Understanding John Wayne – Happy Birthday

May 26, 2015

I’ve always been a John Wayne fan.

It was only in my teens when VCRs and the idea of visiting a video store and renting a movie became popular, that I noticed late night TV viewing was also changing. Before the VCR revolution, late night TV was a wealth of wonderful classic movies from the Marx Brothers and Abbott and Costello to films by the likes of Gary Cooper, Humphrey Bogart, James Cagney, and, of course, John Wayne. Afterwards, it seemed it was harder and harder to find those great films being played on TV on a regular basis. Luckily, I was all ready hooked on the classics.

As our society turned more and more politically correct, admitting you were a fan of The Duke became harder – not in all circles, but quite a few. Wayne’s image is one of the gung-ho American, shooting first and asking questions later. That perception was often used to illustrate all that is wrong with America, as it suggests a bulldog attitude of brawn over brains. Over the years, I’ve found, however, that those who look poorly upon the John Wayne mystic are often those who have never sat down and truly watched any of his movies.

John Wayne died June 11, 1979 after having lost his battle with cancer, and after having made over 150 movies. Today, May 26th is his birthday, and as one of the most popular actors ever, it’s worth noting to those who have a limited view of the Duke, he was a more complex man than they could ever suspect.

John Wayne did not create the John Wayne mystic; he merely made films that reflected his interests and beliefs. As the ultimate screen cowboy, some would believe he was the enemy of the Native American, but in his later films, where he had control, Native Indians were portrayed respectfully. In Chisum, his character threatens a U.S. Soldier who is disrespectful to Indian Chiefs on a reservation, in The Undefeated he has an adopted Native American son, and in Fort Apache, his character refuses to engage in the final battle – a court-martial offense – because he’d negotiated a peace with Tribal Elders, respects them, and would not go back on his word. These are just a few aspects of the John Wayne image that might surprise those who haven’t watched any of his movies; there are more, but too many to note here.

In his life, John Wayne did speak his mind and defended his beliefs – something we should all do. While he created an on-screen image that has led to his mystic, now that he’s gone, I’d imagine he would be surprised he is as well remembered and loved to this day, by those of us who have watched his work and understand his complexity. I get the impression he was a man who was busy making a living and caring for his family and friends – many of those friends who worked with him again and again in his movies.

John Wayne was a man who has left us a wealth of great work. No matter how many biographies I read, I do understand, I’ll never truly know the real man behind the image, but that’s okay, because what he represents on screen is strength, honor and dignity. Before anyone criticizes the man and his image, I’d suggest watching his work, and discovering there’s more to the John Wayne mystic than you thought. As for me, I’ll continue to be a fan, and will never feel uncomfortable admitting that ever again.

Happy Birthday, Duke.

The Stories End...Time to Stop Moping

May 23, 2015

In terms of keeping a diary on writing and the promotion of my books, I've discovered I'm not as diligent as I hoped I'd be. This I attribute to change...namely, a change in where I blog and setting that up (namely, here at Blogger). I also have to attribute it to the actual act of writing. In previous posting, I mentioned I was attempting to finish a novel called Barkerton, that I had started writing almost two decades ago, and which has been my own personal White Whale. For years I focused on writing screenplays, sure that the art of writing a novel was beyond my abilities.

Believe it or not, writing screenplays, and the many drafts, improvements and rewrites they required, helped me hone my writing abilities. Today, I am a far better writer than I was when Barkerton was initially written (yes, although I have finished the first draft finally, it will involve me returning to Barkerton and rewriting and polishing it to bring the entire manuscript up to snuff).

It was during the past couple of years that I discovered I had the ability and maturity as a writer to finish a book-length manuscript, and have three novels written: Tripping on Tears, The Merry Pranked, and The Marquis Mark, debuting on Amazon June 7th. With about 90,000 words of Barkerton completed, it bothered me that I hadn't brought that book's character's journey to an end. Or maybe they simply pissed me off, because they wouldn't allow me to bring their journey to an end? Was it my failure, or were they thumbing their noses at me, taunting me, and living on despite my best endeavors over the years to finish their tale? I guess you could say we had a love-hate relationship, and for the greater part of that time, they were in control.

