I’m not one for popular fiction or fantasy for that matter, so my expectations for this book were pretty low, given that I abandoned the City of Bones series only a few chapters in. However, after someone from my book recommendations Facebook group recommended this one to me after I mentioned that I was lookingContinue reading “Book Review: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare”
Author Archives: W. M. Ashley
5 Tips to Get You through Your Manuscript’s 1st Draft
DO NOT edit as you go. This is perhaps the most time-consuming writing-preventer I’ve encountered when trying to write a manuscript. Rereading what you have written and making changes instead of writing the next part can be quite a hinderance to the progression of your story or novel, so please try to avoid editing untilContinue reading “5 Tips to Get You through Your Manuscript’s 1st Draft”
Book Review: The Passion of Dolssa by Julie Berry
I came upon this audiobook by mere happenstance at a sale at my local library. 10 discs about a girl mystic hunted down by the friars of a medieval inquisition? Right up my alley. Medieval religious history is something that has always fascinated me as well as learning more about the martyrs of the reformation,Continue reading “Book Review: The Passion of Dolssa by Julie Berry”
Book Review: The Girl in the Locked Room
Book #1 in Mary Downing Hahn’s “Chilling Tales & Frightful Adventures” Collection It’s time to start the first book of my recent Costco investment, which is a collection of my favorite ghost-story children’s author’s ghost stories! I’ve only read one of Mary Downing Hahn’s ghost stories before, so I’m excited to delve into the restContinue reading “Book Review: The Girl in the Locked Room”
10 Story-Prompt Lines to Get You Started on Your Next Story
Sometimes I need a little push of inspiration before beginning or continuing any short story. Brainstorming a line or two that I want in the story sometimes does the trick. What line should the story begin with? What line should the story revolve around? Which sentence should complete the story or leave it on aContinue reading “10 Story-Prompt Lines to Get You Started on Your Next Story”
Book Review: The Caged Graves by Dianne K. Salerni
What a fantastic read! It’s such a relief to find a work of historical fiction that has the perfect blend of mystery, strong characters, true historical facts, a love-triangle—of course, and just the right amount of imagination to fill the gaps left by history. It contained one of my favorite historical elements—graves—that were based onContinue reading “Book Review: The Caged Graves by Dianne K. Salerni”
Book Review: The Daughters of Temperance Hobbs by Katherine Howe
It’s hard to make a sequel at good as the original, and this one, though engaging, fell a tad shorter than its predecessor, The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane. Let’s take a look! This book delved more into the magical history of Connie’s family. This time, while nearly cracking under the pressure of pursuing tenureContinue reading “Book Review: The Daughters of Temperance Hobbs by Katherine Howe”
9 Reading Invitations/Challenges for 2022
Of the many goals that you all probably have for this year, I invite you readers to squeeze in some goals that revolve around the books. I’ve suggested some for you below. Take a look! Focus on the quality of stories instead of the quantity. I’ve found, especially in the reading communities, that people areContinue reading “9 Reading Invitations/Challenges for 2022”
Book Review: The Devil’s Slave by Tracy Borman
Following the tragedy that resulted from the gunpowder plot, Francis once again finds herself in the dangerous Stuart court. This time, Catholic forces seek to dethrone the king’s son and heir and put his daughter on the throne instead. Francis finds herself blackmailed to ensure she plays her part in the coup. Can she useContinue reading “Book Review: The Devil’s Slave by Tracy Borman”
5 Christmas Book-Giving Traditions
I was surprised at the scarcity of websites or links that describe book traditions that occur on Christmas when I scoured the internet for some ideas for this post. I found a couple, but below I have suggested a few more traditions that may help your friends and family get into a reading and possiblyContinue reading “5 Christmas Book-Giving Traditions”
