November 26th marks a big milestone for me — my 50th birthday. I’ll admit, that number has been sitting with me in a strange way. There’s something about it that feels both heavy and profound. But instead of focusing on the number, I want to celebrate the journey that brought me here — and the art, family, and community that have shaped me along the way.
I’ve always been an artist. As a kid, I filled sketchbooks with drawings and painted anything I could get my hands on. Creativity was my language — the way I understood and expressed the world around me. In college, I discovered the magic of theatre and film, and that love carried me all the way to California after graduation. I chased stories on stage and on camera, learning what it meant to bring characters to life.
When my husband and I moved to Alabama in 2004, the curtain didn’t fall — it simply shifted. I found a vibrant theatre community here, both on and off the stage. And when film opportunities weren’t as accessible, writing became my new creative outlet. It started as a whisper — a need to tell stories — and grew into a lifelong passion.
Since publishing my first novel in 2012, I’ve written worlds born from imagination, heart, and a deep love for storytelling. Each book has been a reflection of my creativity — as an artist, as a dreamer, as a human being trying to make sense of the world. But none of it would have been possible without my family. Their love, patience, and unwavering support have carried me through every chapter. Being a wife and a mom are my greatest accomplishments — everything else, every creative endeavor, is built on that foundation of love.
And then, of course, there’s you — my readers. Your encouragement, your messages, your shared excitement about my books… my stories mean more to me than you could ever know. You’ve helped turn my art into something living, something shared.
So, to celebrate this milestone birthday and to give back a little of the joy you’ve given me, I’m hosting a Birthday Giveaway! 🎁
✨ Enter to win a signed copy of one of my books (U.S. entries only)! ✨
Here’s how to enter:
Leave a comment below — tell me your favorite birthday memory, your favorite book of mine, or simply say hello.
Fill out the short entry form (linked below) so I can contact the winner.
The giveaway will be open through November 30th, and I’ll announce the winner the first week of December.
As I step into this new decade, I’m choosing gratitude — for art, for stories, for family, and for the readers who make it all worthwhile. Thank you for being part of my creative journey. Here’s to the next chapter — one filled with courage, curiosity, and a whole lot of love. 💜
With gratitude, Nina Soden Author | Dreamer | Storyteller
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.
She’s their executive assistant by day, and the city’s vigilante by night.
Evelyn Harper lives a double life. By day, she is the unassuming assistant to the Stone brothers and their best friend, efficiently managing their security firm’s operations. By night, she runs the Archers, a vigilante organization delivering justice for those that the legal system fails.
For years, she’s successfully kept her two lives separate, using the information she’s privy to at the security firm to save more lives with the Archers. But when a threat targets her men, Evelyn’s two worlds collide. Evelyn must reveal her true identity and harness all her skills and resources if she’s going to keep them alive.
But when the four men discover her betrayal, will they let her help them or will they turn her and her organization over to the very corrupt system that Evelyn fights?
Duality is the gripping first book of three in The Archers series, full of action, intrigue, and romance as Evelyn fights to protect her loved ones and uphold her brand of justice. It is a MFMMM slow burn contemporary romance with dark themes but is not a dark romance. If you love strong female characters and a harem that adores their FMC, this is the book for you!
Sunny Hart lives in the rolling hills of the Kentucky Bluegrass. She has spent her entire life expressing herself through writing and short stories until one NaNoWriMo she challenged herself to write a book to share with the world. By Her Sight is the first book Sunny has published but is one of many floating around in her head. When not writing, Sunny is spending time with her dogs and horse and working her ‘day job’ as a business strategy consultant.
Would you like a chance to win a $10 Amazon or Paypal 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’ve always written as a way to process the world whether that be journaling or writing short stories. One November, I challenged myself to write a full book from beginning to end and that’s how By Her Sight was written. I fell in love with the why-choose genre and the rest is history!
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Probably not until I had finished writing the first three books in the Unitam Realm series. That feels like a long time but it took a bit for my mindset to shift and be like “I can really write a book!”
Do you have a favorite movie?
I love the Marvel universe but especially the earlier Marvel movies. Captain America is one of my favorites!
What inspired you to write this book?
There’s a lot of injustice in the world and there are many, many people that the justice system fails. Evelyn came to life from the part of me that wants to burn it all down sometimes. Obviously she doesn’t and she creates the Archers after something devastating happens to her but writing the Archers series helps give me hope.
What can we expect from you in the future?
I’ll always be writing! I’m too far deep into the life now and I have too many stories swirling in my brain. I’m excited to finish up the Archers series and maybe dive back into my Unitam Realm series for a prequel trilogy.
How did you come up with the name of this book?
So originally this was going to be a duet and the duet’s title was going to be Duality. But as my alpha and beta readers will tell you, I can’t limit what I write at all so the duet quickly turned into a trilogy but I loved the name Duality too much to let it go so I made it the first book’s title. Duality means “an instance of opposition or contrast between two concepts or two aspects of something” which I think fits Evelyn’s life at the start of the book perfectly!
