E.S. Barrison's Blog, page 19

The Awakening – Book Review

[image error]

Book Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5 / 5 stars)

Henry thinks he’s going insane. After hearing voices, his brother and best friend, Benjy, commits him to a psychiatric ward. But as soon as he arrives, he is shipped off to North Caroline, to the Institute…home of Psionic Arts. After discovering his newfound psychic abilities, Henry and his friends – Tamra, Milton, and Kylie – must undergo a process known as an awakening. But, the awakening might not just awaken powers this time…and are they strong enough to face the challenges it will bring?

In a story that has elements of Inception and Harry Potter, we are taken to the Institute and introduced to a diverse cast of characters, as well as the complex and terrifying world of the Psionic Arts. Cody Blake Wilson helps establish this world as an overlay to our own; psychics are among us, but some of them might just be janitors.

I really loved the concept of this story. Who wouldn’t love the idea of getting whisked away to a psionic institute, hidden in North Caroline of all places? I’ve always loved psionic arts as a theory, and seeing it explored on page is enthralling.

In addition, the story is made by the diversity and realness of the characters. In the short amount of time, we fall in love with Henry, Milton, Tamra, and Kylie, as well as Tony and Benjy. Their characteristics are clearly displayed, perhaps in a way that psychically embeds them into our minds, and we see them develop over time. This is most evident with Henry, who opens up, and Milton, who shuts down, each based on their own experiences at the Institute. The two serve as a clear foil to one and other, showing how not everyone will respond equally to the same experience.

As often is the case, I do wish the book was longer. It fell victim to its fast pace and length, unfortunately. From a personal standpoint, I prefer books that are a bit longer and give us a chance to grow with the characters. In the span of 200 pages, we cover a year, and Henry learns about all type of psionic arts. But we don’t actually learn with Henry. Instead, we are told all the details after the fact. This also adversely impacts how we experience the Institute, as well as Henry’s relationships; so much is told to us rather than giving us a chance to experience with him.

That being said, I don’t think it took away from the overall story. Ultimately, the Awakening is about more than psionic abilities. It’s about awakening who you are and your place in the world, no matter your age. Henry, as a person in his late twenties, shows that even after college, you might not know who you are yet. And that’s okay. Sometimes, you just need to be woken up to your true calling.

I can’t wait to read more of Wilson’s Awakened Universe. I think there is a lot to explore…and for some reason, I don’t think that was the last we’ll see of the monsters lurking in the shadows of Henry, Milton, Tamra, and Kylie’s minds.

What’s it about?

When Henry starts hearing voices and seeings things, he thinks he must be going insane. Instead, Henry finds himself at the Fullove Institute for the Psionic Arts, a training ground and governing body for emerging psychics.

In order to fully access their powers, all psychics must undergo an Awakening, a trial within the mind to uncover the source of their power. But what was supposed to be a routine procedure quickly becomes something much more dangerous for Henry and his new friends. Now, Henry, Tamra, Milton, and Kylie must each wrestle with the notion of who they thought they were, and who it is they are quickly becoming.

The first book in its urban fantasy series, and the first installment within The Awakened Universe, The Awakening explores how each of us finds strength, power, and love both within ourselves and each other.

The Awakening on Goodreads

Ms. Infinity: Infinite Moon – Book Review

[image error]

Book Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 / 5 stars)

Ms. Infinity: superhero extraordinaire! She can take down anyone, no matter how strong…but sometimes there are some foes too strong for even Ms. Infinity! When Ellen Wahia starts as a cashier at the Big Box Store, Bonnie Boring (aka Ms. Infinity) knows something is wrong. But is she being a little too suspicious? And will her friends believe her before it’s too late?

Once again, Ms. Infinity takes us into the impossible. A quirky young woman who will resonate with many audiences, Bonnie Boring is the epitome taking usual super hero tropes blessed on characters like Superman, and twisting them. She’s all powerful, sure, but she is also in her head. She is no where without her friends, which is a valuable lesson for anyone who wants to be a hero.

Andrew Kirschner continues to polish his craft with this third installment of Ms. Infinity. While I am reading all of these out of order, with the titular title, Ms. Infinity: Earth’s Greatest Hero still on my short TBR list, I can see how Kirschner has grown as a writer. Infinite Moon is just the right length for this superhero tale: we get a glimpse into Bonnie and her relationships, without sacrificing her (well-written) battle scenes with the werewolf. Yes, the story ends on an expected note, as all super hero stories do, but it provides commentary about the obsession of power, the importance of consent, the value of teamwork, and the strength of forgiveness.

