Hi all:
As you know, I’m on the way to publishing my first YA series (I’m getting there!) and I asked for help with sharing information about it. Blogger friends, you’ve been AWESOME (and I’m well aware some people dread the way the word is used these days, but in this case, it’s true. I’m in awe, thunderstruck… any superlatives you might come up with).
I’ll try and do a drumroll of everybody when the worst (or best) is over.
But I thought as thanks, I should give you something. The next few weeks I’m involved not only in promoting my own books but in blog tours for others (it seems to be the season) so I thought I’d take the chance today. I pondered, thought and finally, I decided to share a story, that I think can be enjoyed by all, writers, readers and dreamers alike. Some of you might have read it already but it’s never been officially published, and it’s light enough, to cheer people up. It’s not short, short, but… Ah, and I leave you a few links to other things that you might find interesting at the end.
Here it goes:
The Novel
Denver had never been the most attractive or lucky of girls. Brown hair, brown eyes, average height. Not a sculptural body either. She’d gone through Primary and High School without doing anything remarkable. She’d had a few dates, but she’d never had a formal boyfriend (or an informal one, for that matter!). She’d managed to move away from her parents’ house (nice people, but too conventional) nearly a year ago, and she’d expected her life to change completely. No more boredom! Excitement, freedom, recklessness! Maybe all that wasn’t her, after all, because her life had continued to be as boring as usual. Nothing new. She had a studio-flat to herself, but that was all there was. It wasn’t even in a fancy place. Peaceful, quiet, and empty.
Even her friend Phoebe was living with someone. She’d always thought Phoebe would be the last girl in the world to get somebody. So shy, so prudish, she never dared to take any risks at all…And there she was. Phoebe had had her adventure, and Denver was still there. Waiting. What on earth was she waiting for?
If only things were like in the books or the films. Life would be so much easier to handle. If only she could discover what the plot to her life was, or at least what the genre of the novel she was living was. If life came with a book of instructions for its use and enjoyment everything would be so much simpler…
She told herself that it was all a matter of determination. She was going to take control. From now on, she was writing her own story. And she would decide what it was going to be like. She could hear the music of Carmen (‘Toreador’) as she went to sleep on the thought. Her name in neon lights. Her relatives and friends clapping at her performance. Her life was going to become a best seller!
The next morning, when she walked into her office, she’d made her mind up. A romantic story. That was what her life was going to be. A beautiful love story. The setting wasn’t perfect: tables, computers, doors, papers and more papers. But her reserve of imagination was larger than the Federal Bank’s gold reserve. She could blank out reality if she tried real hard. It was all in the process of creation. The plastic and cheap-looking tables could become mahogany, period tables. The lamps, crystal…Maybe something more intimate and less grand would be more romantic. She didn’t want ‘Gone with the Wind’ either. It was too much. Not so ambitious. Flowery pastel curtains on the windows; instead of the huge skyscrapers a lake and a little white house in the distance, a Cole Porter song…And soft light. Definitely soft light. It would go with her pink dress. And she had a hero. Mr. Spencer, Mark, her boss. He was tall, dark and handsome. Denver was well aware that there were many women interested in him, but deep inside him, even if he’d never showed it, she knew that the flame of his love for her burned really hot. She had got some flowers for her desk, to complete the scene, and she left one in his room.
Mr. Spencer came in and nodded at her. The music grew louder. He hadn’t said anything but Denver sensed that he was only feigning indifference. She waited for his call. He would call her any time to thank her for the flower, and he would acknowledge his feelings. She could picture the scene. She’d go in, and there he would be, in the centre of the room, hazy background and a shiny smile on his face. Who needed Brad Pitt or Leonardo Di Caprio when she had Mr. Spencer? He would rush towards her, inflamed by his passion and taking her hand he would cover it with kisses.
”Thanks for the flower. It’s so beautiful and delicate as you are. I suppose you imagined I didn’t notice you, but it’s taken all my self-control not to approach you before, and now…”
“Mr. Spencer…” She would blush and flip her long eyelids that were one of her main charms.
“Call me Mark…”
One of the other girls, a newcomer, short and very active, shook her.
“Mr. Spencer is calling you. I wouldn’t make him wait. He’s been quite short recently.”
“He won’t be short with me.”
