Teri M. Brown's Blog, page 26
September 8, 2024
Book Review: Dawnland
Dawnland by Tess Callahan is a contemporary family life fiction filled to the brim with family secrets and misunderstandings.April has been friends with brothers Allen and Oliver since childhood. Al was bold, athletic, and always pushing boundaries. Oliver was quiet, studious, and always towing the line. April came from a bad home and though she loved Oliver, never felt she deserved him - even after they share their love for one another while in Ireland. In the end, April chooses Al, making the next fifteen years difficult, at best.
The main portion of the story takes place during a one-week summer vacation on the Cape - something the family has done for years. Only this time, the pretense unravels and secrets come roaring out. The question is, who will survive unscathed when the dust settles?
I loved this story and can't get April, Al, Meredith, Oliver, Hal, Beryl, and the children out of my mind. It's a great read.
Purchase the paperback.
Purchase the ebook.
Purchase the audiobook.
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
September 7, 2024
Online for Authors Episode 9-7-24
Behind the Scenes: Writing Lessons Learned in the Film Industry with Author Van Haney
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Van Haney, author of the books Stories to Curl Your Toes and Bloody Ever After. Today, Van is here to talk to us about her early career in film, how that shaped her writing, and writing tips she’s learned along the way.
Vanessa grew up in the new-age circus known as the entertainment industry. She was first published in an anthology of poems in 1997. In the early 2000's she was showcased in young filmmaker competitions for her screenplays, and in 2018 while getting her Master's in Education she self-published her first book of short stories, Stories to Curl Your Toes. Now after two children and a move to the Pacific Northwest she's unleashing her stories into the world once again.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionI recently had the pleasure of chatting with Van Haney, author of the horror collections Stories to Curl Your Toes and Bloody Ever After, on my podcast Online for Authors. While Van is now a novelist, she actually grew up in the film industry and started her creative career as a screenwriter.
During our conversation, Van shared some fascinating insights into how her background in film has shaped her approach to writing fiction. Here are five key takeaways that I think any writer can learn from, whether you aspire to write horror, sci-fi, romance, or anything in between:
Dialogue is king. In screenwriting, everything hinges on the visual and the dialogue. As a novelist, Van still relies heavily on dialogue to push the story forward and reveal character. Studying how people really talk can help make your dialogue sparkle.Visualize it like a movie. With her film background, Van sees the story play out in her head as she writes, like she's watching a movie. Tapping into that visual imagination can help bring your scenes to life on the page.Keep the story moving. Films are all about action and momentum. Van tries to maintain that sense of pace in her fiction too, always considering "What happens next?" to propel the plot.Know your genre tropes. Every genre comes with certain expectations and conventions. Being aware of the common tropes in your genre, whether from books or films, can help you meet or subvert those expectations in interesting ways.Read widely for fresh ideas. While it's important to read in your genre, Van also recommends reading and watching broadly. You never know where you might find inspiration to put a fresh twist on a tried-and-true story.
If you want to hear more of Van's insights on the writing process, the horror genre, or her spooky ghost story side gig on TikTok, check out the full conversation on Online for Authors. And if you're a horror fan, keep an eye out for Van's chilling new novel Safest in the Light, following a party girl impregnated with a monstrous hybrid baby, coming this October – just in time for Halloween reading!
I'd love to know: Have you ever applied screenwriting concepts to your fiction? Or do you have a favorite book that would make a great film? Comment and let me know!
P.S. Want a chance to win a digital copy of Van's upcoming release Safest in the Light? Head over to my Novels and Latte Book Club on Facebook and join the conversation for a chance to be selected as an advance reader!
Purchase Bloody Ever After on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3AaFd7L
Ebook: https://amzn.to/4duDsAx
Audio: https://amzn.to/4fzQKxJ
Purchase Stories to Curl Your Toes on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/46uh0FD
Ebook: https://amzn.to/4cbUbHO
Audio: https://amzn.to/3SAaszx
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Van Haney, author of the books Stories to Curl Your Toes and Bloody Ever After. Today, Van is here to talk to us about her early career in film, how that shaped her writing, and writing tips she’s learned along the way.Vanessa grew up in the new-age circus known as the entertainment industry. She was first published in an anthology of poems in 1997. In the early 2000's she was showcased in young filmmaker competitions for her screenplays, and in 2018 while getting her Master's in Education she self-published her first book of short stories, Stories to Curl Your Toes. Now after two children and a move to the Pacific Northwest she's unleashing her stories into the world once again.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionI recently had the pleasure of chatting with Van Haney, author of the horror collections Stories to Curl Your Toes and Bloody Ever After, on my podcast Online for Authors. While Van is now a novelist, she actually grew up in the film industry and started her creative career as a screenwriter.
