I am such a late "bloomer"

Well, at least a late comer. Not sure I "bloom" whatever that means. I've been around more than half a century (leaning toward the century marker) and I'm just now reading Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern series. Where was I when you all were reading them?

Of course I'm enjoying the books. I just can't figure out why I never read them when I was young. I had my nose in Edgar Allen Poe, Shakespeare, and classics like The Last of the Mohicans, Scarlet Letter, and Count of Monte Cristo. I wish I'd gone to the fantastical worlds. Maybe I would have started writing sooner.

Then again, I wish I had taken an English major instead of fine arts. Being a painter is lucrative...for very few. But there are worlds of opportunities as writers and not just novelists.

Note to young people. Do it now!

While we're on the subject of doing it...my editorial review from Wishing Shelf came today. A little note on this awesome organization...they have all sorts of services for writers, are very personalable, and have an annual competition. The founder, (who writes as Billy Bob Buttons) keeps in constant contact with everyone. You should check them out!

LAYLA
“A young adult, fantasy adventure packed full of twists, turns – and peril!” The Wishing Shelf

This is a skillfully plotted fantasy from the pen of D.L Gardner. I have enjoyed other books by this author including The Keeper which I very much enjoyed. In Layla, the author returns the reader to the Realm, a magical world full of wizards and dragons! Ian (the protagonist) and Brad (Elisa ́s brother) return to the Realm to find Abbi and Elisa. But the plan is thwarted by a nasty queen and Layla, a temptress of sorts who ́s very keen on Ian. I must say, there ́s a lot going on in this young adult novel. There ́s plenty of peril for the characters to battle through; and I particularly enjoyed Ian ́s dilemma as he ́s bewitched by Layla. The ending is also strong; the best way with an adventure story as it ́s the part the reader always remembers best.

In terms of readership, this is very much for teenagers, say 13 – 16 year olds. There ́s suspense, but it ́s never scary, and the writing style is accessible for that age group. I would recommend reading the trilogy first, just to get a grip on the characters and the fantastical setting. And why wouldn ́t you? I just checked out the blurb for the trilogy and it sounds excellent! All in all, this is a wonderful book, and I think fans of J K Rowling and C S Lewis will find much to enjoy here.
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review