Seth Voorhees is a Black Hills author who lives in Rapid City, South Dakota. He describes himself as a writer of dark fiction. He draws on his experience as a counselor and educator in adolescent development and mental health to develop his characters and their journeys through morality and life’s challenges. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and Psychology from Black Hills State University. He lives with his partner and stepdaughter. More information can be found about Seth at: Home – A Black Hills Author
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I have been an entrepreneur since I was 19 years old, starting in software development and sales. I have reinvented my businesses over the last 30 years evolving in technology, from software to network integration, to Managed Services (MSP) to now an (MSSP) – www.ipservices.com
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What inspired you to write your book?
My teams and myself in the early 2000’s felt strongly about IT process documentation, things like configurations and changes to IT infrastructure and software systems. This led us on a journey to discover the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) and we developed a methodology we branded VisibleOps and wrote the original VisibleOps handbook and started the IT Process Institute – www.itpi.org / with he mission of providing IT science backed methods through research, benchmarking, and the creation of prescriptive guidance, thus the VisibleOps series of best practices guidance for IT Processes, Security, Operations, Private Cloud, and my latest VisibleOps Cybersecurity and soon to be released VisibleOps – AI focusing on AI governance with security and risk management in mind. So my passion fo technology and managing it with proven best practices and practical guidance is my inspiration. Manage by fact, not belief!
What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
Practical guidance on how to improve a companies cybersecurity posture, starting with leadership and then implementing layers as prescribed by the Zero Trust methodology. It starts with leadership, then recognizing IT Processes matter because no security breach happened without a change or a need for a change, a bit of a riddle. The reality is either a threat actor breaks into a network or system and changes something, or they convince someone with access for need for a change i.g. – phishing, smishing (social engineering), clicking on a link or a nefarious website.
What drew you into this particular genre?
Growing up I always enjoyed technology, even though it was not popular in the late 70’s early 80’s = this ultimately led me to open a technology business and from there the story evolves from being a technologist, techpreneurnuer, to researching best practices, and now cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
Linked-In has been the most helpful, I also have a large Instagram following.
What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Start with something you are passionate about, then make sure you do your research an truly are a subject matter expert – from there think about the altruistic impact of what you are writing, how does it make the world a better place!
What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
Yes, I am now researching and writing a new book my VisibleOps Series – Titled: VisibleOps AI – AI Governance with Best Practices
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About the Author
Scott Alldridge holds an M.B.A. in Cybersecurity and is a Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO), ITIL Certified expert, and Harvard Certified in Technology and Privacy, and is a nationally renowned expert. Scott is a distinguished leader with over 30 years of experience in IT management and cybersecurity, specializing in protecting critical IT systems that businesses rely on today. As the CEO of IP Services, Scott has played a pivotal role in delivering advanced managed IT and cybersecurity solutions across various industries. His strategic use of the TotalControl™ framework aligns technology investments with business goals, ensuring enhanced security, operational excellence, and resilience.
In his role as President of the IT Process Institute (ITPI), Scott co-authored the renowned VisibleOps series, with over 400,000 copies sold globally. His expertise spans IT management, cybersecurity, risk management, regulatory compliance, and cloud computing. Scott is also a recognized thought leader in modern cybersecurity strategies, including Zero Trust and Integrity Management, which are critical to safeguarding today’s complex IT environments.
Through his leadership, Scott has guided organizations in strengthening their security postures and navigating the complexities of today’s threat landscape. His contributions, including white papers, keynote addresses, and innovative frameworks, continue to shape the cybersecurity industry and influence best practices for protecting essential IT systems.
Please check out my podcasts, articles, blogs, and more on my author website:
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young woman in grief begins a project to tackle mental health and help others in author Kimberly Fiese Yule’s “To Save One.”
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The Synopsis
Find solidarity in loss, friendship, and the fight to bring light into the darkest moments.
“A brave and tender story that speaks to the heart of every teenager, and every parent who loves one.”
When Evy loses her boyfriend to suicide, her life unravels in grief and unanswered questions. With the help of her best friend Henry and her classmate Chloe, who carries her own hidden struggle, Evy channels her pain into The Happy Face Project, a senior film that dares to talk openly about mental health.
What begins as a school project becomes something bigger: a mission to break the silence, to offer hope, and to save at least one life before graduation. Along the way, Evy, Henry, and Chloe discover that healing is found in music, courage, and in standing together when it matters most.
For anyone searching for connection and for every parent or educator who wants to better understand what today’s youth are facing.
A story of heartbreak and resilience, it offers both a mirror for young adult readers and a conversation starter for families, schools, and communities.
