Roses are Red, Carrie Green (5 stars)

From Amazon: A LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIP--Drunk, Allan ended an all-nighter of partying with a hit and run that escalates into First Degree murder.

A LUCKY HUMAN--Traveling the Universe aboard a space cruise ship may be the hottest trend, but a young man may be exchanging his life for this privilege.

CASH ONLY--This bounty hunter only cares about the paycheck.

I met the author, Carrie Green, through a Gratitude Blog Hop sponsored by the World Literary Café, then known as WoMen’s Literary Café. Carrie wrote a guest post on my writing blog that changed my view about the horror genre: Thank You, Stephen King.

Thanks to that post and her two short story collections, I now consider myself open to horror—particularly Stephen King.

I read Sugar is Sweet first, reviewed here last Thursday. The author recommended I start with this collection to dip my toe into the horror genre. I really enjoyed it and began reading Roses are Red the same day. I finished it in a few hours, surprising myself. I actually liked the grittier material in this collection a bit more. Who knew?

The first story, A Long Distance Relationship, grabbed my attention with the opening line: “I don’t care. You killed a man. I’m going to call the cops.” Margaret’s conscience spells her doom, but Allan’s not off the hook. Just as he thinks he’s escaped his fate free and clear, his actions haunt him. This story reminded me of my favorite Edgar Allen Poe tale, The Tell-Tale Heart.  I can’t think of a higher compliment to give it.

My favorite piece (from both collections) was the second story, A Lucky Human. I love a story that takes you places you never suspect. To top it off, my favorite character was completely unexpected: a computer with feelings and desires. The story begins with a young man, Evans, who wants to take advantage of the opportunity of a lifetime—travelling on a space cruise ship. Captain Paul Gan sees the boy as his ticket to freedom.

From there, it’s a game of cat and mouse, but with a computer and humans. The whole story played like a Twilight Zone episode in my head. Kudos to the author for such a clever story.

The final story, Cash Only, pits criminal versus bounty hunter. The interesting part: I was drawn to the criminal, even felt sorry for her. The bounty hunter was so focused on the “job” that he lost touch with his human side. But it was “the easiest money that he’d ever made.” My heart went out to Tina. Again, the author managed to create an interesting, sympathetic character in very few words.

Thanks to intriguing plots, well-developed characters, and captivating writing these three short stories gave the same satisfaction as three novels. Not to say I didn’t want more, because I did. But I say that even at the end of a good novel, no matter how long it is.

Readers who love science fiction and horror will particularly love this collection, but anyone who enjoys getting lost in a good story built around interesting characters will appreciate it as well.

Rating: 5 stars

For more about Carrie Green and her books, please visit her Amazon Author page.

Sugar is Sweet, Carrie Green (4.5 stars)

From Amazon:  PLAYING FOR KEEPS--Sometimes a mother/daughter bond can be so close that it kills.

LOVED--Being loved is sometimes a fairy tale, sometimes, a nightmare. It all depends on who falls in love with you.

CHRISTMAS IN STRIPES--An ex-con spends his first holiday back home with his family and realizes that you can never go home again.

Sugar is Sweet is a collection of short stories written by Carrie Green. I first met Carrie during a Gratitude Blog Hop through the World Literary Café, then known as the WoMen’s Literary Café. She guest posted on my Depression Cookies blog: Thank You, Stephen King. Carrie was lovely and helpful, but more than that, she encouraged me to try the horror genre and to read Stephen King specifically.

Thanks to Carrie I read Stephen King’s On Writing, find the post here, and joined the Stephen King Project. Just recently, I read two of her short story collections, starting with Sugar is Sweet. There are three stories in the collection: Playing for Keeps, Loved, and Christmas in Stripes.

The short story collection starts with Playing for Keeps, an eerie and unsettling story about Dawn, a little girl with an abusive mother. I cringed most of the tale, realizing what a delicate relationships mothers and daughters have and how easily a mother can use that bond to an unfair advantage. My heart broke while I was internally screaming at the story, hoping Dawn could hear me and have courage. (I’m praying for a cushion for her journey’s end.)

 
Then, we move into Loved. “Had he died and gone to Hell?” I was wondering right along with Nick Goggin, completely absorbed with all the questions and fears he was facing. I was being pulled with him. This story explores more family issues, gives us more eerie feelings, and offers us another memorable character.
 
