Vision Review and Author Interview

I am pleased to welcome co-authors Galen Snowden and

 Cathy Newcomb to my blog!

They will be discussing their YA book Vision!

Madi sees demons, the very embodiment of the vices that stalk humanity. Gift or curse, it has never done anything good for her—only shown her how ugly the world truly is. 

Her visions might have helped the night of Cassi’s accident—maybe she could have seen something, stopped it. But she ran—like always. 

Now, with Cassi clinging to life, Madi struggles to keep herself and Vision Records from falling apart. The demons, however, have plans of their own. 

Q: Tell us something unusual about you.

C: In true ying-yang fashion from Galen, I don’t think there is anything unusual about me. I see myself as pretty common. However, I do teach a preschool type program for one and two-year-old children which always intrigues people. So, hey, there may be a bit of crazy in me.

Something unusual about us as co-authors is that Cathy lives in South Dakota and Galen lives in Virginia. We haven’t seen each other since college (19 years). We co-authored our book entirely via email and cell phone conversations.

G: Sometimes I wonder whether there is anything usual about me. As a more concrete answer, I’ve been nocturnal for years, which isn’t an easy thing with an 8 to 5 job.

Q: What gave you your start as a writer?

C: While I too have an English degree, I was more of a public relations person. I wrote press releases and brochures for a living. It wasn’t until Galen asked me if I would consider co-authoring this book with him that I would have dreamed a dream so great as to write a book.

G: That’s a great question—but I actually can’t remember a single moment now. When I was 14, I read a book where I identified with the main character. That changed everything. I started writing . . . and kept writing. I got an English degree and later a job as a technical writer and editor. I can’t remember a time when words didn’t matter to me.

Q: Why have you chosen to write a Young Adult novel?

C: We didn’t set out to write a YA book specifically. We wrote the story as it came to us. It developed into a book that fit well in many different categories.

G: We didn’t set out to write a YA novel—just to write a book. Maybe it was naïve, but we thought more about the story than the genre. After the first draft, a rather knowledgeable reviewer said our book was solidly young adult. During the revisions, we began to tailor the book more for a YA audience, even though we admit it’s for the upper end of young adult, more of the “new adult” genre.

Q: What has been your biggest inspiration behind Vision?

C: Music. While heavy on the indie side, you will find a variety of music mentioned throughout the book.

G: It started with a simple question—how do we sort out our thoughts; know the good from the bad? But that’s not such an easy question to answer. But anyone who reads the book will also see what a great inspiration music is to us. There’s a page on our website (http://www.visionthenovel.com/Music.htm) that talks about the music in the novel and all of the singers who inspired us.

Q: Is your main character based off of anyone one in particular?

C: While a reader may see themselves in various aspects of this book, it is not BASED on one specific person. There are elements of every human being, yes that includes the authors, highlighted in both the human and demon characters. No. we won’t tell you which parts are us.

G: Me. Or part of me at least. Cathy and I didn’t want to be disowned by the people in our lives, so the main characters (Madi, Cassi, Gabe, and Haneul) are based on aspects of our own personalities (so no one should think we’re trying to paint a picture of them). But, we hope readers will be able to identify with the characters.

Q: What is the main message you want readers to take away from Vision?

C: Everyone has choices to make. To lead or follow. To listen or not. To believe or not. Whether or not to act. Which choice will you make today?

G: If you’d asked when I started write, it would have been a simple answer—discernment. As we wrote, it changed for me. When we are beaten down, tired beyond belief, and bullied, we need to find a reason, something to believe in, to get back up . . . to fight back. You could call Vision a coming of age story, but, at its heart, I believe it’s a love story.

Q: What has been your greatest challenge while writing?

C: People may think writing with two authors, two opinions, two styles would be the biggest challenge, but it wasn’t. I agree with Galen. It was continuing with the project even when you are discouraged.

