Tag: guest blog

GUEST BLOG POST: Freelance Writing: How College Students Can Turn Words Into Work By Marcie Sullivan

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Guest PostLeave a comment

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Freelance Writing: How College Students Can Turn Words Into Work

Writing has quietly become one of the most adaptable freelance careers for college students and recent grads. You don’t need a fancy office, expensive gear, or years of experience — just clarity, consistency, and a laptop. Whether it’s content writing, blogging, ghostwriting, or UX copy, the field rewards creativity and curiosity.

Core Points

  • Freelance writing lets students earn while learning, often with minimal startup costs.
  • Popular paths include content writing, ghostwriting, editing, social media copy.
  • Essential tools include grammar checkers, portfolio sites, and payment platforms.
  • Building a reputation requires consistency and responsiveness.
  • Consider forming an LLC for credibility and legal protection.

FAQs

Q1: Do I need a degree to start writing professionally?
No — portfolios beat diplomas in this industry. Build samples on platforms like Medium or Substack.

Q2: What should I charge as a beginner?
Start with $0.05–$0.10 per word or per-project pricing on marketplaces like Upwork.

Q3: How can I get clients fast?
Pitch via LinkedIn, use job boards like ProBlogger, and build an SEO-optimized writer profile.

Q4: Should I niche down early?
Yes — specializing (e.g., sustainability, SaaS, or education) boosts trust and rates.

Q5: How do I stay organized?
Use free tools like Notion or Trello for task management.

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Why Writing Works as a Student Side Career

Unlike gig jobs or retail work, freelance writing compounds in value. Each article is a potential reference, backlink, or resume piece. The flexibility lets students:

  • Work from anywhere (libraries, dorms, cafés).
  • Adjust schedules around exams.
  • Turn part-time work into full-time careers after graduation.

And unlike other jobs, writing scales with skill — better words bring better clients.

Building a Freelance Writing Career From Scratch

  1. Identify Your Interest Area → Start with topics you know (tech, travel, psychology).
  2. Create 3–5 Writing Samples → Post them on Medium or your blog.
  3. Build a Simple Portfolio Website → Use Carrd or WordPress.
  4. Set Up Professional Tools
    • Payment: PayPal, Wise
    • Proofreading: Grammarly
    • Document sharing: Google Docs
  5. Start Pitching Clients → Personalize outreach emails and include your best samples.
  6. Track Income and Deadlines → Use spreadsheets or free project trackers.
Holiday Bundles

Before You Take Your First Client

✅ Have at least two polished writing samples
✅ Know your rate (per word or per project)
✅ Set up a professional email
✅ Create a Google Drive folder for client work
✅ Confirm how you’ll get paid (and when)
✅ Read the client’s brief carefully
✅ Keep communication clear and friendly

Establishing an LLC

Establishing a business structure gives freelance writers legitimacy and protection. Forming an LLC can separate personal assets from business income, simplify taxes, and boost your professional image when dealing with clients. Filing fees differ by state, and online formation services like zenbusiness.com providers offer customizable registration packages to make setup simple and affordable.

Common Writing Niches and Average Entry Rates

NicheTypical Client TypeAverage Starting RateLong-Term Growth Potential
Tech/SaaSStartups, agencies$0.08–$0.12 per wordHigh (retainer potential)
Lifestyle/HealthBlogs, brands$0.05–$0.10 per wordModerate
Finance/BusinessFintech, education sites$0.10–$0.15 per wordHigh
Academic EditingStudents, journals$20–$40 per hourSteady
UX/Product CopyApps, software companies$50–$150 per projectHigh

Featured Product: Grammarly 

Even professional writers rely on proofreading and editing software. Grammarly helps refine tone, clarity, and consistency — a must-have for freelancers handling multiple clients at once. Use it alongside style guides or editing frameworks for clean, confident delivery.

Freelance writing isn’t just a side hustle — it’s a foundation for creative independence. With focus, structure, and a bit of persistence, college students can turn their curiosity into cash and their skills into sustainable careers. Writing is one of the few jobs where learning and earning evolve together — and that’s a pretty smart start.

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BLOG TOUR: LET BIRDS FLY BY RHEA THOMAS GUEST POST – Why I Started Writing Short Stories

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book Events, Guest PostLeave a comment

Blog Tour – Why I Started Writing Short Stories

By Rhea Thomas

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.

Publisher: Main Street Rag Publishing Company

ISBN-10: 978-1-964277-49-3

Print Length: 232 pages

Shopping Sites:

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/234299217-let-birds-fly

Main Street Rag: https://mainstreetragbookstore.com/product/let-birds-fly-rhea-thomas/

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About the Author

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. 

You can find her online at: 

https://rheathomasauthor.com/

https://www.facebook.com/rheathomasauthor

https://www.instagram.com/rheatellstales/

Blog Tour Calendar

October 13 @ The Muffin

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.

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

October 14 @ Kaecey McCormick’s blog

Visit Kaecey’s blog for a guest post by Rhea Thomas on how to look for sparks of creativity during your day.

https://www.kaeceymccormick.com/blog

October 16 @ A Wonderful World of Words

Visit Joy’s blog for an excerpt from Let Birds Fly by Rhea Thomas.

https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/

October 18 @ Nicole Writes About Stuff

Visit Nicole’s Substack for a feature of Let Birds Fly by Rhea Thomas in her weekly feature, 3 Things on a Saturday Night.

https://nicolepyles.substack.com/

October 20 @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog

Visit Anthony’s blog for his review of Let Birds Fly by Rhea Thomas.

https://www.authoranthonyavina.com

October 22 @ Sarandipity

Visit Sara’s blog for her interview with Rhea Thomas on her short story collection, Let Birds Fly.

Home

October 24 @ CC King Blog

Visit Caitrin’s blog for a guest post by Rhea Thomas on Let Birds Fly.

https://www.caitrincking.com/blog

October 25 @ Nicole Writes About Stuff

Revisit Nicole’s blog for Rhea Thomas’ contribution to 3 Things on a Saturday Night

https://nicolepyles.substack.com/

October 27 @ Tracey Lampley’s blog

Visit Tracey’s blog for a guest post by Rhea Thomas about tips on reaching your ideal audience through social media.

https://www.traceylampley.com/guest-author-posts

October 30 @ Knotty Needle

Visit Judy’s blog for her review of Let Birds Fly by Rhea Thomas.

https://knottyneedle.blogspot.com

October 31 @ Guatemala Paula Loves to Read

Join Karen for her review of Let Birds Fly by Rhea Thomas.

https://guatemalapaula.blogspot.com/

November 1 @ Boots, Shoes, and Fashion

Stop by Linda’s blog for her interview with Rhea Thomas about her short story collection, Let Birds Fly.

