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The Stories of Scott D. Southard

  • In Jerry’s Corner
  • A Jane Austen Daydream
  • Permanent Spring Showers
  • Megan
  • Maximilian Standforth and the Case of the Dangerous Dare
  • The Dante 3
  • Me Stuff
  • Man Behind the Curtain
  • August 7, 2013

    Mo Willems Is a Genius

    Mo WillemsLast week, I actually cried while reading my daughter’s bedtime story. Looking back, I think I was set up for this moment.

    My family is big fans of the books of Mo Willems and, in my opinion, there is no more imaginative and witty author of children picture books out there today. To say he is this generation Dr. Seuss or Maurice Sendak is not to do his creativity justice. That is not to say he is better than Dr. Seuss; no, what I mean is he is on his own path.

    He is incomparable, unique.

    And I, honestly, wish his books were around when I was my little ones’ ages. I would have devoured his books like a box of Macaroni and Cheese…

    …or like a pigeon with hot dogs. (more…)

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  • August 6, 2013

    Only ‘Til Friday! Enter to Win a Signed Copy of A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM!

    A Jane Austen Daydream“I consider this novel one of the best not only in regency era literature, but also in mainstream fiction.” -NovelTravelist.com

    Until Friday (August 9) at midnight you can enter to win a signed copy of the new novel A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM! You can do so via this link- http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/58855-a-jane-austen-daydream

    “If asked to sum up this book in one word, I would have to choose “unpredictable”… you will, in the end, be rewarded by a quick paced novel unlike any you can ever have read, which injects new ideas and possibilities into the world of Jane Austen.” -The Jane Austen Centre

    All her heroines find love in the end–but is there love waiting for Jane?

    Jane Austen spends her days writing and matchmaking in the small countryside village of Steventon, until a ball at Godmersham Park propels her into a new world where she yearns for a romance of her own. But whether her heart will settle on a young lawyer, a clever Reverend, a wealthy childhood friend, or a mysterious stranger is anyone’s guess.

    Written in the style of Jane herself, this novel ponders the question faced by many devoted readers over the years–did she ever find love? Weaving fact with fiction, it re-imagines her life, using her own stories to fill in the gaps left by history and showing that all of us–to a greater or lesser degree–are head over heels for Jane.

    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-d…); read interviews, excerpts, and editorials. 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.

    “This is a must read for any Jane Austen fan. And it’s a perfect summer read for anyone.” -Definitely Not for the Birds.

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  • August 1, 2013

    New WKAR Book Review: The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)

    Current StateI have a new book review on WKAR’s Current State this week! This time it is for the new J.K. Rowling novel The Cuckoo’s Calling, which she wrote under the pen name of Robert Galbraith.

    You can listen to my radio review via this link- http://wkar.org/post/book-review-jk-rowlings-cuckoos-calling

    If you would like to purchase a copy of The Cuckoo’s Calling or learn more about it, you can do so on Amazon here.

    A transcript of my review is included as well below. (more…)

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  • July 30, 2013

    The Writing Rule I Hate

    Broken PencilI need to begin with Diane Rehm.

    See, one of my little obsessions is The Diane Rehm Show and I listen to her about four to five hours a week. I even get the podcast, and when I am helping one of my children to fall asleep, usually I am listening to her take a caller on my phone’s headphones. And, to let you in on a secret, when I play “interview” in my mind she or Terry Gross are the ones asking the questions. I’m not the only person who does this, right? You are out someplace and suddenly an interview forms in your head. Before you know it, you are saying aloud: “Well, Diane, when I first came up with the idea…”

    Okay, that might have been too much information. Moving on!

    Anyway, a few years ago she had on a popular writer. I can’t remember who the author was, but this author’s ego was proudly on the march. You would’ve thought she had written the next Ulysses and to add to the size of her enlarging head a caller called her, praised her, talked about how much she loves her books and then asked her what her advice would be for a new writer.

    The author replied that the golden rule of writing is “Write what you know.” She then went on to explain why this rule is so important and as I began to roll my eyes and prepared to finally turn off the episode, Diane did something utterly amazing.

    The grand Mrs. Rehm interrupted the author and debated the author on that rule. She asked how could that be true. JK Rowling, for example, doesn’t know any wizards and has never been to Hogwarts or have magic (Yes, Diane referenced Harry Potter!). If Rowling only wrote what she knew we wouldn’t have that wonderful series, Diane argued.

