Connections eMagazine September 2025 Edition

Connections eMagazine

Message from the Editor

The Purpose of this eMagazine is to connect readers and bloggers with authors. This is a FREE eMagazine that is produced quarterly. In this edition, we celebrate autumn, good stories and new releases. Summer is nearly behind us and the holidays are just around the corner. Why not take a break to read a short story, discover a new author, or download a new release?

“Fall into books like the leaves fall from trees gracefully, abundantly, without hesitation..” – Unknown

While you’re here, don’t forget to subscribe. You’ll receive an automatic email with a link to each new edition. Just click the box below and fill out the form. Be sure to include all required information. Don’t worry, your information will never be shared or sold.

Fall is Fantastic…

There’s just something undeniably special about autumn. Discover ways to enjoy this magical time of year. (Page 6).

Author Interviews…

Meet critically acclaimed authors: Jason Kristopher (Pg.16), Tricia Copeland (Pg.58), Kim Lengling (Pg. 98), and Jonathan Handel (Pg.116)

“Reading in the fall is like breathing in slow motion.”

Blogs | Articles

• A Picture is Worth 1000 Words — Multiple Authors

• The Mouse Family that Live by the Brambles by Gez Robinson

• Short Stories — Roamin’ Soldier by Tom Benson

• 8 Ways to Make Stories Magical for your Child by Mirabelle Fox

• 77 1/2 Herbs — Chicory by Ronesa Aveela

• Writing Historical Fiction by Lyssa Medana

• — Unknown

• Illustrated Idioms by Susan Faw

Book Reviews

Author Tips and Tricks

Editorial Team

EDITOR –IN– CHIEF

Melanie P. Smith

https://melaniepsmith.com

CONTENT EDITOR

Sylva Fae

https://www.facebook.com/SylvaFae

COPY EDITOR

LaPriel Dye

https://dyenamicsediting.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Emalee Jensen

CONTENT MANAGER

Lyssa Medana https://alwaysanotherchapter.co.uk

REVIEWS..

Sassy Reviews https://sassyreviews.data.blog/category/book-reviews/ The AR Critique https://elarcritique.wordpress.com/free-book-reviews-for-authors

Author Anthony Avina’s Blog https://authoranthonyavina.com/category/reviews

PUBLISHER..

MPSmith Publishing

PARTNERS

Creative Edge Publicity https://www.creative-edge.services

MPSmith Publishing and Connections eMagazine does not endorse any information contained in the articles or advertisements throughout this magazine. All contents are Copyright © by the individual authors and used with their permission. All rights reserved.

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(and How to Soak Up Every Minute)

Whenever someone asks me, “What’s your favorite time of year?” my instinct is always to say summer. And it’s true I’m a fair-weather girl at heart. There’s something magical about camping trips, lazy beach days, and warm nights spent under the stars with a good book in hand. But if I’m being honest, there’s another season that sneaks in close behind… and sometimes, it even takes the lead.

Fall.

There’s just something undeniably special about autumn the fresh, crisp air, the scent of cinnamon and bonfires, and the golden light that makes everything feel like a scene from a movie. It’s the season of pumpkin patches and hayrides, of cozy movie nights and mugs of hot cider. Whether you’re planning weekends with friends, spending time with someone special, or just enjoying the peace and quiet that comes with shorter days, fall has a way of wrapping you up in comfort and joy.

So, to properly welcome this magical time of year, I’ve put together a little celebration of all the things that make fall fantastic — including a few must-do seasonal activities that belong on everyone’s Ultimate Fall Bucket List.

by Melanie P. Smith

Embracing the Beauty of Fall

There’s something magical about the way the world transforms in autumn. The air turns crisp, the days grow shorter, and the trees burst into fiery reds, glowing yellows, and warm, earthy browns. Forget the science behind it fall is meant to be experienced, savored, and celebrated.

Here in Utah, we’re spoiled with mountain ranges that put on some of the most dazzling displays in the country. A local favorite is the Alpine Loop, but during those couple of peak weeks when the leaves are at their brightest, the road can feel more like rush hour in California than a scenic getaway. If sitting in traffic is not your jam (pun intended), don’t worry. Utah offers endless alternatives: drive through the Uintas, take in the views up Provo Canyon, or explore Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. You can even try less populated areas like Smith & Morehouse or countless other tucked-away spots that reveal stunning fall landscapes. The best part? Many of these places are summer favorites too, so visiting them in the fall feels both familiar and completely new.

And if you don’t live near the mountains, you can still soak in autumn’s beauty. Take a slow stroll through your neighborhood, wander through a local park, or head to the lake. No matter where you are, there’s always a corner of nature waiting to show off its autumn colors just don’t forget the hot chocolate for the perfect finishing touch.

Take a Hike (Literally!)

No, I’m not being rude. I mean it fall is the perfect time to go for a hike. While a scenic drive is beautiful, stepping into the woods makes the experience even more magical. The cool air, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and the quiet sounds of birds and chipmunks preparing for winter all create a kind of peace you can’t find anywhere else. You’re never too old to kick through a pile of leaves, sit by a waterfall, or pause to simply breathe in the crisp, clean air.

Capture the Season

Autumn practically begs to be photographed. With so many vibrant backdrops, you don’t need to look far for the perfect setting. Cooler weather makes photoshoots more comfortable, and it’s finally time to pull out that cozy sweater, sleek turtleneck, favorite jeans, and those boots you packed away last spring. Whether you’re snapping family portraits or just taking casual shots on your phone, fall light and color make every picture look a little more magical.

Savor the Season

Autumn doesn’t last long, which makes it even more precious. So whether you’re driving a canyon road, hiking a quiet trail, or simply strolling through your neighborhood, take time to notice the details — the way sunlight filters through golden leaves, the chill in the air, the smell of earth and pine. These little moments are what make the season unforgettable.

If hiking doesn’t sound appealing, grab your favorite sweater and head out for a horseback ride. Whether you venture into the hills, follow a quiet local trail, join a guided tour, or ride alongside friends, an autumn ride never seems to disappoint. The crisp, cool fall air is far more inviting than summer’s dry heat or winter’s biting chill.

Not into horseback riding? No problem try a hayride instead. There’s something magical about sitting on a bale of hay, sipping a warm drink, and being pulled along by a tractor with friends while the cool night air sets the perfect backdrop.

Another fall favorite is the corn maze. Some are easy and fun, while others are more challenging, but all bring a sense of adventure. Many pumpkin patches and apple orchards open their mazes to the public once the crop has been harvested, giving you the perfect excuse to spend a day outdoors.

Everything Pumpkin

The season wouldn’t be complete without a little pumpkin everything there’s a reason it’s a fall classic. And of course, it all begins with pumpkin spice. Love it or roll your eyes at it, once pumpkinflavored treats start popping up, we all know autumn has officially arrived.

One of the best ways to celebrate the season is with a trip to the pumpkin patch. Many farms transform their fields into a fall wonderland rows of bright orange pumpkins waiting to be picked, the smell of kettle corn in the air, hayrides rumbling past, maybe even a cider stand serving hot drinks to sip as you wander. Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect carving pumpkin or just soaking in the atmosphere, it’s an experience that feels like pure fall magic.

And once you’ve carved your spooky masterpiece, don’t toss those seeds! Roasted pumpkin seeds are a crunchy, flavorful snack that makes the whole house smell amazing. Just rinse them clean, pat dry, then toss with 1–4 tablespoons of olive oil and 1–2 teaspoons of your favorite seasoning. Spread them in a single layer and bake at 300°F for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Try garlic powder and sea salt for a savory bite, or cinnamon and sugar for a cozy sweet treat.

Apples

What can I say—I love apples! Fall is the perfect time to visit the orchard. Grab a basket and pick enough for a warm, homemade pie. Take advantage of the bright colors for a fun family or friends photo. Or turn your haul into fresh cider to sip during movie night. The options are endless, limited only by your imagination.

Bonfires

Cool evenings and crisp air are the perfect backdrop for a bonfire with friends. Don’t forget the essentials marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers for those irresistible S’mores. Whether you’re sitting beside a blazing fire in the mountains, gathered on the beach, or enjoying a smaller fire pit in your backyard, the crackle of wood and the sweet, gooey treat make for an unforgettable night. Large or small, bonfires are about warmth, laughter, and making memories under the stars.

Football Season & Tailgating

Fall and football go hand in hand. From the NFL to college games and even Friday night lights the excitement fills the air. And of course, tailgating is half the fun! Think BBQs, tents, team spirit, and plenty of laughter. Whether you’re in the stadium parking lot or hosting a watch party at home, it’s all about food, family, and friends. Slip into your favorite team hoodie, whip up some game-day snacks, and enjoy the season. Why wait for the Super Bowl? Every weekend can be a celebration.

Take a Road Trip

Fall is the season of adventure. Pack your bags, hit the road, and let the changing leaves set the scene for your getaway. Whether it’s a mountain cabin, a beach retreat, or a bustling city festival, autumn offers endless possibilities.

One favorite destination is Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where the Teton National Forest bursts into brilliant color. It’s also peak season for wildlife watching, with migrations and the rut in full swing. But if you’d rather relax than hike or sightsee, a fall cruise is another amazing option. From the turquoise waters of the Caribbean to the rich history of the Mediterranean, or even the dramatic beauty of Alaska, cruising offers comfort and breathtaking views. With so many choices, fall trips can easily become a tradition worth repeating.

Movie or Game Night

Junk food, friends, and games are always a winning combination. You don’t have to go out to have fun stay home, break out the board games, or even host a murder mystery party. If you’re in the mood for something more adventurous, try an escape room. When the games wrap up, queue up a scary movie to remind your guests that Halloween is right around the corner. Or, if jump scares aren’t your thing, go for a cozy movie marathon complete with popcorn, cookies, cake, pie, and even a pot of your favorite homemade soup. Get creative—there are so many seasonal goodies to enjoy.

Cozy Reading

Reading is both relaxing and entertaining, yet it often feels like an indulgence squeezed out by busy schedules. The trick is to find small pockets of time and make them count.

Start with material you truly enjoy. If thrillers and horror don’t appeal, skip them in favor of a lighthearted beach read or a classic novel there are no rules, so read what makes you happy. One of the best habits you can build is reading before bed. Not only will you make steady progress through your books, but the routine may also help you unwind and sleep better.

Another overlooked opportunity? Waiting time. Arrive ten minutes early to an appointment, and instead of staring at the walls, pull out your book or e-reader. The same goes for waiting in the car during your kids’ sports practice or music lessons. Even in line at the supermarket or sitting in a doctor’s office, those minutes add up.

Five minutes here, ten minutes there—before long you’ll discover that small bursts of reading can total over an hour each week. It’s a simple way to carve out relaxation time in your day, and in my (admittedly biased) opinion, there’s no better escape than a good book

Crockpot Cooking

Fall is the perfect time to dust off your slow cooker. Toss in a few simple ingredients and let the magic happen while you enjoy the day. By the time you’re ready to eat, a warm, hearty meal is waiting. Think along the lines of classic beef stew, creamy potato soup, pulled pork sandwiches, or a spiced apple cider that makes the whole house smell like autumn.

Browse the internet to find a ton of quick and easy crockpot “dump meals” Here are just a few..

Creamy Italian Chicken:

In your crockpot, combine:

• 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 8 oz block cream cheese

• Can of condensed cream of chicken soup

• Packet of dry Italian dressing mix

Cook on Low for at least 6 hours.

Note: If you like your food with extra flavor, you can add a little seasoning salt, garlic powder, or simply salt and pepper on top.

Beef & Broccoli

In your slow cooker, combine:

• 1 pound of stew meat

• 1 packet of brown gravy mix (dissolve into hot water before adding for best results)

Cook on Low for 8 hours. At the end, add in a bag of frozen broccoli for 1 hour on High.

Serve over rice.

Comfort Food

Chili Cook-Off If you’re hosting friends and family for a game or movie night, turn dinner into part of the fun. Invite everyone to bring their best chili recipe and make it a friendly competition. Not only does it provide a readymade meal, but the money you would have spent on dinner can instead go toward prizes for the winners.

Beef Stew

To your slow cooker, add:

• 2 lbs stew meat chunks

• 1 package dry beef stew packet

• 3-4 Russet potatoes, large diced

• 1 bag baby carrots

• 32 oz. carton of beef broth

Cook on Low for 8-10 hours

Autumn

Simmer Pots & Harvest Smells

Fall is one of the most fragrant seasons of the year, and nothing sets the mood like the comforting scents of autumn. Bringing harvest-inspired aromas into your home creates warmth and coziness, whether you’re entertaining friends or simply enjoying a quiet night in.

Candles & Wax Melts

Pumpkin spice, apple cinnamon, and warm vanilla are classic fall candle scents that instantly transform any space. If you prefer something less sweet, try woodsy fragrances like cedarwood, sandalwood, or smoky bonfire. Wax melts are another great option—they’re flameless, safe, and fill your home with fragrance in minutes.

Baking Aromas

Few things beat the smell of fresh baked goods on a crisp fall day. Whether it’s a batch of pumpkin bread, apple pie, or cinnamon rolls, the delicious aroma is just as comforting as the treat itself. Even if you don’t have time to bake from scratch, warming up pre-made cookie dough in the oven can fill your kitchen with that same cozy scent.

Simmer Pots

One of the easiest (and most natural) ways to make your home smell like fall is with a simmer pot. Just fill a small saucepan with water, toss in sliced apples, orange peels, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, or even a splash of vanilla, and let it gently simmer on the stove. Within minutes, your whole house will smell like autumn.

Autumn Bliss

1 lemon (sliced)

2 sprigs rosemary

1 tsp whole peppercorns

1 Tbsp vanilla extract

Pumpkin Spice

1/2 C Pumpkin Puree

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground nutmeg

1 tsp ground cloves

Apple Bliss

2 apples (quartered)

2 cinnamon sticks

1 Tbsp vanilla extract

1 tsp whole cloves

Start with Seasonal Favorites

Think about what makes fall special for you. Maybe it’s apple picking, visiting a pumpkin patch, sipping hot cider, or going on a scenic hike through colorful leaves. Write down the activities that immediately come to mind—these are your “mustdos.”

Add New Traditions

Fall is the perfect season to try something new. Host a bonfire night, bake a homemade pie from scratch, or take a drive to a small-town fall festival. Even little things, like trying a new soup recipe or carving an unusually creative pumpkin, can become traditions you’ll look forward to every year.

Make It Personal

Your bucket list doesn’t have to be long or complicated—it just has to reflect you. Some people like adventurous outings, while others prefer cozy nights in. Maybe your list includes tackling a corn maze, reading a spooky novel, or simply spending an afternoon watching the leaves fall from your porch.

Display It

Once your list is complete, put it somewhere visible on the fridge, in your planner, or even on a decorative chalkboard. That way, you’ll be reminded to make time for those special activities before the season passes.

Whether you check off one or all of these, fall is a season made for making memories. So grab your favorite sweater, a warm drink, and your Ultimate Fall Bucket List it’s time to celebrate everything that makes fall fantastic.

Long before she delved into the world of fantasy and suspense, Melanie P. Smith served nearly three decades in the Special Operations Division at her local sheriff’s office working with SWAT, Search & Rescue, K9, the Motor Unit, Investigations and the Child Abduction Response Team. She now uses that training and knowledge to create stories that are action-packed, gripping, and realistic. When Melanie’s not writing, she can be found riding her Harley, exploring the wilderness, or capturing that next great photo.

Visit her website at melaniepsmith.com to learn more.

Jason Kristopher

Jason Kristopher is the award-winning author terrifying readers with zombies in The Dying of the Light, thrilling them with 1940s noir in Loco Moco, and harrowing them with boy-meets-gryphon -meets-robot adventure in When Iron Wakes.

With the love of his life and the dog that rescued him by his side, he plots his next traumatizing stories from Florida beaches.

Interview by Melanie P. Smith

Are you a multi-genre author or a single-genre author? What types of books do you write?

I write in nearly every genre except for the moment, anyway romance and western, but I do have an idea for a western. I generally write character-driven action stories with heart. I’m currently working on both a sci-fantasy and a 1948 noir thriller, plus several short stories.

Do you have a favorite genre? Or, is one type of book easier for you to write than others, and why? Do you find it hard to balance them?

I tend to write (and read) mostly science fiction and fantasy now, though I’m known mostly for my horror novels. I generally find those easier to write, primarily because it’s easier to come up with new worlds than write accurately in this one!

Is there a genre you haven’t tried that you would like to?

I’d like to get to my western and my superhero works at some point, but they’re not yet on my roadmap.

How long have you been writing? Did an event or person prompt you to take that leap?

I’ve been writing all my life, since I was very young. I recently found some of my earliest stories, from when I was 7 or 8 (at a guess). One of the primary motivations for me being a writer was my parents’ insistence that I use my imagination all the time, even in play. I was given Lincoln Logs and LEGOs as my primary toys, and told stories verbally even before I could write. I’m convinced that encouragement to use my imagination is the formative reason I’m the storyteller I am.

What comes first — the plot or the characters?

For me, they’re one and the same. All my stories are generally character-driven, with few, if any, being driven by circumstances outside the character(s)’ control. I find those stories much deeper and more relatable, and thus easier to connect to both as a writer and a reader

How or where do you find the plots you write about? “Where do you get your ideas?” That’s the question authors get more than any other, and I developed a whole workshop about idea generation being a practicable skill meaning one you get better as you practice. I have so many concrete examples of how ideas can come from literally anywhere. There’s no easy answer to that question, unfortunately—but if you just ask questions about the things you see/ experience, you’ll start to generate ideas yourself!

What makes your book stand out from the crowd?

There are lots of zombie books, so you’re right to ask this question. I liken my books to The Walking Dead in the sense that if you’ve experienced that story, you know the title doesn’t refer to the zombies instead, it’s the characters stumbling through the world left behind. Mine are similar in that way, because you can really connect with the characters. Consistent reviews point out the way the characters are, more or less, “real” and relatable – and I think that’s rare in this sub-genre. No shade to anyone else— they’ve gotta tell their stories too but I think the way I tell mine makes them easier to connect to for a certain reader.

Mark Twain said “Write what you know.” Tell us about your writing process. Are you a plotter or a pantser? Do you plot, plan, and conduct hours of research; or, do you just sit down and write whatever comes to mind based on your personal history and knowledge?

I don’t remember where I heard it, but recently I came across the term “plantser” – and that’s more my style. I have a flash of an idea, and write and write, sometimes as much as a couple thousand words, which gets me into the story and enough of a grounding to then go back and plot. I also don’t discount the utility of the “characters telling you where the story needs to go.” Sometimes the characters will have better ideas than I do!

“I didn't see Rebecca die the second time.”

When 1,500 people die in Fall Creek's zombie outbreak including his fiancée bookseller David Blake becomes the sole survivor. His escape catches the attention of AEGIS, an elite military unit that's been secretly fighting the undead since 1873.

The truth is terrifying: walkers have been here for over a century. The government has been lying. And now the infection is evolving turning victims in minutes instead of hours.

Recruited as a civilian consultant, David joins Major Kimberly Barnes and her squad of hardened soldiers. But as outbreaks multiply and humanity teeters on the edge, he discovers the walking dead might be the least of their problems. https://bookgoodies.com/a/B0052YOGPO

What’s your favorite and least favorite part of publishing?

