01/13/2009

By Amanda Linsmeier

The final book in the Twilight saga. Finally! As I finished the book I was sad, not because of the book itself, but because the story was over. I have heard other people say they weren’t crazy about this last book but I loved it. Breaking Dawn (Little, Brown Young Readers, 2008) is a compelling, intriguing and unexpected tale of love, passion and strength, and a fitting end to the series.

If you’ve read the first three books you know that Bella and Edward are very much in love and have undergone several trials throughout their relationship. Whether it’s the threat of other vampires, the Vulturi, Bella and Jacob’s confusing friendship or even Edward’s fear of hurting Bella himself, they have always come through. Now Edward wants to marry Bella. He refuses to “change” her into a vampire unless she agrees. Bella, unsure of the idea of marriage, finally gives in because she wants so badly to be with Edward forever. One of my major questions throughout this series has been “will Bella actually become a vampire or will Edward find a way to become human again?” followed closely by “will Bella and Edward truly end up together?” I can’t give too much information without spoiling the story but let me just mention that I was extremely surprised and did not see this plot unfolding in the manner that it did.

It is inevitable in Edward and Bella’s relationship that even if they think they’re going to live happily ever after, something will stand in their way. In this case, one of the evident problems was with the Vulturi. This ancient and powerful vampire clan has returned to cause more problems for Bella and the Cullens. Will they destroy Bella and all she’s come to love and hold dear or will Bella prove, once and for all, that she’s stronger than even she knew? Breaking Dawn is full of different perspectives, adding spice to the narrative and also ties up many loose ends of the other books. I really liked it and I can’t wait to start reading the series over again soon.

Click here to read Amanda's review of Twilight

Click here to read Amanda's review of New Moon

Click here to read Amanda's review of Eclipse

By Carole Shmurak

Most critics agree that the first five books in the Spenser series by Robert B. Parker are his best. Looking for Rachel Wallace (Dell 1987) is the sixth in the series, but it's one of my favorite Spenser books, along with Early Autumn, which is number seven.

Rachel Wallace is a feminist, a lesbian, and an author whose publisher hires Spenser to act as her bodyguard after she receives a death threat. Rachel detests everything that Spenser stands for and eventually fires him. Yet when she is kidnapped, Spenser feels compelled to find her. Spenser follows a code of chivalry in which a damsel in distress must be rescued, even if she doesn't want to be. (There are many references to Lancelot, Galahad and other Arthurian knights.) I enjoy the way Parker shows us Spenser's discomfort with a woman who doesn't find him or his macho ways attractive.

There is very little mystery here: it's fairly obvious who has kidnapped Rachel. Nonetheless, it's fun to follow Spenser on his quest. Spenser's significant other, Susan Silverman is on hand to explain Rachel to Spenser and Spenser to Rachel, but Spenser's sidekick Hawk is only mentioned once or twice and does not appear. (Hawk had only been introduced to the series two books earlier, so perhaps Parker had not yet figured out how valuable a character he was.)

For readers familiar with Boston, many of the place names will conjure up fondly remembered images, but a person who has never been to that city will find little sense of place here. There is, however, a witty rant about the new (in 1980) Boston Public Library facade, as well as a nice scene in which the city is shut down by a blizzard so that Spenser must go on foot for several miles to find Rachel.

There are also some painfully funny scenes with Rachel sitting impatiently through a poorly-attended book signing and being interviewed by a talk show host who has obviously not read her book. Most authors will groan in sympathy with her even as they are forced to smile at Parker's wit.

Looking for Rachel Wallace also reminds us how far both the feminist and the gay rights movements have come in the last thirty years. It's a nice slice of the late 1970s as well as a good read.

Angela Hunt is a Christy-Award winner with over three million copies of her books sold worldwide. She has published more than 100 works ranging from picture books to nonfiction books and novels. She is the recipient of several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.

Q: It’s been said that your readers have come to expect the unexpected in your books. Would you agree and if so how do you accomplish this?

A: I certainly think so. I achieve the unexpected in several ways, beginning with the plot, which usually has an unusual aspect to it. I'm interested in learning new things, which is why my books are very different from each other, and usually different from what a reader expects. That's the macro aspect. For the micro aspect, I just ask myself what comes next, and then choose the most unusual and unexpected option.

