BLOG TOUR: THE WITCH’S APPRENTICE AND OTHER STORIES BY EKTA R. GARG EXCERPT

On September 12, 2025 By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book Events1 Comment

Hello there, everyone!

I am thrilled to be able to present you with an excerpt from the upcoming novel “THE WITCH’S APPRENTICE AND OTHER STORIES” by author Ekta R. Garg, as part of the author’s book tour with Women on Writing Blog Tours. I hope you will enjoy.

Question

When the tornado took Dorothy’s house to Oz, it landed on the Wicked Witch of the East and killed the witch instantly.

What was the witch doing in the road in the first place?

The Witch’s Apprentice

Do you remember the story about the house that fell on the Wicked Witch of the East? The one where the girl who came out of the house took the witch’s lovely silver shoes and went on her adventures down the road of yellow bricks? Well, enough time has passed that I believe I can confess.

It’s my fault the house fell on the witch in the first place.

She was there, in the middle of the road, because we were arguing. And we were arguing because I was asking—no, that’s not right. I was demanding to be freed from the Spell of Inhibition so I could complete my apprenticeship. The witch was the ruler of Munchkinland and the head of the High Council of Witches. Before my apprenticeship started, I had chosen her to be my mentor.

She was also my cousin.

We had been arguing about the completion of my apprenticeship, which required an act of altruism assigned to me by the High Council. Once I completed the task and the Council deemed it pure, proving I would only use my magic for good, the High Witches would lift the Spell of Inhibition that prevented the free use of magic for everything. After three years of training, I still hadn’t gotten used to the physical sensation of the spell; it made my skin itch in a way that made me want to shed it so I could emerge as a full-fledged witch.

For weeks, however, the High Council had ignored my repeated requests for a task. Anyone I asked referred me to someone else, and after the fourth or fifth request they all told me to speak to Cousin. When I got my chance on that day, in the middle of the road, I told Cousin in a firm voice that the time had come. I had proven myself and knew I was ready to practice magic as she did.

She began laughing in that cruel, high voice she had, and I knew. Even though the sound crushed my heart, in that moment I knew she had no intention of helping me. I thrust out my wand, ready to show her what I’d learned, fighting against the fiery sensation burning across my hand and wrist as the Spell of Inhibition warned against doing magic. In that moment, I heard a rushing sound, looked up, and saw the house. I jumped out of the way just before it…well, you know.

I assumed Cousin had also escaped, but then I looked back and saw her feet sticking out from under the house. My heart started fluttering faster than I could breathe. I scrambled to stand then ran back toward the tavern at the edge of the village where we had met to talk. A few munchkins walking past the tavern stared at me with curious looks, but I bypassed them completely, dove behind the squat building, and cast a spell on myself to transport me back to my cottage.

But I’m getting ahead of myself. In order to understand my tale, I’ll have to go back to the beginning so you’ll know properly how I ended up where I am now. So you’ll understand why running left me wracked by guilt…but also cradled by relief.

Ekta Garg’s

WOW! WOMEN ON WRITING TOUR

The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories

Tour Begins August 25

Book Summary

Have you ever wondered why Jack and Jill needed that pail of water in the first place? Or how Sleeping Beauty managed to prick her finger despite a royal order to destroy every spindle in the kingdom?

Fairy tales and nursery rhymes have given us some of the most iconic characters and images in storytelling; think Cinderella’s glass slipper or Jack’s oversized beanstalk. But what about the in-between moments? The ones that never made it to the page?

In this enchanting micro-collection of short stories, award-winning author Ekta R. Garg explores the untold scenes between the lines of some of our most loved tales. Find out what the Wicked Witch of the East was doing in the road before Dorothy’s house fell on her. Learn where Goldilocks came from. Meet the conmen who convinced the emperor he had new clothes and more.

Rediscover the wit, heart, and magic of the classics, and see them as you’ve never seen them before in The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.

Purchase a copy of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories on Amazon. You can also add this to your GoodReads reading list.

About the Author

A Reviewer, Editor, Author, and Dreamer of stories and books, Ekta has worked in niche publishing since 2005—she’s written and edited about everything from healthcare to home improvement to Hindi films! Ekta judges writing contests, hosts writing workshops, and podcasts about great books and how to write them. She’s currently the Content Coordinator of Neighbors of SW Champaign, a hyper-local magazine focusing on and lifting up the Champaign, Illinois, community. Ekta’s award-winning holiday novella, The Truth About Elves, and her award-winning fairy tale for grown-ups, In the Heart of the Linden Wood, are available from Atmosphere Press.

Website: https://ektargarg.com

Blog: https://thewriteedge.wordpress.com

Instagram: @EktaRGarg

X.com: @EktaRGarg

Facebook: https://facebook.com/ReviewerEditorAuthorDreamer

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Blog Tour Calendar

August 25 @ WOW! Women on Writing

Join us as we celebrate the launch of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. Read an interview with the author and enter for a chance to win a copy of the book.

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

August 27 @ Chapter Break

Visit Julie’s blog for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://chapterbreak.com

August 29 @ CK Sorens’ Instagram

Join Carrie for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://instagram.com/ck_sorens

August 30 @ One Writer’s Journey

Visit Sue’s blog for an excerpt from The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://suebe.wordpress.com/

September 2 @ One Writer’s Journey

Stop by Sue’s blog again for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://suebe.wordpress.com/

September 4 @ The Faerie Review

Join Lily for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://www.thefaeriereview.com

September 4 @ Knotty Needle

Visit Judy’s blog for a guest post by author Ekta Garg on how to set goals and actually keep them.

http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com

September 5 @ Chapter Break

Visit Julie’s blog again for a guest post by author Ekta Garg on how to choose the theme of your book…or let it choose you. You can also read her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.

https://chapterbreak.net

September 5 @ All Things Writing

Caitrin interviews author Ekta Garg about her writing journey and short story collection The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.

https://www.caitrincking.com/blog

September 7 @ What Is That Book About

Visit Michelle’s blog for an excerpt from The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg

https://www.whatisthatbookabout.com

September 7 @ Shoe’s Seeds and Stories

Visit Linda’s blog for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://lschuelerca.wordpress.com/

September 9 @ Words by Webb

Join Jodi for her response to our tour-themed prompt on what’s something in a fairy tale that she wished she saw more of.

https://www.jodiwebbwriter.com/blog

September 10 @ A Wonderful World of Words

Visit Joy’s blog for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/

September 12 @ Musings of a Literary Wanderer

Visit Angela’s blog for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://musingsofaliterarywanderer.blogspot.com/

September 12 @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog

Visit Anthony’s blog for an excerpt from The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://www.authoranthonyavina.com

September 13 @ Chapter Break

Visit Julie’s blog for her response to our tour-themed prompt about her thoughts on why fairy tales still resonate with readers today.

https://chapterbreak.net

September 13 @ Boots Shoes and Fashion

Join Linda’s blog for her interview with Ekta Garg about her book The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.

https://bootsshoesandfashion.com

September 14 @ Shoe’s Seeds and Stories

Visit Linda’s blog again for her response to our tour-themed prompt about what were some of her favorite fairy tales growing up.

https://lschuelerca.wordpress.com/

September 15 @ Beverley A. Baird’s blog

Visit Beverley for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com

September 16 @ A Wonderful World of Words

Visit Joy’s blog again for an excerpt from The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.

https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/

September 16 @ Words by Webb

Join Jodi for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://www.jodiwebbwriter.com/blog

September 16 @ CK Sorens Newsletter

Don’t miss Carrie’s feature of Ekta Garg’s The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.

https://www.cksorens.com

September 17 @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog

Join Beverley again for a guest post by Ekta Garg on finding your voice as a writer.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com

September 18 @ Knotty Needle

Visit Judy’s blog for her response to our tour-themed prompt about her thoughts on why fairy tales still resonate with readers today.

http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com

September 19 @ Beverley A. Baird’s blog

Visit Beverley again for her response to our tour-themed prompt on which fairy tale she would alter and how she would do it.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com

September 20 @ Sarandipity’s

Visit Sara’s blog for her interview with author Ekta Garg about her book The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.

https://sarandipitys.com/blog/

September 21 @ A Storybook World

Visit Deirdra’s blog for a guest post by Ekta Garg on using the word “perfect” to empower your writing.

https://www.astorybookworld.com/

September 21 @ Boys’ Mom Reads

Join Karen’s blog for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://karensiddall.wordpress.com/

September 23 @ Sandy Kirby Quandt

Visit Sandy’s blog for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://sandykirbyquandt.com/

September 24 @ Writer Advice

Visit B. Lynn Goodwin’s blog for a guest post by Ekta Garg on why she chose the hybrid publishing route.

https://www.writeradvice.com

September 24 @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog

Stop by Anthony’s blog for his review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://www.authoranthonyavina.com

September 25 @ Knotty Needle

Stop by Judy’s blog again for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com

September 26 @ Just Katherine

Visit Katherine’s blog for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. You can also check out her response to our tour-themed prompt on what she hasn’t seen in a fairy tale that we wish we saw more of.

https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com

September 27 @ Jill Sheets’ Blog

Visit Jill’s blog again for her interview with author Ekta Garg about her book The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.

https://jillsheets.blogspot.com/

My Year of Casual Acquaintances (The South Bay Series Book 1) by Ruth F. Stevens Review

On October 13, 2024October 14, 2024 By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book Events, reviewsLeave a comment

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

A woman hurt by the man she loved seeks to reinvent herself through casual acquaintances, but finds a man who wants more from her than she is willing to give as she struggles to find within herself the strength to open her heart up again in author Ruth F. Stevens’s “My Year of Casual Acquaintances”, the first book in The South Bay Series.

The Synopsis

When Mar Meyer’s husband divorces her for another woman, she reacts by abandoning everything in her past: her home, her friends, even her name. Though it’s not easy to start over, Mar is young-looking, fit, and ready for new adventures – as long as she can keep things casual.

With each passing month, Mar goes from one acquaintance to the next. Among them: a fellow gym member down on her luck, a flirty hip-hop instructor, a bossy but comical consultant, a kindly older gentleman . . . and Charlie, a handsome best-selling novelist who wants more from Mar than she’s able to give. She learns something new from each encounter. But can she change enough to open herself up to happiness and true connection?

