M.M. Hudson's Blog, page 2
August 17, 2025
The Amazon Author Formula & The Amazon Author Formula Workbook by Penny C. Sansevieri #Amazon #selfhelp #writing
Publishing a book is a major accomplishment—but marketing it on Amazon requires a different
skill set entirely.
The Amazon Author Formula Workbook offers a hands-on, repeatable
framework to help authors transform their visibility, boost discoverability, and take control of
their sales strategy. Designed as a practical companion to The Amazon Author Formula, this workbook
includes over a dozen printable worksheets that guide you through the most critical aspects of Amazon
success: keyword research, category optimization, pricing analysis, book description development,
retail page audits, ARC management, launch planning, and Amazon Ads setup. Every worksheet is
downloadable, customizable, and built for reuse across books, series, and future launches.
*Review coming soon!
About the author:
Penny Sansevieri, founder and CEO of Author Marketing Experts, is one of the most trusted
names in indie publishing. With more than 20 years of experience, 24 books published, and a
deep understanding of Amazon’s ever-changing systems, she’s helped thousands of
authors—from debut indies to NYT and USA Today bestsellers—optimize their marketing,
improve conversions, and achieve long-term success. She also teaches self-publishing strategy
at NYU and hosts the top-rated podcast Book Marketing Tips and Author Success.
Workbook & Book
July 19, 2025
Trouble at the Winston Hotel by J.S. Keim #middlegrade #cozymystery #spotlight
About the book:
After his father’s death, Theodore has the task of caring for his mother and thirteen siblings by working as a doorman for the mice at a glitzy seaside Florida hotel where the rich and famous come and go.
The moment Theodore sets eyes on petite, lovely Lila, he vows to do anything to win her heart. When the hotel owners threaten to close it down after unexpected bad publicity hurts their business, Theodore is drawn into the mystery of who is causing the movie stars at the hotel to become ill.
Intent on saving the hotel, winning Lila’s affection, and keeping his family safe, Theodore sets out to solve the mysteries behind the dangerous situation. Being a detective can be a hard business, and he ends up with a few surprises of his own.
About the Author
J.S. (Judith) Keim is a USA Today Best-Selling Author of adult stories. She enjoyed her childhood and young-adult years in Elmira, New York, and now makes her home in Boise, Idaho, with her husband and their dachshund, Wally and Kacy, and other members of their family..
While she was growing up, books were always present - being read, ready to go back to the library, or about to be discovered. Information from the books was shared in conversation, giving everyone in the family a thirst for sharing ideas. Perhaps that is why she was drawn to the idea of writing stories early on.
As J.S. Keim, she writes children's stories full of fun, fantasy, and danger. She particularly loves to write novels about characters who have interesting, fun, and exciting experiences with creatures both real and fantastical, and who learn to see the world in a different way.
She has written over 50 adult women's fiction books, and as a writer of children's books, she enjoys self-publishing and has had three of her children's stories published in magazines - Highlights for Children, Jack and Jill, and Children's Playmate.
Contact Links
Purchase Links
June 28, 2025
#REVIEW: Snoop, Come Home: A Parody by Jeff Whitcher #adultpicturebooks
SYNOPSIS:
A parody of the beloved Peanuts cartoon series that features a mash up with Snoop Dogg, the rapper, author, cook, and Olympic Host.
MY REVIEW:
I am a HUGE fan of Snoopy and now of Snoop Dogg, so to have a mash up book of the two sounded so fun to me.
First, you should know, that this is not a child's book but it is basically a picture book. Second of all, your grandma would probably despise it, maybe even your Mom. However, I am a Mom and I found it kinda funny. Charles Schultz is likely turning in his grave.
Throughout the book, different and familiar scenes can be seen from Peanuts. The beginning pages are hilarious as Charlie Brown comes to feed Snoopy, only to find the infamous, Snoopy Dogg, partaking in Mary Jane or do I say was "gardening". You get the drift and so does Charlie Brown.
Lucy chimes in questioning his latest CD lyrics and what the funky smell is. Sally takes a call from a record label while Snoop Dogg parties. The ending is abrupt but consistent with the rest of the book.
Overall, it was an okay book. I personally would have liked to have seen a couple of things. It would have been great to see an introduction from Snoop Dogg himself. I think it would have added more to the validity of the book and given a power punch to it. I also would have liked to have seen the rapper talk to the characters. They spoke mostly to each other in the familiar scenes but having Snoop Dogg interacting more would have benefitted the book and boosted it.
Also, I noticed that this book was written in 2020. Snoop Dogg has climbed out of just a "gardening" type guy and has become quite popular. People want to hear him as well as listen to his music. Afterall, he did give a speech to a college graduating class! Maybe a rewrite is in order for 2025.