My favorite part of being a publisher (I own my small press) is twofold: calling an author to tell them we’d like to pick up their book, and putting the first copy of their first book in their hands. There’s nothing quite like it. My least favorite part is that I can’t publish all the great books I’m sent! As an author, my least favorite part is the time it takes to do everything right, and my favorite part is starting a new story and getting to explain to my exceedingly patient partner all the cool twists and turns.

Would you and your main character get along?

I certainly hope so! David Blake is definitely modeled off the person I would’ve been in another life, so I’d like to think we’d get along like a house on fire. I’m not sure I’m as brave as he is, but one can hope.

Becoming a zombie was much more painful than he had expected.

In a world devoured by chaos, survival hangs by a thread. Amidst the relentless onslaught of the undead, hope flickers dim. But beyond the horrors of the walkers lies an even graver threat. Massive bunkers crumble under unyielding assault, plunging into darkness. Across icy wastelands, stranded scientists fight starvation's cold grip. Can David Blake and the remnants of AEGIS rescue the salvation-bearing scientist from the frigid grip of Antarctica, or will humanity succumb to the merciless jaws of extinction?

Fans of The Walking Dead and Maberry's The Dead of Night will love this action-packed, globe-trotting sequel. Don't wait - grab your copy now!

https://bookgoodies.com/a/B00AVB48RE

Have you ever killed off a character your readers loved?

Without spoiling anything, yes. There have been several characters that I’ve killed off and made myself cry, not to mention several readers. And I’m not changing that anytime soon, if my current works-in-progress are any indication.

Can you share a sample of your current work with us?

Sure! I have a free short story that I give away to folks who sign up for my newsletter, but for your readers, they can just download Island’s End here: https:// dl.bookfunnel.com/ uv45mnqtjv

He awoke and, for the first time in almost twenty-five years, remembered who he was.

Twenty years after Z-Day, humanity's remnants prepare to reclaim the surface from underground bunkers. But as survivors venture upward, they discover a chilling truth: the world above has changed in ways no one anticipated.

When a new threat emerges that could trigger a second Z-Day, Eden Blake and the remaining heroes of AEGIS must make their final stand. In this race against extinction, the greatest enemy comes from within.

Heart-pounding action meets moral complexity in this explosive conclusion that fans of The Walking Dead and World War Z won't be able to put down.

https://bookgoodies.com/a/B015TKJ6IM

What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

Writing every day doesn’t mean a thousand words, or a hundred, or even one. Let’s face it – that “sage” advice is a great idea as a concept, but life in this world of ours doesn’t allow for writing every day for most of us (unless you’re independently wealthy or masochistic). But writing isn’t just putting words down. If I’m leaning back in my chair staring at the ceiling thinking about my book, that counts. If I’m plotting the story as I’m shopping for groceries, that counts. Move the story along some way or some how every day –that’s what I mean by “write every day.”

Whom do you trust for objective and constructive criticism of your work?

I have a selective group of editors, readers, publishers, and authors with whom I share my unpublished works (beta readers) and take their feedback quite seriously. I also listen to my readers, but you can only listen to so many people before you have to say “this is the story that I’m telling, and I hope you’ll come with me.”

If you could spend a day with another author, whom would you choose?

Tough choice, because I know a lot of great authors. I’d probably say Isaac Asimov, though, or maybe Brandon Sanderson (who’s just a super nice guy and is cool to hang out with).

If you could invite any three people for dinner, whom would you invite?

My mom, who passed away last year, my grandfather Jake, and my grandmother Margie. I miss them every day.

What are your current projects?

I’m currently working on a couple novels and several short stories. Loco Moco is the noir thriller set in 1948 Hawaiʻi, and When Iron Wakes is a sci-fantasy boy-meets-gryphon-meets-robot adventure story. “Sonata in Z Minor” is a new Walker Chronicle coming out in Requiem: Tales of the Undead (Feb 2026, WordFire Press). I’m releasing the brand-new editions of The Dying of the Light from August through November, including the first-ever print edition of book 4, The Walker Chronicles, as well as a short story collection called Falling Toward Tomorrow, hopefully by Christmas.

The zombie apocalypse didn't begin on Z-Day it's been raging in secret for 150 years. From an 1872 military unit's first walker encounter to Nazi experiments in concentration camps, from Cold War cover-ups to the final days before collapse, these classified stories reveal the conspiracy that doomed humanity. While the world slept, Unit 73 and AEGIS fought a shadow war against the walking dead. Some secrets should stay buried—but like the dead themselves, truth always rises.

The Walker Chronicles expands the universe of The Dying of the Light trilogy, uncovering the untold history of humanity's fight against the walking dead. While David Blake's journey in END, INTERVAL, and BEGINNING shows the apocalypse and its aftermath, these essential stories reveal the covert battles that raged for decades before Z-Day changed everything. Each tale deepens the conspiracy, heightens the horror, and illuminates the sacrifices made to keep humanity alive.

Would you share something about yourself that your readers don’t know (yet)?

I once biked down the steepest paved road in the world, from 10,203’ to sea level in just 38.2 miles, starting at dawn and ending up at a roadside eatery for the best plate lunch I’ve ever had. Mt. Haleakala, on Maui. Incredible adventure.

Other than your current WIP, do you have any unfinished books? Do you think you will ever finish them?

Oh, tons! It really depends on what you mean by “unfinished” – and I’m not being facetious. I’ve got notes or snippets of over 60 stories, but I don’t call those “started,” really. When Iron Wakes and Loco Moco are both complete, but need editing still. I have plenty of ideas though –with just the ideas I have now, I could write four books a year until I’m 93. That’s not an exaggeration.

What is the most inspiring feedback you've ever received from a reader?

“This was the best zombie book since World War Z!” That was pretty stellar to read. But I’ve gotta give it to my pal Staff Sgt Donald Denson, who thanked me for my portrayal of the military in End, so I sent his whole squad a copy of the book, which he replied to with a flag flown in combat on July 4th in Afghanistan. So what could I do be Tuckerize him in Book 3? He’s a hero in my book – literally!

How long does it take you to write a book?

I feel attacked! But seriously, it takes a lot longer than I’d like. When Iron Wakes is going on 14 years, and Loco Moco is around 7. Of course, that’s from when I first had the idea for them, but I’d say they’re both right around 3-4 years of actual writing. It’s tough when you’re a perfectionist.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite? Or has one stuck with you more than others?

I’ve finished five books and 20+ short stories. My favorite story is When Iron Wakes, despite it taking so long to get just right. The best story I will write, though? My 30-book epic fantasy “world”; I plan to finish the core 6-book series by 2030. We’ll see!

Do you aim for a set number of words/pages per day? Or, do you just write and let the story decide when you stop and take a break?

Generally speaking, I try to complete a chapter every session. Since my current writing style is to have shorter, scene-break -less chapters, that’s not as bad as it sounds. It’s roughly 2-3k words. But when the story says it’s done with that part, I stop. My best day was 11,000 words, though, so I know what I can max out at, and 2k is sustainable.

How do you decide if a story will be standalone or part of a series?

If the story feels finished at the end, then it’ll be a standalone. But I let myself tell the story as it needs to be told to a large degree. So if it needs more, then there’ll be another book. It’s entirely story-dependent.

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

I like cats, but I’m a dog person through and through – as my old man Brando would tell you, as soon as he stopped wagging his tail and trying to lick you!

Can you share any upcoming projects or plans for future books?

Other than the fantasy epic, I have the Loco Moco series (The Emerald Orchid Adventures) planned to ten books, a young adult/ middle grade series about a Teddy Bear who goes on an adventure with a Monster Under the Bed, a superhero story, a Western, and a space military sci-fi idea. So… lots!

If money was no issue, would you prefer a cozy beach bungalow or a rustic cabin overlooking a mountain lake?

Either? Both? I already have a near-to-the-beach house, but right on the water would be great. I grew up in Colorado though, so a mountain lake with the crisp morning and a cup of coffee sounds great too!

One final question...Do you have a blog/website? If so, what is it?

Do you have a social media platform where your fans can go to interact with you and follow your progress?

Yes and yes! My website is jasonkristopher.com, and though I have a Facebook Page, I’m more active on BlueSky (@jasonkristopher). I also have a Patreon and a monthly newsletter (more info about both is on my website).

We had some great entries for our last challenge. If you didn’t get a chance to read them, you should take a minute to check them out. Congratulations to our top winners for getting the most reader votes on their submission. You can read the winning story as well as the other entries here…

https://view.publitas.com/mpsmith-publishing/ connections-emagazine-2nd-quarter-2025/page/52-53

1st Place Bad Day

Melanie P. Smith

2nd Place An Eye for an Eye

2nd Place Survivor Sylva Fae

Tom Benson

Everyone has heard the saying A Picture is Worth 1000 Words. Well, this is where we put that saying to the test. In each edition, we post an image and ask authors to tell a story in approximately 1000 words. Each story is unique, compelling and interesting. It just goes to show, while the picture might be worth a thousand words those words can be as diverse as the authors writing them

Keep reading to discover new authors and their stories based on the picture provided. And be sure to visit our Facebook page to vote for your favorite.

https://www.facebook.com/ConnectionsEMagazine

Shenanigans

https://melaniepsmith.com

By

Melanie P. Smith

Kara made her way down the rugged dirt road and gripped the steering wheel so hard, her knuckles turned white. Suddenly, her tire dropped into a deep rut and the back wheels slid sideways. Once she regained control, she let out a long, exasperated sigh. That was close another few inches, and her vehicle would have slid off the road and landed in the creek.

Crisis averted, she refocused on the darkening road ahead. If she wasn’t so stressed, the area would be beautiful. It was late fall, so the leaves left a bed of crisp red, vibrant yellow and rustic browns on the ground as they prepared for the harsh cold of winter. She was starting to wonder if she was lost when she spotted the road. Well, it was more like a wide path that would lead to the house. She still didn’t understand what was happening and could never explain why she agreed so easily. The attorney’s letter was cryptic, but it must be

legit right? Surely, he wouldn’t send her on a wild goose chase, alone, to the middle of nowhere.

As Kara maneuvered around a curve, the house finally came into view. It looked old and a little creepy. Excitement coursed through her, she was nearly there.

Once she parked, she headed across the large expanse toward the house.Anticipation and a little fear made her hesitate so she reached into her jacket pocket, and slid a nervous hand over the letter. The offer was legit it had to be. Mrs. Babcock was excentric and quirky, but she was never cruel.

Eager to get answers, she took another step forward then stopped abruptly. Every light in the large gothic house blazed orange, contrasting with the cool, somber dark grey tiles of the exterior. Did someone live here? Did she have the wrong house? Was attorney, whatshisname inside waiting to greet her? She straightened her spine and continued forward. She’d just walk up the large sturdy stairs and knock on the enormous wooden door illuminated by that bright lamp. What’s the worst thing that could happen?

“Death, Kara,” she whispered. “Death could happen and nobody would even know where to look for you because you didn’t tell anyone where you going.”

On that thought, she stomped up the stairs and pounded on the door. She was still mumbling under her breath when it swung open and the most gorgeous man she’d seen in her life filled the opening.

“Not what you expected?” he raised an eyebrow so dark it was nearly black.

“Uh,” Kara frowned.

“Come, it’s getting colder by the second,” the man took a step backwards and motioned her inside.

Kara took one slow, cautious step, then another.

“I’m Marco Davenport and that man lurking next to the fireplace is Trent,” he stepped into a nearby room. “He sent you the letter.”

“Right,” Kara glanced around the home. “Uh… I … Why are you here?”

Marco darted an annoyed look at Trent then focused on Kara. “Come in, have some coffee and we’ll talk.”

“About?” Kara asked once she settled into the least dusty chair she could find.

“Go ahead and explain, Trent,” Marco prompted. “Since you ignored my directive and sent that cryptic letter that basically said nothing. Tell herAmelia’s plan.”

“I still don’t understand,” Kara frowned.

The room remained silent for several seconds.

Marco shook his head. “Kara,Amelia Babcock was my aunt. I hoped Trent was at least competent enough to share that much.”

“Hey,” Trent objected.

“Okay,” Kara glanced at her folded hands. “But he said I inherited this house. I don’t understand why she’d leave it to me instead of you.”

“She left it to both of us jointly,” Marco added. “Welcome home roomie.”

“We ”

“You and I own the house, the shack that sits about two hundred yards to the east, and approximately a thousand acres of forest,” Marco waited.

“That’s insane,” Kara stood. “I can jointly own this property with a stranger. I drove all the way out here and…”

“I know,” Marco glared at Trent, then moved to sit in a vacant chair. “It’s a little unconventional but I think we can make it work.”

“You ” Kara stared at him like he was nuts he was nuts. This entire situation was too bizarre for words.

“AuntAmelia well, she was unique,” Marco explained. “And once she got something into her head, she wouldn’t let it go.”

“Meaning?” Kara wondered.

“Meaning she met you, got to know you, and decided you aren’t happy in your current life and neither am I so, we’d make a great couple.”

“I believe she said you were perfect for each other,” Trent offered.

“So, she left us a house?” Kara asked, confused. “Like a Hallmark movie or something?”

“Exactly like that,” Trent beamed, happy she understood.

“No,” Kara rubbed her eyes. “No. I’ll just,” she waved her hand through the air. “I’ll just head back to my apartment and pretend none of this ever happened.”

“Look,” Marco stood. “I understand your shock and I’m sorry Trent wasn’t honest, but there are extenuating circumstances that you may not be aware of.”

“Like what?” Kara demanded.

“Amelia owned the craft store,” Trent grinned. “And you’re fired.”

“You can’t fire me,” Kara insisted.

“Technically,Amelia Babcock fired you,” Trent’s grin widened. “She was very specific. Immediately, upon her death, you were terminated. I think that makes you homeless and unemployed” Why would she do that?” Kara demanded.

“Romance,” Marco shrugged.

“She thought what?” Kara swallowed. “That you and me?” She laughed. “Impossible.”

“Hey, he’s not that bad,” Trent objected.

“Let me explain the terms,” Marco offered. “They’re pretty simple. We jointly inherited everythingAmelia owned at the time of her death. We’re required to live in the house for the period of one year. If, at the end of that year, we have not fallen madly in love, I will buy you out. You leave a little richer, but relatively unscathed.”

“Right,” Kara studied Marco. “Why would you agree to this. You’re not upset. You should be upset. This is your inheritance. To get it, you have to live with a stranger , then buy me out when I leave.”

“If you leave,” Trent corrected.

“I’m not upset because I’m used toAmelia’s shenanigans,” Marco shrugged. “I’ve learned to roll with it, no matter how unconventional.And, once I immersed myself in her mischief we always had a blast.”

“This isn’t a game, it’s my life!” Kara barked.

“Please give it a chance,” Marco requested. “It might be fun and what do you have to lose?”

“Everything,” Kara countered.

“Naw,” Trent disagreed. “You already lost that.”

“What does that mean?” Kara focused on Marco.

“Uh,” Marco looked away. “Well,Amelia’s friend owns your apartment complex. He just terminated your lease.”

Atear slid down her cheek and she angrily brushed it away.

“I’m sorry,” Marco stood and held out his hand. “Amelia always gets her way, but this could all be great fun.”

Kara swallowed then gripped his hand.

“That’s the spirit,” Marco smiled.

“You’re as crazy as your aunt,” Kara accused.

“Thank you,” Marco answered immediately.

“It wasn’t a compliment,” Kara grumbled.

“Oh, but it was,” Marco disagreed. “My aunt was the most amazing person I’ve ever known.” Kara had to admit;Amelia Babcock was a remarkable lady. She was beginning to think Marco was just as wonderful. The man was hot, fun, and kind. Plus, the electricity she was feeling as she held his hand made her want to agree to this strange arrangement and maybe hope for that happily ever after.

Marco pushed open a large door and motioned Kara inside. Books lined the walls and several bottles of what looked like beans covered a large wooden table. Marco strolled forward, grabbed a bottle, and slammed it to the surface. The glass broke. Kara jumped in surprise. Marco simply reached out and retrieved several large gold coins.

Kara silently waited.

“My aunt has hidden treasures stashed throughout this house,” Marco explained. He held out the coins. “You can have these, and anything else you find if you’ll stay and give this a try.”

“Why?” Amelia accepted the shiny coins.

“Because if you leave, I lose it all,” Marco admitted. “Trent will sell the property, the house, the shack everything. All of my best memories happened here. I can’t lose it. So, whatever you need whatever I have to do to keep you here, I’m willing to do it. Just promise me you’ll stay and try.”

Kara glanced around, then focused on Marco. “Okay, I think your aunt’s shenanigans are a little over the top, but I can carpe diem if you can.”

“Cheesy Rom Com here we come,” Trent laughed then grunted when Marco slugged him in the stomach.

Melanie P. Smith Long before she delved into the world of fantasy and suspense, Melanie served nearly three decades in the Special Operations Division at her local sheriff’s office; working with SWAT, Search and Rescue, K9, the Motor Unit, Investigations, and the Child Abduction Response Team. She now uses that training and knowledge to create stories that are action-packed, gripping, and realistic. When Melanie’s not penning her next adventure, she can be found riding her Harley, exploring the wilderness, or capturing that next great photo.

A ruthless killer, a survivor, and a dysfunctional family running out of options.

A shocking act of violence sends a young widow into hiding. Now, a killer with rules of his own has set his sights on those fighting for justice. Frustrated by the system they dedicated their lives to, doing their best to fly under the radar, a flawed band of unlikely heroes must set aside their personal beliefs and professional ethics to bring a killer to justice before it's too late.

Time is running out; a ruthless sociopath continues his reign of violence; rules must be broken. Can this secret group of vigilantes unearth the truth before it’s too late? They didn’t start this war, but it’s up to them to finish it.

https://bookgoodies.com/a/B09DTTPX6P “What a powerful hook! It grabbed me and I couldn’t stop reading.”

A woman comes face to face with her rapist at his engagement party. A teen reluctantly celebrating the first Christmas after her mother’s death gets caught cutting her wrists by a stranger. A student hands in a box of Kraft Dinner as her final assignment, and a bipolar art teacher grieves her divorce by online shopping. The Beauty and the Hell of it is a collection of stories about women (and one man) who quietly resist and the resulting moments of transition, acceptance, and vindication. Whether they wrestle with grief, growth, trauma, or all three, these characters don’t give in to expectations about who or how they should be. These stories will appeal to readers who enjoyed the pivotal moments of ordinary life in Sophie Stocking’s Walking Leonard and Other Stories and those who want a slice of contemporary womanhood served up with dark humour as offered in Meghan Bell’s Erase and Rewind

Riveting and intimate, full of the wry, hard-won wisdom and bite of Mary Gaitskill and Loorie Moore. Lynda William’s collection is some of the most exciting and beautiful short fiction I’ve had the privilege to work on. --

Danila Botha

https://bookgoodies.com/a/1771839686

Lynda Williams

Lynda Williams is a short fiction writer based in Calgary/ Treaty 7 Territory. Her work engages with themes of class, feminism, and mental illness. She describes her flavour as IfRaymond-Carver-Wrote-Feisty-Women. Lynda’s stories have appeared in Grain, The Humber Literary Review, oranges journal, HLR Spotlight, and on Room’s website. She has been a winner of the Edmonton Voices competition, the Reedsy Prompts Challenge, and has received honorable mentions in the Humber Literary Review’s and Room’s fiction contests. She is a recipient of the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Emerging Artist Award, and her debut collection of stories, The Beauty and the Hell of It is forthcoming from Guernica in September.

https://www.lyndawilliams.ca/

Emma is a primary school teacher, forest school and therapeutic skills practitioner and ran her own forest school playgroup when she lived in Switzerland. She returned to the UK three years ago and is now running weekly forest school sessions at a primary school in Derbyshire, where campfire cooking features heavily. Emma is seeking her own piece of land locally, to create a little bit of paradise for anyone who enters it, be that through camp fire cooking, forest school, mindful walking, eco therapy or simply just spending time in nature.

