As I've said before, I count myself extremely lucky that I've been able to get to know and converse with a great many accomplished and upcoming authors. These are my friends, advocates, and support system. They help lift me up when I'm feeling down, and they also enrich my life by allowing me to get lost in the worlds they create. So I'd like to take this opportunity to help give a few of them (and their recent news) the props they deserve.
AMANDA HOCKINGI consider myself quite lucky that I've gotten to know this wonderful, talented, and supportive woman. She's a great author and an even better person. If ever I need advice or simply to shoot an idea off of her, she's quick to reply and assist, even though she's busier than hell.
As for news, Amanda's Trylle Trilogy series has been optioned to be converted into screenplay by Terri Tatchell (she of the team that wrote District 9, quite possibly the best movie of 2010). What, you say? An independent author having an
Oscar Nominated Screenwriter converting her work? This is fantastic news, and I'm super-pumped about it. Amanda deserves every iota of success she gets, and I hope she gets tons more.
To read this announcement in Amanda's own words, visit her blog.DANIEL ARENSONRecently I had the privilege of reading his book, The Gods of Dream. Dan is an author I've come to know well over the last year. I love all his work. Even if it doesn't completely mesh with me, I can still see the natural ability he has as a writer. He's another one of the most supportive folks I know, and his talent needs to be
out there. As for The Gods of Dream, I reviewed it on my blog, Journal of Always. Go check it out, and then buy it. It's a fantastic book, and I put my reputation as a reviewer on the line in saying I guarantee you'll get something out of this special work of fantasy that you might not have expected.E.J. STEVENSE.J. is another talented and compassionate writer. She runs a very popular blog dedicated to everything paranormal, From the Shadows. She is an ally to all writers, constantly filling her site with author interviews and book reviews - something very time-consuming, especially for one with their own books to write and promote. She's also a super-sweet person, and yet another willing to take time out of her busy schedule to answer my questions or be an ear if I need one.
Her good news is this: E.J.'s publisher recently discounted the ebook versions of first two books in her series,
She Smells the Dead and
Spirit Storm, to $2.99 and $3.99, respectively. I can personally vouch for both books (I read SStD, and am almost finished with Storm). They are beautiful bits of escapism and innocent, otherworldly charm. And at that price, they're a bargain. I suggest them to anyone with a soft spot for paranormal romance or young adult fiction. Good work, written by a spectacular person...and one who needs our support.
Well, that's all for now. Look out for more shout-outs on this blog next week, 'cause I'm thinking of making this a staple feature of the TRO blog.Peace!RJD
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