You’ve been thinking about it for months — maybe even years. That story idea that keeps tugging at your imagination. The characters who live in the back of your mind. The plot twist you dream about late at night. But for one reason or another, you keep putting it off.
Sound familiar?
If so, it’s time to stop procrastinating and finally start writing your novel.
Why Do We Procrastinate?
Let’s be honest — procrastination isn’t about laziness. It’s about fear.
Fear of failure. Fear of not being good enough. Fear of starting something you might not finish. It’s easier to plan to write a book than to actually sit down and face a blank page.
But here’s the thing: every writer — from bestselling authors to first-time novelists — feels that fear. What separates those who finish a novel from those who don’t is the decision to write anyway.
The Myth of the “Perfect Time”
If you’re waiting for the stars to align, for a long weekend of uninterrupted silence, or for inspiration to strike like lightning — you’ll be waiting forever.
Life will always be busy. The dishes won’t wash themselves. Emails won’t stop. There’s no perfect moment to start writing.
But there’s always this moment.
And if you can commit to showing up for your story now, even for just ten minutes a day, you’ll be amazed at how quickly those words stack up.
5 Simple Ways to Start Writing Today
Ready to finally get those words out of your head and onto the page? Here are five easy, actionable tips to kickstart your writing habit:
1️⃣ Set a Tiny, Achievable Goal
Forget about writing an entire chapter. Start with 250 words. That’s one page. One scene. One conversation. Small goals build momentum.
2️⃣ Schedule It Like an Appointment
Carve out a specific time each day to write — even if it’s just ten minutes. Put it on your calendar. Treat it like a commitment you can’t break.
3️⃣ Silence Your Inner Critic
Your first draft isn’t supposed to be perfect. It’s supposed to exist. Let yourself write badly. The magic happens in the revision process.
4️⃣ Create a Distraction-Free Zone
Find a quiet space, silence your phone, and let those around you know you’re off-limits for a short while. Even brief, focused sessions make a difference.
5️⃣ Find Your Writing Tribe
Join a local writing group, an online community, or find a friend who loves books as much as you do. Accountability and encouragement matter.
Your Story Matters
Someone, somewhere, is waiting for the story you have to tell. Whether it’s a reader looking for escape, connection, or inspiration, they won’t find it if you never write it.
Stop waiting for the perfect time. Start writing today. Your future self (and your future readers) will thank you.
📖 Need a little guidance on outlining or planning your novel? I’ve written two indie author guides to help you along the way.
Check them out below and get started on your writing journey today!
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.
One pastor. Two women. When hearts collide and secrets rise, only God can decide who truly belongs.
A pastor has been left for dead and the suspected shooter is found at the scene with the blood stained weapon clinched in her trembling hand. Trina Buckhouse and Robin Wilder left the devil’s playground for holy and righteous church living. Friends since childhood, their bond could never be broken until they discovered a lustful appetite for the same man. Preacher James Dixon affectionately known as PJ has replaced Pastor Duncan and become the new pastor of New Way Missionary Baptist Church. The tall extremely handsome Ex-NFL star has a way with the word and these two women. Who will win his affection?
Brokenhearted, angry, and having constant panic attacks at every turn, because his killer is still on the loose, is where we find Pastor Preacher James Dixon. Watching the woman he thought would be his wife walk away from him left questions that only Trina could answer, but she all but disappeared. PJ Dixon finds himself navigating his life with no answers as to “why”. PJ was a ticking time bomb and with their first face-to-face meeting in almost a year’s time, it was explosive! With the emergence of another man, Detective Rollins, in Trina’s life, PJ finds himself engulfed with a new emotion…jealousy! Detective Rollins is a thorn in PJ’s side for a myriad of reasons, but one of those reasons will cause him to question every significant relationship in his life. PJ’s partnership with jealousy and anger will cause out of control behavior that leads him into several altercations. How does he handle all that is going on in his personal life and continue to pastor a thriving church? Everyone seems to have a motive or a secret, coming from every direction. Will PJ get his woman back, or will he become a casualty of love?
A four-time published author, Tamara Rashelle discovered her love for storytelling in grade school, crafting imaginary books, characters, and even author names instead of turning in assigned book reports. That early spark grew into a lifelong passion, leading to the release of her debut Christian fiction novel, Buck, Wild and the Preacher, followed by its drama-filled sequel, Preacher’s Heart. She later shared her own powerful testimony through two more books, offering readers a transparent look at healing, faith, and freedom.
In addition to writing, Tamara Rashelle is the founder of Everybody’s Favorite Auntie, LLC, a faith-centered brand offering plant-based meal prep, spiritual coaching, and counseling. Her coaching extends to ghostwriting and mentoring aspiring authors, guiding them through the process of bringing their own stories to life. Whether through fiction, personal testimony, or helping others find their voice, her mission is to lead others toward purpose, healing, and hope—one story at a time.
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.
