Trisha Sugarek's Blog
October 3, 2025
Reading This Was a Slog…Book Review, The Bucket List
1 out of 5 stars ~~ Book Review
My fans and friends know that I’ve always aimed to support fellow writers. Even when my opinion falls short of a rave, I strive to offer constructive critique. But today, I’m taking the gloves off to review The Bucket List by Rachel Hanna—hoping the sting of this critique might serve as a teachable moment… or several.
A Format That Fails the Basics
Let’s start with the basics: formatting. Writing 101 teaches the importance of justified text—it gives the page clean, crisp edges and a polished appearance. This book ignored that entirely. The font size was awkward too: larger than standard, yet not quite “LARGE PRINT.” It felt like formatting limbo.
First-Person Fatigue
Then there’s the choice of tense. First-person narration can work, but here it felt like a shortcut. In my opinion, it’s often a sign of lazy storytelling—used to bypass deeper character development or narrative complexity.
Missing Front Matter
The front matter was surprisingly sparse. No copyright information. No list of other titles by the author. No acknowledgements. These omissions made the book feel unfinished, like a draft rather than a published work.
Needs More Seasoning
Now, onto the writing itself. Rachel Hanna shows potential, but she needs more seasoning—and a good thesaurus, by her side, wouldn’t hurt.
Stop Explaining the Joke
Her tendency to “mansplain” her own humor and plot points was frustrating. Rachel, trust your readers. We’re smart. We get it.
Anxiety Overload
Jill’s anxiety, a central theme, was hammered home so relentlessly that it became exhausting.
Redundant Repetition
Repetition was another issue: the author would describe Jill’s emotion or action, then immediately echo it in the next line, as herself. It felt redundant and clunky.
A Weak Ending Wrapped in Explanation
After slogging through the entire book, the final paragraph delivered yet another dose of “mansplaining”—a summation of the story’s lessons, as if the narrative hadn’t made them clear. That kind of wrap-up suggests the story itself wasn’t strong enough to stand on its own.
Website Placement Misfire and Typo Trouble
And finally, as the story closes on the last page, the author tacked on her website address—without ceremony or formatting. Typically, this kind of promotional link belongs on a separate page, ideally paired with a graphic or call-to-action that feels intentional.
To make matters worse, there was a typo: “Visit Rachel’s store at store. Rachelhannaauthor.com.” That stray period and awkward phrasing made it feel rushed and unprofessional—like an afterthought rather than a curated invitation.
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BOOKS BY TRISHA SUGAREK
If you enjoyed this review, you might love my own stories — full of heart, grit, and unforgettable characters.
The Deep South Trilogy
Mother Mac’s Boarding HouseComing Soon: Book Three: Living at Mother Mac’s
Book 1 in series of true crime
The post Reading This Was a Slog…Book Review, The Bucket List appeared first on Trisha Sugarek, Author, Playwright & Poet.
September 27, 2025
Before We Say Goodbye by Boo Walker — A Poignant Farewell to Red Mountain
5 out of 5 stars — Book Review 
The literary landscape would feel incomplete without this book. Before We Say Goodbye is the final movement in the RED MOUNTAIN symphony — a wistful, graceful coda that brings the series to a resonant close.
Otis and Rebecca’s lifelong romance begins aboard a psychedelic purple school bus en route to Woodstock, NY from San Francisco. Otis, hunched and uncertain, watches as the bus halts for a late arrival. A slender girl with daisies in her hair, bellbottoms swaying, and a carefree grin bounds aboard. In that instant, Otis knows — she’s the one. His compass shifts.
A Prequel That Stands Alone
This novel is a gentle, evocative origin story — a prequel that enriches the RED MOUNTAIN universe. Yet it stands firmly on its own, even if you’ve never read another page by Boo Walker. I dare you not to dive deeper.
A Life Rewritten by Love and Wine
Otis’s future was charted by parental expectation: Berkeley, then a career in journalism, following in his father’s footsteps. But fate intervenes. His instant connection with Rebecca — and later, his intoxicating affair with the vine — reroutes everything. The vineyard doesn’t just capture his imagination; it claims his soul.
One Quibble
My only quibble lies in a narrative decision: the prologue reveals the ending. It softens the suspense, removing the question of how things will unfold. We know from the outset that Rebecca’s life will end, and that knowledge casts a shadow over the story’s emotional arc. Still, Boo made that choice deliberately — perhaps to focus not on the inevitability of death, but on the beauty of a life fully lived.
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Let me know what you thought of Otis and Rebecca’s journey in the comments below.
