Tag: women on writing

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 Blog Post: What Inspires Me by Anoop Judge

On 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 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.

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        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 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.

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        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.

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        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 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”.

        Watermelon

        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.

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        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.

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        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 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

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

        On 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. 

        Metallica The Master Collection Banners

        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?

        Take a Food Journey Around the World!

        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.

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        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.

        https://instagram.com/pickagoodbook

        November 8th @ A Lit Life

        Join Stephanie for a guest post by Catherine C. Hall about the cozy mystery food connection.

        Classic Home 2

        November 9th @ Deborah-Zenha Adams’ blog

        Join Deborah as she features a guest post by Catherine C. Hall about why it’s never too late to achieve your dreams.

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

        November 9th @ Knotty Needle

        Visit Judy’s blog for her review of Secrets Laid to Rest.https://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/

        http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/

        November 10th @ StoreyBook Reviews

        Visit Leslie’s blog for a review of Secrets Laid to Rest.

        https://storeybookreviews.com/

        November 12th @ Jill Sheets’ blog

        Visit Jill’s blog for an interview with author, Catherine C. Hall.

        http://jillsheets.blogspot.com/

        November 13th @ Word Magic

        Join Fiona’s blog for a guest post by Catherine C. Hall about what’s a nice catholic like her writing paranormal like this.

        https://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/

        November 15th @ Jamie Wong

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

        https://lifeaccordingtojamie.com/

        November 16th @ A Lit Life

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

        Classic Home 2

        November 17th @ Just Katherine

        Visit Katherine’s blog again as she shares a guest post by Catherine C. Hall about why you need an editor and how to find one you can afford.

        https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com

        November 17th @ Live, Love, and Laugh for a Healthy Lifestyle

        Nicole shares her thoughts about Secrets Laid to Rest by Catherine C. Hall.

        https://liveloveandlaughforahealthylifestyle.wordpress.com/

        Guest Blog Post: The Trick To A Great Interview: Interviewer And Interviewee by Claudine Wolk

        On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book EventsLeave a comment

        The Interviewer 

        Interviews are so much fun.  The opportunity to chat with an expert or an author and to share what they know with your audience is exhilarating and can be great fun.  A few tricks will polish your interview to keep your listeners coming back for more.

        1. Be Prepared and Pay Attention. Consider what you would want to learn from this guest as a listener when preparing questions but understand also that the interview can veer in a completely different direction. Many times, that new direction is exactly where the interview was meant to go.  
        1. Prepare A Great Intro. Make sure the information in your prepared intro is up to date by sharing it with your guest before recording. 
        1. Keep YOUR talking to a minimum.  The interview is not about you, it’s about imparting the guest’s wisdom to your listeners. Let your guest talk. You brought them in for an interview for a reason.  Consider yourself the bumpers in a bowling lane where you nudge the conversation this way and that to keep it on point.
        1. Finally, most guests are more than happy to talk and your job will be to keep them on track but rarely you may have a guest who simply does not like to talk.  Keep them moving by getting them comfortable with your questions… start a statement and then pause… give them a chance to pick up the thread and show their stuff.

        The Interviewee

        Interviews are a great way for you to promote your book or your business.  The trick as the interviewee is to remember to avoid a “hard-sell” of your product or service. Instead, provide valuable expertise/entertainment to the audience. Resist the urge to openly sell. i.e., “buy my book!” Here are a few more tips for a well-rounded, informative and entertaining interview. 

        1. Offer great content to the audience so they take away fun, helpful nuggets that show off your expertise. If you are the author of a fiction book and are asked to describe it, give a quick synopsis that doesn’t give away the ending.  
        1. Answer the interviewer’s questions thoughtfully and succinctly.  Many interviewers have a whole list of questions with which to relay valuable information to their audience and if you pontificate on one question, they won’t get the chance to ask any others.
        1. Some interviewers are more than happy to let you chat away.  If you pause and the interviewer is encouraging you to continue with your train of thought, oblige them.  Having a list of interesting points that you curate before the interview is a great idea to keep you on point.
        1. Finally, make sure that you remember to let people know where to find you on social media for more information.  One social media channel that is easy to remember is the best bet because people are listening and could be in a car on a walk.  Off air, you may ask the interviewer to add your social media links and a link to your book, of course, in their show notes. Most likely, the interviewer will ask where to find your book on air!
        1. Remember to thank the interviewer and off-air, ask for a copy of the audio so that you can promote it across your social media and website. 

