Category Archives: Writing

Am I Benefiting from My Book Reviews?

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Insights from My Book Reviews

Corr Syl the Warrior CoverIndie authors read a lot about the promotional value of reviews.  Here I wanted to comment on the feedback I have received.

First, it is worth noting that early book reviews sometimes influence later ones.  The influence appears in the similarity of the topics mentioned and even the phrases used.  Still, there is collective value in the insights the reviews provide.

It is also worth noting that Corr Syl is my first novel.  I have much to learn, and the value I derive from reviews will probably increase as my knowledge and experience increase.

Themes

Most of the 17 book reviews of Corr Syl has received mention the book’s conservation theme.  I had worked to keep the theme firmly in the background, and expected that Immediacy, the Tsaeb philosophy of consequences would receive more attention.  Immediacy indirectly explains humanities many flaws.  Didn’t happen, but I am relieved that none of the reviewers felt that the way I presented the conservation theme was so didactic that it interfered with their enjoyment of the story.

One of the book’s other themes is Corr Syl’s “coming of age” experience.  This is a steady influence throughout the novel, and it is one of the factors in determining the conclusion.  Nevertheless, only one reviewer picked it out as a principal element, and most don’t mention it.  It is a common story element, however, and is probably essential even if not remarkable.

Reviewers mentioned some of the other important elements of the story–the nature of perception and of intelligence, and Corr Syl’s plan for repairing human society–but they said little about them.  I am eager to see what other reviewers will say about these topics.

Genre

Some of the reviewers noted that the story is hard science fiction, but others called it fantasy or mixed the two types.  The difference, of course, is that all the propositions contained within a science fiction story must have explanations that meet the testability criterion.  If the events and features have no testable explanations, they aren’t science, and the story is fantasy or magic.  Stories often contain a mix of testable and untestable ideas, and are properly called “science fiction and fantasy.”  Unlike hard science fiction author, Robert Forward who commented that his story provided a basic lesson in physics, I did not try to explain the evolutionary processes that could produce my principal story elements.  But I tried to stay within the limits of what was actually possible.

Characters

Another interesting thing about these first 17 reviews, is that most of them mention that Corr Syl and the other characters are well-developed.  As I worked on the story, I learned that I am more of a plot than a character writer.  I always felt that the characters needed better back-stories and traits of their own, or as Kris Neri says better “hidden” stories.  Nancy Kress teaches that back-stories determine character traits and reactions.  The back-stories need to be clear in the writer’s mind.  If not, inconsistent behavior can occur and distract readers.  Since my characters are acceptable to some critics, I am further convinced that Roy Peter Clark must be right, writing can be learned.

Read the Latest Book Reviews of Corr Syl the Warrior

Readers’ Favorite sent Corr Syl the Warrior out for review in September.  The five reviews received include three 5-star and two 4-star reviews.  Click here to read Lit Amri’s review and the comments by Bill Howard and others

The Never-Ending Promotional Campaign

Corr Syl the Warrior is in the Booktown Book of the Month contest.   You can vote for it here (scroll down when you get to Booktown’s site).

Want to Be a Reviewer?

I am happy to send free books to reviewers.  If you want to review Corr Syl the Warrior, use the comment form to send me your email address for a Kindle eBook, or your mailing address for a paperback.  The books ship direct from Amazon.  Amazon is the best place to post reviews.  You have to mention that you received a complimentary copy from the author.

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The Tradeoff Between Science and Story

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See on Scoop.it – Nature Conservation & Science Fiction: #EcoSciFi

In today’s comments we fretted over the definition of average, oohed and aahed over some DIY costume skills, and (with the help of Gravity’s science advisor) teased out the precise intersection of science and story-telling.

Garry Rogers‘ insight:

When the science is inaccurate the story is no longer science fiction.  It becomes fantasy.  That’s fine, but even fantasy has rules.  Departure from accuracy without new rules can get you bad reviews.

See on io9.com

Is the Internet Good for Writing? Part 1: Affirmative – Lingua Franca – The Chronicle of Higher Education

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See on Scoop.it – Nature Conservation & Science Fiction: #EcoSciFi
GarryRogers.comTaking this side of the question is Clive Thompson, author of the new book Smarter Than You Think: How Technology Is Changing Our Minds for the Better. Thompson says he is “regularly astonished by the quality and length of expression I find online, the majority of which is done by amateurs in their spare time.”

The length part, at least, is inarguable. Thompson, a journalist who has specialized in covering technology, asserts, “Before the Internet came along, most people rarely wrote anything at all for pleasure or intellectual satisfaction after graduating from high school or college.” Now, according to his back-of-the-envelope cyphering, people compose about 3.6 trillion words a day via e-mail, blogs, and social media—the equivalent of 36 million books, give or take.

So, does frequent writing provide beneficial practice and improvement regardless of length?

See on chronicle.com

Author Resources

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Print Journals Accepting Email Subs

Diane Lockward provides a list of print journals that accept online submissions.  As of September 28, 2013, the list included 133 journals.
Go to Diane’s website for updates.

  • Recent additions are indicated with a double asterisk.
  • Number of issues (x) given after the journal’s name.
  • Reading period is given.
  • Journals marked “no sim” do not accept simultaneous submissions.
  • Some journals have additional annotations.

