All in the Details

Writing can be hard work. For me, sharpening my crayons is a constant hassle.

But seriously, folks. In reading reviews of my books, I find, at times, good and interesting questions. One reader asked, in so many words, how plants could survive in the world of my book A Subtle Armageddon. Spoiler alert, if you have not read ASA: all insect and animal life has been eradicated.

Well, how does one answer that? It isn't something which had occurred to me during the writing process, honestly. But plants as we know them need bees and such for pollination. So how can I make it make sense that plant life was still around in my future world?

Or, must I? I think we may be dealing with two basic issues here. The first is whether an explanation is necessary. After all, most readers haven't seemed bothered by it. If a reader is lost enough in a story, and that's what I believe most writers want, then I'm not sure every objection is important. Must everything be explained, down to the last iota? It is a work of fiction, after all. Is it even possible to explain everything away?

Which leads to the second point. The society which brought about A Subtle Armageddon was clearly highly advanced, at least scientifically. What's to stop us from presuming they overcame that stumbling block? Perhaps they developed a way in which plants regenerate on their own. In short, why not allow the reader, if it even crosses his mind, to dismiss the objection on that basis? After all, it doesn't really matter to the point of the story. Well, that I can see, anyway. Yet maybe I'm prejudiced.

I'm just thinking out loud. But I am interested in your thoughts.

Matthew Thinks

 Matthew reviewed my book A Subtle Armageddon on Amazon. He said:

This book is one of those rare science fiction novels that stays with you long after you've finished reading. It combines imaginative world building with deep philosophical questions about humanity, technology, freedom, and what it truly means to be alive. The story unfolds at a steady pace while rewarding readers who enjoy thoughtful, idea driven science fiction rather than nonstop action. What impressed me most was how the book balances its big concepts with genuine emotion and a sense of wonder. It raises important questions without feeling preachy. Making it an enjoyable read as well as one that encourages reflection. This book is definitely worth your time if you're a fan of classic science fiction that explores the human condition.

Is Matthew right? Find out here.

Michael's Story (Shameless Plug)

An Amazon reader had this to say about my book Michael's Story: 

A thrilling dystopian ride with an ending you won't see coming! The story follows Michael, who is taken into a mysterious community divided into factions: the Red, the Purple, and the Green. When the community discovers his knack for numbers, they assign him to keep records and analyze statistics. While Dr. Green helps him acclimate to his new life, the Judge works behind the scenes to secure him a better position. However, Michael soon discovers a dark secret—he was actually part of a sinister experiment until he rebelled. With the help of his friend Nathaniel, Michael finds a safe haven outside the community's walls. But when they are discovered, the community destroys his sanctuary and takes his friend with it. Fueled by grief, Michael decides to fight back and orchestrates a war. It is a war that history notes was not won. You will have to read this book to discover exactly how the war was lost and what ultimately happens to Michael. It features an ending that completely subverts expectations!

Thanks, dear reader! To see if their review is accurate, you can look here and here.

ASA Interview

Well, look who was interviewed by The Digital Journal, an online news source. Me!

Here's the link: Faith Through Allegory: Charles Martin Cosgriff on Exploring Humanity’s Deepest Questions

It's a bit potboiler, but hey, it's a step forward for my books. Here's hoping!

News Coverage

Well, I've done a thing. I contracted with a PR firm to promote my book A Subtle Armageddon. For $345 they developed a press release which they promised would be sent to nearly 500 news outlets, book retailers, book clubs, influencers, reviewers and various other entities. 

Full disclosure: I expected nothing, and in fact was afraid I was throwing money away. But I did find that the release was sent out through the AP, Associated Press, here, reported verbatim but with a legal disclaimer that all they were doing was forwarding an item sent to them. Whatever. I've been on the AP wire, and not for anything criminal, isolated ASA reviews notwithstanding.

Further, I am being inundated with emails from several people about what they might be willing to offer. Most, quite honesty, involved paying for a new service (though I read them I have so far ignored their offers) and some free (those I took). The firm I contracted also developed a media guide (mine to use as I please, as is the original press release) and have given me advice on what I could do myself with the materials for greater promotion. I don't have to depend on them; I can be proactive with the things they've produced.

I'm going to be coy and not mention the firm's name until I see what happens in the long run. But the early returns are encouraging. I mean, not many of us are on the AP wire, am I right?