The Review
This was such a powerful and moving read. The author did an incredible job of delving into a subject that is both sensitive and heartbreaking, and did so with a reverence and care that truly resonated with readers. The powerful imagery that sets up each chapter’s scenery and tone is compelling, and the depth of world-building the author puts into the story itself speaks to the themes of this story, telling a story that weaves into the fabric of all of our lives.
Ultimately, this story served as a testament to thought-provoking themes and empathetic characters. The tragic circumstances of Briggs’s story and how his loss impacted so many people in the story were equally on par emotionally as protagonist Evy’s exploration of grief and loss, and the raw moments of her grief that pop up throughout the book are truly relatable to anyone who has ever felt grief like that before. The honest and sympathetic portrayal of mental health and those who suffer from this subject matter, including both those who have become victims of this mindset and those who have been left behind as a result, all have a voice in this story and bring the emotional resonance that makes this story so engaging.
The Verdict
A compelling, engaging, and heartfelt YA drama, author Kimberly Fiese Yule’s “To Save One” is a must-read novel. The book also touches upon other themes naturally, including overall health struggles and the impact of a support system, as well as creativity in times of grief and how music can connect people. The book can be haunting at times, and definitely heartbreaking, and yet it is with a strong and compassionate voice that the author brings this rich story to life. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Kimberly Fiese Yule believes life is better with sand between your toes, music in your ears, and a story that makes you feel seen. A mother of three, her greatest pride and joy, she is also a former women’s health nurse practitioner and a lifelong wanderer. Depending on the day, she calls Texas, California, or the Caribbean home, always finding inspiration in sunshine, connection, and the beauty of everyday moments.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author and poet G.H. Mosson shares poems and vignettes that explore the things that have shaped us in the book “Singing the Forge.”
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The Synopsis
Version 1.0.0
Singing the Forge explores the singing of what’s shaped us and what we’ve shaped for ourselves. Through poems at times personal, plus vignettes from men and women of the past two centuries in the book’s middle section, these poems offer mirrors of becomings. Across free verse, meter, and poems of organic form, you might just see yourself.
The Review
Immediately, I was drawn to the author’s ability to create poems that felt very lyrical in nature, bringing a story-like quality to each poem that conveys a theme and evokes an emotional response in the reader. The powerful imagery these poems delve into is compelling, as seen in the poem “Domination of Tulips in Washington D.C.,” where Rock Creek Park comes alive on the page and petals become doorways to the heart of the flower.
The draw of this collection lies in the strong, powerful themes of forging and awakening that the poems explore. The concept of forging not only brings to mind the idea of creation, but the idea of reshaping things and reinforcing things through fire, a visual and visceral theme the author uses to connect readers with the raw poetry that calls for those moments o f personal change and growth through trials and tribulations, both on an individual scale and even some on much more cosmic scales, such as the idea of time and memory itself taking on whole new meanings.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, moving, and engaging, author G.H. Mosson’s “Singing the Forge” is a must-read collection of poetry. The deliberate, emotive, and introspective nature that the author brings to each poem, along with the almost lyrical and passionate style of writing, will stay with readers and keep them coming back time and again to delve into this collection. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
G. H. Mosson’s poetry has appeared in The Tampa Review, The Lyric,
Smartish Pace, California Quarterly, and has been nominated four times for the Pushcart Prize.
This is his sixth book of poetry. For more, see www.ghmosson.com
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author J. Traveler Pelton shares the stories of those she worked with and helped over a long career as a social worker in the book “You Could Not Make This Up, Even If You Tried: Memoirs of a Social Worker Book Three.”
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The Synopsis
In this third book of the Social Work Memoirs series, I once again reflected on the faces of the people I had known, interacted with, and hopefully helped over the years. I did it to try to uplift those who are social workers themselves and to help others who don’t understand a little bit more about the mindset of social work. If I can bring a smile to your face, or make you stop and consider what I did that you could do better, I think it will have proven worthwhile to have written. If I convince someone that they want to join the ranks and see the world a different way, that’s fabulous. Once again, names have been changed to protect the innocent and the guilty, and I promise you won’t find anything more fascinating than true life in our world.
The Review
This was an insightful, compelling, and emotionally charged read. The author writes with an honesty and depth that homes in on the life of social workers. The writing style does a great job of balancing almost conversational writing with a more natural, nonfiction storytelling style that relates the author’s experiences in a straightforward yet engaging way.
