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Shade of Wings is a speculative young adult novel about a family of New York City crows struggling to survive the outbreak of West Nile virus during the sizzling summer of 1999.
For fans of Laline Paull, a speculative young adult novel about a family of New York City crows struggling to survive the outbreak of West Nile virus during the sizzling summer of 1999.
Four-year-old Duncan needs to hurry up and find a mate—at least, according to his sister, Cloud. But she doesn’t know about the mistake that’s preventing him from leaving their family to start another.
Though he’s the eldest, Duncan doesn’t see himself as a father. Yet that’s what he must become when both his parents die of the mysterious illness that’s killing crows across New York City. He devotes himself to caring for his siblings, including three fledglings—but he soon discovers he can’t protect them from the “blind death.”
Meanwhile, a zoo pathologist’s worst fears are realized. It starts with dead flamingos. Then critically ill New Yorkers start showing up in hospital emergency rooms.
Some blame the crows.
A profound story of loved ones sticking together in the face of tragedy and hardship.” – Kirkus Reviews
An amazing and heartfelt read. McGaffin confirms what so many of us already know, that humans should learn from the smart ones around us, even if they’re crows.” – Lori Matsukawa, TV News Anchor and author of Brave Mrs. Sato
“Utterly original! I’m in awe of Pam McGaffin’s deft storytelling—she makes a family of crows both fascinating and deeply relatable. I love a book that leaves me seeing the world with fresh eyes, and Pam accomplishes that in spades.” – Andrea Ezerins, author of When the Forest Dreams
Pam McGaffin always knew she would write books when she grew up.
So, at age 51, after a long career in journalism and public-relations, she quit her day job and went to work. After seven years, countless rewrites, and a seat-of-her-pants course in modern publishing, she released her debut novel, The Leaving Year, with SparkPress Aug. 14, 2018.
Set in the beautiful Pacific Northwest where she grew up, The Leaving Year, is a coming-of-age story about love and loyalty, family and friendship, and the stories we tell ourselves in our search for meaning.
For her second novel, Shade of Wings, she looked to New York City to tell the story of the West Nile virus outbreak from the point-of-view of the first US victims – American crows. She hopes readers fall in love her hapless hero, Duncan, and his plucky crow family. She certainly loved giving them life.
Before tackling novels, Pam wrote short stories and articles. Her short fiction has appeared in the online literary journals, Eclectica and Amarillo Bay, and her articles have been published in many Puget Sound-area publications and websites, including The Daily Herald (in Everett, WA), Bicycle Paper, the MS Connection newsletter, and Seattle Children’s Story Project.
She has a BA degree in Communications Journalism from the University of Washington and certificates in fiction writing and advanced literary fiction from UW Extension.
When she isn’t writing or thinking about writing, she likes to read, walk the dog, swim, bike, garden, and watch birds.
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.
Waves of Light and Darkness challenges and delights a reader’s perception with surreal and surprising world-building.
Waves of Light and Darknesschallenges and delights a reader’s perception with surreal and surprising world-building.
Whether they are set in the past or the future, in a Kansas farmhouse or a potentially supernatural cave, these short stories share one commonality: a search for something beyond what one knows is needed. Through a multitude of unexpected perspectives (a cat, a coma patient, a ventriloquist), this utterly novel collection of stories examines and reconfigures universal themes of life, death, and human connection.
Several stories focus on finding identity amidst societal pressure, such as “Seduction,” and “Alexandria Her Smile,” while others like “A Pusillanimous Human” and “The Gift for Albert Smoots” explore mortality and grief.
John Danenbarger spends much of his time writing in Italy. Born in Atlanta, he graduated from University of Kansas with a degree in English and Creative Writing. With a backlist of short stories, Danenbarger established the Salem Massachusetts Writers’ Club. After living in Oslo, Norway, Stockholm, Sweden, and Salem, MA, Danenbarger achieved a merchant marine captain’s license, sailing for two years on the New England coast including two round-trips to Bermuda.
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An alpha with a storied legacy. An independent woman rebuilding after grief. Forbidden desire—for only one is human….
An alpha with a storied legacy. An independent woman rebuilding after grief. Forbidden desire—for only one is human….
After her mother’s death, photographer Erica Barrett, buys a home she and her mother obsessed over during her childhood in the quaintly historical town of Tolstone. Her magnetic next door neighbor intrigues and disturbs her. The sensual pull feels otherworldly.
Wolf shifter Dominic Beaumont never wanted to be the prime alpha of the sanctuary city, Tolstone, but when his father dies, he’s forced to step up as pack leader and prime alpha over all the wolf packs sheltering in his town. Erica’s arrival is dangerous. The attraction is fierce and instant, but duty comes first.
