Scott Lord’s novel Come November is a stunning family saga, love story, and historical, political thriller all wrapped in a riveting read. I planned to read this book in small chunks, as it’s 400 pages. But I quickly fell in love with the protagonist, Jeanne, and much to my family’s chagrin, the book consumed much […]
Tag Archives | fiction
Author Q&A With Brent J. Ludwig
So welcome, readers. Today we’re speaking with author Brent J. Ludwig, whose debut novel, Those Who Would Be King: The People’s Prince, was published July 11, 2023. Brent is a former practicing lawyer who runs his own boutique executive search firm in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Brent has a very busy life, with three teenage kids […]
Book Teaser: Under The Java Moon
Uncover the harrowing account of a Dutch family separated by WWII in 1941 during the rarely taught Japanese occupation of Indonesia (then the Dutch East Indies) in writer Heather B. Moore’s novel Under the Java Moon. This historical fiction novel is based on a true story where Marie Vischer retells her family’s personal journey of […]
Of White Ashes: A Novel
This novel by husband-and-wife team Constance Hays Matsumoto and Kent Matsumoto is a compelling saga that tells the story about two individuals separated by an ocean yet destined to come together. Ruby Ishimaru is a Japanese American growing up in Hawaii on the cusp of World War Two. Her happy childhood ends when her mother […]
Meaningful Conflicts: The Art of Friction
By Kimberly Monaghan on June 30, 2023 in Books 4 Fun, Books 4 Success, Books Uplift, Uplifting Books
Over 90 short stories, prose, memoirs, essays, and poetry are contained in this “Developmental Anthology,” a richly diverse, creative ensemble by the Off Campus Writer’s Workshop (OCWW) community. The collection from forty-nine authors and fifteen poets, is composed of a vast array of interpretations on overcoming obstacles, including emotional friction, personal conflicts, generational disputes, and […]
Author Q&A With Diana Rubino
Diana’s passion for history has taken her to every setting of her historical and biographical novels: England, France, Egypt, Italy, and all over the United States. The contemporary fantasy “Fakin’ It”, set in Manhattan, won a Romantic Times Top Pick award. She and her husband Chris own an engineering business, and spend as much time […]
Writer’s Corner: Pantser’s Guide to Plotting
I can’t tell you how many blogs and articles I’ve read about how “pantsers” need to become “plotters” to write a novel. Well, I disagree, and I agree all the same. Talk about sitting on the fence. But seriously, I see the benefits in sitting on the fence and effectively walking the line versus picking […]
Writer’s Corner: What The Heck Is High-Concept Fiction?
Unless you read Publisher’s Weekly on a regular basis or you’re in the publishing and literary world, you know that there are new phrases and terms that evolve as the industry evolves. These new concepts help agents, publishers, and authors speak distinctively about voices and projects, and it helps narrow the market so ultimately, readers […]
Rohan and Nyra and Big Sister’s Bet
This unique, rhyming, picture book by Anthony C. Delauney and illustrated by Chiara Civati shares the story of a special bond between a boy and his big sister. Rohan is thrilled when his sister arrives and brings him a gift—a football. Excited to play with his new toy, Rohan takes his sister Nyra up on […]
Writer’s Corner: 6 Helpful Tips for Creating Goal, Motivation, & Conflict
Your protagonist wants something, for a compelling reason, and needs to break through all barriers to get it. Ah, the ol’ GMC. For some, it’s a struggle, for others, it’s a breeze. While I’m no expert, I’ve gathered pearls of wisdom on the subject and plan to share more as I continue my learning journey. But one […]