WordCrafter News: September Writing Projects & Back to School Bonanza

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September is a writing month, with no new releases scheduled, so it seems pretty calm. I’m planning to hunker down and dig in to three different writing projects in various stages of production. My only promotional endeavors this month will be to promote the Back to School Bonanza Book Sale where you can get all three of the My Backyard Friends Kid’s Book Series in a $5 bundle.

WordCrafter Back to School Bonanza

My Backyard Friends Series Books: Heather Hummingbird Makes a New Friend, Timothy Turtle Discovers Jelly Beans, and Charlie Chickadee Gets a New Home

Exclusive on WordCrafter Press My Backyard Friends Kid’s Book Series page:

September Writing Projects

Although WordCrafter Press has no September releases, it looks like I’ll be elbow deep in writing projects. September will find me compiling and editing on the Midnight Madness anthology, as well as doing the first round of edits on the 12 Dark Nights of Christmas anthology. Of course, I’ll be setting up the Midnight Madness tour for mid-October, when it is scheduled to release, as well. And 12 Dark Nights of Christmas will be scheduled for a December release, of course.

Marta Tour Banner
Background: old west town
Foreground: Print copy of Marta, by Kaye Lynne Booth, Women in the West Adventure Series, Book 3

And throughout the month, I will also be finishing up the first draft of Marta, Book 3 in my Women in the West Adventure Series. I’m sitting right now around 85,000 words, which is already longer than either of the first two books, and I’ve still got a ways to go. I don’t know how long this one will end up being, but I’ll use as many words as I need to tell it.

There are several reasons this book may be longer than the first two. One, Marta’s journey ventures outside of Colorado, all the way to El Paso, Texas. Two, Marta sports a full cast of colorful characters who accompany her on her journey, whereas in the first two books, much of the journey for Delilah and Sarah were travelling solo with a good amount of inner dialog to lead the way. Since my stories are dialog heavy and character led, discussions seem to make up a great deal of those 85,000 words. And three, my writing is improving, and I’m learning to add more details for a better crafted story, which is a good thing, right? Better writing from me, equals a better story for my readers.

I’m researching new things for this book, as well; delving into New Mexico and Texas history to add to my knowledge of the Colorado frontier. Since Marta’s journey is made by wagon, I’ve researched the different types of wagons and how they are built, as well. And it’s always interesting to peruse the newspapers of the 1800’s, adding many details which help to bring the story ton life. I’ve learned many interesting facts, some of which I’ll be sharing on the blog tour, when the book comes out, next March.

In addition, I’ve had to research the life of Pauline Cushman, Union Spy, who is the historic supporting female character in Marta’s tale. The supporting historic female character, along with the strong female protagonists, are what sets this western historic women’s fiction series apart from the rest.

Other Good News for WordCrafter Press

Book Cover: The Rock Star & The Outlaw 2: Double Visions, by Kaye Lynne Booth

Before I let you go today, I wanted to share a couple of good things which are happening around WordCrafter Press. We’re always proud when good reviews turn up, and last month we got another four-star review on Amazon for The Rock Star & The Outlaw 2: Double Visions: https://wp.me/p6H3KI-jnH

We also had a bit of excitement at WordCrafter Press when A GEM for your Pre- or Type 2 Diabetes, by Daniel J. Cox made the Amazon #1 Bestseller in Diabetes! It’s the first time a WordCrafter Press book has made the list, so we’re pretty proud of the accomplishment.

About Kaye Lynne Booth

Author Kaye Lynne Booth

For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders. Her novels include Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and Books 1 & 2 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, and Double Visions.

Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press, where she edits and publishes two short fiction anthologies and one poetry anthology every year amidst her many writing projects. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.

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Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.

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This post sponsored by WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services.

Whether it’s editing, publishing, or promotion that you need, WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services can help at a price you can afford.

Stop by and see what we have to offer today: https://writingtoberead.com/readings-for-writers/wordcrafter-quality-writing-author-services


Wrapping Up the WordCrafter “GEM” Book Blog Tour

GEM Tour Banner

The Giveaway

Got a question or an observation about the book, the GEM method, the author, or the tour? If not, just say, “Hello!” Comments at each stop earn entries in the Giveaway for a chance to win one of four signed print copies. (If you live outside the U.S. a free digital copy will be substituted due to the high costs of international shipping.)

About A GEM for your Pre- or Type 2 Diabetes

Have you just been diagnosed with prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes and don’t know where to turn, or have you tried different weight-loss programs or medications that haven’t done enough?

GEM—Glucose Everyday Matters offers a practical, science-based approach to preventing and managing prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes by focusing on one powerful idea: reducing blood glucose spikes that can quietly damage health, energy, mood, and motivation.

Developed from decades of clinical research and real-world coaching, GEM helps readers understand why blood sugar rises—and how small, realistic choices can improve it. Rather than rigid diets or exhausting exercise plans, GEM teaches flexible strategies that fit everyday life: eating smarter, moving with purpose, understanding your body’s signals, and using glucose feedback as a tool for empowerment.

