Review - Symmetry by Joyce Scarbrouch

Symmetry
Written by: Joyce Scarbrough
Fiction
Rated: Very Good (****)
Review by: Lisa Haselton

Jessica Cassady’s life has hit a couple of potholes. She loves her husband, but will he ever realize how self-centered he can be? Jessica is constantly pulling her hair out and starts to blame it on stress, especially when a simple phone call to her husband forces her life into turmoil. Symmetry is a story of discovery and relationships.

Jessica’s life may not be perfect, but it’s close. Her husband is handsome and even though he’s always admired by other women, he only has eyes for her. Jessica has never felt she’s measured up in her parents’ eyes and with her sister’s recent marriage, Jessica feels that point is even truer. Jessica needs space to make decisions about her future and time to research her hair pulling issue.

The separation from her husband lets Jessica discover some truths about herself and to put a name to her condition – trichotillomania. She moves outside her comfort zone for the first time in years, and enjoys the experiences and connections. But is it what she really wants?

Author Joyce Scarbrough knows how to bring out the details of relationships. She’s able to show the mixed emotions and confusing feelings people experience when in a relationship. She finds a nice balance between the good and the bad, the pros and cons, as it were, when a person is deciding whether the stay or leave. By including a real affliction, trichotillomania, she’s expanding her readers’ horizons by sharing a true-to-her experience. The book is fiction, but the facts about TTM are real. Scarbrough uses TTM as conflict in the story, and it works well. Too much detail could cause readers to close the book, but her writing style keeps the conflicts and positive points, symmetrical.

Scarbrough is an intelligent Southern woman weary of seeing herself and her peers portrayed in books and movies as either post-antebellum debutantes or barefoot hillbillies a la Daisy Duke, so all her heroines are smart, unpretentious women who refuse to be anyone but themselves. Scarbrough has lived all her life in southern Alabama. She's the mother of three gifted children, and she's been married for 26 years to the love of her life. Symmetry is her third novel. She’s at work on her fourth.

I enjoyed Symmetry for the writing. The characters pulled me right in and kept me engaged. I felt for Jessica and her turmoil. Learning about TTM, which I had no knowledge of before opening the book, was a bonus. It’s a recommended read for those interested in romance, those who are somehow touched by trichotillomania, and those who simply enjoy a well-told story told.


Title: Symmetry
Author: Joyce Scarbrough
Publisher: L&L Dreamspell
ISBN: 978-1-60318-146-4
Pages: 210
Price: $15.95

Interview with author Arlene Crenshaw - BK Walker Books virtual book tour

As I continue to host the BK Walker Books Authors Promoting Authors virtual blog tour, today I welcome author Arlene Crenshaw.

Welcome, Arlene!

Please tell us about your current release, Twelve Roses for Uretta.
This is a true story of a mother’s struggle with domestic violence while trying to raise her eight children. This story is told through the eyes of her daughter (Erica) who carried the burden of not being able to help her mother. She was just too young; Erica also had her own secret that she was afraid to tell her mother, she carried that burden also. Erica was never able to tell her mother about her secret before her untimely death.

What inspired you to write this book?
I felt that I needed to tell the story of me and my mother. The story brought out things about me that I had carried within my soul for most of my life, by writing this story I was able to empty out a lot of emotions that tormented the majority of my life. Writing this book also helped me to move on with life and also helped me heal within. I had cried most of my life, 47 years to be exact, but now by writing this book helped to get it all out of my system. I understand now what happened wasn’t my fault, and the burden I carried all those years was just too much for a child, then a teenager, to have to deal with that I brought into my adulthood that I suffered with for so many years.

