Mary Buckham

October 3, 2014 Books, Reviews, Writing craft 6 Comments

WRITING ACTIVE HOOKS REVIEW – DOES EXACTLY WHAT IT SAYS ON THE TIN

Mary, Mary, Writers’ Fairy, Grant Me A Wish

The wish of being a better writer and of hooking my readers’ attention.

*swish*

“Read this, child, and your wish shall be granted.”

Sadly, outside of Mary’s Invisible Recruits series, magic requires a lot of hard graft. But it just got a little bit easier.

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, some writing rules you’ve always known. “It was a dark and stormy night” has outlived its usefulness. Nowadays, we want to grab agents, editors and readers by the throat from the start.

So you come up with a clever first sentence that attracts the reader’s interest. Next, you set the scene by describing the swooping of the valleys below. And finally you construct the roads that funnel the reader from one scene to the next. Right?

Well, not according to Mary Buckham. Her book tore up the carefully laid infrastructure of my plot like a jackhammer. Has that woman no shame?

I can’t speak to her shame, but there’s no doubting she knows her stuff. Because she not only helped me fill in the freshly excavated holes with a perfect finish, but gave me the tools to build a better and stronger groundwork in the future. From where to place my hooks for optimum benefit to which types work best for my story, she leaves no stone unturned. Practical examples serve as road signs and guide you reliably to your destination: a true page-turner.

So don your hard hats, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dig deep to make the magic happen.

Writing Active Hooks by Mary Buckham is available now.

August 12, 2014 Books, The Write Path, Urban Fantasy 11 Comments

THE WRITE PATH with Mary Buckham

In this series, guest bloggers talk to us about their books. My guest today is author, teacher, head ninja and sometimes personal life coach Mary Buckham, who will be discussing Invisible Fears, part one of her Invisible Recruit series. You can find my review on her book here: Invisible Fears – Review

So let me hand over my mic. The next voice you’ll hear will be Mary’s.

1. What is your book about?

INVISIBLE FEARS is the fourth full-length novel in the Invisible Recruits Urban Fantasy series and the first in that series focusing on Kelly McAllister, a former kindergarten teacher turned covert agent to fight preternaturals. She also has an ability that has always set her apart—she can turn invisible. Which sounds fun, but is everything but, especially in this story.

Kelly’s the nice girl-next-door who always sees the glass half-full and she’s leading her first mission deep into the heart of equatorial Africa. She’s to find a rare item that is the key to understanding and stopping a dangerous threat to humans and preternaturals alike. She’s also looking for answers to how her beloved older sister died in this part of the world while doing relief work, a quest that opens up more questions than answers and puts her official mission at risk almost immediately. Danger is around every corner as Kelly struggles to complete her mission, protect innocent children under her care, and stay alive. Then there’s a hunky wolf Shifter who’s causing her all sorts of other complications.

2. What do you think attracts readers to your main characters?

Kelly is that kind, compassionate, genuinely good person we’d all like to be, or think of ourselves as being, pushed to the brink physically, mentally and emotionally. Some see her optimism as naïve and dangerous, especially in her role as a fighter against preternatural threats. Others see her in ways she’d never see herself. I think what attracts readers to her is her journey of self-discovery that’s as much a part of the story as surviving the external threats she faces.

3. What message do you hope the reader takes away from your book?

My book titles tend to reflect the themes of my stories. So in INVISIBLE FEARS Kelly must face a whole gamut of fears—external and internal. Attacks by a Smere goblin, a kidnapping by a sinister preternatural mercenary leader, slogging through the jungle, as well as learning the truth behind her sister’s death and her own hidden background. Facing the type of hurdles she has to face is not easy and doing so while struggling to remain true to who Kelly thinks she is, adds a whole other layer of complications for her.

4. What is it about your book that made you so determined it should be published?

Writing the first 3 novels and 2 novellas in the series focused on Alex Noziak, a witch/shaman with a wicked attitude and hell-for-leather approach to life. Writing about nice-girl Kelly was a 180% turn around to really get into her skin while seeing her through her fellow IR (Invisible Recruit) teammates and through her own world view. Just because she was a good girl did not mean she didn’t have issues and challenges, and it certainly made it interesting to put her into situations that would have stopped battle-hardened warriors, and see how she approached them. Because so many of my readers enjoyed Alex, switching to a new character, even one they recognized, was a huge risk for me as a writer and for the sake of the series. So far though the feedback has been very positive. Proving good girls don’t finish last!