Who designed your book covers?
The amazing Inessa at Cauldron Book Press!
Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reins of the story?
Oh I have no control whatsoever LOL! I am a plotter so I like to start with a plan but usually somewhere along the way it goes off the rails and I’m changing direction. However, there have been times in a series when I unconsciously write something at the beginning that ties in perfectly at the end and it is usually driven by a character’s actions.
What are your top 10 favorite books/authors?
Too many to count! I love everything by Devyn Sinclair, Tessa Hale, J Bree, Grace McGinty, and Nadia Lee. Their books are staples in my library!
Do the characters all come to you at the same time or do some of them come to you as you write?
Some of them come right away. Usually my FMCs are always pretty formed in my head before I start writing. There’s always one guy in the group that fights me. For Duality, that guy was Marcus. He seemed to like fighting anyways so it worked out!
Do you see writing as a career?
I’m hoping to turn it into one! But that’s a long term goal. Right now, I don’t want to put that much pressure on my creativity. Instead, I’m happy writing as the words come to me!
Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why?
I like to write to music or work in a coffee shop! My first book, By Her Sight, was written almost exclusively to the Hamilton soundtrack actually. There’s something about a bit of noise that allows me to shut off part of my brain and dive deep into the story.
Advice they would give new authors?
The first draft is you just telling yourself the story. It’s supposed to be messy and imperfect! Remember, writing is a marathon, not a sprint!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
A televised cooking competition puts Sherry, a successful cooking competitor, in the spotlight, especially when the final challenge calls for catching a killer.
A televised cooking competition puts Sherry in the spotlight, especially when the final challenge calls for catching a killer . . .
Despite being a seasoned competitor, nothing could have prepared Sherry Oliveri for the thrill of being chosen for a three-day cooking challenge on national television. She’s dying to tell her friends, but she and everyone else involved in the contest has been sworn to secrecy until it airs. Still, that’s not stopping someone from penning cryptic notes about the show for the whole town to read, which has the production crew on edge—right up until one of them is found dead.
Determined to root out the killer, Sherry suspects the truth lies with whoever’s behind the mysterious notes—which have now turned dark with menacing comments on the murder and suggestions of buried secrets. Trying to unravel it all while focusing on her recipes, Sherry’s stopped dead in her tracks when the cook-off host drops a bombshell. With no time to spare, she’ll have to unearth the one missing ingredient that will ensure the killer’s cooked . . .
Includes recipes from Sherry’s kitchen!
Praise for the Cook-Off Mysteries:
“The Cook-Off Mystery series by Devon Delaney is a very tasty treat!” —Cozy Mystery Book Reviews
“This is a very fun and rollicking mystery that stays light-hearted even as the case gets more complicated . . . Cooking, holiday celebrations, and moving family drama all make for the perfect escape.” —Kings River Life
“This book was gripping and hard to put down. It didn’t feel like everything else you see out there, it felt very fresh. I really enjoyed this book!” – Netgalley Reviewer.
Devon Delaney is life-long resident of the Northeast and currently resides in coastal Connecticut. She is a wife, mother of three, grandmother of two and accomplished cooking contester. She taught computer education and Lego Robotics for over ten years prior to pursuing writing. Along the way Devon has been handsomely rewarded for her recipe innovation over the last twenty-plus years. Combining Devon’s beloved hobby of cooking contesting with her enthusiasm for writing was inevitable.
When Devon is not preparing for her next cook-off, she may be found pursuing her other hobbies, including playing competitive USTA league tennis, gardening, needlepointing, painting, jarring her produce, and hooking rugs. Her standard poodle, Rocket, is her pride and joy and keeps her on the path of sanity.
Would you like a chance to win a$10 Amazon gift card?Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
What is your writing process? For ex: do you outline first?
I have yet to develop a consistent writing process. A lot has to do with my life’s happenings at the time of writing. If I’m in a time crunch I outline with as much rigor as I can, but I have yet to adhere to the outline as I reach the halfway point of the book I’m working on. Outlines are very helpful to put one foot in front of the other without a misstep. Mapping out an outline I have every intention of sticking to is the best launching point for me. I plow ahead for at least two hours at a sitting most every day, putting words down to move the plot forward. As I move along in the process I predictably take a left turn from the outline. When I’m confident the outline has served its purpose I go rogue and transition over to notes I’ve taken from manuscript day one. One of my favorite steps in the writing process is re-write time. I begin my first re-write when I’m halfway done the manuscript. I recognize I’ve reached that point by the number of words I’ve written. By the end of my first re-write I have exercised my most powerful word-whacker tool repeatedly, cutting out multiple paragraphs of text. I have a tendency toward wordiness and a tap of the Delete key is my best defense against reader vertigo, a not-so-rare condition brought on by a dizzying excess of words on the page. I read and reread my words not for grammatical errors, which abound, but for inconsistencies, both in the character’s development and the storyline. I search for confusing passages and unnecessary detail of any variety. Clarity is king and not easy to achieve. After midway re-writes I move ahead to finish the story, before starting the re-write over again from word one. I’m confident at this point I am headed in the right direction. I know how I want the book to end, how I want to tie up loose ends and which characters I want to let remain standing by the last word. I’m pretty sure I re-read my books between twenty to thirty times. I think about the characters and plot day and night until I finally send the manuscript off to my publisher.