Want more reviews, author interviews, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the writing life? Sign up on the Home Page — just enter your email address and never miss a post.
BOOKS BY TRISHA SUGAREK
If you enjoyed this review, you might love my own stories — full of heart, grit, and unforgettable characters.
The Deep South Trilogy
Mother Mac’s Boarding HouseComing Soon: Book Three
Children’s Theater & Stories
Emma and the Lost Unicorn (now a stage adaptation!)Stanley the Stalwart Dragon (…..and more)Poetry & True Crime
Butterflies and BulletsWorld of Murder (series) 
The post Before We Say Goodbye by Boo Walker — A Poignant Farewell to Red Mountain appeared first on Trisha Sugarek, Author, Playwright & Poet.
September 13, 2025
Tips for Creative Writing * Fiction
Recently, the Professor leading the creative writing department at Pace University wrote to say that she was using one of my true crime stories (Act
of Murder) as the sample text in the offered course, “How To Write Mysteries and True Crime”. Such an honor!
I fired off enough copies to cover the students taking the class with these tips:
TIPS:
1. You can’t have too much dialogue
2. You CAN have too much descriptive
3. SHOW don’t TELL. For example: Instead of writing: (telling) Stella walked across the busy street, dodging cars. (SHOWING) Holding up her hand, her badge tucked in her palm, Stella skipped to the other side, between the parked cars jammed to a standstill on the busy street . “Whad’ya waiting for, Jack?” She taunted her partner.
4. Be certain your forensics are accurate.
I once called an ME to ask how long traces of Vanilla Wafers and grape soda
would remain in the stomach. (Angel of Murder) I didn’t trust what i found online. He was kind enough to take my call.
5. Your deceased victim is a character in your story. They should be as interesting as the other characters. At the least, they should have a life story.
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A few BOOKS BY TRISHA SUGAREK
The post Tips for Creative Writing * Fiction appeared first on Trisha Sugarek, Author, Playwright & Poet.
July 26, 2025
A Teachable Moment. Book Review of Just for the Summer
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I try to keep my book reviews focused on the positive. I choose not to tear down another writer. However, my critique of Just for the Summer by Melody Carlson serves as a teachable moment for other writers, highlighting the perils of writing a story with two protagonists.
First, the review:
3 out of 5 stars
The plot was charming and had great potential, but…
Ginny was a fine protagonist. This reader quickly felt empathy for this woman. Jacqueline…not so much!
The chapters bounced back and forth between the two women as they had agreed to ‘trade places’, that is, ‘job swap’ for the summer.
Sounds interesting….right?
Unfortunately, I found the second heroine of our story very much a caricature of a shallow villainess. Jacqueline, her boss Diana, and her boy friend, were all clichés. Overblown characters with no redeeming traits.
And at the end I found the ‘wrapping up’ of Jacqueline’s story too ‘pat’.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Maybe the problem was that the book was top-heavy with Ginny’s life and struggles. Maybe the problem was the author didn’t give enough ink and paper to Jacqueline. Hard to say.
But, if you plan on writing a story with two protagonists and one turns out to be an antagonist….be careful of these pitfalls when mapping out your plot.
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To receive my posts, sign up On the home page. Enter your email address. Watch for more interviews with authors.
A few BOOKS BY TRISHA SUGAREK
The post A Teachable Moment. Book Review of Just for the Summer appeared first on Trisha Sugarek, Author, Playwright & Poet.
July 25, 2025
A Teachable Moment. Book Review ~ Just for the Summer
I try to keep my book reviews focused on the positive. I choose not to tear down another writer. However, my critique of Just for the Summer by Melody Carlson serves as a teachable moment for other writers, highlighting the perils of writing a story with two protagonists.
First, the review:3 out of 5 stars
The plot was charming and had great potential, but…
Ginny was a fine protagonist. This reader quickly felt empathy for this woman. Jacqueline…not so much!
The chapters bounced back and forth between the two women as they had agreed to ‘trade places’, that is, ‘job swap’ for the summer.
Sounds interesting….right?
Unfortunately, I found the second heroine of our story very much a caricature of a shallow villainess. Jacqueline, her boss Diana, and her boy friend, were all clichés. Overblown characters with no redeeming traits.
And at the end I found the ‘wrapping up’ of Jacqueline’s story too ‘pat’.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Maybe the problem was that the book was top-heavy with Ginny’s life and struggles. Maybe the problem was the author didn’t give enough ink and paper to Jacqueline. Hard to say.
