My Books of 2018

I only read one book in December, it's been a very busy month! So there's no book review vlog this month. I did enjoy The Traitor by Seth Dickinson though so here is my review.

Recap: Baru's home is conquered by the Empire of Masks and she is forced to adhere to their rule. Excelling at school she is sent to be a diplomat in rebellious Aurdwynn but there are plots afoot!

Review: When a book is called The Traitor you know there are going to be some turncoats but the final reveal was gobsmacking. A huge cast of characters which did get a little lost at times but Baru was played with finesse and I'll definitely read the next one!

I was going to also do my top ten books of 2018 but I read 62 books this year and 26 got five-star reviews so it seems only fair that I share those books with you as well.

But first, a shout-out to one of my indie author friends, C H Cleppit, who co-hosts with me on our #sparklybadgersunite Twitter event, co-runs our Sparkly Badgers writing group on Facebook and co-edited our first book together - Sparkly Badgers' Christmas Anthology. I read two books in her Lineage series last year and they both got five stars - Lineage: Of Blood and Lineage: The Memory of the Sphinx.

Here are the rest of my 5-star reads for 2018.

• The Snow Witch by Matt Wingett
• Huntress Moon by Alexandra Sokoloff
• Golden Hill by Francis Spufford
• Sea of Mammals by James Armer
• The Gardener's Daughter by KA Hitchens
• Heart of the Mountain by Jeanette O'Hagan
• Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine
• Elmore Leonard's 10 Rules of Writing
• The Food of Love by Amanda Prowse
• Red Sister by Mark Lawrence
• The Kraken Wakes by John Wyndham
• Raising Fire by James Bennett
• Half a King by Joe Abercrombie
• The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
• Among Others by Jo Walton
• Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
• The Procurement of Souls by Benjamin Hope
• Children of the Furnace by Brin Murray
• This Is Going To Hurt by Adam Kay
• The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell
• The Magician's Curse by Linda G Hill
• Ash and Quill by Rachel Caine
• Snowflake by Heide Goody and Iain Grant
• The Boy on the Bridge by MR Carey

You can read all my reviews and see the other 36 books I've read in 2018 on my Goodreads profile. You'll also be able to find all my books listed and maybe something will tickle your fancy to read in 2019.

It's time for the big question now. What will be my reading goal in 2019? I think I have to go for it again. I made it in 2017. I need to know it wasn't a fluke. That's right, people. I'm going for 100.

Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find all her books on Amazon. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. 

A Slice of Cake With... 2018

The A Slice of Cake With... interview segment was launched on my blog this year, in 2018, and I've been thrilled to chat with so many amazing authors plus find out what their favourite cake is. 

In celebration, this post takes a look back at books and cake, no finer combination!

The most popular interview was with author B.K. Bass who chose New York Cheesecake as his favourite cake while the most popular cake chosen was predictably, chocolate!

I've interviewed 28 authors this year and had 18 different cakes and 1 batch of biscuits.

I interviewed C.H. Clepitt, my co-host from Sparkly Badgers - you can find us on Facebook and Twitter plus Howard Linskey, one of the judges from the Pen to Print competition that launched my book career.

It's been so much fun chatting to so many different authors, finding out what motivates them to write and of course discover their upcoming projects. My To-Be-Read list keeps growing and growing and growing!

I know you want to know so here is the list of yummy cakes we shared in 2018:

• Lemon Drizzle Cake
• Salted Caramel Cake
• Black Forest Gateaux
• New York Cheesecake
• Chocolate Cake
• Strawberry Pavlova
• Dark Chocolate Torte
• Key Lime Cheesecake
• Lemon Meringue Pie
• Chocolate Eclair Cake
• Coconut Cake
• Gingernut Biscuits
• Strawberry Shortcake
• Carrot Cake
• Russian Cake
• Red Velvet Cake
• Maple & Walnut Cake
• Coffee & Walnut Cake
• Cinnamon Roll Cake

If you'd like to have a slice of cake with me next year just fill out the online form and I'll be in touch with the interview questions. I look forward to seeing all the delicious cakes!

Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find all her books on Amazon. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. 

A Slice of Cake With... A.W. Cross

This week I am delighted to have a slice a cake with fellow indie author A.W. Cross.

A. W. Cross has had a passion for all things science fiction ever since she fell in love with Leonard Nimoy when she was 12. She currently resides in Canada, where it's too damn cold, and writes science fiction and science fiction romance. Her next project, the Foxwept Array, is a series of SFR fairy tale retellings and will debut in January 2019.

What kind of books do you write?

I write books with female heroines that focus of the social aspects of science fiction. What makes us human? How does that change with the advent of transhumanism? What effect does advances in science have on relationships, a society, it’s culture, and their perception of humanity. I also love to explore moral complexity—especially those grey areas that make characters more flawed and interesting.

Can you describe your writing why?

I write because I love stories. I love their structure, their tropes, and their characters—everything. Stories are an incredibly human endeavour, and everyone has one. I’m also motivated by the idea of legacy. My son (when he’s much older of course,) will be able to see aspects of me through my writing that he’ll never get to see in person, and it’s also a way he can visit me when I’m no longer here.

Share with us your favourite passage from the book you enjoyed writing the most.

I found it impossible to choose favourites (I always feel bad for those I don’t choose, lol), so here is an excerpt from the first release in my new series, Rose, Awake, a short story science fiction romance retelling of Briar Rose.

“Hello?” Rose called. “Mother? Father? Is anyone here?” Her voice echoed through the great chambers, returning to her empty-handed.
Another sound, however, caught her attention. The whir of a spinning wheel rose from the landing, an old woman vigorously working the pedal.
She wasn’t there before.
“Hello?” she called to the woman, the word thin in the heavy air. “My name is—” But the old woman had disappeared, leaving the fascinating machine behind.
A spinning wheel. The very thing the evil fairy had cursed her with.
Almost against her will, Rose climbed the stairs, unable to turn her gaze away from it. Higher and higher, she climbed, until she stood at last in the shaft of sunlight on the landing, the spinning wheel before her. Made from a deep auburn cherry wood, the wheel was inlaid at every joint with burnished gold, and Rose’s hands ached to run over the smooth, glossy wood.
Such a beautiful thing.
At the far end of the contraption from the wheel towered the spindle, a long, sharp-tipped shaft of gold. Wrapped thickly around it was what appeared to be hair—Rose’s hair, twisted coils of shining silver-white. Compulsively, she lifted her hand to stroke the glossy strands, mesmerized by the silken loops.
“Rose!”
She looked back.
Ani stood at the bottom of the staircase, one hand on the baroque railing. Her eyes shone through the gloom. “It’ll be okay.”
“What do you—” The spindle pierced the flesh of Rose’s finger, a stinging pain outlined in brilliance. Horrified, Rose stared at her hand, at the tiny puncture, at the thin rivulet of crimson blood winding down the golden spike.
“It’s okay, Rose,” Ani called, her voice far away. “We’re fighting for you. You have to fight too.”

Fight? Fight what? Again, the insidious hum from her dream reached her, just as bright light flickered behind her eyes.

Tell us about your latest project

In January 2019, I’ll be releasing a new series of science fiction fairy tale retellings, called the Foxwept Array. The first release (early Jan) is a free short story, Rose, Awake, which, as I mentioned above, is an SFR retelling of Briar Rose. The first full-length novel will also be released in January and is a Pinocchio (Collodi version) retelling called Pine, Alive. Imagine if Pinocchio was a female android who never wanted to be a real girl! I’m also starting a spanking new monthly newsletter that will focus exclusively on science fiction romance. I’m thrilled with this new direction of my work, as it combines so many of the things I love.

What is your favourite cake?

Ktarian Chocolate Puff! Or Chocolate Soufflé cake.

I'm not sure I'll be able to get a Ktarian chocolate puff cake but I am certain we could try a chocolate souffle cake! For those of you baking along, here is a recipe to try. 

You can keep in touch with A.W on her website, follow her on Twitter and Facebook.

Join me next week when I will be looking back at the cakes of 2018.

If you would like to take part in A Slice of Cake With... please fill in the form found here. I'd be delighted to have you.

Feel free to Buy Me A Coffee to go with this delicious slice of cake and support my writing endeavours.

Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find all her books on Amazon. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. 

A Slice of Cake With... Martin Wilsey

This week I am delighted to be having a slice of cake with fellow indie author Martin Wilsey.

Martin is a writer, hunter, photographer, rabble-rouser, father, friend, marksman, storyteller, frightener of children, carnivore, engineer, fool, philosopher, cook and madman. He and his wife Brenda live in Virginia where, just to keep him off the streets, he works as a research scientist.

What kind of books do you write?

The books I write are about ordinary people in extraordinary situations. The characters live and breathe and feel. My books are about seemingly impossible challenges and mysteries. They are about defying the odds. They are about kindness and cruelty and loss and triumph. And every now and then they will have cake, bacon, coffee, and even a brilliant cat.

Can you describe your writing why?

My first novel, Still Falling, was published on March 31^st, 2015. A lot of planets aligned to motivate its publication. First, my brother Eric died suddenly at 54 years old. It left me wondering what I wanted to do before I died. Soon after that, I suffered a severe spine injury that left me trapped in a comfy chair. It took no time at all for Netflix and Facebook to become useless distractions. So, I began to write every day to help keep my sanity.

I was also lucky to have excellent advice from other authors I knew regarding tools, technology, and methods.

All these combined and less than three years later I was able to retire and write full time. I am a fortunate man.

Share with us your favourite passage from the book you enjoyed writing the most.

From Virtues of the Vicious:

   “I can’t sleep, and I’m… afraid.” Potts said.

   Doc didn’t reply. He just looked at her, shook his head, and chuckled. 

   “What’s so funny?” She felt indignant. She had opened up to him, and he laughed at her.

   “You are on a ship of killers. Killers that sleep like babies. If you were not at least a little bit afraid, you’d be insane.” Doc stared at her as if he was examining her carefully. “Or is there something about you I don’t know yet?”

   “They’re not killers,” Potts said without stopping to think. Stammering. “Sawyer hardly sleeps at all.”

   “Sawyer is the exception on this crew. He remains haunted by the killing he’s done. He fears his dreams. Those he has killed find him there. He is on the bridge hiding from them, even now.”

   “I know Ian, Del, and Harper were all soldiers once,” Potts said. “Neal Locke, I don’t know. He seems so... I don’t know... virtuous.” 

   “Neal Locke still naively believes individual lives matter. Elizabeth is a patriot. She holds the virtues of the vicious. Cruze was purpose-built to be a killer. She should be feared most of all. Never forget that.” The Doc turned back to the view and said, “Make sure you are behind her when she runs up the black flag and starts slitting throats.”

Tell us about your latest project

My most recent project was the Solstice 31 Saga Omnibus. This is the Kindle and an Audible boxed set of Still Falling, The Broken Cage and Blood of the Scarecrow in a single volume for a single price. The great thing about it is that the Audible Edition includes all three for a single price or one Audible credit if you are a subscriber! It is 36.5 hours of Science Fiction Action adventure in one volume!

What is your favourite cake?

I had a cake once that was glorious. It was at a bed and breakfast in Virginia that was beautiful. The owner's flower garden was created to attract hummingbirds. I don’t know what the cake was called, but I can only describe it. It was like a cinnamon roll cake with a cream cheese drizzle frosting, It also had sprinkled crumbles. It was a cake though. Not a pastry.

Perfect with coffee…

For those of you baking along, here is a recipe for a cinnmon roll cake, not sure if it's the exact same cake but it looks yummy! 

You can keep in touch with Martin on Twitter & Facebook and make sure you check out his website - martinwilsey.com. 

Join me next week when I will be having a slice of cake with writer A.W. Cross, grilling them gently about their writing life and of course sharing their favourite cake.

If you would like to take part in A Slice of Cake With... please fill in the form found here. I'd be delighted to have you.

Feel free to Buy Me A Coffee to go with this delicious slice of cake and support my writing endeavours.

Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find all her books on Amazon. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. 

The Writer Mum

The thing about being a writer mum is guilt.

The 5am Club
Sadly not the writer's 5am club. No, this is the baby who didn't sleep through the night deciding this is the perfect time to wake up club. And so you feel guilty that you didn't get lots of writing done during that bleary hour or so before the other child wakes up.



Fish fingers and beans
Not a bad meal. But maybe not something they should be eating two or three times a week. And so you feel guilty that your children aren't eating their veggies and you feel guilty that you haven't cooked fantastic, nutritious meals every day.





Wishing for bedtime
Most parents wish for bedtime so they can have their time. You wish for bedtime so you can write. And then you feel guilty that you couldn't wait till they went to sleep. And then you feel guilty that you've left all your writing jobs until the end of the day and didn't do any in the daytime.




Having a cup of tea
Very occasionally you get to sit down and have a hot cup of tea. Maybe even catch up on a tv show you've been saving. But at the back of your mind is that little voice saying, you should be writing. And so flows the guilt.


Writing in the daytime
As a parent, there are many things you should be doing in the daytime. Cleaning, cooking, tidying and then, of course, playing with, reading to, doing crafty things with, going on play dates and so on and so on. So not only do you have the guilt that you didn't make paper mache dinosaurs today but you also have the guilt that you spent half an hour on the laptop instead of entertaining your small person.

Staying up late
Pulling an all-nighter to hit your 50k NaNoWriMo target might seem like a good idea at the time but the grumpy parental tiredness of the next day makes you think that maybe it wasn't worth it. And you have guilt for being the short-tempered, grumpy mum.



Things that help
Having an understanding partner and cute kids. Caffeine helps too, so feel free to buy me a coffee and keep me writing!

Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. 

Find all her books on Amazon. 

Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. 

Flash Fiction - Naughty or Nice?

'Santa?'
Clawed feet scrabble across freshly polished laminate flooring.
'Santa!'
The call echoes through festively decorated yet empty corridors.
'SANTA!!!'
'What?' came a grumpy mutter from a lumpy pile of fur-trimmed red cloth slumped on a large brown leather chair.
'Santa? Oh, there you are. Did you check it twice?'
'Check what?'
'The list. The naughty or nice list.'
The heap grunted.
'Well, did you?'
'No, no I didn't.'
There was a long pause. Tinsel the elf scratched one of its long furry ears.
'Um... sorry, Santa, did you just say you didn't check the list twice?'
'I didn't bloomin' check it once.' A large bulbous nose protruded from the heap of cloth followed by a bushy white beard and two coal black eyes, scowling at the elf. 'Problem?'
Tinsel considered his options.
'Well, Santa. I suppose you don't have to check it twice anymore. I mean, there are over 2 billion names and you know, you've got the toy manufacturing and the delivery schedule plus the mince pie conditioning to go through. It's okay.' He sucked his teeth. 'But... but, you should've checked it at least once. Really.'
A hand crept out of the Santa heap and snagged itself a mince pie from the nearby plate.
'What's the point?' Santa asked thickly, his mouth full of crumbly pastry and a particularly zingy mincemeat filling.
'What's the point? What's the point?' Tinsel's ears were standing up bolt upright in agitation. 'The point is... you see, the reason is... it's because...'
'HA!' said Santa, spraying crumbs at the elf. 'You can't even give me a reason.' Santa finally stood up, his iconic clothing all rumpled and stained. He stomped over to the book, opened a page at random and stabbed a name. 'Joe Hawkins. He's on the naughty list. What is he going to get for Christmas?'
'A lump of coal,' answered Tinsel confidently.
'Nope. He's going to get a PS4, an iPhone, £200 cash, several games for his console, a new bike and a plethora of other high-end gifts that he neither needs or deserves.'
'Yes, but, those gifts are from his parents and relatives and such like. Not from you. They don't count.'
'Of course they bloomin' count! It's all that bloomin' counts. Naughty child, nice child - there's absolutely no distinction because the idiot parents buy them everything anyway. It's not like it was back in the old days.' Santa looked off into the distance, dreamy-eyed.
Tinsel intervened quickly.
'Er, Santa? If you don't check the naughty or nice list then the world as we know it will fall into chaos.'
Santa regarded his elf somberly for a moment.
'Do you remember last year when you asked me if I'd checked it twice?'
Tinsel nodded.
'I lied.'

If you enjoyed reading this flash fiction, please consider buying me a coffee and keep my inspiration flowing - thank you!

Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find all her books on Amazon. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. 

November Book Reviews

Sharp Ends by Joe Abercrombie - 4 stars

Recap: A collection of short stories from the world of the First Law, featuring some of our favourite secondary characters.

Review: I really enjoyed dipping my toes back into this world, each tale was a fun reminder of the other books. I think my favourite was Tough Times All Over. I didn't care for Freedom! very much, with its overblown writing style but I feel like I have a richer understanding of the world of the First Law now. If I had more time, I'd go back and read them all again!








The Boy on the Bridge by M.R. Carey - 5 stars

Recap: A team of scientists and soldiers are following in the footsteps of a previous, lost, expedition. They are gathering samples to determine whether there is any cure for the fungus turning humans into hungries.

Review: I really enjoyed this sequel, I thought it was very cinematic. I enjoyed the science behind the fungal infection and the inclusion of an autistic main character. I thought the interplay between the characters was good although some of them seemed excessively aggressive but I guess living in those circumstances would make you quick to anger. I thought the resolution of Greaves and Rina's storylines were very powerful. And I loved the ending (trying really hard not to give away spoilers lol).



Raising Fire by James Bennett - 5 stars

Recap: Red Ben, the last dragon, must deal with the breaking of the Pact and the machinations of the last Fay whilst fighting an old foe and risking the exposure of all remnants.

Review: I enjoyed book two much more than book one, I think it was a combination of having all that world building from book one and a more confident writing style from Bennett. Red Ben is still a fairly unlikeable character and his stupidity is enraging but I loved the turn of events and the new remnant characters introduced. I really felt the decay and despair and I'm intrigued to see where the next book will take us.






Half a King by Joe Abercrombie - 5 stars

Recap: Prince Yarvi unexpectedly becomes King of Gettland but before he has chance to figure out how to be king, he survives an assassination attempt and is sold as a slave, destined to live out his life chained to an oar.

Review: Superb. I've always enjoyed Abercrombie and this was no different. I thought the character twists and turns were excellent making me proper gasp out loud. I had no idea this was YA not that that makes any difference to my enjoyment factor. I can't wait to read book two.







Ordinary Thunderstorms by William Boyd - 4 stars

Recap: Adam Kindred is embroiled in a conspiracy he knows nothing about, becomes wanted for murder and has to leave his entire life behind.

Review: Once I had time to get into this book properly, I flew through it. The characters were interesting and the surprising ease at which Kindred replaced his life was fascinating. I was appalled yet impressed at the ease he killed Vincent and loved how all the little twists and turns of the different character lives interacted so well. My only bugbear was that some of the insights to the side characters felt a little random at times and the ending left me wanting to know so much more.

Feel free to Buy Me A Coffee to support my reading endeavours.

Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find all her books on Amazon. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. 

12 Days of Indie Christmas

If you love books, you won't want to miss out on the 12 Days of Indie Christmas event happening over on Facebook.

The event is organised by indie author Rose Montague and helped (hindered) by myself!

How does it work?

Join the event: www.facebook.com/events/278153022841901

Decide whether you want to be a reader or an author.

As a reader, you get to post about the sorts of books you enjoy reading and sit back. The authors in the event will woo you with their books and you get to choose which ones you'd like to read. The idea is that you choose at least 12 books to buy.

As an author, you get to tell eager readers about your great book.