Do you see writing as a career?
I would love that.
Fun facts/tidbits/did you know? – type tidbits about the author, the book or the writing process-
Fun facts:
I am the oldest person on my USTA tennis team.
I have tried out for Chopped three times and gotten to the final interview stage each time before not being chosen. I will keep trying.
I began watercolor painting this year.
I won the very first recipe contest I entered.
I got a publishing contract in one month after my agent began the search.
Writing process tidbit: Writing a winning recipe is a lot like writing a good mystery. Begin with a catchy title. Cozy mystery readers love puns in their titles. For a recipe contest you must know your audience. Some research on past winning recipes can offer a clue as to the naming convention the contest leans toward, the contest may lean toward a long descriptive name or , on the flip side, a short direct attention grabber. Draw the reader into the book or recipe from word one. If the ingredient list is too long the home cook turns the page to an easier version of a similar recipe. Along the same vein, if there are too many characters in the plot the story is diluted, and the reader closes the book. The meat of the recipe, which is the recipe preparation, must contain a unique twist that makes both appealing and outstanding. A twist or two within a mystery is mandatory for the book to be successful. The recipe must wrap up with a wonderful outcome that draws the diner in, to the point he or she can’t wait for the first bite. Likewise, the book’s plot must wrap up loose ends and leave the reader satiated and yearning for more from the author.
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 End of the World has Never Been This Incompetent!
✔️A deadly virus. ✔️A world overrun by monsters. ✔️ Six scientists on a dangerous mission to cure the world. We are screwed…
They only wanted a Nobel Prize. Instead, they will have to save the world.
It was going to be the experiment of the year. Preparing to blast x-rays through a piece of palladium at the most dazzling European synchrotron, Anna and five of her fellow scientists expected a few hiccups.
Not a horde of hungry spleen-eating zombies.
The world has succumbed to the virus, leaving only scattered survivors.
When Anna and her friends realise that the infected can be cured back into humans, they pledge to find a cure no matter the cost. Equipped with a lab wrench and questionable lab ethics, Team ID26 are humanity’s last hope.
But what is the price of saving the world?
Running out of time, Anna and her friends will face the impossible choices between life and death, morality and cure. When the future of the world is at stake, what will they have to sacrifice?
What is similar between science and postapocalyptic survival?
Everything that can, will go wrong.”
Rain Hunter is a writer of post-apocalyptic science fiction. Having spent years as a materials researcher, Rain intricately weaves scientific precision into the stories. “I’ve had a fun lab run over the years and might have picked some degrees on the way,” laughs Rain. “But the most important thing for my books is that the science has to be real. No more can-and-know-it-all characters! If I know how to cook meth from baking soda and cough syrup, I won’t be able to start a rocket engine, full stop. Even in fiction!”
Rain is a huge fan of the zombie genre, both in movies and books. “I’d kill to be a zombie extra in a film. Even if they smash my brains out in the first two seconds. Sign me up anytime.”
Dark humour and irony are the main ingredients in Rain’s novels. “I am sure the world will die laughing. That’s what I would do.”
Rain lives in Birmingham (England), which serves as a main inspiration for the goriest post-apocalyptic scenes. In their spare time, Rain plays a harp in the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Would you like a chance to win a$25 Amazon gift card? Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?
How about we speak about all the things that you learn that are NOT writing? Are you an indie author? You will know all about the daily grind of DEY – do everything yourself. From creating your own website to your own ads. Here are some of the professions I’m mastering so that more people could see my books (I didn’t even say buy):
Editor. Here is an example: one of my editors (US-based) offered on her website a separate service for converting British English into American English (all those ises into izes). Reasonable – as a British author I would like to be understood by my American fans. (Hello? Any American fans around?) I specified with her that I was writing in British English (just to make sure). Guess what came back? All my en-dashes brutally converted into a bunch of em dashes. My novel started to look like written by a rabid AI. Well, if she doesn’t know the differences in bloody dashes, how could I trust her as an editor?
Cover designer. It’s okay if your novel is a mainstream romantasy (no disrespect, just not my genre) and you can photoshop some stock images into an epically looking fae/princess/warrior. It’s a completely different piece of guts when you need to explain to people what a synchrotron is. I attached photos. Photos didn’t help.
Also, explaining what is post-apocalyptic comedy turned out difficult. Or I’m just shit in explaining.
Instagram influencer. Yes, it’s a bloody job. Some people are good at it and are paid for it. Not me, sorry. I have 107 followers. They seem to be reading all types of books but not MINE.
