I'm new to blogging in every way, shape and form, but I wanted to start this page on a high note. I've recently published my first novel Immolation Finale with the help of the services at Createspace.com, and just today I received my first professional review of my life from Kirkus Reviews.
I was waiting a little less then ten weeks for my review, and in that time I had plenty of opportunity to begin doubting myself as to how well the review would turn out for me. Would they say that my work was worth reading, or would I hear horribly that my novel was a steaming pile of crap that no one in their right mind should ever touch it? On some brave occasions, I managed to ask myself if they would actually praise my work. Would they possibly have amazingly terrific things to say about my writing?
Well, waiting brought my nerves into places where I assumed the worst at times. I knew it wouldn't be the end of the world, but I worried less that the reviewer would tear my work to shreds and more so that they would simply be unimpressed. "Blah," they might say.
Stewing in that fear, I was supported by the people who were buying copies of my novel. People (even if only a few at first) were reading my book, reading my work. I was waiting to see what anyone had to say, and this waiting also made me nervous. What would be the first words to me from a reader who had finished my novel?
That answer took a brief eternity to receive, but it was worth the wait. The only complaint was that it had a last page! Could this be true? Could someone have thought of my work, not only as entertaining but, as exhilarating? Then the next two customer reviews appeared, each with their own version of promising and heart-pounding good news.
So, what of my professional review? Something still had me on edge in the continuing weeks until I got my results. I have no real words to lead up to this, so I will let the review speak for itself:
Kirkus Reviews
A dark, magical tale of murder and suspense in the mysterious city of New Orleans.
Grilliot’s debut novel takes readers deep into the shadowy corners of New Orleans, where a string of murders has been ravaging the town. Known as the Red Lake Murders, these crimes, committed mostly in the woods, smack of something supernatural and are suspected to be the result of voodoo. This draws Michael “Dirk” Geist to the scene; he’s a demonologist who lures in clients seemingly through magic, as if he were a “fool being guarded by some magical force and good luck.” Though he’s initially reluctant, doubting that his psychic powers could actually benefit an official police investigation, he eventually has a moment of clairvoyance that convinces him to seek answers. As Dirk teams up with friend and police officer Susan to solve the case, his dreams become nightmares, and something inside of him warns him that danger lurks in every corner. He combs through the town, seeing voodoo priests, fortunetellers and frightful creatures along the way. Dirk’s own safety becomes compromised when he inches closer to the truth and the supernatural world lurking behind New Orleans’ facade throws shadows over the people Dirk thinks he can trust. The case grows even more complicated when his beautiful old-flame Sabrina returns to town. Grilliot expertly weaves a tale of horror that plays upon fantasy, intermingled with terrifying images and mysterious, magical characters. Set against the murky backdrop of a paranormal underworld, this thrilling murder mystery takes steps beyond being a plot-driven nail-biter to comment on the role of good and evil in the world. New Orleans becomes a character itself, and the story pulsates with action and tension. Fans of the occult will enjoy the vanishing line drawn between reality and the supernatural.
A highly original, intriguing story of murder, betrayal and deception.
So, I think it goes without saying that my fears were nothing more than a crucible to be endured. I couldn't be happier with the beginning of my career, and this excitement has gotten me motivated to create this blog, so that anyone out there with any questions about me may have a place to look.
The full review will not be published to their site until sometime within the week, but I will add a proper link when the time comes. Until next time, I want to thank anyone who has read this far.
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/ UPDATE:http://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/stephen-grilliot/immolation-finale-SegewbaH/
Immolation Finale is available through Amazon, Kindle, and Barnes and Noble:
http://www.amazon.com/Immolation-Finale-Volume-Stephen-Grilliot/dp/1482778947/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_pap?ie=UTF8&qid=1370301620&sr=8-1&keywords=immolation+finale
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