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MOUNTAIN TREASURE by Kristine Lynn

I first got to know Kama O'Connor (writing as Kristine Lynn) back when we were in the same MFA for Creative Writing program. Her critique was always so useful, and I learned tons about craft from her. MOUNTAIN TREASURE is her first romance novel.…
Author Rebekah L. Purdy
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TRAGEDY OF ME, the second in the Legend of Me series, by Rebekah L. Purdy

I jumped at the chance to feature this series from Month9Books because of its amazing premise, as well as how it portrays grief. The covers are breathtaking also: No one should ever go into the woods alone. Brielle has grown up listening…
Liz Lawson author
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THE LUCKY ONES by Liz Lawson

I met Liz Lawson at last year's YallWest conference in Santa Monica, and she was delightful to talk to. Her book, THE LUCKY ONES, doesn't come out until April, but I couldn't wait to spread word about it: May is a survivor. But she doesn't…
Alexandra Villasante
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THE GRIEF KEEPER by Alexandra Villasante

I first met Alexandra Villasante at an author panel that focused on diversity and inclusion in publishing. I loved what she had to say, and I immediately bought her book, THE GRIEF KEEPER, which has one of the best beginnings I've ever read.…
Author Bree Barton
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TEARS OF FROST, the second in the Heart of Thorns Series, by Bree Barton

I enjoyed interviewing Bree Barton when HEART OF THORNS first came out. TEARS OF FROST expands on the expert worldbuilding of the first book, and explores the dangers of unbridled power: Mia Rose wants only one thing: revenge against the…
Jennifer Camiccia, author
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THE MEMORY KEEPER by Jennifer Camiccia

I met Jennifer Camiccia at last year's SCBWI Oktoberfest, and I was immediately struck by how knowledgeable she was. Her middle grade book, THE MEMORY KEEPER, is a heartfelt story that explores the importance of preserving memories and family…
Do Not Open Until Dec 25 Photo by Nathan Anderson
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Wrapping Up 2019

In wrapping up 2019, I wanted to reflect on the books and authors that taught me the most about writing this year. Some gave me ideas for manuscripts-in-progress. Others offered much needed wisdom about craft and what makes a good story, and…
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RELIANCE, ILLINOIS by Mary Volmer

I first met Mary Volmer at Bridging: A One-Day Writing Retreat at St. Mary's College. This writing retreat offered a great space to write, think, and meditate. I was much more in tune with my writing process, and I felt at peace throughout.…
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The DARK TOMORROW series by Jeremiah Franklin

The last author feature of November brings us DARK TOMORROW: RISE OF THE CROW and the sequel, CULT OF THE CROW. Have a look at this series from Month9Books:   When a deadly virus decimates most of Earth's population, 16-year-old Sawyer…
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LET’S CALL IT A DOOMSDAY by Katie Henry

After I featured Katie Henry here, I couldn't wait to see what book she'd come up with next. LET'S CALL IT A DOOMSDAY offers an interesting lens into what it's like to deal with anxiety, and how to figure out how live, even when the world might…