Author Interview

Author interview with Amy L. Sauder, teller of introspective psychological stories

If introspective psychological stories are your thing, then author Amy L. Sauder has your next read! Sauder is a creative and author of such works as the Unfixed series and I Know You Like a Murder. She lives on the edge of an enchanted wood with her husband Josh and her mannequin Delilah. Read on to learn more!

Q: When did you first catch the writing bug? What drove you to persist?
A: I’ve dabbled in writing since I was a kid, but staunchly insisted and believed during my college years that I did NOT want to be a writer; I just wanted to study literature. [I know, insert sarcastic “Suuuure” here.] Finally in my last semester, I became honest with myself and others, that I wanted to be an author and was just terrified I wasn’t good enough. And that wasn’t a reason to stop, it was a reason to hunker down and get better. So I did, and here I am!

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Book Reviews, Find Your Next Read

The Truth About Gracie by Sarah Dawson Powell: A haunting tale of love, loss, and secrets

Some books wrap around your heart and squeeze, leaving an imprint long after you’ve turned the last page—The Truth About Gracie by Sarah Dawson Powell is one of those books.

Cover of The Truth About Gracie by Sarah Dawson Powell
Get your copy of The Truth About Gracie by Sarah Dawson Powell from my online bookstore today!

Grief is rarely neat, and it’s never simple—especially for a teenager who believed he had his future figured out. In The Truth About Gracie, Sarah Dawson Powell takes readers on an emotional journey through Tanner’s heartache as he grapples with the sudden and tragic loss of his girlfriend, Gracie. But the novel doesn’t just explore the pain of losing a loved one; it unravels the complexities of secrets, betrayal, and the uncomfortable reality that sometimes, we don’t truly know the people closest to us.

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Book Reviews, Find Your Next Read

What Lies in the Woods by Kate Alice Marshall: A darkly thrilling exploration of friendship and betrayal

When we think of childhood friendships, images of laughter, shared secrets, and innocent adventures often come to mind. But in Kate Alice Marshall’s gripping thriller, What Lies in the Woods, childhood bonds twist into something far darker and more complex—a tale of lies, trauma, and the shadowy truths lurking beneath the surface.

Twenty-two years ago, Naomi Shaw’s childhood took a chilling turn when she survived a brutal attack in the woods near her small-town home. Stabbed seventeen times but miraculously alive, Naomi’s testimony, along with those of her best friends Cassidy and Olivia, put away a man they claimed was a serial killer. They became local heroes. But they were also liars.

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Author Interview

Author interview with J.L. Mathews, prolific writer and president of the St. Louis Writers Guild

Jessica Mathews published her debut picture book, The Old Man and the Pirate Princess, in 2017. Since then, she has published more than twenty seven books, including picture books, early reader chapter books, and several adult works under her pen name J.L. Mathews.

Mathews began writing stories for children at a young age. Her father would write down all of the stories she told him, and they would read them together at bedtime. She hopes her books will inspire others as much as her favorite books inspired her when she was growing up. She wants her work to motivate others to create something of their own to share with the world.

Jessica is the current president of the St. Louis Writers Guild. She recommends every writer join a literary organization to network with other writers and find their people, reading as much as you can and doing what you love. Jessica lives in St. Louis with her two cats, Storm and Knight. She also recommends adopting as many cats as you can.

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Book Reviews, Find Your Next Read

The thriller that blew me away: A review of One of Us Knows by Alyssa Cole

I am not easily impressed, so don’t take it lightly when I say that Alyssa Cole’s One of Us Knows is arguably one of the best thrillers I have ever read.

The opening of this novel is nothing short of electrifying. Imagine coming to consciousness on a wooden dock with no memory of how you got there. Your primary personality has been dormant for six years, and in that time, your headmates have taken over your life. The world around you has changed dramatically—having endured a global pandemic and political upheaval—and now, you’re being whisked away to a job on an isolated island, where things immediately feel… off. And then, as you begin to settle in, you realize that the house you’re supposed to care for is an exact replica of the castle that exists within your inner world. How could anyone *not* be hooked after reading that?

