Heretaunga Pat Baker’s — Behind the tattooed face *****

This is a daunting tale of Maori settlers along New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty in the late 1700s. As the population expands, the need for more resources and the tribe’s ability to fight against neighbouring tribes is paramount.

This is an accurate account of Maori life and cultural beliefs before the onslaught of the Pakeha invasion.

Yangsze Choo’s — The ghost bride *****

Because Li’s father has lost his fortune in Malaysia, he reluctantly asks his daughter to become a ghost bride to a rich family whose son has recently died. While this is a strange arrangement, the marriage will mean she has a home for life.

This is a unique and strange tale of Li’s discovery of the spirit world around the secrets of both families.

Janice P. Nimura’s — Daughters of the samurai *****

Five Japanese girls were sent by their government to the U.S.A. in 1871 to learn Western ways. While they were raised traditionally at home, they grew up as typical schoolgirls in their new country. Three of the girls: Sutematsu, Shige and Ume; returned after ten years to try to change women’s education. Continue reading “Janice P. Nimura’s — Daughters of the samurai *****” →

You’ve finished your first draft — then what?

I share my work with a writing critique group, but no matter how much I value their input and the help they’ve given me to improve the piece I’ve shared, they don’t see the entire manuscript.

This is when I turn to Elizabeth Lyon’s — Manuscript Makeover that sets out the process under different headings so you don’t have to read the book from start to finish, but go to the sections where you need the most help. For me it was the chapters on characterization. Continue reading “You’ve finished your first draft — then what?” →