If you haven't read part one, well, you're late to the party pal. Run (hop, skip or walk, it's up to you) to my previous ISFAB tagged blogs and then come on back. Bring a snack, too, I need one, I like tacos.
For those who are already familiar, guess what? I have three more judges for you to meet. You can snack while you read. My blog is self-cleaning if you spill something. on it, but it doesn't work on your clothes. Sorry.
Meet the Judges!
Travis Hawkins is a recently divorced father of two young boys. Travis is 31-years old and grew up in Las Cruces, NM. He enjoys sharing his love of the written word with his sons and teaching them all the various odd hobbies he's have picked up. Travis enjoys hot air ballooning with his family, fishing, hunting, and anything outdoors.
He also builds fishing rods and is a blacksmith on the side. Although a welder by trade, he has worked in many various fields ranging from maintenance to a veterinarian technician.
Travis started reading fantasy at a very early age thanks to his father, cutting his teeth on Anne McCaffrey's Dragon Riders of Pern and the works of the great Tolkien. Ever since then he's been a very avid reader and devours most anything he gets his hands on in the sci-fi/fantasy genres.
Q: Do you keep a book review journal? A: No I currently do not. I have not done enough reviews. Q: Is this the first time you have been a judge for a contest? A: Yes, it is my first time and I am very excited to get to be a part of this. Q: Is this your favorite genre to read? If not, which one do you prefer? A: Fantasy and science fiction are definitely my favorite genres. I do read quite a bit of mystery also.
Q: What prompted you to be one of the judges?
A: I have always wanted to write a novel but have never been able to develop a story I was happy with so this is my way of being a part of this community while enjoying some fresh reading material.
Q: Is there anything you would like the contestants to know about you or the judging?
A: I am by no means a professional critic nor am I a fellow author. I am basically a typical blue-collar worker who enjoys reading a ton and wanted to try my hand at doing something other than just reading on the sidelines.
Kerry Smith lives in Wellington, New Zealand. Single mum of 21 Yr old daughter and 2 sons who sadly have both passed away. I am an avid reader and have been a lover of fantasy for 50 yrs ever since I read Enid Blyton's The Magic Faraway Tree. This year I have been a judge with the Fantasy-Faction team for SPFBO6. For years I have worked with and for the rights of Intravenous Drugs Users and Sex Workers (as I have been both) and currently working and supporting my city's transgender and the LGBTQI community.
Q: Do you keep a book review journal? A: I mostly just make notes on my kindle whilst I'm reading.
However, after recently being a judge for SPFBO6 - which was my first time at being a judge for any book competition - I have come to the realisation when reviewing a book, especially for the semi-final or final stage of the competition, writing down notes and random thoughts at 3 am in physical form will be necessary.
Q: Is this the first time you have been a judge for a contest?
A: Being a judge for SPFBO6 gave me courage and empowered me to stick my hand up to offer my judging services for ISFAB. As well as discovering new authors and books I have got to meet some wonderful people and fellow bibliophiles & I'm certain ISFAB will be the same.
Q: Is this your favorite genre to read? If not, which one do you prefer?
A: Fantasy/Sci-fi would be about 99% of my reading material with Fantasy more predominant than Sci-fi. I adore Steampunk and Cyberpunk but Grimdark Fantasy and Fantasy/Murder/Crime crossover are my ultimate fantasy loves.
Eric Klein is a lifelong science fiction and fantasy reader who has always enjoyed those stories that show how science and technology can affect people’s lives. By day he works in hi-tech, lecturing on telecom security (at the hardware level, not about the people who use phones to commit fraud). As he has done quite a bit of travel for fun and business, he has included events in the story that are based on personal experiences.
Q: Do you keep a book review journal?
A: No, I review books and post on GoodReads. I have considered adding book reviews to my author site but have not yet.
Q: Is this the first time you have been a judge for a contest?
A: This is my first time judging this kind of contest.
Q: Is this your favorite genre to read? If not, which one do you prefer?
A: I split my reading between science fiction and fantasy. I try to avoid dystopian as that feels too much like the real world.
Q: What prompted you to be one of the judges?
A: This was an opportunity to pay back to the community for the help and advice that I have received from others while working on my novel.
Q: Is there anything you would like the contestants to know about you or the judging?
A: Personally, I read and enjoy most books where the little details have been considered. What do the people eat, how do non-MCs go through their lives, did you include food/hygiene, etc. to make the flavor of the world more relatable.
Anyone else want to go to dinner with these three and discuss books over steak and cocktails? Speaking of dinner, It's time to feed the crotch demons. More blogs coming soon!
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