Book Review: “25 Fires” & “In This Burning World”
Posted: April 24, 2026 Filed under: Apocalyptic, Book Review, Books, Collection, Poetry, Review | Tags: 25 Fires, Book Review, Eric S. Hoffman, In This Burning World, Mary Mackey, Poetry, Poetry Collection, Writing to be Read 5 Comments
About 25 Fires: A Call to What Comes Next
A book for anyone frustrated with the present – but unwilling to give up on the future.
25 Fires confronts a fractured world and asks: What comes next?
Told across 25 short, incendiary chapters, it traces an arc from the glittering cosmos to the choices of a single life.
Fierce and poetic.
Clear-eyed and human.
A book you can read in one sitting.
A fire you can carry for years.
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/25-Fires-Call-What-Comes-ebook/dp/B0GNHJK9KT
My Review of 25 Fires
I received a digital copy of 25 Fires, from the author, Eric S. Hoffman, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own.
25 chapters of poetic verse make up this short book. It begins in the first section, titled “Inferno”, laying out the poet’s bleak vision of the world as we know it
“Our institutions are crumbling.
Schools are running on fumes.
Democracy sells to the highest bidder
And insulin costs more than your car.
We’re better than this.”
In the second section, titled “Smoke”, and deals with the desperation of dealing with life in today’s world. Chapter 7 depicts life in our world.
“is there anybody out there?
Is anyone actually home?
I wonder sometimes.
I scroll past all these comments and conversation.
I swipe through photos and updates about your dog.
But it all feels… empty.
And although many of these are a cry of woe, amongst the predictions of doom, there lies a message of hope, like in chapter 24, in the section titled Sparks:
“The shift has already started.
The new world is already being built.
Not by the biggest armies,
Or the deepest pockets,
Or the loudest mouths.
But the rest of us.
Getting our minds in order.
Putting our hands to work.
The single mom hunched behind a laptop.
The grandfather up at 3 a.m.inhis garage.
Little fires.
Scattered in the dark.
We may not see each other,
But together we’re illuminating what comes next.”
One must ponder which is more captivating, the verse or the message which it carries? This short volume is easily read in a single sitting, but you may want to go back and go over it again to absorb the full impact.
Poetic verse with an important message. I give 25 Fires four quills.
About In this Burning World
Poetry for a planet in crisis: Love, loss, and hope in a burning world.
In In This Burning World, Mary Mackey offers a powerful collection of poems that unflinchingly confront the realities of climate change. Through vivid imagery and emotional depth, Mackey explores themes of apocalypse, love, and resilience, inviting readers to find hope and connection in the face of environmental destruction.
These poems capture the beauty of a world on the brink, while also celebrating the enduring power of human relationships. Perfect for readers seeking:
- Poetry that addresses climate change
- Inspirational verses about love and loss
- A hopeful perspective on the future
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/This-Burning-World-Poems-Apocalypse-ebook/dp/B0DYWXW9Z9
My Review of In This Burning World
I received a copy of In This Burning World: Poems of Love and Apocalypse from the author, Mary Mackey, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own.
Poems of love and apocalypse. It seemed to me a curious combination. I had to check out this poetry collection.
True to the title, there are poems depicting both. Poems of apocalypse bring vivid images of destruction and ruin.
When Mirrors Are Reversed
When mirrors are reversed
we will walk together through skeleton forests
along rivers that boil like molten glass
behind us ghost panthers
will stalk us through the dust of our cities
gathering up our unborn children
and unraveling our dreams
the skies will be filled with fish
and the oceans will be filled with crows
our mouths will be filled with dust
and we will not drown
we will smother
Poems of love evoke feelings of pleasure and contentment.
Walking Toward the Largo do Machado
when the smell of jasmine
flows through the streets of Catete like a warm fog
when the scent is so liquid you can
breathe it in get drunk and stagger
I think of all the years I have loved you
and all the years I will go on loving you
I think of how we protect each other from pain and betrayal
how each night we wrap ourselves around each other
and peace floats above our bed like a canopy of white petals
Somehow, they all fit together perfectly to form a tapestry of anticipation and hope.
A unique collection of poetry about climate change, life and love. I give This Burning World five quills.
About 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; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and Book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders.
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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Kaye Lynne Booth does honest book reviews on Writing to be Read in exchange for ARC digital copies, (she also accepts print copies). Have a book you’d like reviewed? You can request a review on the Book Review tab above.
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Day 2 of the WordCrafter “Poetry Treasures 6: Seasons” Book Blog Tour
Posted: April 21, 2026 Filed under: Anthology, Blog Tour, Book Release, Book Review, Books, Giveaways, Poetry, Poetry Readings, Review, WordCrafter Book Blog Tours, WordCrafter Press | Tags: Colleen Chesebro, Dragons Rule, Jean-Jacques Fournier, Poetry Treasures 6: Seasons, V.M. Sang, WordCrafter Book Blog Tours, WordCrafter Press 4 Comments
It’s Day 2 of the WordCrafter Poetry Treasures 6: Seasons Book Blog Tour, and we’re over at Dragons Rule with host and contributor V.M. Sang and contributor guests, Jean-Jacques Fournier and Colleen Chesebro. Join us in celebrating the release of this fabulous poetry anthology and get to know the contributors with fun facts, guest posts, poetry readings and reviews of their works. Leave a comment for a chance at a free digital copy of Seasons in our Giveaway.