The other girl looked at her surprised, but Denver marched in the office with her notebook and a broad smile. ‘Our love is here to stay’ was playing in her mind.
“Mr. Spencer.”
He was sneezing like mad. No hazy background, no shiny smile.
“Was this your idea?” He asked pointing at the flower.
“Well, yes. I thought it would enliven the office.”
“Nobody asked you to think. I’m allergic to flowers. Take that away from here. Quick!” His tone was dry and hard. He was not amused.
She grabbed the flower feeling mortified. She was only trying…
“And don’t come back in. Mr. Wingfield needs someone to help him. His secretary had an accident a couple of days ago. Take your things to his office.”
Mr. Wingfield! He was old, fiery, and not very nice. Denver could have cried.
“And take the flowers on your desk with you. Thanks.”
Thanks? Thanks? Who did he think he was? Not her hero, definitely not. A romantic hero didn’t behave like that. Men. One could never trust them to play their parts.
While she was filing documents in Mr. Wingfield’s office she concluded that, whatever it was, her life wasn’t a romantic novel. But, who wanted a romantic novel anyhow? There was no real adventure, no risk, and no danger. A detective story. A good detective story was what she needed.
Next day Denver decided on wearing a dark suit, and she even bought a packet of cigarettes on the way. She tried to smoke one, but it made her cough, and her eyes started to cry. She threw them away. She’d have to be a healthy detective instead.
Once in the office nothing exciting seemed to happen for a while. Selecting the mail, answering some of the letters, rearranging some appointments. Just before midday, Steve, one of the salesmen and Marie’s (one of the other secretaries) boyfriend went to see her. He was a nice guy, nothing outstanding, but kind and attentive. He didn’t have a dress sense though, red hair and a brown suit didn’t quite match, but he wasn’t like the other salesmen always flirting with the pretty girls and never talking to her. He was polite and he always told her about his adventures when selling their ‘wonderful garden implements’. Marie never let him talk about it; it was too boring for her. She only wanted him to adore her and talk about her all the time. Steve was far too good for Marie. Not Denver’s type, but he deserved better than Marie. She always had to act all high and mighty.
“ I wonder if you can help me with this mystery.”
A mystery! Eureka! She had the feeling this was going to be her lucky day. The music inundated her ears. Dark, slightly threatening, jazzy…
“Tell me.”
“I’ve been to see Marie…She’s not at her desk.”
Denver’s pulse accelerated. The trumpet blew in. A missing person. Always a good topic in detective stories.
“She’s probably doing something…photocopying?”
“I’ve looked. She isn’t there. Nobody has seen her go out either.”
“Let’s go and see.”
Denver examined Marie’s desk with utmost attention. A good detective had to be scientific and meticulous. Shame she hadn’t brought a magnifying glass with her. But, that was too old-fashioned. Now it was all DNA testing and sophisticated gadgets. She’d have to do with her wit. It was much cheaper. Observation was the first rule. Marie’s notepad was there, so it was unlikely that she would be in Mr. Spencer’s office. Unless she…
“Do you think she’s filing something in the office?” Steve asked.
“It’s possible, but Mr. Spencer doesn’t like us to do it while he is here, and he hasn’t gone out. You see? She hasn’t written anywhere where he was going. He must be there.”
“What about the toilet?”
“It’s been quite a while. And her handbag is in the drawer, so she isn’t making up or anything.”
“She can’t possibly have vanished.”
“Did she know you were coming?”
“No, she didn’t. I wasn’t supposed to be here today, I had to go out of town, but the client phoned saying he was unwell, so I didn’t go.”
“I see.”
An idea came to Denver’s mind. She didn’t like it, but it made sense. Why Mr. Spencer had seemed so crossed recently, why Marie had been wearing nicer and more expensive clothes, why he’d dismissed her with a stupid excuse. Her mental soundtrack died. It was solemnly silent.
“I think…” Denver pressed a button in the intercom.
“Oh Marie…”
“Mr. Spencer…”
“Mark…”
“Mark…Go on…Go on…Yes, yes, yes!”
Denver switched it off. It was too much. Steve’s face had changed colour.
“Bitch.”
