Tag: author anthony avina

Interview with Author S.A. Schneider

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1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

When my daughter was younger, I was her girl scout leader. I noticed most of the girls read, but they were reading books with male protagonists and I wanted to create a book with a female hero. Now there are quite a few books with girl hero’s.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

What inspired me to write Transgression of Magic, book 2 in the Town Magician series? Book 1. Seriously, this book couldn’t have been written without book 1 being before it.

I originally wanted to write a short story about wizards and magic for a local Wizarding World fest at Kent State. That grew into the Town Magician series. the first story started about 7,500 words and now I  have 4 books planned and several short stories.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

For book 2, Transgression of Magic, its about kids dealing with their parents mistakes. Even parents mess up and don’t make the right choice at times, and Samual has had to deal with that. It was something I thought about after book 1, Embracing the Magic, and needed to figure out what happened between Samual and his father after he became Town Magician.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I’ve always loved fantasy and read fantasy. It was a natural fit for me and I can picture wizards fighting goblins and dire wolves better than I can picture a murder mystery or action thriller.

5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

Maybe Toby, the Grand Wizard. It’s a bit bumbling, like a cross between Fizban from Dragonlance and Merlin from Disney’s Sword in the Stone. If not Toby, Cat. There is a lot more to Cat than we know, but its been hinted at. What is really going on with this animal? Hard to say.

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6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

I’m on Facebook mostly and reach out to parents and teachers. I also have an Instagram and YouTube and am working on more videos for parents and teachers. While I write middle grade, I try to offer information and educational aids to the teachers and home school parents.

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Write. Tomorrow, write. Then write some more. Make up stories and get them on paper or some online document or even dictated in audio. Just tell stories. Forget about spelling and grammar. That stuff will come and you can work on it once you’ve written. But we don’t have our kids really write stories much. We teach them spelling and grammar and sentence diagrams and what a verb and noun are, and then we move on. we never have them write much and it’s backwards. They would get so much more out of the lessons if they already had experienced some writing. Forget that stuff until 4th or 5th grade. Just get the younger ones telling stories.

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

Well, book 3 is planned out and being worked on. More exciting is my Oddish Questor series about a group of sibling investigators that explore Bigfoot and other cryptids. Think Scooby-Doo meets the X-files.

I’m finishing up my video game series also that focuses on video game storytelling.

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About the Author

S.A. Schneider has a wolf, so of course he writes middle grade fantasy, wouldn’t you? Since his Lego and action figure days, he’s crafted worlds and stories within those worlds. This pursuit continues into his middle grade fantasies.

He doesn’t stop with inspiring kids to write linear stories. Oh no, no. S.A. shows kids how storytelling in video games work and how they can learn to write those . He wants others to join him and delve into creating fantastical worlds.

Enjoy the Adventure!

https://www.sa-schneider.com/

Interview with Author Randi-Lee Bowslaugh

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1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I am a mom to 2 grown children and a grandma to 1 and have been married for 13 years! I have multiple fur babies who make life quite interesting at times. When I was younger I didn’t feel like I fit in much and suffered from depression. In my 30’s I was diagnosed with autism, which made my life make sense. 

During my teenage years when I was first dealing with depression is when I truly started writing. I had written skits and short stories when I was younger but as a teenager, I really delved into writing. It was how I coped with what I was feeling at the time. Those first poems were what turned into my first book about 20 years later. 

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

My most recent book “Thoughts of a Warrior” came from a very strange moment. My mom mentioned something about me dieting (I was trying to lose weight at the time) and unintentionally made me feel horrible. To deal with that I wrote a poem. 

After writing that poem I decided it was time to release a follow-up to ‘Thoughts of a Warrior’, my first book about being depressed. It needed a follow-up showing that we can make it through the bad times – doesn’t mean there aren’t still some bad times but they are much fewer and farther between.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Mental illness knows no boundaries but that doesn’t make you broken. 

No one is alone. We all struggle, we all have ups and downs.

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4) What drew you into this particular genre?

There was a particular night that pushed me to publish. My youngest, who was struggling with depression, was crying about why no one liked her. It completely broke my heart and I realized that I wasn’t doing a good enough job talking about mental illness. That was the moment that I realized I needed to be loud.

5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

Youtube has been the best. I host a weekly show, Write or Die Show, interviewing others and talking about mental illness. My guests and I share, connect and bring attention to mental illness. 

6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Write for yourself, don’t try to be something you aren’t. And remember that the first draft is not the final draft.

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About the Author

Randi-Lee was born and raised in Ontario, Canada and from a young age she had a passion for helping others. She attended Niagara College and graduated at the top of her class from Community and Justice Services, after completing her placement at a recovery house for alcohol and drug addictions. Post-graduation she worked at a Native Friendship Centre for two and a half years while pursuing a university education in psychology. Randi-Lee continued working in social services for another four years as an employment counselor until she left to pursue her other passions.

Randi-Lee is an author and outspoken advocate for mental health sharing her true story with honesty. From the age of 14 she struggled with depressive thoughts. There were times in her life that she wasn’t sure how she would continue. Depression continues to be a battle in her life but she is glad that she continues to live. She has spoken at events that promote wellness and compassionately shares her experiences with her own mental health. In 2021 she started a YouTube channel, Write or Die Show, to spread awareness about various mental health issues and to end the stigma associated with mental health.

Growing up she never felt that she fit in, being the last to understand jokes and confused about many emotions that she saw on others. In 2021 she finally had answers to the questions about herself that had been nagging at her. She was diagnosed with moderate Autism.

Another of Randi-Lee’s passions is kickboxing, which she has been doing for about 10 years. She was a Canadian National Champion in kickboxing in 2015, competed at the World’s kickboxing tournament later that year and in 2016 competed at the Pan-Am games where she received silver in her division. In 2020 she was chosen as one of the coaches for the Ontario Winter Games where she inspired and coached young athletes. 

Randi is a mom to two, her youngest child has autism and grandma to one. Randi encourages and supports her youngest child’s entrepreneurial spirit as he follows his dream of being an artist. When she can she incorporates his art into her stories. 

Published Works:

Non-Fiction:

Thoughts of a Wanderer

A Mother’s Truth

Embracing Me

Fiction

A Little Scare

Children’s Books:

Operation Deck the Halls

Diamond the Cat

Contact Information:

https://linktr.ee/randib

Amanita Virosa: The Destroying Angel by Barry Harden Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

In author Barry Harden’s novel Amanita Virosa: The Destroying Angel, a band of citizens rises up to fight against the corruption of 1980s London.

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The Synopsis

It’s the 1980s, and London is crumbling under the weight of political corruption while the have-nots are further victimized by unfettered rogue gangs. Children are lured into the dark, lurid chambers of Whitehall, some never to be seen again. Citizens are coerced through intimidation and threats of harm against their families. Utter chaos reigns. Amanita Virosa, a courageous Roma fighter who fled the horrors of war-torn Bosnia, sought refuge in the heart of North London, only to discover that the specter of corruption and injustice haunts her adopted home. Forming an alliance with Everard, a young, homeless firebrand, and Doris, a feisty pensioner, the group embarks on a daring mission to sever the insidious grip of Whitehall’s corruption and the extortion and violence perpetrated on the innocent. Sedition, conspiracy, murder and betrayal all have a voice; some are quickly silenced, while others persistently challenge the very existence of those bold enough to defy the status quo. Loosely based on actual sociopolitical events in eighties London, Amanita Virosa is a riveting warning about the perils of government overreach and the indomitable power of the individual to resist oppression. Will their collective courage be enough to shatter the chains of oppression, or will they become casualties in a war that demands the ultimate sacrifice?

The Review

This was a compelling and intriguing read. The author established a visceral, gritty atmosphere and tone that set the stage for a unique setting that has not been widely discussed in modern history. The action and graphic violence the book depicts highlight the narrative naturally, allowing these relatable and impactful characters to grow and evolve at an even pace as the story and the stakes escalate. 

This fast-paced read prominently displayed the themes of greed, power, control, and fighting against corruption. The way the author stepped into this grim reality immediately allowed the reader to feel the desperation and how these characters became fed up and disillusioned with how those living on society’s fringes were treated. The personal connections these characters form with one another and the emotional bond they form with one another, especially Amanita and Richie later on in the book, keep the reader engaged and invested in this growing and dangerous world the author has brought to life on the page.

The Verdict

Author Barry Harden’s “Amanita Virosa: The Destroying Angel” is a must-read thriller that is memorable, engaging, and chilling. The real-life connection to historical events in London during the 80s and 90s and the adrenaline-fueled action gave readers a unique perspective and thrilling narrative that is nearly impossible to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Barry Harden is the author of a memoir, five novels, two books of poetry and a collection of short stories in the genres of political thriller, satire, Gothic fantasy poetry, and allegorical short stories. An animal rights, environmental protection, and civil rights proponent, he often injects his affinity for such in his writings.

“Words can be like gems or sticks. A coalition of words can become a diamond necklace or a broken picket fence, whichever way one wishes to use them, and as such, I use them for my works of fiction and poetry. Dark fantasy can be alluring but dark reality is sometimes unavoidable and can cascade one’s imagination deep into the hollowed skulls that litter the subsoil beneath our feet, to be returned once again to the world in the voice of a poet.” ~Barry Harden

Some of Mr. Harden’s poetry can be viewed in video format on YouTube: Dark Gothic Poetry and Stories.

www.barryhardenauthor.com

The Hungry Bear: A Story of Courage and Compassion by Ronnie J.C. Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A bear learns the power of self-love and acceptance in author Ronnie J.C.’s children’s book, “The Hungry Bear.”

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The Synopsis

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A very hungry bear searched the forest for something to eat when he bumped into a few mean critters along the way. Bear’s spirit was broken after he was called a few mean things. He tried to hide in his cave until his friends came to cheer him up and gave him some advice. Bear learns a valuable lesson in courage and self love thanks to the power of friendship.

The Review

What a moving and heartfelt read. The author perfectly captures the trials and hardships that so many children face in their formative years, allowing younger readers to easily see themselves in the main character’s life. The powerful imagery (both the warmth of the illustrations and the symbolic nature of the book’s themes) allowed the reader to engage with the story while allowing parents to have honest conversations with these young readers simultaneously.

The theme of self-love and acceptance is widely felt throughout this book. The author showcases how cruelty and meanness can seep into everyone and anyone’s life at any turn, but having the courage and strength to rise above their words and embrace what makes a person special and unique will ultimately pay off and make life much more enjoyable. 

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The Verdict

Author Ronnie J.C.’s “The Hungry Bear” is a must-read children’s book. Its heartfelt, thoughtful, engaging themes, strong imagery, and fun and relatable nature will speak to modern audiences and keep parents and children alike engaged. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

BEELITZ-HEILSTÄTTEN: Where Ghosts Never Die by Marina Osipova Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A Russian-American writer on a journey of discovery unearths dark secrets tied to WWI and WWII in author Marina Osipova’s “BEELITZ-HEILSTÄTTEN: Where Ghosts Never Die.”

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The Synopsis

What if rediscovering your birthplace unearthed a secret so powerful it could rewrite history—and your own identity?

A Russian-American writer obsessed with her birthplace – a ghostly derelict German military hospital near Berlin

Her Austrian husband, who pines for the father he never met

A passionate young doctor destined for darkness

A demonic figure who changed the course of history

Interrogation reports stolen from the Soviet secret police

What mysterious force connects them all?

This genre-bending time-slip narrative bridges 2018 to the haunting eras of WWI and WWII, interweaving together the ghosts of history and a shocking secret that threatens the present.

The story will appeal to fans of Kate Morton’s The Forgotten Garden and Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale.

The Review

What a profound and moving read! The author did a remarkable job of finding a unique balance between the rich history set during both world wars and the thriller and romance settings with a paranormal time-bending twist. The characters feel dynamic and vivid, harkening back to eras long gone yet familiar in their motivations and emotional depth, drawing readers further into the narrative. 

The almost rhythmic nature of the author’s writing style was a significant draw into the story more and more. The imagery brought these settings to life so eloquently, highlighting the stark contrast between the desire of the protagonist to understand her birthright and the horrors of war and the growing hostility that grew for certain marginalized groups amongst the people of Germany at the time. The honesty and depth for which the author explores both teh highs and lows of humanity as a whole, from the emotional connection the protagonist and narrator forms with the figures of the past she comes into contact with, to the haunting realities of Nazi experimentation and heinous acts they committed during WWII, allowed the reader to connect with the protagonist on a more personal level.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Marina Osipova’s BEELITZ-HEILSTÄTTEN: Where Ghosts Never Die is a must-read historical fiction meets thriller and paranormal mystery novel. The narrative’s twists and turns and the complex emotional journey the narrator finds themselves on speak to the questions of identity, being honest with oneself, and learning from the past that this book’s themes explore easily. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Marina Osipova was born in East Germany into a military family and grew up in Russia, where she graduated from the Moscow State Institute of History and Archives. When she was five, she decided she wanted to speak German and, years later, she earned a diploma as a German language translator from the Moscow State Institute of Foreign Languages. In Russia, she worked first in a scientific-technical institute as a translator, then in a Government Ministry in the office of international relations, later for some Austrian firms. For many years, she lived in New York, working in a law firm, and then in Austria for several years. In the spring of 2022, after spending ten months in Russia, some unfortunate world events brought her back to the United States.

A long-standing member of the Historical Novel Society, she is dedicated to writing historical fiction, especially related to WWII. Her books garnered numerous literary awards, including a 1st Place WINNER of the 2021 Hemingway Book Awards novel competition for 20th Century Wartime Fiction (a division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards). At some point or another, all her books hit the Amazon Top 100 lists in Historical Russian Fiction and Historical German Fiction and How Dare the Birds Sing even #1 or #2 in War Fiction in Canada, the UK, and Australia.

Her readers praise her books for “emotional realism,” for “taking on a subject that few authors have touched,” for “writing with heart and compassion while not holding back from hard cold realities of war,” for “giving an authentic and in-depth look at a culture that tends to baffle westerners.”

To learn more about Marina Osipova and her captivating books, visit her website at marina-osipova.com.

You can find her also on

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marina.osipova.14/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4701687.Marina_Osipova

Twitter: https://twitter.com/marosikok

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-osipova-65b81418/

Skibidi Ohio Rizz: The Gen Alpha + Gen Z Dictionary by TM Daliggr Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Author TM Daliggr shares the definitive guide to generation alpha and z slang and terminology in the book “Skibidi Ohio Rizz: The Gen Alpha + Gen Z Dictionary.”

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The Synopsis

Lost in the Lingo? Fear not! Skibidi Ohio Rizz is here to save the day! This ultimate guide is your ticket to navigating the wild, wacky world of Millennial, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha slang. Packed with playful and hilarious terms like “clapback,” “menty b,” “delulu,” “salty,” and “swag,” this book will turn you into a slang-savvy superstar faster than you can say “bet!” Whether you’re a curious boomer, a baffled parent, or just trying to vibe with the younger crowd, this dictionary and guide will have you chatting like today’s youth in no time!

Perfect for parents, educators, grandparents, or anyone looking to connect with Gen Z and Alpha. This book makes a fantastic gift for birthdays, Christmas, and holidays. It’s also an epic stocking stuffer or a fun way to close the generational gap—no cap!

Key Features:

  • Fun and Informative: Dive into a full-blown dictionary that decodes terms like “Rizz,” “Thirst Trap,” and “Glow Up”—say goodbye to sounding like a total boomer!
  • Interactive Shenanigans: Test your newfound slang skills with quizzes and activities that will have you flexing your knowledge like a TikTok star—let’s get lit!
  • LOL Commentary: Enjoy witty explanations and examples that will keep you rolling with laughter while you level up your vocab game!
  • Epic Glossary and Acronyms: Your complete cheat sheet for mastering words, phrases, and acronyms, so you can chat like a total pro in no time!
  • Bingo Game Extravaganza: Join in on a Gen X-style bingo game that’s sure to keep the vibes high and the laughs flowing!
  • Certificate of Completion: That’s right! Your kids will award you a certificate once you crush all the tests in this book. Get ready to flex those new skills!
  • Premium Quality: Crafted with a durable matte cover and vibrant full-color interior, because your slang game deserves the best!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your copy of Skibidi Ohio Rizz and become the ultimate slang master of your crew!

The Review

What a fun and entertaining read! The book reads like a dictionary, yet is presented in a funny and relatable way for younger generations. It also provides the information older generations need to connect with these younger generations. The book is a perfect companion to the growing drive towards phone apps like TikTok, and in much the same way as the phone app, the book serves as a unique way of forming connections and bonds that help traverse the divide often found amongst generations.

Language is a unique and authentic means of communication, highlighting the beauty and wonder that comes from sharing information and culture and serving as a living history of the people who have come before us and how they spoke with one another. While hilarious and entertaining, this book is a fantastic reminder of this fact and will easily draw readers of all generations in. 

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, engaging, and fun, author T.M. Daliggr’s “Skibidi Ohio Rizz” is a must-read book. From terms like glow up and no cap to delulu, this book is the perfect guide and hilarious stocking stuffer or small gift, young people and older generations alike will laugh out loud at and bond over simultaneously. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

T.M. Daliggr: Writer – Author – Kid at Heart

Life is full of stories—some we live, some we create, and some we just laugh about. T.M. Daliggr’s diverse collection of softback books, journals, and notebooks blends humor, creativity, and adventure, making it easy to capture thoughts, track passions, and embrace everyday moments with joy.

📚 Explore the Full Collection!

Skibidi Ohio Rizz

The Gen Alpha and Gen Z Dictionary captures the ever-evolving world of internet culture. With humor and insight, it dives into the language, memes, and trends that define these tech-savvy generations. This book isn’t just a dictionary—it’s a cultural guide that bridges the generational gap with a wink and a nod.

☕ Beverages: Coffee, Tea, and Wine

Coffee Chronicles: Roast and Record – A journal for coffee lovers to document their brewing experiences and favorite flavors.

All You Need is Coffee: A Coffee Lover’s Logbook – Track your favorite roasts, record flavor notes, and discover new blends.

The Official Tea Diary – The perfect companion for tea enthusiasts to document their tea adventures.

Wine Diaries: Sip and Savor – Capture your wine experiences, from subtle flavors to memorable pairings.

The Boozy Book of Beer – Log brewery visits, seasonal releases, and tasting adventures.

🐾 Animals: All About Pets

All About My Pet – A must-have for pet parents to track health, habits, and favorite moments.

Animal Tales: Daily Animal Antics – Preserve your pet’s cutest and quirkiest moments with this fun journal.

Kitty Diary and Dog Tales – Tailored for cat and dog lovers to document habits and funny quirks.

Fantasy Animals: Unicorns and Mermaids – Whimsical journals inspiring creativity with magical themes.

🤣 Humorous Journals

Fart Diary – Keep a lighthearted log of life’s funniest moments.

The Hate Journal – A safe space to vent frustrations with humor.

Dad Jokes: A Journal for Recording Cringeworthy Jokes – The perfect place to store and share groan-worthy dad jokes.

My Uglies – Encourages embracing imperfections with quirky humor.

📖 Book Lovers

The Grim Reader – Log, rate, and reflect on your latest reads.

Kiss, Marry, Kill – A playful notebook inspired by the classic game, sparking fun and laughter.

🏕️ Outdoor and Adventure Journals

Climbing Journals – Designed for adventurers to track routes, progress, and victories.

Skiing and Snowboarding Journals – Capture powder-filled days and epic slopes.

Hiking Journals – Document trails and summit achievements.

🎨 Creative Journals for Kids

Superhero Journals – Perfect for kids to design their superhero personas and track their adventures.

Make a Comic Book – A creative outlet for budding artists and storytellers.

🍣 Specialty Journals: Food, Travel, and More

Sushi Diaries: Just Roll With It – Sketch and rate your sushi rolls while capturing every delicious moment.

Flower Pressing Journals – Preserve

No matter what you’re passionate about—books, pets, adventure, sushi, a great cup of coffee or a good dad joke—there’s a journal here for you. So grab a pen, jot down your thoughts, and make every page your own.

Cheers!~

TM Daliggr

Interview with Author K.T. ANGLEHART

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?


I’ve been writing since grade school! At first, I was inspired by television—I thought, I can be funny too. One year, I won a storytelling contest, and that’s when I realized I loved writing stories, but not presenting them. I’ve been writing ever since, always choosing college and university programs that helped me hone my craft and taught me how to take a punch (figuratively speaking). I declared The Wise One my MFA thesis, and that became the first official book I published.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?


