Teri M. Brown's Blog, page 22
November 17, 2024
Book Review: Legacy of the Witch
Legacy of the Witch by Kirsten Weiss is a cozy mystery with a dose of the paranormal - and I must say, I loved the combination. As a disclaimer, I don't usually read stories about witches and am not a fan of tarot cards, so I wasn't sure this would be a good fit. Nonetheless, the storyline is fast-paced and the characters are delightful. I'm hooked!April finds herself in Pennsylvania researching Pennsylvania Dutch crafts in hopes of obtaining a degree she believes she needs to move on with her life. But everything gets turned upside down when she finds a dying man - a man who happens to be her landlord - while jogging.
It's when she starts seeing ghosts, meets a local witch, joins a mystery school, and learns of ancient hexes that the story really takes off - and leads April on a hunt to find the killer before she turns into the next victim.
And if you are into tarot cards, Kirsten has provided a deck she calls UnTarot to help you with meaning making! It's a must-read for mystery fans.
Purchase a copy:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3YKGTh1
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3Aj8rSg
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
November 16, 2024
Online for Authors Episode 11-16-24
Secrets and Shadows: The Mystery That Shook Up Politics with Author Francine Pozner-Ehrenberg
The guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Francine Pozner-Ehrenberg, author of the book America's Candidate. Francine is an attorney and the owner of Ehrenberg & Associates Consulting Group. She is the author of the suspense novel, “America’s Candidate,” which is available on Amazon. Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionI'm excited to share with you an inspiring conversation co-host Tina Hogan Grant recently had with Francine Ehrenberg, a retired attorney turned debut author. Francine spent over 30 years as a prosecutor, including serving as a former Major in the Army Judge Advocate General Corps and a supervising Deputy Attorney General. Talk about an impressive career!
But after retiring, Francine discovered a new passion - writing. And wow, did she hit it out of the park with her first novel, America's Candidate. It's a gripping political thriller with a murder mystery twist that keeps you guessing until the very end.
In their chat, Francine shared how the idea for the book came to her and how she cranked out the first draft in just four months! As a "pantser" style writer herself, Tina loved hearing how she let the story and characters lead the way, not knowing exactly where it would end up. There's something so freeing and exciting about that creative process.
Francine also opened up about the surreal feeling of holding her published book in her hands for the first time. As a fellow author, Tina could totally relate to that indescribable mix of pride, joy, and eagerness to share your "book baby" with the world.
If you enjoy character-driven stories with plenty of suspense and unexpected twists, we highly recommend checking out America's Candidate. It's available now in paperback, hardcover, Kindle ebook and Kindle Unlimited on Amazon.
To keep the book discussion going, head on over to Novels N Latte Book Club where you will have a chance to win a free digital copy of Francine's great debut!
Purchase America's Candidate on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/40hHRDL
Ebook: https://amzn.to/3ArCwiq
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Francine Pozner-Ehrenberg, author of the book America's Candidate. Francine is an attorney and the owner of Ehrenberg & Associates Consulting Group. She is the author of the suspense novel, “America’s Candidate,” which is available on Amazon. Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionI'm excited to share with you an inspiring conversation co-host Tina Hogan Grant recently had with Francine Ehrenberg, a retired attorney turned debut author. Francine spent over 30 years as a prosecutor, including serving as a former Major in the Army Judge Advocate General Corps and a supervising Deputy Attorney General. Talk about an impressive career!But after retiring, Francine discovered a new passion - writing. And wow, did she hit it out of the park with her first novel, America's Candidate. It's a gripping political thriller with a murder mystery twist that keeps you guessing until the very end.
In their chat, Francine shared how the idea for the book came to her and how she cranked out the first draft in just four months! As a "pantser" style writer herself, Tina loved hearing how she let the story and characters lead the way, not knowing exactly where it would end up. There's something so freeing and exciting about that creative process.
Francine also opened up about the surreal feeling of holding her published book in her hands for the first time. As a fellow author, Tina could totally relate to that indescribable mix of pride, joy, and eagerness to share your "book baby" with the world.
If you enjoy character-driven stories with plenty of suspense and unexpected twists, we highly recommend checking out America's Candidate. It's available now in paperback, hardcover, Kindle ebook and Kindle Unlimited on Amazon.
To keep the book discussion going, head on over to Novels N Latte Book Club where you will have a chance to win a free digital copy of Francine's great debut!