Book formatter. Throwing together a printable pdf doesn’t work anymore.
Ads. Holy Odin, if there is Hell, it’s surely populated with ads and people creating ads that nobody ever clicks.
SEO whisperer. Backlinks, keywords, optimisation. When was the last time you searched for anything on Google? What did you find? Did you read past the AI bot at the top of the page? It’s high time we do AIO (AI optimisation).
Join my mailing list for more self-publishing stories. I’m honest and don’t pretend self-publishing is not shit. It is, until maybe book forty-two. Why do I do it? Because some books are too niche for trad pub and I do hope to be able – one day – to pay for a family dinner with the money I make from my books.
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!
AUTHOR MEET & GREET | BOOK SIGNING| & AUTHOR DISCUSSIONS Saturday, June 21st from 2:00 – 4:00 PM Blue Apple Books (14 Main Street, Suite B, Madison, AL)
calling all writers… Join me for ‘Plot it, plan it, crush it’ where I talk about how to get organized, stay on track, and finally finish your 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.
Becket Weston meets his match when he tries his bad boy skills on the wrong woman.
Cowboy Becket Weston likes women, plural, and has a reputation for breaking hearts. His bad-boy behavior masks a deeper need to atone for past mistakes. His side-hustle—using a pseudonym and posting comic drawings of ranch life on social media—lets him explore life, love, and grief without being exposed. He even has a following! But no amount of introspection can explain his fascination with Eleanor Campbell—Main Street, Marietta’s newest shopkeeper. She’s definitely not his type, so why does she keep turning up in his drawings?
Ellie Campbell isn’t one for staying long in any one place, but when she inherits money from her grandmother and decides to open a yarn store in small-town Marietta, it feels like she’s putting down roots. She’s not looking for a relationship after one too many hard knocks, literally, but Becket Weston gets under her skin like no other, igniting passion that’s impossible to ignore.
He’s a bad boy playboy and everyone knows it, but there’s something about him that just doesn’t add up. Does Ellie have the courage to stick around and find a way into his heart?
Widowed rancher Hayden Weston knows what it means to be responsible for his siblings, his eight-year-old son, and the running of the huge family cattle ranch. Some even call him a stern and grumpy taskmaster and they’re not exactly wrong. So when Hayden discovers his son reading a storybook instead of doing chores, he calls on Luke’s teacher to talk about priorities.
School teacher Laura Anderson is new to Marietta, Montana, and has never—until now—been reprimanded for encouraging a child to read. It doesn’t help that sweet Luke’s father is the handsome cowboy with the amber eyes that she met in Grey’s Saloon, or that she’s wildly attracted to him.
Sparks keep flying as their paths keep crossing, but Hayden is determined not to give in to his incomprehensible need to have, hold, and protect Laura from any type of harm. He’s the one who’ll hurt her if he lets her stray too close. He’s not ready to admit his feelings or commit to sharing his life with her.
I have been reading love stories for as long as I can remember and when I ‘met’ the classic authors like Jane Austen, Elizabeth Gaskell, Henry James The Brontë sisters, etc. during my Honours studies, I was hooked for life. I married my college boyfriend and soul mate and after 47 years, 3 interesting and wonderful children and 4 beautiful grandchildren, he still makes me weak in the knees. We are fortunate to live in the picturesque little seaside village of Betty’s Bay, South Africa with the ocean a block away and a beautiful mountain right behind us. And although life so far has not always been an easy ride, it has always been an exciting and interesting one! I like the heroines in my stories to be beautiful, feisty, independent and headstrong. And the heroes must be strong but possess a generous amount of sensitivity. They are of course, also gorgeous! My stories typically incorporate the family background of the characters to better understand where they come from and who they are when we meet them in the story.
Would you like a chance to win a$10 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 did a teaching diploma after school, stayed at home for ten years while our kids were small before going back to work. While I was working as an administrator in the English Department of a nearby university, I was inspired to study again. I was forty. I got an Honors degree in English and also did a MPhil in Document Analyses and Design, thinking that it was something I could do when I retire. But then I entered a magazine competition looking for romance authors way back in 2008 and was fortunate enough to be the winner. The prize was the publication of my first book – I was hooked. Growing up, my mother was an avid romance reader and there were always stacks of love stories in the house, particularly stacks of Mills & Boons. I literally read thousands of them.
I met Jane Porter from Tule Publishing when she visited ROSA (The Romance Writers Organization of South Africa) in 2016. Afterwards I sent her a manuscript, she liked it and since then I’ve published seven books with Tule – an extraordinary team of women. I count myself extremely fortunate to be able work with them.
I’m married to my college boyfriend who is also my best friend and my soulmate. We have three grown-up kids who have long since left the house and are each doing their bit to make this world a better place. We are so proud of them and are blessed with four grandkids who are just growing up way too fast.
I mostly write in Afrikaans and have around seventy books published by various publishers in South Africa. I have also written two children’s stories.
What is something unique/quirky about you?