The confidence I received in completing the other books, gave me the ability to confront them, fight through whatever writer's block voodoo they had put on me, and complete their story. Barkerton, after all this time - at least the first draft - was completed.

I thought I'd spend my time dancing a gig in celebration, but instead discovered, like with my other books, and even scripts I worked on, completing the story left me sad. You see, for the duration of writing each book or screenplay, I find myself living with those characters, even when I'm not sitting down and actually writing their story. They become a part of me - friends (even those I despise; those who provide the darkness that exists in my storytelling). Much like with the other books, other than the re-writes, I realized the story of Barkerton's characters had been told, and I didn't need to think about them, and what they do next, anymore. It was depressing and I decided to foolishly mope around, and not get down to the business of writing and blogging.

Well, I've finally snapped out of it. I'll be revisiting those characters and polishing them, and while I do feel a sense of loss, the beauty is that, deep down in the recesses of my mind, new characters, with a different story, are clawing their way to the front of my imagination, determined that their story finally be told; I'm not completely sure who they are, but something tells me, it'll be wonderful spending time with them as well.

In other words, time to get back to work.

Living with Literary Loss...Do They Miss Me As Well?

The story is over.

Not quite, I guess, however the evolution of the story is over. There will be re-writes and polishes as the unbridled writing of the first draft is reviewed and revamped so that when it comes time to publish, the manuscript is at its best. In doing this, once again, I’ll be revisiting the characters with which I’ve been living for months, but it won’t be same, as what is over is that sense of discovery the characters provide me as we collectively attempt to tell, hopefully, an engaging and entertaining tale.

Every creative individual approaches their craft, whether it be writing, painting, filmmaking, music, whatever, in their own way. Where the desire to create comes from, no one truly knows. Why it is one person has that ability and another doesn’t? There are a lot of mysteries in life, and while it is in our nature to try and uncover those mysteries, sometimes they’re best left alone and unquestioned.

Over the years I discovered my approach to creativity. It wasn’t self-evident at first, as whether or not I had the talent wasn’t self-evident at first. I had the desire, and all great things stem from that. My approach to writing involved a great deal of blind faith. I found I had to start with an idea that inspired me and whether or not I knew how the story would end, just sit down and write and see what journey the story and its characters took me on. This is not always a desirable way to write, as at any time during that journey, the characters might say, “Stop the car; I’m getting out. I’ll walk from here,” and leave the writer with five or six chapters and nowhere to go from there. I can only imagine the number of unfinished manuscripts collecting dust in desk drawers around the world; at one time, I was an owner of just such a collection of incomplete manuscripts.

Having written over twenty screenplays (possibly closer to thirty), and having employed the method of ignorance is bliss, I’ve become somewhat confident in my abilities to flesh out a story. I’ve come to trust the story and the characters that inhabit it that, first of all, they will not abandoned me, and secondly, they will eventually show me the way. That’s not to say that within that confidence, every time I start a new novel or screenplay, I’m not living in fear that this will be the time it will all fall apart (some of us work better with a little fear fueling us).

The approach I employ has a way of making the characters live with me on a daily basis. If I’m not specifically thinking about my latest manuscript, below the surface the wheels are still turning. As I was approaching the end of The Marquis Mark, my latest effort, I had no idea how the two storylines I had explored were going to come together in a logical way; I had no idea how the story was going to resolve itself, as logically it was leading me in one direction – the direction of least resistance – and providing me with an uninspired conclusion. You see, sometimes when the characters speak to you and offer up a direction, you have to tell them to go back to the drawing board and try again. I did that; and I lived in fear, but once again they showed me the way. The story concluded and in a way I would have never imagined when I first start telling the tale. You could say your characters are not unlike kids, in that you create them, and you nurse them along, with your own expectations of how they will behave and who they will become, but that is just your personal hopes and dreams, because sometimes they surprise you by doing something you didn’t expect. You were hoping for a Doctor in the family, but instead got a Forrest Ranger.

