Sunday, March 17, 2024

Book Review: The Book of 5 Mews by MG Rorai

 



When Harper loses her beloved husband, she moves homes to get away and start anew, without the old memories, and hopefully to create new ones. Her decision to do some volunteering at Wispy Paws animal rescue takes a strange turn when she ends up fostering and ultimately keeping a calico cat that she names Marble, who has a penchant for cheese and philosophy. Harper is a dog person so when Marble comes into her life, things will change. Marble has decreed this is so. The book has alternating points of view between Harper, the hapless human who knows nothing of the Way of Catness, and Marble, who expands upon the philosophy contained therein as a guide to life with a human and managing them; also considering their mental frailty, their weaknesses, and their ability to be easily swayed by feline cuteness.

The Book of Five Mews (Paw, Slink, Roar, Tail, and Clarity) falls somewhere between The Book of Five Rings (a 17th century AD Samurai warrior’s guide) and the 5th century BC Chinese treatise The Art of War attributed to military strategist Sun Tzu (if Sun Tzu had ever owned a cat). To say this book is screamingly funny is an understatement. I am a dog and cat owner. I live in Cyprus (the island of stray cats) where the general public is encouraged to feed, spay, neuter, and basically care for the population of ‘outside cats.’ I have my own cat, Bertie, as well as two dogs. An adorable and very pretty ‘outside cat’ called Jasmine managed to insinuate herself into my life and kept wanting to come inside. I thought no, she had better have a flea collar. That sealed the deal. Once she had the flea collar on, it was “Open, Sesame.” Jasmine became an indoor cat. And that is why I know Jasmine has read The Book of Five Mews and understands the Way of Catness.

Author MG Rorai understands cats as well as the weak human living under the cat’s paw. The narrative style is hilarious. I shrieked with laugher many times, nodded many times, smiled many times, and said, “Yes, exactly.” Many times. The POV switches from Harper describing daily activities in winning Marble’s affection (much of the time with cheese), investigating the art of toys, the delicacy of catnip (unfortunate results there) and a basic getting to know the foster cat scenario. On the other hand, Marble delivers a calculated, quasi-philosophical treatise fittingly couched in elevated language such as a cat of great wisdom would use. The juxtaposition is hilarious. If you are thinking of getting a cat, or even if you have a cat and just want to understand your cat’s little idiosyncrasies and quirky ways better, read this book. If you want a good laugh, read this book. If you need cheering up, read this book. Cats have been ruling humans since the time of the great pharaohs of ancient Egypt. Hell, they even managed to get themselves into the pantheon of gods, so I think felines know what they are talking about.




M.G. Rorai enjoys hanging with her cats and annoying her husband. Find out more by visiting the author on Facebook and her website.

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

The Inspiration Behind Urbex Predator by Jens Boele






A relic from the Cold War, the old barracks beckon photographers, influencers, and adventurers, shrouded in secrets and peril. Nela and Tess dare the eerie ruins for their photography thesis, while Zander, Yelka, Vivien, and Damon embark on a simultaneous shoot. Amid the abandoned shadows, Yelka's group runs into Steven and his ruthless gang, initially outsmarting them. Yet, Nela and Tess fall victim to a nightfall ambush, escaping but torn apart. As adrenaline courses through the gang, they stalk Yelka and her friends, unleashing a relentless manhunt. Vivien becomes their captive, setting off a chain reaction. Tess encounters Damon and Yelka, while Nela, guided by Ben, the barracks' security manager, races to find Tess. Yelka strives to rescue Vivien, trapped in an abandoned outdoor pool.

On his lone pursuit, Zander witnesses the gang's brutality, delving into a darker realm within himself, spurred by the horrifying thrill of Steven's actions. The scene propels Yelka, Damon, and Tess into a frenzy, unleashing chaos to liberate Vivien. Nela and Ben, attempting to overpower the gang, witness Yelka and Vivien's escape as the gang closes in. With the arrival of Steven's older brother, Henry, the stakes are set; the old military hospital transforms into a battleground. No one is to leave alive, and a matter of life and death ensues. In the ruthless clash, Nela and Yelka emerge as the lone defenders, while Zander pursues a mission for his own catharsis. In Henry's basement, dubbed his Hades, the teams converge for a pulse-pounding final duel, where survival is the ultimate prize. You can pick up your copy at Amazon.

