Every writer faces it sooner or later: writer’s block. One day the words flow effortlessly, and the next, the blank page feels impossible to conquer. Whether you’re drafting your first novel, working on your tenth manuscript, or simply trying to finish a blog post, creative roadblocks are a normal part of the writing journey.
The good news? Writer’s block doesn’t have to stop you for long.
Here are 25 practical tips to help you break through the mental fog, rediscover your creativity, and get the words flowing again.
1. Stop Waiting for Perfection
Perfectionism is one of the biggest causes of writer’s block. Give yourself permission to write badly. You can always edit later.
2. Write Something Different
If your novel feels stuck, try journaling, poetry, flash fiction, or even a social media post. Sometimes creativity just needs a change of scenery.
3. Set a Tiny Goal
Instead of aiming for 2,000 words, aim for 100. Small victories build momentum.
4. Take a Walk
Movement clears the mind. Some of the best story ideas appear when you step away from the keyboard.
5. Read a Great Book
Reading reminds you why you fell in love with storytelling in the first place and can definitely spark creativity when you feel like the flames have all died down.
6. Change Your Environment
Try writing at a coffee shop, library, park, or different room in your house. A fresh setting can inspire fresh ideas.
7. Write the Scene You Want to Write
You don’t have to write your book in order. Skip ahead to the exciting scene that’s been living in your head.
8. Turn Off Your Inner Critic
Your first draft is not supposed to be polished. Let creativity happen before editing begins. I know it is hard, but if you can just write without stopping to correct your mistakes, you might find that the creativity continues to flow.
9. Use Writing Prompts
Prompts can jumpstart creativity when your imagination feels stuck. You can even use Google to search for writing prompts in the genre of your story, that way you stay within the same mindset.
10. Talk Through Your Story Out Loud
Sometimes speaking your ideas out loud helps untangle plot problems faster than staring at a screen.
11. Take a Break Without Guilt
Rest is productive. Your brain often solves creative problems in the background. Take a break for 5 minutes or 5 days, sometimes you just need to give yourself a timeout.
12. Listen to Music
Create a playlist that matches the mood of your story or characters. Do you write in silence or with background noise like music? Sometimes writing to a playlist curated by the mood of your story can help. And, if you like to write in silence, listening to the playlist while not writing can spark ideas and creativity between writing sessions.
13. Revisit Your “Why”
Why did you start writing this story? Reconnecting with your purpose can reignite motivation.
14. Eliminate Distractions
Put your phone away, close unnecessary tabs, and give your writing your full attention.
15. Write at a Different Time of Day
You may discover your creativity works better early in the morning or late at night.
16. Don’t Compare Yourself to Other Writers
Every writer’s journey looks different. Focus on your progress, not someone else’s highlight reel. This one is so important. Don’t compare yourself to the author who pumps out 12 books a year, or the one who always seems to have a new release just around the corner. Your journey is yours and theirs is theirs.
17. Brain Dump Your Ideas
Write down every thought, scene, or dialogue snippet without organizing it. Clarity often follows chaos.
18. Re-read Your Favorite Scene
Reading something you’ve already written well can boost confidence and help you reconnect with your voice.
19. Set a Timer
Try writing nonstop for 10 or 15 minutes. You might be surprised how much appears when you stop overthinking.
20. Remember That Inspiration Often Follows Action
Waiting to feel inspired can keep you stuck. Sometimes the act of writing creates inspiration.
21. Talk to Other Writers
Writing communities can offer encouragement, accountability, and fresh perspectives. I bet you have a local writing group in your area. Reach out to your local library or search on social media and get connected.
22. Focus on Progress, Not Word Count
Even a single paragraph is progress. Even a single sentence is progress. Celebrate those small wins.
23. Give Your Characters New Problems
If your story feels flat, raise the stakes. Conflict creates momentum.
24. Accept That Writer’s Block Happens to Everyone
Even bestselling authors struggle sometimes. Writer’s block is not failure — it’s part of the process.
25. Keep Showing Up
The most important thing a writer can do is continue. One sentence at a time still moves the story forward.
Writer’s block can feel frustrating, discouraging, and even overwhelming. But it doesn’t mean you’ve lost your talent or creativity. More often than not, it simply means your mind needs a reset, a new perspective, or permission to write imperfectly.
