Book Club Mom’s Author Update: News from Pat Spencer

May 13, 2024February 11, 2024 ~ Book Club Mom ~ 5 Comments

Hi Everyone! Pat Spencer recently shared news of her latest book, A Baker’s Dozen For Writers: 13 Tips for Great Storytelling. Read what it’s all about!

Author name: Pat Spencer

Genre: Fiction Writing Reference

Book title: A Baker’s Dozen For Writers: 13 Tips for Great Storytelling

News: Today I’m sharing news of my new book, a storyteller’s writing guide. Here’s the blurb:

Unlock your potential with A Baker’s Dozen For Writers: 13 Tips for Great Storytelling by award-winning author, Pat Spencer. If you seek to free your imagination from its past confines, this writing guide is perfect for you. With wit and charm, Dr. Spencer shares her expertise on how to write bolder, clearer, and more engagingly. Her thirteen tips will enable you to infuse passion, symbolism, body language, action beats, and sensory experiences into your prose. As a published author of fiction and nonfiction, Spencer’s engaging approach to storytelling makes this book a must-read for those wanting to write tales that readers simply can’t set aside. If you liked Stephen King’s On Writing or Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird, you’ll love A Baker’s Dozen for Writers. This book is a powerful resource for seasoned writers as well as those just starting out. So why wait? Unshackle your creativity. Treat yourself to this essential guide and create captivating stories today.

Here’s a recent review by Maddie Margarita from the Southern California Writers Association — “If you still think 13 is an unlucky number, you haven’t read A Baker’s Dozen For Writers: 13 Tips for Great Storytelling. A delicious mix of writing hints and wisdom.”

Website: https://patspencer.net

Are you working on a new book? Have you won an award or a writing contest? Did you just update your website? Maybe you just want to tell readers about an experience you’ve had. Book Club Mom’s Author Update is a great way to share news and information about you and your books.

Email Book Club Mom at bvitelli2009@gmail.com for more information.

Open to all authors – self-published, indie, big-time and anything in between.

Author submissions are limited to one per author in a six-month period.

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Book Club Mom’s Author Update: News from Alethea Kehas

February 26, 2024 ~ Book Club Mom ~ 53 Comments

Hi Everyone! Today Alethea Kehas is sharing news about her new book, Keys to the Heart, the second book in her Warriors of Light series for middle-grade readers.

Author name: Alethea Kehas

Genre: Middle-Grade (metaphysical) Fantasy

Book title: Keys to the Heart, book 2 in the Warriors of Light series

News: It was nearly six years in the making, but it’s finally out there! I’m thrilled to have just released Keys to the Heart, the second book in my Warriors of Light middle-grade metaphysical fantasy series. Keys to the Heart, as I suspect many books are, was a true labor of love. I didn’t know what had become of my characters after that fateful camping trip that concluded The Labyrinth, until I sat down to write the stories. And what a set of adventures across the world they took me on! But it was not a journey I had to take entirely alone. I was quite fortunate to have had the input of several of beta readers, including a handful of middle-graders, who offered their thoughts on how to structure the characters’ narratives. Instead of alternating voices, which were used in The Labyrinth, I chose to allow the reader to follow the different pathways that led to the six warriors finding the Keys to the Heart that would save a giant named Albion. Albion is only one of the new characters who appear in this book. There are also a couple of dragons! Although I didn’t intently time the completion of the manuscript, I am rather please that it coincided with the lunar new year of the dragon!

I’d like to extend a special thank you to the cover designer for Keys to the Heart, Sierra Wheeler. She did a spectacular job capturing the book’s defining moment and I could not be more pleased with the result of her dedication and creativity.

Keys to the Heart, the sequel to The Labyrinth, is now available on Amazon in print and Kindle.

Website: https://aletheakehas.com

Email Book Club Mom at bvitelli2009@gmail.com for more information.

Open to all authors – self-published, indie, big-time and anything in between.

Author submissions are limited to one per author in a six-month period.

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Book Club Mom’s Author Update: News from Grace Blair

February 12, 2024February 11, 2024 ~ Book Club Mom ~ 23 Comments

Hi Everyone! Grace Blair recently shared news about her current and Science Fiction, Fantasy and Historical Fiction projects.

