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Running is easier than facing my mistakes, than facing him.
Despite all my good intentions and a metric ton of dry shampoo, my life is always one step away from falling apart. What’s a girl to do? Run. Hide. Pretend like all my mistakes never happened.
Running is easier than facing my mistakes, than facing him.
Tall, tattooed, and built like a concrete wall, Puck Kelly is the sexiest man I’d ever seen. He’s also a Desert King and I’m pretty sure he killed…for me.
The messed up part? That only makes me want him more.
Candi Scott is the ultra steamy pen name for award winning author Leslie Scott.
Author of Two Hearts, One Stone and the Black Water Magic Series, Leslie Scott has been writing stories for as long as she can remember. The happier the ending, the better. Currently, she lives and writes amidst her own happily ever after with her soul mate, son, and domestic zoo. http://www.lesliescottwrites.com
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.
Princess Evangeline has an insatiate lust for power. As her kingdom’s most feared warrior and heiress to the throne, she plans to one day rule in her father’s place, just as she rules over countless men during secret nights of sin.
But when the castle falls to a new enemy, Evangeline becomes a slave in her own kingdom, forced to obey the heartless queen’s commands to honor her father’s dying wish: to protect her people.
The princess craves vengeance, but can she resist the carnal magnetism between her and Prince Rune, the queen’s son and royal pawn? And as rebellion brews, can she trust Rune, the man with the power to quench her torrid flames, to be her greatest ally?
T. Pike grew up in Northwest Arkansas where she swam competitively for more than 17 years. After graduating from Texas A&M University with an English degree and All-American honors, she returned home to pursue her master’s in English and write her debut novel: Some Call Me Eve. Now a law student, she enjoys running and hiking with her dogs and exploring the mountains with her partner.
One of the things I love most about urban fantasy is its ability to blend magic, mystery, and modern life into a world that feels both familiar and fantastical. But when you throw in a mind-blowing plot twist? Chef’s kiss. That’s the kind of storytelling that lingers — the kind that makes you flip back pages asking, “Wait, did that just happen?”
Here’s a curated list of urban fantasy books that completely pull the rug out from under you in the best way — each with a twist I did not see coming.
Twist Factor: ✨ The true loyalties of Rachel’s co-workers
What starts as a witch trying to break free from her magical law enforcement job spirals into betrayals and shifting alliances. The twist? One of the people Rachel thought she could trust most ends up playing a much darker game than she realized — and it flips the entire dynamic of the series moving forward.
This series opener introduces us to Mercy Thompson, a mechanic with a coyote-shifter secret. Just when the plot seems to be following the typical “urban shifter” path, a shocking betrayal from within the pack sends everything sideways. It’s subtle at first, but the full weight of it hits hard when revealed.
This Kate Daniels series starter dives deep into a dangerous world of shifting magic and tech. As Kate investigates a brutal murder, she thinks she’s closing in on the killer — only to discover the true villain is someone far closer than she expected. The reveal makes you question everything that came before it.
Twist Factor: ✨ The dead god’s killer… wasn’t who you thought
In this legal thriller-meets-magical mystery, a necromantic lawyer tries to bring a god back to life. But the twist? The god’s death wasn’t accidental — and the culprit is tied to a power structure far more sinister and unexpected than it appears. It’s a slow-burn reveal that pays off big.
Twist Factor: ✨ The ending that redefines the entire series
No spoilers here — but if you’ve been following Harry Dresden through the earlier books, Changes delivers a twist that is both devastating and brilliant. The title is no joke: everything changes. Trust me when I say you won’t be the same after reading it.
Though more of a fae fantasy with urban tones, this one earns its spot for that ending. Jude, the mortal girl in a cutthroat faerie court, plays her cards close to the vest — until she makes a bold, manipulative power move that shocks even the reader. You think you know who’s in control… until you don’t.
🧛 7. Blood Angel by Nina Soden
Twist Factor: ✨ [Redacted… because you have to read it to believe it]
I couldn’t make this list without mentioning my own Blood Angel series. Without giving too much away, let’s just say not everyone is who they seem — and as loyalties are tested, deep secrets rise to the surface that change everything. Readers often tell me they didn’t see that one coming — and that’s the best compliment.
