This historical novel by David A. Jacinto is a journey into the soul—both the author’s and the readers’. Pulling from his family history and deep research into the mid-nineteenth century coal mining industry, Jacinto spins a riveting tale of rags to riches that centers on family and traditions. Tom Wright enters the coal mines at […]
Author Archive | Kimberly Monaghan
Southern Book Affairs
I miss living in the South. As a writer and reader, and yes, human being, one of the things I loved most is the hospitality that seems to be a life code for those who were born there or had migrated and stayed. Now don’t get me wrong, hospitality exists everywhere, but there’s just something […]
6 Picks: Books for a Happier Soul
The books that make you smile and give you hope are the very ones that uplift your soul. You know the ones, those you are happy to invest in, keep handy for a quick hit of inspiration, recommend to others, and often re-read. But individual “uplifting” is subjective and highly personal. What might be soul-inspiring […]
Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?
I haven’t met a person who isn’t struggling with anxiety and stress these days. Toss in the inner critic, fear, low self-esteem, and emotional reactivity, and you have a cocktail that we all occasionally finds ourselves swimming in. That’s why this book by Dr. Julie Smith is a timely read for everyone. There’s a lot […]
Imposter’s Syndrome
I recently was asked to speak on a topic near and dear to my heart—writing. Afterwards, I received a lot of authentic, positive praise that went far to reassure my spirit that I did my best. But in addition to the encouraging feedback, I also received some “friendly advice.” Hey, I welcome criticism (to a point) […]
Author Q&A With Patricia D’Arcy Laughlin
Patricia D’Arcy Laughlin was born and raised in Trinidad, of French and British ancestry. She was educated there, the UK, and the US, experiencing a multitude of cultural influences and world-traveling for much of her life. Having created her own painting medium, “Unique Stainings On Wood,” she won “The Prize of Excellence” in a 52-country […]
Katie’s Gamble
This is the first book in the Gamblers and Gunslingers series by Kara O’Neal. The setting bounces between Louisiana and Texas in 1833 when gunslingers, gamblers, cowboys, and cattle rustlers challenged the small homesteads popping up in the American southwest. In one small town, Echols, Texas, a young woman beholden to her orphaned siblings and […]
Strength to Stand: Overcoming, Succeeding, Thriving, Advancing, Winning.
A lot of promises are made in this title, so naturally I was drawn to what author, pastor, and motivational speaker T. D. Jakes had to share. A servant of God, Jake has written this book for both believers and those who are curious about Christianity. But pulling back the lens, you can see that […]
Writer’s Corner: The Magic of a Mentor
5 Things To Do To Experience the Magic of a Mentoring Relationship Developing a relationship with a mentor, and becoming a mentor, is a must for successful any kind of professional development. Not only does a mentor provide you with an avenue of learning scripted specifically in answer to your most burning questions, but they will […]
Carving Out Time for Writing
Often authors, writers, aspiring authors, journalists, and those who journal, struggle with finding time. For many it seems like a luxury to do so, or a guilty pleasure. Many people believe the writing life is a combination of taking naps and nature walks for inspiration, then opening a laptop at a favorite café and instantly […]