Purchase America's Candidate on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/40hHRDL
Ebook: https://amzn.to/3ArCwiq
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
November 14, 2024
Online for Authors Episode 11-14-24
Threads of Survival: A Holocaust Family Memoir Across Generations by Author Willie Handler
Willie Handler, author of the book Out from the Shadows. Both of his parents are Holocaust survivors. In 2020, while struggling with the effects of the pandemic lockdown, he decided he needed to know what happened to them during WWII. Thus began a journey into his family’s past, eventually revealing their extraordinary survival and painful losses. Their story and his memoir published late in 2024.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionI recently had the privilege of interviewing Willie Handler, author of the powerful memoir "Out from the Shadows: Growing Up with Holocaust Survivor Parents". In our conversation, Willie shared his incredible journey of uncovering long-buried family secrets and history from the Holocaust era, despite his parents' reluctance to discuss their traumatic past.
What struck me most was how little Willie knew about his own family history for much of his life. His parents, like many Holocaust survivors, chose to shield their children from the painful details of what they endured. It wasn't until Willie was an adult, after his parents had passed away, that his curiosity compelled him to embark on a quest to fill in the missing pieces.
Through painstaking research across various archives, databases, DNA testing, and even a trip to his father's Polish hometown, Willie slowly stitched together a fuller picture of his family's experiences. There were shocking revelations along the way, like discovering his father had another child who perished in the Holocaust, a tragedy so devastating that his father seemingly blocked it from memory.
Willie's book delves into the concept of generational trauma and how the impact of his parents' experiences reverberated through his own upbringing and adult life in sometimes invisible ways. As he writes, "The legacy of the Holocaust, or the shadow as I call it, lives on and the descendants are invisible victims."
Perhaps most urgently, Willie hopes his book can be a warning and a call to action in an era of rising anti-Semitism. While another Holocaust may not be imminent, Willie sees alarming parallels in the current climate of hate. His plea: Educate yourself on the history. Don't turn a blind eye to persecution. Speak out and be an ally.
"Out from the Shadows" is a moving excavation of family history, a powerful treatise on trauma's long tail, and an urgent appeal to stand against hate in all forms. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
To learn more about Willie's work in Holocaust education or to contact him about speaking to your group, visit williehandler.com.
If any of Willie's story resonated with you, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Just leave a comment.
P.S. Want to dive deeper into this important conversation? Head over to the Novels N Latte Book Club on Facebook, where we'll be discussing "Out from the Shadows" and giving away a copy of the book!
Purchase Out From the Shadows on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4hh2cPr
Ebook: https://amzn.to/3NGpQY1
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Willie Handler, author of the book Out from the Shadows. Both of his parents are Holocaust survivors. In 2020, while struggling with the effects of the pandemic lockdown, he decided he needed to know what happened to them during WWII. Thus began a journey into his family’s past, eventually revealing their extraordinary survival and painful losses. Their story and his memoir published late in 2024.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionI recently had the privilege of interviewing Willie Handler, author of the powerful memoir "Out from the Shadows: Growing Up with Holocaust Survivor Parents". In our conversation, Willie shared his incredible journey of uncovering long-buried family secrets and history from the Holocaust era, despite his parents' reluctance to discuss their traumatic past.What struck me most was how little Willie knew about his own family history for much of his life. His parents, like many Holocaust survivors, chose to shield their children from the painful details of what they endured. It wasn't until Willie was an adult, after his parents had passed away, that his curiosity compelled him to embark on a quest to fill in the missing pieces.
Through painstaking research across various archives, databases, DNA testing, and even a trip to his father's Polish hometown, Willie slowly stitched together a fuller picture of his family's experiences. There were shocking revelations along the way, like discovering his father had another child who perished in the Holocaust, a tragedy so devastating that his father seemingly blocked it from memory.
Willie's book delves into the concept of generational trauma and how the impact of his parents' experiences reverberated through his own upbringing and adult life in sometimes invisible ways. As he writes, "The legacy of the Holocaust, or the shadow as I call it, lives on and the descendants are invisible victims."
Perhaps most urgently, Willie hopes his book can be a warning and a call to action in an era of rising anti-Semitism. While another Holocaust may not be imminent, Willie sees alarming parallels in the current climate of hate. His plea: Educate yourself on the history. Don't turn a blind eye to persecution. Speak out and be an ally.
