Review: Spinner by Michael J. Bowler with Giveaway

Not every book is for every reader. I admit, I am not the right match for Spinner. That isn't to say that it doesn't have it's merits. There are a lot of readers who remain unmoved by Pride & Prejudice, despite it's sass and unconventional use of an ampersand in the title. So, rather than talk about my personal issues, because really, what good is that going to do you, a prospective reader, I'm going to tell you what there is that makes Spinner kind of awesome anyway.

First and foremost, in Spinner, Michael J Bowler embraces diversity. I am always a little disheartened that most of the YA literature out there forcuses on economically stable, healthy, cis gendered, white kids. The whole focus of Spinner is on outcasts, misfits, and a boy in a wheelchair since birth. Serioiusly, books that draw attention to diverse characters and therefore give diverse readers characters with whom they can empathize need to be given their due. Ableism in literature is so last century.

I like that Bowler writes about characters in awful situations that, although infused with the supernatural, still resemble the awful situations that some of his readers live every day, or if they don't, maybe they know someone at school who does. Bowler gives voice to their issues, like the woefully mishandled youth perpetually stuck in a dysfunctional and often abusive foster system.

Those kids are real, and their stories have merit, just in case those in a position of privilege forgot.

So this is a good book for inciting conversations on topics that usually don't arise from reading the latest paranormal YA book on the shelf, and so even though it may not be the best fit for every reader (like me), it is a good book to add to your summer reading list this July. Check out the summary and the author bio below, then hop on the giveaway too.

Spinner Book Summary:
Fifteen-year-old Alex is a “spinner.” His friends are “dummies.” Two clandestine groups of humans want his power. And an ancient evil is stalking him. If people weren’t being murdered, Alex might laugh at how his life turned into a horror movie overnight.

In a wheelchair since birth, his freakish ability has gotten him kicked out of ten foster homes since the age of four. Now saddled with a sadistic housemother who uses his spinning to heal the kids she physically abuses, Alex and his misfit group of learning disabled classmates are the only ones who can solve the mystery of his birth before more people meet a gruesome end.

They need to find out who murdered their beloved teacher, and why the hot young substitute acts like she’s flirting with them. Then there’s the mysterious medallion that seems to have unleashed something malevolent, and an ancient prophecy suggesting Alex has the power to destroy humanity.

The boys break into homes, dig up graves, elude kidnappers, fight for their lives against feral cats, and ultimately confront an evil as old as humankind. Friendships are tested, secrets uncovered, love spoken, and destiny revealed.

The kid who’s always been a loner will finally learn the value of friends, family, and loyalty.

If he survives…

Michael J. Bowler's Bio:
Michael J. Bowler is an award-winning author of eight novels––A Boy and His Dragon, A Matter of Time (Silver Medalist from Reader’s Favorite), and The Knight Cycle, comprised of five books: Children of the Knight (Gold Award Winner in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards), Running Through A Dark Place (Bronze Award Winner in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards), There Is No Fear, And The Children Shall Lead, Once Upon A Time In America, and Spinner.

His horror screenplay, “Healer,” was a Semi-Finalist, and his urban fantasy script, “Like A Hero,” was a Finalist in the Shriekfest Film Festival and Screenplay Competition.

He grew up in San Rafael, California, and majored in English and Theatre at Santa Clara University. He went on to earn a master’s in film production from Loyola Marymount University, a teaching credential in English from LMU, and another master's in Special Education from Cal State University Dominguez Hills.

He partnered with two friends as producer, writer, and/or director on several ultra-low-budget horror films, including “Fatal Images,” “Club Dead,” and “Things II,” the reviews of which are much more fun than the actual movies.

He taught high school in Hawthorne, California for twenty-five years, both in general education and to students with learning disabilities, in subjects ranging from English and Strength Training to Algebra, Biology, and Yearbook.

He has also been a volunteer Big Brother to eight different boys with the Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters program and a thirty-year volunteer within the juvenile justice system in Los Angeles. He is a passionate advocate for the fair treatment of children and teens in California, something that is sorely lacking in this state.

He has been honored as Probation Volunteer of the Year, YMCA Volunteer of the Year, California Big Brother of the Year, and 2000 National Big Brother of the Year. The “National” honor allowed he and three of his Little Brothers to visit the White House and meet the president in the Oval Office.

He is currently outlining a sequel to Spinner.

His goal as a YA author is for teens to experience empowerment and hope; to see themselves in his diverse characters; to read about kids who face real-life challenges; and to see how kids like them can remain decent people in an indecent world.

  

 

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Interview with AL Jackson

Today we're talking with author AL Jackson about two of her novels: PULLED and TAKE THIS REGRET.