During our conversation, Van shared some fascinating insights into how her background in film has shaped her approach to writing fiction. Here are five key takeaways that I think any writer can learn from, whether you aspire to write horror, sci-fi, romance, or anything in between:
Dialogue is king. In screenwriting, everything hinges on the visual and the dialogue. As a novelist, Van still relies heavily on dialogue to push the story forward and reveal character. Studying how people really talk can help make your dialogue sparkle.Visualize it like a movie. With her film background, Van sees the story play out in her head as she writes, like she's watching a movie. Tapping into that visual imagination can help bring your scenes to life on the page.Keep the story moving. Films are all about action and momentum. Van tries to maintain that sense of pace in her fiction too, always considering "What happens next?" to propel the plot.Know your genre tropes. Every genre comes with certain expectations and conventions. Being aware of the common tropes in your genre, whether from books or films, can help you meet or subvert those expectations in interesting ways.Read widely for fresh ideas. While it's important to read in your genre, Van also recommends reading and watching broadly. You never know where you might find inspiration to put a fresh twist on a tried-and-true story.
If you want to hear more of Van's insights on the writing process, the horror genre, or her spooky ghost story side gig on TikTok, check out the full conversation on Online for Authors. And if you're a horror fan, keep an eye out for Van's chilling new novel Safest in the Light, following a party girl impregnated with a monstrous hybrid baby, coming this October – just in time for Halloween reading!
I'd love to know: Have you ever applied screenwriting concepts to your fiction? Or do you have a favorite book that would make a great film? Comment and let me know!
P.S. Want a chance to win a digital copy of Van's upcoming release Safest in the Light? Head over to my Novels and Latte Book Club on Facebook and join the conversation for a chance to be selected as an advance reader!
Purchase Bloody Ever After on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3AaFd7L
Ebook: https://amzn.to/4duDsAx
Audio: https://amzn.to/4fzQKxJ
Purchase Stories to Curl Your Toes on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/46uh0FD
Ebook: https://amzn.to/4cbUbHO
Audio: https://amzn.to/3SAaszx
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
September 6, 2024
Book Review: When the World Fell Silent
(Review by Carole O'Neill)History, Tragedy, Personal loss and second chances – A newly released historical novel by New York Times bestselling author, Donna Jones Alward will keep you guessing until the end.
A WW1 tragedy shakes the core of Canadian Army Nurse, Nora Crowell as she tries to do her part to save the many wounded from the Halifax Harbor explosion. She spends day and night stitching up French soldiers, hardly finding time to nourish herself. On the other side of town, new mother, Charlotte Campbell tries to accept a life with her difficult in-laws after her husband is reported dead in the trenches across the Atlantic.
Both women find themselves searching for the same miracle until an amazing twist reveals the need for each to move on to a life neither thought possible. As one woman’s strength gives acknowledgement to her weakness, the other’s weakness shows her a way to accept a life she could only dream about.
Donna Jones Alward’s well-written historical fiction, When the World Fell Silent, was released on July 20, 2024. The pages won’t turn fast enough as you wait to see if Nora’s sister and her family will survive the destruction; or will Charlotte’s secret change everyone’s life.
Put this one at the top of that book pile on your reading table.
Purchase the paperback.
Purchase the ebook.
Purchase the audiobook.
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
September 5, 2024
Online for Authors Episode 9-5-24
Second Chances on the Eastern Shore: Unveiling a Paranormal Secret with Author Gail Priest
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Gail Priest, author of the book Soul Dancing. Gail has a passion for women’s fiction. Her degrees and work in theatre and counseling psychology inspire her stories of healing from trauma and secrets within families. A dash of romance and her love of second chances are always in the mix. The settings of her novels are influenced by her time spent on the coast of New Jersey and the Eastern Shore of Maryland.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video Version
I just had the pleasure of sitting down with the wonderfully talented Gail Priest, author of the award-winning novel Soul Dancing, on the latest episode of the Online for Authors podcast. Let me tell you, this was one delightful and insightful conversation!
