Good books don't give up all their secrets at once. – Stephen King
Author: authoranthonyavinablog
Anthony Avina, (Born March 1990), is an author, a journalist, and a blogger. Born in Southern California, he has battled through injuries, disabilities, moves back and forth across the country, and more, yet still maintains a creative voice that he hopes to use not only to entertain but to inspire hope in even the darkest situations.
He writes short stories and novels in several genres, and is also a seasoned journalist for the online magazine, On Request Magazine, as well as the popular site TheGamer. Having grown up reading the books of Dean Koontz and Stephen King, they inspired him to write new and exciting stories that delved into the minds of richly developed characters. He constantly tries to write stories that have never been told before, and to paint a picture in your mind while you are reading the book, as if you could see every scene of the book as if it were a movie you were watching. His stories will get your imaginations working, and will also show that in spite of the most despairing and horrific situations, hope is never out of reach. He am always writing, and so there will never be a shortage of new stories for your reading pleasure.
http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author and poet LindaAnn LoSchiavo share a collection of poems that will explore the reimagining of true crimes and injustices through a Halloween lens in the collection “Always Haunted: Hallowe’en Poems.”
Advertisements
The Synopsis
Trick or treat twisted with treachery.
Haunting and harrowing visions of All Hallows’ Eve here include horrific crimes committed on October 31st, a honeymoon homicide, mysterious witches, amorous vampires, dead serious poltergeists, along with a pageant of autumnal imagery sure to evoke goosebumps beyond the spooky season. Wearing the cunning costume of a Hallowe’en poetry collection, 24 poems reimagine macabre true crimes and explore injustices brought to life by original artwork.
The Review
What a powerful and remarkable read. The author did a wonderful job of balancing themes of horror and the supernatural with true crime and historical injustice against women. The imagery (both the original illustrations and the imagery in the author’s writing) allowed the reader to be transported instantly into these poetic stories. The infusion of so many styles of poetry, from the almost Shakespearean retelling of the legend of Sleepy Hollow to the modern-day examination of Dracula’s social media presence, allowed the reader to be entertained while tapping into an emotional wellspring that horror and poetry fans can enjoy.
There were many powerful moments found in this book that spoke to the Halloween fan in all of us, as well as the meaningful moments in history when women fell victim to everything from fear to crimes, both social and personal. One great example that was a favorite of mine was Hetty Green, the Witch of Wall Street, showcasing how women are often misrepresented in life whenever they succeed where men have failed. The power of these poems and the way they illustrate how horror often mirrors real life made this a powerful collection.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, highly creative, and entertaining author LindaAnn LoSchiavo’s “Always Haunted: Hallowe’en Poems” is a must-read collection of poetry this fall. The incredible imagery and haunting presence each poem brings will keep readers coming back to this book time and time again. If you haven’t yet, preorder your copy today or get your copy on October 1st, 2024!
Rating: 10/10
Advertisements
About the Author
Native New Yorker LindaAnn LoSchiavo, a four time nominee for The Pushcart Prize, has also been nominated for Best of the Net, the Rhysling Award, and Dwarf Stars. She is a member of SFPA, The British Fantasy Society, and The Dramatists Guild.
Elgin Award winner “A Route Obscure and Lonely” (US: Wapshott Press, 2019), “Women Who Were Warned” (UK: Cerasus Poetry, 2022), Firecracker Award, Balcones Poetry Prize, Quill and Ink, Paterson Poetry Prize, and IPPY Award nominee “Messengers of the Macabre” [co-written with David Davies] (US: Audience Askew, 2022), “Apprenticed to the Night” (UK: UniVerse Press, 2023), and “Felones de Se: Poems about Suicide” (Canada: Ukiyoto Publishing, 2023) are her latest poetry titles.
In 2023, her poetry placed as a finalist in Thirty West Publishing’s “Fresh Start Contest” and in the 8th annual Stephen DiBiase contest.
LoSchiavo is a Prohibition Era historian and her Texas Guinan film won “Best Feature Documentary” at N.Y. Women’s Film Fest (Dec. 2021).
