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Utopia Falls by Kody Boye ~ Genre: YA Science Fiction
Society has reached its peak within the walled city of Utopia. While the outside world lies in inhospitable ruins, the city within brims with technological marvels—all thanks to a benevolent god that appeared during humanity’s darkest hour. But with the city on the verge of overpopulation, and the world outside not promised to be safe, time is running out for the Utopian people, and it’ll take one brave young woman to change the course of history.
Seventeen-year-old Ember Hillen has lived in the shadow of the god her entire life. With a promising future in medicine, she believes that her future is set in stone. What she doesn’t expect is for her Aptitude Test scores to come back with exemplary remarks—or to be chosen as her city’s next Holy Conduit.
As the Holy Conduit, Ember can connect with, and receive visions of, her god’s desires for the Utopian city. The only problem? Her god is implying that her people must somehow journey beyond their isolated city to build a new world in the wasteland. But with the mad leader of the premier engineering facility within Utopia attempting to sway Ember through whatever means possible, Ember must make a choice that will change a life forever. The only question is: can she withstand the storm that will follow?
Though Kody Boye was born and raised in Southeastern Idaho, he moved south at the age of eighteen and has resided in various parts of Texas since 2010, living first in Austin, then in Fort Worth before finally landing in the Rio Grande Valley. His first story, [A] Prom Queen’s Revenge, was published in the Yellow Mama Webzine at the age of fourteen. His debut novel, Sunrise, followed at age eighteen.
Since then, he has written several novels across multiple speculative fiction genres. His most recent works include When They Came, The Beautiful Ones, Kingsman Online, and The Red Wolf Saga.
Kody is currently enrolled in an online university and pursuing an undergraduate degree in creative writing and English, with plans to further his education with an MFA, which will allow him to teach.
When not writing, Kody enjoys reading young-adult novels, playing video games such as World of Warcraft and Guild Wars, and browsing social media endlessly.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
What made you want to become an author and do you feel it was the right decision?
I can’t say for certain if I wanted to become an author, or it just happened. But I ended up writing and publishing stories. I love books and I love reading them. I also love music and movies and I wouldn’t mind if I was a small wheel in these industries too. Creating is a beautiful thing. Having the gift and ability to make something new and share it with others who appreciate it is rewarding. I like to give a part of me to others that way and share with them the things I love. Whether it was the right decision, time will tell. It will be as long as I enjoy it and it makes me happy. If I can live from my writing, that is another thing. For now, I can’t. What will happen in the future? I don’t know.
A day in the life of the author?
While I was writing or translating years ago, it was me locking myself in my private world and telling everyone to leave me alone. I had breaks for eating, drinking and other stuff you have to do lol. At the end of the day, I was so exhausted that my bed was my best friend.
A day in the author’s life today is not as much about the writing, which seems to be the easiest part. It is also about producing your book (formatting it by yourself and collaborating with your editor and designer) and marketing it. Marketing is the most challenging part for me because I am still learning it and experimenting with what works and what doesn’t work. Not all authors are born for marketing nor they are equally successful. There are lots of online courses and webinars to attend, social networking, blogging, collaborating with other authors and supporting them in marketing their books, which is what I like best. I prefer helping other authors in promoting their books rather than doing that for myself. It may sound weird, but this is me.
When I am not present on social media (which is a rare thing) or browse for new reviewers or do my Amazon ads or write posts and update my website, I go to the store or to the movies or visit my friends to clear my head and rest my eyes from staring at the screen all the time. Later in the evening is my reading time. I enjoy the company of other authors while reading their books and it is a perfect way to relax before bedtime. I don’t watch much TV lately.
Advice they would give new authors?
Writing a book is easy. Publishing it is harder. Marketing is the hardest thing. Keep that in mind before you sit to write a book. It’s a long road with thousands of authors out there dreaming the same dream. But go for it if you feel that writing is your call and not something that will last a week or two. Arm yourself with persistence and patience, don’t be afraid of failure, and be ready to help others. Then you may stand a chance to make your dream come true and find happiness in doing what you love.
Describe your writing style.
What can I say about my writing style? A mix of descriptive and narrative? Lots of emotions, passion, realistic characters, vivid dialogues, a cinematic experience while reading a book. A story is important, and I like to make myself and my readers feel, laugh and cry. Poetic prose, sometimes deep thoughts. I am a cross-genre and multi-genre author so expect anything. Be ready for an emotional experience of watching a tearjerker in a movie theater.
