3 Things Kindle Vella Taught Me


Serial fiction is not for everyone--writing it or reading it. When I joined Kindle Vella with my first story, The Sea Rose, I only did so because I already had a draft written and planned to tweak it into smaller episodes. The Sea Rose did end, though, and since the characters were not finished telling … Continue reading 3 Things Kindle Vella Taught Me

Telling the Whole Story


(15lbs left to go for my weight goal. Each lost pound is hard earned!) “Don’t write through a migraine.” I find myself thinking this, even as a hundred new ideas barrel into me for the two pieces I’ll be focusing on come November: Sandcastles, and a novella that I sense will be about a ghost … Continue reading Telling the Whole Story

#2 – Roses & Sewing


Elle trudges the battered sidewalks surrounding the market. She carries with firm hands a basket of colored threads for sewing. “Thread,” she calls out, “clean thread for dresses, drapes, mending…” Where people are forced to make their own clothing, deprived of the convenience of shopping, there is demand for things such as thread. Boredom is … Continue reading #2 – Roses & Sewing

#1 – A Child’s Disbelief


“There is no such thing as magic.” Young Elle’s words cause her grandmother, Ama, to flinch. “It pains me,” she answers, “to hear you say such things.” Elle is defiant. “How can there be magic?” she demands. “If such a thing existed, we would not be trapped here with housefires every night.” Ama considers her … Continue reading #1 – A Child’s Disbelief

Vella Review: THE DARING ADVENTURES OF HONORIA PORTER (BOOK 1)


I have not yet read many mystery novels, my preferred genre being historical fiction. However, I’ve noticed that a mystery tends to be memorable if the protagonist—the sleuth—is interesting. Holmes and Watson are great sleuths! I scarcely remember the plot lines of those novels (I know, I know—due for a reread!) but I can remember … Continue reading Vella Review: THE DARING ADVENTURES OF HONORIA PORTER (BOOK 1)

Book Review: THE DUKE’S GHOST BRIDE


Though ghosts and tales about them are popular, especially around the time of Halloween, nothing is really known about them. How would a ghost spend all of that free time? Does a ghost ever wish to have a biscuit or a conversation with the living? THE DUKE’S GHOST BRIDE by Fanny Finch is a charming, … Continue reading Book Review: THE DUKE’S GHOST BRIDE

Guest Post: Author Emma Smith


Hi! I'm Emma Smith, the author of young adult novel 'Guided'. I self-published it at nineteen, and I'm so proud of my story and everything it represents.  'Guided' is about Macey Collins, a seventeen-year-old girl who is just navigating the world of being a teenager. But when she helps out at a camp one night … Continue reading Guest Post: Author Emma Smith

REVIEW: The Blue Salt Road


I believe that humans are, by nature, fascinated by the ocean—and what is not known about her. That’s why so many legends of varying kinds have crept up over time. The best-known sea myths involve Mermaids and their cousins, Selkies. THE BLUE SALT ROAD is the story of an adventurous Selkie who, in an act … Continue reading REVIEW: The Blue Salt Road

Book Review: THE DUKE’S WRITER


Sometimes, on a cool autumn’s evening, what we need is light-hearted romance with a happy ending! The book title, THE DUKE’S WRITER, is what first hooked me. All of those years ago, writing was an activity shared by all. Letter-writing was an art, and most people kept some form of diary. We don’t see these … Continue reading Book Review: THE DUKE’S WRITER