A is for A Change Of Mind + Alligators Overhead + A Shot In The Light

A - 2016Welcome to the annual A to Z Challenge.

My theme: showcasing bloggers books, novellas, short story collections, poetry collections and some non-fiction books. The letters of the alphabet will correspond with the book title. I’ll be posting a link to my review of each book. I also have two questions for the author, just to spice things up a little.

Hopefully, visitors to my blog will be able to increase their reading lists and also get ideas for their wish lists.

A Change Of Mind And Other Stories by Nick Wilford. Read my review HERE.

A Change Of Mind And Other Stories

 

Genre/Category: Speculative fiction collection that puts an intriguing twist on everyday realities.

The book character you want to have coffee with is: That’s a tough one. So many to pick from! I think Gandalf would be an interesting character to share tea with (I’m not much of a coffee drinker, but I hear the Middle-Earth tea is very good). I’d be hoping to pick up some real wisdom, and I also appreciate his healthy level of snark.

What would you name the autobiography of your life? Another toughie! So much of my life has been informed by being an Englishman who moved to Scotland at the young age of 22. It’s not the other side of the world or anything, but there are so many cultural differences that it’s shaped who I am in a big way. I’d want to pick something to reflect that, a Scottish word, and I think “Glaikit” is a good one. According toΒ Urban Dictionary, it means “stupid, foolish, not very bright, thoughtless, vacant”. That might not sound like it’s selling myself very well, but my thinking is that most people wouldn’t be familiar with the word on a wider scale and would be intrigued to find out more. Then, they’d want to know why I named my autobiography that! I think it reflects my general bewilderment at life, as my wife often describes my expression as “glaikit” when encountering something unfamiliar or baffling. I don’t think I’m thoughtless, though; I might look glaikit, but there’s more going on below the surface as I try to decipher my existence. So the title would be ironic in a sense. Whew, sorry for this long-winded answer.

A Shot In The Light by Hart Johnson. Read my review HERE.

A Shot In The LightGenre/Category: Flu conspiracy thriller or near future dystopia.

The book character you want to have coffee with is: From my book? I’d go with Theo… there would definitely be cocktails involved and he’s hot. But if we are going with ANY book character, I would go with Tyrion Lannister. There would also be wine involved here… I am sensing a pattern… but he is smart, analytical and funny. We could probably manage world domination.

What would you name the autobiography of your life? Naked: Unless you can be a llama, but otherwise be naked.

Alligators Overhead by C.Lee Mackenzie. Read my review HERE.

Alligators Overhead

 

Genre/Category: Middle grade fantasy/adventure story.

The book character you want to have coffee with is: The character I’d want to have coffee with is Harriet. She’s got some stories to tell. The witchy kind.

What would you name the autobiography of your life? I’d steal a song title and use it as my title. My Way.

 

One lucky winner will receive an e-book of A Change Of Mind And Other Stories. The second lucky winner will receive a copy of A Shot In The Light – choose from either a hardcopy of the first in the trilogy OR an e-copy of the whole set. The third lucky winner will receive an e-book of Alligators Overhead. Please leave an e-mail address after your comment by Thursday 07th April, if you wish to to be entered in the giveaway. Winners will be announced on Friday 08th April.

Do you know these authors? Every day people undergo cosmetic procedures to alter/enhance physical aspects of their bodies. Would you ever consider a medical procedure to alter an unwanted personality trait? If the title of your autobiography included an animal, what would it be? Who is the book character/real life character you want to have coffee with? Which song title would you use for your autobiography?

53 Comments

  1. Candice on April 1, 2016 at 8:48 am

    What a great idea – look forward to learning about a whole lot of new authors and titles πŸ™‚

    And to answer your questions:

    Do you know these authors? No.. but now I do πŸ˜‰
    Every day people undergo cosmetic procedures to alter/enhance physical aspects of their bodies. Would you ever consider a medical procedure to alter an unwanted personality trait? No… I think even unwanted traits ultimately form who we are.

    If the title of your autobiography included an animal, what would it be? Uhmmmm…. Possibly squirrel, strange as that may be.

    Who is the book character/real life character you want to have coffee with?
    I could give you a list of book characters that fall into this category.

    Which song title would you use for your autobiography?
    Redeemed – it sums up my life pretty well.

  2. Nilanjana Bose on April 1, 2016 at 9:12 am

    That’s a real cool take on the A-Z, Michelle! My TBR list is going to explode – and that’s the state I like it in πŸ™‚

    I don’t think my autobiography would make for interesting reading, besides my family would murder me if I tried writing one. The character I’d have coffee with…mmm can I choose more than one? A for Alexander (the Great)..

