Monday, December 28, 2009

Digital Dragon Magazine
Fictional Fun for the Family

Digital Dragon Magazine: http://www.digitaldragonmagazine.net/














(December 2009 cover)

Digital Dragon Magazine offers family friendly fantasy, science-fiction, and speculative fiction online. December marks the seventh issue for this monthly short story collection. The first issue released in June 2009, and each month the issues normally contain seven or more short stories and an editorial column.

I enjoyed Angel Wings by Fred Warren in this month's issue. If you thought body piercings and tattoos were bad, just wait until animal augmentation becomes popular. This month's Wary Wizard, by Sarah Ashwood, is also a fun read when a guardian dragon must solve his own riddle.
Back issues:

*Participants’ Links:
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Tuesday, November 24, 2009


Writers Should Read - Why not read faster?

Part of learning to write is to develop a love of reading. Reading the classics and different genres, or types of books, will expand your vocabulary and give you a taste of various writing styles. My problem, and what many run into, is limited free reading time. If you could read faster, you could read more of those books or articles you have put on hold.

With an iPhone or iTouch you're in luck, there's a handy app called QuickReader. This speed reading program works to train your eyes to jump across each line. As your speed increases, you can adjust the highlighted words per minute and the line pauses. There are display options for color, size, and fonts, so the program modifies to fit your needs.


Another thing I liked about QuickReader is try before you buy option using the 'Lite' version.

The site address is: http://www.quickreader.net


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Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Writing Tools

Randy Ingermanson, the Snowflake Guy, has released a new and improved version called SnowflakePro version 1.0.3. The previous version required the storyteller to enter and edit the story outline to create a better story plan. SnowflakePro lets you enter directly into the program and follow the steps to expand the plot and characters until you have a strong synopsis. The part I like is the ability to create a separate synopsis - either short or long - for use in a proposal. Randy has recorded a nice introduction that plays within the program.


SnowflakePro is on sale through Midnight Friday, November 20th, for $20. That's 80% off the normal $100 price, so this is the week to check it out. Two bonuses are free lifetime upgrades and a five-user family license to cover more than one computer.

http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/info/snowflake_pro/96a.php
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BLOG TOUR - DAY 3
The Good, the Bad, and the Drefids


Curse of the Spider King
by Wayne Thomas Batson and Christopher Hopper

Wayne Thomas Batson’s blog - http://enterthedoorwithin.blogspot.com/
Christopher Hopper’s Web site - http://www.christopherhopper.com/
The Prophecies of Berinfell series Web site - http://www.heedtheprophcies.com

(Click book for Amazon link) or

Amazon Link:



Today's title comes from the character group traits in Curse of the Spider King. Before the destruction of their world the Elves focused on beauty, and goodness. They strove to express their appreciation for a higher existence through their music, arts, buildings, and their lives. In contrast, the Spider King and his forces strove to destroy the works of the elves, not for any reason other than destruction for the sake of destruction. Where the Elves worshipped light, the Spider King's army worshipped the darkness that they might hide their actions within it. The Elves cared for the sick and wounded, the Spider King forces enjoyed causing pain and suffering. Over time, these twisted feelings and emotions twisted the Drefins and Gars in body too.

That's where the last group in the title come in. Inner darkness had spread throughout body and soul; disfiguring them for so long and so completely they lost the ability or desire to follow their conscience. Drefids looked like hags with long bony fingers that extended out into sharp blades along their knuckles. War Spiders are gigantic arachnids that are capable of carrying Gar soldiers on their backs. Even when the Elves had a war spider backed against the wall didn't mean the spiders could be counted out. War spiders climbed impossibly steep walls, and used their legs like eight lances against the enemy.
Further confusing the battles are the Wisps. At any moment an Elf might turn to find those they thought of as a friend literally stabbing them in the back. These wisps reminded me of dopplegangers. They took over someone else's identity, but were able to pickup the person's knowledge and speech. Now the Elves fight those attacking from the front while watching for those nearby who might attack.
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Tuesday, November 17, 2009


BLOG TOUR - DAY 2
E.T. - Elfin Terrestrials!