Q: The Face has earned praise for its character portrayal. How does one craft a compelling character?

A; That question probably deserves a book-length answer! In a nutshell, you create a compelling character by driving this character to the deepest and broadest levels of their personality. You give your major characters huge problems with high stakes. Deep character is revealed when characters are under stress--and deep character is not always compatible with perceived character.

Q: What was it like to have The Note adapted for a Hallmark movie?

A: It was a gratifying experience. I was very pleased with the adaptation, and felt that the theme translated very well.

Q: What is your most frequent question about writing when you teach workshops at schools and writer’s conferences and what is your answer?

A: I'm not sure there is a frequent question, but there are areas a lot of new novelists seem to have difficulty grasping. The most common problem is point of view. The second most common problem I see in conference manuscripts is that people begin their story late or too soon. People either fill their manuscript with boring back-story in chapter two (aka the 'backstory dump'), or they begin with the inciting incident, plunging a character I don't know into extreme danger. I suggest that they begin with an intriguing character who's dealing with an interesting problem. Reveal his strengths and his major flaw, make me care about him before you launch him into the 'inciting incident.'

Q: You have said that you’ve always had a natural aptitude for words coupled with being a reader. Do you feel writing is an inherent talent (why or why not) or can it be learned and if so, how?

A: Because I'm also a singer, I find the situations are analogous--you are born with a certain amount of latent talent, but whether in music or writing, that talent can and should be developed and honed so you can be the best you can be. Fortunately, finding that personal best is a never-ending exercise.

Q: How does your Doctorate of Theology degree reflect in your writing?

A: Many of my books are spiritual parables, so when I deal with matters of eternity and theology, I want to be sure I'm getting it right! Furthermore, studying the God of all creativity inspires me. I've plucked some really good story ideas from my theology studies.

Carlotta Holton is the author of Salem Pact and Touching The Dead, and is a member of the National Federation of Press Women and an affiliate member of the Horror Writers Association.

Carlotta Holton has just received her second award for Touching the Dead from the National Federation of Press Women Communications Contest. Click here to purchase the book.

As a writer, I sit down and face a blank computer screen every day. A blinking curser that shouts insults at me with every blip; “write something!” blip, “anything!” blip, “asshole!” blip. Even though I have other obligations, hobbies, interests and things to do, like run a busy law firm and maintain an active role in my family (twin seven year old boys who play ice hockey,) I must make writing an important part of my schedule. I began writing for the fun of it, for the challenge of it, but soon it became somewhat of a calling. However, as enjoyable as writing can be it can also feel like a job or a chore. At these challenging times, I look for inspiration to help me keep going. I am fortunate that in New York City, the place where I work and spend most of my time, is one of my biggest muses and is such a great source of inspiration.

New York City is an object of awe, desire and sadness. New York City is an image which both draws people in, while often being incredibly intimidating and frightening. New York City is in and of itself a contradiction, as vibrant as it is hectic. The contradictions found in New York City are imbued into each and every aspect of my novels. My plot lines are as entertaining and intriguing, as they are disturbing, and frightening. I attempt to draw my reader into my novel with an exciting, thrilling and cynically funny dialogue between characters, but also attempt to rattle their nerves a bit; push them to the edge of what is the opposite of “political correctness.”

New York City is the most populous city in the United States. I walk through the streets and can hear a constant buzz from the crazy taxis flying by, busses roaring past, residents and tourists alike rushing to hundreds of different destinations. I truly live in the fast lane. This fast- paced lifestyle inspires me every day to write exciting, chaotic and intense plot lines. The readers must keep up with the vibrancy of the locale, as well as with the twists and turns of the character’s every day lives.

Individuals that can be labeled true “New Yorkers” are a source of inspiration in and of themselves. New York City houses the most fantastic individuals, with their trademark cynical sense of humors - real characters with great looks and ambitious and courageous personalities. They have been through the attack of 9/11, making them pragmatic and cautious. As such, New Yorkers inspire many of my characters who are as dark as they are captivating.

Robert Santoro is a founding partner of a general practice, mid-sized Brooklyn, New York. Wrath is the first book in the Deadly Sins Series, and the first book penned by Santoro. He is a member of the New York City Bar Association.

