Authors on Twitter

Social Networking

There are many ways of discovering new authors.

It would be wrong to limit myself to recommendations only from online bookstores.

To reach a wider audience, savvy authors use social networks, like Twitter.

I plan to do the same when my book is out.

Kindle Editions

Now in Canada


This morning I learned that I can now buy Kindle Editions from Amazon.ca and pay in Canadian dollars.
You don't need a Kindle device, I don't have one.
I have the app on my desktop and my iPad.
I prefer Kindle Editions for all Adobe Books.

Hopefully, Sharon Milne's upcoming
Adobe Master Class: Illustrator Inspiring artwork and tutorials by established and emerging artists
 will include digital editions.

After visiting ChewedKandi's site, I'm looking forward to reading her book.

Gone

Mo Hayder


I read an average of two books a week, not all of them are great.
Gone by Mo Hayder is the kind of book that is difficult to put down.
The story pulled me in and kept me reading well past bedtime.
I'd love to see this book turned into a movie.

Being a Mom

Not Super Models


Well, since this blog is about reading, I am sharing a link to an article my daughter found and shared with me.
I've shared this link on FaceBook, Twitter and StumbleUpon, so if you follow me there too, then you already know about this amazing article written by Allison Tate.
As a mother and grandmother, I highly recommend reading


The Mom Stays in the Picture.

Amazon Reviews

Adobe Classroom in a Book


Another review on Amazon now live.
This time for Adobe Illustrator CS6 Classroom in a book Kindle edition.
I open the book on one screen and do the lessons on the other.
No pressure to follow the rest of the class, and I can work in my pj's
I can also read the book on my iPad, no Kindle required.

Tea and England

Traditions

If you read authors like Mo Hayder, you often find scenes where tea and cakes are served.

I often wondered how it all got started and found this interesting article on the subject.

Afternoon Tea

 

 

Posted with Blogsy

iBook

Reading Apps

One of the main reasons I will buy a book from one retailer over another is price.

So I wonder if most people do the same.



Another is availability and of course the app itself.

Up until recently, I read Kobo editions on a Kobo Touch or my desktop.

I kept the Kindle editions for desktop reading also since I don't have a Kindle device.



Now I can read both editions on the iPad, including the magazines from Zinio.



Now I am reading Skin by Mo Hayder with the iBook app.

I love the fact that I don't need a book light.



The last printed book I bought is Bones Are Forever by Kathy Reichs.

She is one of my favourite authors, but I still haven't started reading the book.



That is why I am preparing my first publication as an ePUb edition.

Posted with Blogsy

Posting with iPad

First post using Blogsy app for iPad.

Now I don't need to wait until I can work on my desktop in the office.

 

I've been testing reading apps and until this morning, Kobo worked fine.

When I opened my book this morning, the pages were shaky.

 

The Kindle of course works great.

I uninstalled the Nook since readers in Canada cannot buy e-books from Barnes and Noble, that is very annoying.

 

This morning I finished Skin by Mo Hayder.

She ended the story with a major cliff hanger.

Which of course means I will read the next one.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Skin

Mo Hayder


Years ago, I started to avoid books with violent scenes.
Certain authors include them more than others, and I stopped reading them.
I read to distract me from my daily routine and to escape for a short while, not for getting nightmares.

Reading a negative review about a certain author made me curious enough to read a preview chapter on her latest book.
I am now reading a fourth book by Mo Hayder, Skin .
She doesn't pull the punches.
At the end of the previous book, Ritual, the author shares her reasons for creating DI Jack Caffery and police diver Flea Marley. She also introduces us to The Walking Man, an interesting character with a violent past. She puts into words the thoughts you might have in the same situation and hopefully never act on them.

Oyster

Ebooks

There is a company that might make reference books popular as ePubs.
Oyster wants to create a service similar to Netflix.
They intend to make thousands of eBooks available to read on a monthly basis for an annual subscription fee.
The article on the Good E Reader is well worth a look.

dotEPUB

Offline Reading

I discovered something called dotEPUB.
This Bookmarklet lets you convert any webpage into an e-book.
You have a choice of two formats, EPUB OR MOBI (Kindle).
Extensions are available for Chrome and Firefox.
So a visitor can save an interesting article to read later offline on their desktop or mobile.  