There are thrillers that grip you, thrillers that surprise you, and then there are thrillers that completely redefine your expectations of the genre. Alyssa Cole’s One of Us Knows is that kind of book. Fresh, utterly compelling, and impossible to put down, this novel takes every tired trope and reinvents it into something wholly original. I don’t say this lightly: this is literally one of the best thrillers I have ever read, if not the best!

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Author Interview

Author interview with writer of the macabre, A.J. Humphreys

Today we welcome A.J. Humphreys, an emerging author of spooky thrillers, mysteries, and dreadful tales. The small-town serialized four-volume supernatural mystery saga, Season of The Monster served as his debut within the publishing world.

A member of the Horror Writers’ Association, AJ is also the founder, owner, and chief operating officer of Dark
Journeys Press
.

AJ currently lives in Urbana, IL, working as a server part-time to support his dream of writing full-time.

Q: What is your approach to incorporating elements of diversity and inclusion in your writing?
A: The world is a diverse place, and I like for my stories to reflect that. So, I often incorporate all sorts of different characters with their own intricacies. That said, I don’t treat any character as a novelty to exploit their differences.

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Book Reviews, Find Your Next Read

Book Review: The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave

What would you do if your father’s tragic death unearths a family secret so monumental it changes everything you thought you knew about him—and yourself? Laura Dave’s The Night We Lost Him begins with this gripping premise and weaves a story that is equal parts family drama, mystery, and emotional revelation.

Get your copy of The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave from my online bookstore today!

Liam Noone — pronounced “noon,” not “no one” — was a man of many identities: a savvy hotel magnate, a father, and a man with secrets that even his closest family members could scarcely imagine. When Liam dies in what authorities rule as a tragic accident, his daughter Nora and estranged son Sam are left to confront not only their grief but also a labyrinthine mystery surrounding their father’s life. As they piece together his past, they uncover a truth that forces them to reevaluate their relationships—with their father, with each other, and even with themselves.

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Finish Writing Your Novel Now!

Strategies for trimming unnecessary scenes from your novel

Now that you’ve learned how to identify unnecessary scenes in your novel manuscript, we will now explore various techniques for eliminating scenes that do not advance the plot, develop characters, or enrich the thematic elements of your work. Through careful editing and thoughtful revision, you can streamline your novel, making it a more engaging and cohesive read for your audience.

Writing a novel is a complex and rewarding endeavor, but it often involves creating scenes that may not contribute significantly to the overall narrative. When that happens, the only thing to do is “murder your darlings.”

Here are some strategies for trimming unnecessary scenes effectively:

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Author Interview

Author interview with paranormal nonfiction writer Sylvia Shults

Today we’re featuring a local (to me) author who writes paranormal nonfiction! Fans of Ghost Hunters might recognize her from the episode, “Prescription for Fear,” which explores the Peoria State Hospital. Sylvia’s interview includes some great stories about about some of our fellow authors in the area that I know you’ll enjoy. If paranormal nonfiction is your jam, then be sure to have a pen ready to add a ton of great books to your TBR list while you read this interview!

Sylvia Shults is the author of several books of paranormal nonfiction, including Gone on Vacation: Haunted Zoos, Museums, and Amusement Parks, the award-winning Days of the Dead: A Year of True Ghost Stories, and Grave Deeds And Dead Plots. She sits in dark, spooky, haunted places so you don’t have to.

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Finish Writing Your Novel Now!

How to identify unnecessary scenes in your novel

Identifying unnecessary scenes in your novel is a crucial step in refining your manuscript and ensuring that every moment contributes meaningfully to the story. By learning to recognize and trim these extraneous parts, you can maintain a tight, engaging plot that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. Today, we’ll explore key indicators of unnecessary scenes and learn some practical tips to help you streamline your novel, making it more impactful and enjoyable for your audience

As writers, it’s easy to become attached to every scene we create, but not all scenes serve the greater narrative.

Knowing which scenes to cut can be tricky, but there are a few clear signs that can guide you. Here’s how to pinpoint scenes that may be weighing down your manuscript:

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