Fast-paced, funny and full of wild twists. Gemma is a force of nature in this quirky, action-packed ride through Arizona’s weirdest crimes.
My name is Gemma Stone and I’ve been a Maricopa County Sheriff’s Deputy for five years and nothing has prepared me for the return of the wild, wild West. A bloodthirsty outlaw gang straight out of the 1850’s is rustling cattle, robbing trains and killing people. These two-legged varmints are also linked to a dangerous enemy from my parents’ past who is determined to destroy our family.
My personal life got even more complicated. Off duty, I’m a ballroom dancer and my dad has always been supportive of my dancing, but to discover the reason why was jaw dropping. What other secrets was he hiding?
Dealing with hyperactive chickens blowing things up, an overprotective Brahma bull and Grandpa Reynolds suddenly parking his RV in our pasture makes me think Armageddon is coming to Arizona.
Law enforcement isn’t for the fainthearted. Are you crazy enough to enter my world?
Author’s note: I was a 9-1-1 dispatcher for way too many years and this novella contains some of the wilder incidents that occurred.
Howdy. My name is Gail Koger and once upon a time I was a 9-1-1 dispatcher. Too many years of wild requests, screwy questions, bizarre behavior and outrageous demands have left me with a permanent twitch and an uncontrollable craving for chocolate. I took up writing science fiction romance to keep from killing people. So far, it has worked.
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.
Becket Weston meets his match when he tries his bad boy skills on the wrong woman.
Cowboy Becket Weston likes women, plural, and has a reputation for breaking hearts. His bad-boy behavior masks a deeper need to atone for past mistakes. His side-hustle—using a pseudonym and posting comic drawings of ranch life on social media—lets him explore life, love, and grief without being exposed. He even has a following! But no amount of introspection can explain his fascination with Eleanor Campbell—Main Street, Marietta’s newest shopkeeper. She’s definitely not his type, so why does she keep turning up in his drawings?
Ellie Campbell isn’t one for staying long in any one place, but when she inherits money from her grandmother and decides to open a yarn store in small-town Marietta, it feels like she’s putting down roots. She’s not looking for a relationship after one too many hard knocks, literally, but Becket Weston gets under her skin like no other, igniting passion that’s impossible to ignore.
He’s a bad boy playboy and everyone knows it, but there’s something about him that just doesn’t add up. Does Ellie have the courage to stick around and find a way into his heart?
Widowed rancher Hayden Weston knows what it means to be responsible for his siblings, his eight-year-old son, and the running of the huge family cattle ranch. Some even call him a stern and grumpy taskmaster and they’re not exactly wrong. So when Hayden discovers his son reading a storybook instead of doing chores, he calls on Luke’s teacher to talk about priorities.
School teacher Laura Anderson is new to Marietta, Montana, and has never—until now—been reprimanded for encouraging a child to read. It doesn’t help that sweet Luke’s father is the handsome cowboy with the amber eyes that she met in Grey’s Saloon, or that she’s wildly attracted to him.
Sparks keep flying as their paths keep crossing, but Hayden is determined not to give in to his incomprehensible need to have, hold, and protect Laura from any type of harm. He’s the one who’ll hurt her if he lets her stray too close. He’s not ready to admit his feelings or commit to sharing his life with her.
I have been reading love stories for as long as I can remember and when I ‘met’ the classic authors like Jane Austen, Elizabeth Gaskell, Henry James The Brontë sisters, etc. during my Honours studies, I was hooked for life. I married my college boyfriend and soul mate and after 47 years, 3 interesting and wonderful children and 4 beautiful grandchildren, he still makes me weak in the knees. We are fortunate to live in the picturesque little seaside village of Betty’s Bay, South Africa with the ocean a block away and a beautiful mountain right behind us. And although life so far has not always been an easy ride, it has always been an exciting and interesting one! I like the heroines in my stories to be beautiful, feisty, independent and headstrong. And the heroes must be strong but possess a generous amount of sensitivity. They are of course, also gorgeous! My stories typically incorporate the family background of the characters to better understand where they come from and who they are when we meet them in the story.
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Can you, for those who don’t know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?
I did a teaching diploma after school, stayed at home for ten years while our kids were small before going back to work. While I was working as an administrator in the English Department of a nearby university, I was inspired to study again. I was forty. I got an Honors degree in English and also did a MPhil in Document Analyses and Design, thinking that it was something I could do when I retire. But then I entered a magazine competition looking for romance authors way back in 2008 and was fortunate enough to be the winner. The prize was the publication of my first book – I was hooked. Growing up, my mother was an avid romance reader and there were always stacks of love stories in the house, particularly stacks of Mills & Boons. I literally read thousands of them.
I met Jane Porter from Tule Publishing when she visited ROSA (The Romance Writers Organization of South Africa) in 2016. Afterwards I sent her a manuscript, she liked it and since then I’ve published seven books with Tule – an extraordinary team of women. I count myself extremely fortunate to be able work with them.