G: There is something I call the Disney dream. It goes basically like this—you write an awesome first draft, everyone loves it, you get your dream agent first try, a major publisher instantly picks up your book, and overnight you’re a household name with throngs of adoring fans eagerly anticipating your next book. I’m not sure that the dream itself is necessarily evil . . . but it is devastating when you finish your first draft and the comments aren’t all positive. You just hear the negative. You get discourage and realize that you’re exhausted and half the mountain is left to climb. That’s where the dedication and commitment come in—and maybe something more. So many sites will tell you to grow a thick skin and learn to take a punch. It’s easy to say, but not so easy to do. Believe in your book—in what you’re doing. Grow a thick skin, but not a hard heart.

Q: Where is your favorite place to write; what do you snack on?

C: I have written while I’ve been with my kids at Chuck E Cheeses, the pool and guitar lessons. Even when I’m at home though, I’m around my family. I would prefer to have a limitless supply of chocolate on hand while writing. Hershey kisses or M&Ms are great for typing and eating.

G: I write in a big, beautiful room overlooking the water. There’s the stereo (tube amp and hand-built speakers) and the writing computer, which isn’t connected to the internet and has been stripped of all programs aside from Word. I have to admit, I don’t really snack when I write. To celebrate big accomplishments, I used to have a Hires root beer, chilled to just above where ice crystals start to form.

Q: What advice do you have for aspiring YA authors?

C: Write. Edit. Edit. Edit. Yes, three times the editing as writing! Don’t give up. The world will get in your way. People will say you can’t. Keep at it. Write some more.

G: Read, read, and then read some more. Develop an ear and an instinct for the language. Grammar is the mathematics of sentences—anyone can learn that (though few bother). However, a sense of the language and a love of good writing is what will make someone a great writer (or, at the least, let them recognize one). Ok, if you’ve read this far, and you are an inspiring author, please, please take this advice—read the style section “An Approach the Style” from Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style. It’s only about 20 pages. Reading the whole book would be a great idea, but, if you’re a writer, at least read the style section.

Q: If you had to pick one author or book that has been the most influential to you who/what would it be?

C: Ted Dekker. I like zombies, vampires, werewolves, ghosts and all sorts of unknown creatures. I also like stories that make me think about who I am as a person. Think bonnet stories with zombies. Ok, so maybe I am a little unusual.

G: Wow. One book. Why couldn’t it have been one album (which, of course, would be Tori Amos’ Scarlet’s Walk). I think ‘one’ questions always make me squirrely. If I were going to be stuck on a desert island or have to name the most important book, I would have to say the Bible. But I have a feeling people are looking for something a little different to the answer here. A relatively obscure sci-fi series, Venus Prime, by Paul Preuss really turned me on to reading. However, as far as influencing Vision, I would have to go with answer most readers here will quickly recognize—Maggie Stiefvater’s Shiver.

Q: What can you tell us about your works in progress?

C: Galen and I have already talked about books two and three that would likely follow Vision. We may continue the trilogy or perhaps start a different book. I guess we will just have to continue writing and see where it leads us. Regardless of what we write, I see us continuing our writing adventures together. We make a great team.

G: Ummm. Cathy and I have actually talked a lot about this book being the first in a trilogy. We know what the following two books would be about and have book two pretty well outlined. The next book would follow a different character from the first book and would feature a different paranormal element (i.e., not Madi and not demons). [hint: the main character would be a ‘he’]. However, we’re currently watching to see the reaction to the first book, whether people enjoy it. We both plan to continue writing, but we’ll see whether it’s the next book in the Vision series or something else

~ MY REVIEW ~

This is an absolutely fantastic book! And I DO NOT give out praise like that all willy nilly. I immensely enjoyed reading Vision and am so glad I was given a chance to review it. So, a BIG thanks to the authors!

I was not quite sure what to expect when I agreed to review this novel. The synopsis intrigued me and I was interested to see how the authors had chosen to portray demons. There are a lot of different takes on demons and for the most part I am not that fond of them as a subject for a book. However, Cathy and Galen changed my mind with this one. The demons in this book do have a supernatural element to them but they are more than that. 