The heart of this book was in the emotional depth of the stories being told and the humanity behind each story. The author touches upon both humorous, heartfelt, and heartbreaking tales as she experienced everything from false reports from unruly neighbors, chilling cases of abuse, and so much more. The variety of stories she delves into is also unique, as she shares moments of personal meetings with clients, house calls, and much more.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, insightful, and personally written, author J. Traveler Pelton’s “You Could Not Make This Up, Even If You Tried” is a must-read nonfiction memoir and a great addition to the series. An emotional and in-depth exploration of the world of social workers and their experiences, as well as the perspectives of those who work with social workers, the book offers a fresh and honest discussion surrounding social work. It provides a valuable insight into what it takes to keep families together and what people should avoid doing if they want to be part of those families. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
J. Traveler Pelton was born in West Virginia in the last century. She lives on a small farm with her husband, 7 alpaca, chickens, 5 Pomeranians, 14 canaries and tolerates T-Bears Siamese cats and irascible parrot Giz. She loves to find out what all her friends are studying. She is the mother of six adults, a grandmother of eight, a great-grandma of 1, a Clinically Licensed Independent Social worker, a retired adjunct professor of social work at her local university and an avid reader. She studies science, technology, Biblical studies, and human behavior. She is quick to draw parallels between different fields of thought and weave the ideas into a cohesive ideology that is at once practical, usable, and thoughtful. Her books are the result of blending her life experiences with bureaucracy, studying science and nature, counseling, and faith. She greatly enjoys the intersection of fantasy and possibility and hopes you enjoy it as well. We will see you on the other side of the imagination tree.
Her co-author of the Clan Falconer fantasy series is her grandson T-Bear. T Bear Pelton is a self-proclaimed gamer, a Christian active in his home church, a Native American, a storyteller, and a novice blacksmith. He lives with his grandparents, his Amazon parrot, and four Siamese on a small alpaca farm while working full time and dreaming of times when magic still existed. Enjoy this fantasy with him and for just a little while, suspend daily life for a dream of dragons and wizards, beautiful ladies and knights, magic and faith. Travel then with us to another time, another place, and another dimension. Come to the future, after the Great War, when tech and magic combine with faith and fear.
Their farm, Springhaven Croft, is home to alpacas, dogs, Siamese cats, canaries, an eclectic group of chickens and an irascible Amazon Parrot named Gizmo. Traveler’s webpage is travelerpelton.com; she also has a FB page called Traveler Pelton. Come visit real soon! She loves your reviews and to hear from her fans.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A unique holiday mystery unfolds across three small towns in author J. Traveler Pelton’s “Christmas Comes to the Tritowns.”
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The Synopsis
Welcome back to the Lyonsville, Fern Valley and Friedman, three sleepy villages where the Amish and English live together most of the time peacefully. Something odd is going on in the Tritowns. As the lodge, the Ladies’ Auxiliary and the sheriffs all try to prepare for a normal holiday season, Christmas trees start showing up, all seemingly indexed to the places they are left. The Bark has new members, old friends show up for the holidays and can’t we just have peace and quiet long enough to open packages?
The Review
This was a compelling, heartfelt, and emotional story. The mystery was unique, as it kept the reader guessing about the purpose and motivations behind the person who left these trees behind, especially as the decor became more personal and detailed. The fast-paced narrative and holiday setting really kept readers engaged as the story progressed.
Yet it was the character dynamics that were really on display here. The large cast of supporting characters in this story made it feel like a collective, wholehearted holiday experience. In contrast, the main story, told in connection with the tree mystery, was emotional and heartfelt. The themes that the central story plays with, from the concept of family (both the one you’re born into and the one you find), the meaning of Christmas, and the path of redemption, all play critical roles in this narrative and the characters’ lives, and readers will instantly become emotionally invested in their stories.
The Verdict
Heartening, spirited, and engaging, author J. Traveler Pelton’s “Christmas Comes to the Tritowns” is a must-read holiday cozy mystery. The twists and turns in the story, the rich character development, and the world-building the author puts into this series surrounding the Tritowns and these interconnected characters will keep readers hanging onto the author’s every word. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
J. Traveler Pelton was born in West Virginia in the last century. She lives on a small farm with her husband, 7 alpaca, chickens, 5 Pomeranians, 14 canaries and tolerates T-Bears Siamese cats and irascible parrot Giz. She loves to find out what all her friends are studying. She is the mother of six adults, a grandmother of eight, a great-grandma of 1, a Clinically Licensed Independent Social worker, a retired adjunct professor of social work at her local university and an avid reader. She studies science, technology, Biblical studies, and human behavior. She is quick to draw parallels between different fields of thought and weave the ideas into a cohesive ideology that is at once practical, usable, and thoughtful. Her books are the result of blending her life experiences with bureaucracy, studying science and nature, counseling, and faith. She greatly enjoys the intersection of fantasy and possibility and hopes you enjoy it as well. We will see you on the other side of the imagination tree.