Curse of the Spider King
by Wayne Thomas Batson and Christopher Hopper

Wayne Thomas Batson’s blog - http://enterthedoorwithin.blogspot.com/
Christopher Hopper’s Web site - http://www.christopherhopper.com/
The Prophecies of Berinfell series Web site - http://www.heedtheprophcies.com

(Click book for Amazon link) or

Amazon Link:



Today's blog tour title comes from the fact that the seven elfin children have been dropped off on Earth. Each has grown up on Earth, and yet while in the world they are not from or of this world. I took this idea as an allegory of sorts in Curse of the Spider King. Seven young elfin children are raised on Earth, yet they still feel separate from others around them. Like the elfin seven, we are admonished to be in the world and yet not of the world. In the case of the elfin children, though they grew up here on Earth, each wanted some more. Each knew a better place awaited them.


That better place is Berinfell, their true home and that of their ancestors, the great Elven Lords. The people of Berinfell looked to the Elven Lords for protection, when the city fell and the Lords destroyed nearly all hope was lost. Yet some kept to their faith that the lost offspring of the Lords might one day return and defeat the Spider King. While only a few years passed on Earth, hundreds of years pass in the Elven lands. Through diligent faith and expectation of their Lords return, the elves held to a slim hope of deliverance from the Spider King. The problem was, the elves didn't know when the Lords might return, and for a long time, if they would return.

When at last the children are found, Elven warriors must do their best to protect their young charges by keeping them hidden until the proper time. The elves soon noticed that the Spider King's own troops also searched for the children, and not with the children's best interst in mind. Gateways connecting our two worlds allowed passage between, but the Spider King's minions watched these in case the world housing the children was found. With time running out, elven waarriors must locate all the children and return them safely to their true home. The Spider King has other plans and means to destroy the last of the elven people once and for all.
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Monday, November 16, 2009


BLOG TOUR - DAY 1
Anacrophobia with an attitude!


Curse of the Spider King
by Wayne Thomas Batson and Christopher Hopper

Wayne Thomas Batson’s blog - http://enterthedoorwithin.blogspot.com/
Christopher Hopper’s Web site - http://www.christopherhopper.com/
The Prophecies of Berinfell series Web site - http://www.heedtheprophcies.com

(Click book for Amazon link) or

Amazon Link:



Curse of the Spider King begins with a neat premise. A group of average
children find the reason for most of them not fitting in is that they don't really belong here. At first this sounds like a bad thing, but the world they came from is so much better there is no comparison between our world and their home world. There's just one little problem, the seven children don't know why they feel different and someone named the Spider King wants them removed; permanently.

This first book in the series centers around special books of Berinfell history that come to life. The authors handle back story in an interesting way, touching the writing word in each book transports the reader into that scene in Elven history. Talk about bring a book to life. Closing the book severs the story connection, returning the reader to normal life. Of course, reading certain sections at night with most lights out isn't a good idea.

These scene shifts between the two worlds seemed a little confusing at first. But, the back story is important to explain where the seven children came from and why they must survive. Without the seven, the Elven race can't hope to win against the Spider King. One thing I enjoyed about the settings for the seven Elven children are the differences in environments. One came from a rich human family, one from a poor one. One possessed athletic skills, and another musical gifts. One child even had a condition that set her apart from other students. Yet, with all their differences, each had a connection in the common goal.
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Wednesday, September 23, 2009


New Problems with Old Problems Can Create a New Person - Things in Life Happen for a Reason

BLOG TOUR - DAY 3


The Vanishing Sculptor
by Donita K Paul

Donita K. Paul's Web site - http://www.donitakpaul.com/

Donita K. Paul's Blog- http://dragonbloggin.blogspot.com/

(Click book for Amazon link) or


Amazon Link:


Tipper Schope has learned to cope with life without her father, Master Artist Verrin Schope, over the past few years. Verrin has become a distant memory at the family estate. With a missing father, and a delirious mother, responsibility has come early into Tipper's life. Sir Beccaroon, a giant parrot left as Tipper's protector, filled in as surrogate parent and instructor during the absence. Tipper has managed the family estate, or at least the two remaining life-long servants, and seen to the daily chores around their home. From Beccaroon she learned about the great jungle they live near, and about the principles that guide a life for good.