When revelations about Erica’s past and parentage create chaos, and she questions everything she thought she knew about herself, Dominic is her strength. But as tension builds in the pack, and his leadership is challenged, love becomes a risk that could cost him his authority, his people, and everything he’s sworn to protect.
Perfect for readers craving illicit wolf-shifter romance filled with fate, secrets, rebellion and an alpha willing to risk everything for love.
Sheritta Bitikofer writes paranormal romance with a particular fondness for wolf shifters and witches. Her stories are driven by one guiding belief: love inspires courage. Through fierce romances, unbreakable pack bonds, and the magic of covens and family, her characters fight for the lives—and loves—they deserve. Sheritta lives in northwest Florida, where she drinks far too much coffee and joyfully balances life as a wife and mother while crafting her next heartfelt paranormal love story.
When she’s not writing her next novel or taking care of her daughter, Sheritta enjoys diving into the fascinating and complex history of the American Civil War. With a BA in American History from American Public University, her primary focus of study is the many human-interest stories that embody the spirit of the mid-nineteenth century.
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In the French Resistance of 1944, trust is the difference between life and death. Post-war troubles heighten when our hero’s life is in danger and all he holds dear is at risk.
In the vast tapestry of war, outcomes are never certain. Its demands are endless, its sacrifices countless. Yet for one couple who will share war’s burdens and dangers-a daring American OSS agent and a French Resistance leader-its conclusion will transform both lives forever.
From the opening line, author Arthur McMaster, a retired foreign intelligence officer, makes clear: “No families escape the devastation of war.” What follows is storytelling you won’t be able to set aside. Amid the apple orchards and farmlands of war-ravaged Western Europe in the final years of World War II, we follow thirty-five-year-old OSS operative Claire Skiffington and French Resistance leader Jacques Berlangier through perilous clandestine operations. Eluding Vichy collaborators and Wehrmacht checkpoints, Claire’s cover is that of a simple pastry girl, but this emissary is far more than she appears.
Years after the Nazi menace has passed, in the small Breton village of Combourg, Claire and Jacques are in love and determined to build a life together. Their days and nights in Paris work to make it all magical. But someone wants Jacques dead. Why? And how will one estranged family member unlock the source of danger?
Brimming with suspense and rich in character development, In the Orchards of Shadow and Light features beautiful imagery and finely drawn characters. Written by former DIA-CIA analyst and award-winning writer Arthur McMaster, In the Orchards of Shadow and Light is the first in a trilogy based on espionage, romance, and suspense. Combines elements of “The Rose Code,” “The Nightingale,” and “All the Light We Cannot See” to create a rich atmosphere, original characters embroiled in real historical events, dangerous romance and compelling drama. This story represents one man and one woman’s perilous commitment to service in the face of danger: one couple’s commitment to overcoming treachery and blazing a future together.
What readers are saying:
“Finely crafted with an artisan’s touch, there is an unseen history beneath the lives of those trying to survive. Precisely researched, McMaster adroitly drops the reader behind the lines of clandestine operations. The grim destruction of Europe is brought to life with beautiful imagery and reconnoitered characters-every bit as interesting as those of Ken Follett’s Eye of the Needle and The Key to Rebecca. This is a fine novel no one should pass up.”
— William Walsh, author of Lakewood (TouchPoint Press)
As you begin this book, prepare yourself for reading a writer who knows the details of espionage so well they feel like second nature, rather than research. Prepare yourself for lush, lyrical prose and the historical span of an Ian McEwan novel. This is a spy story, a love story, and a family story set largely in France, during a war, but McMaster balances the deprivations of war with domestic arts, the healing chores of mother women who bake stolen oranges into cakes, somehow find tea to serve, and harvest the slenderest sprigs of tarragon and chervil, plucked from their gardens, and stored in delicate clay pottery. This is a white knuckle thriller written by someone with all the sensibilities of a poet.
Poet, playwright and novelist, Arthur retired from full-time teaching, most recently as Visiting Assoc. Professor of English, at Converse College, in Spartanburg, SC. HIs books include: In the Orchards of Our Mothers (historical fiction novel); The Whole Picture Show (poetry) Musical Muse (academic); Birdies Never Die (golf); Givings & Misgivings (poetry) and The Spy Who Came Down with a Cold (poetry) and Need to Know (memoir).
Arthur’s first career was that of a foreign intelligence officer, with assignments with military intelligence and briefly with the CIA. Arthur earned an MFA degree in Poetry at University of Florida. Pushcart Prize nominations. He now teaches in Continuing Education Dept for Furman University (fiction and poetry).
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Witness the vile acts of a monstrous heart.
Feel the vicious clash of duality in conflict.
Know the light of protection through valiant courage.