I’m married to my college boyfriend who is also my best friend and my soulmate. We have three grown-up kids who have long since left the house and are each doing their bit to make this world a better place. We are so proud of them and are blessed with four grandkids who are just growing up way too fast.
I mostly write in Afrikaans and have around seventy books published by various publishers in South Africa. I have also written two children’s stories.
What is something unique/quirky about you?
I’m an introvert, something I’ve only discovered when I was much older. I like people and I’m blessed with a a circle of close friends, but I need to be alone to re-charge. I can’t do late nights, for instance, by ten my battery is flat!
I’m no chef but I love to cook for the people I love and nothing gives me more pleasure than to have our whole family around a table.
Where were you born/grew up at?
I was born in a small town called Upington in South Africa. As kids we swam in the Orange River and went camping in the Kalahari Desert.
If you knew you’d die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?
With my husband, our children and grandchildren, of course. Around a table, eating and telling stories.
What kind of world ruler would you be?
I’ll put women in charge of education, hospitals and the police. Start from the ground up, teach children respect before anything else and let kids play. A lot.
What do you do to unwind and relax?
I read, go for long walks, knit or crochet. I’m fortunate enough to have a very special group of women I can call friends. Visiting them always makes my heart sing. We’ve known each other for such a long time. We have a Whatsapp group and during tough times, we rely on each other to help us carry whatever burden we have. During Covid, especially, it was a kind of lifeline. We shared recipes for bread, for food, books we’ve read and sometimes just something silly that has happened. It was a wonderful way to keep our spirits up,
Describe yourself in 5 words or less!
Disciplined, dedicated, passionate, impatient, a sucker for a story or movie with a happy ending.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
After about twenty books J
Do you have a favorite movie?
Pretty woman
Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
A family with the cowboy! Liam Hemsworth would make a very sexy Hayden Weston and Brie Larson would make a lovely Laura.
As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
A leopard. They are solitary animals and like to walk alone. As hopeless introvert, I can relate.
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.
Exiled alien prince Jarren Graf has never encountered a scent like Lissa Reyes.
Exiled alien prince Jarren Graf has never encountered a scent like Lissa Reyes’.
Abducted from Earth by Jarren, high-achiever Lissa Reyes discovered something hunted her scent. Both their scents, that is. As the key to reclaiming his throne and ending generations of galactic subjugation, Lissa knew Jarren could not let her go. But as a prince from a world built on olfactory power, Jarren’s passions flared with her close. Every whiff grew their desire. Every touch increased their hunger for each other. By fate or chance, their love would change his civilization.
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What are your top 10 favorite books/authors? Right now- N.K Jemison, Octavia Butler, Sheryl Kaleo, Jon Scalzi, Christopher Pike, Louise Penny, Anne McCaffrey, Arkady Martine, Stephen King, Virginia Henley
How long have you been writing? I have been writing for more than forty years.
Do the characters all come to you at the same time or do some of them come to you as you write? The main characters are in my head from inception. As I write, other characters pop up.
What kind of research do you do before you begin writing a book? I do a lot of location research before I write. I look at pictures of places or of worlds. The beauty of writing science fiction is that I can make up worlds based on what I understand is common assumptions of the fantastical. The rest of my research pops up when something in the story happens and I don’t know enough about it to write it. I have bookshelves of reference books. Mostly on fantasy creatures like fairies or dragons but a few on trees in North America or dictionaries on flora growth. Even books on clothing in different centuries.
Do you see writing as a career? Yes. It is my career. I may not always or regularly make a lot of money at it, but I am blessed to be able to write full time for the moment. IF I need to work for cash, I will still continue to write books for publication. Career or not, writers write. It’s what we do.
What do you think about the current publishing market? The current publishing market is like the record store and music industry market of the early I pod era. And possibly as painful. I have been traditionally and self-published. Trad publishers built companies around a service that could produce high-quality emotional stories. This is their bread and butter. They make profit from that business model. But if an individual has enough talent and resources, they can produce their own phenomenal book without giving a cut to the trad publishers. It is more work and higher costs, but you retain creative power and you keep your profit. It isn’t easy, but it is freeing to be able to create something readers will enjoy without trad publishers trying to reshape and constrain it as they see fit. Self-published succeed or fail on their own recognizance.
Some publishing companies have gotten on board with self-publishing to continue profiting from their established publishing structures, like IngramSpark. Others traditional publishers are just now trying to shift into that now-crowded market. And even still, there are a few holding tight to the old way of profiting. My only gripe is with organizations that restrict their writing contests to exclude self-published authors. Both my editors also work(ed) for the Big Five. My books benefitted from the same editorial talent as the Big Five. I just had to pay out of pocket. My books are of the same caliber of writing quality as traditionally published works. Dear contest runners: don’t exclude good stories from your pools. Let the words speak for themselves. I am sure the Big Five, and their resources, can handle the competition.
Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre? Yes. I read mostly self-published fantasy. Right now, I’m reading J.R Geraci’s Creator of the Stones. I have found that self-published authors are willing to take risks with their stories so those stories tend to be more interesting to me. I also read some sci-fi romance (of course- Thanks Veronica Scott) and I love erotic fiction. Try Sadie Waters and her reverse harem erotic fantasy, Chosen By the Princess.
Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why? Silence. I am easily distracted.
Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time? Because I write in several age groups which require different processes for publication, I write up to three books at once. I just finished the second children’s book of a trilogy. It’s with the illustrator. I am finishing up my new YA fantasy- back from the editor. And I am working through the second of an erotic fantasy- it’s slow-going because it is a lower priority as a second book with no publication date as of yet.
If you could have been the author of any book ever written, which book would you choose? My respect for the lived experiences of authors which inform their stories requires me to say I would only want to author my own books. Of my books, I would choose the first of my Guardians series. I traveled to Ethiopia to research the location.
Pen or type writer or computer? Pen or computer. I no longer have a type-writer, although I know what it is.
Tell us about a favorite character from a book. Akasha from Anne Rice’s Queen of the Damned is incredibly multi-dimensional. In romance, I’ve loved Nellie Grayson from Jude Deveraux’s Wishes and Eleanor from Virginia Henley’s The Dragon and the Jewel.
What made you want to become an author and do you feel it was the right decision? The thing that gives me purpose is writing stories that help to shape others as books I’ve read shaped me. It is the right decision because I am doing something I love and doing my very small part in guiding our species to greater understanding and kindness.
A day in the life of the author? I get up around 8 am and get my kid and myself dressed. Downstairs for a quick breakfast and getting lunch ready and we are off to the bus stop. After a chat with the other parents and seeing the kid off, I walk back to my house and begin my writing for the day, my admin for the day or my social posts. I am usually interrupted by something- my mother, my kid’s school, my mother in law. SOMETHING. And so I go off and handle that. When I am done I continue writing or thinking (writing for me is more thought and less typing). On some days, I go to the gym. Gotta keep the mind prime. Exercise helps. Then I clean and cook and throw in a load of laundry downstairs. The alarm goes off and I head back to the bus stop for pick-up. And my writing is done for the day.
My kid gets home and wants to watch TV, so we battle about doing her homework and studying her French spelling words. That done, I send her for a snack as I review her homework. Then we do a spelling test and, if I am working on a kid’s book, I will have her look at the illustrations or promotions. We watch a bit of PBS kids and I cook dinner or the partner comes home and cooks dinner. He actually enjoys cooking. I do not. After dinner, the kid gets music videos and I or my partner put her to bed then we get to watch our adult TV. If he puts the kid to bed, I may do more admin or writing while he’s upstairs. As of this writing, we are finishing up the Residence (exceptional!) and starting on Andor and The Last of Us. Then I pack the kid’s lunch for the next day and we are off to get ready for bed.
Advice they would give new authors? Every person has at least one story to tell. It belongs only to that person. Don’t let any nay-sayer question your right to write your story. Also expect to have to work all the time. A writing career is a ton of work. Most of us can’t be Nora Roberts or Stephen King. We are just doing our best with the reward of doing what we truly love as our career. When the world knocks you down, remember why you are writing, then get back up and keep going.
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.
When PJ and his team of Paranormal Pursuers unearth the sinister secrets of the Scottish village of Pittenweem’s witch-hunting past, they must confront the malevolent spirit of a young boy to save the villagers from chaos and terror.
The Phantoms of Pittenweem PJ and the Paranormal Pursuers Book 2 by Jacqui Dempster Genre: YA, Teen Paranormal Adventure
After moving from New York to Edinburgh to live with his aunt, PJ very quickly discovered the parallel worlds of the living and the dead when he was forced to battle the evil Mackenzie Poltergeist at Greyfriars Kirkyard.
Now, PJ and his fellow ghost-hunting friends are invited to stay in the picturesque fishing village of Pittenweem in Fife, a place which, unbeknown to them, has haunting echoes of its witch-hunting past.
However, their holiday promises to be anything but peaceful, as witchcraft and superstition threatens to bring terror and chaos to the villagers and the Paranormal Pursuers must face off with the malevolent spirit of a young boy, Patrick Morton. Can they find a way to prevent him from reviving the dark and sinister past of Pittenweem before it’s too late?
