Category: Literary Locals Page 1 of 7

DETAILS:
Series: Simply Trouble Series, #1
Publisher: Writing Moose
Publication Date: October 3, 2023
Format: Paperback
Length: 343 pg.
Read Date: August 27-28, 2024

The Back of the Book

There’s no way I could put all this as concisely as (I’m guessing) Sharp did for the back of the book. Also, I think I’d trip over myself not saying some of this, but I clearly think some things are more spoiler-ish than others do. So I’m just going to steal this:

Life is looking pretty good for thirty-two-year-old Jessica Dodd. She just bought her wedding dress and closed on a house with her trial lawyer fiancé, Thomas. But first, she needs to take care of one tiny issue: her husband – a youthful indiscretion from a drunken weekend in Vegas years ago. She never saw the guy again, so it didn’t really count. Still, she needs to get divorced.

CIA agent Parker Salvatore has thought of his “Vegas wife” over the years, though it was never time to start dating her. However, when he returns from a two-year assignment to find that she is literally in bed with the enemy, he realizes it’s time to make his move. First, he needs to catch the bad guy, then he can woo the girl.

Things begin to unravel when Jessica finds out Thomas has been lying to her. Determined to confront him she follows him to Italy. Fueled by a surplus of caffeine and a colossal lack of sleep her plan becomes a hell of a lot more complicated when she walks straight into the middle of the CIA’s criminal investigation of her fiancé.

Set against the backdrop of the Tuscan countryside, Parker and Jessica find themselves treading the perilous waters of infiltrating a well-known crime family, filing for divorce and attempting to keep their rekindled attraction at bay.

Slightly Ajar Door Romance

I’m not an expert on this kind of thing, but I can read definitions online, so I feel safe saying that this isn’t a closed-door romance. But it’s really not that far off–I’ve read books (Romance and otherwise) that put more on the page. Sharp does fade to black pretty quickly, thankfully*, but she could fade a bit quicker–and take a little more time before fading back into light.

* That’s a reflection of my prudish-inclinations.

I just figure that I should mention it since I’ve talked about things like this in the past–and I know some of my readers care. Basically, I’ve learned from the Sunshine Vicram books–these are not ones I will give my mother. Although I have to say, I kind of think I’d be more comfortable knowing that my mother read this over Sunshine (and much more comfortable with my mother knowing I read these, too). That might be a silly basis for rating, but that’s where I am.

So, what did I think about Big Trouble in Little Italy?

I only took one note while reading this book–after the first chapter, I wrote simply “Zany.” And I really never came up with anything to say beyond that. There is a lot more to the book than that–but that word is pretty much always applicable.

Sharp’s voice is infectious–I thoroughly enjoyed the writing here, more than the rest of it (which is saying something). The characters lept off the page and right into your heart (except for the small handful you just wanted to spit out as quickly as possible, and then spit on). There’s an Italian agent working with Parker who is one of those characters that comes close to stealing the show–I’d love to read more about him. That’s true for most of the more significant supporting characters, too. Yes, the focus of the book is (rightly) on Jessica, Parker, and Thomas–but Sharp has this book bursting with characters you want more of.

This is very much a Romance novel–yes, a Romantic Comedy, yes, a Romantic Comedy with a Thriller flavor. But the key word there is Romance/Romantic. As such, I’m not really the intended audience for this, but after talking with Sharp at an event this Spring, I really wanted to read something she wrote–and thankfully, the Comedy and Thriller parts of the book were strong enough that I could handle the Romance.

I’m not sure what people who read more Romance fiction than I do would think of this. I think die-hard Thriller readers would think it stretches things a bit (but not as much as a couple of Lee Child books have, for just one example). The Comedy never misses, though. Not once.

I can see myself coming back for more in this series, actually. I can also see me dropping it pretty quickly if the laughs die down. I say that without rancor–but because I recognize that I’m just dabbling in this world.

I’d definitely like to hear what people better versed in Romantic fiction have to say about Sharp’s work. But for my money, this is worth your time and money. The plot zips along well, the CIA-Crime story zigs and zags the way it should, and the comedy is pretty consistently goofy and yet heartfelt–actually, all of it is heartfelt. Zany and Heartfelt. A heckuva combination.

Oh, be sure to have your local Italian restaurant’s online delivery menu pulled up, you’re going to want to use it. Or have it, and your payment methods, locked away if you don’t need to treat yourself in that way.

4 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

Bizarre Frontier Omnibus #1 by Brock Poulsen: Death Doesn’t Stop this Marshall

By HCNewton

On September 2, 2024

In Literary Locals, Urban Fantasy, Western

Bizarre Frontier Omnibus #1

by Brock Poulsen

DETAILS:
Series: Bizarre Frontier, Omnibus #1
Publication Date: October 20, 2021
Format: Paperback
Length: 349 pg.
Read Date: August 5-6, 2024

I hate dying. It usually hurts something awful and ruins my whole day. I avoid it whenever possible.

What’s Bizarre Frontier About?

This is a collection of the first three novellas in Poulsen’s Bizarre Frontier series. This series focuses on the adventures of the former Deputy Marshall, Willard Beckett. He didn’t always wear a “white hat,” back in his black hat days, he was cursed by a dying Romani woman. He can’t stay dead. He can die, he can go through all the pain and suffering before death—but he shakes it off after a little while.

As curses go, it’s not the worst, actually.

On Moths

In the first novella, we meet Beckett and learn about his, um, condition.

As any “retired” protagonist in a Western starts, Beckett is living alone, away from everyone else, self-medicating and merely existing. His wife divorced him, he lost the taste for the work (or so I assume, I don’t remember it being spelled out), and really doesn’t have much purpose in life. Until, of course, his old boss comes for help. It seems some brothers that he ran with are causing problems in a local mining town and they can’t be stopped.

The funny thing about that situation, those brothers were killed by the aforementioned Romani woman.

