Tag Archives: sci-fi

Beta Reads and Book Reviews

thCA43T8I7I think I’d like to be doing more book reviews and Beta reads. I like the idea of reading for free books… I spend way too much money on books anyway. The thing is that I think I’m pretty qualified for the job. I do have a Master’s degree in English/Creative Writing and I also write. You can read through my archives to see previous reviews. You can go on Amazon, too, but those are much shorter.

The other thing is that I hate giving bad reviews. I don’t have a problem writing constructive feedback for a Beta read, however. I think that’s the appropriate place for it. So, if I read your book and it wasn’t going to get a good review from me, I wouldn’t give it a review, I’d send it back to you as a Beta read – for your eyes only. If it was going to get a good review – I can plaster that bad boy around.

The other thing I have going is that I’ll read almost anything. Seriously! I’m really a book slut and though I have my favorite genres, I will read anything that has interesting characters, dialog, and a plat that moves. If you know me or follow any of my social media and blogs, you know I have my favorites, like paranormal romance, sci-fi, and other twisted shit, but really I’ll ready mystery, horror, adventure, and almost anything else (fiction). I choke a bit on historical romance (unless it has vampires), though….. Just a warning.

So, if you have a book you would like be to Beta/Review, send me a request with the genre and length through a direct message on FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/sherri.asble

or Twitter @sljasble

I’ll get back with you right away!

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Filed under authors, characters, creative, editing, fiction, genre, literature, publishing, query, review, tweet, Uncategorized, urban fantasy, vampire, working, writing

Who are you?

One of the most frustrating things I’m facing in my writing journey is naming my characters. I want the names to fit the character. Some times it comes to me quickly during my outlining stages. At other times, I’m frustrated.  The perfect name doesn’t want to come to me. I think this happens when I’m trying to write the story quicker than my brain wants to process.

In any event, here is a link to a blog with five tips for picking names. They are really good pointers to keep in mind:

http://voices.yahoo.com/five-tips-naming-characters-fiction-228710.html

Here is a slightly different take on naming that is entertaining to read. This one uses some great examples to emphasise important points and perhaps some inspiration can be gleaned:

http://www.hauntedcomputer.com/write18.htm

Finally, Writing World offers these tips. I particularly like the one about not using names that end in S. Also, there are some good points about considering how your character might translate on the back cover.

http://www.writing-world.com/romance/names.shtml

This last article also spells out some differences in naming in genre stories. I think that is important. I tend to write dark fantasy or urban fantasy and some of it is futuristic. You can have a lot more leeway in naming, but if the name is too far out, it isn’t effective within the story. There is a purpose to a name and whether the story is in modern-day real life setting or a futuristic alternate universe or another planet, it has to work in the story.

Ultimately, I want a name that fits the character, flows well, doesn’t end in S, and is just otherwise perfect for the story.

Yeah… easier said than done.  Time to put on my thinking cap and get creative.

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Filed under authors, characters, creative, dark fantasy, e-book, fiction, horror, inspiration, names, sci-fi, short story, urban fantasy, writing

I have sales!! Woot!

Woot! It really isn’t much, but the fact that I have sales is really exciting! It means that there are a few people out there that actually purchased my writing for the first time ever AND it is more than just my family! 

In this new journey to become a real author, I published a book of seven short stories called, Stories to Fight Demons By. These are twisted/surreal stories about different kinds of demons; perfect for Halloween! You can purchase this on Amazon or B&N.  I’ll include the links here:

http://www.amazon.com/Stories-Fight-Demons-ebook/dp/B004RH3T46/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319329943&sr=8-1

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stories-to-fight-demons-by-sherri-jordan-asble/1030426408?ean=2940012183842&itm=1&usri=sherri%2bjordan-asble

I hope those that purchased the book liked it. I don’t have any reviews on Amazon or B&N yet, but I’m hoping I’ll get one. So, if you purchased the book and are reading this… hint, hint!

I also have a teaser for my first novel posted on my website and a plug for it in the back of  Stories. Website:

http://sjordanasble.com/Page_2.html

So, this is truly another awesome step forward in my writing journey. I hope that others will celebrate with me – go ahead, raise your hand in the air and give me a “Woot!”

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Filed under authors, characters, creative, e-book, fiction, Halloween, horror, inspiration, sci-fi, short story, survey, technology, tweet, Uncategorized, writing

Facing the Challenges

I started writing this blog to document and share my experiences with writing/publishing.  So, I thought I’d take a minute or two to hash out some of the challenges I’m dealing with at this stage…

One of the most difficult and challenging parts of writing fiction is coming up with the names for my characters. I want the names to be appropriate to the character. The name has to fit. If  I have the wrong name, it doesn’t work well. Sometimes it is very difficult. Sometimes it comes easy. It is also a lot of fun. It is part of creating that character. What is that person like? What are their idiosyncracies? What makes that person who that person is? There are times when that is really hard, especially when that person is an alien or is alien like. It is also difficult when you try to name someone within a historic context. If this character comes from ancient Ireland, they can’t be named Fred, right?!