“Don’t…”
Steve was flushed, shaky, but tried to smile. “Don’t worry. I won’t do anything stupid. Good luck to her. I can find somebody like her any time. Thanks all the same.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s all right. Not your fault. Bye.”
Denver wasn’t hard enough for the job. She didn’t like its results. The truth could be too hurtful at times and she wasn’t mean. Her life wouldn’t be a detective’s story either.
Denver didn’t admit her defeat as yet. The times weren’t right for romantic novels or detective stories. People wanted the impossible, dreams come true, progress…Science Fiction, that was the ‘in’ thing. A good Sci-Fi story. That was it.
On the elevator the next day she was trying to get herself in the right mood for her new genre. The building was better suited for that than for romantic novels or detective stories really. Metallic-looking doors, abstract paintings, mechanical sculptures, cameras everywhere, computer screens, and thousands of doors…Even the people looked grey and metallic that day. The elevator stopped without a warning between the tenth and eleventh floor. She didn’t know any of the other people stuck with her. They worked in other offices. One of the men, pale, bold, in a grey suit, seemed annoyed.
“I wonder what it is this time. These bloody things never work properly.”
“It won’t be anything serious.” the youngest, blondest and prettiest of the girls affirmed. She was wearing a grey skirt and a grey blouse too. Definitely a grey day.
“Shall we press the alarm button?” a very young man anxious, sweaty, and probably wearing his first grey suit for his first job, asked.
The lights went off. Maybe she’d made a mistake and it was a horror movie after all. Or a combination, like ‘Alien’. But, the only music that would play in her mind would be the band in ‘Star Wars’ bar. OK, they were all a bit weird in that elevator, but not as weird as the specimens in the film.
“What’s happening?” It was an unknown voice. A grey woman, no doubt.
“I’ll press the button” the young grey man said. No movement, no sound. Dead quiet.
“It isn’t working! What’s happening?” the same grey woman asked. The pitch of her voice was higher this time.
The elevator shook and there were noises. Everybody went quiet. Denver thought that it didn’t feel quite right for an abduction. She’d always heard about bright lights, and usually somebody driving along lonely roads, or out for a walk, not in the middle of town, in an elevator full of people. It didn’t make sense. Maybe it was a horror novel. But why that music? It wasn’t serious. Even the music of the ‘X-Files’ would be more appropriate, but no. The alien bar in ‘Star Wars’.
They could hear what seemed to be voices coming from outside. Perhaps it was an abduction after all. Aliens. Did aliens prefer people wearing grey in elevators? Denver hadn’t read anything about that. She shouldn’t have neglected her culture that way. If she wasn’t abducted she’d made up for it. If she was…well, she imagined she’d get to know, one way or another.
“Help! We’re trapped!” the bold grey man shouted.
The voices stopped and all went very quiet.
“Something is not right.” the very young grey man offered. “I think…”
They heard somebody or something walking on the roof of the elevator. One of the panels on top of them began to move. It was lifted and a ray of light flashed in. Denver had suddenly realised in a panic that she was wearing green! They were coming for her! Aliens couldn’t stand people who wore green! She screamed and the rest of the elevator joined in.
“They’re coming to get us!”.
When a head looked in, a loud thump resounded in the closed space. A spot of light fell on the body. It was the bold grey man. He’d fainted.
“What are you doing here?” the owner of the head asked. “We told the porter not to let anybody use this unit because we had to do some repairs, so we stopped it in a place convenient for us.”
“The porter never said anything.”
“Who did you think I was, anyhow? Why did you scream? Oh well, we’ll let you out. Sorry.” The repair man grinned. He was probably thinking it would make a good story to tell his colleagues. Panic in the elevator!
It was embarrassing. Even Denver looked grey after that. And if it wasn’t bad enough, the music carried on. But she could take it. It wouldn’t be a Science-Fiction story, or a Horror novel either. Maybe try another old-style type of thing. Revival time. A good Western. Nothing could really compare to an old Western. And she’d always wanted to wear cowboy boots and a hat. With the central heating at full blast it felt like a dessert, and the cacti the company had bought to give the office a homely atmosphere helped the impression. Her name was appropriate too. Denver. The Denver Kid…The Denver Girl…Denver the Quick. Buffalo Denver? Decisions, decisions. And Mr. Wingfield bothering her about some copies. She’d choose her new name whilst making the copies.
