This and the Other Thing: A Writing Update

Posted on March 20, 2015 by Scott D. Southard

So this is my life right now.

I got this book. I can’t really talk about it. I mean, it’s still being created. It’s fresh, still new, like a babe. Let’s call it SB for Secret Book. This book has taken over a good part of my daily thoughts, and I’ve spent the last few evenings just working on it.

SB has also entered my dreams. No seriously, I’ve had two dreams with it and both moments ended up in the book.

This is the part of writing that I love about writing. The pure joy of creation, not being bogged down in marketing, query letters (to agents and publishers), etc. Just me and a blank piece of paper. Nothing but possibility.

The only thing I can compare the feeling to is back when I used to play jazz. For me it was the saxophone (alto and soprano), and there is this wild feeling of freedom once you know a song and its chords. That confidence that you are on this, you are in control and you can take the song wherever you want. There is pure improv possibility at that moment. It’s a flash of lightning, controlled energy.

That… right there, is what putting together a first draft feels like for me. And I’m in the midst of it. That is the smile on my face.

Hello. Continue reading →

The Booknatics give a standing ovation to the new novel Permanent Spring Showers! (A giveaway too!)

Posted on March 10, 2015 by Scott D. Southard

Okay, I am honestly loving this!

The Booknatics just gave a great review of my new novel Permanent Spring Showers. Here is an excerpt of what they say about the book:

What a ride this book was! I can honestly say it was an inspiring novel, and very unique! With a cast of lively, artistic characters and a spin so hard it will leave your eyes wide and jaw hanging until the very last word… Standing ovation to Mr. Southard for a brilliant piece of work!

You can check out the entire review here (I also agreed to give an interview on the site, which will appear next week).

Also, there is a book giveaway on the page of my new offering. One lucky reader will win an autographed copy of the work. Just visit the page for more info! The book giveaway on Julie Valerie’s website is still going on as well (only a few more days). You can check out her review and enter that one as well here.

Permanent Spring Showers was published by 5 Prince Books and is available on all online book retailers. Out in both print and eBook, you can find it on amazon.com here. The eBook is on sale for only $3.99.

You can read a sample and learn more about the book via this page on the site.

“Creative… ambitious… bravo” A book review, interview and book giveaway for Permanent Spring Showers!

Posted on March 5, 2015 by Scott D. Southard

Today my new novel, Permanent Spring Showers, is being showcased on Julie Valerie’s popular book/writing website!

Not only does she review the work, but there is also an interview and a giveaway. One lucky entry will win a print copy of the book signed by me! You can check everything out (and enter the giveaway) here.

Readers eager to read an unconventional tale told in an unconventional way will love this book… A very ambitious undertaking that shows great courage and creativity on Scott’s part. Bravo, Scott.

I hope you will visit Julie Valerie’s site and check it out. (And good luck for the giveaway!)

You can read a sample and learn more about the book via this page on the site.

“Go get it!” Julie Valerie’s Book Blog gives A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM 5-Stars! Review, Interview and Excerpt.

Posted on August 16, 2013 by Scott D. Southard

Book reviewer and book blogger extraordinaire Julie Valerie has just given a wonderful review for my novel A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM. I am really flattered by it (and a little overwhelmed). Here is an excerpt from the review about the book:

A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM by Scott Southard, a fictionalized account of Jane’s life, is a book that should be placed on the shelf of every book-loving fan of Jane Austen because she’s absolutely “alive” on the pages of this book. She walks, talks, dreams. Her family (especially her older sister, Cassandra) moves about influencing Jane and the events around her. You’ll find a hauntingly accurate reading from a gypsy who predicts Jane will never die. (Through her words, I believe she is immortal.) And with Jane, you’ll explore love and explore deeper the age-old question: Did Jane ever find love in her own life?

I also gave an interview for the site that you can read below the review. We talk not just about the writing of the book, but also about my blog and my other books. Here is an excerpt:

Like the voice, I also had to walk a line between how “Austen” to go in it. Yes, the book can be considered a treasure hunt for the Austenities, but I also like to imagine that it is unique enough to be entertaining for those outside the Darcy fan clubs. At the heart of it, it is still my book, and I couldn’t help putting in fun post-modern twists and turns (including one very new literary surprise which I won’t ruin here).

You can read the review, the interview and an excerpt from the novel on Julie’s website here. I hope you will check it out.

If you would like to learn more about A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM, you can do so on this page for the book (https://sdsouthard.com/a-jane-austen-daydream/). A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM is available via Amazon (http://amzn.com/0983671923) where you can find it for the low price of $3.99 for eBook and $13.46 for print.