New Release!

Welcome to the wonderful world of campfire cooking. The smoky scent and the added flavour this gives to the food is second to none. It is even scientifically proven that food tastes better when cooked over an open fire.

The recipe below is taken from the book More than Marshmallows, Campfire Cooking made Easy. This book takes both novices and experienced campfire chefs on a journey through different methods of cooking – on sticks, in a pan, or in a tin or container. The 30 plus recipes are all tried and tested since Emma began her Forest School adventures over 10 years ago. When she purchased a fire pit for her brother as a gift, she couldn’t find a cook book that had a wealth of recipes that didn’t require half of the kitchen cupboards in terms of ingredients or equipment. The result being that she wrote one herself. She had been contemplating this idea for a while, but when her dad was taken ill with an incurable brain tumor, he made her promise him that she would write it and get it published. She has now fulfilled that promise.

There are numerous short cuts and tips scattered throughout the book to make your life easier. No tin foil to bake your banana in? No problem – simply cook the banana in its own skin, easier, quicker and less mess to clean up. Maybe you want a hearty breakfast of porridge (oatmeal), but you have no milk – only water. Again, no problem, boil the water and pour on to the oats and leave them to soak the water up.

The book also details safety equipment, how to light your campfire so that it stays lit as well as how to put it out safely too. This was something she felt was sorely missing from the books she had purchased as they assumed the reader was already accomplished with this. It highlights the “leave no trace” that emphasizes how to have as little impact as possible on the natural world by taking away all that you brought with you, as any

Emma

Jane Hookey

More Than Marshmallows by Emma Jane Hookey

food waste or litter can have far reaching effects on the environment and its inhabitants – be they flora or fauna.

More than Marshmallows is aimed at anyone wanting to further their enjoyment of the great outdoors, be that forest school practitioners, outdoor enthusiasts, campers, scout or guiding leaders, or parents wanting to cook something healthier on occasions when out and about or even just in their own gardens.

One of the favourite recipes of hers and her families, alongside many of the adults and children she has worked with are sweetcorn fritters. These little pancake-like fritters are filled with sunshine coloured sweetcorn, spring onions and herbs with the added bonus that they are easy to hold in even little hands. No need for cutlery, plates or washing up what is there not to love about that?

Ingredients

• 3 eggs

• 150ml milk

• 175g plain flour

• 300g tin of sweetcorn

• 4 spring onions

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

• Equipment

• Grill

• Frying pan Metal spatula Jug

• Fork for mixing

• Ladle for putting mixture into the pan

Method

1. Combine the egg and the milk in a jug.

2. Add the flour and mix to combine.

3. Add the sweetcorn and stir again to combine.

1. Pour a generous amount of oil into the pan and ensure the base is well covered.

2. Heat the oil and test to see if it is hot enough by adding a tiny bit of batter to the pan. If the oil is hot enough it should immediately start to bubble around the edges.

3. Use the ladle to put the batter into the oil, you should be able to cook at least 4 at a time.

4. Fry for a couple of minutes on one side until slightly brown and you can move them around.

5. Flip them over and repeat on the other side.

6. When done, put them on top of kitchen roll in a roasting tray (this soaks up excess oil) near the fire and cover with foil until they are all cooked. This helps to keep them all warm.

When Emma first started cooking on a campfire, she didn’t dare venture away from the safety and familiarity of marshmallows.

Gradually, as her confidence increased, so did her repertoire. Now she is never happier than when tinkering with recipes and when eating out will often photograph and jot down notes on potential recipes to try – of course, this is fine if it is just her, but when out with her family, they sometimes just want to get on with their meal rather than having it analysed before tucking in!

If you are in the UK, you can buy the book direct from Emma’s website www.growhouseforestschool.com . If you are abroad then her book will be available on Amazon from 21st September.

SERVES 4 │ PREP 15 MINUTES │ COOK 15-30 MINUTES

Morticia

http://www.tombensonauthor.com

By Tom Benson

After turning off the main road and driving into the forest, the autumn evening changed dramatically within five minutes, taking on a more sombre quality, like a dark winter night.At the first appearance of mist, Graham switched on his headlights and regretted not having the old car professionally checked. The twenty-year-old recalled his dad saying never to use the main beam in foggy conditions because of the reflection it caused. There wasn’t much danger of that with the almost cream-coloured haze his lights were offering. Within five minutes, his headlights flickered before one died.

“That’s great,” he said, laughing with his usual fake confidence, and then he saw faint, yellowish lights showing between the trees. “Oh no, only I could find a haunted house at a time like this.”

When the engine sputtered a few times, he glanced at the dials to see the low fuel warning flash, and an overwhelming sense of terror washed over him. “How can it be low? The dealer said the tank was full.”

He’d refused a lift with a fellow student, saying he wanted to use the car he’d recently bought, and he’d taken advice from one of the other students about using the shortcut through the forest. That advice had come from Morticia, the stunning Goth, Graham both adored and feared in equal measure. She’d said the route through the forest would cut his journey time in half.

“It was also Morticia who’d recommended the second-hand car dealer to me.”

Adark shape moved through the mist in front of the car.

“Shit.” Graham swung the steering wheel, and the car skidded off the dirt track, into the darkness and dense foliage. The airbag exploded with a deafening bang, tearing apart and blasting dust into Graham’s eyes before his forehead struck the steering wheel.

He had no idea how long he’d been unconscious, but when he tried to open his eyes, they stung, and he blinked repeatedly. His head ached, and so too did his ribcage, suggesting that the seatbelt had been as ineffective as the airbag. He tried to raise his right hand to touch his head, but was unable, and then his heart thudded in his chest when he focused on his wrists to see that they were bound to the arms of the hardback chair he was sitting in. His ankles were tied to the chair’s legs.

“What the ” As his faltering gaze travelled slowly over his legs and then up his body, he realised he was naked, and the chair he was strapped into was in a large room lit by candles.Asilky smooth woman’s voice captured his attention.

“Welcome to the land of the living … for now, at least.” She stepped forward from the shadows into the comparative light in front of the chair. Her long, straight, dark hair was perfectly centreparted, and her pale complexion was in stark contrast to cherry-red, glossy lips that framed even, white teeth. “You were the one who laughed at me during a lecture and pointed out that my name came from the Latin, mortis, meaning death.” “I didn’t mean anything ”

“Oh, Graham, have the courage of your convictions.” She smiled as she reached out with a forefinger, and her glossy black fingernail gleamed in the candle-lit room. “When we first met, I said I liked you, but you laughed at me and my name. Now, it’s time for your punishment.” She raised his chin with her fingertip and looked into his frightened eyes.

“Morticia … I’m sorry, I ”

“That’s what you all say.” She moved her hand up and slowly swiped her fingertip across the weeping gash in his head. “I must admit, it makes my revenge taste so much sweeter.” She brought the fingertip to her mouth and licked the blood she’d removed.After swallowing, she bit into her lip, which in other circumstances might have been a sexy gesture.

“Please, Morticia,” Graham sobbed. “I didn’t mean any harm, and if there’s anything ”

“You want to make amends like the others?” She opened her beautiful eyes wide in mock surprise.

“The others?”

“Yes, Graham, the others.” She grinned and arched a shapely eyebrow. “Peter, and Freddie, the friends for whom you were hoping to take part in a vigil to pray for their safe return from well, wherever they seemed to have disappeared.”

Self-preservation took over. “Yes, I’d like to make amends. They weren’t really my friends,” he lied. “It was them who suggested I mention the meaning of your name during a class.”

“Okay,” she said, and from behind her long black dress, produced a gleaming silver blade with an ornate obsidian handle. “I’ll give you the same chance I gave them.” She squatted and sliced through the rope binding Graham’s ankles, but the sharp blade sliced into his calves as she pulled it up quickly.

“Oww ”

“Oops!” She stood and, with the same careless abandon, placed the tip of the blade under the other bindings, flicked her wrist quickly, and sliced into Graham’s flesh, causing rapid bleeding at his wrists.

Weak and in pain, he pushed her away and ran for the door. He saw his clothing in a pile with his phone on top. Graham grabbed the device and stumbled from one candle-lit room to another until he found the front door and escaped into the night. “I’m recording this message because I’m lost in the woods, and I can’t see the house. I can’t see anything else either, but I now know Morticia is unhinged.” He sobbed, seeing the low power alert. “I’ll say goodbye and throw my phone away. Whenever this phone is discovered, please search for my body and those of my two friends, because we won’t be far apart.” He lobbed the device into the darkness.

“You’ve been a naughty boy, Graham,” Morticia said, creeping towards him. “Your punishment will be severe if I don’t like what I hear on that phone of yours, and I will find it … before you die.”

The End

Tom Benson is a creative writer who has published novels, novellas, short story anthologies and a series of five poetry anthologies. He started his writing career in 2007, but in his words, “By then, I had learned enough about people and life to make my writing credible.”

He has won two short story competitions, had six short stories published in traditional anthologies, and one on audio CD. One of Tom’s tales, Simply Irresistible, was requested by the World Reader organisation, which provides literary support for developing countries. In 2013, a master’s degree student studying media at Glasgow University requested Tom’s poem, River Clyde, for use as a supporting narrative.

Affordable Editing

The Mouse Family That Live By The Brambles

by Sylva Fae

Photography by Gez Robinson

Gez Robinson is a talented wildlife photographer from Yorkshire, England. For the last few years, I’ve been following the story of a family of mice, that live in an area of the garden dedicated to wildlife. It has been fascinating to watch the trust that has built up between the mice and Gez, as he patiently sits behind the camera. The photos are stunning, and show what characters wild mice are, whether it be their quirky antics in their natural environment, or their curiosity as they interact with the props left by Gez for the mice to explore.

Gez has been a wildlife photographer for around fifteen years, and has a passion for wildlife. During the first pandemic lockdown, craving his photography fix, he started taking photos of the birds and other wildlife in his garden.

“…and that’s when I spotted a little mouse on the old decking. It was looking at a blackberry on the blackberry bush and just stood there whilst I took photos of it. My passion with the mouse family was born.”

Since the early successes of the Mouse Family That Live by the Brambles facebook page, Gez has published a book of the same name and set up other social media accounts.

https://www.facebook.com/bramblemouse

https://www.gezrobinsonphotography.co.uk/

Instagram: gez_robinson_photography

TikTok: @mousefamilybythebrambles

Copyright @ Gez Robinson for all photos featured in this article.

She Looks Like Fun

The stunning debut thriller by film producer and author, Constantinos

Koumontzis

Ann Bonny hides beneath the façade of an innocent schoolteacher in Chicago but spends her nights a call girl. She masquerades herself through an online escort service to carry out her violent desires. Her two worlds collide one night as her dark tendencies cross paths with her ‘normal’ life. Miss Bonny is about to spiral into madness while trying to keep her two lives from combusting.

https://bookgoodies.com/a/B0DVDZN71P

“Where has this author been. An enlightening commentary on our societal norms. I found myself routing (out loud) for the killer. Wonderfully written. Looking forward to the sequel or the TV series. A MUST READ!_ A Book WR

“This isn't the type of book I would normally read, I'm a little squeamish, but a friend suggested it and wow, this book is fantastic! The outrageous story of a female serial killer is entertaining and well crafted. The characters are intriguing and the descriptions are so meticulously detailed they jump right off the page. Koumontzis does a masterful job of keeping the reader engrossed in this wild ride of a gruesome tale. I thoroughly enjoyed and totally recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun and thrilling read”_ Jennifer Lieberman, Award-winning author of Year of the What

NEW RELEASE

The book is available worldwide in all formats by Whitechapel Trading Co

Constantinos Koumontzis graduated from DePaul University Chicago with a Creative Writing bachelor’s degree in liberal arts.

He was awarded the Mary Zavada writing endowment and honed his craft while studying abroad in London at the University of Westminster. He produced the short film "Touch" in 2024 and currently lives and writes in Los Angeles.

His debut novel, "She Looks Like Fun" is out now and available on Amazon, Kindle, Audible, and several major bookstores. More information about Constantinos can be found at: Constantinos Koumontzis | She Looks Like Fun

By

TOM BENSON

West Berlin before reunification. He saw active service in Northern Ireland and the first Gulf War.Acareer in retail management followed and lasted 25 years. Since 2007 Tom has published novels, anthologies and poetry. https://tombensonauthor.com/

Roamin’Soldier

August 2010

BobAtkinson grinned as he put the latest variant of the BMW 5-Series through its paces. The bends on the narrow country roads gave him plenty to do. He’d left Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire at 06:00 heading north through the local market town of Richmond.

Bob was thirty-five, and had been with the Parachute Regiment for most of his career. He’d been a member of the famous Pathfinders unit and had dropped into hot zones in different parts of the world. He could no longer jump because of a back injury, but he was alive, confident and able to relive his career as he gave presentations, like the one he was heading to in Scotland.

“Use the motorway, Robert,” his wife Linda had said before his departure. “Don’t be racing along those country roads.”

He’d nodded and kissed her goodbye.

* * *

Bob left Richmond and enjoyed the drive across the Pennines on the way to the main northbound route. He joined the motorway, but after only ten minutes was bored cruising along a three-lane road. He saw the large Saltire the white cross of StAndrew on a blue background which signified where England met Scotland.

“As I cross the border I’ll have an opportunity.” The exit for Gretna and Dumfries loomed up ahead. Bob decided he’d prefer a more interesting drive. There was no sense of excitement on a motorway. He glanced at the next sign. “A75 for Dumfries,” he murmured as he took the exit.

Traffic was light on the narrow road, and the car’s performance was exhilarating.As he read the road ahead, he cut corners at every opportunity and was enjoying the earthbound thrill. He glanced down at the River Nith on the left side of the embankment. The river followed the route for miles.

Not far from Sanquar, a few sheep wandered through a broken fence onto the road. It was in their nature, and the remainder of the flock followed.

Bob came around the bend at 70 mph and had the choice of burying the car in the sheep or braking hard.

When a child with a stick stood up among the sheep, Bob’s choice was made.

Earlier, a tractor had left a trail of sludge. The BMW’s internationally renowned anti-lock braking system had probably never been tested on thick manure. The car became a misguided missile, sliding across the road, missing all of the sheep, before ploughing through a wire fence to land in the river.

“Aye, Raul, he’s one of theirs. To the chieftain with him,” a deep male voice said.

Bob tried to open his eyes. He focused on a man of impressive physical build, with long red hair and flowing beard. Bob blinked and turned to look the other way and focussed on an equally large man with dark hair. He felt a pain in his skull, and all went black.

* * *

Bob shivered with cold, and his head felt like it had been hit by a rock. He opened his eyes and

AD 140

tried to move his arms, but they were tethered. He was naked except for a small piece of rough material tied around his waist. Bob looked up in the semi-darkness at his wrists. He’d been tied to the central pole in a small hut. The mud floor was covered with a thin layer of straw.

Male and female voices could be heard outside the hut, and higher pitched voices, those of children.As Bob rested his eyes, he concentrated on the conversation outside. It sounded like an ancient Scottish tongue a form of Gaelic.

The hide flap on the hut swung open and a young woman peered inside. Her long blonde hair hung braided over the front of her dark animal-hide clothing.

“Angus, he’s awake. The stranger is awake.”

Bob was stunned. Not because the woman had said he was awake, but because he had understood the ancient tongue. He prayed silently the miracle worked both ways, or his next conversation would be short.

A mountain of a man pushed the woman away from the doorway before blocking the light with his mass. He had long dark, unkempt hair and like the other two men Bob vaguely recalled, he also had a beard.

“How are you called?” Angus said.

“Robert.” Bob had already lapsed into his “prisoner-of-war’ mode. In his head, the name Bob wouldn’t sound right. He repeated his name. “I am called Robert.” He was speaking with the dialect his captors used.

“Pull him out here.” Angus dropped the screen door of the hut.

The flap opened again and two men entered. One of them placed a hand behind his back and produced a long, roughly hewn blade with a hide-bound handle. He advanced on Bob. In a swift motion the man sliced through the captive’s bindings.

Bob brought his hands together and rubbed his wrists to drive the circulation.As pins and needles started in his arms, he was dragged out into a large open area. Bob shivered as he looked at the clear indigo sky.

About twenty men sat around a large fire; the hubbub of conversation mingling with the crackling of the burning logs.

Afew women stood back from the inner circle holding clay jugs. The blonde woman from earlier was among them and she was staring at Bob.

“You, who is called by Robert.” Angus approached. “Are you a snake of Hadrian?”

Bob’s mind raced as he tried to recall which century Hadrian would have been around. Something blunt and heavy struck his back and he fell forward.

“IfAngus asks you answer, or you die,” a gruff voice said.

While Bob was recovering, he couldn’t fathom if a snake was a good thing or a bad thing in these circumstances. Bollocks.

“I am not a snake of Hadrian.” He shook his head. Surely not, he thought. Hadrian, the Roman Emperor. Oh, bollocks. “We have ways to find out.” Angus and the other men laughed. “We’ll know at dawn if you’re a snake.” The big man lifted a burning timber from the fire and stepped closer.

Jesus, Bob thought. Bloody dawn came around quick. He looked at the flame as it neared his upper arm.

“If you’re not a snake, why do you have Hadrian’s sign burned into your arm?”

Bob half-turned and looked at his right arm. Just above the biceps was his tattoo of the Parachute Regiment wings. He realised it resembled a masthead of the Roman Empire.

“That is the Golden Eagle of the Caledonians.” Bob squinted.

“Ah, you’d have us believe you’re a Caledonian. We’ll see.” Angus nodded his head.

Bob felt strong arms lock onto his and he was dragged back to the mud hut.

* *

Bob curled up to retain body heat; all his senses alert. His teeth chattered, and his body trembled out of control. His hands were tethered again, but lower. He’d tried, but his numbing fingers couldn’t undo the rough-hewn rope.

The door cover moved back quietly and a bulky silhouette blocked the moonlight.

Preparation for interrogation, Bob thought. He anticipated one of the escorts from earlier being sent to soften him with a beating. He shivered and waited as the shape advanced. Bob drew his legs up to protect his vitals, and relaxed his body in anticipation.

Bob felt a heavy fur pelt cover his body. The material smelled like a wet dog, but it covered him from shoulders to feet and instantly reduced the heat loss. He squinted in the semi-darkness.

Having ditched the large pelt, a slender figure moved again between Bob and the doorway.A new aroma filled the air within the small hut.

