Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Angry House By: Alexis Kennedy



Angry House
By: Alexis Kennedy

The cover of this book is truly intriguing if you get into freaky and scary like I do. The cover itself drew me in and made me want to read it, and then next was the title. So already this book has two things going for it.

So here I am ready to read, when I learn that Rhett Shaw is an author who has hit a dry spell, because life has managed to get in the way of his writing, and maybe even the desire. This happens to a lot of writers, even people who don’t write, life just drags us down, and leaves us empty inside. So, personally, I can already relate.

Rhett has decided now that maybe the noises of Brooklyn, along with the fact that being recently widowed, he needed a change in scenery. His decision, is to move to the countryside in Vermont. On top of that, he chose a nice run-down house, that needed a little work, which could give him something to do on the side, and it was secluded.

After a bit, Rhett starts to notice little things, like the fact that things aren’t where he leaves them. At first like most of us, this could be the ‘I forgot where I put it.’ But then he starts keeping track of things, and he becomes certain they are being moved around. Not to mention, appliances are being left on, and noises start rattling through the walls. Maybe he’s just losing it, or is he?

Sometimes, Rhett doesn’t feel alone. But have no fear, inspiration hits, and what do you know, the desire to write is back. But what’s even more odd, is it seems the book is writing itself.

Everything he writes about, is happening in the quiet little community in which he has moved into, in this little town of Vermont. The only thing Rhett can’t be certain of, is he writing about the crimes before they happen; or after. What is going on in his mind?

This book will baffle and elude you until the very end. You will not be certain if you know what is happening, or if you suspect it. Before you think you have it figured it out, wait. You could be mistaken. And not to worry, I am not going to fill in the blanks for you, other than to tell you this is a five-star read that you need to get, because it will keep you on the edge of your seat, ready to scream! What are you waiting for?

Here are my questions for Alexis:


1. What made you write this book and how long did it take you?
            I came up with the title one day, and decided to take a chance at writing horror fiction. It took roughly three months.

2. Who designed the cover?
            I did my cover.

3. Do you have any photos or descriptions of the characters that you can share with us?
            Rhett is withdrawn from society because he’s still mourning the death of his wife, even though it’s been three years. He has writers’ block, which is why he seeks solitude in the country. When he starts repairing and remodeling the house, he feels sucked into the work. He feels the house’s need to be loved.
            Jack Harrison, the main character in Rhett’s book, feels like society owes him for his terrible childhood. He’s a twenty-year-old product of the juvenile system. He had been in several foster homes, since the age of three, and most of them were not good. He had been abused—mentally, physically, and sexually—by a couple of the caregivers.
            Sarah Jones is the ghost of an eight-year-old girl who died in the house along with her family. She begs Rhett to leave the house because it “gets angry, and then it consumes you.”

4. What are you working on now?
            I’m working on Pin-Up Girl, which is a retro choose-your-own adventure book about the discovery of a young woman who becomes seduced with fame. I’m loosely basing it on what happened to Marilyn Monroe.


5. What motivates you to write?
            I constantly have ideas for stories that need to be told. I also use writing to deal with pent-up stress. I like creating worlds/lives that I can control when I feel like my life is out of control. It helps get my mind off medical problems I’m dealing with.


6. If you were to get writers block, or have ever had it, what do you do for it?
            When I get blocked, I put the current story aside and start a new one. I never just stop writing; I keep the creative flow going, even if it’s a different story. Then I go back to the previous story and complete it. I’ve worked on as many as four books at once. (I write erotic romance under another pen name.)


7. What suggestions can you offer for the aspiring writers out there?
            Don’t lose hope if your book doesn’t hit the best sellers’ list in the beginning. The craft takes time, and it’s hard to gain a big following in the beginning. Also, don’t spend your entire bank account on it because the reality is, it’s hard to make a living with writing unless you’re discovered by a huge publisher with a large market reach. There are a lot of free or inexpensive ways to do promotion. Don’t ever work with a publisher who demands money from you. Those are vanity publishers. Writing is a job. Your publisher should be paying you, not the other way around.