The story reads like a comic book. I could picture it easily in my mind, and visualize the scene shifts as they would appear on the page. This does impact some of the prose and writing, but not enough to take away from the wonders of Ms. Infinity.

Will I be picking up the next installment of Ms. Infinity? Absolutely! She is the type of hero that we all need: her imperfections make her powerful. I am sure we will see her grow in her coming battles.

What’s it about?

The mega-powered Ms. Infinity has never met a villain she couldn’t beat, until today.

In her day job as Bonnie Boring, she meets a cashier who changes into a horrifying werewolf, and it’s a job for Ms. Infinity! But the superhero is in over her head. Before she knows it, the werewolf has turned her own power against her, and Earth’s Greatest Hero has become the lycan’s super-powered slave.

Presenting an update of classic superheroes. The third Ms. Infinity adventure is full of thrills, action and humor, and the most unforgettable villain yet!

Ms. Infinity: Infinite Moon on Goodreads

Purple Shadows – Book Review

[image error]

Book Rating: ★★★★☆ (3.75 / 5 stars)

Dean Turner has been living a good life: he has the best friends, a beautiful girlfriend, and a loving family. But one day, when he catches his best friend bullying one of his classmates, his life unravels. Suddenly, he finds himself questioning not just his relationships, but also his own sexuality. Will he make the right choices, or be taken in by the dark shadows haunting his thoughts?

A coming of age story with a snarky protagonist is always one to catch my attention. But this is a dark story…relevant, but dark. It is fitting that I read this after reading Boy Queen by George Lester, which focuses on almost an opposite perspective of LGBTQ+ kids. Where Robin in Boy Queen has his support network, Dean in Purple Shadows does not. I think it is so important, whether you are a part of the community or not, to read these different type of perspectives.

But as I said, this story is dark. So before I go further in my review I would like to add a content warning for language, sexual situations, homophobia, homicide, and suicide.

As I mentioned above, this story gives us bone chilling glance into how LGBTQ+ kids are treated daily. First, we see it through Dean’s eyes as a bystander: Jack, the unpopular kid in school, is victim to relentless bullying. Then, as Dean begins to discover his own sexuality, which he begins to show evidence on earlier in the story, he becomes victim to this same fear. He doesn’t want people to find out, especially after he uncovers his fathers own bigotry. This fear ultimately becomes his downfall, in a heartbreaking moment that will leave you crying.

DT Moorhouse really captures our attention with Dean’s narrative. It is written how you expect a teenager to speak – snarky, often making side remarks and zoning out – which is both a plus and a minus. While often it really helped the narrative, it prevented us from getting to know some of the other characters as Dean is often in his own head. We see everything how he perceive it, so some of his friends, or his family, seem flat. But, it also gives us a glimpse into the confusion around his sexuality, and the decision he has to make along the way.

Granted, I do wish that by exploring Dean’s thought, we got to see more of his self doubt and fear. This would have made some of his decisions more impactful, and helped make what he did seem more tragic and less surprising. Since the story is short, only so much could be allotted to this self exploration, but it might have been something to really carry this narrative to the top.

This is a book though that people should read. It’s an important story, and one all too common. I recommend you check it out when you have a chance. Perhaps it will make you consider your actions a bit more…and be kinder along the way.

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What’s it about?

ONE AVERAGE TEENAGER
Dean Turner is your everyday, small town teenager. Good friends Girlfriend Happy life

ONE KIND ACT
Until one day he stops a kid in his school from being bullied.

A TRAGIC MESST
This kind, simple act turns Dean’s world upside down and he soon finds himself thrown headfirst into a world he knows nothing about and having to deal with a devastating situation he can see no escape from

Purple Shadows on Goodreads

Boy Queen – Book Review

[image error]

Book Rating: ★★★★★ (5 / 5 stars)

Robin’s life was going as he planned: his audition to the school of his dreams went spectacularly, he has an adorable secret boyfriend, an understanding mother, and some of the best friends in the world! But, with one rejection letter, his life comes crashing down. Now he has no plan for his future…until he is drawn into the world of drag. But, is his new passion consuming him to the point where he might lose everything else he has…or is it a step into a future career?

