Wenesday's Writer - Debra Burroughs/Sevanstian Winters

Having dabbled with the KDP Select programme myself, I know the value of free downloads during the days the programme allows it and try to support other authors when they use it, if I think their book appeals.  This often means finding free books I wouldn't normally read and these are worth a mention.  

Three Days in Seattle

One book that did appeal at the time was 'Three Days in Seattle' by Debra Burroughs.  I have to be honest, I'd never heard of this author before, although I've since discovered her to be a popular writer with several successful titles under her belt.

Having taken advantage of the 'Look inside' option and reading the first chapter, I was interested enough to download this title and read on.  And I'm glad I did.

There is no doubt this writer knows how to construct a plot, create interesting characters and settings to draw the reader in as well as building enough suspense to keep the momentum going. The story held my interest throughout and I didn’t feel at any time like abandoning it.  When her sister, Whitney goes missing in Seattle, Kate is forced to drop everything and fly out and help solve the mystery.  En route, she meets Ryan and I have to admit there were times when I thought Kate was beginning to enjoy herself a little bit too much, given the circumstances.  The romance was sweet and there was enough tension in relation to Whitney's plight to keep the momentum.  The ineffective police made me rather glad I didn't live in Seattle, however.

I think Debra Burroughs shows a great deal of promise, but this book does not reflect her full potential.  With a sympathetic editor to help her weed out tedious detail and guide her through issues such as weak dialogue, I think she could become very good indeed. 

I know these are not always major considerations in popular fiction.  The main criterion of a novel must be a good story which sustains interest throughout and, despite the technical weaknesses, Debra Burroughs certainly achieves this.  It was a quick, easy and enjoyable read and one I would recommend and award four cute kitties to.

And here's a quickie, but this book definitely deserves a mention:

How I are Becomed aVery Much Gooder Author

This was a real treasure among the free downloads one weekend.  It is compelling reading for any would-be or even already-published writer. It's full of pertinent advice presented in a lively, entertaining and very frank style. It makes great reading even if you aren't an aspiring author - but if you are, and want to become even 'gooder', Sevastian Winters tells you how to do it. Read this book - you won't regret it.

(Please note I have not included covers for these titles because I have not approached the writers for permission to do so.  This is not a review site, merely a blog about books I have found worth mentioning to others.  The Amazon links can be found by clicking on the titles and you will find many helpful reviews and other information about each).