It’s time for a monthly check-in. We, at the IWSG Book Club, invite you to share your thoughts and or progress on our current member spotlight books via this Goodreads pollor social media. I’ll be sharing my thoughts below, as well as on the poll, and encourage you to share in the comments below, if you’re not up for trying the poll.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click through to make a purchase, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Any amount I make goes towards my dream to host a book fair in Hampton Roads, VA. Please see my About page for more details. Thank you for your support.
Our member book for the month- Acquired but have not started yet. Hope to crack this open this weekend.
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In July 2022, I read 4 titles, sticking to my two IWSG Book Club reads and two exploratory reads. I’m behind in my Goodreads challenge but have plenty of time to catch up, Still, I’ve been playing catch up for a while, even this post is a mash-up to save time and makeup time.
Below you’ll find my star ratings and review blurbs for each title I completed in the indicated month. If you have not signed up for my newsletter, please consider doing so. That’s where I post an overview of what I’ve been reading, watching, and writing quarterly, as well as talk about my love of reading while offering tips for having a healthy reading lifestyle. You can also click the Goodreads links to see the thorough reviews. At the bottom of this post, you’ll also be able to watch a video of my monthly reviews, if that’s more your style.
You can watch my July Goodreads challenge update here. Click below to watch my July book review video, if that’s more your speed.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords #blacklivesmatter
Greetings readers, bloggers, geeks, and authors and welcome to The ToiBox of Words. I’m your host Toi Thomas, author of Eternal Curse, and today I have a treat to share. A while back, I had the pleasure to interview a wonderful author named, Jessica Therrien. A good time was truly had by all, and here’s how it went down… Oh, and there’s a giveaway at the end. 😀
Toi Thomas:Hi thereJessica! It’s so awesome to have you here at the ToiBox Blog. I’m excited to learn more about you and your work.
Jessica: Hello Toi. It’s nice to be here and I can’t wait to share.
Toi Thomas:So tell me, who isJessica Therrien?
Jessica: Hi! I’m the author of the YA paranormal series, CHILDREN OF THE GODS. I’m a mommy to a super cute 2-year-old and chubby wubby baby boy. My days are spent taking care of my munchkins and writing, most likely in my pajamas.
Toi Thomas: Well, I can say that I’m already impressed. I can’t imagine being able to find the time to write with two little ones, whether in my pjs or not. I have a feeling this is going to be fun.
Toi Thomas: Well before we dive into your special message today, let’s get to know you, the person inside the author.
Toi Thomas:Who is so you and why?
Jessica: Many people ask me if the girl on my book covers is me. No, she’s not, although we do look alike. She’s meant to resemble my main character, Elyse, who is actually based on me. So there’s a reason the cover girl and I are doppelgangers.
Elyse IS me in the fictional book world.
Toi Thomas: I think as writers, all of our characters are us, to some degree, but it’s kinda cool that you actually look like the character you created.
Goodreads
Toi Thomas:What makes you geek out?
Jessica: Right now, I’m REALLY into superheroes…mostly because my two-year-old makes me put on Hulk gloves and chase him around the house. In the book world, I’m going nuts over SOME FINE DAY. Love that book!
Toi Thomas: I’m a total comic book geek, but I’ve been pumping up my novel muscles- reading lots of fantasy and paranormal. I may have to check out Some Fine day.
Toi Thomas:What was your favorite book or story, pre-teen years?
Jessica: Harry Potter…but that’s everyone’s answer, right?
Toi Thomas: I actually have gotten all kinds of answers to this question, with LOTR being the number one, so far. Harry Potter is, of course, second.
Toi Thomas:In terms of interviews, whose brain are you just itching to scratch?
Jessica: Jesus. I’m sure he could answer a lot of my questions. Plus he’s Jesus, so…
Toi Thomas: That’s a tough answer to beat. I’ve gotten it before and it’s always a good one. For those who are believers and those who aren’t, a sit down with him would be enlightening, no matter the outcome.
Toi Thomas: Now that we know a little more about you, the person, let’s learn about you, the author, and dive into your special message.
Book 3 now available
Toi Thomas:So whacha got for me today?