This is a hard one to answer. I’ve always loved all things witchy and magical. I grew up a huge Harry Potter and Charmed fan! One day, I imagined a witch who didn’t understand who she was and felt disconnected from everyone around her. Then I saw her journeying through the British Isles to find her birth mother—and herself—while learning she’s the key to both saving the natural world, at the cost of billions of souls, and destroying it (I love a good moral dilemma). That gave me the perfect excuse to visit Ireland and Scotland and breathe as much life into the pages as possible, tying in its folklore and natural beauty. So, I guess it was really a culmination of many things…

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

My first ever reviewer put it so perfectly that at the time, it brought me to tears: “Don’t be a bully, love is love, protect our beautiful planet, accept your faults, family comes first and love your friends unconditionally.” –Sarah Bell, ARC reviewer.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?


I’ve always loved the idea that magic can be found in the real world. There’s something timeless about the young adult journey—finding yourself, pushing past what you thought were your limits, and surprising yourself along the way. And honestly…who doesn’t love a good prophecy?

5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?


Even though I feel like I’ve already asked my protagonist, Mckenna, everything I need to, I’d still want to say: What on earth were you thinking, taking off with a stranger to Ireland? Sometimes even the author can’t fully explain her character’s wild choices!

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6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?


I’m not much of a social media person, but Instagram has connected me with some truly wonderful readers and fellow authors. It’s become a place where I can share my world and meet others who love it too.

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just-starting authors out there?


Savour the romantic phase of writing, when you’re falling in love with your story and everything feels possible. And when that honeymoon phase ends (because it always does), remember: it’s all about process over perfectionism. Keep going.

8) What does the future hold for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?


The final instalment of The Scottish Scrolls trilogy is heading to my editor at the end of this month, with a release planned for 2025! After that…of course, there are more stories waiting. Writers never really stop imagining what comes next.

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About the Author

Katrina Tortorici Anglehart is an award-winning author from Montreal, with a multilingual prowess in English, French, Italian, and “Spanglish”. A dedicated academic, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, a graduate certificate in Scriptwriting, and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing.

Inspired by the wizarding world, the land of Narnia, and parallel planes, she penned The Wise One, inviting readers to connect with nature and its ever present magic. Her exploration of the landscapes and folklore of Ireland and Scotland greatly influenced her debut YA urban fantasy, marking the inception of The Scottish Scrolls series.  

K.T. Anglehart is a passionate advocate for bunnies, thanks to her late Netherland Dwarf, Magic—the inspiration behind her imprint, The Magic Dwarf Press. When she’s not writing or diving into magical reads, she revels in hiking, antiquing, and Netflix binges alongside her high school sweetheart-turned-husband, Andy. They currently live in Toronto with their three pets:  Nessie, a mysterious rescue dog from Puerto Rico, and their whimsical bunnies, Onyx and  Stirling. 

https://www.ktanglehart.com/

Every Day Magic by Melanie Lane Durham Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

In Melanie Lane Durham’s children’s book Every Day Magic, a young girl learns the power of ritual in everyday life.

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The Synopsis

Edie is tired of her days all feeling the same.

Luckily, with the help of her Mother,

she soon realizes that she had the power

to make every day feel magical all along!

The Review

This was such a fun and powerful children’s story. The author did a remarkable job of captivating readers with thoughtful and relatable characters that children and parents could connect with. The story also helped illustrate the importance of teaching children to appreciate the small moments of everyday life that people often take for granted.

As someone who regularly investigates and talks about the paranormal community, I found it refreshing to see a children’s book that delved into holistic and magical elements of the story. The word ritual became a powerful theme in the book, often misconstrued as something “evil” by certain groups. Still, in reality, it speaks to the everyday moments that become part of everyone’s routines. I appreciated this approach to the idea and concept of both ritual and magic as a whole and its connection to the natural world. 

The Verdict

Fun, engaging, and thoughtful in its approach, author Melanie Lane Durham’s “Every Day Magic” is a must-read children’s book. The heart and passion the author poured into the story and the rich themes that readers will instantly connect with made this such a compelling children’s story to get lost in. If I am ever lucky enough to have children someday, I would want this to be a book I read to them nightly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Melanie, and I’m so grateful you’re here! As a small business owner, mom of two small children, and lover of magic and mindfulness — the opportunity to share my book with the world is a dream come true. I have loved to write since I was a young girl and I hope getting my words out there shows readers, young and old, that it’s never too late to follow your dreams! When I am not writing or working in my business, you can find me chasing my two littles (and the dog!) around my Northern California backyard or spending time with family friends.

