Heidi McCahan's Blog, page 3

The Surprising Health Benefits of Physical Activity and Creativity

I’m sure you’ve heard it said that walking is good for you. But did you know that combining physical activity and creativity can also be good for you? In fact, there are some surprising health benefits to be had from walking and dictating your story.

The Power of Walking

Current physical activity guidelines from the American Heart Association state that we need to be moving our bodies 150 minutes a week at a pace that gets our hearts pumping, OR we need 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity. We’re encouraged to add two sessions of strength training to our weekly workouts as well. In short, we need to move more and sit less.

As writers, the number of hours that we spend sitting at our desks while writing can become detrimental to our health. That’s why I want to talk to you about the importance of combining physical activity with creativity to enhance your overall well being. Walking while telling yourself your story can:

improve cardiovascular health

enhance mood

reduce stress

boost creativity and cognitive function

help manage weight

The Art of Storytelling

Author and writing instructor Lisa Cron has offered extensive insight into the power of storytelling. I highly recommend her books about how our brains respond to stories. Basically, we crave stories because they help us make sense of the world. Lisa says, “The sense of urgency we feel when a good story grabs us is nature’s way of making sure we pay attention to it.”

Storytelling is also a significant form of creative self-expression. Telling a story allows humans to process emotions (including the negative ones) in a productive manner. Creative acts, whether writing, knitting, coloring, etc., stimulate dopamine, the ‘feel-good’ chemical, which makes you happy and motivates you to continue being creative. Studies have shown that creativity can make people smarter, boost immune systems, and reduce the onset of dementia.

The Marriage of Physical Activity and Creativity

There are several benefits to stepping away from our desks and going outside. Spending time in nature helps stimulate brain function and sharpen focus. If you’re already dealing with chronic aches and pains, now is the perfect time to learn to take your story crafting on the go. Imagine if you could capture your ideas while you’re hiking or cooking or even commuting? With dictation, your story goes wherever you do, ensuring that no brilliant idea ever goes unrecorded.

Benefits of Using Dictation to Create Your Story

One of my favorite parts about using dictation to create my story is the ability to break free from writer’s block.

Dictating helps banish those moments of staring at an empty page or an empty screen. When you use speech to text tools, you’re able to mute that pesky internal critic and let your ideas flow naturally. The act of dictating forces you to think more critically about your story, because you can’t edit and create simultaneously. As you dictate your thoughts with patience and practice, you’ll watch your word count soar. Eventually, you can learn to speak up to three times faster than typing. This increases your potential to finish your novels in record time.

Dictation also helps master dialog and characterization because you’re speaking your characters’ voices and their personalities directly into your manuscript, so your dialog is less stilted and more authentic. You can captivate your readers with your writing because dictation helps you find your unique voice, and you’ll develop it as you practice. This allows your words to flow naturally through speech, leading to more compelling and engaging narratives.

Practical Tips for Walking and Dictating

The necessary tools to use dictation are already at your fingertips. You’ll need to gain some expertise in using the proper tools to transcribe your thoughts into words. But there’s never been a better time to learn to be a more productive writer, because transcription services and speech to text apps are accessible and affordable. If you have a smartphone, a laptop, and Internet access, then you are equipped to use dictation to finish your next book.

it’s important that you choose the right location for combining physical activity and creativity. Most people like to start in a private setting, such as pacing in your kitchen or in the hallway, or taking laps in your backyard. Using an app on your phone that captures your voice and transcribes the words accurately is super important.

There are countless distractions in our world. Stepping away from your computer, limiting your access to social media, silencing the notifications on your phone will help you have a more productive dictation session. Getting used to speaking your stories out loud can often be a hurdle. The best way to overcome the self-consciousness is to keep practicing. Dictation works well when you establish a routine and make the practice a habit.

Final Thoughts on the Benefits of Combining Physical Activity and Creativity

Since I started using dictation in 2020, creative writing is fun again. My writer’s block has been reduced. I’m healthier, happier and more productive. I’m able to write multiple books per year because I spend less time staring at my word processor and more time speaking my stories out loud.