        Most of all, have fun and consider the interview a conversation for the most enjoyable experience for you, the interviewer and the audience.  Good Luck!

        Claudine Wolk is the co-author, with Julie Murkette, of Get Your Book Seen and Sold: The Essential Book Marketing and Publishing Guide and a book marketing coach. Find her writing/podcast at claudinewolk.substack.com.

        Watermelon

        Book Summary

        It is easier than ever to publish a book, but many authors find out too late about the actual work-the book marketing-that needs to be done to achieve sizable book sales. Instead of embracing the opportunities to promote their books, authors are intimidated and shut down. Those days are over. This is the book authors MUST HAVE to give their books the best chance to be seen and sold.  

        In this essential, easy-to-read, and easy-to-understand guide, the author will work through the graphs, examples, and exercises in the book and learn:

        • The fundamentals of book marketing: Message, Audience, and Hook 
        • How the book marketing fundamentals effortlessly feed into every aspect of book marketing
        • The breadth of book marketing options and how book marketing works, with examples
        • How book distribution IS a crucial part of book marketing 
        • To develop an elevator pitch and a formal pitch to media contacts
        • To develop with a doable book marketing plan
        • To develop media kit items for their book publicity efforts: Press Release, Author Bio, etc.
        • The types of book reviews and how to get them
        • To create a list of media contacts and how to use them
        • To organize their new entrepreneurial business as book marketer/author
        • Ideas to “shake their tree” to develop unique book marketing opportunities 
        • To examine the best social media channels to promote their books
        • Where to put their book promotion dollars
        • Most importantly, authors will learn something priceless…the correct starting point!


        Authors, You CAN do right by your book! Go on and reach the book buyers that you had in mind when wrote your treasured manuscript and Get Your Book Seen and Sold today.

        Publisher: Lost Valley Press (September 2023)

        ISBN-10: 1935874446

        ISBN-13: 978-1935874446

        Print length: 122 pages

        Purchase your copy on Amazon, Bookshop.org, or Barnes and Noble. Make sure you add it to your GoodReads list too.

        Take a Food Journey Around the World!

        About the Author

        Claudine Wolk and Julie Murkette are experienced in sharing their knowledge of the publishing industry to give books the BEST chance to be sold. Julie is the long-time owner of Satya House Publications, which published and marketed the award-winning I See the Sun series of books, among others. Claudine Wolk is a published author, journalist, podcast host and book marketing consultant. You can find her writing in her weekly newsletter on Substack: Get Your Book Seen and Sold. Her book, It Gets Easier and Other Lies We Tell New Mothers, (Harper Collins) is translated into three languages and was released as an audiobook (Nov. 2022).

        Find Claudine online at:

        Substack: https://ClaudineWolk.Substack.com

        Website: ClaudineWolk.com

        Instagram: @ClaudineWolk

        Facebook: Facebook.com/ClaudineWolk

        Twitter: @help4newmoms

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        Blog Tour Calendar

        September 18th @ The Muffin

        Join us on The Muffin as we celebrate the launch of Claudine Wolk and Julie Murkette’s book Get Your Book Seen and Sold. You can also enter to win a copy for yourself!

        https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

        September 19th @ Karen Brown Tyson’s blog

        Join Karen as she reviews Get Your Book Seen and Sold. You can also win a copy for yourself!

        https://karenbrowntyson.com/blog/

        September 20th @ My Beauty, My Books

        Join Nikki for her review of Get Your Book Seen and Sold. 

        https://mybeautymybooks.com/

        September 21st @ Knotty Needle

        Join Judy for her review of Get Your Book Seen and Sold.

        https://knottyneedle.blogspot.com

        September 22nd @ Word Magic

        Visit Fiona’s blog for a guest post by Claudine about creating a list of media contacts and how to use them.

        https://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com

        September 23rd @ Chapter Break

        Visit Julie’s blog for a guest post by Claudine about how to pick and choose where to focus your book marketing.

        https://chapterbreak.net/

        September 25th @ My Heart is Booked

        Don’t miss Danielle’s book review of Get Your Book Seen and Sold. You can also win a copy for yourself!