"Out from the Shadows" is a moving excavation of family history, a powerful treatise on trauma's long tail, and an urgent appeal to stand against hate in all forms. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
To learn more about Willie's work in Holocaust education or to contact him about speaking to your group, visit williehandler.com.
If any of Willie's story resonated with you, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Just leave a comment.
P.S. Want to dive deeper into this important conversation? Head over to the Novels N Latte Book Club on Facebook, where we'll be discussing "Out from the Shadows" and giving away a copy of the book!
Purchase Out From the Shadows on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4hh2cPr
Ebook: https://amzn.to/3NGpQY1
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
November 13, 2024
Book Review: Langley Powell and the Society for the Defense of the Mundane
Langley Powell and the Society for the Defense of the Mundane by Jeff Giles is a humorous fantasy - another combination I had never read but truly enjoyed. It was sort of Harry Potter "esque" with far more tongue-in-cheek references and great bits of history trivia thrown in.The story starts with Langley's death - he is crushed by a falling piano. Langley spent his entire life debunking the idea of ghosts, magic, and anything you couldn't see with your own eyes or prove with science. However, when he becomes a ghost, he realizes he's been wrong.
Before he can wrap his mind around his error, he finds himself on a quest to save mankind by finding his childhood hero - the magician who failed and thrust Langley toward his lifelong obsession of proving magic doesn't exist.
This dual timeline story moves quickly, has great characters, and lots of laughs. However, it also causes the reader to think about what is important in life and what holds the universe together. I highly recommend this book.
Purchase a copy: Paperback:
https://amzn.to/4hroFcA
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4e7tJAj
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
November 12, 2024
Online for Authors Episode 11-12-24
Voice of Resilience: A Jewish Hungarian's Holocaust Journey with Author Robert J Wolf
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Robert J Wolf, author of the book Not a Real Enemy. Robert is a neuroradiologist who attended the University of Michigan Medical School and completed his training at Brown and Yale Universities. He grew up in a suburb of Detroit as the only child of Ervin and Judit Wolf. Their stories of their escape from communist Hungary, and his father’s tragic history of escaping the Nazis twice but losing his own parents, inspired Robert to document his parents’ tales and share those stories.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionI recently had the pleasure of speaking with Robert Wolf, author of the compelling biography Not a Real Enemy: The True Story of a Hungarian Jewish Man's Fight for Freedom. In our conversation, Robert shared the incredible story of his father's escape from persecution during the Holocaust and the Hungarian Revolution.
Growing up as the child of Holocaust survivors, Robert didn't feel that his experience was vastly different from other kids. His parents, despite the unimaginable traumas they endured, were focused on giving Robert a good education and a better life than they had. It wasn't until later, when he read the autobiography his father wrote in the 1970s, that the full weight of his parents' past hit him.
Robert's father documented in vivid detail the horrors he faced - from being beaten as a child for being Jewish, to narrowly escaping death multiple times through sheer luck and determination. After surviving forced labor camps and death marches, he escaped to the mountains, not knowing who would win the war or where he could find safety. The trauma didn't end with the war, as anti-Semitism and oppression continued under the Soviet-controlled Hungarian government.
Yet through it all, Robert's father maintained a remarkable resilience and will to live. He put himself through medical school, started a family, and when the Hungarian Revolution erupted in 1956, made the heart-wrenching decision to flee the country for a chance at true freedom.
Robert spent years researching and rewriting his father's story to share with a wider audience. His goal with the book is to show that the unthinkable tragedies his father endured could happen to anyone, and that we must stay vigilant against the rising tides of hate and oppression in the world today.
Not a Real Enemy is a difficult but necessary read. It's a story of survival against impossible odds, of the unbreakable bonds of family and faith, and of one man's unshakable determination to build a better life for himself and the people he loved. I highly recommend picking up a copy.
Continue this and other book conversations at Novels N Latte Book Club on Facebook for your chance to win a digital copy of Not a Real Enemy.