Hanged Man’s Boots

After finding out how those brothers got in the position where they could terrorize the town, Beckett and his ex-wife, Sue, learn that the man behind it all is cutting a swath of destruction behind him as he tries to escape justice. Can the pair stop him?

Husk

The big hook to this one comes from Willard not doing something I’d assumed he took care of in between novellas. And the fact that he didn’t made me roll my eyes pretty hard. Yes, he justified his lack of action to someone later in the novella—and it’s plausible, but I still don’t buy it. Still, without his being careless, we wouldn’t have gotten this story.

It begins with Willard going off to take care of the repercussions of his carelessness and Sue having to go rescue some of her sister’s sheep following a storm and her brother-in-law coming into close contact with a monster (or so he claims and not enough people believe).

Craziness and action ensue. And while the last novella brought the pair into contact with evil made stronger by the supernatural, this one brings them into some supernatural mayhem. It’s hard to argue which is worse

The Strangest Bit

For me, the thing that was stranger than Willard’s curse—or anything else he ran into—was the way he (and everyone else) called the woman who cursed him (and her family) Romani instead of that term that I grew up hearing. I’m not complaining about it—if I’m buying a Deputy Marshall who can’t stay dead for long, I can buy a degree of cultural sensitivity that is just as out of place.

It just took me a second to accept it. But honestly, I like the fact Poulsen made that choice, he didn’t need to.

So, what did I think about Bizarre Frontier?

These stories are light on the Western and heavier on the Urban Fantasy—which is fine with me, if you forgive the anachronistic nature of that. They’re Western enough to qualify, but by a hair—they remind me of the Bodacious Creed Zombie-Steampunk-Westerns in this way. (and actually fans of one of these series, should check the other out)

I wouldn’t mind a little more depth to each of these, but I don’t think they need much more. They work really well for what they are—quick, episodic, adventures with just enough of a tie between them to keep readers coming back (if you get them individually) or to carry you through the omnibus (if you go that way).

There’s a lightness to the prose that keeps it engaging and fun even in the midst of monsters, death, and mayhem. The action is smooth, the recurring characters are fun and I can see hanging out with Willard and Sue for quite a while to come. I’d like to see them deal with something that has no contact with anything they’ve encoutered yet—but if Poulsen keeps going down this path, I’m not going to complain.

I will be back for more as soon as I get a chance. It’d be nice if there was a second omnibus (I mention in case Poulsen reads this), but it looks like I’ll be picking up the novellas at my earliest convenience. I’d recommend you trying these yourself.

3 Stars

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The Glass Frog by J. Brandon Lowry: A Fairy-Tale-esque Fantasy for All Ages

By HCNewton

On August 19, 2024

In Fantasy, Fiction, Literary Locals

The Glass Frog

by J. Brandon Lowry

DETAILS:
Publisher: Trailerback Books
Publication Date: June 20, 2023
Format: Paperback
Length: 376 pg.
Read Date: July 27-30, 2024

Every Who is shaped by a Where.

In this case, the Where is a tiny coastal village named Seaside. from the beach there is a constant, breathy shhh-ahhh sound as the waves flow first in, then out, each exhalation coating the simple, whitewashed buildings with a fine, salty mist. Through the village center runs the Queen’s Road, a winding ribbon that traces the curving shoreline of the island nation to which Seaside belongs. Grassy, rolling hills surround the village to the north, so that when viewed from above, it appears as a single pearl on a string nestled on a bed of seagrass.

Seaside was given its unimaginative name by its unimaginative people. In fact, hostility toward creativity and change is a central feature of the Seasider mentality, a proud tradition handed down from generation to generation. They value simplicity, practicality, and—above all—uniformity. For this reason, it has been decreed that every building in the village must adhere to the same basic plan: squarish shape, white walls, dark roof. This arrangement makes it obvious which villagers are lax in their home maintenance, and are therefore not to be trusted. The same principle applies to matters of appearance, behavior, and topics of conversation. Unsurprisingly, the most popular topic of conversation is the failure of others to conform….

With the matter of Where set aside, it is time to meet our Who—Sophie Farrier, a kind-hearted and imaginative young girl who fits into Seaside about as well as a whale fits into a rowboat, and has been just as uncomfortably shaped.

What’s The Glass Frog About?

Thankfully for her, Sophie will not spend the entire novel in Seaside. But she has indeed been shaped by that village, and try as she might, she will act in the way she was shaped (both in ways she recognizes and ways she doesn’t). She’s also been shaped by books she’s read—a scandalous notion to many people in Seaside—and a devoted older brother, Damon, who has stepped up in so many ways that her deceased parents cannot and that her guardian aunt will not. Without her books and her brother, Seaside would’ve turned Sophie into a successfully conformed young woman.

Things change in Seaside one day when some kelp harvesters find an unconscious stranger who had the absolute temerity to wash up on shore. It’s rude, unheard of, and not at all fitting with the unimaginative ethos they prefer. There’s some debate amongst the villagers—with a majority wanting to send this stranger back to the sea he came from—but a couple of stalwarts (including Damon) refuse and arrange for him to be cared for by the local doctor. Sophie helps the doctor in her own way—and the doctor beings to think she might have a future in medicine.

When the stranger finally awakes, he wastes little time before he sets out to leave Seaside and resume his interrupted quest. Something about him, about what he says to her—and some drama at home—drives Sophie to follow him. Or try to, anyway. He has a pretty solid headstart and can move much more quickly than she can. Also…Sophie’s never left Seaside, so she really doesn’t know what to expect or how to interact with people who aren’t from there.

Meanwhile, a powerful group arrives at Seaside, demanding that the stranger be returned to them or the city will be destroyed. Everyone in the Village who was ready to throw him back into the sea are more than ready to give him up. If they only knew where he was.

So, what did I think about The Glass Frog?

I’m not certain who Lowry’s audience is, like the BlueInk Review cited on the back cover says, it can work for “discerning reader[s], from middle grade to adult.” I can think of readers I know/have known up and down that range who would appreciate the book, and I can’t think of any reasons to try to wave off a middle grader (which is refreshing).