The visitor whispered something and a smooth, hard container touched Bob’s lips.

Awarm draught drifted to his nostrils and there was a smell reminiscent of cooked meat. He’d completed enough survival training and decided this was a risk worth taking. Bob parted his lips and as the substance touched his tongue, he tried not to sniff. It was hot and wet, but it wasn’t a Sunday roast. Previously, in extreme circumstances, he’d survived on worms, raw fish, and dubious plants. He drank greedily.

When the unexpected meal ended, Bob peered at the doorway. He saw the door flap open a little, and the sylph-like creature with long hair departed to leave him alone again. He recognised the body movement. * * *

When Bob woke up, the fleece was gone, and he was shivering, but he’d eaten and had slept after a fashion.As daylight seeped through small areas of the roofing material Bob’s mindset was once again that of a prisoner-of-war. His duty was to escape.

Heavy footsteps approached. The door flap flew back and one of the escorts from the previous night entered. He produced a large blade and sliced through the bindings.

They’re not big on untying knots, Bob thought.

“Come out here.” Aman outside beckoned with an open hand.

Bob’s body ached as he stooped to get through the door, and squinted in the brightness of the morning. The sky was cloudless and pale blue. Wood-smoke drifted in the light breeze, and men were once again sitting around the fire in the open area to his front.

Angus stood in the middle of the clearing, close to the big fire. It was an arena of ten yards radius. The immediate area was without grass or vegetation, which indicated regular use. The land surrounding the arena was covered with lush grass and small huts were situated randomly, but not too far away.

Bob stood upright and stretched his limbs. He looked at Angus, not lowering his gaze.

“I see a man with pride,” Angus said. “I do not see an animal.” He nodded and assessed Bob’s stance. “You survived the night without food or protection, so you’ve passed the first test. You will now face your next.”

The men in the audience were grinning, nodding, and nudging each other.Apart from Bob, everybody else was clothed in animal furs, including the women. Unlike the men, not all the women were grinning.

The braided blonde from the previous day stood with her hands clasped in front. She glanced at Bob and then lowered her gaze like the other women.

Callum!” Angus called.

“Aye,” growled one of the biggest men in the audience.

“Show us if we have a snake of Hadrian in our midst, my brother.”

Callum stood up. He was short of six foot tall, but broad and heavy, even after throwing off his garb. He stepped between his kinsmen into the arena. The big man nodded and stroked his dark

beard before running his hands through his long, unruly hair.

“Come forward you who claim to be Caledonian,” Angus said. “You fight until one stands.”

Bob started forward and glanced down at the campfire. If desperate, he thought, there were sizeable pieces of wood there.As he crossed the arena, he assessed the men seated around him and the weapons they had to hand.

The audience chanted.Aquiet hum rose from the group, as the tension mounted. They’d no doubt have witnessed a mismatch like this many times.

Callum leapt forward like a bull, but in an ungainly manner.

Acheer went up.

Bob side-stepped with split-second timing and brought a tight, hard fist up from waist level into the big man’s face.Asickening crunch silenced the onlookers.

Callum fell forward, landing on all fours, shaking his head. When he stood and turned, his eyes were wide and glaring. Blood dripped from his freshly broken nose and matted his whiskers. He wiped the back of a meaty hand across his face and looked at the blood.

The chanting began once again.

Callum’s deep growl would have frightened most men, but Bob had been under fire and seen men die at his side.

Noise wasn’t a threat.

Callum flexed his thick fingers. He moved forward slowly, his head lowered, and eyes squinting under bushy brows.

Bob stood slightly stooped, with his fists clenched by his sides. While the audience had focused on their champion recovering on his knees, Bob had dropped to his knees with his hands open. He would take this duel one step at a time and assume control.

Callum advanced slowly until two steps away and charged.Afistful of sand thrown in his eyes left him defenceless when he lifted both hands to his face.

Bob kicked hard between his opponent’s legs and watched as he crumpled to the ground, retching and coughing.

Callum rolled onto his back, groaning.

The audience murmured.

Bob lifted a piece of Callum’s discarded clothing to protect his hands, dashed to the campfire and lifted a long metal poker from the flames. He looked around before standing over Callum with the iron rod hefted high, pointing towards his opponent’s neck.

The crowd hushed.

“Why do you not finish him Caledonian?” Angus stepped closer.

“This man is not my sworn enemy, Lord Angus,” Bob said. “Callum is a warrior of great strength. He would be no asset if he were under the ground.”

“You are a man of guile and words. Callum has failed me. I may wish him executed for incompetence.”

“I have bested your champion, my lord. May I speak freely?”

The fire crackled, birds chirped and the breeze caressed the heather. The renewed murmur of the audience died. They stared and listened.

“Speak,” Angus said. “If I do not care for your wisdom, you will both die.” Bob was no diplomat. He was a skilled warrior, but he had initiative.

“I see a positive aspect.” Bob gazed around at the others to include them in his address. He needed allies. He didn’t want to die becauseAngus had a bad night’s sleep.

“I am waiting we are all waiting.” Angus waved his arms.

“Callum is a great warrior,” Bob repeated. “He has the strength of a bear, but lacks the guile of a fox. I am not so strong, but I have agility and technique.”

Angus’s bristles parted and he nodded as his yellowing teeth showed.

“What say you, LordAngus,” Bob continued. “In your name, I will teach Callum to fight with the body of a bear, but the mind of a fox?”

“More words,” Angus stroked his glorious beard. “Perhaps you give mercy too easily?”

As Bob listened to Angus, he became aware of people around him glancing behind him. He moved his left foot forward and bent his legs slightly at the knee. When the large body landed on his back, he was ready. To avoid a fatal accident Bob let the poker fall to the ground, and then dropped forward onto his right knee as he reached up, and grabbed handfuls of Callum’s hair and beard. Bob ducked his head and pulled hard.

Callum flew over Bob’s head, carried by his own momentum and Bob’s grip. The big man landed on his back, dazed, and blinking up at the early morning sun. His hands went to the areas were his hair had been pulled.

Bob dived for the metal poker, stood, and brought the warm tip to Callum’s throat.

“I have your life, Callum,” Bob said. “Die like a wild boar, or serve our Lord Angus. Choose, or be dispatched.” Bob prayed he’d got the language right, or he’d be dispatched.

“I wish to serve my LordAngus,” Callum growled, wincing as his beard was singed. This contest is over.” Angus nodded.

Bob turned, and dropped to one knee, before the chieftain. “Robert of the Caledonians would be your servant not your prisoner, LordAngus.” * * *

Later in the morning in conference withAngus and the elders, Bob was asked how he acquired knowledge of fighting. He was asked many questions about the Romans, their tactics, and the great wall.

“The wall is hard to defend,” Bob said. “This is why it has regular forts along its length which make it look strong. If it were impenetrable, why are there also ditches and mounds of earth?”

The elders exchanged glances, andAngus nodded for Bob to continue.

“The Roman commander’s greatest strength is the blind allegiance of the soldiers. You’ve seen them take the guise of a giant tortoise as they advance. If they were fearless, they would charge openly every time like fighting men.”

Elders who’d witnessed the tortoise tactic nodded. This Robert was a warrior.

“You have impressed with your skills, Robert,” Jacob said. “I would ken how one such as you has amassed such knowledge.”

“Aye,” Gregor said. “I would hear how we can use this incredible knowledge.”

“I was a simple farmer, my lords,” Bob said. “I tilled the land. The invaders took my woman, so I fought back hard. I awoke to find myself a prisoner and slave. I was destined for a long trip to Rome and the Coliseum. I escaped and fell into a river, exhausted.”

“How can we use your knowledge?” Angus said.

“You could use tactics against the invaders. When you have finished, they will not wish to stay here. The Roman Army is powerful, but only through discipline. The average soldier aches for his homeland and a comfortable climate.”

The elders exchanged glances and nodded in agreement.

“I can teach the clan to hit and run,” Bob said. “Your men could ambush small numbers of soldiers. Damage their sacred belief, and prove the Roman Army is not invincible.”

“We will feast Robert, and you will join us,” Angus said. “Until then you will drink our brew, and show us by model and description how we perform these tactics.”

For hours, Bob adapted every lesson he could remember, including fire and manoeuvre, ambushes, flanking attacks and guerrilla tactics to defeat patrols, or a standing army.

Bob was treated as a guest and given suitable clothing. He ate his fill, and appeared to drink a lot. In the late evening, he was allocated a hut with a dense thatch and enough pelts to keep the damp from reaching his bones. The heavy door flap opened.

“I am Mary,” the visitor said. “I am to be your woman.”

From the glow of the dying campfire outside, Bob saw golden highlights in Mary’s braided hair. He sat up and waved her forward. She approached and slipped under the pelts. The two lay in silence.

Outside Bob’s hut, the late night silence was punctuated with coughing, snoring, and the crackling of the campfire.

“You are awake?” Mary whispered.

“I am.”

“Take me with you, Robert.”

“I do not understand.”

“Take me with you, when you escape?”

Bob wondered if this was a honey-trap. “I will fight for the clan. I have explained myself to the elders?”

“The elders saw their champion beaten twice.” She sniggered. “You demonstrated guile, and mercy, which is unknown among these men.” “Go on.”

“You carry no slave branding,” Mary whispered. “Your hands are not those of a farmer. You have warrior skills, but you are not Roman.”

Bob reached out to move the hair from Mary’s eyes. “Continue Mary. You have ideas beyond your station?”

“Content I would be as your woman, Robert, but I fear you are preparing to leave.” She gazed into his eyes and nodded slowly. “You lifted your cup to your lips many times, but you drank little.”

“You stand quietly among the others, but you observe and plan,” he said. “You brought me food and pelts to ensure I survived the night. Why did you do such a thing?”

“I am also a prisoner.” She got up on one arm. “My husband was a farmer. He was as handsome and brave as you, but not a fighter.Angus and these others killed my husband, and took me as a slave.”

“You were offered to me because you are not one of their own?”

“Take me with you.” She slipped a hand under his heavy shirt. “I will do whatever you wish.”

The horses were a distance from the main camp. Bob and Mary took one horse because she had never ridden alone.

Before leading their animal away on the grass, Bob released the others from the tether line. He hoped they’d use the opportunity to wander, or even run off, but he couldn’t afford to shout or cajole them.

It was dark and the merriment of the previous night ensured nobody stirred. The sentry lay asleep beside his post.

By dawn, the escapees had made good use of their time. Mary recognised and pointed to the lower hill ranges ahead. On the horizon, they could see the elongated silhouette of the wall.

“Hadrian’s Wall in all its splendour,” Bob said.

“You approve?”

“You don’t have to approve to appreciate majesty.”

“You are truly a man of words.”

“Where will you go, Mary?”

“I will be okay. I can see landmarks far to the east. I have friends.”

Bob rode the horse under a rocky overhang. “If anybody comes, untie the horse, hold tight and ride.”

“What about you?”

“I need to know how close they are. They’ll ride faster than us.” He gripped the rocks and started a rapid ascent.As he climbed he thought of other times and other conflicts. Oh, for a modern rifle, he thought.

Ten minutes after leaving the overhang, Bob was lying flat. He was one hundred feet up from Mary and the horse. Five miles back, he could see six men on horseback moving at a canter.

“Time to go.” Bob reached the ground. “I must get you to the forest.”

They mounted and rode hard without losing their grip on each other, or the horse. To maintain speed, they stayed on the narrow beaten path. When they reached the edge of the massive forest, Bob headed in among the trees. He dismounted and helped Mary down.

“I know where I am,” Mary said. She gazed into his eyes.

“Maybe in another life, Mary.”

“Maybe in another life, Robert.”

They embraced and kissed briefly.

“I’ll never forget you.” Mary removed the shining black pendant from her neck and handed it to him.

Bob gripped the string and black stone in his fist.

Mary pulled up her thick hood, turned, and vanished into the woodland.

“Okay my friend, we haven’t much time.” Bob gripped the rope which acted as bridle and reins and launched himself onto the rough blanket on the horse’s back.

He rode to the narrow track outside the forest and soon heard the beating of hoofs not far behind. The horse gave its best when urged with heels to its flanks. Bob shouted encouragement and prayed silently.

The track twisted to the right and a small embankment rose between the dirt road and the fastflowing river. Bob glanced down to his right and considered how he’d been heading into a river when his nightmare began.

“There he is!” a deep voice called.

Bob pushed the horse harder and glanced over his shoulder. He saw two riders making headway. Bob reined the horse in hard and threw himself onto the embankment. He stood to make a dive into the river, but a large wooden club was thrown and struck his head.

August 2010

“Robert,” a female voice said. “Robert, can you hear me?”

“Mary?” Bob whispered. “Go.” “Go? I’m going nowhere.”

Bob tried to open his eyes, but bright light blinded him. He blinked several times and closed his eyes. Bob became conscious of strange, clinical smells and the sensation of smooth, fresh material against his flesh. He heard voices.

“I think we’ve got him back, MrsAtkinson,” a man said. “He’s lucky to have survived.”

“How lucky he is will depend on who bloody Mary is,” LindaAtkinson said.

“He’ll be disorientated you know. It’s not unusual.”

“My husband is coming out of a three-day coma, and using a Scottish Gaelic dialect to talk to somebody called Mary.”

“Your husband is a Scotsman?”

“He is, Doctor, but he hasn’t lived there since he was six years old.” She turned to look at the man in the bed. “He’s always used colourful language, but never ancient language.”

“Mary,” Bob mumbled, half-opening his eyes. “Holy Mary,” he said, still with a broad Scots accent, but in the modern tongue. His eyes flickered open for a moment, as his tactical mind worked overtime. “Holy Mary ... Mother of God. What happened?”

“There’s your answer MrsAtkinson. The accent will soften as he recovers.”

“This piece of obsidian won’t soften, though.” Linda looked down at the glossy pendant which had been found clutched in her husband’s hand. The End

Astory taken from, ATime for Courage: and other military stories

https://bookgoodies.com/a/B01DMZI4I4

Acollection of 12 stories created using a wide spectrum of scenarios. Military experiences can be funny, heart-breaking and, everything in between.

This anthology is a blend of my personal experience and knowledge together with specially created pieces to highlight the highs and lows of service life. These tales can be enjoyed equally by those who have served and, those who have never donned a uniform.

Humour, fact, fiction, and fantasy are used to portray service in theatres as varied as Vietnam, Northern Ireland,Ancient Briton, the Persian Gulf,Africa, and elsewhere.

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Aspire Book Covers is a website that offers inspirational book covers and formatting services at affordable prices. The website, located at aspirebookcovers.com, is run by Sharon Brownlie, who warmly welcomes authors to her site. Whether you have finished your book or are in the final stages, Aspire Book Covers provides customized covers to meet your specific requirements. Prices for pre-made covers are listed on the website, and keep a lookout because occasionally, some covers may be on sale!

For custom book covers, Sharon Brownlie will work closely with you to ensure that your book's cover design reflects your vision accurately. She will collaborate with you closely, engaging in discussions about your book description and understanding your requirements.

Tricia Copeland believes in finding magic. She thinks magic infuses every aspect of our lives, whether it is the magic of falling in love, discovering a new passion, seeing a beautiful sunset, or reading a book that transports us to another world. An avid runner and Georgia native, Tricia now lives with her family and four-legged friends in Colorado. Find all her titles including contemporary romance, now penned under Maria Jane, young adult fantasy, and dystopian fiction on her website

Interview by Melanie P. Smith

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m a scientist and technical writer who jumped into the world of fiction writing with my first published book in 2015. My first series entitled Being Me is a fictionalized account of my experience with and recovery from anorexia. After that series, I quickly jumped into writing my favorite genre, fantasy.

Are you a multi-genre author or a single-genre author? What types of books do you write? Do you have a favorite? Or, is one type of book easier for you to write than others, and why? Do you find it hard to balance them?

I love being a multi-genre author. My favorite genre to read is fantasy so that tends to be my favorite genre to write as well. However, in my young adult fantasies my characters encounter some intense situations. As I’m very invested in my characters this can take a toll on me emotionally. It’s a relief for me to jump into writing a romance where the worst thing that can happen is someone gets their heart broken.

How long have you been writing? Did an event or person prompt you to take that leap?

I’ve been writing since 2008 when I began a fictionalized account of my experience with anorexia. With eighteen years of recovery, a wonderful marriage, and three kids old enough to sleep through the night, it seemed like the time to pay forward and share my experiences with hopes of helping others.

What comes first — the plot or the characters?

My books begin with an idea for a character. Whether it’s a girl about to embark on her college journey, hybrid witch-vampire teen integrating into human high school, or a fae princess fighting for her crown, characters lead my creative process.

What makes your book stand out from the crowd?

I believe my first-person POV style sets my books apart from the traditional third-person POV of many fantasy books. The ability to be front and center in a character’s experiences and feelings bonds myself and many of the readers to the characters.

How or where do you find the plots you write about?

Having indicated that my book ideas start with characters, I develop personalities, histories, and characteristics of these characters and form plots that will highlight traits that dominate their identities. If you’re a hybrid witch-vampire teen, a creature outlawed by both the witch and vampire lines, what is your biggest problem? Survival? Being detected? Wouldn’t it be freeing not to have to live in secret? What if there were a way to change how these hybrid beings are viewed? And who would want to prevent you from doing this? Asking questions like these helps me from a plot arc and potential enemies for my protagonist.

Mark Twain said “Write what you know.” Tell us about your writing process. Are you a plotter or a pantser? Do you plot, plan, and conduct hours of research; or, do you just sit down and write whatever comes to mind based on your personal history and knowledge?

I consider myself to be a plotter-panster hybrid writer, although I probably lie closer to the panster crowd. The amount of research I do depends on the project. For my middle-grade Aztec mythology, I did hours of research on the Aztec culture, their way of life, their society, diet, religious beliefs, and political history. In general, when I start writing I have my characters planned, the beginning point, a hook or decision point for the protagonist, a few highs and lows in the middle, a climax, and how I want the story to end decided. But how the characters get from these plot points to the next is the fun part for me. If I try to outline my stories in detail, I get bored when I sit down to write.

She’s definitely attracted to his type and he seems as close to perfect as a guy could get. Only problem, she’d sworn off dating hot, muscled, athletic types for good.

Wronged by a string of jocks, Bree creates a hard rule: no dating athletes. Further, she enacts a list of other guidelines to protect a fragile heart. As per the rules, coffee meetups don’t count as dates, lunch doesn’t count as a date, there will be no physical displays of affection until after a real date, and no sex until he commits to an exclusive relationship.

Enter Nate. Tall and muscular with deep blue eyes and dark hair, he’s the perfect clone for the guys that hurt her before. If it walks like a duck, it’s a duck, right?

https://bookgoodies.com/a/ B09YMDKG76

Have you ever killed off a character your readers loved?

Whether I’ve killed off a character readers love will have to be an unanswered question. I don’t want to spoil anyone’s experience.

Would you and your main character get along?

I believe I would get along with most of my main characters. Sometimes I create traits in characters that necessarily might not vibe with my personality, so this is not a 100% rule for me. I believe in writing lots of different character types and try to keep my characters diverse.

Enter Steven. She could not have ordered a more perfect person. Okay, so he is muscular, but not too tall. Be he’s also focused on his career. Definitely the mature man she’s been looking for.

