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General Discussions => Entertainment => Books => Topic started by: Northern Star Girl on May 21, 2018, 06:59:06 PM

Title: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on May 21, 2018, 06:59:06 PM
Hello @DannyM  ... this thread has been dormant for many years but there is absolutely no reason that we can not resurrect it and garner some interest from other members if we start actively posting interesting replies on it.

I belong to a small local book club with 6 members and we are all now reading "The Woman in the Window" by A.J. Finn

What books are you now reading and do you belong to a book club group or writers group where you live?   What kinds of books interest you.

Please, let's do this
Danielle
.
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on May 22, 2018, 05:09:14 PM
Here is a simple piece that I wrote about Life's Lessons:


  Life is a lump of clay,
     Waiting for life's lessons
     To shape and to mold it. 
  Each piece shaped to perfection
     By a different lesson
  Some lessons are more difficult
     And take more time,
  Others are simple and sublime.



Danielle

   
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Jessica on May 22, 2018, 05:36:02 PM
Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on May 22, 2018, 05:09:14 PM
Here is a simple piece that I wrote about Life's Lessons:


  Life is a lump of clay,
     Waiting for life's lessons
     To shape and to mold it. 
  Each piece shaped to perfection
     By a different lesson
  Some lessons are more difficult
     And take more time,
  Others are simple and sublime.



Danielle



Beautiful Danielle!

If this is also to nominate good reads, might I mention ....
the Clan of the Cave Bear series by Jean Auel.
It's a tale of a woman in a land in the far distant past.
Based loosely on historical finds of our ancestors and those who slipped off the the map, but who are still part of us.

There six books in the series, a worthy read.

Hugs and smiles, Jess
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on May 22, 2018, 05:47:45 PM
Quote from: Jessica on May 22, 2018, 05:36:02 PM
Beautiful Danielle!

If this is also to nominate good reads, might I mention ....
the Clan of the Cave Bear series by Jean Auel.
It's a tale of a woman in a land in the far distant past.
Based loosely on historical finds of our ancestors and those who slipped off the the map, but who are still part of us.

There six books in the series, a worthy read.

Hugs and smiles, Jess

@Jessica   Jess, thank you for your input and book suggestions...
... and thank you for your reply on this new thread.... all contributions are most welcome.
Hugs,
Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: IndieCred on May 22, 2018, 09:31:39 PM
Always happy to find fellow readers! Unfortunately, I don't have a book club right now. Instead, I have a coworker, with whom I swap books when we've finished whatever we're reading. I've turned him on to Terry Pratchett recently, so I think this is working out well.

I tend to read from a pretty wide swath of genres, but mostly stick with Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Humanist literature. There are a couple of books that I end up returning to with some regularity, simply because their themes just resonate with me so much.

Kurt Vonnegutt, for all his faults, is one of the main reasons I am the person I am today. I discovered "God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater" at around 20, and it changed me immensely. For those who haven't yet read it, the primary theme is kindness in the face of adversity. It's not the most amazingly written book or anything, but the fact that so broken a man could stand up to everyone in the world at once and say "We have to be kind, even if we don't like them." really hit home hard, and has helped me to realize how insular I'd been in my adolescence.

He also wrote my other favorite book, "Bluebeard". It deals heavily with the meaning and intent of art and the artist from a very personal viewpoint. It has helped me appreciate the creations of others so much more. When you go to a modern art gallery, and see a painting of a single shade of orange with one black dot in the middle, most people would say "My kid could do that". Mr. Vonnegutt points out that they are missing the point. The art doesn't represent anything but the artists own emotion. It's purpose isn't to stir a specific emotion from the viewer, but to stir ANY emotion. Whatever you felt looking at the painting, that's what it was meant to bring out in you. It's a mirror, not a representation. You look at the image, and what you see has come from within you.

(I can tend to get really passionate about art, literature, and music. Let me know if I'm being too much please) :embarrassed:

I'm also attempting to write more often now. Specifically, I've been working on-and-off on a gay romance/drama novel. It's still well in its infancy though, at only a 35 page skeleton draft and an ever growing pile of notes and ideas. One day I'll feel ready to merge everything together... Other than that, mostly angsty poetry that stays on the hard drive, and random short fiction to test out ideas.

Looking forward to other folks' views. I'm probably going to be checking this thread regularly  ;D

--Quick edit--

For those of you interested in starting to write, or feeling stuck in your writing, I'm going to highly recommend a couple of books that have been immensely helpful to me.

"The Fire in Fiction: Passion, Purpose and Techniques to Make Your Novel Great" by Donald Maass, and the companion workbook "Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook" by the same.

Both books cover a wide range of topics to help flesh out your story, make your characters more alive, and to to help you find your voice when writing.
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on May 31, 2018, 02:45:01 PM
 
MY LIFE

Danielle-
Exciting, happy, loving, optimistic, and spontaneous.
To my parents I am son and daughter all in one.
Who enjoys summer vacations, camping trips, hiking, and shopping sprees.
Who loves winter activities, snow, skiing, building snow men, and getting into snowball fights with friends.
Who feel the excitement for each new day and new opportunities to tackle.
Who is sad when people don't get along, and feels happiness in the start of a new friendship.
Who needs weekends, sunny days, and my friends.
Who gives smiles, help, empathy, and friendship without being asked.
Who fears spiders, mice, loneliness, and disease.
Who would like to see the River Nile, the Taj Mahal, and Antarctica.
Who lives in a very small town in a Blue house in the cold north in Alaska.

Alaskan Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Jessica on May 31, 2018, 03:17:19 PM
Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on May 31, 2018, 02:45:01 PM

MY LIFE

Danielle-
Exciting, happy, loving, optimistic, and spontaneous.
To my parents I am son and daughter all in one.
Who enjoys summer vacations, camping trips, hiking, and shopping sprees.
Who loves winter activities, snow, skiing, building snow men, and getting into snowball fights with friends.
Who feel the excitement for each new day and new opportunities to tackle.
Who is sad when people don't get along, and feels happiness in the start of a new friendship.
Who needs weekends, sunny days, and my friends.
Who gives smiles, help, empathy, and friendship without being asked.
Who fears spiders, mice, loneliness, and disease.
Who would like to see the River Nile, the Taj Mahal, and Antarctica.
Who lives in a very small town in a Blue house in the cold north in Alaska.

Alaskan Danielle


Love it.....it's you🌸🌸🌸🌸

Hugs and smiles, Jess
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on June 04, 2018, 09:40:40 PM
   
     Recipe for life long FREINDSHIPS

      -Spend time together
     -Respect for each other
     -Gently Coach and Encourage
     -Unconditional Friendship
     -Love and Empathy
     -Listening without judgement
     -Sincere Compliments and Loving Critique

First, gather your friends one by one or all together and season them with friendship and love.
Add to the mixture a lifetime of respect and understanding differing viewpoints.
Fold in empathy and lending an ear without judgement.
Carefully whip in Compliments and Loving Critique.
Mix all of the ingredients together and slowly add patience and time until well mixed.


      Danielle



Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Jessica on June 04, 2018, 09:53:18 PM
Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on June 04, 2018, 09:40:40 PM
   
     Recipe for life long FREINDSHIPS

      -Spend time together
     -Respect for each other
     -Gently Coach and Encourage
     -Unconditional Friendship
     -Love and Empathy
     -Listening without judgement
     -Sincere Compliments and Loving Critique

First, gather your friends one by one or all together and season them with friendship and love.
Add to the mixture a lifetime of respect and understanding differing viewpoints.
Fold in empathy and lending an ear without judgement.
Carefully whip in Compliments and Loving Critique.
Mix all of the ingredients together and slowly add patience and time until well mixed.

      Danielle


I love this recipe!  Obviously you have practiced this numerous times to be a master chef in preparing it.  Deserving to be served at a Michelin star restaurant!

Hugs and smiles, Jess
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on June 05, 2018, 11:39:51 PM
Here is the new book that my book club will be reading... 
...looks like a good one for all of us here on Susan's Place as well..

         (https://i.imgur.com/8fXHRhp.jpg)

Overview
More Beautiful Than Before: How Suffering Transforms Us by Steve Leder
- - - - - -
Every one of us sooner or later walks through hell. The hell of being hurt, the hell of hurting another. The hell of cancer, the hell of a reluctant, thunking shovel full of earth upon the casket of someone we deeply loved, the hell of betrayal, the hell of betraying, the hell of divorce, the hell of a kid in trouble . . . the hell of knowing that this year, like any year, may be our last. We all walk through hell. The point is not to come out empty-handed. . . . There is real and profound power in the suffering we endure if we transform that suffering into a more authentic, meaningful life.
- - - - - -

***QUESTION for the writers and readers here:
What books are you presently reading?  Please post your thoughts here on this thread.
Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on June 06, 2018, 11:00:58 PM
 
***QUESTION for the writers and readers here:

WRITERS:  What kinds of things are you writing about?  Short Stories?  Poems?  Brief Ramblings?
I would like it if you posted anything you would like to on this thread...

READERS:  What books are you presently reading?  Please post about the books that you are reading and your thoughts here on this thread. 
If you have any favorite quotations please share them here.

Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on June 12, 2018, 05:15:27 PM
Update 12 May, 2018... my local Book Club womens group:

Well, we are just about half-way through our present book "More Beautiful Than Before" that I detailed in my June 05 posting on this thread.
Frankly and most apparently that is a book that we all need to read... so very helpful as we endure those difficult moments in our lives.   You might want to check it out next time you go to you bookstore or check online.
So, anyway our group leader has preliminarily selected our next book that we will start after we finish reading and discussing....
"More Beautiful Than Before"
-    -    -    -    -    -    -

Here is the new book, an Alaska Romance book... "Alaska Skies" .... since we are all Alaska Women this should be an interesting read for sure.
(left click each picture to enlarge)
(https://i.imgur.com/bkt8E6A.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/EVwcaoj.jpg)

***To my followers:  Hello out there!  So, is anyone regularly following this thread yet?? .... 
Please share your reading activities and also you can post some of your brief writings and poems.
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Jessica on June 13, 2018, 01:16:17 AM
Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on June 12, 2018, 05:15:27 PM
Update 12 May, 2018... my local Book Club womens group:

Well, we are just about half-way through our present book "More Beautiful Than Before" that I detailed in my June 05 posting on this thread.
Frankly and most apparently that is a book that we all need to read... so very helpful as we endure those difficult moments in our lives.   You might want to check it out next time you go to you bookstore or check online.
So, anyway our group leader has preliminarily selected our next book that we will start after we finish reading and discussing....
"More Beautiful Than Before"
-    -    -    -    -    -    -

Here is the new book, an Alaska Romance book... "Alaska Skies" .... since we are all Alaska Women this should be an interesting read for sure.
(left click each picture to enlarge)
(https://i.imgur.com/bkt8E6A.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/EVwcaoj.jpg)

***To my followers:  Hello out there!  So, is anyone regularly following this thread yet?? .... 
Please share your reading activities and also you can post some of your brief writings and poems.


Oh my yes, I have been following, but have not had time to read anything short of posts on Susan's and the morning paper recently. 
I am composing a short story that may be ready soon to add to this thread.

Hugs and smiles, Jess
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on June 19, 2018, 01:36:02 PM
I would love to stop time... and then pause in my favorite moments in this life.
One of those moments has just about gone past ....
On June 21 the Spring Season ENDS and the Summer BEGINS... 
...since Spring is my favorite season I wrote this little piece about what I like about Springtime.


     After the winter season ends and finally Spring arrives,
     I rejoice when death is defeated by fragile sprouts and blossoms.
     Sprouts and blossoms that refuse to die,
     And are surrounded by bare branches and lifeless soil.

     In just a few weeks, the landscape that was once naked
     Soon becomes fully adorned plants, bushes and trees,
     Once again clothed in bright and fragrant blossoms and flowers.

     I can never get enough of Springtime, the sights, sounds and fragrances,
     I want time to stand still.
                                   -Danielle


NOTE: Please if you are reading this thread it would be wonderful for me to read some of your submissions here if you feel so led to do so.
Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on June 20, 2018, 01:08:06 PM
This thread is turning out to be mostly a repository of only my thoughts and writings... which in itself is fine, I love to write and share my feelings and thoughts, but it would be very nice to see other members submissions on here.
Please, if you feel led, and have some writings that you want to share, or perhaps a book that you are reading that you want others to know about, PLEASE compose a reply post... I will be most appreciative of what you share.

                           WATCHING OUR WORDS

         The person who has to eat their own words never asks for a second helping.

            If a thing will go without saying - then let it go.

            Give a wide berth to those that have an uncanny ability for compressing
                a minimum of thought into a maximum of words.

            When there is nothing more to be said, the foolish will still continue saying it.

            Watch the words that we say, and keep them respectful, soft and sweet. 
                For we don't know which ones we will have to eat.

            A wise old owl sat in an oak;
                The more he saw the less he spoke;
            The less he spoke, the more he heard.
                Why can't we be like that old bird?

            God gave us two Ears and only one Mouth,
                It would be wise for us to keep that fact in perspective.
                Listen more, speak less and when you do speak, think first.
               
            Spoken words are just like sending a letter or an email,
                Once it is sent or spoken, it can not be retrieved

                                           
                                                               -Danielle

Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on June 23, 2018, 10:34:43 AM
NOTICE:
OK... now that you have come here and I have your attention, please consider stopping playing games on your electronic devices, turning off your DVD player or Netflix...

... and instead think about picking up a real book and perhaps do some relaxing and therapeutic reading, and also you might pick up a  pen and paper and write down some thoughts that you would like to share. 