 

 

The Inspiration Behind Urbex Predator

Imagine exploring an abandoned barracks, only to run into a gang of ruthless thugs, with no police in sight to intervene if things go south. Sounds like the plot of my book, right? Well, replace the barracks with an abandoned hospital, and that's where I found myself.

As an urban explorer and amateur photographer, decay and ruins have always fascinated me. It all began several years ago during a visit to California when I stumbled upon an abandoned water park in the Mojave Desert. The place had an eerie yet captivating atmosphere, reminiscent of "Zombieland." Picture the desert heat, scorching sun, and remnants of civilization laid bare before you, enveloped in absolute silence. It was a moment straight out of a post-apocalyptic movie, sparking my love for urban exploring—a passion I indulge in when I'm not writing.

Inspiration strikes from the things that move me, the experiences I can feel. Sometimes, it's just a single spark that ignites an idea. In "Urbex Predator," Nela and Tess stumble upon an abandoned barracks overrun by a gang of hoodlums, mirroring an encounter I had with a friend. The what-if scenario that followed became the seed for the story. In the fall of 2021, after a day exploring and photographing on the Canary Islands, I sat down with a beer and outlined the plot, drawing from the amalgamation of abandoned military sites I'd encountered across Europe since the end of the Cold War era.

Every horror story requires an initial sin, an enclosed setting, and a monster. I've always been intrigued by the darker facets of human nature—what drives people to commit acts of evil and crime. In "Urbex Predator," we confront a group of neglected youths who form a toxic alliance, embodying the desolation of the abandoned buildings they inhabit. As night descends, the hunt begins.

After months of crafting, the story finally took shape and the book was born. I hope you enjoy the journey it takes you on.

 

 


 

 

 

About the Author

 

Jens Boele, a veteran media designer in the entertainment industry, brings over two decades of cinematic expertise to his writing. Born in Germany in 1975, Jens embarked on his writing odyssey in his youth, culminating in the publication of his debut book, "Sunshine," in 2015. This was followed by "Hurensohn," and his latest spine-tingling creation, "Urbex Predator."

Jens is a genre-bending author, specializing in horror and crime thrillers. His narratives often blur genre lines, weaving intricate tales that plunge readers into the darkest corners of the human psyche. Jens's storytelling brilliance lies in his fascination with the criminal mind; his villains are always profoundly human, offering readers a chilling examination of the psychological aspects of the criminally insane. 

Jens sets himself apart by seamlessly integrating classic horror with the gritty authenticity of the present day. This innovative fusion imbues his narratives with a dynamic quality, seamlessly blending archaic thrills with contemporary intrigue, resulting in an immersive reading experience that resonates with both vintage enthusiasts and present-day readers alike.

Jens Boele's latest endeavor takes his work across borders, as "Urbex Predator" becomes his first book to be translated into English. A globetrotter with deep connections to the United States, Jens's passion for exploration and his international perspective, nurtured by family and friends in the US, shine through in his writing, offering readers a captivating blend of horror and cultural diversity. Visit Jens’ website at https://jensboele.com/.


Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Managing “The Call” with a Literary Agent by author Anoop Judge

 


At twenty-one years old, Gia Kumari finally leaves the Delhi orphanage where she was raised. With few prospects for the future, she receives an unexpected invitation from a stranger named Sonia Shah, in San Francisco: an internship at Sonia’s weddings and event company. Jia and America. It’s love at first sight as she navigates an unfamiliar but irresistible new world of firsts. It’s Gia’s first real job: her first meeting with her only known family, her uncle Mohammed Khan, and her first romance, with Sonia’s quirky yet charming stepson, Adi. But it might be too good to be true. Gia’s newfound happiness is unfolding in the shadow of a terrible family secret, the impact of which is still being felt in a place Gia now calls home. To save what matters most, Gia must come to terms with a tragic past she’s only beginning to understand—and a lifetime of lies she must learn to forgive. Purchase a copy of Mercy and Grace on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.org. You can also add this to your GoodReads reading list.


