Kelli Jae Baeli


Biography

Kelli Jae Baeli began writing as a child, exploring poetry and journaling, and eventually moving on to short stories. After a romantic fling in the military with another female soldier, she decided to write a book based on the experience. The story that evolved took on a life of it's own, but it became her first novel, As You Were. This was followed quickly by Armchair Detective, a book she said she wrote because she couldn’t find other lesbian fiction she liked and so wanted to write something she would want to read. She's been doing that ever since.

Creativity comes as easily as breathing to Baeli. Living a life around words, books, art and music not only fulfills her, but defines her.
An independent publisher, she has written and produced 33 books, both non-fiction and fiction in a variety of genres, with many more planned.

Believing in mastering every aspect of the business, she is also an editor, webmaster and blogger, all after eight years pursuing a B.A. in Professional Writing & Editing. Formerly a managing editor for two small presses, and a freelance editor since 1995, Baeli has also done book cover design, typography, and formatting since 1998.

Formerly a managing editor for two small presses, and a freelance editor since 1995, she has now co-founded Lesbian Literati Press with her partner and fellow author Kate Genet. All this in addition to maintaining the Kindred Ink Writer’s Initiative, Kind Red Ink Editing Services, a blog and three forums.

Constantly mining the world around her for literary tidbits, Baeli is always to be found with notebook in hand, a self-confessed word magpie who sees everywhere the fodder for her stories and essays.

She is also a talented singer/songwriter with over 200 songs to her credit. A canny mix of business woman and artist, Kelli Jae Baeli is delighted to spend each and every day feeding her muse.

Relocated from Colorado, Baeli now makes her home on what feels to her like the brave new planet of New Zealand with her Kiwi partner Kate Genet. She looks forward to a life rich in words, music and stories.

Where to find Kelli Jae Baeli online


Where to buy in print


Books

Herding Cats (Atheism is Myth-Understood)    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $0.99 USD. 13740 words. Published on April 2, 2013. Nonfiction.

(1.00 from 1 review)
Josh Davis: you, sir, have no way of knowing what my education or history is, your suppositions about my qualifications is a personal attack, as well as erroneous & backhanded. I was a christian most of my life & studied under bible scholar. This book clearly states in description it's directed at AGNOSTICS, not Christians. And your opinion comes from one who believes in invisible, magical beings.
Unreasonable Ideas (The Etymology of Ignorance)    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $0.99 USD. 21320 words. Published on April 2, 2013. Nonfiction.

Directed at agnostics and those struggling with the inconsistencies in Christianity in particular, and religion in general, an author struggles to find her own Personal Cosmology by examining and sharing her beliefs and discoveries about God, the Bible and Christianity.
Science Heals, Religion Steals (Apples & Oranges...& Watches)    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $0.99 USD. 13330 words. Published on April 1, 2013. Nonfiction.

(Excerpt from: Supernatural Hypocrisy: The Cognitive Dissonance of a God Cosmology) Directed at agnostics and those struggling with the inconsistencies in Christianity in particular, and religion in general, an author struggles to find her own Personal Cosmology by examining and sharing her beliefs and discoveries about God, the Bible and Christianity.
The Hashin' of the Christ (Crucifixion, Resurrection & Ascension)    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $0.99 USD. 9380 words. Published on March 31, 2013. Nonfiction.

Excerpted from Supernatural Hypocrisy: The Cognitive Dissonance of a God Cosmology (Volume 1, Cosmology of God & Jesus) Directed at agnostics and those struggling with the inconsistencies in Christianity in particular, and religion in general, an author struggles to find her own Personal Cosmology by examining and sharing her beliefs and discoveries about God, the Bible and Christianity.
Thatness & Whatness (Cop-Outs About God)    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $0.99 USD. 8990 words. Published on March 31, 2013. Nonfiction.

(3.00 from 2 reviews)
Directed at agnostics and those struggling with the inconsistencies in Christianity in particular, and religion in general, an author struggles to find her own Personal Cosmology by examining and sharing her beliefs and discoveries about God, the Bible and Christianity.
The First Family (Adam & Eve & Sons)    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $0.99 USD. 7680 words. Published on March 30, 2013. Nonfiction.

Baeli examines the stories of Adam and Eve, and their sons, Cain and Abel. Includes: The First Family, The Fall of Man, Oh, Kill Me Now!, The Second Book of Adam & Eve, The Rook of Adam and Apparently You ARE Supposed to Keep Your Brother.
Jael. In a Tent. With a Spike.    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $0.99 USD. 8020 words. Published on March 30, 2013. Nonfiction.

(5.00 from 2 reviews)
In this excerpt, Baeli responds to an online pastor's site. "During some research, I came across a page that stopped me in my cyber-tracks. It's the most hateful, war-mongering, misogynistic, atavistic, hate-crime supporting, and sickening example of Christian brainwashing I've ever seen. And it's intended for kids."
Science vs. The Flood (Scrutinizing the Noah’s Ark Story)    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $0.99 USD. 7860 words. Published on March 30, 2013. Nonfiction.

(Excerpt from: Supernatural Hypocrisy: The Cognitive Dissonance of a God Cosmology) In this excerpt, Baeli examines the Noah's Ark story.
Giving it Away : Spoilers as Both Noun & Accusation (Why Book Reviews Matter & How to Write a Proper One)    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: Free! 5150 words. Published on March 18, 2013. Essay.

0.5 star(4.50 from 2 reviews)
This is a FREE eArticle, not a novel; it does not pretend to elucidate completely the subject at hand; it's about 10 pages on the topic. I am too busy writing full-length novels to give it more time than that & yes, I do advertise my other work in the back of it. Please realize this was a quick share of some information I thought important, & that's ALL. That's why I'm GIVING IT AWAY.
Somewhere Else (Soul Detective, Tabitha Meeks #1)    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $3.99 USD. 30790 words. Published on February 23, 2013. Fiction.

A non-physical walk-in soul makes an agreement with another incarnated soul to take over her body. But Daelah Murdock is a Mormon goody-two-shoes with a pathological attachment to the color pink. And someone is trying to kill her.
Quintessence    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $3.99 USD. 40860 words. Published on February 16, 2013. Fiction.

(4.00 from 1 review)
Twenty-five year old Jason Beasley is about to discover, literally, a new reality, and that the research Professor Pritchard has done will lead him to the life he didn't know he was missing. If he could only get used to all the differences; starting with the fact that his own gender had changed.
Reading, Writing & No Arithmetic (Baeli On Series, #1)    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $0.99 USD. 22800 words. Published on February 9, 2013. Nonfiction.

Kelli Jae Baeli, Indie Author and Publisher with Lesbian Literati Press, and author of 31 books, numerous articles, stories and essays, shares some thoughts about the writing craft and the writer's life.
Curse of Cache La Poudre    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $3.99 USD. 30250 words. Published on February 6, 2013. Fiction.

(5.00 from 1 review)
Danica and Rikki have missed their plane, which couldn't be worse news because now they might just miss their own wedding. ...and being chased through the wilderness, while a great bonding exercise, is not the romantic getaway they were expecting.
Also Known As Rising & Falling (AKA Investigations, Book 4)    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $4.99 USD. 83140 words. Published on January 22, 2013. Fiction.

(5.00 from 1 review)
Jobeth O'Brien discovers that even when she's out of commission, due to a back injury, there's no way she can stay out of the loop. Not when so much is going on in her household full of women.
Also Known As Syzygy (AKA Investigations Series, Book 3)    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $4.99 USD. 75860 words. Published on January 13, 2013. Fiction.

On December 3, 2012, Saturn, Venus & Mercury aligned. On that same night, three women align to see that justice is done.
Falling Through the Cracks: The Misadventures of No One Famous    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $2.99 USD. 210520 words. Published on October 12, 2012. Nonfiction.

"Falling Through the Cracks is a brave, entertaining, heart-breaking, and inspiring peek into the dark places of the human psyche, illuminated with hope and determination by sheer force of will. A powerful story that reminds us of the beauty of the human spirit.". ~LightSwitcher Books
Supernatural Hypocrisy: The Cognitive Dissonance of a God Cosmology    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $3.99 USD. 291040 words. Published on August 20, 2012. Nonfiction.

An author struggles to find her own Personal Cosmology by examining and sharing her beliefs about God, the Bible and Christianity. Complete 6-volume eBook edition Volume 1: Cosmology of God & Jesus Volume 2: Cosmology of Christianity Volume 3: Cosmology of the Bible Volume 4: Cosmology of the Dark Side Volume 5: Cosmology of Science Volume 6: C
Mind-Bending Esoterica    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: Free! 5920 words. Published on May 14, 2012. Nonfiction.

Science is often wrongly interpreted as unable to respond to wild claims from believers. Complicated things require complicated explanations. Political Correctness has discouraged us, as a society, from speaking the truth, for fear it might damage someone's fragile sensibilities. But progress should never be impeded by a need to coddle adults who respond to the world as children.
Scars of the Old Flame    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: Free! 3370 words. Published on April 28, 2012. Nonfiction.

Then like Virgil’s Agnosco veteris vestigia flammae–I feel once more the scars of the old flame…
Euthanasia: The Good Death    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: Free! 4180 words. Published on April 28, 2012. Nonfiction.

An individual's choice to end his or her own life, is at once the most personal decision, and should not be in the control of anyone other than the person considering self-termination. Human beings have the right to end their own suffering, if that suffering will ultimately end in death, or else be prolonged, and without any hope of quality of life.
Red Light Needs a Green Light    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: Free! 3840 words. Published on April 28, 2012. Nonfiction.

Contrary to popular belief, in comparing “House” prostitutes–those working from a house or other structure specifically for that purpose–and street prostitutes, 97% reported higher self-esteem. Surprisingly, statistics also show that abuse of prostitutes and women in general were about the same. So the violence against women is the issue here, not prostitution.
Creativity, Intelligence & Depressive Realism    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: Free! 2780 words. Published on April 28, 2012. Nonfiction.

Does creativity come first, and then depression? Do depression-oriented people seek creative expression? Do intelligent people tend toward a need for creative expression?
From Genocide to Neo-Eugenics    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $0.99 USD. 3730 words. Published on April 28, 2012. Nonfiction.

The constative issue of eugenics is one fraught with both peril and promise. Can the association with Hitler be put aside long enough to consider this issue without the onerous specter of the Holocaust and the efforts to create an Aryan race? If it can, then perhaps the traditional idea of eugenics must be reframed. We need a "Neo-Eugenics" that espouses pre-conception solutions, rather than post-
Too Much World    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $2.99 USD. 35030 words. Published on April 25, 2012. Nonfiction.

"A powerful, thought-provoking collection of essays that reveal the author’s ability to dig deep into the pits of despair, and moreover, seek ways to climb out...” ~KIWI Club Reviews
Sullied Pajamas: A Discerning Lesbian on Dating, Relationships & Sex    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $2.99 USD. 68260 words. Published on April 25, 2012. Nonfiction.

I was not at all happy with my dating and relationship experiences, overall, and this collection reflects that. But as a happy aside, I have since found my soulmate --as cheesy as that sounds--and we are enjoying a truly magically-well-matched union. Maybe all that upholding my standards, and trudging through the dating quagmire finally paid off, eh?
Don't Fall in Love With Your Words: Fall in Love With Your Craft    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $2.99 USD. 30390 words. Published on April 25, 2012. Nonfiction.

Indie Author of 26 books shares her insights on being a writer and doing the writing
Bettered by a Dead Crustacean    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $2.99 USD. 21960 words. Published on April 25, 2012. Nonfiction.

“Prepare yourself for a wildly entertaining jaunt through the witty psyche of the author, as she shares odd and humorous thoughts on a wide range of subjects, proving once again her ability to make us think, laugh and question our own sanity.” ~KIWI Club Reviews
Immortality or Something Like it    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $2.99 USD. 34050 words. Published on April 25, 2012. Nonfiction.

"An odyssey through a life examined, a burden shared, and a soul shining with determination and honesty. You will come away from this book feeling like there's someone out there who really understands what it's like to suck the marrow out of life." ~KIWI Club Reviews
Resurrection Sticks    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $3.99 USD. 30160 words. Published on April 25, 2012. Fiction.

It's hard enough building a life on a new planet, but when you're faced with dissension in your own tribe, you have to decide and decide quickly just how far you're prepared to go.
Dinky's Demise    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: Free! 1630 words. Published on April 14, 2012. Fiction.

She was fearless and he wanted to be fearless.
When It’s All You Can Do To Be All You Can Be    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: Free! 14420 words. Published on April 1, 2012. Nonfiction.

I raised my right hand and was sworn in with a room full of other recruits on December 7th, 1987. I was at that time too naïve to know that this meant I was saying, “I have no more rights, and you may abuse me at will.” It must have been in the sub-text somewhere, but I missed it.
Flash Fiction, Volume 1    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $0.99 USD. 10880 words. Published on March 21, 2012. Fiction.

A collection of short fiction about right and wrong, greed, estrangement, a Chihuahua, what makes us real, bad customer service and rude patrons, a loveable mutt, a lesson learned, a talking newspaper, dealing with the unschooled, apparitions, the future as past, and accepting loss.
Therefore, I Am    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: Free! 1950 words. Published on March 21, 2012. Fiction.

Everything seemed to irritate him lately—even simple things he had never questioned before. Something was wrong with his life, but he couldn’t decide what it was.
Burn Her to the Ground    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $0.99 USD. 2770 words. Published on March 21, 2012. Fiction.

After being estranged for 10 years, a lesbian woman tries to mend fences with a visit to her mother. She brings her New Zealand girlfriend along
Punkin's Big Adventure    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: Free! 1810 words. Published on March 21, 2012. Fiction.

A sad attempt at a children’s story. Not quite suitable for children.
Stomping Bees    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: Free! 1340 words. Published on March 20, 2012. Nonfiction.

I liked the feel of them under my huge, powerful, crushing, 7-year-old foot.
House of Escher    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $0.99 USD. 3820 words. Published on March 20, 2012. Fiction.

The morning after too much to drink, a young woman finds herself in different clothes, in a strange building, in an unknown city, and trying to get away from a killer.
Mark of the Almost-Beast    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $0.99 USD. 4250 words. Published on March 20, 2012. Fiction.

A professor explores her naughty side, and discovers that things are not always what they seem.
I'm Shure    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $0.99 USD. 1920 words. Published on March 19, 2012. Fiction.

Can't get no satisfaction...unless you're the girls in the band.
OMFG    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $0.99 USD. 3080 words. Published on March 19, 2012. Fiction.

It was an honest mistake, but what Abby didn't realize was, her girlfriend had an agenda.
Chickens Come Home    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $0.99 USD. 4060 words. Published on March 18, 2012. Fiction.

A lesson in forced karma when a young woman takes matters into her own hands.
Becoming a Statistic    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $0.99 USD. 3950 words. Published on March 15, 2012. Nonfiction.

Alone on a dark road, a young woman learns something about herself she didn't really want to know.
True Blue Colors    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $0.99 USD. 3310 words. Published on March 15, 2012. Fiction.

(5.00 from 1 review)
Rookie cop, Veronica Polk finds herself undercover, on a case that could make or break her fresh new career.
Tristoon the Incorrigible    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $0.99 USD. 6910 words. Published on March 15, 2012. Fiction.

After Beowulf, and before Xena, there was Tristoon...From out the hollow Redwood, emerged a small warrior bedecked in the gear of the Realm. Tristoon fastened her chain mail and adjusted the sword at her side. Another day, another battle, she thought wearily. Was this not a tiresome thing?
Wear a Helmet    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $2.99 USD. 33660 words. Published on March 2, 2010. Essay.

In Wear a Helmet, Baeli again displays her ability to swing from unapologetic humor to revealing even the most painful fragments of her psyche.
ISO (In Search Of): The Art of Dating, Relationships & Sex for the Discerning Lesbian    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $2.99 USD. 53640 words. Published on March 2, 2010. Nonfiction.

(3.00 from 1 review)
"If there was a 'user's manual' for lesbians, this would be it. Baeli attempts to clarify the questions and provide the answers to some of the most pressing issues that young or new lesbians might have--and accomplishes her goal effectively. She does this with integrity, great insight, sincerity, as well as a generous dose of sometimes scathing humor." ~LightSwitcher Books
Also Known As DNA (AKA Investigations Series, Book 2)    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $4.99 USD. 76180 words. Published on March 2, 2010. Fiction.

(5.00 from 2 reviews)
In this sequel to Armchair Detective, Jobeth & Phoebe are enjoying Lakewood, Colorado & Jobeth's newly licensed AKA Investigations. After a fresh start,life seems idyllic & full of promise. The dream is soon shattered by ghosts from the past, appearing to tear the fabric of love and trust. A crescendoing battle of survival will test their courage, as they discover the darker permutations of DNA
Random Act of Blindness    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $3.99 USD. 50940 words. Published on March 2, 2010. Fiction.

A professor struggles with her sexual identity after crossing paths with a clever young lesbian, in this erotic novella.
Plethora    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $4.99 USD. 84810 words. Published on March 1, 2010. Fiction.

Brenna, A quirky bisexual author, escapes to Hogscald-a place where Mother Nature is not always nurturing, the Bubbas are watching from the knoll & her nearest neighbor lives in a treehouse & thinks she's been inseminated by aliens. Micah, a masseuse, trudges through the exasperating & often comical dating scene in real life & on the Internet, still desperately searching for a suitable partner.
As You Were    by Kelli Jae Baeli
Price: $4.99 USD. 79680 words. Published on March 1, 2010. Fiction.

0.75 star(4.75 from 4 reviews)
When an average day ends in a tragic accident, Tru Morgan must embark upon a quest to regain the life she once had with her lover, Brittany Jabot, while sinister outsiders take advantage of the precarious situation. Yearning, revelations, and lurking danger pull at the threads of a once-idyllic life. As You Were is a romantic story driven by mystery and suspense.
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Kelli Jae Baeli's favorite authors on Smashwords


