Hello, friends and fans!
Welcome to another “Peek At My Week” for September 11, 2023! Here are some things that happened this past week!
News About Writing & Publishing: This Is The Current State Of Things
- Writing: This past week I didn’t get to do nearly as much writing as I really wanted to on “Freedom Inc“, the first book in my new sci-fi adventure series (“Threaders“), but it is currently just shy of 45500 words. Hopefully I’ll get more done on it this week.
- Articles: In the past week I posted “Feeling Threatened?“, “Playing Monopoly” and “Review: “One Piece” Live Action Series“.
- What Readers Say: I know I can’t please everybody (so I’m not trying to!) – drop me a line and let me know how you think I’m doing – or, preferably, leave me a review on Amazon or Audible! The following two reviews of my writing are from my old friend Alex S. Johnson, who is himself an author and retired English professor.
“Christina Engela’s hallmark combination of quirky humor, memorably drawn characters, tightly constructed plots and fluid style makes her one of the most entertaining authors I’ve ever read – and that’s a short list that includes Neil Gaiman and Douglas Adams.” – Alex S. Johnson, September 05, 2023.
“I was just looking at your excerpt from Freedom Inc. Your style is so fluid. Knowing exactly what to include and what not to, by instinct, is a hallmark of a good writer. You don’t overwhelm the reader with detail. Just enough.
A lot of the writers I edited had to detail EVERYTHING and it’s just a chore… like they took a workshop and were told about concrete detail. The server-droid quietly folding itself into a compact cube… that’s trademark Engela. ‘Small blasters and the like…’ you get the picture. It’s sufficient.
I’d like to do a short style guide some time… with examples like that of how to do it right. When you say ‘and the like’ it’s evocative of a whole universe of things ‘like’ small blasters, whatever those may be. It’s also a bit whimsical.
I guess what I’m saying is, there’s some things you can’t teach.
I get from your writing this vibe of someone telling a hilarious story at a party. There’s not this effort, at least not a lot of visible effort.” – Alex S. Johnson, September 04, 2023.
The following less than flattering review for the audiobook of Static was left on Audible on the 9th of September:
Would have been better with a different narrator.
“Who thought it would be a good idea to have their sleepy grandmother narrate this book? I couldn’t even finish. Every character had the same voice, slurred speech, and monotone delivery. The story may be great, but it is just a slog to listen to. I’m sorry but I couldn’t make it through.” – Sean, Audible review for Static, September 9, 2023.
Strangely enough, the very same narrator also happens to get praise from audiobook “readers” – so, as you can see, it’s hard to please everyone.
Social: On Saturday, I created a Discord channel! Come join me and chat about my books and ask me any questions you might have! Come share my love of sci-fi, horror and suspense fiction!
Bibliography – A listing of all my books:
Other Stuff:
Does NOT Smell Like Chicken!
The last thing I expected going to the dentist on Thursday, was going to the dentist on Thursday. Or oral surgery. Lol. I certainly didn’t expect that!
It was the first time I’ve ever been lasered. On the plus side, I now know I don’t smell like chicken when I’m cooking! Looks like I’ll be going back in January again for a crown.
Props to Dr. Ranchod in Newton Park for his bedside manner, efficiency and compassion, friendly staff, can definitely recommend. 5 stars.
Birds, Ballet & Literalism
As always, I’ll keep you posted about any further developments. And remember:
In spite of some of my books having been on Amazon since 2005, not one of them has yet reached the magical 51 reader reviews yet! (The highest number any of them has, is ten – which is a pretty good number, but still not high enough for Amazon!) I would really appreciate your help on this! Come on, leave a review – it’s free!
I wish you all a pleasant week until next time!