Kudos to A Subtle Armageddon

Dave Smith on Amazon offers one of the most impressive interpretations of my book A Subtle Armageddon: 

A Subtle Armageddon: Book 1 of the Infinity Series by Charles Martin Cosgriff was an interesting story about a man's discovery of personal freedom. Using the character "Man," he lays out an allegory of self-discovery in an atmosphere of strict control in a world where all is premeditated, prescribed, and predetermined to be the best path to follow.

While the storyline is compelling, following Man as he travels through his life, waging an internal battle with a "voice" that continues to make attempts to bring him back into line with the prescribed path, I found something even better.

In the beginning, Man had no concept of anything, not of his surroundings, not his purpose, and not of himself. So Cosgriff has the task of describing the most mundane things as Man, who is not even Man at this point, discovers them, takes note of them, and makes some kind of sense of them. I marveled at his skill in the writing craft when he applied language and writing mastery to do this, while keeping sophisticated readers interested, without losing them. Yes, it was a slow starter for sure. But I remained interested because of how Cosgriff did this. He was not able to use a common term like library or shadow, for example. He had to find a way to describe a shadow as it is discovered anew by Man. And he does it well, time after time. Taking the well-known and writing it as if it were unknown is an incredibly difficult undertaking.

There is certainly a political commentary within A Subtle Armageddon, hearkening to A Brave New World for sure, maybe a little bit of Atlas Shrugged. Based on the preview at the end of the story, that is what is in store for at least book 2 of the series.

I give A Subtle Armageddon: Book 1 of the Infinity Series by Charles Martin Cosgriff four stars because of his ability to describe familiar, well-known, mundane items in our world as if they had never been seen before. The book breaks into a brighter, more adventurous arc by the end of this Book. There is certainly hope that Book 2 will be as good.

I really like this analysis. See for yourself here to find out if Mr. Smith's thoughts are accurate.

Me? Yes, I think he says it well. I think he gets my self imposed starting point: the man in the story begins as a completely blank slate and grows from there. Nature is a great teacher.

More Can I Do

I was quite happy this morning to find this review of my first collection of blogs, The Sublime to the Ridiculous: Family Lore:

The Sublime to the Ridiculous is a delightful collection of short stories that captures the ups and downs of family life. The tales are fun, relatable, and often quite touching, making it a great pick for light reading. While I enjoyed the mix of humor and heartfelt moments, some stories felt a little too brief, leaving me wanting more detail or depth. That said, the writing style is inviting, and it’s easy to pick up and enjoy a few pages at a time. A lovely book for anyone who appreciates family anecdotes with a mix of laughter and nostalgia.

Well, a little too brief, eh? That can be easily remedied. I can become more elaborate, more verbose; I can inject a great deal more detail into my stories. I can talk a lot. Quiet, Ron.

Seriously, isn't it good to leave them wanting more? And if you want more Sublime to the Ridiculous, here's the link Thank you!

David Gets Complimented

I typically avoid politics. Honestly ... I haven't watched the news in three years. I don't even know why I chose this book. But I'm glad I did. The characters were believable, and the discussions thought-provoking, pensive and entertaining. I could see a TV series in the future. Write-on Charles.

Well, thank you Rick on Amazon. I am very pleased with your review of my book David Gideon. It isn't really supposed to be about politics but, rather, David becoming President is merely the hook. On that basis, it does offer a forum for raising questions and having discussions about this issue or that, whether within the circle of family and friends or in the larger society. I don't want readers to get hung up on his Presidency. I want them to see the man, and the woman behind him. David may not be the actual hero, you know. 

Write-on Charles. I like that turn of phrase. And a TV show? Well, I hadn't given it that much thought. But man, what a compliment!

A fella is naturally apprehensive in putting his writing out for public consumption. I mean, this blog, The Sublime to the Ridiculous, is exactly that. Just froth by and large. To put the kind of effort I've put into my books and have folks rave about them like Rick, wow. A guy feels as though he can write well enough, but it's the readers who actually can tell him whether he in fact does. I feel good reading such reviews. It really does make one feel humble too, if it isn't too bizarre to be humble and ecstatic at the same time. 

The characters are believable and the story is entertaining. Thought provoking and pensive. To hear that from a man I'll never know, wow. Just wow.

And after all that attempt at humility, now I've got to be a shill for the book: David Gideon

Thanks for reading this, and thank you for all the support and encouragement you've given me.

Self Analysis

I've long held to the standard that you aren't the best judge of your self, your motives, or your actions.  You're either too harsh - especially if you're Catholic, ha, ha - or too lenient. Indeed I will editorialize for a moment and say that unfettered leniency is the hallmark of the secular world, and look where that's gotten us. Still, know thyself, the unexamined life is not worth living, and all that. You should examine the things you've said and done, and probably more the things you've said as they might be the best window into your soul. And when you're trying to establish yourself as a writer, you discover very quickly that you've put a lot on the public record.

On the whole I like what I've written. Yet that doesn't mean I don't appreciate reasonable criticism. With five books available on various platforms and with each having garnered anywhere from 40 to 180 reviews, some brief, some extensive, I almost - almost - find the critical ones the most fair.

A more routine negative comment is that my writing is at times a slog. I could get angry, except that it's true. Sometimes I'm just bridging a gap because I couldn't figure out how else to jump from A to B and it shows. 

I've been advised that it can be hard to stay interested in my stories, and I know that to be true. My personal favorite book of mine is A Subtle Armageddon. Yet even I must concede that it drags at points. I think that story has to drag a bit, given the parameters inherent within the tale, but so it goes. 

Ah well. Before I go on too long (quiet, Ron) here's what I'm about today: links to my books. Buy them. If you are into examining your motives, you'll find that you've occasionally spent your time less wisely than in helping an aspiring author rise among the greats. Yes, that's cheeky. We writers can do that.

A Subtle Armageddon

Michael's Story (Kindle)

Michael's Story (paperback)

The Interim Generation (Kindle only)

David Gideon (all formats)

The Sublime to the Ridiculous - Family Lore (Kindle only)

Pacino? Really?

A reviewer was kind enough to say the following about my book Michael's Story:

I liked it. A lot of original thinking in here. The color coding -- although that doesn't begin to explain it -- was a unique touch. And reading the prose I didn't get the impression that it was written by a machine. Recommended.

A lot of original thinking? I'm really not sure that's the case, but thank you. It doesn't seem to be written by a machine; I must say I'm very glad to hear that! Charlie Gehringer was Detroit's true Mechanical Man, not I. Recommended; thanks again! Yet perhaps the most interesting observation this reviewer had, and I cut it from the actual review so as to hold it back for effect, "The book is like Al Pacino: short but intense." An interesting quip, I must say.

Is Michael's Story actually like Pacino? Find out here for Kindle or here for print copies.

Satisfying and Meaningful

This is a very well written and and imaginative book offering hope in a world devoid of human sentiment. The main character is able to learn from the natural world around him the real meaning of existence. Sometimes even good intentions can go terribly wrong but with determination the wrong can be righted. The ending of this book is also satisfying and meaningful.

It's quite sublime to have reviewers offer such kind words. This writer liked my book A Subtle Armageddon, a book I was almost afraid to make available because I feared it was obscure in meaning and intent. Yet at least some of its readers see the point.

A Subtle Armageddon is available here. My other books, Michael's Story, The Interim Generation, David Gideon, and Family Lore you might also find worthwhile.

Michael's Story

Michael’s Story pulled me in with its mix of dystopian tension and personal awakening. At first, I wasn’t sure where it was heading. Initially the pacing felt slow, and the style took some adjusting, but as Michael’s journey deepened, I found myself drawn into his search for truth and meaning. What I appreciated most was how the book moved from confusion and false starts into something sharper: a reluctant man confronting not just external corruption but his own ego and uncertainty. The world, controlled, stratified, eerily reminiscent of 1984, gave me plenty to think about, especially the questions of freedom, identity, and destiny. By the final chapters, Michael’s transformation felt both painful and inspiring. Yes, the writing could be tighter, but the story’s heart shines through. For me, this was a rewarding and thought-provoking read.

These words are from an Amazon reviewer. I think they're insightful, but then, I would, as he's complimenting my book Michael's Story.

Shameless shill time! If you want to see if this reviewer is correct in his assessment, Michael's Story is available here and here. I think it's worth it, but then, I would, because it's my book.

The Discard Pile

It's important to have a sense of humor in life. It eases a lot of stress.

Last month, while in Hessel in Michigan's glorious Upper Peninsula, I stopped in at the local library. They were holding a used book sale, obviously as a fund raiser but also, I'm sure, to clear the shelves for new wares. Lo and behold, and to my delight, I found a copy of my novel David Gideon. My initial thought was, how cool! The Les Cheneaux Public Library had bought a copy. My very next thought was, and it's in the discard pile.