I loved this book. I couldn’t put it down. Part of this might be a very personal reason: my primary media consumption throughout 2020 has been RuPaul’s Drag Race. But knowing that Drag Race barely scratches the surface, I wanted to learn more. I’ve watched Dragula, countless videos and Youtube, and have slowly formed admiration for drag artists around the world. When @andhisnosestuckinabook posted about this book on his social media, I had to check it out!

I’m so glad I did! George Lester (or THAT GURRRL) has clearly written this book from the heart. Itis not just a story about a boy becoming a queen, but also a coming of age tale that highlights rejection, friendship, toxic relationship, and the artistry behind drag. Robin’s journey of falling head first into drag highlights how much television only scratches the surface of the drag experience. It’s about hard work, relationships, and confidence. Robin has to learn that too – not just in being a Drag Queen, but also in maintain the relationships he values the most.

If you are not familiar with Drag Queens in any sense, then this book might be a bit hard to get into: it mentions well known Drag Queens like Trixie Mattel, as well as various “RuPaulisms” that might not be as wide spread. In addition, having a basic idea of what Drag Queens do (lip syncs, reveals, etc) will help in visualizing Robin’s journey.

But for me? I loved it. I couldn’t put this book down, and I think this is a great story showing a young man discovering his true queen.

So definitely check this book out! Because remember…”Reading is fundamental.”

What’s it about?

Life’s a drag until you try . . .

Robin Cooper’s life is falling apart.

While his friends prepare to head off to university, Robin is looking at a pile of rejection letters from drama schools up and down the country, and facing a future without the people he loves the most. Everything seems like it’s ending, and Robin is scrabbling to find his feet.

Unsure about what to do next and whether he has the talent to follow his dreams, he and his best friends go and drown their sorrows at a local drag show, where Robin realises there might be a different, more sequinned path for him . . .

With a mother who won’t stop talking, a boyfriend who won’t acknowledge him and a best friend who is dying to cover him in glitter make up, there’s only one thing for Robin to do: bring it to the runway.

Boy Queen by George Lester is a sparkling debut full of big hair, big heels and even bigger hearts 

Boy Queen on Goodreads

Insights: Why I Take Time to Promote Other Authors

[image error]

A question has been posed to me on multiple occasions: why do you take time to promote other authors and review their books?

The answer to this is simple to me, and it comes down to a simple statement children are taught since childhood: treat others how you want to be treated.

What does that have to do with my author promotions? Simple. I personally believe that it is not fair for me to go out and ask people to review my book, or to promote me as an author, if I am not doing it myself.

Not every author has the time or energy to do this. But I think, especially for Indie Authors (who typically have smaller street teams or marketing budgets), it is our job to stick together and support other Indie Authors. Do I expect the authors I read or feature to do the same for me? Absolutely not. But from a personal standpoint, it’s how I am.

Do the benefits of doing this equal the effort though? Maybe not from a review or sale standpoint (not that I’ve run the numbers), but from an enjoyment standpoint… ABSOLUTELY! Authors aren’t competitors. Sure, maybe ten years ago when I was a silly teenager I might have thought that. But really, we’re all running the same race. Sure, some people might win a prize at the end, or get more support…but we’re all just trying to tell a story.

So while I could just beg for reviews, submit my book for features, or post on social media, I have decided instead to focus in a way I know I can help other indie authors: reading and featuring them instead.

This also falls into my own type of anxiety. For me, personally, interacting on social media takes a lot out of me. It comes down to social anxiety: even in real life, I’m not one to interact much with others. So it is far easier for me to offer features or to go read someone’s book. It’s support for the authors, since after all, reviews are a type of currency for authors.

That’s why I focus so much on these initiatives. While yes, they can be cumbersome, they’re less draining (for me) than actually commenting on social media posts. Instead, I see a book I like, and I add it to my TBR list. Or, by featuring authors, I discover new books as well!

We’re all a part of a community of reader and writers. So why not build each other up? I think it’s worth it.

Octavia Bloom and the Missing Key – Book Review

[image error]

Book Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 / 5 stars)

Castle Bloom has its mysteries. Octavia has always loved exploring the castle, and one day on one of her usual adventures, she, her sister, and her cousins discover a tiny door in the attic. Her grandmother is furious by the discovery, but soon the four girls learn of a secret that their family has guarded for centuries. But why does their grandmother not want them to know? What secrets lie behind the fairy door? And can the four Bloom children help fix the mistakes their family made years ago?

