M.A. Kropp: Writer, Blogger, GeekGirl. My Life. My Words. My Way.
It's Halloween and as in years past, I have published a short Halloween themed story on my site. This year, it's a take on an old European tradition of soul cakes. Soul cakes are a small cross between a biscuit and a scone, usually baked with raisins or currants. They are handed out on Halloween … Continue reading Halloween Story 2019
I have mentioned the I have been working on the third installment of the Yo-Yo Files, my urban fantasy series. Well, I have decided on a release date for it: January 20, 2020. Wow, that's a lot of 20s! The title is The Demon's in the Details. This one is going to be a bit longer … Continue reading Monday Megaphone: Announcing The Yo-Yo Files #3
It's at the center of every story. It is the thing that drives the action forward. It's what causes the characters to act and react. What is it? Conflict.Conflict arises when a character wants something and there are obstacles in the way of his getting that thing. It can be big (the hero must stop … Continue reading Wednesday on Writing: Conflicted
I have been busy for the last year writing the third installment of my urban fantasy series. The first draft is now done, and I am letting it sit for a while before I dive into the revision process. I do this with most of my writing, and many other writers do, as well. Why? … Continue reading Wednesday On Writing: Should You Start Revising a Story as Soon as You Finish a Draft?
Find your own voice. That bit of writing advice is tossed around all the time. It's a good bit, but it can be a bit vague, especially to new writers. We are told to find our voice, but not what is it and how to go about finding it. Let's talk a little bit about … Continue reading Wednesday on Writing: Voice
Binti by Nnedi Okorafor My rating: 4 of 5 stars Read by Robin Miles Binti is a Himba girl, born and raised in the African desert where her people's talents with mathematics and harmonizing make them the premier makers of astrolabes (sort of like a combination cell phone, computer, and more). Binti is gifted … Continue reading Friday Review: Binti by Nnedi Okorafor (Audiobook)
It is June 1st. My, how the time flies! Summer is almost here, and the same can be said for the Yo-Yo Files #2, Snake's Alive. This new urban fantasy novelette will be released later this month. It's got demons, angels, snakes (well, duh!), mystery, a yo-yo (of course), and a wee dash of humor. Here's … Continue reading Thursday Teaser: Snake’s Alive is Almost Here!
My rating: 4 of 5 stars Grace is having problems in school. Chance, a classmate has been mean to her and she is starting to believe the things he says. When her grandma hears Grace calling herself stupid, she decides it is time for Grace to learn a lesson about being kind to others. She … Continue reading Friday Review: The Kindness Can by Tracy Watland
Announcement Number One: Something very strange is happening in Carroll Fork. When an unusual number of low-order demons start showing up in town, demon-chasers Johnny and Cerise start taking notice. And when Cerise, who sees the daemonflash that marks the presence of a demon, discovers that the demons are being sold to the … Continue reading Thursday Trumpets: Five and Daemon is Live- and FREE! Plus- Newsletter!
My rating: 4 out of five stars This is the last in the short works reviews for now. I have more in the TBR pile, and will get to them at some point. The Lady Astronaut of Mars won the 2014 Hugo award for Best Novelette. It is the story of Elma York, who led … Continue reading Friday Review: The Lady Astronaut of Mars by Mary Robinette Kowal
And So On... 