In the first installment of Break Free from the Ghosts that Haunt You, I encouraged readers to heighten their awareness and identify the internal ghosts or scripts that are limiting your potential. These are not the kind of ethereal spirits that fill the pages of Midnight Revelations, but rather the haunting whispers that were created from each person’s unique family of origin and life experience. The first step in ridding yourself of these counter-productive voices was to keep track of when they appeared and what they were saying. You may have several self-defeating lines recorded or you may have been surprised to discover only one tenacious and toxic self-doubt that your “ghost” repeats over and over again.

After completing this exercise, are you ready to silence this destructive chorus? Or, is giving up the “ghost” too terrifying? This latter question may sound odd to some, but living with ghosts can become…well, easy. Living without these negative and irrational scripts means accepting full responsibility for your life–fearlessly stepping up to challenges, creating and seizing opportunities, and pushing yourself beyond what is comfortable. So if your answer is a resounding “Yes!”, then let’s move forward to Step Two – The Challenge.

For each counter-productive thought you had, I want you to write down at least one alternative, challenging sentence. Let me give you a few examples:

1: Ghost whisper: “Why am I bothering to write anymore? I’ll never get published.”
Challenge: “I love to write. I will get published, even if it takes a while and a few manuscripts to get picked-up. I believe in my work.”

2: Ghost whisper: “My writing stinks!”
Challenge: “I really like what I write. Since I’m not certain how others will like it, I’m going to sign up for a writer’s workshop to get honest feedback.”

3: Ghost whisper: “I can’t speak in front of a group of people. I’m going to get tongue-
tied and make a fool of myself.
Challenge: “I’m an expert on my book…heck, I wrote the darn thing. Even though I am nervous, I’m going to take a deep breath, speak clearly, and savor the chance to talk about my work.”

Even if you don’t initially believe the challenges you write down, remember that these negative scripts have been around for a long time, sometimes reaching back generations. These mental ghosts can be stubbornly attached to the house they are haunting – aka, your mind. So like an actor, you need to rehearse this alternative script over and over again for it to become automatic.
Be sure to catch the next installment of Break Free from the Ghosts that Haunt You. I’ll be tackling Step Three – Translating Thoughts into Action.

step three

Karen M Bence graduated with a bachelor of arts in Psychology from Dickinson College and a master's degree in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. A former social worker, psychotherapist and educator, Ms. Bence is also an avid equestrian and dog breeder.

They are all programs available to purchase for Nintendo DS. The 100 Classic Books Collection is not a game, but a collection of literature that can be read on the Nintendo DS. The collection rivals many libraries, with authors such as Lewis Carroll, Thomas Hardy, Oscar Wilde, Mark Twain and Charlotte Bronte lending their novels to the popular consol. The collection was released December 26 by Harper Collins and is available in stores now.

With Americans everywhere looking for ways to save money, libraries have become an ever-increasing source of information and entertainment. One library in Westchester, New York, actually had to turn away patrons at a recent career counseling workshop because all the spots were filled. Despite its increasing popularity, budget cuts across the board are forcing some libraries to cut services and hours to patrons. One solution is for neighboring libraries to combine services for patrons. Other solutions that have been proposed include keeping libraries open on Sunday’s on a rotating schedule and a non-resident service fee.

One of the biggest U.S. print-on-demand publishers, Author Solutions Inc., announced this week that they have acquired rival POD Xlibris for an undisclosed price. Author Solutions estimates that 19,000 titles were published in 2008 while Xlibris, founded in 1997, estimates that there are more than 20,000 titles in print. The closest thing to a rival Author Solutions has is POD company Lulu, however the company was forced to lay off nearly 25% of its work force, including the president of the company, last fall.

Some may see this as the David vs. Goliath story of 2008: Indie publisher Jasmine-Jade Enterprises has filed a lawsuit against Borders Books for deliberately placing “excessive” orders of their books. Jasmine-Jade has also filed a suit with major book distributor Baker & Taylor for “conspiring” with Borders. Borders used B&T to return the unsold inventory. Jasmine-Jade CEO Patricia Marks has issued a statement, saying “The practice of excessive returns is crippling the industry. It is especially hard on small publishers, who can’t absorb the staggering costs." She added: "We tried very hard to work out a solution to the problem before filing our complaint.”