My manuscripts require less editorial work, which means I have more time to continue producing new content, as well as time to read books, hang out with my family, and travel. Using dictation to write your next book is important because you can move your body while you create, banish writer’s block and develop more engaging stories. With time and practice, you can find innovative ways to integrate physical activity and your creative pursuits into your daily life, which will help with your overall well being.

If you’d like more information, feel free to reach out. My digital course, Dictation 101, is open for enrollment now. It includes six modules, with twenty-four lessons composed of short videos and downloadable PDF handouts. You can learn at your own pace, and you have lifetime access to the course (including any updates or additional bonus content that I may add in the future). To help facilitate progress and encourage students to overcome any obstacles they may encounter, I offer weekly live online question and answer sessions as well.

Happy writing, friends! I can’t wait to hear about how you have incorporated dictation and physical activity into your writing routine.

7 New Books That Get 5 Stars from Me

I’m a voracious reader and always looking for my next favorite book. Here are 7 new books that get 5 stars from me. If you’re looking for some amazing reads to add to your to-be-read pile, look no further.

Romance Novels I’ve Been Reading and Loving Lately

Romance is by far the genre I read the most. In my opinion, part of being a writer is reading books by other authors who are miles ahead of me in this journey. My craft improves as I learn from the best. And let’s be honest, it doesn’t feel like work at all to read a 5-star romance novel. Here are a few that I’ve been reading and loving:

Depending on the Cowboy by Jill Kemerer

The Sweetheart List by Jill Shalvis

Jonas by Susan May Warren (the audio version narrated by Adam Gold is fantastic!)

5-star Women’s Fiction Novels

I’ve been on a bit of a dual timeline kick lately, and I’m always in the mood for exceptionally well-written stories featuring strong female protagonists. Here are 4 recent releases that I’ve enjoyed and will keep recommending:

The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese

The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh

The Cuban Heiress by Chanel Cleeton

The Daydreams by Laura Hankin

2 Ways to Find More Great Reading Recommendations

I’m linking up with Anne Bogel this week, as she and numerous followers share what they’ve been reading lately. Be sure to check out the comments for more fantastic book recs + a delightful reading community to connect with.

If you’d like to receive more information about new books that get 5 stars for me, I’m offering my summer reading guide exclusively to those who pre-order my upcoming novel, One Southern Summer. Claim your pre-order bonuses, including my summer reading guide, plus so much more while supplies last.

Thanks so much for stopping by. Happy reading!

Please note this post contains affiliate links. Should you choose to purchase a book mentioned here, I may receive a commission as part of the Amazon Associates program.

11 Books I’m Eager to Read This Spring

Spring is finally here! Warmer weather and longer days mean more time to catch up on reading. If you’re looking for new books here are 11 that I’m eager to read this spring.

Reasons to Read

There are dozens of reasons why humans read, and studies have shown that reading is good for us. I’ve been in love with books since I was a preschooler, and as soon as I learned how to read, I couldn’t stop. As an adult, I read to reduce stress, escape reality, and be entertained.

By the way, if you’re curious about what type of book lover you are, I’ve created a fun quiz to find out. There are book recs attached with your results. Take the quiz here.

11 Books I’m Eager to Read This Spring

I’ve added these books to my TBR pile because the covers caught my attention, I’ve enjoyed previous books written by these authors, or I was offered an early complimentary copy that I’ve enjoyed and now want to recommend the book to others.

The Words We Lost by Nicole DeeseThe Spectacular by Fiona DavisThe Sister Effect by Susan MalleryPineapple Street by Jenny JacksonSomeone Else’s Shoes by JoJo MoyesThe Beach Reads Bookshop by Lee Tobin McClain

A Few More Irresistible Spring Books

Okay, I must confess, I struggled to keep my list of books I’m eager to read this spring to only 11. Shocking, I know. So here are 5 + 4 more I’m adding to my TBR list.

The Soulmate by Sally HepworthHomecoming by Kate MortonThe Seaside Library by Brenda NovakRomantic Comedy by Curtis SittenfeldSaturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan StradalHappy Place by Emily HenryThe True Love Experiment by Christina LaurenA Novel Proposal by Denise HunterThe Baby Inheritance by Tina RadcliffeFinal Thoughts on Books I’m Eager to Read This Spring

These books are all new releases scheduled to be released between now and the end of June. Please remember to pre-order from your favorite bookseller because pre-orders mean e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g when it comes to launching a new book into the world. Full disclosure: this post contains affiliate links, so I might receive a small commission if you choose to purchase via those links.