I’m an introvert, something I’ve only discovered when I was much older. I like people and I’m blessed with a a circle of close friends, but I need to be alone to re-charge. I can’t do late nights, for instance, by ten my battery is flat!
I’m no chef but I love to cook for the people I love and nothing gives me more pleasure than to have our whole family around a table.
Where were you born/grew up at?
I was born in a small town called Upington in South Africa. As kids we swam in the Orange River and went camping in the Kalahari Desert.
If you knew you’d die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?
With my husband, our children and grandchildren, of course. Around a table, eating and telling stories.
What kind of world ruler would you be?
I’ll put women in charge of education, hospitals and the police. Start from the ground up, teach children respect before anything else and let kids play. A lot.
What do you do to unwind and relax?
I read, go for long walks, knit or crochet. I’m fortunate enough to have a very special group of women I can call friends. Visiting them always makes my heart sing. We’ve known each other for such a long time. We have a Whatsapp group and during tough times, we rely on each other to help us carry whatever burden we have. During Covid, especially, it was a kind of lifeline. We shared recipes for bread, for food, books we’ve read and sometimes just something silly that has happened. It was a wonderful way to keep our spirits up,
Describe yourself in 5 words or less!
Disciplined, dedicated, passionate, impatient, a sucker for a story or movie with a happy ending.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
After about twenty books J
Do you have a favorite movie?
Pretty woman
Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
A family with the cowboy! Liam Hemsworth would make a very sexy Hayden Weston and Brie Larson would make a lovely Laura.
As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
A leopard. They are solitary animals and like to walk alone. As hopeless introvert, I can relate.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
Dystopian. Biology shapes reality… One woman’s mythic search for self-realization in a distant tomorrow… Her sensuality was at the core of her world, her quest beyond the civilized stars. Aristocrat. Outcast. Picara. Slave. Ruler.
High Couch of Silistra The Silistra Quartet Book 1 By Janet Morris Genre: Epic Dystopian SciFi Fantasy
“Engrossing characters in a marvelous adventure.” – Charles N. Brown, Locus Magazine
“The amazing and erotic adventures of the most beautiful courtesan in tomorrow’s universe” – Frederik Pohl
I was high-couch in the greatest house of pleasure in the civilized stars.
“We are all bound,” is the great truth of Silistra: Bound by biological necessity and genetics, the men and women of Silistra struggle to sort Nature from Nurture – where Nature always wins. Welcome to Silistra, a glimpse of a far distant future wherein a civilization proclaims the greatest feat an individual can perform is to produce one child, yet distrusts the sciences that brought them to verge of extinction.
Here women and men coexist uneasily in a society ravaged by war, technology, and infertility, each vying for power, each seeking dominion over one another. Be warned, if your tastes run to simplistic plots, throbbing organs, swooning damsels or kick-boxing women in men’s armor, Silistra may be too challenging. Feminists, misogynists, misanthropes, or fans of political diatribe, this is not the book for you.
High Couch of Silistra, first of the notorious Silistra Quartet, brings us to a realm where thought alters probability, where creativity is inextricably linked to the urge to own and dominate, and where the universe itself is amenable to a focused mind.
Rooted deeply in humanity’s mythic past yet unaware of the planet Earth, High Couch of Silistra begins one woman’s mythic quest for self-knowledge – with surprising results.
Best selling author Janet Morris began writing in 1976 and published more than 30 novels, many co-authored with her husband Chris Morris or others. She contributed short fiction to the shared universe fantasy series Thieves World, in which she created the Sacred Band of Stepsons, a mythical unit of ancient fighters modeled on the Sacred Band of Thebes. She created, orchestrated, and edited the Bangsian fantasy series Heroes in Hell, writing stories for the series as well as co-writing the related novel, The Little Helliad, with Chris Morris. She wrote the bestselling Silistra Quartet in the 1970s, including High Couch of Silistra, The Golden Sword, Wind from the Abyss, and The Carnelian Throne. This quartet had more than four million copies in Bantam print alone, and was translated into German, French, Italian, Russian and other languages. In the 1980s, Baen Books released a second edition of this landmark series. The third edition is the Author’s Cut edition, newly revised by the author for Perseid Press. Most of her fiction work has been in the fantasy and science fiction genres, although she has also written historical and other novels. Morris has written, contributed to, or edited several book-length works of non-fiction, as well as papers and articles on nonlethal weapons, developmental military technology and other defense and national security topics.
Janet said: ‘People often ask what book to read first. I recommend “I, the Sun” if you like ancient history; “The Sacred Band,” a novel, if you like heroic fantasy; “Lawyers in Hell” if you like historical fantasy set in hell; “Outpassage” if you like hard science fiction; “High Couch of Silistra” if you like far-future dystopian or philosophical novels. I am most enthusiastic about the definitive Perseid Press Author’s Cut editions, which I revised and expanded.’
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Q&A WITH THE AUTHOR
What is something unique/quirky about you?