It was a chuckle worthy incident with a strand of humility tossed in. Isn't that where most all books will end their lives, cast off for the brightest and newest? I did have a laugh at myself over it. And after all, what should I expect? My writing simply isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea.

I nearly bought it. Then it occurred to me that a sale to a (hopefully) impressed reader might lead to other sales of my other books. So I grabbed a pen, signed the inside cover "I hope you enjoy my book! Marty Cosgriff." and slid it right back in place. We'll see what happens.

A United Kingdom Review

I must admit that, overall, I'm pleased with the reviews which my books are garnering. Further, I feel that a particularly good review ought to be recognized.

A fellow from England who purchased my book David Gideon had this to say:

I feel like whenever I see a book about politics I feel that it will be really boring as I'm not into that world at all.

But this book and the author surprised me with this story it is really good content and a properly written story with a shocking twist and upside downs.

Definitely recommended political fiction!

Thank you! I can't tell you how much such kind words mean to me. That's exactly the sentiment that I hoped to instill in the minds of readers when I wrote the story. David Gideon isn't really about politics. It's just the story of a good man and the good people behind him. His political career is there simply to drive the story. 

I feel good today. It's nice to be able to reach someone an ocean away who gets my point.

By the way, David Gideon is available here.

Poetic and Immersive

Here's an interesting (and flattering!) review of my book A Subtle Armageddon: 

If you love the way C.S. Lewis used storytelling to explore faith and the human condition, you’ll love A Subtle Armageddon. The writing is poetic and immersive, pulling you into a world where the apocalypse is not just physical but spiritual. The protagonist’s journey is filled with quiet moments of realization, powerful symbolism, and deep theological reflection. This is not a fast-paced thriller but a book to be savored and pondered.

Poetic and Immersive? All right, I like that. The Apocalypse is spiritual; yes, and I believe more so than we realize. Not fast paced but a book to be savored and pondered. Well, that was one of the things I was going for in writing it: something to make us stop and think.

Hopefully you will think so too. Here's a link for to find out for yourself. Happy reading!

And Don't Know It

As many of you know, I've been working on book promotion this year. You can find my books here A Subtle Armageddon here David Gideon here Michael's Story and here The Interim Generation. 

One thing about book promotion is that you begin to get reviewed. Reviews are nice; they help Amazon's Magical Algorithms drive folks to sample your wonderful prose. But some reviews are questionable. One such review which gave me pause praised my book A Subtle Armageddon for its great poems. Yet there isn't a poem in it.

Poetry is something which has never really peaked my interest. Perhaps comic poetry holds a certain appeal for me as it did for me Pops. You can read about his favorite poem here Me Pops the Poet. Yet on the whole, I find that poets are simply trying to tell us things without actually getting to the point. At least, that's my take on the vast bulk of poetry the teachers forced upon me in high school English. 

I expect now that the poetry crowd will be breaking down my door, hurling vile epithets upon me in sonnets, free verse, and odes. I should be quite interested in the haiku which might condemn me though.

Nail on the Head

A reviewer on Amazon offered this analysis of my book A Subtle Armageddon, which he also gave five stars out of five: 

It took me a few pages to get into the groove with this book, because the narrative style is different. It is very metered, and not long on dialogue. But the plot kind of demands that. And once you have read a few pages, you realize that there is a lot of substance here. I'm glad I got into the groove and read it. Thoroughly good and thought provoking piece of fiction.

This is about the most fair review I could have for the story. It indeed starts slow, and is plodding: I knew that when I wrote it. I'll even go so far as to say it's obscure enough at first that I sometimes have trouble rereading it myself. But I felt constrained by the circumstances I had set up for the tale. The world I described at the beginning had to be boring. It couldn't be dynamic. There wasn't anything to cause conflict. 

As A Subtle Armageddon rolls on, it picks up. There is wonder and pathos, discovery, anger, fear and reassurance. It's my favorite of my books, though I honestly understand when folks struggle getting into it. Yet the payoff, I hope anyway, is worth it.

Here's a link if you're curious. Tell me what you think.

Works of Fiction

MJ on Amazon says this about my book David Gideon:

One thing to note is that the story is very political and leans conservative or libertarian. Which is certainly not a bad thing in itself, however, the format of the dialog, which often takes the form of debate, does not reliably present the other side, so it all feels like a kind of paper tiger argument where the protagonist will always provide the right, which is politically conservative, answer to any question or controversy. I would hope that a literary novel, which this declares itself to be, would present more of the push and pull of characters, the conflict of political debate, and the very real potential outcomes of the decision from both sides. Unfortunately, we don’t get that. On a certain level, David Gideon doesn’t feel very real, but rather, the personification of an idealized concept.