Her co-author of the Clan Falconer fantasy series is her grandson T-Bear. T Bear Pelton is a self-proclaimed gamer, a Christian active in his home church, a Native American, a storyteller, and a novice blacksmith. He lives with his grandparents, his Amazon parrot, and four Siamese on a small alpaca farm while working full time and dreaming of times when magic still existed. Enjoy this fantasy with him and for just a little while, suspend daily life for a dream of dragons and wizards, beautiful ladies and knights, magic and faith. Travel then with us to another time, another place, and another dimension. Come to the future, after the Great War, when tech and magic combine with faith and fear.
Their farm, Springhaven Croft, is home to alpacas, dogs, Siamese cats, canaries, an eclectic group of chickens and an irascible Amazon Parrot named Gizmo. Traveler’s webpage is travelerpelton.com; she also has a FB page called Traveler Pelton. Come visit real soon! She loves your reviews and to hear from her fans.
I’ve thought about this a lot because it’s become a common question I get. Why do I write short stories? I remember reading short stories in high school and college. I liked the idea of taking a moment in time and really focusing on it. That’s something short stories do well. You can really focus on one moment and make the most of it.
To me, it made a lot of sense to master the short story form before attempting to write a longer work, such as a novel. I’m not sure that is the best way to approach writing, or if it’s even recommended, but that’s how I approached it. I wouldn’t say I’ve mastered short stories, but I’ve definitely written a lot of them now. I’ve had a handful published individually in literary magazines.
After putting together this short story collection, which is interconnected and themed, I realized that perhaps I could handle the intricacy and challenge of a full novel. I finally felt like taking that on. That’s what I’m working on now.
That’s the path I’ve taken, but every writer I know has their own journey into writing and publishing. And if there’s anything I’ve learned from all the writing books, courses and podcasts, it’s that every writer has a different path into writing. Some study it in college and go on to get MFAs, others just secretly write in their free time, never really expecting to see the light of day. Others go the journalism route. A lot of people start with a novel.
I was told that a short story collection would be hard to sell, especially as a first book. I was disappointed, but determined to try. With the help of a writing coach and editor, I eventually found a small, independent publisher who was interested in publishing it, so I celebrated that win and was over the moon to have my collection out in the world.
If I had to do it over again, I’d do the same thing. I’d write my short stories, create a collection and then work on a novel, like I am now. I’m too early in my career to decide how successful it’s been overall, but it’s all I know and what I’ve done. And taking on any writing project is no small feat, so celebrate your writing and your path and don’t let anyone tell you you’re doing it wrong.
Book Summary
Let Birds Fly by Rhea Thomas is a magical realism short story collection where the extraordinary sparks everyday lives toward transformation. Connected by Ripple Media, each of the fifteen characters navigates personal struggles, such as an impossible itch, a mercurial third eye, and hallucinating coffee. They discover hidden truths, purpose, or power. With whimsy and emotional depth, these stories explore identity, passion, and self-discovery through moments of enchantment that crack open ordinary reality. Let these tales remind you: sometimes, the most magical thing is becoming who you were always meant to be.
Rhea Thomas lives in Austin, Texas where she works as a program manager in the digital media world. Her short stories have been published in multiple publications, including, most recently, The Fictional Café, Toasted Cheese and Does It Have Pockets. She spends her free time hoarding books, walking her stubborn Labrador retriever, playing games with her sons, kayaking and swimming in rivers, searching for mysteries and writing short stories that explore magical moments in the mundane. Her first book, a collection of short stories, is due out in August 2025, and she’s currently working on a literary mystery novel.
Join us at the Muffin as we celebrate the launch of Let Birds Fly by Rhea Thomas. We interview the author and give you a chance to win a copy of the book.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young girl on a distant planet must decide whether to change her physical appearance to fit into her society in author Robert Pais’s “Izzy’s Dilemma.”
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The Synopsis
One courageous young girl. One impossible choice.
On the distant planet Mirron, where eye color determines social standing, Topaz are at the top, Emerald and Sapphire are in the middle, and Pearl are at the bottom. Twelve-year-old Izzy Ashford is the only Pearl in her all-Topaz town. Adopted as a baby by loving Topaz parents, she has always been treated as one of them. But just before her sixth-grade graduation, a classmate, Billy Winthrop, begins to bully her.
During a family vacation in Oceanside, Billy humiliates her again, forcing Izzy to confront her deepest fear: that once she leaves the safety of home, the world will judge her only by her color, not by who she truly is.
