Here’s one more review I received for CPR for Dead or Lifeless Fiction: A Writer’s Guide to Deep and Multi-Faceted Development of Characters, Plots, and Relationships:
 
5 Stars! "Highly recommended new book to bring your novel writing *'ALIVE'! Karen S. Wiesner has yet again written a stellar book for writers at all stages looking for new energy in their storytelling with CPR for Dead or Lifeless Fiction. Every paragraph teems with good points to savor and use in planning a novel or revising a manuscript—or even resuscitating an author’s career if a series becomes stale. The list of ten ways to spot dead or lifeless characters, plots, and relationships is a book within a book and priceless. I also loved her thoughtful, useful *ALIVE acronym for 'Animated, Living, Interacting, Vitality & Voice, Engaged' plots and characters. She of course goes in-depth with tips on how to achieve every one of those letters in ALIVE. This is a book on writing that is alive with wisdom. In this well-researched and carefully crafted handbook, Wiesner uses plenty of examples, worksheets, and lists to create what amounts to a Master Class in writing a more satisfying novel.  Highly recommended." ~Christine DeSmet, mystery author (Fudge Shop Mystery Series) and Distinguished Faculty Associate in writing, University of Wisconsin-Madison Continuing Studies, and director, Write-by-the-Lake Writer’s Workshop & Retreat christinedesmet.com/
 
Find out more here: http://www.writers-exchange.com/cpr/  

I received another review for CPR FOR DEAD OR LIFELESS FICTION:
 
5 Stars! “I do not read, much less review, many nonfiction books because I normally read to escape the problems of everyday life. However, I have often wondered how authors managed to keep us (readers) engaged in their stories, especially if the story is more than one title in length. This book explains it all. If you an aspiring author, this book is crucial in making your story something that publishers would want to get out to the public. All writers know that a character must do more than walk and talk if readers are to care about a character. The development is what causes readers to feel as though they know and understand a character. This book also explains ten ways to spot dead or lifeless characters, plots, and relationships. It talks about the needed research that authors must do. Not only that, but good writers also take detailed notes on each of their characters. This book explains why and how. Even having said all this, it hardly touches everything that the book covers. This is a valuable resource for any author, published or not.” ~Huntress Reviews
 
Find out more here: http://www.writers-exchange.com/cpr/   

Here's a comprehensive review I received for CPR FOR DEAD OR LIFELESS FICTION:

5 Stars! "CPR for Dead or Lifeless Fiction: A Writer's Guide to Deep and Multifaceted Development and Progression of Characters, Plot, and Relationships is a writer's handbook that all of us will want on our shelves. Lucky for me, I received a review copy from Karen S. Wiesner, the talented author of a few writing craft books. So let's talk about why you may want this book on your shelf! "If you like writing craft books that make you feel like the author is in the room with you and teaching you how to make your stories and characters better, then this book is perfect. While reading it, I felt as if Karen was in my living room, giving me advice with her helpful and easy to remember acronyms to keep me from boring my readers into falling asleep instead of turning the pages. "Here's a great example: A L I V E, and those letters stand for: Animated (evidence of a spark of life in your characters), Living (not just existing, but living a life full of external and internal conflicts), Interacting (dynamic and believable relationships), Vitality and Voice (3-dimensional character attributes), and finally Engaged (characters with objectives and purpose in the story with defined goals and motivations). "So think of some of your favorite characters in the books you read. Are they ALIVE? Now think of your main character--does he or she fit those five characteristics? This is what Karen's book will do for you. Give you helpful tips, like how to diagnose if your characters are ALIVE, and then help you write better characters and plots.

"The book is divided into seven chapters, plus an intro and conclusion, and then something very valuable--an appendix full of worksheets. I know this is every writer's dream--at least it is mine. Karen includes worksheets for both plot and character development help. Then there are also worksheets on relationship development between your characters. If you are writing a romance, you'll especially want to check out the "Links in the Chain of Romance Relationship Development Chart." If you don't have those links, then your romance readers will not be happy with you!