Soul Dancing is a captivating cross-genre novel that blends women's fiction, romance, and a touch of the paranormal in a way that will keep you turning the pages. The story follows 90-year-old Shirlene, who finds herself reborn in the body of 20-year-old Rain, a troubled young woman with a history of addiction. As Shirlene navigates this new life and her growing attraction to Rain's brother-in-law Cameron, she must also come to terms with her own past and the secrets that have haunted her.
During our chat, Gail shared some fascinating insights into her writing process, including:
How she lets her characters guide the story, even when they take her in unexpected directionsThe challenges and rewards of writing cross-genre fictionThe importance of exploring complex themes like addiction, grief, and second chances with empathy and honestyHer own journey as a writer, from her early days in theater to becoming a multi-published author
One of the things I loved most about our conversation was Gail's infectious passion for storytelling and her dedication to creating rich, layered characters that feel like real people. She had me laughing one moment and tearing up the next as we discussed some of the book's most poignant scenes.
If you're a fan of character-driven fiction that explores the human experience in all its messy, beautiful complexity, then I highly recommend giving Soul Dancing a read. And if you want to dive deeper into Gail's creative world, be sure to check out the full podcast episode - I promise you won't be disappointed!
As always, happy reading!
P.S. Want a chance to win a signed copy of Soul Dancing? Head on over to the Novels and Latte Book Club on Facebook to enter the giveaway. While you're there, join the discussion and connect with other passionate readers!
P.P.S. To stay up-to-date on all things Gail Priest, visit her website at https://gailpriest.com/
Purchase Soul Dancing:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3TFGCu3
eBook: https://amzn.to/3XgMQ4s
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Gail Priest, author of the book Soul Dancing. Gail has a passion for women’s fiction. Her degrees and work in theatre and counseling psychology inspire her stories of healing from trauma and secrets within families. A dash of romance and her love of second chances are always in the mix. The settings of her novels are influenced by her time spent on the coast of New Jersey and the Eastern Shore of Maryland.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionI just had the pleasure of sitting down with the wonderfully talented Gail Priest, author of the award-winning novel Soul Dancing, on the latest episode of the Online for Authors podcast. Let me tell you, this was one delightful and insightful conversation!
Soul Dancing is a captivating cross-genre novel that blends women's fiction, romance, and a touch of the paranormal in a way that will keep you turning the pages. The story follows 90-year-old Shirlene, who finds herself reborn in the body of 20-year-old Rain, a troubled young woman with a history of addiction. As Shirlene navigates this new life and her growing attraction to Rain's brother-in-law Cameron, she must also come to terms with her own past and the secrets that have haunted her.
During our chat, Gail shared some fascinating insights into her writing process, including:
How she lets her characters guide the story, even when they take her in unexpected directionsThe challenges and rewards of writing cross-genre fictionThe importance of exploring complex themes like addiction, grief, and second chances with empathy and honestyHer own journey as a writer, from her early days in theater to becoming a multi-published author
One of the things I loved most about our conversation was Gail's infectious passion for storytelling and her dedication to creating rich, layered characters that feel like real people. She had me laughing one moment and tearing up the next as we discussed some of the book's most poignant scenes.
If you're a fan of character-driven fiction that explores the human experience in all its messy, beautiful complexity, then I highly recommend giving Soul Dancing a read. And if you want to dive deeper into Gail's creative world, be sure to check out the full podcast episode - I promise you won't be disappointed!
As always, happy reading!
P.S. Want a chance to win a signed copy of Soul Dancing? Head on over to the Novels and Latte Book Club on Facebook to enter the giveaway. While you're there, join the discussion and connect with other passionate readers!