https://bootsshoesandfashion.com

November 2 @ Chapter Break

Visit Julie’s blog for her review of Let Birds Fly by Rhea Thomas.

https://chapterbreak.net/

November 3 @ Word Magic

Visit Fiona’s blog for a post by Rhea Thomas, including tips on titling your stories.

https://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/

November 4 @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog

Visit Anthony’s blog again for a blog post by Rhea Thomas on why she started writing short stories.

https://www.authoranthonyavina.com

November 6 @ Knotty Needle

Stop by Judy’s blog again for her response to our tour-themed prompt about magical moments in her life.

https://knottyneedle.blogspot.com

November 7 @ CK Sorens’ Instagram

Carrie reviews Rhea Thomas ‘ short story collection Let Birds Fly on her Instagram page.

https://instagram.com/ck_sorens

November 7 @ Cassie’s Page

Cassie reviews Rhea Thomas ‘ short story collection Let Birds Fly on her Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1D2cYrrc3d/

November 10 @ A Storybook World

Visit Deirdra’s blog for her feature of Let Birds Fly by Rhea Thomas.

https://www.astorybookworld.com/

November 12 @ Sarandipity

Don’t miss a guest post by Rhea Thomas about tips on reaching your audience through social media.

Home

November 15 @ Teatime and Books

Visit Janet’s blog for a spotlight of Let Birds Fly by Rhea Thomas.

http://www.teatimeandbooks76.blogspot.com

November 16 @ CK Sorens’ Newsletter

Don’t miss Carrie’s newsletter that features Let Birds Fly by Rhea Thomas.

https://www.cksorens.com

GUEST POST: ON APPROPRIATION BY KAREN CHASE, AUTHOR OF TWO TALES: JAMALI KAMALI AND ZUNDELSTATE

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book Events, Guest Post1 Comment

On Appropriation

     For almost forever, writers have been advised to “write what you know.” At this tricky moment in our culture, that phrase has gathered momentum. Writing what you know is often a tidy and effective way not to appropriate someone else’s identity.

    In my newly released book, Two Tales: Jamali Kamali and ZundelState, I have written two stories that did not grow from what I know but from what I don’t know. In these pages, I will talk about the first tale. Jamali and Kamali lived in sixteenth century India and are buried together in a small tomb in India. The poem is a fictional account of their love, separation, and death. 

     Here’s what happened. In 2004, I spent a month-long writing residency at the Sanskriti Foundation in Delhi.  One morning, a week after I arrived – I hadn’t written a thing that first week and didn’t really care — the Sanskriti residents were told that later that day, we would have a chance to visit the newly restored Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb, which had been in the process of restoration for seven years. 

     Our bus arrived at the overgrown park entrance.  We traipsed alongside a river full of plastic garbage, climbed through hills of brush, climbed over unrestored ruins, climbed through Balban’s Tomb, and finally arrived on top of a hill, a plateau, where the Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb stood.  A brand-new sign at its entrance informed visitors that the Tomb held the remains of Jamali, a 16th century Sufi Court Poet and Saint and Kamali, whose identity, the sign said, was unknown.

     When I entered the tomb, its beauty startled me.  Looking at the two white marble graves, the conservator began to talk.  He explained who Jamali was, then said, “It is believed, through Delhi’s oral tradition, that Kamali was his homosexual lover.”  “What?” I blurted out, “But…. the new sign out front says his identity was unknown.  I don’t understand.  Why does the sign say that Kamali’s identity is unknown.”  He explained that, in fact, no-one really knows for sure who Kamali was, and also the information that he may have been Jamali’s male lover would never be announced on a public sign, taking into account the beliefs of our large Muslim population.”  

     Deeply jarred by the disjuncture of that moment, when I returned to my Sanskriti desk, I began to write as if I were Jamali speaking to Kamali.  I had nothing in mind. No direction. By the end of three weeks in Delhi, there was a draft of the first section of Jamali Kamali.  Almost two years later, what began that moment in Delhi, had grown into a book-length poem.

     Many people have asked me, “Why did YOU write this book? The answer is – I don’t really know. 

     I’m not a man.  I’m not gay. I’m not Indian.  I’m not Muslim. I’m not a Mughal scholar.  I’m not an art historian. I’m a straight white American Jewish 21st century woman. I’ve crossed many lines here – gender, sexual orientation, time, hemisphere, religion, culture, etcetera. Without intention, I appropriated.

    Since then, many people who have read Jamali Kamali, believe I was channeling the men. Others have mistaken it for a translation of Jamali’s poetry. And, strangely enough, in India, my poem has been cited numerous times as a historical record about the two men.

     Opening oneself to the unknown paves the way for large-scale exploration rather than the up-close, confining details of “what I know.” The unknown is a wider plain—a vast place where options flourish. It expands the smallness of “what I know.” 

     Was I channeling these men? Is the poem an expression of my subconscious? Or is it the imagination at work? Are these three things separate, do they overlap, or are they the same thing? Who knows. What I do know is that when you open the mind’s flaps, leave behind what you know, and walk through a blank landscape, you may be taken aback by what you find.

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About the Author

Karen Chase is the author of two collections of poems, Kazimierz Square and BEAR, as well as Jamali-Kamali: A Tale of Passion in Mughal India, a book-length homoerotic poem, published in India in 2011. Her award-winning book, Land of Stone, tells the story of her work with a silent young man in a psychiatric hospital where she was the hospital poet.

In her memoir Polio Boulevard, Chase brings the reader back to the polio outbreak of the 1950s that crippled our country. In her lively sickbed she experiences puppy love, applies to the Barbizon School of Modeling, and dreams of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The Larooco Log: FDR on the Houseboat, a project that grew directly out of her memoir, follows Franklin Delano Roosevelt during a Florida winter when he lived on a houseboat, attempting to regain use of his paralyzed legs. History Is Embarrassing, her collection of essays, was published in 2024, and Two Tales: Jamali Kamali and ZundelState, in 2025.

Karen Chase’s poems, stories and essays have appeared in The New Yorker, The New Republic, The Gettysburg Review and Southwest Review, among others. Her poems have been anthologized in The Norton Introduction to Poetry, Andrei Codrescu’s An Exquisite Corpse Reader, and Billy Collins’ Poetry 180. Chase and her husband, the painter Paul Graubard, live in Western Massachusetts.

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Blog Tour: All Money Ain’t Good Money By Tracey Lampley Guest Blog Post

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book Events, Guest Post2 Comments

Making The Leap from Novella to Novel

In 2013, I ventured into the publishing world with my first novella in my romantic suspense series titled Kept. For my tastes, novellas arguably clock in between 20,000 and just shy of 40,000 words in length. But I soon discovered readers preferred novels to novellas. And pricing between these books were as different as night and day. 

