Larger than Love by Jole Cannon

Happy Thursday Scribblers, I hope you’re all having a great week. A special thank you and shout out to all the Veterans, thank you for your dedication and service to the our country. This week I’m back again with another book review. This times I reviewing a debut novel by author Jole Cannon (find him here) titled Larger Than Love (find the book here). Let’s get started.

Blurb:

Bernard feels like an outsider in the gay community. Thirty-five, chubby, and hairy, he doesn’t fit the image of the stereotypical gay man. Failed relationships in his past solidify the idea he is destined to be alone.

Rory is struggling with his identity. At thirty-five, he is still single. When he reunites with his childhood friend, his religious convictions and the desire to be with a man clash as he must choose between what the Church taught him is right and what his heart desires.

The two men are forced to face their fears and make a choice. Live alone and accept their fate or take a leap and challenge what they believe.

My Review:

Lovely Story. Great Debut Novel

Larger than Love is author Jole Cannon’s debut novel and, for a new author, this is a wonderful story. Reading through the book and getting to know the individuals in the story, I saw a lot of my first novel in this book. Which is to say, I noticed that the dialogue read very stilted to me in parts (this is something I had to work on as well). However, dialogue aside, this was a charming story, and I enjoyed getting to know the characters. I loved reading about people that are not from all the typical tropes. Bravo Cannon for tackling body image in your first go around.

This novel is a fun and frustrating read, which I’m not quite sure how to feel about. I’m not sure if the author had personal experiences he reflected in the story or not, so I can’t fault him for items that didn’t seem quite real to me. We all know people or have experienced people like Rory’s Mother, however she seemed way over the top to me, especially for someone who lives in Silicon Valley (yes, I’m counting Gilroy as part of the Silicon Valley). I’m not saying people like her don’t exist, especially in the 1990s, but I could see her more in the Southern US or even in a state like Utah. Also, some of the other characters, as lovely as they were, seemed a little to ‘perfect’ and ‘supporting’ of both Rory and Bernard. Not saying that couldn’t be the case, however, they didn’t quite feel real to me.

The other area I’m going to nit-pick is the setting. As someone who lives in San Jose and has been to Gilroy his whole life. If you are going to set your story here, then please give the reader a more detailed description of the setting. The South Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area is not well known outside of the San Francisco Bay Area and could use help when it comes to gaining more recognition. If you are going to point out locations, then point them out. Don’t shroud them in mystery or generic description. If you are going to have the characters go to Christmas in the Park, then call it Christmas in the Park. Don’t refer to the event in some obtuse way that people won’t have any idea of what you’re talking about. Same if they were going to the Holiday Lights at Vasona Park. If the story were set in New York, you wouldn’t say they went to a big Christmas Tree in Manhattan. You’d say they went to the Rockefeller Center for skating and to see the Christmas Tree. Things like this really annoy me and I find it more and more unforgivable in writing.

Overall, this was a lovely story with a beautiful message. The writing was good, and the characters were mostly relatable. This book appears to be part of a greater universe. However, the story is fully standalone and if I didn’t know that this novel is Book 1, I wouldn’t have noticed. I’ll be interested to see what’s in store for Book 2 and if Cannon is going to use other characters from this story.

This novel is worth the read especially if you enjoy romance and want to see characters that are outside the typical trope.

That’s all I have for today. Until next time have a great week.

Geist Fleisch by Christian Baines

Happy Wednesday Scribblers. I hope you’re having a great day and I hope you all had a safe and fun Halloween. Today I’m back with another book review for you. This week I’m back with another book from the Haunted Hearts Series today I share my thoughts on Geist Fleisch (find the book here) by Christian Baines (find him here). The Haunted Hearts series is a collection of ‘ownvoice’ authors who came together and created a collection of ghost stories for the Halloween Season.

The Blurb:

Drawn by promises of excitement and freedom, how could Callum resist Berlin?

It's the end of 1932 and the Weimar capital is the heartbeat of the gay world, where a man like him can find companionship and love, even in the shadow of looming political disaster.

Still, Callum feels unseen, until he discovers a place where the dead mix with the living, an organization devoted to studying the supernatural, and a man in each world that could capture his heart... or seal his fate.

Haunted Hearts – Everyone deserves a happy ever afterlife!

Haunted Hearts is an Own-Voices Paranormal Romance Series about love and the things that go boo in the night. Join us on our romantic journeys over ten books from some of your favorite authors! Be sure to read the entire series so you don’t miss a moment of falling in love, or sometimes falling into a happily ever after-life! Each book is a standalone but why not read them all? Everyone deserves the HEA!

My Review:

Historical Ghost(ish) Story… Yes Please

Christian Baines continues to impress with his take on a historical ghost story. I wasn’t sure how this book was going to work out since the tale is set in 1932 Germany during the rise of the Nazis. However, Baines is an incredible author, and I wasn’t disappointed. The story follows Callum (an English man now living in Berlin), who has a unique condition that leaves him feeling unseen. This condition isn’t his only societal concern. He is a gay man living in a time when being gay could have gotten him killed or put away, even in Berlin during the height of gay culture for that time in history. These factors make the storytelling that much more impressive since Baines tackles the subject with the right amount of realism and fantasy. Making for a fun read.

I really enjoyed this story finding that Baines really puts you in the perspective of the main character as he includes quite a bit of German, making not only our protagonist confused at times, but us the reader as well, which I found enjoyable. The secondary characters were all unique and felt grounded for the time. Another plus to Baines writing and crafting of the story.

This is not your typical ghost story; however, the book has all the dark fantasy elements you want for a creepy novel. Definitely give the book a read.

There are my thoughts on Geist Fleisch by Christian Baines. I hope you check out the book and give the series a look as well, there are eleven books to pick from (find them here) so I’m sure you’ll find something to enjoy. Well, until next time have a great week.