P.P.S. To stay up-to-date on all things Gail Priest, visit her website at https://gailpriest.com/
Purchase Soul Dancing:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3TFGCu3
eBook: https://amzn.to/3XgMQ4s
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
September 4, 2024
Book Review: Under Water
Under Water by Rachel Callaghan is a dual timeline historical fiction you won't want to miss. Iris pushes her husband, Benny, to move across the country to pre-Civil-War-era home. During the renovations, Iris makes a gruesome discovery - a baby, perfectly preserved at the bottom of their pond. Little does Iris know that her past parallels this infant's past, and learning the secrets will unearth the secrets in her own life.This novel provides the reader with a great story, but also looks at love, relationships, loss, social status, and racial tension, while seamlessly weaving between two worlds. I've always wanted to find a secret in an attic or a diary tucked away in the walls of a home, though I never considered finding a body!
Lorraine's book is well-written, heartwarming, and funny, with many laugh-out-loud moments mixed in with heart-wrenching ones. Definitely add this to your TBR.
Purchase the paperback.
Purchase the ebook.
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
September 3, 2024
Online for Authors Episode 9-3-24
Through the Storm: A Teen’s Journey of Anger and Growth with Author Mark R Anderson
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Mark R Anderson, author of the book Sage Among the Pines. A graduate of the University of Maryland and the National Intelligence University, Mark’s upbringing in a military family instilled a love for travel and exploration, shaping his diverse perspectives and providing rich material for his creative works.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionI had the pleasure of sitting down with Mark R. Anderson, author of the captivating new novel Sage Among the Pines. Mark retired after a distinguished 35-year career with the Department of Defense and a decade as a U.S. Navy Reserve Officer. He penned this beautiful story while living in picturesque Pinehurst, North Carolina.
Sage Among the Pines follows the emotional rollercoaster of a teenage girl named Lexi after tragedy strikes her seemingly perfect family. Her father, a strong Marine, passes away unexpectedly in a military training exercise, leaving Lexi and her mother reeling. As her mom spirals into depression, Lexi lashes out in adolescent rage. Only the wisdom and loving support of her grandparents can guide them through the healing journey ahead.
What I loved most about Mark's book was how rich and authentic the characters felt. Lexi is flawed and not always likable at first, but you understand the pain fueling her actions. The grandparents radiate a quiet strength that clearly draws from Mark's own life experiences and leadership lessons he hopes to pass on to his children and grandchildren.
We bonded over our shared love of character-driven fiction. As Mark said, developing complex characters provides an opportunity to "really express and explain the complexity of emotions." The historical research and real-life inspirations behind his books make the stories and people truly come alive on the page.
While Sage Among the Pines is a departure from Mark's previous historical fiction novel, Shadows of Saigon, it showcases his versatility as a storyteller. He's already hard at work on book #3, a post-WWII historical fiction that I cannot wait to read!
If you enjoy character-driven tales that tug at your heartstrings, I highly recommend picking up Sage Among the Pines. To keep the discussion going, head over to Novels and Latte Book Club on Facebook, where members can enter to win a digital copy of the book!
As always, thank you for being part of this amazing community of readers and writers.
Happy reading!
Purchase a copy of Sage Among the Pines:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3AQ9Mjt
eBook: https://amzn.to/4e3SqxI
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Mark R Anderson, author of the book Sage Among the Pines. A graduate of the University of Maryland and the National Intelligence University, Mark’s upbringing in a military family instilled a love for travel and exploration, shaping his diverse perspectives and providing rich material for his creative works.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionI had the pleasure of sitting down with Mark R. Anderson, author of the captivating new novel Sage Among the Pines. Mark retired after a distinguished 35-year career with the Department of Defense and a decade as a U.S. Navy Reserve Officer. He penned this beautiful story while living in picturesque Pinehurst, North Carolina.Sage Among the Pines follows the emotional rollercoaster of a teenage girl named Lexi after tragedy strikes her seemingly perfect family. Her father, a strong Marine, passes away unexpectedly in a military training exercise, leaving Lexi and her mother reeling. As her mom spirals into depression, Lexi lashes out in adolescent rage. Only the wisdom and loving support of her grandparents can guide them through the healing journey ahead.
What I loved most about Mark's book was how rich and authentic the characters felt. Lexi is flawed and not always likable at first, but you understand the pain fueling her actions. The grandparents radiate a quiet strength that clearly draws from Mark's own life experiences and leadership lessons he hopes to pass on to his children and grandchildren.
We bonded over our shared love of character-driven fiction. As Mark said, developing complex characters provides an opportunity to "really express and explain the complexity of emotions." The historical research and real-life inspirations behind his books make the stories and people truly come alive on the page.