To me they seemed to be depicted as the negative subconscious thoughts that tend to plague humans. That voice that encourages defeat and lack of confidence when life seems to be dragging you down.

However, Vision is not so much about the demons, as it is about the main character and what she can do in her life because she can see them. This book was original and had a wonderful story line. I like books with a message and this one really stood out to me.

I enjoyed Maddies' character. She is strong and determined and most importantly, she has hope. She never gives up on Cassie, which is something I so admired about her. She portrays a friend anyone would be lucky to have. I enjoyed the development of her character as the story progressed and am so glad that she eventually found her voice. 

Music is a huge part of this book and really made the story special. I enjoyed all the references to music artists and even looked some of them up. 

Vision had a perfect ending. It kind of makes your heart swell at the last page. I don't want to give it away, so I am not going to say anything more. 

This book has a great pace and I was hooked from the first chapter. I told myself I was only going to read the first fifty pages, but the story compels you to read on. I ended up not moving from my spot until I was finished. It was one of those situations where you have to know what is going to happen next. 

I am highly recommending this book to all readers. If you are looking for something different that also happens to be a page turner, read this book!

You can find the authors on:

Goodreads / Vision Website / Facebook 

Vision is available in print and ebook format on:

Amazon 

Six Degrees of Lost Review and Interview

I am pleased to welcome author Linda Benson! 

She is here to talk about her YA novel,

Six Degrees of Lost.

"Sometimes you have to take a journey to find out where you really belong."

Olive’s mother is headed to jail and her brother to join the Army, so thirteen-year-old Olive is uprooted from sunny California and dumped in Washington State like a stray. That's exactly what she feels like surrounded by her aunt’s collection of homeless dogs, cats, and horses.

 

Fourteen-year-old David’s future is already carved in stone. From a military family with two brothers serving overseas, he’s been pointed towards the Air Force Academy his entire life - but a rafting trip gone awry might ruin his chances.

When a runaway dog is almost hit by a car, the search for its owner leads Olive and David, two teens from entirely different backgrounds, to an unlikely bond. 

Will their growing attraction to each other be enough to keep Olive from a foolhardy journey to find her mother? 

Will David risk his family’s plans to save her?

Linda Benson is the author of SIX DEGREES OF LOST and THE GIRL WHO REMEMBERED HORSES, both from Musa Publishing. 

She has two middle grade novels, FINDING CHANCE and THE HORSE JAR, published by Mondo, an educational publisher. In addition, THE HORSE JAR has been translated into Spanish - LA ALCANCIO DE LOS SUENOS 

(The Piggybank of Dreams.)

Watch for a new novel called WALKING THE DOG from Musa Publishing in September 2012.

Q: Tell us something unusual about you.

A: I’ve ridden my horse in the Tevis Cup, a one hundred mile/one day endurance ride, over California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. I’ve also swam across the Columbia River, from Washington to Oregon. That sounds a little bit like extreme sports, when you write it down like that, but it was just something that I wanted to do.

Unusual in the literary sense? I’ve never read any of the Harry Potter books, or any of the Twilight series. Seriously.

Q: What gave you your start as a writer?

A: I started reading at about age four, and I wanted to be a writer ever since the second grade. (I guess I’ve always loved books.) But I didn’t get around to it until later in life. I was busy raising a daughter, starting several small businesses, and making a living. Going back to college (and finishing a Bachelor’s degree) as an adult gave me the confidence to realize I could actually write, and that I was a good writer. Concurrently, I was working as a librarian in an elementary school, which rekindled my love for kids and books.

   

Q: Why have you chosen to write YA and midgrade novels?