8. How long have you been writing?
I started my first book in 2012 and published it in 2014, so five years.


9. Who is your favorite author and why?
            James Patterson for his crime stories. He writes well-rounded characters. Shannon Drake for her paranormal romances because they are both creepy and sexy.


10.  What are your hobbies?
            I bowled on leagues until my back went out, so now I write and sometimes draw or paint. I love playing with my dog.


11. Do you put yourself into your characters?
            Yes, I always try to feel what my characters are feeling and put myself into the scenes. I do that even when writing from a male’s perspective.


12. Where is your favorite place to write?
            I like to write in my office with either music on in the background or Netflix in a window on my computer. However, I take pen and paper with me everywhere, so when I’m stuck waiting on the doctor or the pharmacy etc., I can write. On nice days, I like to write by the small lake in town or on the riverfront.


13. Please share with us your social media and book links:
Amazon page: Author.to/AlexisKennedy
Newsletter sign up: https://goo.gl/forms/K6Vh9J15PANWTXQH3  (monthly informational newsletter with useful articles in addition to great deals on books by myself and others)

Books:

getBook.at/underthebloodmoon

getBook.at/AngryHouse
getBook.at/Scandalous       


14. Anything to add:
            I’m always interested in honest reviews from beta readers. If interested in reading and reviewing, please contact me through my website or Facebook.
Angry HouseAngry House by Alexis Kennedy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The cover of this book is truly intriguing if you get into freaky and scary like I do. The cover itself drew me in and made me want to read it, and then next was the title. So already this book has two things going for it.

So here I am ready to read, when I learn that Rhett Shaw is an author who has hit a dry spell, because life has managed to get in the way of his writing, and maybe even the desire. This happens to a lot of writers, even people who don’t write, life just drags us down, and leaves us empty inside. So, personally, I can already relate.

Rhett has decided now that maybe the noises of Brooklyn, along with the fact that being recently widowed, he needed a change in scenery. His decision, is to move to the countryside in Vermont. On top of that, he chose a nice run-down house, that needed a little work, which could give him something to do on the side, and it was secluded.

After a bit, Rhett starts to notice little things, like the fact that things aren’t where he leaves them. At first like most of us, this could be the ‘I forgot where I put it.’ But then he starts keeping track of things, and he becomes certain they are being moved around. Not to mention, appliances are being left on, and noises start rattling through the walls. Maybe he’s just losing it, or is he?

Sometimes, Rhett doesn’t feel alone. But have no fear, inspiration hits, and what do you know, the desire to write is back. But what’s even more odd, is it seems the book is writing itself.

Everything he writes about, is happening in the quiet little community in which he has moved into, in this little town of Vermont. The only thing Rhett can’t be certain of, is he writing about the crimes before they happen; or after. What is going on in his mind?

This book will baffle and elude you until the very end. You will not be certain if you know what is happening, or if you suspect it. Before you think you have it figured it out, wait. You could be mistaken. And not to worry, I am not going to fill in the blanks for you, other than to tell you this is a five-star read that you need to get, because it will keep you on the edge of your seat, ready to scream! What are you waiting for?

View all my reviews

 

The Heart of Poetry Part II Second Edition By: Laura Decamara



The Heart of Poetry

Part II Second Edition
By: Laura Decamara

I don’t get the privilege of reviewing poetry very often. Which typically is sad, especially for someone who not only writes it, but also enjoys reading it.
Fortunately, this time, I was available to review the writings of Ms. Laura Decamara, and I am glad that I was able to get this opportunity to do so.
One of my favorite poems in her book is this one:

‘Wearing Scars’

‘Wearing scars
is why I write poems
so much,
to clear my heart
from being hurt inside.’
‘It helps to filter it out
on computer or my journal.’
‘It’s a wonderful experience
to be a writer.’

This poem rings so true with my everyday life, I can relate to this poem in so many ways! Our life leaves us with scars, and this is why we write in our journals, and write our poetry, and our stories; this is how we cope. Most writers, I am sure can relate with this poem as well. 
Most of the ninety-three poems within this book, show you just how Laura had risen above her own disabilities that life has thrown at her, and made herself into something special. 

