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Book Reviews Are Coming In: Here’s what readers are saying
I can’t thank my friends, family, and readers enough for all the help you’ve given me to spread the word about The Letters in the Books. The two and a half years I’ve spent working on this novel is paying off for me personally, simply by seeing the support you have given me this past week. I’m touched, humbled, and so glad the book is now in your hands. Below, I’m sharing a little about the novel and some of the early reviews that have come in. Since people are always asking me how they can help, here are three ways you can help independent authors: 1- Talk the book…
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After Two Years, We Almost Have Lift Off
What is the process you go through to publish a novel? I'm sharing mine. Warning: there are a lot of steps.
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Summer Reading Roundup Thus Far
Good morning, sunshines! I hope you’re enjoying your summer and getting to spend some time having fun with friends and family and sneaking in a little reading. Today, I’m going to review the books I’ve read so far this summer; each will be short and succinct. Fair warning, however—I’m a pretty gentle reviewer because I know what it takes to write a novel. When someone pours their whole heart and soul into their creative writing and it takes time to do so, I have a difficult time being overly critical, but I will share my overall feelings about the book. I recommend all of them. The Giver of Stars by…
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A Recent Article in Shore Monthly About My Writing (yippee!)
*** I’m not sure why I’m slow in sharing this bit of publicity I received from Shore Monthly. As my two latest novels are set in Oxford, MD (Inn Significant) and St. Michaels, MD (Little Milestones) respectively, Shore Monthly ran an interview about my writing. The best part of the story is, a very talented former student of mine from Stevenson University, Ms. Dabrianna Green, wrote the piece. I was utterly flabbergasted when she told me she wanted to cover my newest novel, and I enjoyed a Saturday morning sitting in her office sharing stories of writing. She, too, is a writer, and is working on her first collection…
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The Postcard Gets 5-Star Review from Readers’ Favorite
Honestly, it’s been a pretty rough 2019 for so many reasons, but seeing this review this morning from READERS’ FAVORITE put a big smile on my face. It’s when I read something like this that I know that despite all the work and effort it takes to be an independent author, it is all worth it in the end. Thank you also to my former student, now PR pro, Grace Clark, for the amazing cover photo, which helped earn us a perfect 5 score for the collection, from writing, storytelling, to cover design. Cheers! THE BOOK REVIEW Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers’ Favorite A postcard is more than just…
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Book Launch – Day Two Promo
It’s been over 24 hours since the book launch, and since then, I’ve heard words of congratulations, encouragement, and a few people who say I inspire them to tackle their own writing projects. These sentiments couldn’t make me happier. I hope I’ve inspired others to write and publish. That makes my day! Because there are 22 stories in the collection, and because I want to showcase them each in their own way, I’m going to share each story’s promo from The Postcard and Other Short Stories & Poetry. I’m also busy setting up my press room on the site which will contain information about me and my books. Here’s today’s…
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Squeezing In One More Summer Read
* With only a couple of weeks remaining before the return to school and classes, do you have time to squeeze in one more book this summer? I’m currently reading In Defense of the Princess, a nonfiction account of one woman’s affinity and respect for the princess culture. As a fan as well, I wanted to read something that wasn’t fiction since that’s my typical go-to type of book. I wanted to go out of my normal genre. So far, I’m really enjoying it. But my favorite quote about summer reading is the following: “Summer is a great time to expand our horizons as readers and to try something new,…
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Are You in the Shallow End or Deep End with Your Summer Reading?
* * * * * * Come on, be honest. What the heck is on your reading list this summer? Will you finally get around to reading “Fifty Shades of Grey” on your Kindle or will you be attacking a Dickens classic? Are you wading in the shallow end with the updated version of “Kardashian Konfidential” or knee deep in “Unbroken” or a novel with some philosophical insights? What is your beach read this summer? Let us know. We want to hear what you’re recommending…unless, of course, you’re too embarrassed to share… 😉
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Beneath The Mimosa Tree’s Award Certificate Has Arrived…
Today I am sharing with you my “official award certificate” I received from Readers’ Favorite. “Beneath the Mimosa Tree” was tops in its category for contemporary romance. I’m still thrilled to pieces by the acknowledgement. If you haven’t picked up your copy yet, please do so! It makes a great summer read and perfect gift, especially with Mother’s Day approaching. I’d love for you to read it and share your thoughts with me. I’m also pleasantly surprised by the amount of men who have read it and could appreciate and relate to Michael’s perspective. It took me a long time to get the male point of view right. I might…
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My Novel—”Beneath The Mimosa Tree”—Now Available in Two Independent Stores
* * * I wanted to take a moment to thank two people—and their respective stores—for supporting my novel, and, like me, they happen to work for independent stores, just as I am an independent author. Special thanks to Nancy Russell at Greetings & Readings in Hunt Valley, Maryland. My book, “Beneath the Mimosa Tree” is on the shelves there in two spots: under “Regional/Local Interest” and under “General Fiction.” Greetings & Readings is considered one of the premier independent bookstores in Maryland, and I’m flattered that they now house my novel. Also, Karina Ferrer, owner of The Blue Door in Pasadena, Maryland, was the first person to welcome the…