A: I think I’m drawn to characters who somehow feel trapped by either age, or circumstance or their surroundings. They have big ideas, they know their own minds, but no one will listen to them. People sometimes say that we write from a certain age that we got stuck at, growing up. I wonder if this is true - LOL. Maybe I’m still trying to give voice to the trapped young person inside of me.

Q: What has been your biggest inspiration behind the story of Six Degrees of Lost?

A: Olive and David, the two main characters in Six Degrees of Lost, were both floating around in my head, wanting their stories told. In fact, they were both so insistent that I gave them equal billing, and they narrate alternating chapters of the novel. This was a challenge for me (writing in alternating points-of-view) and figuring out who would tell which parts of the story was often like putting together a jig-saw puzzle. It was difficult, but fun. Besides that, the setting of the story was inspired by the Pacific Northwest, and it takes place in a rural area much like where I live.

Q: Are your main characters based off of anyone one in particular?

A: While both Olive and David are totally fictitious characters, I did know a young man, years ago, who was being pointed toward the Air Force Academy and who got cold feet part way through the process. Some of the secondary characters in the story are loosely based on a group of friends I have, who try to help lost animals find their way home. And Swede (isn’t he a great character?) is a fictional combination of many of the hard-working farm men that I’ve known.

Q: What has been your most memorable moment in your writing career?

A: Oh gosh. Signing my first contract for publication? Seeing the cover art for each of my books? Having the publisher ask you for a second book? Getting fan mail from a reader saying how much they love your work? While all of these are high up there on the memorable scale, I’d say having the UPS truck drop off the very first box of your own books, finding a knife with shaking hands, opening the box, then pulling the book out and seeing your name on the cover and your words on the page, is the biggest thrill of all. This has happened four times for me, and each time it’s been one of the most exciting days of my life.

Q: What has been your greatest challenge while writing?

A: Besides those pesky revisions?? Staying off the Internet, keeping my butt in the chair, and actually WRITING. *grin*

Q: Where is your favorite place to write; what do you snack on?

A: I used to write at a desktop computer. But now I write on a lap top, in a comfy chair with a foot rest. Snacks? After years (and too many pounds) of snacking on cookies, brownies, or anything with chocolate, I’ve had to go cold turkey. Yup – no chocolate. But luckily I love fruit – so now I try to snack on grapes, apples, apricots, and sometimes nuts. And coffee. Lots of coffee.

Q: What advice do you have for aspiring YA authors?

A: If you want to write, just do it. Don’t be afraid of a horrible first draft. You can always go back and fix it, if you can just get the bones of story down. And join a critique group. Writing is inherently a lonely occupation, and the fellowship, support and feedback from other writers is invaluable. Besides that, have confidence in yourself. Remember that you are unique, and only you can tell that story that comes out through your fingertips.

Q: If you had to pick one author or book that has been the most influential to you who/what would it be?

A: Only one book? Impossible. Just like how all of life and anyone we’ve ever met in life becomes part of us, so does every single book we’ve read. But I’ll give it a stab. I grew up reading John Steinbeck, and love not only his ability to construct fabulous characters, but also his use of setting. When you read his work, you are taken right there, to that place. That’s one of the things I aspire to in my novels, also. And I loved Lois Lowry’s The Giver. I think many writers of dystopian fiction today were probably inspired by that novel. Although my novel The Girl Who Remembered Horses is not true dystopian, but post-apocalyptic horse fiction, I think Lowry’s novel got many of thinking about how the future might unfold. And as far as using animals in books (which I almost always do) I remember reading The Incredible Journey, by Sheila Burnford, years ago, and sobbing. And I always wondered if I could write that well, to make someone cry. Yeah.

Q: What can you tell us about your works in progress?

A: Right now I’m working on a sequel to The Girl Who Remembered Horses. I never planned to write a sequel, but many readers have asked for it. It’s a bit slow going for me, at the moment, because I feel pressure to make it as good as the first book, and not just rush something out. I’m also working on a YA novel in verse. It takes place in the 1970’s and early 1980’s and it’s a bit of a dark love story, possibly involving teenage pregnancy. I am excited about this one, because I love to challenge myself as a writer.