And after all that Laura has been through all of her life, with her learning disabilities, being removed from her biological parents, because of the fact that she wasn’t thriving. After which case, Laura went from one foster home to another. Then came the teen age years, causing Laura to become depressed and suicidal. That is until one day, Laura’s parents mentioned to her a phrase that has stuck with her to this day: “Beauty is its own excuse for being.” 
Later, in Laura’s life, she read the same phrase at the library in Ralph Waldo Emerson’s book, in one of his poems, titled: “Rhodora.” Much later in Laura’s life, she came across Emily Dickinson’s poetry, and that was when Laura decided she wanted to become a writer herself.

After reading through Laura’s book, and the detailed back cover of her book, I found someone who sees poetry in the same way I do. Unique, and original, and worth sharing with everyone around you.
I give her book five stars, and found it to be a wonderful read, and enjoyed every minute of it. I think if you give this book a chance, you will enjoy it too!
Now here are my questions for Laura:
1. What made you write this book and how long did it take you?

answer: I wanted to share my words with other people. the Heart Of Poetry part 2 took my one year to complete 


2. Who designed the cover?

answer: it was an collaborative effort, me and my editor worked on it as a team


3. Do you enjoy writing poetry?

Answer: yes it is like food to me


4. What are you working on now?
Answer: my debut novel love At The Wheel 1-3


5. What motivates you to write? 
Answer: what Motivates me to write are people who have believed in me/ passed teachers and my mentors that been with me through this journey.


6. If you were to get writers block, or have ever had it, what do you do for it? 
Answer:  I sometimes do something creative like use google pictures
                 make a model  replica of my current story
                 listen to songs that inspire me for a scene 
                 I go on adventure walks through parks


7. What suggestions can you offer for the aspiring writers out there?
Answer: Keep writing and believe in yourself.  
               don't let anyone stop you from going towards your dreams. 


8. How long have you been writing?
Answer: since high school in 1995


9. What are your hobbies?
Answer: arts and craft 
                dancing
                writing 
                reading 
                gardening


10. What is your favorite thing about writing?
Answer: being able to express the way I feel about things around me.


11. Where is your favorite place to write?
Answer: In my room at night because it's quiet


12. Please share with us your social media and book links:


13. Anything extra to add?
Answer: next month I have a speech and signing at Barnes and Noble on November 18, 2017 at 2:00pm
soon I am going to be speaking at a school but I don't know date or time yet






The Heart of Poetry Part II (Second Edition)The Heart of Poetry Part II by Laura Decamara
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don’t get the privilege of reviewing poetry very often. Which typically is sad, especially for someone who not only writes it, but also enjoys reading it.

Fortunately, this time, I was available to review the writings of Ms. Laura Decamara, and I am glad that I was able to get this opportunity to do so.

One of my favorite poems in her book is this one:



‘Wearing Scars’



‘Wearing scars

is why I write poems

so much,

to clear my heart

from being hurt inside.’

‘It helps to filter it out

on computer or my journal.’

‘It’s a wonderful experience

to be a writer.’



This poem rings so true with my everyday life, I can relate to this poem in so many ways! Our life leaves us with scars, and this is why we write in our journals, and write our poetry, and our stories; this is how we cope. Most writers, I am sure can relate with this poem as well.

Most of the ninety-three poems within this book, show you just how Laura had risen above her own disabilities that life has thrown at her, and made herself into something special.

And after all that Laura has been through all of her life, with her learning disabilities, being removed from her biological parents, because of the fact that she wasn’t thriving. After which case, Laura went from one foster home to another. Then came the teen age years, causing Laura to become depressed and suicidal. That is until one day, Laura’s parents mentioned to her a phrase that has stuck with her to this day: “Beauty is its own excuse for being.”

Later, in Laura’s life, she read the same phrase at the library in Ralph Waldo Emerson’s book, in one of his poems, titled: “Rhodora.” Much later in Laura’s life, she came across Emily Dickinson’s poetry, and that was when Laura decided she wanted to become a writer herself.

After reading through Laura’s book, and the detailed back cover of her book, I found someone who sees poetry in the same way I do. Unique, and original, and worth sharing with everyone around you.

I give her book five stars, and found it to be a wonderful read, and enjoyed every minute of it. I think if you give this book a chance, you will enjoy it too!

View all my reviews