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.
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.
A LITTLE ABOUT ME
GIVEAWAY WINNER ANNOUNCED
PRODUCTIONS
EVENT
GROUP
LOCATION
DATE
I love you, You’re Perfect… Now Change
Bank Street Players
Banksy Event Venue
2/6-2/8
Open To Suggestions: Valentine’s Day Show
Plumb Line Events
Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theatre
2/13
9 To 5 The Musical
The Whole Backstage
The Whole Backstage, Guntersville, AL
2/13-2/22
The Choir of Man
Broadway Theatre League
Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
2/13-2/14
Brahms Violin Concerto
Huntsville Symphony Orchestra
Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
2/21
& Juliet
Broadway Theatre League
Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
2/24-3/1
Jim Brickman & Huntsville Symphony Orchestra
Huntsville Symphony Orchestra
Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
3/7
Mrs. Doubtfire
Broadway Theatre League
Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
3/27-3/29
Dreams in Flight
Huntsville Symphony Orchestra
Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
4/11
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
5/5-5/9
Oklahoma
The Whole Backstage
The Whole Backstage, Guntersville, AL
6/19-6/28
OTHER THEATRE-RELATED EVENTS / ARTS-RELATED INFORMATION
DETAILS
GROUP/ETC
LOCATION
DATE
Awaken – Audiobook Released
Nina Soden
Amazon
NOW
Beginnings – Audiobook Just Released
Nina Soden
Amazon
NOW
Revenge – Audiobook Just Released
Nina Soden
Amazon
NOW
A Winter Affair
Independent Musical Productions
Trilogy Hotel
2/5
SUBMISSION REQUESTS
MONTHLY GIVEAWAY DETAILS
Lessons from a Flubbed Line
Once during an audition, while performing a monologue, I completely blanked. My heart stopped — but instinct kicked in, and I improvised until the words found their way back. I don’t know if the casting director knew or not. If she did, she never said anything. In the end, I got the part. I learned that sometimes improvisation is not only necessary but also welcomed.
Real estate is full of those moments, too — unexpected hiccups, sudden shifts, creative pivots. Experience has taught me how to stay calm, adapt, and guide my clients through to the final curtain call.
Nina Soden (Associate Broker/Realtor, The Soden Team at LEGEND REALTY)
Sarah, you have won two tickets to Broadway Theatre League’s performance of The Choir of Man on Friday, February 13th. A representative of Broadway Theatre League will reach out to you shortly to schedule your seats.
Lawrence, you have won two tickets to Plumb Line Events’ Open To Suggestions: Valentine’s Day Show on February 13, 2026 at 7:00PM at Fantasy Playhouse. A representative of Plumb Line Events will reach out to you shortly to schedule your tickets.
Check out the upcoming giveaways below. The next winner will be announced on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. It could be you!
UPCOMING GIVEAWAYS:
Sponsor: Broadway Theatre League Production: & Juliet Ticket Date/Time: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 7:00 PM – Orchestra 3 WINNER ANNOUNCED: FEBRUARY 10, 2026
Sponsor: Broadway Theatre League Production: Mrs. Doubtfire Ticket Date/Time: Friday, March 27, 2026 at 7:30 PM – Orchestra 3 WINNER ANNOUNCED: MARCH 17, 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
February 6 & 7; Dinner Theatre at 7:00 PM- Doors Open at 6:00 PM
February 8: Dessert Theatre at 2:30 PM – Doors Open at 1:30 PM
Performed at: Banksy Event Venue
Synopsis: Dinner and a Show! A witty, fast-paced musical comedy that hilariously explores love, dating, marriage, and everything in between—showing how relationships evolve as we grow, change, and learn to love each other anyway. Enjoy dinner (or dessert) catered by Bank Street Grille! Menus choices available at ticket purchase. Cash Bar at all shows.