When Bree allows herself to give in to her feelings, sparks fly. They’re happier than could be imagined. But being a couple is about more than just the two of them. Family, religion, location, and money all factor in.

Can they meet in the middle?

Whom do you trust for objective and constructive criticism of your work?

I’m horribly self-critical and tend to dwell on the 1 in 10 review that is negative. That said, I want people like my beta readers, editor, and proofreader to challenge me to make my books better.

What’s your favorite and least favorite part of publishing?

My favorite part of publishing is interacting with readers. I love reliving my stories with readers because my characters and their plights, the highs and lows, are so personal to me. It’s like these characters are members of my family. Having readers who have the same experience and message me their thoughts and feelings on my books is the best. If I had to pick a least favorite part of publishing, it my be the editing process and nail biting wait to see how readers will react to a new book.

What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

I give this piece of advice all the time and continue to remind myself of it too. My mantra is just keep writing. If I get in my head about whether I can write another good book, whether a plot line will work ,or how I’m going to get from point A to point B, then I stagnate. But if I start writing ideas come to me and I’m generally able to move through “writer’s block” by writing a segment, taking a break, and writing more.

What are your current projects?

I’m currently working on a romance in my Perfect romance series that is penned under the pen name Maria Jane. The working title is Perfect Secrets so it’s going to have a touch of mystery as well.

https://bookgoodies.com/a/B07XZC9Q7N

The Bachelorette meets Emily in Paris…

Who is her perfect happily ever after? Five men, five choices. You decide!

Can you share a sample of your current work with us?

Here are my 5 favorite quotes from my most recent fantasy, To be a Fae, that is the finale to the Realm Chronicles series:

“She killed my mate, and I will end her.” – Titania

“The only thing that is clear to me is that Sonia must be ended. I fear that until she no longer poses a threat, our people will suffer, if only from the fear of what may pass. Fear is a potent drug.” – Titania

“Do not thank me, Queen, until we know you are whole. I will cut off my own wings if… Damned… Curses…” – Alemayehu “It seems that the youngest among us may be the wisest. What do you suggest we do?” – Zekiel

No. No. No. My heart sinks. Please do not say Hector’s troops killed one of these beings. Please do not tell me Hector broke the treaty.thoughts of Queen Titania

“Oh, I think your father would have much to say. I think every fae in this kingdom would have much to say. If you want Hector and Joseph to continue to treat you as an outsider, then bringing a vampire into this realm would be the way to do it.” – Quinn

If you could spend a day with another author, whom would you choose?

If I could spend a day with another author, whom would I choose? This may be the hardest question ever. This year I am loving books by Emily Henry but some of my other favorite authors include Stephenie Meyer, Marie Lu, Suzanne Collins, and Cassandra Claire.

If you could invite any three people for dinner, whom would you invite?

If I could invite any three people to dinner, hoping you mean living or dead, I would invite Stephen King, Bram Stoker, and Anne Rice. I’m a huge vampire fan, not a horror fan, but Stephen King’s storytelling is amazing.

Would you share something about yourself that your readers don’t know (yet)?

Something that readers may not know about me is that I have my cat’s bed on my desk so he can escape my dog.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite? Or has one stuck with you more than others?

With my most recent release, To be a Fae, I’ve written twenty-three books. It’s hard to pick a favorite book, but the most recent is probably the favorite because it wraps up two crossover series, the Kingdom Journals and the Realm Chronicles.

Do you aim for a set number of words/pages per day? Or, do you just write and let the story decide when you stop and take a break?

I generally have a date that I will deliver a book to my editor. This sets how many words I need to write in a given period of time. I aim to write every day even if it’s just a few paragraphs. Writing every day keeps me thinking about my characters, if what I’m writing fits, and what needs to come next.

What is the most inspiring feedback you've ever received from a reader?

This is my most inspiring review to date from Swati on Goodreads: “To Be a Fae Queen isn’t just a fantasy adventure, it’s a coming-of-age story, a tale of grief and growth, and a powerful reminder that courage doesn’t mean being fearless. It means standing up even when your hands are shaking. And Titania? She stands tall.” My overall life mantra is that courage doesn’t mean you’re not afraid, it means acting even when you are. That this reader took this from the story and Titania’s character gives me goose bumps.

How long does it take you to write a book?

Depending on the length of the book and the amount of it I have in my head it takes me at my fastest a month and at my slowest three to six months.

Other than your current WIP, do you have any unfinished books? Do you think you will ever finish them?

I’m working on Perfect Secrets for the Perfect romance series. I also have about a third of another book written for that series that I think will need to be finished and released before Perfect Secrets. I have a dystopian fictions series, Lovelock, that currently has two books and needs the finale, so I’m still working on the idea for that book.

How do you decide if a story will be standalone or part of a series?

I’ve only written two standalones. I get very attached to my characters and hate to let them go which is what led to the crossover Realm Chronicles series that follows the Kingdom Journals series. For both the Kingdom Journals and the Realm Chronicles, I wanted each to be series. In Lovelock the story lent itself to a follow up.

Can you share any upcoming projects or plans for future books?

I’m working on Perfect Secrets currently and will finish another book in the Perfect Series that’s working title is My Not-so-Perfect, Cop. I have two characters in the finale to the Realm Chronicles series, a nix and a selkie, that I’m interesting in imagining their stories.

If money was no issue, would you prefer a cozy beach bungalow or a rustic cabin overlooking a mountain lake?

Ugh! Why always this question? I love beaches and mountains because I love being outdoors. But I will choose because I also love warm weather and while beaches can be cold, beach bungalows are more often associated with temperate climates, so I’ll choose the beach bungalow.

One final question...Do you have a blog/website? If so, what is it? Do you have a social media platform where your fans can go to interact with you and follow your progress?

I love blogging about my characters, books, and worlds, as well as the other books I read. You can find my blog here: Tricia Copeland Book Blog | Tricia Copeland & Maria Jane (https://triciacopeland.com/blog/)

You can also find me on your favorite social media channel as well as on the Finding the Magic Book Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Here are my social media and book links!

https://www.facebook.com/TriciaCopelandAuthor/ https://www.instagram.com/authortriciacopeland/ https://twitter.com/tcbrzostowicz

https://www.tiktok.com/@triciacopelandauthor

https://www.youtube.com/@triciacopelandauthor

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Tricia-Copeland/author/B00YHN5Q4G https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14055439.Tricia_Copeland

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I was a curious 18-year-old who, as my sister was away at university, couldn’t resist borrowing the occasional item from her bedroom back home. I wasn’t interested in her books, CDs or DVD collection, but I had a strong desire to slip into lingerie or experiment with her makeup.

I hadn’t known my stepdad for long when he discovered my secret passion. He swore never to tell my mum about it, as long as I allowed him to fulfil his secret yearnings. My stepdad and I got to know each other better, and my secret pastime developed into much more.

Twenty-One

https://www.facebook.com/SylvaFae

By Sylva Fae

Lorna had received the prize during her university art exhibition. It was a bit of a mystery. None of her lecturers knew anything about it, and none of the other students had received one. Nevertheless, somebody had admired her work enough to feel she deserved this reward – an artists’ retreat in an ancient forest. Lorna was overjoyed and couldn’t wait to tell her father, but his reaction shocked her –“No, you can’t go.”

“Dad, seriously? I’m twenty years old; you can’t stop me. Besides, I thought you’d be happy. You’re always going on about committing to studies, no going out, no boyfriends…blah blah blah! I’ll be working hard. It’s not like it’s a holiday.”

He’d remained adamant she couldn’t go, then suddenly changed his mind after receiving a phone call from her aunt. Lorna had no idea why he’d had a change of heart, but she didn’t care; she was going to the retreat.

The old stone house hidden in the trees might have looked spooky to some, but to Lorna it was splendidly quirky, and the warm orange glow from the windows gave it a welcoming feel. Gathering her suitcase and bag of treasured art supplies, she excitedly made her way to the front door and knocked. The door creaked open to reveal a familiar figure.

“Aunt Bessie? Why are you here?”

“You’d better come in, Love. I’ll explain.”

Confused, Lorna followed her aunt inside to a cosy living room and slumped down on a shabby sofa. Bessie was really her great-aunt, but given that Lorna had grown up without a mum, Bessie had taken on the role of mum, and aunt.

“Well, I suppose I should explain why you are here,” Bessie said, sitting down opposite her.

“I guess this isn’t an artists’retreat then,” Lorna replied, dolefully.

“It can be, I mean, you can occupy your time here painting if you like, but that’s not the reason you’re here. This is a crucial time in your life, and being here means I can keep you safe,” Bessie replied.

Lorna took a moment to process things. Her aunt had always been a little batty. She’d never married, and had drummed it into Lorna from a young age that she shouldn’t bother with boyfriends until she’d finished university. Her dad was the same, and though Lorna found their lectures tiresome, she was genuinely too busy with her studies to commit to a relationship, that was until recently. She’d met Jack a month ago when she switched classes, and they’d immediately hit it off. Jack had been so proud she’d won this prize, but now she’d have to tell him it was all a ruse to get her to spend time with her aunt.

“Whilst it’s lovely to see you, I’m still a little confused. What do you mean, ‘keep me safe’? I’m perfectly safe at home with Dad.”

Bessie smiled, “I know, Love, and had circumstances been different, I wouldn’t have interfered, but now you have this boyfriend…”

“Is that what this is all about? You’re trying to split us up?” she interrupted, angrily. This was extreme behaviour, even for her aunt. “Whatever your plan was, it won’t work. I’m leaving.” She rose to go but Bessie grabbed her hand.

“Wait, let me explain. Jack is a problem but not in the way you think.”

Lorna sat back down. She was tired, and despite her initial anger, she was curious to know why Aunt Bessie had gone to all this trouble. “Go on then,” she said, reluctantly.

“In two days, it will be Beltane, exactly nine months before your 21st birthday, and it’s essential that I prevent you and Jack from conceiving a child, in order to break the curse…”

“Seriously? This is about weird pagan festivals and curses? I’m sorry, but I don’t believe in that rubbish. I’ll stay tonight, then I’m leaving.”

“Noooooo! Don’t let her leave.”

“Keep her safe…”

Lorna started as whispery voices floated around her, but there was nobody there.

“I was worried you’d feel like that,” Bessie said, then turned to the empty space. “Maybe she needs help to understand how important this is.”

Lorna watched in shock as two shadowy figures slowly took shape – two young women who were almost identical to Lorna. “Who are you?” she uttered.

The first woman smiled, “I’mAda, your grandmother and Bessie’s sister. This house is where the curse began and this is all my fault. You must allow me to put it right.” Lorna started to voice the many questions in her head, but Ada continued.

“I was twenty, unable to conceive and desperate for a baby. I leapt over the flames on the Beltane festival of fertility and begged the Goddess to give me a child. I fell pregnant, and bragged to anyone who would listen, that the child I carried was a gift from the Goddess I gave birth on my 21st birthday – my child,Alice, survived, but I did not.”

The other woman took up the tale, “I’mAlice, your mother, Lorna…”

“No, that can’t be,” Lorna cried. “My mother died in childbirth…”

“Yes, I did,” Alice replied softly. “The curse passed to me, and it will pass to you too if you leave here.”

“Mum?” Lorna whispered, with tears in her eyes.

Bessie patted Lorna’s hand gently. “I know this is a lot to take in but please listen. I failed once; I cannot fail again. I raisedAlice, but she didn’t heed my warnings and ran away to marry your father. He too dismissed my talk of curses as the ramblings of an old fool, until Alice fell pregnant at Beltane, then died giving birth to you on her 21st birthday. Too late, he realised the truth of my words. Together, we have tried to keep you safe, and now, with Beltane approaching, we must break the curse.”

“My darling daughter, please promise you’ll stay,” Alice beseeched. “I refused to believe, and this curse robbed me of a life with you. If you return to Jack, fate will take its course and you will be doomed to spend an eternity here, as soon as you turn twenty

Lorna smiled at her mother and grandmother.

Sylva Fae is a married mum of three from Lancashire, England. She has spent twenty years teaching literacy to adults with learning difficulties and disabilities, and now works from home as a children’s writer and illustrator.

of Woodland Treasure Hunt, by R. Coulson

Little children love rhymes and repetition; they also love treasure hunts. A great book to engage future naturalists in what is around them. Lots of ideas for parents looking to take little ones into woodland and get them interested.

Review

Time For Bed

https://bookgoodies.com/a/B0FLK7RN2S

This year, I was also asked to do bedtime stories in the woods, dressed up as a ‘green woman’. Of course I was thrilled with the opportunity, and hastily put together a costume. I lead a group of children through the fields and down the woodland path, to a clearing. Then, settled around a campfire, I read them bedtime stories. The difficulty was, all of my stories were too interactive for bedtime, so I decided to write something that would settle excited children down and get them ready for bed.

Time For Bed – the blurb

As twilight settles over the woodland, it’s bedtime for the young animals, but the kits and cubs, froglets and hoglets are having far too much fun! Sleep is the last thing on their minds, as there are still games to play, many trees to climb, rustling leaves to snuffle in, and more puddles to splash in. But the wise owl has a clever plan to tire out the young friends. Can she convince them that it is time for bed?

Review of Time For Bed, by Mark Watson

This is the perfect little book for your naughty little monsters! Sylva Fae does it again with her wonderful understanding of little children and their funny foibles! A Sylva Fae children's book is always one to look forward to, one to be treasured.

I am now looking forward to reading both of these books at the next Bushcraft Show. https://thebushcraftshow.co.uk/

8 Ways to Make Stories More Magical for Your Child

By Mirabelle Fox

Little ones simply enjoy spending time with their adults when it’s story time and very little effort can go a very long way. Stories can be for settling down for bedtime or a fun exciting family activity to enjoy on a rainy day.

Creating an immersive and magical story time is all about engaging their senses, sparking their imagination, and showing them that you’re fully present in the moment. Here are some creative, practical ideas to bring stories to life:

Use Character Voices

Give each character a unique voice, accent, or tone. Use whispers for mysterious parts, booming voices for giants, squeaky ones for animals, etc. Don’t worry about perfection—kids love your effort more than your accuracy.

Set the Mood with Lighting

Read by fairy lights, a small lamp, or even a torch. For night stories, dim the room and add a “campfire” (real or pretend). Use coloured bulbs or a night light projector to match the story (e.g., stars for space tales).

Add Sound Effects & Music

Use your voice or household objects for effects: rustling leaves, howling wind, dragon roars, footsteps. Play soft background music that fits the story mysterious, playful, magical, jungle or sea sounds etc.

Get Dramatic with Facial Expressions & Movement

React with your face like you’re in the story. Act out parts crawl like a bear, tiptoe like a mouse. Encourage your child to join in with actions or mimicking.

Include Props or Costumes

Use simple props like a crown, wand, or cape to become a character. Let your child hold a toy dragon, teddy bear, or pirate hat while listening. Even a blanket can become a magic cloak or a stormy sea.

Pause for Questions and Imagination

Ask: “What do you think happens next?” or “How would you feel if you were there?” Let them change the ending or invent their own character to join the story. Make them a co-creator, not just a listener.

Create a “Story World” Space

Build a cozy reading nook or den: pillows, blankets, a small tent, or fort. Whether it’s a duvet over a table or a towel over two chairs, get creative with what you have! Make it “their story place” where magic happens every story time or create new places from time to time. Rotate decorations to match current stories (stars for space, vines for jungle, etc.)

Have

Story-Themed Days

Make a mini “storybook day”: read a jungle story, then have a banana snack and pretend you are monkeys. For “Wizard Day,” read magic tales, make a wand craft, and do simple science “potions.” Or a teddy bears picnic in the garden (or a blanket on the floor if it’s raining!) with tea and snacks to enjoy during story time.

Igniting your child’s engagement with books from a young age can go a long way in shaping their imagination, creativity and ability to find fun in little things. These moments create lifelong memories and could end up becoming a family tradition your grandchildren might enjoy one day.

I hope this helps you connect in new ways with your child during story time and perhaps give you a little relief from being a grown up for a little while, we all need to engage our inner child from time to time!

Mirabelle Fox is a children’s author with a keen focus on helping children with difficult emotions and mental wellbeing, and hopefully some adults will benefit from these books too.

I base all my stories in the big feelings series around either emotions that I have felt myself in my childhood, or have witnessed another child go through. I like to use bright animal characters who are perceived to be a certain way, such as Tamira is a tiger who is perceived to be fierce and therefore struggles when she is feeling down. It’s about teaching children that we all feel down sometimes and sharing can help you when you are down, it can help others too.

New Release!

Tigers Don’t Cry by Mirabelle Fox

Many of my stories come from a place in my childhood. I write to nurture the younger version of myself, to help my own children through difficult feelings and I now share my stories to help other children. Tigers Don’t Cry is written with little ones who are going through a tough time in mind. It was inspired by my own childhood difficulties, many nights spent in hospital, surgeries, pain and feeling like I had to hold in my feelings and 'be brave' because it was difficult for those around me to see me upset.

The first book in the series is Tigers Don’t Cry, a heartwarming story of a young tiger who, when faced with difficult emotions, finds herself hiding away tears until a gentle elder elephant guides her to be true to her heart and not hide away her tears or feelings. A tale of emotional pride, freedom and growth.

The Blurb:

A fierce young tiger called Tamira is given a wise lesson from an elder elephant about handling one of the tough emotions we sometimes face and learns how feelings help us grow.

Tigers Don’t Cry is available to buy from: https://mirabelle-fox.com/

You can follow Mirabelle Fox at:

https://www.instagram.com/mirabellefoxbooks/

https://www.facebook.com/mirabellefoxbooks

Acollection of stories with unforgettable narratives that both challenge and inspire.

Stark Publishing is proud to announce the prerelease of THE BUTTERFLY’S STROKE AND OTHER STORIES, a short story collection by Arkansas resident Annmarie SanSevero. Each of these stories has won from honorable mention to semi-finalist with Writers and Illustrators of the Future, the largest international writing competition.

An Intricate and Harmonious Dance Between Humanity and Technology

Dive into Annmarie SanSevero’s gripping collection of speculative fiction, where suspense, mystery, and the supernatural collide with the frontiers of science. Each story pulses with themes of hope, resilience, and the ethical complexities of technological advancements.

Stories include: A former Olympic swimmer, now a quadriplegic, whose brain implant allows her to swim again, with unintended consequences; A supernatural investigator with a haunted femur as an assistant; A Psion who is kidnapped in order to restore shattered minds; A scientist who discovers he might be the solution to a plague affecting the terrorists who killed his daughter; A woman with a brain graft who starts having the memories of her murdered donor; and A young man with no family who finds purpose by rescuing others with the assistance of a semi-friendly monster.

Annmarie SanSevero grew up in New York City but was transplanted to the south in high school. She writes stories about hope, courage, and resilience in fantasy, science fiction, steampunk, and mystery. She loves exploring the human experience and wants readers to feel like they can do more than survive. They can be world changers. Her fiction can be read in anthologies, magazines, and books. You can learn about her work on her website: https://asansevero.com/

https://bookgoodies.com/a/B0FMKKYG8S

77 ½ Magical Healing Herbs

By Ronesa Aveela

Chicory

Venture into the magical, healing world of herbs and embrace the power of nature. This article is taken from the book 77 ½ Magical Healing Herbs, which is an introduction to herbs found in a special Midsummer’s wreath. This is an especially enchanting time of year. Among the Bulgarians, the day is called Eniovden. You may think herbs are only for spicing up food and healing the body and mind, but they have other uses, as well. This unique herbal book is an essential guide for tapping into the power of herbs. It highlights centuries of lore and historical facts about healing and magical uses of herbs from Slavic and other traditions.