And finally, there’s Christmas in Stripes. The title alone hooked me. Douglas Kuznar, an ex-con who feels the weight of his stripes, is heading to his family’s house for Christmas dinner for the first time since his release. My favorite story in this collection, I was impressed with how much rich family history the author squeezed into so few pages.
 
What I love about this collection is that Ms. Green mines the depths of relationships. She plays with our sense of fear in the everyday instead of terrifying aliens or vampires, knowing sometimes the most troubling stories are the ones that can be true.
 
Each story leaves you wanting more, needing more. The suspense builds at a steady pace, and the author manages to successfully develop meaningful characters in a few words. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this collection, and the 4.5 star rating is a reflection of liking Roses are Red (5 stars) even more. My review for Roses are Red will be available Tuesday, February 21.
 
Many thanks to Ms. Green for encouraging me to give horror a chance. She was right, there’s so much more to it than meets the eye, as she so expertly demonstrated in her two short story collections.

Rating: 4.5 stars

For more about Carrie Green and her books, please visit her Amazon Author page.

When’s the last time you tried, and loved, something new in the world of books?

The Stephen King Project: Walking the Walk

I must start by saying, "Thank you, Carrie Green." In mid-November, horror author Carrie Green wrote a guest post here thanking Stephen King for influencing her. The post, Thank you, Stephen King, grabbed me. I never read horror prior, deeming it too scary, and Carrie changed my mind. I decided to dip my toe in the horror genre.

My first step, reading Carrie's short stories and novella. I've read her two short story collections so far and have just started her novella. Loving them! I will post reviews soon. My next step, reading Stephen King. I started with his On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. I finished that book even more inspired. My plan... read more King!

A few days ago, thanks to the wonderful Bookstack blog, I learned about The Stephen King Project reading challenge.

The Stephen King Project Overview

1. This will run from January through December 2012
2. Anyone can join. But you should have a blog OR an account with Goodreads, Shelfari, etc., so you can write your reviews and we can visit via the link at The Stephen King Project.
3. The Project will be hosted at The Stephen King Project. Participants should link their reviews to the Linky there.
4. Audiobooks count.
5. E-books count.

What Are the Commitment Levels?

• A King Novice: 1 book
• A Lil Bit of King: 3 books
• A King to Balance It All: 6 books
• A King Legend: 9 books
• A King for All Seasons: 12+ books

What About the Movies?

• Hell. YEAH. Same rules from the above apply, except...
• You can mix and match but you should have more books than films in your end-of-year total tally.

What Should You Do Now?

1. Write an announcement post on your blog.
2. You don't have to put a list of books together in your announcement post. Or you can.
3. Use one of the blog buttons from the sidebar.
4. Enter the link to your announcement post here at The Stephen King Project at the appropriate post.
5. Every time you write a review, enter the link to it for the appropriate month at the review site. (On the 1st of each month, a new entry will be posted at the review site, and you can link up your reviews there).
6. At the end of each month, one participant from that month will be selected via random.org and will win a book from either Kathleen or I (or we may both have a book to give you). The book may or may not be King-related.
7. At the end of the year, one participant from the year will win a $50 gift card!

I'm going for A Lil Bit of King. Since I just reviewed On Writing, I have a good start. But my next King is 11/22/63, quite a big book. 3 books seems doable and a good start to what I suspect will be a lifelong love of Stephen King.

I'll keep everyone updated.

I've asked before, but please leave your favorite Stephen King books in the comments below. I still need to pick one more.

My Book Gifts, Merry Christmas to Me: Musing Mondays

Today's Musing Mondays prompt from Should be Reading:

Did you get any books for Christmas? If so, what were they? If you didn’t, what books are you most looking forward to reading (and/or buying) in the new year?

I always ask for books and bookstore gift certificates from Borders, (sad face) Barnes and Noble, or Amazon. I love any gift that's book-related and am a sucker for bookmarks.

This year my brother-in-law brought me one from Iceland, and my kids got me a sparkly one with my initial.

My book presents this holiday season:

11/22/63, Stephen King

Thanks to the lovely Carrie Green and her guest post here about Stephen King, I've been obsessed with trying out the horror genre, a genre I've stayed away from in the past. I've struggled with picking a King novel that's not too scary, so I asked for his newest one (and thanks to my hubby, I received it).

I've heard mixed reviews, so I'm interested to see what I think. If the gorgeous and intriguing cover is any indication, the book should be amazing!