The River City Chronicles by J. Scott Coatsworth

Happy Wednesday Scribblers, I hope you are all having a great week and are greeting ready of Halloween. I’m back today with a review of a book that has been on my ‘to be read’ list for years. Today I’m happy to share with you my thoughts on The River City Chronicles (click here to learn more) by J. Scott Coatsworth (Find him here).

The Blurb:

Everyone in the River City has a secret, and sooner or later secrets always come out. A group of strangers meets at Ragazzi, an Italian restaurant, for a cooking lesson that will change them all. They quickly become intertwined in each other's lives, and a bit of magic touches each of them. Meet Dave, the consultant who lost his partner; Matteo and Diego, the couple who run the restaurant; recently-widowed Carmelina; Marcos, a web designer getting too old for hook-ups; Ben, a trans author writing the Great American Novel; teenager Marissa, kicked out for being bi; and Sam and Brad, a May-September couple who would never have gotten together without a little magic of their own.

My Review:

A Love Letter to Sacramento

I’ve read several of J. Scott Coatsworth’s novels and I can honestly say there isn’t one I haven’t enjoyed. Coatsworth writing is honest and open as he pours himself into each of his works. The River City Chronicles is no different in that regard. However, the story is unlike the other books I’ve read by Coatsworth which tend to be fantasy and science fiction based. This is a contemporary novel set in Sacramento, CA. Not only do you get to learn a great deal about the cast of characters in the novel, you also experience Sacramento through the eyes of someone who clearly loves this community.

The story itself is a rich chronicle following the lives and loves of the people who inhabit these pages. What impresses me the most about this work is that I feel like I’ve gotten to know each of the characters so well. After reading the book, I felt like I just made so many new friends that I was sad to reach the last page (I understand there is a second book coming out at some point, which will be on my list).

Another aspect of the novel I appreciated is that this book wasn’t your typical MM Romance (which given the glut of mm stories available on the market, most of which, if not all, feel like Hallmark movies). The book housed often ignored or forgotten characters, making the characters come across as that much more real and personal.

My only real complaint about this novel, and it’s not so much a complaint, but something I noticed is that Coatsworth clearly had an affinity for all things Italian as the story is peppered with so much Italian flare, the novel can be a bit much. However, that said, the Italian slant to the book helped to ground the novel in realism and helped to tie all the characters together. This is a wonderful novel that any fan of contemporary works should pick up and read.

Well there you have it, my thoughts on The River City Chronicles by J. Scott Coatsworth. Until next time have a great week.

Medium Rare by J.P. Jackson

Happy Wednesday Scribblers! How’s your week going? I hope you’re all doing well. I’m back again with a new book for you. Medium Rare by J.P. Jackson (find him here). Let’s jump into the book and my thoughts:

Blurb:

Cade Ivanov has inherited the family curse. Ghosts are everywhere, and lately, very angry. But Cade doesn’t know why. Desperate to be rid of the apparitions, he plans to move to a rural town where he hopes to find peace.

Jay McClaren is a single dad and real estate agent. When an unexpected call comes from a big city Medium looking to purchase, he’s thrilled for the business but is skeptical about his client’s professed abilities.

When Jay’s son starts experiencing violent hauntings, Jay has no choice but to rely on Cade for help. Can Jay and Cade battle the paranormal, or will the dead create a living hell?

My Review:

A Family Drama with Ghosts, Lots of Ghosts!

Did author J.P. Jackson just write his first ever Family Drama? Did he write a novel about family and community? Did he craft a story about people and how we all rely on each other? Did Jackson share a story about love and romance between not only two men, but them and their families? Could I have possibly read a novel by J.P. Jackson that didn’t make me want to hide under the covers, leave all the lights on, and call in a local priest to vanquish evil spirits?

The answer…

Yes. Yes, he did. However, in Jackson’s style you’ll get a dose of horror and gore and a lot of well written and tasteful ‘adult playtime’. Jackson’s words, not mine.

Honestly, this is quite possibly one of the best Romantic Fantasy or Romantic Horror novels I’ve read in a long time. Typically, with Jackson, you are in for a bloody good time with a lot of ‘adult playtime’. He is one of the masters of horror and telling tales that are creepy and dark. Making you not want to turn the next page, but darn it you have to, because you want to find out what happens and you want to find out how his characters are going to get out of the mess Jackson has put them in.

Medium Rare is a lovely story about community and what two men will go through to save and protect not only their family but also their neighbors.

As always, Jackson takes you on a wild adventure through the Canadian Prairie Lands of Alberta, which grounds the story in so much realism that you actually believe these are people going through some difficult times and not a story about some characters. Our two main characters are what you would expect from Jackson; rugged, men in their thirties, who would be classified as Bears. As with all of Jackson’s books you get a healthy dose of these two characters sexual adventure, which are not just thrown into the story to shout to the reader ‘here is your sex scene’. These scenes are used as moments of peace and building connections during some difficult times. This is something Jackson does well and I wish more romance writers would pick up on. In a lot of romance stories, I find I skip the sex scenes because they don’t bring anything to the story or they go on way too long. With Jackson these scenes are crafted in a way that you don’t feel like you’re being bombarded with ‘smut’ just to get the reader off (sorry that’s crass, but I couldn’t think of a better way to explain what I mean).

Romance aside, this is creepy and sweet. You definitely care for everyone involved and you absolutely hope that everything will work out. As always, Jackson’s characters are put through the ringer and you have to worry about if they’ll make it out okay. With Jackson, you can never be too sure.

Honestly, I enjoyed this book and read it one sitting. If you want an excellent romantic horror novel, this is the one for you. Medium Rare is part of the Haunted Hearts an Own-Voices Paranormal Romance Series celebrating own-voice authors and all things creepy and spooky.

There you go, my thoughts on Medium Rare by J.P. Jackson (find out more here). I hope you’ll check it out, as well as the other books in the series (learn more here). Until next time have a great week.

Curse of the Stag's Eye by Glenn Quigley

Happy Wednesday Scribblers! I hope you are having a wonderful week. As you can tell I’ve been trying to get through my ‘To Be Read’ list and I’ve been posting a lot of book reviews. I hope you find them helpful and more importantly I hope you pick up some of these wonderful books I’ve been sharing with you. This week I’m here to share another book; Curse of the Stag’s Eye by Glenn Quigley (find him here). Let’s jump into the novel and my thoughts.

Blurb:

High on a wave-dashed cliff, the ancient standing stone known as the Stag’s Eye jealously watches over a cursed lighthouse with a grisly past. Paranormal investigator Rhys has chosen this place to hold his first-ever ghost tour. Ghost-hunting veteran Dawn and her boyfriend Nikesh are eager to go exploring, while first-timer Gaz is hoping to learn more about the spirit world. He also intends to learn more about Rhys for various reasons, not all of which are entirely innocent.

The ghost of a murdered lighthouse keeper is said to climb the stairs every night, tending to the light, but other, far more sinister phantoms may lurk in the shadows. As the night wears on and the haunting becomes more and more hazardous, Rhys and Gaz grow closer. However, it soon becomes clear that not everyone on the tour is being honest about their reasons for being there. Can the supernatural activity be blamed on the curse of the Stag’s Eye or does someone know more than they’re letting on?

Curse of the Stag’s Eye is a part of the Haunted Hearts Series. (find out more here).

My Review:

The Curse of the Stag’s Eye takes author Glenn Quigley’s love of the sea and lighthouses to the next level. The Curse of the Stag’s Eye is not a typical Glenn Quigley novel, Quigley typically writes Historical Fiction (beautifully so) and I’m excited to see him branch out into something new (to be fair over the last few years Quigley has dived into other genres’ and I highly recommend them, find more of his books here) however, if you think this a departure from his other works you are only partly correct. Quigley writes a lot about the sea and includes lighthouses in his works. If you follow him on Instagram (which I suggest you do, find him here) you’ll see he has a love for all things nautical. So why not take his love of all things ocean related and throw them into a good old ghost story? But the Curse of the Stag’s Eye is so much more. You get a romance, mystery, ghost story, and a thriller all rolled up into one and the story is utterly brilliant.

This book hits all the right pacing and checks off everything you need for a well-written tale. You also get a good dose of history and lore about lighthouses thrown into the mix, which makes the novel a fun read.

I love how Quigley goes beyond the pale and shows us people who are not typically the heroes of the story. We get to see wonderfully colorful characters that aren’t your standard archetypes (and bless him for doing this).

The story is beautifully claustrophobic, and the cast is small, which means there isn’t a wasted character or someone there to take up space and fill the page in the entire book. This is another talent of Quigley’s that I wish more writers would acquire.

Is this book scary? No, but the tale has its moments. There is no gore or anything over the top (most brilliant ghost stories don’t need to be gory). Is there a lot of romance in the book? There’s some, and it’s tastefully crafted and perfectly planned out. The mystery and the thriller aspect of the novel are what shines through and makes this story so lovely to read and enjoy.

I realize this novel is a part of a larger series of stories written by several authors following the theme of haunted hearts. I’ll be interested to read and see how the others do with the theme.

If you haven’t guessed, I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend the novel. Well done Glenn, well done!

Well, there you are, another wonderful book for you to check out. Until next time have a great week.


The Cultist's Wife by B.J. Sikes

Happy Wednesday Scribblers, I hope you are having a wonderful week. Today I’m excited to bring you another book recommendation. This story is a bit different then what I typically read, but it’s worth your time and your money.

Today, let’s talk about The Cultist’s Wife by B.J. Sikes (click here to learn more about B.J.):

Gothic Thriller and Gothic Fiction for Sure

This weekend I finished reading The Cultist Wife by B.J. Sikes. This is a beautifully crafted story set in the early 1900s in the Bahamas during the height of the British Empire. The details are spot on and you feel like you are experiencing the oppressive heat along with our three main characters: Clara (The Mother), Elsie (The Maiden, more like The Child) and Irene (The Cone). I was expecting this story to be more Gothic Horror given the description, however that is not the case, so if you want Gothic Horror go read Anne Rice. What I ended up reading was this wonderfully told Gothic Thriller and fiction story, with a healthy dose of history thrown in.

My only issue with the novel (and this should be seen as a credit to the writer) is I found myself getting more and more annoyed with Clara. This really is her story, so we get to spend a lot of time with her. My annoyance wasn’t at how she lived or interacted in this world. My exasperation came from how true to life this character was portrayed. I wanted to reach into the story and yell at her for how she was acting and get on her case about the choices she made. However, Clara, like all the characters in the book, are a product of their time (and this is something Sikes does incredibly well) the characters in the book act as you would expect them to perform given that the story is set in 1908. You’re not going to have modern day characters in this setting (which is something a lot of historical fiction gets wrong), you are going to have female characters (who are strong and intelligent) acting like the subservient creatures that the men, and society, at the time expected. Which honestly annoyed me. Because Clara, as well as Elsie and Irene, are brilliant strong women. Who, if they lived today, would be fiercely resilient, powerful, independent women, and none of them would let the ‘men’ or society treat them the way that they are treated in this novel?

Is this Gothic Horror? Well, sort of, there is a cult, there is a ghost, and there is a bit of what we would call witchcraft/magic, however those items take a backseat to the meat of the story, which is a thriller and fiction adventure.

If Historical Fiction and Gothic Thrillers are your thing, then this is absolutely the story for you.

