Fresh meat in the Video Reviews department, and submission guidelines

I recently had the privilege of reviewing Coral Moore’s Broods of Fenrir. It’s a werewolf urban fantasy, and let’s just say I am now in love with werewolves.

Have a watch:

If you like my reviews, please subscribe to my YouTube channel. I try to keep a fresh assortment of indie books that range in length from short stories to novels.I update about once or twice per week, depending on health, schedule and how long the books are. I try to cram a short story or a novella between novels to keep things fresh.

Additionally, I promised some submission guidelines for those among you who are up to the nerve-wracking awesomeness that is having me video-review a book. Well, look no longer. I’ve got a bit of a back list, but I’m still accepting submissions for the time being. Let me know in the comments, twitter or any of the other myriad ways there are of contacting me.

Video book review: Book 2 of The Zombie Bible

I had the privilege of reading and reviewing the second book of The Zombie Bible, What Our Eyes Have Witnessed. The story takes place in ancient Rome, and focuses on the events leading up to the martyrdom of St-Polycarp.

Head on over to The Zombie Bible’s website, and tell Stant I say hi. Or, better yet, pick up this great read. Treat yourself. It’s a couple of months until the next Zombie Bedtime Story, after all.

New Video Review: This Brilliant Darkness, by Red Tash

By popular demand, I have another video review for you.

This was a highly enjoyable book, and I am going to say that if you like stories of the darker persuasion (of course you do, that’s why you’re on my blog!)

This Brilliant Darkness on Amazon

Red Tash’s website

More reviews are on their way!

NaNoWriMo’s month of insanity begins, and Review Goodness!

Now that the Coffin Hop is over and I’m mostly healthy (mostly, somehow I managed to pull a ligament in my chest. It makes breathing hurt, but at least the pneumonia is all gone) so it’s time to punish myself some more with NaNoWriMo! I am fairly convinced at this point that NaNoWriMo is the best thing ever, although I am sure to revise that sentiment as soon as writer’s block rears its ugly head.

I have a single tip that I have learned in my short time as an author. If you can’t stop, but have writer’s block, start describing something. Anything. Even if it’s during dialogue. Eventually, you’ll write yourself out of the block, because your world has grown to the point where your character knows where to go. It ups your word count, and helps you talk your way out of a nasty corner.

This may be why I am consistently complimented on my descriptions and attention to detail. Readers like it, I think. Maybe? I like juicy world details. Right now I’m writing science fiction, so I just think of my descriptions as “space gore.”

Day 1 total: 2020 words. It took me about four hours, including research on SPACE STUFF. I love space. For a while I was considering applying to do physics graduate studies in experimental astrophysics. I suppose there are other ways to follow that passion for discovery and the unknown.

In the past few days, I’ve received several great reviews of Zombie Bedtime Stories, Locked In and Locked Out. Here’s a rundown:

Confessions of a Psychotic Housewife was good enough to post reviews on both Locked In and Locked Out.

DoubleShot Reviews was kind enough to give Locked In a quad rating, and Locked Out a triple in an epic double review.

And finally, I was a featured horror author for a cute interview by Bloody Bookish.

Or, not so finally, just as I was about to hit publish, I got word that I’ve been featured on Mercurial Musing’s website! Read Of Zombies And Apples with Thea Gregory, now. You’ll get my apple crisp recipe.

I’ve finally burned out all my news, for now. Stay tuned for more NaNoWriMo – inspired ramblings and good news.

A new review, Deadlocked off to the editor, and Bedlam begins

What a title. I’m saving the best for last, though.

I needed to rework Deadlocked‘s ending. The previous one didn’t feel perfect, which simply will not do at all. I may play with the order the stories come in, after Bedlam. Speaking of Bedlam, I just finished its outline. It certainly lives up to the name, lets just say that.

In news that is awesome, The Zombie’s Bride just got a review from Double Shot Reviews. Head on over and check out what they’re saying, then download the story for free!

 

A new review!

So after another unproductive week, I have a new review, and a new reason to refocus my efforts on Deadlocked.

Much thanks to Dianna for her awesome review of Locked In. It’s straight and to the point, which I enjoy and appreciate. And don’t worry, you’ll hopefully be seeing much more from me very soon!

This weekend I have mercifully few tasks, so I want to get caught up on my writing. That’s what really matters.Hoping to have some cover art to show, too, if all goes well.

Enjoy your weekend, everyone!

High drama low productivity

So my life is mired in stupid drama. So much stupid drama that I may have to unexpectedly move at some point in the undetermined future. This is doing wonders for my ability to focus, as you can probably imagine. However, I am sick of neglecting my writing, blog and vlog and will try to keep up, no matter how overdosed on bullshit I am.

Onto real news:

Locked In got featured on Indie Snippets. It’s just a short quote, but it’s an extended sample of what I usually show off, so check it out.

I’m told I’ll have my first book blogger review tomorrow morning. I’m a little nervous, and very excited.

As a side-project, I’m keeping track of where I submit for reviews/interviews/publicity, and comparing results and wait times. I hope the results will be illuminating.

I’m a published reviewer!

Subject says it all. A little later on in the month I’ll be getting the print version, but for now some of my content is online.

Check out my review of 8 Ways My Mother Was Conceived.

Getting published in print as a reviewer was one of my goals for this year. I’m glad I got there.

Inputting edits on Locked Out. I feel like my eyes are going to melt out of my skull. I want to get that done by sometime tomorrow so I can send it to people who are good at pointing out crap I miss. I also jotted down some notes for some funny zombie flash.

Renewed vigor and ideas

I went on a mini-vacation to Ottawa today. It was the annual rib fest, and there was no way I could resist delicious ribs. My boyfriend and I met up with my cousin, and a friend of mine made the surprise journey from Montreal to Ottawa, under the lure of delicious ribs.

After a total change of scenery, I was happy to discover that I still know my way through downtown Ottawa very well. I even still make a passable tour guide. I was distressed to find out that the Cat Man of Parliament Hill had died. Fortunately, the cats are still there, very friendly and well taken care of.

Next week I have a review to write about the opening installment of the Fireworks festival here in Montreal. Also, the magazine I’m reviewing for is going to print! I’ll be a published reviewer, which I’m very excited about.

I got a few nice critiques for Locked In, and the revised cover is coming along nicely.

This July, everything changes.

 

Going on Camera about writing

One way of getting exposure for yourself that I don’t see happening a lot is Youtube. I was browsing through it earlier today, looking for writing vlogs to friend/subscribe to, and while there are many book reviews, I don’t see a lot of actual writing talk. There’s a few noteworthy bits and pieces, but unless my search-fu is off, there’s not as much as you would think.

I’ve been trying to fill the gap, not only because one has been perceived to exist (which can’t do at all!) and because I want to do it.

So far, hits are as can be expected. I started less than a week ago, and I only fixed my tags earlier today. This will be an interesting experiment.

I always wanted my own show. I’m thinking of doing book reviews, and maybe I’ll do some at the Ottawa Rib Fest I’m going to this weekend. Maybe some geek things, too.

Food and writing are good for the soul.