Surrounded by an ensemble of quirky, endearing characters, Mar follows a tortuous and unpredictable path as she navigates the first year of her reinvented life. My Year of Casual Acquaintances is packed with laugh-out-loud moments mingled with scenes of loneliness and self-doubt that will put a lump in your throat.

The Review

What a compelling and engaging read. The author expertly weaves together a story that is equal parts women’s fiction and character-driven narrative. The rich dialogue and atmosphere the author gave this story gave the reader a sense of familiarity and relatability to the narrative and the characters. The tension and tone the author establishes for the protagonist are great motivators for the character’s arc overall, something readers will instantly connect with.

The heart of this narrative rests with the heartfelt themes and the strong character dynamics at play here. The heartbreak of losing a relationship, especially in the way that Mar has, plays well into the character’s sense of reinvention and the themes of friendship, love, and identity, playing off one another often in life. The balance that the author finds in Mar rediscovering who she is and the ability for her to open her heart to new possibilities in the face of betrayal makes this such a tremendous read.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, engaging, and memorable author Ruth F. Stevens’s “My Year of Casual Acquaintances” is a must-read novel. The character-driven and character-focused story helps elevate the overall narrative, and the slight inclusion of romance allows the reader to relate and root for this protagonist as her journey progresses slowly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Ruth F. Stevens likes to create stories that will make readers laugh and cry. A former public relations executive in New York and Los Angeles, she is a produced playwright and author of a previous novel, Stage Seven, which was a featured selection of national online book club and Alzheimer’s awareness organizations. Ruth is a proud member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association and the Dramatists Guild of America and serves as a volunteer and acquisitions editor for AlzAuthors.

Ruth lives in Torrance, California with her husband. In her spare time, she enjoys travel, hiking, hip-hop and fitness classes, yoga, Broadway musicals, wine tasting, leading a book club, and visiting her grandsons in NYC. Visit Ruth at https://ruthfstevens.com and consider signing up for her monthly newsletter to receive publishing updates, book reviews, and special offers.

Website: https://ruthfstevens.com/

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

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

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ruth-f-stevens

Purchase a copy of My Year of Casual Acquaintances on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.org. Add to your GoodReads reading list.

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Blog Tour Calendar

September 23rd @ The Muffin

Join us at The Muffin when we celebrate the launch of Ruth F. Stevens’ book My Year of Casual Acquaintances. We’ll be interviewing the author and giving away a copy of her book.

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

September 24th @ The Faerie Review

Join by Lily’s blog for a spotlight of My Year of Casual Acquaintances.

https://www.thefaeriereview.com

September 25th @ Words by Webb

Visit Jodi’s blog for her review of My Year of Casual Acquaintances.

https://www.jodiwebbwriter.com/blog

September 27th @ Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews

Stop by Lisa’s blog for an interview with author Ruth F. Stevens.

https://lisahaselton.com/blog

September 29th @ Book Review From an Avid Reader

Visit Joan’s blog for her review of My Year of Casual Acquaintances.

https://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com

September 30th @ Just Katherine

Visit Katherine’s blog for an excerpt from My Year of Casual Acquaintances.

https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com

September 30th @ Choices

Visit Madeline’s blog for a guest post about how casual acquaintances play an important role in our life.

http://www.madelinesharples.com/

October 1st @ A Storybook World

Visit Deirdra’s blog for a spotlight of My Year of Casual Acquaintances.

https://www.astorybookworld.com

October 2nd @ Create Write Now

Visit Mari’s blog for a guest post by Ruth F. Stevens about why fifty is nifty for a fictional character.

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

October 3rd @ Knotty Needle

Visit Judy’s blog for a review of My Year of Casual Acquaintances.

http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/

October 5th @ What Is That Book About

Stop by Michelle’s blog for an excerpt from My Year of Casual Acquaintances.

https://www.whatisthatbookabout.com

October 6th @ Storey Book Reviews

Visit Leslie’s blog for a review of My Year of Casual Acquaintances.

https://storeybookreviews.com

October 7th @ Life According to Jamie

Stop by Jamie’s blog for a review of My Year of Casual Acquaintances.

https://lifeaccordingtojamie.com

October 9th @ Beverley A. Baird’s blog

Stop by Beverley’s blog for her review of My Year of Casual Acquaintances

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com

October 11th @ Beverley A. Baird’s blog

Visit Beverley’s blog for an excerpt from My Year of Casual Acquaintances.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com

October 12th @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog

Join Anthony for his review of My Year of Casual Acquaintances.

https://authoranthonyavinablog.wordpress.com/category/blog-tours

October 13th @ Rosh’s Reviews

Visit Roshni’s blog for her review of My Year of Casual Acquaintances.

https://roshreviews.blogspot.com

October 15th @ Frugal Freelancer

Visit Sara Trimble’s blog for a guest post by the author about whether AI is a friend or a foe.

https://saratrimble.wordpress.com

October 18th @ A Wonderful World of Books

Visit Joy’s blog for an excerpt from My Year of Casual Acquaintances.

https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com

October 20th @ Chapter Break

Visit Julie’s blog for an interview with author, Ruth F. Stevens.

https://chapterbreak.net

October 23rd @ Boys’ Mom Reads!