Do you have any book recommendations for this spring? Share them in the comments below.

How to Start Writing Every Day: 5 Tips to Get You Going

Recently I decided I wanted to journal every morning. I’ve written in journals sporadically throughout my life. There are at least 20 half-empty notebooks tucked away in my attic and on a dusty shelf on my bedside table. Committing to writing every day can be an intimidating habit, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’d like to start writing every day here are five tips to get you going.

Why you should start writing every day

First, identify your motivation. Are you ready to write a book? I found the best way to start and finish a first draft is to tackle it consistently until it’s finished. But instituting a daily practice of journaling requires a different approach. I decided I wanted to journal after hearing numerous writers rave about Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way. The concept that she introduced years ago called Morning Pages has been transformative for those who’ve embraced the habit. I’m a novelist. I work on my manuscripts consistently each week, but sometimes my self-defeating thought patterns inhibit my creativity before I’ve even started. I wanted to try the practice of journaling daily before my workday started to sort of cleanse the creative palate and use journaling as a jumping-off point for my daily creative efforts. So be sure to identify why you want to start writing every day.

How to get started writing every day

In his New York Times bestselling book Atomic Habits James Clear dives deep into the process of establishing a new habit or breaking an old one. I highly recommend this book. It’s incredible and packed with both practical tips and sound research. The premise is you have to set up a system designed for the outcome you want to achieve. If you want to start writing you are going to have to set yourself up for success. What does that look like?

I’m so glad you asked. Here are five tips to get you going.

1. Choose a comfortable place to write. Pick a spot where you will write each day, whether it’s at a desk, in a coffee shop, or on your couch. Make it a goal to write in that spot each day.

My personal favorites are the kitchen table and dictating while I take a walk through the neighborhood.

Combining dictation and exercise is a fantastic way to accomplish two goals at once: getting words out of your head and moving your body. Dictation requires very little equipment to get started, and the tools are portable. All you need is a smartphone with a speech-to-text app.

2. Set a regular time for writing. Whether it’s first thing in the morning, last thing at night, or an hour in the middle of the day, find a time that works for you and stick to it.

3. Get rid of distractions. Turn off the TV, put away your phone, and find a quiet place to write. If you do not live alone, consider having a conversation with your roommate, partner or children about your goals and discuss how you can carve out a time and place to get your writing done with minimal interruption.

4. Set a goal for yourself. Whether it’s a certain word count, a certain number of pages, or a certain amount of time spent writing, having a goal will help you stay on track. Tracking your progress is also super important. A spreadsheet, marking off words on a sticky note, coloring in a shape on a coloring page, jotting down your word count in your planner…the tracking options are endless. Choose one that works for you.

5. Find a writing buddy: This may be a scary proposition, but finding others who are interested in writing will make your journey so much sweeter. Find someone who also wants to develop a writing habit, and agree to write together. This will hold you both accountable. The structure of your accountability partnership will vary widely. Connecting online through direct message, texting each other, and setting up Voxer and recording a message with a progress update are a few ways to offer encouragement.

Final thoughts on how to start writing every day

Developing a writing habit can be difficult, but it’s worth it. By setting reasonable goals and making a commitment to write each day, you can make writing a part of your daily routine. For more helpful tips on how to establish a habit, I really enjoyed Kendra Adachi’s podcast episode #296 How to Lazy Genius Your Habits.

Last week I finally admitted to my editor that I want to write a dual-timeline novel. Then immediately panicked because I don’t know how. It’s a daunting task, not to mention a massive commitment. But yesterday I read this quote by Paulo Coelho, “One day you will wake up and there won’t be any more time to do all the things you wanted to. Do it now.”

So I’m in. No matter how intimidated I feel, I’m going to figure out how to write a dual-timeline novel.

Have you established a consistent writing habit? Or have you tried Morning Pages? Please leave a comment and let me know. I’d love to hear more about your writing process.

Writing a Book? 7 Reasons Why You Need Speech to Text Tools

Are you writing a book? Dictating your first draft might seem like a daunting task, but there are plenty of reasons why it can be a great idea. Here are 7 reasons why you need speech to text tools.

