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.
Welcome to Pine Cove.
The Mayor is a dog, B&B guests are fugitives, and the pancakes are burnt.
Mel O’Rourke traded her LAPD badge for the quiet life, running a bed-and-breakfast in tiny, quirky Pine Cove.
But when Jackson Thibodeaux, the charming café owner who broke her heart, stumbles back into town, her tranquil second act is toast. While attending a culinary academy in New Orleans, Jackson found the body of a classmate. The police rule it a suicide, but Mel’s instincts—and Jackson’s near miss with a bullet—scream murder. Between a cooking school full of shady suspects, a reformed cat burglar for a sidekick, and a complicated love triangle involving the deputy sheriff, Mel has her hands full.
Perfect for fans of the sweetness of Jenn McKinlay and the snark of Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan.
After a life-changing injury, Mel O’Rourke trades in her badge for bed sheets, running a B & B in the quirky mountain town of Pine Cove. Her peaceful life is interrupted when an old frenemy, the notorious and charismatic cat burglar, Poppy Phillips, shows up on her doorstep, claiming she’s been framed for murder. While she’s broken plenty of laws, Mel knows she’d never kill anyone. Good thing she’s a better detective than she is a cook as she sets out to prove Poppy’s innocence.
The situation gets complicated, however, when the ruggedly handsome Deputy Sheriff Gregg Marks flirts with Mel, bringing him dangerously close to the criminal she’s hiding. And just when her friendship with café owner Jackson Thibodeaux blossoms into something more, he’s offered the opportunity of a lifetime in New Orleans. Should she encourage him to go, or ask him to stay? Who knew romance could be just as hard to solve as murder?
Marla White is an award-winning novelist who prefers killing people who annoy her on paper rather than in real life. Her first full-length mystery novel, “Cause for Elimination,” placed in several contests including Killer Nashville, The RONE Awards, The Reader’s Favorite, and finishing second in the Orange County Romance Writers for Romantic Suspense. Originally from Oklahoma, she lived in a lot of other states before settling down in Los Angeles to work in the television industry. She currently teaches at UCLA Extension and gives seminars about the art of script coverage. When she’s not working on the next book, she’s out in the garden, hiking, cheering on the LA Kings, or discovering new craft cocktails.
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.
After a bitter divorce, Jackson Norwood never thought he’d fall in love again. Especially not with his best friend, Essence Priestly. His attraction to her is the most powerful thing he’s felt in a long time, and he doesn’t just want her as a lover. He wants her to be his wife. Yet she’s determined to keep their relationship strictly platonic.
Jackson means everything to Essence and her son, and she’s torn between her love for him and the fear of ruining their years of friendship. But after an impulsive, passionate weekend together, she can’t deny their chemistry is off the charts. Jackson woke up the part of her she thought died years ago, and Essence is tempted to let him have what he wants—her.
But drama from his ex-wife is enough to challenge the strongest connection. Will Essence and Jackson’s reinvented relationship buckle under the pressure? Or will their bond grow stronger and lead them to their happily-ever-after?
USA Today bestselling author Sharon C. Cooper loves anything involving romance with a happily-ever-after, whether in books, movies, or real life. She writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, as well as romantic comedy. She enjoys rainy days, carpet picnics, and family game night. Her stories have won numerous awards, including The Rochelle Alers Best Series award for her Atlanta’s Finest Series (2022) and The Beverly Jenkins Author of the Year award (2021). When she isn’t writing, Sharon loves hanging out with her amazing husband, doing volunteer work, or reading a good book (a romance of course). To read more about Sharon and her novels, or to sign up to be notified of her latest releases, visit www.sharoncooper.net
Every writer starts somewhere. Whether you’re working on your first novel, drafting short stories, or dreaming of seeing your name on a book cover, the journey from aspiring writer to published author is filled with lessons. Some hard… some easy. The good news? Many of the challenges new writers face are common—and avoidable.
If you’re just beginning your writing journey, here are ten mistakes many new writers make (been there, done that) and some practical ways to steer clear of them.
1. Waiting for Inspiration to Strike
Many new writers believe they must feel inspired before they can write. Unfortunately, inspiration is unpredictable and uncontrollable.
How to avoid it: Develop a writing habit. Set aside dedicated time each day or week to write, even when you don’t feel particularly creative. Inspiration often arrives after you’ve begun. So, put it on your calendar and make the time, just as if it were an important appointment you wouldn’t want to miss.
