Blog Tour and Giveaway: She'erah's Legacy by Naomi Craig

About the Book

Book: She’erah’s Legacy

Author: Naomi Craig

Genre: Historical fiction, Biblical fiction

Release Date: August 15, 2023

As tragedy ravages the camp, can She’erah step up and complete the outpost?

She’erahs is a woman trying to leave her mark in a man’s world. Her vision and ability surpasses her father’s, yet she remains second-in-command as they are tasked to build Pharaoh’s outposts in Canaan. She knows she is worthy of the task, but her clan is skeptical

The last place She’erah expects support is from her charioteer, but Lateef is the lone voice of encouragement. His integrity and steadfastness is a plumb-line in She’erah’s life and she can no longer deny her growing feelings for him.

Acts of sabotage threaten the construction and the shaky foundation of She’erah’s pride. It’s up to She’erah to break generations of rivalry, distrust, and jealousy—if she can learn to rely on the strengths and abilities of those around her to help.

Will she learn to trust God and others before her life’s legacy comes crumbling down around her?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Author of Biblical fiction, avid reader, pastor’s wife, Naomi loves reading the Bible and imagining how things were at the time. When she’s not serving in various areas at church,  trying to stay on top of mountains of dishes or convincing her rescue dog, Freeway, to be cute on command for Instagram reels, you’ll most likely find her enjoying a good book and a cup of coffee. Naomi co-hosts #BehindTheStory with Naomi and Lisa, an author interview show on YouTube and your podcast platform of choice.

 

More from Naomi

A woman architect in ancient times?

 

She’erah’s family is mentioned in five verses in 1 Chronicles 7:20- 24. In this brief detour from the list of genealogy, we learn some interesting facts.

She’erah is the granddaughter of Joseph (yes that Joseph with the coat of many colors, vizier to Pharaoh)

Two of her brothers get themselves killed for cattle rustling.

Her father, Ephraim, goes into deep mourning  for his sons.

There is a late-in-life baby (as a result of dad’s mourning)

and She’erah built Lower and Upper Beth Horon and Uzzen She’erah.

Then we are right back to the begats.

 

Wait, hold on. That’s all we get? What is the story behind her building these towns (two of which are still standing today)? What was the reaction of those around her?

 

Something I find helpful to remember is that when you know about someone’s family, you in a way know the person. With her grandfather being Joseph, suddenly we have opened a whole new world of what we know. She’erah and the clan would have had access to all of Egypt’s knowledge and resources. Where she still might have gotten backlash from her more Hebrew clan, Egyptian women had more independence, managing their husband’s estates, or even their own.

 

We also know the generational legacy that was passed down of the younger sibling being favored above the older. Ephraim over Manasseh, Joseph over his ten elder brothers, Jacob over Esau, Rachel over Leah, Isaac over Ishmael. I’m sure sibling rivalry could have been present.

 

So now we can see She’erah’s picture a little more clearly. A brilliantly minded woman determined to prove herself and her abilities. Raised in Egyptian courts, yet also Hebrew. A strange mix of cultures and dynamics that shape She’erah and nurture her gifts.

 

She’erah’s legacy is not only the towns she builds for  generations to come, but also how she starts the work of unearthing the deep-seated rivalry that is entrenched in her family.

 

I pray you’ll enjoy She’erah’s adventures, as she learns to trust the Lord and those around her.

 

Best Regards

Naomi

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 28

Texas Book-aholic, September 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 30

The Book Club Network, October 1

Connie’s History Classroom, October 2

Artistic Nobody, October 3 (Author Interview)

The Book Nook, October 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 5

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 6 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, October 7

Simple Harvest Reads, October 8 (Author Interview)

Christina’s Corner, October 8

By The Book, October 9 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, October 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Naomi is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/282a4/she-erah-s-legacy-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review

She'erah's Legacy is the third installment from Naomi Craig’s Yahweh’s Legacy series. Even though it is part of a series, each book can easily be read as a stand alone. I thought this was a great read. I admired She’erah’s courage, determination, and bravery. The author’s details made me feel as though I was right there with the characters and being part of the story. I found it to be inspiring. I loved reading every single page and did not want to put it down.

I am giving She'erah's Legacy a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers and fans of clean religious fiction. I would love to read more like this from Naomi Craig in the future. 

