Originally published at Sherry D. Ramsey. You can comment here or there.
Inside Job by Connie Willis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As usual, reading anything by Connie Willis makes me wish I’d written it. I consider that the highest compliment I can pay a writer. :)
Originally published at Sherry D. Ramsey. You can comment here or there.
Take Us to Your Chief: And Other Stories by Drew Hayden Taylor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An intricate mix of sly humour and sadness, I enjoyed these stories partially because they helped open a window for me that had previously been closed. I do love to see the many incarnations that science fiction can take, and I’m glad that the author set his hand to these. It’s not all fun and games as many stories strike a serious note, and the stories swirl with poignant undercurrents. However, there are not enough intersections where science fiction and aboriginal fiction meet and travel together for a time, so I’m very happy to have read this one.
Originally published at Sherry D. Ramsey. You can comment here or there.
For a number of years, I ran a couple of successful email courses through The Scriptorium; one was called “The Two-Week Short Story” and the second was “Short Story Workshop for One.” People seemed to enjoy them and I received a lot of very positive feedback from students. The first was (rather obviously) a guide to coming up with a story idea and writing a quick, complete first draft, all in a two-week period. The Workshop was a method for writers who found it difficult to get feedback or critiques to work on developing the kind of critical eye needed to help them improve their stories on their own. The Short Story Workshop itself grew out of an article I had published in Speculations back in 2001, so it had already lived through one reincarnation. It occurred to me that they’d both probably translate well into short ebooks now, and that I might reach a new group of aspiring writers in that format.
Never one to let a good idea fail to distract me from what I’m really *supposed* to be doing, I set to work and did some revising, tweaking, and re-formatting. Also, cover design, since every good ebook deserves a good e-cover. I’m not quite ready to release the ebooks yet, since they need one more good going-over, but I’m thinking within a week or so they’ll be ready to go. But I can share those covers with you now (they might get a little more tweaking, but I think they’re pretty much done):
I expect to price the ebooks around $1.99, which will be a bargain considering the courses used to sell for $8.00 each! However, I did have the hassle of setting up the email schedule, so compared to that, selling ebooks is easy. I believe I’ll test these in Kindle Select at first, and then move to a broader platform after that, as my marketing experimentation continues.
If you or someone you know is looking for some story inspiration and motivation, or have a story that needs some intensive self-workshopping, I’ll be posting here when they’re released. Maybe you’ll find them useful!
Originally published at Sherry D. Ramsey. You can comment here or there.
Night Owls by Lauren M. Roy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I picked this book up initially because a writer friend mentioned it, and it sounded interesting. I enjoyed the author’s handling of the vampire ethos and her introduction of other unique elements into the world of the story. The characters are well-drawn and interesting, and the story surprised me several times. Would definitely read another in this series. Great paranormal/urban fantasy reading!
Originally published at Sherry D. Ramsey. You can comment here or there.
Coming Home by Jack McDevitt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’m such a big fan of McDevitt’s Alex Benedict series, and I highly recommend them for anyone who loves space opera. This one did not disappoint!
Originally published at Sherry D. Ramsey. You can comment here or there.
The Occasional Diamond Thief by J.A. McLachlan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was one of those books that, once I started it, I found it difficult to put down. The main character is intriguing as she finds her path between right and wrong, driven by the events of her past, her relationship with her family, and the secret behind it all. Along with that, though, it’s a great science fiction adventure tale told across fully believable worlds and civilizations. A great read for YA or adult lovers of character-driven science fiction.
Originally published at Sherry D. Ramsey. You can comment here or there.
The Star Thief by Jamie Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this fast-paced novel–a blend of thriller and military scifi, with dashes of romance and humour thrown in for good measure. The characters are interesting and varied, and the strong plotline carries the story and keeps the reader turning pages. Lots of twists and turns, with much at stake for both the main character and the larger world. If you like science fiction adventure with a well-drawn female lead you should enjoy this one!
Originally published at Sherry D. Ramsey. You can comment here or there.