I breed Morgan horses. I consult with Morgan breeders to help them choose breeding combinations to achieve a desired result. I am also a song writer; I play bass guitar with my husband Chris who sings and plays guitar. We have an album on MCA records. Look for Christopher Crosby Morris on Soundcloud or N1M.com
Can you, for those who don’t know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?
I wrote my first novel, High Couch of Silistra in 1975; a friend sent it to an agent who chose to represent me; I had already written the second book in the Silistra Quartet and my agent told me not to disclose that until they finalized the contract for the first one. When the publisher learned of the others, Bantam Books bought the succeeding three. When the fourth book was published, the series already had four million copies in print. Suddenly I was a novelist specializing in environmental, gender, historical and political subjects. In the process, Chris became my editor and ultimately a co-writer. Since then, we have co-authored many books.
Who is your hero and why?
Heraclitus of Ephesus, a pre-socratic philosopher, whose Cosmic Fragments foreshadow our knowledge of reality and how to perceive it. Among his precepts is the statement that change alone is unchanging. I’ve worked Heraclitus’ fragments in here and there throughout our books.
Which of your novels can you imagine being made into a movie?
All of them. I write cinematically, our books are vivid adventures I undertake without knowing the destination. I, the Sun, The Sacred Band, and Outpassage are particularly suited to film. The Threshold Series is a feast of opportunities for today’s special effects creators.
What inspired you, to write The Silistra Quartet?
The Silistra Quartet was a unique departure for me and it included issues of women’s rights in the 70’s before Handmaid’s Tale.
Convince us why you feel High Couch of Silistra is a must read.
The Silistra series in which High Couch of Silistra is book 1 blazed a new trail in science fiction and fantasy, many critics saying that I had created a new pantheon of warrior women giving rise to heroines like Xena. Today it is more important than ever for everyone to accept women in leadership roles and I would like to think we had something to do with gaining them more recognition.
Who designed your book covers?
Most of my covers, including High Couch of Silistra, are realized by Roy Mauritsen, a gifted graphic artist.
Advice to writers?
As for advice to writers, here is all I know: write the story you want to read. Start at the beginning, go to the end, and stop. Seriously. From start to finish you must inhabit the construct in a manner that makes the reader choose to continue; if I, as the writer, can’t feel what it’s like being there, my readers can’t either. So close your eyes, look at your feet where they are standing on the story’s ground; tell me what you see. Tell me what you hear. Ask at the end of each paragraph ‘what happens next?’. If you lose touch with it, wait until you’re back inside it. Tell the story that comes to you, and from you, to me.
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Vera Bell is a Georgia Author of the Year nominee and the award-winning author of the “Always and Forever” trilogy, set in sixteenth-century Ireland and present-day United States. Book One, “Through the Veneer of Time,” is her debut novel. She wrote it after trying past life regression and finding herself immersed in a world so captivating, she couldn’t let it go. A former commercial artist, she lives in Atlanta with her husband, two teenagers, and one fur baby. Her favorite place to write is on her porch, overlooking a pond lined with river birches and magnolias. The topics she never tires of are bygone eras, our universal human condition, and love that transcends time and space.
Want to be in the know? Join Vera’s private mailing list to get first dibs on cover reveals, sneak peeks, new releases, free giveaways, and much more at https://www.verabellauthor.com.
For fans of Diana Gabaldon and Susanna Kearsley comes a riveting new tale of time travel and romantic suspense: A haunted painter’s past life visions are not the creative inspiration they seemed. They’re a harbinger of her ancient revenge vow, and her FBI husband won’t find the serial killer until she fulfills it. But it may already be too late.
1559, ULSTER, IRELAND. When a young noblewoman Neave McConway weds the newly elected King of Tyrone, Aedan O’Neal, the couple’s rare union of love and passion becomes the talk of the region. But Aedan’s bold rule and fierce defiance of the English crown threaten his powerful enemies, and they’ll stop at nothing to crush his growing influence. After Aedan rides off to fight against the English occupiers, Neave suffers a shocking attack that will forever alter both their lives — as well as the lives they have not yet lived.
2009, WASHINGTON, D.C. While mural artist Siena Forte battles a creative block, her FBI husband Ryan Casey struggles with a serial killer case. When research leads Siena to the practice of Past Life Regression, she stumbles upon irresistible inspiration. But after her art exposes her to a vicious ancient adversary, she discovers the true reason for her past life visions. They’re a harbinger of her centuries-old revenge vow, and the serial killer can’t be stopped until she fulfills it. But there is another person from the past with unfinished business—her husband.
Will Siena and Ryan settle their long-overdue score, or will the past repeat itself in a chilling parallel?
If you love time travel romance with elements of reincarnation, suspense, mystery, fantasy, and a touch of magic, don’t miss this thrilling read!