While Sage Among the Pines is a departure from Mark's previous historical fiction novel, Shadows of Saigon, it showcases his versatility as a storyteller. He's already hard at work on book #3, a post-WWII historical fiction that I cannot wait to read!
If you enjoy character-driven tales that tug at your heartstrings, I highly recommend picking up Sage Among the Pines. To keep the discussion going, head over to Novels and Latte Book Club on Facebook, where members can enter to win a digital copy of the book!
As always, thank you for being part of this amazing community of readers and writers.
Happy reading!
Purchase a copy of Sage Among the Pines:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3AQ9Mjt
eBook: https://amzn.to/4e3SqxI
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
August 29, 2024
Online for Authors Episode 8-29-2024
Life as an American in the Middle East: Challenges and Connections with Author Catherine W Rouhana
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Catherine W Rouhana, author of the book When the Fudge Trees Bloom. Cathy grew up in the ’50s and ‘60s in a three-bedroom row house in Baltimore, Maryland. She was the second of ten children, seven girls, and three boys. Yikes! You might say. Somewhat cramped? Well, yes, in retrospect. But children can always find a cubby hide-away to escape the chaos, (and maybe the chores). In the days before social media and even the days of the infancy of television, she and her siblings escaped into books. They were voracious readers and fought over the treasures brought home from a three-mile hike to the nearest library. Of course, the hiker had first dibs, but the rest was up for grabs.Listen to Audio VersionWatch Video VersionI recently had the pleasure of interviewing Catherine W. Rouhana, author of the captivating memoir "When the Fudge Trees Bloom", for my Online for Authors podcast. Cathy spent many years living in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon with her Lebanese husband in the '70s and '80s, and her story offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultures, traditions and turbulent history of the Middle East during that time period.
In our chat, Cathy shared how she went from being a young, adventurous American mother to navigating the closed society of Saudi Arabia where women had few rights. She spoke about the expatriate community that became her lifeline, secret church services held in her apartment, learning Arabic from her mother-in-law in the kitchen, and the warm embrace of her Lebanese family.
But Cathy's experiences in the Middle East were as bitter as they were sweet. She opened up about the loneliness of being far from home, losing herself to an unfamiliar way of life, and literally sitting under falling bombs for three terrifying days during conflicts in Lebanon, while still caring for her young children.
One of my favorite parts was hearing how Cathy's memoir got its unique title. While dating her husband, he adorably mixed up "fig" and "fudge" due to his limited English at the time, proudly telling Cathy about the "million fudge trees" on his mother's property in Lebanon. It was details like this that made her story so personal and relatable.
Cathy's memoir isn't just a collection of her experiences though - it's a poignant reflection on themes like the courage of women, the struggle to communicate, and how even the smallest choices can change the trajectory of our lives. She hopes readers will connect with feeling alone and invisible, while still finding sweetness amidst life's bitter struggles.
If you'd like to hear more of my enlightening conversation with Cathy, check out the full episode. And to keep the discussion going, head over to the Novels N Latte Facebook group, where you'll have a chance to win a digital copy of "When the Fudge Trees Bloom"!
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this incredible story. Have you ever found yourself living in a completely foreign culture or navigating unimaginable circumstances far from home? Comment and let me know.
Here's to many more eye-opening reads!
P.S. Next up for Cathy? She's currently collaborating with her six granddaughters to write a fantasy novel they plan to finish by Thanksgiving! How amazing is that? If you'd like to connect with Cathy and follow her upcoming project, visit her website cathyrouhana.com.
