the way he finds a way to move out of his parents’ house, investigates the apparent murder of his beloved dog Sonny, and meets an old flame who stirs some passion into this drifter.
The strength of this book is the writing. As I mentioned the clever folks from f*i*f before, Snyder was one of the tops in that category. His writing sparkles with wit and whimsy. You never know where he is going to turn next, from whiskey-soaked dog biscuits to microwaving oranges and breaking into zoos (see, you’ll just have to read it to figure out what all that means). At first Russell is a hard character to like, since he is so passive and basically irresponsible in all of his conflicts. However, as he slowly grows into accepting some responsibility and starts to make a change in his life, you start pulling for him. All the time, the writing keeps you on your toes and with a grin on your face.
The plot suffers a little confusion at the end, and I couldn’t always follow where certain threads came or went, or if all of the major plot points were resolved. There is one point I want to write the author to ask him about, it was such a dangling string. Still, I can recommend this book because, even if isn’t fully sure of where it is going, the journey there is a lot of fun by the enjoyable writing. I look forward to seeing where Michael Snyder goes from here, having his first book under his collar…I mean belt.
by Jason Joyner | Feb 12, 2008 | Blog, fiction, goofiness, writing craft
Thanks to Maureen Johnson, a YA (young adult) science fiction of some repute, for the following highly informative post:
HOW TO BE A WRITER IN TEN EASY STEPS.
Finally! After all this time, the answer has been revealed! We can all stop working so hard now and follow this tested* methods for becoming a writer. I am good on Step Three at least. Seven and Eight are coming along.
Hat tip to John C. Wright.
*I haven’t personally tested this, and cannot vouch for the methodology used.