Purchase Not a Real Enemy on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3TzbV9Q
Ebook: https://amzn.to/47xMNWA
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Robert J Wolf, author of the book Not a Real Enemy. Robert is a neuroradiologist who attended the University of Michigan Medical School and completed his training at Brown and Yale Universities. He grew up in a suburb of Detroit as the only child of Ervin and Judit Wolf. Their stories of their escape from communist Hungary, and his father’s tragic history of escaping the Nazis twice but losing his own parents, inspired Robert to document his parents’ tales and share those stories.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionI recently had the pleasure of speaking with Robert Wolf, author of the compelling biography Not a Real Enemy: The True Story of a Hungarian Jewish Man's Fight for Freedom. In our conversation, Robert shared the incredible story of his father's escape from persecution during the Holocaust and the Hungarian Revolution.Growing up as the child of Holocaust survivors, Robert didn't feel that his experience was vastly different from other kids. His parents, despite the unimaginable traumas they endured, were focused on giving Robert a good education and a better life than they had. It wasn't until later, when he read the autobiography his father wrote in the 1970s, that the full weight of his parents' past hit him.
Robert's father documented in vivid detail the horrors he faced - from being beaten as a child for being Jewish, to narrowly escaping death multiple times through sheer luck and determination. After surviving forced labor camps and death marches, he escaped to the mountains, not knowing who would win the war or where he could find safety. The trauma didn't end with the war, as anti-Semitism and oppression continued under the Soviet-controlled Hungarian government.
Yet through it all, Robert's father maintained a remarkable resilience and will to live. He put himself through medical school, started a family, and when the Hungarian Revolution erupted in 1956, made the heart-wrenching decision to flee the country for a chance at true freedom.
Robert spent years researching and rewriting his father's story to share with a wider audience. His goal with the book is to show that the unthinkable tragedies his father endured could happen to anyone, and that we must stay vigilant against the rising tides of hate and oppression in the world today.
Not a Real Enemy is a difficult but necessary read. It's a story of survival against impossible odds, of the unbreakable bonds of family and faith, and of one man's unshakable determination to build a better life for himself and the people he loved. I highly recommend picking up a copy.
Continue this and other book conversations at Novels N Latte Book Club on Facebook for your chance to win a digital copy of Not a Real Enemy.
Purchase Not a Real Enemy on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3TzbV9Q
Ebook: https://amzn.to/47xMNWA
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
November 10, 2024
Book Review: America's Candidate
(Review by Tina Hogan Grant)
America's Candidate by Francine Pozner Ehrenberg is a political thriller. This book was an enjoyable read written from multiple points of view which I liked. Each character was well defined and had their own unique voice.
I found the synopsis for this book intriguing and wanted to know if Annie and Amir's idea would be successful. What I didn't expect were the many twists and surprises along the way which added to the story.
This was the author's debut novel and I think she did extremely well. I'm looking forward to her next one.
Purchase a copy:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/40pgh7w
Kindle: https://amzn.to/40rp8pd
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
November 6, 2024
Book Review: Secrets Told
(Review by Carole O'Neill)As I read the beginning chapters of Secrets Told by Tina Hogan Grant, I was certain her main character was a carbon copy of Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada. Patricia Levenick’s complete focus on her job (this one as the head of her own law firm in Manhattan) reminded me of how everyone at the workplace feared upsetting their workaholic boss. Patricia even had two daughters, like Miranda. Ones she kept busy with ballet lessons, horseback riding lessons and any other activity that would not interfere with the needs of her law firm. I knew where this story was going.
Then suddenly, the twist. Patricia’s reaction to the letter she receives from a lawyer back in her hometown, changes everything. Initially, she was not going to let confronting her past change her lifestyle, or even slow it down long enough to admit she left a very different existence far from the hustle and bustle of New York City.
With the insistence of her ex-husband, Bryce, that their daughters have a right to know who she really is, she agrees to take the family back long enough to satisfy his curiosity about what her childhood was really like. Their surprising knowledge of her life on the water and the discovery of a grandfather they never knew they had, brings the entire family to a new high.
Alaska becomes its own character as they explore the amazing countryside and uncover the real Pattie. Grant reveals a memorable picture of the love of fishing in a nearly perfect world. You should spend the time to open these pages and enjoy this story.
Purchase a copy:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4hnmqqU
Kindle: https://amzn.to/48vcUOj
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
November 5, 2024
Online for Authors Episode 11-5-24
Unknown Destiny: The Journey of a Reluctant Princess with Author Karina Kantas
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Karina Kantas, author of the book Illusional Reality (Duology). Karina is the bestselling author of 14 titles covering most fiction genres, including thriller novels and young adult fiction, many of which have won awards. Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionI recently had the immense pleasure of chatting with fantasy author extraordinaire, Karina Kantas, on the Online for Authors podcast. Karina is the brilliant mind behind the duology Illusional Reality and The Quest, which transport readers to a vividly imagined fantasy realm unlike any other.
