Self-Publishing Made Simple, or Not

Thursday, October 09, 2025


On Monday, I launched my first self-published book, What to Do When Your Book Is Banned. I did a lot of the work myself. I watched tutorials and read books on graphic design before putting together my cover. Since I worked as an archaeological illustrator in college, I felt comfortable turning my layout skills toward something like this. Besides, I had Angela to give me tips. 


Then I took Self-Publish Your Masterpiece: Video Class here at WOW with Barbara Noe Kennedy. One of the things Barbara talked about was making certain your fonts are copyright free or that you pay for the right to use them. I had read something on Microsoft’s site that made me think this was not essential, but I could not relocate that advice. Instead, I found the link to click for Microsoft to calculate your fee. So, I found copyright free fonts. 

Then I started playing with my layout. For whatever reason, I couldn’t get the chapter titles to generate a table of content with links although I followed the instructions to a letter. Nope. It didn’t work the second time. Or the fifth time. So, I found a new way to do it. 

Then I needed to figure out how to number the pages. I’m giving the book away as a PDF, so the cover is part of the document. I needed to number front matter pages with lower case Roman numerals and then the body of the book with Arabic numerals. It wasn’t that hard to figure out. 

 All of this was in my Word file. After this project, I’ll be creating three more self-published books. A friend gave me a copy as a Word document so that I can just copy and paste my material in the right areas and have the proper formatting. Aren’t writing friends the best? 

But I couldn’t get the page numbers right. No, problem. I’d done it once. Certainly, I could do it again. I bet you saw this coming. I must have tried five or six times. I kept Googling various search terms looking for a solution. Nothing worked. 

And I couldn’t figure out how to put it on my site. I wanted to create a blind page that someone would only find with a link. But that’s impossible on my version of WordPress. I couldn’t find anything that worked. 

I would have just put it off if Angela hadn't talked me into committing to a launch date. But I did have to pivot to work on a paying job. By the time I met that deadline, I had 2 days left to wrap up the formatting on the book and get it posted. But I was coming at it fresh.

I did another Google search on how to save the book on my site. I found out how to use a password protected page in less than 10 minutes. It took me only slightly longer than that to find a description of how to do the page numbers that after several tries worked. 

I’m not going to say self-publishing the book was simple. There were times I questioned my decision to do this. But as is so often the case with writing, the solution was not giving up. And often the people who kept me going were the members of my accountability group. Thank you, Ladies! A strong community is a must for any writer testing self-publishing. 

--SueBE 

To get a copy of Sue’s book, go subscribe to her newsletter, One Writer’s Journey, here.

Sue Bradford Edwards' is the author of over 80 books for young readers.  

She is also the instructor for 3 WOW classes which begin on the first Monday of every month. She teaches:

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Interview With Spring 2025 Flash Fiction Runner Up, Renée Rockland

Tuesday, October 07, 2025
 

Today, I'm honored to interview Renée Rockland, runner up in our Spring 2025 Flash Fiction contest. Read her story "Survivor" before you check out our interview.

Here's more about Renee:

By day, Renée Rockland (she/her) works as a Corporate Controller. But at night, she trades numbers for words, writing short and flash fiction in a variety of genres. A native of Iowa, she traded cornfields for seashores and feels incredibly fortunate to live in the beautiful blue bubble that is coastal Delaware with her wife, twin daughters and two incredibly spoiled rescue dogs. Renée is a proud member of the Rehoboth Beach Writers’ Guild and believes in the healing power of dark chocolate.

-- Interview by Nicole Pyles

WOW: First off, congrats on winning runner up! What inspired you to write "Survivor"?

Renée: Thank you so much, Nicole. I took a class called “Transforming Hearts” at my Unitarian Universalist church in early 2024. The purpose of the class was to help foster radical inclusion and support transgender and non-binary individuals in our communities, going beyond basic welcome to build deeply affirming and safe spaces for all genders. I learned so much in the class, and it gave me deep compassion for those individuals who are navigating a path different than my own.

WOW: That must have been an inspiring course. Your story is a beautiful blend of identify and grief, and all the complex meanings of the word. How did you bring these themes about in your writing process?

Renée: I heard some heartbreaking stories in the class, and then as I researched and read more, I was awestruck at stories of survival and triumph despite unimaginable devastation. It’s not a journey I’ve taken, but I don’t believe you should “write what you know” (unless you really want to). For me, I’d rather write what I don’t know, so I can learn, discover, grow, imagine, and shine a light on things I think are important for people to know and care about.    