Managing “The Call” with a Literary Agent

You’ve spent a year (or six) writing a 90, 000-word novel. You’ve poured sweat, love, and too much midnight oil into it—coming up with an original plot, fleshing out characters that are relatable and memorable, minding the pacing . . . Phew! Then you dive into the querying process and the pain begins to kick in. You research agents like a forensic scientist. You submit queries like it’s a full-time job or depending on your approach, perhaps you submit to only a select few. And then, if your experience is anything like mine, wading through rejection letters becomes a second full-time job. The advice out there is you shouldn’t take it personally and you should develop a thick skin. Hah! Easier said than done—every rejection feels like some angry prophet’s judgment on your soul.

It’s hard to keep going, but you do. In my case, there were copious amounts of chocolate, wine, and tears—not always in that order. You wait and wait, and one day your email pings with a request for a full manuscript. And then you wait again. I’m a chronically impatient person, and although motherhood was supposed to imbue me with patience, it never did. Playing an endless cycle of the waiting game makes you question your writing abilities, makes you almost throw in the towel, and in my case, chew your nails down to nubs.

By now, you’re as jittery as a junkie. After one hundred and fifty rejections (but who’s counting?) you decide to let the manuscript eat its head off in a drawer and start something new. That’s when your inbox pings with the magical words, “Can we talk?” But how do you prepare for this crucial conversation? Here are some tips to help you manage the call with a literary agent effectively.

Before the Call

Research the Agent: Familiarize yourself with the agent’s background, the books they’ve represented, and their agency. Understanding their interests and successes can help you gauge how well they might align with your work and goals.

Prepare Your Questions

This is your opportunity to learn more about the agent’s vision for your book and their working style. Consider asking questions like:

                  What aspects of my manuscript excite you the most?

                  What is your strategy for pitching my book to publishers?

                  Can you tell me about your communication style and frequency?

                  What are your expectations regarding revisions?

                  How do you support your authors through the publishing process?

Revisit Your Manuscript and Query

Be prepared to discuss your manuscript and any potential revisions. Refresh your memory on key plot points, themes, and character arcs. Also, review your query letter, as the agent may reference specific elements that caught their attention.

During the Call

Be Professional and Personable: Treat the call like a job interview, but also let your personality shine through. This is as much about the agent getting to know you as it is about discussing your book.

Ask Your Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask the questions you’ve prepared. This call is a two-way street, and it’s important to ensure that the agent is the right fit for you and your work.

Discuss Next Steps: Before the call ends, make sure you understand the next steps. Will the agent send you a representation agreement to review? Are there revisions they’d like you to work on before moving forward?

After the Call

Reflect on the conversation: Take some time to consider how the call went. Do you feel confident in the agent’s ability to represent your work? Were they enthusiastic about your manuscript? Did you feel a good rapport? 

Follow Up: Send a thank-you email to the agent, expressing your appreciation for their time and interest. If you’ve agreed to make revisions, keep them updated on your progress.

Seek Advice if Needed: If you’re unsure about anything discussed during the call, don’t hesitate to seek advice from writer friends, mentors, or other industry professionals.

Take Your Time: If you receive an offer of representation, remember that this is a significant decision. Take the time you need to evaluate the offer and ensure it’s the right fit for you and your career. The call with a literary agent is a critical moment in your journey as a writer. By preparing thoroughly, asking insightful questions, and reflecting on the conversation, you can navigate this step with confidence and clarity. Remember, this is not just about landing an agent—it’s about finding the right partner to help bring your literary dreams to fruition.

 

About the Author


Born and raised in New Delhi, Anoop is the author of four novels, THE RUMMY CLUB which won the 2015 Beverly Hills Book Award, THE AWAKENING OF MEENA RAWAT, an excerpt of which was nominated for the 2019 Pushcart Prize, NO ORDINARY THURSDAY, and MERCY and GRACE. Her essays and short stories have appeared in Green Hills Literary Lantern, Rigorous Journal, Lumiere Review, DoubleBack Review, and the Ornament anthology, among others. Anoop calls herself a “recovering litigator” —she worked in state and federal courts for many years before she replaced legal briefs with fictional tales. She holds an MFA from St. Mary’s College of California and was the recipient of the 2021 Advisory Board Award and the 2023 Alumni Scholarship. She lives in Pleasanton, California, with her husband, and is the mother of two admirable young adults.

You can find her online at:

 Website: https://anoopjudge.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judgeanoop/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anoop-ahuja-judge-94396743/

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

The Background Story of The Golden Manuscripts by Evy Journey

 


The Golden Manuscripts is inspired by the real-life theft of medieval manuscript illuminations during World War II.

