Click here for your FREE ebook: The SPARREW One-Year Anniversary Ebook!
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SPARREW ISSUE FIFTY-FOUR
Welcome to the SPARREW Newsletter!
The newsletter for Self-Publishers, Authors, Readers, Reviewers, Editors and Writers!
Welcome to the July 2026 issue of the SPARREW Newsletter! So glad to have you on board!
A recent post on social media left me speechless. Apparently, there are some people out there who only wanted to know what a book was about without having to read it. What, you want to act like you read a book without actually having read it? Not cool. But this post led to a discussion about why it’s so important for writers to read books. I ended up coming across a blog post titled "Why Reading Regularly is Essential to Being a Good Writer" and while this blog post was written ten years ago, the points it makes are still valid.
It’s important that writers read books, not just to become better writers, but also to understand the mechanics and nuances involved in writing. Sometimes a writer who is reading a novel will take note of how the author uses sensory details or subtext to move a story along or add depth to the story. A writer may also notice how an unknown topic is described, the way a symptom of a disease is portrayed, or the way something is described. Writers basically learn from other writers when they read books. It’s one of the best methods to pick up on how to write a certain scene (such as a fight scene) or how to describe something (such as a mysterious person).
And while some authors will argue that a writer shouldn’t read books in the genre or category they write in (which is nonsense!), doing so will help a writer to understand what is out there, how a particular genre is written and what makes a book or novel stand out. Reading books is one of the best the best things a writer can do for themselves as well as for their skill with words. While some people may view reading as “being lazy,” readingbooks is an important part of our lives because it improves our empathy, boosts our mental health, and helps us to be better writers.
We’ve got a great issue for you this month!
I follow a lot of authors on social media, and I usually don’t know if they are a self-published or not. It’s not really something we advertise. We don’t go around screaming “I SELF-PUBLISH MY BOOKS!” because we know that readers want to know about our books and not how we publish them. Additionally, some authors are hybrid authors in that they get books published by major or indie publishing companies in addition to self-publishing their books (I’m one of them!). So when I found out that an author I follow does indeed self-publish his books, I was interested in interviewing him. Norb Aikin has self-published his poetry books, and he’s here to share with you his insights about self-publishing, as well as his experiences. Check out that interview below!
Authors know the importance of promoting their new books when they come out, and one thing that can catch a reader’s eye is what a new book is about. That’s what got my attention when an author I follow on social media, G. Lawrence, shared about her new novel, Descendants of the Gods. Like this author, I enjoy reading historical fiction, so when I saw her post about what this novel is about, I curious – both about the book and her! Fortunately, she was able to make time for an interview, where you’ll get to learn more about this novel and what inspired the author to write it.
Social media is great for learning about and connecting with other writers out there, but so is getting published in an anthology with them. That’s what happened to me this month, when I had a story published in an anthology with a writer who connected with me on social media. Brian Terence and I both have a story in the new anthology Strange Vibes, Vol. 2, and he was able to set aside some time to share about his experiences as a writer in this month’s writer interview. Don’t miss it!
Valerie Allen is back in the SPARREW Newsletter, this time as a contributor of an article! Check out her very helpful tips on some self-editing checks to perform for your writing before you hit that submit button.
The lovely Carolyn Howard-Johnson returns with a new Tricky Edits column, and she has some great advice on what to do when words disappear. Check out her column in the editing section to learn more!
I hope you enjoy this issue! Feel free to drop me a note or connect with me on social media! I'd love to connect with you!
Enjoy this issue!
New post at Dawn Colclasure’s Blog:
Catch up with me online!
Check out archived issues of the SPARREW Newsletter here:
https://sparrewarchives.blogspot.com/
All current issues will be posted on my website here:
https://www.dmcwriter.com/the-sparrew-newsletter
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CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS!
The SPARREW Newsletter is now a paying publication!
If you have an article you think might fight our needs, please send it our way!
We are interested in articles on the following topics:
Self-Publishing
Authors (interviews, articles promoting new releases, book marketing and promotion, website building and pointers, etc.)
Anything to do with books (analysis, reviews, breakdowns, etc.)
Book Reviewing
Editing and Editors
Writing
Each article should be no more than 2000 words. Must include a headshot and bio with your submission. Payment is $10 through PayPal, on publication. Reprints welcome and you retain all rights to your work. You grant SPARREW Books the right to reprint your article in a future ebook edition as well as the right to promote your article online.
Submit your work to Dawn at DMCWriter@gmail.com with "SPARREW Submission" in the subject line. Please submit your article as a .doc or .docx file. No PDFs. Any articles not relevant to the newsletter will be deleted unread. Please send your best work; articles will be published as-is.
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ATTENTION WRITERS OF BOOKS AND ASPIRING AUTHORS!
A new publishing company is in town! This indie press specializes in horror, but it is also open to books in other genres.
Twisted Dreams Press is a brand new independent publisher accepting submissions of short story collections, novelettes, novellas and novels from authors in a variety of genres!
Check out the new website to find out all the details!
Be sure to follow us on our Facebook page and our other social media platforms, which are all easily accessible from our website and Facebook page.
Please like our Facebook page
Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on our news
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MY JULY SUBSTACK POSTS:
“Writing About Current Events”
“How Changing the Narrative Can Help You Get More Ideas for Things to Write”
“A Time to Grieve and a Time to Write”
“I Don’t Use AI to Write Any of My Substack Posts – But is My Statement Enough?”
THANK YOU…
Thank you to Sylvia Kay Rose for publishing my short story “Something Fishy” in the new anthology, Strange Vibes Vol. 2. Check it out here.
Thank you to Able News for publishing my article "New York Libraries Celebrate America’s 250 Years of Independence" in the July/August issue. Read it here.
Thank you to Burial Books for publishing my article "Show Your Work: 7 Tips for Describing Monsters in Fiction" on the Burial Books Blog. Read it here.
Thank you to WritersWeekly for publishing my article "7 Paying Markets for Young Writers" in the July 17 issue. Read it here.
Thank you to First Chapter Plus Magazine for publishing my article "Six Books Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence" in the July issue. My article is on page 22.
Thank you to Dr. Bob Rich for a lovely 5-star review of my new poetry book, Last Writes. You can read it here.
Thank you to Carolyn Howard-Johnson for posting my article, "A Time to Grieve and a Time to Write," on her sharing with Writers and Readers blog. Check out "Guestpost: Just Because I Find Both Solace and Gifts In Times of Grief" at this link.