Please see the medical and magical disclaimers before you try any of the recipes from the book.

Cichorium intybus

Chicory

Description: The first year, lance-like lower leaves form a rosette. They are cut into irregular triangular sections and are covered with a thick coating of hair.

In the second year, a hollow stem grows to a height of 2 to 5 feet (.5 to 1.5 meters) on a tough twig-like stem. Numerous lateral-spreading branches, stretching out in each direction, give the plant a stiff, angular look. Along the stem, the leaves are smaller and less divided, and their bases clasp the stem. Flowers are light blue, and on occasion pink or white. They have two rows of leaflets surrounding the flower head. The ones on the inner row are long and erect, while those on the outer edge are shorter and spreading. Flowers grow in clusters of two or three from the axils of the stem leaves and produce a brown fruit that has five ribs, with a crown of one or two rows of scales. The tap root is like that of the dandelion.

History and Traditions: The origin of the genus name is not certain, because the plant has been known since early human history. It’s suggested that it may have been derived from an ancient Arabic or Egyptian name. The specific name comes from the Latin, which in turn comes from the Greek éntybon, which referred to a grass similar to chicory. Linnaeus included the plant as one of the flowers in his floral clock, because it regularly opened and closed at set times. In religious thought, St. Peter drove children away from Christ with a chicory stick, telling them, “Get out of the way, or you’ll taste my whip!” A child who picked it up called it “Petrov whip.” It was also believed the plant would protect a field from pests. Wherever it was thrown, there it would grow and keep insects away. Romans ate the plant as a vegetable. Toasting chicory roots as a substitute for coffee was initially suggested for therapeutic purposes in 1600 by Venetian doctor and botanist Prospero Alpini (1553 – 1617).

Habitat and Distribution: Native to Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. Naturalized in North America, China, and Australia. The plant grows wild along roadsides, railroads, waste grounds, and disturbed places.

Growth: Biennial. It flowers from July until October, depending on the location. The hardy plant will grow in most soils, but it prefers them to be well-drained. It grows best in full sun but tolerates shade. If its roots are deep enough, it can withstand droughts.

Harvesting: Seeds, leaves, and roots are used. Gather leaves before they flower. Harvest roots in autumn after the leaves turn yellow. Collection is usually done in cycles of two to three years. Seeds can be collected around July.+

Medical Use: The herb is a remedy in folk medicine for loss of appetite, upset stomach, constipation, liver and gallbladder disorders, cancer, and rapid heartbeat. It’s a diuretic to protect the liver, and it balances the stimulant effect of coffee. There is insufficient evidence, however, of the herb’s effectiveness in these areas. More studies and evidence are needed.

Rituals and Magical Use: In the language of flowers, chicory means frugality and temperance. The root is believed to make a person invisible. In Bulgarian folklore, if a person holds a golden coin in his hands and picks the herb on June 29 (the holiday for saints Peter and Paul), he will be sure to gain love. Rubbing chicory oil on your body will let you acquire

favors from great people. Other magical properties of the herb are strength, divination, frugality, and curse removal. Chicory is one of Bach’s 38 flowers, which are all non-poisonous and geared toward restoring balance (see Centaurium erythraea for more about this). It treats egocentric, abusive, obsessive, and manipulative people who always correct others and attempt to make people dependent, loyal, and submissive. It’s also for anyone who is easily offended, critical, and self-pitying, feeling they are not loved enough. Nothing anyone does for them is good enough. Bach’s flower elixir balances their feelings and attitudes toward others and makes them love people unconditionally.

Other Use: The leaves, roots, and leaf buds can be eaten and are a spice for flavoring foods and beverages. In particular, ground chicory enhances the flavor of coffee. The leaves produce a blue dye.

Other Names: Common chicory, blue daisy, blue dandelion, blue sailors, blue weed, succory.

Aromatic: The leaves are bitter, particularly older ones, but cooking reduces the effect. Fresh roots are bitter, and its milky juice is slightly sedative.

CAUTION: Chicory can stimulate bile production, so those with gallstones should use only with medical supervision. Over-consumption may cause a miscarriage, and it can lower blood sugar in diabetics. Side effects include insomnia, lethargy, impotence, urinary incontinence, and difficulty breathing.

Treasure Hunting

In Bulgarian folklore, looters wore chicory because it had the magical power of opening locks and chests. But there were conditions. The person had to cut the herb off with a golden knife at noon or at midnight on July 25. If he spoke at all, he would immediately die (Selena).

Linnaeus’s Floral Clock

The floral clock originated with Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus, who formalized the plant naming system. He categorized flowers into those that open and close with weather, daylight hours, or at precise times. He postulated a flower clock could be made from those in the third category, although it’s unlikely he ever created such a clock. Among the flowers, three of the seventy-seven listed in this book were included: Chicory (Cichorium intybus which he stated opened at 4 to 5 a.m., dandelion (Taraxacum officinale which opened at 5 a.m. and closed at 8 to 9 a.m., and marigold (Calendula officinalis), which closed at 3 p.m. (Tortorello).

SOURCES

Botanical.com. “Chicory.” https://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/chicor61.html. Ecosostenibile. “Cichorium intybus.” May 20, 2017. http://antropocene.it/en/2017/05/20/cichoriumintybus/.

Gardens Ablaze. “Chicory in Magic & Superstition.” http://www.gardensablaze.com/ HerbChicoryMag.htm.

Kolosova, Valeria B. “Растенията в славянската ‘народна Библия’.” [Plants in the Slavic “People’s Bible.”] Bulgarian Folklore, Books 3-4 (2009): 174-180. https://www.academia.edu/11775581/ Растенията_в_славянската_народна_Библия_. Petrova, Bilyana, Dr., ed. “Синя жлъчка, Цикория, Бърдовка, Дъвка, Синя млечка.” [Blue bile, Chicory, Burdock, Chewing gum, Sinia mlechka.] March 25, 2010, updated on August 25, 2021. https:// medpedia.framar.bg/ботаника/синя-жлъчка-цикория-бърдовка-дъвка-синя-млечка. RxList. “Chicory.” Reviewed on June 11, 2021. https://www.rxlist.com/chicory/supplements.htm. Selena, Mag. “Тайните на магическите билки.” [The secrets of magical herbs.] March 13, 2009. https:// selenabg.com/index.php/2008-07-29-07-51-40/1616-2009-03-13-06-32-15. Tortorello, Michael. “Five Minutes to Moonflower.” January 28, 2015. https:// www.nytimes.com/2015/01/29/garden/planting-a-clock-that-tracks-hours-by-flowers.html. WebMD. “Chicory - Uses, Side Effects, and More.” https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ ingredientmono-92/chicory.

Herbs are powerful, but they can also be dangerous.

MEDICAL LIABILITY DISCLAIMER: The information in this article, in the book and on our website is not intended to be medical advice, nor does it claim that the herbs listed are safe or effective to use in the manners described. It is not meant to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease. It is merely a brief summary of various herbal folk remedies and how they have been used in the past and may still be used today. With the exception of a few personal recipes, we have not tried any of these remedies and cannot verify their effectiveness or safety.

MAGICAL DISCLAIMER: Magical ingredients and spells are for entertainment only. We have not tried any of these remedies, nor do we make any claims as to their effectiveness or safety.

77 and a Half Herbs?

The wheels in your mind have probably been turning as you think, “77½ herbs is an odd number.” And you’re right. But it’s a special, magical number, referring to herbs gathered on Eniovden, June 24, when Bulgarians celebrate Midsummer’s Day. If you want to find out the secret of the half herb, you’ll have to read the book.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ronesa-aveela/77-1-2-magical-healing-herbsthe-secret-power-of-herbs

Ronesa Aveela is “the creative power of two.” Two authors that is. The main force behind the work, the creative genius, was born in Bulgaria and moved to the US in the 1990s. She grew up with stories of wild Samodivi, Kikimora, the dragons Zmey and Lamia, Baba Yaga, and much more. Her writing partner was born and raised in the New England area. She has a background in writing and editing, as well as having a love of all things from different cultures. She’s learned so much about Bulgarian culture, folklore, and rituals, and writes to share that knowledge with others.

Dogs Chase Cars

A fictional account of the downturn of the newspaper industry by critically acclaimed journalist turned author,

Patrick Sangimino

The book is available worldwide in all formats

“Dogs Chase Cars” details the downturn in the newspaper industry through the eyes of a longtime Kansas City sports columnist, who is driving to work on a November Friday, expecting to be the latest casualty in a business that has shed far too much blood in recent years. It takes place over a single day, but flashes back to those seminal moments – from covering a World Series game in 1989 that was halted by a 7.1 earthquake to accidently breaking the story of a Hall of Fame quarterback’s rumored trade while doing his business at a urinal – that stand out in a storied career. It's a tale of changing times, changing technology and the ignorance and arrogance of the industry’s decision makers, who assumed the profits of the past would never wane.

FindingRedemptioninEveryMile

Every mile brings a new opportunity for redemption embrace the journey.

Dive into Dogs Chase Cars as Patrick Sangimino unravels the intricacies of life's constant challenges through both humor and raw vulnerability. With every personal story, Sangimino reflects on how every step of his journey whether it's overcoming career setbacks, personal struggles, or even loss teaches us a valuable lesson in resilience and redemption. These reflections showcase that no matter how far down the road we travel, every mile offers an opportunity to start anew, find purpose, and pursue growth. This book serves as a testament to the idea that redemption can be found in the most unexpected places, making it a must-read for anyone seeking meaning in their own path.

Patrick Sangimino was an award-winning journalist for more than four decades at newspapers in California and throughout the Midwest before retiring in 2024. He covered the National Football League for eight seasons and eventually moved back and forth between news and sports departments as a columnist and editor.

Born in San Francisco, raised miles away in Pacifica, a blue-collar ocean town of 39,000, and educated at San Jose State University, Sangimino worked his way through college by free-lancing high school sporting events for the San Mateo Times. He got his first job as a sports editor of a one-man sports department at the Pacifica Tribune, his hometown weekly paper.

Five years later, he was covering the NFL for the Olathe Daily News, a suburb of Kansas City, on the Kansas side of the state line. He did that job for eight seasons before moving onto KMBC, Kansas City's ABC affiliate and the top-rated station in the city. He served as the senior editor of the web site and had a national column that ran in all 64 of the Hearst-Argyle properties nationwide.

Sangimino moved to Wichita, Kansas in 2006 when his wife was offered a once-in-a-lifetime position at a Fortune 500 corporation. He became the managing editor of the Wichita Business Journal, a job he held for three years before going back to sports writing as the sports editor and columnist at the Hutchinson News, the third largest paper in the state at that time.

His wife's job was transferred again in 2014 this time to Omaha, Nebraska. He wrote for the Omaha World Herald before landing a job at the Lincoln Journal Star in 2018. He held that job until retiring in 2024 to return to California Sunnyvale in the heart of the Silicon Valley to help his siblings take away the car keys from his now 87-year-old mother.

House Beneath the Weeping Elm

https://valtobin.com/wp

By Val Tobin

The mansion’s glowing windows returned Clara Grace’s stare like watchful eyes, making her shiver in the mist-coated air. The house stood expectant, as though it’d been waiting for her for a very long time.

Its grand bones supported pointed arches and tall windows with colonial grids. Ivy curled up the faded stone walls, and a nearby elm sighed with the wind, shedding brittle gold leaves like tears onto the crooked steps. The garden had long since stopped pretending to be tame.

If she stayed, she’d have a lot of work ahead of her.

Leaving her bags in the car, she climbed the steps before she even realized she’d made the decision to enter the house. Somehow, the key to the front door was in her hands, though she’d left her purse behind.

Clara’s aunt, who’d abandoned the family decades ago, had willed the estate to Clara.

Why had Aunt Prudence left? How had she ended up here? Hadn’t she cared that Clara’s mother had missed her sister? Had worried about her? Had raised Clara as a single mom and could’ve used help from their one remaining family member?

The estate’s lawyer knew nothing about Clara’s mysterious aunt except that she’d willed everything to her niece before dying of a catastrophic coronary.

Inside, the house was dim and dust-sweet, the air thick with the hush of long-held breath. Faded wallpaper curled at the edges, its pattern a tangle of thistles and stars. The windows filtered the fog into a soft gray wash, making everything dream-struck. Furniture stood politely in its place antique, untouched, and, oddly, emanating warmth. The scent of dried herbs drifted from somewhere unseen, and as Clara stepped forward, the floorboards gave a low groan in greeting.

“You must be Clara.” The voice was female, gentle but businesslike.

Clara looked up to find a young woman heading down the wide staircase. She wore a maid uniform, black with a white apron. If the skirt had been long, Clara would’ve sworn she’d stepped back in time.

“Yes.And you are?”

“Samantha. I kept house for Miss Prudence.”

Not well, from the looks of all this dust. Clara’s gaze skipped around at all the furniture in need of attention.

The housekeeper nodded knowingly. “It’s been empty since she passed. We miss her, but we couldn’t come through without a Grace to guide us.”

“We?” Come through? Clara peered into the dimness of the second floor above her, searching for more staff.

“You can’t meet everyone at once.” Samantha’s laugh was pleasant and tinkled like tiny bells.

Clara frowned. “Who pays your salary?”

She had a sudden vision of servants walking out en masse when they learned she had no money. She’d never hired anyone to do anything before, her finances forcing her into a do-it-yourself lifestyle. To come here, she’d had to take a leave from her crappy job at the supermarket. Meaningless job or not, she needed the scant paycheck.

How big can that masse be? She examined her surroundings: the high ceiling with its elaborate chandelier, the proliferation of wood trim, the clutter of furniture and knickknacks and that was just in the enormous foyer. What would she find when she explored the rest of the house? She suspected she could clean for days and not finish the main floor.

Samantha smiled mischievously. “The estate, ma’am. Yours now.”

Clara ignored the feeling Samantha was deliberately leaving out details. “What do I need to do?”

“Engage with the house. Bring more of us out. Choose, of course.”

Clara, in a fit of pique, snapped out, “What does that mean?”

Now Samantha flashed her an indulgent, affectionate grin. “Better I show you.”

With a wave of a delicate hand, she indicated Clara should follow her and led her past a surprisingly modern-looking kitchen. Stainless steel appliances gleamed around marble counters. The ceramic tile floor shone with light reflected from a bright overhead fixture.Afloor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, the one feature brought forward from the past, took her incongruously back to the days when cooking would’ve been done over a hearth you could walk into. It brought to mind boiling cauldrons and meat roasting over a spit.

“This way.”

The housekeeper creaked open a nearby door and pointed down a steep, wooden flight of stairs disappearing into semidarkness below.At first, Clara thought someone had left a light on. How much will that cost me?

Then she realized the light was more a natural glow than an artificial light. She shot Samantha a startled, questioning stare.

“Better I show you,” the young woman repeated, her tone and demeanor reassuring.

“After you,” Clara replied. My mother didn’t raise any fools.

With a smile, Samantha glided down to the floor below, which Clara now noticed was packed dirt. Clearing her throat, she traipsed after the housekeeper. Good thing I left my shoes on, she thought as her feet hit soil.

She gasped when her vision adjusted to the dim light.

Plants illuminated the cavernous space. Stone walls glowed with unrecognizable bioluminescent vegetation. Earthy musk of damp stone, decaying wood, and a sweet, musty fungal breath thickened the air.

Winged shadows danced and flitted before her, tiny bodies giving off firefly twinkles. Something inside Clara recognized what they were and wasn’t surprised to see them.

“Miss Prudence wanted you to watch over us,” Samantha said.

“Faeries,” Clara whispered.

“It’s your turn.”

The two women exchanged glances, an ethereal light emanating now from Samantha. Had Clara missed it before, or had it only appeared when they reached the basement?

“Why didn’t she tell my mother?”

“You can’t tell anyone,” Samantha replied.

“I have no one to tell.” Was that somehow by design? “What if I refuse?”

“We’ll wither out of existence.”

Clara thought about the job she was supposed to return to after this hiatus. The decision was easy.

“I accept.” Excitement within her surged to joy.

I have purpose. It settled in her chest like a flame.

A new direction for award-winning author Joel McKay

Published by Birchwood Press and is on pre-sale with a release date of August 15th, 2025

Two thieves. One legendary treasure. Zero trust.

Wincott is a washed-up burglar with a bad back, frozen toes, and a goblin kill count that’s making his life very complicated. When he flees into the long-abandoned mountain city of Roan just ahead of a bloodthirsty goblin horde he finds himself knocked out cold by none other than his estranged son: Sish Torren, a fast-talking rogue with a short sword, shorter temper, and a talent for backstabbing... sometimes literally.

Roan is rumored to house an ancient treasure. It’s also filled with deadly traps, crumbling ruins, and the kind of secrets that swallow people whole. Wincott and Sish reluctantly join forces not out of love, but because no one survives Roan solo for long. Especially not with mercenaries, monsters and a certain vengeful former crew barreling toward them.

The Dungeoneers and the Treasure of Roan is “Dungeons & Dysfunction” meets Ocean’s Eleven if everyone in the crew had unresolved trauma and zero impulse control. A darkly funny, fast-paced fantasy adventure full of sharp blades, sharper tongues, and just enough heart to keep you rooting for the worst people to do the right thing... eventually.

https://bit.ly/Dungeoneers-Treasures-Roan

Joel McKay is an award-winning author, journalist and executive from Northern British Columbia. His fiction includes the horror comedy novella Wolf at the Door, the anthology It Came From the Trees and Other Violent Aberrations and a host of short stories published in various anthologies and online.

Lyssa Medana

Hi, I’m Lyssa Medana and this is a series of articles with my thoughts on research and the fiction author. I hope that you can use them as a starting point for your own writing journey.

If you are writing historical fiction set in a real world setting, then you should know a lot more about research than I do. Historical fiction attracts people who love that historical period, and who will, as part of that love, know a lot about that time. If you make a mistake, most readers won’t know enough to pick it up, or will be too caught up in your excellent writing to care. But for those not only notice but also care, it will be a Big Thing.And for every kind soul that sends a gentle private message to help you out and correct you, half a dozen will drag your wonderful book through the mud on every social media platform possible and make memes. It can get brutal. I will stick to suggesting that you read widely, check the sources, and avoid anything where you are not absolutely cast iron sure.

Alternate Historical Fiction, like steampunk, is slightly more forgiving. You can look that historian coolly in the eye and state firmly, ‘But it’s like this in my world.’On the other hand, life is a lot easier if you build on a firm foundation. My personal view is that for a reader to enjoy a book, they need to be able to relate to the story in some way. If the background is too complicated then the reader will get too entangled with trying to remember the details to enjoy your delicately crafted love story.