Author name: Grace Blair

Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Historical Fiction

Book title: Poseidon’s Atlantis Adventure—The Human Hybrid Experiment

News: Poseidon’s Atlantis Adventure Series. The first book, Poseidon’s Atlantis Adventure: The Human Hybrid Experiment, is now available in eBook and paperback. What if Poseidon, the sea god, were to embark on an unexpected journey to unlock the ancient wisdom of Atlantis with the help of Cleito and an enigmatic figure named Euenor? In this alternate scenario, Poseidon discovers Cleito contemplating the potential of ancient technology hidden in a sprawling metropolis. Cleito seeks Poseidon’s divine intellect to unravel the mysteries and usher in a new era of enlightenment. In January 2024, it was awarded the prestigious Literary Titan Gold Award. Acclaimed with a five-star book review, recognizing the excellence of the storytelling.

Here’s more about Enigma of the Vanished Trident—Poseidon’s Cursed Trident Unleashed (next in Poseidon Atlantis Book Series). Dive into the mythical realm of Atlantis, where a shadowy betrayal sets off a series of events. The theft of Poseidon’s mighty trident unleashes an ancient curse that threatens Atlantis. The chaos plunges the mystical island and underwater kingdom into turmoil, and the fate of Atlantis hangs in the balance. Prepare for a thrilling journey as the once harmonious world faces turmoil and uncertainty.

And some exciting news about Einstein’s Compass: A YA Time Traveler Adventure. Hollywood producer Rocky Lang has taken notice of the novel. A screenplay by writer/producer Rob Hedden is in the works to bring the story to television as a series. The unique tale explores the young Albert Einstein’s life during a time of horse and buggy days, offering a fresh perspective on his early years. Speculation about Einstein’s connection to Atlantis adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. Stay tuned for this captivating story to hit the silver screen soon.

In November 2023, I traveled to Dolphin Discovery in Cancun, Mexico where I swam with dolphins and became a Dolphin Ambassador. I learned how dolphins communicate. During the time of Poseidon, the playful water creatures were worshiped as sacred water creatures. Killing a dolphin was prohibited. Details of their behavior will be in my next novella, Enigma of the Vanished Trident—Poseidon’s Cursed Trident Unleashed.

Website: https://poseidonsatlantisadventure.com/

Email Book Club Mom at bvitelli2009@gmail.com for more information.

Open to all authors – self-published, indie, big-time and anything in between.

Author submissions are limited to one per author in a six-month period.

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Book Club Mom’s Author Update: News from Pat Spencer

November 15, 2023 ~ Book Club Mom ~ 48 Comments

Hi Everyone! Pat Spencer recently shared this great news about her historical fiction novel, Golden Boxty in the Frypan, inspired by her family history. Read what it’s all about!

Author name: Pat Spencer

Genre: Historical Fiction

Book: Golden Boxty in the Frypan

After years of successful nonfiction writing, and several years after retiring from the California Community College system, I set my sights on achieving a longtime goal—writing a novel. I attended craft workshops and author signings to prepare myself. Oh, how I envied those authors whose relatives had done extraordinary things, thus providing inspiration for their books. At the time, I believed my parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and my mother’s siblings had all lived quite ordinary lives. But later, when I took interest in DNA testing, delving into our lineage, and researching their past, I discovered tales of hardships overcome and secrets never divulged. We were much more interesting than I ever suspected. Our history is rich with inspiring stories worth telling. Golden Boxty in the Frypan is the first.

What’s it about?

In Golden Boxty in the Frypan, Pat Spencer captivates readers with a heartrending and absorbing coming-of-age saga inspired by true events. Her poignant story captures the hearts of readers as they follow Katie’s journey through poverty, illness, and discrimination in Philadelphia to a glorious train trip out west in search of the American dream. But just as she thinks the worst is behind her, a twist of fate reverses her good fortune. Katie must wrestle with her fears, face her insecurities, and assume the role of mother for her three youngest brothers.

Golden Boxty in the Frypan is an unforgettable novel that brings to life the hardships and joys of a multigenerational Irish family struggling to stay together during the Great Depression. Fans of books like This Tender Land and Angela’s Ashes will appreciate the complex characters and themes of love, friendship, and family that make this book an emotional roller coaster. In the end, Katie must overcome the toughest of circumstances and orchestrate an escape from a sinister orphanage to secure a safe life for herself and her siblings. Don’t miss this powerful story of resilience and hope.

Check out these reviews:

Introducing Pat Spencer’s most recent novel, Golden Boxty in the Frypan, released by Pen It Publications: Katie is an incredibly strong individual who strives to keep her increasingly smaller family together through untold tragedies and losses. Heartrending and absorbing, reading more like a memoir than a novel. Intriguing descriptions … bring the time period to life. — The BookLife Prize.