I received a digital copy of Naomi Craig’s She'erah's Legacy from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Review and Giveaway: Bride by Beguilement (Moonlight and Magnolia Series) by Debbie Lynne Costello

Bride by Beguilement
(Moonlight and Magnolia Series)
Debbie Lynne Costello

Blurb:

Kirsten Macleod is in a bind. Her father’s last will and testament stipulates that she must either marry, lead the plantation into a first year profit, or forfeit it to her uncle. But marriage is proving no easy option. Every suitor seems more enamored with the land than with her. Until her handsome neighbor sweeps into her stable to the rescue… of her beloved horse.

Silas Westbrook’s last year at veterinary school ends abruptly when he is called home to care for his young orphaned sisters. Troubles compound when he finds an insurmountable lien on the only home they’ve ever known, and the unscrupulous banker is calling in the loan. The neighbor’s kind-hearted and beautiful stable girl, Krissy, provides the feminine influence the girls desperately need. If only he had a future to offer her. But to save his sisters from poverty, he should set his sights on Krissy’s wealthy relative Kirsten Macleod, the elusive new heiress. Surely this hard-working and unassuming young lady and the landowner could not be one and the same?

My Review:


After reading Debbie Lynne Costello’s first book from her Moonlight and Magnolia series, Bride by Blackmail, I have been eagerly awaiting the second installment. Bride by Beguilement does not disappoint. I adored the main characters, Kirsten/ Krissy and Silas. I could understand her guarded demeanor. I could see myself in her. I love that she was able to be herself with Silas. I had to keep reading to find out how Silas would react once he finds out her secret. I loved the whole book.


Bride by Beguilement will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars from me. I would give it one hundred stars if I could. I highly recommend it for fans and lovers of clean and sweet romance. I am hoping Debbie Lynne Costello will be releasing a third addition to her Moonlight and Magnolia series.


I received a digital copy of Debbie Lynne Costello’s Bride by Beguilement from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Buy your copy today! 

Giveaway:

 

$200 in giveaways!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour and Giveaway: An Unexpected Gift by Melissa Wardwell

About the Book

Book: An Unexpected Gift

Author: Melissa Wardwell

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release Date: August 29, 2023

Something’s up in Suamalie, and it’s looking like love!

When Kiana, Lulu, and Meilani decide it’s time for the islands to have affordable wedding options, Something Suamalie becomes the marriage of skills, friendship, and wedding splendor on the islands.

Cruising around the island on a Moped in a business suit may seem incongruous, but Kiana knows how to blend practicality and professionalism, a strong work ethic and relaxation. With no time for mistakes or changes in plans, she’s also decided to forgo romance (for herself). There just isn’t enough time in the day. That is until the early arrival of one of the groomsmen of Something Suamalie’s first booking throws everything off balance, including her thoughts on long distance dating.

Beau was perfectly content with his job and the growing attraction to a girl back home; however, he hadn’t figured in the sassy and sometimes unprofessional wedding planner. Seeing her world begin to unravel while she and her partners fumble with their first weddings tugs at his heart strings and leaves him second guessing his choices in the romance department.

She’s a study in opposites. He’s attracted. So now what do they do?

Take a trip to the Suamalie Islands where palm trees sway, the sand and sea pulse with life, and the people will steal your heart.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Melissa Wardwell resides in Owosso, Michigan with her husband and three teen-aged children.

She doesn’t mind alternating between the world of writing and the reality of being a mother, but she would rather sit with a good book or a good friend and a cup of coffee.

When she isn’t penning works of fiction, she is busy reviewing books for her blog, Back Porch Reads.

 

More from Melissa

Weddings—some love them, some hate them, some love them but try to avoid them. Whatever the reasoning, we all have a strong feeling toward this life passage that so many have taken part in. We have our favorite moments, and we have our pet peeves, and like the snow flack that falls in the winter, none of them are ever the same. There might be similarities, but they are still not the same.

 

As for me, I LOVE WEDDINGS. They have been part of my life in a way that some find exciting, which they can be, but not from this angle. My mom was a consultant and seamstress in the bridal industry for most of my childhood until shortly before I graduated high school. In fact, that is how I also met my husband because his mother was a bridal seamstress alongside my mother. Not long after my wedding, I naturally obtained a job at a local bridal salon and worked there for almost ten years.

 

When I left the industry in 2010, it was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done. I loved helping couples plan their big day. I have several fond memories of various brides whose stories stay with me to this day. And yes, a bridezilla is a thing, but she is not anyone you want to mess with because all the stereotypes are true. Thankfully, they’ve only been a couple that has ever crossed my path.