Title: The Golden Manuscripts: A Novel

Author: Evy Journey

Pages: 360

Genre: Historical Fiction/Women's Fiction/Mystery

goodreads add to

A young woman of Asian/American parentage has lived in seven different countries and is anxious to find a place she could call home. An unusual sale of rare medieval manuscripts sends her and Nathan—an art journalist who moonlights as a doctor—on a quest into the dark world of stolen art.  For Clarissa, these ancient manuscripts elicit cherished memories of children’s picture books her mother read to her, nourishing a passion for art.  When their earnest search for clues whisper of old thieves and lead to the unexpected, they raise more questions about an esoteric sometimes unscrupulous art world that defy easy answers.   Will this quest reward Clarissa with the sense of home she longs for? This cross-genre literary tale of self-discovery, art mystery, travel, and love is based on the actual theft by an American soldier of illuminated manuscripts during World War II.
Buy Links:



Book Excerpt:

November 2000

Rare Manuscripts

I sometimes wish I was your girl next door. The pretty one who listens to you and sympathizes. Doesn’t ask questions you can’t or don’t want to answer. Comes when you need to talk. 

She’s sweet, gracious, respectful, and sincere. An open book. Everybody’s ideal American girl. 

At other times, I wish I was the beautiful girl with creamy skin, come-hither eyes, and curvy lines every guy drools over. The one you can’t have, unless you’re a hunk of an athlete, or the most popular hunk around. Or you have a hunk of money.

But I’m afraid the image I project is that of a brain with meager social skills. The one you believe can outsmart you in so many ways that you keep out of her way—you know the type. Or at least you think you do. Just as you think you know the other two.

I want to believe I’m smart, though I know I can be dumb. I’m not an expert on anything. So, please wait to pass judgement until you get to know us better—all three of us. 

Who am I then? 

I’m not quite sure yet. I’m the one who’s still searching for where she belongs. 

I’m not a typical American girl. Dad is Asian and Mom is white. I was born into two different cultures, neither of which dug their roots into me. But you’ll see my heritage imprinted all over me—on beige skin with an olive undertone; big grey eyes, double-lidded but not deep-set; a small nose with a pronounced narrow bridge; thick, dark straight hair like Dad’s that glints with bronze under the sun, courtesy of Mom’s genes. 

I have a family: Mom, Dad, Brother. Sadly, we’re no longer one unit. Mom and Dad are about ten thousand miles apart. And my brother and I are somewhere in between.

I have no one I call friend. Except myself, of course. That part of me who perceives my actions for what they are. My inner voice. My constant companion and occasional nemesis. Moving often and developing friendships lasting three years at most, I’ve learned to turn inward. 

And then there’s Arthur, my beautiful brother. Though we were raised apart, we’ve become close. Like me, he was born in the US. But he grew up in my father’s home city where his friends call him Tisoy, a diminutive for Mestizo that sometimes hints at admiration, sometimes at mockery. Locals use the label for anyone with an obvious mix of Asian and Caucasian features. We share a few features, but he’s inherited a little more from Mom. Arthur has brown wavy hair and green eyes that invite remarks from new acquaintances. 

Little Arthur, not so little anymore. Taller than me now, in fact, by two inches. We’ve always gotten along quite well. Except the few times we were together when we were children and he’d keep trailing me, like a puppy, mimicking what I did until I got annoyed. I’d scowl at him, run away so fast he couldn’t catch up. Then I’d close my bedroom door on him. Sometimes I wondered if he annoyed me on purpose so that later he could hug me and say, “I love you” to soften me up. It always worked.

I love Arthur not only because we have some genes in common. He has genuinely lovable qualities—and I’m sure people can’t always say that of their siblings. He’s caring and loyal, and I trust him to be there through thick and thin. I also believe he’s better put together than I am, he whom my parents were too busy to raise. 

I am certain of only one thing about myself: I occupy time and space like everyone. My tiny space no one else can claim on this planet, in this new century. But I still do not have a place where I would choose to spend and end my days. I’m a citizen of a country, though. The country where I was born. And yet I can’t call that country home. I don’t know it much. But worse than that, I do not have much of a history there. 