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
It’s funny, I never knew I had the talent for writing until one day my literature teacher came running to the class looking for that student who chose to write a story instead of a topic in the exam. And she was like, “You wrote this?” I was like, “Yes!” and wondered if I was in trouble. She was just appalled and said, “Why aren’t you participating in writing contests?” And I answered, “I didn’t know these existed.”
I love writing, I have always found myself imagining new worlds, writing dialogues, and thinking really hard about how the stories in my head can progress. I guess it just comes naturally to me.
Advertisements
2. What inspired you to write your book?
I always dreamed of writing a book one day, and it happened to be this one. As for the inspiration, I was reading about Zarqa’a Al-Yamama and wanted to create a character inspired by her. If you don’t know Zarqa’a, she is a real historical figure from pre-Islamic history who had superb eyesight and could see a tiny white hair in a bowl full of laban. She could see invaders from as far as a day and a night’s walk and would warn her people to prepare for a fight. There are many stories about her; some say she had help from Djinn, while others believe she gathered gossip and news from traveling merchants and knew when invaders targeting other villages would come for them. One day, the invaders thought of hiding behind shrubs that they carried and started advancing slowly. When she saw the trees advancing, she told her people, they thought she had gone crazy. Unfortunately, the trick worked, and the invaders killed Zarqa’a. The first thing they did with her body was gouge her eyes out and let the crows eat them. She was my baseline for Mina. However, the character of Mina evolved and developed her own characteristics, background, and story.
3. What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
Mina struggles with restraints. She has to watch herself—to not be sad, to not be angry, to not give in to negative emotions, or the thing within her will start to wiggle itself, and she knows from experience that she can hurt people. But you can’t restrain yourself too much; you will eventually explode. My message is: we all have restraints that we should cater to, but we shouldn’t let them prevent us from being who we want to be. It’s like a game of balance. As Hugo from Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame says “Give her some slack, then reel her in, give her some slack then reel her in.” honestly this is one of my favourite quotes, and kind of a universal advice. You can see this in the world we live in, it’s either total freedom or too much oppression. We have to find the middle ground somehow between the two.
4. What drew you into this particular genre?
I love fantasy, it’s as simple as that.
5. If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
Hmm, this is a difficult question! I probably know my characters more than they do themselves. However, I would love to spend time with them over a cup of Quahwa and enjoy it without saying anything.
Advertisements
6. What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
Since my book hasn’t been published yet, the only place I could see my early readers reactions is through Goodreads. It’s good to see who enjoyed that early ARC, what their thoughts about it and if it wasn’t really the flop, I think it is sometimes. I would love to see random people pop up on My DMs one day and to hear about their thoughts about the book if they liked it. That would be a treat. Like receiving fan mails, I guess.
7. What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
This might be repetitive, but just write. As a busy person myself, I rarely have quiet time to write anything, so most of my writing is done through my phone. It’s messy, full of grammatical and spelling mistakes, but I’m laying down the bricks for the story. When I have time, I will sit in front of my computer and start editing. You don’t need to force yourself. Write when inspiration hits you.
8. What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
I’m currently working on Book 2 of Rings and Chains, but I also started on a new WIP during the waiting time between the editing process of Book 1 and getting it ready for publication. I couldn’t make myself start Book 2 because I was afraid people might not enjoy the first book in the first place. So, I had to distract myself with something totally different. Now that the early reviews are coming in, mostly positive ones, I found the push I needed to start working on Rings and Chains Book 2. I work on my other WIP when I’m in a writing slump or whenever I get an idea for a scene or something while lying late in bed thinking about the story. While I’m really in love with that WIP and would love to share it with the world as soon as possible, it will have to wait until Rings and Chains series is done. Which may take years. But by that time. I will have a lot of material to work with, hopefully.
I’m Ahlam Faris, a self-published Indie Author who have a passion for all things fantasy, I’ve been writing for years, but I’ve only recently found the courage to submit my work to the world, I really hope you enjoy reading “Rings and chains: Daughter of Light and dark.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author and poet Lynne Thompson shares a tapestry of experiences and emotions from women going through life in the book “Blue on a Blue Palette”.