 

One of my favorite stories is about a bride who is anxious and overwhelmed with everything that needed to be done to plan the wedding. During one of her fittings, I noticed that she had some pretty severe acne breakout. She knew it was there, and it drove her crazy. “Not only am I stressed, I am now ugly,” she said, near tears. Before I let her leave the dressing room, I just talked to her about what she wanted for her wedding day and how it was different from what she was getting. She told me that she and her groom had initially planned to get married at their cabin in northern Michigan by the lake. Just them in a couple of friends. Instead, she was eyebrow deep in a wedding that was not hers. See, the groom was one of several sons with zero sisters. The mother-in-law had insisted on certain things happening that the wedding had taken on a life of its own, based on the mother of the groom’s vision.

 

I’m not one to stick her nose in a stranger’s business, but I did in this situation. My heart ached for this bride; she felt like she had no way out.

 

Looking at her in the mirror as I zipped up her gown, I said, “You know, all you need is a marriage license and a minister or a justice of the peace, and you can have the wedding you want.”

 

She laughed it off, and I laughed with her. I figured that was the end because it seemed to give her something else to think about as we laughed at the idea. Three weeks later, she came in for her final fitting. Remember, final fittings are done on the week of the wedding. The woman strolls in through the door of the bridal salon in marches back to the dressing rooms, where I am waiting with her go. Her smile lit up her face like a Christmas tree, she’d walked in confidently, and her acne had cleared up completely. Show her to the room, and before I close the door to let her slip into the dress before I come in and zip it up, I comment on how beautiful she looked. The bride put her purse down in the corner of the dressing room and turned to me, “we got married,” she said to me. I told her to get in her gown, and she could tell me the story in a minute.

 

Never in 1 million years would I have thought she would take my suggestion seriously. She informed me that the weekend after her last fitting, she and the groom went north to get away and pick up the marriage license from that county clerk’s office. They then decided to invite the local magistrate to their cabin, where he performed the wedding on their dock as the sunset over the lake. When I asked her about witnesses, she said they were good friends with the cabin next door, and those neighbors had just arrived at the same time as the magistrate. They agreed to sign as witnesses and watch the wedding from their dock. The couple had chosen not to tell anyone else what had happened, and I promised her that my lips were sealed as the rest of her bridal party came in to get their final fitting.

 

We sometimes make a big deal of the wedding day without considering what a couple wants. Sure, some things are almost a must if you’re having a large party. But for the most part, a wedding is about the couple and nobody else. If all the couple wants is to be married and spend their lives together, who can tell them what that should look like? I was proud of my bride for doing precisely what she and her groom wanted for their big day—small and simple. But I’m also glad they didn’t cancel everything to honor their friends and loved ones who planned to participate in their big day.

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 29

She Lives To Read, September 30

Karen Baney Reviews, September 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 1

Texas Book-aholic, October 2

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 3

Aryn the Libraryan, October 4

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 5

The Book Club Network, October 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 8

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, October 9 (Author Interview)

Sylvan Musings, October 9

Simple Harvest Reads, October 10 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, October 11

Holly’s Book Corner, October 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Melissa is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/282a7/an-unexpected-gift-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review

An Unexpected Gift is the seventh installment from the multi author series, Suamalie Islands, as well as, Melissa Wardwell’s contribution to it. I thought this was a delightful romance to read. Even though Kiana and Beau’s story was slightly predictable, it is definitely still worth reading. I liked getting to know the two and enjoyed their scenes and interactions together. It thought it was an overall fun and entertaining tale to spend a rainy day with. 

An Unexpected Gift will be getting four stars from me. Fans and book lovers of clean romance set on a romantic setting. I will be on the look out for the next addition from the Suamalie Islands series, Jennifer Pierce’s Tropical Target. 

I received a digital copy of Melissa Wardwell’s An Unexpected Gift from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Movie Review and Giveaway: The Blind

 

Experience the incredible true story of Phil & Kay Robertson from

Duck Dynasty in the new movie, The Blind, coming to theaters September 28th!

Ladies, this is a great film to go see with friends or as

a date night with your husband. Get your tickets today!

The Blind is a powerful true story that showcases God’s redemptive

power to change our lives when we surrender to Him!