⚡Urban fantasy thrives on layered worlds, morally gray characters, and high-stakes drama — but the best ones leave your jaw on the floor with a twist that makes you rethink everything. If you haven’t read some of these yet, I highly recommend you do (and then message me so we can scream about the reveals together).⚡
Did I miss a favorite urban fantasy with a shocking plot twist? Drop it in the comments — I’m always adding to my TBR!
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.
Magic is feared. The truth is forgotten. But the silence – it still remembers.
A divine war once shattered the world. Now, it begins anew—unnoticed, and bathed in blood.
Tommy is the son of a fisherman in a quiet lakeside village, where nothing truly dangerous has happened in generations. But when monstrous warriors descend from the woods, slaughtering everything he’s ever known, Tommy is thrown into a world of violence, prophecy, and secrets his father spent a lifetime hiding.
Fleeing across the inland sea, the survivors carry more than trauma—some carry buried power. Among them, an elven woman with a hidden past, a dwarf whose grief burns hotter than his forge, and a boy who isn’t just a boy – he’s something more. As rumors of more attacks spread and refugees flock to safe havens, it becomes clear the ondilaan are not just raiding.
They’re hunting.
But why?
As Tommy struggles to survive, love, and grow into the man the world might need, forces far older than any kingdom turn their gaze toward him. And the hidden power is watching.
Resthavenis the first entry in The Chronicles of the Troop, an epic fantasy saga that blends brutal war, divine judgment, and philosophical weight with real human stakes.
A note to readers: Violence through fantasy combat, Minor swearing, Adult themes, No sex.
The troop survived Resthaven. But survival was just the beginning.
Donnor leads his ragtag force of villagers, conscripts, and outsiders deeper into the southern reaches of the Serensea. Their mission: find and defend the last remaining settlements from the ondilaan. But the enemy has changed—and so has the troop.
As Tommy comes into his own as both a mage and a chronicler, he wrestles with the burden of power, the scars of war, and the discovery of a lineage that shakes his identity. Beside him, Arisaylia’s magic deepens beyond her control, while Donnor is haunted by a loss he cannot afford to repeat.
In the villages, foothills, and the ruined fields of the south, the troop finds not only battles—but betrayals, hard choices, and the truths that threaten everything they thought they understood.
Silverlake is the second book in The Chronicles of the Troop, a philosophical epic fantasy saga blending tactical war, elven lore, deep character bonds, and the high stakes of ancient memory … for readers who crave stories where victory costs something real.
A note to readers: Violence through fantasy combat, minor swearing, adult themes.
The enemy grows bolder. Allies grow silent. And the gods remain lost.
The troop is scattered, wounded, and shaken by betrayal from within and without. What began as a mission to protect the southern villages of the Serensea now threatens to unravel the fragile balance between kingdoms, clans, and divine history.
As Tommy’s power blooms into something ancient—and dangerous—Arisaylia confronts truths about the elves that could fracture her people forever. Donnor, haunted by war and his family’s fate, must hold together what remains of their fragile alliance before the flames of conflict spread beyond control.
Meanwhile, far from the troop’s journey, in the Endless Plains power stirs. Civilizations long dormant move once more, as kingdoms make secret pacts and old races return to claim what was once theirs.
Windyspring is the third volume of The Chronicles of the Troop, a sweeping epic of war, memory, and magic—where loyalty is tested, identities unravel, and the true cost of power begins to reveal itself.
A note to readers: Violence through fantasy combat, minor swearing, adult themes.
The dead have been buried. Silence is broken. And secrets refuse to stay where they lay.
As the troop pushes east toward Harper’s Creek, the weight of their survival in Windyspring lingers—along with a growing fear of what lies ahead. Tommy’s power evolves beyond even the elves’ understanding, and Arisaylia begins to question whether the path she and her son will walk was ever theirs to choose.
Back in Redtail Hold, Sella finds herself drawn into a role far greater—and more dangerous—than her songs alone. Her rising influence in the eyes of the elves threatens the balance of the Hold, and the line between duty and desire grows thinner and thinner.
