Teri M. Brown's Blog, page 28

Book Review: The Writer's Roadmap

The Writer's Roadmap by Leigh Shulman is an amazing writer's craft book. Unlike several that I've read, this one has little to do with writing tips and tricks and everything to do with treating your writing like a business.

I was worried that the book wasn't going to agree with my creative mind, but I soon learned how wrong I was. This roadmap helped me determine what I wanted from my writing (the objective) and then helped me create a clear plan for getting what I want (goals, strategies, and measures). Having this roadmap allows busy authors to determine what things to say yes to and which things to let go. Because, let's face it, we can't do it all!

I highly recommend this book to authors, especially those who feel they have too much on their plate and don't know which way to turn.
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Online for Authors Episode 7-30-24

The Voice Behind the Story: Meet Traci Odom, A Talented Audiobook NarratorMy guest on the Online for Authors podcast is Traci Odom, an audiobook narrator and voice-artist who is going to chat with us about audiobook production – where to find a narrator, how to pick the right one for your project, the timeline for production, and her experiences when creating audio for authors.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionTraci, an American-born actor and voice artist, has built a successful career that spans decades. As a stage, film, and television actor, she has played everything from a tree to an Irish Setter to a lawyer, but it is as a veteran narrator of more than 350 audiobooks that she has truly found her voice, inviting her listeners into the worlds of romance, witchcraft, devilry, and vampirism. Working in close collaboration with her authors, she brings their creations to life with dynamic energy and commitment.

Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforaut...

Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/35765...

You can follow Audiobook Narrator Traci Odom:
Website: www.traciodom.com
FB: @ traci.odom.12
IG: @ traciodomvoiceartist
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Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1

Book Review: Sugar Plum and the Right Winger

Sugar Plum and the Right Winger is a clean, quick-read romance by Melissa Diaferia. This novella features Bea, a ballerina, and Teo, a Toronto Blues hockey player.
As with any good romance, neither Bea nor Teo are completely honest about their attraction. Plus, Bea is keeping a secret, one that could stop the romance in its tracks before it really gets started.

One thing I really enjoyed was that the novella includes songs and Melissa provides readers with the song list - including numbers from the Broadway musical, Hamilton, as well as singers like Elvis, Bocelli, and Michael Bublé. Sugar Plum and the Right Winger is the first in the Toronto Blues series.

And BTW, the Toronto Blues is not a real NHL hockey team. The real Toronto team is the Maple Leafs. And yes, I had to look that up!
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Online for Authors Episode 7-23-24

The Untold Story of John Ridge: A Real Cherokee Hero with Author Leslie K Simmons​My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Leslie K Simmons, author of the book Red Clay, Running Waters. Leslie K. Simmons writes about extraordinary people at the center of crucial turning points in American history. She is particularly fascinated by outliers and the lesser known (but no less incredible) stories that slip through history’s cracks. After decades of research, she followed a path marked by serendipities to the true story of John and Sarah Ridge and her debut novel, Red Clay, Running Waters.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionI want to share with you an incredible story of resilience, love, and the fight for sovereignty. In my recent podcast episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Leslie K. Simmons, author of the historical fiction novel Red Clay, Running Waters.

Leslie's book tells the little-known story of John Ridge, a Cherokee statesman, and his wife Sarah Northrup. Through meticulous research, Leslie brings to life the pivotal era of the early 1800s when Georgia was trying to force the Cherokee from their ancestral lands. The novel sheds light on the complex social and political forces at play, including the role of education, religion, and the looming threat of civil war.

What struck me most about this story was the incredible love between John and Sarah. Despite their vastly different backgrounds - John being Cherokee and Sarah a white Christian woman - they forged an unbreakable bond. Sarah was willing to leave everything familiar behind to join John in his quest for Cherokee sovereignty. Their relationship weathered unimaginable challenges, from prolonged separations to the loss of children.