There will be daily competitions for you to win fantastic prizes from our fabulous authors and the perfect opportunity to give yourself a reading treat this Christmas.

Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find all her books on Amazon. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. 

A Slice of Cake With... Andrya B

This week I am delighted to be having a slice of cake with fellow indie author, Andrya B.

When not writing or working her full-time job, Andrea Barbosa travels in search of history, museums, and adventures. Her short stories and poems have appeared in several anthologies and journals, including the Southern Pacific Review and Ariel Chart. 

Andrea also writes award-winning romance under the pseudonym, Andrya Bailey.

She currently serves as VP and Press Director for the Houston Writers Guild and as Flash Fiction Editor for The Ocotillo Review Literary Journal (Kallisto Gaia Press). 

She has been a guest speaker at Houston Writers Guild writing conferences, Houston Baptist University Writers Conference, Lone Star College Bayou City Book Festival, Fort Bend County Libraries Book Festival, First Colony, Maud Marks, and Bear Creek libraries, Bay Area Writers League, NW Houston Romance Writers of America, Authorology workshops by Inklings Publishing, and is a regular guest author and panelist at Comicpalooza's (Texas largest pop culture event) Literary Track.

What kind of books do you write?

I write books where there’s an alpha male and the female protagonist falls head over heels and after much conflict, drama, and love triangles, there’s a happy ending! Besides that, I also write stories, which emphasizes the psychology of the characters and their unstable emotional states.

Can you describe your writing why?

One of my favourite writing quotes, “I don’t like writing, I love having written” summarizes it better. My motivation is to see the story that I visualize like a movie in my mind be transported to the pages and ready to be read. 

Share with us your favourite passage from the book you enjoyed writing the most.

“Holding my hand firmly, he led the way through the ruins until we found a spot at the edge of the hilltop. Nikos sat on the ground and settled me between his legs, wrapping his arms around my waist. Waves of desire swept through me when he kissed the back of my neck and nibbled on my earlobes. A moan escaped my lips, and I turned my face to kiss his mouth. This setting was the most romantic place I’d ever visited, and being with Nikos was beyond incredible. When I looked again at the wonderful scene in front of me, I realized we were not alone. Several people surrounded us, eager to see the amazing sunset. The sun melted into the mirrored surface of the quiet sea, emanating vivid hues of gold and red. The calm, idyllic water swallowed the ball of fire that struggled to remain afloat. Its reflection radiated triumphantly out of the sea’s depth, giving the last surviving rays the glowing ecstasy of its demise. An array of colors that could only be compared to an art museum’s masterpiece painted the sky with the precision of a master’s brush strokes. It prompted not only gasps, but a long bout of applause from the dazed and overwhelmed spectators.”

Tell us about your latest project

Although I’m still working on the 3rd and final book of my romance trilogy Olympian Love, the second book came out last year and the paragraph above is from this book, the second in the series, Olympian Heartbreak. It continues the love story of Sabrina, an art student pursuing a master’s degree, and the handsome Greek archaeologist Nikos. In this book, Nikos had to return to Greece somewhat unexpectedly with Sabrina’s rival, who is competing for his affections. However, Sabrina has the opportunity to take a trip to Greece and they have a wonderful time. I had the opportunity to visit Greece to research the locations I described in the book and it was a great experience! And a Greek historian also edited the book to ensure the Greek mythology and history are accurate.

What is your favourite cake?

Possibly a tie between “tres leches” and Sacher torte!

For those of you baking along, here is a recipe for Sacher Torte by Mary Berry. 

You can keep in touch with Andrya at her blog, Massive Black Hole, and follow her on Facebook & Twitter.

Join me next week when I will be having a slice of cake with writer Martin Wilsey, grilling them gently about their writing life and of course sharing their favourite cake.

If you would like to take part in A Slice of Cake With... please fill in the form found here. I'd be delighted to have you.

Feel free to Buy Me A Coffee to go with this delicious slice of cake and support my writing endeavours.

Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find all her books on Amazon. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop.