I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
TRIGGER WARNING: This book features storylines involving SA. Anyone who could be triggered by this storyline should avoid this chapter, which the author outlines at the beginning of the book for readers’ knowledge. Reader discretion is advised.
Joseph Banbury must confront his own inner demons while facing a dark destiny, newfound powers and the Devil himself in author Michael Harbron’s “Interview with the Devil: Resurrection”, the next book in the Interview with the Devil series.
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The Synopsis
In the gripping second installment of the series, Joseph Banbury ventures further into the realms of the supernatural, wielding newfound powers that challenge his understanding of good and evil. As he navigates a treacherous path fraught with peril and deception, Joseph confronts his inner demons while forging an unlikely alliance with the Devil himself. With each step closer to the truth, Joseph unravels dark secrets that bind him to his fate, culminating in a chilling revelation that shakes the foundations of his existence. Will Joseph succumb to his destiny, or will he defy the forces of darkness and forge his own path to redemption?
The Review
What an incredible sequel to the first book in this series! The author did an incredible job of crafting a story that really built upon the mythos and narrative laid down in the first book. One of the first things that stood out to me was how the author explored a writer’s relationship to the craft of writing, from writing for themselves versus writing for others to the responsibility of telling the right story.
Joseph’s evolution and the volatile and charged sessions interviewing the Devil really kicked this story up a notch. The imagery and powerful world-building that the author poured into this sequel only served to elevate Joseph’s journey, toeing the line between sci-fi and fantasy storytelling and exploring the power and influence of the human psyche as well. The themes of order versus chaos, control versus freedom, and the true nature of “good and evil” made for compelling narratives, and the author really embraced the horror nature of this novel, crafting some chilling scenes that will stay with readers long after the book ends.
The Verdict
Shocking, entertaining, and harrowing, author Michael Harbron’s “Interview with the Devil: Resurrection” is a must-read supernatural horror fantasy thriller. The twists in the narrative as the author explores both the Devil and Joseph much more closely in this sequel and the cliffhanger ending will stay with readers, who will be eager for the third book in this trilogy. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Michael Harbron is an American fiction writer who brings a unique, yet traditional approach to the horror and supernatural genres. From a young age, Harbron was captivated by the eerie and unexplained, a fascination that has deeply influenced his writing. His works aim to unsettle readers through suspense and psychological depth, revisiting the shadowy corners of childhood fears. His debut novel, “Interview with the Devil,” exemplifies the blurred lines between reality and the unimaginable. Harbron’s storytelling resurrects dormant fears, proving that true horror lies not in what is seen, but in what is felt.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Tanya Taylor shows readers the path to total financial freedom in the book “Broke to Wealth”.
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The Synopsis
Start Your Path to Financial Freedom with “Broke to Wealth” by Tanya Taylor
Dive into the world of smart financial management with “Broke to Wealth” Authored by finance expert Tanya Taylor, this book delivers over two decades of personal finance wisdom directly to you. Inside, you’ll uncover practical tips and real-world strategies to secure and enhance your financial well-being.
Why You’ll Love “Broke to Wealth”:
Strong Financial Foundations: Discover how to establish the strong financial footing necessary to support your future dreams.
Smart Money Management: Learn strategies for overcoming debt, making wise investments, and safeguarding your financial future.
Sustained Growth: Tanya shares her insights on not just achieving but maintaining wealth through life’s ups and downs.
Inspiring Success Stories: Be motivated by the stories of real people who’ve turned their financial lives around using these methods.
What’s Inside:
Straightforward steps to define and achieve your financial goals.
Advice on managing debts and smart investing.
Insights into how your mindset can impact your finances.
Tips for effective budgeting, saving, and increasing your income.
Ready to Transform Your Financial Life?
If you’re tired of financial stress and ready for financial stability and wealth, “Broke to Wealth” is the guide you need. Tanya Taylor breaks down complex financial concepts into enjoyable and actionable lessons. Whether you’re planning for retirement or saving for your next vacation, this book provides the tools you need for financial success.
Take action today for a better tomorrow—add “Broke to Wealth” to your cart and start building a more prosperous future now!
The Review
This was a truly insightful read. The author did a wonderful job of writing in a way that both experts in finance and everyday readers would be able to understand and relate to. The author’s personal background at the start of the book not only inspires the reader but showcases the extensive training and experience that brought these strategies to life and led to a well-researched book.