Dear Me: A Letter to My Sixteen-Year-Old Self, Edited by Joseph Galliano

My husband is again to thank. I'm not sure where he heard about this one, because I hadn't, but the concept is amazing.

The back cover summary: If you wrote a letter to your sixteen-year-old self, what would it say? In Dear Me, some of the world's best-loved personalities have written just such a letter. These range from the compassionate to the shocking to the hilarious to the heartbreaking, but they all have one thing in common: they offer a unique glimpse at the people these teenagers would grow up to be.

I can't wait! And I'm looking forward to writing my own letter (and coax some other people into writing theirs) once I'm done reading it.

The Christmas Quilt, Jennifer Chiaverini

Our next book club selection. The lady who is hosting has asked us to come in our pajamas with our favorite quilt, so this can be nothing but fun.

I love reading holiday-themed books this time of year!



Die For Me, Amy Plum

A friend of mine, who is writing her own amazing novel that I'm fortunate enough to be editing, recommended this book. I bought it with one of my gift cards.

Booklist says, “Move over Bella and Edward. Plum introduces a world and a story that are sure to intrigue teen readers and will easily attract fans of the Twilight series.” This review plus my friend's recommendation equals SOLD!

The Writer's Workout, Christina Katz

I need to read more books about the writing craft. This one promises "366 tips, tasks, and techniques from your writing career coach." It's broken down into daily activities and inspiration, so I plan to read a page a day for 2012.

It should be a great kick-start. Too often, I don't want to spend the time reading craft books. My reading time is too precious, and I'd rather read good fiction. But a tip every day I can handle.

We Are Not Alone-The Writer's Guide to Social Media, Kristen Lamb

Yes, another craft book. If you've been on Twitter and wondered about the #MYWANA folks, this is what it's all about. Several trusted writer friends have raved about Kristen Lamb, so I made the leap (thanks to my brother-in-law's gift card).

I've been enjoying her blog for several months, so the book should prove useful.

I am so excited to dive into these books along with starting my 2012 To be Read (TBR) Pile Challenge.

What books are you excited to read? Did you receive them as gifts this holiday season?

Dipping my Toe into the Sea of Horror: Friday Finds

What great books did you hear about/discover this past week? Share with us your FRIDAY FINDS!

Another great prompt from Should be Reading.

This week I was honored to have Carrie Green guest posting here and on my Depression Cookies blog. She wrote a piece thanking Stephen King for influencing her writing.

Am I allowed to admit that I've never read a Stephen King novel? Please forgive me, I am a light-weight when it comes to scary stuff. My mom told me some intensely scary bedtime stories and brought me along to too many horror movies, so I blame her. I did love the movies Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile, adaptations of Stephen King's works, so there's hope for me yet.

But Carrie, and several commenters from that day's guest post, has convinced me to edge my way into horror. I'm starting by reading her two short story collections and novella. For others considering dipping their toe in the sea of horror, I decided to feature her works here today since I only discovered them this week.

Roses are Red, a collection of short stories
From Amazon:
A LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIP--Drunk, Allan ended an all-nighter of partying with a hit and run that escalates into First Degree murder.

A LUCKY HUMAN--Traveling the Universe aboard a space cruise ship may be the hottest trend, but a young man may be exchanging his life for this privilege.

CASH ONLY--This bounty hunter only cares about the paycheck.

Violets are Blue, a novella
From Amazon: Newly-wed Sarah was delighted to move in with her mother-in-law, Martha, a widower who had raised her son, by herself, on an isolated Midwest farm.

A kid from a broken home who had been raised in a group house in Chicago, Sarah had struggled to put herself through college on scholarships. She considered herself to be self-reliant and willing to work hard for her dreams. She wanted only one thing, a real family. Todd was the love of her life, so that she was sure that she'd love Martha, too.

It never occurred to Sarah that Martha would see her as competition, to be eliminated.

Sugar is Sweet, a collection of short stories
From Amazon: PLAYING FOR KEEPS--Sometimes a mother/daughter bond can be so close that it kills.

LOVED--Being loved is sometimes a fairy tale, sometimes, a nightmare. It all depends on who falls in love with you.

CHRISTMAS IN STRIPES--An ex-con spends his first holiday back home with his family and realizes that you can never go home again.

Please pass along any other suggestions for horror-light.

Thank You, Stephen King: Gratitude Guest Post by Carrie Green, Author of Roses are Red

This post is running on my Depression Cookies blog today, but I wanted to share it with my Mom in Love with Fiction readers.