Try it

Fall Photo

Google +
Just added a new fall photo to my Google + Album
I'm using it as a screen saver

Dying Fall

Ruth Galloway Mystery

Yesterday, I visited Elly Griffiths Facebook fan page and found a post with the cover of her next book, Dying Fall.
This was posted in mid September, I am looking forward to reading a Ruth Galloway mystery again.

The Likeness

Tara French


Tara French lets her main character tell you the story.
In The Likeness , the story is told by Cassie Maddox, a secondary character in the previous book, In the Woods .
The stories are connected without being too similar, clever.

The story starts with a good hook and keeps you reading.
I enjoyed the book and will read more.

Reviews

Digital Book World


Are you familiar with Digital Book World? The article on Fake reviews is one of many great articles found on this site.

My reviews are limited to books I actually read. Does this make me an honest reviewer? That depends on who you ask.

I never write negative reviews, why? The fact that I dislike certain books (there is a long list of them) doesn't mean the books are badly written. They just appeal to a different audience. I prefer to leave the bad reviews to those who prefer to share their dislikes. Why bring attention to a  terrible book?

The Absent One

Jussi Adler-Olsen 

I just finished reading an English translation of The Absent One by Danish author, Jussi Adler-Olsen. In other parts of the world, the book is sold under the title, The Pheasant Killers.

 In the second book of the Department Q series, Detective Carl Morck is presented with a case closed 20 years before. He becomes intrigued when his superiors order him to drop the case. 

 I like the imperfections of the main character and his peculiar assistant, Assad. Some of the scenes are very violent, and I skipped a few pages. Still, the story is carefully thought out with no unneeded parts.

Spam Links

Web Browsers Extension

If you find yourself plagued with spam links whenever you visit websites, the problem is with your web browser. In Google Chrome, I found an extension called wxDfast 1.0 and disabled it. I am no longer seeing spam links. No doubt they will change the name and try again.

In the Woods

Tana French

This morning, I finished reading Tana French first book In the Woods .

The story is set in the suburb of Dublin and is told in the voice of the main character, Rob Ryan.

The genre is police procedural and psychological thriller.

The author's style is top notch and no doubt will gain more reading fans with each book.

Kate Atkinson

Emotionally Weird


A few months ago, I finished reading the Case History series by Kate Atkinson.
It was turned into a six-part series starring Jason Isaacs as Jackson Brodie.
Now they started filming the second series in Edingburgh this month.
Jason Isaacs played Michael Britten in the series Awake.

I just finished reading another book Emotionally Weird by Kate Atkinson , which is a story about stories.
What I find the most appealing of Kate Atkinson's writing is her dry sense of humour when describing scenes and characters reactions.
Kate Atkinson is a great story teller.

Killer's Island

Anna Jansson

 After six Arnaldur Indridason, I decided I needed to read another author.
Since I've grown fond of Swedish murder mystery and decided to stay in the same geographic area.
Amazon suggested Anna Jansson, who created the Maria Wern character.
So far, I found only one English translation, hope more are on the way.

Killer's Island is a bit different from what I usually prefer.
In most of the books, I usually read, the murder already happened and the story is about finding the killer.

In Killer's Island, Anna Jansson introduces the main character with an assault and keeps you hooked as the story unfolds.

The English translation is not available from Amazon.ca
You can get a digital version from Kobo

Paperback and Kindle editions are available from Amazon.com

Arctic Chill

Iceland Murder Mystery

 After reading American, Canadian and UK authors most of my life, I decided to check out authors outside this range.
I am now reading the fifth English translation of Reykjavik Murder Mystery by Arnaldur Indridason (English spelling) of Iceland.
The first of the series, Jar City, was turned into a movie in 2006.
I plan to watch it on Netflix
The protagonist, a gloomy Detective Erlandur, is a perfect film noir character with an unsolved mystery of his own.
With each book, we learn a bit more about his past and personal life.


Read a preview of Arctic Chill on Amazon.ca

Irises

Reference Book

 To help identification and solve cultural problems, I turn to reference books.
I have a well-stocked reference library that covers every plant genus I can grow and then some.
New additions are made yearly and still the wish list keeps getting longer.