Advertisements
The Synopsis
Lynne Thompson’s Blue on a Blue Palette reflects on the condition of women—their joys despite their histories, and their insistence on survival as issues of race, culture, pandemic, and climate threaten their livelihoods.
The documentation of these personal odysseys—which vary stylistically from abecedarians to free verse to centos—replicate the many ways women travel through the stages of their lives, all negotiated on a palette encompassing various shades of blue. These poems demand your attention, your voice: “Say history. Claim. Say wild.”
The Review
My first reaction to this masterful collection of poetry was honest and emotional. The vivid imagery in the author’s writing style elevated the passion and themes of these poems greatly, allowing the reader to immerse themselves in the culture and experiences the author conveyed throughout this collection.
The history and ideas that the author confronted in this book were powerful to read. To begin with, the collection tackled everything from racism and sexism to the culture surrounding womanhood and what it means to be a woman. It infused a mixture of humor, wit, and thought-provoking discussion to help showcase the struggle and experiences so many women, including women of color, have had to endure for centuries.
The Verdict
Memorable, honest, and engaging author Lynne Thompson’s “Blue on a Blue Palette” is a must-read poetry collection. The emotion and heart with which the author spoke and the insight that these poems provide for these particular experiences made this collection readers will return to time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
Advertisements
About the Author
Lynne Thompson served as the 2021-22 Poet Laureate for the City of Los Angeles and received a Laureate Fellowship from the Academy of American Poets in 2022. She received her BA from Scripps College and a JD from Southwestern School of Law. After practicing law for many years, Thompson served as the Director of Labor and Employee Relations at the University of California, Los Angeles, for twenty years. Her fourth collection of poems, Blue on A Blue Palette, was published by BOA Editions in April 2024. She’s also the author of Beg No Pardon, winner of the Perugia Press Book Prize in 2007 and the Great Lakes Colleges Association’s New Writers Award in 2008, Start With a Small Guitar (What Books Press, 2013) and Fretwork (Marsh Hawk Books, 2019). A recipient of the George Drury Smith Award for Achievement in Poetry in 2023, she has also received fellowships from the Vermont Studio Center, Summer Literary Series (Kenya), and the City of Los Angeles. Thompson sits on the Boards of Cave Canem, The Poetry Foundation, The Los Angeles Review of Books, and Scripps College where she recently completed a four-year term as Chair of the Board of Trustees. Thompson lives in Los Angeles, California.
The goal of every writer is to craft original characters that readers will remember. In a book, a movie, or a short story – having interesting characters is the key to keeping readers interested. You know we all love a good writer, but let’s be honest – people have always cared the most about characters. Let’s talk about seven tips for making characters that stand out. From giving them detailed backgrounds to showing their growth and relationships. These ideas will help you make your characters feel real. We’ll also discuss the importance of giving characters both strengths and weaknesses and accepting their imperfections. By using these methods, you can make characters that feel like real people and keep readers hooked!
1. Show, don’t tell
Show, don’t tell is one of the main principles in character writing. Instead of just saying they’re brave or kind, demonstrate it through their actions. Let their courage shine through daring deeds, like running into a burning building. Show their kindness through helping others or comforting friends. This not only makes your characters more relatable but also brings them to life.
Advertisements
2. Develop Deep Backstories
Adding layers of depth and realism to your writing is something you can easily achieve by fixing your character’s backstory! By delving into their past, you reveal the driving forces and life experiences that influence their choices and behaviors. It’s more than just listing significant events; it’s about grasping their hopes, fears, and motivations. Using tools like character profiles or character planners can assist you in this process. They are built to enable you to fully explore your ocs and their backgrounds. Keep in mind that not every aspect of the background will be included in your story. But it will ensure your characters act in a coherent and believable manner.
Example: Severus Snape‘s background in Harry Potter is a great example of how a character can grow. Snape didn’t have a happy childhood, he found comfort in his friendship with Lily Evans. Even though he joined the bad guys as a Dbut eath Eater, Snape cared so much about Lily that he switched sides when Voldemort went after her. Working as a spy for Dumbledore, Snape acted tough but he was actually trying to do the right thing and make sacrifices – character complexity at its best. His journey from a troubled kid to a hero with a sad ending makes for one of the pivotal moments in the overall story.
