The Game (Phil Fishman) - Review

The Game
Phil Fishman
⭐: 5/5
Purchase your copy here!

This book had me interested within the first opening lines! I knew it would be a powerful story, as well as one that would touch my heart and mind alike. I also was in love with how the name of the book really does go along with the theme itself. I thought it to be quite clever!

Pros: I’m impressed by the intricacy of details and character relationships Fishman uses. They’re not difficult to follow despite being ample in number. The story as a whole also made me curious about the true events that may have taken place and what survivors still remain who could’ve had similar stories. My heart already had loads of empathy for them, but it expanded drastically understanding and reading a story like this.

Cons: if you’re easily triggered or angered by things like rape and torture, this book is not for you. However, we must remember. We must remember history so that we can learn from it, even if it’s an ugly truth. We must honor those who suffered what we could never imagine.

Conclusion: if you’re looking for a WW2 novel that isn’t quite like the rest, try this one out. The gravity of how many families were separated, created, and destroyed is only the tip of the iceberg in The Game, but one that does well at honoring these sorts of events!

Adam & I (Johan Dahlberg) - Review

 

Adam & I

Johan Dahlberg

⭐: 5/5

Purchase your copy here!

To see our interview, click here!

Pros: this memoir has all the ingredients for a heart tug! I was intrigued on various levels from the nomadic lifestyle Tommy (MC) lives, his dream of settling down (isn't that what we all want?), and the lengths he goes to honor both. The faithfulness he has to these things kept me locked in at all times. The distance, deceit, and devotion this book has makes it unique, as I've never read one quite like it before! 

I thoroughly enjoyed the character development the most outside of the plot itself. It appears that everyone has a place, as does every scene, and it's stitched together in such a way that I felt I was processing Tommy's emotions with him as he was. It was another, "just one more chapter... Yeah right!" 

Cons: if you've been manipulated, lied to, or cheated on in past relationships, you may be a bit uncomfortable, as all these things are things you'll run into. They didn't bother me, but they did increase my empathy and understanding for those who are involved in such cases. 

Conclusion : this is a book I would gladly own and recommend to anyone who is looking to expand their empathy, witness significant growth from a person who's actually experienced it, and who is also enamored with big romantic gestures, such as Adam is known for doing. 

Adam & I (Johan Dahlberg) - Interview

Grab your copy of Adam & I today!
Here's a link to my review!

1. Given this is a memoir, it took some guts to be so vulnerable. How did you feel in writing it?

Adam & I started out as therapeutic notes. I had a heavy experience to deal with, and being a writer I did so the best way I knew how – by writing. But when I told close friends about what had happened the reaction was always the same: “Wow, this is like a movie. You should write a book about this!” So that’s what I did.

Over the course of maybe six months my therapeutic notes turned into a real story, and I changed the writing to be in third person. My feelings changed from sadness and despair to the sort of thrill I’ve always gotten from writing. The initial writing had served its purpose and soon I felt great about getting to tell a story that works from a storytelling perspective, with a plot I was genuinely excited about. Once I reached that point, writing about hard and painful memories never felt bad at all, because I stopped thinking about them as memories and started seeing them as plot points.

2. So you pretty much answered this in the last question, but what pushed you to follow through with everyone telling you that you could do this and publish your memoir?

I’ve always been a writer, but never an author. I’ve dreamt about it since I was a child, but I never had a story to tell. I didn’t have the imagination or patience to fill a full novel. Now, because this is a true story, the outline had already been written for me. Getting it published was a no-brainer, a realization of a dream.

I was encouraged by people close to me and their shocked reactions to the story, and once I started doing research on my experience and what others have been through in real life, I realized that this is an important story to share. I’m not alone, and I want others to know that they aren’t either.

3. Were some parts harder than others to write, and if so, why?

Yes. Despite changing my view from memories to plot points, the memories themselves were never bad in the first place. This is a story about deceit on a big scale, but what happened during the deceit I have no regrets about. Instead, the difficult part was to relieve the happy memories, the promises of what the rest of my life could have been like. I felt like my life had been crushed or stolen from me, and it was unfair. I felt immense pain because of this. I also lost three years of my life and often wondered what exciting direction my life could have taken if I never met Adam. I still do I guess. I will never know, and that pains me even today. Those scenes in which I was truly happy were surprisingly the most difficult to write.