Then Izzy meets a mysterious man named Sam, who offers her an impossible choice: he will change her color from Pearl to Topaz the day before school starts in September, if she asks him to. If she chooses to make the change, it will be permanent. It cannot be reversed.
At first, the decision seems like a no-brainer, but as the summer unfolds, Izzy begins to realize that making this change may not bring her happiness or purpose—and may cost her more than she ever imagined.
The Review
This was a powerful and thought-provoking middle-grade read. The author did an incredible job of layering this novel with rich character development and moral societal themes that are so integral to the narrative. The fast-paced story itself and the dynamic between Izzy and her parents really stand out in this novel, as the emotional core, outside of the societal themes, is the true strength of family and what a family is. The exploration of her connection to her adoptive parents and what they’ve taught her is equal to the things she learns about her birth mother along the way.
The world-building and themes of this novel were the heart of this book. The rich world-building that brings the planet of Mirron to life is a perfect mirror image of Earth itself, highlighting the problems countries like the United States still face, with physical differences dividing people. The unique fantasy/sci-fi twist of the mysterious Sam and who he represents is a great way to bring mystery to the story, but not too much, keeping the story focused on the more grounded and emotional themes. The color of a person’s eyes mirrors the struggles of those with varying skin tones in our own world. It highlights the ridiculous nature of a society that bases wealth and social standing on these aspects instead of hard work and character.
The Verdict
Insightful, morally-driven, and engaging, author Robert Pais’s “Izzy’s Dilemma” is a must-read middle-grade fantasy and sci-fi novel. The essential values and lessons the story teaches younger readers are naturally infused with strong imagery and powerful writing, and the emotional depth of Izzy’s character arc and what she experiences will stay with readers long after the story ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Robert Pais is a CPA with over 13 years of hands-on experience helping individuals and small business owners navigate the complex world of taxes with clarity and confidence. Bob made it his mission to translate complicated tax rules into clear, easy-to-understand, and implement tax strategies that anyone can understand and use to keep more of what they earn.
Bob has written and published two tax guides: The Ultimate Tax Guide for Small Businesses and Individuals and Pay Less Money to Your Uncle! Both books are available on Amazon.com.
Having retired from the world of accounting and taxes in April 2025, Bob turned his attention to writing fiction. A novel for middle-grade readers incorporating magical realism and a bit of science fiction, Izzy’s Dilemma is a result of a combination of Bob’s passion for social justice and love of adult fantasy writing.
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I am currently a sophomore in high school, and The Pinewood Prowler is my debut novel. I have always loved reading and stories, but I only discovered my true passion for writing a few years ago. Since then, writing has been an outlet for me and I have been extremely invested in it, even attending Dartmouth’s Summer Scholars creative Writing course this past summer. I began writing the Pinewood Prowler when I was around 13 without any intention of publishing it. About a year later, I decided to pick it back up and got it published at the age of 15.
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2) What inspired you to write your book?
Last year, I had a rough draft of my current book that had been untouched for almost a year. As a young teen, I wanted to develop the story and share a piece reflecting the intentions and feelings of teenagers.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
The message I hope readers take from my book is to be careful what you wish for. Curiosity can be both powerful and dangerous, and sometimes the truths we seek are better left undiscovered. And beneath the surface of familiarity, there lies deception. This message encourages readers to be curious, but also warns against the dangers that can arise from such curiosity.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
I was drawn to this particular genre due to my love for the suspense and adrenaline evoked in the horror genre and my desire to create a mystery for the readers, urging them to read on due to curiosity and suspense. I have always loved reading and writing in a thrilling and suspenseful tone, and wanted to share this with others.
5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
I would sit with “The Pinewood Prowler” because I would like to see into the criminal mind and what truly compels a serial killer to kill. I believe this is my most complex character, as the Pinewood Prowler has the ability to blend into society while also murdering at night. I would ask, “What thoughts went through your head when you were killing your first victim, and have you ever felt remorse?”
6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
Since this is my debut novel, I am just starting to create social media platforms for this book, but I will keep searching for ways to spread my book.
7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
As this is my first attempt and I am only 15, the only advice I believe I am credible to give is to just go for it. If you have an idea and want to write it, there is no harm in sharing your work.
8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
I am currently working on growing my writing and am exploring new ideas for my next book. I am certain that I want to continue developing as an author and am excited to see what is in store for me as a young writer.
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About the Author
Audrey Zeigon was born in 2010 in New York City. From an early age, she developed a strong passion for reading and horror. These interests inspired her to write her debut novel, The Pinewood Prowler. Audrey has enjoyed immersing herself in this story and looks forward to sharing it with her readers.