3. Give Each Character a Unique Voice:
To make each character stand out, focus on how they talk and think differently. Consider their vocabulary and tone to show their personality and experiences. For instance, a character with an academic background may speak formally with complex sentences, whereas a street-smart character may use slang and brief phrases. Don’t forget to explore their inner thoughts and reactions to the world. By keeping these distinct voices consistent, readers can easily recognize each character and see them come alive with unique personalities.
4. Create Flawed Characters
Giving your characters bad habits and flaws might sound tough. Like you would want to add a bad trait to your kid on purpose. But here’s what – they’ll still have flaws. Instead of creating perfect characters, give them flaws, fears, and vulnerabilities to make them more relatable and engaging. These imperfections provide opportunities for growth, conflict, and dynamic storytelling, ultimately leading to their development. And this leads us to the next tip. Creating a character profile can help you. Put your thoughts on paper or phones and see how it gets easier to strike the balance of a relatable character.
5. Ensure Characters Evolve and Grow
Throughout the story, characters should change in meaningful ways that show how their experiences and challenges have affected them. This transformation keeps the story interesting and exciting. For example, a shy character could start by avoiding conflict, but as they face different obstacles, they might become more confident and stand up for themselves for a change. A character who is initially selfish could learn about compassion and sacrifice through their own mistakes. On the other hand, a character who starts off as idealistic might become more cynical after seeing unfairness, which could change their perspective. These changes make the characters more believable and keep readers interested in their journey, wondering how they will grow and develop.
Example: Tony Stark (Iron Man) Initial Character: Arrogant, wealthy industrialist focused on profit. Catalyst: Captured by terrorists, sees the harm caused by his weapons. Becoming Iron Man: Builds the Iron Man suit, and vows to fight for justice. Personal Growth: Faces PTSD, moral dilemmas, and learns Redemption: Sacrifices himself in “Avengers: Endgame” to save the whole universe.
This is a great example of character evolution – from a self-centered billionaire to a selfless hero, which is what makes him an iconic character.
Advertisements
6. Balance Strengths and Weaknesses
Great characters always have a mix of good and bad traits. This mix makes them more interesting and easier to believe in. For instance, a character might be super smart and great at solving tough problems but struggle with talking to people and feel lonely a lot. Another character could be really strong and brave, always ready to take action, but they might also act without thinking and make bad choices. A caring and understanding character might be really good at helping others and understanding their feelings, but they might also take things too personally and get upset easily. Your flaws and mistakes are what make you relatable – why would it be different for your character? Of course, they have room to grow and change as the story goes on. This mix makes sure that no character is perfect, which leads to interesting conflicts and stories that are all about the characters.
Example: Sherlock Holmes (Arthur Conan Doyle) Sherlock Holmes is a super popular character known for his amazing detective skills. However, he also has a big list of flaws to “compensate” for being a genius. Despite having sharp observational skills, he can be socially awkward, dismissive of others, struggles with forming emotional connections, comes off as arrogant, and insensitive, often taking risks, turns to substance abuse, and the list goes on. Holmes is a super smart guy, but he’s not perfect. That’s what makes him so interesting! He’s really good at solving mysteries, but he also has some flaws that make him more human and therefore relatable.
7. Keep Your Characters Consistent
It’s super important to keep your characters’ behavior consistent. Think about how people always act in ways that make sense based on who they are. If a character is all about paying attention to details, it wouldn’t make sense for them to suddenly start being careless without a good reason. You can use tools like character profiles to help you stay on track and make sure your characters stay true to who they are. Popular websites like CharacterHub or Toyhouse are great for storing all of your character information. This helps your readers trust you and keeps your story strong and interesting.
Conclusion
If you follow these seven important tips when you write, your characters will start feeling like real people that your readers will love. Characters are the most important part of a good story – their adventures, challenges, friendships, and changes. Make sure to give them detailed backgrounds, and unique voices, and show their growth and development. Also, when creating and managing your characters, use character storage websites so you can remember all the important details and make your story more consistent.. By doing all this, you’ll create a story that feels real – your readers will really appreciate it!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Nancy Ejike-Offor shares with readers the process of grief and the healthy ways in which to cope with it in the book “Healing Hearts: Overcoming Grief and Loss”.
Advertisements
The Synopsis
Are you struggling with the pain of loss?
“Healing Hearts: Overcoming Grief and Loss” is here to guide you through the tough times and help you find peace.
In this book, you’ll learn about the different stages of grief, how to cope in healthy ways, and how to build a support system. Whether you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one, a job, or a dream, this book offers comfort and hope.
Why You Should Read This Book:
Understand Grief: Learn what grief is and the many forms it can take, helping you to better understand your own feelings.
Healthy Coping Strategies: Discover techniques like journaling, exercise, and creative outlets that can help you manage your grief.
Support and Community: Find out how to build a reliable network of support, including friends, family, and professional help.
Inspiration and Hope: Read real-life stories and Bible verses that provide encouragement and show that healing is possible.
Don’t face grief alone. “Healing Hearts: Overcoming Grief and Loss” is your companion on the healing journey. Buy your copy today and start finding the peace and strength you need. If you find this book helpful, please leave a review to help others on their journey too.
The Review
This was an emotional and engaging read. The author does a masterful job of capturing the impact and heartbreak that comes with loss. The way the author tackled this subject and spoke on it from multiple paths, be that the loss of a loved one, loss of a job, or any other sort of loss, made this book feel more accessible and relatable to a broader audience.
The way the author honed in on the healing path that faith can have will resonate with more religious readers. The voice in which the author wrote allowed the reader to connect with the author more, as the author spoke from a personal experience and not just in a clinical manner. The examination of the different types of grief, the various ways in which coping mechanisms can work, and the importance of a support system or therapy made this an informative and helpful guide.
Advertisements
The Verdict
Helpful, thoughtful, and enlightening, author Nancy Ejike-Offor’s “Healing Hearts: Overcoming Grief and Loss” is a must-read nonfiction and self-help book. The feeling of loss is a universal emotion that so many people can relate to in one way or another, and finding books like this can be a great way to navigate those complex emotions. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A secret military base doing cutting-edge research becomes the center of competition and deception as a new invention could either lead to a brighter future, or be mankind’s downfall in author Dante Terese’s “The Base”.
Advertisements
The Synopsis
The Base: From the most “Top Secret “military base in the country comes this tale of jealousy, deception, intrigue and triumph. The newest most sought-after military innovation “The Project” is about to be released, after many years of research by the military’s elite scientists. Unfortunately, there are many who seek to steal and intercept the invention for their own agenda.
Written from the inside of a place that few have ever seen with the most forbidding climate to keep outsiders away we follow our developers to the completion of their mission. Their success depends on a sacred trust and ethics while they live in conditions that would try even the strongest most resolute soul.
‘The Project” must succeed or we all will fail – and it will fall into the hands of the enemy.
Will they stay true when their spirits are put to the ultimate test?
Or will we all soon be controlled by the invention that was intended to keep us safe?
A very probable story with many valuable lessons about the competitive nature of cutting-edge research, the courage it takes to succeed both as a scientist while staying one step ahead of the spies and thieves that lurk everywhere.
“The Base” is a suspenseful, gripping story with many unforgettable characters. (It is the first book in a series)
The Review
This was such a compelling and engaging short sci-fi read. The author brilliantly takes readers into this narrative with a fresh perspective, giving a first-person account from the eyes of a young girl living with her family on a military base. The early establishment of her family dynamics, from her mother’s mystery at living in such an isolated space to her father’s understanding of nature and secretive work, helps establish a base to which the reader can easily relate to the characters in this novel.
The heart of this narrative is in the world-building, which allows both the imagery and scientific creations discussed in this book to feel vibrant and alive, thanks in part to the masterful use of imagery in the author’s writing. The Vector-1 experiment early on in the story, and the evolution that work takes on, mixed with the mystery and intrigue that comes with any military thriller as other entities try to gain the technology for themselves, make this a thrilling story to get lost in.