But war isn’t fought only with weapons. As old alliances fray and ancient eyes turn towards the Serensea, both soldier and singer must decide who and what they are—before the tide of history swallows them before their new fate is born.
Harper’s Creek is Book Four of The Chronicles of the Troop, where fantasy meets philosophy, and where battles of the heart are as perilous to everyone involved as those of sword and hidden sorcery.
A note to readers: Fantasy combat, minor swearing, adult themes.
In a world where gods are silent and magic is feared, Colin Darney writes stories about people who still fight forward. A veteran, trauma nurse, and lifelong student of human resilience, Colin’s fantasy series—The Chronicles of the Troop and the follow-up The Book of Ghaan—explore what it means to survive, to love, and to hold on to hope when the world says you shouldn’t.
Known for gritty realism, emotionally layered characters, and the kind of dialogue you’d actually hear in a bar full of off-duty soldiers, Colin blends classic epic fantasy with raw, lived experience. His readers often say the world feels real, the characters feel familiar—and that once they start reading, they can’t put it down.
The Book of Ghaan, Part Two is currently in editing, with release planned for summer 2025.
Would you like a chance to win a$30 Amazon gift card?Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
Author Q&A
What genre or type of story inspires you most when reading or writing?
Fantasy stories inspire me most when writing. Believable characters, “real” situations in a fantastical world, etc. Story’s about people who “win”, improving themselves/finding love/finding sucess/what have you, those are the one’s that grip me. Especially when they get those things against all odds or struggling uphill to get them.
Are there any real-life experiences that directly influenced Resthaven, Silverlake, or The Book of Ghaan?
A lot of the interpersonal relationships I’ve either experienced myself or witnessed. The humor and joking around comes from my time in the army and friends. Bar and tavern scenes come from places I’ve drank in and experienced first hand. The trauma and aftermath comes from my time in a level 1 ER/Trauma center.
What are you most proud of as an author so far?
Actually doing it. Writing stories that other people read and are interested in. Having people interact with me, tell me my fantasy’s are great or touched them some how. Hearing people say they couldn’t put it down. It’s uplifting.
What do readers most often tell you about your work (e.g., “I loved the world,” “The characters felt real,” etc.)?
That the world comes to life for them. Some people are just enthralled by the characters, others by the story itself, but the most common is how much people enjoyed the detailed plot and realism they experience as they read the series.
If someone bumped into you at a fantasy convention, what kind of impression would you want to leave?
Just a normal guy. I don’t put on airs, I drive a normal car, live a normal life, have the same concerns everyone else has. I’m friendly, approachable, and have no problems answering questions and talking to anybody.
Is there any quirky or unexpected detail about you people are surprised by?
MY favorite ‘hobby’ is taking hikes int he wilderness, exploring places I’ve never been before, being ‘one’ with nature – all of which leads me to convey the ‘experience’ when I write. I used to be into horseback riding which taught me sometimes you just have to go with the flow and stay on. Downhill skiing was full of excitement, wind blasting in your face as you figuratively race. Blacksmithing taught me you can turn a lump of something ugly into an object of beauty. Camping taught me to accept what is and drive on. Online gaming taught me you can be whatever you want in whatever realm you find yourself in.
Would you prefer to gently mention your books or boldly champion them in your bio?
A mix between the two. I definitely want attention for my story, but I don’t want to come across as a used car salesman
What’s the current status of The Book of Ghaan, Part Two — are you mid-edit, drafting, or preparing for release?
Part two is mid-edit with its planned release this summer. I’m about half way through, then it will be off to professional readers.
Do you want your author brand to feel more wise veteran fantasy crafter, more passionate newcomer with surprising talent, or something else?
Definitely a passionate newcomer, not too high on himself, with surprising talent
I am happy to one of the many hosts sharing information about Colin Darney’s RESTHAVEN novel.
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.
The jaw-dropping, exciting follow-up to The Hound of The Baskervilles will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Hold onto your hats; it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
Sometimes, our deepest fear is not the darkness but the light that blinds.
If you loved Conan Doyle’s, The Hound of the Baskerville, prepare to be enthralled by KD Sherrinford’s captivating follow-up, The Whistle of Revenge.