Some days writing will flow naturally. Other days it will take discipline and patience. Both are part of being a writer.
Keep going. Your story is still worth telling.
You can break through writer’s block… You just have to find the right strategy for you! Comment below and share what works for you.
There’s a reason murder mystery books never go out of style. From classic whodunits to modern psychological crime fiction, readers continue to return to stories centered on the darkest act imaginable — not because they crave violence, but because they crave understanding.
At their core, murder mysteries offer something deeply human:
Order in chaos
Answers where there was confusion
Justice, even when it’s imperfect
Mystery readers aren’t fascinated by death. They’re fascinated by truth.
And in every mystery, truth is the ultimate prize.
There is an innate human need for order in chaos!
Murder is the ultimate disruption. It shatters routine, safety, and expectation in a single moment. In real life, that kind of chaos often remains unresolved, messy, and painful.
In crime fiction, however, chaos is given a framework. A mystery promises the reader something reality often cannot: The belief that everything will make sense eventually.
Through clues, patterns, and investigation, murder mysteries restore balance to a broken world. Even when the ending is grim, the act of uncovering the truth provides emotional closure.
This is why mystery readers feel comforted — not disturbed — by these stories.
And let’s be honest, a lot of us, especially those of us who love a good mystery, also love the search for truth!
At the heart of every murder mystery is a question:
What really happened?
The psychology of crime fiction revolves around curiosity. Humans are natural problem-solvers, and mysteries invite readers to participate rather than observe.
We analyze suspects
We track motives
We question alibis
We search for inconsistencies
Unlike many genres, murder mysteries treat readers as intelligent collaborators, not passive consumers. Each page becomes an invitation to think deeper, notice more, and question assumptions.
That intellectual engagement is addictive. It is what keeps us up late at night, turning page after page.
When you really think about it, murder mysteries offer control over our deepest fears.
Darkness exists in the real world — violence, betrayal, cruelty — and pretending otherwise doesn’t make it disappear. Mystery novels (much like true crime podcasts) allow readers (and listeners) to confront those fears from a position of safety.
In a book, the threat is contained, the danger has boundaries, and the reader controls when to turn the page and when to stop reading.
This sense of control is critical. Crime fiction lets readers explore fear without being consumed by it. The structure of the genre acts as a psychological safety net. Along the same lines, true crime allows the listener/reader to gain knowledge by exploring real-life situations to heighten their awareness as a form of self-defense or personal protection.
This is one of the biggest reasons people love mysteries: they allow us to look at the darkness without being swallowed by it.
We all seek justice, even when it’s complicated; mysteries often provide that.
Real-world justice is often slow, flawed, or nonexistent. In murder mysteries, justice may not always be clean — but it is acknowledged.
Sometimes the killer is punished, sometimes they’re exposed, and sometimes justice is moral, not legal.
But the story always recognizes that what happened matters.
For mystery readers, this acknowledgment is powerful. It reassures us that actions have consequences and that truth still holds value — even in broken systems.
Oftentimes, the “Why” matters more than the “Who” in mysteries and in life!
While readers enjoy solving the puzzle, the most compelling murder mysteries go deeper than who committed the crime.
They ask:
Why did this happen?
What broke inside someone?
What pressures, fears, or secrets led to the act?
This exploration of motive is where crime fiction becomes deeply human. Murder mysteries aren’t about monsters — they’re about people. Flawed, frightened, desperate people.
And that’s what makes them unsettling — unforgettable — and often real.
If you’ve ever listened to (or read) true crime, you already know that ordinary people make the most terrifying villains.
One of the most haunting elements of modern murder mystery books (and real life) is the realization that evil rarely looks evil.
The killer is often a spouse, a friend, a neighbor, a co-worker, or someone trusted.
This forces readers to confront an uncomfortable truth: darkness doesn’t always announce itself.
Crime fiction holds up a mirror to society and asks: How well do we really know the people around us?
That question lingers long after the final page. It makes us look at those around us in a slightly different way.
I don’t believe that as a society we are fascinated by death — I believe we’re fascinated by truth.
At its core, the enduring appeal of murder mysteries isn’t morbid curiosity. It’s the belief that truth can still be uncovered, even when everything feels broken.
Mystery readers return to these stories because they promise: clarity, meaning, and understanding.
In a world filled with unanswered questions, crime fiction offers one profound comfort:
The truth matters — and it’s worth seeking, no matter how dark it gets!