My characters surprised me and I’m pleased with the results, but while it is always satisfying to write “The End” at the end of a manuscript and realize you’ve completed yet another tale, there is also sadness about it. I know there will be other characters and other tales, but you come to enjoy the one you’re telling, and having lived with these characters for so long, you’ve gotten to know them and love and hate them as is required; they’re a part of your daily existence, and it is hard to say good-bye.

And that’s where I am right now, as I write this. I’m walking around out of sorts. While I am pleased to have finally finished the manuscript and with how it played out (all fears aside, these characters did me proud), I don’t know what to do with myself. I no longer have to consider what they will do next. They no longer need to tell me anything, and aren’t. Sure, I will be revisiting them, to polish their tale, but there is still a sense of loss at their passing. Yes, I agree with you, this all might just be the early signs of the insanity that is one day going to have me committed, unless I can become a best-selling novelist, as then that insanity will be merely termed eccentric and I’ll be trading a straight-jacket for a tolerant family with thoughts of inheritance living in their minds.

I will move on, and all ready there are new ideas forming in my imagination, but that doesn’t stop me from wondering that while I mourn those past character’s loss, wherever they go in the deep recesses of my imagination, do they ever miss me and the time we spent together?

I hope so.

Facing the Unknown – Facing Fears

It’s impossible to know the future. If we did, we could relax. Some would argue that it’s that unknown that makes life so exciting. It’s also that unknown that makes life both frustrating and frightening.

What does the future hold?

Presently with two books available Tripping on Tears and The Merry Pranked – on Amazon-Kindle, and a third thriller pre-ordering June 7th  The Marquis Mark – the task ahead is finding an audience.

How?

There is a way and it can be done, but as I look upon it at this moment, it feels as if I’m standing at the base of a mountain, the summit my goal, and my chances of getting there one in a billion. It’s a daunting proposition at best.

In trying to promote my books, I’m not alone. My wife, who also designed the covers, is helping, but finds herself overwhelmed with the task not only the probability of it, but the unknown can it happen and will it happen? The truth of the matter is no one can tell us about either. We’re facing the great unknown, and at the end of it is either success or failure.

That fear, however, can be crippling. We live in a competitive world, and when it comes to the arts, you’re never alone. Why should someone purchase and read my books instead of another’s? I believe I’m putting out a solid, entertaining, well-written and engaging product, but the truth of the matter is there’s no solid reason as for why they should read mine as opposed to another’s; theirs could be equally well-written and entertaining.

In trying to achieve any dream, there are hurdles, some small, and many grand in scope; in trying to achieve any dream, there are constant fears and frustrations. None of us know the outcome the future, but as I've pointed out to my wife, the only guarantee is, if we do nothing, nothing will happen.

While I don’t offer a great deal of value in this blog post, in venting and outlining these fears that exist, I’m sure many others can relate you’re not alone, and I hope like myself, you find your readers, not only now, but for years to come. Don’t give in to the fears and frustrations, persevere and hope that if your work is good enough, it will eventually find its audience.

Distractions – But the Right Distraction

It's been a while since I've posted to my marketing diary-blog, and while I have been focusing on marketing, fine-tuning what I all ready have online, and looking for new places to create profiles and mention my books, I have also been distracted.

Over two decades ago, I had the idea for a novel – a horror novel to be exact. I wanted to write about racism, but wanted to do it in a creative way. My mind took me to the undead zombies. I decided to write a novel in which the undead, who become reanimated, are not out to kill and eat the living, but are troubled souls who suddenly find themselves trapped in their old, inferior and decayed bodies. The living, having experienced movies about zombies, figures the undead are like they're depicted in them. Because nobody takes the time to communicate, but instead fear one another, or hate one another because of their differences, violence eventually breaks out between the two groups.