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Book Review: “Come Get Me”
Posted: April 17, 2026 Filed under: Audio Books, Audiobook Review, Book Review, Books, Crime, Fiction, Review, Suspense, Thriller | Tags: Book Review, Come Get Me, Crime Fiction, Molly Black, Rosanna Pilcher, Suspense/Thriller, Writing to be Read 3 CommentsAbout Come Get Me
When two dead bodies are found oddly staged on trains across the country, the FBI realizes a serial killer is at work. FBI BAU Special Agent Caitlin Dare wants to escape her dark past and never ride a train again. But when she is assigned to spearhead the case, Caitlin realizes she will have to play cat and mouse with this diabolical killer—even if it means facing her worst childhood fears.
Come Get Me is book 1 of a brand-new series by critically acclaimed and number one best-selling mystery and suspense author Molly Black, whose books have received over 2,000 five-star reviews and ratings.
The FBI is alarmed by the rash of killings on trains throughout the country, and they realize they have to put together a joint task force to tackle it. Through a partnership with the rail police, FBI Special Agent Cailtin Dare is chosen to spearhead the new unit designed to hunt killers using trains across the country.
But Cailtin remains haunted by memories of her missing sister, her unsolved case, her erratic conductor uncle, and a harrowing fear of trains.
Can Caitlin keep her own demons at bay long enough to face her past—and catch a killer?
A harrowing crime thriller featuring a brilliant and tortured FBI agent, the Caitlin Dare series is a riveting mystery, packed with nonstop action, suspense, twists and turns, revelations, and driven by a breakneck pace that will keep you listening late into the night. Fans of Rachel Caine, Teresa Driscoll and Robert Dugoni are sure to fall in love.
My Review of Come Get Me
I purchased an audiobook copy of Come Get Me, written by Molly Black and narrated by Rosanna Pilcher through a free Chirp deal. I am offering here an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own.
I’m not sure what it was about this book, but I had a hard time relating to the character, Caitlin Dare and the story. The story line is your average murder mystery, FBI crime thriller, but nothing unusual to make it stand out in any way. There were few places where I felt an impending sense of danger to keep me on the edge of my seat as any good thriller should. I was not particularly impressed by Pilcher’s narrative skills, as the narration sounded choppy, with missed beats often. I tried varying speeds, but it did not make it any better.
Caitlin Dare is an FBI agent that tends to go rogue and break the rules to achieve her final goal; a trope that is rather cliche and predictable. She is assigned to a new railroad crime unit and a new partner, where she is faced with having to prove herself to her superiors and to herself, by earning her partners trust and solving the latest string of murders, where victims are left posed in train cars, found only after the murderer has a chance to get away.
An average crime thriller, with a sub-par narration. I give Come Get Me three quills.
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About 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; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders and The D.I.Y. Author writing resource.
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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Kaye Lynne Booth does honest book reviews on Writing to be Read in exchange for ARC digital copies, (she also accepts print copies). Have a book you’d like reviewed? You can request a review on the Book Review tab above.
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Treasuring Poetry – Lauren Scott talks about her latest poetry book, King Copper, and a review
Posted: April 15, 2026 Filed under: Book Review, Books, Interview, Review, Treasuring Poetry | Tags: Book Review, Interview, King Copper, Lauren Scott, Robbie Cheadle, Treasuring Poetry, Writing to be Read 90 Comments
Today, I am delighted to welcome children’s author and poet, Lauren Scott, back to Treasuring Poetry to talk about her recent collection of poetry dedicated to her late dog, Copper.
Tell us a bit about your beautiful Copper and how he came into your lives.
Four months had passed since our black lab, Lucky Girl, crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. After many conversations with my husband, daughter, and son, the timing felt right to welcome a new canine friend into our family. So I began searching a Lab Rescue website. We’ve always adopted second chance rescues, wanting to give dogs, whose owners couldn’t keep them, a loving home. Most of the labs I saw were black or yellow, which are common in our area. We didn’t want to replicate any dogs from the past, so Copper stood out because his coat was literally the color of copper. He was so handsome, I had to meet him, and when I did, he immediately joined our family. More details of how Copper came into our family are in the book.
Copper was lovable and had amber eyes that saw right into our souls. He was the perfect walking partner and freely gave slobbery kisses. He always made us laugh when he thought he was a chihuahua trying to sit on our laps; her grew into 80 lbs. of muscle.
Why did you decide to write this collection dedicated to Copper?
Copper was our first dog where we had to make that heartbreaking decision of life or death, and it was beyond painful. We did the right thing for the right reasons, but second guessing came naturally. He was 14 ½ years old and had other health issues, so when his health took a turn for the worse on March 3, 2025, taking away his suffering was the human thing to do. The events of that Monday morning are still vivid and roll through my mind in slow motion. The grief was so intense I began writing poetry. I gave my heartache a place to live in my poems, and with my previous fun poetry about Copper, a collection evolved. This was my first unplanned book – a loving tribute to our senior pup who we still miss even after a year since he received his angel wings. I have to add that all of our dogs were special; there are no favorites. But when Copper passed, I was in a different stage of life where I had time to work on King Copper. And all of our beloved canine family members have their place in a poem because Copper has met them across the Rainbow Bridge.
King Copper is a special keepsake for my family, and the book includes color photos that show his personality and our love for him. I have read in many wonderful reviews that this collection helped others move through their grief, which is another reason for wanting to publish this special book. Anyone who reads this collection will smile, maybe laugh out loud, and yes, will most likely shed a tear. Then the heart and mind loosely grasp acceptance – a task that takes effort because it’s not that the grieving has ended, but we all understand loved ones don’t live forever. If you’re a dog lover, a cat lover, or a pet parent in general, the poems will resonate and reach into your heart, and so will Copper.