In a wonderfully written, intriguing middle-grade novel, we are wrapped in Octavia’s determination and curiosity, plunging headfirst into danger to do what is right. What a great character to start the series! Despite being the youngest, Octavia’s determination leads the pack. Sometimes, a young child is the one who can bring about change, even if it is by what they said. On top of that, Octavia loves her family. She beams with pride at her sister and cousins when they succeed. There is no jealousy, no anger, only happiness and support. So often we see children marked with jealousy, but Octavia shows us it is not necessary to be strong and a hero.

Despite Octavia being the key holder, what is most important is how every single child in the story has a purpose. In order for a secret fairy door to survive, every part of the team must work together. When one member is persuaded in the wrong direction, or another loses faith, the entire team can falter. This is an important lesson for children: work together, you’re all important.

The world was beautifully constructed, and easily we are transported through the fairy door. Yet, in such a complex world, my biggest hang up was the number of named characters in such a short middle grade novel. It wasn’t overly cumbersome, but there were a couple chapters where we were introduced one after the other to different characters. This didn’t take away from the overall plot though.

I think my biggest “criticism” is that I want more. I loved the story and the world so much, that I really wish I had a chance to get to know more about the characters and the world! Granted, being a middle grade novel, I also know that this is limited for one book.

I eagerly anticipate the next story in the series…and I’m sure you or your children will too!

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What’s it about?

One tiny discovery can have enormous consequences…

Almost 10-year-old Octavia Bloom is looking for adventure, but when it comes it’s in the shape of a tiny fairy door. Dragging her reluctant sister and cousins into the mystery, Octavia discovers her family are hiding not ONE but TWO life-changing secrets. Why is her mother searching for an elusive flower? And does she have what it takes to reunite her fractured family? Octavia’s certain the answers lie behind the fairy door, if only she could just find the key…Bravery, secrets & magic intertwine in this fantastical adventure.

Octavia Bloom and the Missing Key on Goodreads

The Longest Night – Book Review

[image error]

Book Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ (DNF / 5 stars)

This book has the hook: a crazed megalomaniac wishes to bring about the end of the world. Why wouldn’t anyone pick this up?

For me though, it just wasn’t there. At 35% I decided I couldn’t keeping reading. Since I didn’t even make it halfway through the book, I decided to forego leaving a rating, but I did want to leave a few comments on why I didn’t finish.

Like most thrillers, this story starts off with a suspenseful pace, giving us glimpses into cults and secrets working in plain site. But, by the time I reached 35%, nothing really had happened.

Since I can’t comment on the plot, I think what really held me back from reading more was the writing. The characters, in my opinion, were bland and too similar to one and other, especially the two male POVs. Tasha’s storyline was more compelling, but with the other characters weighing it down, it didn’t quite keep me interested. This also might have been due to how cumbersome the writing was; there were clear errors, and a lot of the narrative “told” instead of “showed” me what happened. While this can work in some prose, in this case it prevented me from wanting to read more.

Perhaps if I read this book when my life was less busy, I might have continued it. The story itself might be awesome past the point where I read, but for me, I couldn’t continue.

While I don’t know this writer’s predicament, I think the book needs another round or so of editing to really polish it off. I might pick it up again one day. So I implore you not to let my comments here prevent you from checking out the book. This is just my personal opinion.

What’s it about?

A crazed megalomaniac wishes to bring about the end of the world as we know it, and only three strangers can stop him, and they don’t even know it yet. 

Tasha learns her brother is involved with an evil ritualistic cult and does everything she can to track him down.

Hunter’s best friend was murdered, and the killer staged it to look like an accident.

Keith comes across a cover-up that brings him face to face with a man covered in scars.

Can they all survive the rage and power of the criminal mastermind only known as The Occultist?

The Longest Night is a fast-paced thriller set entirely in modern-day Ireland. The author combines his love of history, legends, folklore to create an adventure full of action, twists, horror and suspense! An absolute page-turner you will not be able to put down!