5. Comparing the ideas you had before writing the book with the finished product, would you change anything if you could travel back in time?

This book was originally written for a major publisher as the 3rd book in a 5 book series they’d contracted with me for a few years back. But the month before it was due for release the publisher stopped publishing these kinds of stories so Kelly’s story was set aside. When I revitalized the series with a preternatural/paranormal element last year I took book 2 in the series and revealed elements of that character and her own challenges in 3 novels and 2 novellas. I’ll be doing the same with Kelly and each of the remaining primary Invisible Recruit characters. So 5 Invisible Recruit operatives, three novels each and as many novellas as I have time to write creates a huge story world and story arc to juggle.

In INVISIBLE FEARS, even though the core story concepts – Kelly, former kindergarten teacher turned operative and set in Africa – remained from the original finished draft, so much of the story was rewritten that it’d be hard to see what remains of that original story. As for traveling back in time I’m very, very glad now that these books were not published by the big NY publishing House because I’m having way too much fun writing and releasing them in a manner that allows readers to get them in their hands sooner rather than later. Which means the next novella about Kelly was released in July and the next novel—INVISIBLE SECRETS—will be in September.

About Mary

USA Today bestselling author Mary Buckham writes non-fiction; the Amazon best selling WRITING ACTIVE SETTING series (in e-format and now in book form); as well as fiction – Urban Fantasy w/attitude. Love romance, danger & kick-ass heroines? Find it in her Invisible Recruits series: www.MaryBuckham.com or www.InvisibleRecruits.com.

Intrigued? Grab your copy of INVISIBLE FEARS here:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1l9LcHe
B&N: http://bit.ly/1lDNIbX
Kobo: http://bit.ly/SV8kkK

July 27, 2014 Books, Reviews, Urban Fantasy 5 Comments

INVISIBLE ALLIES by Mary Buckham – Review

Invisible Recruits Novella

I’ve talked a lot about Mary Buckham’s ability to put you slap bang in the middle of the scene. Writers have a term for it. Hell, they have many terms for it. Deep Point of View. Show don’t tell. Active settings and descriptions. As a reader, I don’t care. Because I’m right there, letting “the bird songs of a Missouri afternoon” swell around me, standing next to Kelly as she confides in Alex.

In short, Mary Buckham is an expert in 3D writing. Of course, the plot of Invisible Allies is everything you expect it to be, too. It’s fast, tense and twisty. Too many authors neglect the plot, especially a few books into a series. No short-cuts here.

But what stood out most were the characters, notably Alex and Kelly. They might have a lot on their plate tracking down a young witch, but their friendship is so tight, it glues the two together through tough revelations, were attacks and yes, a right old dressing down by their Agency Director.

Interestingly, this didn’t feel like a novella. Sure, it was a quick read, but that’s what happens when you can’t put a book down. This outing by our favorite Invisible Recruits is equal to a book in every respect, from storyline to character development.
Reviews

June 30, 2014 Books, Urban Fantasy Post a Comment

15 URBAN FANTASY AUTHORS YOU SHOULD READ

15 Urban Fantasy Authors I Love

I prefer Urban Fantasy to Paranormal Romance, although Urban Fantasy typically also contains a generous helping of romance. In fact, the line between the two genres is so smudgy, writers, aka me, get confused about where to place themselves. Since my focus is on the ‘fantasy’ plot rather than the ‘boy-meets-girl’ plot, I declared myself an Urban Fantasy Author years ago, and I’ve stuck with it since. This is the definition on which I based this article.

Last month, I published a short list of my five favorite urban fantasy authors. Of course I realized my mistake quickly. How can you possibly distil a whole world of exciting plots and delicious characters to five lousy entries? It just won’t do. So in full awareness that this collection is not complete either, here a more exhaustive attempt at introducing some of my favorite writers, in no particular order, together with my favorite series. Among them you will find some of the most popular Urban Fantasy writers, and hopefully a few names you haven’t yet read, but are eager to check out.