"Back to the seven chapters--I think one of the most helpful chapters for any writer at any level is at the beginning of the book, chapter one, where Karen helps you with "ten ways to spot dead or lifeless characters, plots, and relationships." And by dead characters--she's not talking about the dead body on page one of a murder mystery. She means your character is just there, existing on the page. With chapter one, you receive 10 points to look for in your manuscript to diagnose what may be wrong with it.

"Then she goes on to chapter two, where she introduces you to three-dimensional writing and scenes. Karen has a previous book where she talked about those concepts more (Cohesive Story Building). But in CPR, she reviews these strategies for writers, as she gets ready to really dig into your characters (chapter 3), plot (chapter 4), and relationships (chapter 5).

"I like this book so much because of the relationships' sections. A lot of writing craft books about plot and characters don't spend as much time on examining the relationships in the book. But think about it--when you watch a movie or get hooked on a book series, aren't you very interested in the characters and their relationships? I'll just answer for you--Yes! Han Solo and Princess Leia, Ron and Hermione, and Katniss and Peeta...insert any of your favorites in here, and you'll see what I mean. You want the relationships in your plots to stick in readers' minds like these previous ones did for me.

"This writer's craft book helps you diagnose what's wrong with your manuscript, and then fix it with tips and advice from Karen. If you're a fiction writer looking to improve your craft as one of your 2021 goals, then CPR for Dead or Lifeless Fiction is for you!" ~Margo L. Dill of Editor-911.com

Find out more here: http://www.writers-exchange.com/cpr/ 

​The fifth in my eight part series talking about my Woodcutter's Grim Series and the stories behind classic fairy tales is up now. This time I cover the story behind Snow White.
 
Karen Wiesner: The Stories Behind Classic Fairy Tales (Woodcutter's Grim Series), Part 5
 
Check it out here: https://aliendjinnromances.blogspot.com/2021/09/karen-wiesner-stories-behind-classic_24.html  

I received another new review for BRIDGE OF FIRE, Book 10: Woodcutter's Grim Series, A New Beginning, Part 2:
 
5 Stars! “In the last part, Out of the Ashes, Liam, his wife Adaryn, and their two friends Torin and Celee travel to Woodcutter's Grim to escape the hunter who’s always a step behind them. Though Liam had promised his mother he’d never return when he fled the town, he has no choice but to come home now and complete the training that will allow him to save those he loves. But the evil in this place overtook his father when Liam was just a child and now his oldest brother is irrevocably under its sway.  How can he survive if he allows himself to wield the magic? The last place on earth they should go is their only option now. Liam’s love for Adaryn touched me. Torin, also, was easy to fall in love with along with his adorable little girl. Ember was a fascinating creature I enjoyed getting to know better. I can hardly wait to see how this story ties up in the third and final part of BRIDGE OF FIRE.” ~Linda’s Reviews
           
Find out more here: https://www.writers-exchange.com/woodcutters-grim-series/

I received my first review for BRIDGE OF FIRE, Book 10: Woodcutter's Grim Series, Into the Sun, Part 3:
 
5 Stars! “In the final part of Bridge of Fire, the characters are sympathetic, and the mythology of Woodcutter's Grim is richly developed in interesting depth. I like the way it pulls many fairy tales together. For me as a reader, the author’s note at the end provided a detailed explanation of the series order and was very helpful. It's the kind of thing I always enjoy reading after completing a novel. In fact, when a book doesn't have an author's afterword, I miss it. Ultimately, the conclusion of Bridge of Fire is quite satisfying.” ~author Margaret L. Carter
 
Find out more here: https://www.writers-exchange.com/woodcutters-grim-series/
 

I received my first review for BRIDGE OF FIRE, Book 10: Woodcutter's Grim Series, A New Beginning, Part 2:
 
5 Stars! “Again, I think this book ends at a reasonable stopping point, avoiding the dreaded cliffhanger. I enjoyed the dialogue and character relationship development. I love the relationship between Celee and Ember. It's hard to imagine how this trilogy could end happily. Well, I'll find out soon. I'm looking forward to finding out what finally happens to these people, especially the hero and heroine Liam and Adaryn.” ~author Margaret L. Carter
 