To sell books at the price I wanted, I needed to write novels and not novellas. But I lacked patience and qualifications to write a novel. Besides, I preferred writing short stories and novellas. I still have some shorts and novellas that I need to dust off, slap a book cover on and upload for the world to see. Since I always dreamed of becoming a best-selling author, and I always considered myself a writer, I decided to obtain the qualifications and patience to write that elusive novel, and perhaps, join the ranks of becoming an indie best-selling novelist. 

Almost three years ago I enrolled in the Master of Arts Program in Creative Writing at Southern New Hampshire University, and I never looked back. In the first two classes of the online program, I learned about fiction fundamentals, structure and outlining a novel. In fact, it was in one of those classes that I outlined my debut mystery All Money Ain’t Good Money as my final project. I transformed that outline into a 68,000-word novel. My educational investment paid off in more ways than one. 

Don’t get me wrong. Writing novellas are great practice for expansion into writing the novel. With novellas, the writer concentrates on developing the main character and one or two plot lines. But in a novel, a writer can develop multiple characters and can run multiple plot lines simultaneously to keep the pages turning. Engaging the reader and securing future book sales is the goal. So, there is no shame in writing novellas. It’s just cuing you up to write for a bigger audience, readers seeking the page-turning novel. 

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Book Summary

Jinx Curry is a single mom who spends her days spying on cheating wives and husbands, but she aches for more importance. When her boss, Capricorn Hayes, finally assigns Jinx a missing persons case involving a congressman’s missing granddaughter, Jinx jumps at the chance. Not only to solve it, but to earn the fifty-thousand-dollar bonus that would pay her bills, and get a menacing creditor off her back.

But the investigation proves more dangerous and costly than Jinx believes. After an unknown individual in a black Corvette nearly runs Jinx down and begins stalking her, Jinx has to sacrifice her relationship with her daughter by sending Arielle to live with her father. Can Jinx find the congressman’s granddaughter while surviving her stalker? Or will this job be her last?

Publisher: Tralam Publishing Company (July 26, 2024)

Print length:  276 pages

Purchase a copy of All Money Ain’t Good Money on

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/All-Money-Aint-Good-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0CW1DW3SX

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/all-money-aint-good-money-tracey-lampley/1145537634?ean=2940179752004

You can also add this to your GoodReads reading list 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/212406184-all-money-ain-t-good-money

About the Author

When she is not writing, Tracey Lampley loves attending and watching sporting events such as WNBA, NBA, college football and NFL football. Currently Tracey is completing her MA in Creative Writing at Southern New Hampshire University. She already holds an MS in Publishing from Pace University and a BA in English/Technical & Scientific Communication from Miami University of Ohio. She resides in the metro Atlanta, Georgia area with her pooch Neo and near her daughter Asia.

You can follow the author at:

Website: https://traceylampley.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracey.lampley.12

X/Twitter: @bookmistress1

Instagram: tralam4156

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Blog Tour Calendar

August 12th @ The Muffin

Join us as we celebrate the launch of Tracey Lampley’s novel All Money Ain’t Good Money. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of her book.

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

August 14th @ Words by Webb

Stop by for today’s review of All Money Ain’t Good Money – a Jinx Curry Mystery.

https://www.jodiwebbwriter.com/blog

August 16th @ My Beauty My Books

Want a fun read for the weekend? Check out the spotlight on All Money Ain’t Good Money by Tracey Lampley.

https://mybeautymybooks.com

August 17th @ Writer Advice

Novelist Tracey Lampley shares her thoughts on the value of planting a red herring.

https://www.writeradvice.com

August 19 @  Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews

Let’s take a peek at the life of an author with today’s interview of Tracey Lampley.

https://lisahaselton.com/blog

August 21st @ Chapter Break

Tracey Lampley, who writes about private investigator Jinx Curry, posts about why we all love a flawed protaganist.

Chapterbreak.net

August 22nd @ Knotty Needle

The Knotty Needle will be reviewing All Money Ain’t Good Money by Tracey Lampley.

http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/

August 22nd @ Book Room Reviews

Stop by for a surprise guest post by Tracey Lampley, author of All Money Ain’t Good Money.

http://www.bookroomreviews.com/

August 24th @  Author Anthony Avina

Learn how Tracey Lampley made the Leap from Novella to Novel in today’s guest post plus a review of All Money Ain’t Good Money by Anthony Avina.

https://authoranthonyavinablog.wordpress.com

August 28th @ Create Write Now

In today’s spotlight, learn more about the first Jinx Curry mystery: All Money Ain’t Good Money.

https://www.createwritenow.com/journal-writing-blog

August 30th @ Choices

Tracey Lampley, author of All Money Ain’t Good Money, is telling us the six authors she’d like to invite for a dinner party in today’s guest post.

http://madelinesharples.com

August 31st @ A Wonderful World of Words

Novelist Tracey Lampley writes about what her life was like before she began writing today at Wonderful World of Words.

https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com

September 3rd @ StoreyBook Reviews

Drop by for a review of All Money Ain’t Good Money by Tracey Lampley.

https://www.storeybookreviews.com

September 4th @  Author Anthony Avina

Enjoy Anthony Avina’s review of All Money Ain’t Good Money by Tracey Lampley.

https://authoranthonyavinablog.wordpress.com

September 5 @ Word Magic

Tracey Lampley, author of All Money Ain’t Good Money, is writing about life with her canine buddy Neo.

https://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com

September 6th @ A Story Book World

Looking for a new novel? Today’s spotlight is on All Money Ain’t Good Money by Tracey Lampley.

https://www.astorybookworld.com

September 7 @ Boys’ Mom Reads!

Tracey Lampley’s All Money Ain’t Good Money is reviewed today by Karen of Boys’ Mom Reads.

https://karensiddall.wordpress.com

September 9th @ Nikki’s Book Reviews

Along with a review of All Money Ain’t Good Money, author Tracey Lampley will be posting about what she likes best about Live Sports Events. 

http://nikkitsbookreviews.wordpress.com

September 12th @ Reading Is My Remedy

Struggle with what your characters should say? Author Tracey Lampley’s guest post is about writing realistic dialogue. They’ll also be a review of her novel All Money Ain’t Good Money.

https://readingismyremedy.wordpress.com

September 14th @ That’s So Nitra

Learn the difference between Macro editing and Micro editing with the help of Tracey Lampley.

https://nenitraanna.wordpress.com

September 15th @ Boots, Shoes and Fashion

In today’s interview, learn more about Tracey Lampley, author of the first book in the Jinx Curry mystery series: All Money Ain’t Good Money.

https://bootsshoesandfashion.com

Guest Post: LGBTQIA+ Pride and publishing by Dr. Angela Yarber

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book Events, Guest PostLeave a comment

The queer poet, Sappho, renowned for dubbing the term “lesbian” since she was from the island of Lesbos, is remembered for saying, “Someday, someone will remember us.”