I don't actually disagree with a lot of that. Yet my friend MJ apparently means it as a criticism. I'm not sure how to respond on those grounds.

To start with, the book is not 'very' political. It's a personal story with the political world as an incidental driving force, a plot device. Very philosophical, maybe. But very political? No.

Yes, David Gideon is libertarian-conservative. He was meant to be. He is indeed 'the personification of an idealized concept'. As such, David argues, when he does argue politics and philosophy (which really isn't that much, and typically more the latter than the former) he's going to come across that way. It's part of his character; it's his story. Of course his point of view is paramount. Why am I obliged to present the other side? 

To demonstrate 'the push and pull' of characters? But there's constant push and pull during the course of the story in fact, and on far more than just the political aspects. That's what novels are all about. Characters with different outlooks interact, and the story moves along. The charge that it doesn't happen in David Gideon is simply hogwash.

Because it's a literary novel? I'm not sure that I understand what MJ means there. Works of literature can't take a point of view and endorse it? If that's their intention then we have a very serious disagreement. I can't see where a novel writer must offer any particular support to any and all to positions. Sherlock Holmes doesn't allow his adversary Professor Moriarty to justify his actions, and there is no Fairness Doctrine for any work of fiction. It would be interesting to know whether MJ would apply that litmus test against a more liberal tome.

And that's the rub, for me anyway. MJ I believe is criticizing the book on partisan rather than literary grounds, despite what they say. MJ wants me to make David Gideon into something he's not: namely, someone MJ agrees with. That I will not do. If they want a book with a different character and different outlook, then they may write it. But leave David alone.

Orwell and Vonnegut

Michael's Story has a feel of the true dystopia, not the trendy dystopia fiction we've been seeing. This novel is satirical, cautionary, and reminded me of George Orwell's "1984" and Kurt Vonnegut's "Harrison Bergeron." In that regard I found the writing brilliant!

It's a good story, deep, dark, and full of twists and turns.

Well, hard not to like that. It's from a recent review of my book Michael's Story. Comparisons to 1984 and Harrison Bergeron?  Thank you very much. I've read both and must wonder whether my own efforts deserve to be mentioned along with those classics of modern literature. Yet it's gratifying to hear.

But the reviewer makes a point which I think calls for a bit more reflection. He uses the term 'trendy dystopia' as a criticism, presumably anyway, of what often passes for dystopian. I think he's on to something.

An awful lot of the futuristic worlds we see or read about fail to get at the root of what dystopian actually represents. They merely seek to frighten the audience without a true understanding of where and why the fear may gestate. They're no better than horror movies. To be sure, there are some good movies and books in that genre. And that's okay. But they aren't dystopian. Dystopias examine the causes of evil rather than just try to scare the bejeezus out of us. I think that's what makes them more scary than monsters in the mirror.

Anyway, thank you, dear reviewer, for the good words! BTW Michael's Story can be found  here and here. Thank you for your support!

DG Again

The story follows a small-town Michigan man to the heart of D.C. and the Presidency - and all the vicissitudes along the way. It features a likeable character with some good plot twists, and is perfect for fans of House of Cards (although it's friendlier and much less depressing) or West Wing.

- Andre, an Amazon reviewer

David Gideon is the story of a man who believes in tradition and is conservative by nature yet is not without feeling for those who disagree with him.

- Amazon Reviewer Evan

Although not usually a genre I find myself immersed in, I was intrigued by this book. I found myself turning page after page wanting to know more about this fictional individual that felt quite real. The author did a remarkable job.

- Morales, also from Amazon

I simply can't say enough about the reviews my novel David Gideon is picking up. When you read words such as likeable and are told it's a remarkable job, well, it makes a fella happy. What's more, it seems, I hope, that  a basic point is getting through to readers: we can feel for others no matter our own dispositions. 

"This fictional individual that felt quite real" might be the best compliment I've had. 

For those interested, here's a link to hardcover, paperback, and Kindle editions:

https://www.amazon.com/DAVID-GIDEON-Charles-Martin-Cosgriff-ebook/dp/B09R65KYGZ/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

I'm at 45 reviews with an average review of 4.7 out of 5. All reviews have been four or five star except one. That was a three star, but they left no explanation. That's too bad, because I would truly like to know why. Not to to put them on the spot, but just to hear their reasons. But so it goes.