Find out more here: https://www.writers-exchange.com/woodcutters-grim-series/

I received a new review for BRIDGE OF FIRE, Book 10: Woodcutter's Grim Series, Out of the Ashes, Part 1:
 
5 Stars! “This portion of Bridge of Fire seems to tell readers just what we need to know, breaking at a good point--not what I would consider a frustrating ‘cliffhanger’. I admire the way the author created an original mythos of her own using creatures from legend and lore. And I'll bet nobody else has ever written a love story between a phoenix and a goat shapeshifter." ~author Margaret L. Carter
 
Find out more here: https://www.writers-exchange.com/woodcutters-grim-series/
​

Review for CPR for Dead or Lifeless Fiction {A Writer’s Guide to Deep and Multi-Faceted Development of Characters, Plots, and Relationships} by Karen S. Wiesner:

5 Stars! "Highly recommended new book to bring your novel writing *'ALIVE'! Karen S. Wiesner has yet again written a stellar book for writers at all stages looking for new energy in their storytelling with CPR for Dead or Lifeless Fiction: A Writer’s Guide to Deep and Multi-Faceted Development of Characters, Plots, and Relationships (Writers Exchange Publishing, 2020). Every paragraph teems with good points to savor and use in planning a novel or revising a manuscript—or even resuscitating an author’s career if a series becomes stale. The list of ten ways to spot dead or lifeless characters, plots, and relationships is a book within a book and priceless. I also loved her thoughtful, useful *ALIVE acronym for 'Animated, Living, Interacting, Vitality & Voice, Engaged' plots and characters. She of course goes in-depth with tips on how to achieve every one of those letters in ALIVE. This is a book on writing that is alive with wisdom. In this well-researched and carefully crafted handbook, Wiesner uses plenty of examples, worksheets, and lists to create what amounts to a Master Class in writing a more satisfying novel.  Highly recommended." ~Christine DeSmet, mystery author (Fudge Shop Mystery Series) and Distinguished Faculty Associate in writing, University of Wisconsin-Madison Continuing Studies, and director, Write-by-the-Lake Writer’s Workshop & Retreat https://christinedesmet.com/

Find out more here: http://www.writers-exchange.com/cpr/ 
 

A review ode to one of my favorite authors and his Witcher series:
 
Andrzej Sapkowski https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrzej_Sapkowski
 
Sapkowski's Witcher series has everything a lover of the supernatural could want with the cool twist of a "genetically engineered" hero designed to hunt monsters of lore. I became intrigued with this series long before the Netflix series became all the rage. I do enjoy it, though the first season was presented in a slightly confusing manner.
 
Geralt is a truly a dying breed. I discovered these stories when my son started playing the Witcher 3: Wild Hunt videogame. I was intrigued and quickly bought myself a copy and played it obsessively. I still play it many times a year. At the time of this writing, I'm currently playing it yet again. The DLC Blood and Wine is probably the best bonus game material I've ever played.
 
Though the gameplay of Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings is a bit trickier and it has the unfortunate annoyance of forcing the player to somehow know the exact order each quest must be played in order to avoid missing out on some other quests and also requires the player to be prepared and anticipate monster attacks in advance with oils for the sword and potions designed to aid defense and attack (death otherwise), I also enjoy this game immensely and have played it several times.
 
I do own Witcher 1. Though it was supposed to be released on console back in the day, it ended up available only on PC. Someday I might play it, but I find it much harder to play anything but point and click games like Nancy Drew on PC. A complicated game like Witcher works so better, in my opinion, using a game controller instead of a keyboard.
​
After I played Witcher 3, I bought all Sapkowski's books and read them obsessively…more than once. They're phenomenal. Some of the best books I've ever read, in fact. Trust me, in this case, the books are a million *billion* times better than the Netflix series. If you love that show, the books will blow you away. They're well worth any pay you spend and the time you take to read them.
 
Additionally, I fell in love with the incredible soundtracks from each of the games, particularly the Witcher 2 soundtrack.
 
