Book Review ~ Storm Siren by Mary Weber

By Dorothy Adamek 

In a world at war, a slave girl’s lethal curse could become one kingdom’s weapon of salvation. If the curse—and the girl—can be controlled.

As a slave in the war-weary kingdom of Faelen, seventeen-year-old Nym isn’t merely devoid of rights, her Elemental kind are only born male and always killed at birth—meaning, she shouldn’t even exist.

Standing on the auction block beneath smoke-drenched mountains, Nym faces her fifteenth sell. But when her hood is removed and her storm-summoning killing curse revealed, Nym is snatched up by a court advisor and given a choice: be trained as the weapon Faelen needs to win the war, or be killed.

Choosing the former, Nym is unleashed into a world of politics, bizarre parties, and rumors of an evil more sinister than she’s being prepared to fight . . . not to mention the handsome trainer whose dark secrets lie behind a mysterious ability to calm every lightning strike she summons.

But what if she doesn’t want to be the weapon they’ve all been waiting for?

Set in a beautifully eclectic world of suspicion, super abilities, and monsters, Storm Siren is a story of power. And whoever controls that power will win.

*****

It’s been a long time since I read a story from the young adult section of the bookshelf. Even longer since I picked up a fantasy. But I’m in Rel Mollet’s book club now, and I get to sample the wide range of literature she selects for us.

I remember from my high school teaching days that books written for teens can be an exquisite read, no matter the age of the reader.

Mary Weber’s fantasy debut, Storm Siren, sits in the exquisite pile. The first of The Storm Siren Trilogy, it’s a vivid tale of ‘storm controlling’ by our heroine, Nym, and the curse brought upon her by her own powers. It’s a story of turning your curse into a gift and the price one must pay for redemption.

Sold and resold as a slave, Nym is a contradiction of fragility and grit. So damaged by the legacy of her powers, it’s no surprise she retreats to self-harming behaviours to cope with what she’s seen. And done. She has no safe place in a world tottering on the edge of destruction.

This is a coming-of-age story of a girl who’s an anomaly, even in the shapeshifting world of The Five Kingdoms. She’s a slave with the potential to win wars. She’s a broken character in the hands of those who can either destroy her, or help her discover her own self worth. And she’s crippled by the well-known struggles of self-loathing and purpose.

It's a story pulled together with beautiful wordsmithing. I loved Mary Weber’s imagery, romantic story thread, and for someone who hasn’t read fantasy in years, I fell into the created world without too much trouble.

A fast paced read which leaves the reader breathless right up to the final cliff-ending chapter. 

Highly recommended for the fantasy reader who doesn’t mind the hair-raising last page questions, written so you just have to read book 2 for answers.

*****

Dorothy Adamek lives in Melbourne with her Beloved and their three gorgeous kids. 

She's the winner of the 2013 FHL ~ Touched By Love Competition, 
and the 2104 Inspirational Category Winner of the TARA Writing Contest. 

Enamoured by all things 19th century, she writes The Heartbeat of Yesteryear, Historical Romance - Aussie style. Come say G'day at her blog, Ink Dots. 

5 Reasons Every Novelist Needs Margie Lawson

By Dorothy Adamek 

There's been some talk about Margie Lawson of late. Have you heard the chatter? Margie Lawson is coming to Australia to present at the 2015 RWAust conference in August and run her world famous Immersion Masterclasses. 

Here's a post I wrote in 2013 about the benefits of studying with Margie. NOTHING has changed. If anything, I've learned I need this MORE. 

How about you? Are you ready to take your fiction writing to the next level? Looking to study the craft of writing with a master teacher? Perhaps, even change the course of your writing career? 

If you haven’t already met, let me introduce Margie Lawson. I’m a proud Margie-Grad. I’ve studied and applied her writing wisdom, and today I want to share the five reasons you need her, too. 

1. Margie Lawson knows psychology. And writing. And how the two should sit in a knot in every writer’s toolbox. Margie’s a psychotherapist, editor and international presenter. If you’re keen to sharpen your characters’ visceral responses, or even learn what a visceral response is, then you need to knock on the Lawson Writing Academy door. Discover how Margie’s decades of psychotherapy translate into online writing courses and lecture packets. You’ll learn how to Empower Characters’ Emotions, Write Body Language and Dialogue Cues Like a Psychologist, and plunge into the Deep Editing System. If you’re serious about writing fiction, you won’t regret taking Margie’s courses. Your editor, agent and reader will thank you. And long before they do… you’ll be thanking yourself. 