After his mom dies, PJ reluctantly leaves his New York home and everyone he loves, to live with his Aunt Katie in Edinburgh. A series of strange events begin when his aunt’s elderly neighbour and her cat Azrael convince him that his mom, weirdly, is still very much with him. At a bereavement counselling group, PJ makes a new group of friends, all of whom have lost loved ones. Drawn together by their shared experiences, they soon discover they have something else in common; an interest in the supernatural. Freya is the daughter of a white witch, Sunny has a scientific and enquiring mind and Shuggie, a superfan of ghost hunting programmes. Led by PJ, they try to prove that there is life after death and that their loved ones are still with them. The team receives strange messages leading them to investigate Greyfriars Kirkyard where they experience terrifying paranormal activity and PJ is drawn into the clutches of the evil Mackenzie Poltergeist after reciting a famous rhyme that invites the restless spirit to draw back the bolt of his scary mausoleum to allow him entry. There, he finds himself in a fight of good against evil with the ghost of Sir George Mackenzie.
“If you are, or know someone who is a teenager with a newfound interest in the supernatural and paranormal, this is the book for you.” The Courier and Advertiser (Fife Edition)
“PJ and his friends make a great group of characters, and there’s lots of laughter to be had as well as scares, while ‘auld reekie’ provides the perfect backdrop for these ghostly goings-on.” LoveReading4Kids & LoveReading4Schools
“This is a terrific story for teen readers to devour on a spooky autumn evening.” The School Librarian (TSL)
Jacqui Dempster qualified as a solicitor in 1999 but now works as a malpractice investigator for an education and qualifications organisation. She lives in Dunfermline, Fife, with partner, Andrew, and various ‘borrowed’ doggies who visit regularly. Jacqui loves dogs, especially Jack Russell Terriers and thinks if they ruled the world, it would be a better place! The doggy motifs on the cover of her books represent Dug and Buddy who belong to the characters, Shuggie and PJ. Dug is based on Jacqui’s own beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Smudge, and her grandpup, Gus, both of whom have sadly passed over the Rainbow Bridge. Jacqui loves theatre and ran performing arts schools for young people in Fife. She produced and directed various shows at the Edinburgh Fringe. When not either working or writing, she loves to paint and crochet, and of course, read books. Her first children’s book in this series, PJ and the Paranormal Pursuers– The Mackenzie Poltergeist, was published by The Book Guild in 2021. Jacqui explains: “The supernatural has featured in my life since I was young, with a grandfather who saw ghosts regularly and other members of the family, on my Welsh side, having strange experiences and even dabbling in magic! I studied on the Edinburgh University Koestler Parapsychology course to learn about the science of the Paranormal. I have also been on a few ghost investigations with mixed results. I live in Fife nowadays and often visit the beautiful towns and villages within the county. Fife was one of the famous areas where ‘witches’ were persecuted, and the story of the Pitteweem Witches is particularly well known. In my book, the story is told for a younger reader involving a contemporary allegory about one of the young characters, Freya, who is a Wiccan. The subject of Scotland’s witches came up in 2022, when an apology was issued by the then First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon to those persecuted, tortured and executed, and MSPs were invited to consider legislation to pardon them. I enjoy writing about various places we’ve visited, and especially about any with spooky stories attached on my Medium Daily Digest blog.” Jacqui loves history and enjoys embracing fact with fiction in her books which she hopes encourages not only a love of reading in young people but also the desire to learn about events of the past which often influence the present and the future.
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Who are the Dogs on the Cover of PJ and The Paranormal Pursuers – The Phantoms of Pittenweem?
Well, the small white dog, who appeared on the cover of my first PJ book, The Mackenzie Poltergeist, was designed from a photograph of my beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Smudge. Sadly, at the time the first book went to print, Smudge, who was almost 17 had been terribly ill for a while. The book has a dedication to him but he went to the Rainbow Bridge before publication and I wanted his memory to live on. He does so as ‘Dug,’ Shuggie’s JRT in the book and as the motif on the covers. The other dog, added for the Phantoms of Pittenweem is modelled on Gus, another family dog. He was a Schnauzer who was also a lovely soul. When he wasn’t freshly groomed, he was a shaggy dog on whom I modelled Buddy, PJ’s dog. Gus had also travelled the Rainbow Bridge by the time the new book was published and he joins Smudge on the cover of my second book.
As many people will understand, the grief of losing a pet, who is very much a family member, friend and companion is hard – often just as hard as losing a human. I was devastated at the loss of Smudge and resolved never to have another dog of my own because the pain and trauma was too great. I know that many people say that you should offer another dog a happy home and believe me, I have been tempted – until that wave of grief crashes over me and reminds me of what we went through. I have written about Smudge extensively on my blog; one part (For the Love of Smudge) telling his story and the second part (I’m only talking to my dog today) which explains the strange events after his death which convinced me he was still around and sending messages to say he was OK. These can be found here: Jacqueline Dempster – Medium. I hope that the articles help those of you who find themselves grief stricken after the loss of a beloved pet.
