Robert Ellis: Sleeping On It (An Opinion on Modern Reading)

 

Robert Ellis: Sleeping on it ...

Have you ever noticed that when you read a book straight through, when you start and finish the novel in a single day, the story becomes vague after a week or two? And what happens a week or two after that? The novel all but disappears. Maybe it's just me, but I particularly notice if I move on and begin reading something new the next day. Everything gets lost in the haze.

I have friends who do this every day. They revel in their addiction! They start at 8:00 p.m. and read a book straight through, even though it often means staying up most of the night.

A few months ago, I decided to change my habit. No matter how long or short a novel might be, I promised myself that I would do a page count and stop reading; that I would sleep with half the story for one night, and let it percolate in my head.

A lot of things happened when I made the change. First and foremost, novels no longer fade or get lost in my mind. And second, if it's a really good book, it makes my day because I have something to look forward to. I'm not discovering who these characters are anymore. Instead, I'm back for another visit. I can't wait to see them again. I've been thinking about the story all day and can't wait to see how things will turn out. Then again, if it's not such a good book, if it's a real dog, I don't have to waste my time or lose any sleep over it. I just toss it aside and pick another one up from the pile!

Link to CITY OF STONES on Amazon

 

ROBERT ELLIS WRITERS BLOG

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Robert Ellis: August 1, 3rd Anniversary, Book Contest Winners!

 

 3 Years in the Making!

Congratulations to Gary from Woodland Hills, CA, and Sharon from Austin, TX, for winning this week’s free book contest! Signed copies of CITY OF STONES are on their way!

This contest has been running on the 1st & 15th of each month since August 2018! Yesterday marked our third anniversary! Wow! For more info, please stop by my website.

Thanks to everyone for your interest and gracious support of my work!

Best, Robert

Link to City of Stones on Amazon

 

 

 

ROBERT ELLIS WRITERS BLOG

Robert Ellis: City of Stones, Booklife Prize 2021

 

 

Robert Ellis: City of Stones, Booklife Prize 2021

Assessment:

Plot: This fourth installment in the Detective Matt Jones series moves quickly and never slows down until a satisfying ending surprises the reader. The mystery is methodically solved, which makes it believable. The plot climaxes and unfolds at a steady rate that allows the reader to keep guessing about how it will end.

Prose/Style: With the implementation of the dialogue, the author maintains tension throughout the story by keeping the main character in situations where he is alone or meeting others in uncertain circumstances. Using an appropriate and relevant setting, the author has created a suspenseful tone throughout the book. The dialogue is fluid and intriguing.

Originality: Even though the book is the fourth in the series, it did not feel as though the reader needed to have read the other three in order to appreciate the book. As the story unfolds at an even pace, readers will appreciate the ending.

Character Development/Execution: A concerned main character is reliable in his decisions; strong and likable, the reader wants him to successfully solve the crime. The characters that surround him are well-rounded and intriguing.

Blurb: Fans of the first three books will not be disappointed in this skillfully plotted novel.

Sounds good so far! Let's read it!

City of Stones on Amazon

  

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