Well, that’s what I have for you this week. I hope you’ll check out The Cultist’s Wife (buy it here) I’m sure you’ll enjoy the story. Until next time have a great week.

Standard Candle by G.B. Lindsey

Happy Wednesday everyone. I’m back again with another review for you all. This week I’m reviewing G.B. Lindsey’s (find them here) short story Standard Candle (click here to get your copy). Without further ado, let’s jump to the review:

Sometimes you go into thinking a book will be one way, only to have it be something completely different. When I grabbed this book, I was excepting an erotic tale with not much substance (which I was fine with) however diving into this tale I ended up being completely wrong and all the better for it. This story was beautifully crafted and told. Yes, there was one erotic scene, but that was the story. The story was about two friends who grow to discover their relationship is so much more and it was touching. One of the things I enjoyed the most about this short story was really being in the head of Avery, you got to fully understand him as a character and care about him. And even though you don’t get to spend any time in Dev ‘head’ you still gain an excellent understanding of him through Avery and their interactions. This is by far one of the best MM romance/erotica stories I’ve read. G.B. did a wonderful job with this story and I highly recommend it.

About the Book:

Denny Wyatt: friend.

Denny, who sleeps in threadbare tees that smell like his cigarettes, who coats his arms in the guts of engines, who kisses like he's sampling you, scenting you, until you forget that there are things you can't afford to forget.

Denny Wyatt: with benefits.

It's not dating. You've both done enough of that. You're both stuck in this town, you're both going nowhere, but at night, you have each other. It's sex. It's an arrangement. It suits you both.

Denny Wyatt: yours.

Tonight, the lie shatters. Denny Wyatt is so much more than friend, than lover, than any one word. But you'd better speak—better find the words—or he's gone.

That’s all I have for this week. I hope you’ll grab a copy of Standard Candle (buy it here) and give it a read. I’m sure you’ll love it. Until next time have a great week.

The Death Bringer by J. Scott Coatsworth

Happy Wednesday Scribblers. I hope you’re having a wonderful week. Today, I’m thrilled to share that one of my good author friends, J. Scott Coatsworth (find him here) has a new book out. It’s the fourth book in his three book trilogy (LOL). The Death Bringer (click here to learn more). I can’t wait to give this book a read. I’ve gotten to rid bits of the new story and what I’ve read has been brilliant. If you enjoy Sci-Fantasy and Young Adult books, this is the novel for you.

Book Blurb:

AIK WILL NEVER BE THE SAME... AND NEITHER WILL HIS WORLD

War is coming. Aik has become the Progenitor, and the Seed Mother has released him to transform the world for her alien brood. Silya and Raven, Aik's former friends, are the only ones who can save him and the world. But what if the cure is worse than the invasion?

As Silya rushes to prepare Gullton for the battle to come, she's determined to save as many people as she can. But new crises emerge that demand her attention.

Raven has his own hands full, keeping the dragon-like verent in line, while helping Silya to save the world. But what if the only way to do so is to sacrifice Aik, the man that he loves?

It's the end of the world ... or could it be the start of something new?

Series Blurb:

The Tharassas Cycle is a four book sci-fantasy series set on the recently colonized world of Tharassas. When humans first arrived on planet, they thought they were alone until the hencha mind made itself known. But now a new threat has arisen to challenge both humankind and their new allies on this alien world.

You can find the series by clicking here. I call this series D&D in Space. If that’s your jam you’re going to need to get this series.

Well that’s all I have for now. Until next time have a great week.

Golden Hills Haunting - Out Now

Happy Wednesday Scribblers! I hope you’re all having a fantastic week. Today I’m thrilled to share that my new novel; Golden Hills Haunting is out (click here). This book has been such a thrill to write and I’ve already gotten a few amazing reviews (click here for Goodreads and click here for Amazon). I’m really hoping will love this book as much as I do.

I always wanted to tell this kind of story ever since I was a kid and watched Poltergeist (1982).  As with all my novels I spent a lot of time interviewing people and researching the subject. I spoke with a Catholic Priest and a retired Catholic Exorcist, as well as my local paranormal research society. I collected several stories and pulled from the local history of Santa Clara County. This book took a lot of work to research and I think it shows in the writing and storytelling.

There was so much information and really some truly terrifying events that have happened and been researched in this area. I could probably write a whole book about that, but I will say, and I mean this from the bottom of my soul, nothing you will read or seen on the screen can compare to some of the absolutely terrifying events that some people have had happen to them, especially if you believe in Demons and Catholic Exorcists. There were items that were so shocking to me that I couldn’t believe people actually did these things (and these weren’t ghosts or demons, these were people doing some of these things to call forward demons and ghosts).

For me personally and for what people will read in the novel I believe that good will always win over evil.

I hope you’ll get your copy today (click here).

Blurb:

After their daughter was bullied at school, Kyle and Alejandro decided to make a fresh start and move into a beautiful new cul-de-sac development. As they take up residence, the family enjoys seeing the community come to life. But when lights flicker, shadows lurk, and small objects disappear, they begin to doubt their sanity. When Alejandro and many of their neighbors are struck down by a strange sickness that defies explanation, the family starts to question their recent life change. Feeling trapped they speak with their new neighbors, learning they aren’t alone in the haunted neighborhood. Who do you turn to when the authorities can’t offer any assistance or protection? How do you fight against a sinister force that is older than time? Can Kyle, Alejandro and the rest of the occupants of Golden Hills Court survive or will this nightmarish ordeal destroy them?

That’s all I have for this week, until next time have a great week.

The Ruins by Jonathan Pongratz

Happy Wednesday Scribblers. I hope you’re all doing well. I’ve got another great book for you to check out and read. This week I’m excited to share Jonathan Pongratz (learn more here) newest novel; The Ruins (click here). As always here the info about the book.