When I first started writing this, zombie novels and entertainment was limited; as I attempt to finish the novel, entitled Barkerton (named in tribute to horror writer Clive Barker), I'll look like I'm jumping on an all ready well worn bandwagon. That I don't mind so much. A good story is a good story and will either entertain or not. I'm willing to let it stand on its own.

Barkerton, with its vast scope was the novel that led me to believe I couldn't write novels. I soon turned to screenplays, and became an expert in that medium. Over the years, Barkerton has been my White Whale.

Having written, Tripping on Tears, The Merry Pranked and The Marquis Mark, three books I’m proud of, I finally decided Barkerton was due to be finished. I did all ready have 90,000 words written and was close to the finish after all, and over the years had re-written and polished what I had written, but just couldn't finish it nonetheless.

As I continue promoting my thriller, The Marquis Mark (pre-ordering on Amazon-Kindle and due out on June 7th) and the other books, inspiration for Barkerton has finally arrived; not because I sat down and waited, but because I just began writing, hoping that inspiration would find me; it has. Barkerton isn't finished just yet, but it's very close; and this time I will succeed. I've proven I can write books, and it's time to wipe away that 20-year-plus fear that has stayed my hand in the medium of novels thanks to Barkerton.

Barkerton is definitely a distraction, but one worth indulging, because even though I have written three novels, it is the fear I must finally conquer.

Buying Reviews...A Moral Dilemma

I'll admit I didn't get a lot done over the Easter Weekend, although I did do a bit of research. Through some Twitter contacts, I discovered there are a few companies on the Internet offering indie authors reviews...but for a fee.

The fee itself is not prohibitive, and reviews are definitely needed on Amazon to help promote your work, but I do have to admit that the payment for reviews structure bothers me; first, because for years I was an entertainment journalist and during that time I would have never accepted a fee for a good review for a movie, book or CD. I'm sure there were many opportunities, like that time a representative for one of the big movie studios handed me a straight-to-video copy of Slumber Party Massacre 3, knowing he was handing me a terrible movie, and a good review was probably next to impossible—it was, unless you're into those kinds of ‘B’ movies. As a reviewer, I felt I had an obligation to whomever read my stuff to at least be honest. I don't know how that honesty works in the pay-for-a-review marketplace.

I'm sure their intentions are honorable, but how do they handle a poorly written manuscript, or one that isn't up to professional standards? Part of being successful in this marketplace has to be proving that your work is worth purchasing; that's why I like the option of allowing potential readers to read the first three chapters. That should at least give them an idea as to whether or not you can write; it will not let them know whether your can plot and whether your plot holds up for a book length manuscript, but, then again, there's always a risk when purchasing a book or going to a movie we just can't love or like them all.

I'd be curious to know what others think. I've read stories about indie bands seeding an audience with people to shout and scream when they know a record company A&R person might be attending that performance, to help stack the deck in their favor. That's not exactly honest, but possibly sometimes we need to stack the deck in our favor if we can it's up to us to make sure that if we do, we provide those we deceived with quality work.

I'm going to attempt the other route looking for honest reviews. That may be naive, but I don't think it's completely impossible. I guess, in time I'll know. And while I'm at it, I'll provide anyone who reads this with a link to the first three chapters of my latest thriller, The Marquis Mark, pre-ordering on Amazon for June 7th, with the hope it might just entice - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25177334-the-marquis-mark

Procrastination

Okay, so it’s been a couple of days since I last posted and aside from having created a press release for my upcoming thriller, The Marquis Mark, I haven't done a lot of promotion. Although, I guess, writing and designing a press release, could be seen as a step forward in this department.

Unless you have the ability to dedicated one-hundred percent of your time to the task of promotion, there are always things that get in the way. Life is like that; and it doesn't have to be big things, so you have to be wary. In many cases it would seem that life is conspiring to keep you where you are; challenging you to overcome its obstacles while in search of your dreams. While that may seem the case, you have to also realize that in marketing your book, you need to bring along the same discipline you found to have completed it in the first place.