Tickets: Dinner Theatre: $60 PP – Includes choice of Pork/Chicken Dessert Theatre: $30 PP Cheesecake/Banana Pudding & Coffee CASH BAR available at all shows.https://bankstreetplayers.ludus.com/index.php
Added 1/25/2026
Plumb Line Events
Open To Suggestions: Valentine’s Day
Date: February 13th @ 7PM
Performed at: Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater & Academy (3320 SW Triana Blvd, Huntsville, AL 35805)
Synopsis: Fast, Funny, Fully Made-Up! Come give us your Suggestions for this interactive, family friendly, Huntsville original improv comedy show! The show uses audience suggestions to inspire hilarious scenes that the actors come up with on the spot. No two shows are alike, everything is made up, and it is always a good time!
Fans of TV shows like “Whose Line Is It Anyway” will fall in-love with this fast, funny, fully made-up show!
Tickets: $10-$15 at the door or online at Fantasyplayhouse.org
Added 1/25/2026
The Whole Backstage
9 To 5 The Musical
Dates:
February 13th at 7:00 PM
February 14th at 7:00 PM
February 15th at 2:00 PM
February 15th at 7:00 PM
February 20th at 7:00 PM
February 21st at 7:00 PM
February 22nd at 2:00 PM
Performed at: The Whole Backstage Theatre (1120 Rayburn Ave/Dot Moore Way, Guntersville, AL 35976)
Synopsis: 9 to 5, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, is based on the seminal 1980 hit movie. Set in the late 1970s, this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic.
Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving their boss the boot! While Hart remains “otherwise engaged,” the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down. Hey, a girl can scheme, can’t she?
This high-energy show is ideal for a large, mostly female cast, but also has opportunities for talented male dancers. With its jubilant score and easily relatable characters, 9 to 5is the perfect show for community theatres.
Tickets: Call 256-582-7469
Added 10/21/2025
8800 Belle Mor Drive Madison, AL 35757 OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 1/25/26 from 2-4PM
Custom-built, all-brick home in Belle Mor Lakes w/ 3B/2B & features an in-home office, formal dining room, breakfast nook, galley kitchen, bonus/flex room, & large backyard concrete patio on .33 acres. The secluded master suite is situated at the back of the home for extra privacy. Master BR has double-insulated interior walls to reduce noise. Beautiful marble kitchen countertops, GE stainless steel appliances. LVP flooring (teak) throughout the home (2018). NEW carpeting in front BRs. Quiet belted garage door opener (2019). Generac Whole House Generator w/3 125 Gallon Tanks. Leaf Guard Gutter System – Guaranteed for life. *TDI – Insect/Termite Biological System.
Broadway Theatre League
The Choir of Man
Dates:
February 13, 2026 at 7:30 PM
February 14, 2026 at 1:00 PM
February 14, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Performed at: Mark C. Smith Concert Hall (700 Monroe St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801)
Synopsis: THE CHOIR OF MAN
THE RUNAWAY INTERNATIONAL HIT IS COMING TO HUNTSVILLE! Known across the globe as “the ultimate-feel good show,” The THE CHOIR OF MAN offers up one hour of indisputable joy for all ages! It’s a party. It’s a concert. It’s the best pub “lock-in” you’ve ever been to. Featuring pop, classic rock, folk, Broadway and pub tunes, The THE CHOIR OF MAN has something for everyone. A multi-talented cast of nine handsome guys combines hair-raising harmonies, foot-stomping singalongs, world-class tap dance and poetic meditations on the power of community in this riotously enjoyable homage to that gathering place we’ve all missed so much over the last year: your local pub. With a real working bar on stage, come ready to drink in the action. The first round’s on us. Cheers!
Performed at: Mark C. Smith Concert Hall (700 Monroe St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801)
Synopsis: & JULIET
Created by the Emmy®-winning writer from “Schitt’s Creek,” this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. & JULIET asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way.