“A true masterpiece. It is a book that once read is impossible to forget.” — Highly Recommended Award of Excellence from The Historical Fiction Company
“The intricate and creative plot is one you will not want to miss. Anxiously awaiting book two.” — Five Star Review from Reader Views
“Vera Bell’s novel successfully combines historical fiction, romance, and a contemporary thriller. “ — Historical Novel Society
“Past and present lives collide in Vera Bell’s hauntingly beautiful debut. A sexy, sensuous tale.” — Julie McElwain, national award-winning journalist and author of A Murder in Time
“Bell mixes romance, mystery, and history to take the reader on an adventure across centuries.” — BookLife Prize by Publishers Weekly
“Against the backdrop of love, hate, and a killer’s threat lies the attraction of a thriller’s fast pace and heated twists.” — D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
In this gripping sequel to the award-winning novel, Through the Veneer of Time, echoes of Siena’s past life lure her into a shocking indiscretion that threatens to destroy her marriage. She alone can undo the damage, but this chilling revelation is only the beginning of her battle.
1564, ULSTER, IRELAND. After Aedan’s diplomatic visit to Queen Elizabeth’s court results in his compulsory divorce and arranged marriage, Neave’s violent unraveling drives her into another man’s arms. But in seeking revenge, Neave falls into a perfect trap set by Aedan’s enemy. By the time she learns the truth, it’s too late to undo the damage to Aedan, herself, and the hard-won peace in Ulster. When despair makes her reckless, the price will be a lifetime of infamy, confinement, and isolation from what Neave treasures most—Aedan and her son.
2011, WASHINGTON D.C./DALLAS, TX. It seems like a reasonable plan—Siena finishing her final mural in D.C. while Ryan starts his new job in Dallas. But when Siena meets Ryan’s new FBI partner, an inexplicable fit of jealousy sends her on a downward spiral. To make matters worse, the present mirrors the past when her visions take a startling turn. Consumed by insecurities, Siena takes a drastic step, which proves a catastrophic lapse in judgment. When her self-fulfilling prophecy unfolds in a devastating inversion of the past, Siena’s actions could cost her the two people she most fears to lose—Ryan and their baby.
Will Siena and Ryan beat their disastrous odds, or is their marriage foredoomed?
If you love time travel romance with dark undertones, as well as elements of domestic suspense, psychosexual thriller, reincarnation, and a touch of magic, don’t miss the second installment of the Always and Forever trilogy!
“An achingly beautiful story that lingered in my thoughts long after I’d finished the last page.” — Jodi Jensen, Author of Sophie’s Key
“Bell had me feeling ‘all the feels’ as I feverishly turned each page.” — Five Star Review from Reader Views
“Vera’s brilliant storytelling comes out in full force again in this exceptional sequel.” — The Bookish Historian Book Reviews
“It’s literally taking me a few days to finally come down from the rollercoaster. (I mean that in the best way).” — Irish Booklover Book Reviews
“BEWARE… this book will leave you with an awful hangover and thinking about it for days long after you’ve finished.” — Kindle Babe Book Reviews
“Bell’s vision is imaginative, sexy, and sweeping. The author offers a distinctive voice for the two time periods (and) populates the novel with complex and flawed characters.” — BookLife Prize by Publishers Weekly
“Not only a satisfying continuation of Siena’s growth process, but a story that simmers with intrigue, passion, historical insights, and thoroughly engrossing revelations.” — D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
Beneath the Shadow of Time Always and Forever Book 3 by Vera Bell Genre: Time Travel Romantic Suspense, Historical Mystery
In this riveting conclusion to the Always and Forever trilogy, Ryan’s classified new case awakens Siena’s greatest fears. As shadows of the past deepen and close in, only Ryan’s fulfillment of his ancient sacred vow can dispel them.
1566, ULSTER, IRELAND. Neave lives in fear as Queen Elizabeth’s obscene bounty on Aedan’s head turns him into a target. Undeterred, Aedan enlists his allies, the Antrim Scots, in his relentless fight to free Ireland from English rule. But when greed and treachery hide in plain sight, nothing is as it seems. After Aedan’s plans crumble in a shocking twist, he makes a solemn oath to heartbroken Neave—one he may have to honor in another lifetime.
2013, MIAMI, FL. When Siena discovers the truth about Ryan’s new case and their tragic past life, she realizes he is in mortal danger. Tormented, she begs him to quit, but Ryan is determined despite an inner voice urging him to do right by her. Unwilling to be sidetracked, he resolves to deal with it later and on his own terms. But when a ruthless cartel takes Ryan hostage, he just might run out of time.
Will Ryan uphold his vow to Siena, or are they destined for disaster… again?
If you love time travel romance with elements of reincarnation, suspense, mystery, drama, and a touch of magic, don’t miss the grand finale of the Always and Forever trilogy!
NEW RELEASE!! Get it On Sale TODAY! $0.99 (USA), £0.99 (UK), $1.99 (CA), $1.99 (AUS)
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Q&A With the Author
Q: What inspired you to write Through the Veneer of Time? A: My experience with Past Life Regression (PLR) felt like time travel—vivid and intense, filled with an explosion of colors, sounds, smells, and textures. Though my session ended abruptly and left the story incomplete, it profoundly impacted me and sparked this blend of Irish time travel romance, historical suspense, and FBI mystery.