What struck me most about Karina's writing process is how organically her stories unfold. Rather than meticulously plotting out every detail, she allows her imagination to run wild, guided by the whispers of her characters. "At five o'clock in the morning, they won't let you sleep," she laughs. "They're in your head, telling you what you need to do next."
Another fascinating aspect we explored was the art of crafting a unique fantasy language. In Karina's books, the characters speak a variation of English that feels both familiar and foreign. "I wanted it to be easy for the reader to understand," she explains, "but different enough to make them unique to us." It's a delicate balance, but one she pulls off masterfully.
If you're an aspiring fantasy author, take a page from Karina's book (pun intended!) and let your creativity be your guide. "Your imagination can go wild," she enthuses. "With fantasy, everything is real because it's fantasy. There are no limits!"
Ready to embark on an epic adventure? Grab your copy of Illusional Reality today and let Karina's lyrical prose sweep you away to a realm where anything is possible. As a special treat for my amazing subscribers, head over to the Novels N Latte Book Club on Facebook for a chance to win a digital copy of the book!
Happy reading!
Purchase Illusional Reality (Duology) on Amazon:
Ebook: https://amzn.to/3ZNHUXN
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Karina Kantas, author of the book Illusional Reality (Duology). Karina is the bestselling author of 14 titles covering most fiction genres, including thriller novels and young adult fiction, many of which have won awards. Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionI recently had the immense pleasure of chatting with fantasy author extraordinaire, Karina Kantas, on the Online for Authors podcast. Karina is the brilliant mind behind the duology Illusional Reality and The Quest, which transport readers to a vividly imagined fantasy realm unlike any other.What struck me most about Karina's writing process is how organically her stories unfold. Rather than meticulously plotting out every detail, she allows her imagination to run wild, guided by the whispers of her characters. "At five o'clock in the morning, they won't let you sleep," she laughs. "They're in your head, telling you what you need to do next."
Another fascinating aspect we explored was the art of crafting a unique fantasy language. In Karina's books, the characters speak a variation of English that feels both familiar and foreign. "I wanted it to be easy for the reader to understand," she explains, "but different enough to make them unique to us." It's a delicate balance, but one she pulls off masterfully.
If you're an aspiring fantasy author, take a page from Karina's book (pun intended!) and let your creativity be your guide. "Your imagination can go wild," she enthuses. "With fantasy, everything is real because it's fantasy. There are no limits!"
Ready to embark on an epic adventure? Grab your copy of Illusional Reality today and let Karina's lyrical prose sweep you away to a realm where anything is possible. As a special treat for my amazing subscribers, head over to the Novels N Latte Book Club on Facebook for a chance to win a digital copy of the book!
Happy reading!
Purchase Illusional Reality (Duology) on Amazon:
Ebook: https://amzn.to/3ZNHUXN
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
November 2, 2024
Online for Authors Episode 11-2-24
Mastering the Art of Flash Fiction: Tips from Editor John McCaffrey
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is John McCaffrey, editor of 50 Give or Take, is here to chat with us about flash fiction and why authors might want to consider this form of storytelling. Originally from Rochester, New York, John McCaffrey attended Villanova University and received his M.A. in Creative Writing from the City College of New York. He is the author of four published books: The Book of Ash (2013), a science fiction novel, and the short story collections Two Syllable Men (2016), What's Wrong With This Picture? (2019) and Automatically Hip (2022). He is an award-winning playwright, a writing professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology, and a columnist for The Good Men Project. Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionThis week I had the pleasure of chatting with John McCaffrey, editor of the unique and intriguing flash fiction series 50 Give or Take. We dove deep into the art of micro storytelling, the joys (and challenges) of being an editor, and how aspiring authors can get involved.
Some key takeaways:
Flash fiction, typically 500-750 words or less, is all about illuminating a moment and evoking feeling. As John says, "You don't need to have beginning, middle and end - but you want the reader to feel closure, even if they don't know exactly what happens next."When it comes to selecting stories for 50 Give or Take, John looks for pieces that "feel artistic" and have a sense of craft, meaning, and truth. Surprise twists are a bonus!Writing flash can be a great creative exercise for novelists, too. It forces you to be economical with words and master the skill of "showing" vs. "telling" - which translates to tighter, more engaging long-form writing as well.Want to try your hand at flash? Pick a meaningful moment, whittle it down to 50 words, and send it over to John at 50 Give or Take. He promises to give constructive feedback to every submission!
