Alyson Grauer's "On The Isle Of Sound And Wonder"...A Book Review

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Yesterday I finished a book I knew I wanted to read the first time I saw the cover, Alyson Grauer's On the Isle of Sound and Wonder. You've heard the old adage that you can't judge a book by its cover. Well, in this instance, I can say with confidence that if you love this cover, you'll love this book.

I know I did.

On the Isle of Sound and Wonder is a steampunked version of Shakespeare's The Tempest. I should say that I've never read The Tempest, nor have I seen it on stage so my perspective of the story might be different had I done so. However, I look at my lack of familiarity with the original as a plus because I read Aly's tale without unprejudiced by the Bard's account. Everything was completely new to me.

The story begins with a birth, a death and a banishment. Next we're flying in an ship, a ship that can sail in the clouds and on the waves. Disaster happens and the ship falls from the sky. The survivors find themselves on a strange island with monsters, magic and mystery. Also on the isle are five inhabitants, an exiled prince, his daughter, a monster, a fairy and a large cat. 

The story is fresh, imaginative and full of wonder. We are transported to a world full of characters with whom we can relate and empathize. This is Alyson's debut novel, something that continued to surprise me as her whimsical command of the language shines through in each page, in each storyline.

Yes, there are steampunk elements in On the Isle of Sound and Wonder, but they don't overwhelm. They act as garnish for a rich story of deception, lost love, romantic possibilities and dark magic. If you know The Tempest you'll most like have a different opinion of this version. I know I enjoyed it immensely. If you like steampunk, if you like Shakespeare and if you like the cover, you'll love this book too.

* Photo used without permission from: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23389467-on-the-isle-of-sound-and-wonder?ac=1

Having The Courage To Dream...

I think everyone who has ever thought about being a writer, or a painter, or a dancer, singer, photographer, sculptor, magician (mime...), have wondered what it would be like to do it full-time. I learned quickly when I first began attending writing conferences and symposiums that there's a difference between someone who creates art part-time and those who can do it as a full-time gig.

Those that can are revered, honored, even sometimes worshiped.

Because it's tough.

Being a full-time writer, painter, dancer, singer, photographer, sculptor, magician, and even mime is tough. If it weren't, everyone would do it. At least, I think so. I know I would. If I could feed, shelter and clothe my family by writing full-time, I would do it in a heartbeat.

That's why I have so much respect for a fellow writer, Aly Grauer. I've written about Aly before. A few weeks ago her father began cancer treatment and this week she announced on her blog that she quit her day job. 

She's going to be a full-time writer. Comments from many friends offered support on her blog (me included...). Some even said they wished they could do the same. I hope she finds success. I've read some of her stuff--it's good! She can definitely write. She released a novel last fall (you can pick it up: HERE) and even though it's not burning up the Amazon charts, she's not letting that stop her from her dream.

So, here's to Aly! May all your sentences make sense and your submissions be picked up! Good luck! Oh, and happy birthday, too!

Alyson Grauer's "On The Isle Of Sound And Wonder"...A Book Bomb

Sometimes getting a book published that you wrote isn't the best feeling in the world. Tomorrow my publishing family is seeking help for one of our own.

We're having a book bomb. Those of us at Xchyler are promoting Alyson Grauer's book, On the Isle of Sound and Wonder as a show of support for Alyson's dad who is fighting the good fight. You can get more information about this: HERE.

I know there's a lot of requests for this cause or that cause, and I suppose this one could be just another one of many to you. But to us at Xchyler, it means a little bit more. That happens when you know those involved personally and feel for them as friends and colleagues do.

It's been almost eight years since we lost my mom to cancer, and when my father passed away from the same thing, the internet as we know it was decades away. We didn't have this type of fundraising option back then. Everyone knows the Information Superhighway can be used for both good and bad. It can showcase the very best in humanity as well as the very worst. I applaud its use in something like this, something that can bring people together from literally around the world to help someone else.

If you have a chance tomorrow, click: HERE and pick up the e-book, or hardcover or paperback. You'll be doing more than just buying a great book. You'll be helping out a friend.

Remember, sometimes having your book published or seeing it on a shelf in a library or bookstore isn't the most important thing. When you really think about it, the most important things are always the people in our lives.

Salt City Steamfest, 2014 Edition...

It's late, my feet are killing me, and I lost my eye glasses. Still, I had a blast at this year's Salt City Steamfest. It's a two-day event, but tomorrow I'm busy with a tech day. Here's a few pictures of just some of the atmosphere found within its walls.

And, I met three Xchyler writers I had not met before. I would mention that had those authors been in attendance for my Steampunk throwdown panel (and they had picked my argument that the Clockwork Tinkers were superior to both the molemen and the airship pirates...), I would have won the competition. But since I'm not that kind of person, I won't mention it.

It was a good day!