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book reviews |
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Multi-volume and multi-genre authors Bibiana Krall and Veronica Cline Barton introduce us to the third volume in the The Haunted book series, “Wicked Mist”: Welcome to Wicked Mist, Book 3 (The Haunted Series) Filled with Urban legends, ghosts, haunted houses, magical realism, and supernatural themes. This year it's all about the mist! Travel the world and enjoy a collection of luxurious, award-winning, short stories with a paranormal edge from the writing desks of Bibiana Krall and Veronica Cline Barton. This 'spirited' anthology is guaranteed to give you the shivers and keep you reading late into the night with heady doses of mystery, haunted imagery and psychological suspense. Catch up and read Hearth Fires, Book 1 and Tangled Webs, Book 2 and prepare for an intense ride to places unknown. Diamonds & Ashes by Veronica Cline Barton (California Coast) The seeds of greed reap their reward... Witch by Bibiana Krall (Mackinac Island) An Island adventure in Michigan becomes an alternate history lesson, after a young woman discovers something treacherous lurking in the water… Area 58 by Veronica Cline Barton (#SomewhereInNevada) Somewhere in Nevada Everything you thinksh you knowsh ish about to changshe. Devil's Breath by Bibiana Krall (Columbia) Beware the wrath of a beautiful and mysterious woman taking over the streets of Medellin. One man at a time... Unrequited by Veronica Cline Barton (England) Don't go breakin' my heart now, boys... What does your garden grow? Ningyo by Bibiana Krall (Japan) A troubled spirit wanders beyond the forests of Mt. Fuji, hoping for their chance to avenge a brutal murder. Will good or evil prevail? Thanks so much for reading! Enjoy the bonus pages with bespoke cocktails and savory appetizers to help make this a wonderful and spooky Halloween!  I love this newest book in The Haunted series. Wicked Mist keeps the reputation of these writers and series spotless. The different stories set in different cultures give us a spooky glimpse into other parts of the world. These stories are not extremely gory and I like that a lot. I have also enjoyed Barton's other writings in the cozy mystery genre. Witch by Krall was the creepiest story for me and I loved it. Area 58 by Barton gave me the most pleasure and still creeped me out. It has a sci-fi bent to it and is pretty funny also. Which story is your favorite? They are all good and not to be mist! 😉
You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Wicked-Mist-Haunted-Book-3-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-wicked-mist https://www.barnesandnoble.com/wicked-mist-krall-barton Here is the review of Hearth Fires, the first book in the series: www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/hearth-fires-the-haunted-book-1-by-bibiana-krall-and-veronica-cline-barton Here is the review of Tangled Webs, the second book in the series: www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/tangled-webs-the-haunted-book-2 You can follow the authors: https://www.twitter.com/Bibiana1Krall https://www.bibianakrall.com https://www.amazon.com/author/bibianakrall https://www.youtube.com/channel/bookem channel https://twitter.com/VClinebarton https://www.veronicaclinebarton.com https://myamericanalmostroyalcousinseries.com https://www.facebook.com/myamericanalmostroyalcousinseries https://www.amazon.com/Veronica-Cline-Barton https://www.goodreads.com/author/Veronica_Cline_Barton https://www.youtube.com/channel/#Bookem Copyright © 2022 Mark L. Schultz except for the authors’ introduction
77 Comments
10/17/2022 04:10:58 pm
Thank you for the amazing book review, Mark! As far as a favorite that’s tough to say.
Veronica
10/17/2022 04:32:07 pm
Thanks for the Area 58 snaps, Bibiana! The scariest tale in our collection goes to you with Ningyo! I'll never look at a doll in the same way again, LOL! 10/17/2022 05:14:33 pm
It was my pleasure Veronica! Really loved how you changed the entire feeling and genre just by making the character who they weee and of course what they wanted… so good! I appreciate the compliments for Ningyo as well. I’m still scared of dolls too. Lol.
Thanks so much for the book review for Wicked Mist, Mark! It's our 3rd year of writing our haunting tales and it's become a Halloween tradition of sorts for us, LOL. We both love this season of scary and sharing out book tricks and treats with everyone.