EnoughAlternate Historical Fiction is set in Victorian London for me to feel comfortable using it as an example. My own steampunk novel, Out of the London Mist, is set there. I spent far too much time and effort on research. I didn’t need to do as much as I did. But I’ll use my experience as an example (or dreadful warning) and you can make your own decision about how much detail you really need.

I started with the date. If it was going to be Victorian London, I needed to know which year between Queen Victoria’s coronation in 1837 and her death in January 1901.A lot happened between those dates. It’s roughly the difference between 1960 and now, 2024 at time of typing.As it’s a relatively well known time period, if you get it wrong there is a higher chance of someone pointing and laughing. So I picked 1900, with a few years give or take either side if I needed something to make the plot work.

My decision to base things so heavily on our history is largely due to laziness. It was easier to look something up than make something up, note it, keep it consistent and remember to check back if I referred to it later on.

If you nail the date and make a firm decision about how much you are going to stick to history and where you are changing things, then you have most of it covered. You can check the books and websites, keep an eye on the sources and then really have fun. You can do what I did and check the flavours of tinned soup available at that date, or you can just sail right past that detail and on with the excitement and thrill of the narrative. Useful sources for that time period and up to the current date are the websites of firms and brands, who often have a ’history of our brand and products’or ‘history of corn shucking machines’or ‘history of wax polish’tucked away.

Aquick word of caution about maps and geography. Mountains usually stay where they are, but rivers, roads and even towns move around. Harbours silt up and passes get widened or blocked. The sea once dashed against the walls of Harlech Castle, but now the coast has silted up so much that there’s a golf course between the castle and the beach. The Mississippi River changed course significantly in 1876 and continues to move.And I am sure that StAlbans and Salisbury in the UK are not the only places where the towns moved from their original centres.

If the street layout is important to the plot then you may like to check maps and plans contemporary with your story. Remember, this is your world, so if you get a street corner wrong or get the river running the wrong way it doesn’t matter as long as the story works and you stay broadly consistent – and have fun writing!

Lyssa Medana is a fifty something author living in West Yorkshire, UK. Her works include Out of the London Mist, Under the Bright Saharan Sun, King’s Silver, The Forgotten Village, Digging up the Past, and Dinner at Dark among others.

Lyssa also regularly publishes poems, articles and short stories on her blog, Always Another Chapter https:// alwaysanotherchapter.co.uk/ along with all the latest news

Lyssa is fascinated by the odd, the quirky and the unusual and enjoys dipping into old folklore and English social history, which she uses shamelessly for her writing. Her hobbies include knitting, reading and heckling history documentaries.

NEW RELEASES

by Mark Watson

Crybaby

A Gripping Thriller of Survival and Vengeance

What happens when a ten-ton Indian elephant goes rogue in the heart of rural India? Once revered as a sacred temple elephant, Crybaby was stolen, brutalized, and left for dead. But he didn’t die.

Now, he’s become something else. Something terrifying. Something unstoppable. Villages lie flattened in his wake. Roads are shattered. Crops trampled. Witnesses speak in hushed voices of an enormous shadow slipping back into the jungle untouchable, untraceable. To the locals, he is no longer just an elephant. He is a living ghost. A force of vengeance. A god reborn.

Enter Ahanna, a veteran wildlife ranger tasked with an impossible mission: track and stop the rampage before more lives are lost. Equipped with tranquilizers, surveillance drones, and trained kumki elephants, Ahanna must navigate a treacherous terrain where corrupt officials, poachers, and old-world superstitions collide. But as she gets closer to Crybaby’s trail and to the enigmatic hunter Rahul, who has his own reasons for wanting the elephant dead Ahanna begins to uncover something far more ancient and dangerous than she could have imagined.

Crybaby is not just a rogue elephant. He is something older. Something wild. Something that refuses to be tamed.

Written by Mark Watson, bestselling and multi-award-winning author (IPPY Gold, Moonbeam, Reader’s Favorite), Crybaby first exploded in popularity as a serialized novel on Substack, where it grew from just 100 readers to over 350,000 monthly readers worldwide. It was praised for its visceral prose, rich atmosphere, and cinematic pacing.

"Reading Crybaby is like watching Jaws for the first time." "It’ll do for elephant rides what Jaws did for swimming in the sea."

Perfect for fans of: Peter Benchley (Jaws, Beast) for man vs. nature terror

Michael Crichton (Congo, Jurassic Park) for science-meets-chaos adventure

T. Kingfisher (The Twisted Ones) & Paul Tremblay (The Cabin at the End of the World) for atmospheric, intelligent horror

Alma Katsu (The Hunger, The Fervor) for myth-infused survival thrillers

Nick Cutter (The Troop) for brutal, immersive horror in wild settings Scott Smith (The Ruins) for jungle horror that spirals into madness

Cassandra Khaw (The Salt Grows Heavy) for lush, lyrical darkness

Karen Russell, Jeff VanderMeer, and Brian Evenson — for the eerie, the uncanny, and the ecological sublime

If you love slow-burn supernatural thrillers, animal horror, or mythic jungle adventures with razor-sharp edge and emotional depth, Crybaby is the novel you’ve been waiting for.

GRAB YOUR COPY NOW!

https://amzn.to/4mBaAvn

Home-made

Creepypasta:

The First One Hundred Stories

Banned by Amazon for TWO WEEKS for being "TOO DAMN SCARY!!!"

Terrifying Tales Featuring Slenderman, Jeff the Killer, Eyeless Jack, BEN Drowned, Laughing Jack, The Rake, Zalgo, and Other Internet Horrors. Step into the shadow-soaked heart of internet horror with HomeMade Creepypasta: Book One, a chilling anthology collecting the first 100 twisted tales submitted to the cult-favorite Fiction by Mark Watson Substack.

These aren’t just stories, they’re warnings. Whispers. Glitches in the veil that separates what we imagine from what’s actually waiting in the dark. Featuring original stories that tangle with the likes of: Slenderman – lurking just beyond the treeline Jeff the Killer – smiling in your hallway Eyeless Jack –hungry and silent BEN Drowned – corrupted data made flesh Laughing Jack, Zalgo, The Rake, and more... Unearthed from inboxes. Shaped in sleep paralysis. Shared with trembling hands. Whether you’re a long-time fan of creepypasta lore or just daring enough to crack the lid on something sinister, Home-Made Creepypasta is your invitation to the digital campfire… and you’re not alone out here. They’ve been reading over your shoulder the whole time.

If Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark warped your childhood... If The Twilight Zone twisted your sense of reality... If Goosebumps was your gateway and Candle Cove your descent into obsession... Then this is the book you’ve been waiting for. Home-Made Creepypasta: Book One is a dark, digital-age cousin to the great horror anthologies that came before it. But unlike collections curated from literary circles and TV writers' rooms, this one grew in the shadows, home-grown horror shared by fans, obsessives, and night-thought scribes who’ve stared too long into flickering screens. Sourced from the cultfollowed "Fiction by Mark Watson" Substack, this first volume contains 100 terrifying tales that twist the legacy of internet horror into something new and unshakably personal. These are the stories that feel too real, too familiar—like memories you forgot you had.

If Black Mirror exposed the technological dystopia of the future, Home-Made Creepypasta shows you the one hiding in your browser history. If Stephen King's Night Shift made you fear the ordinary, this book dares you to revisit the strange, nostalgic, and nightmarishly familiar world of early internet horror, the one we all thought we made up.

You didn’t imagine these stories. You inherited them. This is not just an anthology. It’s a reckoning. A dark archive of every ghost story whispered online after midnight... and now it’s sitting in your hands. Read it. But don’t read it alone. They’ve already noticed you’re looking.

From Acclaimed Author Mark Watson — Award-Winning Children’s Writer Turned Master of Horror

What if the imaginary friends, the voices in the attic, and the shadows in your childhood drawings… were never imaginary at all? In Home-Made Creepypasta: Book One – The First Hundred Stories, bestselling and award-winning children’s author Mark Watson dives headfirst into the chilling world of internet horror, curating an unforgettable anthology that’s already sending shivers down the spines of thousands of devoted Substack readers. Hand-picked from true submissions to Watson’s viral “Fiction by Mark Watson” series, these are not your average scary stories. These tales were whispered by readers, passed along in comment threads, and unearthed from memory like buried bones. They're raw, unfiltered, and terrifyingly personal.

Soul Rich For the Woman Coming Home

to Herself and her money

Not another money book, this one starts with YOU by critically acclaimed author and Financial Expert

Kalee Boisvert

You’ve done the budgeting. You’ve tried to be grateful. You’ve worked hard, given your all, and still felt like something was missing.

This isn’t another money manual. It’s an honest look at how you relate to money, and how you can start feeling good in that relationship.

Written for the woman who is tired of tying her worth to her wallet, Soul Rich blends emotional wisdom with financial clarity. Inside, you’ll meet the version of you who feared money, avoided it, chased it, or used it as proof. And the version of you who is finally ready to feel peace instead of pressure.

Through real-talk reflections, grounded money truths, and gentle Soul Bank Practices, this book invites you to:

• Reclaim your worth independent of your bank account

• Release guilt, shame, and the pressure to have it all figured out

• Let money support the life you actually want

https://bit.ly/soulrichkaleeboisvert

• Let money support the life you actually want

• Learn to receive, rest, and feel safe with enough

This isn’t about getting rich fast.

It’s about building a relationship with money that actually feels good.

If you’ve ever felt like you had to do it all alone.

If you’ve ever wondered when it’s your turn.

If you’re ready to feel at home in both your life and your finances.

This is your invitation. And you are allowed to be soul rich.

Kalee Boisvert has spent over fifteen years in the financial industry, driven by a desire to rewrite the money story she grew up with. Raised in a singleparent household, she became passionate early on about financial empowerment and helping others create freedom and confidence through money. But her path didn’t stop there. Over time, Kalee’s work expanded into something deeper: a soul-level invitation for women to remember who they are. Today, she writes both financial and spiritual books offering practical tools, tender truth, and gentle reminders that you are already enough.

If you see someone hiking a trail with a coffee mug in one hand and a dog leash in the other, that’s probably me.

I’m a multi-published author, podcast host, and passionate storyteller who believes in keeping hope alive through real, honest conversations. As the voice behind the Let Fear Bounce podcast, I love sharing stories that remind people that hope is real, kindness matters, and none of us are ever truly alone, even on the rough days.

As a veteran living with PTSD, I know firsthand the power of small, hopeful moments. Much of my writing centers around resilience, faith, and the beauty of kindness. Over the years, I’ve been honored to serve as the lead author for six anthologies, including Paw Prints on The Couch, Paw Prints on the Kitchen Floor and my book Nuggets of Hope: Cultivate Kindness which shares real-life stories designed to lift you up when the world feels heavy.

And this November, my newest release, 15 Ways Pets Teach Us Kindness eBook, will continue my mission of weaving kindness into everyday life.

Hang out with Kim: kimlenglingauthor.com

Interview by Melanie P. Smith

Are you a multi-genre author or a single-genre author? How did you decide what types of books you write?

To date, I’ve written exclusively non-fiction.

My path to non-fiction began in 2014, when I was invited to contribute to an anthology. Sharing my personal story wasn’t easy, but once I did, I realized how powerful it could be for someone else who might be sitting in a dark place. That first step sparked a passion. Soon, I began coordinating anthologies myself, gathering others to share their own journeys. Over time, this expanded into books about pets and the joy they bring to our lives which became five published anthologies.

Most recently, I’ve focused on my own projects, including Nuggets of Hope and my upcoming eBook, 15 Ways Pets Teach Us Kindness, releasing November 5, 2025.

When did you start writing? Did an event or person prompt you to take that leap?

My writing journey began in an unexpected way.

Years ago, I was asked to be the keynote speaker at a local veterans’ event. My speech centered on my step-grandfather, the last surviving WWI Veteran in my local area and the last of the Last Man’s Club. I poured weeks into writing and rewriting it, wanting to honor both him and the audience of nearly 800 veterans.

When the day came, I delivered my speech, and for a moment after, the area was silent. I thought I had failed, until one person began clapping, then another, and soon the crowd erupted. It was overwhelming. Afterward, the local newspaper editor approached me and asked if I would consider writing a regular veterans’ column. I laughed and said, “Oh, I’m no writer.” He looked at me and said, “Who wrote your speech?” When I told him I had, he smiled and said, “Then you are a writer.”

That moment changed everything. I went on to write that monthly column for 14 years.

Another turning point came in 2014, when I was published in the anthology INSPIRE: Women’s Stories of Accomplishment, Encouragement and Influence. Which I shared above. Her belief in me gave me the push I needed, and that experience lit a fire that has fueled me ever since.

If you write in multiple genres, do you have a favorite, or is one type of book easier for you to write than others, and why?

So far, I’ve stayed with nonfiction, but I do have a fiction manuscript tucked away on the back burner. It’s waiting patiently to be brought to life one day!

How/where do you find the plots you write about?

As a non-fiction author, my writing grows from lived experiences, observations, and the stories I feel can offer encouragement, hope or a positive perspective to others.

Mark Twain said “Write what you know.” Tell us about your writing process.Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I’m definitely a pantser. I write what I know, what I’ve lived, and what I feel may help others. I don’t usually map things out in detail, though sometimes I’ll research after writing a section to add depth or context. For me, it’s about letting the words flow honestly and then shaping them afterward.

Tell us your latest news.

I’m excited to share that my newest eBook will be released in November 2025! It’s a companion to Nuggets of Hope: Cultivate Kindness, and is titled 15 Ways Pets Teach Us Kindness. What if your greatest teacher of kindness was sleeping at your feet?

In this uplifting mini-eBook, author Kim Lengling, a veteran, pet lover, and creator of Nuggets of Hope, shares 15 beautiful reflections on how pets gently remind us to slow down, forgive more, love deeper, and be kind to ourselves and those around us.

From tail wags to purring snuggles, our pets offer unconditional love, patience, and a powerful presence that can shift even the hardest days. Each short chapter is paired with a simple kindness prompt to help you carry their lessons into your own life, one paw print at a time.

Whether you're a lifelong animal lover or simply seeking a little hope and inspiration, this cozy companion will leave you smiling, reflecting, and maybe reaching for your furry friend.

Is there a message in your work that you want readers to grasp?

The heart of everything I write comes down to one message: Kindness matters. It doesn’t cost a dime, and yet it can change lives, including your own.

Do you have a mentor that helped or encouraged you to follow your dream of writing?

I wouldn’t say I’ve had a single mentor, but I’ve been blessed with encouragers along the way, people who believed in me before I believed in myself.

What are your current projects?

I’m working on two books: one non-fiction, focused on living with PTSD, and my very first fiction project, a cozy fantasy! Writing fiction has been a fun, eye-opening challenge, and I’m enjoying the process of letting the characters lead me along.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

If you feel called to write, then write. We all have a story to tell, and each story matters. Start where you are, whether with a journal entry, a blog post, or a single chapter.

Connect with other writers, attend conferences (in person or online), and find community. Writing can be solitary, but it doesn’t have to be lonely. And remember, you don’t need to have it all figured out before you begin. Just begin.

What do you want written on your headstone and why?

I think something simple, yet meaningful. Perhaps: “She shared hope and kindness.” That’s the legacy I’d love to leave behind, that in some small way, I made life a little lighter, brighter, and kinder for those I crossed paths with.

What books have influenced your life the most?

Many books have touched my life over the years, especially those centered on hope, resilience, and faith.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

If I could share one thing, it would be this: hope has a way of slipping in through the cracks when we least expect it. It softens pain, brings light to dark places, and reminds us that even in our hardest seasons, something good can still grow.

My wish is that each of you finds and gathers your own nuggets of hope, those small but powerful reminders that keep you moving forward. And when you share them with others, you make your corner of the world brighter, kinder, and a little more hopeful.

Is there one person, past or present, you would like to meet and why?

If I could meet anyone, it would be C.S. Lewis. Beyond The Chronicles of Narnia, his reflections on faith, grief, and hope have touched my heart. He had a gift for weaving timeless imagination with profound human truth. Sitting with him, even for just an hour, would feel like gathering nuggets of wisdom on how words can heal, inspire, and remind us of the power of hope.

Other than writing, do you have any hobbies?

Absolutely! I’m an avid reader and always have a stack of books nearby. I love taking daily walks with my dog, Dexter, spending time with my granddaughter and family, and being out in nature. Those quiet, everyday moments are often where I find the most peace and inspiration.

Can you share something personal with your readers?

I think it’s important for readers to know that my words don’t come from a place of perfection, but from real, lived experience. As a veteran living with PTSD, I’ve walked through seasons of struggle. Writing, speaking, and connecting with others have been both healing and empowering for me. If my words reach someone else in their hard season and help them feel less alone, then that’s the greatest gift.

Do you have any holiday traditions?

Yes, I love the simple, cozy traditions, baking cookies, listening to Christmas music while decorating the tree, and watching holiday movies. It’s less about the “big” things and more about making memories in the small, heartwarming ones.

What kind of movies do you prefer?

These days, I enjoy feel-good movies, the kind that leave you smiling, or comedies that make you laugh out loud. Life is heavy enough sometimes; I’d rather watch something that fills me with joy.

Do you have a favorite author?

I have several, but recently I’ve really enjoyed Tricia O’Malley, I love the magic she creates with her characters. And Taylor Jenkins Reid has a gift for making her stories and characters feel so real that when the book ends, you wish the story could keep going.

YouTube: @LetFearBounce

What kind of music do you enjoy?

It all depends on the mood I am in, but I tend to gravitate toward the rock and soft rock of the ’60s and ’70s, but I’ll happily jam out to ’80s rock and pop too, that’s what I grew up with! You can’t beat John Cougar Mellencamp or Huey Lewis and the News on occasion and hey, toss in some Eagles, AC/DC and Triumph and it’s a great day! Yet on other days, I may listen to classical or opera.

Music has a way of lifting your spirits and sending you back in time for a bit

If money was no issue, would you prefer a cozy beach bungalow or a rustic cabin overlooking a mountain lake?

Oh, rustic cabin overlooking a mountain lake, for sure! Give me fresh air, trees, and quiet mornings by the water with a hot cup of coffee and my dog, that’s my happy place.

One final question…Do you have a social media platform where your fans can go to interact with you and follow your progress?

Absolutely! I love connecting with readers and listeners. Here’s where you can find me:

Podcast: Let Fear Bounce – @Letfearbounce

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kimberlylengling

Instagram: @lenglingauthor

X (Twitter): @KimLengling

TikTok: @klengling

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0tLAznvUG8hVVsTXdvTMTk?si=a828003ace2b4a9f

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@LetFearBounce

Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/let-fear-bounce/id1541906455

Facebook: facebook.com/letfearbouncepodcast

GoodReads: bit.ly/4lHUlMl

Illustrated Idioms

Inspired story prompts by Susan Faw

When I created my author website at the launch of my authorial career, I was lost as to what to blog about. It is a common problem for authors who are starting out. Most of us feel that no one wants to listen to us talk about or dogs or our families or look at pretty cat pictures. So instead of blogging about what people flock to every day, I decided to write short, quick stories that illustrated something that I had long been fascinated with, the odd words and phrases that make up English idiom.

I bought a copy of The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. With that primer in place, I was ready to bring to life the idioms that we so often use but rarely understand their sources.

Can you guess the idiom in the story?