Welcome to We Do Write! Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi everyone! I'm A. L. Jackson, author of Pulled and Take This Regret. I live in Southern Arizona with my amazing husband and three kids. I'm also the co-owner of a small publishing house, Sapphire Star Publishing.

How long have you been writing?

I really found a love for writing when I was in college. I was a young mother, and I spent a lot of time between classes jotting my thoughts in the journals I carried. I wrote a lot about love and life and the difficulties I faced.  At that time, my writing looked a whole lot more like poetry than stories. As life went on and I got married, had a full-time job, and added two more children to my family, writing became something that I just didn't do anymore.  But I missed it.  About five years ago I had a story that had been rolling around in my head, and I finally sat down and began putting it to paper. It later became my first published novel, PULLED.

Tell us about PULLED. I love the cover. What's the story about?

PULLED is a contemporary romance that has a bit of a supernatural twist. I've always believed in fate, and I wanted to explore the idea of an unseen "hand" leading us where we were supposed to be. 

Melanie and Daniel shared a love most only dream of, a love they believed bonded them together for life.  When their world is shattered by an unexpected tradegy, overwhelming grief and misguided guilt distorts the truth, and their relationship ends in uncertainty and unanswered questions. 

For nine years, they drift through life, each unable to forget the one who holds the strings to their heart.  In an attempt to escape the pain of her past, Melanie finds herself trapped in a loveless marriage, while Daniel loses himself in a career that means nothing without Melanie by his side.  

Now, when their lives again intersect, neither can deny the connection they felt so long ago.  

But will the power that drew them together be enough to heal the wounds from their past, and will they have the courage to overcome the insecurities and fears that threaten to keep them apart? 

Pulled is a story of attraction and separation, of destiny and duty, of a love so strong it refuses to give up even when all others have. 

How did the idea of the story come to you?

The ending scene of PULLED just came to me one day.  I could clearly see the happily ever after and had a vague image of the characters and their circumstances.  For several weeks that scene was there and ideas kept coming on how their lives had led up to that moment.  It was when everything clicked into place that I finally sat down and began writing again. 

What is TAKE THIS REGRET about, and what inspired you for this story?

TAKE THIS REGRET is more of a mainstream contemporary romance, although in all of my books, my characters have a "higher connection". 

There are some mistakes we make that we will regret for the rest of our lives.  For Christian, it was the day he betrayed Elizabeth. 

Christian Davison has a plan for his life.  He is determined to become an attorney and to one day take his place as partner in his father’s law firm.  Nothing will stand in his way, not even Elizabeth Ayers and their unborn child.

After Christian cuts her from his life, Elizabeth spends the next five years struggling to provide for her daughter and willing to sacrifice anything to give her child a safe, comfortable life.  

For five years, Christian has regretted the day he walked away from his family and will do anything to win them back just as Elizabeth will do anything to protect her daughter from the certain heartache she believes Christian will bring upon them.

When Christian wrestles his way into their lives, Elizabeth is faced with asking herself if it is possible to forgive someone when they’ve committed the unforgiveable and if it is possible to find a love after it has been buried in years of hate.  Or are there some wounds that go so deep they can never heal?

They say everyone deserves a second chance.

Are you a planner or a pantser?

I'm definitely a planner.  I write out an entire outline for my books before I start, chapter by chapter.  I do leave myself open to changes as I get to know my characters better and different ideas come to mind, but I usually know exactly where my story begins and where it ends. 

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

I'm a slow writer, so I often will get frustrated when I've written an entire day and have only put down 500 or 1000 words.  In the end, I find it's worth it because I don't have to typically do as much editing since so much time and thought has already been devoted to each section.  

What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

A notebook and pen.  I tend to scribble my thoughts down and then switch to typing .  I'll often have half-written sentences in my notepad that help to get my ideas flowing, and then I can begin typing again. 

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

I think I'd like to fly.  Practical and I'm scared of planes ;) 

What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

Haha...I'm not going to answer that ;) 

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: razor blades, daisies, and intervals.

The smell of daisies seeped into her senses, the candle flickering as water lapped at her skin as she dragged the razor blade up her legs at precise intervals. 

LOL, so all I got was bath or suicide...had to go with bath. 

LOL, good choice. Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

First off I have to thank all of my family at Sapphire Star Publishing. My author family is just amazing and my office is filled with some of my most favorite people in the world. It's truly a blessing.  I also want to say thank you to the incredibly supportive book bloggers and book lovers who have reviewed my books. 

And finally, where can people find you online?

www.aljacksonbooks.blogspot.com

www.facebook.com/aljacksonbooks

www.twitter.com/aljacksonbooks

I just want to say thank you to Dorothy for asking me to share with you all!

You're welcome! Good luck with your books!

Interview with Natasha Salnikova

Happy Friday, Blogosprites! Hope you've all survived the week. What do you say we meet another fabulous author? Is that a yes? Okay, then say hello to Natasha Salnikova.