I give this book 3 stars because I did like it.
WHERE TO FIND THE AUTHOR:
June 27, 2025
#SPOTLIGHT: When Canaries Die by Luis Figueredo #thriller #novel
SYNOPSIS:A deadly pandemic. A broken system. One attorney fighting for justice.
Hotshot Miami attorney Pierce Evangelista is thrust into a world on the brink of collapse as a relentless virus sweeps the globe. Amidst the chaos, he takes on a high-stakes legal battle against the U.S. government, challenging immigration policies that have left thousands of asylum-seekers trapped in dire conditions.
As the virus spreads unchecked and the demand for blood transfusions soars, criminal organizations seize the opportunity—turning human blood into a lucrative black-market commodity. In the lawless border towns of Tijuana, Juarez, and Matamoros, desperation fuels corruption, and survival comes at a steep price.
With powerful forces standing in his way, Pierce must navigate a treacherous landscape of law, politics, and crime to reopen the borders and save innocent lives. But in a world where survival and exploitation go hand in hand, how far will he go to seek justice?
A gripping legal thriller infused with science fiction and suspense, this high-stakes battle for humanity will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.
Book three in the Pierce Evangelista Thrillers series but can be read as a standalone.
Author bio:
Luis Figueredo was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. He completed his undergraduate degree in History from Brandeis University in Massachusetts and earned his law degree from Harvard Law School. He is a partner in the Miami office of an international law firm. His first novel, Dime, was published in 2020.
Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/WCDFigueredo
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/223593579-when-canaries-die
April 2, 2025
SPOTLIGHT: Ferry Tails by Ted Mulcahey #mystery #thrillers
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Synopsis:
Beneath the tranquil surface of Whidbey Island, a sinister force lurks. When a ruthless
polygamist cult leader and his deadly enforcer unleash chaos, Deputy Sheriff Roger Wilkie is
drawn into a relentless game of cat and mouse. He knows the truth—but capturing these
cunning killers may be his toughest challenge yet.
With the help of the island’s eccentric residents—including a formidable ex-con who’s always in
the thick of trouble—and two sharp-witted German Shepherds, Wilkie navigates a world of
danger, dark humor, and razor-sharp sarcasm. Fast-paced and gripping, this thriller will keep
you hooked until the final, heart-stopping twist.
Part of the Whidbey Island series, but can be read as a standalone.
My review:
Forthcoming soon.
Author bio:
Ted Mulcahey has lived most of his life in the Pacific Northwest. He is an Army Veteran, sales
and marketing VP, entrepreneur, business owner, avid reader, one of nine children, and proud
husband who attributes his sense of humor to his mother and his wife.
Find the authors:
Website: http://tedmulcahey.com
Amazon: http://amzn.to/3Fpizv5
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
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March 15, 2025
Magical Elements of the Periodic Table by Sybrina Durant #GuestPost #science #childrensnonfiction
Hello my fellow readers. Today I welcome to my blog a guest poster, Sybrina Durant. She is here to talk about her book and her insight into writing it. Welcome, Sybrina, take it away.
~Michelle, Reading Authors Network
Where the Muse Leads, I Must Follow
By Sybrina Durant
Way back in the 1980’s my muse inserted an idea into my head to write a novel about a tribe of
12 metal horn unicorns with magical powers. Their powers were based on the properties of their
particular metal and how the metals were used in our everyday modern lives. I spent about 25
years world-building and refining the personalities and stories of each individual unicorn. That
charming book is still out there to be enjoyed by fantasy lovers.
Fast forward to 2022 and I decided I wanted to write an alphabet book. I don’t know why that
crazy muse of mine led me there but it just wouldn’t let go of the idea that, even though there
were already thousands of alphabet books in the world, it was my duty to introduce another one.
I decided a unicorn alphabet book would be cute and learned there were already over 50 of
those. Hmmm…more bad news for my book. How in the world could I make mine different?
Then the strangest thought struck. I could make it about unicorns and the periodic table. I
already had 12 metal horn unicorns representing different elements from the periodic table. All I
needed were 14 more to have a book representing all 26 letters of the alphabet. Yay!
Except I soon hit another roadblock. Turns out, not all letters of the alphabet are represented in
the periodic table. Who knew? Well, a lot of scientifically inclined individuals might know, but I
didn’t. And I was inclined to stop right there but my muse kept harassing me to figure something
out. What to do? I started researching what certain elements were called in other languages and
found enough that started with the missing alphabet letters that allowed me to finish the book.
Success! Magical Elements of the Periodic Table Presented by The Metal Horn Unicorns was
born.