The King’s Lands

The deer froze, a statue of honeyed brown barely discernible in the murky forest understory. Dappled sunlight played across bared patches, dancing spots of light that bounced through the stirring leaves.

We will not go hungry tonight, thought Samantha as she drew back on the bowstring, easing it with a slow sigh, and then sighted down the shaft.

An ear flicked. From one second to the next, the doe was in full blurring flight.

The bowstring twanged as the deer bounced stiff-legged into motion and a second later Samantha heard the solid thunk as the arrow lodged itself in the tree trunk, where seconds ago the prize had stood. In three gigantic bounds, the deer was lost from sight.

Cursing, Samantha ran over to retrieve the arrow. Yanking it out of the tree, she examined the tip and shaft. Satisfied that it would still fly true, it was tucked back into the quiver. It would not do to be found hunting on the king’s lands, so, she rubbed a handful of dirt and leaves into the raw gash in the bark of the tree to disguise the miss.

Picking up the deer’s trail, Samantha picked her way over fallen trunks and pushed through dense underbrush, keeping to the smooth rocky sections. It would be unwise to leave a trail anyone could follow back to the rebel’s camp.

Silently tracking the deer, Samantha was shocked when the trail opened abruptly onto a narrow meadow in the center of which lay her deer, dead. It had been pierced by three arrows. The meadow was lined by soldiers and the rest of those arrows were now aimed directly at Samantha.

“Lookie, lookie. What do we have here?” A grizzled man with missing teeth stood in front of the ten other men in a dirty captain’s tunic, the stripes torn off and threads hanging. Samantha surmised that they were not soldiers but worse. They were mercenaries or possibly bounty hunters. “Out for a stroll hunting the king’s deer in his forest?” He nudged the dead deer with his toe. “Looks like we got it first. We will be eating well tonight!” Laughter rose from the encircling men.

“Hunting on the king’s land would be illegal poaching.” Samantha pulled a sharp metal hook from her belt and held it aloft for the men to see, making her movements slow. “I was looking for wood to gather for my campfire, see? My hook fits on the end of my bow.” She screwed the threaded end of the hook onto the point of her bow, showing how it attached. “It’s not against the law to gather wood.”

“Then how did you happen to be right behind that doe?” The captain snorted, disbelief showing on his face.”

“Do I look like I could carry a side of venison anywhere?”

The men looked her up and down, leering.

“Well now, you look like you would be a nice handful, that’s for sure!”

Samantha licked her lips and began slowly backing into the trees. “I need to go now. Enjoy your feast.” Turning she sprinted into the cover of the trees, followed by the thunk, thunk, thunk of arrows following her flight.

She ran for her life.

Every word she had stated had been true. However, she had witnessed the mercenaries poaching on the land, and that news could not make it back to the king. By hook or by crook, she would make it back to the rebel’s camp alive to warn them that mercenaries were combing the woods for their hideout.

The true hunt was on.

English Idiom: By Hook or by Crook –

By any means possible, in one way or another. This term has a disputed origin. a widely held theory is that it comes from the custom of allowing commoners to take as much wood from royal forests as they could reach with a shepherd’s crook and cut down with a billhook (1300s).

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

If you want to read more of Susan Faw’s Illustrated Idioms, the series is available here: https://bookgoodies.com/a/B074ZTK65V

Book nerd and fantasy aficionado, Susan is an award-winning author who also doubles as masked crusader for the fantastical world. Championing mythical rights, she quells uprisings and battles infidels who would slay the lifeblood of her pen. It’s all in a day’s work, for this whirlwind writer.

Winner of the Dante Rossetti Grand Prize for Best Young Adult Fiction of 2016 (Seer of Souls, Chanticleer Reviews) she is actively crafting stories that sing in your memory. Welcome to the quest!

You can find Susan at www.susanfaw.com, on twitter @susandfaw or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SusanFaw

REVIEWS

Doomed Romances: Strange Tales of Uncanny Love

edited by Joanne Ella Parsons

Review by Lyssa Medana

https://alwaysanotherchapter.co.uk

The Review

Normally I only read on either my laptop or my phone - I have the Kindle app downloaded on both. Not only that, but I have a subscription to Kindle Unlimited and over the last few months when I've been a little poorly I have been reading my bodyweight in ebooks. I know that ebooks are technically without weight and I'm a large lass, but I've really racked up the page count - and very much enjoyed it.

However I indulged myself with a subscription to the British Library's Tales of the Weird series. It's a collection of the sort of stuff that I should be fossicking out for myself - strange and gothic tales that may have been forgotten. It costs £9.99 per month and you get a great book with selected classics delivered without having to hunt down the good stuff by yourself. Not only that, it's part of supporting an amazing institution. Doomed Romances Strange Tales of Uncanny Love is my first delivery and it came with two pics and a bookmark.

"If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book."

If the pics are a regular thing, I may set up a feature wall of them!

The book is a collection of short stories edited by Joanne Ella Parsons who has dug out some wonderful gems. It starts with the eerie tale The Invisible Girl written by Mary Shelley and published in 1833. I associated Mary Shelley with Frankenstein but this is a dark tale of forbidden love and the heartbreak of an innocent maiden cast out into the cold by a tyrannical father - thoroughly enjoyable. It ends with Dancehall Devil by V Castro, a current writer with some well deserved awards for horror. Dancehall Devil is one of those uncanny, sweltering, steamy horror stories with passion and violence and a shiver of harsh, deserved justice. There are plenty of goodies in between.

I read it during a normal evening, but I feel that it ought to be read in strange, out of the way places during thunderstorms while drinking dark wine. I may have been in my usual jeans and slippers, but I almost felt that I was wearing velvet and lace. Doomed Romances is available on Amazon, and it's even on Kindle Unlimited (though I'm keeping my subscription to the British Library) and I thoroughly recommend it.

For more reviews and entertaining blog posts by Lyssa Medana, check out her blog at Always Another Chapter https://alwaysanotherchapter.co.uk

REVIEWS

The Twin Flame by K.T. Anglehart

“The Twin Flame” by K.T. Anglehart is the second installment in The Scottish Scrolls series. It follows Mckenna O’Dwyer, a witch who keeps reincarnating a mystery only her mother, Abby, can truly help her understand.

A powerful High Priestess is determined to use Mckenna as a means to reach Abby, believing that only by harnessing both their powers can she fulfill her purpose. To protect her daughter, Abby placed an enchantment on Mckenna as a baby one that ensured only Mckenna could find her when the time was right. Frustrated with Cillian, the Priestess performs a dark ritual to break not only the enchantment on Mckenna but also the protective magic surrounding Ballycastle.

Mckenna embarks on a journey to find her mother and ultimately reunites with her. But will she be able to warn Abby in time about the Priestess’s intentions? You’ll have to read to find out.

Book two was well worth the wait the storyline is captivating, the pacing well-balanced, and the cover design is beautiful. I especially enjoyed the characters of Mckenna, her dads, and Abby. The world-building is rich and immersive, making for an engaging read.

: 5/5

"The man who does not read good books is no better than the man who can’t."

Life Strikes Back by

Candace MacPhie

This was yet another compelling and engaging read. The adventurous nature of the author’s experiences and the vivid imagery that comes with the descriptive nature of those experiences, including the settings of each chapter. The rich culture of each country and the customs that went into each interaction gave readers insight into each country and their interactions and the era in which this book took place (the 90s).

The balance the author struck between her journey’s big, emotional moments and the more witty, humorous interactions she had made this an enthralling memoir. The bond she shares with her travel partner and the theme of travel being a means of healing from grief spoke to this author’s heart, as well as the connection readers can make with this deeply personal story.

Thoughtfully, deeply engagingly, and incredibly presented, Candace MacPhie’s “Life Strikes

Back” is a must-read memoir. The breathtaking imagery the author brings to life on the page and the thought-provoking life lessons the author experiences will keep readers invested as the book comes to a close. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Content Warning: Profanity, sexual harassment, sexual assault, consensual sexual content, parental grief, alcohol consumption, smoking, and visits to Holocaust sites.

Rating: 10/10

Review by Anthony Avina

https://authoranthonyavina.com/2024/05/29/life-strikes-back-back-in-a-year-seriesby-candace-macphie-review/

REVIEWS

Chasing Through Time by Tara Hodgson

Chasing Through Time by Tara Hodgson is a compelling Teen & Young Adult novel that follows the lives of two teenagers Sarah from 2001 and Emma from 2022. Though separated by over two decades, both girls attend Cardothia High School.

Their worlds unexpectedly collide when they begin communicating through an old computer. Sarah is stunned by the technological advances of 2022, especially when she learns that Emma owns a cellphone. As their conversations deepen, the two discover they share many common struggles, including feelings of isolation and neglect. Finding each other became a source of comfort and strength.

Sarah is dealing with the sudden loss of her best friend Danny, who has started ignoring her something even their teacher, Ms. Ampleson, notices. Meanwhile, Emma is facing a personal crisis after a private photo of hers is leaked online, triggering a wave of cruel comments and messages. While Sarah begins a journey of selfdiscovery, Emma is in urgent need of support. Though Sarah wants to help, the barrier of time stands in the way. Can she find a way to make a difference before it’s too late?

This story is not only engaging but also thought-provoking. It sheds light on the challenges faced by today’s teenagers and serves as a wake-up call for parents, particularly about the impact of social media on a child’s mental health. The plot is refreshingly original, with excellent pacing. Both Sarah and Emma are welldeveloped, relatable characters that leave a lasting impression.

Review by Sassy Reads

https://sassyreviews.data.blog/2025/07/18/chasing-through-time/

"Today

In a time when most of the world feels like it is teetering on the edge of a dystopian event, this book perfectly captures both the struggles of living under a tyrannical government and the hope that can stem from finding community and solace in the company of friends and allies. The visceral, gritty tone that the author captured in this novel will sit with readers long after the book ends, and yet the glimmers of hope that arise in those small moments between the characters will resonate with readers as a welcome reprieve for characters that feel relatable and earnest in their desire to free their family, friends, and city.

Robinson

The balance of action-driven narrative and emotional character growth was well-developed in this story. The fear, rage, and mistrust that comes with living in a society where anyone can turn on you in a moment’s notice, while also finding those moments of hope and joy amongst those you love and trust, was a fine line the author perfectly articulated in this story. The protagonist especially brought this to life, showcasing a fierce loyalty and strength of character as she relentlessly pursued her path, as well as the steady growth of her friends and allies like Marcos, Jason, and Harriet, felt well-earned and encouraging in the face of such overwhelming odds.

Memorable, heartfelt, and entertaining, author CC Robinson’s “Caged” is a mustread addition to the Divided series and a fantastic dystopian YA thriller. The twists and turns in the narrative, the glimmers of hope that resonate with readers, and the emotional undertones will stay with readers and leave them eager for the next chapter in this series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Review by — Anthony Avina

https://authoranthonyavina.com/2025/07/15/caged-divided-series-book-two-by-ccrobinson-review/

REVIEWS

Plague Unleashed (The Intern Diaries Book Two)

by D.C. Gomez

This novel’s unique blend of humor and supernatural mythos was on point. The author did an incredible job of world-building in this narrative, with the small town of Texarkana not only bringing a more intimate setting to the larger-than-life narrative but also becoming quite vast in nature when the grand scale of this storyline comes to fruition.

Yet for me personally, it was the combination of rich character dynamics and deep-rooted mythos that the author crafted that made this story so brilliant. The inclusion of other powerful entities besides Death being expanded upon in this narrative and the inclusion and teases of other supernatural creatures and mythologies made the cohesive nature of the story feel pretty epic. All the while, the author brought some heart and humor to the situation with the cast of characters, for whom they found love and friendship amongst one another that kept them together and fueled their mission to help those affected by these supernatural threats.

The Verdict

Action-packed, captivating, and entertaining, author D.C. Gomez’s “Plague Unleashed” is a must-read paranormal and humorous fantasy novel and a great second novel in The Intern Diaries series! The breathtaking imagery and tension the author layers into the narrative enshrines the mind-blowing mythology the author builds upon from the first book and leaves readers eager for the third book in the series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Review by — Anthony Avina

https://authoranthonyavina.com/2022/09/25/plague-unleashed-the-intern-diariesbook-two-by-d-c-gomez-review/

"A book is a gift you can open again and again."

A Fifth of the Story by Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes

A Fifth of the Story by Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes is an excellent crime fiction novel. It reminds me so much of the movies by Arnold Schwarzenegger, Slyvester Stallone, and John Wayne. There is always a big group of people these characters like the one in this novel must fight against and come out of it alive. The themes from this book are also similar to the ones found by the movies with these famous actors. I wonder which actor would play Brock well. I haven’t decided yet, but he is an unforgettable character. His journey is one hell of a ride from the beginning to end. Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes writes scenes that are so detailed I feel as if I am watching a movie. I can almost feel, see, and sense everything Brock does. The characterization is also done well. If you love books that feature against all odds, good versus evil, and tough male heroes than this is a must read! I absolutely loved it! Danger and excitement on every page!

Review by — Sassy Reads

https://sassyreviews.data.blog/2025/07/18/chasing-through-time/

Yippee Ki-Yay Motherf*cker by Mark Leslie

Yippee Ki-Yay Motherf*ucker by Mark Leslie is the perfect read for fans of Die Hard! While I have never seen Die Hard films, I can testify that this book has what fans would like to feature about their favorite film. Humor, facts, and a deeper look into the topics are discussed like a pro. Mark Leslie is a talented writer. This book further proves his writing skills are exceptional. Test your knowledge of the films while diving far into the exploration of each of the films. This writer has done his research into the films and topics well. Every word adds to the wonderful experience for fans. Once you’re done reading this book, it will make you want to re-view all the films and see them more thoroughly through the details listed in this book.

Reviewed by Danielle Urban, AR Critique

https://elarcritique.wordpress.com/2024/01/31/review-yippee-ki-yay-motherfcker

Is there a genre you haven’t tried that you would like to?

More poetry! More short stories too. Maybe a novel one day.

Are you a multi-genre author or a single-genre author? What types of books do you write?

Multi-genre. I write poetry, lyrics, scripts, stories and nonfiction.

Do you have a favorite? Or, is one type of book easier for you to write than others, and why? Do you find it hard to balance them?

I like them all, but poetry is especially fun. My latest book, Who Do You Want To Be? (visit https://who2b.kids/), is a rhymed, illustrated kids book for ages 4-8 that started off as lyrics I wrote to a song.

What comes first — the plot or the characters?

The plot if it’s based on real events, otherwise the characters.

What do you want to do when you grow up?

How long have you been writing? Did an event or person prompt you to take that leap?

Nonfiction: forever. It’s what lawyers do, of course, and also, I was in tech before law school and my jobs included tech writing. But creative writing: I wrote a short story in 2014 that got published in a literary magazine two years later.

As for poetry, in 2016 as I was falling asleep I realized that a poem about Donald Trump was writing itself autonomously in the back of my head. This was surprising, since I’d never written a poem in my life except as a high school assignment, though I was always interested in linguistics, puns and wordplay. I got up and started writing, and 2-1/2 hours later had a 60-verse rhymed poem in basically finished form. Since then, I’ve been writing poetry, lyrics and scripts.

One day my best friend

Said to me

Who in the world

Do you wanna be?

I thought and thought

And thought and said Maybe a fireman

Cuz their trucks are red?

That’s not a great reason but there are dozens of other possibilities in this lyrical, illustrated story. It’s an affirming book written for diverse kids aged 4-8 and their parents, but it just might appeal to anyone who isn’t sure what they want to do for work. (And, really, who is?)

How or where do you find the plots you write about?

My life, newspapers, random thoughts

What makes your book stand out from the crowd?

Mark Twain said “Write what you know.” Tell us about your writing process. Are you a plotter or a pantser? Do you plot, plan, and conduct hours of research; or, do you just sit down and write whatever comes to mind based on your personal history and knowledge?

The latter: I just sit down and write. Sometimes I know where I’m going, other times not. When ideas for later scenes occur to me, I jot them down in the file, but I almost never outline in toto, because then writing would lose its spark, lose the thrill of discovery, and become a fill in the blanks paint by numbers tedium.

Would you and your main character get along?

Yes, because he/she embodies my intellect, feelings and beliefs.

My writing has clarity, flow and style. It embodies the ethos that you must empathize with the reader, because every word, clause, punctuation mark, paragraph and subheading is an opportunity to lose the reader. The sad truth is, most people would rather be doing anything other than reading your writing: they’d rather be on social media, watching TV, playing video games, sports or canoodling. So the bar for good writing is very high, in my opinion.

What’s your favorite and least favorite part of publishing?

My favorite is holding the finished product in my hands or on my eBook reader. Also, I love the diversity of what I do, the synergy between my various pursuits, the communicative aspect that they all share, the opportunity to learn new things almost every day, and the privilege to help people and sometimes touch their lives.

Least favorite is spellcheck, because I’m a poor typist, and slow.

What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

A note on a tech report I wrote for IBM (the Google of its day, a huge tech company): “Reader falls asleep here.” Suddenly I understood writing.

Whom do you trust for objective and constructive criticism of your work?

Friends. Also, previously, my Mom and Dad, but she’s no longer able and he’s deceased

Have you ever killed off a character your readers loved?

Not yet, but I’ve written about death, so close.

If you could invite any three people for dinner, whom would you invite?

Lewis Carroll, Albert Einstein, Martin Luthur King, Jr., and I’d add a chair for Dorothy Parker.

What are your current projects?

I’m working on a pair of books on media training how to interact with the media—based on my experience as a journalist and interviewee.

Can you share a sample of your current work with us?

Not yet, but stay tuned at https:// jhandel.news for hints!

If you could spend a day with another author, whom would you choose?

Lewis Carroll.

If money was no issue, would you prefer a cozy beach bungalow or a rustic cabin overlooking a mountain lake?

Beach bungalow.

Would you share something about yourself that your readers don’t know (yet)?

No! They’d have to get to know me first.

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

Cats rule!

“Some books leave us free and some books make us free.”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

The web is a wonderful tool. There’s instant access to a wealth of knowledge on any topic - including Self-Publishing. Here are a few examples to help authors along the way.

8 Book Ads Readers Loved (That are Easy to Create)

A strong image is a key part of any successful ad campaign, because it’s all your readers see! We’ve compiled eight examples of custom designs that are effective, but easy to replicate.

https://insights.bookbub.com/book-ads-readers-loved-easy-to-create/

16 Indie Authors to Follow on TikTok for Ideas and Inspiration

TikTok can be a powerful platform for indies, whether your content strategy is growing a readership or educating other authors. As one of the most active reader communities online, BookTok is the place for book lovers to share what they’re reading and for authors to promote their books!

https://insights.bookbub.com/indie-authors-tiktok-ideas-inspiration/

The Business Advice All Writers Need to Hear

How best to publish, market a book, and run a business. Five questions to ask yourself whenever you find a new marketing tactic or business strategy you’d like to try:

https://insights.bookbub.com/business-advice-all-writers-need-to-hear/

How BookBub Editors Write Featured Deals Blurbs.

When your book gets selected for a Featured Deal, BookBub editors will craft a blurb for your feature. How do we decide what to include?

https://insights.bookbub.com/how-bookbub-editors-write-featured-deals-blurbs/