2. Trying to Make the First Draft Perfect
Perfectionism is one of the biggest obstacles writers often face. Spending hours polishing the first chapter while the rest of the story remains unwritten can bring progress to a dead halt.
How to avoid it: Give yourself permission to write badly. First drafts are supposed to be messy. Focus on finishing the story first. Editing comes later… much later.
3. Overloading the Story with Information
New writers sometimes feel compelled to explain everything immediately—character histories, world-building details, and backstory.
How to avoid it: Trust your readers. Reveal information gradually and naturally. Allow readers to discover the world and characters as the story unfolds within the pages of your book.
4. Neglecting Character Development
Readers connect with characters more than plots. Even the most exciting storyline can fall flat if the characters feel shallow or unrealistic.
Finishing a first draft is a major accomplishment, but it’s only the beginning. Your first draft is never the finished product.
How to avoid it: Accept that rewriting is part of the process. Most books go through multiple rounds of beta readers and editors. Great writing often finds its way to the page during revisions.
6. Comparing Yourself to Other Writers
It’s easy to become discouraged when comparing your work to bestselling authors or writers who seem more successful.
How to avoid it: Remember that every writer has a different journey. Focus on improving your own craft rather than measuring yourself against someone else’s accomplishments.
7. Not Reading Enough
Some writers become so focused on producing their own work that they neglect reading. They don’t understand that reading is part of the process.
How to avoid it: Read widely and often. Explore different genres and writing styles. Reading not only fuels creativity but also teaches valuable lessons about storytelling. It is also a very helpful tool when you do find yourself in a writing slump.
8. Trying to Please Everyone
Writing with the goal of satisfying every reader can dilute your voice and make your work feel generic.
How to avoid it: Write the stories you’re passionate about. Your unique perspective is one of your greatest strengths, and the right readers will connect with it. You have one reader to make proud, yourself. So, write the book you want to read, and other readers will show up.
9. Giving Up Too Soon
Many aspiring authors abandon projects when they encounter setbacks, rejection, or self-doubt.
How to avoid it: Understand that perseverance is part of being a writer. Rejections, disappointing reviews, and moments of frustration happen to every author. Success belongs to those who keep going.
10. Believing You Have to Do It Alone
Writing may be a solitary activity, but the journey doesn’t have to be lonely.
How to avoid it: Find a writing community. Join critique groups, attend conferences, connect with other writers online, and learn from authors who have gone before you. Encouragement and accountability can make all the difference.
Here is the truth of it all…
No writer starts out knowing everything. Mistakes are part of the learning process, and every draft teaches us something new. The key isn’t avoiding every misstep—it’s continuing to grow and improve, and above all else, to keep writing.
Remember, every bestselling author was once a beginner staring at a blank page.
So give yourself grace, embrace the process, and keep putting words on the page. Your story matters, and someone out there is waiting to read it.
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’m as crazy as an outhouse rat and just as hard to kill.”
Once upon a time, Lexi was a “normal” teenager. Now she’s a galactic cop with a deadly predator as her boss. She gets to deal with flesh eating monsters, alien babies, hunky warlords, space battles, and not so bright bad guys. Plus, the fate of the universe rests in her hands. What could possibly go wrong? Did we mention the baby? (It’s a boy)
I was sixteen when I found out not only am I an alien hybrid, but monsters called the Tai-Kok were getting ready to invade our world. Guess who gets to stop them? Me. How?
My uncle, the mad scientist, created a machine called the portal that instantaneously sends a test subject from one location to another by converting them into energy. His idea is to port me onto a Tai-Kok ship. All I have to do is leave a bomb, hit the retrieval button on my spiffy traveler’s belt and poof! I’m back on Earth before the Tai-Kok ship goes kaboom. Sounds simple, right?
Wrong. Uncle Ben doesn’t have a clue where I’ll actually appear on the ship. It could be the engine room, the crew quarters, or even the bridge. It’s like playing Russian roulette. The Tai-Kok don’t like surprises or uninvited guests.
To make things even more fun, I have an alien battle commander stuck in my head and I’m related to a powerful Coletti warlord. Yippee. The chances of me living to see eighteen aren’t good.