Inside this book, you will discover how to:


• Lower blood sugar naturally and sustainably
• Reduce cravings, fatigue, and energy crashes
• Lose weight without feeling deprived
• Improve motivation, confidence, and emotional well-being
• Use simple movement and meal strategies to reduce glucose spikes
• Personalize diabetes management to fit your lifestyle and goals
• Build lasting habits that support long-term health

Print and digital editions of "A GEM for your Pre- and Type 2 Diabetes"

Whether you are newly diagnosed, trying to avoid diabetes, struggling despite medications, or supporting a loved one, GEM provides a compassionate, evidence-based roadmap toward better health—one manageable step at a time.

This is not about being perfect.
It is about discovering what works for you and making meaningful changes.

Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/GEM

If you have had type 2 diabetes (T2D) for 24 months or less and would like information about our ongoing NIH GEM study, contact Jacqueline Rodriguez at ZMT8XG@uvahealth.org or 434-422-2653.

Protecting and Extending Your Investment

About Daniel J. Cox

Author Daniel J. Cox, Ph.D., A.B.P.P.

Daniel J. Cox (Dan) is a professor of Psychiatry, Internal Medicine and Ophthalmology at the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center and a member of the Center for Diabetes Technology. He is a longstanding investigator of behavioral diabetes- how behavior affects diabetes and how diabetes affects behavior. His research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health and industry (LifeScan, Abbott, DexCom, Lilly).

In 2010 he shifted his research focus from type 1 to type 2 diabetes (T2D) following his own diagnosis of T2D.  He was not optimistic about losing weight and was not thrilled about a lifetime of medication, so he developed an alternative and effective way of managing T2D. Glucose Everyday Matters focuses on preventing high blood glucose (BG) by choosing foods that do not raise BG much and by lowering high BG with physical activity. Since an initial diagnostic A1c of 10.3 (reflecting a three-month BG average), GEM has put his diabetes in remission-lowered his A1c below 6.5 with no medication. This transformation was achieved with significant critique, support, and help from his wife Debbie.

Wrap Up

That’s it for today’s tour stop, and it also wraps things up for the tour as a whole. If this book is something that might be useful in your life, I hope you’ve followed along and learned something already. Don’t forget, you could win a signed print copy in the giveaway, and commenting to let us know you have visited each stop earns more chances to win. There’s still time to follow the links below and visit every stop. The winners will be picked in a random drawing, and there will be a list of winners posted in Monday’s “WordCrafter News” here on Writing to be Read, so you really have through Sunday to get those comments in.

Tour Schedule

Mon. 7/20: Short Trailer & “How Does GEM Work?”  – Poetry by Mich; Hotel by Masticadores; Masticadores Philippines

Tues. 7/21: “Becoming Aware of Choices” & “Food Choices”– Roberta Writes

Wed. 7/22: “Dietician Monica Davis Interviews Daniel J. Cox” – Patty’s Worlds

Thurs. 7/23: “Bringing Down BG with Pysical Activity” & “Gem’s Research Findings” Undawnted

Fri. 7/24: “Protecting and Extending Your Investment” – Writing to be Read

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Book your WordCrafter Book Blog Tour today!


Day 4 of the WordCrafter “GEM” Book Blog Tour

GEM Tour Banner

We’re over at Undawnted today for Day 4 of the WordCrafter GEM Book Blog Tour. Host, DL Mullan shares two guest video posts on the research behind the GEM method and managing blood glucose through physical activity. Undawnted does not allow comments, so please enter comments and questions here for today’s tour stop for a chance to win one of four signed print (or digital) copies of A GEM for your Pre- or Type 2 Diabetes. Join us to learn more and get in on the giveaway.

Undawnted: The Official Site of DL Mullan: Undawnted Presents: WordCrafter GEM Tour, Day 4, Bringing Down BG with Physical Activity Gem’s Research Findings


Day 3 of the WordCrafter “GEM” Book Blog Tour

GEM Tour Banner

It’s Day 3 of the WordCrafter GEM Book Blog Tour, and we’re over at Patty’s Worlds. Host, Patty Fletcher brings us an interview with author Daniel J. Cox and dietician Monica Davis. Join us for a chance to win one of four signed print copies of A GEM for your Pre- or Type 2 Diabetes.


Day 2 of the WordCrafter “GEM” Book Blog Tour

GEM Tour Banner

Today, we are over at “Roberta Writes” for Day 2 of the WordCrafter GEM Book Blog Tour. Robbie Cheadle is hosting with two more videos about the GEM method, brought to you by the author, Daniel J. Cox. He’s also giving away four signed print copies of the book to U.S. Residents, (digital copies will be substituted outside the U.S., or for those who are print disabled and would prefer a digital copy.) Join us to learn more about A GEM for your Pre- or Type 2 Diabetes and comment to enter the giveaway.