It’s hard not to like Sophie—and I don’t understand why anyone would resist it—her brother is a little tougher to like, but that’s not necessarily his fault. Most people that she encounters after she leaves Seaside are pretty likable, too (with some notable, and easy-to-identify exceptions). The people of Seaside are an interesting mix—most (maybe all of them, I didn’t take a census) are good fictional characters and the reader will appreciate them as such. As people? Eh, it’s a mixed bag. But it’s a more complicated question than you’d expect from the early descriptions of the village.

I don’t believe Lowry’s prose was particularly purple at the beginning of the book, but it was headed to that end of the visible light spectrum. My notes said something like, “you’d better not use every adjective in your account too early or you won’t have any leftover for the last chapters.” I do think he got it under control pretty quickly—or I became inured to it, I’d believe either, but I think it’s the former.

There was some pretty solid comedy in this book (particularly involving the citizenry of Seaside), but it’s not a humorous fantasy in the mode of Terry Pratchett or Sean Gibson. I’d categorize it as a light, whimsical fantasy with some really funny moments. But there are some serious moments, too. A lot of heartbreak and loneliness—some self-destructive behaviors on display, too. Maybe a dash or two of romance. Plus some villainy, cowardice, avarice, xenophobia, and manipulation to balance out the acts of heroism (intentional or inadvertent). A little bit of everything, really.

I don’t know that I want a sequel to this—but I would like other books set in this work (with Sophie and those close to her showing up in the background). There’s just so much to explore, and Lowry has created a bunch of fun places and ideas to play with. Some of the minor characters from this book would be great to see again as protagonists—or at least, playing a larger role than they got to here.

But most of all, I’m curious about what the next novel (in this world or another) from Lowry will look like, I bet it’ll be worth the time—just like The Glass Frog was. You should check it out.

3.5 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

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Steam Opera by James T. Lambert: Choosing It Not Because It Was Easy…

By HCNewton

On August 14, 2024

In Fiction, Literary Locals, Steampunk

Steam Opera

by James T. Lambert

DETAILS:
Series: Moon Men, Book One
Publisher: Bert Books
Publication Date: November 18, 2022
Format: Paperback
Length: 416 pg.
Read Date: July 8-12, 2024

What’s Steam Opera About?

I’m both tired and apt to meander too much when trying to answer this question, so I’m just going to lift the answer from Lambert’s website:

London, England, 1894

Patrick Smythe lives a comfortable life in London coming up with new inventions. His close friend Thomas Melton finances many of these ventures and together they advance technology. Geoffrey Trenton takes the occasional investigative work after retiring from Scotland Yard.

Airships fill the sky

The world is on the move with dirigibles and Zeppelins hauling freight and passengers. On land and sea people travel at will in an era of plenty.

Unbridled invention fills the laboratories

New discoveries fill the news as scientists probe past the boundaries of human knowledge. Every field advances as knowledge of the natural world drives new innovation.

Telescopes scan the heavens

The Royal Observatory at Greenwich has a new telescope and the astronomers are using it to view the universe. Even when they’ve been told to take the night off. A strange discovery and a brutal murder draws Trenton out of retirement to investigate.

And we want to go to the moon!

Patrick develops his most ambitious project: a trip to the moon and back! With Thomas’s help securing financing and Trenton running security, what could possibly go wrong? But a mysterious organization wants to prevent this and will go to any length to stop them!

My Big Complaint

The next section will touch on a maybe larger concern. Or maybe it’s a quirk. I’m not sure. But I had an easier time getting over it than this part. There’s a quick arc that introduces us to the future security chief for this endeavor—it starts out pretty interesting, maybe more interesting than the “go to the moon” story at that point. And just as that story gets your hooks into you…it’s dropped. I do think that I can see where and how Lambert is going to pick it up again in the future. But the way he abandoned the story in this novel was abrupt and off-putting.

Lambert is capable of better.

Um…Where’s all the Steam?

You call something Steam Opera, you set it in the latter 1800s in London, you make it about inventors and engineers (among others), you give it that color scheme and cover design—you sorta indicate to your reader that this is going to be a Steampunk novel.

But we really don’t get one—we get a lot of Zepplins and dirigibles, science that’s more advanced than it should be, and the rest of it is pretty era-appropriate. No gadgets, no science that’s hard to pull off on this side of the Industrial or Digital Revolutions. Sure, there are plenty of people wearing goggles—but that’s about it. This is the least Steam-punky Steampunk I think I’ve read.

And I know Lambert can pull off Steampunk gadgets—Aether Powered demonstrated that clearly. So why not here?

Really, why not?

So, what did I think about Steam Opera?

Okay—all I’ve really said after the description sounds negative, and I don’t want to sound that way. Because once you get past the above quibbles (which is really pretty easy), this is a perfectly entertaining read.

This is easily the most ambitious of Lambert’s first three novels, and his writing has improved over what his first books delivered (and I liked those I want to stress). His characters, prose, eye for detail, and imagination are better represented here (as is a capability to carry a story for another 100 pages or so than he has in the past). If he keeps improving like this, he should get the fanbase he deserves.

Lambert does a good job with the pacing—sometimes it seems he speeds up more than is advisable, and occasionally he swings the other way—but overall, he keeps things moving well enough to keep you engaged while dipping into some pretty technical areas (even if the technology is made up). It’d have been very easy for him to get so into the technical descriptions that he’d kill any momentum and turn this thing into a slog. All things considered, he made the right choices on that front.

And the technical bits themselves? I think Lambert really succeded there—both the way he adapted Zepplin-esque technology to mimic the work that the Atlas and other rockets did in our timeline and in the way he described their flight while still in Earth’s atmosphere—I bought it all. It seemed plausible enough for this world (moreso than, say, the music devices that The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences enjoyed, for example)—particularly the in-flight moments.