The Longest Night on Goodreads

The Crown of Bones – Book Review

[image error]

Book Rating: ★★★☆☆ (2.75/ 5 stars)

Every year, a sacrifice must be made to the Goddess Bergot. And this year, Gisela is one of them. But Gisela is determined to survive for her sister Thora, and with Brahm by her side, she might just do it. But, she’ll have to use her familiarity with fairy tales and her own guile to survive. Yet, as they venture through Bergot’s realm, they learn there are darker forces at work, and Gisela is at the heart of it.

I really thought I would like this book. It’s a dark fairy tale retelling…which is one of my favorite types of stories. But, it missed the mark for me. It took me nearly two months to finish this otherwise short book, and to finally get through it I skimmed the last 50 pages.

Let’s start with the good though: the writing is fantastic! Rosalyn Briar is quite talented in painting a picture and transporting her into the world. Her characters are well defined, and she does a fantastic job showing Gisela’s value especially around Thora and Brahm. Briar also pulls from many fairy tales, weaving them into the new fairy tale she has created.

There were a lot of little things that ultimately turned me away from this book. I want to mark at this point that there are spoilers below.

To start with, early on in the plot there is an attempted rape scene. While this was handled okay, and didn’t turn me away from the book, the fact her friend Brahm came to the rescue took away from Gisela’s ability to defend herself, which she says she was prepared to do.

What really bothered me though is how Brahm and Gisela’s relationship was portrayed. Their relationship initially was everything I enjoyed: friends-to-lovers, mutual pining, and a kind male character with a tough female character. Yet, the way their mutual attraction is portrayed is in awkward, gratuitous situations: Gisela’s white dress getting covered in water, Brahm accidentally grabbing her rear-end, and other instances. Again, while these did not detract from the story initially for me, the more they popped up, the more I would put the book down to look at later. While my dislike for these interactions are personal, they did affect my overall rating for the book.

In addition, I felt like this book could have been either a bit longer to help us really get to know the world and some of the characters who die earlier on, or this book should have been shorter, written more like an actual fairy tale.

I will say that the ending saved the story, and that’s why I decided to give this book 2.75 stars instead of my initial rating of 2.5 stars. It ends on a cliff hanger that causes needles to climb up your spine, and makes you wonder what became of the valley next.

So, while this book wasn’t for me, others will enjoy it. It delves into your favorite fairy tales, but continues to have a slightly modern tone to it. This is a story of self perseverance…and I think most people will see themselves in Gisela as she searches for the Crown of Bones.

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What’s it about?

Gisela knows about sacrifice all too well.

She abandoned her education, friends, and fairy tales to support her family and care for her sister.

But when she jilts a wealthy suitor, Gisela is chosen for another type of sacrifice.

As an Offering to the Goddess Bergot, Gisela and seven others are sent on a deadly quest for a mythical crown. To return home, Gisela must overcome obstacles which darkly resemble the fairy tales she once believed.

Weaving through a tapestry of friendship, romance, violence, and magic—Gisela becomes the target of an ancient evil force, while an ominous detail from the past haunts her at every turn.

To what lengths will Gisela go to save the ones she loves?

Sometimes sacrifices must be made.

Trigger Warnings: This book contains graphic violence, cursing, and sexual situations.

Crown of Bones on Goodreads

Riley Mack & The Other Known Troublemakers – Book Review

[image error]

Book Rating: ★★★★☆   (4 / 5 stars)
Audio Book Performance: ★★★★☆  (4 / 5 Stars)
Total Rating: ★★★★☆  (4 / 5 stars)

Riley Mack has a reputation around town as a troublemaker, although most of the rumors aren’t true. Yes, he stole an ice cream cake years ago…but he had made a point since then to stop! With his rag-tag team of troublemakers – Briana, Ben, Mongo, and Jamal – Riley is on the case. Whether it is to rescue innocent sixth graders or find a lost dog, Riley will stay by his side until the end. But as his searches continue, a deeper plot unravels. Can Riley save the day? Or should he leave it to the adults?

While this novel is relatively predictable, Riley Mack and his crew are a fun, relatable cohort to whom most children will relate. Each member of the crew proves to be a valuable asset: Briana is the actress that can send people astray, Mongo is the guy who will stick with his friends to the end, Ben can crack any puzzle via his computer, Jamal can crack any lock and is eager to learn, and Riley will lead them all no matter how difficult the endeavor. No other crew of troublemakers could solve all the problems brewing in the town!