The other big challenge hitting me right now is getting stuck on little things. I keep getting stopped flat by small things that might not even matter, but I get so hung up on them, that I can’t move forward.  This is what I was stuck on this week:

*A different word for canteen.
*Where did I put my notes on a different story entirely than the one I’m trying to work on.
*I needed to buy a new cushion for my chair in my office where I write

Seems like small things, but I’ve wasted a long of time on these things! Gave up on the thesaurus problem, finally found my notes, and bought a seat cushion (on sale at Kohls!) So, now I’m ready to write… what am I working on today?

I need to do some yoga and focus!!

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Filed under authors, characters, creative, e-book, fiction, horror, inspiration, short story, Uncategorized, writing

It is coming… it is coming…

Really…. I’m doing the final edits for “Second Place” right now. This is the short about the hover craft racer. The rough draft is finally finished and it is in the final edit stages. So, that means I will be ready to publish very soon. This will be free to everyone on my website, so I hope everyone is excited. I know I am.

Peace, love, and hover-crafts!!! It’s coming!!!

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Another sneak peek?!

Here’s another clip from “Stories to Fight Demons by” now available on B&N and Amazon.  This is from the second story “Rubicon” that I named my blog from! Enjoy!

“Sangchai’s motorcycle flew down the remains of an old paved Highway. The Astrograph meter in his System Interface/Protective Eyewear, that he called SIPE, displayed a red arrow pointing south. He slowed the bike to a stop and looked directly at the speck of red light in the bottom right side of his SIPE. Again, it demanded that he head south. The desert stretched as far as he could see, even with his SIPE on 2,000 magnify. Sagebrush, dry grass, different cactus strains, and the queer looking Joshua trees scantily covered the rubble and sand. Everything a dull green, brown and gray blended into the horizon of soft pink sky.

Sangchai did not want to drive across the harsh terrain. The Astrograph’s signal intensified and urged him to move. The tracker implanted in the palm of his right hand itched. He refused to acknowledge it and revved the throttle instead.”

He spotted a tiny path as he jerked his bike around. It slithered through the brush like a tiny garden snake and wound across the desert, slowly circling around cactus and Joshua trees as it crept wider in some places and almost non-existent in others. “I guess that’s where I’m going.” Only a tiny green lizard heard him and dashed out of his way as he picked up his feet and started toward the trail. He leaned forward on his bike as he gassed it, swerving past the bigger bushes that lined the decrepit highway. The Astrograph needle continued to flash steadily, assuring him that he found the correct path. It continued to guide him across the desert floor toward a small mountain chain barely peeking over the horizon.

The road twisted and turned and eventually began to climb toward the side of the mountain. He weaved his bike in and out along the path, avoiding as many rocks as possible. He lost his back tire to skids in the loose sand occasionally, but generally he made decent time, as he gained altitude within the mountain range.

He resented the flashing Astrograph telling him where to go. Smashing the damned SIPE would bring him great pleasure. Even as he thought about it, the tracker in his hand began to itch. Sangchai cursed under his breath and brought his thoughts back on track. His ability to concentrate kept him on task and had kept him alive for too long to give up or give in. He took a deep breath and focused to heighten his senses.”

If you want more… Amazon link:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=sherri+jordan-asble&x=14&y=15

OR B&N link if you nook:

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Stories-to-Fight-Demons-By/Sherri-Jordan-Asble/e/2940012183842/?itm=1&USRI=stories+to+fight+demons+by

also.. I learned today (yes, I’m slow on technology) that Nook has a free download to put Nook on your smart phones!!  (Thanks Sheila!!)

If you buy my e-book and like it, feel free to post comments and ratings on either site!! Thank you again for your support!

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Crazy Week

I can tell what kind of week I’ve been having by my blog stats! Yes, they are down because I’ve not been writing. Imagine that.

I have been working on other projects this week and my blog has suffered, and so has my writing. I was hoping to already have my short story, Second Place, posted to my website, but it is not finished.  So, this weekend I will work on it!  I have been working on it mentally and know exactly what Ms. Geddy is going to do… and I can’t wait to get it typed up so I can share it with all of you.  So, have just a little more patience with me.

I have also been working on getting the e-book published. It just might be out next week.  The book, Stories to Fight Demons By, is finished and sitting in the queue. I have made progress on the “behind the scenes” issues and I think we might be rolling next week! Yeah!  I think these short stories will be worth the wait!  So, hang in there.

Thanks again to everyone that has been checking in with me weekly or daily!  I hope that it will be worth it!

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Filed under authors, fiction, inspiration, sci-fi, short story, survey, Uncategorized, writing

Second Place

Working hard on my story about the Hover Craft racer. The title is “Second Place.” I’ve got a great start on it. I have some complex themes that I’m trying to weave into the story, such as learning to live with unfilfilled expectations after you’ve done your best. That’s a hard one for me personally, so that is what pops up in my stories.

When I have it finished I will post it to my website and let everyone know to go check it out. It probably won’t be until next week because I’m going to the Sci-fi convention (www.vulcanevents.com)  this weekend here in Tampa, so I won’t have a lot of time to work on it. AND (even better) I want to see what I learn at some of the writing workshops at the Con and see if I can apply that to this story.

I will keep you posted!

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Filed under authors, characters, fiction, inspiration, sci-fi, short story, Uncategorized, writing