Ashleigh Stevens's Blog, page 2

Turning the Page

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What's new with Ashleigh?

Happy Monday. I know, I know. You were expecting to hear from me on Thursday, right? A million apologies, but my life has been a little crazy.

This story begins about a month ago, when I decided I needed to go back to work. I spent a couple of weeks getting the paperwork in order to renew my teaching certification, then spent another week applying for teaching positions. About three days after my certification was approved, I received a phone call from a principal. We spoke for about an hour and by the end he more or less had offered me the job. Of course, he needed to see me teach a sample lesson and get approval from the district, but he told me from the beginning he wanted me and really wasn't looking at any other candidates.

As fantastic as that was to hear, I hadn't expected things to move so quickly. He wanted me to start immediately, as his current teacher was leaving in less than two weeks. That gave me only a few days to figure out how to continue homeschooling my children for the remainder of the school year. (We hired a nanny.)

It took a little time for my background check to clear, but I started this past Wednesday. As you can imagine, I was a little too crazy to send this newsletter out that afternoon. Thursday, as soon as I got home from work, I had to turn around and take my daughter to an extended dance class. So by the time I got home Friday after school, I was so physically exhausted, I collapsed on the couch and watched TV with my girls for a couple of hours before going to bed early.

Okay. So maybe by Friday I had forgotten about this newsletter. But I remembered the next morning! So why didn't I send it?

Because this was a competition weekend. My daughter was scheduled Saturday and Sunday, right around noon, which meant she had to be at the theater (over an hour away from our home) by 10 in the morning. She had to stay for the awards in the evening and by the time we got home, well I was exhausted.

I'd like to say things will get better, but this new page in my life is definitely going to take some adjusting. So, while I will try to send out these newsletters every two weeks, they may run a few days late for the next month or two.

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The Timeless Echo
Celena's Enigmatic Loop

"The Timeless Echo: Celena's Enigmatic Loop" is a captivating tale of a woman, Celena, ensnared in a mysterious cycle of surreal events. Living what seems like a perfect life, she discovers a memoir with her name, leading her into a perplexing journey of self-discovery and unraveling realities.

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Buried Secrets
Some things should stay hidden

Families have secrets.
Some are locked, sealed, and taken to the grave. Others beg to be told. They ooze through cracks a little at a time. You tease them out until an ugly truth is fully exposed. Ella Perri knows there’s something hidden in the family cottage.

In his last breath, Ella’s grandfather reveals to her a startling secret that hints at something sinister. On behalf of her beloved grandfather, she embarks on a dangerous quest for truth. A World War II diary and the 21st century collide as Ella desperately chases every clue in a faraway and unfamiliar setting where the real story begins. Who can be trusted and who has something to hide?

One secret leads to another.

As Ella delves into her grandfather’s past, she discovers a hidden box. Its scandalous contents reveal a hidden past with implications of a crime and a missing woman named Gianna. The mystery takes Ella on a quest for truth through the streets of Tropea, Italy where her grandfather, Poppy, and Gianna grew up. The places she visits and the people she encounters seem to further implicate her beloved grandfather in a crime of passion. As many of her fears are confirmed, a dark truth emerges and Ella must decide: share the secrets and alter the fates of her loved ones forever or become part of the lie that’s been buried deep for decades.

Buried Secrets is a suspenseful mystery with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the shocking ending.

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A New Chapter

This week's newsletter contains the following features:
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What's new with Ashleigh?

In my last newsletter, I told you that I was applying for teaching positions. Well, in an amazing series of events that started with running out of contact lenses, I applied for a position at a school less than ten miles from my house. As I mentioned last time, the principal called me and we had an amazing conversation. By the time we ended the call, he had more or less told me he wanted me for the job and wasn't considering any other applicants.

Of course, that didn't guarantee me the position. I went in a few days later to teach a class. And it went swimmingly. I later learned that one of the students told her mother (who is also on the faculty) that she liked the way I taught better than the teacher that was leaving. The principal must have as well, since he offered me a job that weekend.

Unfortunately, even though he wanted me to start immediately, it wasn't that simple. The district had to approve my hire. I can't work until my background check clears, so I had to rush to get fingerprinted and complete all the background information. Thankfully, I had already worked in this district, so they had some of my information on file. (Unfortunately, my background check had expired.) Additionally, I needed to organize childcare to homeschool my children, at least through the rest of this year. (We'll figure out next year when everything calms down.)