        Home

        September 28th @ Deborah Zenha-Adams’ blog

        Deborah shares an excerpt from Get Your Book Seen and Sold. You also have a chance to win a copy of the book, too!

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

        September 29th @ Margay Leah Justice

        Join Margay as she reviews Get Your Book Seen and Sold.

        https://margayleahjustice.blogspot.com/

        October 1st @ Balance and Joy

        Join Sheri for her review of Get Your Book Seen and Sold.

        https://www.balanceandjoy.com/

        October 4th @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog

        Join Anthony for a guest post by Claudine about the trick to a great interview.

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

        October 6th @ Carole Writes

        Join Carole for her review of Get Your Book Seen and Sold.

        https://carolemertz.com/

        October 7th @ A Wonderful World of Books

        Visit Joy’s blog for a guest post by Claudine Wolk about a popular book marketing roadmap.

        https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/

        October 7th @ Of History and Kings

        Join Hellen for her review of Get Your Book Seen and Sold.

        https://ofhistoryandkings.blogspot.com/

        October 10th @ What is That Book About

        Visit Michelle’s blog for an excerpt from Get Your Book Seen and Sold.

        https://www.whatisthatbookabout.com

        October 13th @ CK Sorens

        Visit Carrie’s page for her insights into Get Your Book Seen and Sold. You can also win a copy for yourself too.

        https://www.instagram.com/ck_sorens/

        October 15th @ Madeline Sharples’ blog

        Join Madeline for a guest post by Claudine about how you can’t do everything. Don’t miss it! 

        https://www.madelinesharples.com/

        October 15th @ The Mommies Review

        Visit Glenda’s blog for her review of Get Your Book Seen and Sold.

        http://www.themommiesreviews.com/

        October 17th @ One Writer’s Journey

        Join Sue for her review of Get Your Book Seen and Sold.

        https://suebe.wordpress.com/

        October 17th @ Just Katherine

        Visit Katherine’s blog for a guest post by Claudine Wolk about how writing and book marketing are related.

        https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com/

        October 18th @ A Storybook World

        Visit Deirdra’s blog for a spotlight of Get Your Book Seen and Sold.

        https://www.astorybookworld.com/

        October 19th @ Pick a Good Book

        Join Debbie for her review of Get Your Book Seen and Sold.

        https://instagram.com/pickagoodbook

        October 19th @ Book Reviews from an Avid Reader

        Visit Joan’s blog for her review of Get Your Book Seen and Sold.

        http://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com/

        October 20th @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog

        Join Beverley for her review of Get Your Book Seen and Sold by Claudine Wolk and Julie Murkette.

        https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

        October 21st @ Free to be Me

        Join Leslie for her review of Get Your Book Seen and Sold.

        https://lesliesvoice.com/

        October 21st @ Editor 911

        Visit Margo’s blog for a review of Get Your Book Seen and Sold.

        https://www.editor-911.com

        October 22nd @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog

        Visit Beverley’s blog again for a guest post by Claudine Wolk about the top ten insider tips for self-publishing and book promotion.

        https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

        October 22nd @ Jill Sheets’ blog

        Visit Jill’s blog for her interview with author Claudine Wolk about her book Get Your Book Seen and Sold.

        https://jillsheets.blogspot.com/

        The Unshakeable Road to Love by Dr. Brenda Shoshanna Blog Tour + Excerpts

        On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book Events1 Comment

        Book Summary

        The Unshakeable Road to Love (Value Centered Relationships) is based upon Eternal Principles from all world scriptures, including Zen. These tried and true Eternal Principles, the Pillars of Love, show how to build foundations for relationships where happiness and well-being are inevitable. And where pain and conflict can dissolve on the spot. 

        A radically different approach to love and psychology, the book offers a completely new perspective on fulfillment and what is truly needed to thrive. For example, one of the Pillars of Love upon which the book is based is:

        To Be Happy, You Do Not Have To Be Loved, You Have to Learn What It Means to Be Loving.  

