Noise in the Attic

Based on PBW’s recommendation, I bought a copy of Marjorie M. Liu’s Iron Hunt a couple of weeks ago. I started reading it last night and … and … damn!

This is writing that transcends the mere words. The beauty and rhythm and imagery turns plain prose into song. It is as rich and creamy as fine cheesecake, as wild and fierce as the Arctic wind. It’s not a book I can read in large chunks. I’m having to ration it, savor it.

This is writing that I dream about. When I read something like this, I despair of ever being so good. It’s really hard to keep going when the bar is this high. I know that practice makes perfect, but damn! Just damn!

Even if you don’t like dark fantasy, you should at least stop into your local book store and read the first chapter. The power and beauty of Liu’s poetic writing will knock your boots clean off. This is definitely one for my keeper shelf.

Disclaimer: If you buy any of these products from these links, I will make a few bucks. On the other hand, I am an independent-minded SOB, and I refuse to endorse a product that I am not completely satisfied with. I don’t usually flog products on this blog, but I believe in these products. They work for me, and I believe they will work for you.

Most writers suffer from writer’s block at one time or another. The others are scared to death that they will. I’m not the King of Writer’s Block, but I am certainly a high-ranking prince. I have been blocked off and on for years.

No More.

Holly Lisle’s How to Beat Writer’s Block (and Have FUN Writing From Now On) downloadable audio course is my ticket out of writer’s block. Forever.

In just one hour (1 hour!), How to Beat Writer’s Block guided me out of the forest and into the light of day. Using a ‘tough love’ attitude and a variety of techniques, Holly can kickstart your writing again, too.

Sixty bucks for one hour’s work? Isn’t that pretty steep? The thing is: I can pull this course out again any time I feel a block coming on. I never have to be afraid again. The $59.95 price is for a limited time. Even after the special price runs out, it’s still worth it.

Also on special right now is 21 Ways to Get Yourself Writing When Your Life Has Just Exploded for $9.95.

I can’t vouch for these techniques personally, as I haven’t tried them yet, but they worked for Holly, and they are certainly some straightforward, common-sense ways to get your writing life back, even when your real life has spiralled down the tubes.

Finally, a very special deal for a limited time only.

The How to Beat Writer’s Block audio course and ALL 4 of the highly-acclaimed Plot Clinics for $79.90. That’s a savings of nearly $20. The Plot Clinics I CAN vouch for personally. These are wonderfully practical guides to building compelling characters and plots and believable languages and cultures. All I can say is: if you don’t have ‘em, get ‘em

Holly Lisle’s How Beat Writer’s Block (And Have FUN Writing From Now On)

I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of my copy of Welcome to Hell : A Working Guide for the Beginning Writer by Tom Piccirilli from PaperbackSwap.com. I just could not resist the title. I figure he knows what he’s talking about, and it sounds like he is willing to be more honest than some others I have read.

By the way, if you don’t know about PaperbackSwap, check it out. Post 10 books and get a credit for a free book of your choice from the more than 500,000 posted.

After that. you can buy credits for $10.35 for 3 (discounts if you more at a time) or you get a credit for each book a member requests from you.

Paperback books cost $2.31 to mail (Media Mail with e-Confirm) using the PBS label that you print. You also have to deposit money with them, because PBS takes $0.27 for each book you mail. Not a bad deal, since an awful lot of books are hardbacks.

I have expenaded my reference collection with a lot of quality titles I couldn’t afford to buy. I have also filled out my Holly Lisle collection. It is now almost complete. Just a couple of the Hell on High series lacking, and they’re on my Wish List.

By the way, again, if you join using my link, I’ll get a book credit (hint, hint).

Their sister site is SwapaCD.com. Same deal, basically, only music, and you take a chance on condition with used CDs.

The long-anticipated Character Creation Clinic by Holly Lisle is now available for purchase. At $9.95, it’s a real bargain. I’m on page 34 right now and already have gotten my money’s worth. You can use the link in the sidebar to order. While you’re there, sign up as an affiliate and earn a little mad money.

Holly has posted a sneak preview of the first chapter of Talyn at Silent Bounce. You have to have an account to read it, but accounts are free, and she will not send you any unwanted e-mail. There’s another for pre-order. I’m spending my book budget like I actually have one.

She’s also holding an essay contest with the prize being an ARC of Talyn. Essays, fiction, humor, or poetry under 250 words on the subject of “Rediscovering Honor”. Should be a lot of fun.

Chapter 2 now available.

Here’s the review I posted at barnesandnoble.com:

Get a Sneak Preview
Someone’s killing strippers in Atlanta. When Detective Jess Brubaker is asked to go undercover on this case, she knows it will be a dirty and dangerous job. She soon finds out that she is putting her career on the line, not to mention her life, to solve a case in which she has no clues, no support from the Atlanta Police Department, and a partner she considers a bumbling fool. And that’s just in the first chapter! The author has graciously posted a sneak preview of Chapter 1 on her Web log. Free registration is required. If you like suspense, this is a must read. Pre-order your copy today. You don’t want to be left out in the cold when this one sells out!

Also recommended: Midnight Rain by Holly Lisle

If you haven’t already read this chapter, please go by Silent Bounce and take a look. If you aren’t a member and don’t want to register for whatever reason (she doesn’t gather any personal information), just email me and I’ll send you a copy.

Read this. Then pre-order Last Girl Dancing.

We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.
–Ben Franklin upon signing the Declaration of Independence

Got a sneak preview of Last Girl Dancing at Silent Bounce. Oh. My. God!!! I can’t wait ’til July! I want it now! Do you hear? I want it now!

Have you pre-ordered your copy yet?

My local Books-a-Million had 3 copies on display (spine out). One stuck to my hand, and I could not get it loose. My copy is marked “1 of 4″, so someone got another one before I got there. And then there were 2.

What can I say about If Angels Burn? One thing I can say is that it’s damn hard to get anything productive done while absorbed in a world of dark erotica and compellingly real characters. The other thing I will say is that this novel requires a mature mind. Anyone who is spooked or offended by sex, violence, or language should stay away. Everyone else should definitely read this book. It is a hauntingly beautiful story about love, life, and what it means to be human. Holly’s blurb says it is “erotic, darker than sin, and better than good chocolate”. She hit that one dead center.