In writing my first two novels, Tripping on Tears and The Merry Pranked, I decided to use an approach I'd read in a magazine about writing. What it suggested was setting a word count per day. I did. I expected to sit down and write 1,000 words a day, no matter what, and I did. What I soon discovered was that I'd set a goal for myself that very quickly became rooted in stone. In Tripping on Tears, when I approached the chapter in which Safia had to die the book is about an honor killing, so it was necessary I found myself procrastinating, and for the first time those 1,000 words a day weren't happening. By that time, I'd adopted this approach so fully that I now felt guilty for not writing and promised myself I'd make up the days I'd lost. When it dawned on me that the reason for this was the fact I really didn't want to kill off Safia, I'd enjoyed writing her character so much, that psychologically I didn't want to write the words she was dead, I realized what was holding me back, and I set about writing again, and made up for three to four days of inactivity.

As a former journalist, my life was full of deadlines. To miss a deadline was a sin. As a writer of fiction, I'm left to my own devises, but found creating a daily goal or even deadline for myself encouraged me to move forward. How did this affect creativity and inspiration, well, I believe I'll address that in my next posting, as I don't want to go on too long here.

In marketing The Marquis Mark, I believe I have to create my own 1,000 words a day goal; possibly guaranteeing that I spend one-hour a day researching, reaching out and promoting in order to complete the task that we writers most loath the promoting of our books; sure, it'd be fun to use that hour writing, but probably unwise.

Am I Fooling Myself...Can I Write?

It's Friday night and I've finally managed to find some time to sit down at my laptop and think about writing. Over the past couple of days I haven't done a lot to promote my latest thriller, The Marquis Mark, pre-ordering on Amazon.com (there, I promoted), although I’m guessing finding an audience or readership for the book will be more akin to a marathon than a sprint.

Although we haven’t seen every season, my wife and I are currently watching American Idol. Each year, during the early stages of the competition, we watch the auditions. As the show is entertainment, along with some great singers, they highlight those who are terrible. Some individuals show up for auditions that have no business there; they can't sing, and may even be tone deaf. What is surprising is their reaction; many of them truly believe they're good, if not great. Can't they hear themselves? Watching the show, it's obvious to us that they're fooling themselves. This is a question we must all ask ourselves.

Can I write? Well, yes. If we've all been through high school, we've probably written. The real question is, can I write at a professional level? Am I good enough to be justified in asking readers to spend money on my books? Or, am I tone deaf and fooling myself? Seeing as anyone can self-publish on Amazon.com, that's a fair question we should all ask ourselves.

The truth in my case, is it took time for me to develop my skills. When I look back at early manuscripts or scripts I've written, they're terrible. Along the way, mainly in the screenwriting field, I took a lot of constructive criticism from producers and was pushed to better myself. I didn't believe I got everything right on the first draft, and re-writes weren't required. I was open to the fact I wasn't as good as I thought I was, and because of that I got infinitely better. Feedback I've received from the industry, tells me that, yes, finally, I've reached that professional stage; I can write. I’m not counting the opinion here of family and friends, but working professionals; strangers who don't have to be nice to me.

This is important, as I think writing is something a lot of people marginalize. They don't realize it is a skill one has to work at; there are levels of ability. I've asked myself that American Idol question, I've researched, and I've never believed I knew everything, and as such, I know, after a long time, I've hit that stage where I can write at a professional level. This is important, because it is those who are fooling themselves, or who don't want to work at it, that is creating doubt amongst readers in the self-publishing marketplace. I don't begrudge anyone the desire to write, all I ask is that they respect the craft and strive to provide value, as I'm not only a writer, but also a reader.

If I am wrong, I assume readers will let me know; and seeing how Amazon allows readers to read the first two or three chapters of any book posted, readers can make that determination without spending any hard earned cash. – I'm just hoping that in this vast marketplace, they do me the honor of giving my work a look.

Who Knew Writing the Book was the Easy Part?

Who knew the easy task was the writing of the book?