What makes a good story?
A capturing plot, believable characters, natural and entertaining dialogues, emotions, passion and honesty in writing make a good story. Readers will recognize which story is written with heart and which is written for money.
What are they currently reading?
Currently, I am reading Hades Forrest by a new talented young author Simon Elson and The Great Centurion: Punic Wars 3 by Angelus Maximus aka Angel Ramon Medina. After that I will read Weathering Old Souls by James J. Cudney & Didi Oviatt.
What is your writing process? For instance do you do an outline first? Do you do the chapters first?
My writing process depends on the length of the book I am writing. For two of my novellas, I had nothing. Everything was in my head and the words just poured out of me. For my two novels, January River and especially Cruel Summer, I had notes for the whole story which I broke down into chapters as I was writing it. I was rearranging and moving sections from here to there with new ideas popping up. Fun time, right? 😉
What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Maybe the most common trap for aspiring writers is to expect to become successful and famous authors the moment they publish their book. Be aware! Life doesn’t work that way.
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
I am cursed by originality. I can write any kind of book under the sun but the readers will recognize if it is not honest writing. I write about the things I feel about, stories that carry a message or are an eye-opener. Stories that beg me to write them and share them with others. I didn’t explore the pulse of the market when I wrote my stories many years ago. They came as a natural extension of my intellectual and emotional being. I can only hope that readers will want to pick and read them, and I will be grateful to those who recognize and embrace them.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Be smarter, learn the tricks of the business so you won’t have a hard time selling yourself later lol.
What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex?
I guess it is experiencing them, their mindset, emotions, expectations. But when you get to empathize with your characters from the opposite sex and feel and think like them, it shouldn’t be too hard. Besides, we are not just this or that, we all have some of both sexes in us.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
From three days (A World Without Color) to six months (Cruel Summer). If I remember well.
Do you believe in writer’s block?
What is that? I’m kidding! I know life can get in the way and it’s not always easy to deal with your situation and write a story. But I wouldn’t call it a writing block. I never had it. When I felt like writing a story, I wrote it. When I didn’t feel like writing, I didn’t write. I know it is a popular belief that we shall write every day, but it is not me. Writing every day will improve your writing skills, no argument about that. But I am not a man of discipline when it comes to writing, I am inclined to listen to how my mind and body react to a story. Then I write. Writing should be fun and creative. When it becomes a burden, maybe it’s time to take a break and enjoy other things in life. Like reading other authors and helping them achieve their goals and dreams, perhaps.
AUTHOR BIO
“There is no greater joy than to share what you love with those who appreciate it.”–Bernard Jan
My pen name is Bernard Jan. I am an award-winning novelist and a poet from Croatia, and I have released four books in English. I am Readers’ Favorite Gold Medalist 2020 and Readers’ Favorite Bronze Medalist 2019.
“A World Without Color” is a true story of the last three days I spent with my cat, while “Look for Me Under the Rainbow” in a unique and gentle way sheds light on the plight of harp seal pups in Canada. It warms the heart of all readers concerned about our planet and its treasures. “January River” is a heartwarming cross-genre novel about five friends, one dog, and one river carrying a secret. “Cruel Summer” is a gripping young adult cross-genre novel about an abused teenager from New Manhattan who only wants to skate, but they have other plans for him.
My first two books were written at the beginning of the war in Croatia in 1991 amidst air alerts and illusory attempts when I wanted to believe and think that life is normal, that everything is all right with the world. I have published five novels, two novellas, and one book of poems in Croatian. Four of my books, including the book of poems, were translated into English.
My passion for music and entertainment resulted in my becoming a partner of Tom’s Music Place, which was established in 2009 by my friend Thomas Carley Jr., whose objective was to raise the respect of music.
My desire to help others came to the fore during my years advocating environmental protection and advocacy of animal rights. I did volunteering work for the refugees, because suffering does not know any borders. When it comes within your reach in your home, you simply have to do something. As part of my animal advocacy activities, it has been a great honor and pleasure to translate “Eternal Treblinka: Our Treatment of Animals and the Holocaust” by Charles Patterson into Croatian.
Would you like a chance to win?