        The book explores the difference between Real and Counterfeit Love. We discover how all suffering in relationships is due to being caught in the trap of Counterfeit Love. And how easy it is to break free from bondage and leave that trap behind.

        This is a book of practice, filled with Turning Points, Pillars of Love, Interventions, and many enjoyable exercises so the reader can practice these principles in all their relationships and in their everyday lives.

        Written by a psychologist, Interfaith Counselor, and long-term Zen practitioner, the book combines the practices and principles of both East and West, helping us to discover and celebrate the best in ourselves and others.

        Publisher: Brenda Shoshanna (October 2022)

        ISBN-10: 1094378046

        ISBN-13: 978-1094378046

        Print length: 208 pages

        Purchase a copy of The Unshakeable Road to Love on Amazon or Barnes and Noble. You can also add this to your GoodReads reading list.

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        About the Author

        Brenda Shoshanna is an award-winning author, psychologist, Interfaith counselor, and long-term Zen practitioner and speaker. Her work is dedicated to integrating the teachings of East and West and making them real in our everyday lives. Brenda has offered over five hundred talks and workshops on all aspects of personal and spiritual development, relationships, and living an authentic, meaningful life.

        You can find her online at:

        Author Website: http://www.brendashoshanna.com

        Book Website: https://www.totalrelationshipsnow.com/

        Her Plays: https://www.allmyplays.com/

        Her Podcast: https://www.zenwisdomtoday.com/

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        Blog Tour Calendar

        August 28th @ The Muffin

        Join us as we celebrate the launch of The Unshakeable Road to Love by Dr. Brenda Shoshanna. We interview the author and give you a chance to win a copy of the book for yourself.

        https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

        August 30th @ Create Write Now

        Visit Mari’s blog for a guest post by Dr. Brenda Shoshanna about what is a true conversation.

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

         August 30th @ Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews

        Lisa interviews author Dr. Brenda Shoshanna about her book The Unshakeable Road to Love.

        https://lisahaselton.com/blog

         September 1st @ Word Magic

        Join Fiona who shares a guest post by Dr. Brenda Shoshanna about the simple laws of love.

        https://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/

         September 5th @ Choices

        Madeline shares a guest post by Dr. Brenda Shoshanna about the end of loneliness.

        https://www.madelinesharples.com/

         September 10th @ A Storybook World

        Join Deirdra’s blog for a guest post by Dr. Brenda Shoshanna about the difference between real love and counterfeit love.

        https://www.astorybookworld.com/

        September 10th @ Just Katherine

        Join Katherine’s blog featuring an excerpt from Dr. Shoshanna’s book The Unshakeable Road to Love.

        https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com/

         September 13th @ Katherine Itacy’s blog

        Join Katherine for her review of The Unshakeable Road to Love by Dr. Brenda Shoshanna.

        https://katherineitacy.com/

         September 15th @ The Faerie Review

        Don’t miss Lily’s review of The Unshakeable Road to Love by Dr. Brenda Shoshanna.

        https://www.thefaeriereview.com/

         September 18th @ Thoughts of Maddness

        Visit Maddie’s blog for her review of The Unshakeable Road to Love by Dr. Brenda Shoshanna.

        https://maddiegudenkauf.com/thoughts-of-maddness

         September 19th @ Just Katherine

        Join Katherine again for a guest post by Dr. Brenda Shoshanna about how to dissolve conflict and pain in relationships on the spot.

        https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com/

         September 20th @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog

        Join Anthony for his feature of an excerpt from The Unshakeable Road to Love by Dr. Brenda Shoshanna.