    Best,
    Nila

    Madly-in-Verse

  3. i b arora on April 1, 2016 at 9:23 am

    wish i manage to read some of these

  4. Teresa Coltrin on April 1, 2016 at 9:47 am

    I DO know each of them. Really good writers.

  5. LuAnn Braley on April 1, 2016 at 10:16 am

    Gosh, when will I be able to stop saying, “All those authors are new to me”? I don’t think I would have reconstructive surgery unless it was like after an accident or something; I don’t think I would have purely cosmetic surgery. My animal would be a horse: capable of great strength and endurance but has no trouble standing around eating. :p I’d go for coffee with Marvel’s Jessica Jones (from the graphic novels). And the song of my life is Patsy Cline’s “Crazy”.

    LuAnn (approx #374 on the list) @ Back Porchervations.
    (and one of co-host AJ Lauer’s #wHooligans)

  6. Damyanti on April 1, 2016 at 10:53 am

    Wow, what a wonderful theme, and great selections, Michelle!

  7. L. Diane Wolfe on April 1, 2016 at 11:49 am

    LOL – I think Hart is just looking for an excuse to drink some wine.

  8. Fran on April 1, 2016 at 12:29 pm

    What a great way to support other writers. Will be coming back often!
    Fran
    @FranClarkAuthor
    Writing Women’s Fiction

  9. Megan Morgan on April 1, 2016 at 12:29 pm

    This is a really great theme, introducing us to some new authors and reading material! I’ll have to check out some of the books you introduce us to this month!

  10. Amy Morris-Jones on April 1, 2016 at 12:31 pm

    This is a great use of the A-Z Challenge! There are some intriguing titles here. I’m always fascinated by the creative ideas behind spec fiction. Thanks for introducing these titles to me.

  11. Alex J. Cavanaugh on April 1, 2016 at 12:38 pm

    What about naked llamas? I guess they’re naked after shaving.
    Good book choices!

  12. Yolanda Renee on April 1, 2016 at 12:41 pm

    Great idea, if I had to use an animal in my title it would be a horse, (Wo-Man of War) LOL
    I would love to be less shy – can that be fixed with surgery?

    FYI: Anaktuvuk Pass (Uhn-uk-too-vuk)

    Have a great A to Z Day!

  13. Mary Aalgaard on April 1, 2016 at 12:46 pm

    So many questions! I know all these authors through their blogging. They’re all terrific writers. I would title my memoir with a song title, my theme song, which changes often. Right now, I think it would be…I don’t know. I’ll have to be back to you. All I can think of is Maya Angelou’s poem, Still I Rise, and the song “This Little Light of Mine.”
    Happy A-Z-ing!

  14. M.J. Fifield on April 1, 2016 at 12:51 pm

    I know these authors through their blogging. Great writers, all of them.

    I love the selection of Gandalf and Tyrion as characters with which to have coffee. Those would be some interesting conversations.

  15. Christine Rains on April 1, 2016 at 1:21 pm

    Fantastic start! I know all these authors. I love Nick’s and Lee’s book, and must get my hands on Hart’s. πŸ™‚

  16. Tasha Duncan-Drake on April 1, 2016 at 1:47 pm

    I’ve not read any of these books, but I have spotted some of the authors in the blogshere πŸ™‚ I need to find time to read more. If my autobiography title included and animal I think it would have to be a cat πŸ™‚
    Tasha
    Tasha’s Thinkings (72) | Wittegen Press (74) | FB3X (AC) (75)

  17. jetgirl on April 1, 2016 at 2:00 pm

    Very cool idea for the challenge! I am a book junkie so I am looking forward to these! I have discovered so many new authors through A to Z πŸ™‚ A-to-Z-er Jetgirl visiting via Forty, c’est Fantastique

  18. Jessica on April 1, 2016 at 2:11 pm

    What fun! Great idea. I’m not familiar with these writers or books so great intro! Hope you enjoy the 2016 A to Z Challenge.

    I’d like to win A Shot in the Light. That’ll add to my paranoia! πŸ™‚
    jessyferguson (at) gmail (dot) com

    http://jessicafergusonwriter.com/blog/

  19. Mary Burris on April 1, 2016 at 2:21 pm

    I love that you are showcasing other writers. I don’t any of these, but they sound like they would be great reads. Looking forward to the rest of the AtoZ series.

    Mary
    Twitter: @KnottyMarie
    Literary Gold
    Jingle Jangle Jungle

  20. Nicola on April 1, 2016 at 2:33 pm

    Aloha Michelle. What a fantastic and friendly approach to the A to Z. I’ve read Nick Wilford’s book of short stories – great reading (and writing)! It looks like my to read list is going to grow exponentially over the coming month. Have a great weekend.