Now, the big question is how will working affect my writing. Believe it or not, I am confident I will find a happy balance and maybe even be more productive than I have been the past few months. Not at first, of course. It is going to take some time to learn how to juggle work and my family. Plus, it's dance competition season, so it's extra rehearsals and long weekends. However, I wrote my first novel while working as a full-time teacher. I'm confident I will find a way to balance writing with work.

If all goes well, I should begin my new job tomorrow. It has been 14 years since I taught in a traditional classroom. While the transition will be difficult, I am looking forward to this new chapter in my life.

While you're waiting for new material from me, why not try some of these free reads and deals?

Hartfield Chronicles

Hartfield Chronicles follows the lives of Melinda, Pat, and their friends as they navigate their way through boarding school life.

Each episode features two stories, one from Melinda's point of view and one from Pat's, along with an excerpt from Melinda's writing journal.

New episodes are published every Wednesday.

Start at
the Beginning Beginning of
Season 6 Episode 161
Melinda attends her first Hollywood party Free Books

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Wings of Redemption
A tale of Broken Hearts

In the opulent yet unforgiving streets of Edenhaven, Ariana, a 16-year-old heiress to a wealthy merchant, has known little kindness within the walls of her grand home. Subjected to years of cruelty, her spirit battered and her belief in love shattered, she finds herself cast out and wounded one stormy night by the very family she yearned to connect with. This act of betrayal, however, propels her into the arms of Eloria, a realm brimming with magic and mysteries waiting to be unraveled.
Here, amidst the enchanting vistas and enigmatic inhabitants, Ariana stumbles upon Thorne, a figure as intriguing as the new world she navigates. In his eyes, she glimpses the possibility of a love that could mend her fractured soul and a trust so profound it dares her to dream again. Yet, as she weaves her path through this beguiling tapestry, the shadows of Eloria whisper of secrets dark and deep—secrets about Thorne that threaten to unravel everything she’s come to cherish.
"Wings of Redemption" invites you on a journey of healing and discovery, where the quest for self-worth becomes as entwined with the fabric of magic as with the heartbeats of those who dwell within it. Can Ariana navigate the complexities of her new life and uncover the truth before it consumes her newfound haven?

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Love Me, Love Me Not
A Dark YA Bully Romance

Can I love my enemy, the bully who tormented me?
How can I not?
I'm addicted—pulled in by their promises, lured by their darkness.
Maybe there's more to the monster I've vilified.
I'll take the risk and give them my heart...

LOVE ME, LOVE ME NOT

Dark, twisted YA love stories that prove love can conquer all...

The God Note by Sasha Hibbs (MF)
Stolen Skies by Melissa Frost and Lily Marianne (MF)
Between Us by Elizabeth Arroyo (MM)
To Be You by Laura M. Baird (FF)
Seek Me Out by Joss Phoenix (MF)
Love Lies Bleeding by Christine Anna Kirchoff (MF)
Scars that Heal by Katie Kent (FF)

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How Contact Lenses Led to a New Job

This week's newsletter contains the following features:
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What's new with Ashleigh?

While I love writing and editing, the truth is that I am not earning enough consistantly to pay for the bills we are anticipating for 2024. Therefore, my family and I decided I should return to work. Once upon a time, I was a classroom teacher, so I applied for some teaching positions. However, my teaching certificate expired while I was a homeschooling mommy.

Once upon a time, I taught middle school science. And I loved it. But it was a lot of work to prepare experiments and grade lab reports in addition to correcting homework assignments and tests. As I updated my resume, I realized that I have been tutoring children (and adults) in math for almost 30 years. If I returned to the classroom, I would love a math teaching position. However, since my certification is in science, it would have to be at a private school.

Knowing that renewing my certificate could take months, I applied for some substitute teaching positions. But there was a job nearby that really caught my eye. Middle school math at a private school less than 10 miles from my house. Unfortunately, I couldn't apply because they required an active teaching certificate (in any subject at the middle school level).