Tipper questions her lot in life, wanting more than her daily routine around the home, but realizing her responsibilities keep her in this place of life. She wishes for her father's return, or at least an explanation for his sudden departure. But the weeks and months have stretched into years without resolving either desire, until one day a young, well-dressed tumanhofer named Bealomondore appears at her doorstep craving a chance to apprentice himself under Verrin Schope. Tipper tricks Bealomondore into painting a mural for her, and feels remorseful for how she treated him.

The Vanishing Sculptor isn't merely about the missing sculptor, Verrin Schope, it's about how Wulder has orchestrated unrelated actions and people to achieve a greater good and greater event. Tipper must regain the trust of Bealomondore to help in their quest. When she briefly sees her father, she learns he has been far away in Amara with Fenworth and Librettowit learning about Wulder. Verrin left abruptly when a spell gone wrong pulled him from Chiril to Fenworth's study. The spell went wrong partly because of material Verrin used in his sculpting.

Like pieces in a large puzzle, each new character brings a new connection to the big-picture of Wulder's plan. Each piece, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, becomes important as you see how it connects to bring everyone together. In Tipper's case, she learns of her importance to Wulder by all the steps it took to bring her to Wulder. If not for her father, she wouldn't have heard about Wulder. If not for her father's sculptures, he wouldn't have upset Fenworth and Librettowit's spell. If not for the spell running awry, Verrin Schope wouldn't have been pulled to Amara. If Verrin hadn't pulled pulled to Amara, he wouldn't have learned about Wulder. If Verrin hadn't learned about Wulder, he wouldn't have learned of Wulder's love and concern for him. Each event connects to the next, and that one to the next, like a sculptor working with many small pieces to create a greater whole.

This is the final blog tour day for The vanishing Sculptor, a great start to a great new series.
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Tuesday, September 22, 2009


An Old Faith in a New World
BLOG TOUR - DAY 2


The Vanishing Sculptor
by Donita K Paul

Donita K. Paul's Web site - http://www.donitakpaul.com/

Donita K. Paul's Blog- http://dragonbloggin.blogspot.com/

(Click book for Amazon link) or


Amazon Link:

In the world of Chiril they have a non-involved religion for a deity they call Boscamon. According to the Chirilian religious leaders, Boscamon exists outside of normal life but causes the many events affecting everyone. Boscamon is something along the line of what many today call Lady Luck. Most people claim they don't belive in Luck, or Boscamon in Chiril, but they still give lip service by their actions - just in case. Chirilians present gifts at the temple for Boscamon, or pray to Boscamon, in a vain attempt to curry favor and gain a desired outcome.


When Tipper sees her father Verrin Schope again, he has learned of the true creator, Wulder and the leader of Wulder's forces, Paladin. Staying in Amara, Verrin comes to worship Wulder as the creator of all things. Tipper questions her father's new found faith as something too sudden; something too far removed. It's almost as if she distrusts this faith because he leaned of Wulder in Amara, and Boscamon is the acknowledged deity of Chiril. Sir Beccaroon, the giant parrot and Tipper's protector, admits that Boscamon's existance doesn't explain his "beautiful jungle" or provide for a being powerful enough to create the world's complexity.


Verrin Schope has learned much while abroad. One thing is that by worshipping the creator and drawing closer, his artistic talents have grown as his relation with Wulder has grown and blossomed. One of the largest differences between Wulder and Boscamon, is the personal involvement with Wulder in someones life versus the complete non-involvement found with Boscamon. Like modern society, the Chirilians had created a convenient object of worship that is available on demand. Verrin Schope's choice to worship Wulder in all things confounded Tipper who had come to depend on herself rather than on Boscamon to meet her needs because that would mean that things occur for a reason.
In tomorrow's Day 3 blog I discuss how what at first seems bad may actually be for the good of all.


*Participants’ Links:
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Monday, September 21, 2009


New Friends and Old
BLOG TOUR - DAY 1


The Vanishing Sculptor
by Donita K Paul

Donita K. Paul's Web site - http://www.donitakpaul.com/

Donita K. Paul's Blog- http://dragonbloggin.blogspot.com/

(Click book for Amazon link) or


Amazon Link:



After ending the Dragonkeeper five-volume story with Dragonlight, I thought that might be the last readers would see of that entertaining fantasy world. In The Vanishing Sculptor, Donita Paul returns readers to the world of Amara, but begins a new storyline on the continent of Chiril - on the opposite side of the world. Like The Dragonkeeper, The Vanishing Sculptor unfolds with the
story of a young girl. In this story, a young girl named Tipper, is the only daughter of master sculptor, Verrin Schope, who left their estate years ago and never returned.