A lot has transpired for queer folx in the two thousand years since Sappho dreamed our possible realities. And with 500 proposed bills against LGBTQ+ rights awaiting rulings across the United States, the world has never needed our wisdom more.

Did you know that LGBTQ+ authors only account for only 16% of published books?

As a queer woman, this isn’t simply a statistic, but my lived reality. And after I had my first seven books published with four different presses, it dawned on me that it didn’t have to be this way. I didn’t have to be the only one my publishers represented, or the one who made it to the final round with a publishing company only for them to respond, “We really believe in this book, but we don’t know how to market to queer audiences.”

I was sick and tired of seeing straight, white men thrive with mediocre books because their advances, royalties, and stories had an advantage from the very start, because when they looked around at the presses that represented their books, they saw a bunch of other straight, white cis dudes staring back at them. What about our queer dreams?

The world was missing out on the precise perspectives and stories we need most.

In writing and publishing Queering the American Dream, I was able to create and imagine a different world, a world where women, queer folx, and BIPOC have equitable access to publishing, to fulfilling our dreams.

Queering the American Dreambegins the day the Supreme Court ruled our marriage legal, my queer little family traversing the American landscape for two years in a camper named Freya, following in the footsteps of revolutionary women from history and myth. Amid our wanderings, I grappled with the loss of faith, addiction, death, and what it means to reimagine the so-called dream promised to so many. With unapologetic grief, humor, and radical imagination, I created a new dream, not just for myself, but for all marginalized people living in America.

One of my favorite writers, Gloria Anzaldúa, inspired this dream. This queer Chicana feminist claimed: “The world I create in my writing compensates for what the real world does not give me.” 

The “real world” has given us, on the whole, an old-school, white, male, predatory publishing industry that, at best, doesn’t understand the nuances of queer and feminist writing, and at worst, preys upon us for capital gain. So, I created Tehom Center Publishing to compensate for what the real world has not given us. Tehom Center Publishing is a press publishing feminist and queer authors, with a commitment to elevate BIPOC writers.

Publishing Queering the American Dreamwith my own press was not only empowering, but it also galvanized me to coach other marginalized authors in the power of living the authorpreneur dream. Yes, Tehom Center publishes authors at absolutely no cost, but we also offer just and equitable coaching programs empowering authors in creating entire businesses aligned with their books, thereby sustaining a financially abundant life.

Traveling throughout the country with my queer little family taught me that the world not only needs queer authors to be published, but we deserve to live abundant lives. This is our iteration of the American dream.

*****

To join us in queering the American dream and stay connected with book and publishing events, visit www.tehomcenter.org/booktour

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Book Summary

Beginning the day the Supreme Court ruled her marriage legal, Angela Yarber’s queer little family traversed the American landscape for two years in a camper named Freya, following in the footsteps of revolutionary women from history and myth. Amid her wanderings, this queer clergywoman grapples with the loss of faith, addiction, death, parenting, and what it means to reimagine the so-called dream promised to so many. With unapologetic grief, humor, and radical imagination, she creates a new dream, not just for herself, but for all marginalized people living in America.

Publisher: Parson’s Porch

ISBN-10: 195558141X

ISBN-13: 978-1955581417

Print Length: 188 pages

Purchase a copy of the book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org. You can also add it to your list on Goodreads.

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About the Author

Rev. Dr. Angela Yarber is an award-winning author of eight books and a highly sought public speaker. She is the Founder of Tehom Center Publishing, an imprint publishing feminist and queer authors, with a commitment to elevate BIPOC writers. With a Ph.D. in Art and Religion and over a decade serving as a Professor of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, five of her books were listed in QSpirit’s Top LGBTQ Religion Books. Her work has been featured in Forbes, HuffPo, Ms. Magazine, Tiny House Nation, and more at https://angelayarber.org

You can find her online at:

www.angelayarber.org

www.tehomcenter.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angela.yarber

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tehomcenter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tehomcenter/?hl=en

Blog Tour Calendar

June 3rd @ The Muffin

Join us at WOW’s blog The Muffin as we celebrate the launch of Dr. Angela Yarber’s memoir Queering the American Dream. You can read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book.

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

June 5th @ Speaking of Spirit

Visit Linda’s blog for her review of Queering the American Dream. You can also win a copy of the book!

https://interfaithmoments.blogspot.com

June 7th @ One Writer’s Journey

Visit Sue’s blog for a review of Queering the American Dream.

https://suebe.wordpress.com

June 10th @ Choices

Visit Madeline’s blog for a guest post by Dr. Angela Yarber about how publishing a book can transform your business and life.

https://www.madelinesharples.com

June 12th @ Speaking of Spirit

Join Linda for a guest post by Rev. Dr. Angela Yarber about the importance of publishing marginalized authors.

https://interfaithmoments.blogspot.com

June 14th @ One Writer’s Journey

Visit Sue’s blog again for an interview with author Dr. Angela Yarber about her memoir.

https://suebe.wordpress.com

June 15th @ Boots, Shoes, and Fashion

Visit Linda’s blog for an in-depth interview with Dr. Angela Yarber. 

https://bootsshoesandfashion.com

June 18th @ Writer Advice

Visit B. Lynn Goodwin’s site for a helpful guest post from Dr. Angela Yarber on the importance of mental health care in launching a book.

https://writeradvice.com

June 21st @ The Faerie Review

Visit Lily’s blog for a review of Queering the American Dream.

https://www.thefaeriereview.com

June 23rd @ A Wonderful World of Words

Visit Joy’s blog for a spotlight of Queering the American Dream. You can also win a copy of the book!

https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com

June 25th @ Editor 911

Visit Margo’s blog for her review of Queering the American Dream.

https://editor-911.com

June 28th @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog

Visit Anthony’s blog for his review of  Queering the American Dream.

https://atomic-temporary-124910902.wpcomstaging.com/

July 2nd @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog

Join Anthony for a guest post by Dr. Angela Yarber about LGBTQIA+ Pride and publishing.

https://atomic-temporary-124910902.wpcomstaging.com/

July 3rd @ Michelle Cornish’ blog

Visit Michelle’s blog for an interview with Dr. Angela Yarber about her memoir.

https://www.michellecornish.com

July 6th @ Coffee & Ink

You can visit Jan’s blog for her review of Queering the American Dream. Plus read a guest post by Dr. Angela Yarber about disenfranchised grief, particularly as it pertains to losing someone to addiction.

https://coffeeandinkbooks.wordpress.com

Guest Post: Breast Cancer Patient and Awareness Advocate by Lisa Braxton (Blog Tour for Author’s “Dancing Between the Raindrops”

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book Events, Guest PostLeave a comment

I had an appointment for a breast MRI and biopsy on my husband’s birthday, May 1, 2019. We spent that day at the imaging center. It was a cold, drizzly, gunmetal-gray day out. The rain was just spitting. I spent hours in the imaging machine, holding onto the panic button they give you, earplugs in my ears. I was praying the whole time with my eyes pressed shut: Please, please, please, God. Let me not have breast cancer.