Oh, and Mexico! The entire chapter set in Mexico is one of the most painful memories I have. That one was also difficult to write, because I wanted the reader to feel the pain I felt and wasn’t sure how to best portray it. It took a lot of work.

4. What was your favorite scene or situation to write about?

I have to say the ending. As you know, the ending is the only chapter in the book that is made up. I had total freedom here to give Tommy – the main character – the closure I never had, and I wanted to keep the reader hooked and guessing to the very last paragraph. As an author, that’s a thrilling opportunity. In fact, I think the last few pages are the best part of the book, because they give the grand but personal story a very fitting conclusion.

The chapter set on the Camino de Santiago was also one of my favorites to write. I met so many cool people when I did that 32-day hike in real life, and originally the chapter was almost twice as long. I wanted to include everyone! But that harms more than elevates the story as a whole, and so I focused on only a few key characters, those who affected me the most on my journey with Adam in real life, and consequently Tommy in the book. The editing process for this chapter was one of the most fun parts of the writing process for the whole book!

5. Have your friends and family been supportive in this endeavor?

Totally! Everyone around me have been super supportive, especially since they all knew Adam. We were shocked together. They’ve all always known I’m a writer, and thanks to how unique and extreme this story is no one has ever questioned the fact that I’m writing a book about a former partner. In fact, many of my friends encouraged it.

My grandmother was always the most excited to get to read the book, so when things felt difficult toward the end, because of how enormous a project like a novel is, her support was what kept me going and actually finish the book. She got an early copy and was one of the first to read the full book. She was shocked by the sex scenes in one of the early chapters, but even after those she was one hundred percent behind me.

6. Do you have plans to publish more works in the future?

I’m currently working on two novels and a non-fiction book. Among the novels, one is a spiritual sequel to Adam & I but entirely fictional. How did he heal, and what happened to him and his life following the events in Adam & I? The other is a murder mystery on the Camino, because I genuinely loved writing about the hike and would love to try a different genre.

I doubt I’ll ever finish either of those books though, because it’s a huge commitment. With Adam & I the true story gave me the fuel and passion I needed. And am I ready to handle another massive project that will consume my life for the foreseeable future? For now, I just want to enjoy life without the burden of working on a novel.

The non-fiction book is an educational book for new and experienced authors. In it, I detail my process for writing my debut novel and getting it published. Basically, all the lessons I learned about what it takes to write a novel.

7. Any tips for other beginner authors?

Have a complete outline ready before you get too serious. The reason I tried to write a novel for two decades and never succeeded was because I lost interest halfway through. And the reason I lost interest was because I wasn’t sure of where I was going. Writing ourselves into dead ends is a major discouragement, making the prospect of “fixing” everything so overwhelming we give up. It’s a major cause of writer’s block. With Adam & I the outline was given to me for free by life, and with the two novels I’m working on now I’m making sure I have at least 30-50 plot points from the beginning to the ending nailed down before I write a single word of the script itself.

Completely opposite to that, my other piece of advice is to just write! Don’t stop, don’t think too much, don’t go back and edit. Just write. If you get stuck on a scene, skip it and move on! You can fill in the gaps in the editing process. For a large part of the writing process it feels like there’s no end in sight, but I will never forget the day I wrote the last missing scene of the first draft for Adam & I. That was more euphoric than anything else in the process, including the day I held my first printed copy or when the book was published and available to the world. If you just keep writing every day, even if it’s just a little, you will reach the end eventually.

Also, get some beta readers! Maybe 5-10 different people at different stages across the entire project timeline. Or 2-3 really good ones. And your friends and family won’t be enough. At least some of these readers whose job is to provide feedback on the story need to be strangers who don’t know you or your story. The end result will be so much better for it!

8. What do you wish you’d have known going into this project as far as tips and tricks go?

I wish I had known more about effective storytelling. I spent a year and a half after the first draft was done making it exciting to read. The early chapters lacked conflict or “troubles” for Tommy to overcome, and his goal within the story wasn’t very clear. What was the story even about?

I fixed all these issues in editing, but had I thought more about it from the start I wouldn’t have had to rewrite and add as many scenes as I did.

9. What part of the story, if any, do you hold dearest?

The happy memories I mentioned earlier, and the ending, are the parts closest to my heart. It makes me happy just thinking about them, and I’m glad this story gave me a chance to put them on paper.