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Motivational Quote:
“Don't trust a writer who doesn't read. It's like eating food prepared by a cook who doesn't eat.”—Laura Lippman
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SELF-PUBLISHER CORNER
Self-Publisher Interview with Norb Aikin
1. What can you tell me about your experience as a writer?
So much, right? From starting out in high school writing down feelings I couldn’t articulate, to spending years honing my work, to a chance post on Twitter, to being published by a small indie press, to self-publishing, to having my poems studied in high school English classes … it’s been a wild and wildly fulfilling journey. I feel like I’ve had the highs and lows many of us have experienced along the way, and it’s taught me many things while encountering some amazing people along the way.
2. What made you decide to write a book?
I think, for a good number of us, we don’t start with the end product being an actual book. I started out writing in notebooks, pre-internet, by hand, and I still do it that way. Years ago on Twitter, I started following mental health accounts just for information I could use to fill in the gaps of what I knew and didn’t, to sort of supplement my own encounters with therapists and doctors regarding my own MH struggles. And that’s where I came across an author who wrote manuals and published anthologies based on MH essays and stories. She was starting an imprint, so I asked if she’d accept poetry. I’d already had the manuscripts for what would be my first two books almost ready to go but had never thought about publishing. She asked me to send a query letter with a couple poems, and she accepted them and me as a poet. It became one of those things where once you get a taste of it, you want more of it. From then on, I knew I was always gonna be an author no matter what, so why not continue?
3. What circumstances brought you to the decision to self-publish your book?
My first book was warmly received, so I decided to put out a chapbook as a teaser to my next collection with poems from that forthcoming book along with other things I’d worked on in the interim. Sent it off to my publisher, and the proof came back with some formatting errors, so she sent it back to the editor. Now, being an indie press, nothing is guaranteed. In the process of waiting for the edits, the press unfortunately went under. I made the choice then to self-publish through Amazon. Instead of being a chapbook, I beefed it up with interviews I did for my first book, along with MH essays I’d written for sites like Stigma Fighters and The Mighty. It was a decision I’d make 10 times out of 10.
4. What has your experience as a self-publisher been like?
Trial and error. I knew I had people I could ask for help and advice, but mainly I wanted to do most of the work myself as far as editing and formatting. I was teaching myself how to do it, and learning from people who had been there/done that. It was eye-opening, but I was determined. There were bumps in the road, of course, but by the time I was finally ready to submit it I had accumulated so much knowledge that I felt comfortable going that route again if necessary. By the time my third book came out, it was so much easier to do it.
5. How do you respond to the negative stigma attached to self-publishing and self-published books?
I pay it no mind. I look at Amazon as this big company, this big table, and self-publishing is one of the legs holding it up. Maybe it’s not a big leg, and the corporation could survive without us, but we matter to the extent of it’s their platform and they’re giving us a chance to say whatever we wanna say. If anyone wants to criticize that, it’s their right, but why should I let it bother me? I look at people who say this or that about self-pubbed books, and I ask myself how many books they’ve written that were accepted by any publisher. I think it says more about the person perpetrating the stigma than it says anything about me.
6. What is one very important lesson you have learned as a self-publisher so far?
That EVERYTHING is on you once you’ve hit the submit button. You’re the marketer, the promoter, the ad designer, etc. You control its reach. There’s no one backing you except the people who enjoy your work. Word of mouth is your biggest friend.
7. What do you know now about self-publishing that you wish you knew at the beginning?
Good question! There are so many things, but one thing that sticks out to me is don’t say “no” much. I did that once, shortly after World By Design came out. A fellow author I’d just met asked me to do his podcast once, and I just wasn’t feelin’ it; I think I was just exhausted mentally from the publishing process and needed a break. That guy’s podcast has grown tremendously since, to where he’s interviewed people way more important than me! If I’d had that interview in my back pocket to help with marketing, who knows how many more books I may have sold?
8. A lot of authors of self-published books have reservations about promoting and marketing their book. Some even feel that it is a form of vanity or self-importance. What is your opinion about this?
I’d tell them to get over themselves. It’s part of the gig. Like I said, there’s no one behind you doing some of the heavy lifting. If you’re lucky, you have people willing to signal-boost, but books don’t always just sell themselves, right? Do the interviews and post them. Read other authors and review them … and share that on your socials! Promoting and marketing is essential to getting sales. And share the reviews you get! Be proud of your work. If you can’t do the basics, don’t complain that your book isn’t selling the way you think it should.
9. How do you promote your books and what form of book promotion has worked the best for you?
Social media is a must. Full stop. And word of mouth, like I mentioned earlier. If someone reposts your book posts, repost theirs. I know I get lazy about it sometimes, but it’s a big asset. Marketing can feel like screaming into the void sometimes, but there’s always a chance that someone reposts you and it gets in front of someone’s eyes who isn’t familiar with you but deems your book worthy enough to read. I also have a girlfriend who is a marketing genius and social media ad guru, and she’s a very successful author in her own right. She’s been a big help, and I would recommend her book marketing and tutoring services to everyone (shameless plug, JG MacLeod!!).
10. What are some other important things you have learned as a self-publisher?
Don’t be afraid to lean on others, especially if you have questions or concerns. Develop your network. Shoutout other indie authors and support them, because we’re the hungry ones. It’s not a competition.
11. Do you feel that self-publishing is a viable choice for other authors?
Absolutely. Don’t stop querying, and don’t let rejections get you down. While it only takes one publisher to vibe with your work, denials don’t need to define you. Going the self-pub route doesn’t mean you need to stay there, but it will get your work in front of others nonetheless. My third book, World By Design, has been my most popular to date. I’m incredibly proud of it, and it being self-published hasn’t diminished any aspect of it. In the end, it’s the words and content inside the book that matters, and the right people will find it.
12. How do you feel that self-publishing their books has helped many unknown authors finally get the recognition their books deserve?
It’s inspiring!! Most of the books I buy now are self-pubbed or indie. And not surprisingly, most are excellent. I love seeing these people get their flowers. It tells me that there’s a live market out there for all of us.
ABOUT NORB:
Norb Aikin is a poet and blogger originally from Buffalo, NY and now living in Cortland. World By Design is his third book of poetry, after 100 and Mutants. He’s a staunch supporter of the Writing Community on X (@aikinnorb), Instagram (@fivesixer), and Bluesky (@norbaikin.bsky.social). He’s written for Stigma Fighters, Medium, The Mighty, and Fevers Of The Mind. Stay kind, and go Bills!!