During my formative years as a writer-journalist, I might not have agreed with the above statement. Like many who dreamt of writing a novel, I found my desk drawers littered with numerous half-finished manuscripts (yes, saying half-finished, might be giving myself a little more credit than is due). I’m sure most of us who write know that initial rush of a new and exciting idea. The characters are fresh, the story, hopefully, compelling, and the promise of what it could become is ripe with possibilities. Ah, yes, but at what chapter does all of that fade and the manuscript put away?

The desire to write is powerful; the discipline to write, for many of us, fleeting. I developed my discipline as a screenwriter, a task I found infinitely easier than writing books, and, in believing that, avoided attempting any further book manuscripts for a long, long time. At least until the insanity that is the film business and those who populate it, drove me in desperation to write something that wouldn't be scrutinized by producers, directors, development executives and their spouses, children, nannies, yoga instructors, etcetera – namely I decided to write a book.

This is not a record of my attempt to write my first book. That ship has sailed. Tripping on Tears is finished, and I’m quite proud of it. The Merry Pranked, my second novel is complete, as is The Marquis Mark, my latest psychological thriller. Both Tripping on Tears and The Merry Pranked were released on Amazon.com, but due to circumstances were not actively promoted. With The Marquis Mark, I plan to change that, and like all indie writers with a digital manuscript, I’m faced with the daunting challenge of finding an audience readership.

I’d never planned on writing a blog, but understand in today’s world of publishing it is important for writers to create a platform for themselves; but what to write about, and what to say? On other parts of my blog, With Malice Toward None , I've included articles I've written on a number of subjects, but in this section I propose to chronicle my attempts to market The Marquis Mark and find that readership. I believe if successful it will also serve to instruct anyone who cares about who I am and how my imagination and thoughts work. While I understand that presently I’m really only writing for myself, for those who join me, it will be a look at a journey towards success or disappointment; and while I hope it is entertaining and insightful, it may also serve as an example of what to do or not to do for those in the same predicament.

I guess, here goes...

Awake In the Dark: The Best of Roger Ebert – Forty Years of Reviews, Essays and Interviews

Four of Five Stars

It’s difficult to review a book such as this. In the world of movie criticism, the late Roger Ebert loomed large, as have many others, like the late Pauline Kael. Whether you find Awake In the Dark: The Best of Roger Ebert – Forty Years of Reviews, Essays and Interviews interesting or not, I suppose, depends on whether or not you value Ebert’s opinion. When it comes to the writing, Ebert was more than competent, writing reviews in a reader-friendly way, accessible to all.

Awake In the Dark is broken down into several sections, including one featuring interviews and profiles he conducted, along with essays and ‘think’ pieces regarding films and filmmakers, and essays on film criticism. Along with all of that, we’re treated to Ebert’s reviews of what he considers the best films from 1967 to 2005; a look at memorable foreign films and documentaries, and my favorite section, films Ebert, as a critic, felt were overlooked and underrated (this to me, always gives you an interesting insight into the reviewers tastes).

One aspect in reading Awake In the Dark that I did take away, is that despite unexpectedly falling into the job of film critic (there is a brief autobiographical introduction on Ebert’s life), Ebert embraced his fate and did all he could to learn about film, it’s history and technique, so that in presenting his views, he was doing so from a position of authority and appreciation. What you get from these interviews, reviews and essays is a love of the cinema and the art of movie making that the man developed and shared with us for decades.

Awake In the Dark, as it doesn't require you to follow a specific narrative, is one of those books you can pick up and read, put down for a while and get back to, without losing anything. It is also a book that will prompt you to seek out movies you haven’t seen, that are featured, or re-watch those you have, based on Ebert’s perspective. Either way, you’ll benefit and have a great time doing so.

I personally worked as an entertainment writer for almost three decades, and while I had no problem with the interview and profile piece, I must admit, I never felt I developed a true voice for the writing of movie reviews, so take it from me, what you’re reading is not something that was thrown together and easy to do, but writing that required thought, analysis and perspective to pull off properly; Roger Ebert mastered that, and as such, Awake In the Dark is worth adding to the book shelf of anyone who even slightly considers themselves a cinephile.