Maybe one day I’ll write a murder mystery… for now, I will continue to enjoy reading them!
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I can scare and thrill you in only…100 words!
Stay at Castle Dracula…and Other Short-Short Stories
by Jim Nemeth
Genre: Horror Short Stories
Do you enjoy a good drabble? No, not America’s most popular word game—that’s Scrabble. No, not those cute, furry little creatures from Star Trek—those are tribbles. A drabble is a form of intense fiction writing consisting of 100 words. Not 100 chapters, not 100 paragraphs, nor even 100 lines. 100 words. Exactly.
Author Jim Nemeth loves the format and is an accomplished dabbler in drabbles. “Whenever I explain to friends what a drabble is,” Nemeth relates, “I get the exact same expression of disbelief: ‘100 words?’ In fact, I took these reactions and wrote a drabble about it, “Impossible Assignment,” which leads off the collection.”
Stay at Castle Dracula and Other Short-Short Stories, a chapbook, collects 26 tales, 23 of which are drabbles. With the three other stories, the author “splurged” and indulged himself with an additional 100-200 words.
Other tales of five score words include “Disgruntled,” where a joyous family Christmas celebration turns horrific when a little boy doesn’t get the toy he wanted; “Love Potion” relates what happens when a witch’s magic works too well. And in the title story, another young English traveler debates his decision in staying in Count Dracula’s centuries’ old castle.
In 1993, Nemeth won first prize in a national magazine’s short story writing contest for which legendary authors Ray Bradbury and Robert Bloch were judges. The award held special meaning for Nemeth, as Bloch remains his favorite writer and main literary influence. Nemeth is the author of two additional books: It Came From…The Stories and Novels Behind Classic Horror, Fantasy, and Science Fiction Films and Robert Bloch: An Unconventional Bibliography, as well as being the webmaster of The Robert Bloch Official Website (robertbloch.net).
A long-time community activist, the author is particularly committed to the cause of animal rescue. He lives in the historic harbor town of Marblehead, MA.
It’s been a little quiet around here lately… and if you’ve been following along, you’ve probably noticed.
The truth is that life has been full in the best (and busiest) ways. Real estate has picked up in a big way this year and in between helping clients navigate one of the biggest decisions of their lives, I’ve also been soaking in a pretty special season at home—my son’s graduation is right around the corner. If you’ve ever walked through a milestone like that, you know how quickly time seems to speed up. To top it off, I’ve started a dinner theatre troupe (Front Row Theatre Troupe) and our first production opens tonight and runs for one weekend.
Somewhere in the middle of all of that, my writing routine slowed down more than I’d like to admit.
But here’s what hasn’t changed: my commitment to this year’s goal of publishing two books.
I haven’t walked away from the stories. Not even close. If anything, they’ve been quietly growing in the background—taking shape in snippets of notes, late-night ideas, and those moments where inspiration shows up at the most inconvenient times (like in the middle of a showing or while driving between appointments).
Sometimes the creative process isn’t about constant output. Sometimes it’s about living enough life to have something meaningful to write about.
That said… I’m ready to get back to it.
Over the next few weeks, you’ll start to see more from me again—both here on the blog and behind the scenes as I move these projects forward. I’m excited about what’s coming, and I think you will be too. There are stories in the works that feel deeper, more layered, and more alive than anything I’ve written before.
Thank you for your patience, for sticking with me, and for continuing to care about the stories I’m telling.
We’re not behind… we’re just building momentum.
And the best is still ahead.
The empty page can either be exciting or frustrating… Today it is exciting!
Disclaimer: Theatre Happenings has never and will never sell or share your information with anyone. All information you provide via the links (Submission Form, Giveaway Entry Form, and Feedback Form) within this newsletter is used solely for the purposes of Theatre Happenings and its moderator (Nina Soden) to ensure the best experience possible.
ANNOUNCEMENT:
THERE WILL BE NO NEWSLETTER NEXT WEEK (TUESDAY, MARCH 17TH) DUE TO SPRING BREAK. I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK!