The test was grueling. I was in the MRI machine for hours. They’d numbed my breasts; I could hear the biopsy machine making that whirring, drilling sound, and I was thinking, I cannot wait to get out of this thing. When they rolled me out, my back was killing me—you’re in there for so long with your arms stretched out in front of you. The surgeon who did the biopsy said, “I don’t like to let people wait around with false hope. Lisa, I want you to know that the area I saw had jagged edges around it. It looks like it’s cancer.”

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I could not believe it. I’ve been such a health nut my entire life, and I never thought it would happen to me. I work out a lot—tennis, the gym, ice skating. When she told me it looked like breast cancer, I felt like I was floating over myself and the doctor in the exam room, watching the conversation. All I could think about was dying. I wondered how much time I had.

Fast forward to now. After a lumpectomy and being prescribed a pill I take every day to rid my body of the hormone that fed my cancer, I’ve been cancer free for five years. In that time, without intending to, I’ve become a breast cancer awareness advocate. I appeared in a local television commercial celebrating the milestone anniversary of Dana Farber Cancer Institute. I walked in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer fundraiser sponsored by the American Cancer Society, wrote a column for a local magazine about my breast cancer journey, and participated in a photographic exhibit of cancer survivors focused on sharing stories of faith and survivorship to encourage the demystification of cancer. 

One event I reflect upon the most is a “fireside chat” in which another survivor and I spoke to high school and college students who are doing internships at Dana Farber. I spoke about self-care, how I met the challenges of the disease and the importance of empathy on the part of health care providers. The future health care professionals were engaging, had many questions and indicated that they benefited in their learning process by hearing from us.

Now each May 1st I focus on celebrating my husband’s birthday with him and he celebrates me for attending to my breast heath and advocating for awareness.

Summer 2023

Book Summary

Dancing Between the Raindrops: A Daughter’s Reflections on Love and Loss, is a powerful meditation on grief, a deeply personal mosaic of a daughter’s remembrances of beautiful, challenging and heartbreaking moments of life with her family. It speaks to anyone who has lost a loved one and is trying to navigate the world without them while coming to terms with complicated emotions.

Lisa Braxton’s parents died within two years of each other—her mother from ovarian cancer, her father from prostate cancer. While caring for her mother she was stunned to find out that she, herself, had a life-threatening illness—breast cancer.

In this intimate, lyrical memoir-in-essays, Lisa Braxton takes us to the core of her loss and extends a lifeline of comfort to anyone who needs to be reminded that in their grief they are not alone.

Publisher: Sea Crow Press

Print length: 158 pages

Purchase a copy of Dancing Between the Raindrops on

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Dancing-Between-Raindrops-Daughters-Reflections/dp/1961864088/

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dancing-between-the-raindrops-lisa-braxton/1144935014?ean=9781961864085

You can also add this to your GoodReads reading list:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208947069-dancing-between-the-raindrops?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=WYkO4vLd07&rank=2

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About the Author

Lisa Braxton is the author of the novel, The Talking Drum, winner of a 2021 Independent Publisher (IPPY) Book Awards Gold Medal, overall winner of Shelf Unbound book review magazine’s 2020 Independently Published Book Award, and winner of a 2020 Outstanding Literary Award from the National Association of Black Journalists and a Finalist for the International Book Awards. She is also an Emmy-nominated former television journalist, an essayist, and short story writer. 

She is on the executive board of the Writers Room of Boston and a writing instructor at Grub Street Boston, and currently serves as President of the Greater Boston Section of the National Council of Negro Women and is a member of the Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 

You can follow the author at:

Website: https://lisabraxton.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisa.a.braxton/

Twitter: @Lisaannbraxton  OR @LisaReidbraxton

Instagram: @lisabraxton6186

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisabraxton/

Take a Food Journey Around the World!

Blog Tour Calendar

April 29th @ The Muffin

Join us at WOW as we celebrate the launch of Lisa Braxton’s memoir Dancing Between the Raindrops. Read an interview with the author and enter for a chance to win a copy of the book.

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

May 1st @ Beverley Baird

Lisa Braxton, author of the memoir Dancing Between the Raindrops, shares the experience of being an adult orphan.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com

May 3rd @ A Storybook World

Start the month with a touching memoir. Read more about Lisa Braxton’s Dancing Between the Raindrops.

https://www.astorybookworld.com

May 3rd @ Beverley Baird

Bev reviews Dancing Between the Raindrops, a memoir by Lisa Braxton.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com

May 5th @ Choices

How important is it to be part of a writing group? Dancing Between the Raindrops author Lisa Braxton gives her opinion on writing groups.

http://madelinesharples.com

May 6th @ Anthony Avina

Stop by for a surprise guest post with Lisa Braxton, author of the memoir Dancing Between the Raindrops.

http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com

May 8th @ The Shaggy Shepherd

How to answer the question “Do You Have Kids?” with guest post Lisa Braxton, author of the memoir Dancing Between the Raindrops.

https://theshaggyshepherd.wordpress.com

May 9th @ Boys’ Mom Reads!

Find out how a Boys’ Mom feels about the memoir Dancing Between the Raindrops with today’s review.

https://karensiddall.wordpress.com

May 13th @ Word Magic

Stop by for a guest post about growing up in the family business by Lisa Braxton, author of the memoir Dancing Between the Raindrops.

https://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com

May 14th @ What Is That Book About

Looking for a new book for your TBR pile? Stop by for a spotlight on Lisa Braxton’s memoir Dancing Between the Raindrops.

www.whatisthatbookabout.com

May 15th @ From the TBR Pile

Dancing Between the Raindrops author Lisa Braxton will be visiting with a guest post today.

https://fromthetbrpile.blogspot.com

May 16th @ Fancy That!

Lisa Braxton, author of Dancing Between the Raindrops, is at Fancy That today writing about grieving the death of elderly parents.

https://fancythatblog.com

May 23rd at Words by Webb

Read a review of Lisa Braxton’s Dancing Between the Raindrops today.

https://www.jodiwebbwriter.com/blog

May 24th @ World of My Imagination

Enjoy Nicole’s review of Dancing Between the Raindrops, a memoir by Lisa Braxton.

Welcome! I’m Glad You’re Here.

Guest Blog Post: Writing Historical Fiction by Margarita Barresi, Author of “A Delicate Marriage”

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

Writing Historical Fiction

There’s nothing like getting lost in a good historical fiction tale. When done right, historical fiction transports us to a past time and lets us imagine ourselves living there. History provides the framework for the story, but the book should not read like a history text. Rather it should be a wonderful story that happens to take place during another time and perhaps teaches something new about that time.