SELF-PUBLISHING NEWS:
"Pocket Books Relaunched as Home for Self-Published Authors" by Jim Milliot
via Publishers Weekly
"Clever Book Titles Confuse Computers (and Cost You Sales)" by Richard Hoy
via WritersWeekly
"Selecting KDP Book Categories – Beware Of Ghosts" by Derek Haines
via Just Publishing Advice
AUTHOR CORNER
Author Interview with G. Lawrence
1. When did you start writing?
When I was very little. I wrote a story about a robber whose name was burglar, or vice versa. I can't remember now. Anyway, the big twist was his name was another name for thief, which, at the age of six or seven I thought was a huge plot twist and intensely amusing!
2. What was your journey towards becoming an author like?
I always dreamed of being a writer, did English Literature at University, and I was always writing, but rarely did I finish anything. For years it went on like that. I'd get these great ideas for the start of a story, but I never knew the ending and so I gave up. I started writing on Wattpad in my late 20s, which changed a great deal for me. By posting a chapter a week, I finished several books. Once I knew I could do it, I stopped psyching myself out of the entire process and got to writing.
I've always loved history and always felt many women of history don't get fair representation, so I started writing about two of my favourites, Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth I. My first book about Elizabeth, The Bastard Princess, followed, along with La Petite Boulain, my second book, this time about Anne Boleyn (not listed the order I published in! The second Elizabeth book, The Heretic Heir, was published before La Petite Boulain). After that, I couldn't stop. I left my full-time job in 2016 and although at times I've had to take on part time work (dream jobs aren't always ones that pay the best, and I try always to keep my books affordable) I've been a professional writer for ten years now. Sometimes I think about that and feel like the luckiest person alive. Even though there have been struggles with money over the years, even though I frequently work myself to the point of burnout (and I have actually burnt out before, during the Covid lockdown when I decided the best way to cope with isolation was just to work all the time - turns out that wasn't the best idea), I wouldn't do anything else. As long as I can write for a living, I will.
3. What can you tell me about your latest book? (Feel free to include an excerpt.)
Descendants of the Gods is book two in my series on Cleopatra. The first book, The Last Queen, was an imagining of her early life. This book deals with her rise to the throne after the death of her father and covers the events leading to the civil war between Cleopatra and her brother-husband Ptolemy, and the intervention of Rome and Julius Caesar.
I loved writing this book. The relationship between Cleopatra and her sister Arsinoe is central to the novel, and Arsinoe is one of my favourite characters. It's also a journey of self-discovery for Cleopatra. She starts in doubt over her abilities and finds confidence. There's a love story element too. If you know anything of the history, you know what I'm talking about!
4. What sort of methods do you use for book promotion?
Mainly social media. I post on most major platforms aside from X, from which I was banished this year because, apparently, I wasn't "authentic." I see myself in the mirror everyday so I'm fairly sure I'm authentically me. A whole load of authors got banished from the platform at the same time. I'm fairly sure it was X attempting an online book ban!
Anyway, I'm happy on the other sites. It's a bit of a shame, because I had 70k followers on X, but I'm now working on growing on the others instead. I’m growing fast on Tiktok. Come follow me there!
Aside from social media, I've used Amazon ads sometimes, mixed results there, and FreeBooksy, which a friend and fellow author introduced me to, which is excellent. I've used that a few times now for free book promos and it delivers each time for me. Mary Anne Yarde Book Promotions is excellent too, beautiful designs, lovely book ads and posts on Insta, and she's an author herself so totally understands the importance of a good picture and description!
5. Where do you get your ideas for stories?
History! I read a lot of nonfiction and sometimes something I read about a person just grabs me.
6. What are you working on right now?
The second book in a series on Katherine Parr. This one follows In Darkness Born and is called Of Shadow Forged. Whilst the first dealt with her childhood and first marriage, the second covers the early period of her marriage to Lord Latimer and the Pilgrimage of Grace, one of my favourite rebellions of the Tudor era, mainly because it was so fascinating in a social and political sense.
7. Any advice for other authors?
Read! Read everything, even books you think you won't like. You have to expand your mind, uncover the beauty of language, and throw yourself into every genre.
And write. Don't just talk about writing. Sit down and do it. First drafts are always terrible. Writing is as much about editing as inspiration, and if you haven't got anything to edit, you'll get stuck. You can polish a rubbish draft. So write it, no matter how rubbish the first draft seems. Make it beautiful as you edit.
ABOUT G LAWERENCE:
“I am an independently published author, and proud to be so. Living in a little cottage in Wales in the UK, I love where I live as much as I love to write.
The age of the Tudors has been an obsession for me since I was a child, and many of my upcoming books will centre on that time, but I also pen the odd dystopian fiction or historical fiction from other time periods. I will be releasing all my titles on amazon, for kindle, paper and hard back, and soon to come, audio books!
I studied Literature (with a capital L) at University and usually have twenty or more books I'm currently reading. Reading and writing are about mood for me, and I haven't found a genre I didn't enjoy something about so far...
I can often be found on social media, sharing my books and any interesting historical site I have managed to find that week, so come find me if that’s what you like to see!”