That soon made me realize that I couldn’t quit there. After all, that book only represented 26
letters of the alphabet and there are 118 elements in the periodic table. A monumental task
stood in front of me. What in the world was that extremely pushy muse thinking? I guess she
thought that I was up for the task.
I went on to write another “alphabet” book about 26 more elements of the periodic table which
was presented by Elemental Dragons. Then, came this book, Magical Elements of the Periodic
Table Presented By The Alchemical Wizards – Book 1 in which I completely abandoned the
alphabet theme. And in case you’re wondering, there will be a book 2 featuring wizards and
their elements. It will be published later this year. Shortly after that, I’ll be publishing the last
book in the series which will finish out the periodic table and will be presented by Actinide
Knights and Radioactive Goblins.
To make it even more fun filled, I’ve created activity pages, trading cards, an elemental periodic
table poster and even an elemental bingo game featuring all of these characters and the
elements they represent. Visit my website (https://www.magicalptelements.com) to browse all
of those things and more, plus while you’re there, click the links at the top of the page to access
my research pages so you can easily check my facts and learn more on your own about each
element.
You never know where your muse will lead you but it is usually to something wonderful. When I
created my magical metal horn unicorn tribe 40 years ago, I had no idea I would one day create
illustrated periodic table books meant to inspire kids to want to learn more about the world of
science. Researching these elements has certainly inspired me to keep learning. I truly hope it has that
same positive effect on all who read them.
March 2, 2025
Word Collector by Peter H. Reynolds #words #childrensfiction #collections #multicultural
Synopsis:
Jerome discovers the magic of the words all around him -- short and sweet words, two-syllable treats, and multi-syllable words that sound like little songs. Words that connect, transform, and empower.
My review:
All of us at some point start collecting something. I happen to collect books, writing materials, and art stuff. So, when I picked up this book at my local library, it seemed like a fun book to read. I was not disappointed.
This book starts out talking about collections, just as I did here; but this collection is different: words! Although the book pages had few words on them (mostly a picture book), it did capture the essence of a word collector.
The young boy found words everywhere he looked, they even "jumped out at him." I can relate to that for I do find some extraordinary words everywhere. This boys collection grew in mass as he took all of his words and put them in scrapbooks. Oh, art!
However, one day the words became bigger and became new words. I won't tell you how, that would spoil the book. I can say though,his love for words grew and he used them in different ways. It is just too bad that I did not see some definitions for some of the words, especially the harder words
Then one day...oh wait...I cannot tell you the end with my words, that would ruin the whole book for you.
So, I will just say, the illustrations are as big and bold as the words on the pages. Get this book as it is one for all ages. *wink*
4 stars.
Disclosure: I picked up a copy of this book from my local library. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours.
~Michelle, Reading Authors Network
Find the book on: Amazon
February 24, 2025
#Spotlight: Dragon Flight #anthology #fantasy #dragons #animals
Caution: Dragons ahead.
Prepare to delve into fiery worlds full of dragons. From hatchlings to ancients. From tame to wild. Many have their own goals, and most want to see the world reduced to ash. To reshape the world in their own reptilian image. Others struggle to survive, but heroes rise among them.
Which side will you choose?
Featuring 27 stories by the following authors: Vicki Erwin, Bruce Buchanan, Demi Michelle Schwartz, Sadie Lielle, Andreas Flögel, Desirae Gracyn, C.L. Hart, Kristen Argyres, Sandy R. Stuckless, Jessica Lee Minneci, Rae Evans, S.E. Reed, Larry Hodges, David O'Mahony, Mae Thorn, M.L. Quinn, Racquel Sims, Sierra Jackson, Daniel DiQuinzio, Ana Cordoba, Gabriella Balcom, D.J. Elton, Ann Stolinsky, Charles Barouch, Arwyn Sherman, Kiera Kearsey, Binod Dawadi, and J.E. Feldman.
A Night In the Magical Menagerie
Can creatures with radically different motivations get along?
In this fantastical tale a fox named Tod and a tortoise named Torte are brought to the Forest Environment of the Magical Menagerie of Celephaïs by the Outer God Nyarlathotep and his daughter. The friends encounter a wheelbarrow full of peculiar fruit and several exotic creatures. Will they enjoy a good life in their new home, or is this strange place as filled with peril as the one they escaped?
Excerpt
In the Forest Environment of the Magical Menagerie of Celephaïs, a fox and a tortoise gave one another a puzzled glance as they examined a wheelbarrow filled with strange yellow fruits.
"Before Nyarlathotep and his daughter left us here last night, they assured us that King Kuranes' gamekeepers would care for us," the fox said. "I am not sure the gamekeepers know what they are doing. What are these, and how is one meant to eat them? They are covered in spines like a hedgehog, and the green growth on the top poked me in my nose! Come to think of it, Torte, I'm not sure I trust Nyarlathotep or his daughter. After all, he is the great Cosmic Trickster, and surely, the apple does not fall far from the tree."