A LITTLE ABOUT ME
GIVEAWAY WINNER ANNOUNCED
PRODUCTIONS
EVENT
GROUP
LOCATION
DATE
Balet Magnificat, a professional Christian Ballet Company
Adonai Ballet Studio
The Dream Theatre
3/10
Mrs. Doubtfire
Broadway Theatre League
Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
3/27-3/29
A Streetcar Named Desire
Theatre Huntsville
Von Braun Center Playhouse
3/27-4/5
Dreams in Flight
Huntsville Symphony Orchestra
Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
4/11
42nd Street
Bob Jones High School Patriot Players
Bob Jones High School Auditorium
4/16-4/25
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
The Whole Backstage
The Whole Backstage, Guntersville, AL
4/17-4/26
Give Me Justice
Valley Consort
Messiah Lutheran Church, Madison & Faith Presbyterian Church, Huntsville
4/24-4/25
Video Games Live
Huntsville Symphony Orchestra
Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
4/25
Bolero
Huntsville Symphony Orchestra
Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
5/2
Water for Elephants
Broadway Theatre League
Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
5/5-5/10
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 Prince of Egypt The Musical
IMP
Mainstage Theatre at Lee High School
7/16-7/19
Dear Evan Hansen
IMP
Sandra Moon Performing Arts Center
10/16-10/18
Come From Away
IMP
Sandra Moon Performing Arts Center
11/19-11/22
OTHER THEATRE-RELATED EVENTS / ARTS-RELATED INFORMATION
DETAILS
GROUP/ETC
LOCATION
DATE
ACTORS WANTED
Front Row Theatre Troupe
Madison, AL
Ongoing
PLAYWRIGHTS WANTED
FRONT ROW THEATRE TROUPE
Madison, AL
Ongoing
AUDITION – Anastasia The Musical
College Street Players
Hartselle Junior High School
3/19-3/22
SUBMISSION REQUESTS
MONTHLY GIVEAWAY DETAILS
ABOUT ME:
Rehearsal Notes
When I first started doing theatre, I dreaded getting rehearsal notes. Eventually, I realized they weren’t an attack; they were about teamwork. Each note made me a better actor and the show stronger.
That’s how I view feedback in real estate, too. Every question, every idea from my clients helps refine the process. Together, we build something better than we could alone. Collaboration makes the final performance shine.
Nina Soden (Associate Broker/Realtor, The Soden Team at LEGEND REALTY)
Erin, you’ve won two tickets to Broadway Theatre League’s performance of Mrs. Doubtfire on Friday, March 27th. A representative of the Broadway Theatre League will be in touch with you shortly to reserve your seats.
Check out the upcoming giveaways below. The next winner will be announced on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. It could be you!
UPCOMING GIVEAWAYS:
Sponsor: Theatre Huntsville Production: A Streetcar Named Desire Ticket Date/Time: Any Performance – Arranged after the winner is announced WINNER ANNOUNCED: MARCH 24, 2026
Sponsor: Broadway Theatre League Production: Water for Elephants Ticket Date/Time: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 7:00 PM – Orchestra 3 WINNER ANNOUNCED: APRIL 21, 2026
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
Balet Magnificat, a professional Christian Ballet Company
Date: Tuesday, March 10th at 7:00 PM
Performed at: The Dream Theatre (3401 Holmes Ave., Huntsville, AL)
Synopsis: Inspired by the humble life of Elisabeth Elliot, The Call is a ballet that shares the goodness of God through life’s joys and challenges. Watch Ms. Elliot’s memories unfold as she answers the call to write a book recounting how she and her fellow missionaries worked to bring the good news of the gospel to a hostile tribe in Ecuador. As her life takes unexpected turns, she is forced to find her hope in the only thing that remains. Choreography by Silas Fennema
Performed at: Mark C. Smith Concert Hall (700 Monroe St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801)
Synopsis: MRS. DOUBTFIRE – A new musical comedy about the things we do to stay together.
Everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny is headed to Huntsville in this internationally acclaimed hit musical critics call “wonderful, heart-warming, and laugh-out-loud funny” (Manchester Evening News) and “a feel-good, family-friendly comedy that delivers” (The Hollywood Reporter). Based on the beloved film, MRS. DOUBTFIRE tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids. It’s “the lovable, big-hearted musical comedy we need right now,” raves the Chicago Tribune – one that proves we’re better together.