One of my best finds of the year is Irises: A Gardener's Encyclopedia by Claire Austin .
The book covers a lot of ground and even includes photos of roots of different types of irises.
There is also a section on hybridizing and growing irises from seed.
The information and photos in this book make it invaluable for all iris lovers.

Outside North America

Murder Mysteries

 My interest in authors from Sweden, Norway and soon Iceland started after watching a British version of Wallander
The series is based on a fictional character created by Swedish author, Henning Mankell.

This led me to The Hypnotist written by the duo writing under the name Lars Kepler.
The film based on this book is expected to be released later this year.

Later, I discovered Karin Fossum, a Norwegian author of crime fiction.
Her Konrad Sejer series was translated into 25 languages and won several awards.
I read the English translations by author Charlotte Barslund.

Next I am reading Jar City by Arnaldur Indridason .
I've already seen a trailer based on this book.
The inspector Erlendur series looks promising.

Blog Headers

One Time Fee

 There has been some interest in my previous themes.
In particular the Juvenile Northern Cardinal header.
So now I am offering headers for a one-time fee.
The license allows you to use the header for your own personal blog.

The fees will help me care for the birds.

 If the new album generates interest, more will be added.

Blog Header Album

Garden Gate

Back Issue Library

Garden Gate magazine back issues from 1995 to 2011 is now available on DVD.
I still have most of my print issues, but it is a chore to go through all of them to find an old article or garden plan.
Switching to digital editions saves time and space for me.


 

Country Garden

 Gardening magazine


Did you know that Country Garden magazine is now available on Zinio?
I only noticed after I got home with a print edition.
More and more magazines are adding a digital subscription option.
Barnes & Noble does offer Garden Gate as a Nook Magazine, but you need to live in the US to subscribe.
I hope they will switch to the more flexible Zinio soon.

Self Publishing

Options

I am now researching Self-Publishing portals for a photo book.
Right now, Blurb is at the top of the list for a print edition.

Amazon offers Kindle Direct Publishing and for printed books Create Space, which does not rate well for photo books.
But the marketing possibilities would be hard to beat.
I have a few Digital Photography books in Kindle editions and they look amazing.
The advantage with them is that the Kindle free Reading Apps can be installed on most devices.


Now Kobo is about to launch its own version called Kobo Writing Life: Publishing.
Since I read fiction books on a Kobo, I'm looking forward to seeing their options.

Blurb does offer an ebook option for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch.
They are working on adding options for more devices.
When I shop for books and magazines, I always check first for a digital version.

All future updates on the photo book will be posted in the Artwork and Photography Blog

Vera

Ann Cleeves

I have now read all five DCI Vera Stanhope murder mysteries by Ann Cleeves.
It did take more than one book for me to warm up to this character.
Too bad the series is not showing here in Canada.
According to the author's website, the producer, Elaine Collins, discovered Ann Cleeve's books in an Oxfam bookshop.
Odd how things turn up sometimes.

Vera is played by  award winning actress Brenda Blethyn and from the short clips, I've seen, she appeared to be a perfect choice for the part.
Let's hope that Netflix will wise up and add the series to their line up.


I'm including a short clip I found on YouTube.
Maybe you'll become a fan too.





 

The Gardener's Iris Book

PDF Editions

 Did you know that you can buy a pdf version of The Gardener's Iris Book by William Shear from the Fine Gardening magazine site?

Now, before buying a book, I always check to see if there is a digital version.
I very rarely buy printed books now.
When none are available, I make a request for a Kindle edition on Amazon.

Google +1

Photo Album

 Are you familiar with Google +1?
You can keep up to date on every part of this site.
I also upload  photos of wild life visiting my garden or close by.
The latest photo, a couple of fighting Canada geese, I took standing on a steep slope unable to keep it steady.
Since I rarely take long range photos, I never invested in a more powerful lens.
Now I wish I had.
 
See the Google + button in the footer.
 

White Nights

Ann Cleeves

When stories become predictable, I lose interest in the author.
Two chapters in White Nights and I thought I could guess the ending.
When the murderer was revealed, I was pleasantly surprised.
The hints are peppered throughout the story.
Ann Cleeves keeps you speculating until the last chapter.

Next Telling Tales a DI Vera Stanhope mystery

Scourge A Grim Doyle Adventure

Children Science Fiction

 After writing an update for the Photoblog and sharing it on Twitter, I found I had a new follower.
Before I follow back, I always check out what they are about.