2. Margie loves fresh writing. She lives for it. When fresh writing grabs her, she slaps sticky notes all over that brilliance. She shares examples with her students, over and over and over, until the cadence of words sings across the room and each student stops to breathe it in. Margie will tell you, “It’s all about fresh writing,” and her enthusiasm is contagious. She trains the ear for what every reader deserves, and what every writer longs to deliver. 

3. Margie kills clichés. Don’t touch them. Don’t even think about them. Even if one bobs around in your mind, all pretty and perfect, don’t be fooled. Margie won’t care. She’ll take you a different way, deepen your writing senses and you’ll soon recoil when clichés flirt with your writer’s head. Instead, you’ll find the scaffolding to transform clichés into powerful writing. The way you hang laundry on the line. One word at a time. Here, here and here. Flipped and swapped, until words slap you across the head all crisp and bright, you’ll wonder how you never thought of it that way before. But Margie has. She’s taught her methods to hundreds of authors and I’ll bet there’s no reason you can’t be one of them. 

4. Margie plays with colours. Yes, she does. Just when you thought she was all frowns and tsk tsk…. turns out… her love of pinks and blues and greens will illuminate your world. She’s turned an ordinary pack of highlighters into a fierce editing tool, (along with her EDITS System) and you’ll never despair about what’s missing from your pages or what’s messing your story flow. You’ll learn to spot strengths and opportunities in a darkened room with your eyes half shut and your manuscript the wrong way around. Ok, maybe you’ll need the light on, but you’ll learn to edit with your pages upside down. For real. It’s a Margie-thing. And it works. I promise. 

 San Antonio fun with Margie Lawson, Lori Freeland and Dorothy Adamek

5. Margie keeps tricks up her professorial sleeve. She opens her home for Immersion Retreats where she welcomes writers to deepen their knowledge and sharpen their skills. Her Colorado mountain home is the perfect location for writing masterclasses, and Margie’s schedule also includes retreats all over the US. As well as presenting at the RWAust 2015 conference, for the first time ever, Margie Lawson will be conducting two Immersion masterclasses in Melbourne. (My home, to be exact, and I’m thrilled to share Margie with the Aussies and New Zealanders who will attend.) Those participating will discover what’s beyond the lecture packets and online courses, as well as enjoy one-on-one time with Margie and her red pen. (Read more about my 2013 Immersion Class here.)

Have you ever taken (or strongly desire to take) a Margie Lawson online course? Studied one of her lecture packets? Attended an immersion retreat? 

Yes? No? Want to? Visit Margie’s amazing website of online resources and courses for more inspiration. http://www.margielawson.com/lawson-writers-academy-courses

*****

Dorothy Adamek lives in Melbourne with her Beloved and their three gorgeous kids. 

She's the winner of the 2013 FHL ~ Touched By Love Competition, 
and the 2104 Inspirational Category Winner of the TARA Writing Contest. 

Enamoured by all things 19th century, she writes The Heartbeat of Yesteryear, Historical Romance - Aussie style. Come say G'day at her blog, Ink Dots. 

Snapshot Of A Writers' Retreat

The Romance Queens in their element! 

The Romance Queens is a group of writers who chat online about all things life, love and writing. Whilst chatting is one of their gifts from God, they’re also good at making plans. 
Plans to meet.
Eat Tim Tams. 
And steal time away from the ordinary for a few days of solid writing. I know this because I am one of the Romance Queens, and the only one who couldn’t make it to their recent writing retreat in glorious Queensland.

But because the Romance Queens are generous souls, they kept me up-to-date with their mischief progress on an hourly basis. Between the four of them, Andrea Grigg, Catherine Hudson, Skye Wieland and Nola Passmore, I heard FOUR daily points of view, often contradictory and always hilarious.

My inbox pinged all day and most of the evening with the latest version of their merry making and such high adventure should never be contained. I decided to interview these four and share with our ACW friends a little of their writing retreat, hosted by the lovely Andrea Grigg in her beautiful home by the sea.

Andrea ~ The writers' retreat was held at my home on the Gold Coast, Queensland, the second week of the Easter school holidays, April 12-19. Being together was terrific, but the perfect weather made it even better. We made the most of it and walked along Currumbin Beach, over beautiful Burleigh Hill and around the lake system where I live. There was even swimming involved! 

Once we'd exercised and breakfasted, it was straight into writing. Basically, we ate and wrote and ate and wrote. We went out for dinner at the local surf club on Cat's birthday and again for kebabs on Thursday night (a tradition in the Grigg household) but we'd always have another writing session afterwards. What a dedicated bunch!

