Spyder by David Fingerman
Posted on November 5th, 2011
This book is hard to classify, but tantalizingly good. Great read for mature readers–describes sex scenes, drug usage, and violence.
Premise:
A streetwise thug named Spyder struggles to overcome his drug addiction, while the world around him keeps trying to drag him back in.
Likes:
o Lots of plot twists that keep you guessing throughout the story
o As a drug addict, Spyder’s an unlikely protagonist. I found myself sympathizing with him because he took a hard view on all other addicts–thinking they were weaker/whinier than him. Spyder had an outlook on life that I could respect, even as I disagreed with his choices.
o Eye-opening revelation for me on the difficulty of breaking out of the addiction cycle. Excellent consideration on how hard it is to change one’s base character.
o Spyder grows throughout the story, but also suffers relapses as events trigger instinctive reactions.
o Spyder’s voice remains true to the character throughout the story. There was definitely a feeling of “here’s the way I am, whether you like it or not” that made me respect and enjoy the character.
Dislikes:
o Very few. I disagreed with some of Spyder’s decisions, but that’s because those weren’t the choices *I* would make–it was my own bias that got in the way. For his character, they were justifiable, even when the decisions led him to dangerous consequences. And that part I liked: his bad decisions had realistic consequences for him.
I’d recommend this book to mature audiences who enjoy suspense, plot twists, dark humor, and unlikely heroes.
Full disclosure: where did I obtain this book?
Purchased myself
Another signing event tomorrow!
Posted on September 23rd, 2011
If you missed my book launch party and are in the Rochester, MN area, I will be signing books at:
Rochester Family “Yâ€709 1st Ave SW,
Rochester MN
I’ll be there (and dressed as a pirate) from 10am-3pm. My books will be $10 apiece.
There will be other local and talented authors there also, including:
o Elsie Dunn
o Divine Rhubarb Committee
o Helen Chen
o Joan Sween
o Jen Brewer
o Ann Schultz
o Tom Harper
o David Fingerman
As well as some local and talented artists:
o Brenda Kline
o Leisa Luis Grill
o Mary Lou Devlin
o Loretta Verbout
o Andrew Neville
o Deb Zipse
It’s going to be a great time!
Rochester MN Writers Festival 2011 Press Release
Posted on February 21st, 2011
The third annual Rochester Writer’s Festival will take place on April 9 at Bethel Lutheran Church. Writers will have the opportunity to participate in up to four 90-minute seminars and panel discussions, as well as the opportunity to have their own work critiqued by a local freelance editor. The day culminates in a final networking event where writers have the opportunity to talk with instructors, local authors, freelancers, and each other about our biggest passion.
This year’s festival will feature keynote speaker Mike Kalmbach as he talks about how writers need craft, creativity, and community to succeed in today’s connected world. Besides moonlighting as a freelance writer and editor, Mike Kalmbach also currently leads the Rochester Library Writing Group and is a founding member of the Rochester Writers Collaborative. As a freelance editor, he has edited numerous full-length manuscripts as well as many more shorter works. Mike is active as a blogger and on Twitter. He also organizes monthly Writer’s Night Out events at area coffee shops so Rochester writers can network and grow through greater connections.
Classes will include topics like selling your work, how to write better fiction, writing children’s plays, and the five secret markers found in every good story. Seminars will include topics on leveraging social media and what local editors are looking for in a story and pitch. Critiques of an author’s submitted works will need to be submitted by March 18 in order to guarantee a proper evaluation. Critiques are a separate charge.
Writers should contact Rochester Community Education to sign up for a half-day or full-day seminar, or for details on how to submit their work for critique. Costs are detailed below.
Seminar list:
– The Perfect Pitch – Frank Bures
– Write in a Flash – Helen Chen
– Writing About Yourself: A Generative Workshop – Jennifer Koski
– Please Don’t Feed the Saboteur – Roseanne Bane
– Write the Children’s Play That Theatres Are Looking For – Joan Sween
– The Five Secret Markers Found in Every Good Story – Tom Overlie
Panel list (see Rochester Community Education brochure for details):
– Meet the Editors – Ellington Miller-Starks and Steve Lange
– Promises and Pitfalls of Social Media – Brad Marsh and David Fingerman
Complete instructor list:
– Frank Bures
– Helen Chen
– Jennifer Koski
– Roseanne Bane
– Joan Sween
– Tom Overlie
– Ellington Miller-Starks
– Steve Lange
– Brad Marsh
– David Fingerman
Costs (click to register):
– Full day registration (includes lunch):Â $59 (on or before March 9), $69 (after March 9)
– Half day registration AM (does not include lunch):Â $35
– Half day registration PM (does not include lunch):Â $35
– Critique:Â $50