When Denver reached the photocopier, strategically placed in the middle of the corridor that joined all the offices, she realised that she had forgotten her card. She left her things next to the machine while she went to pick it up. When she returned Marie had had the cheek to jump her place and start photocopying her own stuff. Who did she think she was? First her man, then the photocopier. What would be next? No, it shouldn’t be tolerated. There wasn’t enough space in that office for the both of them. The whistles in one of Clint Eastwood’s movies seemed to filter under the door at the end of the corridor. A very long corridor. Empty. Only Marie and her.
“Marie.”
“Yes?”
“I was here before you came. Didn’t you see my things?”
“You should remember to bring your card with you.”
Denver didn’t have a gun, but she reached for her belt nonetheless. She adjusted her imaginary white hat. At the end of the dusty street was her enemy, Marie, all dressed in black. They were approaching each other in slow motion. Did she imagine the clink of the spurs? Moving closer, a little bit closer.
“And you should remember you have a boyfriend before getting in the office with the boss.” She felt a slightly bitchy, but one had to use the best weapons available. She was ready to shoot. Fast, clean, no hesitation.
“What do you mean?”
“Have you seen Steve recently?”
“No.”
“I think he heard a very strange conversation between Mr. Spencer and you.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“One that went something like: ’Mark…Yes, yes, yes!’” she said, trying to imitate Marie’s high pitched voice. Did she hit the target? Marie was still standing, but she was sure she’d wounded her at least.
“You…!”
“Me…what…?”
Denver could see in Marie’s eyes that she was preparing to shoot. She looked like a good shot. Cool, calm, no shakiness.
“Do you know what Mark said to me, Denver? He said: ’That Denver, she’s such a pathetic creature. She always seems to be living in the clouds, she has no style, no sense of humour. I’m sure she’s a lesbian.’”
“He didn’t…” Denver felt the bullet straight in the heart.
“Do you want us to ask him?”
Denver retreated. Too much blood loss to try another shot. She wasn’t offended by Mr. Spencer calling her a lesbian. That wasn’t an insult, that was the same as calling her short or brown-haired. Only she didn’t feel attracted to women that way. But ‘pathetic creature’ ‘no sense of humour’. She’d tried so hard to make him like her and she had failed. She didn’t stand a chance with anybody else. She left the scene badly wounded. She’d lost her duel. She wasn’t made to be a gunwoman either.
If Steve hadn’t walked in her office at that precise moment Denver would have cried, but she knew he had better reasons than her to cry(after all he’d been going out with Marie for nearly two years now and he seemed quite serious about it), and he was holding on. Whatever her life was, she didn’t want to make a big tragedy out of it. It wasn’t that bad.
“Hi Denver. You don’t look happy.”
“Hi Steve. I am not. But nothing important.”
“Tell me your sorrows and I’ll tell you mine.”
“It’s a long story, Steve.”
“It’s lunch time. Go on. Let’s go out and you tell me.”
“All right.”
Sitting on a bench in the park she told Steve her ideas about books and life and her failed attempts at living her life as if it were a book. He laughed.
“Do you think it’s funny?”
“I do. Haven’t you realised that your life makes a wonderful comedy?”
“It doesn’t. Not from my end.”
“I think it’s hilarious. A shoot-out with Marie. That’s a lovely idea. I wouldn’t mind myself. But I’d rather have real guns.”
“I’m pleased I’ve made you laugh.”
“You’ve made me feel better. But not as well as to make me change my mind. I’ve decided to leave this job. It was never for me in the first place and I don’t want to do this for ever. A friend of mine is getting a restaurant. I can’t remember if I’ve told you before but I trained as a chef. It isn’t going to be a big business to start with, but…”
“Here?” It would be sad to lose her only ally in the place. And such a nice person.
“No, in Boston. It’s a bit far but I am not leaving that much behind.”
“I’ll miss you.”
“Come to see me. I’ll miss you too. The only person I’ll miss in this hole. But you must remember, nobody can ruin your life for you if you don’t let them. You have enough imagination to survive anything.”
“Thanks. We must go back to the office. I still work there.”
“Let’s go back.”