WOW: I love your version of that adage: write what you want to know. How did your story change during the revision process?

Renée: Probably because I have limited time to write, I do a lot of “mind writing” before I actually sit down at my computer. So, by the time my fingers are on the keyboard, I have a strong idea of where the story is going to go. I knew the last sentence almost from the start, and I knew I wanted to begin at the end with him opening a box and finding a photograph that took him back in time. The vignettes came about from extensive research and reading about transgendered folks and their experiences. By using his mother as the lens through which I captured the various stages in his life, I was able to show the arc of their relationship while still maintaining his POV throughout the story.

WOW: Pre-writing in your mind is a great approach! You did a great job showing that story arc. You have such an excellent way with words. Your story was an excellent example to me about writing with each word having meaning. How did you revise the story to make sure this was the case? 

Renée: That’s really kind of you to say, Nicole. I truly believe that every word is a choice. Once I vomit the first draft – I literally start every piece of writing with the little vomit emoji at the top of the page as a reminder to just write without judgment! – then I go back and pick at it, usually over the course of several weeks, depending on how long a piece is. I also read all my writing aloud multiple times. It helps me to hear flow and dialogue. If my mouth gets stuck or something doesn’t sound right, the reader’s probably going to feel the same way. After I’ve done all of that, I put the draft away until I don’t remember it very well and see if it still resonates when I resurrect it. At that point, I may change a word here or there, but it’s kind of like microwave popcorn, once you only hear a few kernels popping, it’s time to pull it out and dump it in the bowl. Otherwise, you’re going to overcook it. And nobody likes burnt popcorn! 

WOW: Ha, great visual! What advice do you have for writers who are reluctant to share their voice with the world? 

Renée: I keep a writing notebook for ideas, and this is what I have written on the inside cover, courtesy of Trevor Noah. “Never not do something because you’re afraid to fail. Take risks. Failure will provide you with an answer, but regret will always leave you questioning.”

WOW: Beautiful quote. What lessons do you hope people take away from your stories?

Renée: Probably the same thing I hope to take away from anything I’ve read…that it was time well spent. That I’m better for having read it. That it’s shown me another perspective or given me something to think about that will enrich future conversations or interactions. In the end, I always hope it’s more about the characters and story than the writing. Good writing gets out of the way, so the story can shine through. I never want my writing to distract from the story.

WOW: Thank you so much for your time today, Renée. Best of luck on your future stories!

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To Have and to Hold, to Love and to Kill by Amy Sampson-Cutler

Monday, October 06, 2025
 
To Have and to Hold, to Love and to Kill by Amy Sampson-Cutler

It feels like just yesterday we hosted a blog tour with author Amy Sampson-Cutler. Now, she's back with us again for a book that's perfect for the spooky season. Join us as we celebrate the launch of To Have and To Hold, To Love and To Kill. We're interviewing the author about her chilling new novel and giving you a chance to win a copy for yourself.

First, here's more about this novel:

In her past life, after causing the death of a little boy, Nikki was so devastated that her soul mate promised to murder her in their next life, to make her pay for what she had done. With no knowledge of this, Nikki lives for years as an addict, down on her luck, until she is rescued by Ken, who helps her with all aspects of her recovery. With the help of a few new friends and a cat named Destiny, Nikki turns her life around. What she doesn’t know is that someone out there is destined to kill her, and he is watching, his passion for killing her growing stronger each day.

The question is: Can an agreement made between two souls be broken, and how far will one soul go to keep a promise made in a desperate attempt to save the other?



Publisher: Black Rose Writing
ISBN-10: 1685133428
ISBN-13: 978-1685133429
Print length: 195 pages

Purchase a copy of To Have and to Hold, to Love and to Kill on Amazon and Bookshop.org. You can also add this to your GoodReads reading list.

About the Author, Amy Sampson-Cutler

Amy S. Cutler

Amy Sampson-Cutler, author of To Have and to Hold, to Love and to Kill: An Agreement of Souls and A Shadow of Love, is a writer who earned her master's degree in creative writing from Goddard College. Her work can be found in Slut Vomit: An Anthology of Sex Work, Tales to Terrify, WOW! Women on Writing, The Pitkin Review and more. She is the Executive Manager at Mount Peter Ski Area, where she grew up skiing in the winter and dreaming up stories in the summer. Her favorite days are spent knocking around story ideas with her husband. She lives in the Hudson Valley with her husband, son, and a ridiculous amount of furry family members. 

