INTRODUCTION There is so much to love about this novel. The characters, the story, the themes... REVIEW Mary Bella is famous. Everyone loves her, and everyone loves her voice. But despite the fame, the awards, and the glory, Mary knows that something is missing…she just can’t place her finger on what. Then she meets Presley.… Continue reading Discover Faith and Love in OFFBEAT by Jen Lowry
Introduction Sometimes history has a habit of blurring the lines between enemy and friend. This is true in Dana Vanderlugt’s WWII novel in verse, Enemies in the Orchard. Can a teenage Nazi and a farm girl learn to treat each other decently and allow a friendship to blossom? Review Claire De Boer is the hardworking daughter… Continue reading Exploring Kindness Amidst War: ‘Enemies in the Orchard’ Review
Introduction As I mentioned in my last post, my middle grade work-in-progress, Out of the Flame, has morphed into a time travel novel. The reason is simple. I love sharing history with tweens and teens and time travel is more appealing than straight historical fiction. The execution is not. Now I have to learn how… Continue reading Exploring Time Travel in Historical Fiction
INTRODUCTION Readers won't have to wait long for conflict to begin in Stephanie Cotta's prequel to her compelling YA fantasy, The Conjurer's Curse. In the first chapter of Beneath the Crescent Shadow (Monarch, 2026), there is a vicious storm, a shipwreck, and a cursed newborn baby. If that's not enough to hook a teen or… Continue reading Review of Beneath the Crescent Shadow: A Captivating Prequel
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!