PLEASE NOTE: If you would like a free copy of Carrie's novel, see details at the end of this post, you must go to Thank You, Stephen King on my Depression Cookies page and comment.

Enjoy!!

*****

The WoMen's Literary Cafe is very thankful for all the support from readers, bloggers and reviewers during their recent 'Come Back To Me' Book Launch and #99centBookEvent. As a thank you, they organized this Gratitude Blog Hop.

 

I'm thrilled to be participating and welcome author, Carrie Green. She's written a wonderful post about her draw to the horror genre. We hope you enjoy it. Thanks, Carrie, for stopping by.

 

Thank You, Stephen King!

As a writer, there are many people that I'd like to thank—readers, of course, are first and foremost.  Thank you for buying my books and for taking the time to post reviews.  Next, like any good acceptance speech, I'd acknowledge family, friends, teachers, and lastly, a shout out to the super supportive community of authors & bloggers that I have discovered online. 

My deepest debt of gratitude, however, actually goes to the horror maestro, Stephen King. 

King was the author, beyond all others, who showcased the versatility of the horror genre to me, which forever shaped my path as a writer.  At an early stage in every writer's career, it becomes necessary to select a genre.  This is the decision which will define you, as an author, and your books, as a product, from that point forward, as you strive to build an audience.

Throughout my childhood, starting around third grade, I was a voracious reader and I devoured my books, en masse by genre.  I went through periods where I read every book that I could find in a specific genre and nothing else, until I grew bored with repetitive themes, characters and plots.  I would then switch to a new genre. 

In this fashion, I went from reading westerns to spy adventures, mysteries, celebrity bios, science fiction, detective, romance and horror novels.  I'd bravely walk past the main librarian's desk, so that I could enter the Adult section (there was one dour old librarian who'd bark that I should stay in the children's area, if she saw me), passionate on my crusade to explore all the different genres.

There were certainly some great books that I encountered—the hard-boiled detective novels of the 1940's were one particular stand-out, but when I finally embraced the Stephen King collection, it was like a shining beacon went on.  I had avoided King, due to reading Carrie at the tender age of eight (since it kept coming up during recess).  That novel was the bane of my adolescence. 

Whenever a prom or school dance was scheduled, some smart mouth would ask if I was intending to run for prom queen and wouldn't it be funny to toss pig's blood at me.  Ha. Ha.  I recall while reading that book my dismay at finding out that Carrie was such a total social outcast.  She had no redeeming traits—no charm, no good looks, no intellect and she hurt the very people who tried to help her. 

I couldn't appreciate, at the time, the tragedy and horror that was being depicted in this tale of bullies, victims, and the not-so-innocent bystanders who allowed this cycle of abuse to continue.  My main take-away was that it would be fool-hardy for me to ever run for prom queen.  I knew that it would be too tempting for my peers.  After reading Carrie, I hated Stephen King.

Only when I was in college, during a writing workshop where other people kept comparing my writing to King's, did I become curious enough to try his books, again.  It was a revelation.  Once I was no longer reading about characters named Carrie, I found him vastly entertaining! 

King showcased for me the endless possibilities, flexibility, and originality of the horror genre.  A villain can be a serial killer (Firestarter), a loving father and husband (The Shining and Pet Sematary), a classic car (Christine) or a clown (It).  Heroes can be just as unexpected—children, an average joe, or even a prisoner on death row as in The Green Mile series. 

One of my favorites from his more recent works has to be the untrustworthy narrator of Blaze, a petty criminal who kidnaps a baby, who is both the hero and the villain in the novel.  It's an elegant exercise on the duality of human nature.  I also adore Misery.  It is both a great horror novel and a wonderful stand-alone romance (in the chapters that resurrect the character of Misery).  I could not imagine a more unlikely genre coupling, but King appeared to pull it off with ease.

I must sincerely thank King for teaching me, through his published works, that the horror genre, above all others, can be any genre.  It offers the greatest flexibility, since horror can be found in any situation and seen through the eyes of any character.  It offers infinite freedom.  I am only limited by my own imagination!

For more information about Carrie and her books, please visit her Amazon Author page.

Today, Wednesday, November 16th only, leave a comment below and receive a FREE copy of Carrie's collection of horror short stories, 'Roses are Red.' Please provide your email address in order to be sent a PDF link as well as a Smashwords code to download your FREE book.  Thanks!

Please visit these other stops on the Gratitude Blog Hop so that you can win additional FREE books: