© 2020, Jori Hanna Brandon looked at the list of names, reviewing the addresses before him and glancing up at the trailer park he’d parked outside. This one kid had potential. Maxwell Jones. Three years old. Perfectly healthy son of a single mother, abandoned by his father when he was one. The guy didn’t evenContinue reading “Short Story: The Pembrook Academy for Gifted Children”
Author Archives: Jori (J.J.) Hanna
Book Review: All the Lost Things by Michelle Sacks
🖋 🖋🖋🖋🖋 This book is a unique read. It takes a very skilled writer immersed in the voice of the characters to pull off what Sacks pulled off in this novel—telling the story from start to finish from the perspective of a seven-year-old. This is a suspense novel for those who love soap operas—more familyContinue reading “Book Review: All the Lost Things by Michelle Sacks”
Short Story: A Night in the Snow
© 2019, Jori Hanna The snow had nearly blanketed the ground completely when my target finally left the shop. I watched from the parking lot as the neon open sign flickered off along with the rest of the lights sharing their warmth with the world through the shop windows, filtering out past the mannequins displayingContinue reading “Short Story: A Night in the Snow”
Book Review: Run Away by Harlan Coben
🖋 🖋🖋🖋🖋 This book is expertly written and I enjoyed every part of it—the plot twists, the unveiling, and the mystery itself kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat. 🔪🔪🔪 This book gets three knives for violence. There are quite a few murders, but the way they’re written (mostly) leaves the goreContinue reading “Book Review: Run Away by Harlan Coben”
Short Story: I Saved Him
© 2016, Jori Hanna Strange times call for strange measures. What I did that day should never have worked. I shouldn’t have escaped. Not from them. They were the strongest, the fastest, the most equipped people out there, and I got away from them. But that’s not all I did. I also took down theirContinue reading “Short Story: I Saved Him”
Using The Five Senses in Writing
When you step outside, a bunch of things happen at once. You see your surroundings, you smell the freshness of the air, you feel the sun’s warmth on your face, you hear the birds singing, and when you raise your coffee mug to your lips, you taste the nutty and tangy flavors accompanying your morningContinue reading “Using The Five Senses in Writing”
The “Misunderstood” Villain
Updated: Feb 24, 2020 “He’s not evil. He’s just misunderstood.” This phrase floated around the internet a lot during the prime of Loki’s Army. I’ve heard it in reference to other villains as well, but as a member of Loki’s Army, well, I’m biased. However, this has become a trope. Villains are becoming less “evil” andContinue reading “The “Misunderstood” Villain”
Book Review: Rust and Stardust by T. Greenwood
🖋️🖋️🖋️🖋️🖋️ This book is extremely well-written, keeping you on your toes all the way to the end. The characters are entrancing and the way Greenwood brings them to life is like magic. 🔪🔪 This is a kidnapping, and there are some violent sequences. However, it’s mostly limited to threats and fear of violence rather thanContinue reading “Book Review: Rust and Stardust by T. Greenwood”
How to Write a Suspense Novel: Overlapping Motivations
Updated: Oct 18, 2021 This post is part of a continuing discussion on How to Write a Suspense Novel. What you’ll need to write a strong suspense novel: I’ve discussed villain and hero motives before, but as I’ve been editing through my current work in progress and getting feedback from beta readers, I realized another keyContinue reading “How to Write a Suspense Novel: Overlapping Motivations”
Book Review: Annabel Lee by Mike Nappa
🖋️🖋️🖋️🖋️ The plot was predictable at times, but altogether enjoyable even when I knew what was coming.🔪🔪🔪🔪 There are many deaths, though few are gruesome, and at least one dog attack.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐If you like suspense and mystery novels, you’ll like this book. Summary: Leonard Truckson was always a secretive man. Annabel knew he had secrets. SheContinue reading “Book Review: Annabel Lee by Mike Nappa”