The balance the author struck between financial stability and wealth development was great to see, as was the way in which the author defined wealth. Rather than focus solely on numbers and figures, the author showed strategies like making a spending plan or how to create an emergency fund and also showed the biggest differences and connections between income and financial stability. The way the author honed in on side hustles and passive income really spoke to me and will speak to so many who are seeking ways of improving their family’s financial situations altogether.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, memorable, and engaging, Tanya Taylor’s “Broke to Wealth” is a must-read financial nonfiction book. The knowledge and experience the author brings to this book and the strategies developed will make it a great reference guide for anyone looking to assist in their financial development. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Tanya Taylor, Founder & CEO of Grow Your Wealth, is a seasoned financial coach, CPA, and an award winning author. With over two decades of expertise in personal finance, Taylor’s journey from undocumented immigrant as an impoverished Jamaican, traversing to the US alone at 16, to financial guru has inspired thousands worldwide. Tanya’s core belief relies on a balance of wealth building and personal goals, in which she continues to jet-set the world with more than 60 countries visited.
Featured in prestigious publications like Black Enterprise and Business Insider, she is renowned for her transformative insights on wealth-building and financial literacy. Taylor’s dedication to empowering individuals to overcome financial barriers resonates deeply with audiences as she shares her compelling story of resilience and success. Through her impactful speeches, coaching programs, and media appearances, Taylor continues to lead a movement toward financial empowerment, guiding individuals to achieve financial freedom and security, regardless of their starting point.
Prior to founding Grow Your Wealth, Tanya spent 24 years in the financial services industry in accounting and risk bringing together perspectives and insights from a variety of roles including as an auditor (Deloitte), accounting policy (Moody’s Investor Service & New York Life), and banking regulator (Federal Reserve Bank of New York).
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Teen orphans hoping to escape a dictatorship in a platform city in the sky discover the haven they believed existed on the Earth is a land of monsters and brutes instead in author Christy J. Breedlove’s “Sky High”.
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The Synopsis
In a post apocalypse world, a group of teenage orphans are determined to escape the tortures of a mile-high city government—a literal platform-city in the sky. They seek the refuge of a utopian society they believe is rumored to exist.
However, all is not well when they reach terra firma. They escape a communist dictatorship only to land in a world of rogue tribes and hybrid monsters.
The Review
A truly wonderful and exhilarating read, author Christy J. Breedlove has done an incredible job of creating a wholly original and unique dystopian world. The action and adventure start out from the first page, staging a daring escape for these teens as they seek the freedom they’ve been denied for too long. The tension the author builds allows the reader to feel the setting and genre in a heartfelt way.
The character dynamics and the world-building were phenomenal in this novel. The connection these teens share and the wonder at the world below them as they arrive on Earth brings a level of authenticity to the characters, and the history behind the Cataclysmic event that tore the world apart felt relatable and touched on real-world problems facing us all.
The Verdict
Adrenaline-fueled, entertaining, and memorable author Christy J. Breedlove’s “Sky High” is a must-read dystopian YA novel. The 100 meets The Hunger Games, the apocalyptic setting and the hero’s journey that the characters find themselves on will instantly draw readers into the narrative. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Chris H. Stevenson, (aka Christy J. Breedlove), originally born in California, moved to Sylvania, Alabama in 2009. His occupations have included newspaper reporter, front-line mechanic and federal police officer. He has been writing off and on for 36 years, having officially published books beginning in 1988. Today he writes science fiction, fantasy, paranormal romance, young adult, thrillers and horror. He has a total of 19 titles appearing on Amazon. He was a finalist in the L. Ron. Hubbard Writers of the Future contest, and just recently took the bronze medal for YA Horror in the Reader’s Choice Awards. He writes the popular blog, Guerrilla Warfare for Writers (special weapons and tactics), hoping to inform and educate writers all over the world about the high points and pitfalls of publishing.
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I’m Nancy Ejike-Offor, an author who writes both children’s books and books on life issues. My writing journey began with a desire to connect with others through stories that inspire, educate, and offer comfort. As a mother, I was first drawn to writing children’s books to teach my own children important life lessons and Christian values in a way they could easily understand. Over time, I realized that many of the themes I explored in my children’s books, such as resilience, kindness, and healing, were also relevant to adults facing life’s challenges. This realization led me to expand my writing to include books that address deeper life issues, like grief and personal growth. My goal is to create stories that resonate with readers of all ages, helping them navigate both the joys and difficulties of life.
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2) What inspired you to write your book?
As both a children’s book author and a life issues book author, my inspiration for writing “Healing Hearts: Overcoming Grief and Loss” stemmed from a deep understanding of how grief affects people of all ages. Having experienced loss myself, I felt a strong need to address this universal experience in a way that could bring comfort and hope to both children and adults.
For children, I wanted to create a resource that would help them navigate the confusing and often overwhelming emotions that come with losing someone they love. My experience in writing my Six children’s story books, such as “Learning to Forgive,” “The Dove of Peace (Noah’s Story),” and “Learn to Share”, and others, allowed me to approach this sensitive topic with care, using language and imagery that young readers could relate to and find soothing. These Children’s Story books are available on Amazon, where I’ve been fortunate to reach a wide audience.