Mark
10/17/2022 05:07:03 pm
Welcome back to the Word Refiner channel! I count it a real privilege to have you both here.
Veronica
10/17/2022 05:22:13 pm
Thank you, Mark, it's good to be back! 10/17/2022 05:32:36 pm
We have met in person. Thrice now and we were hoping for four, but next year definitively as there’s a mystery conference we both plan on attending.
Mark
10/17/2022 06:18:30 pm
Wonderful, I definitely sense there is more than a casual collaboration occurring here. The pandemic was hard on so many, a lot of authors suffered the loss of contact with their muse because of all the social unrest and uncertainty present. The friendship between you two has been tested and made stronger because of all that stuff. I think your friendship is the reason why you work together so well. 10/17/2022 07:05:03 pm
Agreed. It’s been tough all around. I think realizing early on that it was important to say busy in a positive way was helpful. A point on the map so to speak. We purposely added these amazing geographical destinations because we missed the freedom of travel and the newness of exploring. It was always a hope that others would find joy in the unique flavor of place and time, not to mention the immersive aspects when you throw in a few jump scares. It’s been amazing, I’m so glad we’ve continued to write this series along with our separate and quite different projects. It’s a way to celebrate autumn and have some fun.🎃✨🎃
Thanks, Mark--our collaboration and friendship has been life changing and I'm extremely grateful to have it!
Mark
10/17/2022 07:28:07 pm
I remember now how bad the lockdowns were and everyone was afraid if a person coughed or sneezed in public.
Thank you, Mark! Diamonds & Ashes had a lot of meaning to me and brought back memories of our trips. We've traveled down the coast of California along the PCH and 101 Fwy many times over the years. I love the coastal views and we've visited many of the towns. It's amazing once you get out of LA, San Fran, or other big cities and visit these coastal towns, it's as if you've been transported to another time and place. 10/18/2022 04:09:58 am
Diamonds & Ashes transported me to the California coast as well. For some reason I always envision Mendocino? I’ve only been away from the cities a few times when I’ve visited, but the unique flavor was captured beautifully by Veronica.
Mark
10/18/2022 08:10:29 am
The Pacific Coast Highway is a beautiful trip. I have driven parts of it also. 10/18/2022 08:35:57 am
Yes, the PCH is amazing. Sometimes you go around a curve in your car and can’t believe how gorgeous it is. Veronica nailed it! Very, freaky and puts a whole new spin on visiting Mackinac Island for me! 👀 What I enjoy so much about Bibiana's writing style is her ability to fold in folklore, local history, and landmarks into her stories. She definitely puts the chill into a room or setting! 10/18/2022 09:28:07 am
Thank you so much Veronica! Trying to connect those dots! I’ve swam in that lake hundreds of times, but never experienced anything like that before. It made my mind go to wild places!
Mark
10/18/2022 09:24:34 am
I have never been to that lake. But I have experienced similar effects at other wilderness lakes. Yes, the creepy factor can be very high, but the beauty of the lake is outstanding. Weaving in the local legends is a brilliant move.
#Eek, that would have been a scary night, Mark! 10/18/2022 10:57:17 am
I loved Area 58 and the other two stories mentioned. I truly feel like Veronica has a gift with the infusion of dark satire in the token story in this anthology that gives the reader a breather and a chance to feel the quirkiness that sums up Halloween for me. 10/18/2022 09:32:26 am
I appreciate that Mark! Yes, I agree that away from modern things we can feel more connected to nature and to sounds and smells. The mask thing is hilarious. I’m sure that kept things going for sure! 🎃If you ever get the chance swim there and in all of the Great Lakes. They feel different than a smaller lake or the ocean. Those ancient glaciers that made them have lots of stories to tell.