What exciting story are you working on next?
I'm really excited about my next book. It will be called Hidden Closets Book of Short Stories. It’s about secrets that many people have hidden about themselves that they don’t want anyone to know about. There’s a lot of suspense, drama, mystery within this book. My second book will be out at the end of this month.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Everyone throughout my life has loved for me to tell them stories, sometimes I would just make up a story and people would be so intrigued with what I was telling them. They would always say I was in the wrong career which was medical. It wasn’t until I lost my job that I had the time to sit down to write, that’s when this writing for me took on a whole new life and a well deserved one for me.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
Now that I’ve been unemployed for over a year now, I do write full-time. I always start my day with a prayer to God and within my prayer, I ask for a quote or to be steered toward a quote that I can write down and put on Blogger and Facebook where I post daily. I call my post “My quote of the day” which I have done for years, not always on Blogger and Facebook, but everyday on my job or I would give a quote to a friend daily.

After that!!! I write all day like I’m at work and I take 2 15-minute breaks. Just like I would if I were working a regular job and a 45-minute lunch break. Only difference is when I was working, I only got 30 minutes for lunch, but, now that I’m working for myself, I deserve 45 minutes sometimes even 1 hour. Lol…

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Writing while listening to sounds of the ocean, or rain.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A physiologist. Why? Because I always would sit and listen to people no matter who they were and people for some reason would always be drawn to me and they would always tell me their stories about what was going on in their lives. My mother always used to say to me, “You never met a stranger you didn’t want to listen to.” I would tell my mother I like listening to people their interesting.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Sometimes it may seem like a lifetime before you really understand your true calling in life. But when it finally clicks, it just may even surprise you.

I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would be a writer. For some reason I can write and tell stories all day long. I still have a problem with punctuation just like I did in school, but the more I write, the better I get. Who would have thought I would be a writer? Not me, and I surely know not my 7th grade teacher. English was my worst subject but my teacher did tell me that one day it would all make sense.

Thank you for your time today, Arlene, and I wish you well on the blog tour and with your books.


Readers, leave a comment to be entered into a drawing to win one of several gifts from promoter of this VBT, BK Walker. Gifts include: a $25 Visa Gift Card, book light,a free-of-charge virtual book tour, or one writing package which includes a journal, pen, book light, and book marker.

My next guest is August 2 - Mike Dolan

Live chat/interview with dark fiction author Kathryn Meyer Griffith 8/1/10

The Writer's Chatroom presents Kathryn Meyer Griffith.

WHEN?

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Eastern USA Time.....7-9 PM

Not sure what time that is wherever in the world you are? http://www.worldtimeserver.com

WHERE?

The Writers Chatroom at: http://www.writerschatroom.com/Enter.htm

Scroll down to the Java box. It may take a moment to load. Type in the name you wish to be known by, and click Login. No password needed.

Please note: The chatroom is only open for regularly scheduled chats.

Interview with author Karen Kostlivy - BK Walker Books virtual book tour

As I continue to host the BK Walker Books Authors Promoting Authors virtual blog tour, today I welcome author Karen Kostlivy.

Welcome, Karen!

Please tell us about your current release, Cyber Writers and the Zebra of Life.
Mason Witt, a skateboarding American teenager, catapults himself into the greatest adventure of his life after reading about the plight of a new Cyber Writer from Africa. Lutalo knew he would come so he sent Mason an urgent plea for help. His village has lost its precious Zebra of Life -- and his father has gone missing in the pursuit of the evil men who stole it. Here begins this thrilling adventure of two boys, a smart-talking panther, and an amazing zebra that sustains life.

What inspired you to write this book?
I realized I wanted to be a writer when I wrote parts of a story I created years ago for an English assignment. The story would not leave me no matter how much I tried to flush it from my mind, it just kept coming back to me. It was like I had no other choice but to write, so I began to write.

