Guest author TB Markinson has stopped by for a chat!

Hello everyone! *waves* So I have managed to snag the ultra-talented TB Markinson for the day! I’m feeling pretty luck, I don’t mind saying. Not only is TB as sweet as pie and a whiz with a story, but she’s allowed me to review her novel, Marionette. My review is below. BUT FIRST—let’s see what TB is all about, shall we? TB, take it away!

Ever since the 6th grade I dreamed of being a writer. But I didn’t publish my first novel, A Woman Lost, until I was thirty-nine. So why the wait? Many reasons really. I’ve shared some of the reasons before on different blogs. Today I want to share another one of the reasons. I’m a writer—I’m always looking for excuses not to write.

Many years ago, when I was only eighteen, I went to several author events. One of the authors said something that alarmed me. I won’t name the author since she is still quite popular today. But I will share what she said. According to her, she doesn’t read books since she feels like it’s not fair to her fans. She’s afraid she’d become too engrossed in other novels and not write her own stories.

At first I was shocked. How can a writer not read? Then I was saddened. I love to write. But I’m a reader, first and foremost. I didn’t want to pursue a career that wouldn’t allow me to read. I live and breathe books. If I don’t have a book in my hands, I’m reading on my kindle, cell phone, or more recently listening to an audiobook every spare moment. I can’t get enough.

It was a few years after hearing this author talk when I realized that she was the odd man out. Many other authors who I’ve seen speak or read about are voracious readers. I was able to take a deep breath and relax. I didn’t have to give up my passion for reading to become a writer.

In fact, I believe the opposite. If you want to learn how to write, my advice is to read. Read a ton. That just doesn’t include classics or what many deem as ‘quality’ literature. I’ve learned something from every book I’ve read, even the really horrible ones. Actually, I seem to learn more from the horrible ones.

Don’t let others discourage you, even if they are successful in your field. Not everyone agrees on one method. My advice, find what works for you and stick with it. And no matter what, chase your dream. Regrets can be brutal.

 

Marionette Blurb:

Paige Alexander is seventeen and has her whole life in front of her. One day her girlfriend comes home to discover that Paige has slit her wrists. Paige isn't insane, but she acts like she is. Why?

After the incident, Paige agrees to go to therapy to appease her girlfriend, Jess. However, Paige doesn't believe that therapy will help her. She believes she's beyond help. Paige doesn't want to find herself and she doesn't want to relive her painful past in order to come to terms with it. What Paige wants is control over her life, which she hasn't had since her birth.

During her childhood, Paige is blamed for a family tragedy, when in fact, her twin sister, Abbie was responsible. Abbie doesn't come forward and Paige becomes the pariah of the family.

 

My review of Marionette:

Let me start off first by saying I was pleasantly surprised by "Marionette." I was expecting a lot of psycho-babble and tormented souls but what I got was a heartfelt journey of one Paige Alexander--rich girl with a lot of baggage. But instead of letting her baggage take over her life (and the plot), it was a refreshing change to watch her evolve. Character development is always important and often hard to tackle but Markinson accomplishes this with believable ease. It wasn't like, "Oh, I talked about my problems and now I'm cured." Oh no, far from that. Paige talked about her problems a little bit at a time and I think that helped her along with the reader understand exactly what was going on with her life.
I really enjoyed this book. The only part that I wasn't a huge fan of was the money/bookie angle--that's all I'm going to say because I don't want to spoil it for any of you. I thought that angle de-railed the story for a bit but then it jumped right back onto the tracks. It was satisfying to see Paige come into her own and as well as come to terms with the ugly truths about her family.
Cheers to Markinson. A truly great read.

 

About the Author:

T. B. Markinson is a 39-year old American writer, living in England, who pledged she would publish before she was 35. Better late than never. When she isn’t writing, she’s traveling around the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs in England, or taking the dog for a walk. Not necessarily in that order. She’s published Marionette and  A Woman Lost . 

 

Mailing List:

Sign up to TB’s New Release Mailing List here. Your email will never be shared and you will only be contacted when a new book is out.

 

Links:

Twitter        Facebook        Blog        Goodreads     Amazon Author Page

 

 

*Coming Soon! A review for A Woman Lost!*

 

First Review for Lights Out!