    If I was in the studio that day I would have given her a hug and a kiss. (more…)

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  • July 28, 2013

    Redefining Writing Success: Learning to Fly in Today’s Congested Writing World

    IcarusI was an innocent dreamer when I arrived in Los Angeles.

    I had big plans and it all felt like the beginning of a movie to me. I was about to start studying in one of the best writing program in the country (University of Southern California. Go Trojans!) and I could feel the destiny thick around me like cigarette smoke. I could smell it on my clothes and in my hair; I could taste it on my tongue. In my mind I was certain that this moment, this arrival, was the true start of any future and inevitable biography that someone would write about me.

    The stuff of legends.

    That first night I had to stay in a hotel. And I practically skipped (already wearing my USC sweatshirt) as I approached the front desk. Behind it was an older, somewhat heavy, bored-looking woman and, noticing my sweatshirt, casually asked if I was a student. Oh, the can of worms she just unleashed!

    I quickly talked about the writing program and the professors I was going to study under, about my books, about my scripts, and about my plans, etc. The words (and dreams) flooded out of me. I could have gone on all day.

    And when I finally stopped to take a breath, she casually interrupted and said, “Yeah, I’m a writer too. Here is your key.” (more…)

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  • July 26, 2013

    “A tale filled with horror…” An excerpt from MAXIMILIAN STANDFORTH AND THE CASE OF THE DANGEROUS DARE (on sale!)

    Maximilian Standforth and the Case of the Dangerous Dare, CoverFor a limited time, the new gothic, experimental, fun and odd novel, MAXIMILIAN STANDFORTH AND THE CASE OF THE DANGEROUS DARE is on sale on amazon!

    It can be found for the low price of $1.99 for eBook and $9.89 in paperback via this link.

    Below is an exclusive excerpt from Chapter 1. Enjoy…

    –

    The Beginning of Chapter 1 – The Dreaded Invitation

    It is with great trepidation and very little pleasure that I begin this next chapter in the life of the great Maximilian Standforth. For many long months I have debated with my soul and conscience on whether to share this work with you, faithful reader. But in these hard times, my wallet and empty stomach have forced me to share this chronicle no matter my misgivings. Yes, hard times have forced my unsteady hand and pen, but I will share no more of that now. It’s not important. If it comes, it will come later in these pages. For now, let me warn you of the morbid and sad tale ahead of you. This is a tale filled with horror, dark passages, ghostly apparitions, and deaths I would give my last shilling to forget. A tale, I am sad to say, that even tested the mind of one of our country’s greatest citizens…. The outcome of that test you will see shortly if you dare continue. (more…)

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  • July 19, 2013

    “Unstoppable Reading” New book giveaway and reviews for A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM

    Jane AustenRunning through August 9, there is a new book giveaway for A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM, but this one is different. One lucky reader will win an autographed copy of the novel. So if you have already read the ebook and enjoyed it, here is a chance to win one for the shelves. You can enter this fun giveaway here. Good luck!

    This week there were quite a few new book reviews for A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM. For example, on Good Reads one reader (author Jeannie Walker) wrote in a 5-star review:

    I like how this talented author, crafts his novel with Jane Austen spending her days writing and matchmaking until she goes to a ball that launches  her into searching for her own romantic love. Scott D. Southard puts us  into Jane’s world and right in the middle of the action with this well-written and carefully crafted novel… wonderful.

    And here is an excerpt from a review on the blog Mom’s Time 2 Write-

    I don’t know what I was expecting, but it has to be one of the best pieces of fiction I’ve read in a while.  Scott D. Southard’s “A Jane Austen Daydream” had me at page one.  He is a very gifted storyteller with the ability to bring you into the story quickly and keep you there.   I felt every disappointment, triumph and tragedy.  I literally could not put it down.  And the twist at the end was written so well that it took a moment for me to realize what he’d done.

    And finally on the blog Tricia’s Thoughts, the writer notes (in a review that does make me blush a little):

    Don’t you just love it when you happen to come across THE BOOK that you want to devour, as though starving; yet at the same time, attempting to force yourself to slow down in order to savor every word, procrastinating that inevitable ending. I know that I have to have another book available to alleviate the feeling of loss.

    I found it. My latest find, is A Jane Austen Daydream, is just that. I can’t remember finding one since The Help, that hit my over-the-top scale. I simply loved it. I have reviewed it, entered it in two book clubs to which I belong and given it to every reader I know!