Reviews of Corr Syl the Warrior

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Reviews of Corr Syl the Warrior

Corr Syl the WarriorRecent reviews:

  • “A beautifully written YA novel that will captivate environmentalists and sci-fi fans of all ages.”  Kirkus reviews (starred review). 
  • “It is an outstanding book. It’s one of those books you get excited over; that have you turning to the next page and reading more, even if it’s two in the morning.” Amazon Review by MaryAnn.
  • “Unique and highly original.  It drew me in and was difficult to put down.”  Goodreads review by BozBozo. 
  • “I found it refreshing, extremely unique with funny, laugh-out-loud moments, too.  It’s targeted at YA, but anybody who enjoys hard fantasy will like this book.”  Louise Wise at http://louisewise.com. 
  • “This is undeniably a commendable story, one that sci-fi and fantasy fans will definitely love and talk about for a very long time.”  -Barnes and Noble Readers’ Favorite review at by Lit Amri.
  • “There is really nothing more you can ask of a story than is found here in Corr Syl the Warrior. The pace is brisk and keeps you engaged, the characters are so believable that Lactella gives me the creeps long after I’ve finished, and I’ll be glad to find what Corr and Rhya are up against in the promised sequel. ”  Amazon review by Paula H. 
  • “Three Words: Action, adventure, thrilling.  Age Recommendation: Whenever, it’s perfect for those looking for a thrill, no matter if your 9 or 99.”  Bianca Blossom, Cherrybooksomtree.wordpress.com.
  • “…a most unusual and interestingly told tale that elicits empathy for the characters as well as the conditions it describes.”  Amazon review by John H. Manhold.
  • “The truly hardcore, sci-fi fan will be delighted and entertained by the pace and deep thought involved in this novel. A must for the serious sci-fi reader.” –Barnes and Noble Readers’ Favorite review by Bill Howard.
  • “Part two was where the book really captured my interest with a very interesting and creative choice of villain.  I was hooked at this point and the story started to fall into place for me.  I started to notice a hint of humour in places and I found myself not wanting to put the book down.”  Amazon review by Chettsgeni.
  • “It has cool action scenes and a few interesting side plots to go along with it.  I really like how the writer makes an effort to explain the science and the way the Tsaeb work as a society in a way that makes logical sense.  I really enjoyed this book.” Claireamber.blogspot.com. 
  • “Engaging and entertaining, it has all the literary ingredients of a successful novel. Indeed, this is more than just a story about a young warrior’s adventure but is also a reminder of how humans are abusing the environment.  This is a concern that has been expressed in very many ways but this one is certainly one of the most imaginative. -Barnes and Noble Readers’ Favorite by Marie Beltran.
  • “For a first novel, I have to say this book is as well written as any I’ve read, and I read a lot.  I liked it.”  Unpublished Review sent to author by Truman Burgess.
  • “An original story, great concept, I want more!  Rogers has developed an alternative Earth, where we are the invasive species!  An original approach to force the reader to evaluate how interconnected we are with everything alive on this planet.  Excellent presentation of the politics of conflict and a thorough understanding how even amongst like species there can be political agendas.  The book should be titled ‘Corr Syl the Negotiator and Strategist, Scientist, and Warrior’.  I read it in one sitting – I like that, when a book grabs hold of me, makes me see things from another perspective, makes me think – and then makes me want more when I put it down.”  Amazon review by Kristine Uhlman.

Free Book Promotions

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Free Promotions for Indie Authors

GarryRogers.com1.  A free promotion for SciFi and Fantasy authors begins tomorrow.  Sign up now.

CommuniCATE has free promotions for other genre.  Find the details here.

Corr Syl is a Finalist in the AZ Authors Literary Contest

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Corr Syl Finalist

Corr Syl the Warrior Cover

Corr Syl the Warrior is a finalist in the Arizona Authors Association 2013 Literary Contest.  Places will be announced at the annual awards banquet in November.  Wish me luck.

Welcome

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Kirkus Best of 2013Corr Syl the Warrior#GarryRogersWelcome to my blog about nature conservation.  I call it #EcoSciFi because I use science fiction as well as non fiction to express the blog’s underlying nature conservation theme.  Check out my new novel to see how I’m doing. Continue reading →

Birds of Arizona–Update

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Birds

Great Horned Owl chicks

Great Horned Owl chicks

Wild birds are seen more often than the members of any other vertebrate wildlife group.  Birds include more species than the other groups, they occur in more habitats than most of the others, and they are more active during daylight hours, and during winter when other groups hide or sleep.  Add the visibility of their colors, distinction of their songs, and variations of their flight patterns, and you will understand why bird checklists are more common than checklists for other species.

The U. S. Geological Survey, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center website (website link in References) provides 29 bird checklists for small areas around Arizona.  The lists include seasonal occurrence and other information.  The WildBirds website owned by Thayer Birding Software provides online field guides with songs and video.  The Arizona Bird Committee (ABC) provides printable state and county checklists.  The links are in the Arizona Bird Reference list below.

Numbers of Birds

World:  10,000
*North America:  1025
*Arizona birds:  548
Arizona birds at risk of extinction:  264
*Approximately 10% are introduced or of uncertain status

Arizona Bird Conservation

Naturalists sometimes think of birds as useful indicators of general environmental conditions; the ‘canary in the coal mine’ idea.  In 2011, the Audubon Society reported that the annual Christmas Bird Count records showed that many species were declining.  For example, over the past 50 years, sightings of Loggerhead Shrikes, a common species throughout Arizona, declined by 72 percent.  Our canary has begun to sway. Continue reading →