Okay, so in the midst of all the craziness that comes with the holidays, I just had to post the first review I received by the amazing Monique Fischer's blog All the Bookish Love. I had to control myself because when I first read it, I was at work...I'm pretty sure my co-workers wouldn't appreciate me squealing like a little girl. Or maybe they would, I don't know. The people I work with are pretty damn strange. So that being said, I think getting the first review for any book is always the hardest, hence the squealing. I was literally on pins and needles, waiting for Monique to post her thoughts. So check it out, boys and girls.

Cheers!

And now....a GIVEAWAY!!!!

Good people! If you've read my last post, you will find a review for Cathrina Constantine's, "Wickedly They Come." What better way to follow up a review than with a GIVEAWAY!!! So read on, if you're on the prowl for some good, solid reading!

Introducing:

Haunting visions, unusual strength, and special paranormal talents are the norm for Seeley and her sixteen-year-old daughter Jordan. Their lives become perilous when the leader of The Black Order stalks them, trying to fulfill a prophecy to consecrate Jordan to his lord—Lucifer.

Previously homeschooled and naïve, Jordan is inducted into the social culture of teendom at Elma High, where she encounters Mark, a mysterious new classmate, who is hell bent on keeping her unscathed from the forces of evil. But the battle between Heaven and Hell is escalating—and Earth is their battleground.

And if that blurb and cover don't capture your attention, go a little bit further and read an original poem and excerpt from the book:

WICKEDLY THEY COME

Eyes like embers burn into my soul

As gnarled fingers stretch to sow seeds of terror

Weaving a realm of pandemonium

Nightmares pour a viscous poison upon sleep’s tangled web

And on and on the vision’s dance:

I saw the world blind and hollow

Floating in the void of space

Feeding upon the vapors of some

Translucent suspended beast

Disjointed bodies then did appear

Sprinkling death and devouring life

Coaxing earth into silent slumber

Blazing eyes again emerged

Red brightness true to hellish fire

Fixed upon my wandering eye

Flames burst upon the scene

Wild and wily, leaving not one piece to fix upon

Except for those eyes of ember…

The woman cackled. Ghoulish forms erupted from her clothing like scary jacks-in-the-boxes. “We know about your…shall we say…spiritualism, and Jack’s daughter has been called the warrior. Then there’s the prophecy: ‘The warrior will be one with Lucifer, and God will weep…’

“Mr. Trebane is somewhat…curious. You see, Jack was raised as a son of Satan, and you, a daughter of your deity. Now, to set the record straight, Jordan must be consecrated to our lord. Disciples are assembling as we speak.”

“No,” Seeley gasped. “I won’t allow it.”

“Mr. Trebane expected your reluctance.” The woman withdrew a small wooden box, like one that held tea bags, and offered it to Seeley.

Seeley looked at the item, leery of the contents, and the long sharp nails.

“Take it,” the woman said, jiggling the box.

Seeley frowned. The belligerent woman’s mouth twisted sideways and shadowy ghouls scuttled back through her lips. Under duress, Seeley opened her hand. The woman slapped the box into her palm, scratching her wrist in the process. Seeley ignored the swelling welts. The box teetered as if it were alive.

Tentatively she raised the lid.

Peering in, she was repulsed, lancing acid burning her throat. Inside was Jack’s bloody finger, the wedding ring still attached. The sight triggered Seeley’s gag reflex. Snapping the lid shut, she felt her breath come in short spurts as tears jumped to the surface. Covering her mouth in hopes of smothering her cry, she shook with tremors, envisioning Jack’s pain as they cut off his finger.

“I almost hope you don’t come. I’ll take pleasure in snipping off every appendage on his body and rejoice in his howling. And then I will slice the throat of the bastard who turned his back on—on us.” Gratified with Seeley’s cavalcade of emotions, the woman tossed her head backward and let loose a high-pitched chortle. Pivoting on her heels, she strode away.

Sounds good, doesn't it?  I had the honor and pleasure of reading Wickedly They Come and I can tell you, you won't be disappointed. So go ahead and leave a comment here on this blog post and you can enter to win a print copy of the book or a $5.00 Amazon gift card! 

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Want to find out more about Cathrina Constantine? Here is a list of where you can stalk...er, find her!

http://www.cathrinaconstantine.com
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Twitter: @cathconstantine