Hello, Natasha! Tell us a bit about yourself.

Well, I'm Russian. I was born in Kazakhstan and later moved to Moscow. I came to America ten years ago. In Russia I was a TV host, a TV writer for one of the biggest networks, and a novelist, among of other things. Now I write books and also articles for a Russian newspaper based in Miami. I've acted in a couple of TV commercials here and even independent movies. I live in beautiful Fort Lauderdale, Florida with my husband, twin daughters and a dog.

Cool, what an amazing life! How long have you been writing?

I'd say for about 20 years now. Wow, that's a lot. Professionally for about 15. But that would include TV scripts and articles for a local newspaper. I started with scripts for prime-time TV series and grew into novels. Fiction gives so much more freedom for creativity, unlike scripts.

Tell us about your books. What are they about?

Most of my books are thrillers. And their subgenres are psychological, supernatural. I enjoy developing interesting characters just as much as plot, and all of my novels have some level of psychological tone to them. Some people call my recent novel, The Voice of Waterfalls, a horror. If it is, it wasn't intentional. I think horror and comedies are very difficult to write. It's very difficult to scare people or make them laugh. All my books are written in Russian and I translate them. So far two of them are out and I'm almost finished with the third one.

How did the story ideas come to you?

Ideas always come unexpectedly. Quiet River is actually based on a real story. Part of it. The Voice of Waterfalls was "born" in the car. I was driving, there was a car in front of me with one of the back lights flashing the whole way. And I thought, what if there is somebody in the trunk? What if the driver is helping that person, not kidnapping her? What if he's not what she thinks? The novel was supposed to be about werewolves but I'm glad I changed that idea. For one of my novels, the idea came from a dream. That kind of stuff also happens. The writer's head is always on the idea hunt.

So true! Do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?

I have a group of Russian beta readers but not of English speakers yet. I do not self edit. English is my second language and my grammar is terrible. Nanci Nelson Rogers, a wonderful editor, helped with my second novel and she reedited the first.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

Legal parts. I try to avoid involving police but sometimes it's not possible. Also the end of the story. No one wants to disappoint readers at the end. Nothing else is hard, really.

Let’s get to know you on a deeper level. What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

A cup of black tea and chocolate. That's it. I'm simple. I need my caffeine and sugar.

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

Healing, absolutely. There are days when I think about it. I hate when somebody close to me is sick and I can't do anything to help. Being invisible would be fun!

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: paper cup, parrot, and opera house.

The opera house was dark, so no one saw a dead parrot by an empty paper cup.

LOL, interesting. Okay, here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

There too many so I just mention the closest. My mom, of course. She's my first reader and my best friend. My husband. I came here ten years ago because of him. My kids. They are the best. My friends for believing in me. Especially Katia and Ulia. And Nanci, my editor, for doing a tremendous job with my novels.

And finally, where can people find you and your books online?

I have two books for sale now.

Quiet River (psychological thriller)
On Amazon
At Barns and Noble

The Voice of Waterfalls (supernatural thriller) 
On Amazon
At  Barns and Noble

They also can visit my Facebook page for latest news.
http://www.facebook.com/Natasha.A.Salnikova

Natasha, thank you so much for chatting with us. I wish you lots of success with your books! Do svidaniya!

Interview with Mireyah Wolfe

Welcome back to We Do Write. We're still brand new but slowly building up a following, isn't that great?

Today we're having a chat with 17-year-old aspiring writer Mireyah Wolfe!

Tell us a little bit about yourself, Mireyah.

I live in Louisiana with my parents and my animals. I’m homeschooled and currently studying for my GED, hoping to go to SLU later this year. When I’m not writing, I’m reading or doing research, making knives or playing with the dog. And if I’m not doing any of those things, then I’m probably procrastinating on Twitter with my other writer buds. *blush*

We're all guilty of procrastinating on Twitter, don't worry! So, what is the name and genre of your manuscript?

The title is almost always changing these days, but the current title is “Grace of the Grave.” It’s Urban Fantasy with a few romance elements thrown in.

Love the title! I'd definitely pick it up if I saw it in the bookstore. Here’s the part where you pitch it. What’s your story about?

I tend to get rambly and confusing when I talk about it—which I really need to work on—so I’ll give you the description I’ve got on my blog.

“In Johanna Devlin's world, everything is simple-- her work is fulfilling, her home is warm, and her fiancé is loving. In Joey's world, demons don't exist and angels are simply regular people who are nicer than most.

But when her grandfather dies and her loving fiancé turns abusive, Joey is forced to return to a life she’d long left behind, complete with family secrets better left buried and friendships that hide betrayals.

If only life were simple.”

How did the idea of the story come to you?