What is your favorite poem from this collection and why?
Choosing a favorite poem is difficult because all of them offer special messages. But I would say “Copper Boy” on Page 4 stands out because it speaks of his fun and mischievous personality, his good looks, and his unconditional love, which is the true reason we call our pets family. Below is an excerpt:
“When he smiles, his white choppers
shine as if they’ve never caused
any commotion…never mind
that afternoon when he attempted
to eat the barbecue!”
Do you have any advice for pet owners on dealing with the grief of losing a beloved pet?
First of all, grief has no timeline. If your heart is broken from the loss of your beloved pet, please give yourself grace. Allow yourself to grieve, to cry, to relive precious moments with your pet. I’ve heard it said that the best way to get through the loss is to bring another pet into your family, but we’re not ready just yet. Our timing with Lucky Girl and Copper is dissimilar. Our son and daughter are adults now, living on their own, and my husband and I live in a different phase of life, so the journey varies for everyone. When the time is right though, we’ll know it. I’ll pull some lines from one of my poems, “Loss is Loss” on Page 38:
“…and no matter what triggers the pain
we must offer ourselves grace…
to grieve as we should
to mourn as days unfold.
Loss is loss shattering us
into tiny pieces of uncertainty
until the healing of time
brings those pieces back together.”
What is next for Lauren Scott?
Now is the time to get to work again, and I know Copper wouldn’t want his family to wallow in a puddle of sadness. My second idea for a children’s book, Carlie and Charlie Go Camping, has been simmering for over a decade, so it’s time to revisit, make some edits, and remove from the burner! Carlie and Charlie’s story is inspired by my family’s wonderful camping trips when our son and daughter were young. But their story isn’t just about camping. It’s about family bonding, staying active, and getting outdoors to learn about nature while leaving devices at home. It’s about unplugging in this day and age where technology advances at lightning speed, and how important it is for our health to find a balance. I’m excited to see this story in print!
Simultaneously, I’m compiling another poetry collection. However, instead of self-publishing, I plan to submit both books to small publishers I learned about at the San Francisco Writers Conference in February. This year is for trying new options, so we’ll see what the outcome is down the road.
My inspiration comes from the iconic quote: “You never fail until you stop trying.”
~ Albert Einstein
Click on the slideshow to see more photographs of Copper with his family.
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My review of King Copper by Lauren Scott
Thank you, Robbie, for providing this opportunity to talk about our beloved Copper Boy. And thank you again for your beautiful review! I love how you highlight the Preface and Still Too Soon prose sections, which convey the important ‘before and after’ to the context of the poetry collection. I hope if any of your readers are grieving, they will give themselves grace. And if they choose to let Copper into their hearts, I know they will feel his unconditional love, and I offer my deepest gratitude.
King Copper is a beautiful collection of poems paying tribute to the life of the poet’s dog, Copper. We become incredibly connected to our pets and they are part of our families. As a result we experience great grief and loss when they pass over the rainbow bridge. Lauren’s recordings of magical moments in her relationship with Copper and the joy he brought her and her family are a delight to experience. These emotions are described in Lauren’s micro poem, Temporary Smiles:
“Memories of joy
bring temporary smiles
tears wash them away”
The Preface and Still to Soon prose sections share a bit about Copper, his introduction into the poet’s family and his subsequent life with them, and his passing. He lived to a good old age of 14 1/2 and is sorely missed by his family. The book includes some lovely photographs of Copper with various family members.
This collection is fairly short but it is a worthy read and will help ease other hearts aching from the loss of a beloved pet.
Amazon US purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Lauren-Scott/author/B08NCRH4MK
Lauren Scott’s Amazon US author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Lauren-Scott/author/B08NCRH4MK
About Lauren Scott
Lauren Scott is a recent Pushcart Prize Nominee who enjoys small-town living in the Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Their daughter and son live out of state, and with frequent visits and technology, this family of four remains close. Lauren has published four collections of poetry: New Day, New Dreams (2013), Finding a Balance (2015), Ever So Gently (2023), and King Copper (2025). In 2021, she released her memoir, More than Coffee.
Her first children’s book, Cora’s Quest, was published in 2024. Lauren has been a guest on several podcasts, and her writing is featured at Spillwords Press, Gobblers and Masticadores, and LatinosUsa. At Spillwords Press, she was awarded Publication of the Year (Poetic 2026), Author of the Month (May 2023) and Publication of the Month (June 2025, October 2024). Lauren’s work is published in several anthologies. She is currently working on her second children’s book and a collection of poetry. Lauren’s muse discovers inspiration from family, spending time outdoors, and marveling at the mysteries of life.
Website: baydreamerwrites.com
Instagram: @baydreamerwrites
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B08NCRH4MK
About Robbie Cheadle
South African author and illustrator, Robbie Cheadle, has written and illustrated sixteen children’s books, illustrated a further three children’s books, and written and illustrated three poetry books. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies.
Robbie also has two novels and a collection of short stories published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.
You can find Robbie Cheadle’s artwork, fondant and cake artwork, and all her books on her website here: https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za/
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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 segment of “Treasuring Poetry” is sponsored by WordCrafter Press and the Poetry Treasures series.