Cruel Summer paperback – 1 winner,
Cruel Summer eBooks – 2 winners,
January River eBooks – 2 winners,
Look for Me Under the Rainbow eBooks – 2 winners,
A World Without Color eBooks – 2 winners,
$10 Amazon gift card – 1 winner
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
Genre: YA Cross-Genre, Dystopian, Sexual Abuse, Skateboarding
All he wants to do is skate. But they have other plans for him.
Michael Daniels is seventeen and dreams to enter professional skateboarding contests. But beneath New Manhattan, a city under the oppressive shadow of climate change, exists another world altogether—secret laboratories which threaten society as he knows it.
Those with power will get what they want. No price is too high, even if it means making someone special or robbing them of their dignity, freedom . . . or life.
The price is too high for Michael, though. He has endured his stepfather’s abuse and mind games for almost as long as he remembers. Until one day he takes matters into his own hands, ruining the lives of those he loves most. And his skateboarding friends, Alien and Victor, are his only hope for freedom.
When there is no hope left, friendship is what remains.
Order your copy of this gripping, unexpected, strong, and emotional, Young Adult cross-genre novel by Bernard Jan, the author of January River, Look for Me Under the Rainbow, and A World Without Color.
“There is no greater joy than to share what you love with those who appreciate it.”–Bernard Jan
My pen name is Bernard Jan. I am an award-winning novelist and a poet from Croatia, and I have released four books in English. I am Readers’ Favorite Gold Medalist 2020 and Readers’ Favorite Bronze Medalist 2019.
“A World Without Color” is a true story of the last three days I spent with my cat, while “Look for Me Under the Rainbow” in a unique and gentle way sheds light on the plight of harp seal pups in Canada. It warms the heart of all readers concerned about our planet and its treasures. “January River” is a heartwarming cross-genre novel about five friends, one dog, and one river carrying a secret. “Cruel Summer” is a gripping young adult cross-genre novel about an abused teenager from New Manhattan who only wants to skate, but they have other plans for him.
My first two books were written at the beginning of the war in Croatia in 1991 amidst air alerts and illusory attempts when I wanted to believe and think that life is normal, that everything is all right with the world. I have published five novels, two novellas, and one book of poems in Croatian. Four of my books, including the book of poems, were translated into English.
My passion for music and entertainment resulted in my becoming a partner of Tom’s Music Place, which was established in 2009 by my friend Thomas Carley Jr., whose objective was to raise the respect of music.
My desire to help others came to the fore during my years advocating environmental protection and advocacy of animal rights. I did volunteering work for the refugees, because suffering does not know any borders. When it comes within your reach in your home, you simply have to do something. As part of my animal advocacy activities, it has been a great honor and pleasure to translate “Eternal Treblinka: Our Treatment of Animals and the Holocaust” by Charles Patterson into Croatian.
Would you like a chance to win?
Cruel Summer paperback – 1 winner,
Cruel Summer eBooks – 2 winners,
January River eBooks – 2 winners,
Look for Me Under the Rainbow eBooks – 2 winners,
A World Without Color eBooks – 2 winners,
$10 Amazon gift card – 1 winner
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
Hannah will resort to anything to save her mother’s life. Including blackmail. Even if the target is the former boyfriend of her goody-goody best friend, Stacy.
Except, he just moved to the West Coast, and now it’s up to Hannah to convince Stacy to hitchhike with her cross-country to confront him.
It’s 1971. Change is happening. And Hannah’s understanding of the world is about to be tested by those she encounters along the way, including a gorgeous draft dodger.
Someone is about to face a deathly experience. But it’s not Hannah’s mother.
The Somewhere I See You Again is an extraordinary story about the life-changing power of love and friendship against insurmountable odds.
Nancy Thorne is an award-winning author inspired by the romance and courage of youth. Her debut novel VICTORIAN TOWN won First Place for the 2019 Dante Rossetti Award.
Nancy’s short stories have recently appeared in literary journals and magazines, including The First Line Literary Journal, The Blake-Jones Review, Edify Fiction, and Chicken Soup for the Soul.
Born and raised in Toronto, Nancy fostered a passion for creating stories in grade school but hid it much too well. Eight years ago she decided to pursue her lifelong dream of telling them.
Nancy is a member of Romance Writers of America and Toronto Romance Writers. She lives with her family just outside of Toronto along with an energetic labrador and entertaining corgi.