Visit Karen’s blog for a review of My Year of Casual Acquaintances.

https://karensiddall.wordpress.com

October 26th @ Boots, Shoes, and Fashion

Visit Linda’s blog for an interview with author Ruth F. Stevens.

http://bootsshoesandfashion.com/

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

On August 24, 2024October 14, 2024 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 Blog Post: What Inspires Me by Anoop Judge

On July 12, 2024October 14, 2024 By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book Events, Guest PostLeave a comment

Inspiration is a fascinating phenomenon. It strikes at unexpected moments, often when I least expect it, (sometimes even in the shower) and transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.

1. The Power of Stories

Every story holds a universe within it. From classic literature to contemporary novels, the power of storytelling has always captivated me. I remember being enchanted by the stories written by Enid Blyton and Nancy Drew I read as a child in New Delhi, India. These stories sparked my imagination and planted the seeds for my own writing journey. Whether it’s a book, a movie, or a personal anecdote, stories inspire me to create narratives that resonate with others.

2. Cooking

This might be an odd one, but hear me out. Cooking a dish or a meal has serious similarities to writing. You need to have a plan. If you don’t, you need to figure one out, either through experience (like burned curries) or through a template or a recipe. You’ve got to prep your ingredients. Sometimes making other side dishes, sauces, or seasonings. Then you have to put it in the oven and cook it just right. That same creative space that allows you to cook also bakes your creative ideas. Yum. “What’s for dinner?” “How about a little drama with a side of cliffhanger sauce?”

3. The World Around Me

Nature, with its boundless beauty and unpredictability, is a constant muse. A walk in the park, the sound of the ocean, or the changing seasons can ignite a spark of creativity. Similarly, urban landscapes, with their vibrant energy and diverse cultures, offer endless inspiration.

4. Art and Music

Art and music are powerful sources of inspiration. A painting can evoke a multitude of emotions, while a song can transport me to a different time and place. They provide a sensory experience that often translates into my writing. The works of great artists and musicians remind me of the limitless possibilities of creative expression. The old cliché that a picture is worth a thousand words is amplified tenfold. Imagine the wraparound stories of some of the greatest paintings and sculptures. Imagining these can be a great exercise. On the flip side? Drawing, painting, and sculpting again access a creative part of the brain that also can contain our writing thoughts. If you think of your mind like a muscle, it’s good to flex this area in other disciplines, as well, because they’re all ultimately connected

5. Teaching and Mentorship

Teaching creative writing has been incredibly inspiring. Whether at The Writers Grotto in San Francisco, Stanford University, or at Book Passage, interacting with students and seeing their growth and passion for writing has been a profound source of motivation. Mentorship programs, like The Write Team Mentorship, have also reinforced my belief in the power of guidance and community in fostering creativity.

6. My Cultural Heritage

My cultural heritage is a cornerstone of my inspiration. The rich traditions, languages, and history of India provide a deep well of material for my writing. My novels, such as ‘The Awakening of Meena Rawat’ and ‘Mercy and Grace,’ often draw from my cultural roots, blending them with contemporary themes to create stories that are both unique and universal.

Inspiration is everywhere if we choose to see it. It’s in the stories we hear, the experiences we live, and the people we meet. For me, it’s a continuous journey of discovery, one that I cherish deeply as I navigate the world of writing.

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Book Summary

Lena Sharma is a successful San Francisco restaurateur. An immigrant, she’s cultivated an image of
conservatism and tradition in her close-knit Indian community. But when Lena’s carefully constructed
world begins to crumble, her ties to her daughter, Maya, and son, Sameer—raised in thoroughly modern
California—slip further away.

Maya, divorced once, becomes engaged to a man twelve years her junior: Veer Kapoor, the son of
Lena’s longtime friend. Immediately, Maya feels her mother’s disgrace and the judgment of an insular
society she was born into but never chose, while Lena’s cherished friendship frays. Meanwhile, Maya’s
younger brother, Sameer, struggles with an addiction that reaches a devastating and very public turning
point, upending his already tenuous future.

As the mother, daughter, and son are compromised by tragedy, secrets, and misconceptions, they each
must determine what it will take to rebuild their bonds and salvage what’s left of their family.

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Print length: 335 pages

Purchase a copy of No Ordinary Thursday on
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/No-Ordinary-Thursday-Anoop-Judge/dp/1542037751/
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/no-ordinary-thursday-anoop-judge/1140485124.
Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/no-ordinary-thursday-anoop-judge/17746161

You can also add this to your GoodReads reading list
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61214404-no-ordinary-thursday

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About the Author

Screenshot

Born and raised in New Delhi, Anoop is the author of four novels, The Rummy Club which won the
2015 Beverly Hills Book Award, The Awakening of Meena Rawat, an excerpt of which was nominated for
the 2019 Pushcart Prize, No Ordinary Thursday, and Mercy and Grace.

Her essays and short stories have appeared in Green Hills Literary Lantern, Rigorous Journal, Lumiere
Review, DoubleBack Review, and the Ornament anthology, among others.