Get All Five Volumes Today for just $5 –Exclusively on the WordCrafter Press Poetry Treasures Series Page: https://writingtoberead.com/readings-for-writers/wordcrafter-quality-writing-author-services/wordcrafter-press/poetry-treasures/
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Book Review: ” Saddled Hearts”
Posted: April 10, 2026 Filed under: Book Review, Books, Fiction, Mystery, Review, romance, Western, western romance | Tags: Book Reveiw, Jan Sikes, Kaye Lynne Booth, mystery, Saddled Hearts, western romance, Writing to be Read 14 CommentsAbout Saddled Hearts
Colt Layne lives an idyllic life between caring for the animals on his ranch and playing music with his band. That is, until a stranger appears with unreasonable demands. Now the man is dead, and Colt is facing a murder charge. He’s being framed, but by whom and why?
His only hope lies in a conversation with his deceased grandfather—an impossible task. Or is it?
His answer arrives in Sage Coventry, a psychic who can speak to the dead. Though skeptical, Colt needs her help. But he gets more than messages from beyond the grave as she breezes into his heart with sweet patchouli fragrance and tempting lips.
As the clock runs out to clear his name and save his beloved ranch, Colt and Sage unearth shocking revelations about the past, their love, and the future.
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Saddled-Hearts-White-Rune-Book-ebook/dp/B0G3XV9C4T
My Review of Saddled Hearts
I purchased a digital copy of Saddled Hearts, by Jan Sikes through a countdown deal promoting through Author Sikes’ Newsletter. I’m offering an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own.
One might think Saddled Hearts is a western romance, but it is really a western mystery. Strange things are happening at the Double L Ranch and it seems someone is trying to take the ranch from Colt Layne. A mysterious stranger shows up, claiming to be the lawful owner of the ranch, a horse is mysteriously poisoned and fences are cut. Of course, the romance is there, too. Thinking his deceased grandfather might have answers, he seeks a reading from a medium, Sage Coventry, and falls for her before he realizes what is happening. When Colt goes to talk to the stranger and finds him dead with evidence pointing to Colt as the killer, the stakes of the game are suddenly higher, and Colt worries about bringing his beautiful new love into his life, but it takes a lot more than a little danger to discourage Sage from the man she is quickly falling in love with.
The romance seems too easy, but the mystery is quite the puzzle. The two seek answers, Colt from his grandfather’s papers and Sage from beyond the veil. Together, they piece together the puzzle and uncover the secrets which have lain hidden for three generations.
Skillfully crafted, author Jan Sikes brings her characters to life in living color and keeps readers guessing to the very end. Saddled Hearts is book 3 in Sike’s White Ruin Series, but it holds up just fine as a stand-alone. In fact, I didn’t realize it was a mid-series book until I began to do this review.
Romance and mystery, all with a distinctive western flavor, Saddled Hearts is a delightful love story with a twist. I give it five quills.
About 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; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and Book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders.
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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Kaye Lynne Booth does honest book reviews on Writing to be Read in exchange for ARC digital copies, (she also accepts print copies). Have a book you’d like reviewed? You can request a review on the Book Review tab above.
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Read & Cook with Robbie Cheadle – Skeleton Crew by Stephen King and bolognese sauce recipe
Posted: April 8, 2026 Filed under: Book Review, Books, Dark fiction, Fiction, Recipes, Review, Robbie Reads and Cooks | Tags: #cooking, #RobbieCheadle, Bolognese, Book Review, Read and Cook, Recipes, Skeleton Crew, Stephen King, Writing to be Read 57 Comments
My review of Skeleton Crew by Stephen King
I have read many of King’s older novels and enjoyed them all. I have also read some of his novellas but his was my first time reading his short stories. This collection is packed with excellent stories that make you think and they are all varied which keeps the interest factor high. King’s writing is always fluid and fast paced and his imagery is startling and detailed.
Hard a job as it was, I have picked my three top stories from this collection.
The Mist – this novella is the reason I bought this collection. I knew from the title that this would be a story I would enjoy and I did. This was my favourites story in the collection. One of the reasons I found this story so interesting is that it seems so likely or, at least, very possible. The idea of a major storm disrupting a research centre in America (although it could be in any country in the world), and letting loose on the unsuspecting survivors a terrible man-made scourge, makes perfect sense. There are so many conspiracy theories about government institutions that hid dark secrets behind their barricades and no entry signs, this idea seems plausible. Everything going wrong in an environment of thick, impenetrable mist makes it all the more creepy as humans are at a distinct disadvantage when they cannot see. The inclusion of a young child, an overconfident young man, and a religious fanatic add to the suspense. I thought this was an excellent story.
Mrs Todd’s Shortcut – this story appealed to me because of the graphic depictions of the paths taken by Mrs Todd on her shortcuts. I also have a great fear of getting lost when I drive, so Mrs Todd’s bravery in discovering new ways to get from place to place was admirable to me. I have not read any other story that is similar to this one so it was unique and refreshing.
The Reaper’s Image – I found this story very entertaining. It was reminiscent for me of The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde. I enjoyed the idea of ‘a Reaper’ in a mirror that appears only for select unfortunate people. The fact that King wrote this story when he was 18 years old was also impressive for me.
If you enjoy dark, different and highly entertaining stories, you will enjoy this well written collection by Stephen King.
Quotes from Skeleton Crew by Stephen King
“I sit on the bench in front of Bell’s Market and think about Homer Buckland and about the beautiful girl who leaned over to open his door when he come down that path with the full red gasoline can in his right hand – she looked like a girl of no more than sixteen, a girl on her learner’s permit, and her beauty was terrible, but I believe it would no longer kill the man it turned itself on; for a moment her eyes lit on me, I was not killed, although a part of me died at her feet.” (from the short story Mrs. Todd’s Shortcut)”
“You, my dear … have been wondering why she stuck with him. Although you haven’t said as much, it’s been on your mind. Am I right?’
