Books
The Night Language
Bronze medal winner for the Foreword INDIES Award for best LGBT Fiction
The Night Language tells the story of a young man, Prince Alamayou of Abyssinia (present day Ethiopia), who is taken from his home and the Abyssinian war to the court of Queen Victoria―a world he knows nothing about.
With him is Philip Layard, a young apprentice to one of the doctors on the battlefield in Abyssinia, who becomes Alamayou’s guardian, only friend, and eventually, the love of his life. When Parliament accuses Alamayou of murder, the young prince is sentenced to return to Abyssinia where he will be executed.
Alamayou’s only hope comes from the very thing that cannot be uttered: the unexpected and forbidden love between him and Philip.
“The Night Language is lovely and complex. It opens slowly, folding in historical details with ease.”
The Luminist
IN COLONIAL INDIA, at a time of growing friction between the ruling British and the restless Indian populace, a Victorian woman and her young Tamil Indian servant defy convention, class, and heartbreak to investigate what is gained – and lost – by holding life still. Suggested by the life and work of photographic pioneer Julia Margaret Cameron, The Luminist filters 19th century Ceylon through the lens of an English woman, Catherine Colebrook and a 15 year old Tamil boy, Eligius Shourie.
Left fatherless by soldiers, Eligius is brought as a servant to the Colebrooks’ neglected estate. In the shadow of Catherine’s obsession to arrest beauty – to select a moment from the thousands comprising her life in Ceylon and hold it apart from mere memory – Eligius transforms into her apprentice in the creation of the first haunting photographs in history.
“An absolute spellbinder. In Victorian-era Ceylon, amidst colonial strife and natural splendor, taboo love unfolds…If Rocklin crafts plot with a Homeric “what’ll-happen-next” intensity, he’s also a prose poet. From his deftly evocative chapter titles—“The Night, Moving,” “Thirty Breaths”—to his painterly eye (cloth described as “white as blanched bone, soft”)—he’s capable not just of beauty but of aphorism: “Even God was born of fury at cold, at death, at what was always lost.” History, art, celebratory feminism, rapturous writing and true suspense— this is a staggeringly good book.”
The Write Formula
HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A WRITER?
Do you have a book in your head, but you don’t know where to start? Learn how to generate story ideas, create structure and setting, and bring unforgettable characters to life with the helpful strategies in The Write Formula. Now you can take your idea from concept to completion and become the author you’ve always wanted to be.
“The Write Formula: 12 Weeks from Concept to Completion” by David Rocklin is an excellent guidebook for aspiring writers who want to turn their writing concepts into finished works. The author presents a step-by-step program that guides readers through the writing process, from the initial idea to the final manuscript. The book is organized into 12 weeks, with each week focusing on a different aspect of writing, such as character development, plot, pacing, and dialogue. The author provides exercises and prompts that encourage readers to apply the concepts covered in each chapter to their own writing. Rocklin’s writing style is engaging and easy to follow, making this book accessible to writers of all levels. He also shares personal anecdotes and insights from his own writing journey, which adds a personal touch to the book. “The Write Formula” is an excellent resource for writers who want to improve their craft and complete a writing project in a structured and supportive environment. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting, this book provides practical tools and advice that will help you reach your writing goals.”
“If you’re looking for a book to help you become a better writer, then “The Write Formula” by David Rocklin is an awesome choice. It’s packed with practical tips, exercises, and advice that are perfect for both new and experienced writers.
One of the things I liked about this book was how easy it was to read. Rocklin writes in a way that’s both informative and engaging, making it easy to follow along with his advice. He covers everything from creating memorable characters to crafting a gripping plot, providing readers with all the tools they need to create great stories.
What I appreciated most about “The Write Formula” was how much Rocklin emphasizes the importance of finding your own voice as a writer. He encourages experimentation and taking risks, which is essential for creating truly original work. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your writing to the next level, this book has something for everyone.
Overall, I highly recommend “The Write Formula” to anyone who wants to improve their writing skills. It’s a comprehensive guide that covers all the key elements of storytelling, and it’s written in a way that’s both informative and entertaining.”
“A craft book for everyone from the beginner to the seasoned pro. The tips are clear and concise, the author’s tone, one of a personal coach who encourages the reader/writer at every step. Rocklin himself is an exceptional novelist whose mastery of story, place, and deep characters is unimpeachable. How lucky we are that he has decided to share those gifts with us.“