The deadly antagonist, Jack Stapleton, makes a spectacular return to the city of Milan in pursuit of his old nemesis, the celebrated Detective Sherlock Holmes.
Adopting the enigmatic persona of Janus, a vengeful Stapleton, along with the Italian mafia, wreak havoc on the Italian horse racing fraternity and fledgling car manufacturing industry, and kidnapping Holmes’s beloved son as part of their evil and well-executed master plan—Operation Whistle.
Will Holmes, Irene Adler, and their trusted ally, Inspector Romano, crack the code, rescue the boy, and unmask the deadly Janus?
Set against the backdrop of modern Milan, mind games and misdeeds of the highest order play out as the story reaches its thrilling and memorable conclusion.
The deepest secrets are often to be found out in the open, if you only know where to look.
While her husband, Sherlock Holmes, is off playing detective in London, Irene Adler finds herself having to turn investigator when her friend Renata becomes the prime suspect in the attempted murder of her husband, Luigi Amato. How can she refute the testimony of a credible eyewitness, even though her heart tells her that Renata is innocent? What she needs is tangible evidence, and she’s willing to do what she must to obtain it.
When Sherlock finally arrives on the scene, Irene seeks his counsel, and he agrees to assist with her investigation. However their relationship is called into question by Irene’s dear friend Sophia, who is not overly fond of Irene’s husband nor approving of the way in which they conduct their marriage. Will Irene be able to prove her friend Renata’s innocence, or is there a more tangled web of deception at play? And will Sophia’s misgivings regarding her marriage bear unfortunate fruit?
First place, and best in category at the Chanticleer International Book Awards for Shorts and Novellas
What will the Saporis find under the tree this year—Christmas presents, or family skeletons?
In the spirit of the holiday and a wish for familial harmony, Irene Adler persuades her detective husband to invite his brother Mycroft to Christmas luncheon. Holmes had cut ties with his brother when he discovered the machinations Mycroft employed that drove Sherlock and Adler apart for four years. He isn’t really sure this reunion is a great idea, but he can deny his wife nothing.
Of course, they can’t tell the children what Mycroft is to them, as that would entail learning that their father is the celebrated detective when they know him simply as Lucca Sapori. And just when they think things may be going better than expected, ghosts of the past crop up in unexpected ways and threaten to ruin the holidays for everyone.
Finalist at The Chanticleer International Book Awards for Romantic Fiction- The Chatelaine— Proud Recipient of The Editors Gold Seal.
Love is the aria of the soul.
Charlotte Sapori has led a wonderful life, safely tucked in the bosom of her family. Her mother, Irene Adler, is a renowned opera singer, while her father, Lucca Sapori, does important government work that frequently takes him away from them. Charlotte is close to her older brother, Nicco, and they are both doted on by their parents. All is well until her mother receives an unexpected diagnosis which shakes the family to its core.
Knowing herself to be dying, Adler confesses to Charlotte things that have long been kept from her, telling her to find and read her diary. A distressed Lucca Sapori tells his daughter to read his as well. And by the way, Lucca Sapori is not his real name. In fact, she may have heard of him—he is actually the world-famous detective, Sherlock Holmes.
Charlotte finds both diaries and plunges into the hidden world of Irene Adler and Sherlock Holmes as she discovers what brought them together, and how they managed to stay together for thirty years despite having to battle the odds.
KD Sherrinford is a multi-award-winning International author. She was born and raised in Preston, Lancashire, and now lives on the Fylde Coast with her husband, John and their two children—an avid reader from an early age. KD loved the mystery writers Conan Doyle, and Agatha Christie was her favourite. She read the entire Conan Doyle canon by age 13.