Leslie's journey to bring this story to life was just as fascinating as the novel itself. It all began with a curiosity about an old house in Arkansas, which led her down a decades-long path of research and discovery. She even had the incredible fortune of connecting with John Ridge's descendants and uncovering his lost journal, which confirmed her interpretation of his character.

Red Clay, Running Waters is not an easy read, as it confronts the dark chapters of American history head-on. But it is a necessary one. As Leslie so eloquently put it, understanding this story can help us see our current situation more clearly. The parallels between the Cherokee removal crisis and modern-day politics are striking.

If you're a fan of historical fiction that challenges, enlightens, and ultimately inspires, I highly recommend picking up a copy of Red Clay, Running Waters. It is a testament to the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

You can learn more about Leslie K. Simmons and her work on her website at LeslieKSimmons.com. She's also active on Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads.

As always, thank you for being a part of this community of readers and writers. If you enjoyed this podcast, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Just leave a comment below.

P.S. If you've read Red Clay, Running Waters or any other book recently, please consider leaving a review on Amazon or Goodreads. Even a few simple words can make a world of difference for authors. Your support means everything!
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Buy the paperback: https://amzn.to/3WBXMus
Buy the hardback: https://amzn.to/4dd6jJv
Buy the Kindle: https://amzn.to/3zQjfGV

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Book Review: Illusional Reality

Illusional Reality (Duology) is the two-book fantasy romance series by Karina Kantas. Both books start on earth but quickly take us to an enchanted realm in which Becky is known as Thya and happens to be a princess. Her parents, the rulers at her birth, whisked her away to earth to keep her safe. But now it is time for her to return and save Tsinia from the evil prince bent on domination.

Becky turned Thya has to figure out a new world, the laws that govern the land, an unusual way of speaking, and her own magical abilities - plus her attraction to someone she is forbidden to love. The book moves quickly and kept me guessing at what would happen next. And although the ending of book two (The Quest) wrapped up nicely, Karina left room for more. I look forward to chatting with the author about the possibility of a book three!

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Online for Authors Episode 7-16-2024

​Badass Women: International Tales of Suspense with Author Lya BadgleyMy guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Lya Badgley, author of the book The Worth of a Ruby. Lya was born in Yangon, Myanmar. The child of Montana parents – a political scientist and an artist – she grew up in a household that encouraged critical thinking and creativity.

​Lya is a member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, the Pacific Northwest Writers Association, and Hugo House. Her first self-published novel, The Foreigner’s Confession, was released to good reviews in February of 2022. Her second novel, The Worth of a Ruby, launched November 2023. Badgley lives in Snohomish, Washington, and is working on her third novel set in Bosnia.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionThis week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Lya Badgley, author of the gripping international suspense novel The Worth of Ruby. Set in 1990s Burma (now Myanmar), the story follows Seattle chef Mallory Jones as she ventures to this politically complex country to open a restaurant - but gets entangled in a perilous hunt for a priceless Burmese ruby.

While fictional, Lya drew many elements from her own experiences living and working in Burma in the 90s, a time of immense civil unrest that continues today.

In our conversation, she shared:

Why she chose to set her novel in 1990s Burma and how it reflects the country's current crisis
Her own challenges opening a restaurant in Burma during a volatile time
Which of her characters are most influenced by real people she knew in Burma
Why she prefers "messy endings" over neatly tied-up happily-ever-afters
A sneak peek of her next novel set in Bosnia with a mysterious medieval book at its center
"I explore within myself the legacy of colonialism and imperialism on countries around the world. I often have this backdrop of places with a history of conflict and American influence for better or worse. I want to educate a little bit with my stories but also, I don't want it to be a history lesson. I want people to enjoy the story while being exposed to themes they might not otherwise [explore]."

If you enjoy edgy international suspense that transports you to a fascinating foreign setting while probing thought-provoking themes, I highly recommend picking up The Worth of Ruby. Lya's vivid, authentic portrayal of 1990s Burma, unforgettable characters, and propulsive yet nuanced plot makes for an enthralling read that lingers long after the final page. 