Howdy. My name is Gail Koger and once upon a time I was a 9-1-1 dispatcher. Too many years of wild requests, screwy questions, bizarre behavior and outrageous demands have left me with a permanent twitch and an uncontrollable craving for chocolate. I took up writing science fiction romance to keep from killing people. So far, it has worked.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
Seth thought God was dead…but ideas tend to linger.
“Kent Priore writes like a natural about the supernatural. American fiction has found a terrific new voice.” —Joseph O’Neill, PEN/Faulkner Award-Winning Author of Netherland
Standing amidst the destruction of Magistrum, great sorrow and guilt weighs upon Seth as he keeps the memory of his mistake close—to continue his growth, to remain good. A concern which lingers through the birth of his daughter, Persephone, labeled a True Born God by the personification of the White Abyss. And due to the sudden death of her uncle, Persephone’s abyssal powers emerge in a destructive way, tearing a hole through the fabric of the world. Thus, solidifying Seth’s worries of managing his own struggles while being father to a god who resembles his past far too much.
Feeling Persephone’s powerful aura pulsate through dimensions, both antagonistic forces begin pursuing her, wanting to eliminate a threat, and make her power theirs. Alongside these heavy stressors, Seth must also deal with the inevitability of Sasha dying the same mysterious way as the other Guild members.
The Earth devolves into a wasteland as the gods ravish the globe, devouring every human they can find. All the while Seth, Sasha, their daughter, and others lay in hiding, waiting for the right moment to strike back, to resist the will of the Abyssian gods—but can they without sacrificing everything they worked so hard to achieve? And will Seth, so burdened by his past actions, endure this, or will he devolve into the monster he once was…the monster he fears his daughter will also become?
Fans of “Jerusalem” by Alan Moore, “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath, or “The Master and Margarita” by Mikhail Bulgakovor will enjoy “The Monsters Among Us.”
“Kent Priore writes like a natural about the supernatural, and The Monsters Among Us is a marvelously dark and true novel. American fiction has found a terrific new voice.” —Joseph O’Neill, PEN/Faulkner Award-Winning Author of Netherland
Seth’s life until now has been a product of a diabolical, evil Truman Show, his entire upbringing a façade orchestrated for malevolent purposes. After his beloved dies, he undergoes a demonic metamorphosis, which causes the world’s fictitious walls to crumble.
As he tries to piece a semblance of his life back together and move on, he meets friends who inspire, but even more harsh truths are revealed, perhaps too difficult to cope with.
The very existence of life and reality is exposed as a machination of grotesque gods. And to defeat them, Seth will have to fill his emptiness, for which there’s only two options… Bring the world to ruin, or learn to transmute his pain into strength.
Fans of “Jerusalem” by Alan Moore, “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath, or “The Master and Margarita” by Mikhail Bulgakovor will enjoy “The Monsters Among Us.”
“I was intrigued from the first sentence, determined to spend the night speed-reading so I didn’t have to remain in suspense any longer.” -Ella Dupuie, author of Fractures of the Fallen
“Supernatural storytelling at its best, this vivid cinematic novel takes the reader on an imaginative journey through what could be considered end of days. The Monster’s Among Us is a masterful creation and a must read—even for those who aren’t fans of fantasy/horror.” —Joni Marie Iraci MFA author of Vatican Daughter
Graduated from Bard College with a BA in the Written Arts, Kent Priore is an author of dark literature, genre-blending epics and vignettes, where dark romanticism meets modern psychology for a macabre but hopeful depiction of inner struggle and the human ability to endure, and perhaps even prevail. He has a fascination with humanity and is one of the few to believe that despite our many weaknesses, we are far stronger than we often think. He wishes to show that strength to those darker individuals, burdened by lonesomeness, poor mental health, and other forces perceived to be out of their control, as well as show them that all is not lost.
Would you like a chance to win a$25 Amazon or PayPalGift Card?Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
An Interview with the Author…
What are you reading right now? Or what do you have on your TBR that you’re dying to read?
I’m currently reading Edenville by Sam Rebelein! It’s fantastic, and fans of the book would also like The Monsters Among Us and its sequels. Rebelein created a rich cosmology in Edenville that weaves around the entire story, and I did the same for The Abyss Borne Gods books.
Favorite social media site?