She nodded.
‘Yes. And I’m not going to offer a long motivational thesis – the convenient thing about stories that are true is that you need only say this is what happened and let people worry for themselves about why. Generally, nobody ever knows why things happen anyway … particularly the ones who say they do. (Ballad of the Flexible Bullet)”
“I realized with fresh horror that new doors of perception were opening up inside.
New? Not so. OLD doors of perception.
The perception of a child who has not yet learned to protect itself by developing the tunnel vision that keeps out ninety percent of the universe. Children see everything their eyes happen upon, hear everything in their ears’ range. But if life is the rise of consciousness…, then it is also the reduction of input. Terror is the widening of perspective and perception. The horror was in knowing I was swimming down to a place most of us leave when we get out of diapers and into training pants. I could see it on Ollie’s face, too. When rationality begins to break down, the circuits of the human brain can overload. Axons grow bright and feverish. Hallucinations turn real: the quicksilver puddle at the point where perspective makes parallel lines seem to intersect is really there; the dead walk and talk; a rose begins to sing.” (from The Mist)
Recipe for bolognese sauce
Picture caption: spaghetti and bolognese sauce by Robbie Cheadle
Ingredients
1 kilogram lean beef mince
2 medium onions, peeled and diced
1 cup red wine (250 ml)
15 ml garlic flakes
Rounded tablespoon beef stock powder
Rounded tablespoon white sugar
15 ml thyme
15 ml Worcestershire sauce
salt and pepper to taste
2 cans diced tomatoes (400 grams each)
2 bay leaves
70 grams tomato paste
Method
Sauté the onions in a little olive oil until clear. Add the beef mince, breaking it up with a spoon, and brown. When the mince is nicely browned, add the red wine and simmer for 2 minutes. Add the garlic, thyme, salt and pepper, beef stock powder, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, bay leaves, tinned tomatoes, and tomato paste. simmer for 30 minutes.
About Robbie Cheadle
Robbie also has two novels and a collection of short stories published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.
You can find Robbie Cheadle’s artwork, fondant and cake artwork, and all her books on her website here: https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za/
Find Robbie Cheadle
Blog https://wordpress.com/home/robbiesinspiration.wordpress.com
Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/robbiecheadle.bsky.social
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVyFo_OJLPqFa9ZhHnCfHUA
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15584446.Robbie_Cheadle
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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 segment of “Read and Cook with Robbie Cheadle” is sponsored by WordCrafter Press and their themed anthologies.
Once Upon an Ever After: Modern Fairy Tales & Folklore: This unique and imaginative collection of eleven thought provoking fantasy stories will delight readers who enjoy stories of wishes gone awry.
Spells are cast, unlikely alliances made, and wishes granted, sometimes with surprising outcomes. You’ll love this anthology of modern myths, lore, and fairy tales. Once you read these twisted tales, you’ll be sure to be careful what you wish for….
Refracted Reflections: Twisted Tales of Duality & Deception: Reflections and Refractions…
One reveals truths, while the other bends light into varying shapes of deception.
This unique and imaginative collection of nine mind tantalizing fantasy and science fiction stories will appeal to readers who enjoy thought provoking tales with hidden meanings resting deep below the surface. These stories will keep you pondering long into the night.
Visions: An author’s visions are revealed through their stories. Many authors have strange and unusual stories, indeed. Within these pages, you will find the stories of eighteen different authors, each unique and thought provoking. These are the fantasy, science fiction, paranormal, and horror stories that will keep you awake long into the night.
Grab your copy today and find out. Let authors such as W.T. Paterson, Joseph Carabis, Kaye Lynne Booth, Michaele Jordan, Stephanie Kraner, and others, including the author of the winning story in the WordCrafter 2022 Short Fiction Contest, Roberta Eaton Cheadle, tantalize your thoughts and share their Visions
Tales From the Hanging Tree: Imprints of Tragedy: There exists a tree that is timeless, spanning across all dimensions, which absorbs every life as those who are hanged as they die… and it remembers every one. The stories within are a select few of the Tales From the Hanging Tree.
Curses: Chronicles of Darkness: There are all types of curses.
Cursed places, cursed items, cursed people, cursed families.
Curses that last throughout time. Curses which can’t be broken. Curses which are brought upon ourselves. Curses that will kill you and those that will only make you wish you were dead.
Legends: Monsters That Go Bump in the Night: Coming in 2026
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Writer’s Corner: Person & Tense
Posted: April 6, 2026 Filed under: Fiction, Point of View, Tense, Writer's Corner, Writing | Tags: Kaye Lynne Booth, Point of View, Tense, Writer's Corner, Writing, Writing to be Read 14 Comments
I recently wrote a short story for the upcoming Legends anthology. I wrote it in third person, present tense to give the tale a sense of immediacy. My beta reader sent back comments, saying that, while the story was a good one, the present tense put her off, as she does not care for stories in present tense. Who would have known?
I had a similar reaction when I first read The Hunger Games, which was written in first person, present tense. It really was a bit off-putting, particularly in the dialog tags when reading aloud. But as I got into the story, I became more accustomed to the style and by the end of the book, I hardly noticed it anymore. First person, present tense is difficult to write, because it must be done well, or it doesn’t work. I’m not that brave.
But, I have been playing around with third person, present tense, which I find a little easier to pull off. I like using present tense because it makes the story feel more immediate, pulling the reader into the story and helping to build suspense. I’ve been using third person, present tense in writing Marta, the third book in my Women in the West Adventure Series, although the first two books were written in third person, past tense. I felt using the present tense in Marta helped to build tension and move the story along.
After the comments from my beta reader, I am wondering if I should rethink that. Readers are put off by different things, and I realize I can’t please all of the people all of the time. But, if this is off-putting to one reader, how many others may feel similarly? If I do change it, that means going back and rewriting the three quarters of the story that is already written, roughly 55,500 words, but if it will turn away readers, perhaps it is worth the effort to go the other way.
So, I’m asking you. Please tell me how you feel about the passage below. Is first person, past tense off-putting to you? Would it be better in third person, past tense?
It’s a passage from chapter one of Marta, just a few paragraphs:
“Excuse me. Is this seat taken?” a man’s voice draws her attention away once more. She turns to see a man, fancily dressed, standing in the aisle and addressing her, indicating the seat next to hers. She had met the infamous Doc Holliday once during his stay in Leadville. This man is like him. She’d seen plenty of his type in Leadville. They dress like a dandy, and come to gamble, but they aren’t particular about how they come by their money and aren’t above working on the other side of the law, and they all carry guns on their hips.
The man is staring at her, expectantly, waiting for a response to his question. He had been polite enough to ask, and the seat wasn’t taken. How could she say no? “No sir, it is not,” she admits. She doesn’t own the train seat and can’t stop him from sitting there, but she doesn’t have to trust him. A woman traveling alone can’t be too careful.
She reaches down by her feet to be sure her carpet bag is still there. Not only does it contain all her money, but also the thirty-two caliber pistol which she purchased in Leadville. Before sitting up straight in her seat once more, she brushes her fingers over the top of her boot to check that her knife is still there, as well. That knife had saved her life with Franz, the dirty traitor, and it gives her comfort to know it was within reach.
He gives her a smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes as he slides into the seat. “Why, thank you, Ma’am,” he says. “William Barnesby is the name, but my friends call me Bill.”
She plasters her best smile across her face and says, “I’m Marta Olmstead, and this young woman is Rose… uh… Dunbar, is it?” she says, looking toward the young woman.
“Yes, Ma’am,” she says, nodding her head and quickly averting her eyes from the gentleman, toward the window. Obviously, the man’s presence made Mrs. Dunbar uncomfortable, as well. But what could she do? The seat didn’t belong to her, and Mr. Barnesby had purchased a ticket just like everyone else on the train.
About 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; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and Book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders.
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 segment of “Writer’s Corner” with Kaye Lynne Booth 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/
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LINDSEY’S WRITING PRACTICE
Posted: April 1, 2026 Filed under: Book Review, Books, Dark fiction, Fiction, Lindsey's Writing Practice, Review | Tags: Book Review, Dark fiction, Lindsey Martin-Bowen, Lindsey's Writing Practice, Midnight Oil, WordCrafer Press, Writing to be Read 3 Comments
Review of Midnight Oil, ed., Kaye Lynne Booth (Wordcrafter Press 2025)
Although Wordcrafter’s three Midnight collections are well-written, engaging, and have been far more entertaining than I’d anticipated, I admit the third one, Midnight Oil, is my favorite.
Why?
Even if these creative stories often deal with humanity’s “dark side,”and contain some frightening scenes, most of them contain enigmatic characters who reveal the authors’ (and their main characters’) compassion for both humans and sometimes animals who too often suffer due to humankind’s lack of awareness, selfishness, or just plain disregard for life: Note Christa Planko’s “Such a Time as This,” Chris Barili’s “The Snow Globe,” Roberta Eaton Cheadle’s “Just Deserts,” Kaye Lynne Booth’s “Sangoma, Zombie Elephants, and Tokoloshe,” Joseph Carrabis’s “Them Doore Girls” and his metaphoric, “Jeremiah,” which also contains symbolic Biblical themes, as indicated in its title. Further, Carrabis integrates ideas from quantum mechanics. And Carrabis’s “Jeremiah” (although it doesn’t directly reference quantum physics), aligns with scripture being compatible with findings that matter is formed from invisible forces (Hebrews 11:3),and God observes sustaining creation, and that the earth is interconnected, mirroring concepts like quantum entanglement.
Also integrating scientific possibilities, the award-winning, “The Vanishing,” a psychological tale by Denise Aparo, explores what can happen to a psyche that’s haunted in a most unusual manner.
Moreover, in lieu of presenting children as being possessed (as many frightening surreal tales have done), Christa Planko’s “Such a Time as This,” Joseph Carrabis’s “Them Doore Girls.” and Kaye Lynne Booth’s “Sangoma, Zombie Elephants, and Tokoloshe” especially appealed to me because in lieu of portraying psychopathic youths, these stories exhibit the innocence and kindness of children who put others’ welfare before their needs—and thus, contribute to building a kinder, more just world.
In a similar vein, although the collection opens with the first line in the book’s goriest tale: Mario Acevedo’s “Villa’s Gold,” a vampire story that’s a far cry from Interview with a Vampire (no Brad Pitt-type character here), even if the tale’s set in a cave: “The Mayan bat-god Camazotz snacked on the dismembered remains of his human prey. Grasping a femur between the claws at the front of his enormous wings, he gnawed bloody flesh off the bone,” it also contains a sense of justice in a revenge most readers would likely consider the pernicious character “deserved.”