Steve promised to say goodbye before leaving, and Denver promised in return that she would try to go and visit him. She sat back at her desk and her mind wandered back to the old themes. Life. Novels. Maybe books weren’t as powerful or as good a guide as she had thought. She didn’t want to live a comedy that was only funny for others. Whoever was writing her life hadn’t given her a very good part on it. And not much voice in the matter. Life wasn’t fair.
“Denver, Denver!” Mr. Wingfield’s voice woke her up from her reveries “Dreaming again? Come to my office. I have to dictate you some letters.”
Letters, letters…Maybe life was only writing other people’s letters.
Back at home Denver kept on thinking about her life. Writing other people’s letters? Was that all there was? No. It couldn’t be. If she couldn’t live her life like a book, maybe….
She sat at the table, got pen and paper and began to write:
Denver had never been the most attractive or lucky of girls.
****
What do you think? I like Denver.
And, a couple of things, as I said at the beginning a couple of links to sites that I’ve been using recently that you might find interesting.
If you’re fed up with ads when you’re on-line, you can try this:
It is free, it exists as an extension that you can download for most of the usual browsers, and although it does not block all ads (it does not block those they consider do not interfere with content and as just part of helping run the site) it does make the experience less annoying. You can also customize it to your own taste, as, for instance, I don’t mind the Facebook like buttons that much, but you can block those too. Have a check and see what you think.
For the authors amongst us, I think we know that if we publish our books with Amazon, we have the added problem of the many different stores, with multiple links to the same book. The answer is to create a link that sends the person directly to their store. There are a few options for this, with caveats about affiliateship extensions, etc (it can get complicated), but I’ve always tried to go for an easy option. Due to some changes in the site I used before, I looked for a new one and came across, Relinks.me.
They provide not only the multi link, but also the shortened version (you don’t need to worry going to Bitly, owly or others… Yes, I’m sure you all know the links shorteners, that can be handy for Twitter), and the you can create an author one too (if you have your profile in more than one of their stores). If you only have one profile, what the author link does is direct people to a list of your books. (I asked).
They also provide a QR code for each book. I haven’t used them for anything yet, but if you produce your own promotional material, it can be handy. Apart from that, I’ve been in contact with them a few times, and they are prompt replying and keen on working with authors, so I like them.
One caveat I noticed. Evidently the system must work with localization for wherever the person clicking the link is, as when I was in Spain, those links would send me to the Spanish Amazon but my account is Amazon UK (no, the links are not that clever).
And something different. As I wasn’t busy enough (Ha!) I thought I’d try to keep my brain going by doing something different. And what better than learning a language! In a post somebody suggested a number of places to learn languages free online. And I tried the first, Duolingo and I liked it (it’s a community and other users from the original country add comments and answer questions, and sometimes the comments are priceless).
If you’re curious, I’m trying to learn German. I’ve been at it for over a month and the site tells me I’m 16% fluent in German. I’m not very convinced.
Ah, and for all of you authors, those of you who know or live with authors, and in general, anybody who fancies a laugh, I’m sharing this post by Kristen Lamb (her blog is a treasure trove of information for writers) that made me roar with laughter. And, please, please, follow the links to the Amazon reviews…
https://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2015/06/05/you-might-be-a-writer-if/
Thanks all for reading, thanks dear friends for your help (you know who you are) and I hope you don’t mind this rambling post. You know, like, share, comment and CLICK!
And don’t forget Angelic Business
Amazon:
Apple:
Kobo:
Nook:
Hola a todos:
Como sabéis hace tiempo os estoy dando la lata con mi nueva serie juvenil ‘Asuntos Angélicos’ y he estado preguntándole a la gente sobre marketing para intentar organizar un plan para su lanzamiento. No sé si lo que tengo es un gran plan, pero en fin… Como tengo escritas las tres novelas, he decidido que usaré el sistema de pre-venta en Amazon para así tener las tres en la cola, listas para ser publicadas, con un mes entre la publicación de cada una de ellas (así también puedo incluir los enlaces a las otras al final). Durante la etapa de pre-venta las pondré en oferta y luego subiré el precio. Me estoy planteando lo de poner la primera gratis (sea una temporada o permanentemente), cuando haya publicado las tres, pero ya veremos). Aún no he decidido si iré a por el KDP Select o no. Puede que lo pruebe para empezar (hace tiempo que no tengo ninguna de mis novelas en Select) pero…
Después de los posts y las discusiones sobre marketing, me gustaría probar a contratar los servicios de alguien para organizar un blog tour (al menos para la versión inglesa, en español no he visto que se lleve), pero creo que será mejor hacerlo cuando alguna de las novelas ya esté a la venta. Así que, después de ver a gente que organiza tours para sus propios libros, he pensado que probaría a hacer lo mismo. Si alguien puede compartir un post sobre ‘Asuntos Angélicos 1. Alerta Pink’ en Junio, os estaría muy agradecida. Aunque no he puesto una fecha en firme para el lanzamiento (lo haré este fin de semana) será sobre el 24 o el 25 de Junio. Yo crearé un post en html que solo hará falta copiarlo al blog, usando la función de texto. No será muy largo o complicado. Si consigo crear un book trailer quizás lo incluya, pero si no, será la portada, la descripción, una muestra y el enlace.