Patricia Briggs Her Mercy Thompson series is an exercise in smart, interesting urban fantasy. She has also published other series, but Mercy Thompson was the first of hers that got me hooked. You can’t beat werewolves, can you?

Kim Harrison Kim’s series The Hollows got me started in Urban Fantasy. Her quirky characters, intricate relationships and heart-pounding plots make her books a real joy. Witches, vampires, demons, werewolves — there’s no need to choose just one. To date, The Hollows is still one of my favorites.

Darynda Jones When Darynda came on the scene, I was stunned. Here was finally someone who wrote like me. An immodest thought, but one borne out of deep admiration. In all fairness I should say I want to write like her. Her main character, Charley Davidson, can see ghosts and helps them cross over. It’s fun, original, and with plots that keep you interested.

Jim Butcher Jim Butcher’s wizard Harry Dresden is a flawed and therefore all too likeable character. The plots are highly imaginative, and the characters as quirky as can be. What’s not to love?

Jennifer Rardin’s Jaz Parks series is a winner. Yeah, I know, some people like their Urban Fantasy sexy and serious, but if you’re after sexy and snarky, you’re at the right address. Sadly, Jennifer Rardin passed away in 2010, but her books are as readable as ever.

Laurell K. Hamilton Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake series, at least the earlier books, are must-buy reads. Anita Blake raises the dead and is a licensed vampire executioner. She’s tough, funny, and very sexy. Halfway through the series, Laurell changed the genre from Urban Fantasy to, I guess, Erotic Paranormal. I don’t mind sex in books, but plots always come first, and hers were getting a little thin in that department. That said, anyone who likes Urban Fantasy should give her books a go.

Amanda Bonilla Amanda’s Shaede Assassin series is a breath of fresh air. I was hooked from book one. Here we have fantasy that didn’t involve werewolves or vampires or any other creatures from lore. Nope, Amanda made up a whole new world for us, with the main character being an assassin. Hey, a girl’s gotta eat, right?

Jennifer Estep Jennifer’s Elemental Assassin series features Gin Blanco, the feared ‘Spider,’ an assassin not to be trifled with. As a rule I never trifle with assassins, but Gin Blanco knows her stuff, that is to say her elements, which makes her all the more dangerous. Really fun read.

Rachel Caine Another writer who steps away from the more traditional mythologies. Joanne Baldwin is a Weather Warden who always seems to be running from or toward things. There’s never a dull moment when she’s around.

Jaye Wells Jaye Wells gave the old witches and vampires genre a fresh twist with her Sabina Kane series, and although I adore the main character, her mischief demon Gigul steals the show every time.

Mary Buckham Mary’s Invisible Recruits series took me unawares. I’m an avid reader and my favorite authors simply couldn’t keep up with my demand. I was always looking for new stuff. Mary’s a great teacher, so out of curiosity, I gave her books a try. Well, I love, love, love her character, Alex Noziak. Talk about kick-butt. With twisted plots that keep you guessing, Mary’s books make her another author to add to my must-read list.

Kate Griffin Kate Griffin’s book A Madness of Angels stole my breath from the very first paragraph. Matt Griffin is a 21st century sorcerer of urban magic. I don’t want to give too much away, but it is one of the most stunningly beautiful Urban Fantasy books I’ve ever read. And as I mentioned, I read a lot.

Keri Arthur Keri Arthur’s Guardian series with Riley Jenson is fresh and littered with three-dimensional characters. Riley is no prude, thanks to her werewolf genes. The same genes that make her such a powerful investigator. With each book, Riley’s personal circumstances get more complicated, and the plots more twisty and turny. Isn’t Urban Fantasy great?

Faith Hunter Faith Hunter’s Jane Yellowrock is a skinwalker of Cherokee descent who makes her living hunting vampires. Something about Jane, and her alter ego Beast makes her an incredibly compelling character. Perhaps it’s her wit, or her no-nonsensitude. Definitely worth reading.

