Tag Archives: writer

A handful of books use smells to connect the reader emotionally. CJ Simone does it sparingly in The Manic Mission, but this line grabbed me. In the late 80’s, young love smelled like Carmex, Almay, Drakkar Noir, and sometimes grape bubble gum. The Manic Mission is for readers interested in tough topics that eventually offerContinue reading ““…fills the space with grape scent.””

Ok, one more from The Manic Mission by CJ Simone. I’m a slightly nerdy white guy, and I rarely delighted or tormented girls . . . but we all knew the knuckleheads that did. Handsome, talented, and sometimes cocky or just a fool. And yet, we nerds thought, it might be nice delight and tormentContinue reading ““…delight and torment girls.””

I’m a sucker for a good metaphor, too. This character believes he’s destined to destroy, no matter what his intent. He does everything he can to help others, but damage is what is left behind. CJ Simone infuses a few of these concise metaphors throughout The Manic Mission. The Manic Mission is for readers interestedContinue reading ““Wrecking balls got no choice…””

I spent a good chunk of my career on stage or in front or behind a camera. The best characters (in my opinion) are both confident and vulnerable, two traits required to elicit emotional responses–both laughter and tears–from the audience. CJ Simone captures those characteristics for her protagonist in one sentence. The Manic Mission isContinue reading ““…his voice tells of vulnerability.””

“Barely audible” is an adequate description. I enjoyed that VanRyken took it one step further, because I immediately understood how quiet a breeze is, and how nearly-silent the whisper was. A good and effective description. The Red Texts Club digs deeply and creatively into the teenage mind—more specifically the minds of teens dealing with depression.Continue reading ““A breeze would have been louder.” from The Red Texts Club, by Andrea VanRyken”

I chuckled at this line, a glimmer of humor while facing a difficult battle. The Red Texts Club digs deeply and creatively into the teenage mind—more specifically the minds of teens dealing with depression. I struggled a little with some repetitive descriptive phrases, but overall enjoyed the read. Andrea VanRyken creates a diverse cast ofContinue reading ““Humanities only hope” from The Red Texts Club, by Andrea VanRyken”

I’m a sucker for a good simile. The character approaching the candle in this quote from The Manic Mission can’t help but burn down the world around him, though his intent is to be a beacon of hope. This short quote captures him perfectly. The Manic Mission is for readers interested in tough topics thatContinue reading ““…it’s just what fire does.””