Jessica: Children of the Gods. Elyse knows what it means to keep a secret. She’s been keeping secrets her whole life. Two, actually. First, she ages five times slower than average people, so that while she looks eighteen years old, she’s well over eighty. Second, her blood has a mysterious power to heal. For Elyse, these things don’t make her special. They make life dangerous. Only one other person in the world knows about her age and ability.
Or so she thinks.
Toi Thomas: I already like the sound of this. Not sure what it is about modern generation and our ties to tales of blood, whether good, bad, redemptive, or otherwise, but there’s something mystically appealing about a character with an anomaly in their blood.
Toi Thomas:So who’s starring in this 2 dimensional script read ofChildren of the Gods?
Jessica: Elyse is stronger than she realizes. Like most people, when the ones she loves are threatened, she’ll do pretty much anything to save them. She has little confidence in herself, but necessity is the mother of invention. Elyse’s people NEED her to be the leader they’ve been hoping for. With her friends and family by her side, she finds it in herself to take charge and make real change.
Toi Thomas: I’m sure with the release of the third book in this series, Elyse must surely be a force to reckon with. The title, however, makes you wonder if it’s her redemption or that of her people, to which this installment will explore. The whole series sounds fascinating.
Toi Thomas:What’s so special about this story that’s going to reel in the readers?
Jessica: Most Greek Mythology related books are retellings or their characters are actual gods in today’s world. My story is based on the premise that the Greek gods were never actually gods at all, they were a supernatural race that had unique abilities and lived long lives. They were only mistaken for gods in ancient Greece. This supernatural race, called Descendants, have been living in secret amongst us, forced into hiding by an oppressive council. Elyse, the last healer among her kind, changes all of that.
Toi Thomas: I agree, this take on mythology confused me at first, which is of course why I wanted to interview you and why I’m currently reading the series. It is typical to see retellings of the same characters or have new stories about demigods, half-human children of the gods, but I like this spin. It’s refreshing and exciting… though it kinda makes me think of that movie Hancock. Did I mention I’m also a movie geek?
Toi Thomas:Past, present, future, is there a rhyme or reason to your writing?
Jessica: I WANT to write in order, but usually my brain doesn’t let me. I get stuck and have to move to a new scene somewhere else in the book. Usually I’m typing in the midst of toddler chaos with a baby climbing up my leg. I just finished my series, so I’m kind of enjoying the feeling of being done, but I am working on a more adult book at the moment.
Toi Thomas: Yes, every writer has to find time to write when and how they can. There are so many methods to try out, but in the end, you just have to write. I like the idea of you working on something more adult. I think it’s good to evolve as a writer and try new things.
Goodreads
Toi Thomas:What author(s) has most influenced your writing? Why or how?
Jessica: Usually I am influenced by whatever book I am currently reading. While I was writing my series I was highly influenced by Moira Young, author of the Dust Lands trilogy.
Toi Thomas:I’m finding that I’m more influence by what I’m currently reading than all that I’ve read in the past. Don’t get me wrong, it all plays a part, but as a writer, it’s important to be reading and vital to learn from what we read.
Toi Thomas: Now this is where the questions get a little kooky; are you ready?
Jessica: Heck Yeah!
Toi Thomas:If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Jessica: Harry Potter or Lord or the Rings…any in the series. So hard to choose!
Toi Thomas: Yes, there are some series that just stick with you. I’m a Star Wars girl myself, but these superhero movies are pulling at my heartstrings. This is a tough question.
Toi Thomas:When the soundtrack of your life is playing in your head, what songs express your glee and what songs bring out your rage?
Jessica: I’m going to say Up Town Funk because hearing my 2-year-old sing it makes me cry with laughter.
I don’t generally get too rage-y. Maybe death metal, lol.
Toi Thomas: I’m so thrilled that you actually answered this question. So many authors are afraid of this question. There is no right or wrong answer. Love it.
Toi Thomas: Let’s play zombie urban survivor. What 3 things do you need to survive a black-out in Central Park the day zombies attack?
Jessica: My husband. Done. That’s all I need. *bahaha*…he just told me to say that.
Toi Thomas: Good answer; wish I could say the same. My husband has argued that a house boat is what we need to survive the zombie apocalypse, but he still doesn’t know how to clean a fish. Oh well.
Toi Thomas:What’s the most fun experience you’ve ever had, to date?
