 |
 |
||
 |
||
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
||
 |
||
|
|
||
MEDIA ROOM
Welcome to Donna Sundblad's Media Room
Book Reviews
Pumping Your Muse
Pumping Your Muse is a 136-page non-fiction, self-help writer’s manual that is conveniently available in both electronic and print format. The hardcopy is coil-bound – perfect for an inviting workbook.
Published just recently in June 2005, this book belongs on every writer’s reference bookshelf. Donna Sundblad’s goal for her manual has certainly been met, as Pumping Your Muse is able to stretch the readers’ creativity beyond their normal limits by developing skills and focusing creative energies in new directions.
The author focuses on the ability to build worlds through a variety of exercises including reflections, perspectives, balance, using multiple sensory tools and expanding thinking patterns. Readers will learn about tracking implements such as cards, journals and maps that help develop a detailed world for the reader and make the book a whole experience.
Following every exercise like a home-school class will take several weeks and will definitely improve creative writing skills. Pumping Your Muse could also be used as a refresher course, a tool during the proofreading processes of a manuscript, or to get past writer’s block.
Donna Sundblad keeps the continuity flowing at an interesting pace and has allowed space for notes at the end of every chapter. Her useful manual also includes a number of excellent writer’s resource websites.
I recommend that readers review the entire manual and then return to chapter one before they actually begin the program. In this way, the reader will be more familiar with the reasons and goals for each exercise. I’ve been anticipating my return to chapter one since I began the reviewing process of this book and have no doubt that my skills will be improved because of the exercises in this manual.
ISBN#: 0970863578
Author: Donna Sundblad
Publisher: ePress-online.com ~ Writopia, Inc.
~ Lillian Brummet - Book Reviewer - Co-author of the book Trash Talk, a guide for anyone concerned about his or her impact on the environment – Author of Towards Understanding, a collection of poetry. (http://www.sunshinecable.com/~drumit)
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lillian_Brummet
Windwalker
Category - Fantasy
One of the first things you will notice about the novel Windwalker is the vividly described and well-crafted world that Donna Sundblad created. The reader will be pulled into the story with its scenery of sandy shores, dark thunderous waves and strikingly beautiful landscapes.
The tale opens with the arrival of several natives of the Jonnick clan to the Stygian shores. Their appearance was foreseen by the Stygian leader Cedrick in a dream. His vision warned him that the Jonnick would bring with them sickness and a lingering menace. Despite the ominous omen, the Jonnick are welcomed, showing a side of humanity that is rarely seen.
Sundblad provides a rich adaptation of ethical issues against a backdrop of fascinating races from the ill-fated Jonnick’s to the brave and noble Stygian’s.
Windwalker is sure to be a hit. Its elements of romance and jeopardy will charm enthusiasts of fantasy, romance and adventure. It’s an enjoyable, enticing read that will want you to pick up the next Sundblad novel
~ D. K. Gaston - Author of the supernatural thriller XIII
Reviewed at A Frank Review
A Novel of Biblical Fantasy
Let's begin with what Windwalker is not. It's not a heavy handed bludgeoning of the gospel. Like Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia, Donna's symbolism of faith and monotheism whispers in its subtlety. In her own words: "You never know what you may see in this story. It is the story of the One that unites."
Windwalker begins with a people waiting for a savior who's arrival will be clouded by dark times. Times that have dropped anchor in the harbor. Then things get epic. Prophecy's fulfilled by certain births. Hidden away from a wicked queen, this new generation comes of age. Manelin, the prophecized Arich, is the One who will unite the natives of the land with their newly arrived oppressors. Together with his Augur, thy must erase the legacy of hatred that's cursed the land.
The beauty of this story is its very human humility. Manelin, a peasant goatherd, has been raised by a man he thinks is his grandfather. The old man is the only one left who knows the boy to be the Arich. Dark times thrust greatness upon both a reluctant goatherd messiah, and his crippled Augur. Can the faith of commoners save the land, and their people?
You'll enjoy this read, and the prophetic "Tellings" of the Windwalkers.