Before today, I trudged around the globe for two decades. Cursed and blessed by having been born to a father who was a career diplomat sent on assignments to different countries, I’ve lived in different cities since I was born, usually for three to four years at a time. 

Those years of inhabiting different cities in Europe and Asia whizzed by. You could say I hardly noticed them because it was the way of life I was born into. But each of those cities must have left some lasting mark on me that goes into the sum of who I am. And yet, I’m still struggling to form a clear idea of the person that is Me. This Me can’t be whole until I single out a place to call home. 

Everyone has a home they’ve set roots in. We may not be aware of it, but a significant part of who we think we are—who others think we are—depends on where we’ve lived. The place we call home. A place I don’t have. Not yet. But I will.

I was three when I left this city. Having recently come back as an adult, I can’t tell whether, or for how long, I’m going to stay. You may wonder why, having lived in different places, I would choose to seek a home in this city—this country as alien to me as any other town or city I’ve passed through. 

By the end of my last school year at the Sorbonne, I was convinced that if I were to find a home, my birthplace might be my best choice. I was born here. In a country where I can claim citizenship. Where the primary language is English. My choice avoids language problems and pesky legal residency issues. Practical and logical reasons, I think.



The Background Story of The Golden Manuscripts

Are you ever curious how picture books and, by extension, even graphic novels, first began? Has it ever occurred to you that picture books might have illustrious beginnings? Like most mothers, I read to my son when he was a boy, and I understand how wonderful children’s picture books can be. Pictures in books are not only entertaining, but they also teach. Today, we take picture books for granted. We love images. We whip out our cell phones and take pictures to preserve memories of instants in time.

I love illustrations in fiction and wish we did more of them. One of my favorites is an old almost tattered copy of a collection of Jane Austen’s novels featuring illustrations of scenes from her stories by a nineteenth century artist.  Before Masterpiece Theater and my exposure to films of 19th century England, these images shaped my limited conception of everything that was old English. Now, I have an ebook copy of an old, illustrated Jane Austen collection. 

When an art history class introduced me to manuscript illuminations, I was amazed at the thought that illustrated books likely have medieval beginnings dating back to Charlemagne’s reign in the 9th century. While he revived classical art, his most lasting achievement is the flourishing of picture bookmaking. Most people in the Middle Ages couldn’t read, so he championed the creation of picture books to teach them about God.

Historians called those early picture books illuminated manuscripts or manuscript illuminations. They were handwritten and illustrated on parchment (dried and stretched animal skins), often by the same creator who painted the pictures. An illumination is a picture or illustration in a book that conveys the meaning of a piece of text. It’s “illuminated” through the use of gilding—gold or silver decorations on letters and figures.  In medieval times, these manuscripts represented a high art form. 

This intro compelled me to do extensive research into illuminated manuscripts. One of the articles I unearthed told of an actual theft by an American soldier during WWII of a couple of these rare manuscripts. It was eureka moment. I was left with no choice but to write a story around this theft of illustrated books. To make the story more intriguing, and in keeping with the overall theme of the second set of standalone novels in my Between Two Worlds series, I chose a young biracial heroine who’s rootless and anxious to find a home for herself. The product is a literary novel based on actual events, into which I’ve woven mystery, historical, and romance elements.



About the Author 

Evy Journey writes. Stories and blog posts. Novels that tend to cross genres. She’s also a wannabe artist, and a flâneuse. Evy studied psychology (M.A., University of Hawaii; Ph.D. University of Illinois). So her fiction spins tales about nuanced characters dealing with contemporary life issues and problems. She believes in love and its many faces. Her one ungranted wish: To live in Paris where art is everywhere and people have honed aimless roaming to an art form. She has visited and stayed a few months at a time.

Author Links  

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

 

Evy Journey will giving away nine $25 Amazon Gift Cards & nine boxed sets of the last 3 books in the series, Between Two Worlds! This is the way it works. Evy is touring for 6 months. At the end of each 2 month period she will be giving away 3 $25 Amazon Gift Cards and 3 boxed sets of the last 3 books in the series, Between Two Worlds. You will have a chance to win 3 times during her tour!

Terms & Conditions:

  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • Nine winners will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a boxed set of the last 3 books in the series, Between Two Worlds.
  • This giveaway starts February 5 and ends July 30.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on March 28, May 31 and July 30.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway