The Beautiful Evil

Genre: Psychological Thriller

Title: The Beautiful Evil

Author: Robbi Sommers Bryant
ISBN# 978-1460998243

“A Mind Blowing Experience”

‘The Beautiful Evil,’ by author, Robbi Sommers Bryant, takes you on a trip down a long dark path through madness. Under the control of a domineering mother, added to the loss of her father, Constance fights the demons that lurk at every corner.

Ms. Bryant manages to weave a story of psychological suspense using characters that are disturbingly real, and distressing situations that while maybe the reader cannot relate to – will certainly sympathize with. The author asks, “How well do you know yourself?” We all have our inner demons – no question of that. It is how we react to our evil thoughts that are of great importance. Why are some of us able to control our demons and others not? What happens when the mind loses all sense of reality? Insanity.

Constance Sartone Jacobson is a young woman struggling to find her identity. Stripped of all self-respect, taunted, and mentally abused from a young age by the hands of her mother, she desperately searches for inner peace – but to no avail. Grieving for her deceased father for whom she had thought was a saint, she finds out even he was not without flaws. When she visits an antique shop, she is mysteriously drawn to a Greek vase. After a strange encounter with the shopkeeper – a peculiar recluse of sorts, she purchases the vase and retreats. Upon opening the vase, she sets free ‘Beautiful Evil.’

‘The Beautiful Evil’ is a riveting, hypnotic tale – one of which I believe its presentation is unique and genius. Bravo Ms. Bryant – Bravo!

Review by Barbara Watkins, Allbooks Review.

Jerry Castaldo 'A Memoir'

‘Raw – Emotional – Outstanding’

‘Brooklyn NY: A Grim Retrospective, a memoir by Jerry Castaldo, gives the reader a personal and emotional glimpse into his life growing up in a world of chaos. The reader will follow him on a journey of destruction, drug addiction, violence, and sheer madness, and just when you think he has entered the point of no return – he rises above the darkness.

At sixteen, growing up on the streets of Brooklyn in the 70s, Jerry struggles to survive the next day. Jerry must conform to the rules laid down by those who regulate the streets – a far cry from his alter boy image. Living a life of petty crime while indulging in drugs and alcohol, he loses all self-respect – but at the same time, he never loses the desire and determination to rise up and regain his soul. Through it all, he does not make false excuses for his actions, nor does he lay blame to those who betray his trust.

Jerry will introduce you to celebrities, politicians, royalty, and the underbelly of society. He will prove to you how money and prestige cannot replace the heartache one endures at the mercy of addictions. This memoir is much more than a story of ones fight to overcome adversity, it’s a promise of hope, love and redemption for anyone struggling to break free from addictions of any form. Revealing his most personal tragedies and triumphs, Mr. Castaldo deserves a standing ovation – for if it saves one soul from having to endure the pain and anguish he suffered – this book is priceless!                             

"The Exiled Son"

“Medieval Adventure – Romance – Heroism Above and Beyond”

The first of a two-part epic fantasy adventure ‘The Exiled Son’ takes the reader on a journey into a time when a ruthless leader, Yaernich, rules the SangreLin Dynasty with merciless dominance. Lasech, his older brother – meek and merciful is imprisoned to a life of torment and ridicule. Under Yaernich’s control, Lasech becomes his brother’s servant – expected to fulfill his brother’s every wish and command. Paranoid, Yaernich unjustly accuses his brother of treason. Upon his brother’s command, Lasech is detained to the corner of darkness in a dungeon to await his final punishment. It is there that Lasech encounters visions from beyond – spirits of his ancestors. The spirits divulge to him a near future in which Lasech’s love of his life, Kiene, will give birth to their son, Tallic, who will carry on his father’s quest for a peaceful humanity. They encourage him to be brave as the end comes for him, for his death will mark a new beginning for humankind.

Leading Lasech to the courtyard in the town square of SangreLin, several thousand followers wanting to see his blood shed throw rotten food, spitting and violently punching him as he passes by. Tied with leather straps to a pole, he endures hours of gruesome torture by the hands of the guards. Showing no fear and an abundance of courage, Lasech spit at the ground of his brother’s feet. Pinned to the wooden pole, Yaernich fires the first of two arrows – lodging them deep into his brother’s shoulder. The persecution proceeded when the guards led a horse directly behind him and stopped. Fastening the end of a chain to the horse, they took the other end engulfed with razors and inch long spikes, and wrapped it around the arrows connected to Lasech’s shoulders. A cloaked figure emerged and lifted his hood. Lasech gasped with anguish as he recognized him as a former beloved student. Yaernich dropped his hand and the guard cracked the whip sending the horse into a gallop. Roaring applause could be heard from the crowd as Lasech’s life drained from his tortured body.

The story moves forward to sixteen years later and introduces to the reader, Lasech’s son, Tallic. Like his father, Tallic was courageous and heroic. However, he would soon face his own trial and tribulations. After saving the life of a young maiden in distress, he is taken into captivity. Threatening the life of his mother, he is made to fight to the death for his own life, as well as hers.

The reader takes a journey alongside Tallic, as he fights against beasts and evil men in a quest to abolish dictatorship.

The author’s account of this era is quite astonishing as he utilizes a brilliant imagination in his writing. He creates a world so very different than we know, but at the same time – he incorporates the need we all have for equality and balance in our own lives, and the lives of others. I found this to be an extraordinary tale of fantasy mixed with an underlying absolute truth. Looking for a fresh new writer – Mattius C. S. White is your next upcoming new author in this genre!

 

Journey Into The Paranormal With James Collier

James Collier, is the founder of "Ghost Recon Paranormal" - an extremely interesting site I might add. James works out of the southeast Missouri area, and is quite committed to his work. When visiting his site, I clicked on several of his links and I was impressed with his findings. 

Does paranormal phenomenon really exist? Could there be an intelligence beyond this earthly world trying to communicate with us? Paranormal phenomenon is yet to be understood, and all too often classified as foolishness. As humans we have a need to explore (to go where no man has ever gone before) However, we have scientific rules when it comes to studying physics, quantum mechanics biology and ect... When it comes to studying the unknown basic rules do not apply. In the field of paranormal investigation we need more professionals eager to seek out the unknown, to document the findings, and to possibly record evidence of its existence. This is where "Ghost Recon Paranormal" comes into play. I hope you will keep an open mind. Check out James Collier's web site to learn more about paranormal phenomenon. Study his findings and decide for yourself.      

Introduction to author, Brian Wilson and his books.

Please help support my fellow author and friend, Brian Wilson, by purchasing a copy of his books. He is the talented author of Honeymoon On the Moon and Return to the Moon. Here is a little info about Brian's first book -

Honeymoon On the Moon:

Release Date Jan 8, 2011: Genre: Scifi Romance Comedy: About: Man falls in love and has six days to convince a lovely woman to take a ride on a rocket. Based in Natural Dam Ark. Return To the Moon: Release Date May 29, 2011 Genre: Comedy-Romance-Scifi About: A couple who takes their family on a vacation to the moon - You learn to laugh with Olivia and Monty, and cry with them as well. Return to the Moon.

J.K. Rowling is self-publishing the e-books to the 'Harry Potter' series

Why on earth would J.K. Rowling self-publish the e-books to her highly successful series, Harry Potter? Well, lets think about this a moment. Maybe she decided that 70 percent of the profits, she will more than likely receive, are more favorable than say 20 to 40 percent - you think? Maybe she just wanted full control over her writing and to have direct contact with her fans. What does this say about the digital world we live in? Will the publishing world finally jump on the band wagon - instead of dragging their feet as they have for so long?

Self-publishing no longer holds the stigma that all writer's who choose this form of publication must be losers - quite the opposite in fact. Please comment and let me know where you stand with your opinions about self-publishing.

“A Touching Tale of Human Endurance”

“Mourning Doves After The Fire,” by Charles D. Blanchard, introduces the reader to similarities that exist between humans and animals – the determination to survive. The dove represents qualities of faith, love, peace, and is a symbol of the spirit in many beliefs. In the bible – the Old Testament – Noah released a dove to signal the flood was over. Thus, the dove has become an emblem for deliverance and forgiveness.

The story begins in the year 1910, by introducing the reader to, Abigail Whitman, a 28-year-old woman whose world is about to drastically change. Her mother, Maggie, is a dominant figure in her life, as her father left them when Abby was an infant. Years of struggling to survive without a husband and father figure have wreaked havoc on their relationship. On a routine checkup, Abby finds out she has cancer. Raymond Fletcher, a prominent doctor and an acquaintance of five years earlier, is given the disheartening task of having to reveal the terrible news. You learn quickly that the chemistry between these two individuals is electrifying. Determined to find a cure, Doctor Fletcher seeks help from a fellow colleague who is experimenting a new cancer treatment. You follow along as Abby endures painful injections, surgery – one heartbreak after another in the search for a miracle.

A passage from chapter nine, A female mourning dove perched herself atop a telephone pole. Her eyes blinked steadily as the first crow swooped down on her mate and pecked at his eyes and neck. The mate told his companion to fly away immediately. “You must be strong, my love,” he said to her. “You will have to fend for yourself and our squabs. Raise them to be strong and trust no other birds, not even our own kind.” “I will find a safe place. I promise,” she replied in anguish, as this was the last time they would see each other.

“Mourning Doves After The fire,” exemplifies the innate longing to survive and flourish. The interaction between Abby and the mourning dove is breathtaking and is described beautifully. The author is quite knowledgeable of classical music and incorporates the importance it plays in our lives as shown between Abby and a young girl named, Madison.

“Mourning Doves After The Fire” is author, Charles Blanchard’s, first novel – a novel well deserved of an award in excellence. The characters are well defined and the storyline flows with ease. I thoroughly enjoyed reading and I know you will too.

Charles D. Blanchard lives in Westchester County, New York.

Review by Barbara Watkins             

Hold on to your seat – “A Work in Progress” is an exhilarating ride”

Fast paced, ‘A Work in Progress’ will make you late for supper and keep you up way past your bedtime – you will not want to put it down until the last page is turned. Well developed characters and a plot with many twists and turns make this thriller a winner.

The main character, Jeremy Jackson, is a financial wizard, so to speak. However, where there is money, there are always investors – and not always legitimate. Money laundering, conspiracy theories – who can he trust? His body is aching and his mind is growing wearier by the day. He receives a letter from his darling wife, Cassie, in which she informs him that she and the children have been taken captive. She tells him that the house is bugged and that her involvement was all an act in order to try to save them. Is this a trap - another set-up, or could she be telling the truth? Are there terrorist involved?

Non-stop action, heroic characters, and ultimate suspense make this an electrifying thriller – one ‘Oliver Stone’ would be proud of! If you are a fan of ‘John Grisham’s work, then I think you will enjoy reading ‘A Work in Progress’ by Larry Sheridan – as this author too has a promising skill for writing in the thriller genre!

Reviewed by, Barbara Watkins – Freelance book reviewer.           

“Eloquent Style of Writing – Captivating Read”

War With Pigeons, by Tae Kim, is suspenseful, thrilling, and in my opinion – a piece of literary talent at its finest. Tae Kim introduces the reader to the Asian-American community so many of us (until now) have not been aware of. I think the author did an excellent job in describing the room salons in Midtown Manhattan, cafés, and clubs that the young Asian men frequented. Written in first and third – person narrative, the author manages to captivate his audience with both techniques of storytelling – not easily achieved by most writers. Through his characters, the author expresses every human emotion – love, desire, bereavement, and jealousy with realism and undying truth. The words leap from the pages and touch your heart as the author speaks of a world and culture that is quite different than our own, but ultimately develops to reveal a common thread.

The setting for the story begins with a funeral on a stormy Easter Sunday as many people gather to pay homage to Simon – the main character. It is here that you are introduced to several different characters – all meticulously described in detail. It is when his friend, Peter, is appointed administrator to the will that the reader learns of Simon’s tragic love affair, and the events that lead up to his death. Peter uncovers a journal of his friend Simon, which reveals his friend in a very different light, and eventually dredges up disturbing memories of loss and love in his own heart.

One of the most memorable characters in the book for me was Simon’s mother. The poignant moment arrives when she makes the decision to leave her husband and young child in Korea, so that she could immigrate to the U.S. in hopes to make a better life for them. Naïve, she expected to reunite with them after a short period of time, but weeks turned into a year – valuable time lost that could never be replaced.

We often trust that if we stand up for what we believe in and do the right thing – the result will be a positive one. Not always. However, those who do stand up for what they believe in earn the respect of others as well as staying true to their values. The author conveys this vital message many times throughout the story. I trust we will be seeing more literary works from this gifted writer. I give War With Pigeons two thumbs up and five stars – highly recommended!

Tae Kim was born in Inchon, Korea and immigrated to the U.S. in 1971. He now lives in Englewood, New Jersey with his wife and three children.

Review by Barbara Watkins, Bookpleasures

The Power of Prayer

It's true what they say, when one door closes - another door opens. Three years ago I finished my first full length novel, Hollowing Screams, and began the process of submitting to literary agents and editors. I received several e-mails back from agents wanting a partial. The the answer was always, "It just isn't right for us" or "It just doesn't fit our needs at this time." Then it happened - a new and upcoming publishing house accepted my work and offered me a contract. However, my excitement was short lived. Negotiations on the contract fell through and I was back to square one. Feeling somewhat depressed at the notion that I may never see my manuscript come to print, I began to pray - some people might call it meditation, I call it prayer. I ask 'God' for some sort of sign, to give me a reason to keep trying. I questioned myself as to if my writing really had any merit at all. A few days passed by and I received another request, this time from a wonderful and talented young man by the name of, Dimi Nakov, at Zodiac Entertainment. A few days later I signed contracts with him for screenplay/film rights to not one, but all of my works. A few days later I received a contract with an offer to publish Hollowing Screams through, R.J.B. Publishing. I'm excited to say the contract was more than fair!

Some people would say what happened was all just a coincidence - as for myself, I know the power of prayer is undeniable. I will continue to put pen to paper - to share my love of storytelling. Do I believe that my prayers will always deliver what I ask for? No - but I do believe I will always receive an answer...       

What The...Am I Really Reading This Crap!!

When I decided to actually sit down and write a story, I didn't have a clue as to what genre it would fall into - nor did I care. I've always loved reading a suspense thriller, with a splash of paranormal added in to spice it up a bit. Born in the ice-age, I was an avid fan of 'Alfred Hitchcock', 'The twilight Zone' series - no, not the 'Twilight', vampire falls in love with mortal girl and fights the wolf boy for her love, series. Although - I wish I'd thought of that one first...!  If I had a choice, I'd rather not be known for writing in any one particular genre, but instead recognized as a writer of what I call hybrid literature. I love suspense with thrills, humor, romance, and yes -Paranormal Activity (pretty good flick btw)

What am I getting at, you ask-scratching your head and pondering the question, "What the...am I still reading this crap?" Guess as a writer, I just often wonder why we have to be stuck in a certain category of genre - wish it could be just plain old fiction or non-fiction. However, guess that would make it more difficult to find your favorite author when looking on the bookshelf at Barnes and Noble, or when sifting through Amazon kindle, Nook and etc... Okay, if I haven't given you something to think about, then at least I've given you a reason to wonder, "Who is this person - what has she written, and what the hell is she ranting about?"

If you're still here - not moved on to another more informative blog, then take a chance and wonder on over to my website and have a look around.

Oh, and don't bother editing this - I'm positive the speling and gramer is al corect...





 

The Great Flood of 2011

A family watches helplessly as their belongings are swept under by the raging waters. A poor farmer looks on as his crops are flooded and his lively hood is swept down stream. Thousands of people flee their homes - memories shattered. In a small town known as 'Morehouse' 280 homes (about two-thirds of the towns residences) are destroyed. Neighbors pull together to lend a helping hand to one another without thought or question for their own safety. Not since the great flood of 1937 have we witnessed such peril.

With flood waters receding in Southeast Missouri, residents finally can get a look at the damage. However, they already know that their lives, and the lives of their friends and neighbors will forever be scarred.

"The Evolution of Horror Movies"

As a small child, one of the first emotions we express is fear. Fear of the dark, afraid to look
under our bed, and fear of the unknown is not only terrifying but also exhilarating.
The horror movies of today have evolved in that earlier horror flicks contained much less
blood and gore. One of the classics, 'House on Haunted Hill' starring Vincent Price debuted
in 1959 and terrified audiences without showing any gory details. Instead, the director
played on our fear and let the audience use their own imagination. The master of horror
Alfred Hitchcock knew how to manipulate and shock his audience by merely using camera
angles and special lighting, creating eerie shots of terror that panned in and out quickly on
his subjects. Who can forget the original ‘Psycho’ (1960) or 'The Birds' (1963) they are still
horrifying to watch.

Again I have mentioned a very small fraction of Horror classics, but I think you get the
idea. In 1999, Mr. Night Shyamalan 'Sixth Sense' debuted and received rave reviews from
audiences and critics alike. Although Shyamalan opted to include a few explicit scenes of
gore, but for only minor seconds, it still possessed much of the same elements as its counter
classics. The same classic style of the past can be said about M. Night Shyamalan's 2001
'The Others'.
 
Again, I have mentioned just a few of what I personally feel will stand the test of time as far
as horror classics go. I remember the first time I saw the original 'Halloween' it was 1978 and
just into a few minutes of the movie I was hooked. John Carpenter used our childhood fear
of the boogeyman, and one of the most celebrated holidays of the year to entice our
underlying insecurities in the fear of the unknown and the supernatural. I was hooked!
And then there is director, Rob Zombie's version - I must say, and I think many would agree, the director could have left out much of the slice and dice scenes, and it would have still been a terrifying horror flick.

Oh well, each to their own. One thing for sure there is plenty of horror flicks to choose
from, and with such an enormous variety, one is sure to find a favorite!

Missouri Authors Directory

After several attempts, I finally made it into the 'Missouri Authors Directory' - Proud to be among such talented writer!

Barbara Watkins | FiledBy

Barbara Watkins FiledBy

“Finally – A Conspiracy With Spunk!”

Based on a true story: “Terminal Research” by Jon Batson, should be the name you see when the credits role at the end of a suspense thriller at your local theater. This book had all the makings of a five star movie matinee. Mr. Batson takes each one of the characters and brings them to life, and the storyline glides with simplicity. Writing great dialogue is essential in forming a personal connection to the reader – Jon Batson does just that!




As the story begins, a young woman is held against her will in a mental institution. Is there a conspiracy going on here? Creator of a newsletter titled ‘Look Both Ways’ Jack Richmond is following a lead to find the person or persons that had robbed him of his platform – burned his newsletter office to the ground and attacked his friends. Driving up Topanga Canyon Boulevard, he looks out for anyone that appeared suspicious. Jack spots a slender black woman with stunning features coming out of the nearby post office. He soon realizes its Letitia, an old friend from New York. He quickly recalls remembering how she and another friend, Jacob, had mysteriously vanished from his life. Going on a gut impulse, he decides to carefully follow her. Stopping in front of a house, Letitia gets out and goes in. Glancing at the mailbox, Jack gets the surprise of his life when he reads the inscription underneath their names, ‘Look Both Ways.’ Could it be! Could it be his old friends were the culprits? What reasons would they have to betray their friend? On the other hand, could there be a greater work of evil going on here? Oh, you had better believe there is!



I am not going to get into the story any deeper than that. However, ‘Terminal Research’ is most definitely a conspiracy thriller indeed – a story that will keep you thinking about what you have read long after the book is placed on the bookshelf. I highly recommend this read, and suggest to my readers they check out Mr. Batson’s other literary works.



Jon Batson is the author of ‘Deadly Research’ – ‘Research Triangle’ – ‘Terminal Research’ – ‘Murder at Thompson Bog’ – Encounter in a Small Café’ – ‘Doll Bodies’ – ‘Nina Knows the Night’ – and ‘The Rands Conspiracy.’


For more information about Jon Batson, visit www.TheRealJonBatson.com


Review by Barbara Watkins, Reviewer for Bookpleasures

Review of 'Heaven is for Real'

Title: ‘Heaven is for Real’


Author: Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

ISBN# 978-0849946158



“Precious Memories from Heaven”

I have read books revealing ones personal experiences of the afterlife – traveling through tunnels of bright light, and seeing the vision of a higher power. ‘Heaven is for Real’ is unique in that the perspective of this story is expressed through the eyes of a small child (barely three-years-old at the time) to his parents. This young child conveys a message of experiencing a divine miracle with conviction and indisputable detail.



Co-author, father, and narrator, Todd Burpo, begins the story by revealing seven months of bad luck involving his own personal struggles, his narrow escape with cancer, and several surgeries for a shattered leg. A pastor of his own church, he also served as a volunteer firefighter and high school wrestling coach. He relied heavily on his strong faith through all of his trials of sickness, but still at certain times he questioned, why me? Over a year later, just when things seemed to be looking up – tragedy would strike again.



In early 2003, he decided to turn a scheduled church board-meeting trip into a much-needed family vacation. He, his wife Sonja, and their two young children, daughter Cassie, and three-year-old son Colton, set out on a journey just outside of Denver. Two days before the trip, Colton took ill with a fever and stomachache. A trip to their family doctor revealed that a stomach flue was going around town, and his symptoms fit the criteria. After much prayer that their son would feel well enough to make the trip – their prayers were answered.



A short while into the trip, after a wonderful day at the Butterfly Pavilion, three-year-old Colton fell ill again. Realizing their son’s condition was worsening they rushed Colton back home to see his family doctor once again. After spending three days at the hospital, and the doctor not being able to diagnose their son’s problem, a choice had to be made. Checking their young son out of Imperial hospital, they made the long grueling trip to the Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte. It was there that Colton would be diagnosed with a ruptured appendix and had to have emergency surgery. Mr. Burpo and his wife’s faith would truly be tested as they prayed their son’s life to be spared. After seventeen days and two grueling surgeries, their prayers were answered. Amazingly, Colton recovered rapidly from the ordeal and could finally go home.



On July 3, 2003 less than four months after his ordeal, Colton now four-years-old reveals the first of many accounts of heaven.



In my opinion, ‘Heaven is for Real’ is necessary read for anyone that doubts the possibility that there is a spiritual world awaiting our arrival. This read touched me profoundly in so many ways. I urge the reading audience to pick up a copy of this astonishing piece of literature – embrace the marvelous experiences this child has broadcast to the world – I have!



Barbara Watkins, freelance reviewer and author of ‘Nightmares & Daydreams’

"Sensational - Stunning - Mind Provoking!!"