I wouldn’t have minded some more named characters—and some female characters would’ve been good to see*. This is very much a book about Moon Men. However, the characters we did get were engaging and interesting (even the antagonists). The more time we spent with all of them, the more I wanted to spend time with them—which is always a good sign.

* The lack of female characters probably deserves its own section, I now realize—but what more is there to say? Yes, the Victorian-era was dominated by men in engineering and business, so it helps things ocme across as more realistic to not have women around. But if we’re going for that level of realism…maybe keep everyone on Earth?

What we learn in the closing pages and what leads up to them is came out of nowhere—or so it seems, but really didn’t. What’s better is it sets up the next book and satisfies your curiosity about “Why is this a Book One?” Sure, it creates a whole bunch of new curiosity about Book Two (and maybe beyond, I’m not sure how long Lambert is thinking), but that’s the point. As long as you give me some answers, you can add all the questions you want.

In short, I had plenty of fun with this book and this world, and am eager to return to it. As good as Lambert’s next release, Relics of War, looks—I can’t help but be irked that it’s not Moon Men Book Two. I really want to know where he’s going with this. But that’s a problem for future-H.C. Present-H.C. is happy to recommend this to you and strongly suggests you become familiar with the very pleasant experience that is reading a James T. Lambert novel.

3 Stars

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LITERARY LOCALS: A Q&A About Writing in Idaho with R.M. Scott

By HCNewton

On August 6, 2024

In A Few Quick Questions With..., Literary Locals

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I met and had a nice chat with R.M. Scott this spring, and now I’m very happy to bring you this quick chat about her writing.

Before we get into things, why don’t you give the reader a brief introduction to you and your work.
Hi Wonderful Readers!

I am R.M. Scott, a young adult and children’s author.

My first traditionally published novel is Unseen.

It is a captivating tale of sixteen-year-old Alaia, a gifted healer. She can cure her father from a lung disease given enough time, but instead she must disappear, because the Inquisitor has accused her of practicing magic.

She flees with Mateo, the Inquisitor’s nephew, in a forbidden romance, but the young healer must learn to use her herbal knowledge to fight back to save those she loves. Even those she’d believed were already lost.

It is influenced by Basque culture and the European witch hunts of the 17^th century, but it is a sweet and adventurous, young adult read.

www.rmscottauthor.com
Amazon.com: Unseen: 9781942856825: Scott, R M: Books
Unseen – Kindle edition by Scott, R. M. . Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.
Unseen by R. M. Scott – Audiobook – Audible.com
Unseen (Paperback) | The Rediscovered Bookshop (rdbooks.org)
www.instagram.com/rmscottauthor
www.facebook.com/rmscottauthor
www.twitter.com/rmscott99

Are you a native Idahoan? What brought you to Idaho in the first place? (answer whichever question applies) What is it about Idaho that keeps you here?
I was born in Idaho Falls on the coldest night of the year. There were power outages, snow, and storms. All the heat in the maternity ward was routed to the babies to keep them alive, and I was one of them. So yes, I am a native Idahoan. I’ve traveled to Europe, Asia, Central America, and all over the U.S., but the Northwest is more than where I am, it’s simply who I am. Home. A connection of life and being.

Are you tied into some sort of local author/bookish group/culture? If so, tell us about it and how it helps you as an author. If you’re not, is there a reason for it?
I joined SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) after meeting a local author at Hastings. It has been huge for me. I met other authors that helped mentor me in critique groups. I grew in my skill and craft. I took courses and attended conferences, still do.

What kind of events in the area do you attend—either to sell/promote your books or to network with authors? Are there any outside of this area that you hit regularly and wish we had something like it here?
I like to attend the Idaho Writer’s Guild conference held annually in Boise. There are usually agents to pitch work to and classes on craft. SCBWI also has great conferences, with a focus on writing for children. It has conferences occasionally in Idaho, and annually or semi-annually in Utah, Seattle, Portland, and other areas.

Utah also has a couple amazing conferences that I’ve attended – LTUE (a must if you’re a Brandon Sanderson fan) and the Storymakers Conference. The Storymakers Conference has an annual competition called the Whitney Awards. I was honored to be a finalist in 2022 where I got to meet Brandon Sanderson in person. And yes, I am a fan.

What’s the breakdown of your audience—do you have a strong local base, or are your readers from other parts of the world?
My audience is wide-ranging in age groups and geographical areas. For example, readers of my book have ranged from 11 to 90-years-old. My book is at different libraries across the U.S. I’ve had readers in the U.K. as well.

Do you think there are particular challenges or advantages to being a writer in the Treasure Valley? (possibly both)
When you attend large conferences, you realize how much a “small fry” you are. There are definite advantages to big areas with big names and big conferences. However, sometimes I see being from a smaller venue as an advantage because you’re not as easily discouraged by how intense the competition can be. You’re more likely to try simply because you’re a little unaware of it.

Do you bring Idaho (or some sort of Idaho-sensibility, assuming one exists) to your work? Whether or not anyone else sees it, can you look at some aspect of your writing and think “That’s Idaho” or “I would do ____ differently if I was a Kentuckian or from Illinois?”
I think writing is an expression of the soul. It’s hard to divide it into who you are and the story. It’s intertwined. Sometimes I can tell where an author is from quite easily from the choice of words, perspective, and storytelling. All our experiences shape our viewpoints, and I’m no different. I do believe kindness and helping others is part of being Idahoan and that is always going to be an undertone in my writing.

One final question, is there a book (or two…or 18, if you get really carried away), that embodies Idaho/the Idaho spirit to you to recommend to my readers?
For those who have grown up hearing about their pioneer ancestors, I enjoyed Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson. It’s a young adult novel with a magical twist influenced by covered wagons, walking the Oregon trail, and the gold rush.

Good looking pick!

Thanks for your time and participation! Hope you enjoyed it! Readers, be sure to click on at least one of those links above and check out Scott’s work out!