She can be contacted through AmysHippieHut.com. Also follow her on:


--- Interview by Nicole Pyles

WOW: Welcome back to WOW, Amy! And congratulations on your new book! What inspired this novel? 

Amy: Thank you so much! A friend of mine is an amazing energist - an energy healer - and I was talking with her about life's struggles.  During a session with her, she suggested to me that perhaps my troubles weren't just about my current life, that maybe they had something to do with a past life. We starting talking about contracts and karma, and during that session, when she was working on me and I was half-conked on an energy high, this entire story came together in my mind. 

WOW: That's absolutely fascinating. During our last blog tour together (can you believe it's been three years?), you mentioned that you based your last book on your parents' haunted house. Did you base this novel on any actual people or locations? 

Amy: Purposefully, this book does not represent any actual people or locations. Besides a few street names, I did not set this book in any particular location. I didn't want the location to matter; it could be any place, happening to any people. 

WOW: A great approach! How did you decide upon your novel's title?

Amy: The title is long. I've always thought it was too long, and it's a mouthful to say! It is, however, an exact description of the book. The title started as, "To Have and to Hold, to Love and to Kill," which is a good start, but I didn't think it was enough. Then it was, "An Agreement of Souls," which fit but needed more. Thus, "To Have and to Hold, to Love and to Kill: An Agreement of Souls" was born and will likely be my longest title ever.

WOW: Well, it's a wonderful, catching title! How do you balance writing with your day job?

Amy: My writing life and my career are in a never-ending battle for my time. My mind is the clearest and most productive in the morning, and when I make my coffee and sit down at my desk, it's like I have an angel on each shoulder. My writing angel whispers that I should write while I have the chance, and my work-minded angel (is it an angel though? Hmm, not sure) whispers that I should check my email and get an early start on the day. It's more of an internal battle than a balance, but sometimes the writing angel wins, and almost always, I'm glad it does.

WOW: I can completely relate to that struggle for balance. What advice can you share with writers who want to share their stories with the world?

Amy: Do it! I can't tell you how many people say to me, "I've always wanted to write a book," and then they go on to tell me some of their ideas. Do it, I tell them. What can it hurt? In the process of writing a book - any book - we learn and grow, and go through a grueling process that always leaves us better. If the book is published, great. Terrific, really! But even if it is not published, you will be left with this amazing piece of work that you produced, containing a piece of your heart, your soul, your time. If you want to grow as a person, write a book - you will pull things out of yourself that you never knew were there. 

WOW: I completely agree! What are you working on now that you can tell us about? 

Amy: You know the friend I mentioned, the amazing energist? She has several extraordinary gifts, and the story of how she realized these gifts - through a traumatic and confusing childhood, through loss and struggle - is not only outstanding but inspiring. I am so happy to say that I am writing the story of her life. It is my first non-fiction book, and it in I am weaving a mythological tale of the phoenix, rising from ashes, because that is exactly what her story is.

WOW: I can't wait for your next novel. Thank you so much for chatting with us today! 

To Have and to Hold, To Love and to Kill by Amy S. Cutler Blog Tour

-- Blog Tour Calendar

October 6 @ The Muffin
Join us as we celebrate the launch of To Have and to Hold, to Love and to Kill by Amy Sampson-Cutler. We interview the author and give you a chance to win a copy of the book.

October 6 @ Tracey Lampley's blog
Visit Tracey's blog for a guest post by author Amy Sampson-Cutler on why she writes scary stories even though she's afraid of the dark.

October 7 @ All Things Writing
Visit Caitrin's blog for a guest post by author Amy Sampson-Cutler on finding time to write on a busy schedule.

October 12 @ Author Anthony Avina's Blog
Visit Anthony's blog for his review of To Have and To Hold, To Love and To Kill by Amy Sampson-Cutler.

October 15 @ Chapter Break
Visit Julie's blog for a guest post by author Amy Sampson-Cutler on how to turn everyday encounters into spooky stories.

October 18 @ Boots, Shoes, and Fashion
Linda interviews author Amy Sampson-Cutler about her book To Have and To Hold, To Love and To Kill.

October 20 @ A Storybook World
Visit Deirdra's blog for her spotlight of To Have and To Hold, To Love and To Kill by Amy Sampson-Cutler. 