Heaven knows that I am not good at writing and structuring poetry but I like to write stuff like that anyway ... obviously not in correct form as you can see from my submissions here on this thread, but I submit it anyway with the hope that some readers will glean some of what I am thinking at the time.... plus I find it relaxing and allows me to ponder my feelings and share with others.

This thread is turning out to be mostly a repository of only my thoughts and writings... which in itself is fine, I love to write and share my feelings and thoughts, but it would be very nice to see other members submissions on here.

Please, if you feel led, and have some writings that you want to share, or perhaps a book that you are reading that you want others to know about, PLEASE compose a reply post... I will be most appreciative of what you share.

Thank you for coming here... I will be eagerly awaiting your reply postings.
Hugs,
Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: islandgirl on June 23, 2018, 01:58:49 PM
Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on June 12, 2018, 05:15:27 PM
Update 12 May, 2018... my local Book Club womens group:

Well, we are just about half-way through our present book "More Beautiful Than Before" that I detailed in my June 05 posting on this thread.
Frankly and most apparently that is a book that we all need to read... so very helpful as we endure those difficult moments in our lives.   You might want to check it out next time you go to you bookstore or check online.
So, anyway our group leader has preliminarily selected our next book that we will start after we finish reading and discussing....
"More Beautiful Than Before"
-    -    -    -    -    -    -

Here is the new book, an Alaska Romance book... "Alaska Skies" .... since we are all Alaska Women this should be an interesting read for sure.
(left click each picture to enlarge)
(https://i.imgur.com/bkt8E6A.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/EVwcaoj.jpg)

***To my followers:  Hello out there!  So, is anyone regularly following this thread yet?? .... 
Please share your reading activities and also you can post some of your brief writings and poems.


We enjoyed the whole 'Alaskan' series by Debbie MacComber. I believe that there are three books in that series!

Presently reading Barbara Kingsolver's 'Pigs in Heaven'.
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on June 23, 2018, 07:34:42 PM
Quote from: islandgirl on June 23, 2018, 01:58:49 PM
We enjoyed the whole 'Alaskan' series by Debbie MacComber. I believe that there are three books in that series!

Presently reading Barbara Kingsolver's 'Pigs in Heaven'.

@islandgirl
Dear Kelly:  Thank your for reading this thread and posting your comment.
YES, there are indeed 3 books in that Alaskan series, if the first book goes well with my book club group we will move on to another in the series.

ahhhh, Pigs in Heaven... I have read both books by Barbara Kingsolver ...  The Bean Trees her first book. 
Her 2nd book is likewise very good... Pigs in Heaven ... more about Alice & Taylor Greer, Turtle, Cherokee and the story continues .... it is a very good read for sure. 
Please keep this thread posted as you care to comment when reading it.

Hugs, Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Laurie on June 23, 2018, 08:25:01 PM
Pick up a "real book"?  But what will I do with all the audio books I have yet to listen to that I have purchased?

  When I was working I would listen to my audio books regularly. Once I stopped working I do not listen to them anywhere as much. The exception can be during my road trips as when I am driving is when I listened to them most often. I haven't "read" a paper book in years, perhaps in decades.

  I mainly listen to sci-fi and fantasy books but an occasional drama/ thriller/mystery are not unheard of. Before I got interrupted by a couple trans books I was listening to R.A. Salvatore's World of Drizzt books. They are a series of series all telling the adventures of Drizzt Do-Urden, a dark Elf who is a warrior in the dark elf underground cities. However he breaks with the ruthless matriarchal societal views and must flee for his life eventually making his way to the surface and learning to live with the various societies he encounters there.
  The Drizzt books are a Sci-Fi Fantasy adventure series of books. Lots of action.

Hugs,
  Laurie
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: zirconia on June 23, 2018, 11:51:12 PM
Do ebooks count as real? I do prefer paper, but it's sometimes so much less expensive to buy them that I succumb to the temptation.

As for audio books—I must confess I've never listened to one (unless of course the books our parents read to us in the evenings and those we read to each other while darning socks and such count as such.)

Of the recent real paper books I've read, I really liked Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor. To me the both the narration and characters feel comfortably close and familiar. In fact, surprisingly so despite the setting being quite alien. Also, despite the severity of the underlying circumstances, walking within Onyesonwu makes me simultaneously sad, happy and serene.
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: sarah1972 on June 24, 2018, 01:04:17 AM
Last book I finished was "Lights Out" by Ted Koppel, discussing the likelihood and preparation of a cyber attack on the US Power Grid.

Right now I am reading "Alaska Skies".

Various children books every night about a little mouse and his family for my kidddo. I also have a half finished book on climate change I want to finish.

Not much deep literature tough...
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on June 24, 2018, 02:38:15 AM
Quote from: Laurie on June 23, 2018, 08:25:01 PM
Pick up a "real book"?  But what will I do with all the audio books I have yet to listen to that I have purchased?

  When I was working I would listen to my audio books regularly. Once I stopped working I do not listen to them anywhere as much. The exception can be during my road trips as when I am driving is when I listened to them most often. I haven't "read" a paper book in years, perhaps in decades.

  I mainly listen to sci-fi and fantasy books but an occasional drama/ thriller/mystery are not unheard of. Before I got interrupted by a couple trans books I was listening to R.A. Salvatore's World of Drizzt books. They are a series of series all telling the adventures of Drizzt Do-Urden, a dark Elf who is a warrior in the dark elf underground cities. However he breaks with the ruthless matriarchal societal views and must flee for his life eventually making his way to the surface and learning to live with the various societies he encounters there.
  The Drizzt books are a Sci-Fi Fantasy adventure series of books. Lots of action.

Hugs,
  Laurie

@Laurie
Dear Laurie:    Thank you for coming to this thread and giving your two cents worth.   YES, of course I like Audio Books... as you said, they are great for in the car while you are on the move.  I also like drama/thiriller/mysteriy Audio Books because they are read with great emphasis and suspensful voices.   
I do have an "electronic book" ... a Kindle...  the "electronic ink" works very well in bright sun and is easy on battery power.  In January when I was on a one month long vacation and cruise I preloaded it with a half dozen of my favorite books....  it sure was a lot easieer to pack than 5 or 6 bulky and heavy paper books.

All in all, I really do prefer reading a real paper book, curled up on a comfy chair.

Regarding the Drizzt books that you mentioned...   I have read only 3 of the many titles... I think that there are at least 8 or 9 total, maybe more.   I bought the first trilogy set (3 paper books) .... Homeland, Exile, and Sojurn.  You are correct, lots of action for sure.... and quite interesting and entertaining.

I am an avid book reader, I probably read at least 2 to 4 books a month, almost always "paper"

Thanks for your reply posting, please check in here often to contribute your thoughts.
Hugs,
Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on June 24, 2018, 02:54:36 AM
Quote from: zirconia on June 23, 2018, 11:51:12 PM
Do ebooks count as real? I do prefer paper, but it's sometimes so much less expensive to buy them that I succumb to the temptation.

As for audio books—I must confess I've never listened to one (unless of course the books our parents read to us in the evenings and those we read to each other while darning socks and such count as such.)

Of the recent real paper books I've read, I really liked Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor. To me the both the narration and characters feel comfortably close and familiar. In fact, surprisingly so despite the setting being quite alien. Also, despite the severity of the underlying circumstances, walking within Onyesonwu makes me simultaneously sad, happy and serene.

@zirconia   Of course ebooks count !!!   I have a Kindle that I use on vacations so I don't have to pack heavy and bulky books.  Also the audio books are great for in the car while on road trips plus the narration and dramatic reading voices do add a lot of empahsis and suspense.
I have skimmed over Who Fears Death but did not purchase it.... yet?  If I remember correctly it has a magical sorcery theme with a sexual wrongdoing at the beginning .... perhaps I will give it a read when I get through with the several books I am working on now.. ..  sometimes I will have 2 or 3 books going all at once....  multi-tasking at it's finest.
Thank you for coming to this thread and sharing your thoughts.... please come often and share.
Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: DustKitten on June 24, 2018, 02:58:41 AM
Hi  :) I'm reading The Dosadi Experiment by Frank Herbert, the guy who wrote the Dune series. It's a good book, set in an interesting sci-fi universe, but the plot feels a bit rushed, and certain elements of the story are vague and unclear. Before that I was reading Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie, and I'm also currently reading Salem's Lot by Stephen King, mostly because I was curious about the backstory of a character introduced in The Wolves of Calla.

I write, too, though not professionally (yet). I'm almost done with the first draft of a fantasy novel, and I can generally churn out a short story in about 2-6 hours. I've been neglecting my writing lately, but I need to get back to it or I'll never be any kind of writer at all. :)

I do take more time to read through books now than I used to (maybe 2 weeks to a month for an average book, compared to 1-2 days in high school) but I still count reading as one of my favorite pastimes. I'll probably get a card at the local library soon to save $$ on books so I'm open to recommendations. I mostly like sci-fi, fantasy, mysteries, humor, thrillers, horror, and dystopian fiction, but I'll read anything if it's good.
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on June 24, 2018, 03:41:52 AM
Quote from: sarah1972 on June 24, 2018, 01:04:17 AM
Last book I finished was "Lights Out" by Ted Koppel, discussing the likelihood and preparation of a cyber attack on the US Power Grid.

Right now I am reading "Alaska Skies".

Various children books every night about a little mouse and his family for my kidddo. I also have a half finished book on climate change I want to finish.

Not much deep literature tough...

@sarah1972
Dear Sarah.... hmmm, I wonder where you got the idea to buy and to read Alaska Skies??   ;)

The author Debbie Macomber has written several sets and series of romance books set in small town Alaska... at least another 10 or more books.  The set that I am working on now includes 3 titles...
,,,  Alaska Skies, Brides for Brothers, and The Marriage Risk

My book club of mostly Alaskan women reading these Alaska romance novels by Debbie Macomber finds many commonalities and descriptions in these books that come right out of a chapter of our own lives.  Some of the relationships and circumstances in the book seem to ring true to some of our own experiences....    The setting in these books is somewhat close to the kind of close knit small town that we live in.  Everybody knows everybody else.  All of the above are the reasons why we have chosen these titles. 
It will be interesting to discuss each chapter at the future book club meetings... it will be quite fun for sure.

I hope that you will enjoy reading your first book and then perhaps go on to the additional titles.

Thank you for coming to this thread and sharing your reading list and sharing your comments.  Please check in here often to offer your thoughts.
Hugs,
Danielle



Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on June 24, 2018, 04:13:36 AM
Quote from: DustKitten on June 24, 2018, 02:58:41 AM
Hi  :) I'm reading The Dosadi Experiment by Frank Herbert, the guy who wrote the Dune series. It's a good book, set in an interesting sci-fi universe, but the plot feels a bit rushed, and certain elements of the story are vague and unclear. Before that I was reading Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie, and I'm also currently reading Salem's Lot by Stephen King, mostly because I was curious about the backstory of a character introduced in The Wolves of Calla.

I write, too, though not professionally (yet). I'm almost done with the first draft of a fantasy novel, and I can generally churn out a short story in about 2-6 hours. I've been neglecting my writing lately, but I need to get back to it or I'll never be any kind of writer at all. :)

I do take more time to read through books now than I used to (maybe 2 weeks to a month for an average book, compared to 1-2 days in high school) but I still count reading as one of my favorite pastimes. I'll probably get a card at the local library soon to save $$ on books so I'm open to recommendations. I mostly like sci-fi, fantasy, mysteries, humor, thrillers, horror, and dystopian fiction, but I'll read anything if it's good.

@DustKitten    Thank you for coming to this thread and sharing your thoughts.
In the past I have really enjoyed Frank Herbert's writings and the very successful job he did writing the entire Dune Series.
Your review of The Dosadi Experiment is an interesting contrast to my thoughts about how the Dune series was written....  although I have not read it yet, I will put that title on my list and keep your thoughts in my mind as I go through the book.
Of course Agatha Christie does an excellent job with her material... and Stephen King's stuff is almost always superb.
As I have written, I am really enjoying the Debbie Macomber Alaska romance novels.... plus she has a plethora of other romance and fictional book series... her writing style is something that I find very enjoyable.

You don't have to write professionally to produce good material and if it is something that you enjoy doing then please yourself first with writing as you see fit.
I am no where near having the skills of even a novice writer but I do enjoy writing down my brief thoughts in poem-like form... as I have done several times earlier in this thread.   Please feel free to add some of your writings to this thread if you feel so led.... and I hope that you do.

Thanks you again for coming here and for offering your opinions and preferences.  Please come here often to comment in response to other's posts and to share what you have to offer.

Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Cindy on June 24, 2018, 04:35:02 AM
I love reading and I am a frustrated writer.

I was severely dyslexic after my radiotherapy but I have taught myself to read again and I am back too normal. Losing the ability to read was something that I didn't share with people and was very upsetting!

I have written many scientific papers and several book chapters but I haven't cracked the non-science area as yet ... but I have started!

As for reading. These are a few of my current books

Spirals in Time: The secret life and curious afterlife of seashells by Helen Scales. This at first seems an odd book. It is written by a marine biologist about seashells but it explores shells from the perspective of the biology, then the way they have been used as 'coinage' and decoration and wealth in general. I found it fascinating.

Spark Joy: An illustrated guide to the Japanese art of tidying by Marie Kondo. Another odd book but one that I found incredibly useful. It is a sort of self help book but based on getting your home and belongs in order. I also found it a useful way of keeping my thoughts in order (OK I know I'm weird!).