Mark
10/18/2022 01:18:17 pm
The scouts talked about that for years. I still recall it after nearly 60 years have gone by. 10/18/2022 02:59:54 pm
Yikes on the bugs and way to go on the haunted campsite story having that much staying power! 10/18/2022 03:28:25 pm
True that! She had killer taste in cars but I think I will stick with my own. Maybe they did open a portal? They should make a Modern Aliens show as a companion piece. It is a beautiful city for sure and I can see why people congregated there. Not quite ready to do more boots on the ground research to verify if she’s roaming. 🤣👀 fiction fueled by urban legends is fun, and also using modern happenings such as aliens arriving … I’m watching the sky. 🎃🍸and maybe mixing up a few Monkey Gland(s) plural, just in case. 🤣
Mark
10/18/2022 07:56:12 pm
I have been to England and Europe several times. I have also visited our neighbors in Canada more than once, but I have never been south of our borders. Other than what I have read and seen on TV I have no personal knowledge of that part of the world. I guess Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid doesn't really count as a travelogue also.
Ah, the pangs of a broken heart... Do you remember the first time your romantic dreams were shattered by betrayal? It's a trope used often in the romance genre--the devastated woman picking up the pieces, perhaps moving to leave it all behind, and eventually finding herself with a renewed self-confidence, and perhaps a new romantic interest. 10/19/2022 05:04:31 am
Agreed. Revenge certainly might provide a nice jolt, but ‘Unrequited’ effectively revealed in a unique way the potential horror of getting exactly what you ask for. 10/19/2022 09:20:00 am
I’m game but no way do I want to joint THAT garden club! 🤣🌸🌸🌸👀🎃
Mark
10/19/2022 07:02:49 am
Yes, I do recall a broken heart from high school. The memory though faded is still bittersweet after all these years. 10/19/2022 09:30:10 am
Thank you Mark!
Hands down, Ningyo is the scariest in the collection for me. I read the tale as my husband and I took a western road trip earlier this summer. I couldn't get over how atmospheric it was, dripping with terror. The eerie narrative style immediately drew me into the story, and sometimes I didn't want to be there, LOL.
Mark
10/19/2022 02:57:42 pm
You nailed that, Veronica, the atmosphere was consuming! I could hardly breathe! It was the second scariest story for me. 10/19/2022 06:54:50 pm
Aww shucks! Thank you both! I subscribe to Poets & Writers and listen to many different podcasts, most are about life and seed ideas… rather than talking about craft: Kore Women every week to listen to women talk about their lives and challenges, OK Boomer, because it makes me laugh. As far as books I have so many, but the Chicago Manual of Style is still the best for grammar. There’s always something to learn and I try to go back and read them once a year to keep them fresh. Oh last one, Editing for Fiction Writers (37th) edition is excellent.
I don't follow many podcasts to be honest except for ones done by a few folks I follow on Twitter. This year, I have been watching The Body Language Guy on YouTube--he analyzes different video clips and pics for behaviors/reactions--it's been extremely useful for me for enhanced character development/traits in my tales. Facial expressions, eye movements, tensing of the neck...I'm learning what to look for and how to describe!
Mark
10/20/2022 10:25:48 am
I knew that you both would have interesting resources. Ok, Boomer sounds like fun because I love humor and laughing. The Body Language Guy sounds enjoyable and informative also. As long as you are above room temperature there is always something new to learn.
I've had characters evolve into major players in my cozy mystery series. Figgy, the nanny came into the series in book 5 with the arrival of Gemma and Kyle's twins. I love this character--she's definitely a part of the storylines these days. 10/20/2022 12:29:18 pm
Yes I have created that character and what has happened a few times is that they took over and the MC decided to take a back seat and they somehow became the MC.
Mark
10/20/2022 01:54:04 pm
I was surprised when Ean left the scene and the book, Veronica. I liked him a great deal. His relocation to South Africa was interesting and fit the story well. And Figgy! She is such a kick, I fell in love with her after only a few chapters!
The POV question is interesting for me--I write in the 1st person pretty much exclusively. Maybe it's genre or plot driven? For me, especially in the cozy mystery tales, a 1st person perspective is a must have as you peel back the clues and discoveries. I like it as a reader as well, the story seems more dynamic to me and holds my interest. 10/20/2022 03:58:22 pm
Thank you! I think creativity needs space and I used to get upset when things weren’t lining up and now I’ve learned that it’s more important to follow that breadcrumb, because often it knows something I hadn’t even considered yet.