Por supuesto si a alguien le apetece, o tiene tiempo, de leerse el libro y quieren hablar de él por experiencia propia, con mucho gusto. Lo puedo enviar en cualquier formato, aunque la conversión es mía y será la versión borrador del libro. Pero desde luego, si podéis encontarle un huequecito al post…
Ah, la versión en inglés de la portada ya la he compartido en un post, pero esto es exclusiva. Gracias a mi amiga Lourdes Vidal por su creación.
Y aquí la nueva descripción:
Tú eres Pink, no la más guapa de las chicas, pero lista y con grandes recursos. ¿Qué haces cuando tu mejor amigo se ofrece a tener sexo contigo, porque cree que no tienes ninguna otra oportunidad? ¡Planeas cómo vengarte con tus dos mejores amigas, por supuesto!
Parece que has tenido suerte cuando un nuevo y misterioso estudiante se presenta en la escuela. Y por si fuera poco, parece estar interesado en ti. Podría participar en el plan. Pero, parece que tiene un plan propio… Insiste en decir que no es un chico corriente. Y lo que parecía fácil al principio, se complica más y más cuando el Cielo y el Infierno llaman a su puerta.
ALERTA PINK es la historia de Pink, una chica de 17 años, buena estudiante, elocuente y lista. Nunca ha sido el centro de atención ni ha estado entre las diez chicas más populares o atractivas de la escuela. Cuando dos tíos, ambos diciendo que son ángeles, insisten en decir que ella es ‘especial’, se pelean por conseguir su atención y cooperación y le dicen que ella es la clave del futuro del universo, no puede evitar preguntarse: ¿por qué yo?
Y por lo de pedir ayuda tantas veces, pensé que os dejaría un regalito:
Muchas gracias a todos por leer, y si podéis echarme una mano, dejadme un comentario, poneos en contacto conmigo donde sea, y hablamos. Y dadle al like, compartid, comentad, y que los angelitos os acompañen.
Hi all:
As you know, apart from a writer, I’m also a reader and when I have time, I read. I’ve been reading many indie books of recent and being a writer I know how important it is for writers to get reviews for their books. I also try and share them here and see if people who might have missed them find the books interesting.
Today I bring you two short and very different reads. One is a distopian YA novella and the other one a non-fiction book about relationships.
Review of Kirstin Pulioff’s ‘The Ivory Tower’
A sharp, shiny and precise jewel of a dystopian novella.
I read The Ivory Tower very quickly some time ago and have finally managed to catch up with a review. This dystopian story is brief but hides a good punch. I’m always in two minds with regards to shorter stories. On the one hand I want to know more, but on the other hand, the best of them are like perfect jewels, nicely shaped, shiny and precise. Sharp with no rounded edges. I suspect some of that precision and the effect might be lost if they were longer.
The Ivory Tower is one of those stories. The reader is given some details but not the full story behind the situation or the reasons why the characters live as they do. And that makes you think and imagine. It also works because when the main character finds herself in a situation that she cannot quite understand, you are in her shoes and as astounded as her by what happens. The sense of menace and threat increases as one reads and the writing helps create an atmospheric and intriguing tale. Although there are no unduly lengthy descriptions, the reader knows where s/he is. And the ending…
If you only have a little time and want a good story (not a feel good story, though) go and grab The Ivory Tower, quick!
http://www.amazon.com/Ivory-Tower-Kirstin-Pulioff-ebook/dp/B00FJ3A58A/
After “I Do!” A Marriage Map by P.J. LaRue Common sense advice about relationships, from the heart.