~ MY REVIEW ~

First I would like to say a big thanks to Linda Benson for sending me a copy of this book for review. I really enjoyed every page. The story behind Six Degrees of Lost is simple and sweet. I was taken in by this story and it's main character Olive. Olive is barely fourteen and struggling with the events in her life. With her mother in jail and her dad off traveling--god knows where--she is forced to make a new life with her aunt in rainy Washington. Olive denies the reality of her situation, and who could blame her. In her mind she has created the perfect version of her mother to mask her less than perfect childhood. It takes running away and a new found appreciation for the relationships she has built for her to realize that, perhaps she has been home all along. Linda has created a wonderful and well developed character in Olive. You can tell that the author has a passion for what she writes and I loved the message behind this story. Her use of 'strays' as a comparison for Olive was well worked. The yellow dog introduced in the beginning of this book makes for a great side story. I got teary eyed at the end when everyone who was in need of a home found one. I could relate with the author's love of animals and was glad they played a prominent role in this book. 

I also enjoyed the setting as well. You really get the 'homey' feel when you are reading and a great picture of the town. 

Six Degrees of Lost is told from two perspectives--Olive's and David's--eventually becoming more like one towards the end. I think this was very fitting for this story and it kept the plot moving and intertwining at a great pace. 

I really enjoyed experiencing both David and Olive's lives and am so glad they found each other. Both are able to stand up for themselves at the end and it is great to see them grow as characters.

This is such a wonderful story and I am gladly recommending it to any YA lovers. All though, I could see adults enjoying this story just as much. I look forward to reading Linda's upcoming novel, Walking the Dog. 

To learn more about Linda Benson and her work

Please visit her @:
Goodreads / Website / Blog / Twitter 

Six Degrees of Lost is available for purchase from:

Amazon / Musa Publishing / Smashwords

Throwback Thursday #5

"It’s the nature of book blogging to focus mainly on new releases, but there are thousands of great books out there that haven’t seen the “New Releases” shelf in years. We hope to be able to bring attention to some older titles that may not be at the top of the current bestseller list, but still deserve a spot in your To-Be-Read pile."

It is time for another Throwback Thursday!!

This week I have chosen a wonderful YA classic,

~ Back of the Book ~

No one ever really paid close attention to the faces of the missing children on the milk cartons. But as Janie Johnson glanced at the face of the ordinary little girl with her hair in tight pigtails, wearing a dress with a narrow white collar--a three-year-old who had been kidnapped twelve years before from a shopping mall in New Jersey--she felt overcome with shock. She recognized that little girl--it was she. How could it possibly be true?

Who is Janie Johnson?

Do you remember reading Caroline B. Cooney as a kid? I most definitely do!

I loved this book! Back then the subject matter was a bit more original than it is now, but that does not mean it isn't worth picking up. It is a quick, intriguing read and Caroline B. Cooney is an amazing author! This is another one of those books I wish more kids chose to read now a days, instead of picking up some trashy vampire novel. 

Substance matters. This book has that.

In honor of the brand new and improved covers for The Janie Books, Random House 

is hosting a really cool contest! To enter all you have to do is submit your original drawing

of your face on a milk carton! Sounds fun right?

THE PRIZE for first place is an E-Reader of your choice (under $200) and a signed copy 

of the new The Face on the Milk Carton! AH! 

I am submitting my drawing, and you should too!

Click below for the contest details!

The Face on the Milk Carton Contest

Justice: Deck of Lies, #1 Review

Justice: Deck of Lies, #1

By Jade Varden

Jade Varden is a teller of tales from Louisville, Kentucky. The Deck of Lies series is the first in several young adult series and stand-alone novels Jade will publish in 2012 and 2013.

A House of Cards...