KD had a varied career, working with thoroughbred horses and racing greyhounds. To mix things up, she joined Countrywide and became a Fellow of The National Association of Estate Agents. Retirement finally allowed KD the time to write her multi-award-winning debut novel, ” Song for Someone.” KD got the idea for the story after a visit to The Sherlock Holmes Museum on Baker Street in 2019; KD has always wanted to write about the iconic character Irene Adler. A talented pianist from age six, the music from some of KD’s favourite composers, Beethoven, Wagner, and Stephen Foster, all feature strongly in her writing. .” Song for Someone “was awarded The Editors Choice Gold Seal Medal in 2022 and received critical acclaim from Book Viral, Readers Favorite, Literary Titan and The Historical Fiction Company, which described” Song for Someone” as an evocative masterpiece and a book that stands out in contemporary literature. The novel was a recent Finalist at The Chanticleers International Book Awards- The Chatelaine. ” Christmas at The Saporis” was published last December. The third book, ” Meet Me In Milan”, went live on the 29th of September 2023. This thrilling Trilogy was Shortlisted for The CIBA’s Series Book Awards in Genre Fiction.KD Sherrinford is a member of The CWA, the RNA and the LWA. Her short, cosy mystery ” A Bit of a Do” was published in Marla Breeden’s Limited Edition Anthology, entitled ” Malice Matrimony and Murder “On the 13th of November 2023. Twenty-five original short, cosy mysteries from international authors, including Deringer and Agatha Finalists, CWA members, and recipients of The Editors Gold Seal, KD is very proud to be a part of this fabulous collection. Book four of the Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler Mysters, the much anticipated ” The Whistle of Revenge” was just released in 2025. You can reach KD on her Facebook author page.
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.
FIVE 80’s air hostesses had dreams about their SOULMATES centuries before in a 747 crew rest at 36,000 feet. Awake, their forever-loves are gone for good. Decades later, ONE is a physic sleuth for the FBI. She invites FOUR still-yearning ex-hosties for SIX days together for past life regressions to find those soulmates in THIS lifetime. BUT Time Flies…and ONE murderous bastard could be on the loose….
Avid dog lover, law enforcement psychic and former Air Baobab air hostess Lucky van Niekerk has a gift for sniffing out answers. From helping to solve cold cases to reliving past lives, she’s torn between worlds—the past and the present; the dead and the living.
She’s helping agents track a dangerous killer. But there are some things she can’t find. Her soulmate, for instance.
Determined to solve her own mystery, Lucky learns she must first help others to help herself. She’s sure she isn’t the only one whose life has been touched by the past, so she sends out a call to her former colleagues. Four other air hostesses answer—and they’ve all experienced past-life dreams in the crew rest aboard the same 747 jumbo jet at 36,000 feet. Can Lucky help them solve the mysteries locked in their dreams, or will they be destined to make the same mistakes they made in a previous life?
Discover the power of uncorking past lives and start the journey with Lucky in this first book in the Time Flies women’s fiction series, as five virtual strangers are drawn together in their quest for fulfilment and love.
Author’s Note: If you’re drawn to time travel women’s fiction that seamlessly blends psychic mysteries, past-life explorations, and the adventurous world of aviation, Timeless Beginnings is a journey you won’t want to miss. Fans of Kate Morton and Susanna Kearsley will appreciate the intricate weaving of reincarnation, friendship, and self-discovery that propels this story across time and continents. Join Lucky van Niekerk and her companions as they unlock the secrets of their past lives to illuminate their present.
A vivid dream of the past. A desperate hope for the future.
My name is Brie Lenz.
In the hushed sanctuary of a Boeing 747’s crew rest in 1983, amidst the hum of engines and the dance of distant clouds, I lay my head down as a South African Airways air hostess. I dream of a beguiling beggar, his eyes a mesmerizing shade of emerald, who ignites a flame in my soul. His ambitions for my ballet career in 1887, take me higher than I ever dreamed. He is my anchor, my guiding light, my inspiration, my love.
But as reality pierces through the veil of slumber at 36,000 feet, I am jolted awake, haunted by the echoes of Tchaikovsky and the lingering mystery of that enigmatic beggar. With the pulse of an odd drumbeat echoing in my ears and a shiver coursing through my veins, destiny delivers, this time, in real life. Is it too good to be true?
Fast-forward to the present, and though embers of that centuries-old connection still smolder within me with the man I adore, I cannot deny there is something missing and something amiss. When an unexpected invitation to a transformative retreat arrives, I am torn between fear and fervor. And amongst women I barely know, I find myself in a magical odyssey of self-discovery and a crossroads filled with pitfalls and shrouded in guilt.