AUTHOR NEWS:
"Why Your Book Launch Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect (And Why That’s Good News)" by Penny Sansevieri
via Author Marketing Experts
"What Does Book Marketing Actually Cost? A Realistic Guide for Authors" by Penny Sansevieri
via Author Marketing Experts
"The Biggest Publishing Mistakes Authors Make Before Their Book Is Even Published" by Penny Sansevieri
via Author Marketing Experts
"Inside the Campaign: Real Book Marketing Strategy in Action" by Penny Sansevieri
via Author Marketing Experts
REVIEWER CORNER
My Reviews:
Dawn Reviews Books:
An Island of Monsters: Where the Tide Leaves its Dead is a horror story of survival and rebellion
Reader Views:
“Fractured: A Deep and Intimate Memoir” by Deb Morgan
“T.V. Holiday’s Catclysm” by T.V. Holiday
“Weaver: The First Year” by DD Sterner
“Back to the New Adventure” by Trevor Atkins
“The Quest for Freedom” by Matthew Devitt
“Star Legacy: Origins” by C.V. Jackson
“7 Days to Death?” by Lynne Armstrong-Jones
Other Book Reviews:
"Rachel Lynn Solomon’s “Extracurricular” Delivers Smart, Swoony Romance" by Krysti Ostermeyer
"“Murder at the Hotel Orient” Checks Readers Into a Scandalous Whodunit" by Linda Hitchcock
"Epeolatry Book Review: Daggermouth by H.M. Wolfe" by Amie DeStefano
"Epeolatry Book Review: Watchers by Dean Koontz" by C.C. Winchester
"Epeolatry Book Review: Dreamland by Olivie Blake" by Joseph Pietris
"Epeolatry Book Review: The Wendigo Hunter by Kathleen Greer" by Corinne Pollard
"Epeolatry Book Review: The Lion and the Deathless Dark by Carissa Broadbent" by Joseph Pietris
"Epeolatry Book Review: Voices Carry Here by Gail Galotta" by Jennifer Griffin
Book Review: Stolen Vows by Cassia Quinn (Twisted Arrangements Book 1)
Book Review: Quest for Love by Danielle Hill (Hearts at Play Book 1)
Book Review: The Unwanted Wife by L. Steele (The Davenports Book 1)
“The Family Speaks” by Kirk Ward Robinson
“John Doe Does Not Suck” by Kathryn Berla
“Gus and the Burning Stones” by Troy Hunter
“The Serpent Gene” by Dorianne Ashe
“Shaking the Trees” by Jeremy Tager
“It Was… In the… With the…” by C.T. Carey
“The Lambeau Directive” by Bill Bennett
“The Matriarch Mission” by Maxime Trencavel
“Bartenders and Monks” by Joe McKenna
“Echoes from the River” by Kathryn Lane
“Adverse Reactions” by Deborah J. Lightfoot
“Trolling for Murder” by Charlotte Stuart
“The Last Desperado” by Lee R. Brand
“Only I Know” by Rosemary Embery
“A Winter’s Disgrace” by Kathleen Buckley
“Me, Mom & the Monster” by Corinne Brown
“What About Us?” by Calliope Casimiro
“Death is a Hungry Angel” by Leah Holbrook Sackett
“Kitty Continues” by Christi Pope
“Lady of the Waves” by Sharon D. Sheltzer
“What the Mirrors Knew” by Linda Annas Ferguson
“The Nightshade” by Shay Rodricks
“Heir of the Otherworld” by L.E. DeLano
“Maiden Voyage” by Bradley Harper
“Mairead Muller’s Weird Life” by Colleen McManus Hein
“ThinkBlink Manifesto” by Jean-Pierre LaCroix
“A Dying Oath” by Charlene E. Edwards
“Pedro’s Precious Pião” by Jestina Hodge-Pais
“Mindful Max and Mouthy Mason” by Mr. Kind
“Ashes and Ruins” by Kathryn Lang-Slattery
“Peg, Unhinged” by Teri M. Brown
“Wayward Heart and Other Stories” by Joe Robinson
“Singing the Rebird’s Song” by SS Wright
“Warrior Pose” by Susan Rogers and John Roosen
“Invasive Species: Downfall” by S.E. Glen
“The Night Service: Callie’s Story” by Harriet Kass
“Mustard Seed” by Tom Strelich
“Fractured, Never Shattered” by Gabrielle Pelayo
“I Am Me: A Rhyming Book About Being Autistic and Biracial” by Felicia L. Kenny
“Big Ears Jack and Friends” by Earl Vincent de Berge
“Queer Justice” by Alex Charns
“Sculpted with Steel” by Brendan O’Meara
“Secrets of the Strawberry Garden” by Joyeeta Ray
“Thorns of Fate” by Miranda Howman
“Byrdfyre Covenant” by Jayne Starwing
“Fortune: Thief of Baghdad” by Catherine Lilai
“Taken from Carinhall” by Peter J. Marzano
“He Reached Down” by Michael Hippler
“The Great Inversion” by Jordi ter Woord
“Against the Machine: Evolution” by Brian Van Norman
“The Missing Frame” by Eli Lazar
"Honey by Imani Thompson audiobook review – a darkly entertaining campus thriller" by Fiona Sturges
"On the Mark by Florence Hazrat review – a fascinating history of punctuation" by Steven Poole
"The Land and Its People by David Sedaris review – crankiness and charm" by Emma Brockes
"Country People by Daniel Mason review – a joyful follow-up to North Woods" by Sarah Crown
"Service by Lauren Mooney review – a very modern ghost story" by Ella Risbridger
"The Kiss by Katie Barclay review – on passion, power and puckering up" by Tiffany Watt Smith
"The Odyssey by Homer audiobook review – a truly fantastic journey" by Fiona Sturges
"Trouble Was by Charlotte Edwardes review – a sharp child’s-eye view of adult neglect" by Sarah Moss
"Transcendent by Laverne Cox review – success against the odds" by Fiona Sturges
"The Anniversary by Andrea Bajani review – meet the terrible parents" by Lara Feigel
"Lindsey Graham autobiography sheds light on record on race" by Marilyn W. Thompson
"Goodbye Chinatown by Kit Fan review – a chef’s elegy to London" by Christopher Shrimpton
"Hidden Creatures by Dino Martins review – the revolting world of parasites" by Luca Turin
"Up All Night by Imogen Willetts review – a seductive history of going out" by Rebecca Nicholson
"Yellow Pine by Claire Vaye Watkins review – messy portrait of protest subculture" by Sandra Newman
07/08/2026 Candace Reviews: THE SORROWSTONES by Felix Blackwell
7-16-2026 Latham's Last Words: The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris
Christina Critiques - EXIT 8 (2026)
Extra Book Reviews:
"Swoony Sunday Book Review: "It Had to Be Him"" by Dr. Thomas J. West III
via Omnivorous
"Book Review: "The Wreck of the Mentor" by Eric Jay Dolin" by Lachie F.
via Lachlan's Book Reviews
"Book Review: Chronicling a Life of Devotion and Disquiet" by Joan Frank
via The Arts Fuse
"Book Review: The Witch Below the Dreaming Wood" by Gina Dalfonzo
via Dear, Strange Things
"Book Review: The Great Wherever" by Gina Dalfonzo
via Dear, Strange Things
"Swoony Sunday Book Review: "Seek the Traitor's Son"" by Dr. Thomas J. West III
via Omnivorous
"Book Review: "Aphrodite in Pieces"" by Dr. Thomas J. West III
via Omnivorous
Calls for Reviews
I’d love to find reviewers for my books! Contact me at DMCWriter@gmail.com if interested.