The Silkworm: A Cormoran Strike Novel

By Robert Galbraith (a.k.a. J.K. Rowling)

While I’m always hesitant to give a book a five-out-of-five-star rating, upon finishing The Silkworm by J.K. Rowling, writing under the name Robert Galbraith, I realized it was time I stopped being silly and give due where it was...well...due.

Having gained some notoriety for solving the Lulu Landry murder, as related in the first Cormoran Strike novel, The Cuckoo’s Calling, detective Cormoran Strike is hired by the wife of author Owen Quine to find the author after he’s gone missing. Quine, a writer of some note, but not a best-selling writer, has written a book, Bombyx Mori that, if published, will scandalize members of London’s publishing establishment. What starts out as a missing persons case turns into a murder investigation when Cormoran finds the author dead, in a brutally horrific scene, not unlike one painted with words, in his unpublished and scandalous book.

The Cuckoo’s Calling was the first book written by J.K. Rowling that I read, not having been interested in the Harry Potter books, although, I imagine, based on what I’ve read of hers now, that they’re quite good. The Cuckoo’s Calling was entertaining, so I delved into The Silkworm without much hesitation. Revisiting Cormoran and his reception/assistant, Robin, again proved to be a wonderful experience. J.K. Rowling has done a wonderful job of weaving her tale, spinning a murder mystery, while at the same time giving us further insights into Cormoran and Robin’s personal life. During the reading of The Silkworm – about half way through it – my Reader’s power cord that charged it died and I had to special order a new one that took two weeks to arrive, keeping me from reading further. When I was finally able to charge back up and get back into it, it was like I was revisiting some old friends; thus my five star designation for the book.

If you look hard enough, there are always a few things you could nick-pick about a book or movie you’re reviewing, but in the case of The Silkworm, I just had so much fun spending time with these characters that’s it’s pointless to do so, if the only purpose is to attempt to make myself look astute and critic-like. All in all, The Silkworm is an excellent read; and in saying that, I am also eagerly awaiting the next Cormoran Strike novel, which when released will jump to the top of my reading list.

Hitler’s Niece: A Novel

By Ron HansenFOUR out of FIVE Stars

Adolf Hitler.

The name alone is abhorrent – and, he's not alone. Let’s add Rudolf Hess, Herman Goring, Ernst Hanfstaengl, Heinrich Himmler and Joseph Goebbels to the list. We could go on and on, but that’s not necessary, as some of those abhorrent names don’t populate the pages of Ron Hansen’s excellent, fact-based-fictional tale of Adolf Hitler and his obsession with his niece, Geli Raubal, born to his half-sister. On September 18, 1931, Hitler and his niece argued, and that night she was reputed to have committed suicide, using Hitler’s gun.

At the time of her death, Hitler had yet to solidify his power in Germany, although he was well on his way. As such, rumors spread that Hitler had in fact murdered his niece, a young woman of 23 with whom he had developed an unhealthy obsession. The mystery of Geli’s untimely death is just one brutal, bloody chapter in Hitler’s life, of which there would be many – exceeding horrors any man or group of men should have been able to commit.

In Hitler’s Niece, Ron Hansen explores this relationship, giving voice to Hitler’s niece, a woman who is generally forgotten to the ages. He also gives voice to all of the men mentioned above and a few more, exploring the insanity that was Adolf Hitler. Through Geli’s eyes, we see the power the man gained for himself, and how it shaped a man who, under other circumstances, might have been seen as being social awkward and strange. Hanson takes us on a journey from Geli’s birth, to her death, and posits her views on her controlling Uncle, whom she longed to escape from, and who was her downfall.

Despite carrying on with Eva Braun and marrying her in the end, Hitler always acknowledged that Geli Raubal was the only woman he ever loved, and while it hasn’t been conclusively proven that he murdered her, one imagines Hanson’s presentation of what happened, is probably closer to the truth than he imagined.