Anoop calls herself a “recovering litigator”—she worked in state and federal courts for many years
before she replaced legal briefs with fictional tales. She holds an MFA from St. Mary’s College of
California and was the recipient of the 2021 Advisory Board Award and the 2023 Alumni Scholarship.
She lives in Pleasanton, California, with her husband, and is the mother of two admirable young adults.

You can follow the author at:
Website: https://anoopjudge.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judgeanoop/?hl=en
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anoop-ahuja-judge-94396743/

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Blog Tour Calendar

June 17th @ The Muffin
Join us as we celebrate the launch of Anoop Judge’s book No Ordinary Thursday. Read an interview with
the author and enter to win a copy of her book.
https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

June 19th @ Writer Advice
Novelist Anoop Judge stops by with a guest post about Ways To Begin a Story.
https://www.writeradvice.com

June 21st @ A Wonderful World of Words
Let’s have some fun with a book giveaway and a guest post from Anoop Judge tracing her journey
through four novels.
https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/

June 22nd @ A Storybook World

Make an addition to your TBR pile with this spotlight on No Ordinary Thursday.
https://www.astorybookworld.com/

June 24th @ My Beauty My Books
Author Anoop Judge visits with advice to her twenty year old self and a chance to win a copy of her
novel No Ordinary Thursday.
mybeautymybooks.com

June 25th @ Words by Webb
Read a review of No Ordinary Thursday at Words by Webb/
https://www.jodiwebbwriter.com/blog

June 28th @ What Is this Book About
Stop by for a spotlight on a new book for a new month: No Ordinary Thursday by Anoop
Judge.
http://www.whatisthatbookabout.com

June 30th @ Choices
Anoop Judges gives readers a peek at her writing life with today’s guest post.
http://madelinesharples.com

July 2nd @ Boys’ Mom Reads
Karen shares her review of No Ordinary Thursday, a novel of love, friendship and family.
karensiddall.wordpress.com

July 3rd @ The Faerie Review
Want to enjoy the July 4th holiday with a great book? The Faerie Review is spotlighting No Ordinary
Thursday by Anoop Judge.
https://www.thefaeriereview.com/

July 5th @ StoreyBook Reviews
Anoop Judge shares her thoughts on Crafting Dialogue: How Can You Best Give Voice to Your
Characters?
https://www.storeybookreviews.com

July 9th @ Word Magic
Fiona welcomes novelist Anoop Judge sharing a few things you didn’t know about her.
https://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/

July 11th @ Knotty Needle
Read a review of No Ordinary Thursday, a novel about family and friendship.
http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/

July 12th @ Author Anthony Avina
Pop by the blog of Author Anthony Avina for a guest post about what inspires Anoop Judge.
https://authoranthonyavinablog.wordpress.com/

July 17th @ Chapter Break
Ready to head for the hammock (or your favorite reading spot) with an engrossing summer read? Learn
more about No Ordinary Thursday and author Anoop Judge.
https://chapterbreak.net/

July 20th @ Seaside Book Nook
Jilleen shares her thoughts on No Ordinary Thursday and a guest post on first memories from the author
Anoop Judge.
http://www.seasidebooknook.com/

Queering the American Dream by Angela Yarber Review

On June 28, 2024 By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book Events, reviewsLeave a comment

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

Author Angela Yarber seeks to redefine what the American Dream means to marginalized people and the LGBTQ+ community as a whole in the book “Queering the American Dream”.

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The Synopsis

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.

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The Review

What a compelling and thoughtful read. The author did a fantastic job of highlighting the personal struggles and obstacles she faced in going on this personal journey to find herself and her family in the process while also acknowledging the privilege she was born into, helping to shine a light on other marginalized groups aside from her own, from people of color to people who identify as different genders and so much more. The author’s balance of personal and professional writing in this book allowed the reader to connect with her experiences much deeper.

The heart of this narrative rested in the author’s path that she found herself on. In our current landscape, the need to “define” things like family, love, and society has become a centralized debate worldwide. The reader can see no clear-cut definition of family through the author’s story. Instead, family and love can look like anyone and anything, with white picket fences being equal to living on the road in an RV or having an apartment overlooking a major metropolitan city, as well as a mother and father being equal to two mothers or two fathers. The personal nature of the author’s other struggles, from loved ones struggling with addiction to feelings of self-doubt and more, really kept the reader engaged.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and thoughtful in its delivery, author Angela Yarber’s “Queering the American Dream” is a must-read LGBTQ-driven nonfiction book that readers won’t be able to put down. The book’s relatability for so many LGBTQ readers looking to find their family in this world and the dedication to representing and giving voice to many different cultures and viewpoints allowed for a well-rounded discussion and heartfelt dive into what family truly means. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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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

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

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

What Was Never There: Short Stories by Elizabeth Maria Naranjo Review

On June 3, 2024 By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

Author Elizabeth Maria Naranjo shares a collection of short stories that taps into the theme of memory in the collection “What Was Never There: Short Stories”.

