Thursday, July 10, 2025

Meet Avid Reader--Connie Wright

 

Hello viewers and welcome to Pen Dames July 2025 blog! This month we deviate from our usual routine. Rather than interviewing an author, we thought our followers might enjoy a reader’s point of view about books. 

Say hello to Connie Wright. Connie is an avid reader and enjoys all genres. Connie, as a reader, Pen Dames would like to know about your overall reading experience.

1. What is the first book you ever remember reading? The only book we had in our home when I was a child was the Bible.

2. Did someone read to you when you were a child? I never remember anyone reading to me.

3. Who is your all-time favorite book character? Jack Reacher

Can you explain why Jack Reacher is your favorite book character?

Most writers tend to make their heroes perfect. Jack Reacher is relatable because he is flawed and these flaws challenge him.

4. Who is your favorite author of all time? Lee Childs.  Your favorite book by them? All of Lee Childs’ books are my favorite.

5. Has a book ever changed your life? Explain. Yes. The Notebook. You always need a plan for your golden years.

6. What is your favorite genre? While I enjoy most genres, Thrillers are my favorite.

7. Are there any genres you dislike? Explain. I’m not a fan of Science Fiction; to unrealistic for my thinking.

8. What author (who is still living) would you dearly love to meet? Barak Obama.


9. Do you prefer paperbacks or ebooks? Why? I'm old school. I like holding a book and turning paper pages.

10. What book or series would you like to be turned into a movie or TV show one day? Explain. Well, my wish has come true. Lee Childs series just started a series called, “Reacher.”

11. Has a book you like ever been turned into a movie or TV series that you thought the book was better than the movie/series or visa-versa? Explain. Yes. Bridges of Madison County. I thought the movie was better. You could feel the emotions on the screen.

12. What attracts you to a book? The cover? Blurb? Recommendation from other readers? Usually the recommendation from other readers. Often a cover doesn’t match the story line or the blurb is more enticing that the actual story.

13. Has a book ever scared you or given you nightmares? Explain. No, not that I can recall.

14. Do you like to write book reviews on Amazon or Goodreads? Why or why not? No, I never write reviews. Mainly because I don't think about it.

15. Do certain tropes attract you? For example, orphans, love triangles, anti-heroes? Except for sci-fi, I like to read all genres.

16. Are there any books you could read over and over again and never get bored of them? I've read Bridges of Madison County several times.

17. Has a book ever made you laugh out loud or shed a few tears? Explain. Yes, the Notebook. Such a powerful love story.

18. If you have read any of the old classics which two were your most favorite? Explain. Great Gatsby & To Kill a Mockingbird. For the Great Gatsby, the fact that the American Dream is just that—a hope, a dream, that for many, never becomes reality. For To Kill a Mockingbird; society needs to practice more compassion and less biasness.

19. Thoughts on listening to audio books vs reading books? Right now, I like to read. There's something about holding a book in my hand. But I’m thankful for audio books.

20. What are you reading now: genre, title, author? I just finished “One Thousand White Women.” It's fiction, based on the journals of Mary Dodd and a group of pioneer women and actual historical events in 1854. To me it's a must read. Author Jim Fergus.

Thank you Connie for being a Pen Dames Guest Reader Interviewee!

Attention: Readers, as a way of saying thank you, our Pen Dame, Loretta C. Rogers, will donate a print copy of her bestselling novel Taming the Lyon, to the first reader that leaves a comment. This offer expires Saturday, July 12, 2025.

                            Taming the Lyon

Recently widowed, Dr. Margaret Boynton leaves England and sails to Africa. She finds herself up against dangerous animals and terrifying witch doctors. Determined never to fall in love again, Margaret finds her most formidable enemy is her own heart when she meets the enigmatic Jeremiah Lyon. A scoundrel whose scarred face and ice-blue eyes make strong women weak, Jeremiah Lyon, legendary great white hunter, resents his assignment to escort a middle-aged doctor to the mission hospital. She isn't what he expected...and neither is his unguarded reaction to her. When a secret society of cannibals kidnap Margaret, can Lyon rescue her before their chances for a future are destroyed forever?

                                      http://amzn.to/2wQYIQ5

NOTE : Pen Dames, as owner of this blog, reserves the right to edit for typos/grammatical errors.

 

Friday, June 6, 2025

5 Books to Spark Your Summer

 

by Jill Wellington, Pixabay


Energize your summer reading with exciting stories from the Pen Dames!