Before I write the review I must confess something. I’m not married and I’m not in a relationship at the moment. I’m not sure if that qualifies me more or disqualifies me completely from writing this review, but I’ve already warned you. If you want to read on, it’s up to you.
Having said all that, I have to confess I loved the book. Like all advice, one can take it or leave it. And Oscar Wilde already told us that the thing to do with good advice is to pass it on. That one should never use it oneself. I don’t agree although understand the sentiment.
P.J. LaRue explains her reasons for writing the book. She is aware of the statistics on the survival of relationships and observes that although her marriage seemed to have many numbers for not working, it has (so far for over thirty years). As people kept asking her and her husband for the recipe, that got her thinking, and as she is a writer, she thought she’d write a book about it.
The author’s advice is common sense, but not for that less valuable. She reflects on what she calls ‘Starter Marriages’ and observes that if there is no true commitment to a relationship from the beginning you might as well not even bother. If you’re going to give up at the first hurdle, don’t get in the race. She also emphasises the importance of communication, true communication, and she highlights the elements she thinks are necessary for such communication to exist: honesty, be open, listen, never trash talk, don’t play games, whisper sweet nothings, choose your words carefully, change requires self-awareness, change takes effort, compromise, tone, body language, golden rule and R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Other than ‘whisper sweet nothings’ I’d say they are very good principles to follow in any communication, but even more important when the communication is with your loved one.
If the advice is sound, as I say, what I found more touching (and it is a touching book) was how the author uses her own relationship as a yardstick and example of both the things to do and the possible pitfalls, the type of problems that relationships experience. She is candid and honest when talking about her personal difficulties and the trials that they have had to go through (and they’re still coming to terms with).
It might be that some of the ideas exposed in the book (yes, I’m talking about her stance on sex in relationships) might sound old-fashioned, and she herself acknowledges that, but just because something is old or has been said before it doesn’t mean it is wrong. You can always decide what parts of the advice you think should apply to you, but if you can be as selfless and insightful as the author is after you read it, I guarantee you will have a much better chance at making your relationship work.
http://www.amazon.com/After-Do-Marriage-Map-LaRue-ebook/dp/B00LIGL9FK/
By the way, very recently I’ve joined the BTS-e Magazine team of reviewers (I’ll let you know when my reviews come up and give you a link to the magazine), so I leave you links to it for you to check and explore.
Thanks so much for reading, and you know, if you’ve found it interesting, like, share, comment and of course CLICK! Ah, and if read any books and enjoy them, remember to review and recommend them to your friends!
Today I’m taking part in a blog hop for one of my author-friends from ASMSG. She’s kindly agreed to bring us an interview with one of her character. And don’t miss the rafflecopter giveaway at the end!
First, here is Kirstin:
Author Bio: Kirstin Pulioff is a storyteller at heart. Born and raised in Southern California, she moved to the Pacific Northwest to follow her dreams and graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Forest Management. Happily married and a mother of two, she lives in Oregon, and enjoys being a stay at home mom. When she’s not writing, she is busy with her kids and church. This is Kirstin’s first venture into YA Dystopian, her other published work includes a middle grade fantasy series.
If you want to know more about Kirstin and get in contact with her, here you have a few of her favourite links:
Website: www.kirstinpulioff.com
Facebook: KirstinPulioffAuthor https://www.facebook.com/KirstinPulioffAuthor
Twitter: @KirstinPulioff https://twitter.com/KirstinPulioff
Amazon: Author & Book Page http://www.amazon.com/Kirstin-Pulioff/e/B00A2498Z2/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Goodreads: Kirstin Pulioff https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6558842.Kirstin_Pulioff
Next, a great character interview from her new work ‘The Ivory Tower’. Simone answers….and she’s a bit worried…
Simone, thank you for joining me today for a short conversation. I know the doctors have been keeping notes, but the Colonel and I have a few more questions for you.
Hi *shyly shaking hands, hiding the scarred hand beneath the table.* Questions from the Colonel? I assume this is my exit interview? I can go back home after this?