Mark
10/20/2022 05:56:22 pm
Veronica, I love first person POV also. It's so intimate and intense. That POV factor is one of the things I love about your books. 10/20/2022 06:54:22 pm
Thank you so much Mark! Veronica covered it quite nicely.
Thank you, Mark!
Mark
10/21/2022 07:22:11 am
Speak Up Talk Radio and Firebird Book Awards sound like a great combination of philanthropy and book promotion! Thank you, Pat Rullo, for being so creative in your entrepreneurism. 10/21/2022 08:31:49 am
It’s a terrific thing that Pat Rullo is doing!
Interesting questions, Mark!
Mark
10/21/2022 11:12:38 am
Bibiana, I am so glad you keep an idea log, a list of stories to write about. I think that is very important to have. I have suggested that many times to writers. 10/21/2022 02:25:26 pm
Thank you Mark! I’ve had my share of worrying the past few years too and sometimes the more creative part of my mind wasn’t quite there. The idea list is a little crazy and off the wall. It’s a spark, if I need one.
For me, all royalty checks go right back into the book budget, LOL! Computers, software, accessories to write with; editing and proofing; book cover designs; marketing promo and trailers; publishing expenses; website updates---the list goes on and on to keep things current and visible to potential readers. Deciding on becoming a writer requires a lot of resources, including a hefty budget to get things done on a professional level. This may not be what writers want to hear, but it's a reality of the business that cannot be ignored IMHO.
Mark
10/21/2022 04:05:50 pm
I am not surprised that you both plow your profits or royalties back into the business. That is the reality of being an entrepreneur such as an independent author. You are responsible for all aspects of writing and publishing your books. But you also get to keep the profits instead of giving them to someone who doesn't care anymore about your book other than it provides them some money. 10/21/2022 05:55:40 pm
So and just are my speed bumps, not to worry once I fix that issue a new word will reveal itself… ✨ Writing can be like public speaking, you think it’s a great speech and all everyone else heard were thirty or forty ‘ummms’ in less than a minute. Work in progress, break glass in case of emergency. 🤣🎃
Oh, the dreaded fillers! I am constantly pulling 'well'; 'that'; 'some'; and others from my sentences. Just when I think I'm getting better, a whole new wave hits. #Uugghh
Mark
10/21/2022 08:01:27 pm
So, just, that, some, actually, and really are among some of the most popular filler words used by authors. They take up space on the page without making much effort to move the story forward. I recommend to authors to remove at least half of them in the manuscript. Use only the instances when those words are in dialogue and only for one or two characters. Unless the characters all go to the same school and are the same age they wouldn't and shouldn't be talking exactly alike. Dialogue is a great way to differentiate characters. 10/21/2022 08:41:07 pm
That was a cool moment for sure, considering my allowance was .50 at that point, so that was eye opening but maybe not exactly a good example of the pay scale for modern publishing. 🤣🦹🏼♀️
Re; the Easter eggs...mmmaaayyybbbeee...LOL! I sometimes use names or personalities close friends, or family will know. Every now and then there's an event that gets inserted into a story, MyBad. There's a character and a doggie in book 4 in my cozy series you might know a thing or two about, Mark! In Twins in the City, the Easter egg was out in plain sight in a scene where Bibiana and I had the chance to meet Gemma and Kyle...
Bibiana Krall
10/21/2022 09:17:43 pm
We had the coolest outfits on in that story and I wasn’t mad that I somehow managed to add playwrigh to my CV. ✍🏻That was really fun Veronica!
Mark
10/22/2022 07:06:43 am
I love the concept of choice, because we all do have and make choices. Those choices shape us and make us who we are. I feel sorry for the people who choose to be victims. They have limited their life in so many ways. There is a guy named Nick Vujicic, he was born without arms and legs. He gives motivational speeches around the world. He is a good example of choosing to not be a victim. 10/22/2022 07:19:56 am
Totally agreed on being your own hero and Veronica’s books!
No, and no are the answers to your questions IMHO, LOL!