Purchase a copy of When the Fudge Trees Bloom:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3AFWMNl
eBook: https://amzn.to/47a1kHY
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Catherine W Rouhana, author of the book When the Fudge Trees Bloom. Cathy grew up in the ’50s and ‘60s in a three-bedroom row house in Baltimore, Maryland. She was the second of ten children, seven girls, and three boys. Yikes! You might say. Somewhat cramped? Well, yes, in retrospect. But children can always find a cubby hide-away to escape the chaos, (and maybe the chores). In the days before social media and even the days of the infancy of television, she and her siblings escaped into books. They were voracious readers and fought over the treasures brought home from a three-mile hike to the nearest library. Of course, the hiker had first dibs, but the rest was up for grabs.Listen to Audio VersionWatch Video VersionI recently had the pleasure of interviewing Catherine W. Rouhana, author of the captivating memoir "When the Fudge Trees Bloom", for my Online for Authors podcast. Cathy spent many years living in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon with her Lebanese husband in the '70s and '80s, and her story offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultures, traditions and turbulent history of the Middle East during that time period.In our chat, Cathy shared how she went from being a young, adventurous American mother to navigating the closed society of Saudi Arabia where women had few rights. She spoke about the expatriate community that became her lifeline, secret church services held in her apartment, learning Arabic from her mother-in-law in the kitchen, and the warm embrace of her Lebanese family.
But Cathy's experiences in the Middle East were as bitter as they were sweet. She opened up about the loneliness of being far from home, losing herself to an unfamiliar way of life, and literally sitting under falling bombs for three terrifying days during conflicts in Lebanon, while still caring for her young children.
One of my favorite parts was hearing how Cathy's memoir got its unique title. While dating her husband, he adorably mixed up "fig" and "fudge" due to his limited English at the time, proudly telling Cathy about the "million fudge trees" on his mother's property in Lebanon. It was details like this that made her story so personal and relatable.
Cathy's memoir isn't just a collection of her experiences though - it's a poignant reflection on themes like the courage of women, the struggle to communicate, and how even the smallest choices can change the trajectory of our lives. She hopes readers will connect with feeling alone and invisible, while still finding sweetness amidst life's bitter struggles.
If you'd like to hear more of my enlightening conversation with Cathy, check out the full episode. And to keep the discussion going, head over to the Novels N Latte Facebook group, where you'll have a chance to win a digital copy of "When the Fudge Trees Bloom"!
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this incredible story. Have you ever found yourself living in a completely foreign culture or navigating unimaginable circumstances far from home? Comment and let me know.
Here's to many more eye-opening reads!
P.S. Next up for Cathy? She's currently collaborating with her six granddaughters to write a fantasy novel they plan to finish by Thanksgiving! How amazing is that? If you'd like to connect with Cathy and follow her upcoming project, visit her website cathyrouhana.com.
Purchase a copy of When the Fudge Trees Bloom:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3AFWMNl
eBook: https://amzn.to/47a1kHY
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
August 27, 2024
Book Review: Falling Through the New World
Falling Through the New World is the second book this month I read by Cynthia Reeves. It is a novel told in 14 separate stories, that when read together, tell the tale of three generations of an Italian family, starting in WWI in Italy and ending in modern-day United States.I love how Cynthia weaves the tales and shows us the connections. Mother-daughter relationships, the Catholic faith, health, sewing, and more, show up again and again, pulling together 100 years of family.
Although these are just ordinary people trying their best to live their lives, if we allow ourselves to look deeply, we will see ourselves among the pages, and learn, if nothing else, that we all have a story to tell.
Buy the paperback.
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Online for Authors Episode 8-27-24
Friendship Tested by Hidden Truths: Sleepy Hollow Secrets Revealed with Author Barbara Dullaghan
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Barbara Dullaghan, author of the book, Secrets in the Hollow. Barbara Dullaghan grew up in Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown and is enthralled with the magic and energy of the towns. She is published in gifted education with Kendall Hunt and Prufrock Press and her short stories and poetry can be found in three anthologies. She and her husband, Jack, now live in coastal North Carolina and love spending time at the beach with their three children, spouses, and six energetic grandchildren.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionThis week on the Online for Authors podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Barbara Dullaghan, author of the debut mystery novel Secrets in the Hollow. Set in the enchanting town of Sleepy Hollow, New York, Barbara's story follows Carrie Peters, a 40-year-old woman grappling with the ghosts of her past and the secrets that haunt her every waking minute.
As a native of Sleepy Hollow herself, Barbara infuses the novel with a palpable sense of place, weaving in the town's rich history, legendary cemetery, and ghostly tales. It was fascinating to hear how Barbara's own experiences growing up in this magical corner of the Hudson Valley inspired and informed her writing.