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The Synopsis

A mother and daughter lost in the woods must overcome their worst fears to find their way back. A father going through a divorce witnesses a seemingly impossible motorcycle accident,

which forces him to question the truth of his own perceptions. A little boy with a terrible secret routinely steals away at night to meet a girl beneath a willow tree—only to discover she has a

secret of her own.

What Was Never There is a collection of short stories with the common theme of memory, or rather, the way memory haunts us.

Includes Pushcart Prize nominated stories “We Never Get to Talk Anymore” and “The Dinosaur Graveyard" and the award-winning "Windows," selected for Best Microfiction 2023.

The Review

This was such a haunting yet beautiful collection of short stories. The author does a remarkable job of creating a sense of atmosphere throughout each story as if the setting becomes just as crucial a character in each story as the characters themselves. The imagery drew the reader into the narrative, allowing the stories to evolve and grow naturally so that readers could feel drawn further into them.

The author’s writing style stood out to this reader, as the author writes in a way that almost feels both poetic and cinematic, as if in an indie arthouse film. Stories such as Windows and Gravity highlight this writing style, as the reader can feel the artistry and emotion that these tales inspire in the readers. The depth of the characters in these stories also showcases the theme of memory quite well, exploring how memory can be a conduit to our perception of the universe.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, imaginative, and engaging author Elizabeth Maria Naranjo’s “What Was Never There” is a must-read short story collection. The fast pace and compelling storytelling instantly draw the reader in, and their emotional connection with each story will make them eager for more of this author’s moving work. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Elizabeth Maria Naranjo is the author of The Fourth Wall, The House on Linden Way, and What Was Never There. Her stories and essays have been widely published and nominated for the Pushcart Prize, Best American Essays, and Best of the Net, and her short story, “Windows,” was selected for Best Microfiction 2023. She lives in Tempe, Arizona, with her husband and two

children.

Buy links:

Amazon Kindle:

Amazon Paperback:

Website: https://www.elizabethmarianaranjo.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/emarianaranjo

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199240146-what-was-never-there

Analyzing the Prescotts: A Novel by Dawn Reno Langley Review

On March 1, 2024 By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

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A therapist reeling from the loss of a patient must work to help a fractured family facing new changes and growing LGBTQ+ driven hate crimes in their local area, and the therapist must choose to save them or her own marriage in author Dawn Reno Langley’s “Analyzing the Prescotts: A Novel”.

The Synopsis

Cotton Barnes, a Raleigh, NC, therapist, leveled by a client’s recent suicide, is struggling to resume her practice when she begins working with the Prescotts, a family fractured when the father comes out as transgender and begins transitioning. They relate their stories in their chosen voices, each family member’s narrative in a different format. Journals, social media, and other nontraditional narratives challenge Dr. Barnes’ therapeutic skills. While each member of the Prescotts dodge land mines behind the closed doors of her therapy office, the Raleigh, North Carolina area is rocked by a series of LGBTQ+ hate crimes. As Cotton finds herself stalking the family, worried that she might not be able to “save them,” her husband slips away, and Cotton is forced to make a decision that will determine whether she saves her own marriage or the Prescotts.

The Review

This was such an engaging and thought-provoking story. The tragedy and heartbreak that becomes the running theme in the protagonist’s life was both insightful yet heart-wrenching to behold. The story speaks to our connections in our families and with others.

Yet the strong themes this narrative took on made this story shine brightly. The lines that often blur when we become integrated into other people’s lives can turn care and concern into obsession, and the hardship that comes from trying to live our most authentic lives in a world that hates and shuns those people all played a significant role in this story. The careful and moving attention to detail the author paid to these characters made the story feel more connective for readers.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging author Dawn Reno Langley’s “Analyzing the Prescotts” is a must-read LGBTQ+ driven narrative that readers won’t put down. The twists and turns in the story, the emotional weight of the characters and their journey, and the mesmerizing tale that comes to life on the page 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

Dawn Reno Langley writes extensively for newspapers and magazines, has published more than 30 books (nonfiction, children’s books, and novels such as The Mourning Parade (Amberjack, 2017)), dozens of award-winning short stories, essays, and poems in journals such as Missouri Review, Hunger Mountain and Superstition Review, as well as hundreds of articles, theater reviews, and blogs. A Fulbright scholar and TedX speaker with an MFA in Fiction from Vermont College and a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies (concentrations in gender studies and creativity) from The Union Institute and University, she lives on the North Carolina coast. She offers writing retreats for other women and teaches for Southern New Hampshire University’s MFA program. Her latest book, You Are Divine: A Search for the Goddess in All of Us (Llewellyn) was released nationally and internationally in January 2022.ADD AUTHOR BIO

You can follow the author at:

Website: www.dawnrenolangley.net

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

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

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfSpOz4n17V06ZGei4SkXww

Purchase a copy of Analyzing the Prescotts on

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Analyzing-Prescotts-Dawn-Reno-Langley/dp/1685133495

You can also add this to your GoodReads reading list

.https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/201087344-analyzing-the-prescotts

Blog Tour Calendar

February 5th @ The Muffin

Join us at WOW as we celebrate the launch of Dawn Reno Langley’s novel Analyzing the Prescotts. Read an interview with the author and enter for a chance to win a copy of the book.