10. Is there anyone you wish to thank or acknowledge?

First and foremost, everyone who have supported me as much as they have. My friends and family. My editor, beta readers and you Nicole, an exceptional ARC reader whose genuine interest in my work helped me enormously in the final stretch toward publishing.

And Adam. Without him, this story wouldn’t exist and I wouldn’t be the author I am today.

Shadowspeak (Raven Eckman) - Interview

 

Alright yall, fantasy is not my typical genre, so when Eckman approached me with it, I was pretty set on the idea I'd have to respectfully decline. However, within the first few pages, I instantly felt the pull and knew I would be resonating with the main character if I gave it a shot. I didn't have to read the entire first chapter, something I typically do along with at least two or three more after that, to know I absolutely wanted in on this!

Shadowspeak has such a unique take on fantasy and quite frankly, the paranormal. Given I've had many experiences myself in life, I was so intrigued to see how these sorts of things were going to be translated in such a work. Let me say, this is a book I absolutely NEED to have on my shelf!

Grab your copy here!!
Check out my review of Shadowspeak here!

Shadowspeak
Raven C. Eckman

1. What inspired you to write Shadowspeak?

Shadowspeak was very loosely inspired by binging Vikings with my grandmother, human trafficking, and my love of fantasy. Somewhere along the way it adapted into its own creature and I adore that.

2. I also adored that! On the human trafficking note, what made you think to involve that in Shadowspeak? I know this is an alarmingly active practice and that it could use all the exposure against it as possible!

I first encountered mention of human trafficking in high school when we were discussing social events at the time. It stuck with me, the stories, the pain. And that came out somewhat in Shadowpeak.

3. I enjoyed seeing how you didn't allow Rune (main character) to let this overtake who she ultimately became. I think that aided with her development quite a bit! Moving along, though, was it difficult to write this book?

It took me a while to write Shadowspeak, more so because of just not wanting to write … or even avoiding it entirely. Personally I just wasn’t in that place yet to take a chance on my debut but once I started, then it was now or never for me.

4. I've seen a lot of authors mention things along those lines, so I'm glad you did, too. I think you're proof that if you just buckle down and go for it, anything is possible! Next question, what language inspired the language that you’ve given to the book characters?

In Shadowspeak I originally wanted to find an Old Norse dialect. After rounds of editing, and translating, I went with mainly an Icelandic dialect.

5. Why did you choose Icelandic specifically and are you fluent in it?

The translations in Icelandic dialect just worked with the meanings I was searching for and the flow clicked when I read aloud. I am not fluent in it but the language is beautiful and I enjoyed listening to words spoken aloud with a translating tool online.

6. Along the language lines, and given you've based your characters' language off of one that is used today, when writing fantasy, do you make up words? If so, how is this process done?

I sometimes do and usually it is unintentional. Eventually those words get changed … or become creatures of some sort. It depends on the story I’m working on. Also, as an aside, I once had a typo in my phone notes so bad that autocorrect was at a loss. I kept it for a while just because it was funny.

7. That typo sounds entertaining! Did it ever make it into the story somehow?

Nope! But typos will continue, ha! So I shall see what does make it into a story some day.

8. Similar to question number 6, how do you create the worlds and their “rules” in fantasy?

It really is trial and error for me when it comes to the rules. What works and what doesn’t? What do the characters do if I said this wasn’t allowed or vice versa? As for world creating, when I first start drafting I create aesthetics to be able to picture the characters and a base setting to find a tone. From the pictures the world I’m aspiring for adapts as the story does.

9. When creating the aesthetics, do you use a Pinterest board, or how do you physically set everything up?

I started creating aesthetics with Pinterest and continue to have a few private boards I refer to for fun. I've since moved onto photography sites that a fellow author had recommended to me a year or so ago to create boards on Canva.

10. Interesting! Perhaps other authors reading this now have a new tool in their arsenal for creation, thanks to you! When writing Shadowspeak, what else did you learn in the process (aside from how crucial aesthetic creation is)?

I’ve learned, and am still learning, to just let myself write. Don’t censor myself. Don’t stop and edit. Just let the confusion birth the words and a story will come from it eventually. It takes time.

11. I love how you worded that! I know that many aspiring authors often ask what the "right" way is to write, but there truly is none. Your method is just one of many and proves that it can be effective to do it that way! Regarding aspiring authors, what would you like them to take away from this?

Just remember that it is okay to play around with styles when writing your stories. Do what feels natural to you and the story.