One aspect of the book that particularly resonated with me was the juxtaposition of the town's ghostly legends with Carrie's personal "ghosts" - the secrets and mistakes from her past that continue to haunt her. Barbara admitted this parallel wasn't intentional, but I love when readers uncover layers to a story that even the author didn't consciously plan!
Barbara and I also discussed the challenges of balancing research with writing, the surprises that come with being a "pantser" style writer, and the power of accountability and community in the writing process. No matter where you are in your author journey, I think you'll find valuable insights and inspiration in our conversation.
Secrets in the Hollow is a captivating read for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted mystery with a vivid sense of place and characters that leap off the page. And the great news is, Barbara is hard at work on her next Sleepy Hollow mystery, tentatively titled Mystery in the Hollow, which she hopes to release in March 2024. I, for one, can't wait to see what secrets and surprises she has in store for us next!
You can catch my full interview with Barbara Dullaghan on the latest episode of the Online for Authors podcast. And be sure to check out Secrets in the Hollow, available now wherever books are sold.
Until next time, happy reading and writing!
P.S. If you enjoy the Online for Authors podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support means the world to me and helps other book lovers discover the show!
Purchase a copy of Secrets in the Hollow:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4cJ6agc
eBook: https://amzn.to/3Z0EfVN
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Barbara Dullaghan, author of the book, Secrets in the Hollow. Barbara Dullaghan grew up in Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown and is enthralled with the magic and energy of the towns. She is published in gifted education with Kendall Hunt and Prufrock Press and her short stories and poetry can be found in three anthologies. She and her husband, Jack, now live in coastal North Carolina and love spending time at the beach with their three children, spouses, and six energetic grandchildren.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionThis week on the Online for Authors podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Barbara Dullaghan, author of the debut mystery novel Secrets in the Hollow. Set in the enchanting town of Sleepy Hollow, New York, Barbara's story follows Carrie Peters, a 40-year-old woman grappling with the ghosts of her past and the secrets that haunt her every waking minute.As a native of Sleepy Hollow herself, Barbara infuses the novel with a palpable sense of place, weaving in the town's rich history, legendary cemetery, and ghostly tales. It was fascinating to hear how Barbara's own experiences growing up in this magical corner of the Hudson Valley inspired and informed her writing.
One aspect of the book that particularly resonated with me was the juxtaposition of the town's ghostly legends with Carrie's personal "ghosts" - the secrets and mistakes from her past that continue to haunt her. Barbara admitted this parallel wasn't intentional, but I love when readers uncover layers to a story that even the author didn't consciously plan!
Barbara and I also discussed the challenges of balancing research with writing, the surprises that come with being a "pantser" style writer, and the power of accountability and community in the writing process. No matter where you are in your author journey, I think you'll find valuable insights and inspiration in our conversation.
Secrets in the Hollow is a captivating read for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted mystery with a vivid sense of place and characters that leap off the page. And the great news is, Barbara is hard at work on her next Sleepy Hollow mystery, tentatively titled Mystery in the Hollow, which she hopes to release in March 2024. I, for one, can't wait to see what secrets and surprises she has in store for us next!
You can catch my full interview with Barbara Dullaghan on the latest episode of the Online for Authors podcast. And be sure to check out Secrets in the Hollow, available now wherever books are sold.
Until next time, happy reading and writing!
P.S. If you enjoy the Online for Authors podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support means the world to me and helps other book lovers discover the show!
Purchase a copy of Secrets in the Hollow:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4cJ6agc
eBook: https://amzn.to/3Z0EfVN
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
August 23, 2024
Book Review: Poppy
Poppy: A Novel About A Colorful Colorado Life is a family memoir written about Poppy by his grandson, Jack Maher. I love family history, and I love it when a child or grandchild feels that their progenitors are worthy of recall.Eric Douglas's life, known affectionately as Poppy, is incredible. Through him, we learn about Native Americans in and around Colorado, especially their art and the processes (clay, paint, beadwork, and more) passed on through the generations. We watch Poppy push Native American art to the forefront in Denver, but also in New York City, and San Francisco. We learn of his new ways to display art, his 'fashion shows' highlighting textile art, and his work to provide live demonstrations.
Poppy lived an unusual life that often took him from his family. But still, his family meant everything to him. I loved learning about Poppy, and I think you will, too!
Buy the paperback.
Buy the Kindle.
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
