Yes, yes, it does, Moira, and thank you for noticing. A big thanks also to all of you for tuning in for part three of our ISFAB Judges: Who Are They? I would like to add that you can find a list of all the books involved in my first ISFAB blog. Those links are updated and you can click on any of them to go directly to that book's exclusive link so you can read along with the judges.
I have a few more judges to introduce you to, so get settled, we are starting now!
Carolyn Greathouse-Mallinson is a retired, avid reader, loves fantasy, dragons, some sci-fi, and some paranormal books. She lives in a very rural part of Missouri with her husband and border collie Sam. Carolyn is a wife, mother, grandmother & great grandmother;
a hunter/fisherman ( woman?); conservationists, gardener, who crochets, sews, and can get produce from the garden.
Q: Do you keep a book review journal?
A: Sort of
Q: Is this the first time you have been a judge for a contest?
A: No
Q: Is this your favorite genre to read? If not, which one do you prefer?
A: Some of them are and some are not. I prefer fantasy ( epic, high, etc) I'm open to reading other types of books. I read them all with an open mind.
Q: What prompted you to be one of the judges?
A: Giving different books/ authors a bash.
Cully Mack. is an indie author in England with a four-legged buddy, Leo. Cully is an avid reader who also cut her teeth on Enid Blyton's The Magic Faraway Tree. She reads all genres, preferring fantasy and myth. For most of Cully's life, she's worked with people experiencing homelessness, and managing services that support them to live fulfilled lives.
In 2014, she returned to University and completed a BA in English Literature & Creative Writing. She loved it so much, Cully stayed on to do a Masters in Creative Writing. Since then, she's been writing a high fantasy series and her developmental editing which she plans to expand in the new year!
Q: Do you keep a book review journal?
A: I keep a spreadsheet with notes, dates read, author & book details etc.
Q: Is this the first time you have been a judge for a contest?
A: I have been a judge for a national short story competition in the UK.
Q: Is this your favorite genre to read? If not, which one do you prefer?
A: Fantasy is my favourite genre to read. I prefer high/epic, character-driven novels with grimdark and fantasy romance coming in a close second. However, I read all genres and enjoy books that are well written regardless of their genre.
Q: What prompted you to be one of the judges?
A: I thought it would be interesting to see what Indie Authors are writing and I enjoy reading. With my background in English Literature & Creative Writing, I thought I'd have something to offer.
Q: Is there anything you would like the contestants to know about you or the judging?
A: I'm a fantasy author from the UK. I'm an avid reader, reading 100's of books a year. When I'm not writing or reading, I enjoy walking in the countryside with my dog.
My approach to judging is fair, assessing the text as it is presented without any outside influences. I'm used to critiquing written work of all genres without being biased by my personal preferences.
That being said, what am I looking for? Something which stands out from the rest. This could be a memorable well-developed character, a particular writing style or technique, vivid imagery and description, a riveting plot... I could go on; the possibilities are endless. All I know for sure is, it's the type of thing that when the book is laid down, the mind continues to ponder.
I completely agree! That wonderful feeling when you have finished a book and it lingers in your mind for days, sometimes weeks and months. I read a series recently which is still tickling the back of my brain as I write this, whew!
Adawia Asad You probably can't pronounce my name, so you can call me Addy. Originally from Palestine, but born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Addy has one husband, seven kids, two (unpaid) jobs, and a truckload of cats. Technically, they're not her cats, they took up residence and propagated in her backyard. Addy enjoys reading, the outdoors, and reading outdoors. She loves crafting and hopes to one day have a fully self-contained tea garden she can read in, with a few plants short of achieving this, but she's optimistic. Addy also wishes she was a wizarding gymnast but isn't optimistic about achieving that.
Q: Do you keep a book review journal?
A: No, and I tend to keep my reviews fairly short, usually focusing mostly on the overall feel of a book. Having said that, I will probably take notes while judging this competition as a more detailed review is appropriate.
Q: Is this the first time you have been a judge for a contest?
A: Does judging feats of gymnastics among friends and family as a kid count? No? Then this is my first time judging a contest.
Q: Is this your favorite genre to read? If not, which one do you prefer?
A: Fantasy and sci-fi are currently my favourite genres to read - and have been for the past few years. I love reading just about all genres - always have - but before getting heavily into fantasy and sci-fi I mostly read literary fiction.
Q: What prompted you to be one of the judges?
A: Other than being a fun and interesting experience, I'm hoping it will make me more aware or present while I'm reading, giving me a reason to hone in on features/aspects of a book I may not otherwise notice, and perhaps improve my objectivity.
Q: Is there anything you would like the contestants to know about you or the judging?
A: I'm not fussy about tropes, styles, POV, etc. I tend to appreciate good writing over a good story - I will happily read a seemingly dull tale if it's beautifully written.
Also, I probably don't really know what I'm doing, but I will do my best.
I don't know what I am doing, so, welcome! We'll learn together, somehow. Or we won't, and if not, that's okay, too. I made cookies. Cookies make everything better.
Michelle Crow is a scifi, fantasy, and speculative fiction (human) writer. In addition to writing, she teaches remedial English Composition at a local community college. Currently, she has three short stories and one co-written novel published. With her husband, three little monsters, and two dogs, she lives near the Smoky Mountains in a 1960s home that she's fairly certain is haunted...again.
Q: Do you keep a book review journal?
A: I do not but now I want to! I have let the dust settle around the corners of my personal website where I was reviewing books—maybe it is time to get out the duster?
Q: Is this the first time you have been a judge for a contest?
A: Yes. I am trying to think if there is any other time that I have been a judge for something and I am currently drawing blanks, so yes. I am sure I have judged in something. Does my children's art show count? :)
Q: Is this your favorite genre to read? If not, which one do you prefer?
A: Yes. Considered all-capping that one. I'm a sci-fi/fantasy junkie. I also love YA dystopian—more partial to the shows than the books. We are Sandersonites in my house and have all of The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan, and every one of Brandon Sanderson's works too (some signed as well). I've always been drawn to fantasy and have a hard time reading anything that doesn't fall into the sci-fi or fantasy genre—I mean, I already have to live in the real world, why would I want to read about it? Still, to each their own :).
Q: What prompted you to be one of the judges?
A: My best friend and co-author sent me the information about it and I jumped at the opportunity to participate. I was actually the 20th judge selected and I'm still just as stoked as when they first said I would be a preliminary judge (just finished my first read and review too). I'm a bibliophile, a mom of three, writer, and educator—this year hasn't really afforded me much time for leisure reading.
This seemed like a great opportunity to break my "no-time-for-mommy-to-read" cycle and to work with other fellow creatives. That's what is so great about the writing community—the support systems, networks, and friendships that evolve from it.
Q: Is there anything you would like the contestants to know about you or the judging?
A: Not really. Happy Writing, Reading, and Creating!
That's the end for now. I know, I'm sad also, but there will be more coming soon! Be sure to leave a comment on my site, or a quote. I love quotes. Sign up to get first eyes on my blogs and so much more this year.
I'll see you soon!