Inspired by true-life events, Golden Boxty in the Frypan is the remarkable coming-of-age saga of a plucky and resourceful young girl who rises against all odds to the role of mother and secures her family’s survival. — California Writers Circle

Please visit me at https://patspencer.net

Email Book Club Mom at bvitelli2009@gmail.com for more information.

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Book Club Mom’s Author Update: News from JP McLean

November 8, 2023November 8, 2023 ~ Book Club Mom ~ 13 Comments

Hi Everyone! JP McLean has a new book! Scorch Mark is Book 3 in JP’s Dark Dreams supernatural thriller series. Check out Jo-Anne’s news and read all about the series, the Jane Walker character and how they were inspired!

Author name: JP McLean

Genre: Supernatural Thriller

Book: Scorch Mark (Dark Dreams #3)

News: Scorch Mark, (WindStorm Press) will be released on November 14, 2023, and is the third Dark Dreams novel. The Dark Dreams series and the Jane Walker character were inspired by Blind Spot, an NBC show featuring a woman who bears tattoos that cover her body from the neck down. She has no idea how she got the ink, which stuck with me. I wondered what it must be like to live with markings that are not of your choosing.

In the first book, Blood Mark, Jane Walker learns her marks protect her in her waking life, and also when she’s dreaming of the past. In the second book, Ghost Mark, Jane’s marks have changed, and she can’t be certain if she still has their protection.

After writing the first two books, I began considering what might happen if the tables were turned and corrupt individuals had the protection of the blood marks instead of good-hearted souls like Jane. Scorch Mark’s story is a take on the classic good vs evil trope, which is always fun to write.

Scorch Mark begins when a group of tailgaters Jane doesn’t know recognizes her, which can only mean they’ve seen her in a dream she has yet to experience. While she slips away to await the dream and learn how she’s connected to the group of strangers, her BFF’s boyfriend cop, starts digging into Jane’s history. He stumbles across inexplicable deaths in her past and searches for more. And when his illegal firearms investigation crosses paths with Jane, she must convince him of the supernatural forces at play before he gets himself killed and causes the deaths of his law enforcement team.

Threaded throughout the story is the trial, where Jane hopes to get justice for her murdered parents. But justice through the court system is a complex legal dance, and Jane’s paranormal abilities complicate matters. I enjoyed pitting the legal system against the paranormal elements because, in the courtroom, the truth could condemn Jane faster than the lies she tells to cover up her extraordinary abilities.

Website/blog link: https://jpmcleanauthor.com

Email Book Club Mom at bvitelli2009@gmail.com for more information.

Open to all authors – self-published, indie, big-time and anything in between

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Book Club Mom’s Author Update: News from Lauren Scott

October 29, 2023 ~ Book Club Mom ~ 47 Comments

Hi Everyone! I just caught up with memoirist and poet Lauren Scott and she’s here to tell you about her new poetry collection, Ever So Gently.

Author name: Lauren Scott

Genre: Poetry, Memoir, Fiction

Books: New Day, New Dreams; Finding a Balance; More than Coffee: Memories in Verse and Prose; Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poems

News: My fourth book, Ever So Gently, is a collection of poetry that was released in July of this year. The poems are divided into three themes: The Wisdom of Nature; The Noise, The Laughter, The Chaos, The Loved Ones; and Lost in Thought. Ever So Gently expresses the gentle demeanor in which I welcome nature’s offerings. The gentle way in which I should react to life’s challenges. The gentle grace in my heart full of gratitude for the love in my life. For the support of family and friends through every stumble and celebration. When I witness another sunrise, I remember to breathe and live gently. But succeeding in ‘gentle’ may not happen around the clock, so if I slip up, I will try again.

Everywhere I turn, a poem is there for the writing. It’s in my marriage with my husband, Matt, who is my best friend, and we will celebrate thirty-five years in January. From that first delicious kiss to a deeper love that matures over the decades. It’s in the memories of when our children became a new bloom in our family garden, or now in a simple conversation with them as adults. Poetry comforts as we experience unexpected health scares or financial setbacks. And pondering the rewards of life itself inspires me to jot down ideas before they’re lost on the breeze.