12. Any other tips for new writers?

If I regret anything in my journey so far as a writer, it is not persisting to overcome writer’s block. So, for the writers out there who are finding the words aren’t coming as easily (or at all) keep writing—anything from lists to snippets of dialogue to scenes. You can do this.

13. Great advice! In Shadowspeak, what was your favorite part(s) to write?

I always love writing the beginnings and endings of a story.

14. Why is that? I absolutely loved how well written the ending was and the way you didn't rush it like so many authors do. I suppose that's a testament to how much you love to write them! 

I suppose it is because the beginning and ending for a story always come to me first. I get lost into that opening (then ending) and just need to figure out what happens in between.

15. Least favorite? I think I know the answer already, but lets just hear it.

I always have trouble with the middle scenes because sometimes I can’t figure out how to get where I want to go … and sometimes that means I’m not supposed to go in the direction I intended and that’s okay.

16. That makes sense! Given the amount of effort that has to take, as well as the effort publishing in general does, do you have any plans to release more works in the future? 

I do! I have a few picture books lined up and am beginning to brainstorm the prequel to Shadowspeak among another idea that won’t let me alone.

17. A prequel? Please do let WNR know when you do so we can release another review for you! When could we anticipate that coming out?

I'm hoping to have a rough draft by July but life may have other plans for me. Aiming for fall 2024 at the latest. And will do!

18. Perfect! I'm so excited! Is there anyone you wish to thank in this interview?

Shout out to everyone who has supported me on my writing journey so far. Thank you! I appreciate you!

Thank you, Raven Eckman, for your time and for allowing Wordy Nerd Reviews to interview you, as well as to get to read your wonderful book!

Shadowspeak (Raven Eckman) - Review

Shadowspeak
Raven Eckman
⭐: 5/5
Purchase your copy here!
To see an interview with Raven, click here!

This book hit me right in the "feels"! 

Pros: from the very start, I immediately resonated with the "others", shadows, and abandonment. I KNEW I HAD to read Shadowspeak! 

At first, I got a kind of Hunger Games vibe, but as the story progressed, the plot became something original and enticing unlike anything I've seen or read before (and I read a LOT).

Until the very end, I felt myself falling in love with Rune, her struggles and triumphs alike, as well as the entire world Eckman created. In ways, it even helped me to understand my own world and experiences that “shadow” Rune’s.

The characters are wholly consistent, Eckman is a true wordsmith (one of my most FAVORITE things about this book is how well written it is), and there are scenes I just didn't see coming but that were more than welcomed and needed for a cohesive, unrushed ending. I always love when authors take their time with tying everything up and make it worthwhile to read.

Cons: I had a little trouble at first understanding this world, but the more I read, the easier it was to get. It was complicated, not unlike our own, but well worth the time reading. 

Conclusion: if you're looking for a read that's original, has action, is well written, and will still manage to grab your heartstrings (with its shadowy threads), this is IT.

(You'll get the shadowy reference once you give this one a read!)

Queer Drunk Punk (Zehava Frieman) - Interview

*Note: contains content from the book, but shouldn't be considered as spoilers. 

Purchase your copy of Queer Drunk Punk here !

Queer Drunk Punk

Zehava Frieman

This book was one that gave me a "book hangover"! Frieman really knows how to capture an audience despite this being her debut to the world and her having felt a little nervous about it. I enjoyed interviewing her and seeing her thinking process quite a bit! 

Per my review: I adored everything about Quinn. I resonated with the inner growth she had to endure, the many losses she faced, and the way that she constantly went after what she wanted even when it was like pulling teeth. I was present in every scene, rarely thinking of what was to come, and played the "just one more chapter... yeah right" game (finished in one day). 

This work has all the makings for an "un-put-downable book": love, loss, heartache, recovery, grief, endurance, joy, and resilience. It isn't just about being queer in the 80's, but also is about a woman coming of age in a tough world (something many of us can relate to.) Five stars out of five, yall!

1. What was your inspiration to write QDP?

QDP began as a memoir, but while I was driving, Quinn (MC) took over. This girl was in my head every day for 9 months! She jumpstarted this project and helped me to get back into writing. 

2. Has writing always been your passion?

Yes, but life took over. I wanted to get back into it. As a kid, I had all these fake meetings with all these huge celebrity bands and loved writing stories. Again, life took over, but then Quinn, my muse and "alter-ego" entered the picture. I lived vicariously through her since I never got to really interview these people. I also used my love for writing as inspiration for Quinn's writing career both in high school and after.