On a more 'normal' note. I have loved the Charlie Parker series of books by John Connolly. His latest The Woman in the Woods" has just been released. For those who do not know the series, they are about a private detective who gets involved in a quite brutal crimes that eventually have a link in the supernatural. We do not know where this. series will go but the writing is excellent, the atmosphere is stunning and plots suitable strange. The first book in the series is 'Every Dead Thing" and is a stunning book.
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on June 24, 2018, 05:29:30 AM
Quote from: Cindy on June 24, 2018, 04:35:02 AM
I love reading and I am a frustrated writer.

I was severely dyslexic after my radiotherapy but I have taught myself to read again and I am back too normal. Losing the ability to read was something that I didn't share with people and was very upsetting!

I have written many scientific papers and several book chapters but I haven't cracked the non-science area as yet ... but I have started!

As for reading. These are a few of my current books

Spirals in Time: The secret life and curious afterlife of seashells by Helen Scales. This at first seems an odd book. It is written by a marine biologist about seashells but it explores shells from the perspective of the biology, then the way they have been used as 'coinage' and decoration and wealth in general. I found it fascinating.

Spark Joy: An illustrated guide to the Japanese art of tidying by Marie Kondo. Another odd book but one that I found incredibly useful. It is a sort of self help book but based on getting your home and belongs in order. I also found it a useful way of keeping my thoughts in order (OK I know I'm weird!).

On a more 'normal' note. I have loved the Charlie Parker series of books by John Connolly. His latest The Woman in the Woods" has just been released. For those who do not know the series, they are about a private detective who gets involved in a quite brutal crimes that eventually have a link in the supernatural. We do not know where this. series will go but the writing is excellent, the atmosphere is stunning and plots suitable strange. The first book in the series is 'Every Dead Thing" and is a stunning book.

@Cindy   
Along the same lines as you described yourself, I am much the same way...
... "I love reading and I am a frustrated writer"

I am so glad that you had the fortitude to teach yourself to read again and not give up.   There is no doubt in my mind that would be quite personally upsetting and frustrating to be left in a condition that you could not read efficiently.

I too can fairly easily write non-fiction stuff because it is based of facts whereas non-science and fictional writings require much imagination and creative license.... of which I seem to be in short supply.   My writings as I have submitted on this thread and other threads on the Forums therefore usually only consist of brief nuggets of my thoughts that I put into "poem-like" form.   Some of that material that I have written has seen me through some of my toughest times of my life.  As a glass-half-full and optimistic sort with a can-do attitude my writings certainly reflect my positive approach to life and how I try to deal with it's manifold problems and issues.... that we all deal with.   It is that upbeat concept to life that I desire to share with others as encouragement, empathy and sympathy.

I am not familiar with your reading list that you shared but the one title that you mentioned Spark Joy did indeed "spark" my interest...(pun intended)   I will plan to look up the book and check out the review.

Thank you Cindy for sharing.   Please don't be a stranger on this thread.  Please share some of your writings and more book reports would always be welcome here.

Danielle
.
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: sarah1972 on June 24, 2018, 09:37:24 AM
Thank you Danielle!

I admit the adventures of your live and your posts have triggered reading Alaska Skies. I am glad the adventures of Hard Luck are a trilogy, I am way past half of Alaska Skies. I can imagine how much this book compares to your real life, which makes reading the book a lot more interesting. Not sure how far you are in or if you keep in sync with your book club so I will not talk about the end of the first half.

Admittedly in recent years I have not been reading as much as in the past, and if mostly books written by journalists and more of a documentary style. Alaska Skies is a warm welcome. In on the of my next posts here, I will talk about one of the most influential books in my life....

Hugs -

Sarah

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on June 24, 2018, 03:41:52 AM
@sarah1972
Dear Sarah.... hmmm, I wonder where you got the idea to buy and to read Alaska Skies??   ;)

The author Debbie Macomber has written several set and series of romance books set in small town Alaska... at least another 10 or more books.  The set that I am working on now includes 3 titles...
,,,  Alaska Skies, Brides for Brothers, and The Marriage Risk

My book club of mostly Alaskan women reading these Alaska romance novels by Debbie Macomber finds many commonalities and descriptions in these books that come right out of a chapter of our own lives.  Some of the relationships and circumstances in the book seem to ring true to some of our own experiences....    The setting in these books is somewhat close to the kind of close knit small town that we live in.  Everybody knows everybody else.  All of the above are the reasons why we have chosen these titles. 
It will be interesting to discuss each chapter at the future book club meetings... it will be quite fun for sure.

I hope that you will enjoy reading your first book and then perhaps go on to the additional titles.

Thank you for coming to this thread and sharing your reading list and sharing your comments.  Please check in here often to offer your thoughts.
Hugs,
Danielle

Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Johnni Gyrl on June 24, 2018, 10:36:20 AM
Interesting thread, I hope to see more similar ones, if they don't already exist.

I'm currently writing a fiction novel which could loosely be described as a 'gritty urban drama' type of thing. It features a transgender character (m2f) who although not the main character, manages to drive the story along in a supporting role. Don't get too excited though, as the story also features gang violence, drug use, graphic sex scenes and a ton of profanity swear words. Keeping it real, but I realize this isn't everyone's cup of tea.

More about it when I'm ready to fully connect myself with my already in use pen-name.

I self-publish on Amazon incidentally, as someone is bound to ask if I have a publishing deal. The answer is 'no' - I like to be fully in charge of my own creativity without too much censoring and you could wait forever for a one in a dozen publishing houses to get back to you with a positive reply. Though having that weight behind you in terms of marketing would obviously be a big plus, I prefer the direct route to getting my stories out there without any middle-men, bar the distributors. Just my two cents worth on the publishing industry. If anyone wants further advice about that, just hit me up.

Thanks for listening.

Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Jessica on June 24, 2018, 11:05:05 AM
Quote from: Cindy on June 24, 2018, 04:35:02 AM
I love reading and I am a frustrated writer.

I was severely dyslexic after my radiotherapy but I have taught myself to read again and I am back too normal. Losing the ability to read was something that I didn't share with people and was very upsetting!

I have written many scientific papers and several book chapters but I haven't cracked the non-science area as yet ... but I have started!

As for reading. These are a few of my current books

Spirals in Time: The secret life and curious afterlife of seashells by Helen Scales. This at first seems an odd book. It is written by a marine biologist about seashells but it explores shells from the perspective of the biology, then the way they have been used as 'coinage' and decoration and wealth in general. I found it fascinating.

Spark Joy: An illustrated guide to the Japanese art of tidying by Marie Kondo. Another odd book but one that I found incredibly useful. It is a sort of self help book but based on getting your home and belongs in order. I also found it a useful way of keeping my thoughts in order (OK I know I'm weird!).

On a more 'normal' note. I have loved the Charlie Parker series of books by John Connolly. His latest The Woman in the Woods" has just been released. For those who do not know the series, they are about a private detective who gets involved in a quite brutal crimes that eventually have a link in the supernatural. We do not know where this. series will go but the writing is excellent, the atmosphere is stunning and plots suitable strange. The first book in the series is 'Every Dead Thing" and is a stunning book.

Thank you @Cindy , the first two sound very interesting, especially the second.  The third is one I think would be a good read also.  That one is for couch time!  Love a mystery with a twist.
We have similar tastes.

Hugs and smiles, Jess
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: DustKitten on June 24, 2018, 12:36:41 PM
Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on June 24, 2018, 04:13:36 AM
In the past I have really enjoyed Frank Herbert's writings and the very successful job he did writing the entire Dune Series.
Your review of The Dosadi Experiment is an interesting contrast to my thoughts about how the Dune series was written....  although I have not read it yet, I will put that title on my list and keep your thoughts in my mind as I go through the book.

I've always thought of Dune and its sequels as intricate, well-designed masterpieces woven with layers of interconnected themes. The Dosadi Experiment carries the same flavor as Dune, and shares the series' trend towards deep, layered themes, but in my opinion the book is simply too short to do its story justice. Most authors could have made a trilogy out of everything stuffed into that one book. I always felt like there was more happening in the author's mind than on the page, that there was room for much more than what the author chose to reveal; therefore I feel that the book was rushed, and far shorter than it needed to be.

What would be the best way to share samples of my work? I could offer two stories I wrote recently that are good, but not quite up to my own standards; I'm not planning to publish them so I would feel comfortable posting them here.

Quote from: JennaBadgyrl on June 24, 2018, 10:36:20 AM
I self-publish on Amazon incidentally, as someone is bound to ask if I have a publishing deal. The answer is 'no' - I like to be fully in charge of my own creativity without too much censoring and you could wait forever for a one in a dozen publishing houses to get back to you with a positive reply. Though having that weight behind you in terms of marketing would obviously be a big plus, I prefer the direct route to getting my stories out there without any middle-men, bar the distributors. Just my two cents worth on the publishing industry. If anyone wants further advice about that, just hit me up.

I know most writers end up trying self-publishing, but I'm more of a masochist with my work. I feed on critical feedback and rejection letters.  >:-) I like to think that the challenge will be good for my writing in the long run, so I'm going to keep hurling myself at that brick wall until either I break, or the wall does.

That said, I've only submitted my stories five times so far (all in the last month--I've just started taking my dreams seriously), so maybe I haven't had time to let the system break me yet.
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on June 24, 2018, 02:23:50 PM
snipped: 
Quote from: DustKitten on June 24, 2018, 12:36:41 PM
    - - - - - - - -
What would be the best way to share samples of my work? I could offer two stories I wrote recently that are good, but not quite up to my own standards; I'm not planning to publish them so I would feel comfortable posting them here.

Dear DustKitten:  Please feel free to post shorter and more brief writings or perhaps a teaser sample here on this thread, no more than a third or maybe a half of a screen page.   For longer writings you can include a link on your posting here that goes to a blog site or similar site that the longer work resides. 
I am looking forward to reading what you have composed...
Hugs,
Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Laurie on June 24, 2018, 08:02:03 PM
 Hmmmm Let's see..

  There once was a girl named Michelle.
  Her life, she thought, was going to hell.
  But then she met Laurie,
  In all of her glory.
  And now she has a new story to tell.

  (Makes a curtsy)
That'll teach ya.

Hugs,
  Laurie
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Jessica on June 24, 2018, 10:20:50 PM
Quote from: Laurie on June 24, 2018, 08:02:03 PM
Hmmmm Let's see..

  There once was a girl named Michelle.
  Her life, she thought, was going to hell.
  But then she met Laurie,
  In all of her glory.
  And now she has a new story to tell.

  (Makes a curtsy)
That'll teach ya.

Hugs,
  Laurie

@Laurie

This makes her a poet lauriette!
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Michelle_P on June 25, 2018, 12:53:50 AM
Quote
There once was a girl named Michelle.
  Her life, she thought, was going to hell.
  But then she met Laurie,
  In all of her glory.
  And now she has a new story to tell.

Ah, the limerick.  Truly, the very epitome of the literary arts...

*SIGH*

Ya just can't take her anywhere...
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on June 25, 2018, 02:52:35 AM
Quote from: Michelle_P on June 25, 2018, 12:53:50 AM
Ah, the limerick.  Truly, the very epitome of the literary arts...

*SIGH*

Ya just can't take her anywhere...

Quote from: Jessica on June 24, 2018, 10:20:50 PM
@Laurie

This makes her a poet lauriette!

Quote from: Laurie on June 24, 2018, 08:02:03 PM
Hmmmm Let's see..

  There once was a girl named Michelle.
  Her life, she thought, was going to hell.
  But then she met Laurie,
  In all of her glory.
  And now she has a new story to tell.

  (Makes a curtsy)
That'll teach ya.

Hugs,
  Laurie

@Michelle_P   
@Jessica   
@Laurie

****You ladies are having way too much fun here.... but really.... thanks for having your fun here where I can monitor you. 
If things get out of hand I know some of the GMs that I can make aware of your shenanigans.   
... wait, you all are GMs.... now what am I going to do???
Hugs,
Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: DustKitten on June 25, 2018, 07:25:47 AM
"End and Beginning"

Countless lines
'Cross waters ripple
Calming song
Of a thousand birds
Moon slow fades
In the morning light

All soothes the old
Remembrance of dark times

Hour and age,
One like the other
Signs of change
And childhood again
Forgotten
Then returns, the same

The circle locked
Dead ashes flame anew


If I'm up for it I'll see about making a blog on Thursday. I'd been thinking about doing that anyway but I tend to procrastinate, so no promises :) but if I do get around to it I'll put up a couple of stories and post the link here.
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: ErinWDK on June 25, 2018, 08:51:34 AM
Reading interests differ rather strongly from one person to another.  Since I am unique my interests differ even more.  The last fiction book I read was "The Planter's Northern Bride" by Caroline Lee Hentz.  This is an 1854 sentimental novel.  It is also one of the books written in the south as an answer to Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Toms Cabin" of 1852.  While I am in more agreement with Stowe I sort of want to see both sides of things.  Over the years that has led me some strange places.  This one may be the strangest.

My preference is more in the range of non-fiction.  The latest book I am trying to work on is "Mary Turner and the memory of Lynching" by Julie Buckner Armstrong.  The starting point of this is a horrific spate of racial violence in May 1918 in Lowndes and Brooks counties in Georgia.  This is hard to read.  The real story here is trying to come to reconciliation.  The book was written in 2011.  At that point reconciliation had just started (over nine decades after the events) and it looked like a long road to go.  That area is STILL in the news.  Will people ever learn to just live together?

I mentioned this to friend, so he showed me what he is reading.  He is working on a PhD and these were two books by noted experts looking at deep details regarding his intended area of research.  So, old Erin is just looking at comparatively simplistic stuff.