Welcome to Day 1 of the WordCrafter “GEM” Book Blog Tour

GEM Tour Banner

We’re over at Poetry by Mich, where Michelle Ayon Navajas is introducing us to author Daniel J. Cox and his revolutionary new book, A GEM for your Pre- or Type 2 Diabetes. If you have pre- or Type 2 Diabetes, this method of managing diabetes may be for you. And we’re giving away four signed print copies. Join us and find out what it’s all about.

This tour stop can also be found on Hotel by Masticadores, and on Masticadores by Phillipines


WordCrafter News: Announcing the winner of the 2026 WordCrafter Dark Fiction Contest, Sizzling Hot Summer Deals & a June Release: “Smothered”

Newsprint background. WordCrafter quill logo Text: WordCrafter News

The Winner of the 2026 WordCrafter Dark Fiction Contest

Congratulations are in order for Mark W. Milstead, for writing the winning story, “The Mist on the Moors”. His story will be featured in this year’s dark fiction anthology, Midnight Madness: A Carnival of Nightmares, alongside myself and WordCrafter authors such as Zack Ellefy, Joseph Carrabis, Chris Barili, C.R. Johansson, Rebecca M. Senese, Abe Margel, Robb T. White, and Paul Martz. I also want to welcome runners up Lindsey Martin-Bowen and Christian de Mateo to the WordCrafter short fiction tribe with their stories in this anthology. I look forward to this next volume of the Midnight Series anthologies. It promises to be a good one.

WordCrafter’s Sizzling Hot Summer Deals

First, stir up some wild western women’s adventures in June with WordCrafter’s Women in the West Adventure Series and a Digital Doubles Deal in June. Get books 1 & 2, Delilah & Sarah, both for one low price of $10. Only available on the WordCrafter Women in the West Adventure Series page.

Then, in July, heat things up with another Digital Doubles Deal and get the WordCrafter Time Travel Adventure Series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, books 1 & 2, both for one low price of $10. Only available on the WordCrafter Time Travel Adventure Series page.

And swelter through August with three paranormal gems from the Narrating the Paranormal Anthology Series in a Triple Digital Deal and get all three for only $6. Only Available on the WordCrafter Narrating the Paranormal Series page

Re-release of Smothered, by B.T. Clearwater

Smothered, by B.T. Clearwater is scheduled for re-release October 14, 2025. I’m excited that WordCrafter Press is re-releasing this paranormal romance by B.T. Clearwater, because it is such an entertaining story that keeps you turning pages to see what could possibly happen next. I reviewed the first edition by Winlock Press back in 2017. You can read that review here: https://writingtoberead.com/2017/07/21/smothered-an-all-around-enjoyable-read/

Smothered has a female protagonist, who is an emotional mess. Annie Brown inherits the house she’s been trying her whole life to escape. Fleeing a toxic relationship, she’s cautious of men and not looking for romance. That is, until Mike, an equally flawed veteran and handyman with his own baggage shows up to fix her dishwasher. Amid all of it, the spirit of Annie’s mother watches over the house and tries to control Annie’s decisions. Smothered will be released on June 2, 2026.

About Smothered

Book Cover: Smothered
An old-fashioned skeleton key with the image of a rugged man and a woman looking up with a hand clamped over her mouth, and a woman above yelling down on her. All imprinted in the key with a bright light shining through the hole at the top.
Text: Smothered, B.T. Clearwater

Mike doesn’t exactly need the distraction of a relationship himself. An Iraq War combat veteran, Mike suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. His wife took their daughter and left him to struggle with making ends meet. Yet something about Annie snags his heart and he finds he cannot walk away from her.

As Mike and Annie get to know one another, they discover Annie’s mother doesn’t approve of their relationship, and she’s willing to cross from the realm of death to that of the living to control her daughter. With the ghost of her mother haunting them, Mike and Annie face his PTSD, her troubles at work, and a deadly plot to steal her childhood home, all while fighting to keep their love alive.

Available for Pre-Order Now: https://books2read.com/Smothered

WordCrafter Smothered Book Blog Tour

The WordCrafter Smothered Book Blog Tour will run from October 13 – 17, 2025. We’ll be launching this paranormal romance with readings and guest posts from the author, B.T. Clearwater, and a giveaway you can enter just by commenting. Drop in and join us as we send off this re-release in style.

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This segment of “WordCrafter News” is sponsored by WordCrafter Press and The Ones Who Stayed With Me, by Nurse Sammy

Digital and Print copies of The Ones Who Stayed With Me, by Nurse Sammy

Chronicles of the journey into the medical field as a young nurse and beyond, told with raw sensitivity and compassion. The Ones Who Stayed with Me offers small glimpses into the world of an L.P.N. put in difficult, often touching or humorous, situations—and Nurse Sammy’s courage, vulnerability, and insight are a gift to us all. In these pages, Nurse Sammy tells her story and that of those she met along the way.

Get Your Copy Today: https://books2read.com/OnesWhoStayed