Blurb:

Tyler Collins has it all. Good looks, the perfect boyfriend, and a paranormal vlogging career on the precipice of greatness. Pursuing his dreams of hosting his own paranormal TV show with the backing of his agent, Tyler and his boyfriend Gabe travel to the small village of Altalona, Peru in search of the legendary ruins of Ayar Kachi.

Unfamiliar with their surroundings they quickly exhaust their options, but just when all seems lost a twist of fate leads them to their destination. The ruins of Ayar Kachi have lain dormant for centuries, a foreboding palace of crumbling stone and strange symbols that has never been filmed by a living being.

Eager to make their aspirations of success a reality, Tyler and Gabe descend into the depths, unknowing of the peril they have placed themselves in. For within the ancient grounds lies a great evil, one that threatens the lives of anyone who enters and will stop at nothing until its hunger for the living is sated.

Here are my thoughts:

I had the pleasure of receiving an early copy of this novel, and I can tell you it’s another outstanding book by Pongratz. This story is a look at what happens when a paranormal vlogger chases views and becoming the next big thing while pushing everything else to the side. This story is very topical with the continued rise of vlogging and vloggers who have to chase the ‘clicks’ to stay relevant. For me this was a cautionary story of all things not to do in our bids to find our voice and our audience. I loved the paranormal story and the amount of research Pongratz had to do to make this story as real as possible. The author did the work and it shows in his story.

If you are looking for a story that will make you check the doors and windows, as well make you want to keep the lights on, this is the story for you. This is book 1 in a planned series, however the story is a stratifying read and doesn’t leave you on a cliff hangers.

Please get yourself a copy of this wonderful book (click here) sit back and let the story take you away. Until next time, have a great week.

The Importance of Self-Care for Authors

Happy Wednesday Scribblers. I want to wish you all an amazing Wednesday. Today I want to share why it’s important for authors to take care of themselves (and really everyone). We’ve been talking about self-care a lot more these days and I want to talk about the importance of self-care for authors. Let’s dive in, shall we.

Writing is a demanding and often solitary profession. As authors, we spend countless hours crafting stories, developing characters, and perfecting our works. While the creative process can be incredibly rewarding, it can also be mentally and physically exhausting. This is why self-care is essential for writers. Taking the time to care for oneself can lead to improved creativity, productivity, and overall well-being.

One of the most significant reasons self-care is important for novelists is its impact on our mental health. Writing requires a great deal of mental energy, and it’s easy for us to become overwhelmed by the pressures of deadlines, writer’s block, and the desire for perfection. Without proper self-care, these stressors can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression.

Engaging in self-care activities, such as meditation, exercise, and hobbies can help to manage stress and maintain a healthy mental state. When we take care of our mental health, we are more likely to experience increased creativity and inspiration. A clear and focused mind is essential for producing high-quality work.

Writing is often a sedentary activity, which can take a toll on an author’s physical health. Sitting for long periods can lead to issues such as back pain, poor posture, and weight gain. Additionally, the repetitive motions of typing can cause strain on the hands and wrists.

Incorporating physical self-care practices into our writing routine can help mitigate these issues. Regular exercise, stretching, and ergonomic workspaces can improve physical health and prevent injuries. When we feel physically well, we’re more productive and can write for longer periods without discomfort.

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for all writers. The nature of writing often blurs the lines between work and personal life, making it challenging to set boundaries. Without a clear separation, we may find ourselves working late into the night or sacrificing personal time for writing projects.

Self-care involves setting boundaries and prioritizing personal time. Something I’m not very good at. We novelists should establish a routine that includes breaks, leisure activities, and time spent with loved ones. By doing so, we can recharge and return to writing with renewed energy and focus.

Burnout is a common issue among all authors, especially those who juggle regular jobs, family obligations, multiple projects, social media, or face tight deadlines. Burnout can lead to a lack of motivation, decreased productivity, and even physical illness. To prevent burnout, we must recognize the signs and take proactive steps to care for ourselves and know when to say ‘no’.

Self-care practices such as seeking support from fellow writers and engaging in activities that bring joy can help prevent burnout. We should also be mindful of our limits and avoid over-committing to projects (again, something I struggle with). By prioritizing self-care, we can sustain our writing passion and avoid the pitfalls of burnout.

Creativity is the lifeblood of an author’s work. However, creativity can be elusive, especially when an author is stressed or fatigued. Self-care can play a significant role in enhancing creativity by providing us with the mental and physical space needed to generate new ideas.

Activities such as spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness, and exploring new hobbies can stimulate creativity. We should also allow ourselves time to rest and recharge, as creativity often flourishes during moments of relaxation and reflection.

The writing journey is filled with ups and downs, including rejection, criticism, and self-doubt. Building resilience is essential for authors to navigate these challenges and continue pursuing our writing dreams. Self-care practices can help all of us develop the resilience needed to overcome obstacles and stay motivated.

By taking care of our mental and physical health, writers (and anyone really) can build a strong foundation of resilience. This foundation allows us to bounce back from setbacks, learn from criticism, and maintain a positive outlook on our writing journey.

All that said, self-care is not a luxury but a necessity for all authors and creators. By prioritizing our mental and physical well-being, we can enhance our creativity, productivity, and overall quality of life. Incorporating self-care practices into our daily routine can help us manage stress, prevent burnout, and build resilience. Ultimately, self-care enables us to continue doing what we love—creating stories—while maintaining a healthy and fulfilling life.

That’s all I’ve got today. Until next time have a great week.

The Magician's Heart by J.P. Jackson

Happy Wednesday Scribblers, I hope you are having a wonderful week. Today I want to bring to your attention this wonderful new novel by J.P. Jackson (learn more here) The Magician’s Heart (click here). Before I share my review of the book, here are the details.