READER CORNER
BOOK BLOGS:
NEW IN BOOKS:
"Of Men and Monsters" by Elana Gomel
via A Guide to Unreality
"6 Crime Memoirs That Put Queer Identities at Their Center" by Prudence Bussey-Chamberlain
via CrimeReads
"Reading Isn’t Dead. Stop Writing Its Obituary." by Contributor: Meryl L. Moss
via BookTrib.
"Aztecs in Space" by Elana Gomel
via A Guide to Unreality
NEW BOOKS:
By Various Authors
Genre: Anthology
Scion of Summer (Knight of Avalon, Book 5)
Michelle John
Genre: Fantasy
Susan Moore
Genre: Contemporary Romance
The Alien Buddha Perseverance Invitational Tournament: Rounds 1 & 2
By Various Authors
Genre: Anthology
Torture Your Characters for Fun and Plot-Fit: How to Create Conflict, Momentum, Emotional Investment, and Story Cohesion(The Write Boost Writer Series)
Karina Fabian
Category: Writing
Kerri Maher
Genre: Historical Fiction
Chanel Cleeton
Genre: Science Fiction/Romance
Emeline Atwood
Genre: Women's Fiction
Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt: A Novel
Ben Reeves
Genre: Metaphysical Fiction
by Kathleen Rooney
Genre: Humor
Miss Bates: Emma Revisited: A Novel
Catherine Cliff
Genre: Literary Fiction
Sara Hinkley
Genre: Horror
Emily Lloyd-Jones
Genre: YA
Kit Rosewater
Genre: YA Romance
Chuck Tingle
Genre: Horror
Paula Johnston
Genre: Domestic Thriller
Alexander Gabriel ZoderoT
Genre: Spiritual Fantasy
GIVEN HALF A CHANCE ANYTHING GOES AROUND HERE
Bradford Middleton
Category: Poetry Collection
Where Do We Go from Here? Assorted Trip-Poems for Future Past Generations
Scott C. Holstad
Category: Poetry Collection
Picture Imperfect (Caught on Camera Mysteries Book 1)
Lily Stevens
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Drop of a Hat (Wicked Witches of Cauldron Hollow Book 6)
Sara Bourgeois
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Descendants of the Gods: Book Two of the Chronicles of Cleopatra
G. Lawrence
Genre: Historical Fiction
Curdled(Quinn Brightly Cozy Mystery Series Book 1)
Justine Jacobs
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Snowed (Quinn Brightly Cozy Mystery Series Book 2)
Justine Jacobs
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Scorched (Quinn Brightly Cozy Mystery Series Book 3)
Justine Jacobs
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Drowned(Quinn Brightly Cozy Mystery Series Book 4)
Justine Jacobs
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Frosted(Quinn Brightly Cozy Mystery Series Book 5)
Justine Jacobs
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Raised(Quinn Brightly Cozy Mystery Series Book 6)
Justine Jacobs
Genre: Cozy Mystery
The Night Crew III: Hunting Ground (The Night Crew Series)
Brad Ricks
Genre: Horror
Chad Taylor
Genre: Fantasy
Cara Tanamachi
Genre: Mystery
Charlotte Cross
Genre: Horror
The Cloak and Dagger Club (Cloak and Dagger Club Mysteries #1)
Jackie McMahon
Genre: Mystery
Mark Haber
Genre: Historical Fiction
Madeleine Gray
Genre: LGBTQ+ Fiction
Elizabeth H. Winthrop
Genre: Political Fiction
Everything to the Sea: A Novel
Alicia Upano
Genre: Coming-of-Age Fiction
Julie Buntin
Genre: literary Fiction
Oana Aristide
Genre: Literary Fiction
Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Genre: Crime Fiction
Joan Tierney
Genre: Fantasy
Fierce Country: The Untold Story of Three Women Who Ignited America's Love for the Wild
Heather Hansman
Category: Biography
Joseph Farley
Category: Poetry Collection
A.P. Nordhaug
Genre: Horror
The Dragon Has Some Complaints
John Wiswell
Genre: Fantasy
Brave New Weird: The Best New Weird Horror Vol. 4
by Various Writers
Genre: Weird Horror Anthology
Cross My Heart, I Hope You Die
Mallory Arnold
Genre: Psychological Thriller
David Wellington
Genre: Science Fiction/Horror
Rhiannon Grist
Genre: Horror
Miranda Smith
Genre: Suspense & Thriller
Megan Bontrager
Genre: Horror
Abigail Rose-Marie
Genre: Coming-of-Age Fiction
Rachel Feder
Genre: Gothic Horror
Don't Go There: A Tour of the World's Most Sinister Spots
J.W Ocker
Category: Reference
Melissa Dennison
Category: Haiku Collection
Murder in the House of Mirrors
Staci Layne Wilson
Genre: Historical Crime Thriller
Wyrd Warfare: Forgotten Fronts
Edited by Chris DiNote
Genre: Anthology
B.A. O’Connell
Category: Poetry Collection
Rowan Beaird
Genre: Domestic Fiction
Sarah Lotz
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Jillian Laine
Genre: Fantasy
Keith Ridgway
Genre: Literary Fiction
Give Me Everything You've Got: A Novel
Imogen Crimp
Genre: Horror
Rene Denfeld
Genre: Thriller
S. E. Grove
Genre: YA Magical Realism
The Frenchmen: Or, My Life in Theory
Emily Eakin
Categor: Biography & Memoir
The Biggest Lie: The Prehistory of American Fascism, 1818-1915
Joseph Kelly
Category: History
Tides of Betrayal(Witches of Willow Cove Book 2)
Sara Bourgeois
Genre: Cozy Mystery
by Various Writers
Genre: Anthology
Christopher Golden
Genre: Horror
Chloe Lauter
Genre: Horror
Sami Ellis
Genre: YA Horror
I Do Not Apologize for My Position on Men
Rae Wilde
Genre: Horror
Lovecraft’s Brood: Nineteen Tales of Cosmic Horror
Edited by Ellen Datlow
Genre: Story Collection
Lora Senf
Genre: Horror
Libby Edwardson
Genre: Horror
Angela Clegg
Genre: Crime Thriller
Schreber’s Stomach: And Other Stories
Christopher Miguel Flakus
Genre: Short Story Collection
Fantasy Stories by Edward Ahern
Genre: Story Collection
Kathleen Yearwood
Genre: Horror
Katherine E Winnick
Category: Monoku Collection
Insights into the Next Realm: Shadows from the Darkness
Erika Ravnsborg
Genre: Fantasy
Dawn Colclasure
Category: Poetry Collection
Y.M. Miller
Genre: Horror
Hero Worship (Woodcutter Sisters)
Alethea Kontis
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Dragon & Knight: Married to my Fake Baby Daddy Billionaire Mastermind (Super Serum Billionaires Book 6)
Juliann Whicker
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Jeff Strand
Genre: Horror
Escape Velocity (Backyard Starship Book 33)
J.N. Chaney and Terry Maggert
Genre: Science Fiction
If She Sensed (A Kate Wise Mystery—Book 16)
Blake Pierce
Genre: Mystery
The Murders at Camp Ketchum: A Summer Slasher Novel
E. Reyes
Genre: Slasher Horror
RIPE: poems from the tallest tree
Theodore James