When you build an entire life on a foundation of lies, it only takes one truth for the whole thing to come crashing down. I never invited the truth in. I never went searching for it. I never had any reason to suspect that the two people I loved most were dishonest with me every second of every day. 

I made one bad decision, and in a single day my entire world changed. If I'm ever going to discover the truth about myself and my parents, I have to trace all the lies back to their source. I have to try to find the truth that they're hiding.

The more I discover about myself, and my past, the more I realize that lies really are better than the truth. But now that I know the lies are all around me, I can't stop until I've discovered them all. I'll pull each lie away, one by one, and examine it to see what's underneath…until this house of cards crumbles into dust at my feet. 

I just hope I can survive the crash.

If you would like to know more about the author and her work, 

please visit her on:

Blog / Goodreads / Twitter 

The Deck of Lies Series is available @:

Amazon / Smashwords / B&N 

~ MY REVIEW ~

I have to admit, I had my reservations about this book before I began reading. I suppose I was expecting a typical story about a girl in search of herself and the truth behind her family. This book is NOT that simple. Jade Varden has created a story that is anything but. I was hooked after the first chapter!

This book is full of twists and turns. There is never a dull moment and Justice really keeps you guessing.

Rain is an amazing and well developed main character. The reader is able to connect with her and experience her emotions so well through out the story. You are really drawn into the story and her struggle to find the truth. As the mystery behind her family unfurled, I was not sure what to think. That is what is so great about Jade's writing. She is fresh, original and makes you think! 

I also enjoyed the fact that Rain does not give in to her new found lavish lifestyle. She holds on to the life shes always known. 

The only thing I did not agree with is Rain's choice of a boyfriend. She seemed to fall for Owen too easily. I really thought her relationship with River was blossoming, and then it came to a swift halt. I was admittedly, a little disappointed. 

Oh! And the situation with Tom was an excellent plot twist as well. A little predictable, but interesting all the same. Rain's whole family is intriguing. I can't wait to find out more about them and the secrets they are hiding.

Overall, this book was fantastic. The plot was intense and it moved along at a great pace.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a good mystery. Jade Varden is a very promising author and I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

Adult Fiction Week: Author Joyce Weaver

Today is the last day of Adult Fiction Week!

Joyce Weaver is here to wrap it all up with her oh so healthy recipe book

The Gourmet Rotation Diet

The Gourmet Rotation Diet For Allergy Sufferers' is a comprehensive guide aimed at helping allergy sufferers maximize their dietary choices. It contains numerous recipes for all tastes ranging from simple home cooked food through to more complex dishes.
The rotation diet will enable you to identify and eliminate foods that are harmful to you and works as a self-diagnostic aid. 
The book has been written by allergy sufferer Joyce Weaver, with guidance from Dr Honor Anthony, who was one of the UK's leading allergy specialists and retired president of the British Society for Allergy Environmental and Nutritional Medicine.

Joyce Weaver is married with two grown up sons and lives in North Yorkshire. In her teens, she completed a four year City & Guilds course in Baking and Confectionery at Leeds Polytechnic. Whilst there, she won many prizes for her achievements including the Leeds Master Baker's prize and the JW Fawcett Trophy. She gained a distinction in Food Technology. Many years later, she discovered that she was allergic to wheat, yeast and dairy products,among a whole host of other things.

She recovered from severe chronic fatigue syndrome, after radically changing her diet and receiving pioneering desensitization treatment for multiple food and chemical allergies.
She was inspired to write The Gourmet Rotation Diet for Allergy Sufferers, in order to help other people to some extent, to take control of their own health.

"Food is for enjoyment. Enjoy the diet and your body 
will tell you what's right for you!"

~MY REVIEW~

If you suffer from allergies or just want to be good to your body I suggest checking this recipe book out.

Not only does it explain the usage and benefits of a rotation diet, but it provides you with the author's own delicious- yet healthy -recipes!

These recipes are made to satisfy and to help people at the same time.