Blurb:

Patrick leads a nice quiet life with his dog companion Argus, and his pet raven Kaos. The quiet and calm of this lakeside cabin is the perfect place to be the area’s most powerful water witch and the local representative Magician on the Mage’s Council. Other than the odd task assigned by the Council, his only other responsibility is to answer the call from the local police when they come across a situation that might be magical. It’s a serene life, mostly, if not a little lonely. Could he have fallen into a bit of a rut? Is Patrick fulfilling his witchy duties and being the Magician he really could be?

Allan’s life is a mess. His friends regularly lead him into bad situations, and life never seems to go his way, until one night when his buddies drag him and his abusive ex along on an ill-fated camping trip. After a night of drinking, and another nasty encounter with his ex, Allan discovers he’s not exactly human. Once his witchy side takes hold, there’s no turning back. But in order to get a grip on his newfound abilities, he's going to need some expert guidance, not to mention making things right with the local Fae population who he’s managed to anger.

Patrick doesn’t want a student. Allan has no need for a mentor. But when the two of them come together, a new kind of magic blossoms that just might save them both.

The Magician's Heart is a standalone MM paranormal romance novel as part of the multi-author collaboration Tales from the Tarot. This book is based on the major arcana card The Magician.

Here are my thought of the book:

I believe I have read everything published by J.P. Jackson to date, and as with all his other novels this one is brilliant. I’m not going to gush and go on and on about what a fun read this is. Just know that this is another amazing story by Jackson with rich colorful characters that you’ll enjoy reading about.

Allan and Patrick are an unlikely pair and I found them a bit of an odd couple at the beginning of the story. However, the more I read the more they grew on me. There were times I felt the story was a bit rushed and there were a couple of plot points that, in my opinion, got waved away. I would have liked deeper explanations into certain events of the story that never came. However, that all said I enjoyed the story and found it a lot of fun to read. I especially liked the dog and the raven. They provided some hints of levity and fun throughout the story that I appreciated.

One-bit of a bonus for me in this novel, was how encapsulated the story telling was. You really focus on the two main characters and you don’t have a lot of background characters fluffing out the story or getting in the way of the plot (this is also one of my bugaboos as well. When you read the story, I think you’ll understand why). All said, by the end of the story I felt like I really understood both of the characters and I wanted more.

This novel is part of a larger universe, so if you are so inclined you can read the additional stories, by different authors and see their take on the overall universe. But don’t let that sway you, this is a wonderfully crafted standalone novel that any reader of MM Paranormal will love and eat up.

That’s all I have for this week. If you enjoy Horror Novels then this is a must get (click here). Until next time have a greet week.

Clockwork Alchemy 2024

Happy Wednesday Scribblers, I hope you are all having a wonderful week. This past weekend I attended Clockwork Alchemy (click here to learn more) in San Mateo, CA. The con was an absolute ball, and I was thrilled to be part of three different panels as well as having space in the author alley. Today I thought I would share some of my thoughts and photos from the event and the panels I was on.

First off, a huge thank you to everyone at Clockwork Alchemy, especially B.J. Sikes (learn more here), for having me and ensuring everything was running smoothly for us authors. 

Over the weekend, as I mentioned, I was on three different author panels. All three groups were well attended and facilitated terrific and meaningful conversation. The panels I took part in were:

Own Voice Story Telling

In this panel, we discussed the importance of celebrating, promoting, and encouraging Own Voice Creators. It’s important to remember that Own Voice Creators, are not there to gatekeep, but they are there to remind everyone of the importance of opening up the creative communities to all and not limiting story telling or creating to a small group of people who may not fully understand our diverse community members. We reminded everyone in the panel that representation matters. This panel was absolutely wonderful, and I learned a lot.

Book Marketing and PR

Where to start with this panel, there are so many factors to keep in mind for book marketing and PR. It’s hard to nail this topic down, but the important points from this discussion were to open up yourself to trying new avenues of promotion within the realm of what is cost effective for you. As with all marketing and promotion, what you can comfortably afford should always be front and center in your planning. Some basics are:

  • Have a Press Kit

  • Start a Website and Social Media platform

  • Have a newsletter (however this can be hit or miss, so use your judgement)

  • Start marketing yourself and your book(s) right away

Book Publishing

What didn’t we cover in this conversation? We chatted about the different types of publishing (indie, traditional, communal, highbred, etc.). Part of our conversation landed on does and don’t and things to avoid (watch out for snake oil salespersons). We offered suggestions on the craft of writing (editing, cover art, basics around starting your brand, and how to deal with unflattering reviews). My fellow panelist and I endeavor to be as encouraging and as straightforward as we could be, within the time allotted. We all agreed that we could have talked for hours on the subject. To end the discussion, we reminded our audience that they are all authors and to start thinking of themselves in that regard.

Also, I shared my YouTube channel with the audience, letting them know I have almost 40 videos posted there, all about writing tips and tricks for authors. All the information is free and available for everyone to view. If you’re interested, find the videos here.

Those were the panels I participated in, all topics that I believe I have a lot to offer my fellow authors. When I wasn’t at my panels, I was staged in the Author Alley meeting and greeting readers as well as chatting up my fellow writers. I had a wonderful time. I managed to get down to the Artists’ Bazaar and caught up with wonderful vendors I know. I may have made a few purchases as well.

For a hit of trivia, for those of you who have read any of my books (especially The Calling series, click here) there is a side character named Fredrick Bisset. Mr. Bisset is the owner of the Los Altos Beaux Vêtements. He is a lovely and wonderfully talented man who makes all his clients look amazing (no matter who they are or what they look like). In short, he’s fantastic. This weekend I was thrilled to chat with the man that this character is based on, Mr. Alan Jeffries, of Fine Gentlemen’s Apparel (find him here). After, perhaps, buying a few pieces, I told him about how he inspired Fredrick and how Fredrick pops up in some form in all my books. We had a good laugh, and he thanked me for the compliment. So, here’s to Mr. Alan Jeffries, the real-life Mr. Fredrick Bisset.