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LITERARY LOCALS: A Q&A About Writing in Idaho with Norelle Smith

By HCNewton

On July 30, 2024

In A Few Quick Questions With..., Literary Locals

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I met Norelle Smith at the Nampa Library’s Book Faire this Spring. She has written so many different kinds of books that I’m not going to try list them–I’d skip something. But…well, I’ll let her get into that.

Before we get into things, why don’t you give the reader a brief introduction to you and your work.
Norelle Smith is my ‘pen name’. Growing up, never had I thought I’d be writing books. As a matter of fact, my 4^th grade teacher didn’t think I’d amount to anything. I was slower learning than most kids, but once I caught on, I was on a roll. I graduated from high school with a GPA of 3.8 I love to read as much as I love to write. Let’s get down to my books.

I retired a decade early and I started writing. Why? Well, I shared my life story with a friend one day, her reaction was “Wow, you need to write a book.” But who wants to read a memoir about Norelle Smith? Someone you’ve never heard of! So I decided to write through different characters in different stories. Each book (with the exception of the teen book and children’s books) have a piece of my life in them. Then I built a fictional story around it. Some books have more truth than others, regardless, they’re fiction novels. My hope in writing my story, is not only to entertain the reader but to touch or change a life or two (or more). I’ve walked down some horrible roads, and if my bad choices can help someone else, I’m willing to share most things.

Three of my books are with a co-author, SPW Mitchell, who is also from Emmett Idaho. Wonderful writer. I had no idea what I was doing when I decided to write IF Untold, so he mentored me and we wrote the book together, passing it back and forth to each other. He wrote so well together; we wrote That One Day together as well as Voices in the Dark. We both write our novels independently now. He has his hands in other things while writing. He’s starting to write, produce and direct short films. I’m very excited for him.

I have three other books that I wrote solo – The Gap Between Us, Viola and Deceitful Hearts, which should be available September 1^st. And more to come.

My books are available on Amazon, as well as my website – norellesmithbooks.com

Are you a native Idahoan? What brought you to Idaho in the first place? (answer whichever question applies) What is it about Idaho that keeps you here?
I’m not a native Idahoan, however, I have been here for several decades. Almost right out of high school (and trust me, that’s a long time ago!) I married (too) young, and when I came here, I was married to a guy that has Idaho roots for many generations. His great great-grandfather was an Idaho State Senator back in the 1950’s, if I remember right. They were one of the early families in the town of Council as well. What keeps me here? I’ve been here most of my life. This is where my daughters and grandkids are. And I’m now married to a man who is a native of Emmett, Idaho, which is where I live. He also has roots here back generations. We even have a road here in Emmett named after his grandmother’s side of the family: Vanderdasson Rd. The weather is great, I love having all four seasons. Although, I’m a summer girl and wish summer would last a little longer. I’m surrounded by everything: the river, the mountains and the forest are right behind me. Many lakes are a short drive away. And if I need to drive into the city, it’s just over the hill. With all of that, why leave?

Are you tied into some sort of local author/bookish group/culture? If so, tell us about it and how it helps you as an author. If you’re not, is there a reason for it?
I’m not tied to any local author group; however, I do have some other local authors that I’m friends with. I would love to participate with one/or more of the groups, but honestly the only thing that keeps me from it is my writing schedule. Typically, I’m up about 1 or 1:30 am, and start writing. When the rest of the world is still sleeping, although this morning I did sleep in. Until 3am 😊. I’ve been asked many times why I write that early. Simple: It’s quiet and there are no distractions – and I get distracted easily! During the summer when the nights stay hot, I’ve been known to write outside under the stars. THAT is wonderful. Many ideas come on those nights, when I sit back and let my mind wonder. (So if there are any local groups that meet in the morning or early/midafternoon, please let me know. I’ll be there!)

What kind of events in the area do you attend—either to sell/promote your books or to network with authors? Are there any outside of this area that you hit regularly and wish we had something like it here?
In terms of local events, I’ve done several book signings and library local author promotions. I also enjoy going to holiday bazaars and craft sales, whether I sell just a few books or dozens, talking with people at those is always fun. I’m eager to attend some out of the area. It’s interesting that it’s so enjoyable for me, because I’m an introvert and a homebody. Probably most writers are, maybe that’s why we talk on paper so easily. I’m working on a new children’s book series with a man named Bill Atalla. Once those books launch, I expect to be going out of the area to promote not only those books, but the ones that I’ve already written as well. More to come on that series.

It will be launching soon, and Bill and I will be making one or more videos to launch the series. It’s funny how we met.

What’s the breakdown of your audience—do you have a strong local base, or are your readers from other parts of the world?
I thought that most of my readers would be local, but I’m finding that not to be true. I was surprised when I had a review on the amazon page from the UK for my first book, IF Untold.

Do you think there are particular challenges or advantages to being a writer in the Treasure Valley? (possibly both)
I don’t think living in the Treasure Valley has either challenges or advantages. With my laptop, I can write from anywhere. Often, I write when I’m waiting in the parking lot to pick up my grandkids from school. I believe any challenges that I have fall on me, I’m still learning and improving my writing. Also, trying to figure out the marketing side of being a writer. The marketing side is the most challenging part, not my location. I must say, it’s incredible how supportive the Treasure Valley community and libraries are of local authors.

Do you bring Idaho (or some sort of Idaho-sensibility, assuming one exists) to your work? Whether or not anyone else sees it, can you look at some aspect of your writing and think “That’s Idaho” or “I would do ____ differently if I was a Kentuckian or from Illinois?”
I don’t (or at least haven’t yet) mentioned Idaho in my books. Horses and small-town living are mentioned in a couple, but there are two books that you don’t see much of the content in the rural communities (at least not where I live), so I decided not to. Now that doesn’t mean I won’t change it up later 😊 And yes, there are two local authors that I know of that do mention Idaho in their books, one in particular has Idaho towns mentioned in every book that I’ve read of hers. I’m a big fan and have had the opportunity to do a book signing with her and meet with her for coffee.