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

         September 22nd @ My Beauty, My Books

        Join Nikki for her review of The Unshakeable Road to Love and the chance to read an excerpt of the book.

        https://mybeautymybooks.com/

        September 25th @ School Librarian In Action

        Join Zarah for her review of The Unshakeable Road to Love by Dr. Brenda Shoshanna.

        https://lovealibrarian.blogspot.com/

         September 29th @ The Frugalista Mom

        Join Rochie’s blog for her review of The Unshakeable Road to Love by Dr. Brenda Shoshanna.

        https://thefrugalistamom.com/

        September 30th@ Jill Sheets’ blog

        Visit Jill’s blog for her review of The Unshakeable Road to Love by Dr. Brenda Shoshanna.

        http://jillsheets.blogspot.com/

        October 1st @ Jill Sheets’ blog

        Jill interviews author Dr. Brenda Shoshanna about her book The Unshakeable Road to Love.

        http://jillsheets.blogspot.com/

        October 1st @ Boots, Shoes and Fashion

        Join Linda for her fascinating interview with Dr. Brenda Shoshanna about her book The Unshakeable Road to Love.

        https://bootsshoesandfashion.com/

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        Take in These Exclusive Excerpts

        EXCERPT ONE

        We are all treasure hunters, looking for the secret to fulfilling relationships. Usually, we believe the secret lies in finding the right person, acquiring the best relationship skills and learning to communicate our needs more clearly. Our relationships are usually dedicated to finding happiness, getting our needs met, being powerful or in charge. Basically, we are using our relationships to feel good about ourselves. 

        However, despite all our efforts, relationships often become a source of pain and suffering. And when a partner stops meeting our needs, love often turns into rejection. Conflict, anger and loneliness arise endlessly.

        When our thoughts are primarily absorbed with what we are needing and receiving, or how to build up our self esteem, we live in a prison without bars. It becomes impossible to truly see the person we are with, or what is really happening.  The harder we try to make things right, the more complicated they can become. How can we ever find fulfillment in this manner?

        A Completely New Perspective

        It is time to offer a completely new perspective on psychological and spiritual suffering and the road to unfailing happiness. As we turn to the world’s Eternal Scriptures we see that suffering has been dealt with throughout the centuries.  Profound relationship insights along with powerful forms of healing have been offered again and again. However, this fundamental, eternal wisdom has not been recognized or invited into our relationships. That is why we suffer so. 

        A Radical Alternative

               These eternal truths present a radical alternative to the ways we function in relationships and what we expect of them. They also present a radical view into what it means to truly love. Like the laws of gravity, these principles are infallible, cannot fail.  

        An Unshakable Road To Love (Value-Centered Relationships) is based upon these eternal truths found in all world scriptures. They are the perfect medicine for what is truly ailing us. Not only are these principles fundamental to our happiness, they are also simple, easy to understand and enjoyable to perform. And when we apply these principles to our relationships, pain and conflict often disappear on the spot.

        This book and program are dedicated to sharing a new form of psychology based upon these Eternal Principles. This is a Book of Practice, simple, direct and filled with specific insights, exercises and interventions, which carefully guide us in ways of applying these truths with whomever we meet, including ourselves. 

                                                      EXCERPT TWO

        Relationship Koans

        All relationships can be thought of as koans, teachings coming to us from the world of Zen. A koan is a question given to a student by a teacher that has no logical or rational answer. And yet an answer must be made. The same is true of relationships.

        In the beginning we try to figure our koans out, strategize, demand certain outcomes. That never works. Before long, we find new ways of handling koans, or so called problems. We learn to enjoy them and let the answer reveal itself. When we approach our relationships the  same way as we do our koans, it is easy to see many of the illusions we have been living with, and how they have destroyed our joy. 

        Relationship Myths and Mirages

                 These illusions, or relationship myths and mirages steal our trust, hope and love.  Once they are dissolved, and the truth bubbles up, our entire perspective changes and new horizons open.

        Ultimately, we do not work on our koans, they work on us. Koans wake us up, alter what our view and present possibilities we never imagined were there. This is true in our relationships as well. Relationships, truly understood and practiced, are an incredible gateway into the heart of our lives.  

        Here is a wonderful instruction given to students working with a koan. It is wonderful

         instruction for being in a relationship as well.   

         Be With Your Koan as if You Were a Mother Hen Sitting On Her Nest, Keeping Her Eggs Warm. (Do the Same with Your Relationship.)

          Don’t leave the nest or desert the chicks. And don’t interfere with their growth, or constantly peek in to see how they’re doing. When the perfect moment comes the chicks will peck out of their shells and be born. Do the same with your relationship! Then the relationship will naturally become fully alive.

          “Kabir says, Fantastic!

        Don’t let an opportunity

        Like this go by.”