Check them out here:

Witcher 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFIbVqHOOIU
 
Witcher 2:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=witcher+2+soundtrack
 
Witcher 3:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=witcher+3+soundtrack
 
As if that isn't enough to love about this series with all it multimedia components, I love the mini-games that are played within each of the videogames (specifically Gwent in Witcher 3, which I own two physical decks of along with the game board and want to collect all the decks), and Kings Dice from Witcher 2. I've read that in Witcher 1, the player has the option of collecting "naughty" playing cards that are somehow related to Geralt's many sexual conquests. He must have a huge deck, if it's based on that, lol.
 
Even if you don't play videogames or listen to game soundtracks, give this series of books a try. You won't regret it. 

The fourth in my eight part series talking about my Woodcutter's Grim Series and the stories behind classic fairy tales is up now. This time I cover the stories behind Metamorphoses: The Story of Pygmalion and the Statue by Ovid.
 
Karen Wiesner: The Stories Behind Classic Fairy Tales (Woodcutter's Grim Series), Part 4
 
Check it out here: https://aliendjinnromances.blogspot.com/2021/09/karen-wiesner-stories-behind-classic_17.html

I received my first review for BRIDGE OF FIRE, Book 10: Woodcutter's Grim Series, Out of the Ashes, Part 1:
 
5 Stars! “In Out of the Ashes, the first part of BRIDGE OF FIRE, the 10th book in the Woodcutter’s Grim Series, I found the Gruff family intriguing. Will was the youngest son of three brothers. His father made a choice that both saved and doomed them for all time. Will’s mom didn’t want her children to be slaves to the evil that lived in Woodcutter’s Grim. She made a dangerous alliance to save one of her sons. Will was too young to have fallen under the sway of the magic in that town. Before she helped him escape, she told him not to trust anyone and to never come back. Will fled, ensuring his life in the years that followed was lonely. But, like his father before him, Will possesses a skill that transcends explanation. He can create magical bridges. I fell in love with Adaryn and her friends Torin and Celee right along with Will. But a happily-ever-after doesn’t seem likely with a centuries’ old creature hunting them. Unbelievably, the only place that seems safe for them is Woodcutter’s Grim! I can’t wait to see what happens next in Part 2: A New Beginning!” ~Linda’s Reviews
           
Find out more here: https://www.writers-exchange.com/woodcutters-grim-series/
 

I received a new review for FOREVER AND ALL THAT JAZZ, Book 3: Friendship Heirlooms Series:
 
5 Stars! “In this next book in the series, we gain insight into the best friend of Ashley, the heroine of the previous story. Jazz had been with her throughout her childhood horror and they remain close in the present. In SHARDS OF ASHLEY, Jazz and Wesley broke up when he learned some disturbing details from her previous life. As a pastor, he’d had to make a choice about whether she was the wife God wanted for him. But it quickly became clear to him that she was. Married life is filled with joy neither could have imagined before, but there’s an elephant in the room never discussed. Even as an adult and married woman, Jazz continues to look out for her aging father, a characteristic that’s beautiful to behold. But forgiving herself for the past isn’t easy when closure about so many things is lacking. This story is a tear-jerker. I rooted for Jazz and Wesley to find a happily-ever-after the whole time. Can’t wait to find out what’s next in the series!” ~Linda’s Reviews
           
Find out more here: http://www.writers-exchange.com/friendship-heirlooms-series/
​

My new writing advice article up on the Writers Exchange E-Publishing blog!

Deep, Multi-Faceted Development and Progression of Romantic Relationships
​By Karen S. Wiesner 
​
Check it out here:
https://www.writers-exchange.com/development-and-progression-of-romantic-relationships-by-karen-s-wiesner/?fbclid=IwAR1Vlv7aKDd17nQhMjoXKEAGTMSZX5c-Z_t8jaKQsC6bZeUkY_2KzJP2ekI
 
View all my articles on the Writers Exchange blog:
https://www.writers-exchange.com/articles/

Writers Exchange E-Publishing (https://www.facebook.com/Writers.Exchange) is thrilled to announce our latest release:
 