One final question, is there a book (or two…or 18, if you get really carried away), that embodies Idaho/the Idaho spirit to you to recommend to my readers?
The list is too long to mention individual books so how about two authors – Duane Peterson is a local author (I believe he passed away end of last year). He lived in Emmett but was originally from Cascade. He wrote several history books about Valley County, and he has more than a dozen western novels (fiction). The second is Robin Lee Hatcher, who I mentioned above. Robin writes Christian Fiction romance. Most of the books I’ve read she’s written the story in Idaho towns. Both are incredible writers!

Thanks for your time and participation! Hope you enjoyed it!

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LITERARY LOCALS: A Q&A About Writing in Idaho with Jerome Goettsch

By HCNewton

On July 9, 2024

In A Few Quick Questions With..., Literary Locals

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Goettsh’s memoir had only been in print for a couple of weeks before I met him at the Library Book Fair. I wish I’d noticed that before I sent him my questions–I’d have tweaked them a little bit–not that there’s any problem with his responses, I’d just have framed things in light of the date.

Before we get into things, why don’t you give the reader a brief introduction to you and your work.
I’m a veteran of 9 years in the Marine Corps, 16 years in the Army, and 7 years working as a Navy civilian. I did 2 tours of duty in Vietnam. The first tour the book is based on as a rifleman and Fire Team Leader for 13 months, and a second tour for 12 months in ordnance. Over 25 years in the military I worked as a rifleman, an ordnance man, a military policeman, a rifle, and shotgun coach, and in administration. As a civilian for the Navy, I worked on the docks unloading munitions off ships and as a document editor. I edited operations manuals for navigation systems on nuclear submarines.

What brought you to Idaho in the first place? What is it about Idaho that keeps you here?
My wife and I moved here 21 years ago to be with our children. We have 2 children, 2 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren in Idaho now.

Are you tied into some sort of local author/bookish group/culture? If so, tell us about it and how it helps you as an author. If you’re not, is there a reason for it?
This is all very new to me. I’m learning to tread the waters of authorship. I have a Facebook page: The Cocoa Kid, and I belong to a few Facebook groups: The Writer’s Forum, Writers For Writers, and Creative Writing. Also, the Kindle Community is very supportive.

What kind of events in the area do you attend—either to sell/promote your books or to network with authors? Are there any outside of this area that you hit regularly and wish we had something like it here?
I did my first book fair at the Nampa Library where we met. I made a few good contacts there. I’ve been talking with local librarians and hope to have something in the future. I need to reach out to new bookstores and book clubs. It’s challenging balancing my book promotion with my artwork.

What’s the breakdown of your audience—do you have a strong local base, or are your readers from other parts of the world?
My readers are from all over the US, but mostly veterans like myself. However, I like to point out the book is not just all about the war. It’s not all shoot ’em up bang bang. It’s about a young man’s journey from childhood to war. About struggle, loyalty, and sacrifice in the face of adversity. It’s about survival and moving on.

Do you think there are particular challenges or advantages to being a writer in the Treasure Valley? (possibly both)
It’s not just Treasure Valley. It’s the book community in general. Lots of people are going to e-books. Paperback books are slowly but surely going the way of hardback books. They will be obsolete collectors’ items someday. I’m not a Luddite; or a technophobe in today’s vernacular. I’m going to be putting an e-book version out soon.

Do you bring Idaho (or some sort of Idaho-sensibility, assuming one exists) to your work? Whether or not anyone else sees it, can you look at some aspect of your writing and think “That’s Idaho” or “I would do ____ differently if I was a Kentuckian or from Illinois?”
I consider myself an Idahoan as I’ve been here 21 years now. I have family and roots in Idaho. But I was born and raised in Green Bay Wisconsin. Later I lived in Milwaukee Wisconsin, Chicago Illinois, Dallas Texas, Phoenix Arizona, and California. After joining the military I was stationed in California, Texas, Virginia, Oklahoma, and Indiana. I did 2 tours (still not sure why they call them tours) in Vietnam. I’ve visited Mexico, Japan, China, Greece, Africa, and most of Western Europe. Working as a civilian for the Navy I traveled to Washington DC, Washington state, New York, Florida, and Georgia. I’m like a sponge, and have picked up some of the customs and language of most everywhere I’ve been.

One final question, is there a book (or two…or 18, if you get really carried away), that embodies Idaho/the Idaho spirit to you to recommend to my readers?
I’m a rockhound and photographer, as well as a writer and artist. I love to explore Idaho, so I have several books such as Rockhounding Idaho, Roadside Geology of Idaho, and books on Idaho’s history. I found reading about how Idaho’s Capitol was moved from Lewiston to Boise most interesting. I would highly recommend reading about the State Capitol’s history. Overall I’m a history buff, and I’m in the habit of reading a few books at a time. I like to pick one up and read a chapter or two, then put it down, pick up another, and repeat. I am presently reading Eiffel’s Tower by Jill Jones, The Greater Journey by David McCullough, and a book written in 1890, How the Other Half Lives by Jacob A. Riis. Riis was part of a movement that led to changes in society such as the Audy Home that I was locked up in, and which is in my book. Riis wrote his book in 1890 and the Audy Home was created by the women of Hull House in 1899.

Thanks for your time and participation! Hope you enjoyed it!

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Grandpappy’s Corner: Under the Barnyard Light by Carla Crane Osborne, Brandon Dorman (Illustrator): A Quiet, Wintry Night’s Chores

By HCNewton

On July 2, 2024

In Fiction, Grandpappy's Corner, Literary Locals, YA/MG/Children's Books

Under the Barnyard Light

by Carla Crane Osborne, Brandon Dorman (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Gogonago
Publication Date: November 17, 2020
Format: Hardcover
Length: 26 pg.
Read Date: June 29, 2024

What’s Under the Barnyard Light About?