My days of doggy love are not over, however. Although we don’t have any of our own, we did join an organisation called ‘Borrow my Doggy,’ which offers just what it says on the tin! For a small annual fee, you can offer to borrow other people’s doggies when they need company during the week or a place to stay when their people want to go on holiday. It’s worked out brilliantly for us and we’ve had the joy of looking after Winnie, a Jack Russell Terrier (who looks remarkably like Smudge) and Arlo who is a very cheeky little JRT/Shih Tzu cross. We also look after our grandpups, Willow (guess what – a JRT whose arrival as a pup was accurately predicted by one of the animal psychics I consulted after we lost Smudge) and Pepper, a Poodle/Bichon Frise cross. We have a new boy, Joe, (JRT) coming to visit and stay for holidays very soon! I am certain that Smudge knows that we’ll never replace him but has a hand in bringing all these perfect friends into our lives. It is very strange how all of the borrowed doggies who’ve arrived on our doorstep have been JRTs and I am certain our boy has a hand in it. To be honest, I love each one of them dearly and while they are not our dogs, the grief of losing any of them will be hard. I can console myself, however, knowing that we’ve been able to give them a welcome and the comfort of a loving home from home whenever their mums and dads need a holiday, or just to stop them getting lonely while their people are working. They return the love in spades and I wouldn’t be without them. They’ve also been very willing to read my books as you might gather from the photographs!
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His friends may be IMAGINARY… but the danger is REAL!
Imaginary Heroes by Michael Seidelman Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy Adventure
His friends may be IMAGINARY… but the danger is REAL!
Twelve-year-old Matthew’s life has been incredibly challenging because of his Tourette Syndrome, a disorder which causes uncontrollable movements and sounds. Isolated and tormented by bullies at school, Matthew finds solace in the company of his lifelong imaginary friends, a lovable green monster and a tough-as-nails little girl.
On his way home from school one day, as Matthew is pursued by his relentless tormentors, they all crash into a mysterious underground lair. At first, it seems that being trapped with the bullies who make his life miserable is his biggest problem. That is, until he and the others discover that they are not alone.
Hunted by a menacing presence lurking in the depths, Matthew and the bullies must confront a threat to their very existence. Their desperate mission becomes clear: put their differences aside and work together to find a way to safety before they are all consumed by the darkness.
Although fictional, the book is inspired by the author’s own childhood experiences with bullying, loneliness, and Tourette Syndrome. He set out to craft an engaging story while exploring issues many kids can relate to—told from the perspective of someone who has lived them firsthand.
When Michael Seidelman was growing up, his passions were reading, watching movies, enjoying nature and creative writing. Not much has changed since then.
Working in Online Marketing for over ten years, Michael felt it was time to pursue his passion and began writing The Garden of Syn trilogy.
His latest Middle Grade book, Imaginary Heroes, is personal for Michael. While fiction, the book is inspired by his own childhood experiences with bullying, loneliness, and Tourette’s Syndrome. He set out to tell an entertaining story while delving into issues many kids can relate to, told by someone who has experienced them firsthand.
Michael was born in Vancouver, BC Canada where he continues to reside.
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Can you tell us what your book is about? Imaginary Heroes follows twelve-year-old Matthew, who struggles with Tourette Syndrome and relentless bullies. He finds comfort in his imaginary friends—a tough girl named Nabie and a lovable green monster named Garby. But when Matthew and his tormentors become trapped in a mysterious underground lair, they must work together to escape before the darkness consumes them all.
What inspired you to write this story? I wanted to dedicate my next book to my nephew, who’s an avid reader, so I decided to write something for his age group. I was working on the final book in my young adult Garden of Syn trilogy when I heard a radio segment about the host’s imaginary friends—and that sparked something in me. I began thinking about my own imaginary friends from childhood and the challenges I faced, like bullying and Tourette Syndrome. From there, the story came together naturally.
Are any parts of the story based on your real-life experiences? Very much so. While the book is fictional with elements of fantasy and adventure, Matthew—the protagonist—is similar to me when I was his age. Like me, he has Tourette Syndrome and is bullied at school. Because of his isolation, he still talks to the same imaginary friends I once had: Nabie & Garby. Although I left my imaginary friends behind in kindergarten, I brought them back for this story. The bullies, especially Declan, are inspired by the real ones I encountered growing up.
What was your favorite scene to write? While the fantastical parts were a lot of fun, my favorite scene to write was when Matthew finally snaps and tells his main bully, Declan, how the constant bullying has impacted his life. It’s everything I wish I could have said to my bullies but never did. Writing that moment was incredibly cathartic.
Did any other books or authors influence your writing? Absolutely. Growing up, I loved Roald Dahl and Enid Blyton. Their creativity and heart have definitely influenced my own writing style. I also drew inspiration from a few other authors I’ve read over the years who know how to mix humor, suspense and imagination.
Are there any hidden details or easter eggs in the book that readers should look for? So many! While most might go unnoticed, I’ve included the names of businesses my great-grandparents owned, a former teacher’s name, and references to historic Vancouver companies—even though the story is set in Washington State. It’s a little way for me to honor my roots.