I am trying to write something and have been beating my head against the wall on that for what is now pushing two years.  Not sure what it will take to get that off the ground.
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on June 25, 2018, 09:44:07 AM
Quote from: DustKitten on June 25, 2018, 07:25:47 AM
"End and Beginning"

Countless lines
'Cross waters ripple
Calming song
Of a thousand birds
Moon slow fades
In the morning light

All soothes the old
Remembrance of dark times

Hour and age,
One like the other
Signs of change
And childhood again
Forgotten
Then returns, the same

The circle locked
Dead ashes flame anew


If I'm up for it I'll see about making a blog on Thursday. I'd been thinking about doing that anyway but I tend to procrastinate, so no promises :) but if I do get around to it I'll put up a couple of stories and post the link here.


@DustKitten:
  Thank you for posting and for sharing that nice little piece that you wrote.
The wording and the thought you expressed in it are so very appropriate and fitting for those that are going through the transition gauntlet.

I will certainly, along with the followers of this thread, be looking forward to reading more of your work... so no more procrastinating please....     

I know how procrastinators think... 
     "Why put off today what you can put off tomorrow."   :D :o

Thank you for reading and following this thread....  always feel free to post your thoughts here.
Hugs,
Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Laurie on June 25, 2018, 09:55:59 AM
Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on June 25, 2018, 02:52:35 AM

@Michelle_P   
@Jessica   
@Laurie

****You ladies are having way too much fun here.... but really.... thanks for having your fun here where I can monitor you. 
If things get out of hand I know some of the GMs that I can make aware of your shenanigans.   
... wait, you all are GMs.... now what am I going to do???
Hugs,
Danielle


  Join us?
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on June 25, 2018, 09:58:20 AM
Quote from: ErinWDK on June 25, 2018, 08:51:34 AM
Reading interests differ rather strongly from one person to another.  Since I am unique my interests differ even more.  The last fiction book I read was "The Planter's Northern Bride" by Caroline Lee Hentz.  This is an 1854 sentimental novel.  It is also one of the books written in the south as an answer to Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Toms Cabin" of 1852.  While I am in more agreement with Stowe I sort of want to see both sides of things.  Over the years that has led me some strange places.  This one may be the strangest.

My preference is more in the range of non-fiction.  The latest book I am trying to work on is "Mary Turner and the memory of Lynching" by Julie Buckner Armstrong.  The starting point of this is a horrific spate of racial violence in May 1918 in Lowndes and Brooks counties in Georgia.  This is hard to read.  The real story here is trying to come to reconciliation.  The book was written in 2011.  At that point reconciliation had just started (over nine decades after the events) and it looked like a long road to go.  That area is STILL in the news.  Will people ever learn to just live together?

I mentioned this to friend, so he showed me what he is reading.  He is working on a PhD and these were two books by noted experts looking at deep details regarding his intended area of research.  So, old Erin is just looking at comparatively simplistic stuff.

I am trying to write something and have been beating my head against the wall on that for what is now pushing two years.  Not sure what it will take to get that off the ground.


@ErinWDK
Thank you for following, reading and posting your thoughts on this thread. 
You are certainly taking on the more heavier reading tasks...  I also love non-fiction, I love to follow history and discover how some can learn from past actions and mistakes made by others, yet there are those that ignore it all and go on to take the very same actions that lead to the very same mistakes and bad outcomes... or they just make a pleathora of new mistakes and bad actions.   
Lately, however, as you could see from my posts very early in this thread that I have been leaning toward romantic novels....  I find that reading them helps me to unwind and to distance myself for the all too real goings on all around me.

Well, as you stated at the end of your post, please stop beating your head against the wall and get going on to your writing endeavors.   As you feel so led, please share some of your compositions on here so we can all take part in enjoying what you have to say.

Hugs,
Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: DustKitten on June 28, 2018, 05:57:00 AM
I made a cheap wordpress blog for sharing stuff. I've posted one urban fantasy and one humor story; keep in mind that neither represent my best work. Feedback would, nevertheless, be very appreciated. Feel free to be critical, it's the fastest way for me to learn.

https://rctrunkstories.wordpress.com/ (https://rctrunkstories.wordpress.com/)
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: sarah1972 on June 28, 2018, 09:23:33 AM
"The Long Journey of Lukas B." by Willi Fährmann

I had promised a writeup on one of my most treasured books. It is a history novel I was given around the age of 10 and I have read the book at least 20 times since. I do have the german copy "Der Lange Weg Des Lukas B." There are a few rare english translations. There is also a Canadian six-part mini series based on the book, called "By Way Of The Stars".

In the 1870's fourteen-year-old Lukas accompanies a group led by his master carpenter grandfather, from their Prussian village to the United States, to seek their fortunes, and where Lukas hopes to find his long missing father.  The hard journey on a sail boat to the United States was triggered by the ongoing recession which left most of the carpenters out of work.

Once the group of carpenters arrives, their skilled work is very quickly appreciated in the US and their knowledge is helping the group to constantly find new work. From building simple houses to churches and complex bridges.

The group starts their track west and continues to be successful. During the track, some of the men stay behind and some are lost due to accidents.

In the final chapter some of the men return to their village, this time on a comfortable sail boat due to the new financial means. While they are welcomed, there is also contention on them leaving a few men behind.

(https://pictures.abebooks.com/isbn/9783401044262-de-300.jpg)

While I was fascinated by the book the first time I read it, I did not fully understand the influence on my life until many years later.

As the carpenters, I have decided to leave my town behind and move to the United States from Europe. I have noticed my skills being very valuable and I have quickly earned some reputation. All the hard work and dedication has allowed me to live the "American Dream" and make a nice living. It has been a rocky road, but with some success. It took me a few years to realize the similarities to the Bienman carpenter family.

I have not read it in a while but it may be good to dig it up again.


Besides that: I am almost finished with Debbie Macomber's Alaska Trilogy. Maybe a break on romantic books might make me pick up the "History of the FBI" or a book on LEAN management practices next.  Or the history of concrete  ;D ;D.
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on June 28, 2018, 05:18:30 PM
Quote from: DustKitten on June 28, 2018, 05:57:00 AM
I made a cheap wordpress blog for sharing stuff. I've posted one urban fantasy and one humor story; keep in mind that neither represent my best work. Feedback would, nevertheless, be very appreciated. Feel free to be critical, it's the fastest way for me to learn.

https://rctrunkstories.wordpress.com/ (https://rctrunkstories.wordpress.com/)

@DustKitten
I took the time out of my busy day at work to read both of your short stories, and I am so glad that I did....
 
Your first story: (a Comedey) titled:   The Line That Punched
I loved how the story started out slowly and somewhat seductively... not knowing whether it was going to be a Comedy as you tagged it or was it going to be as it first appeared, a "Bromance"  story.  As the story turned into the promised Comedy, it was at the very ending that made the story come all together.   Very nicely written ... of course I won't give more details, I want other readers to go to your blog and read the entire story...    again, very nicely written.

Your 2nd story (a Fantasy) titled   The Graverobber and the Fox
I found that story to be quite intoxicating... I could not stop reading it and frequently I kept going back to reread several sentences to make certain I got all of the details.  The ending paragraphs were a pleasant surprise and totally took me off guard.  Your wording and use of suspense and detail made this a gripping and a fun short story to read.  Nicely done.

All in all, IF the 2 stories "do not represent your best work" as you stated, I can then hardly wait to read your best work when you post it.  Both stories are very nicely written and held my attention to compel me to read every word.

Thank you @DustKitten for posting your stories on here on my "Susan's Writers and Book Readers" thread... very much appreciated.  I will be looking forward to and anticipating your future submissions.

Hugs,
Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: DustKitten on July 06, 2018, 04:37:39 AM
Thanks, Danielle :) I always feel flustered when someone compliments my work, even though everyone seems to react the same way to my writing. At least when someone criticizes my writing (as my teachers often used to do) I can listen to what they're saying and try to improve, but I can't seem to take praise half as well.

Like I said, I only made the blog to share those stories, so idk if I'll keep it updated. It mostly depends on whether I write anything else I'd consider unpublishable. :) Right now I'm planning to write a post-apocalyptic story and another story about a mermaid, but I don't think I'll have time for them for another week or two.
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on July 08, 2018, 09:40:46 AM
To my readers and followers here....

Please feel free to post your writings
and thoughts.... and share about the books that you are reading or about to read....   
I love to hear from others and what they have to say...

Hugs and well wishes,
Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: LizK on July 11, 2018, 06:12:29 AM
What a great thread...I fall into the Avid reader frustrated writer category. I am trying to write my transition story for awhile now and am still putting together details. Primarily writing is to help me as a way of venting my emotions whether they be anger, happiness or laughter. I have a file of probably 100 writings completed since this journey began in earnest and from this I will try to make this the basis of a cohesive story. I hope that the raw emotions I felt when writing some of these pieces will come out in the writng...it is these emotions I want the reader to understand and if possible feel.


I cannot read actual paper books anymore due to the side effects of medications but I listen to books constantly, I am currently listening to a book of short horror stories called The Best Horror of the Year By Ellen Datlow. I am also listening to my absolute all time favourite story that I know inside and out...The Dark Tower series by Stephen King . I have listened to this series of 8 books a number of times and know the stories intimately. You can see King mature over the years he took to write this series. He is a very different writer in his last book written some years later than the first in this series.


"The dark man fled across the desert and the Gunslinger followed"    The opening line to the first book in the series. From there unfolds and 8 book tale.


What is the next book your book club is reading @Alaskan Danielle...

Take care


Liz
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Jessica on July 17, 2018, 11:20:02 AM
Hi friends 🌸🌸🌸
I composed a brief narrative of my experiences with being on hrt for one year and I've been implored to post it on this thread as it has a ring of poetic license.
I do feel it is, as I termed it, a style that has a pedantic cadence. 
Moving, but lingering in thought, from point to point.

I hope you enjoy the style as much as much as the substance did for me.


QuoteHi friends 🌸🌸🌸
One year on hrt!  OMG! I did not see this happening.
I was so unsure in the beginning.
I was scared about what it all may lead to.
There was so much I didn't know.

How have I changed? 
Do I still question the future?  Who doesn't?
Would I have changed anything?  I think the speed I'm going works with me..

The physical changes have been slow and subtle. 
Love my breasts, I'm blessed with good genes and have gotten to "c" cups.
I've lost 3" in my band measurement and added 2" in my bust measurement.
Lost 5" in my waist dimension, along with a loss of 35 lbs.
My butt is clearly larger, and my muscles are lean but strong.
My skin is softer, and my dry flaky skin is healthy.
My face has smoothed out, losing deep smile lines to a mere shadow.
I've opted for less body hair and my legs are smooth.
My mustache of 35 years is gone, never to return.
The (small) bald spot on the top of my head has disappeared.
My hair is returning to the length I had for 25 years (to the small of my back) when I cut it 20 years ago.  I missed it more than I thought I would.  Still going to take a bit with that.
I've added physical cues such as nail polish on the fingers and toes, feminine styled clothes (but still androgynous shirts when not presenting as a woman), walking, talking and mannerisms are more feminine.  These are full time changes that are compatible with being gender fluid.

Psychological changes have been a pleasure and a pain.
Love the ease I find in talking to others, especially women.
Hate the roller coaster ride though.
Love being happy all the time.  Always have been, but more so.
Hate feeling sensitive about things I've over-inflated in my mind.
Love knowing that I'm becoming who I am.
Hate knowing I'll never have the real life experience of growing up a girl, then a woman.

My relationship with my loved ones are strong and the ones that know are comfortable with where I'm going.
I've met new friends that have become my family both here on line at Susan's Place and in person.  I value these with a high degree of love.

I see a bright future.

Hugs and smiles, Jessica 🌸🌸🌸


Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on July 17, 2018, 11:27:30 AM
@Jessica
Dear Jessica... thank you so very much for post your writings regarding your "One Year HRT"   Your story chronicles your very interesting and successful first year.... and is very encouraging to all of us.
I now can hardly wait for your "Two Year HRt" writings....

Keep on keeping on.
Thank you for reading, following, and commenting...
Hugs and continued well wishes as always,
Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: DawnOday on July 17, 2018, 12:02:33 PM
So glad to hear your progress Jessica. We are on similar courses of discovery. Some days I want to throw up my hands and say let's go full time. Others, I realize what I would be missing if I divorced my wife and were forced to live alone. I can see me all alone in my apartment screaming. "I've fallen and I can't get up".  :)  We are extremely lucky to have loving families that believe our happiness is what matters.
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Jessica on July 17, 2018, 12:11:30 PM
Quote from: DawnOday on July 17, 2018, 12:02:33 PM
So glad to hear your progress Jessica. We are on similar courses of discovery. Some days I want to throw up my hands and say let's go full time. Others, I realize what I would be missing if I divorced my wife and were forced to live alone. I can see me all alone in my apartment screaming. "I've fallen and I can't get up".  :)  We are extremely lucky to have loving families that believe our happiness is what matters.

I will add this for you @DawnOday, though I suspect the ever vigilant Danielle will request it.

QuoteOne year goes by in the blink of an eye.....that's how life works.
Who knows where the next blink will lead you....
Who knows what tomorrow brings?
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on July 17, 2018, 12:38:13 PM
Quote from: Jessica on July 17, 2018, 12:11:30 PM
I will add this for you @DawnOday, though I suspect the ever vigilant Danielle will request it.

@DawnOday
Dear Dawn: ... please do me the favor of personally posting your little poem that @Jessica mentioned on this thread...  with any of your commentary about why and when you wrote it.
Thank you.