My strong link to nature is evident, taking the readers on a tranquil walk through a redwood grove or extending an invitation to sit quietly on a patio, captivated by the simple magnificence of a hummingbird. I underscore how life presents mysteries we struggle to solve. We can’t help but ponder the deeper meaning of a simple vision. I prompt the readers to reminisce and reflect upon their past, present, and future.

Most poems in this collection are in free verse. But a small gathering of syllabic poetry: Haiku, Tanka, Etheree, Shadorma, Didactic Cinquain, Double Ennead, and Oddquain found their niche in this assembly. Style notwithstanding, my hope is for the readers to discover poems that evoke a special memory or act as a reminder that they are not alone in living with their emotions. Maybe they’ll get a good laugh or experience an ‘aha’ moment. Above all, when the last page is turned, may the reward of living Ever So Gently be discovered.

A little backstory is that when I decided on the book title, I knew I wanted a gentle cover. My son had offered to create the cover, so I told him that I wanted soothing colors and an organic, minimalist design. My assumption was that he’d create it digitally; instead, he painted the cover on canvas, and it fit perfectly with the title and message of this collection. So, the beautiful cover credit goes to my son, Michael, and I wanted to share this with you. Thanks so much for reading.

Website/blog link: baydreamerwrites.com

Email Book Club Mom at bvitelli2009@gmail.com for more information.

Open to all authors – self-published, indie, big-time and anything in between

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Book Club Mom’s Author Update: News from Vera Day

October 20, 2023 ~ Book Club Mom ~ 40 Comments

Hi Everyone! Say hello to Vera Day and learn more about her Christian Cozy Mystery series!

Author name: Vera Day

Genre: Christian Cozy Mystery

Books: When Did We Lost Sylvia? and Who Framed Flora?

News: The second book in my Tulip Texas Cozy Mystery trilogy was released on October 16th. I’m having a blast with this series. The town of Tulip is based on the rural area in which I live in Eastland County, Texas. My neighbor’s gorgeous, very fast chickens figure prominently in book 1. Another neighbor’s goats are featured in Who Framed Flora? Goats are clever, sweet, grumpy, jumpy, and fun.

Once again, I let the characters get into humorous situations and do crazy shenanigans. But there are love and faith within the pages, too. And a murder, of course!

Here’s the blurb for Who Framed Flora?

Faith, Southern humor, and murder collide in the tiny town of Tulip, Texas. Poet Betty Bell’s to-do list is longer than the Rio Grande. She must finish the edits for her new book, but her family needs her, volunteer commitments steal her time, her Bible is dusty, and her best friend, Flora, is dating a jerk. When said jerk ends up dead with a mushroom sticking out of his ear, Deputy Miller pegs Flora for the crime. Betty rushes to Flora’s aid, convinced she’s been framed.

Can Betty manage work, family, and volunteer activities, and still solve the murder? Only if she dusts off her Bible.

Website/blog: https://thewellreadfish.com

Email Book Club Mom at bvitelli2009@gmail.com for more information.

Open to all authors – self-published, indie, big-time and anything in between

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Book Club Mom’s Author Update: News from Miriam Hurdle

September 20, 2023September 20, 2023 ~ Book Club Mom ~ 57 Comments

Hi Everyone! Say hello to Miriam Hurdle and read more about her incredible story in her new book, The Winding Road – A Journey of Survival.

Author name: Miriam Hurdle

Genre: Memoir

Book: The Winding Road: A Journey of Survival

Update: It’s my pleasure to share with your readers about my latest publication, a memoir about my cancer experience. In the summer of 2008, I was diagnosed with melanoma-an aggressive and invasive cancer in my internal organs. The survival rate before 2008 was low. I had hoops to jump through to get treatment. By the time I received treatment at the beginning of 2009, my cancer had progressed from stage II to stage IV. The support, encouragement, and the love of my family and community carried me through.

It’s humbling to receive the heartwarming reviews from my readers:

“Her persistence paid off; the blessings and prayers of her friends and family plucked her from the jaws of life-threatening cancer and she could fulfill her wishes of playing with her grandchildren. It requires great resilience to relive those moments while telling the story, but Miriam chose to share it and I admire her fortitude. She has also shared some beautiful pictures of her family that reinforces how valuable this life is with our near and dear ones.” Balroop Singh

“I read this short book in an afternoon, the same day I picked up my husband after his cancer surgery. It struck a chord, and the author’s journey, though intensely personal, resonated.
Hurdle kept a diary from the time of her hysterectomy and the discovery of cancer, through her treatment, and onward to her recovery. Her cancer wasn’t only extremely rare, but her prognosis was bleak. She relates the events of her journey with a great deal of honesty and courage.” Diana W. Peach