This book follows a young girl as she takes care of some farm chores on a cold and wintry night.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

No slight intended toward the text, but the art here is the star of the show. That’s a commentary on the art, not the text. Few authors would be able to compete (not that it’s a competition). Dorman’s just fantastic. In these pages, he combines realism with a style that will appeal to the younger readers. The colors might not be bright enough and the art “loud” enough to get the youngest readers, but he’ll draw in those north of two (I think). It looks painted, not drawn and colored.

When I checked out his website, I realized I’d held other books that he’d illustrated and/or done the covers for–several of them, actually. My kids even owned some of them growing up.

How is it to Read Aloud?

Like Every Dreaming Creature, this book seems to demand a quiet reading voice–this is a book for settling down for the night (or at least a nap).

I will admit that the first time I read this myself, I got distracted by the rhyme scheme and ended up spending more time paying attention to it and trying to suss out the pattern. Take it from me–don’t do it. Just read it line by line–or couplet by couplet–while being ready to deal with frequent non-rhyming lines. If you go looking for a pattern or a rhythm, you’ll be lost.

Just sit back, adopt a hushed tone, and read. If you do that, you’ll find it to be a nice, soothing read. The text–and the art–are gentle and cozy. You read it that way and you’ll be set.

What did the Little Critter think of It?

He seemed to like the pictures, but had no patience for the book, we only got three pages into it before he was finished. In fairness, he’s young–and I picked a wrong time to try it. He wasn’t in the mood for a quiet book.

But I’m confident that when I try again, he’ll be fine with it.

So, what did I think about Under the Barnyard Light?

I enjoyed this–it did make me think of Every Dreaming Creature and settling down for the night–it’s a quiet book, it’s a calming book. Between the atmosphere, the soft edges of the art, and the way the text carries you along–I imagine this is going to be a bedtime favorite for many. Including the grandcritter in a few months.

This definitely inclines me to read more by Osborne, I’m curious to see what she does with different kinds of stories (for example, I doubt Pony Express is the kind of book you curl up with on your way to sleep).

3 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

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LITERARY LOCALS: A Q&A About Writing in Idaho with Carla Crane Osborne

By HCNewton

On July 2, 2024

In A Few Quick Questions With..., Literary Locals

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It sometimes seems like half of the local authors I encounter write books for young children–which is great, it’s just not what I ever expect (I will learn one day). Carla Crane Osborne’s work for children is about as Idaho as it gets (from my limited exposure to it, anyway). I hope you enjoy this quick Q&A with her.

Before we get into things, why don’t you give the reader a brief introduction to you and your work.
My name is Carla Crane Osborne and I am an Idaho Children’s Book Author. I write children’s books based on my experiences growing up on a farm in southern Idaho. I currently have 5 books out and another 2 in the works! I sell my books through my own website, www.gonasreadingranch.com, Amazon.com, and I regularly post about my books, animals, and projects on social media. You can find me on Instagram and Facebook at Gonas Reading Ranch!

Are you a native Idahoan? What brought you to Idaho in the first place? (answer whichever question applies) What is it about Idaho that keeps you here?
I am a native Idahoan! I was born and raised in Burley, Idaho and that is where I grew up alongside my siblings on my parent’s farm. We grew crops and had livestock and we all grew up learning how to tend to and care for the crops and animals and it gave us a sense of responsibility from a young age. Life on the farm as a child was the best experience, in my opinion, and it is the inspiration for my books! We worked hard and we played even harder when the work was done. It allowed us the freedom to expand our imaginations and be as creative as we wanted because we could wander and explore and make up our own little worlds.

Are you tied into some sort of local author/bookish group/culture? If so, tell us about it and how it helps you as an author. If you’re not, is there a reason for it?
Being a full time mom, grandma, and author has not left me a ton of time to get as invested in local groups as I would like. However, I do try to attend local events as often as I can and always enjoy chatting with the other local authors!

What kind of events in the area do you attend—either to sell/promote your books or to network with authors? Are there any outside of this area that you hit regularly and wish we had something like it here?
Most of the events that I attend are local author meet and greets, book fairs, and local school events! I love being able to connect with our community and other local authors. My favorite activity is when I am invited into a school to do book readings with the kids! I love to share my books when they are still in progress and get feedback from the children. A lot of times I end up using bits and pieces of ideas that the kids give me and find a way to include them in my books. I have been to some author events outside of the Treasure Valley, mainly in my hometown, Burley and a couple in Coeur d’Alene. I have done a couple author meet and greets in Burley and a couple author events in CDA. My books are carried in the library and at a lovely little books store called, Fig Pickels in CDA, and I love being invited to attend author get-togethers, meet and greets, or book signings that are put on by either place.

What’s the breakdown of your audience—do you have a strong local base, or are your readers from other parts of the world?
Most of my readers are local. I sell the most books here at local events and I have my books in quite a few of the local libraries as well! I also like to donate books to our local hospitals and toy drives, so I believe most of them end up somewhere in the valley.

Do you think there are particular challenges or advantages to being a writer in the Treasure Valley? (possibly both)
I think the biggest challenge to being a author in the Treasure Valley, or just in general, is the fact that we live in an increasingly digital age. I feel that a lot of times it is easier for parents to use a digital media to entertain kids than it is to sit down and read to them. However, I think that in the Treasure Valley, we have a large population of people who are shifting to a mindset of slowing down and taking more time to do things like sitting to read with their children. I see a lot of parents on social media talking about their children’s education and incorporating more books, outdoor learning, and practical, functional learning and it’s really encouraging to see! There’s nothing that can replace the feeling of holding a real book in your hand!

Do you bring Idaho (or some sort of Idaho-sensibility, assuming one exists) to your work? Whether or not anyone else sees it, can you look at some aspect of your writing and think “That’s Idaho” or “I would do ____ differently if I was a Kentuckian or from Illinois?”
I definitely think that I bring Idaho to my books! The books are all about growing up on a farm and a lot of us in Idaho can relate to that! I think it especially shines through with the illustrations in my books. I have had the chance to work with two fantastic illustrators, Brandon Dorman and my own nephew, Michael Crane, who have captured some truly beautiful representations of Idaho landscape. From the mountains in “Alex the Wonder Lamb” to the beet fields in “Gona’s Halloween Hunt,” it all looks like something you could see within a 30 minute drive, almost anywhere, in Idaho.