Synopsis: 

Long before Phil Robertson was a reality TV star, he fell in love, started a family, and began to spiral out of control. THE BLIND shares never-before-revealed moments in Phil’s life as he seeks to conquer the shame of his past, ultimately finding redemption in an unlikely place.

 

Buy tickets today to see The Blind only in theaters starting 9/28!

Website/Ticketing Page

Trailer: 

 

My Review:

I am a huge fan of the Robertson Family and was excited to have the opportunity to watch Phil and Kay’s movie based on their earlier days as a couple called The Blind. I always heard the two had some hard times during those years but it was inspiring to see it on screen. Phil’s testimony shows that everyone can change, can turn to God during the roughest times, and the power of forgiveness. I loved the commentary from Phil in the end.   

I am giving The Blind a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for fans of Duck Dynasty and the Robertson Family. I do not believe they would want to miss out on seeing this movie of faith and inspiration.

I received an early screener link to watch The Blind from Tread Lively, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Disclosure:

Many thanks to Tread Lively for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Giveaway: 

$10 Amazon Gift Card

Leave a more than two word completed sentence telling me who you will be watching The Blind with. Don’t forget to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win. Winner’s name will be drawn on October 5, 2023.

Giveaway Rules:   

Giveaway is limited to US winners only.        

Two word comments will be deleted and will not be entered into the giveaway.

Chosen winner/s will be contacted by email to verify information needed to give to the appropriate channels to get the prize to you. 

Winner/s MUST reply to this email within 24 hours. 

If no response, a new winner’s name will be drawn and you forfeit the prize.

Locks, Hooks and Books is NOT responsible for lack of response from the chosen winner. 

Winners from previous Momentum campaigns within 90 days will be disqualified. 

Please note: Locks, Hooks and Books is NOT responsible in sending the prize. 

Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Last Disciple: Escape to Antioch by Kurt Brouwer

About the Book

Book: The Last Disciple: Escape to Antioch

Author: Kurt Brouwer

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release Date: June 15, 2023

He was the Beloved Disciple…
…and he would be the last.
The burden to tell the whole story now rests on his shoulders.

He was the Beloved Disciple, chosen by Jesus and destined to be the last to carry the divine message. Devastated by the loss of his adopted mother Mary, John has no time to mourn. The streets of Jerusalem teem with danger, as Roman rulers engage in fierce conflict with Jewish rebels, all vying for control.

While his allegiance lies with his people, John is at odds with the rebels’ passion for earthly power. His quest is to preserve and share the legacy of Jesus.

Will he succeed in spreading the gospel?

Or has he waited too long?

As Jerusalem descends into chaos, John escapes to Antioch. He finds rest, renewal, and purpose among the devoted Christians there and begins sharing his account of the life and teachings of Christ.

Yet even within this refuge, the old conflicts descend on Antioch too, and the dangers ignited in Jerusalem draw near.

Set against a backdrop of actual events, The Last Disciple: Escape to Antioch is the second novel in a series woven from the Bible and Christian history.

Join John as he embarks on an extraordinary journey, discovering the true essence of faith, love, and divine purpose.

Your heart will embrace The Last Disciple: Escape to Antioch because John’s story is the story of our hope and promise.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Kurt Brouwer is a Christian and a member of a vibrant Christian church in Hawaii. He also loves to write.

A few years back, Kurt did a study at his church on the Apostle John. If you’ve ever been obsessed by anything, you’ll understand that Kurt couldn’t stop researching, digging, diving into the life of John and other first century Christians. The result is a series of Christian historical novels.

The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem was published on Amazon in November 2022. It has been in the top five for Inspirational Religious Fiction and Religious Historical Fiction in 2023.

 

More from Kurt

Right now I’m living in two worlds: writing and researching the first century world of the early Christians while also tackling the technical demands of self-publishing and online book promotion in the 21st century.

Living In Two Different Worlds

Writing a book and publishing it have become almost polar opposites, at least for me. Research and writing require a focus on history, places, people, and then the work of creating a written narrative that brings all these to life. With my books, I focus on the first century Biblical world of John, the disciple of Christ. So I have to study, imagine, and then describe the life of first century Christians like John, Timothy, Priscilla and many more.

But publishing has to be done in the modern world of software, online apps, book cover graphic design, and navigating sites like Amazon.com. I actually enjoy this, but I definitely find it frustrating too.