Q: What can readers expect from your novel? A: The plot bridges past and present, weaving a suspenseful love story with a dark historical thriller. Readers will encounter danger, love that transcends time and space, and a heroine who must confront her past life and buried secrets to reclaim her future.
Q: How do you approach writing such multi-genre stories? A: For me, writing is like carving stone. I start with a rough draft, then refine each scene, layering in emotions, historical details, and suspense. I often listen to music when I write. It helps me connect with my characters, especially during dark or emotionally charged moments.
Q: What was the hardest part of writing this book? A: Writing the serial killer’s perspective meant exploring the darkest corners of the human psyche. Balancing themes of trauma and redemption for my heroine was equally challenging, especially in one unconventional scene where the hero must make a morally gray choice to save her. It took months to perfect.
Q: Is there a message in your novel you want readers to grasp? A: At its heart, Through the Veneer of Time celebrates love, honor, and resilience. It asks how far a man will go to save the woman he loves and what his wedding vow means when tested—to love in sickness as well as in health. The story explores how a couple can overcome physical and psychological obstacles together, complementing each other’s strengths. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that love has the power to conquer all.
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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.
Joseph Kopel is an imaginative author who has transitioned from Sci-Fi to Space Opera and now ventures into the realm of Fantasy with his debut in the genre. What began as a hobby has grown into thirty-five years of writing. Being bilingual, he switched between English and Spanish. The greatest influences on him were the Latin American literature in Mexico City’s libraries and the most famous American Sci-Fi authors. When he is out of any fantastic realm to be in the world of reality, he enjoys his time with his wife, three kids, and his two pets. Currently, he lives in Northwest Missouri, in a small peaceful country town of only 250 people.
The Empress’ Palace The Nehel Series Book 2 By Joseph Kopel Genre: Epic Fantasy Adventure
Four years following the first book’s events.
Empress Nehel must navigate the complexities of ruling a Jyistereerk at war — the Deken Karsaker — while facing personal struggles and unforeseen circumstances.
The balance, once restored, shatters again with the loss of the continent of Ryza, all while a lost realm to the Gesha revives. Yet, a conspiracy within the Kingdom of Fenn ignites doubt as Nehel faces harsh decisions in the tragedy’s aftermath.
A story of coming of age, first love, and personal growth. This gripping tale will leave readers on the edge of their seats as they journey through a world of magic, intrigue and unexpected twists.
Disclaimer: The Ebook version is intentionally simplified for easy access on different devices and doesn’t have interior designs. The contents remain unchanged from the printed version.
Amid turmoil and despair, a new hope arises as a young empress.
The Gesha obliterated the once thriving but ailing Kingdom of Aranka, triggering an imbalance in Sankaris. Epidemics, wars, pollution, and madness plague the land as the protagonists pursue for answers.
A glimmer of faith spreads throughout the maimed world as the Promise. Her rise to power brings a much-needed balance, ensuring a fresh start and the dawning of a new era.
Will she unravel the mysteries behind these afflictions and restore the balance to Sankaris?
Join this captivating tale of humanity, resilience, determination, and the search for truths in a world gripped by darkness.
Disclaimer: The Ebook version is intentionally simplified for easy access on different devices and doesn’t have interior designs. The contents remain unchanged from the printed version.
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AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Did you learn anything from the writing of your recent book? I learned more about styles and editing, and writer’s perks from many valuable authors I haven’t done before.
Anything specific you want to tell your readers? Enjoy your life, but never stop reading. Read, read and read.
What is your favorite part of this book and why? The last chapters before the final one, considered the darker ones but also the most crucial in the characters’ development for Nehel and Alessandro.
If your book was made into a movie. Who would you like to play the lead? I still do not know who would be in the lead.
If you could spend time with a character from your book, who would it be? And what would you do on that day? I guess the Empress herself, and we would have a long conversation, mostly answering her questions about herself.
Are your characters based on real people, or did they come entirely from your imagination? Nehel, the Empress, is partially based on The Neverending Story’s empress, but my version of herself. Alessandro is a younger version of myself as he has many elements from my personality, and Fabehel is a distorted version of a classmate during Middle School, in whom I had a crush. The other characters were from my imagination.
Do your characters seem to hijack the story, or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story? Well. . . My characters seemed not to stop and insisted and keep writing more pages, but I says: “No more, the story ends here! There’s time for more!”
Convince us why you feel your book is a must read. It’s the critical point that ties the first book with the third, upcoming, as it gives a complete 360-degree turn in two of the most important characters. It is called character development.
Have you written any other books that are not published? Yes, and there are dozens of them. Over time, I will publish them.
If your book had a candle. What scent would be? Like the scents of those candles in the old churches.
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Nina Soden 