Bridge of Fire, Book 10: Woodcutter’s Grim Series
Into the Sun, Part 3
by Karen Wiesner
 
Publisher: http://www.writers-exchange.com/into-the-sun/
Amazon: http://mybook.to/BridgeOfFire3
Apple: https://apple.co/3zZzyMB
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=oFBBEAAAQBAJ
Barnes & Noble (Nook): https://bit.ly/3k08Deo
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/.../bridge-of-fire-part-3-into-the-sun
Angus & Robertson Australia: https://bit.ly/3A2WQRT

​Writers Exchange E-Publishing (https://www.facebook.com/Writers.Exchange) is thrilled to announce our latest release:
 
Bridge of Fire, Book 10: Woodcutter’s Grim Series
A New Beginning, Part 2
by Karen Wiesner
 
Publisher: http://www.writers-exchange.com/a-new-beginning/
Amazon: http://mybook.to/BridgeOfFire2
Apple: https://bit.ly/BridgeofFire2AppleStore
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=bFBBEAAAQBAJ
Barnes & Noble (Nook): https://bit.ly/BridgeofFire2Nook
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/.../bridge-of-fire-part-2-a-new...
Angus & Robertson Australia: https://bit.ly/3zZgBKb
 

​Writers Exchange E-Publishing (https://www.facebook.com/Writers.Exchange) is thrilled to announce our latest release:
 
Bridge of Fire, Book 10: Woodcutter’s Grim Series
Out of the Ashes, Part 1
by Karen Wiesner
 
Publisher: http://www.writers-exchange.com/out-of-the-ashes/
Amazon: http://mybook.to/BridgeOfFire1
Apple: https://bit.ly/BridgeOfFire1AppleStore
Google Play: https://bit.ly/BridgeofFire1GooglePlay
Barnes & Noble (Nook): https://bit.ly/BridgeofFire1Nook
Kobo: https://bit.ly/BridgeofFire1Kobo
Angus & Robertson: https://bit.ly/BridgeofFire1Angus

The third in my eight part series talking about my Woodcutter's Grim Series and the stories behind classic fairy tales is up now. This time I cover the stories behind "The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse", "The Little Mermaid", "The House That Jack Built", and "Beauty and the Beast". Check it out here:
 
Karen Wiesner: The Stories Behind Classic Fairy Tales (Woodcutter's Grim Series), Part 3

https://aliendjinnromances.blogspot.com/2021/09/karen-wiesner-stories-behind-classic.html

​The second in my eight part series talking about my Woodcutter's Grim Series and the stories behind classic fairy tales is up now. This time I cover the stories behind "Hansel and Gretel", "Rumplestiltskin", "The Pied Piper of Hamelin", and "Rapunzel". Check it out here:
 
Karen Wiesner: The Stories Behind Classic Fairy Tales (Woodcutter's Grim Series), Part 2

https://aliendjinnromances.blogspot.com/2021/08/ar-woodcuttersgrimseriespt2.html  

The first in an eight part series talking about my Woodcutter's Grim Series and the stories behind classic fairy tales is up now. In this introduction, I explore some favorite horror stories I read when I was young. Check it out here:
 
Karen Wiesner: The Stories Behind Classic Fairy Tales (Woodcutter's Grim Series), Part 1

https://aliendjinnromances.blogspot.com/2021/08/woodcutters-grim-series-classic-tales.html   

On 8/22/21, I received an invitation and welcome from Alien Romances to join the prestigious line-up of authors gathered at the blog. I've known Margaret Carter since I asked her to join the popular promotional group I founded in 2003, Jewels of the Quill (featured in RT Book Reviews magazine with a revolving group of romance authors that produced 14 award-winning anthologies together in the 11 years we were together). Currently, Margaret and I are critique partners. Additionally, I met Rowena Cherry when I interviewed her for my reference titles published by Writer's Digest Books. Considering the short notice, I thought it would be fitting to post my author biography in order to introduce myself.

Check it out here:
https://aliendjinnromances.blogspot.com/2021/08/author-karen-wiesner-creatingrealistic.html