October 22 @ Guatemala Paula Loves to Read
Visit Karen's blog for her review of To Have and To Hold, To Love and To Kill by Amy Sampson-Cutler.

October 23 @ Knotty Needle
Visit Judy's blog for her review of To Have and To Hold, To Love and To Kill by Amy Sampson-Cutler.

October 23 @ The Faerie Review
Visit Lily's blog for her spotlight of To Have and To Hold, To Love and To Kill by Amy Sampson-Cutler.

October 24 @ Author Anthony Avina's Blog
Visit Anthony's blog for an excerpt from To Have and To Hold, To Love and To Kill by Amy Sampson-Cutler.

October 25 @ Word Magic
Visit Fiona's blog for a guest post by Amy Sampson-Cutler on creating the perfect ambiance to write paranormal tales.

October 27 @ Lit World Interviews
Visit Ronovan's blog for his review of To Have and To Hold, To Love and To Kill by Amy Sampson-Cutler.

October 28 @ Kaecey McCormick's blog
Visit Kaecey's blog for a guest post by author Amy Sampson-Cutler on tips on writing for your favorite genre.

October 29 @ Sarandipity
Sara interviews author Amy Sampson-Cutler about her book To Have and To Hold, To Love and To Kill.

October 30 @ Words by Webb
Stop by Jodi's blog for Amy Sampson-Cutler's guest post on her favorite books to read on Halloween.

October 31 @ Sarandipity
Visit Sara's blog for a guest post by author Amy Sampson-Cutler on creating the perfect ambiance to write paranormal tales.

November 2 @ Jill Sheets' Blog
Visit Jill's blog for her interview with author Amy Sampson-Cutler about her book To Have and To Hold, To Love and To Kill.

***** BOOK GIVEAWAY *****

The giveaway is open to US residents for a print copy. Enter to win a print copy of To Have and to Hold, To Love and to Kill by Amy S. Cutler! Fill out the Gleam form below for a chance to win. The giveaway ends October 19th at 11:59 pm CT. We will randomly draw a winner the next day via Gleam and follow up via email. Good luck!

To Have and to Hold Giveaway
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Interview with Julide Kroeker, Runner Up in the Q3 Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest with "To all the Moons who have followed me Home"

Saturday, October 04, 2025

 

Congratulations to Julide Kroeker from Saint Charles, Missouri for her touching nonfiction essay titled:
To all the Moons who have followed me Home

Check out Julide's submission, To all the Moons who have followed me Home as well as all the other winning entries and then stop back here to read Julide's enlightening interview with Crystal J. Casavant-Otto from WOW! Women on Writing. 

Julide's Bio: 
Julide (Juh-lee-duh) Kroeker is an aspiring cryptid living in the Midwest. She spent the last luxurious 8 months getting laid off, so she's hoping to haunt your local woods! Are you looking for someone with the moxie of Mothman and the sex appeal of the Squonk? Well, look no further! I'm already scurrying on your roof!


WOW: Thank you for writing such a personal essay - what is the take-away you'd like readers to gain from To all the Moons who have followed me Home? 

 Julide: When you're a kid, you believe everything your parents say, especially the bad stuff. It seeps into your brain and marinates there, and it's near impossible to debunk all the things that the person who is supposed to love you more than anyone has said. I know that's how I thought, I was like, "Man, if my mom thinks of me like this, then everyone else must really hate me." And sometimes I still slip into that. The takeaway I would hope would be that you are a full person outside of other people, and it is important to grasp who that person is so that other people don't tell you who you are instead. 

WOW: That is really profound - thank you for finding the right words to explain that. Who is your support - what have you found to be most supportive in your writing life as well as in life in general? 

 Julide: My boyfriend Kevin has been a huge support for me. I've had a tough year of getting laid off, and then endured the demoralizing experience of searching for a new job in 2025. He never wavered in his belief in what I could achieve, and has never made me feel embarrassed for getting excited about the things that bring me joy. He was told me that, "Your enthusiasm is the best thing about you." 

 WOW: Huge round of applause for Kevin - I love him already! What’s next for you? What are your writing goals for the rest of 2025 and beyond? 

Julide: I've never been good about actually finishing my novels, so that is still a goal I'd like to achieve. I have a story in mind that really excites me whenever I think about. It's got a small town with shady secrets, cryptids, a mysterious doctor, and a little girl trying to uncover it all. I was really stuck on the idea of writing something people broadly would want to buy, but this feels like something I'd love even if no one buys it, so I'm chasing that right now. 