Category: Poetry Collection
The Bone Charm (The Haunted Ranch Mysteries Book 8)
Sara Bourgeois
Genre: Mystery
Long Gambit: Book Two of The Twilight Galaxy Series
Ken Lizzi
Genre: Science Fiction
Go Missing(A Kate Valentine Mystery—Book 8)
Blake Pierce
Genre: Mystery
Maple Glen Cozy Mystery Boxset Books 1-4: A Maple Glen Cozy Mystery
Becky Bakewell
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Unlawful Orders(Ransom's Renegades Book 1)
Rick Partlow
Genre: Military Sci-Fi Adventure
Say Mercy (An Alison Payne Mystery—Book #12)
Blake Pierce
Genre: Mystery
Wrong Block(A Miles Sterling Mystery—Book #9)
Blake Pierce
Genre: Mystery
Spell of the Witch: A Witches of Keating Hollow Novella (Keating Hollow Happily Ever Afters Book 4)
Deanna Chase
Genre: Paranormal Romance
In Her Path (A Jenna Graves Mystery—Book #14)
Blake Pierce
Genre: Mystery
Heathermoor (Of Quirks and Curses Book 2)
Shannon Mayer
Genre: Dark Academia Urban Fantasy
The Forgotten Brothers: Crimes Against the Crown
Wendy Bayne
Genre: Mystery
Donuts and Dysfunction(Blue Moon Bay Witches Book 4)
Sierra Cross
Genre: Cozy Paranormal Mystery
Knight (A Billionaire Marriage of Inconvenience, Book 3)
Juliann Whicker
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Elana Gomel
Genre: Biopunk
J. Rocky Colavito
Genre: Extreme Horror Short Story Collection
EDITOR CORNER
Tricky Edits from Carolyn Howard-Johnson
When Words Disappear…
Forgotten Words Aren’t Only About Dementia Onset
By Carolyn Howard-Johnson,
author of the HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers
Including the soon to be released Word by Word: A Vocabulary for Success
Words disappear all the time. They disappear from dictionaries because the English language is full of words lexicographers have determined we don’t use any more—or don’t use enough to warrant a place in current dictionaries. Maybe it’s scarier for us writers as we search for reasons we seem to forget so many of them. Instead of freaking out we can blame a lot on the English language or the words themselves.
But English-speakers love both our language and words do matter who they belong to so much we tend to borrow words and make up new ones at will. Our needs sometimes change and we discard them or we misuse them often enough we come to dislike the words themselves. We forget them when we’re young because our needs change and we forget them as we age. When they disappear—for whatever reason, we tend to miss them, so we replace them with something else. We have so many they’ve outgrown many libraries.
We treasure the internet; it’s a good, but not perfect keeper of words for us. And when we need them, we can sometimes feel despair coming on. We might just give up. We need these words to put into the mouths of characters. Maybe characters who live in another English-speaking country or dialect-speaking region.
Maybe characters we were bring to life from another century, another era, another class. When we reach such an impasse, here are a few ways to conquer the problem. It’s time to get creative about our methods:
~Ask your wife or even the person sitting next to you at Starbucks trying to get some writing done.
~Using keywords, look books published in past decades on Amazon’s New and used feature.
~I have a couple books of slang that I’ve stashed in my own real-life bookshelves. Some are out of print, but I’m keeping them safe.
~Ask people you know who are lots older—or younger—and see what they come up with.
~Make up a word of your own. A famous poem called Jabberwocky made such words perfectly legitimate.
~Visit charity shops and buy old paperbacks for a dime or a dollar by the tiny amount of time it takes for our newsletter editor, Dawn Colclasure, to publish this for you.
~ Many of us start with Thesauri but anything including lists of words for specific purposes will do like one published only a few decades ago called The Describer’s Dictionary.
~Put marginalia in all your book and don’t go giving them to charity or anyone else.
~Build more bookshelves so you won’t feel obligated to clean house.
~And alphabetize your books in ways that will be meaningful to you decades from now.
~Adopt librarians’ methods of categorizing your own collections of favorites, or super useful jargon used in your area of expertise—be it a profession or a hobby.
~Watch for this column. I’m planning an article titled A Thesaurus Is No Longer the Forgetful Author’s Best Friend. It’s about some seldom-used trick you can apply to your desktop’s Microsoft dictionary feature.
MORE ABOUT YOUR #SPARREW CONTRIBUTOR:
The triptych that Amazon provides the authors of series
published by their KDP unit. It feels like a bonus.
Once a month Carolyn Howard-Johnson shares something writer-related she hopes might save some author from embarrassment (or make the task of writing more fun or creative.) The third edition of The Frugal Editor from Modern History Press includes contact list magic. It is the second multi award-winning book in her multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers. Find it on Amazon’s new buy-page for series where the e-book is offered with one click of online’s version of a set of books. (The availability—free—of that new page for authors with book series that appear on KDP’s pages is another of her #FrugalBookPromoterTips.) And her winningest book, The Frugal Editor, has been fully updated including a chapter on how backmatter can be extended to help readers and nudge book sales. And watch for her new book on—you guessed it—word lists!
ABOUT CAROLYN:
Once a month Carolyn Howard-Johnson shares something writer-related she hopes might save some author from embarrassment (or make the task of writing more fun or creative). The third edition of The Frugal Editorfrom Modern History Press includes a chapter on some of the words most misused by the very people whose business it is to know them. It is the second multi award-winning book in her multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers. The Frugal Editor has been fully updated including a chapter on how backmatter can be extended to help readers and nudge book sales.