LADY ADEL'S CAPTAIN

by Loretta C. Rogers

Disinherited by her stepbrother because she refuses to marry as he wishes, Lady Adel Fitzhugh needs a miracle. When a storm drives a coach of travelers to their door, her miracle arrives in the form of Captain Liam O'Shea. Captain O'Shea is taking his motherless young daughter to live with the nuns during his five-year deployment to India. Adel seizes the opportunity to begin a new life, offering her services as governess. Liam accepts Adel's offer on the condition she raise the child at his family estate in Ireland. Fearing that if he dies in battle his daughter will be at the mercy of profiteers, he also proposes a marriage of convenience. If he returns, Adel will be free to file for an annulment and return to England. She agrees but has no idea the task will require all her strength and determination once she reaches his ruined castle and becomes "the O'Shea" to his people. And what if she wants to stay?

BUY LINK


WITCH TRIAL LEGACY (The Cassadaga Collection Book 1) 

by Katherine Eddinger Smits

Sybilla Sanborn must break a centuries old curse before everything she cares about goes up in smoke.

Sybilla is a nurse gifted with the ability to heal with her touch but cursed with visions of future tragedies she cannot prevent because no one heeds her warnings. With help from the mediums of the spiritualist town of Cassadaga, Florida, she learns she is descended from both the first person executed for witchcraft in this country and the man who accused her.

Conn Ahern is an Iraq war vet dealing with pain and PTSD while working as a paramedic and struggling to save the ranch his grandmother founded. He’s an atheist who wants nothing to do with the people of the town.

When Conn and Sybilla meet, sparks fly, but not always in a good way, and their relationship fans the flames of jealousy and revenge in someone who doesn’t want them to work things out.

During a séance, her ancestor’s spirit reveals how Sybilla can rid herself of the curse and save Conn, but the price may be too high.



by Ligiera, Pixabay

ABBY'S ATTRACTION

by Barbara Cairns

In the 1960s, a sassy ten-year-old girl decides to get a summer job at the Homosassa Springs Attraction. This popular attraction in Florida had huge alligators leaping out of the water for marshmallows, chattering spider monkeys entertaining visitors along Pepper Creek, and a delightful baby hippopotamus named Lu.

Abby McDowell wants a summer job so she can earn money to win a writing contest and surprise her demanding Mama.

But will Abby's friend Eddie get her into trouble with his outrageous dares? Will Abby convince Mr. Cournoyer that she won't climb over the alligator wall? Will Abby win the contest and her mother's approval? What kind of job could a ten-year-old girl get anyway?

In Abby's Attraction, readers will not only learn what happens to a feisty tomboy but also about the history of one of Florida's favorite state parks.

To be notified of purchase details, comment below with your name and email.



ECHOES OF THE MOON (Rhythm of the Moon Series)

by Jennifer Taylor

Bethan Owen would give her life for her identical twin. With the care of Elunid’s troubled mind resting on her shoulders, she knows the love of a man will never be possible. But she can’t fight her attraction to the mystifying Henry Stephens, who, despite his lowly occupation as a night soil man, captivates her with his courtly manners and vitality.

Henry’s entire life revolves around building a fulfilling life for his mentally challenged son. When the vibrant and beautiful Bethan captures his heart, his world changes, but the secrets he harbors remain. Will he be able to give himself completely to the one he loves?

When Elunid’s behavior becomes more unstable, she makes a vicious enemy. Bethan is forced to make the greatest sacrifice, exchanging her life for her sister’s. Can Henry save Bethan and keep their love alive? Or will the dangerous adversary destroy all that is dear to them both?




MIND YOUR GODDESS (Wytchfae Series Book 3)

by Flossie Benton Rogers

Razzle dazzle -- cool jazz and hot kisses... The Goddess Epona is breathless over a lover's tryst with Eshigel, the dark Guardian of the Between. Before she can meet him, she must hear appeals from her Dark of the Moon supplicants, a captive child and a succubus seeking revenge. Ambushed and abducted, Epona awakens in the human realm of the Roaring Twenties. Bereft of her powers, she assumes the guise of a flapper in a speakeasy and sets out to save the child. In a battle against the demons determined to destroy his goddess, Eshigel undergoes a dangerous rite involving a half woman and half serpent Lamia. Can a Goddess and her dark Guardian overcome evil for the sake of love?