WOW: I enjoyed your bio - it begs the ask - Would you like to share with us what an aspiring cryptid enjoys? Bring us into your world? 

 Julide: Gosh, thanks for asking. Unfortunately, it's not all glitz and glamour like you'd think. It's a really intimidating market to break into, even with all six of my legs. It can feel like it's oversaturated by these veterans, you know, cause every day you're just thinking, "I'll never be Mothman." But I was talking to the Loveland Frogman, who's been a real mentor for me, and who gave me some advice in regards to my identity crisis as an up and coming cryptid, he said, "Hey, stop trying to come up with your name and your niche, the town you scuttle around in will name you. It's about the community and your impact on them. You just gotta be you." And that really took a lot of pressure off me. 

WOW: What advice do you have for others during turbulent times? What works or doesn’t work for you when it comes to dealing with stress and the pressures of everyday life? 

Julide: Allow yourself to crumble a bit. It doesn't make you weak. I felt completely worthless when I lost my job, and I had to get through feeling those emotions, because that was the way through. You have to remember that you are not your job, that you still deserve kindness from people, including yourself. So, my advice is crumble and rebuild.


WOW: Thank you Julide for your great advice to others when it comes to writing and writing contests, and thank you for sharing with us in today's interview! You're a bright light for all of us writers and readers! I look forward to our paths crossing again and until then - keep writing (and smiling)! 

Today's post was penned by Crystal J. Casavant-Otto

Crystal Casavant writes. 
Everything. 
If you follow her blog you have likely laid eyes on every thought she has ever had. Her debut novel, It Was Never About Me, Was It? is still a work in progress and shall be fully worthy sometime in 2025...or maybe 2026. She has written for WOW! Women on Writing, Bring on Lemons, and has been featured in several magazines and ezines relating to credit and collections as well as religious collections for confessional Lutherans. She runs a busy household full of intelligent, recalcitrant, and delightful humans who give her breath and keep her heart beating day after day. 

Crystal wears many hats (and not just the one in this photo) and fully believes in being in the moment and doing everything she can to improve the lives of those around her! The world may never know her name, but she prays that because of her, someone may smile a little brighter. She prides herself on doing nice things - yes, even for strangers! 


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Do Easter Eggs Belong in Your Writing?

Thursday, October 02, 2025


I enjoyed the post last month by my fellow blogger Renee Roberson about her family being captivated by the streaming show The Summer I Turned Pretty. I was also escaping into author Jenny Han's world of young love, heartbreak, and beautiful beach houses. 


Then I went online.


Sure, there was the standard debate of the love triangle. Were you Team Jeremiah or Team Conrad? But it was more than just that simple question. 


Social media was flooded with discussions of every detail of the show and books from the use of color to movies (Sabrina and Bye, Bye Birdie made several appearances) to the symbolism of numbers, food, music, clothes, home decor. These super fans were investigating even the smallest detail as they went over each scene, each word, each pause with a fine tooth comb. What was the meaning behind that song, that dessert, that seating at the dinner table?


It began because author Jenny Han confirmed in interviews that there were "little breadcrumbs" giving hints to the final outcome as well as some that were tributes to her favorite songs, her other books and more. I think for many people "the hunt" to try and decipher what was going to happen before it happened was as fun as watching the actual show.


Could authors do this in written works? Leave easter eggs that are so subtle they are almost unnoticeable but when they are revealed produce an "ah-ha" moment? As writers, we dream of people not only reading our words but remembering them, recommending them to others, interacting with them. Hidden puzzles could be a way to make that happen. An extra to keep readers anchored in your world even after they've read the last page.


I often place my own version of easter eggs in my writing but they are only noticeable to my family and close friends. My fictional characters might have the initials, favorite foods or quirky habit of a loved one. Many are secret little tributes to each of my children.


Many books through the ages have included that hidden layer that are easily overlooked on the first read through: The Great Gatsby, The Narnia series, Alice in Wonderland, the books of Dan Brown and Stephen King. That hidden layer encourages you to hold on to a book - reading it multiple times, searching for the hidden. It becomes more than just a book - it becomes an experience.


What do you think about literary easter eggs?



Jodi M. Webb writes from her home in the Pennsylvania mountains about everything from DIY projects to tea to butterflies.  She's also a blog tour manager for WOW-Women on Writing. Get to know her  blogging at Words by Webb. 