None of them! I exist on social media merely because being an author demands I do. Honestly, I’m not a fan of how the internet has evolved, and the heavy role social media has in our lives. There’s a piece of humanity missing from us now—a certain liveliness, personability, wholeness. This is a topic too large for this space, but I prefer to just speak to another human being, face to face.
Favorite Superhero or Villain?
Venom! I enjoy that he is neither a hero nor a villain, and has a host of troubles, mostly psychological. As an author who writes literature centered around dark, morally grey philosophy, Venom’s blend of good and evil speaks to me.
Sweet or Salty?
I’m going to cheat a little here: Sweet AND Salty. Because much like how that combination brings out the best of both its parts, I think this answer encapsulates who I am as a person and author quite well; someone who sees the value in both positive and negative emotions, in not just being one thing while damning the other. To be truly whole as a complex human being, one must invite both sides of the spectrum into oneself.
Any Phobias?
I suppose being alone. Not a very interesting answer, I know. No one likes being alone. But it’s the impetus for how I came up with Seth’s plight and core modus operandi. He cannot stand being alone and he desperately wants to feel whole.
Do you play video games? If so what are some of your favorites?
Yes, I do! This is one hobby I still make some time for. I’ve been playing video games for the last thirty years, and my favorite would have to be the Xenoblade Chronicles series. Though I’m currently absorbed in Pokemon Pokopia.
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 broken past. A forbidden present. A second chance worth everything.
A broken past. A forbidden present. A second chance worth everything.
Sam Durbin is on the brink of everything he’s worked for. One bad injury threatens to end his breakout hockey season, and the pressure to get back on the ice is mounting. But nothing throws him off his game faster than coming face-to-face with his physical therapist—the woman he walked away from. The one he never forgot.
Angelina Rossi finally has the career she fought for. A position at a top-tier clinic, a future she built on her own terms … and a patient who could destroy it all. Treating Sam should be simple. Clinical. Professional. But every session drags up the past she’s tried to bury and the feelings she never truly let go.
Sam knows he doesn’t deserve a second chance. Angie knows she can’t survive giving him one. But every session chips away at their defenses—old wounds resurfacing, new heat building, and neither of them quite able to hold the line.
Giving in to desire could end Sam’s comeback before it begins. It could destroy the career Angie’s fought so hard to build. But walking away might be the one loss neither can overcome.
Deking at Love is a steamy, second-chance, forbidden sports romance featuring a wounded hockey player, a no-nonsense physical therapist, and a chemistry they can’t outskate. Perfect for readers who love witty banter, workplace tension, and high-stakes emotion—with a guaranteed HEA.
Since childhood, all sorts of stories and characters have lived in G.K. Brady’s imaginination, elbowing one another for attention, so she’s finally giving them their voice on the written page.
An award-winning writer of contemporary romance, she loves telling tales of the less-than-perfect hero or heroine who transforms with each turn of a page. She also writes historical fiction under the pen name Griffin Brady.
G.K. is a wife and the proud mom of three grown sons. When she’s not writing, she might be reading, traveling, drinking wine, listening to music, or gardening—sometimes all at once! She currently resides in Colorado with her very patient husband.
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.
Thirty days. Seven rules. One undeniable attraction.
After her fiancé skips out on her wedding, Murphy Clarke buries herself in her life-coaching career and develops seven rules to protect her heart. Number one? Never take vacations.
Oops. We find her on a month-long vacation in North Carolina, where she’s alarmed by the sparks flying between her and an arrogant yoga instructor. She’s confident, though, that she’ll be able to keep her other six rules… until she isn’t so sure. Of anything.
Noah Andrews’s name was once synonymous with the San Francisco tech industry, but his heart broke – both physically and emotionally. After a heart attack sidelined his career, his long-time girlfriend dumped him. Why is he now so attracted to this woman who seems to embody the life he left behind?
Witty and full of heart, MURPHY’S LAWS is a story of second chances, small-town charm, and the beautiful chaos that comes when you stop following your own rules… and start following love instead.
Fueled by coffee, peanut butter, and popcorn, she writes stories set in fictional towns in northeast Ohio. Terry loves to place her characters in improbably situations, then allows them to take over…uhm…guide the story.
She lives in a small apartment with overflowing bookshelves, her muse, Moose, and all her characters, in North Lima, a real town in northeast Ohio. And, yes, it does get crowded at times.