Jessica: My wedding. Best. Night. Ever.
Toi Thomas:Awww! How sweet. I bet you two are a really cute couple.
Toi Thomas: Last question of the day; here we go.
Toi Thomas:Not that you can see into the future, but in your opinion, what does the future hold?
Jessica: Well if the YA crowd had their way, it would be a dystopian vampire pit with a lot of badass 16-year-olds. In reality…hopefully I’ll be adding 2 more kids to the mix and my family of 6 will be taking lots of fun vacations.
Toi Thomas: Whoa, a family of six. Well, that’s definitely adventurous. I wish you all the best with your writing and your lovely family.
Toi Thomas:Thank you so much Jessica for spending time with me today.
Jessica: You are so welcome and thanks for having me.
Okay readers, bloggers, geeks, and authors, that’s all for today. Be sure to follow this blog to see who will be visiting next time. For more fromJessica Therrien, check out these great links:
Lead Council member, Christoph, is dead by Elyse’s hand, and Descendants have begun to emerge, exposing their secret to the world. Some see this as the prophecy come to fruition, but the prophecy caries a heavy consequence. It was never meant to be as peaceful as most had hoped.
Humans and Descendants struggle to live together in a world that isn’t ready for such a change. America is divided. Those who glorify the supernatural race believe Descendants truly are the gods they claim relation to. Others see them as a threat.
When Elyse gives birth to the next generation oracle, she sees one final vision—war. The destruction of the country’s major cities, and the end of America as we know it.
After her daughter is born, Elyse finds herself without the ability she needs to predict the future. Desperate to save the world from such conflict, she puts her faith in the hope that Descendants are the key to survival. After all, they have the power to supply a broken society with the means to survive.
Greetings readers, bloggers, geeks, and authors and welcome to The ToiBox of Words. I’m your host Toi Thomas, author of Eternal Curse, and today I have a treat to share. A while back, I had the pleasure to interview a wonderful author named, Nigeria Lockley. A good time was truly had by all, and here’s how it went down.
Provide by author.
Toi Thomas:Hi thereNigeria! It’s so awesome to have you here at the ToiBox Blog. I’m excited to learn more about you and your work.
Nigeria: Thank you Toi. I’m so happy to be here.
Provided by author.
Toi Thomas:So tell me, who isNigeria Lockley?
Nigeria: Nigeria is the wife of William, the mother of the “oogies”, Boogie and Woogie, the author of two books, Born at Dawn and Seasoned with Grace. I’m have super powers–I’m an author by night and a teacher by day. I like pralines and cream ice cream and blue is my favorite color. I’m addicted to coffee and nail polish. While I do publish as Nigeria Lockley, if I had a pen name it would be Rachel Murphy.
Toi Thomas: Well now, while I don’t have a set of “oogies”, it seems we have many other things in common. I’m a teacher’s aide by day and writer at night, my favorite color is blue, and I enjoy Butter Pecan ice cream- that’s close to pralines and cream.
Toi Thomas: Now, before we dive into your special message today, let’s get to know you, the person inside the author.
Toi Thomas:What makes you geek out?
Nigeria: Fashion. Now that doesn’t sound geeky, but I really like hearing about the way a piece is constructed or the inspiration for a designer’s collection and very often they are inspired by history or artwork. It turns out that fashion is more geeky that one thinks when you start considering body types, structure, etc. I love it.
Toi Thomas: Oh truly believe that everyone is a geek for something. It’s not all about science fiction and comic books. I consider my sister a fashion geek as well, but I think the more popular term is fashionista.
From Goodreads.
Toi Thomas:What was your favorite book or story, pre-teen years?
Nigeria: I was the only black resident of Sweet Valley High. I lived for those books. I read every single book in the series–including the Sweet Valley Saga (I bet y’all didn’t even know about that).
Toi Thomas: While I never read Sweet Valley High, I did know about it. It just wasn’t my thing. I did however read a few Babysitter’s Club books, but I mostly stuck to tales of fantasy. I wonder if my sister ever read any Sweet Valley High.
Toi Thomas:In terms of interviews, whose brain are you just itching to scratch?
From Wikipedia.