Workplace with laptop, notebook, pen and pink and white peony flowers on white table background. Flat lay, top viewDictating your first draft with speech-to-text is faster than typing.

Using voice dictation with a speech-to-text app is much faster than typing because even the most skilled typist probably can’t type faster than they speak. Also, when you’re typing your first draft it’s too easy to delete a typed sentence and retype it. This becomes a very self-defeating cycle of excessive editing and limited productivity. But with dictation the words flow freely from your mouth into the app. Then your words are converted to text. It’s fantastic!

Using speech-to-text tools allows you to move freely.

Dictation allows you to step away from your desk and create your first draft in a variety of environments. Although you certainly can dictate into your laptop using Google docs or Microsoft Word, dictating into an app on your smartphone means you can live a more active lifestyle. You can take a walk outside while you tell yourself your story. Some writers choose to dictate while hiking or using a treadmill. Using voice dictation and speech-to-text tools can help you become a healthier writer because you won’t experience the same chronic overuse injuries that you might endure if you sit at your laptop and type for hours every day.

Dictation will help you become a better writer.

One of the most surprising outcomes of using dictation to create my first drafts has been a noticeable improvement in my writing. Perhaps that’s because I’m increasing my output. We’re often taught that more practice eventually leads to stronger skills. In my opinion, using speech-to-text tools has stifled my internal editor. The need to tell a perfect story the first time around has decreased and I feel more freedom to just get the words out. As a romance novelist, striking a particular tone to provoke an emotional response in the reader is super important. Using speech-to-text tools help me get to that place in the creative process more consistently than if I sat at my laptop, staring out the window, wishing inspiration would strike.

More words written with fewer interruptions.

If you have any other additional responsibilities in life apart from writing (and if you’re a human most likely you do), one of the biggest obstacles to getting words down is frequent interruptions. A notification that another email has landed in your inbox. Or the temptation to stop writing and scroll through social media. Requests from your family members. Caregiving for a pet or a loved one. All of these ordinary events seem to conspire against you and sideline your productivity. That’s why using voice dictation and speech-to-text tools is so incredible. Dictation allows you to create half of the scene, a paragraph, or several thousand words depending on your abilities in a very small amount of time. You can log words in those chunks of time throughout the day when you are away from your laptop. I’ve dictated in the carpool line, while I’m waiting for an appointment to start, or when I only have a few minutes between meetings and just want to get a few hundred words in.

Dictation and speech-to-text tools are so efficient.

Technology has improved and using speech-to-text tools to dictate your novel is so easy now. I believe it’s more efficient to use dictation to create your first draft than it is to use a word processing tool. At first, I was afraid dictation would take away the joy of the creative process, but I have found the opposite to be true. Writing is so much fun now that I have figured out how to use dictation effectively. Yes, there’s a learning curve but any new skill set requires a period of learning and implementation. If you prefer, you can dictate your story as an audio file and then upload that audio file to a transcription service. AI will transcribe your words in a matter of minutes and you can export that file directly into Microsoft Word. It’s amazing!

Speech-to-text tools are affordable.

Whether you use an app on your smartphone or record audio files and upload to a transcription service, getting started with voice dictation is affordable. With any learned skill, as you improve, you may want to invest in additional upgrades such as: a microphone, an MP3 recorder, or paying for Otter.ai (instead of using the free option).

You can’t afford to NOT use speech-to-text tools to write your next book.

This may be a spicy take, but I’m sticking to my declaration. In the current publishing landscape, learning a new skill such as voice dictation will position you for more success. If you can produce more words and spend less time self-editing, plus create your first draft in a way that allows you to live a more active lifestyle, and produce more books per year, you will reap the benefits of using speech-to-text tools. It’s a win-win.

Final thoughts

I’ve been using voice dictation and speech-to-text tools for a few years now, and I can honestly say it’s changed my life for the better. I’m such a fan of this technology that I’ve decided to teach others how to use speech-to-text tools to create (and finish) their first drafts. Check out all the details here including how you can enroll now in Dictation 101 and save 50%.

5 Things Saving My Life This Gloomy February

Every year on February 2nd Anne Bogel of Modern Mrs. Darcy commemorates the midpoint of winter by sharing what’s saving her life right now. She invites others to share their coping strategies as well. This year Anne’s post is especially poignant. The advice shared by members of her community in the comments are fantastic. I’ve decided to joing the fun, so here are 5 things saving my life this gloomy February.

The days are getting a smidge shorter yet the weather remains colder than I’d prefer. It can be easy to start feeling down in the dumps. But there are plenty of ways to fight off the winter blues!

Here are a few of my favorite coping strategies for thriving this gloomy February:

Get a haircut. If you haven’t been to see your stylist in a while, February is the perfect time. I’m not advocating for a radical makeover or a dramatic change (unless that’s what you genuinely want). Winter is a season when we often allow our mood to influence our behavior. Sometimes caring for our appearance gets pushed aside. But there’s nothing quite like a haircut from a professional, especially when they take the time to wash and style your hair as well. it’s an excellent way to practice self-care, it’ll boost your confidence and you’ll leave the salon with a little extra spring in your step. Just because it’s cold and you might often wear a hat or a hood outside, doesn’t mean you can’t have a flattering haircut.

Exercise: Consistent exercise is a great way to boost your mood and keep your energy levels up. Even if you don’t feel like working out, getting moving for a little while can make a big difference. Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors all the time. Bundle up and get some fresh air. A short walk around the block is better than not moving your body at all. The change of scenery will do you good.

Make plans: Having something to look forward to can help you get through the tough times. Make plans for the future, even if they’re small. Just knowing that you have something to look forward to can make a big difference. Around here, we’re brainstorming for spring break and finalizing our plans for our summer vacation.

Read the kind of books you love. Notice I didn’t say read what everybody else tells you you should be reading. During the winter months there’s a certain kind of book that I gravitate toward. Usually something that makes me feel good, or inspires me to be a better human. A laugh out loud rom-com often is my go to this time of year. For me the anticipation of having a stack of good books to read is almost as delightful as the actual reading experience.

Live plants, blooming flowers and a pretty candle: OK so this list has more than five things but I couldn’t help myself. A vibrant green plant such as a succulent or a snake plant, or fresh flowers from the grocery store paired with the glow from a pretty candle really does a lot to lift my mood. There’s just something about this combination of bright light and the sense of optimism that a living plant offers. I suppose these elements point toward the promise of spring and the hopeful assurance that this season will end and there will be something new and beautiful and hopeful just ahead.

Do you have any favorite coping strategies for winter? What’s saving your life this gloomy February? Share your thoughts with us in the comments of Anne’s post here.

The 19 Best Books I Have Read This Year and Won’t Stop Recommending

I’m a big fan of reading. That sensation of getting swept up in an epic story is a feeling I chase again and again. This year I’ve enjoyed some truly exceptional books. Here are the 19 best books I have read this year and won’t stop recommending.

Best Books I Have Read This Year

When in Rome by Sarah Adams

Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen

The Beach Trap by Ali Brady

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center

The Wedding Veil by Kristy Woodson Harvey

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

The Veteran’s Vow by Jill Lynn

I Guess I Haven’t Learned That Yet by Shauna Niequist

The Lady’s Mine by Francine Rivers

The Unsinkable Greta James by Jennifer E. Smith

Best Audiobooks I Have Listened to This Year

If you’re looking for some great audiobooks, here are the best ones I’ve listened to. Last night I finished The Measure and it is incredible! A book with characters I’ll be thinking about for a long time.

No Cure for Being Human by Kate Bowler

The Measure by Nikki Erlick

The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand

Duke, Actually by Jenny Holiday

Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan

Let it Snow by Michelle Stimpson

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Sunburst by Susan May Warren (the entire series is an epic page-turning adventure! I highly recommend reading or listening to all 3 books)

Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan

Final Thoughts on the Best Books I Have Read This Year

I’m sharing an honorable mention because even though I haven’t finished yet, the writing is fantastic! The concept is thought-provoking, and as a mother and a working creative, the subject matter is relatable. I’m so grateful for my friends at Sorta Awesome who recommended this one.

This Is Not a Book About Benedict Cumberbatch by Tabitha Carvan

Also, I can’t create this post and not include Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. It is also living up to the hype, but I refuse to rush just so I can say I finished it before the end of the year. It’s a beautifully written novel and I’ll savor every chapter.

These are just a few of the many great books I’ve read this year. If you’re looking for something new to read, I highly recommend adding any of these titles to your 2023 to-be-read list. I’m pleasantly surprised and a little proud of myself for embracing magical realism and animal fiction. Who knew that books about strings, birds and an octopus would add so much enjoyment to my reading life?

Sharing my favorite books and offering recommendations is one of the most delightful parts of marking the end of the year. My favorite books of 2021 are listed here. If you’d like to read in-depth reviews of any of the books I’ve read, I’d love for you to follow me on Goodreads.

This year I also created a quiz designed especially for readers. It’s fun and short and the results include…you guessed it…more book recs. Take the quiz and find out what type of book lover you are.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my list. What’s the best book you’ve read in 2022? Leave a comment and let me know. I’m always looking for recommendations.

*The boring fine print: Please note that I received complimentary copies of some titles included in this blog post. Also, if you purchase anything on Amazon via the links I’ve included, I might receive a small commission.

First Chapters: How To Hook Your Readers

You know the feeling. You’re seven chapters into a new book, and you just can’t put it down. The characters are so rich, the plot so compelling, you just have to find out what happens next. But how do authors create such irresistible books?

Part of the answer lies in the first chapter. A great first chapter will suck you in, introduce you to the world of the book, and set the stage for the rest of the story. So how can you create a first chapter that will hook your reader?

Here are a few tips:

Start With Action

No one wants to read pages of description or exposition. Get the story moving from the very first sentence. Start with something exciting, something that will make the reader want to keep turning the pages. There are always exceptions to every definitive statement about how to start a book, but generally speaking, its best to avoid using a flashback or a protagonist waking up in your novel’s opening scene.

Create a Strong Protagonist

Your protagonist should be someone the reader can root for, someone with whom they can identify. Give your protagonist a problem or goal to pursue, and make sure they’re relatable and likable. Notice there isn’t a reference to perfection here. A hero or heroine who is flawed yet also does a good deed for another character will be quite appealing for your readers.

Introduce the Conflict

Your story needs conflict in order to be interesting. By introducing the conflict in the first chapter, you give the reader something to invest in. Will your protagonist be able to overcome the obstacles in their way? Here’s a quick tip about what conflict is not. Miscommunication is not a plot device. Any dilemma that could be resolved with a conversation between two characters is not conflict.

Set the Scene

Give the reader a taste of the world in which your story takes place. Where is it? What’s the time period? What’s the culture like? By setting the scene, you help the reader picture the world of your story and become more invested in it. If this book became a movie, how would the camera pan the scene? What’s noticeable? What isn’t?

Hook Your Reader with Your Writing

Your writing style is what will make your story unique. So use it to your advantage! Write in a way that’s engaging and interesting, and that will make the reader want to keep reading. Remember, there aren’t any new ideas. But no one has ever told this particular story the way that you can.

By following these tips, you can create a first chapter that’s sure to hook your reader and keep them coming back for more. Need additional tips? Download my free step-by-step roadmap for writing a riveting first chapter here.

My 3 Minute Book Review of New Historical Fiction

Book reviews are powerful. They’re an incredible tool to help authors reach their ideal readers, and help readers find the kind of books they love to read. Here’s my 3 minute book review of new historical fiction. Check it out!

My 3 Minute Review

Susan G. Mathis has written a lovely, compelling historical fiction novel set in the beautiful Thousand Islands region. From the opening pages, Rachel is a relatable heroine. She’s brave, witty and determined. Susan’s lyrical prose matches the early 1900’s timeline and her descriptions of the setting make me wish I had a trip to upstate New York in my future. The chemistry between Rachel and Mitch is almost palpable, and kept me engaged as I rooted for their happily ever after. This is the fourth book in the series, and I do wish I’d read the other books preceding this one. Susan’s affection for Thousand Islands and her knowledge of the Gilded Age is evident throughout Rachel’s Reunion. If you’re a fan of wholesome romance with an inspirational thread, then you’ll enjoy this new historical fiction novel from an award-winning author.

About the AuthorAward-winning author Susan G. Mathis

Susan G. Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than twenty-five times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has nine in her fiction line including, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, Christmas Charity, Katelyn’s Choice, Devyn’s Dilemma, Sara’s Surprise, Reagan’s Reward, Colleen’s Confession, Peyton’s Promise, and Rachel’s Reunion releases October 20, 2022. 

Susan is president of American Christian Fiction Writers-CS (ACFW), former vice president of Christian Authors Network (CAN), a member of Christian Independent Publishing Association (CIPA), and a regular writer’s contest judge. For over twenty years, Susan has been a speaker at writers’ conferences, teachers’ conventions, writing groups, and other organizational gatherings. Susan makes her home in Colorado Springs and enjoys traveling around the world but returns each summer to the islands she loves. Visit Susan’s website for more information about her books.

Rachel’s Reunion is Available Now

Get your copy of this new historical fiction novel today from your favorite bookseller.

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Best Amazon Early Access Deals for Booklovers

Amazon is kicking off the holiday shopping season with their two-day early access deals exclusively for Prime members.

Not a Prime member yet? No problem. If you haven’t had a membership in the past 12 months, you can sign up for a trial membership then start shopping and saving. These early access deals for booklovers won’t last, so don’t delay.

Woman propped up on cozy bed reading a hardcover book photo credit Hautestock.coA Few of My Favorite Things Are Included in Amazon Early Access Deals

I’m recommending products and perks that we’ve enjoyed as Prime Members. Most of them will be ideal for booklovers + a few for teens, tweens and the littles in your life. Please note that if you shop via these links I may receive a commission.

Kindle Paperwhite Essentials bundle with 6.8” display, includes fabric cover and power adapter Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2 I love my smart mug so much! One of the best gifts I’ve ever received. You link the mug with an app on your phone, set the ideal temperature for your favorite warm beverage and you’re all set. No more re-heating your coffee or tea in the microwave a zillion times.Weighted BlanketPremium Bathtub Tray CaddySony WH-XB910N EXTRA BASS Noise Cancelling HeadphonesBeats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear HeadphonesTranya T20 Wireless Earbuds I have sensitive ears with tiny canals, so finding wireless earbuds that fit and don’t fall out can be a challenge. I’ve found these work well and you can’t beat the price. If you’re not a tiny-eared human perhaps the T30 would work better.Zulay Original Milk FrotherRavensburger Cozy Retreat 500 Piece Large Format Jigsaw Puzzle for AdultsHappyPop Novelty Socks Gift PackAudible Membership: stream and download audiobooks, including Amazon Originals, plus podcasts with your monthly Audible membership.Early access to new Kindle books: Prime Members get early access to a free Kindle book every month through the First Reads program. In October, you are allowed to choose TWO Kindle books.Early Access Deals for Teens, Tweens and the Littles

I’m a busy work-from-home mom who recently entered a new season of parenthood because we don’t have littles anymore. Our oldest is in college, our middle kid is in high school and our ‘baby’ is a middle school student. Here are a few gift ideas for toys, games and products that have been a huge hit in our family. These deals are fantastic! Hope they help you get a jump start on your holiday shopping.

Throw Throw Burrito: A family-friendly dodge ball card gameTeeTurtle Original Reversible Octopus Plushie5 Second Rule GameMelissa & Doug On the Go Water Wow! Reusable Color with Water Activity Pad (6-pack)iWalk Small Portable Charger Power BankJBL Go 3 Portable Speaker with BluetoothSPEKGO magnetic fidget toyFinal Thoughts on These Early Access Deals for Booklovers

Thank you so much for taking the time to check out my suggestions for Amazon’s early access sale exclusively for Prime members. We’ve been Prime members for a long time and saved hundreds of dollars on products we’d buy anyway. I’m a huge fan of the fast shipping, especially during the holiday season when we need to send gifts to family and friends living across the country. My family loves watching documentaries, movies and professional sports thanks to our Prime membership. I love my Amazon music membership as well.

Remember, if you aren’t a Prime member already you can sign up and save. This is a two-day sale and rumor has it more products might be added as we approach day 2 (which is October 12th).

Happy shopping and as always happy reading, sweet friends.