To be effective, historical fiction must be accurate. Nothing takes a reader out of a story like an anachronism or citing a wrong fact. For example, Henry VIII wouldn’t say “okay”, because the word did not exist during his time. Or a character in a pre-World War II novel would refer to World War I only as “The Great War”, never World War I. 

Take a Food Journey Around the World!

When I set out to write “A Delicate Marriage”, historical fiction set in Puerto Rico during the 1930s to ‘50s, I was determined to get it right. Here are some lessons about writing 20th century historical fiction I learned along the way.

  1. Absorb as much as you can about the history of the time. Start with an overview and then drill down into specific events. 
  2. Use primary sources whenever possible—letters, speeches, books written by the characters you are portraying, photos taken during the time.
  3. Newspapers and magazines bring facts to life and humanize the players. Ads are a font of information for question like what people wore or how much renting an apartment cost.
  4. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for in a book or online, contact an expert in that field. Academics and archivists are generally happy to help. For example, when researching my book, I consulted a Puerto Rican food historian and a historian for the El Yunque Rain Forest, among others.
  5. If you can’t verify a fact, leave it out. Even after consulting a Puerto Rican movie history expert, I could not confirm whether Puerto Rican theaters served popcorn in the 1930s, so my characters do not eat popcorn on their movie date.
  6. Bring history alive through the details—names of restaurants, books people were reading, popular songs, types of cars, the latest washing machine technology.
  7. You don’t have to include every historic event in detail. Pick and choose those that best serve the story and summarize others.
  8. First decide on the story you want to tell and then weave in the history. An agent critiqued an early draft of my manuscript, telling me “I would have liked to see the story and the historical details woven together a bit more seamlessly. Ideally, the reader will feel like we’re reading a love story within the historical context, instead of a love story with specific details about Puerto Rico during that time.” You bet I fixed that!
  9. Research is fun, but you need to know when to stop digging and when to start writing. Other writers advised me not to worry about the small details during the first draft, like what the character is wearing or what song is playing. You can add those later.
  10. Don’t have too rigid of an outline. Sometimes my research led the story in a new direction. For example, when I read about the opening gala for the Caribe Hilton Hotel in San Juan, I knew I had to set a scene during that party.

So why not try your hand at historical fiction? Pick an era that fascinates you and see what stories you can concoct. Spend time in 17th century France, Cleopatra’s Egypt, or even the Ice Age. And learn a little something along the way.

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About the Book

From glittering ballrooms to verdant mountains to poverty-stricken slums, A Delicate Marriage takes the reader on a vivid tour of Puerto Rico forty years after becoming a U.S. colony, a time of great change and political turmoil on the island.

Isabela, a wealthy woman, sacrifices her artistic aspirations to marry Marco, a penniless man dedicated to improving conditions on the island. As the island’s insular government enacts pro-U.S. policies, Marco builds a real estate empire while struggling to maintain his populist principles. Meanwhile, Isabela feels unfulfilled in her traditional role as a wife and mother and becomes disillusioned with Marco’s shifting moral compass. She begins to identify with anti-U.S. factions, leading a dangerous double life that puts her family in peril.

As political violence threatens their paradise, Isabela and Marco question whether their marriage, like the island’s relationship with the U.S., should continue. Margarita Barresi’s debut novel celebrates Puerto Rican culture while delving into themes of class, oppression, and the effects of colonialism through the lens of a marriage.

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

ISBN-10: 1639889302

ISBN-13: 978-1639889303

Print length: 352 pages

Purchase a copy of the book at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and Bookshop.org and add it to your Goodreads reading list. 

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Praise for A Delicate Marriage

“Margarita Barresi’s A Delicate Marriage is an electrifying debut … smart, heartfelt and timely… a trenchant portrait of an island and a marriage pushed to the breaking point.” 

—    Junot Diaz, author of This is When You Lose Her

“Immersive and interesting, empathetic, and expansive, Barresi skillfully interweaves a love story with the history of Puerto Rico politics. An impressive debut!”

— Susie Orman Schnall, author of We Came Here to Shine

“Barresi is a naturally gifted storyteller with a talent for narrative structure…What emerges is a fully three-dimensional portrait of a couple trying to find a way forward in a time of political and social upheaval…An absorbing and deeply nuanced romance.”

   —Kirkus Reviews

“Barresi expertly weaves captivating details of Puerto Rican history into this gripping love story.”

— Independent Book Review

“A Delicate Marriage, with its blend of glamour, charm, and a nostalgic nod to a bygone era, promises to uplift readers’ spirits on even the dreariest of days, inviting them to revisit the tempestuous yet enchanting landscape of Puerto Rico.”

— Literary Titan

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About Author Margarita Barresi

Raised in Puerto Rico by her grandparents, Margarita Barresi grew up hearing stories about the “good old days”—the genesis for this, her first novel. She studied public relations at Boston University, and after

a successful career in marketing communications, now devotes her time to writing. Her essays have been published in several literary magazines and compilations. Margarita lives in the suburbs north of Boston with her husband and two Puerto Rican cats, Luna and Rico.

Learn more at www.margaritabarresi.com.
Instagram: @margaritabarresi  https://www.instagram.com/margaritabarresi/
X/Twitter: @Barresi_Writes   https://twitter.com/Barresi_Writes
Facebook: Margarita Barresi

Blog Tour Calendar

November 10th @ The Muffin
Join us as we celebrate the blog tour launch of A Delicate Marriage by Margarita Barresi. You’ll have the chance to read an interview with the author and win a copy of the book.

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

November 12th @ World of My Imagination

Stop by to read Nicole’s review of A Delicate Marriage.

https://worldofmyimagination.com

November 14th @ Michelle Cornish’s blog

Read a guest post by Margarita Barresi about the evolution of her writing process.

https://www.michellecornish.com/blog

November 16th @ Deborah Adams’s blog

Check out Deborah’s spotlight of A Delicate Marriage, read a guest post about Puerto Rico by Margarita Barresi, and enter a giveaway.

http://www.deborah-adams.com/blog

November 17th @ A Story Book World

Visit Deirdra’s blog to view a spotlight of A Delicate Marriage.

https://www.astorybookworld.com/

November 19th @ What is That Book About?