Hugs and well wishes,
Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: JudiBlueEyes on July 17, 2018, 12:42:27 PM
Here's something from my collection that I wrote years ago.

What do you see?

Make me laugh,
Make me play,
Push the button.
What you say?

I'm a new girl,
Maybe the same girl.
Take a look,
What do you see?

Living the life,
Unlived?
Enjoying the gift,
Not given?

You've got to reach out
and take it.
It's the only way
If you're going to make it.
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on July 17, 2018, 12:51:50 PM
@JudiBlueEyes
Dear Judi:
Thank you very much for posting your little poem...
... it is absolutely wonderfully written and has great meaning to all of us on the Forums....   

Thank you for reading, following, and for your comments.
Please feel free to come here often and share your thoughts and writings...

Hugs and well wishes as always.
Hugs,
Danielle 
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Jessica on July 17, 2018, 01:52:50 PM
Quote from: JudiBlueEyes on July 17, 2018, 12:42:27 PM
Here's something from my collection that I wrote years ago.

What do you see?

Make me laugh,
Make me play,
Push the button.
What you say?

I'm a new girl,
Maybe the same girl.
Take a look,
What do you see?

Living the life,
Unlived?
Enjoying the gift,
Not given?

You've got to reach out
and take it.
It's the only way
If you're going to make it.

Love this Judi 🌸🌸🌸
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: ErinWDK on July 18, 2018, 02:51:20 PM
Most of my attempts at writing are non-fiction, often looking at the technical and/or deep aspects of things.  I have finally had enough issues bubbling about within me that I ventured into writing something "creative."  I posted it on the Unicorn Forest thread.  This gives some insight as to how my mind goes when I am deep in too much thought.  That thread is rather allegorical -- as is my post to some extent -- so any thoughts about it might better fit here.

That is a first try -- at age 65!!!


Erin
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on July 18, 2018, 03:04:58 PM
Quote from: ErinWDK on July 18, 2018, 02:51:20 PM
Most of my attempts at writing are non-fiction, often looking at the technical and/or deep aspects of things.  I have finally had enough issues bubbling about within me that I ventured into writing something "creative."  I posted it on the Unicorn Forest thread.  This gives some insight as to how my mind goes when I am deep in too much thought.  That thread is rather allegorical -- as is my post to some extent -- so any thoughts about it might better fit here.

That is a first try -- at age 65!!!

Erin

@ErinWDK
Dear Erin: Thank you for coming here and posting your thoughts and where we can find some of your writings and compositions.   
Always feel free to also post some of you work on here... usually briefer versions as you can see from some of the examples of other posts on here.   Any kind of longer "work" can be put of a writers blog somewhere in cyberspace and you can always include the LINK here so we can all go it.

Thanks again for your comments and I will be looking forward to seeing future postings from you.

Hugs and well wishes,
Daneille
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: LizK on July 18, 2018, 08:22:46 PM
I think you may have missed my question from earlier :D so I though I would ask again if that ok ;)

What is the next book your book club is reading @Alaskan Danielle...

Take care


Liz
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: KatieP on July 18, 2018, 08:40:16 PM
Quote from: ElizabethK on July 18, 2018, 08:22:46 PM


What is the next book your book club is reading @Alaskan Danielle...



+1

;D
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: KatieP on July 18, 2018, 09:13:09 PM
I read a lot. Well, it seems like a lot. About 100 books a year, plus or minus, depending on how many repeats there are in the year. So, I am ALWAYS looking for recommendations. Last night at a restaurant, the server recommended "Beneath a Marble Sky" and I immediately bought it on my Kindle. (And, for me, Kindle has saved my back. In the old day when I used to have to save a lot of space in my luggage for all the books was a total pain in the lower back.)

I rank my books by category, since comparing Linda Howard with David Baldacci seems unfair. So...

In the sort of science fiction category, I think Neal Stephenson wins. I think he wrote the best book of the 20th century (Cryptonomicon), an I loved Seven Eves. I did get tired through the Baroque Cycle though.


In the Romance category, Linda Howard by a mile. Even though they may all have the same plot, I have yet to read one of hers that did not thrill me. Or swoon me...


In the Popular category, it's hard to beat Michael Connelly.


In the Police procedural, I still think Sue Grafton is the Queen.


In the LitFic category, there are a ton of great options, such as Kite Runner, All the Light We Cannot See, etc


In the make you cry category, there are many contenders, but if you are a teacher, or know a teacher, "Ms. Bixby's Last Day" will make you cry forever...

Bad Ass Protagonist? No question. Jack Reacher from Lee Child. He would kick Kirk McGarvey's ass...


For total fun, read them when there is nothing new: I often go back to the Harry Potter series, and even Twilight. (Sorry. I just put all my opinions in jeopardy, didn't I?)

Transgender novel? Although it gives away a lot probably, Conclave, since Harris is a popular author...


Literally, I could go on for hours...

;D


Edit: I gave my vote for the best book of the 20th Century. My vote for the best book of the 21st Century, so far? 11-22-63 from Stephen King...
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on July 19, 2018, 11:42:41 AM
@KatieP   
Thank you for your extensive and informative treatise on your book reading endeavors... 
I find it very interesting to discover what and how other avid readers address their preferences.

I can not argue with some of your choices and comparison of various authors works... but of course, we all have a personal likes and dislikes.

Your choice of Linda Howard for Romance is good but I prefer Debbie Macomber and her writing style... but like you stated most of these kinds of books by these authors have much of the same plot but the authors do a great job of riveting our attention... some of Debbie Macomber's books are difficult to stop reading in the middle... they can be the proverbial page turners.

I agree with you about Neal Stephenson's "The Baroque Cycle", I put the book down and away before I was halfway through... 
My Science Fiction Choice recently is "Dark Matter" by Blake Crouch....  a thrilling story for sure, difficult to find a stopping point when reading it.

My BOOK CLUB has already read David Baldacci's "Memory Man"  ... it was a wonderfully riveting book to read...  in the near future I am hoping to get my book club to consider the other 3 books in the series...
... "The Last Mile" ,  "The Fix" , and  "The Fallen" ... all have the character Amos Decker, the detective with an unwavering memory (hence the first book "Memory Man")

My other reading choices also include non-fiction works that chronicle military HISTORY such as in the WW1, WW2 and Civil War periods......   
...and The Enigma (German WW2 Cryptology Cypher Machine)... described in a couple books by David Kahn titled "Seizing the Enigma: The Race to Break the German U-Boat Codes, 1939–1945" and "The Code Breakers" ... both are very interesting and easy to read.

Then in a more scientific and astronomy vein...
James Gleck's "Genius" which is a novel/biography about the famous physicist Richard Feynman.
Stephen Hawking's "A Brief History of Time" is permanently on my book shelf.
I have read and re-read many of Carl Sagan's books, my favorites are  "Pale Blue Dot" and "Cosmos"...

****.... and MY ALL TIME FAVORITE that I have read and re-read about a half dozen times is a book by Dennis Overbye titled "Lonely Hearts of the Cosmos"  ... it chronicles the  early to mid 20th century benchmark astronomical findings of the famous Astronomers such as Hubble and Sandage and others.  Even though it is loaded with scientific data and facts, it is written as an enjoyable and fairly wonderfully easy read that is difficult to put down.

Thanks again Katie for reading and following this thread and for coming here with your comments.
Hugs,
Danielle





Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on July 19, 2018, 11:57:54 AM
Quote from: ElizabethK on July 18, 2018, 08:22:46 PM
I think you may have missed my question from earlier :D so I though I would ask again if that ok ;)

What is the next book your book club is reading @Alaskan Danielle...

Take care

Liz

@ElizabethK   @KatieP
Dear Liz and Katie:  My book club has already read David Baldacci's "Memory Man"  ... it is a wonderfully written "detective" book.

We have not yet made a final choice for our next book to read, lots of suggestions from the other members regarding authors, titles and genres ....

... my suggestion is to follow up on the second book in the series of 4 books by David Baldacci  "The Last Mile"  ...
it also has the character Amos Decker, the detective with an infallible memory (hence the first book "Memory Man")

I am thinking and hoping that is the book that we will all decide on.

Thank you for reading and following and for your comments, please continue to come here often.
Hugs,
Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on July 19, 2018, 02:50:50 PM
Quote from: ElizabethK on July 11, 2018, 06:12:29 AM
What a great thread...I fall into the Avid reader frustrated writer category. I am trying to write my transition story for awhile now and am still putting together details. Primarily writing is to help me as a way of venting my emotions whether they be anger, happiness or laughter. I have a file of probably 100 writings completed since this journey began in earnest and from this I will try to make this the basis of a cohesive story. I hope that the raw emotions I felt when writing some of these pieces will come out in the writng...it is these emotions I want the reader to understand and if possible feel.


I cannot read actual paper books anymore due to the side effects of medications but I listen to books constantly, I am currently listening to a book of short horror stories called The Best Horror of the Year By Ellen Datlow. I am also listening to my absolute all time favourite story that I know inside and out...The Dark Tower series by Stephen King . I have listened to this series of 8 books a number of times and know the stories intimately. You can see King mature over the years he took to write this series. He is a very different writer in his last book written some years later than the first in this series.


"The dark man fled across the desert and the Gunslinger followed"    The opening line to the first book in the series. From there unfolds and 8 book tale.

What is the next book your book club is reading @Alaskan Danielle...

Take care

Liz
@ElizabethK
Dear Liz: Thank you for your kind words about this thread...  I like reading and I like trying out my novice efforts to write... but what I really like is to hear about others reading preferences, book reports and to read some of their writings.

You stated that you have about 100 writings that you composed, since your journey began..... 
PLEASE, OH PLEASE, if you feel so led and feel comfortable posting some of those please do. 
Not only would it be an emotional release for you but it can be a source of inspiration and encouragement for the readers and followers of this thread.  Please consider sharing some of your writings


So sorry to hear of your difficulty with reading, but for sure, Audio Books are a wonderful option... not only do you get the story read to you but also most audio books interlace some appropriate music and voice drama into the reading.  Plus you can listen to the books while you drive a car, or are cooking, or cleaning, etc.  Certainly a wonderful alternative, especially considering your reported vision issues.

Yes, indeed, I agree with you regarding the Stephen King "Dark Tower" books .. they are wonderful... no wonder he is a top selling author.   Just about anything he writes is worth taking the time to read.

The next book that my BOOK CLUB has not been selected yet, we are still recapping the Alaska trilogy series.
I put my vote in for the second book in the series of 4 books by David Baldacci  "The Last Mile"   
Many of the authors such as the way that David Baldacci writes... make it a point to make each book stand alone, even though it is in a series.  We did read the first book in that series "Memory Man" earlier this year.

Thank you for reading and following and for your comments... you are always welcome here, come often and share.
Hugs,
Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Laurie on July 26, 2018, 09:59:06 AM
 Hi Folks,

  I seldom try my hand at writing anything creative. But this morning I come up with the following for @Michelle_P For her to read when she woke up. Each morning we greet each other with text and emojis when we are apart. I hope you like it too.

Waking up

Sky brightens.   
Night slips away. 
Day breaking.
Life waking.       
Horizon golden.   
Rising sun.   
Loved one stirs. 
Limbs stretching.   
Eyes open.   
Smile widens.   
Lovers kiss.
Good morning, Sweetheart.


Hugs,
   Laurie

Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Jessica on July 26, 2018, 10:04:02 AM
Quote from: Laurie on July 26, 2018, 09:59:06 AM
Hi Folks,

  I seldom try my hand at writing anything creative. But this morning I come up with the following for @Michelle_P For her to read when she woke up. Each morning we greet each other with text and emojis when we are apart. I hope you like it too.

Waking up

Sky brightens.   
Night slips away. 
Day breaking.
Life waking.       
Horizon golden.   
Rising sun.   
Loved one stirs. 
Limbs stretching.   
Eyes open.   
Smile widens.   
Lovers kiss.
Good morning, Sweetheart.


Hugs,
   Laurie

Awww....how sweet sis! 
I think she likes you 🌸🌸🌸
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on July 26, 2018, 10:09:53 AM
Quote from: Laurie on July 26, 2018, 09:59:06 AM
Hi Folks,

  I seldom try my hand at writing anything creative. But this morning I come up with the following for @Michelle_P For her to read when she woke up. Each morning we greet each other with text and emojis when we are apart. I hope you like it too.

Waking up

Sky brightens.   
Night slips away. 
Day breaking.
Life waking.       
Horizon golden.   
Rising sun.   
Loved one stirs. 
Limbs stretching.   
Eyes open.   
Smile widens.   
Lovers kiss.
Good morning, Sweetheart.


Hugs,
   Laurie

@Laurie
Dear Laurie:
What you wrote is absolutely beautiful ... 
...and goes well with the Red Roses that you gave to @Michelle_P

Thank you so very much for posting your heartfelt writings here... 
I love to see frequent submissions from all of Susan's members writings, and book reviews....
Hugs,
Danielle
       P.S.  @Michelle_P... you are a lucky woman for sure!!!
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: SallyChoasAura on July 26, 2018, 10:12:22 AM
I'm not in a book club but I do love reading. I'm mostly into fiction of any kind, fantasy, and mythology. Harry Potter is a longtime favorite of mine. Right now I've mostly into reading fanfiction.
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: KatieP on July 26, 2018, 03:30:24 PM
Quote from: SallyChoasAura on July 26, 2018, 10:12:22 AM
Harry Potter is a longtime favorite of mine.

OK. This may be too personal of a question ( ;D) but...

How many of you waited in line at midnight at Barnes and Nobles waiting for one or more of the Harry Potter books to go on sale?