Can I reclaim the lost magic of 1877 and weave it into the fabric of my present, or will the past that lurks beyond that crew rest dream continue to cast its long shadow over my future?
With my heart suspended between two worlds, I brace myself for the ultimate reckoning.
Author’s Note: If you’re captivated by time travel romance novels that intertwine past-life memories, ballet, and the allure of aviation, Timeless Pirouette will transport you through a tapestry of love and destiny. Fans of Susanna Kearsley and Diana Gabaldon will appreciate the seamless blend of historical depth and supernatural intrigue. Join Brie Lenz as she navigates the echoes of a bygone era, seeking to reclaim a love that transcends time itself.
Jill Wallace was born and bred (her mother would prefer ‘brought up’) in South Africa, and lived the second half of her life in America. She feels like the African baobab or “Upside Down Tree”, with roots that look like branches. Like the confused baobab, she no longer knows where the South African ends and the American begins. She’s comfortable in her duality and hopes like hell it affords her some degree of complexity. A girl can always hope :o)
Sometimes, she loves dogs more than people, chocolate more than good sense, and Netflix binge-watching more than house cleaning (well… make the latter ALL the time!)
Jill’s addicted to writing. Expect her novels to have a South African flair, and no matter the century of her characters, she’ll strive to keep their situations relevant and their emotions real.
Wallace listens to the voices in her head which describe their dilemma and state of chaos. Then she waits, pen poised, to see what they’ll do about it. She records how they find the courage and strength to attain what they really want—be it friendship, peace, acceptance, or everlasting love. That’s the magic that keeps her heart pounding in her throat and her fingers flirting with keys.
Jill started her writing career as a screenwriter. Her first script was twice optioned by producers for movies. When disappointment flooded in and dreams collapsed, an author friend said, “To hell with them all. Write a book.” So, she did. It took her three years.
War Serenade is inspired by a true story about a bon vivant Italian opera star forced into WWII, who is shot down, captured by the allies and sent to a run-down POW camp in South Africa. Broken and longing for death, he sees a spunky red head through the barbed wire and when their eyes meet, she becomes his reason to live. But he is a prisoner, and she, his enemy…
War Serenade won a number of awards, the most recent are the Golden Quill Contest Winner Desert Rose RWA, Maggie and Rone Awards 2020, for best audio book.
Zebra is Jill’s second novel and largely based on her husband’s experiences. Athol grew up in a remote resort in the Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa during the apartheid era and fought in the Bush Wars in the 60’s and 70’s. This literary fiction/historical/action adventure/coming-of-age saga spans 4 decades. Though the times are incendiary, Zebra is not about politics but a divine, true bond of friendship. Zebra. Friends by Fate. Enemies by Destiny proudly wore the Amazon Banner for #1 New Release and is also a ***** Reader’s Favorite.
Time Flies is Jill’s first series. The common threads with her stand-alone books are the South African infusion, the dog-hero, friendship, impossible challenges and complex timelines.
Timeless Beginnings is Book 1 of the series has multiple and it’s the story of how five ex-air hostesses end up at the home of Lucky, now a FBI psychic, who’s keen to try -as a last resort – past life regression to find the soulmate she lost after she dreamed about him in the crew rest of a 747 in the 80’s. Four other ex-hosties are just as anxious to find their centuries-ago soulmates.
Timeless Pirouette is Book II and the story of Brie who dreams she was a beautiful ballerina who fell in love with a beggar in 1887. Though she believes she met and married the perfect man for her, she fights an incomprehensible guilt and can’t help yearning for her beggar. She is compelled to go back a century before she can go forward.
Jill is in the process of finishing up Athol’s companion novel to Zebra. Titled Leopard Crawl it’s the true-story-inspired missions of one man on a solitary spying sojourn in the heart of the Southern African Bush Wars.
As an indie author, I can tell you firsthand — seeing someone pick up one of my books is the best feeling in the world. But here’s a little secret: you don’t have to spend a dime to make a huge difference in an indie author’s life and career.