Juliet’s new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, including “Since U Been Gone‚” “Roar,” “Baby One More Time,” “Larger Than Life‚” “That’s The Way It Is,“ and “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”—all from the genius songwriter/producer behind more #1 hits than any other artist this century. Break free of the balcony scene and get into this romantic comedy that proves there’s life after Romeo. The only thing tragic would be missing it.
ADVISORY: & Juliet includes flashing/strobe lighting, loud noises, confetti cannons, and pyrotechnics throughout.
Single Tickets go on sale October 14, 2025!
Run Time: 2 hours 30 minutes Includes Intermission
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
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
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
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3303 McDow Ave. NW. Huntsville, AL 35816
Just minutes from Mid-City and Stovehouse entertainment and event center, this totally remodeled home features new granite countertops, new stainless steel appliances, new LVP flooring and new tile areas. Back yard is fully fenced. New light fixtures and brass hardware throughout. New HVAC, new water heater, roof is three years old. Basement/storm shelter has new LVP flooring. Three sheds on-site provide plenty of storage and all sheds have electric to them. 2-car carport through gate behind house. Seller to provide 1-year home warranty.
Call me at 256-520-9640 to schedule a showing.
OTHER THEATRE-RELATED EVENTS / ARTS-RELATED INFORMATION:
New audiobooks released by yours truly, Nina Soden, YA Urban Fantasy Author!
Synopsis: Join us on February 5, 2026 for a night of exquisite food, stunning silent auction opportunities, live music and dancing! This formal, black-tie optional occasion will be unlike anything you’ve seen before.
All proceeds raised will be allocated to their new facility, a space that will allow their all-volunteer company to continue to deliver Broadway-caliber musicals to the Huntsville 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.
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5.32 Acres PULASKI PIKE, HUNTSVILLE, AL 35810
Discover the perfect canvas for your dream home with 5.32 acres of prime land, ideally situated just minutes from the Toyota plant, downtown Huntsville, Research Park, and a wealth of local amenities. Create your private retreat in this highly desirable location!
I’m a little late to the New Year’s resolutions conversation—and honestly, that feels fitting.
I’ve never been great at January declarations. They tend to arrive before the year has fully revealed itself, before the dust settles, before I know what kind of energy the months ahead will actually require. February feels more honest. More awake. More intentional. More me.
So here it is—written down, on purpose, for the whole world to see. Or at least those few of you out there who are hanging on and visiting my website. I truly appreciate you more than you could ever know.
This year, I am committing to publishing two books.
Writing that goal down feels equal parts exhilarating and terrifying, which is how I know it matters. This isn’t a wish or a vague hope or a “someday.” It’s a decision. One rooted in consistency, discipline, and trust in the work I’ve been quietly building behind the scenes.
I’ve spent a long time learning how I write best, because trust me – we authors are not all the same. I’ve learned how stories take shape for me, how worlds reveal themselves slowly, and how forcing the process never leads to the kind of work I’m proud of. But I’ve also learned that creativity needs commitment just as much as it needs space. At some point, the dreaming has to meet the doing.
This is that moment.
Publishing two books this year doesn’t mean rushing the stories or cutting corners. It means showing up when it would be easier to wait. It means protecting writing time. It means choosing progress over perfection and trusting that the stories will meet me halfway if I meet them with consistency.
There are worlds I’ve been carrying for quite some time now. Characters who refuse to be quiet. Themes that keep circling back, asking to be explored fully and honestly. Those stories deserve to exist beyond my drafts folder.
So, this is me saying it out loud, in public, where I can’t quietly walk it back later.
By the end of this year, two of those stories will be released into the world.
I don’t know exactly how the year will unfold, none of us do. But what I do know is that there will be hard days, slow chapters, and moments where doubt tries to convince me to play small. But I also know this: I am capable of finishing what I start. I have done it before, and I will do it again. I will keep you updated monthly with my progress. It will come in the form of a post… likely something excited and hurried when things are going well and something short and hushed when writing is a struggle, but updates will come, good or bad.
This post isn’t for pressure. It’s for accountability. It’s a reminder to myself that the work matters—and that believing in your stories sometimes looks like choosing to stand behind them before anyone else sees them.
So here’s to a slightly late resolution, written with intention and hope.
If you’ve been wondering whether I’m still here—still writing, still imagining, still chasing stories late at night—I wanted to answer that question plainly and honestly.
Yes. I’m still here. And yes, I’m still writing.
The past two years have been one of those seasons that look quiet from the outside but feel anything but on the inside. The kind where words are being shaped slowly, where stories are tested and re-tested, where worlds are being built with care rather than urgency. Not every chapter is written in public, and not every creative season announces itself loudly—but that doesn’t mean the work isn’t happening.
It is.
I’ve been spending time in two very different story spaces. One is filled with wonder, light, and the kind of magic that asks readers to believe again. The other leans darker, asking harder questions about survival, memory, and what remains when everything familiar is stripped away. They couldn’t be more different on the surface, and yet they share the same heartbeat: characters searching for truth, belonging, and hope in worlds that challenge them at every turn.
I’m being intentionally careful with these stories. Not because I’m unsure of them—but because I believe some worlds deserve patience. I want them to arrive fully themselves, not rushed or diluted by timelines that don’t serve the story. If you’ve followed my work for any length of time, you know I care deeply about atmosphere, emotional resonance, and the slow unfolding of meaning. That hasn’t changed.
What has changed is the depth of the work.
I’ve grown as a writer over the last few years—not just in craft, but in confidence. I trust my instincts more. I’m more willing to sit with difficult scenes until they say what they need to say. I’m less interested in chasing trends and more interested in telling stories that linger after the final page.
That’s the energy behind the stories I’m working on right now.
While I’m not ready to share titles, covers, or plot details just yet, I am hopeful—and quietly excited—to have something ready to share later this year. When it’s time, you’ll be the first to know. And when these stories do step into the light, they’ll do so with intention.
If you’re a reader who has been waiting, wondering, or checking back from time to time—thank you. Your patience means more than you know. Writing can sometimes feel like a solitary act, but it’s never done in isolation. Knowing there are readers who care, who remember, who are willing to wait—that matters.
So this is simply a small note to say: I haven’t gone anywhere.
I’m still building worlds. I’m still chasing characters who refuse to leave me alone. I’m still writing toward something I believe is meaningful.
And I can’t wait to share it with you when the time is right.
In my everyday, real‑world life, I’m a Realtor. I lead The Soden Team of Legend Realty. I coach new real estate agents to build their dreams… their businesses. I talk about homes, contracts, inspections, negotiations, market shifts, and deadlines. I answer my phone – a lot. I send emails at odd hours. I help people navigate one of the biggest decisions of their lives, and I genuinely love that work.
But here’s the part most people don’t know.
I have a secret life.
When the day quiets down, when the inbox is closed and the showing schedule is finally clear, I slip into another world. One filled with characters and conflict, tension and hope, what‑ifs and maybes. I’m not unlocking doors or analyzing comps — I’m building worlds, chasing scenes, and listening to voices that don’t exist anywhere but, on the page, and in my mind.
If you found your way to this website, that probably isn’t a secret to you. You might already know about the books, the stories, the interviews, the projects that live here. But what might surprise you is that for many people in my real, day‑to‑day life… this part of me is still hidden in plain sight.
And here’s the twist: for some of the people reading this, my real‑world job might be the surprise.
“Wait,” you might be thinking, “you’re a Realtor?”
For a long time, I thought those two things lived in separate boxes. One was practical, grounded, responsible. The other was creative, private, a little bit wild. I worried that sharing both would confuse people — or that one would somehow cancel out the other.
But the truth is, they inform each other in ways I didn’t expect.
Real estate taught me how to listen. Writing taught me how to notice. Real life gives me endless inspiration for stories, and storytelling helps me connect more deeply with the people I serve every day.