NOW ALSO AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIOBOOK




Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Author Interview with Jillian Chantal

Welcome to the Pen Dames May 2025 blog! This month we're interviewing talented author Jillian Chantal, known for writing books that showcase 'romantic adventure with an international flair.' Leave a comment on this blog for a chance to win a print copy of her book, Hearts Don't Lie. 

Please introduce yourself.

I’m Jillian Chantal and I write romantic stories under this pen name. Today, I’m featuring my book Hearts Don’t Lie which is inspired by the song “Brandy” by the band Looking Glass.

BOOK BLURB Two lost souls…each living a lie. Jane Millbrook, sister to two brothers presumed dead in the Peninsula Wars, has fled the only home she’s ever known as it was too dangerous to remain there on her own after her mother’s death. She has made a life for herself as a barmaid in a dockside pub. Her new name is Brandy as a bottle of the liquor was the first thing that caught her eye when the proprietor asked her for her name. Charles Daniel Jameson, injured while in the United States during the War of 1812, arrives home to find his fiancée married to another. He’s scarred both physically and mentally and resigns his Army commission. He takes to sea under the assumed name of Captain David Jones. After meeting at the pub, the two of them begin to step out with each other with neither having any intention of marrying anyone. Both are broken and determined to keep up the charades they each live. Until Jane/Brandy attracts a stalker….

EXCERPT

Despite the noise in the ale house, Jane Millbrook found herself in a trance as she watched the bar man pour the golden liquid into several steins. She pictured bubbles, not a head of beer. Her mind took her back to the days before. Before her brothers went to war. Before her mother died. When they used to drink champagne before dinner when there was something to celebrate. Before she ran away into the night. Before her life changed irrevocably due to that man. When her name was still Jane.

“Hey, Brandy, you going to bring us that round tonight, or what?” a customer yelled across the packed room.

The bar man shoved the tray at her. “Wake up. Dream on your own time or you will have plenty of time to do so as you won’t be working here. We don’t have time for lazy wenches. Get moving.”

Jane plastered a false smile on her face and picked up the tray. She turned with a swish of her skirts and pretended she was happy and gay. The stench of spilled beer and the vomit still drying on the floor near the table of drunken young men from the posh set—the set she used to belong to but had no idea those kinds of boys existed—caused her stomach to roil. Will I ever get used to it?

Taking the tray to the corner table with several regulars, she set a stein in front of each of the men. The one who called across the room earlier said, “Tell my mate here how you got such an odd name. I mean, really, who in the year of our Lord 1814 names their daughter Brandy?”

One of the men at the table she had not seen before said, “A drinking man?”

The first man howled with laughter. “Yes. Indeed. For you see, she told us when she was born, her mother asked her father what they were going to name her and he thought she asked what he was drinking.” He smacked his thigh and laughed so hard, Jane was sure she saw tears roll down his cheeks.

Of course the story was not true, but she had to change her name when she escaped. Brandy was as good as anything else and it was what she took the night she left. The night she slept in an abandoned doorway, drinking the brandy both to keep warm and to make herself forget. She put on another fake smile. “Yes. That’s right, luv.” The accent that was not her own had almost become second nature. She knew if she spoke in her normal modulated tones, it would be a dead giveaway of her origins.

Jillian, what else can you tell us that will allow us to get to know you better?

I live on the beautiful gulf coast of Northwest Florida. I am a lawyer by day, writer by night and weekends (and the odd lunch hour).  I am also a keen lover of history, photography, Liverpool Football Club, and international racing cycling. One of my favorite times of the year is fall, but I also love July for the everyday racing that is the Tour de France. There are a number of cycling races that are great to watch, but the France tour is a special one that I enjoy immensely.  I love looking at the scenery and castles as well as the racing itself being exciting. I find myself, as a historical nut and writer, imagining the people who had to escape the Nazis and where they would have hidden from them as well as how hard it would be to cross the Pyrenees to safety on foot. 

What books were your favorites as a child?

I adored Noel Streitfield stories and then moved on to Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie. I still love, love mysteries. I was an early reader and even though there were a lot of subtleties I didn’t catch with Sherlock and Agatha as a youngster, I adored those stories.

How and when did your writing journey begin? 

I wrote a story in the 5th grade about Mr. Pepper and Miss Salt who fell in love and married. Mr. Pepper went to med school and became Dr. Pepper. That was my first “published” story as my teacher bound it together and I read it to the first and second graders. I also used to write little stories about gifts I would give and put them in the package.  

