Monthly Archives: May 2012

Interview with, author, L. S. Fayne + excerpt

Today we have crossed the digital divide to speak with, author, L. S. Fayne. She writes charming fantasy novels full of familial love, magic and vivacious characters, that are generally split into two series:

19th Century Series: The O’Byrne Daughters

Budding Magic: Book One
It’s Just Magic!: Book Two
Gathering of the Raven: Book Three

20th Century Series: Druantia’s Children 

Christmas in the House of O’Byrne: Book One
Druantia’s Braids: Book Two
There Can’t Be Shadows Without Light: Book Three
Book Four expected soon Continue reading →

Have you checked out Back To the Books yet? You should!

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I got exciting news yesterday. The Weeping Empress has made the top 10 top sellers list at Back to the Books independent book store. Never heard of it? Not too surprising, it’s relatively new. But indie and self-published authors everywhere should sit up and pay attention. Back to the Books is truly something special. It is a books store–a psychical, you can walk in and pick up a book, book store completely dedicated to indie and self-published books!

All photos from Jon at www.bttbonline.net

From the website:
“Back to the Books is located in beautiful Manitou Springs, Colorado in the shadows of Pikes Peak!

Owned and operated by Jon Renaud, an independent author himself, Back to the Books is the only bookstore opened for the sole purpose of bringing the works of independent authors from around the world together in one place. Back to the Books has assembled an incredible collection of unique books for the residents and visitors of Manitou Springs and the surrounding communities to enjoy.

Back to the Books has hundreds of titles from authors from all over the U.S., U.K., Canada, and even Australia. It does not matter if you love fiction, non-fiction, self-help, motivational, or even children’s books, you’ll find some of the best works you have never heard of, right here at Back to the Books!”

Getting books in stores and on shelves has always been one of the biggest challenges for small-scale published books. Jon is providing a unique opportunity. This is one more chink in the armor barring indies from access to the literary community. I would like to call on the indie and self-publishing community to support Jon in his endeavor.

While Back to the Books is predominantly a bricks and mortar store, there is an online component. If you’re looking for a new read why not browse the virtual shelves and support both a fellow non-traditionally published author and an innovative business venture that benefits us all. Think about it. If Jon’s model takes off there could be an independent seller of independent books in your own town soon!

There are a number of really interesting books available. I have no doubt you can find something of interest. How about starting with the top 10 list?

1. Sharing Mountain Recipes (The Muffin Lady)
2. Horses in Myths, Legends and Folktales (Pat Perrin)
3. History of Manitou Springs (Images of America)
4. Hands At Work (Iris Graville)
5. Ranches of Colorado (John Fielder)
6. Automaton (Alana Woods)
7. Time Ship (Gary Cottrell )
8. Chocolate Lenin (Graham Diamond)
9. New Mars Family Vacation (J.L. Manning)
10. The Weeping Empress (Sadie S. Forsythe) <—– See there I am!

Next time I am in Colorado I intend to go out of my way to walk into the store and buy a book, maybe even a few. I encourage you to do the same.

Book Review of Mi-Kyung Yun’s Bride of the Water God

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Bride of the Water God, Volume 1 (Bride of the Water God #1) by Mi-Kyung Yun

Description:
When Soahs impoverished village decides to sacrifice her to the Water God Habaek to end a long drought, they believe that drowning one beautiful girl will bring much-needed rain. Not only is Soah surprised to be rescued by the Water God, she never imagined she’d be a welcomed guest in Habaeks magical kingdom. Young adult.

Review:

I’m a dedicated fan of Japanese manga, but even I have to admit the Koreans take the cake for beautiful graphic art. I always think that since the stories of manga/manhwa are static, the drawing style is very important. This manhwa is delicately drawn and absolutely gorgeous. There is a certain openness to it, countered by the grand and detailed costumes and characters (they are divine, after all). It’s a good thing that this manwah has a quietness. It’s full of pregnant pauses, giving the reader the opportunity to stop and admire the pictures.

I don’t mean to suggest that beauty is all this story has going for it. Soah is a strong, if initially pitiable, girl who accepts her fate. Be it being sacrificed by her village or being rescued by the Water God. The Gods themselves all have their own aloof characters. They’re almost immortal (if not immortal), and a definite sense of frustration and boredom seeps through. You can sense that the mores they abide by aren’t quite the same as on the mortal plane.

The story has love, drama, intrigue, and sacrifice. I’ve read up to volume 14 and am still enamored with the story. I’ll definitely be reading on. Highly recommended.