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A LITTLE ABOUT ME
GIVEAWAY WINNER ANNOUNCED
PRODUCTIONS
EVENT
GROUP
LOCATION
DATE
Art-in-Words
Evil Cheez Productions
Shenanigans Comedy Theatre Black Box
6/5-6/6
1776 – The Musical
Theatre Huntsville
Von Braun Center Playhouse
6/12-6/28
Oklahoma
The Whole Backstage
The Whole Backstage, Guntersville, AL
6/19-6/28
Anastasia the Musical
College Street Players
Hartselle High School Auditorium
6/18-6/20
The Button
Front Row Theatre Troupe
Main Street Café, Madison, AL
6/25-6/28
Camp Rock
Shoals Community Theater
123 North Seminary St , Florence , AL 35630
7/9-7/12
The Prince of Egypt The Musical
IMP
Mainstage Theatre at Lee High School
7/16-7/19
Come From Away
Shoals Community Theater
123 North Seminary St , Florence , AL 35630
8/27-8/30
Dear Evan Hansen
IMP
Sandra Moon Performing Arts Center
10/16-10/18
Sordid Lives
Shoals Community Theater
123 North Seminary St , Florence , AL 35630
10/15-10/18
Come From Away
IMP
Sandra Moon Performing Arts Center
11/19-11/22
How The Grinch Stole Christmas
Shoals Community Theater
123 North Seminary St , Florence , AL 35630
11/19-11/22
OTHER THEATRE-RELATED EVENTS / ARTS-RELATED INFORMATION
DETAILS
GROUP/ETC
LOCATION
DATE
PLAYWRIGHTS WANTED
Front Row Theatre Troupe
Madison, AL
Ongoing
SUBMISSION REQUESTS
MONTHLY GIVEAWAY DETAILS
ABOUT ME:
Costume Changes
Quick changes backstage can be chaotic — but when done right, the audience never sees the rush behind the scenes.
That’s how I approach real estate transactions. There’s a lot happening behind the curtain, but my goal is to make the experience feel seamless and stress-free for my clients.
Nina Soden (Associate Broker/Realtor, The Soden Team at LEGEND REALTY)
Looking to buy a new home or maybe a rental property in North Alabama? Check out these great homes:
7011 Oakleigh Rose Drive, Huntsville, AL 35806 NOW AVAILABLE
Move-in ready and better than new, this one-level home sits on a desirable corner lot with a spacious open-concept layout perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen features quartz countertops, a large island, and walk-in pantry, flowing seamlessly into the dining and living areas. The isolated primary suite offers a double vanity and generous space. Enjoy a covered front porch and extended rear patio, ideal for relaxing or hosting guests. Located in a private 52-acre community with walking trails, pool, cabana, and outdoor grill, just minutes from Huntsville, Madison, Toyota, and Redstone Arsenal, with easy access to major roads and nearby conveniences.
Call me at 256-520-9640 to schedule a showing.
GIVEAWAY WINNER:
AND THE WINNER IS… Ashley Peeden
You’ve won two tickets to the Evil Cheez Productions of Art-in-Words this weekend! You’ll be contacted shortly by a representative of Evil Cheez Productions to schedule your ticket reservation.
Check out the upcoming giveaways below. The next winner will be announced on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. It could be you!
UPCOMING GIVEAWAYS:
Sponsor: Theatre Huntsville Production: 1776 – The Musical Ticket Date/Time: Any Performance – Arranged after the winner is announced WINNER ANNOUNCED: JUNE 9, 2026
Sponsor: College Street Players Production: Anastasia the Musical Ticket Date/Time: Any Performance – General Admission Tickets WINNER ANNOUNCED: JUNE 16, 2026
Sponsor: Shoals Community Theatre Production: Camp Rock Ticket Dates: July 9-12, 2026 WINNER ANNOUNCED: JUNE 30, 2026
Sponsor: Shoals Community Theatre Production: Come From Away Ticket Dates: August 27-30, 2026 WINNER ANNOUNCED: August 18, 2026
Sponsor: Shoals Community Theatre Production: Sordid Lives Ticket Dates: October 15-18, 2026 WINNER ANNOUNCED: October 6, 2026
Sponsor: Shoals Community Theatre Production: How The Grinch Stole Christmas Ticket Dates: November 19-22, 2026 WINNER ANNOUNCED: November 10, 2026
LOCATION: Shenanigans Comedy Theater Black Box – Upstairs (2650 Leeman Ferry Road, Huntsville, AL 35805)
Premise: Evil Cheez regulars and some new faces will be performing original works at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre in the Black Box from local playwrights and authors – ranging from short plays to poetry and whatever else feels right. A smorgasbord of homegrown talent and a night of fun to be had by all! Featuring original one-act plays from Joy Whitt, Haley Loveday, Ash Burhans, and LeeAnn Treece. (Rated PG-13)
Synopsis: This Tony Award-winning musical brings history to life with sharp wit, stirring songs, and a behind-the-scenes look at the passionate (and often chaotic) debates that led to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson battle deadlines, doubts, and each other in a race to forge a nation—proving that revolution is anything but easy. Don’t miss this electrifying blend of history and musical theatre!
