Hello, my friends and fellow writers.I’ve always found tips for the literary world
to be beyond helpful, whether they be a better way to Show not Tell or a new
website filled with prospective contacts.The agency who represents me
suggested I check out WattPad.You are
able to post a story and see how many people read it.The readers can also “vote” on their
favorites.There is a space for comments, perfect for
constructive criticism or praise.So
far, I’ve posted two short stories (Truck
of Jim & Golden Man), an
essay (I am Not a Boy), and two
manuscripts (COGLING and VICTORIAN).I look forward to becoming more involved in
the WattPad community.
I received a copy of GOODBYE TO YESTERDAY by Wanda E.
Brunstetter from Barbour Publishing via Handlebar. It is the first novel (part one of six) in
the Discovery series. I was extra thrilled to receive this book
because my mother is obsessed with the Amish lifestyle, so I will get to share
this story with her. In the past, we’ve
both read others by Wanda E. Brunstetter in the Daughters of Lancaster County series. This is another story that takes place in
Lancaster County, in particular Bird-in-Hand, which is a vacation destination for
my family. We visit there every
summer.
GOODBYE TO YESTERDAY involves newlyweds Luke and
Meredith. Luke has lost his job, so the
family lives off savings and what few pieces of furniture he manages to
sell. They struggle to get by, which causes
tensions. Meanwhile, Meredith hopes –
and worries – that she’s pregnant. Luke
receives a phone call from his Uncle Amos in Indiana offering him to chance to
learn the gravestone engraving business.
Even though Meredith doesn’t want Luke to go, he decides to journey by
bus to Indiana to buy the business. Look
for book two to find out what happens next!
I recommend this to Amish fans. The novel is fast-paced; I was able to read
it in a little over an hour. I would
have preferred more descriptions, though, of the setting, characters, and Amish
lifestyle.
I received a copy of THE LEGEND OF THE MONK AND THE MERCHANT:
TWELVE KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL LIVING by Terry Felber Thomas Nelson via BookSneeze. Overall, I found it an enjoyable and fast-paced
read. The book starts with a foreword
about material possessions by Dave Ramsey.
It reminded me of my mother’s philosophy on goods: only have what you need and use them for the
betterment of the world. You don’t need
eights cars. Stick with one, and
whenever possible, use it to help someone who isn’t able to get a ride
somewhere important. Dave Ramsey also
mentions that everyone in a business helps out, even those who just answer the
phones. My job is like that – making appointments,
answering the telephone, and directing students to their advisers. I am able to calm them, give them a pleasant
experience, in a world that otherwise might not be friendly to him or her. It helped me to appreciate my job more, and
to believe in the role that had once seemed insignificant.
Now, to the actual story – it reads like a child’s book, but
with complex thoughts. I loved the fact
that it was religious and historical.
The storyline occurs during the Renaissance in Rome. The characters travel through the world
meeting people, spreading wisdom, and learning how they can better themselves
and humanity.
I received a copy of THE TAINTED COIN by Mel Starr from Monarch Books via Kregel. It is the fifth installment of the Hugh de Singleton, surgeon, series. I recently read the book before this one,
UNHALLOWED GROUND, and found it delightful.
I haven’t had a chance to read the other novels in the series, but they
are on my to-read list.
I adore history, can’t get enough of it, so most of my
bookshelf revolves around historical fiction.
This series is just that, with mystery thrown in. Somehow, danger and lies follow Hugh de
Singleton. This time the mystery
involves a man so severely beaten that he dies.
Before the burial, an ancient coin is found in his mouth. The coin on the cover of the book reminds me
of props from when I volunteered at Fort Stanwix. Old coins have always fascinated me. Who else touched them? What story could the coin tell? It was a treat to be able to learn more about
coins through this fast-paced read.
Mel Starr has a great knack for introducing readers to the
middle ages – 1367 to be exact. I love
the glossary in the front. It’s so much
fun learning new things. I also enjoyed
reading about the foods eaten back then.
I had to look up “capon” when I came upon that delicacy.
I recommend this series to fans of historical
mysteries. The characters and time
period vibrate to life off the pages.
I received a copy of the CANDLE BIBLE FOR KIDS: TODDLER
EDITION.Juliet David wrote it and Jo
Parry illustrated the pages.The square
shape and soft cover are perfect for little hands; although I worry a toddler
might tear the pages.Overall, I was
pleased with this book.It will make an
excellent gift.The pictures are bright
and colorful.I can see them easily
keeping a toddler’s attention.
It is divided into two sections, stories from the Old Testament and
stories from the New Testament.I’ve
seen a few of them, such as Jonah and the Whale, as plays, so it was fun to see
an illustrated interpretation.The stories
are short and simple so that kids will comprehend.(Some seemed a little too short.I kept asking myself, “But what happens
next?”I’ll have to brush up on my Bible
stories) They are the ideal tools for introducing toddlers to the Bible.After he or she is interested in the
characters, they can hear the real version.
My only complaint is a slight disappointment in a few of the
stories.They left out key phrases, such
as the Ten Commandments.That seems so
important to me.In A Baby in a Basket, the author says, “He came down holding two
stones with God’s laws written on them” (page 47).A sentence could be inserted at the end,
something like, “These were called the Ten Commandments.”However, I do understand the stories are
geared toward young readers and the adults can explain more about the Ten
Commandments outside of the book.
Overall, I’m pleased with the CANDLE BIBLE FOR KIDS: TODDLER
EDITION.I definitely recommend it.
On March 1, 2013, the Utica Writers Club will begin
accepting entries for the Milton and Harriet Shatraw Short Story Contest.
Please send your stories and entry fees to:
Milton and Harriet Shatraw Short Story
Contest
32 Sanger Avenue
New Hartford, NY 13413
Entries are due by MARCH 31, 2013
Entries will be sorted into 2 categories:
1.Story
Tellers (Writers 18 and older) – entry fee of $5 per story
2.Student
Tales (Writers 17 and under) – entry fee of $3 per story
Stories are restricted in length to 2500 words.
Awards will be:
$100 for First place, Story Tellers and
Student Tales
$75 for Second place, Story Tellers and
Student Tales
$25 for Most Original Topic
1st and 2nd place prizewinners will
also receive free membership to the club for the 2013-2014 season. All others
who receive any kind of award receive 50% off their first year’s membership.
There will be a minimum of 2 Honorable mention awards in each category. The
winning stories will be collected into a contest booklet, a copy of which will
be provided to all winners. Authors retain all rights to their work.
A reception open to the public will be held on June 5th
in the Kirkland Public Library to celebrate the winners.
The Utica Writers Club is a non-profit organization that has
been promoting good writing in the upstate community for more than 70 years.
For more information about the Utica Writers Club, the Milton & Harriet
Shattaw Short Story Contest, and possible sponsorships for the contest, please
visit the website: TheUticaWritersClub.com