Would you like a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card or an eBook copy of The Somewhere I See You Again? Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
Witch’s Choice (Crimson Moon Hideaway Book 1) by Natalie-Nicole Bates ~ Genre: LGBTQ F/F Paranormal Romance
When Neyla Bennett receives an invitation to participate in what she thinks is a quiz show, she is immediately suspicious. But the offer includes an all-expense-paid vacation to the Crimson Moon Hideaway resort and that’s just too good to pass up. When she arrives, she receives a rude surprise. Witch’s Choice is not a quiz show – it’s a dating show! To make matters even worse, one of the contestants is her former love, Tullie LaCroix, who left Neyla years earlier without an explanation. Tullie is still as beautiful and sexy as Neyla remembers, and she wants to resume their relationship. But when the truth of Tullie’s desertion is finally known, will it bring the couple back together or tear them apart for good?
Two sexy ladies smelling the flowers in the solar house
Natalie-Nicole Bates has worn all the hats in the publishing world – reader, reviewer, author, and now small publisher with Perfectly Poisoned Press. She has the ability to see the point of view of everyone involved with the love of books.
With a taste for the darker side, Natalie-Nicole’s favorite genres are Dark Victorian, Steampunk, and Dark Paranormal. Her interests include collecting Victorian-era photographs, Frozen Charlotte Dolls (her latest batch was just delivered from a German excavation site after being buried underground since about 1860), and antique poison bottles. She loves exploring and photographing cemeteries – the older, the better!
Let’s start by finding out a little bit about you…
What is your name and do you write under a pen name?
My name is Luv Lubker. (I go by Luvy on Facebook)
Where do you call home?
I live in Central Texas.
Obviously, we know you are an author, but some writers have other jobs as well. Do you have another occupation? Do you believe you’re any good at it? Do you like what you do?
I am a Raw Food chef (for my own family) and am teaching myself German so I can translate books.
Do you have any hobbies, other than writing? What do you enjoy doing?
I always loved animals. As a child, I researched all sorts of animals and had many pets. I also love reading, Raw Food preparation, bicycling (I learned to unicycle when I was 7 but only learned to bike when I was about to turn 25).
Not to pry too much, but do you remember your first love?
I haven’t had one.
What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing?
My parents and friends always said “You should write a book” since I started my historical research, but I always said I didn’t know how to describe things. Reading Clare McHugh’s book A Most English Princess inspired me to start writing my own interpretation of Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter Vicky’s story.
What was your dream growing up? Did you achieve that dream? If so, in what ways was it not what you expected? If you never achieved the dream, why not?
I always imagined I would like to do something about animals as a child. I had many pets as I said, but when I was 12 my chickens got massacred by dogs. I stopped getting the huge bags of animal books from the library that I had always gotten. I just couldn’t read them anymore.
Who is your role model?
I have many.
What is your greatest fear?
Being alone I think.
Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hard-covers or audio-books?
I like them all for different reasons. I like ebooks for when I want to be able to get something immediately, but I like getting the physical books of books I want lots of book marks in, and also I like them because I can resell them. Audio is great too, I love the really good readers, and music when audio has that. It is fun to listen while doing other things. I also get more out of some books listening than reading, and also often hear more at a time than I read so I get more in context.
Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it?
Lots! I read or listen to my favorites over and over again. I researched Charlotte Bronte for a few years and read or listened to Jane Eyre and Villette a dozen time each (literally) within 3 years. They were so good I could read them that many times that close together and always find new meaning.
What is your opinion of novellas?
I don’t really have one.
Have you ever read a book just based on its cover?
Not that I can think of.
What is your favorite film based on a book?
I don’t usually like movies based on books much. The books are usually so much better! I like the Thornfield part of Jane Eyre with Toby Stephens and Ruth Wilson.
What is your favorite book genre at the moment?
Biography and memoirs and letters.
What books have made it onto your wish list recently? And why?
Becoming Queen Mary by Kori Roff Lawrence, because I am interviewing other Victorian era authors and researchers and reading their books if I haven’t already.
What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format?
I am reading Dearest Mama, the second volume of Queen Victoria’s letters with her eldest daughter, Vicky, for research for my next book. Also, Tagebucher 1848-66, a German book of the diary of Friedrich III (Vicky’s husband) – “Fritz”, the father of Kaiser Wilhelm II. These are book hardback books I’ve bought.
I am listening to Rilla of Ingleside, the last book of the Anne of Green Gables series, and The Mysterious Benedict Society.
