Please click on over to the new home for my blog.
http://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com/
I apologize for any inconvenience.
-Lisa
Posted by lisahaselton
at 3:08 PM EDT
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Please click on over to the new home for my blog.
http://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com/
I apologize for any inconvenience.
-Lisa
Hi Kim,
Welcome to my Reviews and Interviews blog. I enjoyed reading “Death Masks” – well, except for the not-sleeping-well effect it had on me. I found it quite horrifying.
What first inspired you to write this novel?
I wrote the first draft while living in Ohio, across the street from a metro park. Having come from the wide open spaces of New Mexico, the dense trees of Ohio and steep areas struck me as places to dump a body. Often in the news, people were found days after driving off into one of these areas. I did talk with the park rangers near me and found out they try to keep any assaults or other problems occurring in the parks under wraps so that people will feel safe in coming there.
What is a death mask?
Throughout the ages, man often made masks of the deceased faces. It is a way of honoring the dead and, before photographs became available, to preserve the visage of the deceased person for the living to view. There are many in museums around the world including some famous people such as Agamemnon, Cromwell, Edison, Newton and Volaire.
I made a plaster cast of my own face to use for promoting Death Masks and the detail of the features surprised me. The death masks I had the opportunity to see also had great detail. FYI: the one I did of myself is technically called a Life Mask since I am still living.
How did you choose your protagonist?
I decided early on I wanted my protagonist to be someone different than those you find in a lot of thrillers. Bill is an IT computer support tech instead of a detective or someone with law enforcement experience. His curiosity keeps him on the trail but his lack of experience causes him to make mistakes.
Why did you decide to publish Death Masks with Eternal Press, an e-book publisher?
I find every path to publishing valid in one form or another. My first book came out as a print on demand format because I had the opportunity to do it free. I do editing for Eternal Press and so took the opportunity to try my hand at an e-book when it was offered. It may not be the best choice for every book, but I believe a good one for this story. I prefer to form my own opinions about such things with a little of my own experience.
Tell us about the book trailer.
My fiancé, William Gilchrist filmed it for me using ideas we brainstormed together. The music is from a death metal band from my hometown of Roswell, New Mexico. I wanted a rougher sound since this is not a happy, fluffy story. The neat thing is the band, Children of a Lesser God, and I are working together to promote ourselves. It’s opened up some interesting opportunities. They will be taking touring all summer and Death Masks goes with them. The trailer can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lp2zpDNMfmM
What are you working on now?
I have a horror novel tentatively titled, Holy Blessed Homicide, which I am revising. It is also out in submission.
I am also in the first rewrites of a story about the Amazon warrior women from the region of Turkey. It was my 2007 nanowrimo project but I have two more in the series planned. The first of which is brainstormed and the first few chapters written.
Do you have any advice for new writers?
Perseverance: wrap it around your shoulders and tie it tight.
Do you belong to a critique group? Do you believe they are beneficial to writers?
I strongly believe in critique groups. The trick is to find the one for you. I’ve learned so much from the groups I’ve belonged to both in-person and online.
Currently I belong to one which meets online weekly.
Critique groups are vital to any writer. They often see things you overlook in your manuscript. You know what you want to say; only another person can tell you if you said it clearly. They also give you a sense of accountability. For me, I am embarrassed when I don’t have my submission ready or my critiques done. Many times, once I sit down to do them, a lot more comes out of the time at the keyboard.
You do have to take the critiques themselves with a grain of salt. Remember, these are one person’s perspective and opinion. You are not obligated to make the changes they suggest but if several people tell you the same thing, that’s a sign it needs to be fixed.
You learn your critique partners strengths and weaknesses over time and then have a better idea of which areas of their advice to heed or ignore. Don’t take any of it personally. It’s the STORY they are critiquing, not you and it is okay to tell someone getting personal that they’ve hurt your feelings.
Do you outline before you write, or do you dive in and see where the characters take you?
