If you have an avid reader on your Christmas shopping list, here are some ideas that will hopefully spark your imagination. * Shopping for a Jane Austen fan? These advent calendar gift bags look awesome! Each day up until Christmas has a numbered bag with a print of an Austen character on it, along with […]
Book Ending Types
Question of the day: “What is your favorite type of book ending?” Well, let’s take a look at the four main ones. There are sad endings, where things don’t work out for the characters. Evil wins, things are still bleak, the conflict might be resolved but the reader is left thinking, “What?! That’s IT?” They […]
9 Reasons for Libraries
Some people believe that the public library is obsolete, or at least headed in that direction. They see it as a waste of tax dollars, because, frankly, they don’t need it, so no one must. Can’t people just buy an e-book or paperback from Amazon? Random but obligatory Mr. Crabby shot, just ’cause Here is […]
My Book is in SFX Magazine
In issue 316 of SFX Magazine, Flame Tree Press took out a one-page ad and…The Goblets Immortal happened to display prominently. I was so excited, I ran out to Barnes and Noble and scoured the shelves until I found it. When I did, I nearly screamed. I almost humiliated my mom by stopping passersby and saying, […]
3 Things Fantasy Novels Taught Me About Time Management
There are many morals to be gleaned from fantasy. From the consequences of coveting to the danger of spilling secrets, the genre is a treasure trove. Today I’d like to talk about time management and what fantasy has taught me about the beast. These are simple lessons, but when taken seriously, I believe they can […]
What are We Reading?
There’s a song that starts out “What are you wearing? (Who are you wearing?)” Pfft. I’m no fashionista. What I care about is “What are you reading? (Who are you reading?)” Seriously. Some people judge other people for what they wear. While I don’t judge people by what they wear or read, I am a […]
Cooking Show: Episode 2
This time on From Book to Cook, I’m making a traditional Irish apple cake. Will it turn out all right? Or will I butcher yet another recipe held dear by so many?
From Book to Cook – Episode 1
Earlier this week, I filmed the first episode of my new cooking show, From Book to Cook (title credit goes to Mimi, fellow author and a historical food enthusiast.) I made a spiced honey cake from the Unofficial Poldark Cookbook by Tricia Cohen and Larry Edwards. Have a look, but forgive the shaky camera and […]
Fantasy Book Cover Reveal
It’s here and it’s AWESOME! I love the cover Flame Tree Press chose for my fantasy novel The Goblets Immortal (February, 2020.) Want a look? Here ya go: Here’s the blurb: In a land where magic’s feared, a rare magical kind exists: the Blest, products of the Goblets Immortal. Aidan’s a Blest on the run, forced […]
Plotters vs. Pantsers and Real Life
There’s a funny story about a man visiting Iceland and relying only on his GPS to get him places. It’s a long, twisty tale with much hilarity and confusion. Suffice it to say, the guy becomes famous for not following landmarks or maps but his gadget. This not only leads him to the wrong part […]