What exciting story are you working on next?
I’m currently working on books two and three in the Cyber Writers series. Since the series has educational components, I conduct a lot of research about each country, and I also have interviews with kids and adults that have visited or lived in the country where the story will take place.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
The moment I first considered myself to be a writer was when my publisher sent me my contract and I was referenced as the author. I looked at the contract in disbelief and shock. That’s when it hit me; I was a writer.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I wish I could write full time. I wear too many hats to have that luxury. I work for a marketing company and I volunteer for a couple of non-profit organizations. I have cut back a little on both work and volunteering so I can promote Cyber Writers and the Zebra of Life and sneak in some writing. I’m always writing, even if it is on index cards or a notebook.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
You might call this a quirk, but I call it a major annoyance that really bugs me. I make my family leave the house very early in the morning when I’m ready to sit behind the computer to write. I don’t understand why I make them leave, but they need to be gone or I can’t write. The odd thing is that my outline and characters are already created in my notebook, just waiting for me to transfer them to the computer. Can you say weirdo?…LOL

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was a kid, I wanted to be a singer or a teacher. The odd thing is I can’t sing or carry a tune. As for teaching, I used to substitute teach in between contracts and I’m married a teacher.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
First, I would like to thank you for having me as a guest today. Second, I truly appreciate any feedback from my readers. Good or bad, that is how I can grow as a writer. Also, if a reader has any recommendations of where they would like to see the character Mason travel to one day please let me know. It is fun receiving ideas from my readers on where they would like to see Mason to visit. My website has all my contact information on it as well as an area just for kids.

Once again, thank you for having me as a guest today.


Leave a comment to be entered into a drawing to win one of several gifts from promoter of this VBT, BK Walker. Gifts include: a $25 Visa Gift Card, book light,a free-of-charge virtual book tour, or one writing package which includes a journal, pen, book light, and book marker.

My next guest for the blog tour is July 28 - Arlene Crenshaw

Interview with Dallas Woodburn, author and founder of Write On! For Literacy - Part 3

I am pleased to welcome Dallas Wooburn back to Reviews and Interview. Dallas is a prolific writer and is founder of a non-profit called Write On! For Literacy which she started in her teens.

This is the third of 3 parts as a way to introduce the readers of Reviews and Interviews to this inspiring woman.

Dallas, thank you for visiting Reviews and Interviews again.

In May, we introduced you to readers. In June you told us about your non-profit organization, Write On! For Literacy. Today we're going to have you talk about writing.

Do you have a set time when you write, or just whenever you get the urge?
I try to write every single day – I am most productive and happy when I have an established routine. Even if I don’t feel like writing, I tell myself to write for just fifteen or twenty minutes, and usually by the end of that time I am in the groove and write for longer.

My goal is to write 1,000 words every day. I am a night owl, so it is not unusual to find me at my computer writing after midnight, when the world is quiet and I am alone with my thoughts.

Have you ever had writer's block, and if so how do you get rid of it?
One of the best things for me to do when I am facing writer’s block is to step back from the story and get away from the computer a bit. I love to go volunteer at schools and teach writing activities to kids. This is one of my favorite activities – it gives me great joy and fulfillment. Whenever I am feeling discouraged or creatively drained, going to schools and speaking to students inevitably recharges my batteries and gets me excited about writing again. So much energy and enthusiasm! It’s contagious!

I also frequently post tips for busting through writer’s block on my blog, http://dallaswoodburn.blogspot.com.

How do you invent your characters?
Usually my characters start with a kernel of a personal experience or emotion that I am going through, and then pretty quickly this spins away from me and becomes a character separate from myself. Even if the eventual story is going to be written in third person, I usually like to write at least a couple pages in first person from the character’s perspective to get a sense of his or her voice. I don’t censor myself during this process – I just let the words flow freely and see what voice develops for the character.

What would you say is the neatest thing you know?
I am continually impressed and inspired by the resilience, beauty, and generosity in people. Also, by the human ability to change and grow and thrive despite adversity and setbacks.

Do you prefer keyboard or pen when you write?
I used to be strictly a keyboard girl, but lately I’ve been writing freehand in big spiral notebooks in coffeeshops. I’ve found writing with pen and paper makes me feel less inhibited and more creative. In the evening, I go home and transcribe everything from my notebook to the computer, and do my first round of editing as I type things in. The process is working well for me right now.