I outline in a weird way. I call it brainstorming but I make a ton of notes and arrange them in an order once I’m done. I usually start out with a “What if?” and go from there. I’ve found that the research stage shapes the characters and the world so that they fit one another and the situation. Many plots have arisen from elements uncovered in research.
It’s true that you do need to know how you want the story to end and it helps to know a few important crossroads in the plot but don’t be rigid because the story will turn out feeling unnatural or forced.
What do you love most about being a writer?
That it’s okay to be creative and enjoy what you do. I’ve done the get up and go to a job that I hate thing and it’s not good for your mental health, which then affects your physical health and relationships. Life is too precious to waste it that way.
You write mainly horror and fantasy, but you’ve also written sci-fi, children’s and non-fiction. Are there any others? Do you have a favorite?
I love reading fantasy most, though horror is gaining. I just find writing horror a little easier and science fiction the hardest. My children’s story started out as a fantasy for an adult fantasy magazine. It was a writer in my local critique group who recognized it as a children’s story. I also write erotica, though have not yet published any.
I’ve had people in my life ask me to “write something nice” and so I tried my hand at inspirational stories. They royally sucked and so I returned to where my creativity thrives. Non-fiction is a lot more work for me as well and I struggle with my own fears that I’m not enough of an expert so I don’t write much of it. Most of the non-fiction I have written involves writing, book and tv reviews, scifi/fantasy/horror. I’d love to write magazine articles but so far nothing I’ve written along those lines is interesting enough.
Can you share the links to all your networking sites, please?
Writers Chatroom (Chats, newsletter, forum) http://www.writerschatroom.com/
Pretty Scary (online community for women in horror) http://www.pretty-scary.net/
Broad Universe (women writers in sf/f/h) http://www.broaduniverse.org/
Good Reads http://www.goodreads.com/profile/Kim_Richards
Live Journal http://kim-richards.livejournal.com/My Space http://www.myspace.com/kim_richards
Blogger http://kim-richards.blogspot.com/
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=643339421
Eternal Press (my publisher and where I work as a marketing manager). Here’s the blog link: http://www.eternalpressauthors.blogspot.com
NANOWRIMO http://www.nanowrimo.org/
The Muse Online Writing Conference (in October each year) http://www.freewebs.com/themuseonlinewritersconference/index.htm
I also belong to a ton of email lists for fantasy writers, horror writers, book promotions, book news, and more. I don’t believe in joining a group just to promote my work but do feel free to promote in the places I hang out. I’ve found mentors here and a lot of great friends.
The best way for fans to connect with you would be…?
Please feel free to email me at krichards@kim-richards.com
Kim, thank you again for stopping by today. I’d like to remind everyone who visits to leave a comment to be entered into drawings for a copy of Death Masks, cds, and tshirts.
Death Masks
Written by: Kim Richards
Thriller
Rated: Very Good (****)
Review by: Lisa Haselton
Bill Cristo finally heeds his doctor’s advice to lose a little weight. Okay, so it’s really about 100 pounds, and it isn’t the doctor’s gloomy outlook that persuades Bill to lace up the sneakers, but he does start a fitness routine in a nearby park.
While out on his first day of physical fitness, Bill comes across what appears to be a mugging. He doesn’t consider himself brave, but he knows his size generally intimidates, so he moves forward to assist. Next thing he knows he’s waking up in a hospital with terrifying images of the guy he tried to save.
Bill keeps an eye on the news for muggings, attacks, and missing persons, all with no results. He knows he saw a terrified man in trouble, but there’s no evidence in the park to support his knowledge. Something isn’t right, though. He feels someone is watching him, and when his girlfriend calls to tell him she’s been getting voiceless phone calls all day at home, his fears spiral into overdrive.
Kim Richards’ unique protagonist is well-crafted as an average person. She’s written her characters so their actions are relatable and understandable. The writing of the characters’ emotions is seamless. She pulls the reader in and allows them to follow the action as if part of the scene. The tight writing puts the chill up one’s spine as the tale unfolds.
