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November I wrapped up a variety of 5-star reads, each offering something unique—from thought-provoking poetry to thrilling psychological horror. This is a good place to mention that I don't write a review for a book unless I can award it at least three stars. I know the hard work that goes into the writing process and that not every book is for every reader. I try to choose books that interest me, and in November I struck it rich.

November’s 5-Star Reads

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As Thanksgiving approaches, we are reminded of the power of togetherness and gratitude. It’s a time to gather around the table with loved ones, share delicious food, and create lasting memories. Yet, beyond the feasts and festive decorations, Thanksgiving invites us to pause and reflect on the deeper meaning of the holiday: gratitude.

In a world that often focuses on what we don’t have—whether it’s material possessions, accomplishments, or even future goals—this season encourages us to shift...

National Nursery Rhyme Week is a time to celebrate the enduring tradition of nursery rhymes that have been passed down through generations, offering rhythm, rhyme, and often important lessons to young minds. This week, I celebrate not only these timeless rhymes but also introduce a new story—a nursery rhyme that marks the birth of a character destined to make her mark on the world in my fantasy novel Windwalker.

In this rhyme, Jalil Orenda’s arrival is marked by both the gift and burden of...

When I first decided to take my writing seriously, I signed up for online classes to improve my skills. This was back in the early days of the internet—before social media took over and when most of us were still figuring out how to use email. Online communities were just beginning to form, and privacy was a big deal—so no one really used their real names!

As I tried to pick a screen name, I ran into a bit of a roadblock. Every creative option I came up with was already taken. Frustrated, I...

It’s hard to believe that twenty years ago, I stepped into the writing world with both feet. Back then, I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t know how much of a journey it would become or how it would shape my life. But today, looking back, I’m filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the good, the challenging, and even the unexpected moments that have woven themselves into my story.

Gratitude is such a quietly powerful thing. It’s one of those qualities that sneaks up on...

Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to live the writer’s life? It’s more than just putting words on a page. The reality involves juggling a series of tasks—writing, editing, researching, promoting, submitting, and more. And that’s all while managing the everyday responsibilities of family, work, and social life. It’s a balancing act that requires time, patience, and often money.

The Demands of Writing

The craft of writing is more demanding than most people realize. It’s not just about...

The Lorimer Line

October I wrapped up The Lorimer Line, a captivating saga set against the backdrop of Victorian England. From the very first page, the narrator’s voice transported me to 1877, immersing me in the gilded yet confining world of Margaret Lorimer. The third-person omniscient perspective enriches the narrative, allowing us glimpses into Margaret’s aspirations and the societal pressures that loom over her. Her journey of self-discovery and defiance against rigid conventions is both...

If you love epic adventures and imaginative storytelling, you’re in for a treat! I’m thrilled to point you to a guest post I wrote over on Lucy Turns Pages that dives into the fascinating creative process behind two of my fantasy novels, Windwalker and Beyond the Fifth Gate.

In this guest post, I discuss how a simple walk sparked my imagination and led to the development of these two interconnected stories. I delve into the transformative power of perspective—how viewing ordinary experiences...

October has truly been a month of surprises for me, and I have news for my fans of the Dragonborn series. Many of you have asked about it since it moved to a new publisher. I’m thrilled to announce that the title has changed! I can’t wait to reveal it to you all—I absolutely love it! I’ll share more details soon.

In the meantime, this change has set my goals on a new, invigorating track. While setting goals is crucial, staying flexible and adapting to the unexpected is equally important. This...

Writing and all that it requires is an evolutionary process for me. When it comes to marketing my books, I've learned that one of the most crucial steps is identifying and understanding your target audience. While it’s tempting to wish that everyone would want to read my work, the reality is that focusing my efforts on a specific group leads to far more effective marketing strategies. Here’s why knowing my audience matters, especially for authors of wholesome narratives like mine, which...

I’m excited to share that the first reviews of Beyond the Fifth Gate are rolling in! As an author, this moment is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. No matter how many stories I write, that little voice of self-doubt never quite goes away. It whispers reminders that not every book will resonate with every reader, and that’s a reality I’ve come to accept. Yet, I also know I have a dedicated audience who enjoys my work, and that thought brings me comfort.

Seeing the initial reactions has been...

I juggle multiple writing projects at various stages simultaneously. At the start of each year, I set annual goals, which I then break down into monthly and weekly targets.

Goals need to be specific and attainable. When I first began tracking my writing objectives, I aimed to have a short story published. I quickly realized I had no control over the publication process, so I revised my goal to “submit a short story for publication once a month.”

These lessons in the writer’s life are ongoing...

As the winds of Hurricane Helene swept through the southeast, I found myself reflecting on how fortunate we were here in my town. Yes, we experienced some flooded roads and a few minor inconveniences, but compared to the devastation faced by so many of my friends and family in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, we got off easy.

It’s hard to watch the news and see the aftermath of the storm in those states. Homes destroyed, lives uprooted, and communities left reeling from the impact of such...