I've noticed a trend where people have an opinion about the quality of something when they have little or no experience with it. For example: there's a movie out now, theaters only, and someone mentioned that it was so dull, they "turned it off." Um. How does one turn off a movie in a theater… Continue reading A Little Rant About Theatrical Snobbery
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Super Kids and Other Middle Grade Fun
As some of you may be aware, I used to write a bit of middle grade (works for ages 8-12.) In a Pickle is available on Amazon for $2.99 (or $7.99 if you want a spiffy paperback), but I also have some work up for free on the internet. Just Super is a middle grade… Continue reading Super Kids and Other Middle Grade Fun
Recent Studies of Art and Life
I did a lot of research for Fate’s Immortal Hands (now querying.) Here are some random things I learned: JOHANNES VERMEER FAMILY: Jan’s eldest daughter, Maria Vermeer, was born in 1654 and was likely named for her maternal grandmother, Maria Thins, and/or the Virgin Mary. At around twenty years of age in 1674, she married… Continue reading Recent Studies of Art and Life
The Rights of a Reader
“Reader's Bill of Rights 1. The right to not read 2. The right to skip pages 3. The right to not finish 4. The right to reread 5. The right to read anything 6. The right to escapism 7. The right to read anywhere 8. The right to browse 9. The right to read out… Continue reading The Rights of a Reader
The Ray Bradbury Challenge – aka 3-1-52
There’s a challenge that famous author and essayist Ray Bradbury suggested, one that is meant to help an author become better read…and better written. You don’t have to be a novelist to try this one. This challenge specifically tackles short stories, one of the most difficult literary forms in many people’s opinion. You have to… Continue reading The Ray Bradbury Challenge – aka 3-1-52
Romantic Fantasy Books On Sale–Limited Time Only
The whole Blade & Bone series is out--YAY!--from wherever you like to get your books online. Right now, my publisher (Flame Tree Press) is offering the e-books of the series at a discounted price: Brittle is 99 cents/pence Tempered Glass is $1.99 and Forged is $2.99. What are these books about? Take a look at… Continue reading Romantic Fantasy Books On Sale–Limited Time Only
Beth’s Reads in 2025
I hope everyone's had a great 2026 so far. Back in 2025 (good riddance to THAT year), I read the following books: 1. Creating Superfans by Brittany Hodak 2. Charlie N. Holmberg's Book of Magic by Charlie N. Holmberg 3. Tweet This by Laurie Kretchmar 4. The Universal Fantasy List by T. Taylor 5. Before… Continue reading Beth’s Reads in 2025
Beth and the Giant Stack of Books to Overcome or be Overcome by
I'm reading quite a few things right now. Some I read from within the past few days. Others? It's been a while. Like YEARS a while. Also, my TBR (to be read) pile is HUGE! Let's take a look, shall we? The book I'm about to start reading is A Trinket for the Taking by… Continue reading Beth and the Giant Stack of Books to Overcome or be Overcome by
Comps Don’t Have to be the Absolute Bane of My Existence AKA Why Do I Do This
Comparative titles (aka comp titles) are something that has baffled me on and off again for the past…thirteen years? But who’s counting? What is a comp title, you ask? In a writer’s world, it’s a book or other piece of IP (intellectual property) that shares themes, ideas, and/or tropes in common with your book. And… Continue reading Comps Don’t Have to be the Absolute Bane of My Existence AKA Why Do I Do This
A Lovely Day at the Library Author Fair Plus Writerly Updates
Two weeks ago from tomorrow, I participated in the Ritter Public Library’s third annual local author fair. Sadly, I have no photographic evidence of this, as neither my mom (who was my assistant) nor my sister (who came for the last hour) nor I thought to capture the day. Oh, well. It was a nice… Continue reading A Lovely Day at the Library Author Fair Plus Writerly Updates
Beth Overmyer 