Well, there you go. Clockwork Alchemy was so much fun and a terrific time. I’m hoping to go back next year. In the meantime, if you’re in the area this weekend, April 27th at 5pm. I’ll be at Books on B, in Hayward, CA for the Hayward Lit Hop. It’s always a lot of fun, so I hope you can come out and join us. Until next time, have a great week.

The Long Journey to You - by Vincent Meis

Happy Wednesday Scribblers, I hope you are all doing well and are having a great week. Today I’m thrilled to bring to you another wonderful book, but author buddy of mine Vincent Meis (learn more here). Vincent is a lovely writer and I’ve had the pleasure of reading several of his works.

Here are the details about his newest novel:

Nathan doesn’t know how to stop dwelling on the failures and tragedies that have plagued him since the last time we saw him at the end of The Mayor of Oak Street, a twenty-one-year-old happily in the arms of the handsome young doctor he had pined for since he was twelve. Many years later, what could mend Nathan’s heart after the latest tragedy and stop his deep dives into the past? After a chance meeting on the street with ER nurse, Mateo, a big chunk of Nathan’s reminiscing is now devoted to that encounter. Will he seize the day or continue wallowing in the past, having lunch with his BFF, and writing poetry?

He has traveled the globe and survived a disease that people once thought was a death sentence. There are moments with Mateo he is convinced that his whole life led him to this great love. At other times, he’s ready to kill him. Mateo, for his part, must take care of his ailing mother while he works full time in the emergency room. The practical aspects of starting a new relationship are challenging. Above all, this novel is a story of healing and finding true love.

"In this romantic and engaging novel, Meis presents an authentic story of an older man reflecting upon his past and facing an uncertain future. An emotionally honest love story featuring a tragic history and a new beginning." —Kirkus Reviews

I hope you’ll check out the Long Journey to You (find the book here) as I’m sure you will not be disappointed. Until next time have a great week.

The World Continue to Crumble as the Unicorn Horn Thrives

Happy Wednesday Scribblers, I hope you are having a wonderful week and I trust you all had a happy Easter. This week I’m pleased to share my review of J. P. Jackson (learn more here) newest short story; Skin Sessions: Stitched up Tight (find out more here). This is the fifth short story in Jackson’s Skin Sessions series. This is a dark and sexy story and not for the faint at heart, consider yourself warned.

Here is my review:

This is the fifth installment of Skin Sessions a short story series, by J.P. Jackson. If you aren’t familiar with J.P. Jackson’s work this is a dark and sexy series that has a way of boring into your skin and not leaving. Stitched UP Tight continues the story of the Unicorn Horn, a male brothel that finds itself owned by an Incubus Taz-rial. The demon has been true to his word so far, but we get hints that there is more coming, I’m not sure if Taz-rial is going to be all he appears to be, but for now he seems to be a demon of honor and doesn’t want anything to happen to his brothel or the men who work there.

If you enjoy mm sex then you are in for a treat as there are pages and pages of sex, however the scenes are written in a honest way that most authors in the mm romance/erotica genre can’t seem to grasp. In general, in not interested in reading the sex scenes (you’ve read one you’ve read them all) so I skimmed through them sadly make this story very short, (did I mention there are pages and pages of sex scenes), however I did have a pay some attention as Jackson wrangled story and plot elements into these scenes making them important to the plot (darn you Jackson!).

If you enjoy dark sexy stories this is another must read by Jackson.

Well, there you go. My thought on J.P. Jackson’s fifth installment of Skin Sessions (find the book here). Until next time have a great week.

Interview on WROTE Podcast (YouTube Channel)

Happy Wednesday everyone! This week I’m excited to share the interview I did on WROTE Podcast (learn more here), we talked about my newest novel Mu; Legend of a Lost City (get your copy here), how I came up with the idea, the legends that support the story, and the characters that inhabit this world.

We have a great conversation and a lot of fun talking about what I read as a kid, who inspires my writing and what are some of my favorite things. I hope you’ll give the 30 minute interview a watch and show some love to WROTE Podcast, because they are amazing.

Check out the interview here:

I hope you enjoy the interview. Until next time have a great week.

The Hencha Queen by J. Scott Coatsworth

Hello, Happy Wednesday everyone. I hope you are having a wonderful week. Today I’m thrilled to share that my good buddy, J. Scott Coatsworth (find out more about Scott here) has a wonderful new book out; The Hencha Queen. This is the third book in his The Tharassas Cycle.

Here is the blurb for The Hencha Queen:

SILYA COMES INTO HER OWN, BUT WILL SHE BE ENOUGH?

Silya finally has everything she always wanted. She's the Hencha Queen, head of the Temple, and is working to master her newfound talents. So why does the world pick now to fall apart?

Her once-nemesis Raven is off riding dragons, and their mutual friend (and her ex) Aik is nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, a new threat menaces the Heartland from the East, and if she can't convince a reluctant Gullton city council to prepare for the worst, she may lose everyone and everything she's ever cared about.

As she uses her magic-like abilities, wit and sheer determination to try to save the city, she's joined by Raven and his new friends. Will their help tip the scales? And will they finally find out what happened to Aik as a dark storm threatens to sweep them all away?

Forget messy. Things just got apocalyptic.

Buy your copy here.

Here is the series blurb:

The Tharassas Cycle is a four book sci-fantasy series set on the recently colonized world of Tharassas. When humans first arrived on planet, they thought they were alone until the hencha mind made itself known. But now a new threat has arisen to challenge both humankind and their new allies on this alien world.

That’s all for today. Until next time have a great week.