One Friday, in the chaos of getting ready to leave for our homeschool co-op, I realized I had run out of contacts. Long story, but I can only wear daily disposibles. I had thought I had another box (three-months supply), but I was wrong. Since I had a few minutes before we had to leave, I hurriedly went to reorder them. And the company I usually use was super expensive. After a quick search, I found a few other companies. One of them offered discounts to teachers.

I knew it was a long shot, so I checked the status of my certification. (No, I didn't have the window already open, refreshing it a couple of times a day.) To my surprise, it had gone through, even though I had just paid the second payment the night before.

Well, since I was on my computer, I might as well apply for that math position I had seen, right? It made us a little late for our co-op and I really didn't think I had a chance. But I would have felt guilty not applying.

The following Tuesday, I received a phone call. The principal and I had a long conversation and he more or less told me I was the only candidate he wanted for this job. The more I learned about the position, the more I loved it. Except for the fact the teacher I would be replacing was leaving in less than two weeks.

Needless to say, the last ten days have been a whirlwind. I needed to find a nanny to finish our homeschooling for the rest of the school year. I had to rush to get my fingerprinting and background checks finished so they could clear. Before I even signed my contract, the principal had me come to the school to review the books, show me the online support for the math program, and basically give me a 30-minute crash course of my new position.

Of course, working does not mean an end to my writing. In fact, I wrote my first novel while working full-time as a classroom teacher. However, juggling work and a family will mean less writing. (So will my daughter's dancing. Competition season has started!) I had hoped to publish four books this year. Now I will be happy to get two out. And I'm glad I decided to take a year off from in-person events.

The dust is settling and I begin my new job tomorrow. It has been 14 years since I taught in a traditional classroom. While the transition will be difficult, I am looking forward to this new chapter in my life.

While you're waiting for new material from me, why not try some of these free reads and deals?

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The Wolf and the Moon Seeker
The League of Warriors Series

They told him that he was destined for greatness.
He told them they were delusional.

At fourteen, Mateo Reyes considered himself the champion of nobodies in his small pathetic nowhere town. The proof was everywhere. His principal thinks that he’ll never amount to anything. His mom couldn’t care less if he’s home or not, and the string of bullies that torment him is a never-ending cycle. His whole world is covered in a dark cloud of misery.

But his life takes a crazy, twisted turn when three League Warriors show up one night, saving him from the bullies and rescuing him from the evil forces coming for him. The Dark Order. Not wanting any part of the League, Mateo wants to do what he does best. Run. But when the warriors expose their mystical spirit animals, he can’t deny the longing in his own soul for the white wolf that invades his dreams, night after night.

They tell him that he’s one of the most feared warriors in the League, but with no memory of his true identity, how can he truly believe anything they have to say? How is he supposed to find the courage to embark on a journey destined for a hero, when the voices in his life remind him that he’s unwanted in the world?

But the only voice that truly matters is hers. The moon. She says it’s time to trust.And she’s never wrong!

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Mission 1: All in a Day's Work
Sophia of the Bright Red Sneakers

Life's full of adventure! Right? Middle-grade detectives Sophia MacGregor and Pedro Gonzalez think so. Especially when you are telepathic and speak multiple animal languages!

Being a brilliant ten-year-old in a competitive Eighth Grade Honors Class is a minute-by-minute challenge. Outside school, more challenges abound. When Jack the Polar Bear's regular zookeeper is the victim of a mysterious hit-and-run accident, Super Sleuths Sophia and Pedro find themselves investigating his replacement. A replacement whom Jack and the seals fear and distrust.

Their investigation uncovers a plot by Russian poachers to abduct Jack. Never have the stakes been higher. Instead of battling middle school snobs and bullies, they have just become a target of the Russian mob!

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Will the craziness never end?

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What's new with Ashleigh?

Happy (belated) Friday! Again.

I am sorry, but I promise I am not trying to make this a habit. This week has just been beyond crazy.

And as I was about to tell you why, my phone rang. It was the mother of my daughter's friend.

My daughter planned a party for this afternoon. We were going to meet her friends at the ice rink, the girls would go to open skate, then I would drive them all to the diner for dinner and bring them all home. It was how she wanted to celebrate her birthday (which was a few days ago).