S.J. Day Sylvia Day’s Marked novels immediately sucked me in. Eve Hollis is Marked, which means she can identify infernals (demons) and, if need be, eliminate them. She’s constantly torn between Abel and his brother (your guessed it) Cain, and there’s enough intrigue and mystery to keep me interested. Sadly the series is quite short.

I’ve also read some fantastic new authors recently, but the above is a compilation of the crème de la crème IMHO. Clearly I’ve missed out authors whose books I devour, some because they’re outside what I call the Urban Fantasy genre, some because their names escape me for the moment (I apologize). All of them have helped shape my writing, in terms of plot, style and humor. More than that, through their delicate relationships, vivid characters and solid plots, they still make me read as a reader and not as a writer. I hope I’ll never lose that ability.

June 22, 2014 Books, Reviews 1 Comment

INVISIBLE FEARS by Mary Buckham – Review

INVISIBLE FEARS: KELLY McALLISTER (INVISIBLE RECRUITS 6) – Book Review

As a writer, I watch out for issues like setting, action and language, combining to make up the main character’s unique Point of View. I learned very little from this book. How disappointing. Because despite my best intentions to dissect this book like a top-of-her-field medical examiner, I was sucked into the story after the first two paragraphs. Seriously, I remember it started with a vivid description of scent, and then woosh, Africa, action, mystery, preternaturals, twist, relationship, more action, twist, bam, and the roller-coaster ride was over.

Kelly McAllister has left her kindergarten teacher days far behind her. Far behind. Well, okay. Perhaps not that far. She’s still a kind, nurturing person, but she has an edge to her I found incredibly endearing. Determined, she leads her team of Invisible Recruits to Sierra Leone with a clear mission. And an ulterior motive. Her mission: dealing with a threat to humans and preternaturals. Her ulterior motive: to avenge her sister’s death.

I make no secret of the fact that Urban Fantasy is my favorite genre. And this book features everything that makes Urban Fantasy great.

Check out Mary Buckham’s other books.

May 9, 2014 Books, Urban Fantasy 3 Comments

My top five urban fantasy writers

I hate lists. Okay, I love lists. Hate them because I keep adding items or change my mind, and love them because they bring some cohesion to my fan-girl rants, especially when it comes to recommending authors.

But first, my history as a reader.

As a kid, I read all sorts. But as I got older, there weren’t many books that caught my interest. I was too old for the fantasy books of my youth, and the only thing I could stomach were crime books, typically “soft” crime like Agatha Christie or Martha Grimes.

It wasn’t until the advent of Harry Potter that I rediscovered the joy of reading. I joined at the second book, and soon had my entire workplace, let alone family hooked. Well, the women anyway. Thinking about it, Ms Rowling owes me a hell of a commission. Suddenly I remembered why I used to love books. So I read children’s fantasy books.

And then something marvellous happened. I discovered there were fantasy books for adults. But with the job and everything, wading through six hundred plus pages took commitment. Besides, most were a bit dry.

Finally, I discovered Kim Harrison. Her The Hollows series knocked me for six. She’s therefore number one in my list.

Then I discovered Keri Arthur and Laurell K. Hamilton. The latter was really good, but after a while, the sex took over and the plot became thin, at which point I lost interest. Keri Arthur is an author I read regularly, but she, too, missed out on a spot in my top five.

To make a lo-ong story short, I found Jim Butcher (number 2), Patricia Briggs (no. 3), Jennifer Rardin (number 4) and most recently, Darynda Jones. With Darynda Jones, here was finally someone who wrote the way I myself tried to write. Quite a revelation, and I’ve been a fan since her first book. I even named one of the characters in my book after her, but since she’s a rather nasty character (the one in my book, not the author), I changed the spelling to Derinda.

There are many more excellent urban fantasy writers out there. Amanda Bonilla, for example, who hasn’t yet received the recognition she deserves. Who knows? A couple of more books, and she’ll be in my top five. Another near miss was Mary Buckham, an excellent teacher AND an excellent writer, as I only recently discovered.

Anyway, to recap. My top five, in no particular order, are:

1) Kim Harrison

2) Jim Butcher

3) Patricia Briggs

4) Jennifer Rardin

5) Darynda Jones.

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