Stop by Michelle’s blog while she spotlights A Delicate Marriage.

www.whatisthatbookabout.com

November 20th @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog

Check out Anthony’s blog where he shares a spotlight of A Delicate Marriage.

http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com

November 21st @ Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews blog

Join Lisa for an interview with Margarita Barresi.

https://lisahaselton.com/blog/

November 23rd @ World of My Imagination

Return to Nicole’s blog to read a guest post by Margarita Barresi about writing based on reality. 

https://worldofmyimagination.com

November 25th @ Boots, Shoes & Fashion

Join Linda as she interviews author Margarita Barresi.

https://bootsshoesandfashion.com

November 27th @ Author Michelle Cornish’s blog

Stop by to read Michelle’s review of A Delicate Marriage.

https://www.michellecornishauthor.com/book-reviews

November 30th @ The Knotty Needle

Visit Judy’s blog to read a review of A Delicate Marriage.

http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com

December 2nd @ Reading is My Remedy

Stop by Chelsie’s Instagram to read her review of A Delicate Marriage.

https://www.instagram.com/reading_is_my_remedy/

December 4th @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog

Check out Anthony’s blog where he shares a guest post by Margarita Barresi about writing historical fiction.

http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com

December 5th @ Nikki’s Book Reviews

Stop by to read Nicole’s review of A Delicate Marriage. 

https://nikkitsbookreviews.wordpress.com/

December 6th @ StoreyBook Reviews

Join Leslie as she spotlights A Delicate Marriage and shares a guest post by Margarita Barresi about writing characters based on people you know.

https://www.storeybookreviews.com

Guest Blog Post: How a Corgi Supercharged My Writing Life by Regina Buttner (Author of “Down a Bad Road”)

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book Events, Guest PostLeave a comment

I have never been dogless. When I was a child, my family had a succession of pooches of various breeds. As an adult, my kids and I adopted a string of dogs, including two incorrigible beagles and a lovely golden retriever named Juliet.

After my children were grown, I decided to trade the cold winters of upstate New York for the endless summer of coastal Florida, where I could enjoy the sunshine and write more books. There was a hitch, though—faithful Juliet disliked hot weather, so my son gladly took her in.

Being dogless gave me the freedom to pursue new pastimes in my new home: paddling my kayak, exploring the beaches, and planning my next novel. But then, an emptiness hit me. No damp doggy nose nudging me awake in the morning, nobody wagging their fanny off in greeting when I arrived home. My beach walks were solitary, and the space next to me on the couch was sadly vacant when I curled up to read in the evening. My writing suffered, too. With all the disruption of moving, the daily writing routine I’d worked so hard to cultivate was in danger of falling apart.

What to do? I wasn’t sure at first. Then one day, while sorting through my boxes, I came across a photo of a house I’d lived in twenty years ago. I recalled the wintry day when my young family moved in. The driveway was so long and narrow that the moving van had to park on the road, and the crew schlepped our belongings up to the house by hand. The cheerful driver wasn’t fazed though, because he had a secret power hidden inside his truck. “Mind if I let my dog out to play with yours?” he asked, and of course I agreed.

Next thing, a little dude named Edgar came bounding through the gate. He had short, stumpy legs, a ridiculously long back, and tall, pointy ears like satellite dishes. Where his tail should have been, there was only a fluffy pair of buns that resembled oven-browned loaves of bread. Edgar launched himself across the snowy backyard like a ping pong ball on steroids. “He’s a corgi,” his owner informed me, and I was instantly smitten.

As I sat there with my memories, a realization dawned: I need to get a dog. A month later, I acquired Pekoe, a 10-week-old Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and all heck broke loose. Having a puppy forced me to rise with the birds in the morning, for urgent potty and walkies. The vet had warned me that corgis tend to think they’re the boss of the world, so I worked diligently on Pekoe’s obedience training. Needless to say, she wasn’t too psyched about the whole doing-what-you’re-told thing, but I persevered. I developed a daily routine with a healthy blend of play time, training and naps, and structured my writing time around it.

The discipline of a daily schedule worked wonders with my pup, and it also jump-started my stalled writing life. The four basic commands I taught Pekoe—COME, SIT, STAY, FETCH—were essential to her training; and in a happy coincidence, I found they could be applied to my writing as well. 

Take COME, for instance. When the muse knocks, the writer must come to greet her, or risk her disappearing into the dreaded maw of writer’s block. Then there’s SIT. Your book won’t get written if your butt is traipsing around town, instead of at home in that desk chair where it belongs. And once you’re seated at the keyboard, you must STAY. Silence those pesky notifications and close the door, because it’s writin’ time! The last command you must master is FETCH. Your book ain’t gonna write itself, so let’s get after it! Clamp those needle-like puppy teeth around your story, give the muse a ferocious growl, and don’t let go until it’s done.

I’m happy to report that Pekoe has grown into a happy, healthy, and reasonably obedient corgi who only occasionally indulges her fantasy of being the supreme leader of the universe. With plenty of loving care, I hope to have Her Royal Corginess by my side for many more years and books to come. If you’d like a glimpse of Pekoe’s life of leisure, she’d be delighted to have you follow her on Instagram at #pekoecorgi.

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About the Author

Regina is a registered nurse-turned-writer who was raised in beautiful upstate New York, where she spent many happy years exploring the winding back roads and scenic hiking trails of the Adirondack mountain region. She recently traded the snowy northern winters for the tropical breezes of the Sunshine State, where her favorite pastimes are kayaking among the mangroves, strolling the gorgeous beaches, and attempting to teach tricks to her boisterous corgi. 

Learn more on Regina’s website or follow her on Instagram, Facebook, Goodreads or BookBub. 

You can read more about the book (and read a preview!) by going to: https://www.amazon.com/Down-Bad-Road-Regina-Buttner-ebook/dp/B0BSN7F7KT. 

Add Down a Bad Road to your Goodreads TBR list or purchase a copy at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Bookshop.org.

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Blog Tour Calendar

May 29th @ The Muffin

Join us as we celebrate the blog tour launch of Down a Bad Road by Regina Buttner. You’ll have the chance to read an interview with the author and win a copy of the book.

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

May 30th @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog

Stop by author Anthony Avina’s blog to read his review of Down a Bad Road by Regina Buttner. 

http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com

May 31st @ Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews blog

Join Lisa for an interview with Regina Buttner.

https://lisahaselton.com/blog/

June 1st @ World of My Imagination

Stop by World of My Imagination to read Nicole’s review of Down a Bad Road. 

https://worldofmyimagination.com

June 4th @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog

Revisit author Anthony Avina’s blog to read “How a Corgi Supercharged My Writing Life” by Regina Buttner. 

http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com

June 5th @ A Lit Life

Stop by A Lit Life read Stephanie’s review of Down a Bad Road. 

http://www.alitlife.com/

June 7th @ Sue Edwards’s blog

Visit Sue’s blog to read an interview with author Regina Buttner.

https://suebe.wordpress.com/

June 8th @ Michelle Cornish’s blog

Read a guest post from Regina Buttner about cultivating writerly discipline.

https://www.michellecornish.com/blog

June 9th @ Reading is My Remedy

Check out Chelsie’s Instagram where she’ll review Down a Bad Road.

https://www.instagram.com/reading_is_my_remedy

June 10th @ World of My Imagination

Stop by Nicole’s blog where Regina Buttner is a guest for “Three Things on a Saturday Night.”

https://worldofmyimagination.com

June 12th @ Reading is My Remedy

Stop by Chelsie’s blog to read a guest post by Regina Buttner about disguising your friends and family in your stories.

https://www.readingismyremedy.wordpress.com

June 13th @ Michelle Cornish’s author blog

Join Michelle as she reviews Down a Bad Road.

https://www.michellecornishauthor.com/blog

June 14th @ Create Write Now

Visit Mari’s blog to read a guest post by Regina Buttner about growing up old-school Catholic and daring to write about it!

