REVIEW: The Last

While Joel Puga's The Last is intriguing, it is not really a story. It is descriptive exposition. As soon as conflict seems inevitable, it simply ends. One can only hope Puga has a novel in mind.

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I received a free copy of this story in exchange for an honest review. If you are an author and would like to have your book considered for review CLICK HERE.

Pearls of Wisdom?

Those who follow me on Facebook have doubtless noticed the new posts I've been making. I have been sharing motivational posts, inspirational quotes, humor, human interest items and even personal stuff. I also post a writing tip every Wednesday.

How many of these posts are pearls of wisdom? Perhaps none. But I hope my fans enjoy them.

As for my other projects, I am still writing the first draft of Meditations Through the Year. As of this writing, I have only nine more meditations to write. That will likely be eight more by the end of the day. If you are interested in beta reading Meditations, please contact me. I appreciate all the feedback I can get.

I am also writing the first in a series of magic books, Astounding Card Magic. Look for it sometime this fall.

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BOOK REVIEW: Future City Blues

Future City Blues is a set of three short stories by three different authors. Each paints a picture of the future, not only in the setting of the story, but because each is a teaser to a series.

The Wrong Tom Jacks by Simon Kewin introduces Simms, a genehunter. In this futuristic world collecting clones of the famous departed is a hobby of the rich. Nevermind that it's illegal. Simms' neural implants help him stay one step ahead of the authorities. That is, until a client hires him to get the DNA of the wrong Tom Jacks.

Tripler: The Beginning by Neil Volger explores a brand-new terror: Tripling, the ability of a person to split into three very real versions of him or her self.

Milo James Fowler wraps up the trilogy quite nicely with Doppleganger's Curse. What is a celebrity to do when her look-alike is trying to kill her? Amanda Forsythe hires Charlie Madison, private investigator.

While each introduces a series, each works very well as a stand-alone story. You won't have to buy the sequels to appreciate the narratives herein. But if you like sci-fi, action or adventure, you will want to.

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. If you are an author and would like to have your book considered for review CLICK HERE.

Have You Got What It Takes?

Can your write a winning short story?

I am happy to host another short-story contest. The writing prompt for this story is the future. Your story must be 4,000 words or less, appropriate for a young adult audience, and not previously published. Winning stories will be published in an anthology.

I have decided to up the stakes this time around. Every winning author will receive a Smashwords coupon good for a free download of the eBook.Use the code for yourself and share it with others.

In addition, one lucky winner (chosen at random) will win a softcover edition of the book. That's right -- a print book you can keep, sell, or give away! (Sorry, I can only ship this within the U.S.A.)

The deadline for submissions is May 31st, but you must first register. Registration deadline is May 15th. Registering does not obligate you to submit a story. To register, CLICK HERE.

BOOK REVIEW: Dover Park

Bruce Fottler's Dover Park is a ride! If you like twists, this one is a roller-coaster.

For me, the exposition was a little hard to follow. I found it a bit rushed and it was tricky to keep the characters straight in my mind. But by the second chapter, I was hooked, and could hardly stop reading.

Can there be too many plot twists? I suppose each reader must answer that for him or her self. But you'll never know if you don't grab a copy and read it.

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. If you are an author and would like to have your book considered for review CLICK HERE.

Can I Count on You?

My latest project, Meditations through the Year, is a collection of short reflections on the Scriptures, each written in the first-person perspective of a Biblical character. I am counting on the support of family, friends and fans to make this book happen.

Two of my previous posts have highlighted excerpts from this book. But to expand the reach and impact of this collection, I need your support. (Yes, YOUR support!)

Please Help me by clicking HERE and giving whatever amount you can. Then share my campaign with your friends and family.

Thanks in advace!
Bruce

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Abundance

An Eastertide meditation in the voice of Thomas

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Hi. I’m Thomas, the one they call “The Twin.” I’m one of Jesus’ followers.

You know, not long after Jesus rose from the dead, several of us were together when Peter – that’s what Jesus called him – said, “I’m going fishing.” So we decided to tag along. Wouldn’t you know, we fished all through the night and didn’t catch a thing. Not one fish.

The sky was just beginning to lighten with the dawn of a new day when someone called to us from the shore, “Friends, did you catch any fish?”

I was surprised how close to shore we were. We didn’t even have to shout. But we were all pretty tired and frustrated at that point. “No,” we called back.

“Throw your net on the right side of the boat,” He called, “and you will find some.” It was a strange thing for a person to say, but someone threw the net over the starboard side before anyone said anything. All of a sudden, there were so many fish in the net we couldn’t pull it back into the boat.

John called out, “It’s the Lord!” and we all realized it was Jesus who was standing on the shore talking to us. Peter wrapped his coat around himself and jumped into the lake. I had to chuckle: only Peter would put his clothes on before jumping in the water! The rest of us rowed to shore, dragging the heavy net behind us.

Jesus had a fire going and some fish already on it. He told us to bring some of the ones we had just caught. Peter went and dragged the net ashore. In all there were one hundred fifty-three fish.

That’s what life is like, now that Jesus has conquered death. There is an abundance of everything: abundant life, abundant hope. Even abundant fish.

Shalom.

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BOOK REVIEW: Mark of the Harbinger

Chris R. McCarthy's sci-fi novel Mark of the Harbinger: Fall of Eden is a fun read full of social commentary. And why not? Social commentary has always been a mainstay of science fiction.

The first person narrator has a lot of questions, and it is through his questioning of the other characters in the novel that we get much of both the social commentary and the plot. For some reason as I read this book I kept waiting for a Shyamalan-like plot twist that never developed.

Even so, it was enjoyable and makes for good light reading. I am sure I will be thinking about some of the social issues long after the details of the plot have faded from my memory.

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. If you are an author and would like to have your book considered for review CLICK HERE.

Story Contest

Attention writers: I am pleased to announce my first ever story contest.

The theme for this contest is zombies. Use up to 4,000 words to tell your best zombie story. Please submit a story that has not been previously published. Winners will be notified by email and winning stories will be published in an upcoming anthology. Deadline for submissions is May 1, 2015, but you must first register by clicking HERE. Deadline for registration is April 15th.

Once you've registered I will contact you and tell you how to submit your story. By submitting, you are giving permission to have your story published as part of an eBook.

Sharpen that pencil, and good luck!

BOOK REVIEW: Maya & Filippo Visit San Francisco

This children's book by Alinka Rutkowska and illustrated by Konrad Checinski makes for a great read-aloud book. Checinski's simple drawings are executed in a friendly, child-like manner. And Rutkowska's notion that "There really isn’t any right way of visiting a city" is an important point for all tourists to remember.

I do feel children old enough to read the text will probably want more detail, as the book gives only a brief overview of the sights in San Francisco.

Maya & Filippo Visit San Francisco is one of a series of books following Maya and Filippo as they cruise the world on the Fun Princess. 

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. If you are an author and would like to have your book considered for review CLICK HERE.