Kim Richards was born and raised in Roswell, NM. She currently resides in Santa Rosa, CA and will be getting married in May 2009. She loves all things in the fantastical genres of horror, fantasy and science fiction. Her hobbies include live action role play, Amtgard, belly dancing and costuming. She has one children’s story published and Death Masks is her first thriller. For more information on all of her published works, check out her website at www.kim-richards.com.
Death Masks is a chilling read. If you enjoy thrillers, this book does not disappoint. Follow along as an average guy in an average job with an average life reluctantly follows his instincts to catch a ghost. Try not to read it close to bedtime, however, because some images may haunt you.
Available at: http://www.eternalpress.ca/deathmasksnew.html
Title: Death Mask
Author: Kim Richards
Publisher: Eternal Press
ISBN: 978-0-9804739-4-0
Pages: 111
Price: $5.95
Check it out! Sandy Lender asked me why I use a pseudonym and how I came up with the name.
You can read what I said at her blog - http://www.todaythedragonwins.blogspot.com/
Everyone has a story to tell, what's yours?
-Lisa
Join me here on Friday, June 21st for Kim Richards as she stops by on her virtual book tour for her thriller novel "Death Masks"!
Check out the book trailer.
Kim will be here to answer any questions you may have for her, and you'll be entered into a drawing for copies of the book, tshirts, band cd's and more!!!
Long-time friend and companion, Hrazon has been on the run with Chariss for years. They find themselves now residing at Hleo-Arcana as guests of the Taiman’s. Chariss has sworn to protect centuries-old Rhone Taiman from all possible enemies. Her vow to Nigel Taiman to be his wife is centermost in her mind, but must not take priority in her life at the moment.
With enemies powerful in casting spells, Chariss longs to have use of her gaesa’n abilities again, but until then she must trust her gut instincts and experience. She also knows she can rely on her wizard, her betrothed, and her dragon to be there when she needs them. Her ability to win over warriors with a smile and light manner is balanced with her spectacular swordsmanship of which no one can best.
Sandy Lender grabs the reader by the hand and pulls him along until the finish with her exception writing style. The quick-witted dialogue keeps the story moving along at such a clip that the reader is grateful for a pause so he can catch his breath. Lender creates a fantasy world with gods and goddesses, dragons and wizards, swords and daggers, love and betrayal, that feels incredibly real. The characters are multi-dimensional and quite interesting. Lender’s style makes it seem like you’re watching a movie rather than reading a book.
Sandy Lender’s second novel and second in the Choices trilogy, Choices Meant for Kings, picks up just after Choices Meant for Gods. She has an English degree from Truman University and has been in the magazine publishing and public relations/marketing field for numerous years. She finds herself needing to stay extremely organized in order to make time for writing. She is hard at work on the final book in this trilogy and plans a prequel. You can read more at Sandy’s writing and marketing blog, http://www.todaythedragonwins.blogspot.com/.
I highly recommend any lovers of fantasy read Choices Meant for Kings. The fantastic world is as real as its characters. The action and dialogue move you along a fantastic thrill ride that is as curvy and treacherous as paths along a steep mountainside. Make sure you have time set aside because once you start reading this book, you won’t be able to put it down. There is never a dull moment.
Title: Choices Meant for Kings
Author: Sandy Lender
Publisher: ArcheBooks Publishing
ISBN: 978-159507-219-1
Pages: 323
Price: $27.99
Virtual Book Tour for Kim Richards June 9th through June 30th, 2008.
If you've never done a book tour before, this is how it works: on the date listed, visit the corresponding blog where you'll find reviews, interviews, information regarding Kim's thriller, Death Masks. We will also be promoting the anthology containing Kim's story, Dragonfruit, called Firestorm of Dragons.
Whenever you visit a blog, be sure and leave a comment. For each comment, your name is put into a weekly drawing for prizes such as pdf copies of either book, tshirts, music from the band, Children of a Lesser God (who provided the music for the Death Masks video book trailer) and more.