As the second most personal thing I have ever shared on this forum: Yep. I did. More than once.

Kate
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: KatieP on July 26, 2018, 03:33:09 PM
Oh. Almost as embarrassing: How many of you did that for any of the Twilight series?

Twice, I was the only person over the age of 15 in line.

And, parenthetically, no one seemed worried about the safety of the young women standing so close to an old transgender woman...  ;D
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: SallyChoasAura on July 26, 2018, 09:54:26 PM
Quote from: KatieP on July 26, 2018, 03:30:24 PM
OK. This may be too personal of a question ( ;D) but...

How many of you waited in line at midnight at Barnes and Nobles waiting for one or more of the Harry Potter books to go on sale?

As the second most personal thing I have ever shared on this forum: Yep. I did. More than once.

Kate

Quote from: KatieP on July 26, 2018, 03:33:09 PM
Oh. Almost as embarrassing: How many of you did that for any of the Twilight series?

Twice, I was the only person over the age of 15 in line.

And, parenthetically, no one seemed worried about the safety of the young women standing so close to an old transgender woman...  ;D
No I haven't done that... yet.😈
And I'm not a fan of Twilight... the whole plot just feels so... bland. But I respect the fact that you like it, it just wasn't for me. 🤷‍♀️
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: KatieP on July 27, 2018, 03:40:26 PM
Have you read Stephanie Meyer's "The Host?" She called it her "adult" book.

The plot summary is: A love Triangle, where one of the parties is an alien.  :o

But if you can do Harry Potter, that summary probably won't deter you like it does many people.

I cried like a baby at least 4 separate times reading The Host. The put-the-book-down-and-wait-for-it-to-end type of crying.


Probably similarly bland as the Twilight series, but I LOVED it...

Kate
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: SallyChoasAura on July 27, 2018, 03:44:46 PM
Quote from: KatieP on July 27, 2018, 03:40:26 PM
Have you read Stephanie Meyer's "The Host?" She called it her "adult" book.

The plot summary is: A love Triangle, where one of the parties is an alien.  :o

But if you can do Harry Potter, that summary probably won't deter you like it does many people.

I cried like a baby at least 4 separate times reading The Host. The put-the-book-down-and-wait-for-it-to-end type of crying.


Probably similarly bland as the Twilight series, but I LOVED it...

Kate
No I haven't read it, but I'll check it out next time I go to the library! 📚📖
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on July 27, 2018, 06:38:54 PM
Quote from: KatieP on July 27, 2018, 03:40:26 PM
Have you read Stephanie Meyer's "The Host?" She called it her "adult" book.

The plot summary is: A love Triangle, where one of the parties is an alien.  :o

But if you can do Harry Potter, that summary probably won't deter you like it does many people.

I cried like a baby at least 4 separate times reading The Host. The put-the-book-down-and-wait-for-it-to-end type of crying.


Probably similarly bland as the Twilight series, but I LOVED it...

Kate

@KatieP
Dear Kate:   
Yes I have read "The Host"  .... frankly, I am not a fan of the Twilight book series, but in the Host,  Stephanie Meyers displays a style of writing goes well beyond the words that she writes.. and it hits the reader in their emotions....
   Kate: ...   thus the tears that you and I shed while reading various portions of the story.

Her focus is just not the Aliens that conquer Earth and inhabit earth humans and their bodies but also gives us heartfelt themes such as the innate human capacity to sacrifice our own lives for others that are dear to us, of loving our own bodies, and of parental desire to make our offspring's lives better by altering how we live.

This is a great book... a little sluggish in the beginning but it soon grabs the reader.

Thank you for suggesting "The Host" ... hopefully our brief summaries will inspire others to read this book...

Thank you for your post.
Danielle


Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: KatieP on July 27, 2018, 10:36:52 PM
Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on July 27, 2018, 06:38:54 PM
@
also gives us heartfelt themes such as the innate human capacity to sacrifice our own lives for others that are dear to us, of loving our own bodies, and of parental desire to make our offspring's lives better by altering how we live.


I think it is so fun, Danielle, your way with words. I read the same book, and know exactly what you are saying. However, I would have been incapable of expressing myself as you have.

I think if this Alaskan business of your does not work out, you should consider book reviewer as a vocation...  ;D
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on July 28, 2018, 01:32:34 AM
Quote from: KatieP on July 27, 2018, 10:36:52 PM
I think it is so fun, Danielle, your way with words. I read the same book, and know exactly what you are saying. However, I would have been incapable of expressing myself as you have.

I think if this Alaskan business of your does not work out, you should consider book reviewer as a vocation...  ;D

@KatieP
Dear Kate:
Thank you for your confirmation about what we both thought about the book... "The Host"

Please, if you have anything to add, or any other books of interest to you.... or any brief writings, quotes or poems that tug at your heartstrings or are just great to read, please feel free to post them here.  I want to encourage you to come here often...
Thank you for your comments.
Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on August 07, 2018, 04:08:00 PM
August 08,2018... My local Book Club UPDATE:

My book club finished up the 3 book series, Alaska Skies...  we had lots of interesting and detailed discussions about the book, the settings and the characters in those books. 
Like most romantic novels that Debbie Macomber writes, they were captivating for sure,
and the story lines were most appropriate for where we live here.

We are now moving on to our next book....
            "Send Down the Rain" by Charles Martin.

The book byline is: 
   "A spellbinding story of buried secrets, lost love, and the promise of second chances."

We just got the books today... and my group and I are very excited to start reading it.  I may even start tonight.   
At our next book club meeting at the end of August we will review the first several chapters together.   
I have been loving these romance novels that we have been reading...  brings up lots of emotions including some tears as we read the books.

*QUESTION???   What book are you reading lately...???

Hugs and happy reading....
Danielle

                               (left click photo to enlarge)
(https://i.imgur.com/lQGkKxJ.jpg)   (https://i.imgur.com/0QKPiTh.jpg)
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: DustKitten on August 07, 2018, 05:36:44 PM
Re-reading the Harry Potter series for, idk, the 6th or 7th time now. Currently halfway through The Prisoner of Azkaban.
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on August 07, 2018, 05:48:12 PM
Quote from: DustKitten on August 07, 2018, 05:36:44 PM
Re-reading the Harry Potter series for, idk, the 6th or 7th time now. Currently halfway through The Prisoner of Azkaban.

@DustKitten:

I am so very glad to read your posting reply....   I am very pleased to find that I am not the only one who re-reads favorite books over and over....   

Upon re-reading them I am always gleaning new insight and new meanings to the stories....   
Thank you for posting your thoughts.

Hugs and well wishes,
Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: DustKitten on August 07, 2018, 06:07:11 PM
I haven't read many books more than twice :) but I genuinely think of some books as old friends waiting for me to come visit them again. When I was a kid I read White Fang, The Hobbit, and A Christmas Carol more times than I can remember, and if I like a book or series enough, I'll eventually go back to it.

Speaking of which, is anyone else waiting on The Winds of Winter? I've read the whole Song of Ice and Fire series 3 times since A Dance with Dragons was released, and I refuse to watch past season 4 of the show until the next book is done. I want to read the real thing first.
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: KatieP on August 07, 2018, 07:54:38 PM
Quote from: DustKitten on August 07, 2018, 06:07:11 PM

Speaking of which, is anyone else waiting on The Winds of Winter? I've read the whole Song of Ice and Fire series 3 times since A Dance with Dragons was released, and I refuse to watch past season 4 of the show until the next book is done. I want to read the real thing first.

THAT is such a great idea! I have read the 5 only once. Then I watched the first two seasons of the TV version, and stopped because I couldn't remember which details came from which medium. (Although I own the DVDs for all released seasons, they just sit...)

But I really should go back through that series.


And of course, I have to get a Debbie Macomber book on the list, given the glowing recommendations here...

Katie
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: DustKitten on August 15, 2018, 04:54:38 PM
I started reading Animal: The Autobiography of a Female Body, by Sara Pascoe, a couple of days ago. I'm only halfway through, and I know it gets more serious towards the end, but I'm really enjoying it so far. A good chunk of it covers human evolution from a female perspective, so maybe don't read it if you don't believe in evolution for religious reasons, but I'd recommend it to anyone else.
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on August 15, 2018, 05:02:03 PM
Quote from: DustKitten on August 15, 2018, 04:54:38 PM
I started reading Animal: The Autobiography of a Female Body, by Sara Pascoe, a couple of days ago. I'm only halfway through, and I know it gets more serious towards the end, but I'm really enjoying it so far. A good chunk of it covers human evolution from a female perspective, so maybe don't read it if you don't believe in evolution for religious reasons, but I'd recommend it to anyone else.

@DustKitten

Thank you for posting about the recent book that you have started reading.   Whether one does or does not believe in evolution for any reason, it is good to read literature that may or may not hold to one's own views.   
That is what seems to be missing in many areas of our lives lately, exploring, respecting and accepting other's personal views while still holding on to our own.

I will be looking forward to an update from you about "Animal" as you get into the book a little further.
Meanwhile I will do a little surfing the web and browse the book a little myself.

Thank you for following this thread and for sharing and posting.
Hugs,
Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: DustKitten on August 17, 2018, 06:00:08 PM
I've finished reading it. I'm not usually much for non-fiction, but I loved the book. I found it entertaining, informative, and sometimes thought-provoking; I think it an excellent feminist read. It's less of an autobiography and more a collection of thoughts on women in general, with specific emphasis on love, evolution, and women's rights in modern society.
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: SallyChoasAura on August 17, 2018, 07:48:54 PM
So not really a book, but is anyone else super addicted to fanfiction right now? Or am I just a weirdo?😅
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: QuincestuallyAurtastic on August 18, 2018, 03:13:33 AM
Quote from: SallyChoasAura on August 17, 2018, 07:48:54 PM
So not really a book, but is anyone else super addicted to fanfiction right now? Or am I just a weirdo?😅
I've never been a fan, of "reading" fan fiction to be honest. mostly because nobody writes much fanfiction for the stuff I'm into, or if they do, I haven't found any that's up to my standards.

I really like the idea of it though. like how fanfiction, is essentially a hivemind, exploring and filling in all the possible story routes, that the author discarded.

I'm very into webcomics though, oh and Quests, are fascinating.
It's one of my dreams, to create a webcomic where the fans themselves, create the plot, or direct the course of the story.

What sort of fanfiction are you into?
anybody else here into webcomics? (or perhaps I should go start a new thread for this topic?)
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: SallyChoasAura on August 19, 2018, 12:11:59 AM
I do read some webcomics, but it depends on what it's about.
I basically just read fanfiction about any fandom that I'm into at the time. Like South Park, Undertale, Tangled: The Series, Epic Mickey, Pokemon, TMNT, and much MUCH more...
I live in waaaaaaaaaaay too many fandoms. 😅
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on August 19, 2018, 12:47:58 AM
Quote from: SallyChoasAura on August 19, 2018, 12:11:59 AM
I do read some webcomics, but it depends on what it's about.
I basically just read fanfiction about any fandom that I'm into at the time. Like South Park, Undertale, Tangled: The Series, Epic Mickey, Pokemon, TMNT, and much MUCH more...
I live in waaaaaaaaaaay too many fandoms. 😅

@SallyChoasAura

Thank you for sharing and posting here.

My reading interests are divided among many very diverse subjects....
Lately the books I am reading are ....
Romance Novels
...  and
non-fiction History.

Wow, those are certainly diverse subjects for sure.

Again,  thanks for posting.
Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: KatieP on August 19, 2018, 02:46:55 PM
Hi Danielle,
Based on your Debbie Macomber recommendation, I bought "Alaska Skies..." although I haven't gotten to it yet. But today, I saw that "Cottage by the Sea" was high in the NYT Best Sellers list, which is a place one does not often see "Romance" novels. This made me think it might be a superior example of DM's books. So, my question to you is: Have you read, "Cottage By the Sea" and should I start there instead of the "Alaska Skies?"


;D

Katie
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on August 19, 2018, 02:57:00 PM
Quote from: KatieP on August 19, 2018, 02:46:55 PM
Hi Danielle,
Based on your Debbie Macomber recommendation, I bought "Alaska Skies..." although I haven't gotten to it yet. But today, I saw that "Cottage by the Sea" was high in the NYT Best Sellers list, which is a place one does not often see "Romance" novels. This made me think it might be a superior example of DM's books. So, my question to you is: Have you read, "Cottage By the Sea" and should I start there instead of the "Alaska Skies?"

;D

Katie

@KatieP
Dear Katie: In between the other books I am currently reading  I have indeed read Cottage By the Sea... it is a wonderful book....    but I still prefer the Alaska Skies books... perhaps because of where I live... but nevertheless, the Alaska Skies books are my favorite.
You won't go wrong reading any of those titles however I think that you should start with Alaska Skies, you will not be disappointed.

Thanks for your comments and for following.
Hugs,
Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Alice V on August 19, 2018, 05:40:39 PM
Quoteanybody else here into webcomics?
I'm following few webcomics that was translated to my language and some written in my language. In last time it mostly Menage a 3 (with Sandra and and Dilly spinoffs), Goblins: Life through their eyes, Oglaf.

In books I prefer stories about people suddenly moved to another worlds (though there is a lot of bad stuff, sometimes I finding decent things :) ). My most favorite series in such genre are "Project Roleplayer" and "Nik" (both russians so perhaps it'll tell you nothing). If you know some good books in this genre please tell me :)

I also like interactive stuff like games from "choiceofgames". Dunno if it can be considered books... Maybe, little ones :) My favorite author there is Zachary Sergi with "Heroes Rise" and "Versus" series.