For more wit and wisdom from John, along with details on how to subscribe to 50 Give or Take, check out the full interview here. And be sure to reply with your burning questions about flash fiction - I'll pass them along to the expert himself!
P.S. Want to keep the micro story magic going? Head over to Novels N Latte Book Club on Facebook, where we're giving away copies of the 2023 50 Give or Take anthology - plus a sneak peek of 2024's upcoming collection! Just our way of saying "thanks" for being part of this wordy and wonderful community. See you there!
Purchase The 50-Word Stories of 2023: Microfiction for Lovers of Quick Reads (50 Give or Take) on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4e8KNXp
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is John McCaffrey, editor of 50 Give or Take, is here to chat with us about flash fiction and why authors might want to consider this form of storytelling. Originally from Rochester, New York, John McCaffrey attended Villanova University and received his M.A. in Creative Writing from the City College of New York. He is the author of four published books: The Book of Ash (2013), a science fiction novel, and the short story collections Two Syllable Men (2016), What's Wrong With This Picture? (2019) and Automatically Hip (2022). He is an award-winning playwright, a writing professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology, and a columnist for The Good Men Project. Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionThis week I had the pleasure of chatting with John McCaffrey, editor of the unique and intriguing flash fiction series 50 Give or Take. We dove deep into the art of micro storytelling, the joys (and challenges) of being an editor, and how aspiring authors can get involved.Some key takeaways:
Flash fiction, typically 500-750 words or less, is all about illuminating a moment and evoking feeling. As John says, "You don't need to have beginning, middle and end - but you want the reader to feel closure, even if they don't know exactly what happens next."When it comes to selecting stories for 50 Give or Take, John looks for pieces that "feel artistic" and have a sense of craft, meaning, and truth. Surprise twists are a bonus!Writing flash can be a great creative exercise for novelists, too. It forces you to be economical with words and master the skill of "showing" vs. "telling" - which translates to tighter, more engaging long-form writing as well.Want to try your hand at flash? Pick a meaningful moment, whittle it down to 50 words, and send it over to John at 50 Give or Take. He promises to give constructive feedback to every submission!
For more wit and wisdom from John, along with details on how to subscribe to 50 Give or Take, check out the full interview here. And be sure to reply with your burning questions about flash fiction - I'll pass them along to the expert himself!
P.S. Want to keep the micro story magic going? Head over to Novels N Latte Book Club on Facebook, where we're giving away copies of the 2023 50 Give or Take anthology - plus a sneak peek of 2024's upcoming collection! Just our way of saying "thanks" for being part of this wordy and wonderful community. See you there!
Purchase The 50-Word Stories of 2023: Microfiction for Lovers of Quick Reads (50 Give or Take) on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4e8KNXp
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
October 30, 2024
Book Review: Friends with Secrets
(Review by Carole O'Neill, Online for Authors Guest Host)Women have often been told, “You can have it all - just not at the same time.” Christine Gunderson proves that theory wrong in her debut novel, Friends with Secrets.
Nikki and Ainsley are two modern women on opposite ends of the motherhood spectrum. Nikki has just been told she’s been replaced at her television station as their anchor, while she spends most of her maternity leave struggling to convince her newborn son that her breast milk will really satisfy him, while her three older children destroy the aisles of the grocery store playing baby food pong down aisle five.
Ainsley has no problem convincing her children of anything because she has the help of a nanny, housekeeper, cook, clothing designer and a husband with more money than God, who is running for congress.
How these two women become a force to reckon with is what keeps you laughing out loud from the beginning. The secrets they share require the skills of both women to unravel. When they discover a way to expose the truth of Ainsley’s past life that threatens her husband’s future, you can’t turn the pages fast enough to find out if they’re right.
Gunderson’s research comes from her real-life experience in television, proving you can balance motherhood, friendship, and career. This novel is a must read.
Purchase a copy of Friends With Secrets:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3BlayoW
eBook: https://amzn.to/3BAIiOU
Audiobook: https://amzn.to/4dtDR5X
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