Kim will be visiting the blogs so feel free to ask any questions you may have. It's all about having fun and talking about books. Consider yourself invited!
Date Name Blog address for tour visit (in bold)Web address
June 9, 2008 Sandy Lender www.todaythedragonwins.blogspot.com
June 10, 2008 Ginger Simpson http://mizging.blogspot.com
June 13, 2008 Mike Philbin http://mikephilbin.blogspot.com/
http://www.horrorquarterly.com/mikephilbin/index.html
June 15, 2008 Heidi Martinuzzi w/Pretty Scary www.prettyscary.net
June 16, 2008 Lea Shizas http://thewritingjungle.blogspot.com/
http://leaschizaseditor.tripod.com/
June 18, 2008 Billie A. Williams http://printedwords.blogspot.com/
http://www.billiewilliams.com/
June 19, 2008 Eternal Press Blog http://eternalpressauthors.blogspot.com/
June 20, 2008 HERE!! Lisa Haseltonhttp://lisahaselton.tripod.com/reviewsandinterviews/
http://lisahaselton.tripod.com
June 23, 2008 Pamela K. Kinney http://PamelaKKinney.blogspot.com
http://fantasticdreams.50megs.com/
June 24 2008 Diana Castilleja http://dianacastilleja.blogspot.com
http://www.dianacastilleja.com/
June 25, 2008 Val Griswold-Ford http://www.vg-ford.com/blog.html
June 26& 27, 2008 Joyce Anthony http://joyceanthony.tripod.com
June 28, 2008 Glenn Walker www.monsura.blogspot.com
June 29, 2008 Sheri McGathy http://sherimcgathy.com/sheri/content/blog/
June 30, 2008 Arwen Spencer http://labingi.livejournal.com/
Other places promoting the book tour. Please patronize them for their kindness.
Jordan Dane http://www.jordandane.com
Kathy Ptacek @ Gila Queen http://gilaqueen.us/
Starmerrow http://community.livejournal.com/starmerrow/
Karina Fabian www.fabianspace.com
WritersChatroom www.writerschatroom.com
Carolyn Howard-Johnson www.thenewbookreview.blogspot.com.
The Truth (I’m a girl, I’m smart and I know everything)
Written by: Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein
Readers 9-12
Rated: Excellent (*****)
Review by: Lisa Haselton
The Truth is a glimpse into the diary and thoughts of a girl who is ten at the start of the story. We follow her through two school years and get a candid look at a ‘tween’s perspective of life. Everyone can remember feeling that we knew more than our parents when we were kids.
In The Truth, the narrator gives us her opinion on falling in love, the damage done when parents argue, and her fears about getting older. She does so in a sincere and straightforward matter. She makes a list of truths that she wants to remember as she gets older because she fears aging has a negative effect. She knows adults must know the truths but that they somehow forgot, for how else can they possibly accept yelling at each other.
The unique voice along with the diary entry format make the book a quick read. It has an educational value which should be shared with all young girls and parents. The entries are direct and honest. The reader feels privy to the secret diary of the girl whose writing is personal, accessible. The observations made within the diary follow a natural progression of personal growth, which makes it feel more like non-fiction than fiction.
Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein is the originator of The Enchanted Self(R). She has been a positive psychologist in private practice and licensed in the states of New Jersey and Massachusetts since 1981. She is currently in private practice in Long Branch, New Jersey with her husband, Dr. Russell M. Holstein.
I highly recommend reading The Truth. It is great for women of any age, and can definitely be appreciated by tweens and teens. It’s interesting to have memories of the tween years conjured up that are a mixture of enjoyable and hard to deal with.
Title: The Truth (I’m a girl, I’m smart and I know everything)
Author: Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein
Publisher: Enchanted Self Press
ISBN: 978-09798952-0-3
Pages: 96
Price: $6.95
Voice of Conscience
Written by: Behcet Kaya
Fiction
Rated: Good (***)Review by: Lisa Haselton
Ramzi Ozcomert Junior is twelve. Being invited on the annual logging trip with his father means he is a step closer to manhood. Ramzi’s determination to prove his strength teaches him endurance. His father’s wisdom teaches him much more.