I was pleased to find that David H. Burton is a Canadian author of science fiction books for young readers.
The book that caught my attention is Scourge a Grim Doyle Adventure.
The cover reminds me of the Jules Verne books I enjoyed in my teens.

On his official site, I followed a link to the Kindle Editon and read the preview chapters.
The first chapter convinced me to follow him back.
After the third, I was hooked.
So thumbs up for another great author.

Book Reviews

Preview Chapters

When it comes to reading, like everything else, we have preferences.
And those preferences change as we mature.

My present list of favourite authors was quite different ten years ago.
Being able to read one or two chapters of a book on Amazon or Kobo helped shaped my present list.
Reviews are fine, if you share the same taste as the reviewers.
Nothing will give you a feel of an author more than the authors themselves.

I chose a few books based on reviews alone.
One book nearly got shred to pieces before the end of the second chapter.
So, if any of my recommendations make you curious, follow the link and read the first two chapters when possible.




 

Geraniums and Pelargoniums

Alibris Books

 I thought you might like to know that Geraniums and Pelargoniums by John Feltwell is currently available from Alibris Books.
You can order new or used version.
I got mine years ago from Lee Valley Tools.

I refer to this book often when I research a new addition to my collection.
The book is loaded with great photos.

Shetland Quartet

Ann Cleeves

Right now, I am reading the second of Ann Cleeves Shetland Quartet, White Nights .
I enjoyed The Crow Trap featuring DI Vera Stanhope and decided to check another series.
In the Shetland Quartet, the hero is detective Jimmy Perez.
Halfway through the story I found it harder to turn off my Kobo.

With Ann Cleeves we got a bit more variety.
Having more characters to write about is probably how the author stays interesting.

The Murder Stone

Louise Penny

 In The Murder Stone, Louise Penny gives us a bit more of Armand Gamache the husband.
We also get a deeper look in the character of Peter Morrow and his life before Clara.
Most of the story is set in a fictional auberge in Bellechasse instead of Three Pines like the previous books.
The how of the murder is the most intriguing part this time.
There are plenty of suspects and motives.

Started Early, Took my Dog

Kate Atkinson

Yesterday, I finished reading the last published Jackson Brodie book by Kate Atkinson.
After watching a few episodes of Awake, I understand why Jason Isaacs was cast to play the private investigator .
The BBC series based on the books is set in Edingburgh.
I'm planning to buy Case Histories on DVD.

As much as I like the books, I skip a few pages in each.
Most authors have a pattern they follow.
Maybe it helps to avoid writing blocks.
So far, at least one animal dies per story.
I prefer not reading the details.

I did notice other details that repeat but not enough to make the stories predictable.
Now for a change of pace, I am reading The Murder Stone by Louise Penny.

GardenMaking

Digital subscriptions

Did you know that you can get old issues of GardenMaking from Zinio?
I have a digital subscription and still have all the printed issues I bought.
I use the search option to find articles on plants.
Sometimes the results are in issues I already own.

Now if only Fine Gardening got on board.

The Dahlia Primer

Good to Know

The snow is melting and now is the time I read about ways to improve my garden.
I grow more and more dahlias, and want to learn more about their needs.
I am now reading The Dahlia Primer by Eleanor Welling .
She cleared up a few things I wasn't sure about.

The history of the dahlias is interesting to read.
She also covers from preplanting to shows.
The difference between forms and how they were developed.
Plus a digital version is available from Kobo.

I also got the fall 2010 issue of Gardenmaking from Zinio.
In this particular issue, they have a great article on dahlias.

Country Flowers

Antique Flowers Series

 My inspiration for photography and gardening comes from different sources.
My fascination with photography began at the age of eight.
Gardening came later, when I had my own home.

Now I have a library filled with books on both subjects.
There are also the stacks of magazines I can't part with.
One of my most cherished books is
Country Flowers: Wild Classics for the Contemporary Garden by Rob Proctor .
Published in 1991 and my copy is a first edition.

In this book, we learn the history, lore and folk usage of indigenous flowers and naturalized garden escapees.
The Garden Photography is by Rob Gray who contributed to several other books.
The flowers are presented in garden settings and indoor arrangements.
The combination makes this book a work of art.