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Interview with Amanda McIntyre: Spring 2025 Flash Fiction Contest Third Place Winner

Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Amanda’s Bio: Amanda McIntyre is a published author of a memoir detailing her family’s harrowing Covid journey, entitled Dying to Live. A retired primary school headteacher, she is an aspiring picture book author and mother of three grown-ups. Amanda is deeply passionate about writing and crafting imaginative worlds where readers can immerse themselves and embark on unforgettable adventures. Her stories are woven with rich, memorable characters, inviting readers of all ages to journey alongside them. In 2025, Amanda is a prize winner in the PB & KJ writing competition for children’s stories and a prize winner in the Writer Advice’s Flash Fiction Contest. Additionally, she received an honourable mention in the Morgen with an E, 50-word story competition. Amanda’s current focus is on writing stories that engage young minds and develop the love of reading she enjoyed as a child. She has two Labradors and enjoys exploring the Scottish countryside with them. More information is available at her website amandamcintyrebooks.com, which is currently under construction. 

If you haven't done so already, check out Amanda's award-winning story "The Selkie's Promise" and then return here for a chat with the author. 

WOW: Congratulations on placing third in the Spring 2025 Flash Fiction Contest! What excited you most about writing this story? 

Amanda: What truly excited me about writing this story was the chance to revisit cherished memories of reading with my children, particularly a much-loved picture book featuring a Selkie. The allure and mystery of these Scottish shapeshifting legends have captivated me ever since. I am drawn to the Selkie's duality: their enchanting presence as humans and their graceful retreat to the sea. Entering the flash fiction contest felt like the perfect moment to delve deeper into Scottish folklore, bringing this fascination to life on the page. I was especially eager to experiment with the concise, impactful nature of flash fiction, a form that, like picture books, demands precision and emotional resonance in very few words. My aim was to weave an atmospheric tale that captures the raw feelings of grief and loss, immersing readers in Mara’s haunting journey and leaving them pondering what might unfold between her and the Selkie. This project was both a personal challenge and a creative departure from my usual writing, making it an exhilarating experience. 

WOW: I am continuously amazed by the thoughtful precision and crafting that goes on behind the scenes of any piece of writing, particularly with flash pieces. What did you learn about yourself or your writing while crafting this piece? 

Amanda: Through the process of crafting this piece, I realised just how swiftly you must draw readers into the world of flash fiction. The genre’s brevity means every word counts, so I found myself meticulously selecting and refining language to build an immediate sense of place and emotion. It became clear to me that establishing an atmosphere and forging a connection with characters is essential, almost like leading a group on a guided tour, ensuring no one drifts away because the journey is compelling from the very first sentence. This experience also highlighted the centrality of Mara’s grief, yet I wanted to ensure a subtle sense of hope lingered in her encounter with the Selkie. Having mostly written for children before, I discovered a new enthusiasm for writing with an adult audience in mind, and I am eager to pursue that further. 

WOW: You’ve published memoir, children’s stories, flash fiction, and more. How does writing in multiple genres inspire you and your writing? Do you have a favorite genre, and why is it your favorite? 

Amanda: Writing in multiple genres continually re-energises my creativity and keeps my perspective fresh. Each form brings its own set of challenges and delights. Writing a memoir allowed me to reflect deeply and find meaning in a difficult experience, while children’s stories invite a sense of wonder and playfulness. Flash fiction, on the other hand, offers a thrilling constraint, the need to distil emotion and narrative into a handful of impactful words. I find that moving between genres prevents me from getting stuck in a rut; lessons learned in one style often inform and enrich my approach to others. As for a favourite, I am becoming very fond of flash fiction. Although maybe that is because I have been lucky enough to have been placed in two competitions this year. There’s something invigorating about the discipline it demands and the immediacy it creates between writer and reader. The genre’s brevity is a little like writing for children, challenging me to say more with less and to trust the reader to fill in the gaps. That sense of collaboration and shared imagination is what keeps me coming back to flash fiction, even as I continue to explore and enjoy other genres. 

WOW: Having trust in your readers is a crucial element to good writing! Thank you for sharing that. What are you reading right now, and why did you choose to read it? 