Reviewer: Frank Creed grew up in northern Illinois and became an avid reader and writer at an early age. He worked a number of jobs until he began as an associate at Subaru of Indiana in the late 90s. He have a son, Sean Richard who attends college in Hawaii and a young daughter, Mariah. Two years ago he married his editor and sweetheart and they live happily ever more in Indiana.
Review: Journeys of a Lifetime
I read with delight this collection of stories and poems that speaks to the heart of each author’s journey through life. Each person views life through the eyes of her own experience and from that perspective creates fiction that brings the human experience into focus, providing insight that can be gained no other way.
Below I provide a quick peek into each piece.
One Summer’s Day, by Elena Dorothy Bowman
This is a delightful snapshot of life lived in a less complicated time (and I quote) “…when times were hard and … the poor didn’t know they were poor…”
Model Number 1007, by Elena Dorothy Bowman
All humans’ carry with them deep-seated fears that surface in dreams, especially as children. A computer intent upon doing away with humans has to be high on the list of scary things.
The Waiting Room Princess, by Bryn Colvin
This author has a unique way with words and touches a deep need in all of us—to be seen and understood for who we really are.
Bread Making, by Bryn Colvin
I found this piece fascinating. This author has collected bits and pieces of folklore about the making and eating of bread over the centuries, and the significance people have attached to it.
Networking - It Can Help Your Promotional Work, by Shri Henkel
This short piece is packed with ideas on promoting oneself as well as one’s work. Networking with other people is the key to working smarter instead of harder.
Acceptance, by Nikki Leigh
The age-old struggle between generations plays out on the pages of this story. All of us want acceptance and to know that those we love recognize and appreciate us for the individuals that we are.
Nearing Noon , by Nikki Leigh
This short story written around the unpredictability of weather on the ocean delivers a nice twist at the end. You’ll enjoy this one.
Behavior Most Unlawful, by Dorice Nelson
The first piece in this grouping provides the reader with an insightful glimpse of the character, Bruic, and his return to his homeland on the Island of Gael , from which he was kidnapped many years earlier. The next piece leads the reader into chapter one of Lost Son of Ireland, where Bruic is now a trusted companion to warrior king Olaf the White.
Shank’s Mare, by Dorice Nelson
This story takes place between the prologue and chapter one of Saratoga Summer 1863. The cast of characters includes the five O’Malley brothers who have returned from brawling in the village. The two elder brothers reap the worst of their father’s wrath for their shenanigans and suffer the worst punishment.
Flying Lessons, by Nora Peterson
This nonfiction piece presents sound advice about learning to invest in the stock market. Her admonition to learn the lingo and go through pre-flight training before heading for the skies is good information for planning one’s financial future.
Tooth-Fairy Wisdom, by Ginger Simpson
This whimsical tale depicts how a tooth fairy earns her wings. Delightful!
Two Screwdrivers, by Donna Sundblad
This artfully crafted tale is set in the past. A child makes a simple request for two screwdrivers, which becomes the bridge that connects a son and a father upon his return home from the war.
Zombie Hospital , by Angela Verdenius
Read this story, with a twist of irony at the end, and you will never again view hospitals quite the same as you used to. This tale gives the reader a view of a perfectly normal person in a perfectly normal setting, then it takes you deep into the scariest recesses of the mind.
Perceptions, by Angela Verdenius
A preconceived notion can manifest itself in many ways. We of form a quick opinion about a person, which can prove to be in error if we take the time to really understand that person. This delightful story gives much food for thought.
Fire, by Angela Vedenius
One only understands fire and what it can steal away after looking the monster in the eye. The message of this piece is “preparedness.”
India Dreaming, by Anne Whitfield
The purpose for which the Taj Mahal was built is reflected in this beautiful story of one man’s adoring of the woman he loves, and declaring that love in the shadow of that magnificent building.
Nadene Carter – Author of The Sense-ible Writer
http://www.thewrite rsniche.com/ and http://nrc-eu. livejournal. com/