QuoteSo not really a book, but is anyone else super addicted to fanfiction right now?
I've read few ff about Harry Potter, Dragon Age and Mass Effect. Mostly it so poor that it hard to read it to the end, but some ff really shine :)
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: islandgirl on August 19, 2018, 07:15:14 PM
I am reading 'The Price of Salt, or Carol' by Patricia Highsmith. So far so good!
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: LizK on August 20, 2018, 05:48:22 PM
I just read a book that was way out of my usual reading Zone and that was called "The Sea of Rust"....just a really good yarn and about 1/3 the way into the book you begin to recognise the character traits of the protagonists are very similar to human beings...in fact it relates to discrimination and separation of the classes very differently from your normal narrative. I highly recommend this book and award it 8 out of 10 " Gold Stilettos " for being such a great read.

Take care

Liz
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on August 23, 2018, 09:21:16 AM
Quote from: LizK on August 20, 2018, 05:48:22 PM
I just read a book that was way out of my usual reading Zone and that was called "The Sea of Rust"....just a really good yarn and about 1/3 the way into the book you begin to recognise the character traits of the protagonists are very similar to human beings...in fact it relates to discrimination and separation of the classes very differently from your normal narrative. I highly recommend this book and award it 8 out of 10 " Gold Stilettos " for being such a great read.

Take care

Liz

@LizK
Dear Liz:
Thank you for your book report on "The Sea of Rust" ... 

My book club that I belong to reviewed the book and we determined that it will be on our list as a book that our club will want to read... perhaps this fall.

Thanks for following this thread and for providing your thoughts....
Hugs,
Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: KatieP on August 24, 2018, 06:04:39 PM
I just finished the first book in Alaska Skies. I don't know if Macomber is a new fav yet, but I did cry a lot at the end when Sawyer was giving away his most priceless treasures. And it was enough that I have to go do a different genera before I can go back for the second book... 😁

Katie
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on August 27, 2018, 11:42:11 AM
Quote from: KatieP on August 24, 2018, 06:04:39 PM
I just finished the first book in Alaska Skies. I don't know if Macomber is a new fav yet, but I did cry a lot at the end when Sawyer was giving away his most priceless treasures. And it was enough that I have to go do a different genera before I can go back for the second book... 😁

Katie

@KatieP
Dear Katie:
When you are ready to go back to the Alaska Skies series, there is no doubt in my mind that the 2nd book will be another good reading experience, but be certain to have a box of tissues nearby because they will be more crying involved.
I will be looking for your next report on your next book that you are reading and then I will much anticipate your report on the 2nd Alaska Skies book.
Hugs,
Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on August 27, 2018, 11:46:26 AM
Quote from: islandgirl on August 19, 2018, 07:15:14 PM
I am reading 'The Price of Salt, or Carol' by Patricia Highsmith. So far so good!

@islandgirl
My dear Kelly,
Please don't leave us all hanging....   even if you have not finished "The Price of Salt" ...
... how about an interim book report???
Hugs,
Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: islandgirl on August 27, 2018, 12:37:37 PM
Ok!

I could not get into it! The movie Carol was based on this book.  Too slow going for me to continue! I am not saying that it was not well written, but I was not in the mood for such a story. 

I am now reading 'Something Better than Home' by Leona Beasley. I am finding this book very good! The flow is better and I am hooked in earlier so I am involved in the character's development.  I am really into lesbian fiction lately and have read quite a few different novels. Unfortunately, I am running low in titles that are carried through my local library system.

The last couple of authors that I have enjoyed were T.A. Tracy and J.M. Redmann.
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on September 01, 2018, 09:54:48 PM
Quote from: KatieP on August 24, 2018, 06:04:39 PM
I just finished the first book in Alaska Skies. I don't know if Macomber is a new fav yet, but I did cry a lot at the end when Sawyer was giving away his most priceless treasures. And it was enough that I have to go do a different genera before I can go back for the second book... 😁

Katie
@KatieP
Dear Katie:
Well, what have you decided about starting on the 3nd Alaska Skies book???   
I know that you will enjoy it!!!   
I will be looking forward to your comments and book reports no matter what books you want to read....

Thank  you for reading and following this thread. Your comments are always welcome.

Hugs and well wishes,
Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: KatieP on September 02, 2018, 12:03:12 AM
Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on September 01, 2018, 09:54:48 PM
@KatieP
Dear Katie:
Well, what have you decided about starting on the 3nd Alaska Skies book???   
I know that you will enjoy it!!!   
I will be looking forward to your comments and book reports no matter what books you want to read....

Thank  you for reading and following this thread. Your comments are always welcome.

Hugs and well wishes,
Danielle


So, I am just finishing The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn. A Journalist/writer friend of mine said it was the best debut book she had read. At 92% done, I am much less impressed. The main reveal (to the 92% point) was really obvious, and the secondary reveal (to the 92% point) was an either/or with no evidence given to us to know a priori. So far, not so great for me.

I don't know if I will go back to the second Alaska Skies book next or the second Jane Hawk book by Dean Koonz. The series is less a horror story than one might expect from Koonz, and at least the first Jane Hawk book demonstrates Koonz's great writing ability. I also have a couple of Stephen King books (The Outsider, and Sleeping Beauties) waiting. So, sort of, too many enticing choices.  ;D

Katie
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on September 10, 2018, 02:39:17 PM
           ??? QUESTION for my thread followers: ???

As you may have gathered from my postings here and on other various threads on the Forums, I belong to a local BOOK CLUB that meets once or twice a month to discuss the common book title that we are all reading.  It is so very enjoyable to share thoughts with other readers as we progress through the book.

It is amazing to me that what one person gleans from a chapter may be completely different than the insights that someone else may read...  so when we discuss it as a group we can meld all of our thoughts together and get a great understanding of what the author intended up to capture.

Then, every so often, perhaps once a quarter, we get together for a potluck meal to share food, conversation and good fellowship with each other.   My Book Club group , including myself, has about 6 regular members, all women except for a guy that  infrequently attends.

Do any of you belong to Book Club or in a less structured way do you read a common book with a friend or two?

I am just wondering......
Hugs,
Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Donica on September 10, 2018, 03:06:44 PM
I'm sorry to say that I don't at present. But as my new self, I find I am much more interested in socializing with good friends and stretching the limits of my comfort zone. I am enjoying the two support groups I've joined. One meets every week and the other meets every two weeks. I like science fiction and thoroughly enjoy learning about the cosmos. If I don't get a good dose of science documentaries each month, I turn into an evil gremlin >:-). I would like to find a book club like that? In he meantime, I need to start at the beginning of this thread and catch up.

Hugs Danielle!
Donica.
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: sarah1972 on September 11, 2018, 01:22:06 PM
Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on September 10, 2018, 02:39:17 PM

Do any of you belong to Book Club or in a less structured way do you read a common book with a friend or two?

I am just wondering......
Hugs,
Danielle

Kind off... I did read the famous "Alaskan *" Trilogy by Debbie Macomber with one of my dear friends  :) almost at the same time. (well, she inspired me). Hope this counts...

Hugs,

Sarah
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on September 11, 2018, 04:12:22 PM
Quote from: sarah1972 on September 11, 2018, 01:22:06 PM
Kind off... I did read the famous "Alaskan *" Trilogy by Debbie Macomber with one of my dear friends  :) almost at the same time. (well, she inspired me). Hope this counts...

Hugs,

Sarah

@sarah1972
Dear Sarah:
     Yes, indeed, I believe it does count !!!!

In many cases with my Book Club books and other books that I read and enjoy, I will pass them onto friends and acquaintances without ever worrying about seeing them again.... but in the case of the Alaska trilogy....  I am keeping them in my bookshelf for a re-read something in the future.

I have found that when re-reading a favorite book that new little details are discovered... much like watching a movie with a complex plot, new things are revealed as we go over it again.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts,
Hugs and hugs,
Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on September 21, 2018, 09:02:38 PM
Hello everyone...

Lately it has been kind of quiet on this thread....  but now that colder and nastier weather is coming to the Northern Hemisphere, and we are spending less time outdoors, it is close to the time to start thinking of what books that you may want to read.   

Nothing nicer on a cold and nasty day to sit in my very comfortable chair, perhaps with a blanket to keep my legs and feet warm and in front of my oh-so-warm fireplace....   then on the side table, a hot cup of coffee or tea, and perhaps a few cookies will complete the wonderful time of relaxing and reading a good book.

Hugs and well wishes to all of my thread's readers and  followers.....
Danielle

Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Carolina on September 21, 2018, 10:27:07 PM
Oh Alaskan,

  So many.  I read so very much. 

  But a few months before I wandered into Susan's I was captured by a "young adult graphic novel" entitled Honor Girl by Maggie Thrash.  Oh the uncertainty and anguish of first love.  I cried.

  Then I found myself quoting in a post from a lifelong favorite poet from the 1930's, Don Blanding, and doing so sent me in search of the 4 or 5 books of his poetry that I have laying around -- somewhere -- among the bookshelves and boxes of my life.

  Which distracted me from the other 4 or 7 books that I have started and have been planning on finishing up sometime soon (fortunately the local library is tolerant in its renewals).

      Caroline 

   
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: islandgirl on September 22, 2018, 05:52:08 PM
I have just started reading 'Lemon Reef' by Robin Silverman. Good so far!  I will be following it up with 'Gonna take a homicidal journey' bu Sandra Scoppettone.

Read a lot and most lately have lesbian characters.
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: EvaB on October 01, 2018, 10:21:38 AM
Hi, Alaskan Danielle,

I'm confused...

On this from your post:

WRITERS:  What kinds of things are you writing about?  Short Stories?  Poems?  Brief Ramblings?
I would like it if you posted anything you would like to on this thread...

I'm a writer and I asked about posting something about what I write, and asked the administrator if I could chat about it, but was told it would be considered "commercial" and would not be allowed.

I stumbled on this thread and now you are asking to post stuff on writing, etc.  So, I am a bit confused...

Yours, EvaB
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on October 01, 2018, 11:56:54 AM
Quote from: EvaB on October 01, 2018, 10:21:38 AM
Hi, Alaskan Danielle,

I'm confused...

On this from your post:

WRITERS:  What kinds of things are you writing about?  Short Stories?  Poems?  Brief Ramblings?
I would like it if you posted anything you would like to on this thread...

I'm a writer and I asked about posting something about what I write, and asked the administrator if I could chat about it, but was told it would be considered "commercial" and would not be allowed.

I stumbled on this thread and now you are asking to post stuff on writing, etc.  So, I am a bit confused...

Yours, EvaB

@EvaB
Please feel free to post shorter and more brief writings and poems or perhaps a teaser sample here on this thread, no more than a third or maybe a half of a screen page.   
For longer writings you can include a LINK on your posting here that goes to a writers blog site or similar site for writers that the longer work resides,
but NO commercial published book sales oriented LINKS or postings.

Book reviews are allowed of course as you can see the allowed examples of that in the various post replies all through this thread.

In your Google or other search engine search line enter "best free blog sites for writers" and you will discover many choices that will allow you to share your writings.

I am looking forward to reading what you have composed...
Hugs,
Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: EvaB on October 06, 2018, 06:26:58 AM
Hi, Danielle,

Thanks for offer.  I am a writer, mainly of unreadable books (metaphysics), which only a handful of people have read, but lately, I have written a novel, and I highly recommend you avoid reading unless you are a masochist.    I am not here to talk about what I have written, but what this writing means to me.

There is an old joke about someone buying a lottery ticket and waving it and saying that this is his or her retirement plan.  I view writing is a more targeted form of lottery.  Let's say that I have a one in a million chance of making it.   ;D  That is sooo much better than the lottery, but it is still a long shot.

I am retired, and although I am comfortable (at least for the moment - in this political environment no retiree should feel safe), I still play my form of lottery, but there is more meaning about it for me.  For the first time, for my novel, I am using a version of my real name.  I see me and my name in print.  I am still not out to my family (planned for 1/31/2019), but this was an easy sell.  (If you read one of my unreadable books, you would know what I mean.)  More and more every day I am showing my femininity and this has become a form of expression for me beyond the book itself.

Secondarily, I have hope; this is my chance to be able to fund my transition if I hit the lottery, so to speak.

Like other mentions in this chat, I self-publish.  For my unreadable books, I have no choice, but for this book I am too impatient to send my book around.  The odds are long that you will ever hear of my book (no sex, very little violence and action; totally unsuitable to be a best seller), but maybe someone else needs to express themselves in this way.  When playing any lottery, there are no guarantees, but you always buy a little hope.  Sometimes, looking at a dim and potentially dark future, hope is the best medicine.

EvaB
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: DustKitten on October 06, 2018, 08:35:32 AM
Exactly! Success in writing depends partly on the writer's work ethic and talent, but there's a lot of luck involved too. Most art seems to be that way. You have to either know the right people or get noticed by the right people to have a shot at "making it".

It's a shame so much good stuff goes unnoticed, but finding cool new things most people haven't heard of is always exciting.

Eva, I'm glad you decided to get into writing, it's never too late to be creative and make a positive impact on the world. :)
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: ChrissyRyan on November 26, 2018, 10:04:54 PM
"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does."    - William James


Chrissy
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on November 26, 2018, 11:37:58 PM
Quote from: ChrissyRyan on November 26, 2018, 10:04:54 PM
"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does."    - William James
Chrissy

@ChrissyRyan
Dear Chrissy:
That is most certainly a great quote, very inspirational for sure. 
We all have our own unique "mission" in our social and family circles and this is a good way to look at it.