Dotti ~ Dedicated, indeed. I don’t know what I envied the most. The morning swimming report or the writing sessions! Both, I’m sure.

Now tell us, why is dedicated writing time alongside other authors so important to you? 

All smiles at the Romance Queens' writing retreat

Andrea ~ I got a kick out of watching the others at work. Nola was totally focussed, but Cat and Skye were much more like me ... easily distracted! The best part about being together (other than having fun of course! ) was being able to discuss things then and there, bandy ideas around, brainstorm solutions. Nothing can beat that.

Catherine ~ Writing is such a lonely job - and one prone to make you a little crazy due to the nature of the craft. There's so much to learn, but stories burn in your heart, urging to be put on paper. Being with other writers reminds you you are not alone in doubting yourself - not alone in occasionally thinking "hey that scene I wrote is pretty good!" (And hating it the next day, loving it the day after that, then thinking it's award winning...You get the picture)

Skye ~ I love spending time with other authors! It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a seasoned writer, there’s always something new that can be learnt from networking, hanging out, and just having a good laugh with fellow authors. Who knows what could transpire? In between bouts of Tim Tams, morning runs, lamenting over the fact that I don’t have a paddleboard or kayak, something amazing could happen - even collaborative works…who knows?

Nola ~ When you commit to writing with others, it's like that time is sacred. You can't not write. You can't make excuses, you can't procrastinate until the muse strikes. You have to put derriere in chair and write. Since you're with other authors, you know they share the highs and lows with you. They know this is important and they're going to encourage you. They "get" you in a way that non-writers don't (no matter how supportive those non-writers are). The bonus of being with other Christian writers was that we were also able to pray for each other's projects and discuss controversial issues relating to Christian and mainstream markets. Plus it was fun being able to bounce ideas off of other people who are as crazy as you.

Heads down for hard work

Dotti ~ Did you set any personal writing goals before, during or after your retreat, or were you happy to see what came of it once you arrived? 

Andrea ~ I figured I wouldn't get a whole lot of writing done seeing as how I was the host and there were things to be done. I edited instead, so, while Nola achieved 10 000 words over 4.5 days, I lost 1500! I didn't mind at all - I got a kick out of seeing three happy campers.

Catherine ~ Before retreat I was really considering giving up writing for a multitude of reasons, perhaps none of them very good reasons but it felt real to me. I could not seem to get my first novel's introduction to flow right, and the standard I wanted to attain seemed too hard. I set some tasks for the retreat but didn't know what I would achieve out of the list.

I discovered I need to RELAX. This was my key word. I am the boss of my writing and since I've already decided I want to self publish, and I generally take constructive criticism well, I don't think I'm at risk of producing works I'll be embarrassed about. I just need to RELAX and enjoy the process.

Skye ~ I was really excited leading up to this retreat - and it wasn’t just because Andrea lives near the beach. :) I have been working on editing my work-in-process for some time, and I’ve struggled to find the motivation to pick it back up again after going through a stage of feeling that it was rather - well, lifeless in many aspects. Just prior to the retreat, Cat introduced me to a new teaching program geared towards helping authors with deep editing techniques. I went ahead and bought the first module. This started me on a whole new journey with my manuscript and brought back some of the excitement for the story. My personal goal before the retreat was to both continue studying these modules, as well as applying it to my work. During my retreat, I found myself someone distracted at times, but I was still able to plod through with moderate levels of success. Since returning back to the “real world” I am still excited, but need to discipline myself now to find that work/life balance so I can make the time required.

Nola ~ I had a goal to write 10 000 words on my novel during the four full days I was there.  The reason I was so specific is that I've applied to an Editor's Boot Camp being run by the Queensland Writers Centre in August and I need a full draft for that.  Not only would writing 10 000 words boost my word count, but it would also let me know whether I really could get this draft done.  I met the goal with time to spare.  It really boosted my confidence and showed that I can do it when I set my mind to it and have help from above.  

Happy Birthday, dear Catherine

Dotti ~ Taking yourself away from family and other commitments for a writing retreat often feels like logistical gymnastics. What did you achieve during the writing retreat which made it worth the sacrifice? 

Andrea ~ Hosting the retreat was easy. I planned the menus in advance and shopped the day before everyone arrived so it was all good. I have to say, my husband and daughter were wonderful about having three extra women in the house - mind you, they both worked during the day so they were only subjected to our craziness at night. I'd do it all again in a heartbeat which is just as well because apparently they're all coming back next year!