As an adult, I started writing a novel to keep my mind off legal stuff in the middle of the night. Plotting is much more fun than arguing cases in my bed. LOL

What genre is your book? What do you like about writing in that genre?

This one is historical. I love history and like to do research into different eras and places. Since I love mysteries and thrillers so much, I like to add those elements in. 

What is the setting of your book? 

England in the Regency era. And some scenes are set at sea. I chose it because the story needed the adventure of horseback riding, carriages, and the potential of a scandal to make it exciting.

Which of your main characters is your favorite and why?

The hero is my favorite in this one. He is wounded physically and emotionally, but he has huge growth in the story. He learns a lot about himself on this journey.

What writing projects do you have on the horizon?

I am working on a series of stories where the heroine sees ghosts.  She teams up with a dead president and a handsome detective to solve crimes with the help of the spirit world. 

What is your best advice for aspiring writers?

Write the book that you are passionate about. It will shine if you do. If the book writing is a chore, that will also show. 

Which authors/books are on your keeper shelves?

Martha Grimes- she writes mysteries set in pubs in England. Been reading her since the 1980s, I think. 

Harlan Coben- a master of thrillers with twists in the tale.


Thank you so much, Jillian, for spending time with the Pen Dames! 

Readers, remember to comment below for a chance to win a print copy of Hearts Don't Lie. You can find Jillian Chantal at the following hangouts:

Website

X

Facebook





Thursday, April 3, 2025

Pen Dames Pointers! Tips to Jazz Up Your Writing 2025-4-3


 


A passion of Pen Dames is to help other writers by sharing tips and insights we have learned along the way. We hope you will find the pointers beneficial to your writing process.

Katherine Eddinger Smits


Seven Reasons Why Authors Should Judge Contests

Have you ever considered judging a writing contest? I regularly judge for the Florida Writers Association Royal Palm Literary Awards. When I was invited to judge, I felt honored but unsure of my qualifications. However, I decided to give it a try, and I’m so happy I did! Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider it too:

1. Giving Back to the Writing Community

Every writer benefits from the support of others—whether through writing associations, critique groups, or informal networking. A rising tide lifts all boats, and by helping fellow writers, we strengthen the literary community as a whole. Judging a contest is a meaningful way to give back, offering aspiring authors valuable feedback that can improve their work.

2. Sharpening Your Own Writing Skills

It’s easier to recognize strengths and weaknesses in someone else’s writing than in our own. By evaluating multiple entries, you become more aware of what makes a story effective—or where it falls short. Contest rubrics require judges to analyze elements such as plot, pacing, character development, and premise with precision. Providing constructive, example-based critiques is challenging but invaluable. With every evaluation, you deepen your understanding of the craft, sometimes more than in formal writing classes.

3. Enhancing Your Writing Credentials

Adding “Contest Judge” to your resume or bio is a valuable distinction. It demonstrates industry involvement, a strong grasp of storytelling mechanics, and the ability to critically assess writing. For editors, agents, and publishers, this experience is just as noteworthy as publication credits.

4. Expanding Industry Connections

Judging contests introduces you to fellow authors, contest organizers, and industry professionals. These connections can lead to new opportunities, such as speaking engagements, panel invitations, or collaborative projects. The more you engage in the literary world, the more doors open.

5. Learning What Makes a Story Stand Out

When you evaluate multiple submissions side by side, patterns emerge. You start to see what captures attention and what makes an entry fall flat. This perspective is invaluable when preparing your own submissions, helping you craft stories that resonate with readers and judges alike.

6. Boosting Confidence in Critical Analysis

Assessing contest entries strengthens your ability to evaluate writing objectively. As you practice giving clear, constructive feedback, you’ll gain confidence in critiquing your own work with the same discerning eye.

7. Finding Inspiration for Your Own Writing

Exposure to different storytelling techniques, genres, and voices can spark fresh ideas. Sometimes, a unique premise or an interesting narrative choice in someone else’s work might inspire a new approach in your own projects.

Judging a contest isn’t just about helping others—it’s about growing as a writer and becoming more engaged in the literary world. If you ever get the opportunity, take it. You might be surprised at how much you gain from the experience!


Barbara Cairns

Creativity

Did you know that as creative people, we are known as ambiverts? That means that unlike most people who are either introverts or extroverts, we combine both personality types, being both expressive and withdrawn, sociable and quiet. We are fortunate to be not only creative right brain thinkers, but also analytical and logical left brain thinkers.