One night, as if in a dream, Tipper's father returns, at least he returns momentarily before disappearing again. Tipper later her father, and meets Verrin Schope's new friends from Amara - Fenworth the Wizard and Librettowit the Librarian. Following along is Grandur, the tiny green healing dragon. One of the things I enjoy about Donita Paul's books is the way she works humor into the story. Whether it's dragons choosing names that don't fit their looks, or the friendly bantering between Librettowit and Fenworth, readers are drawn into the characters who soon see like old friends.

While the lands of Amara and Chiril share many similarities, the miles seperating the two continents have also led to the two lands growing apart, both socially and spiritually. In Amara, great dragons are treated as equals, and aid travellers with transportation. In Chiril, dragons have grown apart from the other high races, and few mindspeak. The old, familiar races exist in Chiril like kimens, mariones, and tumanhofers. A new race, the grand parrots, are portrayed in the character of Sir Beccaroon, Tipper's guardian and teacher.
In tomorrow's Day 2 blog I discuss an old faith brought to a new land.


*Participants’ Links:

*Participants’ Links:
Brandon Barr
Jim Black
Justin Boyer
Rachel Briard
Karri Compton
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Linda Gilmore
Todd Michael Greene
Katie Hart
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirtika
Eve Nielsen (posting later in the week)
Nissa
John W. Otte
Lyn Perry
Crista Richey
Cheryl Russell
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Speculative Faith
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Dona Watson
Phyllis Wheeler
Elizabeth Williams
KM Wilsher
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Wednesday, May 20, 2009

BLOG TOUR - DAY 3

King Raven - Robin Hood with a Secret Identity



Tuck
by Stephen Lawhead

Stephen Lawhead's Web site - http://www.stephenlawhead.com/


(Click book for Amazon link) or


Amazon Link:


Rhiban Hud, or Bran, became King Raven earlier in the series after a comment by Angharad that Bran was indeed King Raven. He kept up the persona as a way to hid his identity and to strike fear in the hearts of his enemies. King Raven represented a dichotomy of sorts. To those he fought against, and who cheated the poor and weak, King Raven represented a dark spirit who struck swiftly and silently. To the poor and needy, King Raven represented someone who fought for them and brought aid to fill their need.

I liked the King Raven idea. Like superman's secret identity, King Raven was the mysterious persona Bran became when in costume. This is in stark contrast to the old Robin Hood versions where Robin and his Merry Men ran around in bright green tights. The black King Raven headdress blended well into the shadows of the Welsh countryside. Bright green leggings just don't strike me as very good camouflage, even in a tree filled forest. The black costume may have represented unvoiced fears of the opposition. Bran's costume allowed him to appear suddenly, as if from thin air. Bran's haunting call echoing through the forest must have struck fear in his enemies. The description reminded me of a trumpet of judgement from Revelation.

A king must have the wisdom to follow wise judgement. Thanks to the counsel of Tuck and Angharad, Rhibran made wise choices. Thanks to fervent prayer, Tuck and Angharad gave Bran wise advise. Robin follows this advice, and leads the group to many small victories. King Raven also represents the two sides of man's choice. He would follow God's word, but a wish for expediency tempers his action. Bran sees peace only after a great war is fought. Tuck sees the potential for peace through personal contact with the enemy. Even after failing more than once to reach a peaceful agreement, Tuck doesn't give up hope but continues in his attempts.


This encouragement to continue in what is right, though things don't work out, is a theme that runs through the story. Don't give up hope in following the right path, instead persevere for one day all will receive the reward they have earned.