  21. Roland Yeomans on April 1, 2016 at 2:39 pm

    These are all great authors. And you have come up with a cracker jack idea for your Challenge. My Stetson’s off to you. Thank you for twittering about my own post.

  22. Nick Wilford on April 1, 2016 at 2:58 pm

    It’s an honour to be featured on your fine blog on the first day of the Challenge! And in great company too. I have read Alligators Overhead and loved it. Have a great month!

  23. Silvia Villalobos on April 1, 2016 at 2:59 pm

    Great post and questions, Michelle. I think I remember some of these authors’ names through blogging. Now, I know more about them. The real life character I want to have coffee with? From any book? Probably Scout from Mockingbird, and Watchman. But also so, so many others. Music … oh, so many choices. When it comes to writing and listening to music, I’d need something calming. Great food for thought here. Will continue to ponder.
    Awesome beginning to the AZs.
    Silvia
    https://silviatomasvillalobos.wordpress.com/

  24. Hart Johnson on April 1, 2016 at 3:11 pm

    Thanks so much for including Shot in your list and for the review! I am familiar with Nick’s book, but it was fun to also learn about Alligators Overhead!

  25. Susan Gourley on April 1, 2016 at 3:13 pm

    The was very interesting. I would love to have a glass of wine with Tyrion too. I already have Nick’s book.

    Susan Says

  26. betty on April 1, 2016 at 3:29 pm

    I do know Nick, haven’t read any of his work yet, but hope to sometime this year. I think I might consider a procedure to remove a personality trait I don’t like. I suffer from anxiety; I would definitely like that permanently removed πŸ™‚

    great start to the challenge πŸ™‚ enjoy!

    betty
    http://viewsfrombenches.blogspot.com/

  27. Inderpreet Kaur Uppal on April 1, 2016 at 3:52 pm

    I know!! such things people do!! An animal in the title would be a lion or rhino, I think!! Could you add your twitter handle to the twitter link above. Also the #atozchallenge to your posts.

    *Inderpreet/EloquentArticulation*

  28. joylene on April 1, 2016 at 4:39 pm

    Thanks for these excellent reviews. Nick’s book sounds intriguing. Will Rueben awake from the surgery a changed man for better or the worse? Interesting concept.

    Lee’s book sounds wonderful. Love the title.

    Love the play on words withe Hart’s novel.

  29. Toinette Thomas on April 1, 2016 at 5:04 pm

    If I could get rid of what makes me worry, I would.
    Love this theme. Looking forward to discovering more books and authors.

  30. C. Lee McKenzie on April 1, 2016 at 5:45 pm

    Waving at you from #atozchallenge land. Thanks for adding me to your list A titles. The alligators are grateful–so grateful they promise not to eat your toes. Now that’s grateful.

    See you a lot this month!

  31. L.G. Keltner on April 1, 2016 at 6:03 pm

    I love the way you decided to tackle A to Z this year, and you chose some amazing authors to start things off!

  32. Cynthia on April 1, 2016 at 6:21 pm

    I have Nick’s book on my Kindle. I bought it when it first came out. Glad to see it here.

  33. J.H. Moncrieff on April 1, 2016 at 6:35 pm

    This is such a great idea, Michelle, and so generous of you.

    I’ve come to know C. Lee through the blogosphere, and she’s now one of my favourite people. She rocks! Thanks for including her book.

  34. Julie Flanders on April 1, 2016 at 7:35 pm

    Love this theme and what great authors to start with. I’d love to be entered in the giveaway! My email is julie@julieflanders.net

  35. Misha on April 1, 2016 at 8:09 pm

    Awesome theme. You picked some wonderful people to highlight. πŸ™‚

  36. Kimberley Cooper on April 1, 2016 at 8:19 pm

    I have a feeling I’m about to be introduced to some authors and genres I might not otherwise have considered – exciting!

  37. Sarah Allan on April 1, 2016 at 8:32 pm

    I’m always looking for something new to read. Great A post!

  38. Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor on April 1, 2016 at 10:17 pm

    Great theme – I like the idea of being “introduced” to authors and others through the alphabet.

    Thought provoking questions. My first reaction to the personality trait surgery is no, but I think I should reflect on that a bit more. I think it would be a good question to discuss over a nice glass of Pinot Noir with Lilith Iyapo from Octavia Butler’s Xenogenesis series.

    Anytime someone asks an animal question, the answer is cat. Goes without saying πŸ™‚

    I’d love to be entered in the giveaway – thecynicalsailor@gmail.com

    Cheers – Ellen | thecynicalsailor.blogspot.com

  39. J.L. Campbell on April 1, 2016 at 10:37 pm

    Haven’t read any of the books, but know all of the authors. So many books, so little time. :/

  40. Catherine Green on April 2, 2016 at 12:04 am

    Great start to the challenge!