Never Mind Yaar by, `K. Mathur' takes the reader on a stunning journey. The four main characters are Binaifer, Louella, Shalini, and Bhagu - four close friends of different ethnic backgrounds. Set in Mumbai, India, the author communicates her love of this beautiful country by giving vivid detail when describing the surroundings. In reading this story I believe the author took great measures to develop these characters - quite realistic. Through her story, she gives the reader an understanding about what constitutes cultural identity - and how the various aspects of our worldview affect us. It is a story about true friendship, heartache, and the strong bond they share with one another. I felt a real connection with the character `Mem' (the matriarch of Shalini's family) as she represents the strength and love one must have in order to help sustain stability within the family unit. I highly recommend this brilliant work of literature, and look forward to reading more from this talented author known as, `K. Mathur'.

Reviewer: Barbara Watkins, Allbooks Review

Brown Family Snowman | Photos | KFVS

Brown Family Snowman Photos KFVS

The Life In The Day Of A Writer

Just wanted to share with my followers! I've sent out hundreds of query requests to literary agents, and these are just a few of the responses back.

Dear Author:


Thanks for writing, but I don't think I would be the best agent to represent your work.

I wish you the best of luck in all of your publishing endeavors.

Thank you for thinking of me, but this isn't quite right for my list.





Dear Author,
 
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to consider your work. Unfortunately, we did not feel your project was a right fit for our agency. But we do wish you the best of luck.
Please forgive the form letter, but the enormous volume of inquiries we receive obliges us to respond in this manner. Thank you, and again, best wishes in your future endeavors.
Sincerely
 
Hi, Barbara,
 
Thank you for your query. While your project certainly has merit, I'm going to pass. As I'm sure you know, it's important that your agent be totally excited by/committed to/passionate about your project, and I'm afraid that just didn't happen here. But opinions vary considerably in this business, and mine is just one. I'm sure you'll find others who feel differently. I hope so!

Dear Ms. Watkins,

Thank you for thinking of me with your query, but unfortunately I just don't feel I would be the right agent for this one. I do wish you the best of luck and success with your book.

Dear Author:

Thanks so much for letting us take a look at your materials and please forgive us for responding with a form letter. The volume of submissions we receive, however, makes it impossible to correspond with everyone personally.

Thanks for the query. I'm sorry but I'm overwhelmed with submissions and this didn't pique my interest enough to add to my pile of manuscripts. Good luck to you.

Thanks so much for thinking of me but it doesn’t sound like a good match for my list. The market for fiction is brutal and the competition fierce. I really need to have the fire in the belly for a project in order to get on board. I’m sorry and do wish you the best of luck securing other representation.

Hello Barb.

I sent you an email quite a while back to let you know that Hallowing Screams does not fit our needs. I'm sorry if you did not receive it. THEY DID NOT EVEN SPELL MY TITLE CORRECTLY - um...

To Barbara Watkins,

Thank you for submitting to @#&
We greatly appreciate your submission, and have
given Hollowing Screams our careful consideration.
Unfortunately, your project is not a good fit for
us at this time.

Thank you for your query letter. We've had the chance to review it and, unfortunately, this project is not right for us.



Thank you for submitting to @%$ and for allowing me the opportunity to review your work. Unfortunately, we will not be requesting more material at this time. Please keep in mind we accept less than 1% of submitted work, and the decision-making process is always difficult. We wish you the best with this and future works.

Thank you so much for sharing your writing. I sincerely appreciate the opportunity.

I wish I could respond differently but I'm only signing a handful of clients per year and I don't sense your project is a perfect fit for me. And I've learned that if I'm not head-over-heels from the start, it does the client a disservice.
As you are well aware, these decisions tend to be subjective and other agencies may find gold therein. I am sorry that we won't be moving forward. I wish you the very best of luck in placing it elsewhere and look forward to seeing it in print in the coming years.
Sincerely,

Alas, this doesn't sound quite right for us. So sorry. Best of luck to you.

Unfortunately, the project you describe does not suit our list at this time. We wish you the best of luck in finding an agent and publisher for your work and we thank you, once again, for letting us consider your materials.