Nigeria: Zora Neal Hurston. I just think she was so brilliant and well-rounded. She also had a very interesting personal life, so I’d love to know the full scoop on her love life that inspired Their Eyes Were Watching God, how she handled the way some members of the literary community shunned her, and that impeccable fashion sense of hers.
Toi Thomas: Great choice. I too often wonder about the inspirations and lives of authors who’ve impacted my life or creativity in some way or another. Her work has definitely left a legacy and as much as I hate to admit it, when an author’s work in adapted into film, it means that it has impacted the lives of so many.
Toi Thomas: Now that we know a little more about you, the person, let’s learn about you, the author, and dive into your special message.
Toi Thomas:So whacha got for me today?
Nigeria: Sentenced to probation at Mount Carmel Community Church, thirty-year-old, supermodel Grace King must put her plans of transitioning into acting to extend the longevity of her career on hold. Instead of God, Grace finds a “chocolate drop” of a man–Brother Horace Brown. While focusing on the pursuit of passion Grace lands the lead in a new film, but this role fits Grace all too well. Will this film revive Grace’s relationship with God and her career or bring her closer to destruction?
Toi Thomas: I like the premise of this story and must admit that I’m intrigued by the fact that the main character is supermodel. I curious to know more about her.
Provided by author. Click image for preview.
Toi Thomas:So who’s starring is this 2 dimensional script read ofSeasoned With Grace?
Nigeria: Grace King is a super model traveling down the path to destruction on an express bus. She’s beauty and the beast all rolled up into one body. Grace isn’t interested in what anyone has to say about her; she lives life by her rules and rides on the edge of her seat.
Toi Thomas: Grace seems like the kind of character one love to hate, but hopefully that changes as the story develops. While anti-heroes have ways of creeping into people’s hearts, a genuine character you love to love seems to stick with you longer.
Toi Thomas:What’s so special about this story that’s going to reel in the readers?
Nigeria: Seasoned with Grace gives readers an all-access pass into the life of super model Grace King—peeling back the layers of her opulent life to uncover the scars that rape, addiction, and a forced abortion can leave behind. I think readers will be encouraged and experience redemption right alongside of Grace.
Toi Thomas: Redemption is the magic word here. You can never have enough stories about hope, second changes, and triumph. Perhaps Grace will become an icon in the hearts of those seeking their own redemption.
Toi Thomas:Past, present, future, is there a rhyme or reason to your writing?
Nigeria: There is no method to my madness. Each story I write is different and requires something different from me in order for it to come out. I wrote my first novel, Born at Dawn entirely in long hand. I wrote most of Seasoned with Grace on my cell phone and out of sequence (that’s a whole ‘nother interview). My current work in progress Tempted to Touch was written entirely long hand due to a first person narrator who refused to let me in whenever I sat down in front of a computer.
Toi Thomas: Wow. I can’t imagine writing out a story on my cell phone. Sure I’ve written short stories and novellas out long hand, so the idea of a novel doesn’t seem to out of reach, but a cell phone. “They” say, write where the muse strikes and you’re a testament to that. I love it.
Toi Thomas: Now this is where the questions get a little kooky; are you ready?
Nigeria: Yes I am.
Toi Thomas:If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
From Wikipedia.
Nigeria: The Best Man. I can watch that movie over and over again and just crack up. I love the camaraderie and chemistry of the cast. If I could only watch one movie for the rest of my life I’d be fine with The Best Man.
Toi Thomas: That is a pretty good movie. I enjoy movies that show supportive relationships even if there is some dysfunction to it. If in the end, it’s healthy and loving, I’m all for it.
Toi Thomas:Not that you can see into the future, but in your opinion, what does the future hold?
Nigeria: In five more years by the grace of God, I’ll be the running a successful Christian based media and lifestyle company. I’ll start in the arena of publishing and branch out by the grace of God into other areas of media and lifestyle (fashion, health, wealth, and beauty).
Toi Thomas: That’s a very ambitious and positive goal for the future. I hope it comes to pass and wish you all the best.
Toi Thomas:Thank you so much Nigeria for spending time with me today.
Nigeria: My pleasure Toi. Thank you for having me.
Okay readers, bloggers, geeks, and authors, that’s all for today. Be sure to follow this blog to see who will be visiting next time. For more fromNigeria Lockley, check out these great links:
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