A Witch’s Kitchen by Dianna Sanchez
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was enchanted by this sweet and funny book, about a young witch who thinks she has no ability at witchcraft. Her apparent failings only hide her true talents, however! Along with being entertained (it was a hard-to-stop-for-the-night read), I was also appreciative of a more serious core that underpinned the story without intruding itself–it really spoke to me about finding and appreciating who we really are. But the overall feel of the book is light and fun, the characters are well-drawn, and the reading pace is quick. I’ll be delighted to introduce some of the young readers at the school library to it! Highly recommended for both young and adult fantasy lovers.
Originally published at Sherry D. Ramsey. You can comment here or there.
2017 Young Explorer’s Adventure Guide by Maggie Allen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Admittedly I’m a bit biased, since I have a story in this anthology. However, I thoroughly enjoyed all the stories in the volume. Loads of intriguing tales and adventures that will have a wide appeal to readers of all ages and genders, covering a wide variety of subgenres of science fiction. I highly recommend this anthology for everyone who enjoys diverse stories of SF adventure and exploration.
Originally published at Sherry D. Ramsey. You can comment here or there.
C is for Chimera by Rhonda Parrish
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This imaginative anthology offers such a wide variety of stories, themes, and ideas that it’s practically impossible to choose favourites. While the chimera is a unifying thread throughout the stories, the authors deal with the theme in stunningly different ways and interpretations. Although the flavour overall was a little darker than I might normally choose, I still enjoyed the stories and found them thought-provoking, and there is a broad mix of tone in the volume. If you like short speculative fiction you will not come away from this anthology disappointed.
Originally published at Sherry D. Ramsey. You can comment here or there.
Cold Stone & Ivy by H. Leighton Dickson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This imaginative book takes us to a Steampunk London where Jack the Ripper stalks the streets, ghosts demand justice, and our brave heroine writes novels to escape into a world she can control. There’s a lot going on in this book, both in the characters’ personal lives and in the streets of the city, but all is interwoven into a fast-paced story about family, love, murder, and loyalty. I really enjoyed it! Highly recommended.
Originally published at Sherry D. Ramsey. You can comment here or there.
Cold Stone and Ivy by H. Leighton Dickson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This imaginative book takes us to a Steampunk London where Jack the Ripper stalks the streets, ghosts demand justice, and our brave heroine writes novels to escape into a world she can control. There’s a lot going on in this book, both in the characters’ personal lives and in the streets of the city, but all is interwoven into a fast-paced story about family, love, murder, and loyalty. I really enjoyed it! Highly recommended.
Originally published at Sherry D. Ramsey. You can comment here or there.
Black Heart by Holly Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Originally published at Sherry D. Ramsey. You can comment here or there.
Red Glove by Holly Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Originally published at Sherry D. Ramsey. You can comment here or there.
White Cat by Holly Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As usual, Holly Black creates intriguing characters and sets them in a world that is both familiar and strange. The writing and story are top-notch and I’m anxious to start the next book!
Originally published at Sherry D. Ramsey. You can comment here or there.
The Spaceship Next Door by Gene Doucette
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I enjoyed every moment of this fast-paced, fun, and funny book. The characters really came to life in the audiobook narration, and I particularly liked the main character. Definitely recommended for YA readers!
Originally published at Sherry D. Ramsey. You can comment here or there.
The Night Bell by Inger Ash Wolfe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An unsettling but well-written mystery. Kept me intrigued from beginning to end, and although the subject-matter is distressing, it was not too graphic to read about. I was a bit confused about the motivations of one of the characters but it did all come out pretty clear in the end. A deft handling of a difficult subject.
Originally published at Sherry D. Ramsey. You can comment here or there.
The Drop by Michael Connelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another page-turning entry in the annals of Harry Bosch. As usual, this one does not disappoint.
Originally published at Sherry D. Ramsey. You can comment here or there.
Styx and Stones by Carola Dunn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
These mysteries are always a quick and fun listen, and this one continues the tradition. I always enjoy the period setting and the main character’s spunky personality.
Originally published at Sherry D. Ramsey. You can comment here or there.
Cold in the Earth by Aline Templeton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I quite enjoyed this mystery; I liked the characters and the setting, as well as the central problem. A few of the secondary characters were a bit one-dimensional, but it didn’t spoil the intrigue of the book. I figured a few things out, but I don’t mind when that happens–I like to feel smart occasionally. ;) Recommended for all mystery-lovers!