The Verdict
Fast-paced, suspenseful, and entertaining, author Dante Terese’s “The Base” is a wonderful sci-fi novel and a grand first entry into a new series. The twists and turns in the narrative and the honesty for which the protagonist speaks gave the mystery and world-building the solid foundation it needed for readers to get invested in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
Advertisements
About the Author
Dante Terese is a dynamic new voice in fiction, blending deep themes with compelling narratives in her work. Her debut novel, Sex, Death, & Diane, celebrates the courage of those who dare to think independently and speak their truths, exploring the quiet power within each of us.
Her recent science fiction release, The Base, takes readers into the high-stakes world of military research, where ethical dilemmas and espionage intertwine in a suspenseful tale of innovation and integrity.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author and entrepreneur Julie Cropp Gareleck shares the story of how she became her own boss in the book “Dare to Become: From the Corner Booth to the Corner Office”.
Advertisements
The Synopsis
For millions, a major component of the American dream is to start one’s own company and, ultimately, to become one’s own boss.
The question is―just how exactly does one do that?
Every successful entrepreneur has their own story to tell. But the story in Dare to Become is especially intriguing and uplifting because Julie Gareleck didn’t have major venture capital dollars to fall back on, nor does she have an MBA from Harvard.
What she did have, however, was a sense of drive―of grit―and of a burning desire to achieve her dream.
Now in her mid-40s, as the founder and CEO of Junction Creative, one of the nation’s leading marketing firms, Julie started in high school working for her mom and dad in their restaurant in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. She did it all there, from waitressing to scrubbing floors. But along the way, she also learned the basics of how to run a company.
As she made her way into the corporate world and was confronted by inscrutable and insensitive bosses, Julie’s dream to start her own company began to form. She finally realized that the time had come to take the leap. Her refreshing, honest, and authentic account details the extraordinary trials and tribulations of Julie’s bold decision to go on her own, starting from the day she quit her job.
Dare to Become provides a unique perspective on how to finance your start-up without going into debt, how much to pay yourself, when to hire an employee, the differences in managing a Gen Z worker as opposed to a baby boomer, and much more. This is the real, everyday gospel of what it’s like to go through the inevitable ups and downs of starting your company. And best of all, Gareleck provides essential advice for the entrepreneur, all learned from her own experiences along the way.
There are many books on entrepreneurs and their start-ups, but this is the rare volume that takes you into the vortex of how to make sure you’re really on the right path to success.
The Review
This was a memorable and thoughtful read. The author’s balance between business-driven engagement and personal memoir-style storytelling made this a well-developed book. The author was able to layer this memoir and business-driven book with emotion and detail, bringing the reader into the author’s life and experiences from a personal perspective.
The honesty and depth that the author poured into this book were refreshing. The humble beginnings of the author and the motivation that began her business highlighted a major turning point in the world of entrepreneurship. Not all successful businesses are begun with major capital and/or business degrees. Instead, it is through experience, hard work, and determination that drives people forward. Finding the balance in work and life, as well as how different generations approach business and work life as a whole, are just a few topics the author masterfully brings to life on the page.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, engaging, and inspiring author Julie Crop Gareleck’s “Dare to Become” is a must-read nonfiction book. The depth and personal investment that the author pours from her own life into the writing and the way readers will be able to relate to the author’s own experiences will help would-be entrepreneurs how to use their own experiences to shape the businesses they want to develop. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
Advertisements
About the Author
Julie is a CEO, Author, and entrepreneur. Julie is a respected and trusted leader in business communities that extend from the Northeast (Philadelphia, New York City, and D.C.) to the Southeast (including the Greater Atlanta region and Charleston, South Carolina.) and that includes CEOs and entrepreneurs of small to midsize businesses as well as the Fortune 1000. In her 25 years career, she has consulted with more than 1000 companies to build sustainable, revenue generating strategies. Her first book Dare to Become, From the Corner Booth to the Corner Office, hit shelves Worldwide on September 1 and details her journey working for her parents’ restaurant to building a successful agency.
Dare to Become stands out among entrepreneurial literature, offering a unique, real-world perspective on navigating the tumultuous path to business success. It speaks to the power of perseverance and offers a guide for those daring to chase their own entrepreneurial dreams. Without question, this new release is this year’s must-read for any aspiring entrepreneur or small business owner looking for a lift of inspiration or those looking to take a leap of faith to invest in themselves.