You can also visit Lya's website to learn more about her and her other work. To hear my full conversation with Leah, where we discuss her writing process, love of "messy endings," and using fiction to explore complex real-world issues, listen to the full podcast episode. 

Who are some of your favorite authors who excel at immersing you in a foreign culture or historical era? Please comment below! I always love to hear about the books that transport and inspire you.

P.S. If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider forwarding this post to a friend who might also like discovering new authors? Word of mouth is the best way to support authors you believe in. Thank you for listening and sharing!

Purchase The Worth of a Ruby:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4cHbjX4
ebook: https://amzn.to/3SbimyV​

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Book Review: Youtopia

Youtopia by Joseph Rein is a techno-thriller that still has me thinking. Anabel Downer is an FBI agent assigned to find a murderer. However, this isn't an ordinary murder but one that happened in cyberspace.

Youtopia is a place where one can live in a perfect world of their own choosing - every single day - in a virtual reality environment. People tired of life with all of its up and downs and disappointments can choose to immerse themselves into Youtopia, living out the rest of their days without pain, discomfort, or disease. As you can imagine, some people love the idea and others abhor it. But who hates it enough to murder?

This book is fast-paced and has plenty of twists and turns, especially as we see Anabel's past and her connection to Youtopia. Mostly, it will make you think. What would you give up to have a perfect life? And is perfect really what you want after all?

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Longlisted by Furious Fiction

​On the first weekend of each month, the Australian Writer's Centre puts out a Furious Fiction contest. Writers take the prompts given and write a flash fiction piece of no more than 500 words during the 55-hour contest. 

In June 2024, writers had to include:
​A relationship between two charactersThe words uniform, jar, and syringe
The piece I created, Versatility, was longlisted.
Enjoy!

Versatility
Merv sat on the edge of the bed holding a jar in one hand and a needle in the other. He nudged June with his elbow.

“Wake up, baby,” he pleaded in an urgent whisper.

Merv squirmed in the ill-fitting uniform. The legs were a bit too short, as were the arms. However, it was the best he could do on short notice. He nudged her again.

“June. Wake up. We don’t have much time.”

June’s eyes fluttered open. “Merv? Is that you?”

“Yeah, baby. It’s me.”

“Why are you wearing a mask?”

“It’s part of the uniform, baby.” He pulled down the mask, letting it rest under his chin. “See? It’s me. I did what you asked. I got everything.”

“Everything? Are you sure?”

Merv’s hands began to shake. “I’m not a dimwit. I only needed two items and a way to camouflage my actions. Even I can’t muck that up.”

She raised her eyebrows. Merv always managed to muck things up.

As if to prove her wrong, he held up his right hand. “Phenobarbital.” Then he held up his left hand. “Syringe.” Finally, he looked down at his attire. “Standard hospital garb.” With a satisfied nod, he said, “Are you sure?”

“Yes. It’s time. It’s way past time.” June emphatically nodded her approval.

Merv removed the cap and plunged the needle into the clear liquid, tears leaking from his eyes. She told him she was tired of living this way. How could he deny her an easy escape?

Suddenly, the room filled with shouting people. Aides. Nurses. Doctors. Above the commotion, he heard her say, “I woke up to find him sitting on my bed, filling that syringe. I think he was planning to kill me!”

Merv stammered. “But…June…”

Before he could say another word, security pushed him to the floor. Someone wrapped duct tape around his wrists and pulled him by his legs into the hall. Before he left in the squad car, he’d been labeled a murderer.

As for June, once alone, she smiled. For the first time in their entire thirty-year marriage, Merv had done exactly what she needed him to do. No handholding. No procrastinating. No errors. And because of his spectacular success, she’d finally be free to live the life she’d always wanted - right after she healed from her plastic surgery.
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Who knew euthanasia could be so versatile?