Catherine ~ Peace, relaxation - and more laughter than I've had in months. Need I say more? Oh yes I do - it was worth my husbands gratitude upon me returning to our kitchen, he he he. 

Skye ~ I can honestly say that regarding my work, I got several chapters through some deep editing techniques during the retreat, but spending time talking about these techniques with friends and being able to spend that time sharing about our journeys with our work was something that I found the most valuable.

Nola ~ It was definitely worth it.  I met my personal goal of writing 10 000 words, but I also learned from the others.  It was great to be able to throw ideas around with other authors.  I was the "ring-in" because the others were more in the romance genre, but we were all working on such different things. We spent some time one afternoon reading some of our work to each other and getting feedback. That was really valuable. Whether you were writing adventure, suspense, romance, historical or contemporary, I think we all learned from each other. It was also helpful to hear about different tools and strategies that others have found helpful. Plus it was a whole lot of fun. We had designated writing times, but we also swam, walked on the beach, watched movies, ate great food and generally chilled out. I'd love to go again and would definitely recommend it to others.

Dotti ~ So there you have it. The wrap up of a highly successful writing retreat with goals met and kindred spirits stirred for what we must all return to when the fun is over… the solitary world of writing.

Have you attended a writing retreat? What impressed you most about the Romance Queens’ week-long gathering?

Blessings

Dotti 

*****

Dorothy Adamek lives in Melbourne with her Beloved and their three gorgeous kids. 

She's the winner of the 2013 FHL ~ Touched By Love Competition, 
and the 2104 Inspirational Category Winner of the TARA Writing Contest. 

Enamoured by all things 19th century, she writes The Heartbeat of Yesteryear, Historical Romance - Aussie style. Come say G'day at her blog, Ink Dots. 

Book Review ~ Lizzy And Jane by Katherine Reay

By Dorothy Adamek 

Lizzy and Jane couldn’t be further from Jane Austen’s famous sisters for whom they are named.

Elizabeth left her family’s home in Seattle fifteen years ago to pursue her lifelong dream—chefing her own restaurant in New York City. Jane stayed behind to raise a family. Estranged since their mother’s death many years ago, the circumstances of their lives are about to bring them together once again.

Known for her absolute command of her culinary domain, Elizabeth’s gifts in the kitchen have begun to elude her. And patrons and reviewers are noticing. In need of some rest and an opportunity to recover her passion for cooking, Elizabeth jumps at the excuse to rush to her sister’s bedside when Jane is diagnosed with cancer. After all, Elizabeth did the same for their mother. Perhaps this time, it will make a difference.

As Elizabeth pours her renewed energy into her sister’s care and into her burgeoning interest in Nick, Jane’s handsome coworker, her life begins to evolve from the singular pursuit of her own dream into the beautiful world of family, food, literature, and love that was shattered when she and Jane lost their mother. Will she stay and become Lizzy to her sister’s Jane—and Elizabeth to Nick’s Mr. Darcy—or will she return to the life she has worked so hard to create?

*****

When Lizzy and Jane came up on Rel Mollet’s book club reading list, I was not immediately pulled to the story. Having watched my own mother struggle with cancer, I was not keen to revisit our own family’s dynamics during this battle. Lizzy and Jane delivered the never forgotten chemo days right back into my lap and this proved an emotional reading experience on many levels.

But when the Lizzy and Nick romance thread developed, I found the book hard to let go. I also thoroughly enjoyed all the foodie references and food combinations tinkered with to meet the needs of cancer patients.

Paired together with the delicious references to Jane Austen, Katherine Reay weaves in well known (and lesser known) literary and movie feasts, as well as her beautiful inclusion of home grown produce and gardens. Perfect for the reader who desires to taste and smell each scene.

If you’re a foodie, you’ll love this book.
If you’re into romance, you’ll not be disappointed.
If broken characters growing and changing in the midst of crisis is why you read, then grab your tissues. This book is especially for you. 

*****

Dorothy Adamek lives in Melbourne with her Beloved and their three gorgeous kids. 

She's the winner of the 2013 FHL ~ Touched By Love Competition, and the 2104 Inspirational Category Winner of the TARA Writing Contest. 

Enamoured by all things 19th century, she writes The Heartbeat of Yesteryear, Historical Romance - Aussie style. Come say G'day at her blog, Ink Dots. 

What are the INPSY Awards and why are they unique?

 
By Dorothy Adamek

It’s nomination time for the 2015 INSPY Awards, so I thought we should take a closer look at this prize for the very best in Christian literature.