We indie authors wear a lot of hats: writer, editor (hopefully not), cover designer, marketer, publicist, and sometimes even our own cheerleader. Which means every little bit of support matters, and it goes so much farther than most readers realize. So, if you’ve ever wanted to help your favorite indie authors thrive, here are a few easy, free (or almost free) ways you can make a major impact.
📚 1️⃣ Leave a Review
If you only do one thing, let it be this. Reviews help indie books get noticed by algorithms on Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub, and other platforms. Even a simple “I really enjoyed this book!” means the world and helps other readers discover it.
A like, comment, or share on an author’s post increases visibility and keeps their work in front of readers. Social platforms love engagement, and the more interaction a post gets, the more it’s shown to others.
Bonus: Share your favorite quotes, book covers, or reading selfies — authors love seeing their books in the wild!
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Most indie authors have newsletters packed with exclusive content, freebies, giveaways, and behind-the-scenes updates. Signing up not only shows support but helps authors build a direct connection with readers outside of social media algorithms.
💬 4️⃣ Recommend Their Books to Friends
Word-of-mouth is still one of the most powerful marketing tools. Tell a friend, suggest it in your book club, or drop it in a reader group. Personal recommendations carry a lot of weight.
🎧 5️⃣ Request Their Book at Your Local Library
Most libraries have systems where patrons can request new titles for their shelves. Requesting an indie author’s book is a wonderful way to help them reach new readers — plus, it supports public libraries too!
🖥️ 6️⃣ Feature Them on Your Blog or Bookstagram
If you run a blog, BookTok, Bookstagram, or BookTube channel, consider featuring an indie author in a review, author interview, or reading list. These shoutouts can introduce them to a whole new audience.
🎁 7️⃣ Give Their Books as Gifts
While this one technically involves a purchase, gifting indie books for birthdays, holidays, or just-because moments spreads the word and supports the author at the same time.
📣 8️⃣ Nominate Them for Awards & Lists
Many online book communities, local bookstores, and libraries have “best of” lists or indie book awards you can nominate authors for. These recognitions help boost their credibility and exposure.
🎙️ 9️⃣ Invite Them for Interviews or Events
If you’re involved in a book club, podcast, writing group, or school program, invite an indie author to chat about their work. Most are thrilled for the opportunity to connect with readers and fellow writers.
✨Supporting indie authors is about community, encouragement, and celebrating storytelling in all its forms. The next time you fall in love with a book by an indie author, remember — even the smallest gesture of support can mean everything to the person behind the page.
Do you have a favorite indie author you adore? Share their name (or a link to their book) in the comments so we can all discover someone new to read! ✨
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.
As Wellington’s premier, and possibly only, animal detective, Nicolette mostly investigates missing pets and cases of animal cruelty. So when her latest client asks her to investigate a case of a poisoned cat, it seems right up her alley. Until a body shows up, then another, and suddenly despite her resolve to not get involved, Nicolette is right in the middle two murder investigations. Or is it just one killer?
When someone breaks into her house and one of her dogs is injured, Nicolette’s reluctance turns to determination to not only solve this thing before the police, but show up her stubborn police detective brother in the process.
Along the way she has to navigate a daughter about to turn 15, a dwindling bank account, and a dysfunctional family that seems determined to fix her. Not to mention a killer who’s turned their sights her way.
No wonder she doesn’t do humans.
Three Dogs, Two Murders, and a Cat is the first book in the clean, cozy mystery series. Gilmore Girls meets Nancy Drew, with a touch of dysfunctional families, a touch of humour, and a touch of caring.
Rodney Strong quit a 9-5 job in 2016 to finally pursue his life long dream of becoming a writer (he still has the very first play he wrote at age 6). He lives in Porirua, New Zealand, with his wife, two children, and two cats. When he’s not writing he attempts to stay away from chocolate, runs (sometimes), reads, and enjoys spending time with his young children (who contribute a lot to the running and craving for chocolate).
He always has a couple of projects on the go, but for now is focusing on his series of cozy mysteries.
One of his cats likes to help with the process by sitting on the laptop, while the other likes nesting on his shoulders (which was cute when he was a kitten, but now the cat is 11 years old, is less so).
Would you like a chance to win a $20 Amazon gift card?Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
Can you, for those who don’t know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?