Out-of-work actor Daniel Hillard will do anything for his kids. After losing custody in a messy divorce, he creates the kindly alter ego of Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire in a desperate attempt to stay in their lives. As his new character takes on a life of its own, MRS. DOUBTFIRE teaches Daniel more than he bargained for about how to be a father. A hysterical and heartfelt story about holding onto your loved ones against all odds, this is the musical comedy we need right now – one that proves we’re better together.
Single Tickets go on sale October 23, 2025!
Run Time: 2 Hours 35 Minutes Includes Intermission
Synopsis: Passion, power, and madness collide in Tennessee Williams’ masterpiece, A Streetcar Named Desire. When the fragile and elegant Blanche DuBois arrives in New Orleans to stay with her sister Stella, she clashes with Stella’s brutish husband, Stanley Kowalski, in a battle of secrets, survival, and shattered illusions.
Performed at: Von Braun Center Playhouse (700 Monroe St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801)
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Bob Jones High School Patriot Players
42nd Street
Date: April 16th, 17th, 23rd, 24th @ 7PM & April 18th, 25th @ 2PM & 7PM
Performed at: Bob Jones High School Auditorium
Synopsis: Set in the Great Depression-era New York City, 42nd Street is a musical in the golden-age style that follows the “American Dream” journey of Peggy Sawyer, a talented but naive young dancer from Allentown, Pennsylvania. After she arrives in the city, Peggy lands a spot in the chorus of a new Broadway production called “Pretty Lady,” directed by the legendary Jullian Marsh. The show’s future is thrown into jeopardy when the temperamental leading lady, Dorothy Brock, breaks her ankle just before opening night. In a desperate move to save the production, Peggy is plucked from the ensemble and given exactly 36 hours to learn the lead role in “Pretty Lady.” She eventually becomes an overnight sensation.
Tickets: Student $12 Adults – $20 Military – $18
Added 3/10/2026
The Whole Backstage
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Date: April 17-26, 2026
Performed at: The Whole Backstage Theatre (1120 Rayburn Ave/Dot Moore Way, Guntersville, AL 35976)
Synopsis: In Tennessee Williams’ Pulitzer Prize-winning Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, the dysfunctional but wealthy Pollitt family gathers to celebrate aging patriarch Big Daddy’s birthday. But there is more to this gathering than a family reunion– Big Daddy, unbeknown to him, is dying of cancer. He is still to decide which of his sons will inherit the estate. His options include favorite son Brick, who drinks himself into oblivion in order to bear the desires of his determined wife, Maggie, or his less-favored son Gooper, his fertile wife Mae, and their “no-neck monster” children. While sensuous Maggie “the cat” tries to work her wiles to secure a future for them, Brick spirals deeper into despair, crippled by both physical pain and emotional loss. Lurking under every practiced interaction between the Pollitts is an ulterior motive, under every smile, a challenge, and under every statement, the spectre of mendacity. For the Pollitts, the truth is as hazy as the late summer sun in Mississippi, and sometimes the only way to find it is to journey through the lies.
Tickets: Call 256-582-7469
Added 10/21/2025
Valley Consort
Give Me Justice
Dates:
April 24th & 25th at 7:30 PM
Performed at: Messiah Lutheran Church, Madison (Fri.)/Faith Presbyterian Church Huntsville (Sat.)
Synopsis: Come and hear (mostly) a cappella choral group Valley Consort in this concert of music on the theme of Mercy & Justice. Composers include Poulenc, Schutz, Bruckner, Barnwell, Byrd, and more.
Tickets: FREE – Donations Accepted
Added 1/25/2026
Huntsville Symphony Orchestra
Video Games Live
Date: Saturday, April 125th at 7:30 PM
Performed at: Mark C. Smith Concert Hall (700 Monroe St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801)
Performed at: Mark C. Smith Concert Hall (700 Monroe St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801)
Synopsis: Water for Elephants
The critically acclaimed bestselling novel comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical, Water for Elephants! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.”
After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.
Tony Award-nominated director Jessica Stone’s “huge, heart-filling” production (The New York Times) features a book by three-time Tony nominee Rick Elice adapted from Sara Gruen’s novel, and a soaring score by the acclaimed PigPen Theatre Co.
So, step right up to the “spellbinding entertainment” (Variety) at Water For Elephants, “the best new musical on Broadway” (Theatermania).
Single Tickets to this show will go on sale November 4, 2025
Run Time: 2 Hours 40 Minutes Includes Intermission
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
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.
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.
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.