Did the story border on unrealistic to some extent? Yes. But children stories are supposed to deposit the reader into the unimaginable! Instead of a world that follows the strict order of law, this story shows that children have what it takes to tackle whatever challenges them! It’s like most modern day cartoons…and it was fun! Isn’t that all we’re asking from in middle grade novels?

I think Grabenstein did a great job weaving together all the intricate little pieces. Already, I have read two books by Chris Grabenstein, and while the stories themselves are predictable, the puzzle pieces that he manages to weave throughout the narratives are what make these stories wonderful. As an adult reader, I find them fun and enjoyable. Children will love them even more!

So I’d say check this, or any of Grabenstein’s other stories, out! They’re definitely worth the time for you or for your children!

What’s it about?

What do you get when you add up one middle school bully, two bank robbers, 57 puppy-mill dogs, 4,000 missing dollars, and five daring troublemakers led by the incomparable Riley Mack? One crazy caper! In this merry, mischievous romp, master storyteller Chris Grabenstein, the award-winning author of Escape From Mr. Lemoncello’s Library, teams with a full-cast of audio talent to introduce Riley Mack, a one-of-a-kind 12-year-old hometown hero.

Riley Mack and the Other Known Troublemakers on Goodreads

A Discussion of Creativity & Writing: An Interview with Chloe Gilholy

[image error]

Today we are talking with Chloe Gilholy about her creative process. Chloe Gilholy is the author of Game of Mass Destruction.

About Author

Chloe Gilholy was born in Staffordshire and is a healthcare worker from Oxfordshire. She had her first poem published in an anthology when she was eight and hasn’t stopped writing since. She is the author of Game of Mass Destruction, Drinking Poetry and Fishman. She also writes fanfiction under the penname, Chloboshoka.

So let’s get into the questions!

First, tell us about your book!

Game of Mass Destruction is a romance between dystopian sci-fi and black comedy.

How did you come up with this idea? What inspired you?

I came up with the plot to Game of Mass Destruction as part of an English assignment where we had to write a science fiction story. I got carried away and started a fan fic where couples from many fandoms were put into teams and had to destroy loads of robots. At the time it was called Paranoia Wars Community. I was only 15 when I started it and it became too much for me, so I never finished it.

Battle Royale is one of my favourite novels and I loved the movies and the manga series as well. Getting into Hunger Games, The Lord of the Flies, Ready Player One and The Running Man eventually made me want to try the story again. Paranoia Wars Community was changed to Game of Mass Destruction. After writing the fic version, I thought I would have more freedom with it if I created my own characters.

Tell us a little bit about your main character(s). Were you inspired by anyone particular when writing them?

Yuzuko Shikumi is widow with an infant son and a girlfriend. She loves her country and is very close to her grandfather. Yuzuko shares a name with one of the main characters from a manga called Citrus.

What about your setting? What inspired you to choose where the story took place?

The main setting for the story is an island under constant watch. Various reality tv shows like Big Brother, Survivor and I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here. I still haven’t watched a single episode of Love Island.

Obviously, stories change from their initial inception. How has your story changed while working on it?

Other than the fan fic inceptions, there were plenty. It was so much more than just name changes. The robots have more personality and Sia or Bobby would have been the main characters.I never used to edit my work cause I was obsessed with getting right the first time. Now it’s one of my favourite parts. I like sharing my work too.Other than the fan fic inceptions, there were plenty. It was so much more than just name changes. The robots have more personality and Sia or Bobby would have been the main characters.

What is your writing process like?

I have no routine. There are days I can write thousands and days when I’m lucky to reach a page. I put all my brainstorming and plotting on pen to paper first, then start the first draft in my notebook, then write it up on Word, the tidy it up as I go along.

What part of the writing process do you enjoy the most?

I never used to edit my work cause I was obsessed with getting right the first time. Now it’s one of my favourite parts. I like sharing my work too.

What was the most difficult part in writing your book? How did you overcome it?

Refining my work and getting understood.

Now let’s talk personal inspiration: did anyone or anything inspire you to be a writer?

Reading lots of books made me decide to write books too. My nans on both sides of the family encouraged it.

Finally, do you have any words of inspiration or tips to new authors?

Just do it, but don’t feel bad if you can’t do it everyday.

Thank you for joining us today! If you’re interested in Chloe Gilholy, check out the links below!

Social Media





















Books

Until next time,

E.S. Barrison