Five years ago, the INSPYs were created to “select and showcase books with the highest literary standards that grapple with the Christian faith and were designed to help readers in their search for the preeminent faith-inspired literature of today. This program is organized and judged by book bloggers who have considerable experience and knowledge of books published for both the CBA and general markets.”

Books may be nominated in these following categories:

•                Debut Novel

•                General Fiction

•                Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense

•                Historical Romance

•                Speculative Fiction

•                Mystery & Thriller

•                Literature for Young Adults

Australia’s Rel Mollet is one of the book bloggers who’s been involved in the awards from the very beginning. Here’s what she had to share about the INPSY Awards in a recent interview.

Dotti ~ You've been involved with the INSPY Awards since their inception. Why did you pioneer this award and how has it met your vision? 

Rel ~ A blogging friend of mine, Amy Riley, championed the idea for an award that recognised books that wrestled with faith issues, not limiting nominated books to those published by the recognised Christian publishers. As described on the INSPYs website we wanted to discover and share “the very best in literature that grapples with expressions of the Christian faith.”

Most of the Christian literature awards for fiction, only allow novels published by recognised Christian publishers. Unfortunately, that excluded many wonderful stories published in the general market, or even by authors who may not profess Christian faith but who have penned stories that highlight the truths of Christianity. This is not an industry award, but one established and supported by the many fabulous book bloggers out there who don’t have a vested interest in anything other than great storytelling.

Thus the INSPYs were born. Have we met our vision? Partially. We would love to see more general market books nominated not to the exclusion of those released by Christian publishers but to show that fabulous faith literature exists in both “worlds” and both have tremendously talented writers releasing great stories.

Dotti ~ Who is allowed to enter as author, and who can apply to enter as judge?  

Rel ~ Taking the easy way to answer this question, here’s our book criteria for the 2015 Awards:

The book must have been published in print in the United States between January 1st, 2014 and December 31st, 2014.

Reissues, self-published books and eBooks are not eligible.

The book must possess exceptional literary qualities including but not limited to: innovative, original writing, and depth of characterization.

The book must respectfully grapple with some element of the Christian faith.

The book must not have excessive profanity or explicit sex scenes.

Simply put, to apply to be a judge, you must be a blogger who reviews books!

You can discover the full criteria here. 

Dotti ~ How are entries nominated?

Rel ~ Anyone can nominate a book for an INSPY Award, except the author themselves. Nominations are made by completing a form on our website. 

As this is a blogger award, we work hard to encourage bloggers and readers to nominate stories that have impacted them in significant ways.

Dotti ~ Would you ever reconsider allowing self-published books into the competition?

Rel ~ Initially we did not allow self-published books to be nominated. Due to multiple requests we allowed self-published books to be nominated a few years ago. Unfortunately, the standard of the significant majority of the self-published books was poor and none made the shortlists. Self-published books have come a long way since then and there are many high quality self-published novels that deserve recognition. That said, the Advisory Board consists of 5 members, all volunteers, who commit to reading all nominated books in a few short months. This year we have around 150 books to read in order to create shortlists of 5 books per category. We simply do not have the time or the resources to cope with the influx of nominated books that would occur should we reopen the INSPYs to self-published books at this time.

Fortunately, the Grace Awards exist for that purpose so we direct all self-published writers to their nomination process.

 
Dotti ~ Thanks, Rel. What a marvelous achievement to showcase and recognize some of the most deserving stories. Thanks for your commitment to quality storytelling. 

Rel Mollet, a founding member of the INSPY Awards, has been blogging since late 2006 at Relz Reviewz, her site dedicated to showcasing Christian Fiction and its writers, by way of reviews, author interviews, character spotlights, and more. Her passion for the written word was established from the moment she could read, now evidenced by overflowing bookcases and a towering TBR pile. A Book Club Coordinator for over a decade, a correspondent for FamilyFiction’s digital magazine and contributing writer for Novel Crossing and TitleTrakk.com, Rel resides in Melbourne, Australia with her movie-loving husband and three book loving daughters.

For our readers... 

What book have you read in the last 12 months which ‘grapples with the Christian faith’ in a way you believe deserves nomination?

What do you think a story needs to stand above the rest and deserve such an award?

*****

 

Dorothy Adamek lives in Melbourne with her Beloved and their three gorgeous kids. 

She's the winner of the 2013 FHL ~ Touched By Love Competition, and the 2104 Inspirational Category Winner of the TARA Writing Contest. 

Enamoured by all things 19th century, she writes The Heartbeat of Yesteryear, Historical Romance - Aussie style. Come say G'day at her blog, Ink Dots.