Online for Authors Episode 7-9-2024

​Trapped in the Flames: A Suspenseful Forest Fire Thriller by Author Rebecca HodgeMy guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Rebecca Hodge, author of the book Wildland. Rebecca is a former veterinarian and clinical research scientist who lives and writes in North Carolina. Her novels WILDLAND and OVER THE FALLS both place memorable characters in situations filled with suspense. She has three grown sons, one crazy dog, and one patient husband. When not writing on the back porch or brewing yet another mug of tea, she loves hiking, travel, and (of course) curling up with a good book.Listen to Audio VersionWatch Video Version​My guest on the podcast was Rebecca Hodge, author of the gripping contemporary suspense novel Wildland. Rebecca is a former veterinarian and clinical research scientist who brings her analytical eye and passion for the outdoors to her writing. Her debut novel follows Kat Jameson, a breast cancer survivor who retreats to the Blue Ridge Mountains to contemplate a difficult decision about her future, only to find herself fighting for survival when she and two children are trapped by a raging wildfire.

This isn't just an adrenaline-fueled survival story, though there's certainly plenty of that. It's also a thoughtful exploration of life, death, and the choices we make. As a cancer survivor herself, Rebecca wanted to authentically portray the complex emotions and thought processes of someone facing their mortality. Through Kat's story, the book prompts readers to reflect on their own lives and challenges.

Some other things we chatted about:
How Rebecca's research into topics like helicopters, forest fires, and the NC mountains enriched the story (while avoiding dreaded mistakes that pull readers out!)The secondary characters of Scott and Lily, an estranged father and daughter whose fractured relationship is testedRebecca's writing process as a "pantser" and how the story evolved organicallyWhat she hopes readers take away from Wildland about empathy, perseverance, and living life fully
Wildland is Rebecca's debut novel but she has a second book out, Over the Falls, which centers around whitewater kayaking and a woman searching for the sister she hates. She's also hard at work on her next novel set in the Puget Sound. To learn more about Rebecca and her books, visit RebeccaHodgeFiction.com, and feel free to reach out to her via the contact form on her site, especially if your book club would like to have her join a meeting!
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This was such an inspiring conversation about how fiction can help us explore life's big questions. I hope it encourages you to reflect on your own journey, and to keep seeking out stories that challenge and move you.

Purchase the paperback.
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Online for Authors Episode 7-6-24

Bookology: A Guide to Reading and Notebooking with Stephanie AffinitoMy guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Bookologist Stephanie Affinito of A Lit Life. She’s going to chat with us about a new concept called Bookology, which is the study of books and reading and notebooks and writing, mixed with mindfulness and creativity to bring you restorative reading and writing.Listen to Audio VersionWatch Audio VersionI know you're an avid reader like me, always on the hunt for a good book to dive into. But have you ever stopped to think about the power that books can have in our lives beyond just entertainment?

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Stephanie Affinito, a self-described "bookologist" who has made it her mission to explore and share how books and the act of writing can transform our lives for the better. Stephanie believes that through reading and reflective writing practices, we can gain valuable insights, build empathy, work through challenges, and ultimately become the best versions of ourselves.

Some key takeaways from our conversation that resonated with me:
Books can act as "mentors", guiding us through situations we face by learning from the characters' experiencesPulling out quotes or reflecting on how a book made you feel through writing helps the message stick with youChoosing books strategically based on who you want to be or how you want to feel can shape your identity and perspectivesKeeping any kind of notebook (to-do lists, morning pages, sketchbooks, etc.) supports a creative life and helps get ideas out of your head
I especially loved Stephanie's prompt to consider, "What if you were the average of the five books you last read?" It really makes you think about curating an intentional reading list!

If you want to hear more of Stephanie's brilliant insights, check out my full conversation with her on the Online for Authors Podcast. She also hosts two podcasts of her own - Get Literate for adults looking to start a reading/writing practice, and Kidlit Love to help foster a love of literature in children.

I'd love to know - have you ever had a book that felt like it changed your life or shaped you in some way? Comment below and let me know! I'm always looking for powerful book recommendations.

P.S. If you want personalized book recs, Stephanie offers 1:1 "Book Apothecary" consults to match you with reads based on what you want to learn, feel, or do. How cool is that? Check it out here.
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