Graphic Design For Book Two

For example, I had my book cover designer create a graphic I wanted to use as a part of the book detail page on Amazon. But when I go through the step-by-step instructions on Amazon, I get an error message. Eventually, I’ll figure it out, but there’s a steep learning curve in the publishing and promotion side of writing. Here is the design. It may not be on Amazon yet, but you can see it now.

This is the description for book two:

He was the Beloved Disciple…
…and he would be the last.
The burden to tell the whole story now rests on his shoulders.

He was the Beloved Disciple, chosen by Jesus and destined to be the last to carry the divine message. Devastated by the loss of his adopted mother Mary, John has no time to mourn. The streets of Jerusalem teem with danger, as Roman rulers engage in fierce conflict with Jewish rebels, all vying for control.

While his allegiance lies with his people, John is at odds with the rebels’ passion for earthly power. His quest is to preserve and share the legacy of Jesus.

Will he succeed in spreading the gospel?

Or has he waited too long?

As Jerusalem descends into chaos, John escapes to Antioch. He finds rest, renewal, and purpose among the devoted Christians there and begins sharing his account of the life and teachings of Christ.

Yet even within this refuge, the old conflicts descend on Antioch too, and the dangers ignited in Jerusalem draw near.

Set against a backdrop of actual events, The Last Disciple: Escape to Antioch is the second novel in a series woven from the Bible and Christian history.

Join John as he embarks on an extraordinary journey, discovering the true essence of faith, love, and divine purpose.

Your heart will embrace The Last Disciple: Escape to Antioch because John’s story is the story of our hope and promise.

But now I’m heading back to what I really love, writing and research. I’m about half way through with the first draft of book three in the series. The title will be, The Last Disciple: Exile to Ephesus.

Yours in Christ, Kurt

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 23

Christina’s Corner, September 24

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 25

Texas Book-aholic, September 26

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, September 27

The Lit Lady, September 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 28

Lights in a Dark World, September 29

Cover Lover Book Review, September 30

Lily’s Book Reviews, October 1

Artistic Nobody, October 2 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 2

Connie’s History Classroom, October 3

The Book Club Network, October 4

She Lives To Read, October 5

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Kurt is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/27fb8/the-last-disciple-escape-to-antioch-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review

The Last Disciple: Escape to Antioch continues The Last Disciple series and follow up to The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem. Even though it is part of a series, I believe it can easily be read as a stand alone. However, I would not want to miss out on book one.

I really enjoyed reading The Last Disciple: Escape to Antioch. I loved how the author was able to bring Disciple John to life. The details were vivid that made me able to visualize how he lived and what he went through. What a fabulous read. 

I am giving The Last Disciple: Escape to Antioch five stars. I highly recommend it for fans and lovers of clean historical fiction. I am hoping there will be a book three from The Last Disciple series. 

I received a paperback copy of Kurt Brouwer’s The Last Disciple: Escape to Antioch from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Book Tour and Giveaway: Creating Stories by Hank Quense

 

Join Us for This Tour from Sep 25 to Oct 12!

Book Details:

Book Title:  Creating Stories by Hank Quense
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction, 106 pages
Genre: Self Help, ​
Publisher:  Strange Worlds Publishing
Release date:  April 1, 2017
Content Rating:  G 

Book Description:
​
Do you have a story in you?

Do you know how to write it or how to tell it? Creating Stories has the answers. Hank Quense, the author of more than twenty books, tells you how to do it. He believes that stories come from the melding of three elements: getting ideas, story design and story-telling. Ideas have to come from the author. Creating Stories covers the last two. The book concentrates on developing characters including such rarely discussed requirements such as a dominant reader emotion and the character's biography. Plots are also covered in depth and a number of graphics are included to illustrate complex points. Another topic discusses subplots and how to utilize them and how to nest them within the main plot. A separate chapter discusses the relationship between the plot and the emotional arcs. Other topics covered are: character arcs, scene design, point-of-view, writing voice.

Buy the Book:
Amazon
Add to Goodreads

After Creating Your Story:

Book Details:

Book Title:  Self-Publish a Book in 10 Steps: And Market It by Hank Quense
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction, 88 pages
Genre: Self Help ​
Publisher:  Strange Worlds Publishing
Release date:  Dec 1, 2021
Content Rating:  G 

Book Description:
​
Self-publishing a book is difficult.

This book simplifies it by breaking down a self-publishing and marketing project into 10 steps. This step-by-step process will get your book published and initiate the pre-launch marketing.