When Will There Be Good News?

Kate Atkinson

 I was pleased to find that author, Kate Atkinson, did not create the intriguing and complex character of Louise Monroe for just one book.

Back in the third of the series, When Will There Be Good News?
Louise Monroe is now a DCI with problems of her own.

In this book, Jackson Brodie is more of a secondary character but still very important.
The resolution of one of the cases is unusual and justified.
The story ends with Jackson Brodie entering a new mystery.
A great read!

We Heart It

Social site

Just joined a community called WeHeartIt
Appears to be similar to Tumblr

My next book review will be for When Will There Be Good News? by Kate Atkinson.
I'm about halfway thru it now.

Serres Quenneville Post

Post Update
Since I moved the Journal some of the link backs no longer applies.
I updated the link in the post about my annual visit to the Les Serres Quenneville in Plantagenet, Ontario.
I'll be going back again in June.
They are a good source of Japanese water irises.

The Herb Quarterly

Printed Magazine

Not all garden magazines would benefit from a digital edition.
The Herb Quarterly would lose what makes it so special.
Printed on mat paper and decorated with drawings instead of photos, gives it an old-fashioned look and feel.
I cherish my old issues and consider them artistic.

Fictional Characters

Ruth Galloway Mysteries

Is it possible to miss fictional characters? You bet!
I've just finished reading A Room Full of Bones by Elly Griffiths.
When I need a break from my daily routine, I read.
I was ready to read this book long before it was actually published.
When your expectations are high, the greater the risk of disappointment.
To my reading pleasure, I enjoyed A Room Full of Bones even more than the previous books.
There were more action and tension in this one.
And the best part, it is all so believable.

The English Garden Magazine

Digital edition

Yesterday, I made a wonderful discovery.
We can now subscribe to The English Garden magazine digital online edition.
Slipcovers and extra bookshelves are not longer needed.
The best part is that the images are as breathtaking as the print edition.
The menu lets you add bookmarks, view in single or double page mode.
You can also zoom in for a closer look.
But don't take my word for it, follow the link to see the sample issue, and you'll be charmed too.  

Update: Well, I've just had a look at my new digital subscription issue (no waiting).
The gardens featured in this magazine are all fantastic.
Oddly, it feels like home.

One Good Turn

Kate Atkinson

 I've just finished reading One Good Turn, the second book by Kate Atkinson featuring Jackson Brodie.
This time around, the story is set in Edinburgh.
Our hero makes connections that keep his visit far from typical.
The characters' inner thoughts and reactions are both intriguing and sometimes amusing.
The author does a great job of making the story believable.

Case Histories

Kate Atkinson

The Case Histories characters are so engaging; BBC turned it into a television series.
I'm already reading the second, One Good Turn .
Jackson Brodie is a likeable, good-hearted grouch.
Kate Atkinson injects just enough humour in the stories to keep you hooked.
The cases are believable, and the clients are the type of people you can understand.
The story is a good, well crafted murder mystery that won't give you nightmares.

Common Moss Rose

Old Post Updated

The links and image on the Common Rose old post are now updated.
This was posted in February, 2009.

The site has been through a few changes since then.

The Crow Trap

Vera Stanhope Mystery
 
I'm just about finished reading the first Ann Cleeves book featuring DI Vera Stanhope.
I can understand why it was turned into a TV series in the UK.

The Crow Trap is a clever psychological suspense story.
Set in Northern England it includes plenty of characters (mostly females) but remains easy to follow.

Too bad Amazon Instant Video is not available to Canadians.
They rent each episode for about the price of a paperback.

Next I intend to check out Case Histories by Kate Atkinson.

Read about the BBC series: Case Histories starring Jason Isaacs.

The Cruellest Month

By Louise Penny

 In between chapters of The Digital Photography Book by Scott Kelby, I'm reading The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny.
There is something comfortable about Three Pines even though they have more murders per capita than any major city.
I can almost imagine visiting the old Hadley house.
Or enjoying lunch at The Bistro, talking about books with Myrna.
The best, of course, would be watching Chief Inspector Gamache unravel the mystery.

Next, I plan to read my first Ann Cleaves, The Crow Trap .