If you could invite any four (4) celebrities (alive or dead) to your dinner party, who would you invite and why?
Queen Victoria, Friedrich “Fritz” III, Charlotte Bronte, Brian Jacques. They are people and authors I greatly admire.
Let’s shift somewhat and talk about your latest story.
What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or fewer words, what would you say?
Under His Spell. A lonely young man visits the first World’s Fair – the Great Exhibition of 1851 – and meets a family who changes his life forever.
Is the above book part of a series?
I am planning a series – The Rival Courts.
How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book(s)?
I was making a design for Facebook posts and banners and liked the color scheme. I designed my own cover.
Did you listen to any particular songs while writing your book(s)?
Only You from the movie The Young Victoria makes me think of things Fritz wrote to Vicky.
How did you come up with the title for your book(s)?
My Mom and I were talking about my book and she thought of it. I had just written a part the night before where a character says “I was under his spell”, and I thought it was perfect. When I was almost done writing, I was finishing translating the part of Fritz’s diary from the last year my first book covers. I didn’t do it all in order, I had already done the end of the year, I was just in the middle, but the last page I translated mentioned a poem Vicky quoted on the anniversary of their engagement which translates as “I love you as one under a spell” – it just seemed like confirmation that it was the perfect title.
Do you have a book trailer? If so, where can we watch it?
I read the prologue here. I might come across a little nervous.
In your latest novel, who is the lead character and can you tell us a little about him/her?
Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, Vicky, and her husband, Fritz, later Friedrich III, German Emperor and King of Prussia. They are the parents of Kaiser Wilhelm II.
What is your character’s greatest strengths?
Fritz’s strengths I would say were his kindness and humanity in the midst of a very difficult, dysfunctional family and negative environment. Vicky (and Fritz too) were able to stand an incredible amount of difficulties (and difficulties is underestimating) and she still kept her comical point of view (she makes lots of puns in her letters and makes light of her difficulties a lot of the time) and her sweet expression.
And what are his/her greatest weaknesses?
Fritz was easily depressed – but that wasn’t surprising with all he went through. Vicky often didn’t tell him or her mother about bad things that happened which they might of protected her from because she didn’t want them to worry about her. Vicky could also be a bit too honest in her opinions – either hurting people’s feelings or getting herself or her family into trouble.
What’s a positive quality that your character is unaware that he or she has?
Fritz was extremely modest – was often bullied as a child and as an adult – and didn’t think much of his talents. Vicky was very pretty I think, but she was often critical of her appearance. She was a wonderful writer, her letters are fascinating, but she said she didn’t like her own writing style.
Will readers like or dislike this character, and why?
I think they are very likable, and I have written much about their good qualities.
What first gave you the idea for your latest book?
I have read about Queen Victoria’s family for over 7 years, and always go back to Vicky and the Queen’s letters when I get to the end of another line of research. Now that I am reading Fritz’s diaries, I am learning more new information which I don’t often see in English books. I have my own perspectives on the Prussian Royals which I wanted to share. I also wanted to tell the story more from Fritz’s point of view, which I haven’t seen done before.
Let’s talk now about your writing process.
What is your writing style like? Are you a pantster or a plotter?
I am writing a story that is already there, just making my own version of it. I write out my table of contents and let the story “download” itself as I write.
Have you come across any specific challenges in writing or publishing? What would you do differently the next time?
Promoting without a publisher.
Are you a self-published/Indie author or did you publish through a traditional publishing company?
Self-Published Indie.
If you’re a self-published/Indie author what made you go that route instead of the traditional publishing route?
I wanted to get it out there.
How do you get out of writing block?
A few times when I got stuck or felt critical of my work when I reread it, I started reading it but imagining it in the voice of one of my favorite audiobook readers. That helped me get “out of myself”, and I kept going.
Where can your readers follow you? Please list links to any applicable websites and/or social media accounts.
https://therivalcourts.com – my book (and some author interviews) is available here, and is on sale during May 2021.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
Allmother Rising by Elexis Bell
Genre: Dark Fantasy with Straight and LGBTQ Romance
A broken-hearted priestess and a deposed prince team up with a ranger and a rebel with one too many secrets. In the name of The Allmother, they go to war to save their lands.