Performed at: Von Braun Center Playhouse (700 Monroe St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801)
Performed at: The Whole Backstage Theatre (1120 Rayburn Ave/Dot Moore Way, Guntersville, AL 35976)
Synopsis: Oklahoma! is a musical set in 1906 Oklahoma Territory, centering on the romance between cowboy Curly McLain and farm girl Laurey Williams. Their love story is complicated by a rival suitor, the menacing farmhand Jud Fry. A comedic subplot follows Ado Annie’s romantic entanglements with her fiancé, Will Parker, and a traveling peddler, Ali Hakim. The musical’s story is driven by these relationships against the backdrop of a community preparing for statehood.
Tickets: Call 256-582-7469
Added 10/21/2025
The Whole Backstage
Anastasia the Musical
Date: June 18-20, 2026
Performed at: Hartselle High School Auditorium
Synopsis: From Tony winners Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, creators of such Broadway classics as Ragtime and Once On This Island, this dazzling show transports its audience from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing con man and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love and family.
Added 10/21/2025
Front Row Theatre Troupe
The Button
Date: June 25-28, 2026
Performed at: Main Street Café (101 Main St, Madison, AL 35758)
PREMISE: A crew of space explorers wake up to find themselves in a blank world with only a giant red button in their midst.
SYNOPSIS: When a crew of space explorers suddenly wakes up in a blank dreamscape with only a giant red button in front of them, they panic. The last thing they all remember is being approached by an alien ship. After the initial shock and exploration, they realize they have nowhere to go and nothing to do but push the button. Over the course of the play, they discover that they all have secrets, and the worst one of all is that one in their number betrayed them to the aliens. If they don’t ferret out who and why, they’ll never get out.
Looking to buy a new home or maybe a rental property in North Alabama? Check out these great homes:
29433 Canoe CircleHarvest, ALNOW AVAILABLE
Beautifully maintained 4BR/3BA single-level home in Creekside of Harvest! Open-concept layout with spacious family room and stunning kitchen featuring quartz countertops, large island, pantry, and stylish cabinetry. Luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout main areas. Private primary suite with double vanities and walk-in closet. Three additional bedrooms offer flexibility for guests, office, or family. Covered front porch, covered rear patio with extended concrete, and exceptional landscaping. Community amenities coming soon include pool, cabana, Limestone Creek access, and kayak launch. Move-in ready with all the perks of new construction today in a prime location nearby and growing area!
Call me at 256-520-9640 to schedule a showing.
Shoals Community Theatre
Camp Rock
Date: July 9-12, 2026
Performed at: Shoals Community Theater (123 North Seminary St, Florence, AL 35630)
SYNOPSIS: Camp Rock tells the rock’n’roll Cinderella story of Mitchie Torres, a teen with an amazing voice and a driving ambition to be a pop singer. She wants to spend her summer at a prestigious rock camp. Unfortunately, an expensive music camp is out of reach for her family, but her mother gets a job as Camp Rock’s cook so that Mitchie can attend–as long as she helps out in the kitchen between classes. Befriended by fellow camper Caitlyn but intimidated by the immensely talented and connected Tess Tyler and her entourage (Peggy and Ella), Mitchie lives a double life, hiding that she is the cook’s daughter while posing as a well-to-do camper in order to become part of the hottest clique at camp. When she’s overheard singing, but not seen, by bad boy teen pop star/celebrity camp instructor/lead singer of Connect Three Shane Gray, he is completely taken and sets out to find the girl behind that beautiful voice. Mitchie will have to learn how to confront her fears, step out of the kitchen and into the spotlight as herself.
