Book Review: “The Gemstone Chronicles:, Book 1: The Carnelian” By William L. Stuart

“The Gemstone Chronicles:, Book 1: The Carnelian” By William L. Stuart

A charming tale suitable for all ages who enjoy a simple writing style commonly found in Midgrade to Young Adult. There is a good deal of head-hopping as the author jumps from one character to another to provide reactions to situations. It isn’t so serious that one can’t enjoy the read, but I found it enough to keep me from identifying with any one character.

There is quite a bit of expository writing to provide background which, in my mind, slows the story. This is often disguised as dialogue.

The fight scenes are good, but tend to lack intensity or any threat of impending loss or serious injury. The magic system is fairly coherent and based on the authors background in gems and rock hunting, which helps make it believable.

If you’re looking for high intensity, intrigue and treachery you may want to look elsewhere. If you want a cozy fantasy this will do the trick.

Online Book Club on Super Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Tonight I just spent a fun hour and a half chatting with members of an online book club. Konstanz Silverbow invited me a couple of months ago and, for some reason, I was in the mood to get out of my comfort zone.

The event started off rather slow and I was afraid no one would show up. My fears were allayed after the Konstanz got through the early business of the book club and pulled me into the conversation. From there it took off and my fingers were flying in an effort to respond to questions and comments. Everyone was very kind and interested in "The Singing Stones of Rendor."

Some of my acquaintances who took part in the development of the book showed up and gave me a lift. Many thanks to Ernie Lawrence and Jeremy Beard who taught me a lot about the art and still follow my progress. One of my editors, Tristi Pinkston, showed up too. She said it was for the cheesecake, which was a prize to a local eatery. She is a woman of taste.

All-in-all it was a great time and I saw a nice jump in the number of downloads for the book. I'm hoping the reviews generated from this event will be favorable and get it to that magic 50+ ratings/reviews on Amazon.

Thanks everyone, I appreciated your interest.

Book Signing in Phoenix Arizona.

We spent a very enjoyable Saturday afternoon at the Dog Eared Pages Bookstore this past weekend. Melanie Tighe and Thom Butcher, co-owners of the store, were not only gracious and generous enough to help promote the event they provided the space for free.

A small, but enthusiastic, crowd filtered through the store and bought books from each of us. Alan Black provided chocolate and white cakes decorated with a tasty image of his newly released book, "The King's Rock." He is a high energy guy willing to swap stories on most any subject. His list of books are evidence of that fact.

Other authors at the event were J. D. Scott who writes SciFi/Fantasy and Steve Price who writes about mediation. All the other authors had at least 3 books written and available for sale compared to my humble singleton. Nevertheless, sales went well and "The Singing Stones of Rendor" benefited from a Fantasy friendly attendance.

A visitor of note who I acknowledge in my book was Jeremy Beard. He stopped by and we chatted for quite a while. He even wanted a signed copy of my book. This was the first time I had a chance to meet him in person. I have to thank him once again for his honest and very informative critiques of my first drafts. Also, for taking the time out of his Saturday to drop in.

Book Two Update

Well, it seems that book two is longer than I expected. Rather than create a monster I will be using some of its material in book three. For a while I thought I might just go ahead and finish the story with book two, but that idea is now out the window.

The working title, "The Loom of Kanarrah" is no longer functional so I'll be brainstorming for a new one.

So, the progression bar on the right will remain at about 50% for a while longer. Especially since I'm not sure just how long the book will be. Progress is being made, however.

My hopes for publication this year are now officially dashed. 2016 for sure.

The Color of Music.

Do you see colors when you listen to music? If so you get to suffer from 'synesthesia,' a rare condition in which some people actually see the weft and waft of colors from the tunes they listen to. Here is a great article, with an interactive test, about the condition. See if you too can see the same colors as these lucky people. Click "What Color Is This Song?

Another demonstration of sound and it's hidden impact on our lives. Vibrations

Spring Into Books Event

This month I'll be involved with my first book event, "Spring Into Books," sponsored by the Oquirrh Chapter of the League of Utah Writers. Authors aplenty will be at the Viridian Events Center in West Jordan, Utah, many of whom will be doing readings and classes for those who are interested in writing their own stories and poems.

Of course there will be games and prizes throughout the evening. If you are in the area and enjoy books, and the reading of them, you'll find new stories hot off the minds of new and established authors. It will be fun to rub elbows with successful as well as up and coming authors.

Join us on May 23, 2015, 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Viridian West Jordan Library and Events Center.

"The Loom of Kanarrah" UPDATE: Progress has been slow. A few of the characters are having trouble getting over some hurdles, but I'm confident they can do it. Summer events and the family "farm" (i.e. gardens) will be demanding attention, too. I swear, I don't know how more prolific writers make time for all of it.

Review of Alan Black's YA Sci/Fi novel, "Titanium Texicans"

No techno babble in this YA Sci/Fi. Titanium Texicans is a story driven by its characters and the society in which they live. Although there are high tech machines in which our hero Tasso gets involved with the emphasis is on what those machines can do and how they advance the social structure in which he has been thrust against his will.

True to any hero Tasso adjusts, but not without some conflict, some of which is self imposed. Teenage angst and Tasso's strong character development by his grandparents provide the example any parent would wish for their children.

Although the plot is rather predictable and there are some issues of pace with the story it is a very good read.

My initial reluctance to read a YA story was quickly overcome by Alan Black's ability to display Tasso's backwater simplicity and country wisdom.

A recommended read for Young Adults.