Back to my phone call. The mom told me that she was at the rink (her daughter is a competitive skater and more or less lives at the rink) and she mentioned in passing she would be back later. Well, long story short, she was calling to tell me that there was no open skate today! Apparently, when I confirmed the times with the rink a couple of weeks ago, they assumed I meant February and didn't tell me that the rink would be closed to the public for all of March.

So instead of me telling you about all the craziness of the past week, I just spend the last couple of hours finding a new place to take my daughter and her friends, texting all the moms, etc. Thankfully, we have it all figured out and my daughter is being very understanding about the entire thing.

In other news, as you know, I have been searching for a job. Long story short, I think I found one. Because I will be working more regular hours, it's possible I may be able to start sending this newsletter out on Fridays again. I will certainly try my best.

The next month is going to be a big adjustment for the entire Stevens family. But in the meantime, maybe you'd like to hear about some books.

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Davin
The Sabela Series Prequel

She needed a friend more than a lover - would he understand?

They say laughter is good for the soul. Something that had been lacking in Sabela's life since her father suddenly passed away.
Davin was smooth and spoiled, not her type but he made her laugh and she had grown fond of him quickly since their unexpected encounter but she didn't love him and didn't know if she ever could. Would Davin understand?
He had made a life-changing proposal to her but what was his alternative motive she wondered?
Everything was moving so fast and Sabela could see vast changes happening in her life in the near future but only if Davin accepted her terms. She had her doubts that he could.
This is the prequel to the Sabela series plus chapter one from Slater, book one in the series.
A steamy suspense romance series with lots of twists that will keep you guessing until the end.

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Trusting Love
Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy

What does a s’more, a tent, and a campfire have in common? For Ryan Prescott, it’s a typical weekend camping trip. But for Tess Browning… it’s a recipe for the truth.

Tess Browning earned the nickname Little Vixen for a reason. And she has no incentive to play by the rules anymore. Because why bother? All it ever did was trap her in a loveless marriage. Tossing faithfulness out the window, the only thing she is committed to now is her new code: keeping it fun, flirty, and deliciously sultry.

That is, until Ryan Prescott walks in and charms his way into her heart with a leather tool belt strapped around his waist. He’s sexy, smart, and as emotionally damaged as they come. And Ryan seemingly wants nothing more than to have Tess pick up the pieces of his broken heart.But there’s one thing he doesn’t know about her.

When the details of Ryan’s past heartache come to light, Tess digs her hot pink heels into the ground and will stop at nothing to hide her past indiscretions from the man who stole her heart. Because if there’s one thing Ryan won’t tolerate—it’s dishonesty.

Will Tess manage to keep the truth hidden? Or, will the secrets of a lifetime shatter her one true chance at love?

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Making Memories

This week's newsletter contains the following features:
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What's new with Ashleigh?

When I was in graduate school, one of my homework assignments was to observe children learning outside of a classroom. Although the playground was a suggested resource, it was winter, and I wasn’t too keen on the idea of sitting outside for an hour taking notes.

After a quick internet search, I decided to try a children’s STEM museum. It was only a couple of years old, not some place I visited as a child, and the descriptions sounded interesting.

I felt a little silly walking into the building. I was the only one there not accompanied by a child. However, once I explained why I was there, the staff welcomed me. They didn’t even charge me admission.

I stayed there for a long time. First, I explored the entire museum. (It’s really not that large. A walking tour took only a couple of minutes.) I can’t remember all the attractions, but I remember the one I loved the most: the rainforest room. For over an hour, I sat watching children learn how to be scientists exploring the rainforest, keeping research journals as they discovered new animals. They even got to dress the part! But everyone’s favorite was learning about the physics of pulleys as they hoisted their chair up a tree to the canopy.

As I took extensive notes, I kept telling myself that I could not wait to have a family of my own so I could share this place with them.

Yesterday, my oldest turned fourteen, and I asked how she wanted to spend her birthday. She wanted to go to that museum with her younger siblings. She had such fond memories, but I worried she was too old.

Nevertheless, it was her birthday, so we went. (We keep our membership active, as it grants us access to other children’s and science museums across the continent.) All four children had a ball. Because it was just after lunch on a school day, it wasn’t crowded. Younger kids were home taking their naps and older children were still in school. It wasn’t exactly empty, but my children never had to wait their turn to try an exhibit.

All evening, and even into this morning, the children thanked me for taking them there. All four of them truly had a wonderful time. I felt blessed that we had a place where everyone could make happy memories.