But, if you plan on writing a story with two protagonists and one turns out to be an antagonist….be careful of these pitfalls when mapping out your plot.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To receive my posts, sign up On the home page. Enter your email address. Watch for more interviews with authors.
A few BOOKS BY TRISHA SUGAREK
The post A Teachable Moment. Book Review ~ Just for the Summer appeared first on Trisha Sugarek, Author, Playwright & Poet.
July 19, 2025
From Page to Stage!! Emma’s Magical Journey Performed in Kodiak, AK
Emma and the Lost Unicorn is taking to the stage—and I couldn’t be more delighted to see my story come to life.
This beloved children’s play—adapted from my illustrated book—is a magical adventure filled with friendship, mystery, and a little bit of stardust.
The latest performance brings Emma’s journey to life with vibrant costumes, whimsical set pieces, and unforgettable characters that have enchanted readers and audiences alike. Dive into
Stare, the rhetorical Owlthe world of Emma and explore the rest of the series, each story filled with colorful illustrations and heartwarming themes.
Emma and the Lost Unicorn by Trisha Sugarek will be presented on July 25 and 26 by the Kodiak Arts Council. (Kodiak, Alaska)
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Emma, an Earthling girl, frequently visits her friends in the forest near her farm. She delights in the antics of Stare, the rhetorical owl, and Cheets, the mischievous elf. One day, she is introduced to Rainey, the Unicorn, a prince who’s been banished for centuries by the warlord, Hazard. He can never return home unless Emma solves more riddles than Hazard’s Lieutenant, Kodak. The fable concludes with a surprising twist that will delight readers of all ages. While written for children, this fairy tale is sophisticated enough to appeal to adults as well.
Queens, warlords, faeries, elves, unicorns, handmaidens, scary henchmen and one small mortal girl child in an enchanted forest. This fable offers many subtle lessons.
For Tickets click on link:https://www.kodiakarts.org/community-theatre
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Emma and Stare, the rhetorical owl
Did you know? Emma and the Lost Unicorn began as a stage play and evolved into a beautifully illustrated storybook. My work blends theatrical magic with literary depth, making it perfect for classrooms, libraries, and family reading time. Use this Link:
Emma and the Lost Unicorn
Stanley, the Stalwart Dragon
The Exciting Exploits of an Effervescent Elf
Bertie, the Bookworm and the Bullyboys
Emma and the Lady Aardvarks
~~~~~~~~~~~
To receive my posts, sign up
On the home page. Enter your email address.
Watch for more interviews with authors.
A few BOOKS BY TRISHA SUGAREK
The Exciting Exploits….
The post From Page to Stage!! Emma’s Magical Journey Performed in Kodiak, AK appeared first on Trisha Sugarek, Author, Playwright & Poet.
Emma and the Lost Unicorn, Premieres in Kodiak, AK – A Magical Children’s Play by Trisha Sugarek
Emma and the Lost Unicorn by Trisha Sugarek will be presented on July 25 and 26 by the Kodiak Arts Council. (Kodiak, Alaska)
Stare, the rhetorical OwlEmma, an Earthling girl, frequently visits her friends in the forest near her farm. She delights in the antics of Stare, the rhetorical owl, and Cheets, the mischievous elf. One day, she is introduced to Rainey, the Unicorn, a prince who’s been banished for centuries by the warlord, Hazard. He can never return home unless Emma solves more riddles than Hazard’s Lieutenant, Kodak. The fable concludes with a surprising twist that will delight readers of all ages. While written for children, this fairy tale is sophisticated enough to appeal to adults as well.
Queens, warlords, faeries, elves, unicorns, handmaidens, scary henchmen and one small mortal girl child in an enchanted forest. This fable offers many subtle lessons.
Dreamchasers Theatre Co. Production of Emma..For Tickets click on
.link:https://www.kodiakarts.org/community-theatre
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Emma and Stare, the rhetorical owlDid you know? Emma and the Lost Unicorn began as a stage play and evolved into a beautifully illustrated storybook. My work blends theatrical magic with literary depth, making it perfect for classrooms, libraries, and family reading time. Use this Link:
Emma and the Lost Unicorn
Stanley, the Stalwart Dragon
The Exciting Exploits of an Effervescent Elf
Bertie, the Bookworm and the Bullyboys
Emma and the Lady Aardvarks
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To receive my posts, sign up
On the home page. Enter your email address.
Watch for more interviews with authors.
A few BOOKS BY TRISHA SUGAREK
The Exciting Exploits….
The post Emma and the Lost Unicorn, Premieres in Kodiak, AK – A Magical Children’s Play by Trisha Sugarek appeared first on Trisha Sugarek, Author, Playwright & Poet.