-Winner: 2026 Literary Titan Gold Book Awards: Fiction -2nd Place: 2026 BookFest Awards – Fiction- Dark Fantasy -Book Nerdection “Must Read” -Readers’ Favorite: 5 Stars
Von is cast into the pages of Ananael, the Order’s tome of secret knowledge. However, his venture into the past takes an unexpected turn as he awakens within a cosmic void in the presence of the eternal being, who grants him perspective through others woven through his existence. Yet before he may commence his time-altering quest, a trial of discovery, revelation, and horror surrounding his origin awaits him.
Benson’s monstrous heart sews the seeds of a vile past brimming with betrayal and hate. Through unimaginable deceptions and buried secrets, familial bonds once forged from love, honor, and acceptance are upended and broken forever. The souls of integral births, sprouting from pillaged and neglected foundations, unfurl a path towards disarray.
Distorted memory fragments challenge Von’s grip on reality, and the reveal of a horrid truth ignites a vicious fury of vengeance. Though his quest for answers falters along the way, he finds help from an unexpected ally. Meanwhile, a mysterious power awakens within Navaryn, putting her at odds with both her friends and herself. And as the motivations of Celestine’s leader become questionable, her suspicions involving her role within the Halryn continue to grow.
As the disparate worlds of Celestine and Daeva teeter on the brink of war, Von and Navaryn are drawn together by unseen forces. Two destinies, once parallel, now collide. But where bloodshed beckons, a valiant act of courage challenges the course of their fates.
-Winner: 2025 International Impact Book Awards – Fantasy -2nd Place: 2025 BookFest Awards – Fiction- Dark Fantasy -Winner: 2024 Indies Today Awards – Best Urban Fantasy -Winner: 2024 Literary Titan Gold Book Awards: Fiction -Finalist: 2024 Literary Global Fiction/Debut & Dark Fantasy Sci-fi -Book Nerdection “Excellent Read”
For Rayshell and her best friend Trish, senior year of high school is going to hell in a handbasket. The feud between Celestine and Daeva is bleeding into their world. When a mysterious visitor infiltrates her dreams, Rayshell is thrust into a realm of profound, otherworldly secrets. Together, Rayshell and Trish uncover the unbelievable—they are the living vessels for two banished Celestine guardians.
Amidst mystical recollections and a wondrous magic system that shatters the veneer of their everyday lives, the two friends embark on a journey against time to connect with the Celestine guardians’ allies in hopes of freeing them from their imprisonment. Simultaneously, the shadows cast by Daeva darken. The notorious outlaw, Merisek, has positioned himself to claim dominion over the Order of Existence—a trio of powerful artifacts capable of reshaping reality. Armed with two of these relics, Merisek races against the emergence of the Celestine guardians to claim the third. The stage is set for a showdown that will determine the fate of existence itself.
Rayshell and Trish are all that stand between Merisek and his unhinged desire to twist the fabric of reality into his making. As the threads of destiny unravel, the question looms: who will be the author of existence, and what profound truths will be unveiled in the final, decisive act?Clay Urn Publishing * Amazon * Apple * B&N * Bookbub * Goodreads
Husband & Wife author duo Shannon Vierra & Edward Ayllon write under the pen name S & E Black. Together, they craft the award-winning series, The Chimera Snare. They share a deep appreciation for music and credit a great number of bands and artists for inspiring their writing journey. Currently, they live in the greater Chicago area amidst a rich and diverse culture with their clowder of rescue cats.
Shannon is an urban gardener and an avid seed collector. In the makeup community, she goes by the moniker zoomzoommacaron and hosts an international, zombie-themed makeup collab called the #zombabescollab. She also enjoys anime, horror movies, craft beer & kombucha, cooking (and eating), sunbathing, photography, and singing badly. Music fuels Shannon’s many passions, especially writing and creating art. She credits music with saving her life on multiple occasions in her teenage and young adult years.
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Edward first discovered the joys of creative writing through his early high school studies, and has spent many years exploring and developing a deep appreciation for the arts. Since first collaborating with his wife, Shannon, he has sprouted a passion and true affinity for storytelling and crafting literature. In addition to refining his skill in creating written works, his other interests include playing bass guitar, listening to music, and dabbling in photography.
Limited-edition hardcover set copies of the books, $20 Amazon/Paypal – 1 winner each! Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHORS
What book do you think everyone should read?
Shannon: Be Water, My Friend, by Shannon Lee.
Edward: Animal Farm by George Orwell.
Do the characters all come to you at the same time or do some of them come to you as you write?
Shannon: They come to me as we storyboard and flesh out more of the universe. And each one takes time to develop, so it’s a bit of a process. Even if they’re more minor characters, we still do our best to dial in their vibe, attitude and appearance before we start to insert them into the story. I personally need to see them first, so each character has a complete (or nearly complete) profile.