Still, calling writing my secret life feels right.
Because it’s the part of me that shows up early in the morning or late at night. The part that exists quietly alongside everything else. The part that isn’t always visible, but is always there — waiting.
And I know I’m not alone in that.
So many people carry secret lives with them.
Maybe yours is a hobby you don’t talk about much. A creative dream you haven’t shared yet. A business idea scribbled in a notebook. A passion you explore in stolen moments between responsibilities. A version of yourself that feels very real — even if not many people see it.
I’d love to hear about it.
If you’re comfortable, tell me about your secret life. The thing you love. The thing you dream about. The part of you that lives just beneath the surface.
Because sometimes, sharing the secret is how it starts to feel real.
And who knows — maybe it was never meant to stay a secret at all.
Urban fantasy readers are a special breed. If you’ve ever looked at a dark alley and wondered what might be lurking just out of sight, this genre probably already has you in its grip.
Here are 15 signs you’re definitely an urban fantasy reader—and why this genre keeps pulling us back. Yup, us, I love reading and writing urban fantasy!
1. You Love the Idea of Magic Existing Right Now
Urban fantasy isn’t about far-off worlds. It’s about this one—just with secrets hidden beneath the surface. It might be a magical underworld… vampires hiding in plain sight… werewolves that come out with the full moon… you get the picture.
2. Cities Feel Alive to You
Subways, rooftops, abandoned buildings—urban fantasy turns cities into living, breathing characters. Those dark alleys no one ventures into in the real world… they are full of characters we love to hate between the pages of novels, safe in our homes.
3. You Believe the Ordinary Is Never Truly Ordinary
That barista? Probably a witch. That stranger on the bus? Maybe not human. Even your mom, your dad, your best friend’s cousin… no one is safe from speculation when you dive into an urban fantasy adventure.
4. You Love Strong, Flawed Protagonists
Urban fantasy heroes are rarely perfect—and that’s the point. Let me ask you this: Who among us is perfect? Movie superheroes are portrayed as almost God-like with their perfect personalities. However, in real life, as in urban fantasy, most heroes have flaws just like you and me, and oftentimes even worse.
5. Found Family Hits Hard
These stories thrive on chosen family, loyalty, and unlikely alliances. We can’t pick the family we are born into, but the family we do select can be even stronger. Urban fantasy stories flourish when the ‘found family’ aspect is at its best.
6. You Enjoy Darker Themes
Urban fantasy isn’t afraid of shadows, trauma, or moral gray areas. Not going to lie… there are often trigger warnings associated with many of the dark urban fantasies. Go in with caution… enjoy with an open mind.
7. You Love Rules to Magic
Magic systems matter—and breaking them always comes with consequences. This is pretty self-explanatory. Rules exist, no matter what world you live in. Break the rules and pay the price.
8. You Enjoy Slow-Burn Romance
Romance exists, but it never overshadows the story. That feeling of ‘what if’ or ‘just do it’ will come up, but it is rarely the driving force.
9. You Like Stories That Feel Real
Even with magic, the emotional stakes stay grounded. Urban fantasy reality, even when adding the element of magic or supernatural beings, doesn’t have to seem pretend or far-fetched.
10. You’re Drawn to Mythology
Gods, demons, fae, legends—urban fantasy reimagines them all. I love me some Greek mythology, which is the inspiration for a lot of urban fantasy stories.
11. You Love Secrets
Every chapter feels like peeling back another layer… diving deeper into a world we aren’t supposed to know exists. Maybe it does… maybe it doesn’t… who’s to say? The stories come from somewhere.
12. You Like Power With a Price
Again, nothing comes without consequences.
13. You Prefer Dark Humor
Sarcasm and grit go hand-in-hand in this genre. Do your friends often tell you that you have a dark sense of humor or that your humor is dry or harsh? Yeah, you just might fit in with the rest of us!