Amanda: At the moment, I am engrossed in The Tenant by Frieda McFadden. I have long been an admirer of her work; she is a true expert when it comes to suspense and crime thrillers. Our book club selected this novel as our latest read, and I jumped at the chance to begin it. What I appreciate most about McFadden’s writing is her knack for crafting intricately layered plots filled with unexpected twists, always managing to keep readers guessing right up to the final pages. Her fast-paced, straightforward prose makes her books thoroughly engaging and a breeze to read, which is ideal for me, especially in the evenings when I am seeking a captivating yet undemanding story to wind down with. It is the perfect way to lose myself in a different world before bedtime. 

WOW: If you could give your younger self one piece of writing advice, what would it be and why? 

Amanda: If I could offer my younger self one piece of writing advice, it would be to embrace the messiness of the first draft and not let the pursuit of perfection stifle creativity. I used to spend far too long agonising over each sentence, afraid to move forward until everything was just so. With time, I have learnt that the real magic often emerges in the process of revising and reshaping, and that it is far more important to get words on the page than to get them right the first time. Trusting in the journey and allowing yourself room to experiment opens unexpected possibilities, both on the page and within yourself as a writer. 

WOW: Yes, you make another very important point about trust as a writer; not only do you have to trust your readers, you have to trust yourself, too! Anything else you’d like to add? 

Amanda: Yes, I would just like to add how grateful I am for the various opportunities that writing has brought into my life, whether it is connecting with readers, engaging in lively discussions with fellow writers, or exploring new genres that challenge and inspire me. Each project, no matter how small, offers a chance to grow and discover something new about myself and the world. I am constantly reminded that writing is as much about curiosity and courage as it is about craft, and I look forward to seeing where the next story leads me. 

WOW: We look forward to it, too! Thank you so much for sharing your story and your thoughtful responses with us. Happy writing! 


Interviewed by Anne Greenawalt, founder and editor-in-chief of Sport Stories Press, which publishes sports books by, for, and about sportswomen and amateur athletes. Connect on social media: @greenmachine459.
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The Soundtrack of Storytelling by Heather Snodgrass

Monday, September 29, 2025
 
A Love Letter to Reading by Heather Snodgrass

By Heather Snodgrass

Music has a way of weaving its way through all of our lives like thread. Some may use it as background noise while they are studying, working, or even to fall asleep. I am a person who retains what I read with music in the background and that is one reason I like to listen to music while I read. Many of us use it to tell our stories. Musical theater and concerts are not the only ways to convey thoughts and emotions to a live audience through music. Whenever a person is reading or watching a film, they are the live audience for that story, and I have really wanted to marry music with reading in a unique way. 

In my debut novel, A Love Letter to Reading, Ariana is an assassin, contracted by her father’s business. As events unfold, she finds herself joining a book club where her target is a member. Though music is her first love, she quickly becomes an avid reader as she navigates grief and revenge. After she befriends her target, she finds herself in a race against time to bring down her father’s crime ring before they get to her. In A Love Letter to Reading, music and books are interwoven throughout the story, and they ignite Ariana’s evolution.

Throughout the novel, I use music to put the reader in the scene with the main character, Ariana, or whichever character they are following in the story. Scorpion is Ariana’s assassin alias, and she uses music as her anchor during her assignment. She relies on that anchor to remind herself about her target’s worst traits. As an assassin, she lives by a code when she kills. She curates playlists for her targets based on her justification for following through on her assignment. 

Personally, lyrics are what inspire me the most to create stories. They put my mind into creative overdrive. If you’ve ever watched a movie where a song makes you feel as much as the actor on screen, that is what I draw upon when writing while listening to a great song. 

In building A Love Letter to Reading, I drew upon timelines from my own life. My most vivid memories are the ones that have a song to anchor the memory in the timeline. I made sure to include this detail when creating the characters. Like Ariana, I build playlists for almost every reason in life. I have a playlist about myself, I have playlists for dealing with grief, preparing for auditions, public speaking, social engagements, etc. I create playlists for each character I write. I utilize music as a framework to establish traits and personality while I am writing to help ensure each character is unique. 

I wrote so much of Ariana and Sam’s relationship around the song “River” by Leon Bridges. I made sure to write that song into a scene specifically for those two people where I described what the lyrics mean to Ariana. To Ariana, that song is so perfect for their relationship even though Sam can’t hear it. It is important to her to be able to convey it to Sam. 

Incorporating the Mamma Mia! and Aladdin soundtracks were very specific to the two men who inspired Larry. One happened to be an actor in Mamma Mia! early in his stage career. The mention of the Aladdin soundtrack is based on a true story. Both are excellent soundtracks and have been influential in my life.