*Participants’ Links:



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Tuesday, May 19, 2009

BLOG TOUR - DAY 2

Finding Faith in a Forest




Tuck
by Stephen Lawhead

Stephen Lawhead's Web site - http://www.stephenlawhead.com/


(Click book for Amazon link) or


Amazon Link:



Friar Tuck is a man of simple pleasures serving God, helping others, food, and drink - in that order. Tuck would have peace if at all possible, and tries to provide others with an out to this continual fighting; if they would but take it. Early on, Tuck attempts to craft a peace between Bran and the evil Abbot Hugh. Tuck sees the peace accord as an end to the fighting and loss of lives. The Abbott sees it as an attempt to wrest away control of his lands and goods.

Throughout Tuck, the good friar remains a firm believer in the power of prayer, even in their darkest times. Tuck's compassion extends to their enemies, the Ffreinc. Before going into battle, Tuck exhibits his concern for those who spitefully used him by offering to hear confessions before the battle begins.


When a cunning plan requires Tuck to pose as a high ranking official, he enjoys the food but misses his simple accommodations back home. Tuck enjoys the simple things in life and makes no pretense of show to become the center of attention, or gain man's praise. Even when working alone, Tuck occupies his mind by reciting the Psalms and dwelling upon the Gospels. Before each battle Tuck prayed frevantly for divine guidance and intercession that peace and truth might prevail.

One character of faith, Angharad, led the King Raven and his band in following the path of the Good Lord. Bran met Angharad earlier in the series when she healed both his body and soul. She was called the banfaith, and known as the last true Bard of Britain. Even Tuck deferred to Angharad's wise leadership and counsel as both sought to bring peace to the land once more by restoring Rhiban Hud to his rightful throne.


Tomorrow's Blog, Robin Hood ruled in Sherwood Forrest, but King Raven ruled in Wales. How King Raven expands the legend and deepens the character.


*Participants’ Links:



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Monday, May 18, 2009

BLOG TOUR - DAY 1
Major Twists on an old Tale.


Tuck
by Stephen Lawhead



Stephen Lawhead's Web site - http://www.stephenlawhead.com/

(Click book for Amazon link) or

Amazon Link:

I've never read a Stephen Lawhead book before, though I have Hood and other books in my 'to read' stack. Not finding time to read his books before now is my loss. Tuck, third in the King Raven series, follows the adventures of the good friar during the 11th century as he helps Rhiban Hud both politically and spiritually. Rhiban's lady love is Merian. Marshall Guy de Gysburne works along side the Sheriff de Glanville to serve the whims of Abbot Hugo. Names throughout the book sound almost familiar to the often heard tale of Robin Hood. Tuck even contains a couple of pronunciation pages. To get you in the spirit of the trilogy, on Lawhead's site, you can find actual audio links to hear the way certain words should sound.
http://www.stephenlawhead.com/extras/pronunciation.shtml

The careful eye to detail for the countryside and the period by Lawhead shows through as he weaves his tale around the characters. The tale of Bran and his followers' quest to recapture Caer Cardarn and Elfael sounds plausiable, even considering the odds stacked against them each step of the way. But as Tuck points out, "when God is with you, who may stand against you?"
One of the many things I enjoyed about Tuck, is how the characters play off each other in the story. Not everyone blindly follows Bran, or Rihiban, as he commands the freedom forces.

Unlike some of the Robin Hood movie characters, no battalion of merry men hide out in the deep forest without worry of capture. Rhiban Hud in Tuck is closest to the BBC Robin Hood version, from what the characters sound like online, than most other versions. Bran doesn't always know the right answer, but he is willing to take the steps needed to help his people and family. Bran's decisions aren't always popular, but through it all Tuck supports his friend and leader.


Tomorrow's Day 2 blog review discusses the issue of faith in the forrest.

*Participants’ Links:

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Tuesday, May 05, 2009


More Writing Software


Another good writing program is WordWeb. I am running version 5.51, and it's a great aid when you need a word, or think of a similar word, but it's not quite what you needed. There is a free version available: http://wordweb.info/free/

The free version WordWeb includes definitions, synonyms, related words, and even pronunciations.

After you use the program a while, you may consider moving up to WordWeb Pro for a small fee to gain multiple extra features like more words, editable database, add your own words.

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Monday, May 04, 2009

Some Helpful Writing Tools

I've mentioned some of these in the past, but it doesn't hurt to update the links for new versions and mention how these programs have helped my writing.