Hitler’s Niece: A Novel is an excellent, compelling, shocking and disturbing read. Any time I read a book on Hitler and his inner circle, I can’t help marvelling at how disturbing each of these individuals were, and wondering how a confluence of events in history could have brought them all together and awarded enough influence and power that their actions will forever remain a blot and blight on the history of humankind.

If for nothing else, read Hitler’s Niece, as whether it’s accurate in the heart and spirit of the events or not, it gives a young woman a voice and reminds us that at one time, she lived, laughed and loved in her own way, despite the insanity that eventually surrounded her.

Thanks To Noveltunity Readers for Voting Tripping on Tears their July 2014 Noveltunity Book Club Winner

One of the great things the Internet has given us is the ability to make whatever creative desire afflicts us available to an audience that would have been harder to access in different times. But it’s not always about the artist, the musician or the author, but also the audience they hope will embrace them and their work will entertain.

Much like today’s indie authors, today’s readers have an opportunity to finally express themselves. Reading no longer needs to be a solitary adventure, but one a reader can share with their friends and other like-minded individuals. It is a relationship of mutual passion for the written word and the worlds and characters both can bring to life. A character may first live in the mind of an author, but from then on can only thrive and continue to exist in the minds of readers; often outliving their creators.

It is with great appreciation and respect that I thank those Noveltunity Readers who voted for Tripping on Tears, selecting it as the July 2014 Noveltunity Book Club Winner. It was entirely unexpected yet a terrific honor. Thank you.

Tripping on Tears

***FREE PREVIEW CHAPTERS***

Having found his version of ‘true love’ with a South Asian woman from a Muslim family, a Caucasian man is forced to come to terms with his own new found feelings of hatred when he discovers that her unexpected death – murdered in cold blood - is rumored to be at the hands of her family as part of an ‘honor killing’, based on her relationship with him.

Featuring a world of cultural differences, Tripping on Tears explores how intolerance and rigid ideals can bring about the ugliness of this world, as humankind continues to attempt to influence and control that which cannot be controlled – human emotions and love.

The Marquis Mark

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For romance novelist Lewis Hathaway, and other entitled members of the Marquis Club, living their lives embracing the writings and philosophies of the Marquis de Sade, the French nobleman whose work inspired the words sadism and sadist, sets them deliciously apart from the rest of society. When Darlene Beatty, a single mother, becomes trapped within their web of depravity, she finds herself reluctantly heading down a road of violent retribution.

As veteran F.B.I. agent, Casanova “Coop” Braydon deals with his wife’s terminal cancer and the impact it has on his family, for the first time in his career he compromises his integrity and finds himself under the thumb of Claudio Caponi, head of the Anastasia Crime Family, in his bid to deal with an ambitious captain and psychopath, Johnny Roselli.

Realizing the world is full of darkness, both Darlene and Coop find themselves desperate to regain control of their lives, yet unsure of its possibility – a point made clear as their fates converge, and the lines between right and wrong continue to take a murderous turn.

The Merry Pranked

***FREE PREVIEW CHAPTERS***

Journalist Leslie Marshall is haunted by his past, and now, as he watches another relationship circle the drain he’s determined to do something about it. Despite having watched his entire family murdered when he was a 10-year-old boy, the killers have never been brought to justice. As Leslie sets out seeking revenge, he finds himself confronted by his father’s long buried secrets—secrets he is forced to confront as he tries to find it within himself to become the killer he needs to be.

Artist Gail Russell also has hidden demons in her closet and a tragic past. Upon meeting Leslie at a Survivor’s of Violent Crime meeting, and at her art gallery exhibit, these two damaged individuals join forces in an unholy alliance of revenge and murder that soon pits them against Morgan Neil, the city’s deadly crime boss.

Trying to solve a series of bizarre murders, unlike any he’s ever seen in his long career with the police force, is Detective Ray Michaels, unaware that some of the city’s oldest sins have finally resurfaced leaving behind a trail of blood.