    A Jane Austen DaydreamA JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM can be found on Amazon for the low price of 3.99 for eBook and print for 13.46 here.

    You can learn more (interviews, reviews, excerpts, and other links for purchase around the world, etc.) via the A Jane Austen Daydream page on this site.

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  • July 11, 2013

    “With a sharp knife.” Read an excerpt from the new A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM

    A Jane Austen Daydream“I consider this novel one of the best not only in regency era literature, but also in mainstream fiction.” -NovelTravelist.com

    Today I am happy to share an excerpt from my new novel A Jane Austen Daydream. A Jane Austen Daydream is a re-imagining of Miss Austen’s life as a work of fiction, influenced more by her own novels than what reality decided to give her, filled with love, rogues, heartache, adventures and a lot of wit… as well as a few new post-modern literary surprises.

    Published by Madison Street Publishing, it can be purchased in print and as an eBook for only $3.99 via amazon here.

    –

    From Chapter III of A Jane Austen Daydream

    “Cassandra,” Jane sighed, “you must take part in the play. I could never dream of opening the curtain without you by my side. Charles and I put your name on the poster; the posters alone would be ruined.”

    “Please, do not tease me like that, Jane. I do not dare be seen in public right now. I am uncertain what it will do to my heart. Can you imagine all the attention that we will get because of this dance?” As if expecting a crowd of onlookers to appear over the horizon, Cassandra looked behind herself to make sure that they still had privacy on their walk.

    No matter how exaggerated Cassandra’s concerns, she did have a point, and it was for this reason that the two sisters made a pact not to travel into town for a full week. So on this day, they were on a hike, making sure to walk away from Steventon rather than towards it.

    Cassandra almost tripped and Jane caught her.

    “You will not be on the stage, dear sister,” Jane said, helping her sister to stand up. “Lady Hampton will be on the stage. You will be in character and Hampton is a wonderful character, if I can compliment my own writing. If it makes you feel better, I will be dressed as a man for most of my appearances. I was to wear a mustache, but I promised it to Charles.” (more…)

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  • July 10, 2013

    Three Blogging No-No’s

    SnoopyI love having a blog.

    It’s not an ego-tripping thing or anything, yet it is selfish. Oh, so very, very selfish because it is my opinion, my voice out there on display and… okay, maybe it is a little bit an ego-tripping thing.

    See, I believe I have something to share, something to say that is unique and having this site gives me that opportunity. We all have dreams of making an impact on the world. For me, it is with my writing, which means my books or my pieces here. If you are starting a blog or have one already, no matter on what topic, you probably feel the same way; you have that itch in the back of your mind, knowing full well that “If I don’t say it, it won’t be said.”

    I previously wrote a popular post on this site on the art of blogging and having the courage to have one (you can read it here); and yes, it does take courage to put yourself out there like that. Without realizing it, all that makes you good (and… not so good) will be readable even if it is between the lines. Yet, it is also rewarding.

    From time to time, I visit other blogs and writing websites to see what others out there are doing, what is working for them. And, yes, there are things that work and things that don’t generally.  Here are three things that come up for me, including one I struggle with each and every day…. (more…)

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  • July 9, 2013

    “Wonderfully Artistic” “Clever” New Book Reviews!

    More reviews are sprouting up on Amazon for both A Jane Austen Daydream and Maximilian Standforth and the Case of the Dangerous Dare, my two latest books.

    A Jane Austen Daydream

    A Jane Austen DaydreamThis is one of those 5-star reviews an author can’t help but love. Bliss in just three sentences…

    I didn’t really think I’d enjoy this book, perhaps thinking that no one could do justice to such a wonderful woman and insightful writer. However, I am pleased to say that I was wrong and that I enjoyed every word especially the twist at the end. How I’d love to think this was true.

    A Jane Austen Daydream can be found on amazon.com here in both eBook and print.

    Maximilian Standforth and the Case of the Dangerous Dare

    Maximilian Standforth and the Case of the Dangerous Dare, CoverIf you want to be surprised by a new kind of book, this seems to be the work to check out.

    There are numerous plot twists, especially as the story builds up to the climax. I did not see how the tale would end until it hit me in the face. The author writes a clever mystery novel, making good use of the gothic setting. The setting is haunting and the characters are endearing and likable, especially Bob  Wordsworth and Maximilian Standforth.

    Maximilian Standforth… is on sale for only $1.99 as an eBook and $10.99 in print on amazon.com here.

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