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Writing and publishing podcasts (updated)
There are so many excellent podcasts about writing and publishing out there, I wanted to post a list. Podcasts are another way to learn, to connect, to get inspired. If you know of one, let…
REVIEW: DAY ZERO by Kelly deVos
In a weird way, I definitely could relate to the main character, Jinx. I grew up in a household where we saved everything, as if in preparation for the apocalypse ourselves. We had so many…
REVIEW: GHOST WOOD SONG by Erica Waters
This dark atmospheric book is a must read for anyone who loves a mash-up of a thrilling fast-paced mystery with the spookiness of a paranormal. Who doesn’t want to read a gritty story about an…
REVIEW: GHOST SQUAD by Claribel Ortega
I LOVED escaping into this story’s magical mayhem and splendid playfulness. GHOST SQUAD includes charming characters, a strong family atmosphere, and a beautiful representation of folklore from the Dominican. Lately, I’ve been reading more middle…
REVIEW: FELIX EVER AFTER by Kacen Callender
I am weeping over such a powerful story with deep, necessary messages. FELIX EVER AFTER is realistic, conversational, and emotional. Felix’s voice in the first person point of view and his journey as a transgender…
REVIEW: JENNIFER STRANGE by Cat Scully
I read this book in one night because I simply couldn’t put it down. I had so many questions from the start and needed them answered before I went to sleep! This action-packed story gave…
REVIEW: THE CIRCUS OF STOLEN DREAMS by Lorelei Savaryn
This drips with delicious circus treats, whimsical dreams, and sinister nightmares. I drank in everything about this story fueling my childhood dreams and nostalgia as I typically read adult contemporaries, thrillers, and mysteries. The magical…
REVIEW: THE SUN DOWN MOTEL by Simone St. James
This book was selected by my Quarantine Book Club for the month of June 2020 and it only took me just over a week to finish reading, which is fast for me. The story is…
REVIEW: I HOPE YOU’RE LISTENING by Tom Ryan
This is my first read by author Tom Ryan. I was really drawn to this story’s premise, a teen (named Delia “Dee” Skinner) who starts an anonymous podcast that helps solve true crime cases via…
REVIEW: FINDING BALANCE by Kati Gardner
What a beautiful and authentic story! I truly enjoyed reading this encouraging, brave story of Mari and Jase, two teens navigating school, cancer, and each other. There are so many things to love here, especially…
REVIEW: THROWAWAY GIRLS by Andrea Contos
This is one twisted story that I devoured so fast. The author is a poetic thriller writer. I found myself pausing to soak in her words and phrasing. I liked Caroline right away with her…
REVIEW: THE GIRLS WEEKEND by Jody Gehrman
I was so excited for this story based on the premise – a reunion of old college friends filled with a disappearance, secrets, and mysteries. Unfortunately, it fell short for me with too much backstory…
REVIEW: THEY NEVER LEARN by Layne Fargo
I ripped right through this raw feminist thriller about killing bad men who deserved it! This page-turner was very entertaining and the rich depth of the characters’ vivid emotions drew me closer to their fierce…
REVIEW: FOR THE BEST by Vanessa Lillie
A great second book for Vanessa Lillie! I really enjoy stories that bring the past to the surface while finding the truth in the present. FOR THE BEST was a fast paced thriller with excellent…
REVIEW: THE REDPOINT CRUX by Morgan Shamy
This creepy story was right up my alley. I adore Phantom of the Opera and this gothic romance retelling brought me into a similar dark setting with mysterious characters, but with ballet performances, experiments, and…
REVIEW: IT WILL JUST BE US by Jo Kaplan
A few awesome quotes from the book: “A house is haunted by memory.”“Are they the ghosts, truly, or am I?”“The past is everywhere, here, wrapped up in the present.” I love a good ghost story…
REVIEW: SURRENDER YOUR SONS by Adam Sass
“Nightlight has no TV, no running water, no basic necessities…but they’ve got body bags.” SURRENDER YOUR SONS by Adam Sass drew me in with all its terror and twists. This is a horrific camp story…
REVIEW: THE KILL CLUB by Wendy Heard
Wendy Heard is a brilliant storyteller and “The Kill Club” is a murderous, sexy story that sucked me in right away. Not only does this book promote insomnia, but you will never look at a…
“A FEATHER’S FORCE” IS NOW AVAILABLE!
I’m so excited that my debut, “A Feather’s Force” is now available! This has been a dream come true and I’m thrilled to write along side my best friend, Nicole D’Arcangelo. This is the first…
REVIEW: LITTLE VOICES by Vanessa Lillie
This is the author’s debut. This story gave me major emotional vibes having been through postpartum depression myself. I applaud the author for taking such a heavy topic and weaving it through a psychological thriller…
Shifting Sails in My Writing
Writing is a winding path without a destination. At least, for me. While we have aspirations, goals, and plans, our destinations are not exactly final. We may chart the course, but we also can…
Short story satisfaction
While querying my paranormal mystery manuscript, I found myself with time to over-analyze everything that could be wrong in my book. After I sent off my query letter and the requested pages, my brain battled…
Don’t be a lonely writer
I spend hours writing, editing, plotting, and revising. This pattern repeats until I’m semi-satisfied to let someone read my story. A story that involves a piece of my heart. My regular circle of friends and…
My Layered Writing Technique
We all have our own version of writing and editing. I tend to write and edit in layers, simply termed the layering technique. My work schedule forces me to limit my writing and editing time…
I shelved a piece of my heart
I recently had to make a tough decision in my writing journey. After spending four years writing and revising a manuscript, entering almost every writing contest with it (and not getting in), two solid rounds…