Writer's Workbench (WWB), by EMO Solutions, helps double check those pesky grammatical issues you may have missed. WWB doubles as a tutor for writers and those less sure of all the rules. You load the program, which launches Word, and then select the file you need reviewed. Multiple review areas each stress a part of grammar or punctuation. You must select and change any errors found in the original. Potential problem areas pop up in a separate document you can print out, if needed.

At first, changing each revision item manually seemed like a hassle compared to the auto-correct feature I had always used. I found out WWB's method is actually safer than auto-correction. A few times I liked the original wording better, or I wasn't sure what places the program had corrected. Manually changing the suggestions also helps you learn and improve your grammar.
Writer's Workbench installs from your CD to your local drive. This is important to me as our Internet has a way of going out, or slowing way down, at the worse times. If you use a web-based checking program, available internet is a necessity during the times you need to use the program.

The EMO support group are also friendly. If you have a question or an computer issue, give them a call or contact support by e-mail. I've found them ready to help, and never had to wait on hold for 20 minutes to speak to a human. Writer's Workbench costs $100, and shipping runs $15-$25 for the CD which contains the program and additional support files.

Writer's Workbench Home page:
http://www.emo.com/
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Thursday, April 30, 2009



BY DARKNESS HID
by Jill Williamson



Marcher Lod Press Store:
http://marcherlordpress.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=2_11&products_id=19
Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Darkness-Hid-Jill-Williamson/dp/0982104952/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241130966&sr=8-2


Just finished reading this book. I wasn't quite sure where this book might go with the story. The Marcher Lord Press site listed this as a fantasy. The main characters will build a lot of sympathy with readers as the story progresses. It's amazing how problem after problem centers Cham and Vrell in its sights, yet the pair never give up hope completely. For the first few chapters most of the story occurs in the same spot. The story seemed to build slowly but, like the characters themselves, the readers needed to know where the characters had been before learning where they were going. Battle scenes seemed believable. Author Jill Williamson did her research and it showed in the many small details of life in the Middle Ages. When a book keeps me returning, and staying up late, it's a good read. By Darkness Hid is a very good read. I look forward to the sequel.

Learn more on her website about the book and series.
http://jillwilliamson.wordpress.com/
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Thursday, March 19, 2009


BLOG TOUR - DAY 3.1
Hunter Brown and the Secret of the Shadow
by The Miller Brother


The Miller Brothers’ Web site - http://www.codebearers.com/
the Miller Brothers’ blog - http://themillerbrothers.blogspot.com/
(Click book for Amazon link)


Check Out the CodeBearers Site

The blog tour for Hunter Brown and the Secret of the Shadow is over, but I didn't mention any details of the great website. There are videos, an online book version, loads of graphics , more graphics, and lots of background information. This is one nice book web site.

Overview Video:
http://www.codebearers.com/WATCHTHEVIDEOS/tabid/265/Default.aspx

Early players of The Codebearer Challenge competed for a $400 Best Buy gift card. Now another challenge may be under way.
http://www.codebearers.com/JOINTHERESISTANCE/PlaytheCodebearerChallenges/tabid/258/Default.aspx

The Miller Brothers offer the complete book online. They also offer a money back guarantee if for some reason you have bought the Hunter Brown book and don't enjoy the story.

Now that is standing behind your product!

Codebearer Main Page:
http://www.codebearers.com/WELCOME/tabid/353/Default.aspx

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Wednesday, March 18, 2009


BLOG TOUR - DAY 3
Hunter Brown and the Secret of the Shadow
by The Miller Brother


The Miller Brothers’ Web site - http://www.codebearers.com/
the Miller Brothers’ blog - http://themillerbrothers.blogspot.com/
(Click book for Amazon link)


Hunter Brown Bridges the Gap between Faith and Fiction for Middle Grade and Young Adult Readers


Hunter Brown and the Secret of the Shadow tells its story in a way that brings the story of Creation and the Creator's love to impressionable readers. I liked the way the story draws you in with the adventures of a nerdy kid and his friends who want acceptance for who they are, not who their parents are, or how much damage they can do to other students. They fight back in the only way they know, pulling pranks on the school bully and his gang. As the story progresses Hunter and Stretch learn there is more to life than their video club or even their town. As Hunter reads the Author's Writ, a book of teachings written by the World's Creator, the Author, he watches the vision of a newly created world broken apart by a curse as a young boy takes a bloodstone from a great tree.