Edward: It’s a little of both. We make it a point to iron out the framework of what we’re working on, but from time to time there comes a need that a new character can facilitate. That happened a few times while writing “Reflections.” It’s that organic element of writing that can truly bring a sense of spontaneity and liveliness to a story.
Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why?
Shannon: Music all the time. I can’t especially find my zone in silence. Music helps pull my focus and take me out of my head and into the scene I’m working on, making it easier for my mind to find freedom.
Edward: I need music 100% of the time. It helps bring me into the mood or atmosphere of what I’m trying to write. It’s been highly inspirational for the both of us. In fact, we include a page in our books with dedications to the various bands and artists whose music has influenced our writing.
Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time?
Shannon: I will always work on the framework for the coming installments, but for sitting down and writing proper, I work on one at a time.
Edward: I’ve been entertaining the thought of writing multiple books at once. If I can discipline myself enough, I might be able to do it. We shall see.
If you could have been the author of any book ever written, which book would you choose?
Shannon: I’ve never considered this question until now. Perhaps I’d choose Harry Potter so the author wouldn’t be a transphobic twatwaffle who ruined their series for thousands of fans. Trans Rights are human rights. No one should dictate who someone else wants to identify as. Life has no place for this kind of hate. Let people be themselves.
Edward: I couldn’t agree more. There’s no sense in being hateful on account of people simply wanting to freely be who they want to be.
Pen or type writer or computer?
Shannon: Pen and paper for early notes and basic framework, especially on the road. Then I move to the computer to further refine things. I’ve never been great at a typewriter because it’s too rigid for my chaotic approach. I make too many mistakes while typing in general, and sometimes need to start my thoughts over.
Edward: This may be old-school, but I’ve become very fond of using a whiteboard. We got one not too long ago specifically to map out our next book. It’s on wheels, too, so we wheel it into the living room and spitball back and forth over drinks and snacks. I write pretty chaotically as well, so a computer is really the only way to go for me.
Tell us about one of your favorite characters.
Shannon: I tend to favor writing the villains. Joro is a character that we don’t know terribly much about in Fragments, but he is one of my favorites. Not only because he’s a shapeshifter and one of the powers I wish I could have. In Reflections you will get a glimpse into his past to help understand a little about what turned his heart so cold.
Edward: My favorite character to write has to be Merisek, who is Joro’s mentor. He’s presented in “Fragments” as a cold-hearted villain, but you come to find that there’s much more to him beyond the superficial by the end of the book. Then as you dive into “Reflections,” you come to learn more about his origin, his motivations, the life-changing revelation he faces, and how he tries so earnestly to honorably navigate the path that he was unwillingly set on. Put simply, he was a lot of fun to write.
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Keeping secrets keeps you alive. Sienna would know.
A hundred different ways to break your heart, a hundred different ways to take your last breath. Sienna and Finn are exploring their strange attraction to each other until strange becomes something sinister. The clock is ticking as they fight to unravel the mystery of what draws them together on fateful Friday, the 13th.
What readers are saying:
A Hundred Black Sunrises is a haunting and emotionally charged horror short that blends reincarnation, cursed love, and inevitable tragedy. The story follows Sienna and Finn, two souls drawn together across lifetimes, only to face the same dark fate again and again. What begins as an intriguing connection quickly spirals into something far more sinister, as the truth behind their bond unravels. Though short, the narrative delivers a powerful mix of supernatural horror and tragic romance. – Alicia Dean, Goodreads Reviewer
Tamela Miles is a California State University San Bernardino graduate student with a Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development and a former flight attendant. She grew up in Altadena, California in that tumultuous time known as the 1980s. She now resides with her family in the Inland Empire, CA. She’s a horror/paranormal romance writer mainly because it feels so good having her characters do bad things and, later, pondering what makes them so bad and why they can never seem to change their wicked ways.
She enjoys emails from people who like her work. In fact, she loves emails. She can be contacted at tamelamiles@yahoo.com or her Facebook page, Tamela Miles Books. She also welcomes reader reviews and enjoys the feedback from people who love to read as much as she does.
A cozy home office/library… prime for writing time!
When people think about successful authors, they often picture inspiration striking like lightning — a writer sitting in a cozy room effortlessly crafting bestselling novels. In reality, most successful authors rely less on sudden inspiration and more on consistent daily habits.
Writing a book doesn’t happen overnight. It happens sentence by sentence, page by page, and day by day.
While every writer’s process looks different, many successful authors share similar routines that help them stay creative, productive, and focused. Whether you’re an aspiring novelist or a seasoned writer working on your next project, adopting a few intentional habits can make a tremendous difference in your writing journey.