To be perfectly honest, I came up with the original idea (which has since evolved and changed quite a bit) while I was brushing my teeth. I had spent the day alternately reading a friend’s book and watching episodes of Supernatural (the tv show), so my head was filled with demons and angels and hunters when I went to go to bed that night. At the time, I was smack dab in the center of a huge idea drought. I couldn’t even dredge up a micro-short story, which I can usually do at any point in time.

Maybe it was a combination of minty freshness and letting my mind wander, but I suddenly had this idea and this character who was going from the normal life to utter chaos. I think I might’ve freaked my parents out when I burst out of the bathroom, practically squealing that I’d finally had an idea for NaNo!

I'm a Supernatural fan myself! Love those Winchester boys! Is your manuscript complete or still a work in progress?

Definitely a work in progress. I started it for NaNoWriMo and I did hit the 50k mark, but the story wasn’t done. I’m in the middle of major revisions because I’ve recently had a few epiphanies about it. (I swear, those things are gonna be the death of me.)

Do you have a word count goal, and how far along are you at this point?

My general word count is 70,000 words, since it’s an Urban Fantasy. I’m not as far along as I’d like to be, but it’s coming slowly but surely. If only I could finally defeat the Procrastination Demon—it sneaks up on me whenever I look at my WiP! I’m gonna catch it one day…

Maybe we should call in Sam and Dean to lend a hand! Hehehe! Do you have a critique group or beta readers, or do you self-edit?

I’m a member of an online critique group, but I can’t really post my work there because the group is for YA Authors—I joined because it was the only I could join when I was 15—and my work is definitely not YA. But through that group, I met a few other authors who are wonderful and willing to read and help me out. Minor edits, I do myself, but the major things are usually the stuff I completely miss.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

Staying interested. I’m not a fast writer by any stretch of the imagination and I tend to get bored with things after a while. Because it takes me so long, I have a hard time keeping myself from simply drifting away from whatever I’m working on. (And yeah, it’s happened quite a few times before.)

 I’ve managed to find a few ways to keep it fresh—reading an as-yet unpublished work in the same genre, watching movies and television shows that have similarities to my story. I recently started drifting away from my current WiP, and I watched an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer—it made me want to jump back into work. *grin*

Any tips you’ve learned about writing you’d like to share?

It doesn’t have to be a solitary art. With the support of family and/or friends, of other writers, it doesn’t feel like you’re alone in this seemingly impossible endeavor. I think that’s the one thing I see a lot of—writers who think that writing is something you have to do on your own, that you have to be completely self-dependant, and that’s simply not the case. You can if you want to, but it’s not a requirement.

Great advice! Do you have an idea for your book’s cover art?

Oh, I love making mock cover art—and I fully blame SM Blooding (smblooding.webs.com) for that. I have so many thoughts on what my cover art would be that I think I’d be happy with whatever they gave me! *grin*

Who are your inspirations?

I’d have to say that the television show Supernatural is my number one inspiration, with Buffy the Vampire Slayer as a close second. Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake series inspired me to write in first person, and many other books have kept my attention there.

My friends, Ceridwen Swift and Ashelynn Sanford, have kept me on my toes and I thank the fates every day for having met them.

SM Blooding, an extremely prolific novelist (sadly unpublished), continues to keep me motivated and reaching for that finish line.

Beyond that, possibilities are inspiration.

Ooh, I like that! Let’s get to know you on a deeper level. Can you name three things about yourself people may not know (or maybe they do know but they are special traits/hobbies/quirks)?

1.  I love unevenly numbered lists. It’s completely contrary to my mild, but sometimes overly apparent O.C.D, and it drives my friends up the wall, but I do love uneven lists.
2. I’m only a neat freak when it comes to my book shelves. Everything else…I honestly don’t care. (IE: Making the bed does not concern me.)
3. I couldn’t think of something that I haven’t already admitted to on my own blog, but according to my mother, I make weird faces when I’m completely engrossed in whatever I’m doing on the computer—and she doesn’t mean normal weird faces, she means The Incredibles mom faces when she’s feeding the baby. And that kind of freaks me out now. I may never get on the computer in public again.

Making the bed doesn't concern me either - and I'm a mother, so that's probably not good to admit, lol. Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Who would you like to give a shout out to?

Ah, so many to choose from—I’ve got amazing friends and family, but the major players are definitely my parents, my BFF, Ceri, in Australia, SM Blooding, and my friend Ashelynn. There are many more, through twitter and the blogosphere, and I hope they all know how much they mean to me.

And finally, where can people find you online?

My blog: http://m-wolfe.blogspot.com

My twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MireyahWolfe

Mireyah, thank you so much for letting me interview you. Good luck with your book, and please keep us updated when you've reached the next phase of your publishing journey!

Thanks so much for asking me, Dorothy. I thoroughly enjoyed it!