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Dog Gone Troubles
A paranormal cozy mystery!

Magic in this witch’s family has a name: Trouble

Meet Sidney Grace: Quirky Journalist. Curious Witch. Professional Butterfingers.

Sidney Grace, a young journalist living in Boston, isn’t ready for all the troubles heading her way. For starters, she’s curious about her grandmother’s magic even though her spellcasting is a bit rusty. Sidney finds herself caught between her curiosity to learn more and her mother’s hatred for all things supernatural. After all, her mom has a Tupperware business to run and magic isn’t part of her business plan! The fact that her dad doesn’t seem to be bothered by an occasional spell gone wild, isn’t smoothing the water between these two matriarchs.

But the family drama and her untapped magic are the least of Sidney’s problems. Things turn worse when her new boss asks Sidney to cover the annual Pup Parade and she makes a terrible mistake that could cost her career…and ultimately her life. Can her grandmother cast a spell that works right the first time and save Sidney? Or will her troubles finally get the best of this new witch?

Dog Gone Troubles is a fun, heartwarming paranormal cozy mystery with quirky and charming characters that will keep you spellbound! This book is the prequel for the highly-anticipated Crystal Beach Magic Mystery Series.

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Mardi Gras and Mayhem
Book 4 of the Small Town Girl series

Just a fun girls’ weekend in New Orleans during Mardi Gras...except for the murders.

Chantilly Romero held an important place as a mover and a shaker within the New Orleans business world. An upstanding member of the community, everyone admired and respected her.

But she had her secrets. Did she run an illegal high-stakes poker game out of her whiskey distillery? Had her bodyguard committed a few dastardly deeds, so Chantilly could profit? Did Chantilly’s husband die by his own hand, or did she help him along to the pearly gates?

Regardless, the police never found proof of any wrong doing. Did someone take matters into their own hands?

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God's Hand at Work

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What's new with Ashleigh?

Have you ever felt like God (or the fates or whatever higher power you believe in) is pushing you in a certain direction? That has happened to me so many times in my life. It happened again yesterday (which is why this newsletter is a day late.)

Back in 2007, when I first applied for a teaching position, I sent my resume to a dozen school districts and a ton of private schools. I was so excited to have my own classroom. I was still student teaching, but I would be graduating soon.

One day, my father called while I was still at work. During a free period, I went to the AP Environmental lab and returned his call. I figured something must be wrong if he were calling me during the school day.

At the time, my father owned his own business, so his name was easily googleable. A school saw my resume and was interested in hiring me. But I had forgotten to put my phone number on the resume! This school wanted me so badly, they tracked down my father and found me.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering why I feel this was God’s hand, it was a parochial school.

Now that I’m again applying for teaching positions, I remembered to put my phone number on my resumes. Yesterday, I again felt God’s hand at work. A school I applied to last week called me. The principal even said that he usually emails, but something told him he should call me instead. I am going to save the rest of the story for next week, but let’s just say I have an interview this week and I really want this job. How about you? Follow the conversation on Bluesky Follow the conversation on Facebook Follow the conversation on Instagram

Hartfield Chronicles

Hartfield Chronicles follows the lives of Melinda, Pat, and their friends as they navigate their way through boarding school life.

Each episode features two stories, one from Melinda's point of view and one from Pat's, along with an excerpt from Melinda's writing journal.

New episodes are published every Wednesday.

Start at
the Beginning Beginning of
Season 6 Episode 159
Pat has his screen test Free Books

Request your
Review Copy
today!

A Rare Connection
Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Is religion a need? How about love? What will Nicole and Andrew choose?

Is religion a necessity? How about love?

What will Nicole and Andrew do when they must choose?

A French heiress takes her hard-working American best friend for granted. He puts UCLA on hold to serve as a missionary in South Korea. Intrigue and tragedy ensues.

Will they survive to find a second chance at love?

Sweet, Romantic Suspense, and a Stand Alone Novel

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Complex Solutions

Math is easy for Lexi, but complex emotions are difficult, and A.P. Calculus won’t help her overcome guilt, fear, or self-destructive behavior.

Sixteen-year-old Lexi Thompson believes she should’ve died in the car accident that took her parents. Now she slices her guilt into her skin, aggravating an already dangerous cutting habit. When Lexi is contacted about her parents’ lost proof of a famous math theorem, her guilt over her parents’ deaths intensifies. Math was her parents’ passion as well as her own.

Lexi enlists her friend and fellow math whiz, Joe to help find the proof. As their relationship deepens, Lexi struggles to keep her self-harm secret. Further, she realizes she’s not the only one interested in her parents’ proof. A mysterious man hangs around her parents’ vacant home and lurks in the woods where she runs with her dog. The stalker’s presence exacerbates her anxiety, along with the frequency and severity of her cutting. The more she tries to conceal her self-harm, the more she pulls away from Joe and from finding the proof.

If she can’t let go of her fear and open up to Joe, she may lose him as well as the proof to a man who’s intent on stealing her parents’ legacy.

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More questions from my recent interview

This week's newsletter contains the following features:
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What's new with Ashleigh?

This week, I am posting the remaining questions from an interview I did in one of my writing servers last month. (You can read the earlier interview questions here and here.

You have some really cool names for your locations!
Which one is your favorite?
And do you have any other favorite world builds?

While I made up some of my character and place names, I used ancient Manx for a few of them. I think my favorite is Etoid Waefkysm. It means "Fair Winds" and is the name of the port city on the arctic side the the sea.

I also really loved building each location. For the smaller villages, I wanted it to be primitive, similar to a Native American village before the arrival of the Europeans. The cities are more like what I imagine port cities to be during colonial American times. And the druid's home? Its how I imagine a well-learned hermit would live if he secluded himself in the arctic.

It's cool that you had a general idea, then figured it out as you went.
Are you usually a Plantser?
Or was this trying something new?

I am totally a plantser. My first finished novel, I developed a detailed outline. But my characters had different ideas. So I gave up outlining as a general rule. This book was a more detailed outline (and was still pretty minimum compared to some plotters I know) than I have used in quite some time.

I'm curious what made you outline this one!
Was there something about the story that made you think outlining was needed?
Or was it the fact that it was a series?

This book was a derby project. When I was looking at all the covers, I wanted to make sure I could write a story for each cover I selected. Just because the cover was pretty didn't mean I knew what would happen. I meant to just scribble out a few lines, but the story just spewed out, including the sequel.

Now that I'm thinking about this, I went into the derby knowing I wanted to do a book for younger readers and something told me to do a hero's quest outline. I forgot if the book inspired the outline or the rough draft of the outline inspired the hero's quest. But i do remember sitting down and seeing how that one page rough sketch could fit into the hero's quest formula. And it was surprisingly easy, which is probably why the book was easier to write. It was as if the story was calling to me.

How did the cliffhanger thing work out for you?
Did you succeed? Were there places where it was hard to get a cliffhanger to work?
And do you have a favorite among the ones you came up with?

I have done cliffhangers once before, so I thought it would be easy. In fact, I'm finding it very difficult on the sequel. But for Arctic Druid, I think most of the scenes were cliffhangers.

Some worked out well, like the one where Eamon is freezing and closes his eyes at night uncertain if he will ever open them again. Or where he is confronted by a band of theives and looks to a friend, only to find the friend has joined the bad guys.

Other chapters, the cliffhangers aren't as exciting. There is one chapter that is different from the rest; it is more a journal entry describing how the darkness was formed and how to get rid of it. That one doesn't really end in a cliffhanger. And there are others that are just like (I'm paraphrasing because I don't have the book in front of me) "He set off into the unknown." Not exactly stopping in the middle of the action or anything but just enough to add some mystery.

As for a favorite? Thats tough. I think I'm a little too close to the story because I like almost all of them. There's the chapter that ends with the friend turning sides. And the one that ends with the druid telling Eamon...something important, but I don't want to ruin the story for you. I also like the one near the beginning where the village elder nominates Eamon for the quest. Or the one where Eamon runs away.

Do you have a question you would like me to answer?
Reply to this email and I will answer it in a future email.

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Wilhelmina Quigley:
Monkey See, Monkey Do

A witch with unpredictable magic. A tricky transformation spell. What could go wrong?

Following a magical mishap, Wilhelmina Quigley accidentally transforms her classmate, Fynn, into a monkey. With a frightened Fynn running from those who could help him, Wilhelmina sets off on an extraordinary adventure to recapture and transform the monkey back to a boy. From incantation blunders to misfired spells, each step along the way brings laughter, surprises, and valuable lessons about self-discovery.

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Journey of Soul
The Search for Power

His brothers can control fire.
His sisters can manipulate water.
His best friend can speak to bears.
And all he has, is his dream.

Phillip Jones' one dream is to become the world's greatest soldier but in a world where everyone can do supernatural things, it's tough being one of those who cannot. However, when he finds out about an ancient tree that can grant him his very own ability, he goes AWOL in Search for Power. Now he must escape the team that has been sent to bring him back and battle the enemy that desires the very same thing he does otherwise he will never grow to become the greatest.

If you enjoy epic fantasy maps, military soldiers, deep plots with multiple contenders, dragons and other mythical creatures, then click the BUY button and follow Phillip's Journey of Soul!

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A day late, but not a dollar short

This week's newsletter contains the following features:
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What's new with Ashleigh?

Happy (belated) Friday!

I know, I know. It's Saturday. I'm not even going to pretend I wrote this and forgot to send it. I simply have not had a chance to write before now. I have been busy doing something I haven't had to do in nearly 20 years.

I have been job hunting!

Although I have been writing forever, it has never been my primary occupation. While I consider it a vocation, I will be honest. It is not paying the bills.

So I have decided to reenter the workforce. I couldn't find time to send you this email because I was busy with job applications and interviews.

But it's been a while. My last interview was just after my middle daughter was born, a little over nine years ago. And that wasn't so much a job interview as a family interview for all of us to join a homeschool co-op. I just happened to learn about it because they needed more tutors. My last real job interview was in 2007 when I was looking for a teaching position.

A lot has changed since then and it makes me feel old. But, I'm looking forward to new challenges. And I'm excited about returning to the classroom.

Don't worry. I'll still be sending you these biweekly freebies and deals. And I'm never going to stop writing. You may just have to wait a little longer for my next book.

Until then, how about some freebies?

Free Books

Free Story

Caught and Bowled
A sports romance ready to take off to exotic places.

Cricket star and sports writer? What could go wrong?

Gina Elliot wasn't looking for romance when she attended a cricket match. After all, she plans to finish her studies before embarking on a brilliant writing career. Yet, star player Storm Jones is hard to ignore and resist.
Storm has time for a summer fling before taking up a lucrative professional contract in England. Gina fits the bill.
But, as the African summer draws to a close, both have tough choices to make. What will they choose?

Would you like some free books in exchange for an honest review? Want more free books? Check out these giveaways! Do you have Kindle Unlimited? These books are free for you!

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Duping Cupid
A Winter Short Story

Because sometimes, even Cupid needs a little help...

Vivi and Bass have built the perfect business together. Now Bass is about to destroy everything by telling his best friend he's in love with her.

While he suspects Vivi feels the same way about him, she’ll need a jolt to face the truth.

Will Bass's plan get Vivi to open her eyes, or will their worlds - and their dating service - fall apart in three short months?

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A Gazillion Apologies

This week's newsletter contains the following features:
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What's new with Ashleigh?

Happy (belated) Thursday!

I know, I know. It's Saturday. I'm not even going to pretend I wrote this and forgot to send it. I simply have not had a chance to write before now. I have been busy doing something I haven't had to do in nearly 20 years.

I have been job hunting!

Although I have been writing forever, it has never been my primary occupation. While I consider it a vocation, I will be honest. It is not paying the bills.

So I have decided to reenter the workforce. I couldn't find time to send you this email because I was busy with job applications and interviews.

But it's been a while. My last interview was just after my middle daughter was born, a little over nine years ago. And that wasn't so much a job interview as a family interview for all of us to join a homeschool co-op. I just happened to learn about it because they needed more tutors. My last real job interview was in 2007 when I was looking for a teaching position.

A lot has changed since then and it makes me feel old. But, I'm looking forward to new challenges. And I'm excited about returning to the classroom.

Don't worry. I'll still be sending you these biweekly freebies and deals. And I'm never going to stop writing. You may just have to wait a little longer for my next book.

Until then, how about some freebies?

Free Books

Free Sample

Cold Woods Preview
A fast-paced, suspenseful and witty crime thriller

A serial killer is using Glacier National Park as their personal hunting grounds

Glacier National Park’s one million acres just became the hunting grounds of a serial killer.

To save her job, FBI Special Agent Kenzie Harper must go to the one place she fears more than any other—the woods. Banished to remote Glacier National Park and partnered with a park ranger with a past, Kenzie is one unhappy camper. But when young women start turning up dead in the park, Kenzie must figure out how to work in one of the most dangerous places in the world.

With the summer crowds looming, and her career on the line, Kenzie races to solve the case before the killer strikes again. But as the body count rises, she realizes the danger may be closer than she ever imagined.

With its stunning Montana backdrop and gripping plot twists, Cold Woods is a must-read for fans of crime thrillers and suspense novels. If you love books by bestselling authors like Lisa Regan and Craig Johnson, you won't want to miss Cold Woods. Grab your copy now!

Would you like some free books in exchange for an honest review?

Want more free books? Check out these giveaways! Do you have Kindle Unlimited? These books are free for you!

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Available for Free
on Kindle Unlimited

Don't Forget Me
A Ghost Story

Three years after Ethan watched Elle go into the light, he thought he'd settled into life as a doctor in a small country hospital, but now he's back in the city for a conference and apparently back to trying to help ghosts move on in between networking, reconnecting with his ex, Amelia, and keeping his nephew, Levi, in check.

When Levi's first day of high school sees him reunite with his old best friend and his ghostly sister, he needs his uncle's assistance to help her move on to the other side. But first, he must work out while she's still here.

As for Amelia, she has her own troubles and they may, or may not include another ghost.

With all this ghost whispering going on, will Ethan actually be able to attend his conference? And, perhaps more importantly, rekindle the spark with the one who got away?

Don't Forget Me is a touching second-chance romance and ghostly mystery full of heart.

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It's Snowing!

This week's newsletter contains the following features:
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What's new with Ashleigh?

It's snowing!

I just wanted to throw that out there. It feels good to have a real snow day. We've gotten a good couple of inches and are expecting about half a foot by the time the storm ends this afternoon.

Unfortunately, that means Mr. Stevens is working from home. With the kids all on their electronic devices, my bandwidth is crying. I've lost track of how many times my internet froze while trying to write this email.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining. I am enjoying this snow day. My plan? Curling up on the couch with my coffee and a book.

I know I've asked this before, but Follow the conversation on Bluesky Follow the conversation on Facebook Follow the conversation on Instagram

Hartfield Chronicles

Hartfield Chronicles follows the lives of Melinda, Pat, and their friends as they navigate their way through boarding school life.

Each episode features two stories, one from Melinda's point of view and one from Pat's, along with an excerpt from Melinda's writing journal.

New episodes are published every Wednesday.

Start at
the Beginning Beginning of
Season 6 Episode 157
When Pat forgets Melinda at the store,
she questions whether she should stay in LA Free Books

Free Short Story

The Stolen Shifter
A prequel to Ghost Academy

If I don't do what they say, they'll kill my sister...

My little sister Paige has always been strong, but even in fox form neither of us is a match for a pack of wolf shifters. When they kidnap us, they make me swear to help them in their plans for Acadiana Blakemore, or they'll kill Paige.

This is a short story tied to Blakemore Academy and its spin-off, Ghost Academy.

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Magical Matchmaker
A Young Adult Romantasy Novella

In the forgotten magical city of Moonhaven, Madame Seraphina, the town’s most renowned magical matchmaker, is known for her uncanny ability to pair witches and wizards with their perfect matches. As the Valentine period approaches, Celeste, a floral shop owner, finds herself on the receiving end of an elegantly adorned envelope, an invitation to Madame Seraphina's exclusive Valentine's Day matchmaking event.

Celeste attends the event held in a hidden secret garden filled with enchanted roses that each carry a unique curse or blessing. Among the flickering fairy lights and the fragrance of otherworldly flowers, attendees meet their mysterious blind date, a fellow witch or wizard whose identity is concealed by a glamour.

As the night unfolds, Celeste discovers that her date harbors a secret agenda beyond the search for love. After exchanging one of the magical roses, a forbidden love starts blooming. Celeste will have to find out if her rose was blessed or cursed.

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