I myself tried her stuffed globe artichokes, apple cinnamon muffins and Spaghetti Bolognaise!

Needless to say, they were delicious! I will definitely be making more of her recipes in the near future!

Joyce has quite out done herself with the gourmet spread of recipes she includes in this book. 

The book begins with a touching forward that tells of her families fight with allergies and how her experience following a diet like this has changed their lives for the better. The Rotation Diet all though daunting at first, is clearly explained and broken down day by day. It can be changed to fit your specific needs and tastes. 

I loved the personal approach of this diet book. I wasn't just bombarded with facts and instructions. Joyce has written it in a such a way that the reader doesn't feel discouraged. Instead they feel excited that they have found a way to help themselves.

All the information in this book is clear and easy to understand. Joyce Weaver has created this recipe book to help others like the rotation diet has helped her family. I highly recommend this recipe book and I am sure it will be of help to many others!

Just to prove to you how amazing her recipes are, 

Here is her yummy recipe - straight from The Gourmet Rotation Diet - for 

Apple Crumble

2 lb (800 grams) cooking apples (peeled and sliced)
Raw cane sugar, if tolerated or choice of either pure rose hip syrup or concentrated pure apple juice to sweeten to taste
8oz (200 grams) wholemeal, rye, or barley flour
4 oz of butter
2 oz (50 grams) chopped almonds or macadamia nuts (optional)

Stew the fruit with your choice of sweetener.  Allow to cool before putting the apples into an oven proof dish and covering with the crumble topping and nuts if used.  Bake at 190 c for fifteen to twenty minutes.

Variations:- Substitute plums or prunes for the filling or include blackberries if in season.  Or add a teaspoonful of cinnamon.  Serves 4 people.

Cooks Tip

Drizzle enough filtered water onto the crumbs to firm them and the crumble topping will have a much crunchier texture.

If you would like to know more about Joyce and the Rotation Diet

Please visit her on

Wordpress / Goodreads 

The Gourmet Rotation Diet can be purchased on

Amazon UK / Amazon US 

Short Story Sunday #3 Part of Adult Fiction Week

Short Story Sunday is dedicated to showcasing 

short works of fiction, short story compilations and epic poetry narratives. 

This Sunday I am pleased to be featuring an eloquently written

Short Story Compilation.

Demons of Fire and Water By Elly Rose

Elly Rose is the author of many intriguing short stories, including The Bridge and Colors,
which are part of her compilation: Demons of Fire and Water. 

Elly Rose published her compilation in April 2012.

A demon is one that cannot live in full harmony inside society.
A demon is one that cannot be like others.
A demon is a madman or a saint.
A demon can ignore its diversity and in doing so it's nature becomes multiform like water.
A demon can also fight its diversity and turn into an immense force, devouring itself and others.
These stories speak of demons and of their uniqueness.

Elly has produced a wonderful assortment of short stories that are eloquently written. She is sure to be an up and coming indie author. I loved the meaning in her words and how unique each story is. You can tell she has a knack for passionate writing. This opening to her short, The Road, really caught my attention.

"Every road takes you somewhere. Those who don’t have great expectations will walk just half the way, those who demand the most can walk ’till the end. I’d like to find a path that never ends, I’d like to go on and on, only this." 
The stories are detailed and have a way of pulling you in. They are both dark and light in their meaning which is something I really enjoyed. Each story speaks of a demon of sorts, all though each demon is different. The reader really has to think while devouring each of these stories.  These stories are definitely meant for advanced young adult or adult readers. Her thoughts and definition of the demons in life is one I am sure readers will find captivating. I would highly suggest giving Elly's compliation a try.

Demons of Fire and Water is available from Amazon

Visit the author on her Blog / Goodreads




Demons of Fire and Water is part of Adult Fiction Week here at Little Hyuts.
Adult Fiction Week is a bi-monthly meme that I will be hosting.
It is dedicated to showcase adult works of fiction and non-fiction in all genres.