Reading Update and an Online Class

The writing organization I belong with is having a month-long online class November 1-30, 2022. It’s only $25 for non-members, too! Here’s the details:

Writing guru Dwight Swain said it’s the author’s job to manipulate the emotions of the reader. There’s no better way for the author to do this than to put his/her/their characters through one roller coaster episode after another, taking the reader along for the ride.

But how much conflict, how much character angst is too much? How can the author keep the action from becoming cartoonish?

Long-time friend of COFW Digital Classes, Linnea Sinclair answers those questions and more in this fun and fast-paced (because torturing students is good, too!) workshop that explores the importance of conflict in today’s commercial fiction novels.

You can sign up on the website Classes - Central Ohio FictionWriters | Official Website (cofwevents.org). Last day to register is Nov 1. I’m taking the class, because I always learn something from Linnea Sinclair. She’s great!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 34

Dates read: October 4-13, 2022
Title: The Witcher Chime
Year of publication: 2016
Author: Amity Green
Genre: Horror
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 260
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Goodreads: In 1922 and in 1988 a deadly, possessive entity imprints on members of the same family, ancient as Genesis and determined to remain free. Savannah Caleman is the latest object of obsession in this chilling, historical tale of haunted legacy and terror.
    Savannah Caleman’s family has been coming apart since the early 1920’s. After a horrific suicide by their great aunt, the Calemans sell off the family ranch, hoping to leave the stigma of insanity behind and gain a fresh start at a property known by locals as “The Witcher Place.” Days after the move, Savannah’s father isn’t himself and her mother grows increasingly distant. Her little brother, Chaz, is forced out of a second story window by a being that makes Savannah question her sanity for the first time. Her mother takes Chaz and flees the state. Savannah and her younger sister, Molly, are chased home by a mountain lion but when Savannah turns to look back, the cat has transformed into a man. Their father’s behavior takes a more serious twist as horror abounds and Savannah turns to distant relatives for answers, fearing the insanity is real and has spread. Her father is no longer in control. Armed with a shotgun, Savannah is forced to protect herself and her sister.
    The evil plaguing her family dons a suit and tie and introduces himself, giving Savannah an ultimatum. She must decide between her sister’s safety and aiding a monster that can’t be identified as either an angel or a demon. Either way, Savannah is torn, and takes to single-handedly running the family affairs with precision as she takes care of her sister. The Witcher Place is transformed to her liking using family money. Distractions are only that. Releasing a monster to roam at will isn’t a stellar option, no matter the promises it makes. The stain of murder and torment cannot be erased. He has fallen, been shackled, and now has plans to rise once more using Savannah as the key to regain grace.
My thoughts: What the heck did I just read? I don’t think that’s a good thing to think when you finally reach the end. Do you? I really didn’t enjoy this one at all.

Today is the last day to enter for a chance to win a $150 gift card to either B&N or Amazon (your choice). See previous post (Friday’s) for more information and the link to enter.

So…. I start immunotherapy treatment tomorrow morning. Keeping my fingers crossed that I don’t get extreme side effects. I expect I’ll get some, but hopefully in the mild range. First phase of treatment is two drugs every three weeks, for four times. Then after that, one drug every four weeks, for however long it works. I’ll get a CT scan after the first phase (late Dec/early Jan) to make sure it’s working. I really hope it works!

Happy Reading!

Stacy