I think I was destined to become an author from the moment I learned to write. When I first started school I would write short plays for my classmates to put on, and the ideas kept coming from then onwards.
Over the years life got in the way and I drifted away from the dream, but the ideas were still there. One day when my kids were young I was telling them the could be anything they wanted to be when they grew up, and it struck me that I wasn’t being truthful to myself, because if that was true for them then it should be true for me. So I quit my job and dedicated myself to writing entertaining stories.
Do the characters all come to you at the same time or do some of them come to you as you write?
I’m not a plotter, so I tend to write and see what happens. Although I know who the main characters are going to be, writing this way means there are sometimes surprises when characters pop up from nowhere as the story develops.
What kind of research do you do before you begin writing a book?
As I said above I tend to write as I go rather than plotting, which means limited research before the story begins. Once I know what route the book is taking, that’s when research kicks in, usually around poisons, etc.
Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
Can I cheat and say all of them? Because I’ve written stage plays before, and naturally include a lot of dialogue in my books, I can imagine all of them becoming movies, or TV series. However if I had to pick one in particular, it would be Three Dogs, Two Murders, and a Cat. The main character and her daughter were inspired by the Gilmore Girls television show, and features a lot of snappy, witty dialogue between them, and I think that, coupled with the mystery, would make for a great TV movie.
Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in Three Dogs, Two Murders, and a Cat?
The main character is Nicolette Briggs, and in her own words, she doesn’t do humans. She’s a private investigator specializing in cases involving animals. She also has a very complicated family situation. She’s a solo mother to a teenage daughter. Her step brother is a police detective who is constantly telling her to butt out of investigations, and her mother has been disappointed in her for most of her life. The inspiration for Nicolette came from a friend, but the family dynamics came from watching Gilmore Girls when I was younger.
Nicolette has three rescue dogs at home, Teddy, Nero, and Fig, the titular Three Dogs.
How did you come up with the title of your first novel?
Believe it or not, the title was very tricky. I brain stormed and threw out many different ideas before finally deciding to keep it simple and use three main plot points to title the book.
Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?
My characters definitely hijack the story, or at the very least are constantly trying to. Especially Nicolette. Because she’s not a police officer she can get away with more things, but it’s important she doesn’t cross too many lines while trying to act on behalf of animals that are abused, or stolen. I sometimes have to remember she has a teenage daughter at home and while she would never do anything intentionally to put herself in harms way, Nicolette is quite good at getting there unintentionally.
What did you edit out of this book?
Spoilers! No, but seriously, there is a minor mystery in the book that I edited out the ending too. It doesn’t impact the overall story, but is just a teaser for an ongoing mystery that will bubble away under surface in the next book.
Fun Facts/Behind the Scenes/Did You Know?’-type tidbits about the author, the book or the writing process of the book.
I have an office set up at home, but I find I’m more productive in café’s. I mostly write at the one around the corner from where I live, and even though it can get quite noisy sometimes, I can actually get more done. I can sometimes knock off 1,000 words in an hour.
Home has too many distractions, like housework, and cats.
Do you believe in writer’s block?
Absolutely. There are days that I have to struggle and curse and shake my fist at the screen just to get a hundred words out. Luckily I haven’t had too many days in a row like that. I usually try and have a couple of writing projects on the go at a time, so if I’m really struggling on one, I switch to the other to see if that will shake anything loose. Sometimes it works, and other days I just have to accept that no writing is going to be done, and go and cuddle a cat.
Tell us something really interesting that’s happened to you!
I’ve always had a love for animals. When I was nineteen I left New Zealand and travelled to the other side of the world to work in the Regent’s Park Zoo in London, England. It was amazing getting to work with a whole range of animals, in particular three baby chimpanzees who would surprise me by hiding when I walked into the room, and jumping on me. And seeing a baby giraffe only an hour after it was born.
The following year I traveled to Kenya and did a safari, sleeping in tents amongst the animals. That was incredible, although also a little nervewracking, when we camped by a lakeside and they said sometimes hippos would wander through and because they have poor eyesight they would trample tents. I’m almost convinced they were joking.
Nina Soden 