Mark
10/22/2022 11:04:52 am
Amazon has millions of books; I have heard that more than a million books are published each year. It's incumbent for an author to do everything they can to maintain momentum. Some authors do a lot to cultivate their fans and invite them to join a street team to spread the word through social media or be an early reader to post reviews on Amazon and other platforms. I have heard some authors release a paperback version of their book first, to provide a place to post reviews. After a bunch of reviews are in place the e-book is released to much fanfare.
I think many potential writers get derailed before they begin because they think the first draft has to be perfect. They never start because they've set an unrealistic bar. The first draft is a start. It won't be perfect, but after you do your overhaul and enlist the skills of editors, it will get there. I can't think of one job on earth where your first time in the saddle will be your best ride, LOL. Everyone has a learning curve in whatever profession they choose. Writers are no different. Get your story written and have a team you can trust to work with you for a finished project. 10/22/2022 12:56:11 pm
That you have to write every day to be a serious writer. I used to think so.
Mark
10/22/2022 03:20:10 pm
Good call, Veronica! The myth of the perfect first draft! I keep telling my granddaughters that nobody does anything perfectly the first time, if they seem uncertain or unwilling to believe Grampy I remind them about learning to ride a bike. That usually does the trick. 10/23/2022 01:29:15 am
Before the pandemic came the best marketing/advertising gigs for me were book readings in-person. I always sold out of books, got to meet people and was able to really connect.
Mark
10/23/2022 07:33:18 am
Book readings and signings are great ways to connect with readers. It is a win-win for all involved. Selling out of books is wonderful also. Pandemic restrictions have loosened up in many parts of the country, that opens opportunities such as flea markets, fairs, book clubs, and speaking to civic organizations.
Re; marketing avenues, it's hard to say. I have a huge problem with spending any monies on social media ads these days because of the huge number of bots that have been exposed by various parties trying to buy platforms... The ads are expensive too. I'm watching what Musk will do with Twitter. It needs a major overhaul and bot cleanse.
Mark
10/22/2022 08:17:01 pm
You are not the only person who is suspicious of social media ads. On one hand I think Amazon's practice of having sellers bid for ad space is terrible because it squeezes out the small seller, OTOH that practice is genius and makes the 'Zon a lot of money. You can count on Amazon to do one thing and that is make money. The converse is also true, they will change or shed anything that doesn't make them as much money as they think they should get. If publishing books ceases to be profitable enough, say goodbye to KDP and anything else that they want to get rid of. 10/23/2022 02:54:54 pm
I set boundaries and also try to schedule time for both the writing and the personal. It doesn’t always work, but as in all things finding the balance is a constant and being flexible might be the most important aspect of being a writer. I earned my M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Wilkes University in 2018 and I’ve been writing full time ever since.
I have a pretty good idea of what my writing projects will be for each year, and what time will be needed when for each. I plan and schedule the tasks in, and assuming the dreaded writer's block or other catastrophe avoids me, I stick to it. You can't write 100% of the time, so I make sure fun time is scheduled in too. My husband is involved in my writing process from a business perspective, so we plan vacations/trips etc around the book schedule. It's worked out well for us.
Mark
10/23/2022 04:33:17 pm
You both summed that up well, seeking the balance requires forethought and flexibility. 10/23/2022 05:29:21 pm
I sure hope there will be! We’ve been making plans but they are top secret until we start marketing next year. It looks like we are going for it! Stay tuned and stay spooky! I’ve never written a romance or a western, to be honest I don’t see that happening in the near future or possible ever, as next year my focus will be on speculative fiction and mystery and of course The Haunted Series.
As Bibiana stated, the spirits are churning on Book 4 in the series! I can't wait to see what they decide, LOL! #BOO
Mark
10/23/2022 06:08:00 pm
I guess I need to find my Magic-8 ball, if you two aren't going to tell me. 10/23/2022 06:33:52 pm
You can borrow my magic-8 ball but it always says ‘ask again… or answer hazy. Lol! Leave a Reply. |
Who am I?An avid reader, typobuster, and the Hyper-Speller. I am a husband, father, and grandfather. Archives
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