CreateWriteNow.com

June 15th @ The Knotty Needle

Join Judy for her review of Down a Bad Road.

http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com

June 16th @ Mindy McGinnis’s blog

Stop by Mindy’s blog to read “A Humorous Look at NOT Dating After 50” by Regina Buttner.

https://www.mindymcginnis.com/blog

June 16th @ From the TBR Pile

Join Kari as she reviews Down a Bad Road. 

https://fromthetbrpile.blogspot.com/

June 18th @ Lady Unemployed 

Stop by Nicole’s blog to read “How Joining a Professional Writers Organization Transformed My Writing Career” by Regina Buttner.

Welcome to Lady Unemployed!

June 21st @ Life According to Jamie

Join us as Jamie reviews Down a Bad Road. 

http://www.lifeaccordingtojamie.com

June 22nd @ Sue Edwards’s blog

Return to Sue’s blog to read “From Nurse to Writer” by Regina Buttner.

https://suebe.wordpress.com/

June 23rd @ Nikki’s Book Reviews

Read Nicole’s review of Down a Bad Road.

https://nikkitsbookreviews.wordpress.com/

June 24th @ The Faerie Review

Stop by The Faerie Review to read a spotlight of Down a Bad Road. 

https://www.thefaeriereview.com

June 25th @ A Lit Life

Return to A Lit Life to read a guest post from Regina Buttner about how a visit to the Stillwater Hotel in Upstate New York inspired the setting for Down a Bad Road. 

http://www.alitlife.com/

Guest Blog Post from Author Donovan Hufnagle, author of “Raw Flesh Flash: The Incomplete, Unfinished Of”

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book Events, Guest Post2 Comments

Publishing is just another trial as part of the writer’s journey. When we cross the threshold from the known world into the unknown world, answering the call to adventure, entering OZ, Wonderland, the Athenian Forest…into our dreamworld, “somewhere over the rainbow,” we follow the yellow brick road, follow gold bricks in the form of words to counter the white space on the page and, perhaps, in our life. The perfect word(s). This word and not that word. We pass through the abyss, reach the Emerald City, and eventually come back home. But before we can reach the city, earn our gift, tap our heels together, and share it with the known world, the trial of publishing confronts us. 

Publishing is not the end of the journey nor is it a gift. When my first book, Sunshine Special, was published, I thought the world would change. It didn’t. I did, however, reach a revelation…publishing isn’t the key to a magical door that opens a garden of poppies and avenues. When my current book, Raw Flesh Flash: The Incomplete, Unfinished Documenting Of, won a publishing contest and was published by Uncollected Press, I understood that the work had just begun. And I think understanding is crucial. Writers, especially poets, should understand that there may be many times we hear the word NO. It feels personal. It’s not. But when you write and write, edit, and write some more then finally build the strength to submit your work, placing your work on display for someone to just cut it open until it bleeds seems pretty damn personal to me. And, simultaneously, impersonal, since most of the time you receive a cookie cutter rejection from the publisher like they didn’t even bother to read it. 

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On a side note, if you receive a personalized rejection, cherish it. 

Understand that publishing is a business like any other business and your success as a writer is not dependent on publishing. I just received a rejection through Submittable just the other day for one of my poems. I place it in a folder titled “submissions,” forget it and move on. Publishing is not an enemy; it is just a necessary hurdle along the way. 

My advice, then, is to keep writing, and one day you may become published (if that is what you are striving for).  It will feel good. It will be exciting. Someone out there appreciating your work as much as you do. Your hard work will finally be on display for others. You can stop plucking rose petals, wondering if they love you or if they love you not (maybe). Also, understand that the journey is not over. You will need to work just as hard for the next thing, to conquer the next trial. 

It took a long time for me to truly think about publishing—decades. As a younger poet, I wasn’t that interested in publishing. I would submit a poem here or there. But it wasn’t until I crafted my art to a point where I wanted, no, felt like I needed to share it with more than my wife that publishing seemed like the next logical step. So, I put my stuff out there. Scary and exciting. I received rejections. Dejected. I received acceptances. Elated. Some won contests. Some still have never seen the light of day. 

I am at a place, now, in my writing career that I know my talents, I know my successes, and they don’t depend on those publications. But it sure does feel nice. My writings are like my tattoos, on public display for all that I encounter, simultaneously, holding a personal meaning no one else will ever know, unless you ask. Every writer’s journey is unique; some trials along the way may come easy, some may never be conquered, but know the real gift is that you wrote something, you created new, you crafted art for a world where the “dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.”

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About the Book

Donovan Hufnagle has assembled a careful poetic ethnography of tattooed bodies and the stories that they tell. Just as the tattoo inscribes meaning on the body, this book elegantly reveals the stories that only the body can tell. It is a book that connects tattoo adorned bodies to a profound human truth: we are each other’s mirrors, and the artful inscriptions of our bodies connect us to each other in ways that transcend political and social divides. This is an urgent book that does what only the best poetry can do; it opens spaces for conversation, connection, and healing.-Kristin Prevallet, author of “I, Afterlife: Essay in Mourning Time”.

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About the Author

Donovan Hufnagle is a husband, a father of three, and a professor of English and Humanities. He moved from Southern California to Prescott, Arizona to Fort Worth, Texas. His new poetry collection, Raw Flesh Flash: The Incomplete, Unfinished Of, is a poetic scrapbook of interviews, poetry, and documents about the universal narrative of tattoos. 

He also has three other poetry collections: The Sunshine Special, a “part personal narrative, epic poem, and historical artifact;” Shoebox, an epistolary, poetic narrative about Juliana’s “past and present, love and lack, in language that startles;” and 30 Days of 19, inverted Haiku poems juxtaposed to Trump tweets, capturing the first thirty days of the Covid 19 quarantine. 

Other recent writings have appeared in The Closed Eye Open, Tempered Runes Press, Solum Literary Press, Poetry Box, Beyond Words, Wingless Dreamer, Subprimal Poetry Art, Americana Popular Culture Magazine, Shufpoetry, Kitty Litter Press, Carbon Culture, Amarillo Bay, Borderlands, Tattoo Highway, The New York Quarterly, Rougarou, and others.

http://www.donovanhufnagle.com/

https://twitter.com/donovanhufnagle