My Story: I believe in the power of life’s little wonders. Born out of a personal journey, Everyday Magic is one of those wonders! In 2023 I was met with the sudden onset of a chronic illness caused by unforeseen circumstances with roots going back to my early childhood. What felt like overnight, I found myself going from an active entrepreneur to a woman often stuck in bed.

I began dreaming up ways to engage with my kids and make meaningful memories, even when my energy was low. These ideas became the heart of this book, a story crafted with love, imagination, and the belief that magic isn’t something we find; it’s something we create! I believe every single one of us has the power within to bring that magic to life.

I hope this story sparks wonder, connection, and a little bit of magic for you and your family- just as it has for mine!

Interview with Author Andrew Tweeddale

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I started my working life as a chef, and after 6 years, went to university as a mature student to read law. I worked as a criminal barrister between 1992 and 1994 and then worked as an international construction lawyer until April 2022. I got into writing in 1995, when my wife came home one day and told me she had signed us up to write a book on arbitration law. I wrote two arbitration textbooks with her, and in 2004, I decided to write something more interesting and started on my first novel, Of All Faiths & None. When I gave up the law in 2022, I published that book and started on my second novel, A Remembrance of Death. 

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

I visited Castle Drogo about twenty years ago. Work started on the castle in 1911 but was delayed by World War 1. The owner, Sir Julius Drewe, lost one of his sons in the war, and I thought it would be the perfect location to set an anti-war novel.

I wondered why Sir Julius wanted to build a castle in the first place, what it symbolised to him and how it must have felt to have your child die in the war. I also wondered what drove the architect Edwin Lutyens to design a Norman-style castle with all mod-cons, and how society viewed this folly. In my latest book, A Remembrance of Death, the Drewe family has to live with the loss suffered in World War 1, and the book is about living with grief and the loss of love.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

The main themes of A Remembrance of Death are love, loss, and the constraints of society. These themes are all part of the human condition and relationships. These are the books that stand the test of time because the subjects of love, loss and social constraint are as relevant now as they were a hundred or two hundred years ago.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

Having decided to write an anti-war novel based at Castle Drogo, the genre chose itself.

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5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

One of the characters that appears in Of All Faiths & None and A Remembrance of Death is called Jiddu Krishnamurti. Krishnamurti was a real person who Time magazine described as one of the five saints of the 20th century. In 1910, the Theosophy Society thought he would be the vehicle to carry the spirit of the World Teacher (i.e., the Messiah). In 1922, he rejected this idea and returned the wealth donated to him with the words, “Truth is a pathless land.” I would ask him whether he thought all religion was wrong, as it seems to me that to understand ‘life’, you cannot limit yourself to following an individual religion or path.

6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

Facebook is probably the most helpful because of the Facebook ads facility that allows a writer to market to readers with interests in similar books. 

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

There is an old saying that if you want to be a writer, write. It’s true. Sit down five days a week and write.

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

The third book in the Castle Drogo series will be out at the end of the year or early next year. The first draft of my new novel, Only Breath & Shadow has been completed, and I am at the stage where I am editing it. After that, I intend to take a break from the Castle Drogo series and start on a project about the Battle of Imjin River and the stand of the Glorious Glosters. I am not sure about what comes next, although I have two more ideas for novels in the Castle Drogo series and perhaps a play.

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About the Author

Andrew has worked as a chef, a lawyer and is now an author. 

‘Of All Faiths & None’ was Andrew’s first novel, published in 2022, and tells the story of the Drewe and Lutyens families in the final years before World War 1. The novel is centred around Castle Drogo, the last great castle to be built in England. The castle is out-of-place in a modern world and its construction reflects the turmoil of the times. However, foremost the novel is a romance where relationships are shattered by an unrelenting war. Andrew’s second novel ‘A Remembrance of Death’ takes the story from 1917 to 1955 and deals with Basil Drewe and Celia Lutyens and their relationship during the darkest moments of modern history. Andrew is currently writing a third novel in the Castle Drogo series which he hopes will be publish in 2026.

https://www.ofallfaiths.com/

Links to purchase the books:

 Amazon link (UK) – https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B0BDX43P8J             

Barnes & Noble – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/andrew%20tweeddale    

Apple Books – https://books.apple.com/us/book/a-remembrance-of-death/id6738423011     

Social Media Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550014597188

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ofallfaiths/

X: (17) Andrew Tweeddale (@AndrewTweeddal1) / X