We’ll see. I am here to ask you a few questions, document my case files, and see if you are ready to be released. None of that has been decided yet. So tell me, what are you most looking forward to? What do you do for fun in the camp?
Can this get me in trouble? *glancing back at the ever present guard*
No, please don’t worry, this is all confidential.
Ok, well, I am excited to see Christine again. She’s my best friend, and she’s been back in school while I’m here. I’m looking forward to seeing her, and trying to have some fun before the factory starts.
You’re almost ready for the factory, are you excited?
Yup, almost of age. This winter I’ll begin, only a couple more weeks. I wouldn’t say excited is the right word. While it will be nice to get out of school, I am not in a hurry for the factory. With school, I can easily escape, and enjoy a day of semi-freedom.
Semi-freedom? What do you mean?
Well, a couple hours between third bell and fourth bell. Maybe not freedom, but at least an hour or two without expectations. *watching the furious scribbles* But it will be nice to produce something you know, feel more productive in the camp.
*Smiling* I like that attitude. I have a feeling you will be very productive. What do you think about life in the camp?
I try not to think about it. There isn’t much to think about, it’s routines, restriction, rations, repeat.
Ready for some quick fire fun?
Quick fire? *glancing to the guard’s gun*
No *laughing*, just some fun questions. Favorite drink: Water? There’s no real options here.
Favorite Game: Hide and seek, there are some great hiding spots in the forest.
Hmmm. I think that is what brought you here in the first place. Favorite Color: Burlap brown *sarcastically*
Favorite number? Really? I will say 277 and leave it at that.
Any message you want to give to people?
I’ll give them the same message I have been given. This camp is here to protect me. This is all for my own good.
Good Simone. Thanks for joining me today. I will let the Colonel know your answers, and I am sure we’ll get you back home, and back to the factor sooner than you know it.
I hope the Colonel is happy with the answers.
And if this has made you as curious as I am (It’s on my list), a bit more information on ‘The Ivory Tower’.
The Ivory Tower- a short story, by Kirstin Pulioff
Genre: YA Dystopian
Blurb: 277 –the number sewn into Simone’s shirt. The number that dictates her life at the protection camp. Regulated by a system of ringing bells, fortified cars, and rations, the survivors are protected from residual contaminates on the other side of the wall.
Breaking the monotony of the highly structured camp, Simone and her friend skip school to enjoy one of the last nice days of fall. An afternoon game leads them to a new part of the forest, uncovering more than they expected. All thoughts of protection and rules are shattered by the appearance of the ivory tower. A tower riddled with a history of danger and death.
When her friend shows up with a bruised face and thinly veiled threats, Simone has to decide how much she is willing to risk to find out the truth of the tower.
Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Ivory-Tower-Kirstin-Pulioff-ebook/dp/B00FJ3A58A/
AND NOW, DON’T MISS THE FANTASTIC
Giveaway:
Prize 1: $25 Amazon gift card
Prize 2: ebook
Dates: midnight EDT October 21 – 11:59 pm EDT November 1
Rafflecopter:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thank you for reading, and if you’ve enjoyed, remember to like, share, comment, click and play!
Ah, if you have to follow the full tour, check the schedule:
Oct. 21 Sarah Aisling http://www.sarahaisling.com Review & Top Ten List
Oct. 22 Mom With A Kindle http://momwithakindle.blogspot.com Book Promo
Oct. 23 To Taste Life Twice Http://jamieadamswriting.wordpress.com Review & Top Ten List
Oct. 24 Down the Rabbit Hole http://www.LeighaLCraig.com Review & Character Interview
Oct. 25 OlgaNM http://OlgaNM.wordpress.com Character Interview
Oct. 26 Larkin’s Book Bloggers http://blogs.ellingtonschools.org/larkin/ Review & Top Ten List
Oct. 27 Cabin Goddess http://cabingoddess.com Weekly Shorts
Brooke Blogs http://www.brookeblogs.com Review & Top Ten List
Oct. 28 Girl Who Reads http://www.girl-who-reads.com Author Interview
Oct. 29 Jenn’s Review Blog http://www.jennsreviewblog.com/ Review
Related articles
- Blog Tour: The Ivory Tower (jamieadamswriting.wordpress.com)