Tea Cup Promises by Glenn Quigley

Happy Wednesday everyone. I hope you are having a great day and a wonderful week. Today I’m happy to share that my good friend, author Glenn Quigley (learn more about Glenn here) has a new book coming out on March 16, 2024.

Here are the details:

Andrew Peacock is turning forty, sleeping with an older, straight, married man, and tired of the lies. So what better time to drag everything into the open than at a party for his lover’s wedding anniversary?

Told across six instalments, three decades, and one pandemic Teacup Promises charts the key moments in the relationships of Andrew, his boyfriend Jack, Jack’s wife Harriet, and Harriet’s lover, Stephen.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Clever, unique, and emotionally compelling with rich character development" — BJ Toth, editor

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "What a story! ... I was gobsmacked how well Glenn Quigley brought the whole story together." — Goodreads review

⭐⭐⭐⭐ "…a shock I never saw coming!" – Goodreads review

Pre-order your copy here.

That’s all for now, until next time have a great week.

Why ‘Ownvoice’ Writing Matters for Readers?

Happy Wednesday Scribblers, today I’d like to talk about ‘ownvoice’ writing. ‘Ownvoice’ writing refers to books or stories that are written by authors who share the same identity or experience as the characters they write about. An example is a novel about a transgender person written by a transgender author, or a book about a refugee or migrant written by a refugee or migrant. ‘Ownvoice’ writing is not a genre, but a way of highlighting the authenticity and diversity of voices throughout the literary world. ‘Ownvoice’ writing is not about gatekeeping topics from being written by non ‘ownvoice’ authors.

Why is ‘ownvoice’ writing important for readers?

  • ‘Ownvoice’ writing can challenge stereotypes and biases in a way that non ‘ownvoice’ writing can. Many books that feature diverse characters are written by authors who do not belong to the group they are writing about (this is not a bad thing, in fact, doing so keeps stories reflective of society.). However, showing diverse characters in this way may rely on stereotypes, clichés, or inaccurate portrayals of those characters. Leading some in these communities to feel frustrated, unheard, and unseen. This can reinforce harmful assumptions and prejudices about marginalized people and erase the complexity and diversity of their experience. Non ‘ownvoice’ writing may also show these groups in an unrealistic or unnatural way that can be harmful to these people.  ‘Ownvoice’ writing, on the other hand, can offer a more nuanced and realistic representation of diverse characters, and challenge the dominant narratives that often marginalize these communities.

  • ‘Ownvoice’ writing can promote empathy and understanding. Reading ‘ownvoice’ books can help readers learn more about different cultures, perspectives, and experiences that they may not be familiar with, or that they may have misconceptions about. By reading stories that are told from the inside, readers can gain a deeper insight into the joys, struggles, hopes, and fears of diverse characters, and empathize with their emotions and situations in a real and honest way. ‘Ownvoice’ writing can also help readers discover the common humanity that connects the reader with people who are different from them and fosters a sense of respect and appreciation for diversity.

  • ‘Ownvoice’ writing can empower and inspire. Reading ‘ownvoice’ books can also have a positive impact on the readers who share the same identity or experience as the characters. For many marginalized readers, finding ‘ownvoice’ books can be a rare and precious opportunity to see themselves reflected in literature, and to feel validated and affirmed by their own stories. Celebrating their community. ‘Ownvoice’ writing can also provide role models and inspiration for marginalized readers, who can see characters overcome challenges, achieve goals, go on grand adventures, find and experience love, and celebrate their identity. ‘Ownvoice’ writing can encourage marginalized readers to tell their own stories and to contribute to the diversity of voices in literature.

‘Ownvoice’ writing is not only important for readers but also for writers, publishers, and society at large. By supporting and promoting ‘ownvoice’ writing, we can create a more inclusive and diverse literary landscape, where everyone’s stories are welcomed, valued, and heard. ‘Ownvoice’ writing can enrich our reading experience, broaden our horizons, and transform our world by bringing forward writers and novels that we might not have found or experienced otherwise.

Until next time, have a great week.

2023 Year in Review!

Happy 2024 everyone. I hope that you are all having a great start to the new year. I want to share with you my year in review. See where we’ve been and where we are going.

I launched Mu; Legend of a Lost City with my new publisher; Spectrum Books.

For the third year in a row, I had one of my short stories; Thanksgiving Pie shared in the BAQWA Presents anthology.

I released Conspiracy-A New World (Book 3) on audiobook thanks to the talented Steve Connor.

I finished my next novel, a haunting story about a neighborhood tormented by angry spirits.

I began work on my newest story, set in an alternate reality where airships sail the skies.

I continued work on the fourth novel in my Sci-Fi series A New World.

I was a guest at the Rainbow Chamber of Commerce (March 2023) and the Milpitas Chamber of Commerce (Dec 2023).

I participated in the Hayward Lit Hop with the Bay Area Queer Writers Association.

I attended several Pride Events this year: Placer Pride, Davis Pride, Sacramento Pride, and Modesto Pride.

I was a speaker at BayCon 2023.

I continued to meet and interact with several authors, who remind me of why I write.

With respect to my book sales, 2023 was my best year! Thank you to everyone who has continued to buy and support my work.

2023 wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. This year I also lost an aunt, several co-workers and a dear friend from high school.

As to not end this year in review on a low note, my husband and I celebrated 25 years together, and we marked this milestone with a cruise. We experienced the first ever Pride Night at Disneyland and we also enjoyed several other visits to the Happiest Place on Earth.

As with years past, we got together with several wonderful friends and family who we don’t get to see near enough, but we enjoy the time with them when we do get together.

For 2024 I’m planning on more in person and virtual events and I’m hoping to release at least one new work this year.

I’m sure there are several events that I’ve missed, however 2023 was a good year and here’s to 2024 being even better.

Happy New Year!