A Room Full of Bones

Ruth Galloway Mysteries

Last week-end I finished The House at Sea's End,
the third Ruth Galloway Mystery.
Now I am looking forward to the fourth, A Room Full of Bones ,
to be released on February 14.
I wonder how long it will take for the books to be turned into a movie or television series.

 

The House at Sea's End

Ruth Galloway Mystery

 I'm just about finish reading The House at Sea's End by Elly Griffiths.
This is the third Ruth Galloway Mystery.

It's odd how reading a book set in a country I've never visited is so comforting.
With the addition of the few photos on the author's site, it's easy to image the scenes.
With Google maps we can even get a street side view of nearby towns.

So it is next to impossible not to get lost in the story.

Maintenance

Photoshelter Update

No images will be showing for the next couple of hours.
Photoshelter is currently doing a major update.
They should be back in about an hour.

Wild Turkeys

Post Update

 One more older post updated.

Wild Grey Turkeys is no longer offered on postcards.
At the moment, I'm offering only a print mounted on wood.
More options will be added soon.

Since last summer, there has been no visits from grey turkeys.
Two flocks still visit, but they are all brown.

Mrs Pollock update

ArtistGarden.net

Links  and photo have been updated on the Mrs Pollock previous post.

Dead Cold

Armand Gamache Mystery

 I've just finished the second Armand Gamache Mystery, Dead Cold by Louise Penny, and it's official.
I am a fan.

Winchester Cathedral Post

Updated

   From time to time, I check to see if any of the old posts are still being viewed.
I update and bring back images only as needed.



Winchester Cathedral English Rose

The Photography

Portfolio Updates

   For you that scroll down for more, there is a sneak peek to other parts of the site.
If you like garden photography, then I hope, you will come visit and explore my work.

Canadian Art Suppliers

Tools



Finally found a Canadian source for the Logan Art Deckle rulers, Currys.
I've ordered one this morning.

I will try it out on some natural fibre paper I found at Deserres.
The St Armand ph neutral Canal cotton paper looks and feels like a good start.

I also found sheets of handmade Nepalese and banana fibre papers.

Now if one of them would start selling the Logan embossing templates and
the freestyle v-Groover, I could expand my mat decorating skills.

Inspector Armand Gamache Mysteries

Author: Louise Penny

 I am now reading the second Chief Inspector Armand Gamache mystery.
The stories are set in fictional Three Pines, Quebec by Canadian author, Louise Penny.
It took about a chapter to readjust to North American English interspersed with Quebec, French.

I enjoyed this mix with the Kathy Reichs  books.
Again, I selected the Canadian, UK version.

The first book, Still Life earned the author several awards.
No doubt she will win many more.

Now reading Dead Cold

Book Reviews

About Bad Reviews

Every day, I visit the Amazon website searching for more books and read reviews.
This morning I was surprised by the negative reviews for The Hypnotist
by the writing couple, Lars Kepler of Sweden.
I consider this book one of the best I've read last year.
I wonder if maybe they read the wrong edition.

I'm fluent in both French and English and once as an experiment, I read a short story by Stephen King translated into French.
I hated it.
Anyone familiar with his work can tell you that Mr. King has a very distinctive author's voice.
This was lost in the translation.

Another thing I noticed, if given a choice, when I read a translation, I will choose the UK edition.
The Hypnotist is offered in five to accommodate their reading audience .
If you prefer American English and read the UK version, chances are, you will not be able to enjoy the book, no matter how good the original version is.

Amazon lets you read a preview chapter: this is a great way to get the feel of the story.
This is my prefered method of selecting my next read.

Old Post Updated

Topaz 

 When I closed the Zazzle store, some of the older post lost their image.
I've just updated Pasque Flower Topaz Enhanced with a new image link.
Postcards are no longer available.
The effect was created with Topaz Clean.

Ruth Galloway Mysteries

Forensic Archeology

I've nearly finished reading the second Ruth Galloway Mystery, The Janus Stone
by Elly Griffiths.
Dr Ruth Galloway is a forensic archeologist in Norwich county in the East of England.
I intend to read the whole series, in order they were published.
On the author's web page, we can learn more about Norfolk, archaeology and book tours.
I'm enjoying the books and do recommend them.

Next book will be Still Life by Canadian author, Louise Penny