Our common characteristics include the following: curiosity, playfulness, open mindedness, flexibility, independence, risk taking, sensitivity, intuition, attention to detail, ambition, objectivity, and perhaps most of all, passion.

Albert Einstein stated that “Creativity is intelligence having fun.” But, we writers know that it can also be challenging, ambiguous, and often discouraging. We must be motivated and have self-confidence. It takes a great deal of effort and persistence to maintain creativity.

Creativity comes in many forms. Whether it’s painting, writing, playing a musical instrument, it’s the ability to produce original ideas, themes or techniques that are useful and adaptable.

Being creative is good for our brains. We all know that lots of things are good for brain training such as reading, working puzzles, getting enough exercise and sleep and eating healthy foods. But the arts also should be added to that list. Writing, playing a musical instrument, drawing, painting, dancing…all these creative activities can benefit us. Practicing or just enjoying the arts can change your brain and your behavior. Those changes can improve both mental and emotional health.

Creative energy is a reflection of who we are, the sum total of all the bits and pieces we’ve collected throughout the years. Our creative projects have evolved from filled notebooks, photos, audio files, clippings, highlighted book passages, notes and articles, snippets from conversations, images of art, advice from mentors, lessons from nature and spiritual connections.

We can rejoice as creative people, knowing that we are innovative, inventive, imaginative, talented, gifted, original, ingenious, trailblazing, groundbreaking, and pioneering visionaries. According to research, creativity involves “a complex interplay between spontaneous and controlled thinking.”

Maya Angelou reminds us with this quote: “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” So, my fellow writers, keep that creativity going!


Jennifer Taylor

Keep Them Reading!

A very wise and talented mentor, Loretta Rogers (part of the Pen Dames!), once spoke of using television as a way to help with pacing and plot. If I'm not mistaken, she suggested observing a show that's in the genre you're writing. Isn't it inevitable that the scene ends for a commercial at a suspenseful part? So you have to watch when the commercial is over. Likewise, each scene and chapter in your book must end with the reader wondering what's going to happen next. 

Another example: I am in the process of working on a Rom-Com. There are doctors and nurses in the story, so I have been carefully watching the very funny comedy, Scrubs. I take note of the sight gags, the one-liners, and the way the scene ends, usually with something funny that makes you keep watching. It's very helpful. The characters are complex, with history and their own unique quirks. 

Thanks again, Loretta, for your suggestion--years ago!--and a shoutout to all the Pen Dames.


Flossie Benton Rogers

Character Response to Loss

As loss elicits various reactions in real life, so should it for the characters we write. Almost every character will have suffered some degree of loss and grief, from small to overwhelming. Does time actually heal all wounds or does dealing with loss bring about a constant recalibration of a person and how he or she responds to life forever after? Does a catastrophic loss suffered years ago change the way your character deals with certain ordinary situations? Does it bring forth traits that weren’t in evidence before or cause formerly observable traits to now be completely closed off? Does your character’s behavior change according to various challenges met during the course of the book or series?

Whether you approach such questions overtly in your story or consider them as background and backdrop, how your character responds can add layers of complexity and authenticity.

In my cozy mystery WIP, Pumpkin Patch Murder, the heroine’s backstory includes the loss of her brother in war, compounded by the death of her parents. Some of the changes to her behavior include a reluctance to enter hospitals and an avoidance of her old hometown and the memories associated with it. There are also hints of a lack of commitment and a tendency toward a rudderless life. Her main interests are studying history and leading cemetery tours, but her unusual ability to communicate with spirits has, thus far, provided little inner satisfaction.

In the book she is challenged to return to her hometown, take charge of a landmark tearoom under renovation, and use her unusual ability to help solve a murder. I look forward to seeing how her response to loss develops and changes during subsequent books in the series. How does grief or loss affect the current focal character you’re writing or reading about?


Loretta C. Rogers

Why Research is Crucial to Writing

Not all writers are naturally drawn to research, and some may find it tedious or uninspiring, especially if the topic doesn't genuinely spark the writer’s interest.

However, authors must remember they are writing for a wide range of audiences. Readers are smart. They can tell when a writer has threaded accurate research throughout their story in a believable way, or when a writer hasn’t researched at all. The trick is to be sure the information doesn’t read as regurgitation from an encyclopedia.