This article is an excerpt from a new vocabulary book written especially for career-minded authors that WinningWriters.com will give to those who enter their 2024 #NorthStreetBookPrize. Carolyn has been a sponsor since that contest’s introduction. This book is among the several value-added benefits Winning Writers contestants and winners are offered at no extra charge. Carolyn’s book will be released in early 2026 by Modern History Press. Find the entire series on a special Series Page offered by Amazon.
Carolyn blogs sporadically on editing at The Frugal Editor and at her SharingwithWriters blog on other aspects of the publishing world and welcomes guest posts with ample author credit lines and links and welcomes guest posts complete with credit lines and ample links for her guests. She also tweets writers' resources and tips at her Twitter account using #FrugalBookPromoterTips hashtag.
FROM CAROLYN:
I hope some new words you find in my coming book Word by Word to be released in early summer by Modern History Press become tools you can apply to your own success story. Find the entire series on a special Series Page offered by Amazon at no cost to authors who publish their e-books digitally using their KDP.
In the meantime, this new book will be tested in a new pre-release giveaway by those who won WinningWriters.com’s #NorthStreetBookPrize as they continue in their search for ways to help writers build outstanding platforms with their own marketing of their services, contests, free newsletters and more. Many of them are described in my The Frugal Book Promoter, the flagship book that has been helping authors for more than two decades and is now in its third edition, also from Modern History Press.
My thanks to Dawn Colclasure for her support with by sharing my tricky edits in her free newsletter, many of them directly from the pages of my second full book The Frugal Editor in my HowToDoItFrugally Series for Writers, now in its third edition. I have been with SPARREW through thick and thin from its first edition in her generous #SharingwithWriters effort as part of giving back to the publishing industry. It has done a difficult but great job adjusting to the new model presented to us with the advent of the internet and digital printing. Hooray! It is big enough to accommodate all kinds of publishing and most of the preferences of forward-looking authors. Some of those authors—like me—have tried so many publishing models I’ve lost track. Thanks for coming back here and wherever you can so you can keep benefitting from “the more you know.”
New in Editing:
Couple, each, politics: Some words make subject-verb conjugation hard
WRITER CORNER
Interview with Writer Brian Terence
1. Have you always been a writer?
No, but I love creating and telling stories, especially when my kids were small. I’d ask them to pick a few toys at random, and I’d create an impromptu bedtime/bathtime story with those toys. I used to write short stories by hand; yes, this is before computers were so common. My handwriting is so bad I should have been a doctor, so I’ve no chance of reading them now.
2. When did you realize that maybe writing was actually a "thing" you could do, get published and even sell?
A couple of years ago, a friend of my wife’s asked me to read and review her new book; she knew I was a big fan of sci-fi. I’d never met a “real” author before, and we talked about some of the ideas I had for stories; she suggested I try a few competitions to get started. She also encouraged me to join a couple of writer’s groups, and it’s gone from there. I would always encourage an author to join one or two groups; it's important to have that support and interaction.
3. What was your first sale as a writer and how did it feel to sell your work?
This is actually a hard question; I’m not sure what my first sale was, not without going back through my KDP reports, as I’d released a number of short stories simultaneously. But I remember when one of my stories was accepted for a magazine; that was very encouraging. It assured me that my work was of a high enough calibre that someone else would want to publish it.
4. How has writing helped you in other areas of life?
Tough one, I do find the writing itself is an enjoyable hobby; the connections with other authors and the general book community are nice. Book people are generally good people, and it’s great to be part of that community.
5. What was your biggest accomplishment as a writer?
Okay, another tough question; finishing my first novel would probably be high on that list. My latest release was the best-selling foreign-language sci-fi collection in Japan for about 2 hours a few weeks ago; that was an amusing achievement, although a very transitory one.
6. Who has inspired you the most in the writing field?
My favourite authors are Asimov and Harry Harrison, amongst others; both were prolific short story writers, as well as writing full novels. I guess it's from them that I’ve felt confident in focusing on short stories. Most people read novels, unless you read genre-specific magazines, so few writers feel comfortable with the short story format, but I’ve always enjoyed it. It can be more challenging, but I find it works for me.
7. What are some of the challenges you have faced as a writer and how did you overcome them?
There are two areas that have limited the amount I can write, and both are practical rather than creative. Firstly, just finding the time, balancing work and everyday life with writing time. The second is the cost of editing; I try not to publish anything without running it past my editors first. Those are my biggest challenges and continue to be a limitation on the amount I can write, but then I’m sure the same is true of many other authors.
8. What is the best writing advice you have ever received and why do you feel it is important?
My mentor always encouraged me to have an editor review my work and not just to publish stuff without an editor's input; I think that advice has been invaluable. It's tough to find the money, but I think of it as an investment in your author brand and reputation.
9. What sort of writing do you do now?
Initially I started off as heavily focused on science fiction, because it's where I feel most at home, as both a writer and a reader, with some humour. But my most recent release is a change of direction, that is, into darker sub-genres: paranormal, dark fantasy, and dare I suggest some spicy stuff. So far the feedback has been very positive; I’m not going to abandon the sci-fi, but paranormal and dark fantasy are related sub-genres, and there is lots of overlap.
The other more obscure niche I write in is Biblical satire, but that’s me working through some past issues!
10. Where can we find some of your work online?
That’s probably the easiest question you’ve asked so far. Amazon is the most obvious, assuming you want ebooks, Kindle Unlimited, etc. (Brian’s Amazon page is here.)
My paperbacks are available from a wide range of online outlets, B&N, Waterstones, Scifier.com and others.
If you prefer to avoid Amazon, I have a collection on Books2Read here.
11. What advice do you have for aspiring writers thinking of taking the leap of getting their work published?
Be realistic about your expectations. Many authors get a harsh reality check early on, when they don’t become an overnight bestseller and then give up. The number of authors who give up is surprisingly high. So, write because you want to; write the stories that you would want to read. I often joke that I’m in it for the money and groupies, and so far, a 100% failure…
12. What are your final thoughts about being a writer?
I guess this would be around the use of Gen-AI: if you are going to use Gen-AI and then pretend to be a writer because you think it’ll bring you some kudos, don’t; take up knitting or do something else. Gen-AI has no place in the creative process, be that books, including audiobooks, music, and art.