Excerpt:
Here is a little excerpt from the chapter on managing the Generational Divide:
THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE While COVID-19 usually gets the blame for the office shakeup and the fight against the return to work, the truth is, the issues with the new adaptive workforce were in play long before COVID-19 began, indicative of an environment now accommodating multiple workforce generations.
We now have baby boomers (born 1946–1964), Generation X (born 1965–1980), millennials (born 1981–1996), and Generation Z (born 1997 and after) all fighting for a seat at the table. It’s dynamic, to say the least, with a lot of noise around adapting to meet the rising demands of the latest generation to enter the workforce. Researchers, polls, and surveys lean toward creating the kind of environment that is expected by the workforce yet offer no solution to bridging this generational divide.
More so in the last five years, it’s become more apparent how far apart we are in so many areas. While I hope that I’ve done a good job navigating the changes, I’ve definitely learned more about how to build a multigenerational team. Unfortunately, as business owners, we find ourselves in unchartered territory with no “one size fits all” approach to accommodating four generations in the office. As we look to narrow the generational divide, while I could write an entire book on the subject, I will share the personal experiences that are helping shape my own perspective. Tales for the ages, pun intended!
YOU SAID, WHAT?
“Oh my gosh, Julie,” one of my younger employees in her early 20s said as she walked into my office. “I am so tired this morning. I met this guy at a bar last night. We ended up back at my place and were up until almost 5am. I hope he calls me today. It’s not like me to have a one-night stand…”
The words continued to roll out of her mouth. I looked up from my computer station and nodded as if I were actively listening.
Rarely, if ever, am I speechless. I muttered something to the effect of “Oh, forgive me, but Susan just Skyped me and she needs to talk to me immediately about a client. Okay?”
“Of course, the last thing you need is to hear about my dating life.”
She smiled as she walked out of my office.
So many emotions and thoughts ran through my mind at one time. Should I know this information? How do I respond? Could I be held liable for not engaging with her? Do I look like her bestie? What kind of person or employee shares this kind of private information with the CEO of the company, as freely as though we are discussing our favorite drink from Starbucks? Is this disrespectful? Does this violate any HR policies? Generation Z or not, this is not an appropriate watercooler conversation.
Generation Z are known as the digital natives, the generation who grew up with access to information at their fingertips and with social platforms like Snapchat and Instagram, among others. No personal conversation is seemingly off-limits and not a detail is spared. Where along the way did we lose the common respect for boundaries in communications, not just with management but also employees?
After I was subjected to her dating story, I overheard her sharing it with other employees, which caused a bit of discomfort among the team. It seemed no one in the office was particularly interested in her sex-capades story, for which I was relieved. As the employer though, I needed to address what was considered acceptable in our workplace and what was not acceptable from a policy perspective.
Looking back, in my early 20s, I was in a long-term relationship with someone who was friendly with my boss and his wife. The four of us were all part of a similar social circle surrounding our work endeavors. My boyfriend and I both made the decision to keep our relationship completely private, ensuring that our personal lives didn’t blend with our professional lives. As a young female in business, I was friendly enough with my co-workers to exchange weekend plans or stories, but under no circumstance would I share information about who I was or was not dating.
I vividly remember when my relationship ended, my boss told me about my former boyfriend’s dating life and travel plans for the following weekend. To avoid blowing my cover, which I had kept intact for nearly two years, I walked to the ladies’ restroom, hid in a stall, and cried. I pulled myself together and walked back to my office, no one the wiser. Outside of a few photos from work events, there wasn’t a digital trace that our relationship even existed. To this day, I wonder if either my boss or his wife ever knew.
We spend more time at work with our co-workers than with our friends and family. Getting to know each other is part of that social experience. While I hope to foster an environment where we can share personal celebrations like the birth of a child or sympathize in the event of a death, I have learned that setting boundaries between our personal and professional lives is just good business.
It’s also important to note that if an employee is willing to not just cross the boundary but to jump clearly over the line, it says a lot about what impact this individual could have on your team, your clients, and the overall perception of your business. When you do find yourself speechless, find your way out of the conversation. No response is often the best response.