14. You Love Worlds That Feel Just Out of Reach
Urban fantasy whispers, This could be real. Urban fantasy calls to readers… drawing them in, but often keeping them peeking through the window, just outside of reality.
15. You Always Want More –
Once you find a good series, you’re in for life. Book 1… book 10… or even book 40… keep them coming.
DO YOU LIKE STARTING A SERIES THAT IS ALREADY COMPLETE, KNOWING YOU WON’T HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE TO COME OUT? YOU’RE IN LUCK, BOTH MY BLOOD ANGEL SERIES AND MY SECTOR C SERIES ARE AVAILABLE IN FULL! CHECK THEM OUT BELOW!
Dystopian fiction has always mirrored society—but lately, it feels uncomfortably close to home. Readers aren’t drawn to dystopian worlds because they’re bleak. They’re drawn to them because they ask hard questions.
How it explores the theme: Power is hierarchical and political: the White Council, vampire courts, fae queens. Control is maintained through rules, fear, and tradition.
Why it matters: Magic doesn’t equal freedom — power always comes with oversight and consequences.
How it explores the theme: Society is governed by a council of vampires and shapeshifters. Yet the world, and their power, begin to crumble around them.
Why it matters: In a world where control is everything, a pebble in the pond can change the world!
There’s something about the holiday season that feels like a book you return to year after year.
The familiar opening lines. The comforting setting. The quiet moments that linger long after the last page.
As the year comes to a close, I wanted to pause and say thank you—and Happy Holidays—to every author I’ve had the honor of featuring here, and to every reader who has spent even a few minutes of their time wandering through my posts (or even better, through the pages of my novels).
If you’re reading this, you’re part of a community that believes in stories. You’re part of MY community.
And that matters. It matters to me.
Books Are the Gifts That Never Stop Giving
Books have always been a special kind of gift. They don’t sparkle under the tree, but they glow in other ways:
They offer escape when the world feels heavy. They provide comfort when words are hard to find. They challenge us, soften us, and sometimes even change us.
This time of year, stories feel especially powerful. We read by twinkling lights. We recommend favorite novels to friends. We tuck books into stockings, hoping the right story finds the right person at the right time.
Stories remind us that even in dark chapters, hope still exists.
And that’s a very special kind of magic.
To the Authors Who Shared Their Stories Here
To every author who trusted me with their work, their process, their vulnerability, and their voice—thank you.
Writing is brave. Sharing that writing is even braver.
Behind every book is a person who wrestled with doubt, chased inspiration at odd hours, and kept going even when the path felt uncertain. Trust me, I know! Featuring your stories on this site has been one of the greatest joys of my year, and I’m endlessly grateful for the chance to spotlight your creativity.
Your words matter. Your stories matter. And I can’t wait to see where the next chapter takes you.
To the Readers Who Keep Showing Up
And to the readers—those who comment, share, recommend, and quietly return—thank you for being here.
Readers are the heartbeat of storytelling. Without you, stories are just words on a page. With you, they become worlds, emotions, and memories.
Whether you found this site through a favorite genre, an author interview, or a single late-night scroll, I’m grateful you stayed.
May your holidays be filled with stories that make you feel understood, inspired, and a little less alone.
Turning the Page on a New Year
As we step into a brand-new year, I hope it brings:
More time to read
More courage to write
More stories that surprise us
And more moments of quiet joy with a good book in hand
The best stories are never really finished—they simply invite us to keep reading.
So here’s to fresh chapters, new ideas, and the magic that only stories can create.
This morning, as the aroma of Thanksgiving fills kitchens across the country and families begin to gather, I’m taking a quiet moment to reflect on all that I’m thankful for.
Gratitude, for me, isn’t just about the grand gestures or milestone moments — it’s about the small, beautiful details that make up a life. The laughter around the dinner table. The quiet cup of coffee before the day begins. The people who fill my heart and the stories that fill my soul.