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Well kept home close to the fire station 3/4 brick with home entry garage and large back deck large living space.
Call me at 256-520-9640 to schedule a showing.
OTHER THEATRE-RELATED EVENTS / ARTS-RELATED INFORMATION:
ACTORS WANTED
A new Theatre Troupe is in town and planning an exciting season of intimate, character-driven productions performed in a live dinner theatre setting in Madison, Alabama.
We are seeking actors who:
• Thrive in close audience proximity
• Are comfortable with light audience interaction (select shows)
• Love bold characters and strong dialogue
• Are collaborative and reliable
• Memorize lines quickly
• Have strong improvisation skills
• Take and remember directions with short rehearsal schedules
Most productions will feature 3–7 cast members. There will be minimal rehearsals (5-7 rehearsals per production). Performances will run Thursday–Saturday evenings with a Sunday matinee, 1–2 weekends per month.
This is a grassroots, community-driven theatre venture in its first season. While roles are volunteer at this stage, actors will gain performance experience in an immersive setting and be part of building something new and exciting in our area.
Whether you’re a seasoned performer or returning to the stage after time away, we would love to hear from you.
To express interest:
Email your headshot (or recent photo), resume (if available), full set of contact information, and a short paragraph about your theatre experience to: NinaSodenBooks@gmail.com
Subject line: ACTOR INTEREST – (YOUR NAME)
Audition and/or table read details will be sent to interested actors/actresses.
Let’s bring live theatre back to the table.
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.
Audition Location: Hartselle Junior High School Music Room, 904 Sparkman Street, Hartselle, AL 35640
Audition Materials:
Prepare a 32-bar cut and one-minute dramatic monologue. Speaker will be provided for tracks. Everyone must attend one of the dance calls. Cold reads will be required at the audition. It is highly encouraged that you prepare a song that represents the style of the show.
Video auditions are allowed and must be turned in by March 18th. Please e-mail your audition materials to the director: Jenny Faulk, faulkjp@gmail.com
Casting will primarily be 9th Grade through Adult -there will be limited roles for children age 10-13. Please see our website for character descriptions for recommended ages.
Rehearsals will begin April 14th and will be Monday, Tuesdays & Thursdays from 6pm – 9 pm & Saturdays from 9am – 4pm
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.
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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.
Dive into a different world, where nature and friendship are full of surprises.
Twins Tabitha and Timothy leave London for a wild Shetland island — no Wi-Fi, no friends, and a mysterious great-uncle. In Papala, they discover a new way of life, unexpected friendships, and courage they never knew they had.
A fun, eco-conscious story for ages 9–12 that the whole family will love.
When their parents sail the world without them, 12-year-old twins Tabitha and Timothy are sent to the remote island of Papala, known as the “Bird Island.” Great Uncle Tamhas becomes their guardian in a world as strange as the island itself.
Tabitha is frustrated with the island’s isolation and limited Wi-Fi, but Timothy is delighted to uncover the island’s natural secrets. The twins soon realise however, they are not the only newcomers to the island.
Discover a story about courage, friendship and the joy of embracing the unfamiliar. Dive into a different world, where nature and friendship are full of surprises.
You’ll love this story of courage and friendship. Buy now before the price changes!
Check out: https: //www.sjbstories.com to know more!
S. J. Barratt is a self-published, professionally edited children’s author whose eco-themed stories celebrate the connection between people and the natural world. Rooted in an English countryside upbringing and shaped by a career in agriculture, she blends a gardener’s curiosity with a storyteller’s warmth to her writing. Now based in Lyon, France, Suzanne creates tales that inspire middle-grade readers to swap screen time for green time—and rediscover the wonders waiting just outside their door.
A former BBC broadcaster and journalist, Gill Mills brings over 20 years of experience in entertainment to her narration. Known for her warm, resonant voice, she began her voice career while DJing on BBC Radio 1 and has since voiced numerous TV and audio productions. She now runs a content company specialising in podcast and film production from her studio in East London.
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.
Political unrest, war over valuable mines, forbidden love, and a homesick dragon bound in chains threaten the land of two moons.