“In Miriam’s case, her cancer journey started as a simple hysterectomy, surgery done thousands of times by hundreds of doctors. Most patients recover, move on with their lives. In Miriam’s case, the doctors discovered a rare form of cancer with uncharted treatment and a low probability of survival. If you’ve read Miriam’s poetry, you know that didn’t daunt her. She stepped forward, made the decisions she must. Never throughout the book does the reader feel hopelessness from her. Always, she knows why she is fighting to live, and that God will show her how.” Jacqui Murray

“Miriam is a great writer who writes with clarity, intelligence, and honesty about a very traumatic situation. I think this book can serve as a great help to anyone who may face this situation. In fact, cancer is so common that we are all likely to be touched by it at some point. Therefore, I highly recommend this book to everyone in order for all of us to learn something about the journey before facing it.” Thomas Wikman

My website/blog link is https://theshowersofblessings.com

Email Book Club Mom at bvitelli2009@gmail.com for more information.

Open to all authors – self-published, indie, big-time and anything in between

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Book Club Mom’s Author Update: News from Sarah Brentyn

September 6, 2023September 5, 2023 ~ Book Club Mom ~ 24 Comments

Hi Everyone! I’m delighted to share news from Sarah Brentyn, who’s here today to tell us about the release of Volume 3 of The Shadows We Breathe, an anthology of short fiction. Welcome, Sarah!

Sarah Brentyn, editor of *The Shadows We Breathe*

Author name: Sarah Brentyn

Genre: Literary Fiction, Short Stories, Flash Fiction

Books: Hinting at Shadows, On the Edge of a Raindrop, The Shadows We Breathe, The Shadows We Breathe ~ Vol. 2 (2021), The Shadows We Breathe ~ Vol. 3 (2023)

News: The Shadows We Breathe (Volume 3) is here!

Two years ago, almost to the day, the first anthology in this series was released and I’m thrilled to announce the third volume is out in the world! I’m excited to share these stories and highlight the seven other wonderful authors who contributed to this book.

The theme is “power” and, wow, did each of us examine what that means. As with the first two volumes, these stories touch on the dark side of human nature, this one exploring how power can corrupt, be used, be abused, or, in some cases, shifted to the delight (or downfall) of the characters.

Thanks, Barbara, for sharing this news with your readers! Here’s more about Volume 3:

WE ARE ALL PART SHADOW

In this anthology of short fiction, we explore power—who has it, who doesn’t, who uses it, who abuses it. Eight artists, whose words paint worlds, bring you stories of confidence, restraint, corruption, and revenge. They define the true meaning of power. Whether literal or symbolic, our status gives us control or leaves us defenseless. Within these pages, beautiful words are spun into tales threaded with darkness. Explore the shadows we breathe. The Shadows We Breathe (Vol. 3)

Website/blog: www.sarahbrentyn.com

Email Book Club Mom at bvitelli2009@gmail.com for more information.

Open to all authors – self-published, indie, big-time and anything in between

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Book Club Mom’s Author Update: News from Robbie Cheadle

August 15, 2023 ~ Book Club Mom ~ 48 Comments

Hi Everyone! Today I’m sharing news from my author friend Robbie Cheadle, who’s here to tell you about her new poetry book, Lion Scream, Syllabic Poetry About Southern African Wildlife. Read all about it below:

Author name: Robbie Cheadle

Genre: Poetry

Book: Lion Scream, Syllabic Poetry About Southern African Wildlife

News: My new poetry book, Lion Scream, is a collection of syllabic poetry highlighting the effect of the current Sixth’s Mass Extinction and climate change on Southern African wildlife. There is also a short story which demonstrates the impact of the state of the modern world and the issues humanity is facing on young people.

The blurb: Do you rely on Earth for your survival? Lion Scream is a graphic collection of poetry and prose. The book portrays the author’s experiences with South African wildlife and the growing impact of the Sixth Mass Extinction and Climate Change on the natural environment.

Lion Scream
There is no jungle
Only acres of smooth stumps
There is no jungle
No habitat, no food source
Hopeless lion screams tonight

Website/blog link: https://robbiesinspiration.wordpress.com/

Email Book Club Mom at bvitelli2009@gmail.com for more information.

Open to all authors – self-published, indie, big-time and anything in between

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