At the same time, as a life issues author, I recognized the importance of providing guidance and support to adults who are also struggling with grief. I wanted to offer insights and practical advice that could help them process their emotions and find a path to healing. My goal was to create a book that serves as a companion for anyone going through grief, offering reassurance that they are not alone and that, with time, healing is possible.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
The key message I hope readers take away from “Healing Hearts: Overcoming Grief and Loss” is that healing is a journey that requires time, support, and love. I want both children and adults to understand that it’s okay to feel sad and that there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Through this book, I aim to provide reassurance that, with time, the pain of loss can be softened, and that it’s possible to find peace and happiness again. My goal is to offer a gentle reminder that they are not alone in their grief.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
As both a children’s book author and a life issues book author, I’ve always been drawn to stories that have the power to touch hearts and change lives. My passion for writing began with a desire to teach and inspire young minds, which naturally led me to the genre of children’s literature. Writing for children allows me to introduce important values, such as kindness, faith, and resilience, in a way that is both engaging and accessible. Seeing how these stories positively impact young readers motivated me to explore even deeper themes.
As I continued my writing journey, I realized that many of the challenges children face, such as dealing with loss, understanding emotions, and finding hope are also relevant to adults. This realization inspired me to expand my work into the life issues genre, where I could address these topics from a more mature perspective. Writing about grief, healing, and personal growth has allowed me to connect with readers on a deeper level, offering support and guidance during difficult times.
What truly drew me into both genres is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, whether they are children or adults. I believe that stories have the power to heal, teach, and transform, and I am committed to creating works that resonate with readers of all ages.
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5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
Facebook has been incredibly helpful in developing my readership. My page, https://www.facebook.com/Booksbynancy1/,’ serves as a central place where I can share updates about my books, including both my children’s books and those focused on life issues like “Healing Hearts: Overcoming Grief and Loss.” Facebook has allowed me to connect directly with parents, educators, and readers, building a supportive community around my work.
In addition to Facebook, my TikTok channel, ‘@daughterofmosthigh,’ and my YouTube channel, ‘ https://youtube.com/@inner-powerinspirations?si=qAvQMNfdly3NgKgQ,’ have also been crucial in reaching a broader audience. TikTok’s dynamic format has enabled me to engage with readers in a more interactive way, sharing insights about my writing process, book snippets, and personal reflections on the topics I cover. Meanwhile, on YouTube, I create content that aligns with my mission of inspiring and uplifting others, which complements the themes in my books. Together, these platforms have been instrumental in helping me connect with readers and share my stories with a wider audience.
6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
For aspiring authors, especially those writing for children, my advice is to write with empathy and from the heart. Understand the emotions of your readers, whether they are children or adults, and approach your storytelling with a sense of care and compassion. It’s important to stay true to your voice and to remember that your stories have the power to make a lasting impact. Be patient with the process, seek out constructive feedback, and always believe in the message you’re trying to convey.
7) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
I’m excited about the future and the new projects I’m currently working on. In addition to continuing my work on children’s books that teach valuable life lessons, I’m also focused on expanding my collection of life issues books. One of the upcoming books I’m particularly excited about is titled “The Art of Letting Go.” This book will go deep into the important process of moving beyond past hurts and embracing the freedom that comes with forgiveness and personal growth.
Alongside “The Art of Letting Go,” I’m also exploring new themes for both children and adults, always aiming to create stories that inspire, comfort, and empower my readers. Whether it’s helping children navigate their emotions or guiding adults through life’s challenges, my goal is to continue making a meaningful difference through my writing.
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About the Author
Nancy Ejike-Offor is a dedicated author known for her inspiring children’s books and insightful works on life issues. With a passion for storytelling that began as a way to connect with her own children, Nancy has authored a series of children’s books that teach important values and lessons through engaging, faith-based narratives. Her works, including “The Beautiful Beginning,” “The Dove of Peace (Noah’s Story),” and “The Story of Faith and Promise (Abraham’s Story),” have touched the hearts of young readers and their families.
In addition to her children’s literature, Nancy also writes books that address deeper life challenges. Her work, “Healing Hearts: Overcoming Grief and Loss,” offers guidance and comfort to those navigating the difficult emotions associated with loss. She continues to explore themes of personal growth and resilience in her upcoming book, “The Art of Letting Go.”
Nancy is active on social media, where she connects with her readers through her Facebook page, ‘Booksbynancy,’ her TikTok channel, ‘@daughterofmosthigh,’ and her YouTube channel, ‘Inner-powerinspiration.’ Through these platforms, she shares insights, offers support, and spreads positivity to a growing community of followers. Nancy’s writing is driven by her belief in the power of stories to inspire, heal, and transform lives.
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.”
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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
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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.
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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.
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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”.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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”.
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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.
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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!
