Generous quotes on my work…
Nostalgia, mystery, intrigue. This coming-of-age tale has it all and the author’s talent allows us to experience each spine-tingling chill alongside sixth grader Chet and his best friend Koz as they make their way through Coffin Marsh . Here the secrets of life, death, and first love reveal themselves.
Laugh out loud humor jumps off the page at the most unexpected times as Chet reads to us his police “ deposit” describing the fateful events that changed his life forever…“We were innocent kids that weren’t”… and how a war on the other side of the world can leave scars in the hearts of those who weren’t even there.
A highly recommended read!
-Katherine Grimes
Iowa City, Iowa
“In the late 60s, our story takes place in the Pacific Northwest, near Puget Sound with miles of waterways. I did enjoy the novel and the suspense, the nuns who taught at the school. If you like Twain’s stories, I think you’ll like this one.
- R.J. Moody, Siletz, Oregon
“Lostine(:An Homage to a Girl) reads as an autobiographical exploration of past tragedy, present circumstance, and potential for future wonderment. A home run first novel from L.W. Smolen.”
-Mark McIlwain, Waldport, Oregon
“Intriguing and surprisingly suspenseful, ‘Lostine’ had my attention cover to cover. Who knew an account from a sixth-grade boy’s perspective could cause time to fly and emotions to crest as happened to me in reading Smolen’s novel. Unexpected twists born in the swamp reveal love and loss, innocence and guilt, sweetness and stench, and an intense reckoning! Far beyond a routine ‘boy saves girl’ story, ‘Lostine’ is so worth the read!”
-Karla Clem, Waldport, Oregon
“(Lostine is) a delightful, coming of age page turner. Our young heroes maneuver through and adult world with grit, determination and compassion. Semper Fi!”
- Ron Cole, Seal Rocks, Oregon
“Like the narrator, I fell in love with Lostine. The cast of characters created by L.W. Smolen in this gritty adventure story, is heart-warming and honest. Everyone needs to experience a ‘Hollywood Kiss'!”
- Judith Fontanini, Oregon Coast
“L.W. Smolen has cooked-up a modern-day Tom and Huck story seasoned with baseball and post-Vietnam angst.”
-John Harrington, Author of Backyard Poetry
“From page one(of Lostine), I was inside a young boy’s head, seeing, hearing and feeling from his first person perspective. His language was superb, using idioms believable and adding interest and authenticity to the story. I both laughed out loud and shed tears as I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of first love, danger and resolution.”
-Donita Cole, Seal Rock, Oregon
“I just read Hate Crime Elegance. Hoot! Hoot! Hoot!”
- Erich Koeller, Portland, Oregon
“The quality of your writing is fantastic. Your writing flows, and I couldn’t stop until the end.”
- Tom97365 on Chapter 1 of Chico Banda
On One Day in the Life of Martina Nikolaevna Karamzin, Seaheart Elan in Waldport, Oregon exclaimed,
“OK, Joe. You really blew my mind. Well-crafted, relevant, outstanding! CouraGEOUS.”
- Seaheart Elan, Waldport, Oregon
“Reading ‘I Just Wanted a Cookie’, I was described right into a living, vivid street fair where the flavor of the huge cookies can only be called ‘loud’, and criminal justice is in ‘the mouths of babes’.”
- Catherine Dee, Portland, Oregon
“You sure can write a good shit story. Kudos to your staff photographer.”
“You suck us in.”
Dan Stein - Yachats, Oregon
“It was an honor to be given the chance to read and critique Lostine. Once they got in the swamp it took off, and I just loved it.”
— Tom Maginnis
Lake Oswego, Oregon
“I loved reading (Lostine). Much as I wish I could go directly to contract on it, I simply can't because Soul Mate is a romance publisher.”
— Samantha McMahon
Editor, Soul Mate Publishing
“I look forward to reading everything you write.”
— Barbara Belmore
Portland, Oregon
“If you're hungry for a good story, be on the watch for an emerging tale-teller - Joe C. Smolen. His "A Real Guy" in Fleas on the Dog #6 is raw, real and heavy with soul. I had the privilege of hearing him read a new story, "Flying Dreams" and it, too goes straight to the nerves and then to heart. If somebody doesn't publish it soon, then the somebody's are crazy. Look for this author's name, Joe C. Smolen. And if you don't find it in the contents of your favorite magazine, ask for it. The stories are punch-in-the-gut and the voice is authentic.”
— Jean Esteve
Waldport, OR
“I've seen a lot of writing, but not like (Lostine)this: stunningly original capture of young minds.”
— Dorothy Blackcrow
Depoe Bay, Oregon
“Lostine will always be my favorite character. Who could resist falling in love with her?”
— Judith Fontanini
Seal Rock, Oregon
“A Real Guy reads like it came from a few generations ago when plots were tight, words meant everything, girls were worth dying for and heroes - even the ugliest and unlikeliest - saved lives. J.C. Smolen’s story about a one-armed, legless beggar finding redemption is a rare breed these days.”
— Zachary Hay, guest editor, Fleas on the Dog
“We just loved (A Mere Slip of a Girl).”
— Madeline Bruessow, Editor in Chief, Cardinal Sins Journal
“Dude. Your “Day in the Life” story is a sizzler.”
- Erich Koeller, Portland, Oregon