What was the most challenging part of writing the book? Writing kids wasn’t too difficult—I was one, after all! But writing kids in a different era than the one I grew up in was definitely a challenge. I had to do quite a bit of research to make sure it felt authentic. My nephew and my sister, who’s a teacher, were incredibly helpful in that process.
Do you plot out your stories in advance or make them up as you go? I’m definitely a “Plotter.” While some authors are “Pantsers” who write by the seat of their pants, I outline everything in advance. I map out the details for each chapter before I even start writing. Sure, some things change along the way, but the major plot points are always planned out from the beginning.
What do you hope kids take away from your book? First and foremost, I hope they have fun reading it. Above all, I aim to entertain. But I also hope the story encourages empathy—that kids will come away understanding that people who are different from them deserve kindness and compassion just like anyone else.
Is there anything else you’d like to add? I just want to thank everyone for checking out my books—whether it’s Imaginary Heroes or The Garden of Syn trilogy. If you read the book and want to share your thoughts or ask me anything, feel free to reach out on social media or through my website. I’d love to hear from you!
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 if we could be the heroes we pretend to be? Revary by Abigail Linhardt
Genre: YA Epic Fantasy Adventure
In a small Midwestern town, Celeste and her friends find escape from the pressures of senior year through their tabletop roleplaying games. But when Celeste stumbles upon a way to actually enter their imagined realm, fantasy becomes a reality. Suddenly, the friends find themselves living out their greatest adventure. In Revary, they can be anyone they want: brave warriors, powerful mages, or cunning rogues. But as they explore this magical world of their own creation, they discover it is threatened by a mysterious force that is causing the fantastic world to vanish into darkness. With Revary in peril and tensions rising in their world, Celeste and her friends must navigate the blurring lines between imagination and reality. As they fight to save their creation, they’ll confront fantastical dangers and the real-life issues they’ve been avoiding. “Revary is a spellbinding journey that explores the power of friendship, the courage to face reality, and the magic of storytelling.” –ARC Review
Abi works part-time as a freelance ghostwriter, editor, audiobook narrator, and is one half of the partnership that owns Altered Reality Magazine. She hopes to one day make these passions her full-time job while she hunts for the next bohemian adventure. She has published works of fiction, poetry, academia, and even won awards for her short stories in science fiction and horror. Her novel, The Trial of Two, was named an Honorable Mention in the Writer’s Digest 2021 self-publishing awards and won first place in the dark fantasy category in The BookFest Awards. Abi is also a proud mom of ferrets. She currently resides in Kansas. She is one of nine children–all of whom share the creative spark.
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.
A not-always-sentimental vacation to the ’50s, ’60s, ‘and ’70s. Bring your swimsuit.
Downeyoshun by Art Young Genre: Recent Historical Family Fiction
Sally Osterhoff is a genius. When she grows up, she wants to be a mathematician, a teacher, and a carpenter; and she plans to swim in the 1968 and 1972 Olympics.
Her mother has other ideas, and will emotionally and physically abuse Sally to fit them. After all, she only wants what is best for her child. But between her father trying his best, the family next door who practically adopts her, and her Aunt & Uncle down in Ocean City where she spends her summers, Sally just might have the support and love she needs to make all of her dreams come true.
Set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights struggles, the Vietnam War, and the early Feminist movement, the story explores the power of found family, and how unconditional love can come from the least expected places. Downeyoshun is a not-always-sentimental vacation to the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s. Bring your swimsuit.
Praise about the book: “Arthur Young will introduce you to a special world, East Baltimore, and its vacation spot, Ocean City, with his warm Downeyoshun. Not that life is perfect – not all mothers are kind, and the VietNam war casts a shadow. But you’ll feel as if you’ve met new friends as you follow his characters through the challenges of growing up. In his skillful telling, the fabric of a family and a neighborhood comes to life. You may even find yourself becoming a Baltimore Hon!” –Pamela Zerba, Contributor Atheists in America, Writer, Creative York Contest Winner
“Be prepared to fall in love with one of the most endearing literary characters of the century thus far. Ultimately, this is a book about family, the one you’re stuck with and the one you make. By the end, Sally will feel like part of yours. You will thoroughly enjoy your trip Downeyoshun.” -Robert Akridge, Writer
Art Young is a Baltimore-born U.S. Navy / Vietnam / Agent Orange veteran and cancer survivor. He was once a carny in a traveling gadget show, and has worked as a fire-extinguishing-system installer and serviceman, a brewery’s route delivery salesman, flexographic press operator, licensed boiler-plant engineer, and a storyteller. He much prefers the last.
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.
Sadie encounters a nemesis from her past. Is it coincidence or is it something more sinister? Book 2 reveals the truth!
Vengeful CONspiracies A Sadie Sabatini Mystery Book 2 by Nicole Leiren Genre: Cozy Mystery
Sadie is settling into her new life in Wilson, Texas. She’s making friends and her business, Tesoro, is starting to thrive. But the past is never far behind. When two former team members come for a visit, they bring trouble in the form of a mutual enemy set on revenge threatening to disrupt Sadie’s fresh start.