July 4, 2025
Emma and the Lost Unicorn Premieres in Kodiak – A Magical Children’s Play by Trisha Sugarek
Emma and the Lost Unicorn by Trisha Sugarek will be presented on July 25 and 26 by the Kodiak Arts Council. (Kodiak, Alaska)
Stare, the rhetorical OwlEmma, an Earthling girl, frequently visits her friends in the forest near her farm. She delights in the antics of Stare, the rhetorical owl, and Cheets, the mischievous elf. One day, she is introduced to Rainey, the Unicorn, a prince who’s been banished for centuries by the warlord, Hazard. He can never return home unless Emma solves more riddles than Hazard’s Lieutenant, Kodak. The fable concludes with a surprising twist that will delight readers of all ages. While written for children, this fairy tale is sophisticated enough to appeal to adults as well.
Queens, warlords, faeries, elves, unicorns, handmaidens, scary henchmen and one small mortal girl child in an enchanted forest. This fable offers many subtle lessons.
Dreamchasers Theatre Co. Production of Emma..For Tickets click on
.link:https://www.kodiakarts.org/community-theatre
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Emma and Stare, the rhetorical owlThe children’s plays have been developed into story books with beautiful, colored illustrations. Use this Link:
Emma and the Lost Unicorn
Stanley, the Stalwart Dragon
The Exciting Exploits of an Effervescent Elf
Bertie, the Bookworm and the Bullyboys
Emma and the Lady Aardvarks
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To receive my posts, sign up
On the home page. Enter your email address.
Watch for more interviews with authors.
A few BOOKS BY TRISHA SUGAREK
The post Emma and the Lost Unicorn Premieres in Kodiak – A Magical Children’s Play by Trisha Sugarek appeared first on Trisha Sugarek, Author, Playwright & Poet.
Kodiak Arts Council Presents Emma and the Lost Unicorn
Emma and the Lost Unicorn by Trisha Sugarek will be presented on July 25 and 26 by the Kodiak Arts Council. (Kodiak, Alaska)
Stare, the rhetorical OwlEmma, an Earthling girl, frequently visits her friends in the forest near her farm. She delights in the antics of Stare, the rhetorical owl, and Cheets, the mischievous elf. One day, she is introduced to Rainey, the Unicorn, a prince who’s been banished for centuries by the warlord, Hazard. He can never return home unless Emma solves more riddles than Hazard’s Lieutenant, Kodak. The fable concludes with a surprising twist that will delight readers of all ages. While written for children, this fairy tale is sophisticated enough to appeal to adults as well.
Queens, warlords, faeries, elves, unicorns, handmaidens, scary henchmen and one small mortal girl child in an enchanted forest. This fable offers many subtle lessons.
For Tickets click on
Dreamchasers Theatre Co. Production of Emma…link:https://www.kodiakarts.org/community-theatre
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The children’s plays have been developed into story books with beautiful, colored illustrations. Use this Link:
Emma and the Lost Unicorn
Stanley, the Stalwart Dragon
The Exciting Exploits of an Effervescent Elf
Bertie, the Bookworm and the Bullyboys
Emma and the Lady Aardvarks
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To receive my posts, sign up
On the home page. Enter your email address.
Watch for more interviews with authors.
A few BOOKS BY TRISHA SUGAREK
The post Kodiak Arts Council Presents Emma and the Lost Unicorn appeared first on Trisha Sugarek, Author, Playwright & Poet.
June 29, 2025
Book Review~Hot Property by Mike Lupica – A Masterclass in Fiction Writing
5 out of 5 stars
THE GANG’S ALL HERE!
Mike Lupica’s writing captures the late Robert B. Parker’s voice like no other. This latest tale of Spenser’s exploits brings the old and new gang back together. Rita, Susan, Hawk, Henry, Spenser (of course!), Quirk, Vinnie…the list goes on and on.
This is a really good story and have I mentioned? I love it when the old gang returns. Such rich, full bodied characters that only Parker aka Mike Lupica can create and maintain.
I highly recommend it!
Curious to hear from the author himself? Read my exclusive interview with Mike Lupica
Enjoyed this review? Sign up (on the Home page) for Writing Tips, Interviews, & Book Reviews by Trisha and never miss a post.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To receive my posts, sign up
On the home page. Enter your email address.
Watch for more interviews with authors.
A few BOOKS BY TRISHA SUGAREK
The post Book Review~Hot Property by Mike Lupica – A Masterclass in Fiction Writing appeared first on Trisha Sugarek, Author, Playwright & Poet.