One final question, is there a book (or two…or 18, if you get really carried away), that embodies Idaho/the Idaho spirit to you to recommend to my readers?
If had to choose one book that embodies the Idaho spirit, it would probably be the book that I have in the works, “Buster the Brave.” I’ll say as much as I can without spoiling the book before it comes out but, it is themed after our very own Boise State Bronco mascot, Buster. It tells the tale of a young horse who dreams of being the Boise State mascot someday and the determination and bravery it takes to overcome his fears. I think that most of us in Idaho tend to have that “fighting spirit” in us and don’t typically shy away from challenges. I am so excited for this book to be published and I hope that the people of Idaho and fans of our beloved Boise State Bronco’s, love it!

Thanks for your time and participation! Hope you enjoyed it!

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The Hijacked Conscience by Debra Peck: An Obsession for Assurance and Certainty

By HCNewton

On June 30, 2024

In Literary Locals, Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

The Hijacked Conscience:
An Informed and Compassionate Response to Religious Scrupulosity

by Debra Peck

DETAILS:
Publisher: SacraSage
Publication Date: February 10, 2023
Format: Paperback
Length: 158 pg.
Read Date: June 9-16, 2024

What Exactly is RSOCD?

This book focuses on Religious Scrupulosity Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (RSOCD) and I want to be sure that I describe it carefully and accurately. The best way to do that is to let Debra Peck do the honors (obviously, she goes into more depth, but this’ll do for starters):

The International OCD Foundation describes it as “A form of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involving religious or moral obsessions. Scrupulos individuals are overly concerned that something they thought or did might be a sin or other violation of religious or moral doctrine.”’ In simplest terms, people with Scrupulosity OCD see sin where there is none.

Those who suffer from Scrupulosity usually have an overly sensitive moral conscience which causes their faith to be experienced as anxiety and fear instead of as peace. The French call it “the doubting disease.” People with Scrupulosity hold themselves to a rigorous level of spirituality and practice, not out of love or even out of obligation, but out of deep-seated fear and anxiety that not doing so imperils their eternal soul.

Like all forms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Scrupulosity is marked by unwanted and intrusive thoughts (obsessions), overwhelming anxiety that demands resolution, and either outward or internal rituals (compulsions) that relieve the anxiety for a time.

What’s The Hijacked Conscience About?

Peck tries (fairly successfully, I think) to introduce RSOCD to believers, pastors, counselors, and others to the concept. Using her own life and experiences she walks the reader through the struggles she endured (with help and hindrances from family, friends, and fellow Christians) until she was diagnosed. And how having this diagnosis—and the better treatments that came from it—have helped, and how it hasn’t (enough).

Throughout, there’s an attempt to generalize from her experience—or at least show how things she went through can be similar to things others go through.

She also brings in some of the research she and others have done about the disorder alongside her own experiences—which is essential.

I Can’t Help But Wonder…

Early on, Peck describes things that people say in response to questions and concerns raised by people with RSOCD. I’ve heard some of these given to questions by people without it—and I found them just as troublesome and almost as damaging. I put in my notes around that time—these people need a good dose of the Heidelberg Catechism (and the rest of the Three Forms of Unity/Westminster Standards). And, yes, I know—that is not a panacea here, and there’s a lot more going on than bad theology. However…it’s sure not helping them.

Peck herself says,

For those from a Wesleyan-holiness position which emphasizes that the heart can be completely cleansed from sin and living a sin-free life is the expectation of those who are “sanctified,” this can be especially debilitating.

I’ll leave it to others to deal with Wesleyen perfection and the myriad problems it has and that stem from it. But I absolutely see where it’d be debilitating to anyone honest with themselves about their spiritual condition—for someone who is compelled to be “overly concerned” with spiritual matters, debilitating seems like an understatement.

Now, people in the Wesleyan-holiness traditions don’t have a monopoly on this tendency—R. Scott Clark talks about many Evangelical strains affected by what he calls the QIRC and the QIRE—RSOCD really seems like a super-powered version of the Quest for Illegitimate Religious Certainty (with a dose of Quest for Illegitimate Religious Experience, too). Clark defines the QIRC as “the pursuit to know God in ways he has not revealed himself and to achieve epistemic and moral certainty on questions where such certainty is neither possible nor desirable.” The QIRC is problematic for anyone—you add OCD to it? And forget it—you need to fight this with medication, therapy, and better theology.

I don’t for a second believe that Reformed believers can’t struggle with this—the Heidelberg isn’t an inoculation against it. But I do wonder how it would present itself from someone within the Reformed tradition. (I’m curious about Muslims, Universalists, or Wiccans struggling with RSOCD, too).

So, what did I think about The Hijacked Conscience?

This is clearly Peck’s story—or, better, a look at RSOCD through Peck’s story. And as such, it’s good. What would’ve made this better is seeing a few other people’s stories—not the whole thing, but more. Sure, we’re told that there are others—given a couple of historical examples that are likely true, or at least possible—but as it is, it’s harder to get an idea about how RSOCD affects people who aren’t Debra Peck. It’d also be nice to see things others have done to help themselves.

Again, I know that’s not the design or intent of the book. I just think it’d have made this a stronger book—maybe that’s what a future sequel holds? (I don’t know if Peck has plans/intentions for a follow-up, I’m just spitballing here)

But as for the book we do have? It was good—it’s a solid introduction to the concept of RSOCD, a good look at how undiagnosed/untreated it can affect a person, and how—with help—someone can cope (for lack of a better term) with it. There’s even a nice little discussion on the use of medications for this, and similar, afflictions.

The writing is clear and approachable—frequently engaging and pleasant. There’s nothing to be daunted about here, just a good primer to help you weep with those who weep.

3 Stars

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