What do you recommend to aspiring authors?
Write every day, read as much as you can, and enjoy the process! As John Wooden says, “The journey is better than the inn.” In addition, publishing my books has taught me not to be afraid to take risks, and to take the initiative when you have an idea and make it happen yourself rather than letting fear and doubt make you wait. Because, why wait? Take small steps towards your dreams, and small steps can snowball into amazingly big opportunities!

Dallas, I has been a pleasure getting to know you through these interviews. Perhaps you'll come back for a visit in the future to share more of your accomplishments with us. :)

Live chat/interview with handwriting forensics expert/author Sheila Lowe 7/25/10

The Writer's Chatroom presents Sheila Lowe.

WHEN?

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Eastern USA Time.....7-9 PM

Not sure what time that is wherever in the world you are? http://www.worldtimeserver.com

WHERE?

The Writers Chatroom at: http://www.writerschatroom.com/Enter.htm

Scroll down to the Java box. It may take a moment to load. Type in the name you wish to be known by, and click Login. No password needed.

Please note: The chatroom is only open for regularly scheduled chats.

Interview with author Tasha Wright - BK Walker Books virtual book tour

Welcome, Readers, to Reviews and Interviews' interview with Tasha Wright as she tours with BK Walker Books', Authors Promoting Authors virtual book tour. Here is a listing of the full schedule.

Tasha, thank you for stopping by today.

Please tell us about your current release, When a Tattered Past Catches You.
Tough willed, strong as nails Willa will do whatever it takes to provide for her family even if that meant putting her life in danger or on hold. Living the street life meant not allowing anything or anyone to get close enough to hurt or destroy her. But, after the death of her mother she is forced to return home and confront a past she tried to erase from her memory.

As Willa confronts a tragic past, she also has to confront something else, her long lost love, Damon. Living the street life and becoming the head woman in charge was something Willa did with ease, but there was always something or someone missing in her life. Will Willa let down her guard and allow Damon back into her life again or will she continue to live the street life?

What inspired you to write this book?
I wanted to write about a woman who could be very strong and intelligent, but still not know how to deal with the emotional aspect of life. I wanted to show her struggle and how she overcame this obstacle.

What exciting story are you working on next?
When I write I tend to have three things going on at once. I haven’t quite decided which I will go with, but there is one story that is calling out to me would be a love triangle. The main character and her lover both have other relationships but they can’t seem to let the other go. This is a recipe for danger. Will people survive, overcome or fall into a pit of destruction?

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I considered myself a writer when I accomplished the most difficult task in the writing process. Finishing the book! Many people start or attempt but rarely do they finish. Publishing is a major accomplishment.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
Although I would love to be a full-time writer, I still work full-time and I am a full-time college student as well. It is a task to maintain all of the things I need to do but when you are as passionate as I am about writing, you will always find the time.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
As I write, I act out each person in the way I write them. So, I will speak in different manners and embody each character. With all the writing I do I could be an actress. If someone walked in, I am sure I would be committed.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I began writing short stories when I was sixteen. As I continued to develop and people would read what I was writing I would be asked to write more and soon I had written a complete book. Although, it was not on the level of this book I set a goal that I wanted to be a writer and learn everything I could about it. I am doing what I always wanted to do.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
I would just like to thank everyone who has taken the time to read my book. I enjoy creating something that will take people away from their current world and allow them time to be in a totally different zone. I hope that I live up to all your expectations of what you all believe to be great work! Thank you again and again! It is because you I am able to do what I LIVE to do.

Where can folks learn more about you and your writing?
My Web site is: http://authortashawright.webs.com

Readers, leave a comment to be entered into a drawing to win one of several gifts from promoter of this VBT, BK Walker. Gifts include: a $25 Visa Gift Card, book light,a free-of-charge virtual book tour, or one writing package which includes a journal, pen, book light, and book marker.

My next guest for the tour is July 23 – Karen Kotslivy.