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:
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