Here are some of the most common daily habits of successful authors.
1. They Write Consistently
One of the biggest differences between writers who finish books and writers who don’t is consistency.
Successful authors understand that waiting for motivation isn’t reliable. Instead, they build a regular writing routine — even on days when creativity feels low.
Some write for hours every morning. Others squeeze in 30 minutes before work or late at night. The key isn’t necessarily how long they write, but how consistently they show up.
Progress adds up over time.
2. They Read Every Day
Great writers are almost always great readers.
Reading exposes authors to different writing styles, storytelling techniques, dialogue structures, pacing, and character development. It also helps refill the creative well.
Many successful authors read both inside and outside their genre to broaden their perspective and sharpen their craft.
Remember, reading isn’t a distraction from writing — it’s part of the process.
3. They Protect Their Creative Time
Successful writers treat writing like a priority, not an afterthought.
They create boundaries around their writing time by limiting distractions, turning off notifications, or setting dedicated work hours. Some wake up early before the rest of the world is awake, while others write during their most productive hours of the day.
Protecting creative energy is often just as important as finding it.
4. They Accept Imperfect First Drafts
Many new writers get stuck trying to make every sentence perfect the first time around.
Successful authors know better. They understand that first drafts are supposed to be messy. The goal is progress, not perfection. Editing comes later.
Giving yourself permission to write imperfectly can remove a tremendous amount of pressure and help creativity flow more freely.
5. They Stay Curious
Writers draw inspiration from the world around them.
Successful authors observe conversations, study people, ask questions, and pay attention to everyday details. Curiosity fuels storytelling.
Sometimes the smallest moment — a stranger’s comment, a childhood memory, or a random news headline — can spark an entirely new story idea.
6. They Keep Notes and Ideas Nearby
Ideas rarely arrive at convenient times.
Many authors keep notebooks, voice memos, or notes apps nearby to capture dialogue snippets, story concepts, character ideas, or sudden inspiration before it disappears.
A small idea today could become the foundation for a future novel or even a series.
7. They Embrace Discipline Over Motivation
Motivation comes and goes. Discipline is what keeps books moving forward.
Successful authors understand that not every writing session will feel magical. Some days are difficult, frustrating, or uninspired. But they continue anyway.
The habit of showing up consistently often matters more than fleeting bursts of inspiration.
8. They Take Care of Their Mental and Physical Health
Writing requires mental clarity, creativity, and emotional energy.
Many successful authors prioritize habits that support their overall well-being, such as exercise, sleep, healthy routines, and time away from screens.
Burnout can quickly drain creativity. Rest and balance are essential parts of a sustainable writing life.
Let me speak honestly here… This is my problem. I often take on way too much, and my mental and physical health suffer for it. When that happens, my writing is often the first commitment that gets set to the side. For example, I am a wife, a mom, a full-time Realtor, I am a co-owner of a local lounge bar and wine/bourbon retail shop (The Vine And Oak), I am the owner/founder of a new local theatre troupe (Front Row Theatre Troupe) that does dinner theatre at a local restaurant (Main Street Cafe), and I am an author. That is a lot of hats to wear, and I often find very little time to just focus on myself. White space on my calendar doesn’t exist, so exercise time, meditation time, etc., tend to get forgotten. When that happens, my creativity goes down the drain, and my writing time suffers.
9. They Learn Continuously
The writing journey never truly ends.
Successful authors continue improving their craft through workshops, podcasts, books, classes, critique groups, and feedback from other writers. No matter how experienced they become, they remain open to growth.
10. They Finish What They Start
Starting a story is exciting. Finishing one requires commitment.
Many successful authors develop the habit of pushing through the middle sections, difficult scenes, and moments of doubt instead of abandoning projects too soon.
Finished manuscripts create opportunities. Unfinished ideas stay stuck in notebooks.
There’s no single formula for becoming a successful author. Every writer has different routines, creative rhythms, and processes. However, consistent habits often separate those who dream about writing from those who actually complete books.
Success in writing rarely comes from one perfect day of inspiration. More often, it’s built through small daily actions repeated over time.
Write regularly. Read often. Stay curious. Keep learning. And most importantly, keep showing up for your stories.
Those small habits may eventually lead to something extraordinary.
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 visible spirit. Two phantom thieves. Three courageous friends.
June Brookes has haunted the library at Pinedale High for decades, without attention. Until one day, new sophomore, May Blakely, notices. Could this be June’s chance to cross over to the hereafter? If only she knew what needed to be finished from her old life.
Angsty May prefers solitude. Her deadbeat dad may have ditched her in this small town, but she has no interest befriending this strange girl, or the cute boy across the street.