Thank you for sharing.
Hugs,
Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Coffeedrew on December 12, 2018, 09:27:17 PM

"The struggle of choosing a Gender Identity."

There are two doors in front of me

I stand divided

Which do I choose?

Biology says I'm this

My mind says I am that

My favorite color is pink

I am conflicted

Others say it could be a sickness

I feel alright but you say I look blue

I say to myself the choices are many

More than a few

How do I divide a line

When there is more than two

I have to make a choice

Some will be mad and others will rejoice

The pressure is killing me

What is my choice?

You say it should be simple

For there is only two

I ask myself for clarification

What if I lay somewhere in between?

For you the answer could not be any clearer

For me it cannot be defined
 
by looking in the mirror

I wrote this after I had to pick a Christmas gift out of two baskets.
There was two choices, female to the left, and male to the right.
I was frozen in place.
I picked the male  basket.  :embarrassed:
In my mind I am female, but on the outside I look male.
This is dedicated to anyone who has to go through that same struggle.


Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: SallyChoasAura on December 28, 2018, 05:43:20 AM
To be asleep is to be wake
To be wake one must fake
Fake my feelings for I have practiced
And so I lie here on my mattress
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on January 21, 2019, 03:55:47 PM
@Coffeedrew  @SallyChoasAura

Thank you both for sharing your writings and thoughts on this thread. 
Please, as you feel so led, continue to contribute more here for all of us to read and to enjoy.

Again, thanks for coming here.

Hugs,
Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on January 21, 2019, 04:06:43 PM
Went to my recent Book Club meeting...
Here is our New Book that we will be reading and reviewing this coming month.

To my followers, what good and interesting books are your reading this winter?... Please share with all of us....  Winter time when outside it is cold, wet, snowy and otherwise miserable,  is the perfect time to curl up in front of a warm fireplace and sit and read while enjoying a hot cup of tea or coffee.
HUGS and well wishes as always,
Danielle

                      "Good Hope Road" by Lisa Wingate
       (https://i.imgur.com/opg5Lgj.jpg)

About Good Hope Road

In a time of crisis, two women come together and set off down a road of hope in this novel in the Tending Roses series from the New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours.

Twenty-year-old Jenilee Lane, whose dreams are as narrow as the sky is wide, doesn't imagine any good could come out of the tornado that has ripped across the Missouri farmland where she makes her home. But some inner spark compels her to take action. To rescue her elderly neighbor Eudora Gibson from the cellar in which she's been trapped. To make her way to the nearby town of Poetry, where the townspeople have begun to gather in the only building left standing. To collect from the devastated landscape fragments of life that lie strewn about in the tornado's wake: letters, photographs, and mementos that might mean something to people who have lost everything.

Eudora Gibson didn't think Jenilee had it in her. But the girl she's hardly noticed for years is now surprising her—stepping forward with a bravery that inspires Eudora to face her own bitter past. Brought close by tragedy, the two will learn lessons about the resilience of the human spirit and the ties that make a community strong. And together, they will travel to a place that once lay beyond their dreams.

Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: KatieP on January 24, 2019, 12:53:45 PM
Hi All,
I just finished "The Dutch Wife" by Ellen Keith. It follows 3 characters, two in WWII in Germany concentration camps, and one in Buenos Aires in the mid-70s. The theme, sort of, is, What would you do to survive the unimaginable? This is generally relatable for us, but perhaps even more so in this book, since the character in the mid-70s is gay, and the mid-70s in Argentina was especially hard on that community.

I LOVED the book, although I was very unhappy with the actual tying up of the threads in the end.

Oh, and edited to add: The next book on my list is, "The Paris Architect" by Charles Belfoure. This one is on my list because my endo suggested it to me during our last appointment. She was also the one who recommended, "The Dutch Wife."

Kate
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: ChrissyRyan on January 29, 2019, 06:04:04 PM
I am reading a fascinating book about anti-gravity.  I can't seem to put it down.   :)   :)


Chrissy
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on January 29, 2019, 06:11:41 PM
@ChrissyRyan
Dear Chrissy:
I hope that you kept the book from going too fare up in the air....   :) :) :) :) :)

So, in all seriousness,  please tell me, what interesting books are you reading lately?  ???

Hugs,
Danielle

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on January 29, 2019, 06:04:04 PM
I am reading a fascinating book about anti-gravity.  I can't seem to put it down.   :)   :)

Chrissy
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: islandgirl on January 29, 2019, 06:25:04 PM
I just finished a 'Justifiable risk', a novel by VK Powell. I found that I could not put it down! A quick read and really hot at times! Next up is the second book in the Micky Knight series by J.M. Redmann, ' Deaths of Jocasta'.
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on February 17, 2019, 08:43:22 PM
Quote from: islandgirl on January 29, 2019, 06:25:04 PM
I just finished a 'Justifiable risk', a novel by VK Powell. I found that I could not put it down! A quick read and really hot at times! Next up is the second book in the Micky Knight series by J.M. Redmann, ' Deaths of Jocasta'.
@islandgirl
Dear Kelly:
I have been waiting for a report of the "Justifiable Risk" book that you read.   Also do you have an interem report of the next book  "Deaths of Jocasta" ???

The winter weather you have been experiencing is certainly conducive to sitting in your comfy chair with a blanket and reading your favorite books.

Hugs,
Danielle

Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: islandgirl on February 18, 2019, 10:13:19 AM
Oops! I have completed both books! Both very, for me, excellent! I couldn't put them down and unfortunately, now have to search for the next in the series! I would recommend them to anyone who likes  mysteries with a lesbian main character. They are also 'HOT'! I like the writing style of both authors. Easy reads yet the characters are relatable.

Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: krobinson103 on February 24, 2019, 07:48:33 PM
As requested a little mantra I wrote early transition to keep me focused on the moment. I've found it valuable.

Every day is a totally awesome day
Every day provides opportunities and challenges
Every challenge leads to an opportunity
Every fear faced leads to one more strength
Every strength leads to greater success
Success leads to self esteem
Self Esteem leads to happiness.
Cherish every day.
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: islandgirl on February 24, 2019, 09:42:21 PM
I have started 'I'll Be Leaving You Always' by Sandra Scoppettone. A while back, I  read another one of hers  and really liked it. Again this group of novels has a lesbian P.I. So far this book lives up to expectations. I will let y'all know how it goes.

Happy reading! Keep sharing you favourites!

Kelly
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Donica on March 04, 2019, 08:33:47 AM
I just purchased a paperback called "Shadow Life, Aerospace, Love and Secrets" by Jenna Ware. A friend told me about it and loaned me her book but there are a few other people in line that want to read it too. So I will start with my friends copy and finish with my copy when it arrives.

It's based on a true story about a trans women and her husband living in Ventura County, California, (Right in my own back yard) along the same lines as "The Danish Girl" and the book that @Steph2.0 told us about "A Light In The Dark" by Stephenie Robinson, which was also a very good read BTW. The movie "The Danish Girl" still brings me to tears every time I think about it.

I'm going to need a few more boxes of tissues.
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on March 06, 2019, 04:52:42 PM
Since I am in the field of Accounting and Financial Planning with my business I would like to share my little "writing" detailing some of my thoughts in this current busy tax season....
Here is a little summary of my thoughts about Economics and Money mangement...

Read and enjoy,
Danielle


For all of us no matter what country we live in, wouldn't it be fantastic to have our
fiscal policy managed by those in charge that have actually held real jobs, managed businesses, hired employees, earned profits and had been compelled to earn a living for themselves?

We owe a great deal to our forefathers and founders, and that's another debt we will probably never be able to repay.

      The "modern" way of doing things is:
               to drive a car that is still unpaid for,
               on an expressway that is bond-financed,
               using gasoline that is bought with a credit card.


A very good friend of mine gave me a little wall hanging that states....

           OLD ACCOUNTANTS NEVER DIE --
           THEY JUST LOSE THEIR BALANCE.
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on March 28, 2019, 04:37:27 PM
To my readers and followers:
Even if you are a not a "student" of mathematics and physics you will find this a wonderful book to read.
Richard Feynman was probably the most brilliant mathematician and Nobel prize-winning physicist in the 20th century.

Even though he died in February 1988, almost exactly 8 years after I was born, his material and college study books in theoretical physics and mathematics were a must read years later in many of my higher level college mathematics courses in the early decade of 2000.
 
The beginning highlights of his life involved working the mathematical intricacies of atomic fission in the WW2 Manhattan Project in New Mexico and then the earmark of his fame and intelligence culminated in solving the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster with the solid fuel boosters.

This book is FUN TO READ
Once started it is hard to put down, it is a "page turner" for sure.
...no hard concepts ....with simple and fun explanations and his life stories that will grab your interest and that easily make sense to even a non-scientific and/or non-mathematical reader.
The author James Gleick has written many scientific books with the same fun and easy to read concept.

Even though this book was first published in 1992, it was about 10 years later when I was in college in my early to mid 20's I read this book with a lot of interest as it fit in with some of my college courses and was high on the my Professor's reading list.
   
To my joy, I just picked up a used copy at a book store last month and I have just started reading it again, and now at 39 years old about 15 years later it has not lost it's luster and catches my interest once again.

I might suggest that if you are so inclined that you might want to give it a try, it is a wonderful book that can make very "light reading" out of complex and very interesting subjects.

Hugs and happy reading........
Danielle

             (https://i.imgur.com/RL09dO1.jpg)
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on May 08, 2019, 05:25:04 PM
OK, Writers and Book Readers and followers of this thread.

It has been quite a while since some of you have posted here.

I hope that you are aware that this is a place that you can share your writings, poems, quotations, and other stories and articles that you wish to share.

This is also a place to tell the followers here of any books or publications that you have found interesting.

I still read books written on paper, with paper pages that I can dog-ear and bookmark the old-fashioned way.
For me there is nothing more enjoyable, especially on a cold and rainy night, to curl up in my comfortable chair in front of my fireplace and get captivated by a good and interesting book...   
... I trust and hope that you also enjoy such "old-school" activities as well.

I will be looking forward to your replies with your submission of writings, interesting quotes and poems.... and any books that your are presently reading or have found interesting and wish to share your thoughts.

Best Wishes,
Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Jessica on May 08, 2019, 05:38:33 PM
Well, I'll only add what strikes me as 'on-topic' and to the moment is the book series that based the popular Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin.
Unfortunately Martin was a bit slow in his writings that the HBO show eclipsed it and was finished in script form.  There are blatant changes made from the books that were written, but HBO gave a very good plot line throughout.

And in the Battle of Winterfell, two teenage girls are the heroines.
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: islandgirl on May 08, 2019, 10:05:50 PM
Since  moving to Victoria, I have been reading a lot! Probably too much as I find myself spending too much time by myself! Anyway, I have been reading about a dozen books every three weeks. I have just finished Femme Noir by Clara Nipper and now am reading the second book, Kiss Noir. Easy reads and very enjoyable. I will have to go back to my reading history in my Library account to pick out a couple of other favourites. I definitely recommend Claire McNab's series featuring Detective Carol Ashton. I have read the first four novels and can't wait to get my hands on the next four.  These stories take place in Australia.

With the nice weather I do need to get out running and to the gym! Ukulele practices have started for our new band! So lots to do!

Happy reading!
Hugs,
Kelly
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on January 07, 2024, 09:48:53 AM
Dear Forum Friends.... 
I was able to find this thread that was "lost'  because of the recent site crash.

Like so many things here on the Forum .... postings and comments for the last several years are now gone. 
I will become active again on this thread and submit my postings regarding the books and other things that I have been reading and writing lately. 

Please join me in getting this thread up to date with any new comments and book reports.

Start at the beginning comment#1 of this thread and take a look at the previous comments on this thread to get the drift of how your postings can be structured.

I will be eagerly looking for your contributions on this thread.

HUGS, Danielle
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Emma1017 on January 07, 2024, 10:23:23 AM


Hi Danielle: 

Every time I try to update my profile photo I get timed out. I know you all have a lot on your plate trying to rebuild the site but I wanted to bring this to your attention in case anyone else is having a problem.


Warmly,

Emma

Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on January 07, 2024, 02:37:23 PM
@Emma1017
Dear Emma:
Send me a Private Forum message with your avatar/profile photo, 
I will try to get it posted on your profile ASAP.
HUGS, Danielle

Quote from: Emma1017 on January 07, 2024, 10:23:23 AMHi Danielle: 

Every time I try to update my profile photo I get timed out. I know you all have a lot on your plate trying to rebuild the site but I wanted to bring this to your attention in case anyone else is having a problem.


Warmly,

Emma


Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: ChrissyRyan on January 13, 2024, 10:01:44 PM
I enjoyed reading Patrick Stuart's memoir.  Fascinating.

I encourage you to get ahold of a copy and read it.  Make it so!


Chrissy
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: Northern Star Girl on January 13, 2024, 10:45:28 PM
@ChrissyRyan
Dear Chrissy:
Yes indeed, the Patrick Stuart book was a very fun read... I did a book report on it here
on this thread but it got "lost" due to the recent January 01, 2024  New Year's site CRASH. 
(https://i.imgur.com/LhbY9oe.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/Y2LPww0.jpg)


Yes, I agree, get a hold of a copy and read it.  Make it so !!!!


HUGS and happy reading....

Danielle

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on January 13, 2024, 10:01:44 PM
I enjoyed reading Patrick Stuart's memoir.  Fascinating.

I encourage you to get ahold of a copy and read it.  Make it so!

Chrissy
Title: Re: Susans Writers and Book Readers
Post by: ChrissyRyan on January 13, 2024, 10:47:57 PM
I did not know he had three wives, and many other interesting tidbits.