No matter the genre, from Historical to Sci-fi, Mystery to Romance, research is crucial to writing because it ensures accuracy, inspires creativity, ultimately leading to more compelling and impactful writing. Research also helps create more authentic and believable characters, settings, and narratives.

Lastly, create a ‘research’ file. Save the url’s for each researched topic. Creating such a file can be a valuable source, and a time-saver when writing about previously used topics e.g. horses, weaponry, certain countries, flora or fauna, and other relevant information.


Did these suggestions resonate with you? Let us know, and also tell us of any writing questions you have and topics you’d like us to cover in these Pointers.
Thanks for stopping by, and happy writing! Cheers from the Pen Dames.

Friday, March 7, 2025

Interview with Author Amy Vansant


 

Welcome to the Pen Dames March 2025 blog! This month we are interviewing the bubbly and super funny author Amy Vansant. She is the author of the Pineapple Port Mysteries, Shee McQueen Thrillers, Kilty Urban Fantasies & Romcom Collection: He’s Got to Go being the latest. You can find her on her website:
https://AmyVansant.com


You can buy her books at: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Amy-Vansant/author/B001K8WXV0

Read on for the interview with Amy and a contest for her upcoming release or a Kindle reader, plus get three free books!

 

What can you tell us about YOU that will allow us to get to know you better—where you live, your background, jobs, interests, etc.?

I was a freelance writer for years and East Coast Editor of Surfer Magazine back in the early nineties, which was funny because I was also freelancing for Modern Maturity Magazine at the same time. Slightly different audience between those two!

I’d started building websites when websites were new, and because it was easier to make money doing that, I put writing on the back-burner and started a web development company. One morning I woke up and realized I was supposed to be writing!

 

What books were your favorites as a child? How and when did your writing journey begin?

Pooh. When I was little, I actually wrote “Winnie the Pooh,” complete with crayon drawings. I was about six years old, so the prison sentence for plagiarism was relatively lax. With time out for good behavior, I was free before naptime.

 

What genre is your book? What do you like about writing in that genre?

I bop around to keep from getting bored. I write cozy mysteries (Pineapple Port Mysteries), action thrillers (Shee McQueen) Romances (He’s Got to Go & Slightly Stalky) and urban fantasies (Kilty). The common thread is humor. I’ve tried writing very dark serious books but it just never works. I keep adding jokes.

 

What inspires you to write?

Always felt like I had to. I used to write books for the girls at the barn where I took riding lessons and sold them their own stories for 25 cents each.

 

What is the setting of your book? Please describe it.

Most of my books take place near the beaches in Florida—Pineapple Port was based on my mother-in-law’s place on the west coast. Shee is in “Jupiter beach” where I live in Jupiter on the east coast. He’s Got to Go was in Miami. Kilty was in Los Angeles.

 

Why did you choose this setting?

I grew up in Sea Isle City, NJ, a small beach town, so I’m a sucker for beaches!

 

 Is your book part of a series or a standalone?

All series.

 

Which of your main characters is your favorite and why?

I’m in love with whatever characters I’m writing. I particularly love a lot of the characters in the Kilty series—Broch, the time-traveling highlander who’s obsessed with modern showers, Kilty’s Con and then Uncle Seamus in the Pineapple Port series are my Irish rogues. I loved writing Stephanie my serial killer’s daughter in Pineapple Port… Usually the most badly behaved characters are my favorite.

 

If you could spend an afternoon with any of your secondary characters, who would it be and why?

Mariska from Pineapple Port is literally my mother-in-law, so I actually do hang out with her. 😊

 

What writing projects do you have on the horizon?

I’m working on a new thriller series I love so much I don’t even want to share details yet. It’s about a girl named Cricket—and oh boy, does she have some secrets!!

 

What is your best advice for aspiring writers?

Keep Writing. That’s the only way you get better and make any money.

 

What is your favorite book marketing tip?

Build your own newsletter list. It’s the one thing over which you have control. Social media comes and goes—changes, blows up, makes it harder and harder to be found/heard. Your list is YOUR list.

 

And now for the contest!   Amy Vansant Contest and Free Books

 


We hope you enjoyed this interview with Amy Vansant and we’re sure you’ll love the three free books she has for you! Good luck with the contest. If you win, please let us know.

 

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Pen Dames Featured Valentine's Books

Valentine, be sweet to yourself. Buy books! 