Tickets: $12-$15 email info@shoalstheatre.org or call 256-764-1700
Added 4/7/2026
Independent Musical Productions, Inc. (IMP)
Prince of Egypt The Musical
Dates:
Thursday, July 16th at 7:30 PM
Friday, July 17th at 7:30 PM
Saturday, July 18th at 2:00 PM
Saturday, July 18th at 7:30 PM
Sunday, July 19th at 2:00 PM
Performed at: Mainstage Theatre at Lee High School (2500 Meridian St. N, Huntsville, AL 35811)
SUMMARY: The Prince of Egypt is a sweeping epic of a musical with music and lyrics by Grammy and Oscar winner Stephen Schwartz, a book by Philip LaZebnik, and 10 new songs written by Schwartz, together with five of his songs from the DreamWorks Animation film. The show also features Schwartz’s Academy Award-winning song, “When You Believe.”
Journey through the wonders of Ancient Egypt as Ramses and Moses, two young men raised together as brothers in a kingdom of privilege, find themselves suddenly divided by a secret past. One must rule as Pharaoh, the other must rise up and free his true people; both face a destiny that will change history forever.
Synopsis: Come From Away is a Tony Award-winning musical based on the true story of 7,000 airline passengers stranded in Gander, Newfoundland, after the 9/11 attacks. When U.S. airspace closed, 38 planes were diverted, doubling the small town’s population. Residents welcomed the “come from aways” (strangers), fostering compassion and lifelong friendships.
Performed at: 123 North Seminary St , Florence, AL 35630
Tickets: $12 – $15 Go to theshoalstheatre.org or call 256-764-1700
Added 3/30/2026
Independent Musical Productions, Inc. (IMP)
Dear Evan Hansen
Dates:
Friday, October 16th at 7:30 PM
Saturday, October 17th at 2:00 PM
Saturday, October 17th at 7:30 PM
Sunday, October 18th at 2:00 PM
Performed at: Sandra Moon Performing Arts Center (7901 Bailey Cove Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35802)
SUMMARY: Featuring a Tony Award-winning book by Steven Levenson (Fosse/Verdon), and a score by Grammy®, Tony®, Emmy® and Academy Award® winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (The Greatest Showman, La La Land, Dogfight, James and the Giant Peach), Dear Evan Hansen is a new classic, with a message that has resonated with audiences around the world: “You Will Be Found.”
Seventeen-year-old Evan Hansen has felt invisible his entire life. But when a tragedy shocks his community and thrusts him into the center of a rapidly evolving controversy, Evan is given the opportunity of a lifetime: the chance to be somebody else. As his web of well-intentioned lies begins to unravel, though, Evan is forced to confront the fact that the price of belonging may be far steeper than he bargained for.
The show opened at the Music Box Theatre to rave reviews and struck an emotional chord with critics and audiences alike. It went on to win six 2017 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the Drama League Award for Outstanding Musical Production, two Obie Awards, a Drama Desk Award, two Outer Critics Circle Awards and two Helen Hayes Awards.
October 15 – 18 2026 – 7:30 pm nightly and 2:00 pm on Sunday
Synopsis: Get ready for a hilariously chaotic dive into small-town Southern life with Sordid Lives, the award-winning “black comedy about white trash” by Del Shores. When Peggy, the family matriarch, meets her untimely demise in a freak accident, her dysfunctional Texas family is forced to reunite for her funeral. What follows is a sidesplitting, heartwarming, and sometimes outrageous exploration of love, acceptance, and forgiveness
Performed at: 123 North Seminary St , Florence, AL 35630
Tickets: $12 – $15. Go to theshoalstheatre.org or call 256-764-1700
Added 3/30/2026
Independent Musical Productions, Inc. (IMP)
Come From Away
Dates:
Thursday, November 19th at 7:30 PM
Friday, November 20th at 7:30 PM
Saturday, November 21st at 2:00 PM
Saturday, November 21stat 7:30 PM
Sunday, November 22nd at 2:00 PM
Performed at: Sandra Moon Performing Arts Center (7901 Bailey Cove Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35802)
SUMMARY: Come From Away is a critically acclaimed musical featuring a culturally relevant script accompanied by a deeply moving score by Irene Sankoff and David Hein. The show has earned global success with 37 award nominations, 13 of which resulted in wins, most notably Best New Musical at the 2019 Olivier Awards and Outstanding Musical at the 2017 Drama Desk Awards. The show’s global presence resonates across all audiences as an uplifting reminder of humanity’s ability to come together, no matter what the circumstances.