  41. John Holton on April 2, 2016 at 12:16 am

    I know Lee McKenzie; she was a co-host of the challenge with me last year, and I follow her blog.

  42. WriterlySam on April 2, 2016 at 2:49 am

    I read Lee’s Alligator tale with my 4th grader last year–loved it!! This is such a great idea. Will be filing your featured authors in my tbr pile–I’ve a feeling it’ll grow exponentially by month’s end!

  43. Hilary on April 2, 2016 at 8:28 am

    Hi Michelle – great another set to add to your Bs which I got to first …

    Cheers and enjoy all As through Zs!! Hilary

  44. Randi Lee on April 2, 2016 at 10:10 am

    Hi Michelle! On a side note, I thought I was following your blog in my feed or had it saved as a favorite. Turns out I did not. Fixed that πŸ™‚

    I love this theme and love that you’re showcasing your fellow bloggers and writers! I will be following it very closely and look forward to learning about new and exciting authors and bloggers πŸ˜€

  45. Jen on April 2, 2016 at 1:29 pm

    Such a great idea for the challenge and these books/story collections sound great! Would I alter my body through surgery or other means? I don’t think so, barring a terrible accident involving acid. Ooh, altering a personality trait? At first, I thought “yes” but it’s our quirks and our faults that make us who we are just as much as our goodness. I’m going to say no. I’d rather take my chances to change on my own!

    Yes, I do know of all three of these authors and congratulations to them all! Hmmm, an autobiography including an animal? How about “Too Bad I Wasn’t an Otter” or “If Triceratops Still Lived”. Douglas Adams stole the best idea: “So Long and Thanks for all the Fish”.

    Oooh, and characters to have tea with? Loki. I just love his snark and I think he’d be a hoot to debate literature with. And that smile… πŸ˜‰

    Cheers!
    Jen
    Jen Chandler was Here

  46. Liesbet on April 2, 2016 at 2:56 pm

    I love your theme for the A-Z challenge, Michelle. I will open my world up with new writers and intriguing literature. Being an “au naturel” kind of woman, never wearing any make-up or using creams, my first reaction would be no cosmetic procedures. That being said, I’d love for my teeth to be straight! If these procedures make one considerably happier and they can afford it, I’d say go for it. I have always had a deep connection with dogs and dolphins! Looking forward to reading more of your alphabet!

    Liesbet @ Roaming About – A Life Less Ordinary

  47. Pat Garcia on April 2, 2016 at 5:34 pm

    Well, I finally got into your website. I know very little about speculative fiction but your first presentation has spark my curiosity. i don’t know any of the authors so they have been put on my to be read list.
    Shalom,
    Patricia @ EverythingMustChange

  48. Hazel Katherine Larkin on April 2, 2016 at 8:19 pm

    Wow! What a cool idea. πŸ™‚ I really enjoyed your quick-fire round of questions with the authors and I also enjoyed your reviews. Reviewing books for a month is a great idea. πŸ™‚

    Now, to answer your questions:

    1. No. At least, I didn’t, until you brought them to my attention!
    2. Yes. Nothing too drastic because I don’t want to lose anything definitive about me – but I’d like to be a little less untidy.
    3. I actually published the first volume of my memoirs – Gullible Travels – last year! If I were to go back, though, and rename it, the animal I’d have in the title would be elephant. I love elephants!
    4. I would love to have a coffee with Mary Magdalene – to hear the story from her side.
    5. The song title which I would use for my autobiography would be ‘Disaster Button’ !!

  49. Rhonda Albom on April 2, 2016 at 8:42 pm

    Cool Theme. Some interesting books. The second one has the greatest appeal to me as I love medical mysteries. Although I am curious about an autobiography called naked.

  50. Aura with writing on April 2, 2016 at 9:30 pm

    Amazing thought for the challenge! Its a great way to make your readers aware of different authors. Its exciting to know about books that I haven’t come across. Thank you for doing this! Will watch out this spcae for more.

  51. Yvonne Ventresca on April 4, 2016 at 12:47 am

    C. Lee McKenzie is one of my critique partners! I loved Alligators Overhead, and her other books, too. πŸ™‚

    Yvonne

  52. Michael Di Gesu on April 4, 2016 at 11:17 pm

    Hi, Michelle,

    Terrific theme and choices for A… I must say featuring one author is amazing but three is even more so! Great job.

    I haven’t read any of these and would love to be in the contest… Dak861@gmail.com

  53. Leslie S. Rose on April 5, 2016 at 9:47 pm

    I’m an Alligators Overhead fangirl! I used this story in my 5th grade class and the students gobbled it up.

Leave a Comment


Notice: Undefined variable: user_ID in /home/writerintrans/public_html/wp-content/themes/bb-theme/comments.php on line 69