I’m thankful for my family — the love that grounds me, the laughter that brightens each day, and the unwavering support that makes every dream feel possible. Being a wife and a mom are my greatest accomplishments, and the love we share is my most cherished story. I’m also deeply grateful for the close bond I have with my parents and my sister and her family; their constant love and presence (even from a distance) bring joy to my life that I never take for granted. And having my in-laws nearby — with their open doors, warm hearts, and welcoming home — reminds me every day how lucky I am to belong to such a loving family circle.
I’m thankful for art— for the lifelong gift of creativity. From drawing and painting as a child to finding my voice in theatre, film, and writing, art has always been the way I connect to the world. It’s my reminder that imagination, expression, and storytelling are powerful forces — they heal, they inspire, and they connect us in ways words alone sometimes can’t.
And I’m thankful for you — my readers, friends, and supporters. Each message, each shared moment, each connection reminds me why I write. You’ve helped turn my passion into purpose, and for that, I am endlessly grateful.
I’m also deeply thankful for my real estate career— a path that’s given me the chance to serve, guide, and connect with so many incredible people. My clients, colleagues, and referral partners have trusted me with one of the most important chapters of their lives — finding a home or letting one go — and that trust means everything. Each relationship, each story, and each closing reminds me that real estate isn’t just about houses; it’s about people, families, and the places where their next chapter begins.
So today, as we gather around our tables — whether surrounded by family, friends, or even just the quiet hum of gratitude — I hope we all take a moment to pause and truly see the blessings in front of us.
May your Thanksgiving be filled with love, laughter, and the kind of joy that lingers long after the plates are cleared.
November 26th marks a big milestone for me — my 50th birthday. I’ll admit, that number has been sitting with me in a strange way. There’s something about it that feels both heavy and profound. But instead of focusing on the number, I want to celebrate the journey that brought me here — and the art, family, and community that have shaped me along the way.
I’ve always been an artist. As a kid, I filled sketchbooks with drawings and painted anything I could get my hands on. Creativity was my language — the way I understood and expressed the world around me. In college, I discovered the magic of theatre and film, and that love carried me all the way to California after graduation. I chased stories on stage and on camera, learning what it meant to bring characters to life.
When my husband and I moved to Alabama in 2004, the curtain didn’t fall — it simply shifted. I found a vibrant theatre community here, both on and off the stage. And when film opportunities weren’t as accessible, writing became my new creative outlet. It started as a whisper — a need to tell stories — and grew into a lifelong passion.
Since publishing my first novel in 2012, I’ve written worlds born from imagination, heart, and a deep love for storytelling. Each book has been a reflection of my creativity — as an artist, as a dreamer, as a human being trying to make sense of the world. But none of it would have been possible without my family. Their love, patience, and unwavering support have carried me through every chapter. Being a wife and a mom are my greatest accomplishments — everything else, every creative endeavor, is built on that foundation of love.
And then, of course, there’s you — my readers. Your encouragement, your messages, your shared excitement about my books… my stories mean more to me than you could ever know. You’ve helped turn my art into something living, something shared.
So, to celebrate this milestone birthday and to give back a little of the joy you’ve given me, I’m hosting a Birthday Giveaway! 🎁
✨ Enter to win a signed copy of one of my books (U.S. entries only)! ✨
Here’s how to enter:
Leave a comment below — tell me your favorite birthday memory, your favorite book of mine, or simply say hello.
Fill out the short entry form (linked below) so I can contact the winner.
The giveaway will be open through November 30th, and I’ll announce the winner the first week of December.
As I step into this new decade, I’m choosing gratitude — for art, for stories, for family, and for the readers who make it all worthwhile. Thank you for being part of my creative journey. Here’s to the next chapter — one filled with courage, curiosity, and a whole lot of love. 💜
With gratitude, Nina Soden Author | Dreamer | Storyteller
Nina Soden 