Come From Away is based on the true story of the time when the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, played host to the world. What started as an average day in a small town turned into an international sleepover, when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to Gander’s airstrip on September 11, 2001. Undaunted by culture clashes and language barriers, the people of Gander cheered the stranded travelers with music, an open bar and the recognition that we’re all part of a global family.
Come From Away gives theatres the opportunity to contribute to its worldwide impact by spreading the show’s message of kindness, unity, and resilience with their communities. With a flexible cast size and possibilities for technical creativity, Come From Away is guaranteed to be a show for audiences to remember.
Performed at: Shoals Community Theater (123 North Seminary St, Florence, AL 35630)
SYNOPSIS: How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a classic tale about a bitter, solitary creature who despises Christmas and plans to steal it from the cheerful Whos of Whoville. Disguised as Santa Claus, he steals all presents and decorations, only to realize that Christmas is not about material goods, causing his heart to grow and prompting him to return everything.
Tickets: $12-$15 email info@shoalstheatre.org or call 256-764-1700
Added 4/7/2026
HOMES FOR SALE
Looking to buy a new home or maybe a rental property in North Alabama? Check out these great homes:
408 Arcanum LaneNew Market, ALAVAILABLE
Step into comfort & style in this stunning 5BR/5BA home of thoughtfully designed living space. The open floor plan features a gourmet kitchen w granite counters, SS appliances, gas cooktop, & a lg island that flows into the spacious LR with cozy FP, perfect for everyday living & entertaining. A private in-law suite with full BA is conveniently located on the main level, ideal for guests or multi-gen living. Upstairs, the spacious primary suite offers a relaxing retreat with a sitting area, fireplace & a spa-inspired bath. Add’l BRs and flexible living space provide room for work, play, or hobbies. Enjoy outdoor living with covered patios and a backyard FP perfect for year-round gatherings.
Call me at 256-520-9640 to schedule a showing.
OTHER THEATRE-RELATED EVENTS / ARTS-RELATED INFORMATION:
CALLING ALL PLAYWRIGHTS – CALL FOR ORIGINAL ONE-ACT PLAYS
A new intimate theatre experience is launching soon, in Madison, Alabama — and we’re seeking original one-act plays (45–60 minutes) for our upcoming season.
We are looking for:
Original, unpublished works
3–7 characters
Minimal set requirements
Modern-day costuming
Limited props
Comedy, dark comedy, drama, or mystery
Optional light audience interaction
Our productions will take place in an intimate dinner theatre setting with 40–50 guests per performance. We’re especially interested in scripts that lean into strong dialogue, compelling characters, and storytelling that thrives in close proximity.
Selected works will receive a fully staged production before a live audience and promotion through our marketing efforts.
This is a collaborative, community-based theatre initiative in its launch phase. While we are not currently offering compensation, our goal is to grow into a sustainable model that supports artists as we build.
If you’re a local playwright who would love to see your story come to life in an immersive setting, we would love to read your work.
To submit: Email your contact information, a brief synopsis, character breakdown, and a completed script OR 10–15 page sample to: NinaSodenBooks@gmail.com
Subject line: PLAY SUBMISSION – (PLAY NAME)
Let’s build something bold, intimate, and unforgettable — right here in our community.
If you know of anyone in the theater world who would be interested in receiving the ‘weekly’ THEATRE HAPPENINGS newsletter, please share this email with them and ask them to subscribe by reaching out to me directly at ninasodenbooks@gmail.com(There will be an online subscription form coming soon!)
Thank you, and I look forward to receiving your submissions.
My goal is to do a monthly giveaway… That’s right, I want you all to have a chance to win free things…
WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR THE NEXT TICKET GIVEAWAY… If you are a part of an upcoming theater production or theatre/arts event and would like to donate 2 tickets, please give me a call at 256-520-9640 or email me the details atninasodenbooks@gmail.com.
Want to know your home’s value? Give me a call at 256-520-9640 or CLICK HERE!
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.
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.
Nina Soden 