I have spent the last several weeks reading three novels from Jonathan Carroll. This review of White Apples is the first of the Carroll novels I've read. I had never heard of Jonathan Carroll before reading this post from Neil Gaiman about him. Besides Gaiman, he...
Wisdom of Kammbia 4.1: How Running Has Become A Part Of My Life
by MHill | Nov 1, 2015 | Wisdom From Kammbia Column
I have always followed the beat to my own drummer. Running has helped me embrace that drum beat. I started to run seriously for the first time over the summer. My wife is a member of a running club and has been running with them for quite awhile. Her participation...
Book Review 68: Tower of Glass by Robert Silverberg
by MHill | Jul 17, 2015 | 2015 Book Reviews, Wisdom From Kammbia Column, Wisdom From Kammbia Novella Review
I'm continuing my summer reading of Robert Silverberg novels from the most prolific period of his career, 1967-1976. I reviewed A Time of Changes previously and now it's time for Tower of Glass. Simeon Krug, inventor and entrepreneur, is obsessed in getting a tower...
Book Review 65: The Sportswriter by Richard Ford
by MHill | Jun 4, 2015 | 2015 Book Reviews, Book Reviews, Marion's Favorite Books, Marion's Favorites, Marion's Reading Life Blog, Wisdom From Kammbia Column
The Sportswriter by Richard Ford chronicles an Easter Weekend in the life of Frank Bascombe, a failed novelist turned sportswriter. Ford's breakout third novel grapples with the themes of grief, a failed career, and unhealthy relationships. Bascombe's story is told...
Wisdom of Kammbia 3.36: Embrace Your Artistic Label Instead of Running Away From It
by MHill | Apr 26, 2015 | Wisdom From Kammbia Column
Running away from what you are labeled as an artist could keep you from your true gift or calling. We live in a society that gives a contradictory message about being labeled. On one hand, people will say don’t label me according this or that thing. On the other hand,...
Wisdom of Kammbia 3.35: The Book by a Popular Author That Surprised You
by MHill | Jul 5, 2014 | Wisdom From Kammbia Column
I have a question: What is the book by a popular or well-known author that surprised you in a good way? The Bag of Bones by Stephen King is my answer to this question. For years, I had refused to read Stephen King. I don't have a good reason why. I was a bookseller...
Wisdom of Kammbia 3.34: Lessons Learned So Far
by MHill | Jun 14, 2014 | Wisdom From Kammbia Column
It has been a week since my novel, The Descendant of Destiny, has been published. I have learned a few things in my freshman season as a published novelist. I thought I would share some of these lessons and hopefully they will help the next writer who is ready to get...
Wisdom of Kammbia 3.30: The Importance of the Writer-Reader Relationship
by MHill | Aug 26, 2013 | Wisdom From Kammbia Column, Writing and Publishing Resources
I believe this quote should make writers realize the importance of the writer-reader relationship and that we don't disrespect that connection. "What disrespect we writers have for the people who read our work. Our readers don’t expect perfection every time we publish...
Book Review 41: Middle Passage by Charles Johnson
by MHill | Jul 27, 2013 | 2013 Book Reviews, Book Reviews, Marion's Favorite Books, Marion's Favorites, Marion's Reading Life Blog, Wisdom From Kammbia Column, Wisdom From Kammbia Novella Review
Middle Passage is the story of Rutherford Calhoun, a free black man, living in 1830's New Orleans. Rutherford is a thief, hustler, and womanizer who has lived a nomadic, vagabond life and somehow stayed out being sold into slavery. Well, there's a prim and devout...
Wisdom of Kammbia 3.28: 25 Things A Dad Should Teach His Son
by MHill | Jul 14, 2013 | Wisdom From Kammbia Column
I just saw this list today and I thought it would be good to share. These twenty-five things are not the final word on what a father should teach his son. If there are others I've missed, please reply and add them to the list. Also, if you as father (like myself)...