Hank Quense has written and self-published over twenty books, both fiction and non-fiction. He is the author of the Author Blueprint Series of books. The Series concentrates on providing valuable guidance on fiction writing, self-publishing and book marketing. Self-publish a Book in 10 Steps is Book 6 in the series.

The book details such vital tasks as developing a compelling book description, building an author platform and getting book reviews to list a few.

Learn the ten-step process that will self-publish and market your book!

Buy the Book:
Amazon
Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Hank Quense has self-published his books for over 12 years. His non-fiction books cover fiction writing (Creating Stories), self-publishing (How to Self-publish and Market a Book, Self-publish a Book in 10 Steps), marketing (Book Marketing Fundamentals) and author business (Business Basics for Authors).

He also lectures on these subjects in schools, libraries and on webinars.

Hank recently started https://hankquense.podia.com/ The site provides solutions to pain points (problems) for fiction writers, self-publishing authors and authors who are trying to market their books.

Connect with the Author: ​Website ~ X ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ YouTube ~ BookBub ~ Goodreads

Guest Post:

My evolution as an author


Starting way back in the last millennium, I began my career as a writer. Since that time, my writing has gone through a series of evolutions.

Short Stories

I began writing short stories to master the crafts of story design and story-telling. Short stories have an advantage in that they are . . . short. I could create a number of short stories and get them critiqued and submitted in the time needed to write a novel. Eventually, I sold over 40 stories all of them less than 6,000 words long.

While writing another short story, a strange thing happened: it ended up as a novella, over 20,000 words. I wasn’t sure how that happened, but I didn’t worry about it and started another short story. This one ended up as an even longer novella. I realized my characters were becoming more complex and my plots more complicated and those factors accounted for the increased length.

I set out to write a novella and this time it ended up as a novel, over 60,000 words long

Novels

So, I decided I was a novelist and wrote a number of them (not all worthy of publication). Along the way, I realized I would have great difficulty writing another short story because the word count limitations are so restrictive.

My first two books were published by a small indie publishing house. I found that experience so distasteful, I went into self-publishing.

As a member of several writing groups, I noticed that newbie writers have a lot of problems understanding how to go about creating a story. I decided to write a book to explain it all.

Non-fiction

The first non-fiction book was about writing fiction. That was followed by a book on self-publishing and after that, one on book marketing followed by more non-fiction titles.

I still get great story ideas for more short stories and novels, but I don’t have time to write them because of all the non-fiction projects and articles.

Infographics

While searching for a book on financial planning for my grandkids, I came across one that used infographics. While thumbing through it, I had this idea that it would be great fun to create a new version of my book on fiction writing using an Infographic approach.

So I overcame a number of technical issues and completed the book called Infographic Guide to Creating Stories.

Teaching

I’m spending much of my time recently in creating videos and email courses to help people improve their writing skills and to master the techniques of self-publishing and book marketing. I have a number of additional projects in mind.

What’s next?

Who knows where my my writing evolution will go next. I can predict I won’t be writing (or composing) an opera. I do have ideas for some really weird stories so perhaps I’ll return to writing fiction.


If you are an aspiring fiction writer or self-publishing author, check it my Writers & Authors Resource Center website. It has a wealth of content on it that may help you improve your skills. https://hankquense.podia.com

Enter the Giveaway:

CREATING STORIES Book Tour Giveaway

My Review: 

As a lifelong reader and half a decade professional reviewer, I have been interested more and more about writing my own book. However, I had no idea how, when or where to begin. I jumped on the opportunity when I had the chance to read Creating Stories. The author, Hank Quense, did a great job in answering some questions I have had on how to get started. He explains the ideas and design that is important for story telling. As well as, the importance of character development and the depth of the main and sub plots. He includes illustrations, graphs, charts, and diagrams to back up his explanations, tips, and advice. They were quite useful for me to understand in depth in what he was explaining to his readers. I found the book made me feel more inspired and confident on jotting down my ideas on creating my own story. I will be holding on to my copy to keep it handy as I navigate into this new journey for me.

I am giving Creating Stories five stars. I highly recommend it for readers who are aspiring authors to help them begin their new venture. I would be interested in reading other book writing advice books from Hank Quense in the future to see what other inspiration he offers for his fellow authors. 

I received a digital copy of Hank Quense’s Creating Stories from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.