Further, the collection’s other stories about revenge, including Robert White’s “Cattails” and Cheadle’s “Just Deserts,” don’t merely focus upon ghouls or demons, but rather, the tales unfold rightful revenge upon characters who “earned” it. Similarly, Jon Shannon’s narrator in “The Stairs” reveals that he understands his poor choices and greed for money led to his frightening situation, and Rebecca M. Senese’s character Tanya in “The Price of Beauty” later realizes her lust for perfection came at a greater—and more surreal—payment than she’d anticipated.
Two tales in this collection each incorporate a haunted house—both of which are haunted in unusual manners. Playing upon the adage, “if these walls could talk,” in Roberta Cheadle’s “Just Deserts,” the walls are the narrators who reveal the story, resulting not only in a tale showing justice was served—but one that intertwines the humor of gossiping walls. In a similar vein, Paul Kane’s “The Whistling” unfolds the story of a haunted house that indeed comes alive with the DNA of a dead man who frightens any residents or visitors entering its threshold long after his demise. And dear readers, you must read this tale to discover how that possibly could happen. (Plus, Kane integrates bits of science to help the story make sense. ) Enjoy!
About Lindsey Martin-Bowen
On Halloween 2023, redbat books released Lindsey Martin-Bowen’s 7th poetry collection, CASHING CHECKS with Jim Morrison. Her 4 th collection, Where Water Meets the Rock, was nominated for a Pulitzer; her 3rd, CROSSING KANSAS with Jim Morrison was a finalist in the QuillsEdge Press 2015-2016 Contest. In 2017, it won the Kansas Writers Assn award, “Looks Like a Million.” Writer’s Digest gave her “Vegetable Linguistics” an Honorable Mention in its 85th Annual (2017) Contest. Her Inside Virgil’s Garage (Chatter House Press 2013) was a runner-up in the 2015 Nelson Poetry Book Award. McClatchy Newspapers named her Standing on the Edge of the World (Woodley Press/Washburn University) was one of the Ten Top Poetry Books of 2008. It was nominated for a Pen Award.
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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 segment of “Lindsey’s Writing Practice” is sponsored by the Midnight Anthology Series and WordCrafter Press.
Midnight Roost: Weird and Creepy Stories: 20 authors bring your nightmares to life in 23 stories of ghosts, paranormal phenomenon and the horror from the dark crevasses of their minds. Stories of stalkers, both human and supernatural, possession and occult rituals, alien visitations of the strange kind, and ghostly tales that will give you goosebumps. These are the tales that will make you fear the dark. Read them at the Midnight Roost… if you dare. https://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Roost-Kaye-Lynne-Booth-ebook/dp/B0CL6FPLVJ
Midnight Garden: Where Dark Tales Grow: 17 authors bring you 21 magnificent dark tales. Stories of magic, monsters and mayhem. Tales of murder and madness which will make your skin crawl. These are the tales that explore your darkest fears. Read them in the Midnight Garden… if you dare. https://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Garden-Where-Tales-Anthology-ebook/dp/B0DJNDQJD3
Midnight Oil: Stories to Fuel Your Nightmares: 14 authors bring you 16 dark tales that explore your deepest fears. These are the stories which nightmares are made of. Tales of monsters, mayhem, and madness which will make you shiver in the dark. Read them while you burn the Midnight Oil… if you dare. https://books2read.com/Midnight-Oil
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Earn an M.A. in Publishing at Western Colorado State University
Posted: March 28, 2026 Filed under: Fiction, Western Colorado State University, Writing | Tags: Creative Writing, Kevin J. Anderson, Publishing, Western State Colorado University, WordCrafer Press Leave a comment
It is well known that I earned my degrees at Western State Colorado University. Their graduate program in Creative Writing was one of the few that leaned toward genre fiction, rather than literary fiction, and it was a low residency program, which means you only have to be on campus for two weeks each summer. The fall and spring semesters were completed online. It was perfect for me, as I had a family and a job to think about, so I couldn’t just up and run off to college. Two weeks during the summer was something I could manage. It still wasn’t always easy, but I did it.
The program has changed since I got my first dual-emphasis degree in genre fiction and screenwriting. They now offer a M.A in Publishing, taught by international bestselling author, Kevin J. Anderson. I was already my own publishing house and feeling like I needed to know more about the business of publishing shortly after they added this program, and you know I had to go get just one more degree to round out my education. Beyond that, the program gave me the tools which I had lacked, and it offered me hands on experience. By the time I graduated, I had two publishing credits to show on my resume. But, more than anything else, I emerged from the program with a profound sense of community, a community of like-minded people, (writers & publishers), which I share with and rely upon for support still today, three years later.
And right now, you can earn a M.A. in Publishing with Kevin J. Anderson and the Western’s Master’s in Creative Writing Program, too. Applications for the 2026-27 cohort are being accepted now, and from now until the end of May, they are waiving the application fees. Learn to become your own publishing house and treat your writing as the business that it is. You’ll be glad that you did.
Apply here: https://western.edu/graduate/publishing/
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Wrapping Up the WordCrafter “Double Visions” Book Blog Tour
Posted: March 27, 2026 Filed under: Audio Excerpt, Blog Tour, Book Release, Books, Fiction, Giveaways, Science Fiction, Time travel, WordCrafter Book Blog Tours, WordCrafter Press | Tags: Kaye Lynne Booth, Science Fiction, The Rock Star & The Outlaw 2 Double Visions, Time Travel Adventure Series, WordCrafter Book Blog Tours, WordCrafter Press 2 Comments
We’ve come to the final stop on the WordCrafter Double Visions Book Blog Tour, where we’re sending off Book 2 in the Time Travel Adventure Series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw 2: Double Visions. Today, we will be looking at the character of Catalina, a Time Travel Regulator Agent from the year 2030 with a guest post and a reading from me, author Kaye Lynne Booth. Be sure to leave a comment to enter for a chance at a free digital copy or a signed print copy of the book.