“The gritty reality of trench warfare and the smoky chaos of riots is striking in D. L. Gardner’s Land of Two Moons…a rich and ambitious fantasy novel that successfully builds a world trembling on the brink of magical and political upheaval. This is a delicate, intricate novel that rewards patient reading.” – Independent Book Review
Arthur and Hallie are twin siblings, son and daughter of the Duke of Lodesmoor. Humble teenagers who befriend the village people and sympathize with their grievances. Their father, Lord Balmier, whose duchy is approaching financial collapse, uses his subjects as pawns in a battle over a string of valuable mines.
Lord Balmier sees his son’s sympathy toward the serfs as an alliance against him and soon acts to squelch Arthur’s sedition.
Hallie clings to a forbidden love, and both siblings must resist their father’s harsh rule.
All the while they are unaware that their mother keeps a mystical dragon named Killian, bound in chains by a spell, whose fate will affect them all.
As the twin moons approach a rare and magical eclipse, alliances shift, secrets unravel, and Arthur and Hallie must choose between loyalty, freedom, and sacrifice to save their people and themselves.
“With strong pacing and a cast of memorable characters – including a homesick dragon, this is the perfect book for fans of the ‘fantasy’ genre. Highly recommended!” – The Wishing Shelf
Land of Two Moons will be a limited edition leather hardcover signed and numbered, a special edition case laminate hardcover, an eBook, and a paperback with printed edges. A rigid slip case is available for the hardcovers.
D.L. Gardner is an award-winning author, artist, filmmaker, and screenwriter with over 28 published works to her credit. Writing and painting are her passions and fantasy her forte. When she’s not pounding keys on the computer, she’s canning salsa, picking apples, listening to the voices of critters in the woods, or watching flowers grow. She loves visiting far-off lands through books by both reading and writing.
Her genres include all fantasy, historical, and mystery.
Get to know D.L. through her websites and blogs or send her a message her on Kickstarter.
Currently a FINALIST (2025 March) in the Cannes World Wide Film Festival for her screen adaption of her book An Unconventional Mr. Peadlebody.
Other awards include Wishing Shelf book Award 2023 for audio, B.R.A.G. Award 2022 for the Cho Nisi series, Book Excellence Award 2019 and 2015 for Ian’s Realm and Cassandra’s Castle. Best Screenplay adaptation from her book Dylan at the Paris Screenplay Awards, Mile Hill International Screenplay Awards, L.A. Edge Awards, European Cinematography Awards, and Moondance Film Festival. Best Screenplay Award for adaptation from her book An Unconventional Mr. Peadlebody at Veers Film Festival, Best Screenplay Award for adaptation of Ian’s Realm at the Twin Falls Sandwiches Film Festival and many more.
Why two? Why not half a dozen if we’re going to double things?
This story is about twins. Two moons, two siblings, two dragons, and about their bond with one another.
Traveling through the heavens, Puck and Phoebe are two giant orbs, a magnificent sight to the humans who live on the planet Unnilles. Both beautiful and dreadful. But what is most terrifying is that every forty years they will meet and turn the world dark. In those days, the wind wreaks havoc in their villages and cities.
Why this story?
Having lived through a few generations, I see a pattern that repeats itself. Children hit a stage in their life when they rebel against their parents, and in turn, grow older and wiser only to find their children rebelling against them. I wanted to show the struggle of families trying to get through this awkward phase.
The twins in Land of Two Moons have compassion for the common people, but Dad, the Duke, wants to rule with an iron fist, mostly because he’s going bankrupt. His stubbornness causes his children to go out on their own to stop a war that is bringing their father’s duchy to ruin.
The support system the teens have is in each other, and that support is magnified by twin moons and ultimately twin dragons. What stands out is their loyalty to one another and how it changes the people they come into contact with, and how it changes the world they live in.
The moral, if there is to be one, is that true love, Agape love, is the most powerful of all forces around. It’s a bond of loyalty, trust, and forgiveness. But the struggle to obtain that is no small feat, and sometimes it takes an outsider to verify you’ve arrived.
Land of Two Moons is a family story, a wholesome adventure for all ages.
Would you like a chance to win a$20 Amazon or PayPalGift Card?Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
Earlier this year, I made a commitment in writing — I said I would publish two books this year.
That wasn’t a casual goal. It was intentional. A little scary, but very real.
So today, I want to share an update.
Book One of my newest series (NAME TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON) is officially in rewrites.
This stage of the process is one of my favorites — and also one of the most demanding. Rewrites aren’t about fixing something broken. They’re about refining something with potential. They’re where characters deepen, tension sharpens, and themes become clearer. It’s where the story truly becomes what it was always meant to be.