Ramzi’s sister, Erin, has their father’s support in marrying the man she loves instead of following tradition. Family and friends celebrate the nuptials according to custom. The wedding day is at hand and tainted by threats from the snubbed Kocdag family. As Ramzi’s entire life changes, he must rely on the knowledge he gained from his father to make sense of his life and aid him in survival. His travels introduce him to good, bad and devious people, and he quickly realizes he has the intelligence and strength to move on.
Behcet Kaya’s descriptive writing pulls the reader into the start of the story. The Turkish village comes alive and the reader is given a glimpse of beliefs and customs inherent for the times. The writing and tone shift as the story progresses and Ramzi ages. Philosophical narrative replaces dialogue. The point of view shifts to show the reader a large overall picture instead of a slice of life.
At sixteen, Behcet Kaya left his small Turkish village for England where he finished high school and pursued mechanical engineering. He became a US citizen in 1985. He and his wife currently live in southern California. Voice of Conscience is his first novel.
Voice of Conscience is a good read for historical appreciation of how culture and beliefs may affect personal choices; however, one must be able to overlook editorial issues.
Title: Voice of Conscience
Author: Behcet Kaya
Publisher: Outskirts Press, Inc.
ISBN: 978-1-4327-0628-9
Pages: 346
Price: $26.95
The Wildcat’s Victory
Written by: Christopher Hoare
Science fiction / Fiction / Time travel
Rated: Very Good (****)
Review by: Lisa Haselton
Gisel Matah is back! Still in her early 20s and now a Major, she’s still an Iskander operative to be reckoned with. Her hands are full with balancing a love life, dealing with an operative’s murder, and preparing soldiers for battle.
The Iskanders have an alliance with the Felgers, a Gaian merchant and banker family. Yet there are still areas where the trust wanes. Gisel’s engagement to Yohan Felger hasn’t helped matters. Each has to balance duty to their people with their desire to be honest with each other. The challenges they face on a daily basis test their limits. How can she fully trust Yohan, when he’s loyal to the Baron who has yet to accept her? What drew Yohan to Gisel is now the same thing he has the hardest time accepting, especially when her newest assignment has her directly reporting to her former lover.
Life on Gaia has improved and progress is being made, but with the murder of an undercover operative and a radical movement that needs tempering, Gisel is not bored. In addition, she is asked to command a cavalry to support the rear of a battle line which has recently lost its commander. She hesitates to accept, but is pulled into the role and quickly learns the challenges ahead of her. A sadistic Skathian prince uses the battlefield for his own enjoyment and strives to learn how to defeat both sides in order to obtain total control.
The story is engaging and intriguing. I liken it to an intense chess match. It’s interesting to see how actions cause reactions and know that there is a third party lingering on the sidelines about to blow all the strategies off the board. Gisel trains her young cavalry men as best she can with the limited time they have. At the climax, their lives hang on her quick thinking, negotiating skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.
Christopher Hoare’s second novel, The Wildcat’s Victory, picks up eighteen months after Deadly Enterprise. The strong female protagonist, Gisel, is solid and well-crafted. The author manages to keep the character’s voice true to a young female officer with a lot of responsibility in a male-dominated field. She comes off feminine yet also a strong warrior. The tight writing and focused attention to detail keeps the reader engaged.
I recommend reading The Wildcat’s Victory, especially if you are a strategist, chess player, or war enthusiast. The battle scenes are succinct, yet detailed enough to appreciate a commander’s skill needed for success. The pacing is quite in tune with the scenes so the reader feels part of the action, whether it’s calm or full of motion.
Title: The Wildcat’s Victory
Author: Christopher Hoare
Publisher: Double Dragon Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-55404-539-6
Pages: 320
Price: $16.99
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