A coup in a neighboring kingdom brings threats of invasion and fire to Priestess Rising Veliana’s home in the forest. Under the guidance of her goddess, The Allmother, she forms an alliance with the deposed prince, Tyrvahn, and his ex, Garle, the leader of a rebellion that’s been brewing for years. But Garle has many secrets, one of which could unravel Veliana and Tyrvahn’s budding romance and the future of these uneasy alliances. Veliana’s best friend, Kivala, tries to soften Garle with the ways of their fallen homeland, but what she learns chills her to her core. At war with a vicious man twisted by the god of greed, they can’t afford to fight amongst themselves. Can they overcome their differences to save their home and their goddess from the new king? Or will the forests burn over blood-soaked earth?
Fans of magic and grit, high stakes and godly secrets will love this dark high fantasy novel with straight and LGBT romance.
Elexis Bell writes gritty and emotional novels. Born and raised in the midwestern United States, she dreams of a cabin in the woods rather than a house surrounded by cornfields.
She loves writing well-developed characters facing real problems in vibrant, magical worlds. Armed with a degree in psychology and a rollercoaster past, she sprinkles gut-wrenching emotions over high fantasy romance, science fiction, and the occasional thriller.
Would you like a chance to win a Swag Pack with a signature card, magnet, sticker, and three bookmarks? Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
Everything to Lose (Mountain Resort Mystery Series Book 2) by Shannon Work ~ Genre: Mystery, Suspense
When the truth could cost you everything… Sometimes murder is the only way out.
When her husband is found dead in their Vail, Colorado mansion, Victoria Banks is accused of murder. Determined to prove her innocence, she hires famed detective Jack Martin to help find the real killer.
But when the two uncover a sinister plot some would kill to keep secret, could it cost both of them their lives?
With a growing list of suspects, can Jack find the killer in time to prove Victoria’s innocence? Or will he discover his beautiful client is actually guilty of murder?
From the mountain luxury of Vail, Colorado, to the oilfields outside Denver, Everything To Lose is a page-turning story of murder and greed.
Shannon Work grew up in Del Rio, a border town in the dusty wilds of West Texas. When she graduated from high school, she moved east to College Station and graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a master’s degree in Land Economics and Real Estate.
Most of her working life has been spent developing real estate, earning a national Best in America Living Award for one of her developments. After two failed starts at writing a novel while raising three kids and working, she retired to pursue her dream of writing mystery novels full time.
Shannon and her husband are recent empty nesters and split their time between Houston, Texas and Telluride, Colorado. Always with their laptops and dogs in tow.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
Seam Keepers (Seam Keepers Book 1) by Celaine Charles ~ Genre: Fantasy
Ashton Nichols dreads the changes graduation will bring, most of all, losing her impulsive best friend, Mason. Her world turns upside down when she follows him into the woods and encounters a demon and a destiny beyond what she ever imagined.
Mason Deed seeks freedom from his grief-stricken father. But after his encounter in the woods, he must think about Ashton’s safety. Hiding the truth from her about her identity leaves them both vulnerable and caught between good and evil.
Together they uncover the unimaginable. Will they find enough courage and strength to claim their own free will, save their families, and protect human souls?
Celaine Charles lives in the Pacific Northwest where she teaches elementary school, writes fiction and poetry, and blogs about her writing journey on Steps In Between.
Her YA Fantasy, Seam Keepers, debuted May 12, 2021 (The Wild Rose Press). Always busy, Celaine is currently drafting the sequel, Dream Keepers, along with a brand-new YA Contemporary Fantasy, Life Song.
Her poetry book, Colors Collected, debuted in August 2019. This book stemmed from her online poetry series, Colors, hosted on Channillo, and awarded Best Continuing Series, Best New Series, and Best Poetry Series for the 2018 Channillo Awards. In addition, she has poetry published with other various presses.
When Celaine isn’t writing, she is usually with family and friends, or hiking among the trees and the flowers in her beautiful evergreen state.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
Love on the Line(Women at Work Book 1) by Kirsten Fullmer ~ Genre: Women’s Fiction, Romance
In this epic and unique love story set in the wild mountains of West Virginia, a young woman and her unlikely friends find their way through multiple job hazards and terrible working conditions to achieve the unexpected.
Andrea never thought she’d live in a camp trailer or work outdoors in inhospitable climates; but eager to leave the stress and tedium of grad-school behind, she sets off with her estranged grandpa, Buck, to build a pipeline through the rugged mountains of West Virginia. She’s determined to understand the man and the family divide that drove him away. Once the job starts, she forms an unlikely friendship with Nick, the rough and tumble foreman of the bending crew. Most of the guys aren’t willing to accept her, and Rooster, the handsome, cocky, tie-in foreman, is determined that she’s a ridiculous distraction.