Okay, I admit this is a not so subtle retelling of the Creation Story. Sometimes you have to pass on subtlety and present your story more directly to reach to some readers. Middle school boys are more concerned with action and maybe a few gross actions in a story than they are with subtle hints. Young readers live in the here and now, and don't always concern themselves with the distant future. Hunter Brown does a great job tapping this life view by the scrapes he gets himself into by acting before thinking things through. Pranking the school bully without an escape plan lands Hunter and his two friends in a locked school dumpster. Forgetting the book's key at home, Hunter and Stretch are forced to make quick decisions when dispirits corner them.

When Hunter and Stretch are separated in the new world on the other side of the portal, both must learn to depend on their self and the Author to make good decisions. Decisions have consequences and results aren't always good as expected. This is a lesson Hunter must learn throughout the book. He complains about unfair treatment especially when he does the right thing. But he learns to depend on the Author and comes to realize that everything has a purpose in happening. By the end of the book Hunter has grown in his learning and faith, and it's hope the reader has also. The mark of a good book is whether the reader continues to dwell on the story even after the pages are finished and the cover is closed. Hunter Brown and the Secret of the Shadow leaves you thinking about Hunter's journey and how you are faring along your own life's path.



*Participants’ Links:
Brandon Barr
Keanan Brand
Valerie Comer
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Shane Deal
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Marcus Goodyear
Todd Michael Greene
Katie Hart
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Jason Isbell
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Carol Keen
Mike Lynch
Magma
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Nissa
Wade Ogletree
John W. Otte
Steve Rice
Crista Richey
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Rachel Starr Thomson
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
Jill Williamson

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Tuesday, March 17, 2009


BLOG TOUR - DAY 2
Hunter Brown and the Secret of the Shadow
by The Miller Brother

The Miller Brothers’ Web site - http://www.codebearers.com/
the Miller Brothers’ blog - http://themillerbrothers.blogspot.com/
(Click book for Amazon link)

The Journey of Hunter Brown, or How He Learned to Fight the Shadow with his Mind and Spirit.
Hunter Brown begins the story with a small serving of spunk and daring, and ends with a heaping dose of courage and resourcefulness. Along the way he learns about the Author and about the Author's Writ, a book Hunter receives at an old bookstore that disappears when he and his friends return. The Author's Writ contains teachings of the Author which it seems everyone but Hunter know. The book has another trait. Hunter receives odd visions of another world as he reads book passages. Hunter first learns about the origin of the world's curse as he watches a boy his age steal a stone from the trunk of a giant tree.

Hunter is thrown from the vision into another vision of a zombie version of his school. His friends walk around with black, glassy-eyed stares. Later a black-eyed version of himself glares back from a foggy bathroom mirror. Some scenes with black blood and evil monsters killing the good guys might be a bit intense for younger readers, while older middle-school readers will enjoy the gross factor of working as leech bait for a swamp troll.

This is a new part of Hunter's growth. He learned humbleness and how to wield his Veritas sword at the Codebearer training grounds. When captured by a huge swamp troll and thrown into his dungeon, Hunter must learn hope through faith even in hopeless circumstances. A chance message reminds Hunter of a verse from the Author's Writ. But when he finds the goal, it doesn't make sense and he must act purely on faith to escape a monster closing in on Hunter's location. Each choice made lays the groundwork for future actions.

Hunter loses Stretch early in the story after crossing the portal. Stretch changes too, but he acts as a contrast to Hunter's growth. Stretch, the eternal optimist, becomes moody and defeated after the trauma he survives. Stretch just wants to eat normal food again and return home no matter what the cost. Hunter attempts to convince Stretch that all he has heard is a combination of lies and false promises. But Stretch tunes out all but what he longs to hear, whether it harms him or not. These are all strong marking points along Hunter's character growth path. There are more as Hunter learns he must put others' needs before his own if he is ever to defeat the Shadow and return home. If he fails to lead as the Chosen then all hope is lost, for his return home, and for this new world he inhabits. No Pressure.
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