Open the Gates

Jennifer Sadera is an award-winning crime thriller author and novelist. Her professional journey includes serving as a copywriter at NAL, editor at REDBOOK and Woman’s World, as well as working as a freelance writer and blogger. Jennifer’s writing has been recognized with numerous awards at the Atlanta Writers Conferences and a prestigious fellowship at the Martha’s Vineyard Institute of…

I am REALLY EXCITED about today’s guest post! Terry Friedman, author of Bone Pendang Girls, wrote this post to share with you guys about how she became invisible for a week while writing her book. I find it SUPER interesting, and I hope you do too! Before jumping into her blog, here’s a little more on her debut novel: In the paranormal thriller Bone Pendant Girls, Andi Wyndham, a reluctant…

A hidden people not so hidden anymore. I have the immense honor of sharing an excerpt from the brand-new sci-fi novel Angolin by C.E. Taylor! https://www.ce-taylor.com/booksThis novel came out in February of 2024 and is available for purchase everywhere books are sold. About the Book The Hidden Realm of Angolin has existed in peaceful isolation for centuries, but that’s about to change. The…

When a violent gang descends on a small Colorado settlement, seventeen-year-old Theo Creed disguises herself as a boy to take them down from the inside, but her subterfuge gets complicated when she becomes undeniably attracted to one of the outlaws. Western, strong female lead, almost a Mulan retelling, adventure, family secrets, what is not to love with this debut novel? But who exactly is the…

I rewrote a short scene at the end of day 1 from The Registration from Daniel’s point of view! Check it out here: Realization is flushing through Daniel’s mind too quickly for his thoughts to keep up with. Freezing flames of fire seem to shoot into his palms, where they’re resting against Lynell’s shoulders. He pulls them back and presses his tongue to the roof of his mouth, trying to speak past…

Sixteen-year-old Emily Keller is charged with causing the deaths of four family members, but what really happened that fateful night—and who’s responsible—is anything but straightforward. With a Master’s in Reading Education and a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, Kathleen Fine is fully ready to share her young adult debut novel with the world! Kathleen is a member of the Maryland Writers…

Choosing my top five favorite books is nearly impossible, but I’ll try (in no particular order). Red White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston Casey McQuiston perfected a witty, awkward, beautiful, sexy, and tropey romance novel with Red White & Royal Blue. This book is a celebration of and for all people have felt out of place, like they didn’t fit in, and had to work to carve out a space for them…

Today I spoke with the award-winning author of several published books and more upcoming, Ruth Fox, all about her upcoming books, space, and the sci-fi genre! Ruth writes sci-fi and fantasy books mainly for younger readers and received a Bachelor of Arts/Diploma of Arts in Professional Writing and Editing. She currently lives with her husband, two cats, and three very adventurous sons (who also…

Author of seven published books and more upcoming, Nancy McCabe took time out of her busy schedule to sit down and answer a few questions for us! Nancy has written five creative nonfiction works, a memoir, and now children’s novels. An adoptive parent and former longtime gymnastics mom, Nancy has published articles in Newsweek, Salon, Writer’s Digest, The Brevity Blog, and the Los Angeles Review…

I recently had the immense pleasure of speaking with Kathleen Hannon, author of Bye For Now. Kathleen worked as a Hollywood development executive for many years and screenwriter before returning to books to write her debut YA novel, The Confession of Hemingway Jones. We talk about the difference between screenwriting and writing novels, the world of science interacting with the world of fiction,…

Dana Claire is a YA and fantasy author of 5 novels, with more on the way. She describes herself as “a hopeless romantic and an action junkie who’s been building creative worlds since” childhood. Living in Los Angeles, CA, Dana has worked as a trainer for celebrities, professional athletes, and fitness enthusiasts in addition to writing. Dana’s most recent book, Hunterland was picked up by CamCat…

How Character Belief Shapes Your Fantasy World Creating your own world to set your story within is a lot like attacking a blank canvas with a paintbrush. The canvas itself can end up looking like anything, but if you want it to look good, it can’t look like everything. So you pick and choose what colors you use, you decide on the subject, and hopefully, after several hours, you have a finished…

Interview with fantasy author Brandie June

Brandie June is a fantasy author of the beautiful Gold Spun duology, a retelling of the Rumpelstiltskin fairytale. She studied study acting at UCLA, and eventually branched out into costume design, playwriting, prose writing, and received her MBA in Entertainment Marketing. Gold Spun is “an enchanting retelling with memorable characters that will appeal to a broad range of fantasy readers,” and…

Interview with Mystery Author Emily Whitson

I knew too much. On that island, on that godforsaken singles’ retreat. I knew too much… Playing on our universal fascination with reality TV, Beneath the Marigolds is the Bachelor(ette) gone terribly wrong. The debut novel from Emily C. Whitson is a thriller exploring the dark side of love and the ultimately redemptive power of friendship. AVAILABLE NOW Emily is a mystery and thriller author…

Death Makes Great TV: Interview With Bryan R. Johnston

I recently read a surprisingly funny thriller that I seriously could NOT put down: Death Warrant by Bryan Johnston. I tore my way through this book and was constantly on the edge of my seat, laughing out loud, or being in awe of Bryan’s writing. The way he describes people and situations is so unique and imaginative; I really felt like I was in the world with Frankie. Speaking of Frankie, I…

Review of Death Warrant

Death Makes Great TV. Frankie Percival is cashing in her chips. To save her brother from financial ruin, Frankie—a single stage performer and mentalist who never made it big—agrees to be assassinated on the most popular television show on the planet: Death Warrant. Once she signs her life away, her memory is wiped clean of the agreement, leaving her with no idea she will soon be killed…

Explore the Queendom with Jordan H. Bartlett

In a Queendom divided, can one girl unite the realms? To save her people, Lower-born Jacs must infiltrate the Upper Realm and earn her place to compete in the Contest of Queens. In a story about friendship, love, bravery, and defying gravity, Jacs will strive to prove that a Queendom is strongest when united. Jordan H. Bartlett delivers a beautiful masterpiece that masterfully uses fantasy…