But building a pipeline is fraught with danger, fatigue, and confrontation as egos collide. Caught up in the all-male social microcosm, Andrea can’t help but understand the pecking order, and she’s at the bottom. Being a woman makes it even more unlikely she’ll be accepted. Buck proves to be a taskmaster, but a kindhearted teddy-bear of a man under a gruff exterior, and Andrea comes to love him, opening herself up to the pain of his past.
Rooster and Andrea are drawn to each other, yet they know an on-the-job romance will only cause problems. Rooster is tormented by his own past, and determined to prove himself to Buck, a pipeline ledged. Messing with the old man’s granddaughter is a line Rooster refuses to cross. But as Andrea shows herself to be a hard worker and a valuable member of the crew, she earns Rooster’s respect and he can’t keep his distance. It seems the couple can’t go back, they can’t move forward, and they can’t let go. Both will have to make sacrifices and take a chance on ruining their credibility in order to be together.
Kirsten is a writer with a love of art and design. She worked in the engineering field, taught college, and consulted free lance. Due to health problems, she retired in 2012 to travel with her husband. They live and work full time in a 40′ travel trailer with their little dog Bingo. Besides writing romance novels, she enjoys selling art on Etsy and spoiling their three grandchildren.
As a writer, Kirsten’s goal is to create strong female characters who face challenging, painful, and sometimes comical situations. She believes that the best way to deal with struggle, is through friendship and women helping women. She knows good stories are based on interesting and relatable characters.
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My latest book, Love on the Line, is the story of Andy, a woman who chooses to work building a pipeline in the rugged mountains of West Virginia. Why did I write about this? I wrote it partly because I was inspired by the experiences of my own daughter who entertained me with many of her personal experiences as a pipeliner. But I also wrote it because I too chose to work in a male dominated field back in the day. Some of the struggles of women in these fields are upsetting, but many are inspiring and funny, thus perfect material for the kind of books I love to write. Just because not many women choose to do it, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be done, right?
More than any time in recorded history, women are choosing to work in male dominated fields. Every day you come across a woman truck driver, firefighter, or pharmacist. And even though it’s become commonplace, many fields stick with their traditional titles such as policeman, draftsman, and even garbage man. Given this plus the infamous glass ceiling, why would a woman choose to spend their entire career fighting an uphill battle? There are a million reasons, but overwhelmingly, the answer I find is “because I want to” or “because the job appealed to me,” or “My dad and grandpa did it, why shouldn’t I?”
When was the idea planted for women to take the jobs they wanted, even if they were traditionally considered only suitable for men? Some would say with Eve, but both folklore and history are filled with women who not only worked at the jobs they pleased, they ruled societies: Joan of Ark and Cleopatra, to name a few. In Victorian times, women who wrote were forced to use a male pen name or work without recognition. But the women of my grandmother’s generation were forced to work at jobs considered appropriate only for men during world war II. They worked everywhere from factories to the fields. Sadly, after a taste of the liberation a paycheck affords a person, these women were expected to quietly step back into the kitchen once the men came home.
My mother’s generation, were blessed with not only their mother’s experiences, but all manner of modern conveniences which allowed them to clean and cook and generally care for their families in a fraction of the time it took their mothers. Many of these women took it upon themselves to “have it all” and step out into the working world, and not just as nurses and schoolteachers. Their bravery gave the women of my generation the encouragement and conviction that we too could plan a career. However, we quickly learned that we couldn’t be super mom and have a demanding and time consuming career without a shift in attitude, and this shift had to come from the men. The change had to happen not just because of the aforesaid glass ceiling on the job, but because we needed help at home.
Do I think only women who work have value, and somehow women who don’t work away from home are lesser somehow? Of course not! In my lifetime I have been a stay at home mom, a sick in bed mom, a full time student mom, an employed full time mom, and a retired mom. All of those words we put on women are pointless when you realize that we are in this together, and we should be supportive and understanding, no matter what roll you chose.
So, take a moment this summer to grab a copy of Love on the Line. Then curl up in a corner with a cup of coffee and prepare yourself for a heartwarming story filled with feminine strength, challenge, bravery, friendship, and romance.
Nina Soden 