3. What did you feel while writing this?

It was sort of therapeutic for me. I really lived through Quinn and enjoyed the process.

4. What do you want readers to take away from QDP?

I'd like them to feel surprised (in a good way) and not feel like it's too predictable. I want them to know they can make whatever they're going through against all odds, that they can achieve their dreams like Quinn did, and to learn how to be true to themselves as she did. I also want them to be inspired to be true to themselves and to be sure to surround themselves with other authentic people to be the best they can be.

5. Any plans for future works?

Yes! The next book should be out within a year or so. It will take place in '93 and Ashley from QDP will be the MC this time.

6. Advice for new writers?

Learn to self-edit, that not everything is a good idea, that your story will grow and evolve over time (what you begin with may be totally opposite than what you end with), and to be sure you create a community of honest people during this process. Mentors were a big thing for me and I think helped the most, probably. Don't forget to exploit your resources like Googling, traveling to locations to get the layout of the land, and talking to others. I read a lot about writing and I feel that helped, too. I'd encourage other writers to do similar.

7. What have you learned during the process of writing this?

To stay true to myself, to be willing to learn and research, and to also be willing to grow.

8. Favorite character and why?

Quinn. She's my muse, my "alter-ego" as my sister says, and I lived vicariously through her in a lot of ways. She experiences some similar things to what I did, but she also did things I never did. She's definitely got a special place in my heart!

9. What were the purposes for both Missy and Debby? 

Both were there to be lessons. Missy was a toxic person and was the epitome of the 80's girl in high school like in Pretty in Pink and The Breakfast Club. She was needed to help Quinn come into herself and grow.

Debby has another spot in my heart and was there to show Quinn how to love and be loved. She was also there to help her grow as a person, especially since she'd been through so much. Debby was to Quinn what Quinn was to me: a muse and inspiration to be the best she could.

Ricky was also there for a lesson and encouragement.

10. Who has inspired you while writing this book?

My mentors, Scott Parisien and Megan Kruse. They really taught me a lot about character development, setting scenes, and making sure I stay on point.

If you'd like to contact Zehava Frieman for more questions or to learn more about her thinking while writing Queer Drunk Punk, send me an email (wordynerdreviews@gmail.com) with her name as the header. You can also follow her on Goodreads (include link) and Amazon (include link). Be on the lookout for her next book in the next year!

Thank you, Zehava, for taking the time out of your day to amuse an enamored reader and deal with my nerding out over your work! I also appreciate you dealing with my communication during the reading and for being so open with any question I had!

Click here to read Nerdy Words Reviews review of Queer Drunk Punk!

Queer Drunk Punk (Zehava Frieman) - Review

Queer Drunk Punk Della Zehava Frieman ⭐: 5/5

Pros: this book has it all! Grit, love, heartbreak, experience, growth, and as a side-note, exceptional writing. 

Frieman’s wordsmithing made Quinn, MC, difficult not to fall in love with. As someone who came from a tough background, her rough around-the-edges persona was easy to relate to. I found myself resonating more than once, as well as learning quite a bit about not only myself, but life itself!

Given it’s set in the 80’s, it was enlightening to see how society treated sexuality. I don’t think it’s made leaps and bounds (though clearly has progressed), but my heart absolutely broke at how hidden Quinn had to stay. On top of that, watching her go through loss of every sort was something that will keep this read in my head for a long time, as I can deeply relate.

Last, once more, I really adored the expansive vocab and the way Frieman lets the words flow. I cannot say how many highlights I made!

Cons: there are quite a few 80’s references, but you’ll be able to figure most of them out based on context. Not to mention, it’s not always important to fully understand them as much as to understand they’re setting the scene up.

Also, there is a pretty emotional loss about mid-way through, so have some tissues ready. I’m not kidding. If that’s not your thing, well, you still need to read this and just power through it like Q powered through her toughest years to date.

Conclusion: once this is out (I’m a beta reader), I WILL own it. I only like to own books I’ve read and loved, and this one has most definitely made that list! The writing, flow, characters, and situations pulled me in and had me feeling everything from goosebumps on my arms and spine to sadness in my deepest gut - “art imitates life” and I cannot express enough how much this work does the same. Read it. Go on, now. Go read it! 

Click here to read an exclusive interview with Zehava!