Just Be There Blog

seasonal free write and a review of sorts

Oh my! Two days visiting in a row. I think I will write here today. Lately, it seems when I peruse WdC I am so sidetracked that I don't write anything.

Halloween, the Celtic New Year, is nearly upon us. Images of ghosts, vampires, Frankenstein's Monster, werewolves, zombies, animated skeletons, jack-o-lanterns, witches and black cats are everywhere. The harvest season is in full swing. Corn stalks are added to decor for parties. Bobbing for apples comes to mind, although I was never very talented at that game. St. Mary's peak has snow on it warning everyone in the Bitterroot area that winter is just around the corner. I am looking forward to the cooler weather (the heat of the short summer is nearly too much for me).

I have finished reading Alastair Reynolds's book The Prefect. If given five stars to rate this story, I'd give it four and a half. The story was interesting enough for me to read it during my breaks at work, but not so captivating as to demand my attention when I was back home. However, the details of people, culture, and the unfolding mystery to this space aged cop on a beat story did hold my interest to the point that I looked forward to work so I could read more. Overall a good read.

I found myself thinking this is the same quality novel I could produce. The story sequence is linear and the four character views (two good guys and two bad guys) give the story depth and a sense of realism. I know this novel will influence any future writing I accomplish. This book has structure.