 Mind Your Goddess 

 Flossie Benton Rogers 

 Love - razzle dazzle - cool jazz and hot kisses...

  Buy Link



Murder in the Mist

Loretta Rogers

Murder doesn't happen in the quaint seaside village of Cole Harbor. Now a psycho is killing women.

Buy Link



Abbie's Attraction

Barbara Cairns

Buy by email to Barbara Cairns: wordpainter@tampabay.rr.com or at a local event.



Echoes of the Moon (Rhythm of the Moon Series)

Jennifer Taylor

Buy Link



Witch Trial Legacy (The Cassadaga Collection Book 1)

Katherine Eddinger Smits

Where Romance Collides with Supernatural Suspense

Buy Link


Saturday, December 7, 2024

'Tis the Season...

 

All I Want for Christmas is…

Have you ever wondered why books make the best Christmas gifts?

1.     Books aren’t perishable.

2.     The best stories never grow old.

3.     A book is pretty much a gift for life.

4.     Books are the gift that keep on giving.

To help with your selection we have a few suggestions:



Witch Trial Legacy

by Katherine Eddinger Smits

Buy link: https://amzn.to/4aHgOUE

Sybilla Sanborn must break a centuries old curse before everything she cares about goes up in smoke.

Sybilla is a nurse gifted with the ability to heal with her touch but cursed with visions of future tragedies she cannot prevent because no one heeds her warnings. With help from the mediums of the spiritualist town of Cassadaga, Florida, she learns she is descended from both the first person executed for witchcraft in this country and the man who accused her.

Conn Ahern is an Iraq war vet dealing with pain and PTSD while working as a paramedic and struggling to save the ranch his grandmother founded. He’s an atheist who wants nothing to do with the people of the town.

When Conn and Sybilla meet, sparks fly, but not always in a good way, and their relationship fans the flames of jealousy and revenge in someone who doesn’t want them to work things out.

                                                            Runes (Wytchfae 1)

                                                   by Flossie Benton Rogers   


Buy link: Amazon.com: Runes (Wytchfae Book 1) eBook : Benton Rogers, Flossie: Kindle Store

Wytchfae Kelly O’Day’s job is to transition ghosts to the afterlife. The last thing she expects is to fall for one of them -- sexy Viking Ingvar Hrothson. Cursed to roam the earth as a restless spirit, Ingvar is hell bent to destroy the sorceress responsible. His war plan doesn’t include spending time with a bewitching flesh and blood woman like Kelly. With their attraction approaching supernova, the couple must battle sinister forces and master manipulators of the unholy dark arts. More than lives are at stake. Will hell give them a chance?


Echoes of the Moon
by Jennifer Taylor

Bethan Owen would give her life for her identical twin. With the care of Elunid’s troubled mind resting on her shoulders, she knows the love of a man will never be possible. But she can’t fight her attraction to the mystifying Henry Stephens, who, despite his lowly occupation as a night soil man, captivates her with his courtly manners and vitality.
Henry’s entire life revolves around building a fulfilling life for his mentally challenged son. When the vibrant and beautiful Bethan captures his heart, his world changes, but the secrets he harbors remain. Will he be able to give himself completely to the one he loves?
When Elunid’s behavior becomes more unstable, she makes a vicious enemy. Bethan is forced to make the greatest sacrifice, exchanging her life for her sister’s. Can Henry save Bethan and keep their love alive? Or will the dangerous adversary destroy all that is dear to them both?





Bitter Autumn
by Loretta C. Rogers


Flame-haired Birdie Mae Dix has no idea what tomorrow will bring. Kidnapped by the Pawnee and traded to the Comanche, she is now in the custody of the US Cavalry.  After eighteen years of loss and cruelty, she trusts no one; not even the handsome captain who’s piercing blue glare fills her with apprehension…and unwanted desire.

Pledging his life to a military career, years of war has hardened Captain Ford Thackery. He swore never to consider a life with a wife and children until he rescues an emerald-eyed, half-starved beauty. He knows he must earn Birdie’s trust as well as find a way into her heart.

Abducted by a renegade Pawnee cavalry scout, Birdie once again finds herself a captive. If he can’t possess her then no one will.



As we gather for another holiday season, whatever you celebrate, Pen Dames wish you, peace, happiness, love, and a prosperous New Year!


Meet Avid Reader--Connie Wright

  Hello viewers and welcome to Pen Dames July 2025 blog! This month we deviate from our usual routine. Rather than interviewing an author,...