June’s hereafter hustle goes haywire when two phantom soldiers plot to hijack her passage to peace, at the expense of hurting fellow students. June saves May’s life, igniting their joint efforts to protect the school. Can May help June to her happily ever afterlife?
Don’t miss the rest of the Haunting of Pinedale High books!Find them on Amazon
Celaine Charles lives in the enchanted Pacific Northwest, teaching elementary school by day and writing by the stars at night. She’s an award-winning, multi-genre author who balances her dual life creating poetry, fantasy, and contemporary romance shorts, while blogging about her journey on Steps in Between. In addition, she’s embarking on the world of children’s picture books.
She’s published collections of poetry through Egret Lake Books and Palmetto Publishing Group, and fiction through The Wild Rose Press and Eliza Storm Books.
Celaine is a member of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association, Storyteller Academy, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and reads poetry regularly with the Museum of Northwest Art, Writing’s on the Wall series.
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Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
After watching the Netflix movie, Girl Haunts Boy and the Netflix series, School Spirits, I literally wrote my new young adult paranormal fantasy, When June Haunts May, as if it were on the screen!
I pictured my blue-haired angsty sophomore, May, meeting the spirit, June, in her new high school. June pesters her for a friendship in which she has no interest, not to mention she’s dressed like she’s headed to a fifties sock hop. But this girl…ghost…desperately needs to connect with May. She’s the first person to see her in decades, so she must be the key to help her crossover to the other side. In the midst of meeting, they both stumble upon the local high school lacrosse star, Reid, crying by himself in the…rumored to be haunted…woods behind the school.
Hiding behind my writing desk, each main character was in constant motion as this story came to life. And they’re all three going through real emotions the big screen could vividly portray. May prefers loneliness as her safe haven. June’s been alone for so long, she’s a jumbled mess when someone finally sees her. Reid fears the loneliness he predicts is soon to come for reasons they all find out later. This book, without being sad, shines a little light on three different perspectives of loneliness.
The story is set at the start of fall, the colors all golden-green and marigold-yellow at a North Carolinian school, Pinedale High. On campus there’s a wooded area and pond behind the school, with an old neighborhood sprawling out beyond, complete with crumbling sidewalks and overgrown shade trees. The autumn season creates the perfect ambience for this small-town story and would make for a spookily cozy movie any time of year.
May, June, and Reid become unlikely friends, meeting some curiously amazing side characters along the way. They will truly have you smiling and possibly wincing at the same time. And as if figuring out her past isn’t enough for June to deal with in her seemingly small window to cross over, two Confederate soldiers decide to hijack her freedom, putting the whole school in danger.
When June Haunts May has just enough spook, risk, and vulnerability woven in with tender moments that build relationships, including friendship and young love, to make this cozy ghost story the perfect feel-good movie!
I also wrote a novella, Stained Glass Secrets and Star Wishes, back in 2022. It’s a mash-up of Hallmark meets Fantasy, and I’ve always imagined it as a holiday movie on the Hallmark Channel.
A stressed-out, single accountant skips out on life to spend Christmas alone at her family’s snowy, lake cabin. A freshwater fairy, who looks handsomely human out of water, comes to the surface to face his own fears and grief, yet unexpectedly spies her crying through a window. Together with a wish on a star, a snowy ice castle, some Christmas cookie mishaps, and Ollie, the springer spaniel, they fall in maybe-one-day-possibly love.
The whole story makes me gush!
And finally, I’ve been told by many readers of my young adult Keeper Series (Seam Keepers and Dream Keepers), that it should be made into a movie. I guess with my own ADHD, I always try to write my books with strong pacing. It’s a tough one for me because I can get wordy. But hopefully with the art of revision and rereading my stories again and again through that revision process, I smooth the pacing for the most reluctant reader to want to read. And good pacing does make for a great movie!
What a fun question to answer!
Advice they would give new authors?
I would tell a new author to keep writing no matter what. And equal to that, keep reading and learning how to improve your craft. That’s it. New (and seasoned) writers need to continually remind themselves to ignore the noise and negative reviews (unless there’s truly something that will help them improve their writing) and just continue to create and grow in their craft.
Going to writer’s conferences is also a GREAT way to learn the craft and business of writing. There are support systems out there, but writers need to reach out to find them. A writing conference and/or writing class in your community are great ways to get started.
I met my writing critique group through a writing class. Then we all attended a writing conference together. I learned so much while at the same time, increasing my support system. Writing is an isolating experience because we’re generally alone for long periods of time. Critique groups and writing classes can help ease the isolation and provide resources.
So new writers—read, keep writing, ignore the noise, and reach out to find your people and improve your craft!
Describe your writing style.
Always a hard question for me, but this is my assessment of my writing based on what my critique group and beta readers tell me, as well as how it feels when I’m drafting my stories.
I am a lyrical writer working to edit down my long sentences while still trying to achieve the dance and flow of a full story.
There. I said it. I guess you might say I’m overly wordy, but ultimately don’t want to come across that way, so I have to backtrack over all my writing in the revision and editing stages to cut words. I will never be that writer who needs to add more details for word count. Ha! I am the opposite! My stories always need to be cut and tidied up.
Lyrical writing is just part of my process, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
What makes a good story?
For me a good story is all about the characters. I can read a book with an okay plot, if I love the characters. But it’s difficult for me to read any story, if I can’t relate or connect with the characters working through even the most organized plot lines. I’m definitely a character-driven author and reader, both.
Along with intriguing characters, I appreciate lyrical voice and sensory explosion on the page. I want to see, and hear, and taste, and smell everything the characters do. When a simple sentence sweeps me away, I’m in awe of the author and can’t wait to read more.
What are you currently reading?
This is my year of reading ARCs (advanced reader copies) and researching romance. It’s been rough not reading fantasy and poetry, the two genres I love the most, but 2026 filled up fast with several ARC reads for other authors. I am exploring the idea of writing a full-length contemporary romance.
I’m not sure how this happened, but I may have overcommitted myself with ARC reads. With that said, it’s fine. I love helping other authors this way because I need their help in return, and it feels special getting a sneak peek at a finished book that’s not out there yet. Getting those early readers and honest reviews can surely help set a newly launched book in the right direction. So, I am happy to do that. I just happen to have a lot of ARC’s back-to-back right now.
As for romance, this is a new genre for me. I’m already writing short stories with my author’s collaboration project. With fellow writers, SD Porter and Eliza Storm, we are each writing short rom-com style stories to match each holiday. We’ve written one for Halloween (Midnight Meet-Ups), one for Valentine’s Day (Sweet Chaos), and our new collection for the Fourth of July (Caught a Spark) comes out this summer (2026). I’m having so much fun, I think I might want to write a full-length romance! To research, I’m reading a variety of authors in the romance world right now. Most of these have been audiobooks, since I’m busy reading ARCs.
For now, I’m reading books for other amazing authors and swooning about my own one-day romance.
What is your writing process? For instance, do you create an outline first? Do you write the chapters first?
I always think of characters first, no matter what kind of story I’m writing, be it fantasy, contemporary romance, or children’s. After that, I place my characters in a setting that fits them, then loosely point them in the direction of what they want or need until something internal and external gets in their way. Finally, I make as many things rain on their journey…so that we have some kind of interesting story and growth arc in the end.
Writing chapters and scenes help me when I’m stuck. It’s okay to write out of order, and I’ve done this before with books, but I find that it takes me longer sometimes to stitch them back together. For this reason, I try to write as linearly as possible.
When drafting a new story, I do consider plotting plans like Save the Cat and the Three Act Structure, however they are sketched and not written in ink. I ask myself a lot more questions than I used to when planning a story now. I want to know up front what lie they believe about themselves, what childhood trauma might be holding them back, and then how they might use that very fear to save the day.
I’ve always called myself a recovering pantser. My first book took seven years from first draft to publication. Although it was a long journey, I still learned so much on the way. I wouldn’t trade any of that time, however I don’t want to spend seven years on a book again. At my age (not telling) I don’t have time for that. As much as I love letting my characters explore and choose their own story (which I still do to a degree) I have a few mile posts I need them to get to along the way to keep me focused and grounded….and ultimately to get more books in my reader’s hands.
Do you believe in writer’s block?
I do believe in writer’s block, but I’ve learned a few things about the wall that stops the flow of writing and some tips and tricks too.
We all fall into different categories of life and we’re all facing different obstacles in the way of writing (or having time to write). So, the variables are unmeasurable. With that being said, I remind myself that creating is unique for everyone and can be affected by a vast number of reasons. I can’t name them all here but…family and/or job responsibilities, time restraints for a million reasons, health, life surprises (positive and negative), energy levels, and more. Give yourself a break! It’s okay to step back sometimes. Regroup. Start again when you can.
I’ve read that sometimes we get stuck when we don’t know our story well enough. You can work backwards to the place you felt confident and try to angle it in a slightly different direction. Presto! That sometimes works.
Plan a field trip to research my characters (where might they go if they visited my town?)
Drown my sorrows in chardonnay and allergy-free chocolate
Reread all I’ve written again with fresh eyes
Read another author’s ARC
Read book reviews
Work out (I like Pilates)
Write or read poetry
Write something completely new (maybe an article helping other writers)
Pray (this one seriously works for me)
Find some fresh inspiration for my writing space (a new candle, vase of flowers…)
Plan a weekend or even just a day to NOT think about writing and just be
Spend time with loved ones or friends and just live a little (fill up the life tank)
Find a new flavor of tea or coffee to drink while I write
Try plotting a little—if you’re a pantser. Try pantsing a little—if you’re a plotter. The point? Do something different!