"This is only a name imparted to him by humans, Tod," Torte said. "Humans are a peculiar lot. Nyarlathotep was forthright with Captain Sammy, and he has been forthright with us."
"I defer to your intuition, my friend. You are slow to anger and take the time to thoroughly assess situations. Very well, rather than postulating malice on the part of Nyarlathotep, I postulate that he does not know what my kind eats and nor, apparently, do King Kuranes' gamekeepers."
"Perhaps these were left here for those animals that eat fruit," Torte said. "I have never before seen the like of them, but they have a pleasant scent. On the other hand, perhaps they were left here inadvertently. Upon discovering their mistake, the gamekeepers will return with the correct foodstuffs."
"If you believe they have a pleasant scent, I will knock one to the ground for you," Tod offered.
About the Author
C.L. Hart had a stormy start to her life. She was born at 6 A.M. the morning after Valentine’s Day in 1965 during a raging blizzard.
She has been a fan of horror and weird fiction for as long as she can remember. She used to read horror comics under the covers with a flashlight as a child.
She started reading Edgar Allan Poe when she was six years old. In her early teens, she discovered H.P. Lovecraft. She pretended to lose the copy of At the Mountains of Madness that she borrowed from the school library and paid the fine so she could keep the book.
Ms. Hart blames the team at Chaosium Role-Playing Games for renewing and strengthening her obsession with Lovecraft’s writing. She lives in a small town on the northeastern plains of Colorado in an appropriately old and storied house with her son and cats. She enjoys watching the normal people pass by as she records the happenings in the weird worlds of her imagination.
February 14, 2025
Review: A Love Letter to My Library by Lisa Katzenberger #childrensfiction #libraries #ValentinesDay #multicultural #inclusive
Summary:
Everyone loves visiting the library! Children―and adults alike―enjoy searching the shelves for new adventures, curling up in their favorite cozy chair during story time, and even laughing with their friends during arts and crafts. The library has something for everybody!
My review:
Today happens to be Valentine's Day and what a more perfect book than this one to review. I love that this book is all about loving the library and the things that happen in a library.
When I was growing up, everyone that entered a library had to be completely quiet. Books, music, and some movies was all you could get there. Now, as this book points out, you can come and listen to stories, laugh, play, and yes, in some areas, be loud. Everyone no matter you age, color, sex, capabilities, etc are also welcome in a library. Finding books that look just like you are there too.
In my local library, we have poetry reads, Zumba classes, games, quilt shows, photography shows, blanket making, things for the homeless, a huge dinosaur, and so much more! Oh, and did I happen to mention books, music, and movies?
This book makes mention about pet fish and comfy chairs and spaces to sit and read or simply relax. What a place! What a love letter to one of the best places to be anywhere in the world! Kudos to the author.
About the illustrator: his pictures are bold, bright, and a nice compliment to the story the author presented. It is obvious, he too, likes to be in the library.
5 stars!
Disclosure: This book I retrieved from my own library. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network
Where to find the authors:
February 12, 2025
Review: The Dictionary Story by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston #childrensfiction # dictionaries #animals #funny #words
Synopsis:
Dictionary is filled with all the words that ever existed, but can she find a way to bring them to life?
My review:
As a reviewer, I read tons of stories and books. I grew up with a dictionary at the ready to look up words I did not know. Of course now, we have Google but a dictionary can be just as valuable, which is why I picked up this book. The title intrigued me.
The story is about a dictionary. I suppose that is a no brainier since it is in the title and the synopsis. However, in this case, dictionary wanted more out of her life. Side note: I did not know dictionaries were "hers" but good to know. As her pages begin with "A" you expect to see things in alphabetical order. SPOILER ALERT: You do!
That is where it begins as dictionary is thinking about how to have a story like the other books. Essentially, she is bored, but that is in "B" so I am getting ahead of myself here. Anyway, alligator gets hungry and that is where the story truly begins. His pursuit of food causes all sorts of chaos. What is a dictionary to do?
I chortled (a good "C" word) as everything came to life and the alphabet and dictionary herself became one big mess. Oh, did she really want this? Well, no.
The story did go right on through "Z" but got straightened out in the end. Funny how it all happened but of course, I cannot reveal that. Read her!
If I was to say anything to the authors that helped the dictionary tell her story, I would say, maybe she should have used the "T" word "tape" and things would have been okay.
This book gets a big 5 "S" word "STARS" from me!
Disclosure: I picked up a copy of this from my local "L" library. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network
Where to find the authors:
