Introduction I'm the last author in the world who knows how to incorporate humor into her stories. (Hey, my readers tell me that Josie, the goat in Half-Truths, provides comic relief and I didn't even know I was doing that!). Thankfully, there are writers who know how to write clever, funny stories that kids of… Continue reading Unlock Humor: Writing for Kids and Teens
INTRODUCTION It's not too often that I run a book review twice. And to be honest, my TBR shelf is long and so I rarely reread a book. But I was re-researching the Jim Crow period for a presentation at the North Carolina Social Studies conference and rememberedThe Color of Love by Gene Cheek. I… Continue reading Revisiting ‘The Color of Love’: A Jim Crow Memoir Review
Front Paige Media Book Fair, Raleigh, NC Not every week was as exciting as this past week, but I thought I'd give you a glimpse of what happens after you publish a book. (Hint: It's called doing your best to share your book with the world). On Saturday, March 2, a room at the Raleigh… Continue reading An Extraordinary Week in the Life of a YA Author
Last year, I received this birthday card from my special friend and writing buddy, Linda Phillips: Friends as Blessings Writers know that the road to publication is long. Along the way we connect with fellow writers who encourage us to persevere as we draft, revise, and seek publication. Linda's stedfast encouragement, prayers, and wisdom are… Continue reading Celebrating Friendship and Writing Blessings
As far as I can tell, one of the best uses of social media is meeting someone who you connect with. That was the case with Cate Touryan, author of the award-winning debut novel, Turning Toward Eden. I met Cate on Author Media, Thomas Umstattd, Jr. social platform. It turned out that we were both… Continue reading Meet Cate Touryan: Insights from the Author of Turning Toward Eden
INTRODUCTION I'm thrilled that Stephanie Cotta chose my blog to host her cover reveal of her next book in the Iron Kingdom series. The much-loved young adult series began with The Conjurer's Curse and was followed by The Wraiths of Arjun. The third book, The Ghosts of Gambit, is a gripping, pulse-pounding tale of rebellion,… Continue reading CHECK OUT A CAPTIVATING YA COVER REVEAL–PLUS a GIVEAWAY!
INTRODUCTION It's been a few months since we've heard from blogger and young writer, Journey Bloomfield. Here she is with her thoughts on Havelah Mclat's YA fantasy, Dust and Crown. REVIEW I used to read a lot of fairy stories when I was a child, and this was such a nostalgic read for me. The… Continue reading Dust and Crown: Journey Bloomfield Gives this YA/Upper MG Novel a Thumbs-Up!
In an effort to organize my writing space, I've resolved to post reviews on books that I read months ago but have put off reviewing. That's often because it's difficult to write a review that's worthy of the book. From the Publisher Barbara Abbott was eighteen when her father threatened to kill her if she… Continue reading A Head of Cabbage: A Poignant Memoir and A Mini-Interview
INTRODUCTION Last week I featured a review of Isabelle Knight's new middle-grade fantasy, Enchantria: Guardian's Heir. Today, Isabelle returns as my guest blogger and ventures into new reading territory--nonfiction--and finds out she likes it! This review originally appeared on Isabelle's blog; she is kindly allowing me to republish it here. REVIEW This book review is… Continue reading A Terrific Review of The Mysterious Virginia Hall by Guest Blogger, Isabelle Knight
To Market, to Market, To Market I Go Ever since Half-Truths launched in April, it has been non-stop publicity and marketing. I'd heard that the hard work happens after you write a book. Now I'm living it! Image by Tish Bouvier Fortunately, I have friends who are inviting me to their bookclubs; I'm joining the… Continue reading ‘Tis the Season… for Podcasts and Book Signings!