I’ve included the Universal Book Link which leads to retail sites for purchase, but there’s still time to visit the Kickstarter campaign at the link below to get discounted digital copies and signed print copies and merchandise only available there. I’m happy to say we are fully funded! But there’s still time to get your discounted digital copies, signed print copies and exclusive merchandise before it ends. It will run through the 29th, so get your orders in now.
The Giveaway
Follow the tour and leave a comment to let me know you were here and be entered
for a chance at one of three free digital copies or one signed print copy of
The Rock Star & The Outlaw 2: Double Visions.
Winners are chosen in a random drawing from my hat. You can visit any stops you missed through the links in the tour schedule at the end of this post. So, get your comments in now.
Series Short Trailer
https://youtube.com/shorts/phL3vtcOQOo?feature=share
The Character of Catalina and Writing with Multiple P.O.V.s
Time travel is thought provoking. One of my favorite time travel movies is Time Cop, starring Jean Claude Van Dam, where Van Dam plays an agent for a group of time regulators who are threatened by a villainous politician with the ability to go back and change things so that the agency will never exist and Van Dam has to stop him before he erases him from existence.
In book 1, we had Nick Umbridge, who worked for an agency, something like Van Dams, but his job was to test a prototype, not regulate time to prevent time loops, or ripples, or paradoxes. But even as I wrote that story, I felt there had to be a time cop somewhere, leaving the implication that Umbridge was going to be in big trouble when he returned to his own time. And then he didn’t, setting everything else in that story into play.
In that first book, Nick set a time loop into motion, so we see him again, but he turns out to be a villain of sorts, or at least a mild annoyance to our hero and heroine, as he is determined to fix what he messed up by taking Rock Star back to her own time, and it seems he is destined to die in 1887.
In Double Visions, Amaryllis makes some loops of her own, and so is Nick, but I felt we needed a time cop to add to the fray, chasing Nick down, because they know in the future what Nick did in the past. Hence, Catalina Duncan was created along with her partner agent, Reginald Thompson. These two were created to complement one another. Where Reginald is by the book, riding on formality, and is stiff and stand-offish, Catalina is more of a free spirit, who only believes in following the rules when the rules make sense, allowing for some clever banter between them as they disagree on almost everything. It also makes her an equal adversary for Amaryllis, who now has the time module prototype, but like almost everything else in this story, it has multiplied and she has two of them.
Because of the additional characters, and additional timelines that loop through one another, there was so much going on simultaneously in different whens, this story required there to be more than just the two perspectives from the first story. For one thing, there are two, (or more), of both Amaryllis and LeRoy, making it necessary to have the POVs of each; the characters they are now, and who they were in the first story, designated as Rock Star and Cowboy. Amaryllis’ bff, Monique goes along for the ride this time around, but she is a different version from her original Shaman Woman self, and the time cops are on their own trajectory through time, requiring Catalina’s POV, and of course, there’s Nick, still trying to make it back to the future.
With a total of eight different POVs, running over three different timelines, things got a little crazy at times. It was interesting trying to make sure each character only knew things that they were supposed to know at that particular moment in time, especially when time ripples keep changing what they remembered as the past and affecting the future. At times, it was quite the juggling act keeping them all straight.
The question posed for Catalina’s character: Will she be able to break through her partners straightlaced demeanor to find the human being inside?
About The Rock Star & The Outlaw 2: Double Visions
In 1887, LeRoy is stuck, bringing trouble down on those around him. Sissy is kidnapped and he’s the only one who can save her.
She wakes up in 2030, in a future very different to the one she knows, one in which she may not have been born. Amaryllis will stop at nothing to find LeRoy fix what she messed up in the past.
She and a version of Monique which is different from the one she grew up with travel back to 1887 to try and make things right.
Add two time travel regulators from the future who are after the time module, and things begin to get wild.
When the time loops are crossed, things change, but not the way Amaryllis intended and pretty soon, everybody is seeing doubles.
Universal Book Link: https://books2read.com/DoubleVisions
Reading from The Rock Star & The Outlaw 2: Double Visions – Meet Catalina
This reading is the introductory chapter for the character of Catalina, in the year 2030.
About 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; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and Book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders.
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.
That wraps up today’s tour stop and the WordCrafter Double Visions Book Blog Tour. If you missed a stop, you can go back through the links in the schedule below to leave a comment and get an entry in the giveaway for a chance at a free digital copy or a signed print copy of The Rock Star & The Outlaw 2: Double Visions. Thank you for joining us.
Tour Schedule
March 23-27 – The Rock Star & The Outlaw 2: Double Visions, by Kaye Lynne Booth
Mon. – “Amaryllis, Rock Star & The Pretty Reckless” –Writing to be Read
– Interview with the author – Undawnted
Tues. – “LeRoy, Cowboy & Writing with Music” & Review– Poetry by Mich
Wed. – “Monique, Shaman Woman, & Werner’s Syndrome” & Review – Book Places
Thurs. – “Nick, the Time Device & Writing in Multiple Timelines” & Review – Carla Loves to Read
Fri. – “Catalina and Writing with Multiple P.O.V.s” – Writing to be Read
The Kickstarter campaign runs through tomorrow, so don’t forget to pop in with the link below to get your copy of The Rock Star & The Outlaw 2: Double Visions and support the author (me 🙂 ).
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Book your WordCrafter Book Blog Tour today!