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

February 6th @ The Mommies Review

Visit with The Mommies Review for a review of Analyzing the Prescotts.

https://www.themommiesreviews.com

February 8th @ Knotty Needle

Stop by Judy’s blog for a review of Dawn Reno Langley’s Analyzing the Prescotts.

http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com

February 9th @ Boys’ Mom Reads!

Find out Karen’s take on Analyzing the Prescotts in today’s review.

https://karensiddall.wordpress.com

February 10th @ Boots, Shoes, and Fashion

Visit Linda’s blog for her interview with author Dawn Reno Langley about her novel Analyzing the Prescotts.

https://bootsshoesandfashion.com

February 11th @ A Wonderful World of Books

Visit Joy’s blog for a guest post by Dawn Reno Langley on the challenges of writing using multiple points of view. You can also read an excerpt of Langley’s novel Analyzing the Prescotts.

https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com

February 12th @ Lisa Haselton’s Book Reviews & Interviews

Visit Lisa’s blog for an interview with Dawn Reno Langley, author of Analyzing the Prescotts.

https://lisahaselton.com/blog

February 13th @ Nikki’s Book Reviews

Read Nikki’s take on Dawn Reno Langley’s Analyzing the Prescotts.

https://nikkitsbookreviews.wordpress.com

February 15th @ Debra-Zenha Adams

Visit Debra’s blog for a guest post by Dawn Reno Langley exploring transgender authors: PhD Dissertation and the novel.

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

February 16th @ The Book Diva Reads

Stop by Vivian’s blog today when the spotlight will be on Analyzing the Prescotts by Dawn Reno Langley.

https://thebookdivasreads.com

February 18th @ Così faccio io

Don’t miss Cecelia’s review of Analyzing the Prescotts today.

https://cosifaccioio.substack.com

February 20th @ Writer Advice

Visit Lynn’s blog for a guest post by author Dawn Reno Langley that gives us a peek at The Writer Life.

https://www.writeradvice.com

February 22nd @ The Faerie Review

Visit Lily’s blog for her review of Analyzing the Prescotts by Dawn Reno Langley.

https://www.thefaeriereview.com

February 25th @ Choices

Visit Madeline’s blog for a guest post by Dawn Reno Langley about writing about sensitive sociological issues.

http://madelinesharples.com

February 28th @ Author Anthony Avina’s Blog

Stop by Anthony’s blog for a review of Analyzing the Prescotts by Dawn Reno Langley.

http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com

March 4th @ Author Anthony Avina’s Blog

Read a guest post about violence in the LGBT++ community by Dawn Reno Langley, author of Analyzing the Prescotts.

http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com

March 5th @ Così faccio io

Author Dawn Reno Langley shares how to deal with broken characters at Cecelia’s blog.

https://cosifaccioio.substack.com

March 7 @ Michelle Cornish Blog

Read Michelle Cornish’s review of Analyzing the Prescotts by Dawn Reno Langley.

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

March 10 @ Coffee and Ink

Stop by Coffee and Ink for a review of Analyzing the Prescotts by Dawn Reno Langley.

https://coffeeandinkbooks.wordpress.com

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

On December 7, 2023 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.

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 20^th century historical fiction I learned along the way.

Absorb as much as you can about the history of the time. Start with an overview and then drill down into specific events.
Use primary sources whenever possible—letters, speeches, books written by the characters you are portraying, photos taken during the time.
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.
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.
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.
Bring history alive through the details—names of restaurants, books people were reading, popular songs, types of cars, the latest washing machine technology.
You don’t have to include every historic event in detail. Pick and choose those that best serve the story and summarize others.
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!
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.
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 17^th 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.

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

Secrets Laid to Rest (A Ladies of SPI Mystery) by Catherine C. Hall Review

On October 24, 2023 By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book Events, reviewsLeave a comment

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

A newly minted paranormal investigation group must work through their small town life and a local mystery to get their newly formed group out into the world in author Catherine C. Hall’s “Secrets Laid to Rest”, the first book in the A Ladies of SPI Mystery series!.

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The Synopsis

But not just any business. It’s the Golden Girls meet the Ghostbusters when four women find themselves in an unlikely career: Southeastern Paranormal Investigations. Ree Lane, a stylish widow, is more cynic than true believer, while her childhood chum Elle Harper has a knack for getting sensitive info with the help of her homemade pies. The preacher’s wife, Betsy Jones, can’t be seen with SPI unless she’s in her disguise as Nora, a psychic-in-training with a gift for Tarot. And the recently-returned-home Gillian Buchanan is a whiz at technology, especially of the supernatural sort.

Their first case lands on the doorstep when neighbor Doris Tucker is sure her prized vintage dolls are haunted. But there’s hardly time for ghost-hunting when the bank director’s wife mistakes SPI for a private eye venture. Now they’re also hot on the trail of a misbehaving husband. It’s a wild ride as the sixty-something sleuths start digging into the past. But have the Ladies of SPI gone too far? And how far will Sutter go to keep its secrets dead and buried?