According to my beta readers and editor, the bones are strong and the world is alive. Most importantly, the heart of the story is exactly where I want it to be.
Now it’s about polishing and fine-tuning.
Once rewrites are complete, the manuscript will head to final editing. From there, it’s formatting, cover design, and all the behind-the-scenes pieces that transform a document into a book you can hold in your hands (or download to your device).
If all continues on schedule, I’m hoping for a late April or early May release. Please keep your fingers crossed for me.
I share that carefully — not as a hard promise, but as a target I’m actively working toward. Publishing isn’t just about finishing a draft. It’s about stewarding a story well all the way to the finish line. And I want to do that thoughtfully.
What I can say with certainty is this: the progress is real and I am so excited for you all to meet the characters who have been living in my mind for the past few months.
The world within this story is expanding in ways that excite me. The emotional arcs are landing more deeply. The layers feel richer. Every pass through the manuscript makes it stronger.
When I wrote that New Year’s resolution about publishing two books this year, I meant it. And this is the first major step toward fulfilling that commitment to both my readers and me.
Thank you for following along in this season of creation. Writing can sometimes look quiet from the outside, but there is so much happening beneath the surface. I can’t wait to share more as I move closer to release.
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 quaint riverside town holds many secrets … and the only ones who’ve seen it all are the critters.
A quaint riverside town holds many secrets … and the only ones who’ve seen it all are the critters.
This book club dives (literally!) into the pages of a cozy mystery. The quirky group must solve the mystery to get out of the book. It’s so much fun – you’ll wish you had a book club like this!
In this journey, they choose a book set in a lovely riverside town. They land in a charming neighborhood and find they are part of a local book club. They are having a great time – and then a dead body shows up. (Of course it does!)
The clues to what happened come to them in a unique way – via the critters in the house.
As usual, the club finds plenty of time to enjoy the unique setting of their journey, as they solve the mystery – one critter at a time.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
This book is part of a magical cozy mystery series of 11 books and growing.
Each book can be read as a standalone, but are much more fun in order.
Available in eBook, paperback, Kindle Unlimited, and audiobook.
Don’t miss the rest of the series! Find them on Amazon
Elizabeth Pantley is a bestselling author of fiction and non-fiction books. She writes two well-loved cozy mystery series: The Magical Mystery Book Club, and the Destiny Falls Mystery and Magic series. She has also written the international bestselling No-Cry Solution parenting book series that is available in over twenty languages.
Elizabeth lives in the majestic Pacific Northwest and spends winters in the sunny desert of Arizona. While neither location is home to any paranormal beings (that she knows of) the vastly different yet equally lovely locations are the inspiration for the settings in many of her books.
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 secret is out. Shifters exist and live among humans.
Humans fall into two camps: Those who consider shifters monsters but manage to co-exist with them, and those who want to get close to them, relishing their power.
Tessa Cooper, a single mother devoted to her three-year-old daughter, is firmly in the first camp, doing her best to keep her biases to herself. But one look at Dario Kingston Renzetti, a wealthy lion shifter, and she senses her life will never be the same.
The moment Dario sees Tessa in his bar, he knows he’s found his fated mate – age difference be damned. Learning she wants nothing to do with shifters – especially romantically – is another matter altogether. But nobody said he wasn’t determined.
Can Dario’s persistence convince Tessa he’s not hiding dark secrets that would reinforce her opinion of shifters, or will she deny them their primal destiny?
Pick up this steamy, age gap, rejected mate paranormal romance today and find out.
Int’l bestseller and award-winning author Dania Voss writes compelling, sexy romance with personality, heat, and heart. Born in Rome, Italy and raised in Chicagoland, she creates stories with authentic, engaging characters. She loves anything pink and is a huge fan of 80s hair bands.
A favorite with romance readers, her debut novel “On the Ropes,” the first in her Windy City Nights series, became an international bestseller. Dania’s books have won multiple awards, and her work has been highlighted on NBC, ABC, CBS, and FOX. She has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, Southern Writers Magazine, and Chicago Entrepreneurs Magazine (selected as the #8 Top Chicago Author in 2021).
When she’s not writing, you can find Dania at a sporting event, a rock concert, or the movies (preferably a comedy).
Nina Soden 