Smashwords book reviews by Kelli Jae Baeli

  • Shadows Fall on March 07, 2012
    star star star star star
    In the second of Genet's Michaela and Trisha series, the author again reveals her ability to pull a reader through a story that engages and delights. The suspense in this story is handled very well, and the characters are fully-drawn and ones with which the reader can sympathize. Shadows Fall had me caught with its suspenseful subject matter, and unique handling of material that, though it has been done before, it is rarely done with this type of mastery. I found myself twitching at things that go bump in the night. One could easily compare Genet's writing to that of other respected and accomplished writers...this book is every bit as good as every other fantastic book out there, and it's better than most of them. It's so refreshing to find a writer in the lesbian genre who does not cheapen the love between women, but instead makes it universal, relatable, and all at once, a joy to read. I love the way Genet has revitalized this genre, and I am a devoted fan.
  • Remnant on March 16, 2012
    star star star star star
    Rich in eloquence, authenticity, and sweeping tragic beauty I choose my books wisely, as I don't have near enough time to read all the books I'd like to, so I will not even waste my time with one that doesn't immediately engage my senses, my interest, my fascination. Remnant was one of those books that did all of that and more. New Zealand author, Kate Genet is one of those writers who deserves a major publishing contract, along with an insanely generous advance and a multi-book deal. Her book, Remnant is just a masterful piece of work. It isn't easy to handle basically one character for most of a book, but she pulled it off beautifully. Not once, did I lose interest in Cass and her plight. One reason for her mastery, is that she did not create a hero, so much as an average woman in beyond-average situation This book has a great deal of exposition, but necessarily so, considering the plot. It takes a lot to keep me from skipping forward on long narrative passages, merely because many writers aren't very good at handling them, but Genet has a firm grip on moving a story along and making it engaging and compelling. There's a lot to be said for the economy of words, (notwithstanding this review) and often other authors will fall into purple prose--as if to say "look at me I'm in love with my words." Genet, however, is in love with her craft. She doesn't slip into verbosity, yet never skimps on eloquent and succinct prose to illuminate character, move plot, and engender emotions in the reader, often primal emotions, at that. The horse, Ezzy, she befriends--or who befriends her-- is as much a main character as Cass, and just as easily engaging. Along with her eloquence and ability to create such tension, her plot is not at all predictable; it's clever, with a few twists that are quite satisfying and clever. She stays true to her characters, her concept, and her plot, the whole way through. We are taken on a journey along with the characters, so that it does feel visceral and authentic. One thing Kate Genet does not do is cop out on her stories. Nor does she spoon-feed or take the easy way out. Remnant is rich in eloquence, authenticity, and sweeping tragic beauty. To qualify this is a book as "going back to nature" would be understatement, because we do realize in the poignant exposition, how powerful nature can be, and how insignificant we ultimately are as a species, against such a formidable force. It's challenging enough, in today's luxury-oriented society, to lose all those conveniences--but another thing entirely to be thrust into a world where even the basic necessities like water, food, shelter, and safety are a constant question, a continual struggle. Many, if not most people who might found themselves in such an apocalyptic situation, would simply break out the razor blades and send themselves to oblivion. But here, we find a character who has a well of inner strength, a fortitude that allows her to keep going, keep hoping, keep searching for those two elements crucial to the health and well-being of the human species: hope and love. Without these two, as Genet illustrates in Remnant, there is little cause to survive. Remnant is a beautiful, epic tale of one woman's courage and strength, amid the most oppressive and hopeless of circumstances. Truly an examination and exaltation of the human spirit, and a reminder that our lives are only as satisfying as we decide to make them.
  • Orange Moon on April 04, 2012
    star star star star star
    From the moment I started reading this book, I knew I would like it. I was partially right. I wound up LOVING it. By the second night, I couldn't put it down. I even got sleepy once, and got up and sat in the living room so I could keep reading. I am just SO IMPRESSED with this book. It has all those delicious elements that keep you turning pages. The intrigue, the tension, the mastery of nuance and words, the emotional poignancy, the characters you care about... I am a huge Dean Koontz fan, and I kept thinking how it reminded me of some of his best work (mostly his older stuff like One Door Away From Heaven). There are also elements of Stephen King's style here--spooky, gripping, intense. I did not lose interest in this story for a single second, and that's saying a lot, because I'm not easily impressed with most fiction. This is work that Kate Genet should be SO unabashedly PROUD of. It puts her in league with the best. They have nothing on her. And let me just say that the intimate scenes between Alice and Hope...well I caught myself wanting to marry the author! Though she couldn't possibly be single, could she? I'm being a bit facetious, but not really...and I don't just refer to the carnal aspects...it's that indefinable tenderness that cannot be written by someone who doesn't actually understand it on a visceral level. It's the type of heart I hope to find one day, and share my life with. Sigh. Her words make me yearn for it, anew. I am so looking forward to reading all Kate Genet's work. It's something delicious for me to look forward to. She has me caught--hook, line and sinker.
  • Scarcity on April 14, 2012
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    Whether Kate Genet is writing novels or short stories, her prose, her character studies and the peek inside the human psyche will always intrigue, and continually please. The reader can expect to find it time well spent. Scarcity is another example of Genet's ability to draw you into a world of her creation; this, being a world of two lonely women who need intimacy perhaps more than they are willing to admit. The use of color, such as shades of purple, seem to represent the bruised and beautiful nature of life as we seek solace and acceptance amid the often cruel machinations of fate.
  • Fat Pat and the Accidental Death of Maryanne on June 28, 2012
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    This story had me laughing all the way through. It was disturbing, but in a decidedly hysterical way...black comedy at its best, and a character voice that is spot-on. Genet always manages to surprise and delight me with her ability to impart a protagonist (if you could call him that--he might also be considered an antagonist) that is at once believable, interesting and unique. This is no exception. In fact, it's a shining example! It's worthy of a prize for best short story. The fact that she can get inside the persona so well, especially when I know that Fat Pat is NOTHING like Genet...well, it's an impressive talent she has. I encourage everyone who enjoys masterful characterization to download this. You will NOT be sorry!
  • Disbelief on Jan. 22, 2013
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    This 4th book in the Michaela and Trisha series has no ghosts, or spooky talking dolls, nor any strange lights or ominous shadows, but it still manages to be chilling and exciting. The pivotal point in the relationship between the main characters would be interesting enough, but the danger and obstacles Genet places in front of them makes this adventurous story impossible to put down until you get to the end. One thing that always impresses me about Kate Genet's books, aside from their eloquent prose, is that she could sell ice to an Eskimo--convince you, utterly, that the situation is real, and you are part of it. Her ability to reveal just the right details, find the perfect element of interest, is second to none. She can take a simple premise and make it blossom into an engaging, page-turning wonder: ---------------- "She headed straight out, hair flying, arms straining, trying to keep her strokes fluid and even, afraid of tipping out. She was sure the men were going to follow her, and if they decided to, they’d have her in minutes. The boat would bear down on her, pushing the pink kayak under its hull, spilling her into the water, where she’d either be sliced and diced in the propeller, or plucked out of the water on the end of a fishing hook, skewered and helpless." ---------------- I believe it is, in fact, the author's ability to turn a phrase that so thoroughly draws you in. Peppered throughout the pages of all Genet's books, are delicious little tidbits that move the story, create vivid settings, and act as food for the eyes: ---------------- "Beneath her, the ground crumbled away into rocks that raced steeply downwards to throw themselves under the waves. ----------------- Or this passage: ----------------- "Dawn came in shades of undergrowth grey, needling down through the canopy and doing its best to crawl along the forest floor to where Michaela lay with her eyes open but not wanting to move." ----------------------- Disbelief explores the arduous terrain of self-confidence and courage; but in the relationship between Michaela and Trisha, the other meat is found; at once captivating and charming, these two women inspire an affinity in the reader that insures complete attention to the story, and invests you in the outcome; a satisfying book that leaves you wanting more, without making you feel that anything was left out.
  • Irrevocable on Feb. 07, 2013
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    Once again, Kate Genet has wowed me with her ability to tell a story, and keep me plastered to the page to see what happens. Irrevocable is every bit as enticing and engaging as all her other books. The atmosphere she creates is like standing in a virtual reality machine, where created events feel so real, you forget where your actual reality resides. Her mastery of turning a phrase, creating just the right sensation, and surprising you with the depth of her words, is still, in my mind, second to none. Handling the subject of death and dying is not for the faint of heart, yet Genet touches the reader with her understanding of the intricacies of courage, loyalty, devotion, individuality and in this story--even fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of loss, of helplessness, fear of where the boundary between the individual and the couple should go, and how wide and tall it should be. Genet illustrates for us here, that there are no easy answers, and right and wrong remains a gray area, while the known and the unknown eludes us. Irrevocable brought me to tears in a few places, made me sacrifice at least four fingernails from gnawing at them as I read; and always, I was willingly led to wherever she wanted me to go--to the very edges of tension, suspense and curiosity. The impact of this story is, itself, irrevocable.
  • The Comfort of the Shriek on April 01, 2013
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    As all discerning readers know, many people are publishing themselves these days, and some should spend more time on learning the craft before they do--not so with this author. I am looking forward to reading some of his full-length work after reading this, as he has a firm grip on the art of storytelling, even amid difficult subject matter. His skill is spot-on in this story, and it's refreshing to find a talented writer like Scott Crowder; akin to finding that ten dollar bill in a pair of pants you haven't worn in a while. I would love to see this story expanded to novel length, as it has some very intriguing possibilities. Keep up the good work, Mr. Crowder!