She can’t turn her back on her team, though. They’ve been through too much together. The more Sadie tries to help, the more she suspects she might be the target of the con this time. With forces conspiring against her, the outcome of her decisions, both past and present, weigh heavily and make her question the choices she made leading to this point.
When their mutual enemy is found dead, alliances are tested, and wits are matched as the race to the truth reveals who can be trusted and who is running their final con.
Sadie Sabatini thinks of herself as a modern-day Robin Hood who uses her gift as a skilled con artist to help those who have nowhere else to turn. Leading this life is rewarding, but the number of enemies are piling up. Sadie decides to lay low and start over with a new (and legitimate business) in the small town of Wilson, Texas, situated on a small peninsula in beautiful Lake Amore.
Trouble is never far behind though and her past catches up to her in a big way when a friend of a former mark threatens blackmail for his silence. When he turns up dead and Sadie is the prime suspect, she realizes this time she must protect herself. Her skills prove helpful as she digs deeper into the web of revenge, blackmail, and secrets to discover she’s not the only one with a past to hide.
As the threats mount, Sadie knows she’s closing in on the truth. She now worries that the few new friends she’s made in town are in danger because of her. With time running out, can she protect those around her and find the real killer before this new chapter in her life is conned out of a happy ending?
Described by those who know her best as perky, quirky and effervescent, USA Today Best-Selling author Nicole Leiren likes to have fun — in life, with her characters and, of course, her readers. She admits to being sassy (just ask her mother!) and inspiration for her characters are drawn from the real-world heroes and heroines she meets while traversing the country. Nicole enjoys sharing the love, laughter, mystery, and occasionally a touch of the mayhem she forces her characters to endure—all for the reader’s pleasure! Her real-world heroes and heroines will keep you turning the pages until you reach the whodunit or happily ever after (usually both!)
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Fun facts about the Author (that you might not find anywhere else)
As I share in a lot of my blog posts, I was born in a small town. My parents both worked their entire careers in the medical field. My mom was a registered nurse who spent the majority of her career in geriatric care (nursing homes.) Her love for others and the way she cares for them served as a great inspiration for Sadie’s mom in the new series. Interestingly enough, she has teased me for years about writing female characters who don’t have good relationships with their mothers. She would narrow her gaze and say, “Are you trying to tell me something?” To which I always replied with a laugh, “No, mom. If they got along great with everyone, including their parents, there would be no drama. And what story doesn’t have some drama??!!” So for my mom (who I have a great relationship with, by the way), I decided Sadie’s family drama could be with another member of the family and she and her parents would have a strong, supportive relationship.
Let’s see, I started going to a private, Christian school when I was in 7th grade. After my mom witnessed a drug deal in the parking lot of the school I was attending, she decided my sister and I needed to be educated elsewhere. She and my dad worked hard and sacrificed to afford the tuition so I worked hard in return and graduated co-valedictorian of my class at age 16. Lest anyone get the wrong impression that I’m super smart, I’ll stop you right there. I’d say I was of average intelligence possessing a gift for knowing what teachers liked to read in essays and worked very hard. I also had a knack for picking classes that helped me earn the credits necessary to accumulate for graduation. I didn’t go on to Harvard or anything like that. Instead, I went to a local community college and got my associates degree in secretarial science, specializing in the legal field. I won’t regale you with any more tales of my education journey other than to tell you I went back to college after I got married (at age 19) and had a baby (at age 20) to get my Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management.
I’ve been married to my real world hero for 36 years now and we just have the one child, who is now married and has gifted me the sweetest little grandson ever. Both my daughter and her husband (and now their child) are only children so it makes for some interesting dynamics in their household.
For fun, I love to sing karaoke and perform every year in a variety show hosted by the neighborhood I live in. We do four shows in three nights and it is a way we build community. Perhaps if Sadie’s story continues, we’ll have a book that is centered around the show. I also have my red-black belt in taekwondo and would love some day to get my black belt. However, as it’s been a very long time since I’ve studied the martial art, I fear the time it would take me to get back up to speed and learn all I needed to in order to achieve that might not be in the cards. Although, one never knows what the future holds! With starting piano lessons when I was in elementary school, I loved playing and my initial dream was to be a concert pianist and play at Carnegie Hall. Being a realist, I knew the likelihood of that was slim to none and I enjoy eating to much to be a starving artist (hence why I still have a day job while pursuing my writing career 😉) Being a wife, mom, employee, and student left little time for such things, but I’m happy to report that my husband encouraged me to procure a keyboard in December of 2024 that has the “real feel” keys and I’ve set aside time a couple times a week to begin playing again. It does my soul good to hear the music again.
I think that’s enough fun facts/secrets for one sharing session – thanks for hanging out with me.
I am happy to be one of many tour hosts sharing information about
Nina Soden 