The Review

This was an absolutely compelling read. As a paranormal investigator myself, it was a compelling look into the world of paranormal investigations. The detail the author provided for the techniques, the tools, and the thought process behind hauntings, ghosts, and the paranormal field as a whole was so engaging and mesmerizing that you felt transported into the high-stakes world of paranormal television we all know and love.

Yet it was the small-town life aspect of the narrative, as well as the thoughtful character development, that really made this story shine. The chemistry between the women of SPI and the different walks of life they hail from helped elevate the mystery and intrigue of the small town, and the powerful imagery and atmosphere that layered this story made the book feel alive on the page.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, mysterious, and entertaining, author Catherine C. Hall’s “Secrets Laid to Rest” is a fantastic ghost thriller and mystery read. The twists and turns in the narrative and the attention to detail surrounding both small-town life and the paranormal field as a whole made this a compelling read you won’t want to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

There’s a great song, “I’ve Been Everywhere,” made popular by Johnny Cash (and a couple commercials). If you put the song in Georgia, it would be about Catherine C. Hall, starting when she moved to the Peach State at eight-years-old.

She grew up in Savannah, Georgia, where you can’t throw a stick without hitting a ghost. Even when she was a little girl, Savannah was known for its haunted history and she was hooked!

Broadcast Journalism hooked her as well, so she studied at Valdosta State University way down in South Georgia where it is the heat and the humidity. She worked in a few radio stations but it was WNEX Radio in Macon that turned out to be life-changing. She met a cute deejay from Sandersville, Georgia, and married him a year later.

They moved above the Gnat Line (Oh, it’s real) to the Atlanta area, where they grew their family to two boys and a girl, and she took a turn in the teaching world. And then whoosh! She met the half-century mark wondering what to do? Maybe it was the merlot talking but after years of reading mysteries, Catherine thought it was high time she write one. And she did; it was awful. (And way too short. Who knew readers expected 70, 000 words?)

So she learned her craft, starting with flash fiction, then moving on to short fiction, where she won a few awards. She wrote essays that ended up in books like Chicken Soup for the Soul. She penned assorted humor columns and continued to freelance. And then one day, she wrote another story that wasn’t exactly novel-length but it wasn’t a short story, either. It was a children’s book.

She joined SCBWI, the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and had a wonderful career in children’s writing, including publishing six books. But in the midst of her last two book contracts, life changed unexpectedly when Catherine’s favorite deejay up and died.

When at last she wanted to write again, she heard four women of a certain age, each seeking purpose and joy in where they found themselves. Which for them was a small town in Georgia called Sutter. For Catherine, it was at home, still in the Atlanta suburbs, revisiting the ghost stories of her youth, and finally getting that mystery written. All 70,000 words of it!

You can find Catherine online at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551890907288

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathychall/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/cathyhall55/

Website (Psst! Sign up for Cathy’s Spirited Newsletter and get in on secret giveaways!): https://catherine-c-hall.com/

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Blog Tour Calendar

October 13th @ The Muffin

Join us as we celebrate the launch of Secrets Laid to Rest by Catherine C. Hall. Read an interview with the author and win a copy of the book for yourself.

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

October 13th @ Just Katherine

Join Katherine today as she shares an excerpt from Secrets Laid to Rest by Catherine C. Hall.

https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com

October 15th @ Book Divas Reads

Join Vivian for a spotlight of Secrets Laid to Rest.

https://thebookdivasreads.com/

October 20th @ The Forgotten Books

Join Heather as she features a review of Secrets Laid to Rest.

https://www.instagram.com/The_forgotten_books_/

October 20th @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog

Join Anthony for his review of Secrets Laid to Rest.

https://atomic-temporary-124910902.wpcomstaging.com/category/blog-tours/

October 21st @ A Storybook World

Visit Deirdra’s blog for her spotlight of Secrets Laid to Rest.

https://www.astorybookworld.com/

October 25th @ Candid Canine

Join Chris for a review of Secrets Laid to Rest.

https://candidcanine.blogspot.com

October 26th @ The Faerie Review

Visit Lily’s blog for her review of Secrets Laid to Rest.

https://www.thefaeriereview.com/

October 27th @ Musings of a Literary Wanderer

Join Angela as she reviews Secrets Laid to Rest by Catherine C. Hall. She shares an excerpt of the book as well!

http://musingsofaliterarywanderer.blogspot.com/

October 30th @ Finished Pages

Join Renee as she reviews Secrets Laid to Rest by Catherine C. Hall.

https://finishedpages.com/

November 1st @ Chapter Break

Don’t miss a guest post by Catherine C. Hall about how to develop a cast of characters over at Julie’s blog today. She also reviews Catherine’s book Secrets Laid to Rest.

https://chapterbreak.net/

November 2nd @ One Writer’s Journey

Join Sue for her review of Secrets Laid to Rest by Catherine C. Hall.

https://suebe.wordpress.com/

November 4th @ A Wonderful World of Books

Visit Joy’s blog for her review of Secrets Laid to Rest.

https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/

November 6th @ Lisa Haselton’s Reviews & Interviews

Visit Lisa’s blog for her interview with Catherine C. Hall.

https://lisahaselton.com/blog/

November 7th @ Pick a Good Book

Join Debbie over her blog for a review of Secrets Laid to Rest.