ABOUT BRIAN:
“Science Fiction Author.
I write a wide range of stories, including science fiction, paranormal and dark fantasy.
Some are humorous, and others are more poignant and thought-provoking.
When asked where I get my ideas from, I can only explain that my mind is like a septic tank; weird bits of, well, you know what, float to the surface from time to time and become the kernel of my stories.
As a middle-class, middle-aged, white bloke – If you need anything ‘mansplaining,’ I’m here to help!
I’m a husband and a father, living in East Anglia, UK, and share my home with various animals, including dogs, cats, chickens, a duck and a goose.
Member of Writers Anonymous.
Member of The British Science Fiction Association.
No AI was used in the preparation of any of my manuscripts.”
New for Writers:
"The Beating Heart of Your Story—Structure" by Lynette M. Burrows
via Writers In The Storm
"Write What You Know? OR Not?" by Tari Lynn Jewett
via Writers In The Storm
"Taking Your Book Ideas to the Next Level" by Greer Macallister
via Writer Unboxed
"Recognize and Manage Burnout-In-Progress" by Therese Walsh
via Writer Unboxed
"Why the Submission Process Is Hard for Writers" by E.S. Foster
via MetaStellar
"Writing When the Spark Fades Out Too Early" by Abdulraheem Jameel Ango
via Authors Publish
"Why Emotional Scenes Still Feel Flat" by Susan Watts
via Writers In The Storm
"The Power of Setting and Landscape in Storytelling" by J.H. Mann
via Reader Views Blog
"How to Read Submissions Calls for Short Fiction" by K.W. Colyard
via The Weird Corners
"How to Stop Head-Hopping in Your Fiction" by K.W. Colyard
via The Weird Corners
"Punch the Clock: What Do Your Characters Do?" by Julie Christine Johnson
via Writer Unboxed
"Point of View Is Not Just a Choice" by Sarah Sally Hamer
via Writers In The Storm
"Using Real Life in Fiction: 5 Must-Do's (and Two Mistakes)" by Richard Tyler Jordan
via Writers In The Storm
"Storytelling Secrets: How to Write Authentic Fear" by Angela Ackerman
via Writers In The Storm
"Three Ways to Escape a Writing Slump" by E.S. Foster
via MetaStellar
"Why Readers Lose Interest in Your Story" by Colleen M. Story
via Writer's Brain HQ
"Break the (Writing) Rules" by Karen Scott
via The Writer's Workout
"Description" by Anastasia Ledyaeva
via The Writer's Workout
"Selling Novel Versus Screenplay Rights In Hollywood – What’s the Difference?" by Mark Heidelberger
via FundsforWriters
Edit Delight: Write and Rewrite
By Valerie Allen
Improve your prose by using this checklist for the most common editing errors.
Avoid overuse of that (use find feature/reread sentence/eliminate when not needed)
They all hoped that you would come to the class. (incorrect)
They all hoped you would come to the class.
Keep noun – verb sequence, especially with he said/she said speech tags
“This is wonderful,” said Valerie. (incorrect)
“This is wonderful,” Valerie said.
Do not use FANBOYS to begin a sentence:
F=for; A=as/and; N= neither/nor; B = but; O= or; Y = yet; S= so
So we all went to the store to buy more pens for our writing project. (incorrect)
We all went to the store to buy more pens for our writing project.
Use a comma before the word but in a sentence (most of the time)
I enjoy writing but it is hard work. (incorrect)
I enjoy writing, but it is hard work.
Use quotes at the beginning and at the end of dialogue; keep punctuation inside the quotations:
I love to teach, Valerie said. (incorrect)
“I love to teach,” Valerie said.
Use italics for internal thoughts; do not add “he/she thought” after internal dialogue.
Valerie looked at her new book. I know this will be a best seller, she thought. (incorrect)
Valerie looked at her new book. I know this will be a best seller.
Use the correct tag line with a statement and a question.
“What is the price of this book?” Valerie said. (incorrect)
“What is the price of this book?” Valerie asked.
Start a new paragraph with each speaker.
“I made friends at my book club.” “They are a great bunch.” “They’re enthusiastic.” (incorrect)
“I made friends at my book club,” Valerie said. (speaker #1)
“They are a great bunch,” Holly said. (speaker #2)
“They’re enthusiastic,” Valerie said. (speaker #1 again)
Use hyphens for compound nouns and multiple adjectives
Valerie, a six year old, is in first grade. (incorrect)
Valerie, a six-year-old, is in first grade.
ABOUT VALERIE:
Valerie Allen, psychologist, and author was born in New York and raised in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. She graduated with advanced degrees in education and mental health and has taught students from elementary school through post-graduate studies. She is board certified by the National Association of School Psychologists and specializes in working with children and teens.
She has been a member of the National League of American Pen Women, Cape Canaveral, FL Branch, and served on the Board of Directors of the Space Coast Writers' Guild. She is a founding director of Authors for Authors, which creates marketing venues for writers. AuthorsForAuthors.com
She has published several anthologies which include her award-winning short stories, some humorous, some poignant, which explore the small, and the not-so-small, events and relationships in the lives of ordinary people.
Her novels are a series of psychological thrillers which focus on children in peril and contemporary social issues related to families.
She has written books for children, "The Sun and The Moon," "Summer School for Smarties" and "Bad Hair, Good Hat, New Friends. " She also has a workbook for teens and parents, "Go to the Guidance Office and Ask the Counselor About Career Choices."
Her book for authors, "Write, Publish, Sell!" 2nd edition, is used for workshops and presentations focusing on book marketing and sales.
She has also written a motivational, psychological self-help book, "Beyond the Inkblots: Confusion to Harmony."
With concerns about recent world events, she has published two books, "Understanding Mental Illness: A Guide for Family and Friends," and "Mental Illness: A Guide for Law Enforcement Agencies."
Her articles on parenting and child development have been published online and nationwide in educational and parenting magazines.
Her books are also available as ebooks, in large print, and audio and can be found here.
She is a popular speaker at author workshops, writing conferences, and book talks. She enjoys hearing from readers and book clubs. Valerie can be reached at VAllenWriter@gmail.com, ValerieAllenWriter.com, and at her FB group, Authors for Authors. For more information, visit AuthorsForAuthors.com
She lives in warm and sunny Florida, USA. She has raised six children from whom she has learned many things about life and love!
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Thanks for reading! See you next month!