Read a writing craft book
Dress up when I write (or maybe dress in character), but sometimes dressing for the occasion puts me in the right mood.
Burn candles or use aroma therapy to set the mood…I like lavender and vanilla
Create mood boards to go with my stories (Pinterest is great for this)
Take my characters out for lunch…or dinner…or coffee…or dancing (whatever might work for the story). By this, I mean that I write a small scene that might never make it into the book, but maybe something to share with readers later.
Here’s a new one, not on my blog post. Find a music soundtrack that coordinates with your story or story vibe. Background music can put me in the mood.
Another new idea, not on my blog post, which works for me most times…set a timer. I like 25-minute sprints, but even if you only have ten minutes, write for that allotted time. You will feel better. And sometimes that’s all we need to get back in the groove.
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.
I can scare and thrill you in only…100 words!
Stay at Castle Dracula…and Other Short-Short Stories
by Jim Nemeth
Genre: Horror Short Stories
Do you enjoy a good drabble? No, not America’s most popular word game—that’s Scrabble. No, not those cute, furry little creatures from Star Trek—those are tribbles. A drabble is a form of intense fiction writing consisting of 100 words. Not 100 chapters, not 100 paragraphs, nor even 100 lines. 100 words. Exactly.
Author Jim Nemeth loves the format and is an accomplished dabbler in drabbles. “Whenever I explain to friends what a drabble is,” Nemeth relates, “I get the exact same expression of disbelief: ‘100 words?’ In fact, I took these reactions and wrote a drabble about it, “Impossible Assignment,” which leads off the collection.”
Stay at Castle Dracula and Other Short-Short Stories, a chapbook, collects 26 tales, 23 of which are drabbles. With the three other stories, the author “splurged” and indulged himself with an additional 100-200 words.
Other tales of five score words include “Disgruntled,” where a joyous family Christmas celebration turns horrific when a little boy doesn’t get the toy he wanted; “Love Potion” relates what happens when a witch’s magic works too well. And in the title story, another young English traveler debates his decision in staying in Count Dracula’s centuries’ old castle.
In 1993, Nemeth won first prize in a national magazine’s short story writing contest for which legendary authors Ray Bradbury and Robert Bloch were judges. The award held special meaning for Nemeth, as Bloch remains his favorite writer and main literary influence. Nemeth is the author of two additional books: It Came From…The Stories and Novels Behind Classic Horror, Fantasy, and Science Fiction Films and Robert Bloch: An Unconventional Bibliography, as well as being the webmaster of The Robert Bloch Official Website (robertbloch.net).
A long-time community activist, the author is particularly committed to the cause of animal rescue. He lives in the historic harbor town of Marblehead, MA.
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.
Dive into a different world, where nature and friendship are full of surprises.
Twins Tabitha and Timothy leave London for a wild Shetland island — no Wi-Fi, no friends, and a mysterious great-uncle. In Papala, they discover a new way of life, unexpected friendships, and courage they never knew they had.
A fun, eco-conscious story for ages 9–12 that the whole family will love.
When their parents sail the world without them, 12-year-old twins Tabitha and Timothy are sent to the remote island of Papala, known as the “Bird Island.” Great Uncle Tamhas becomes their guardian in a world as strange as the island itself.
Tabitha is frustrated with the island’s isolation and limited Wi-Fi, but Timothy is delighted to uncover the island’s natural secrets. The twins soon realise however, they are not the only newcomers to the island.
Discover a story about courage, friendship and the joy of embracing the unfamiliar. Dive into a different world, where nature and friendship are full of surprises.
You’ll love this story of courage and friendship. Buy now before the price changes!
Check out: https: //www.sjbstories.com to know more!
S. J. Barratt is a self-published, professionally edited children’s author whose eco-themed stories celebrate the connection between people and the natural world. Rooted in an English countryside upbringing and shaped by a career in agriculture, she blends a gardener’s curiosity with a storyteller’s warmth to her writing. Now based in Lyon, France, Suzanne creates tales that inspire middle-grade readers to swap screen time for green time—and rediscover the wonders waiting just outside their door.
A former BBC broadcaster and journalist, Gill Mills brings over 20 years of experience in entertainment to her narration. Known for her warm, resonant voice, she began her voice career while DJing on BBC Radio 1 and has since voiced numerous TV and audio productions. She now runs a content company specialising in podcast and film production from her studio in East London.
Nina Soden 