Soundtracks have always been so important to me in movies. I have always fallen more in love with a movie that has a great soundtrack. I enjoy musical theater a lot because it combines music and storytelling. I love using music to express the story or character. One specific time I remember completely falling in love with the presence of the music in a scene was in X-Men: Days of Future Past. The audience is introduced to Quicksilver and his super-speed abilities during a battle while “Time in a Bottle” by Jim Croce plays over the scene. It almost seemed counter-intuitive, but it was so perfect. That scene stuck with me, and I knew I wanted to tell stories with music that just works. In A Love Letter to Reading, I envisioned Scorpion killing to music she feels describes the target. Some of it may be more fast-paced, and some may be a bit slower. 

Being a millennial, I grew up with an eclectic ear palette. I loved it all. Many of my friends around my age were the same way. We rocked out to everything from oldies to metal, and we really loved the music. We listened to the lyrics. We analyzed the meaning behind the lyrics. We bonded at concerts. We were truly together in those times. Whether you’re a Swiftie, a Monster, a Beatlemaniac, a Bruce Tramp, Beyhive, a Pig, or any of the fandoms that exist, I see that same bonding happening around the world. It was important for me to create a character that resonates with readers from around the world who just love the music. Music really can unite the world. People all around the world are currently experiencing a form of grief, and unification is needed now more than ever. 

I created an unofficial soundtrack on Spotify for A Love Letter to Reading for the very reason of listening to songs in the scene and chapter titles. Being a book where music is such an important theme, I wanted to give readers the connection between this book and the music that brings it to life. The second edition of my book will be released soon and it will have a QR code where readers can connect to the playlist if they choose to do so. Music does not need to be limited to movies and shows in order to add that depth to the scene. I invite all readers to step into the rhythm of this story.

***

Heather Snodgrass has a lifelong love of novels, movies, and the creative arts. A graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, she has explored multiple avenues to bring stories to life. She lives in Colorado with her husband, JD, and their dogs, and enjoys traveling, gardening, and playing video games. Like her character Ariana, she keeps a playlist for everything and invites others to share theirs in return. Her debut novel, A Love Letter to Reading, explores complex characters in a world where the arts reveal the best of the human spirit. She recently received the International Impact Book Award (July 2025).
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Interview with Leah Gastman Rosasco - WOW! Q3 Creative Nonfiction Essay Runner Up

Sunday, September 28, 2025


Leah Gastman Rosasco, a runner up in the Q3 2025 Creative Nonfiction Essay contest with Hiding Spaces, joins us today to talk about her writing journey as well as her winning essay.


Leah considers writing her first love and counts it among her most consistent and reliable companions. Her writing includes poetry, songs, creative nonfiction and visual essays. With hundreds of essay and novel starts over the years, and no endings, Leah credits a recent writing workshop with helping her find her path to developing her work from beginning to end. By shifting her focus from employing writing as an instrument, to viewing writing as her craft – although she has been writing for as long as she can remember – Leah feels she is just getting started.


In addition to writing Leah likes to spend her time baking, hiking, doing yard work, thrifting, and restoring the occasional piece of old furniture. Leah lives in a small(ish) town in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada where she and her husband share a 1940s home with their three rescue dogs.

WOW: Congratulations on your winning essay, "Hiding Spaces". Your essay focused on sadness until the end when BOOM, I'm laughing. But it was as if the humor made the sadness even more powerful. Did you consciously combine humor and sadness or did it just happen?

Leah: It wasn’t a conscious decision to write it that way, it just happened. That being said, it was definitely the presence of both sadness and humor in the situation that made me realize I needed to write this essay. There is a lot going on in this piece – longstanding sorrow, feelings of inadequacy and loneliness – but I liked that the humor and the hope kind of floated to the top at the end. 

WOW: It seems you've had a long and winding journey, like so many writers while working in a non-writing profession. When was the first time you considered yourself a writer? 

Leah: I am still working on getting comfortable with calling myself a writer, although I have known for as long as I can remember that writing is a special, soothing, beautiful place for me to spend time. The first time I understood my writing might be something beyond how I felt about it was when my 5th grade class was learning about poetry and my teacher printed a line from a poem I had written on a banner and hung it over the chalk board in our classroom. The line was nothing terribly spectacular (…where there’s a pencil there’s a poem…) but the teacher loved it for that lesson and saw it as an inspiring visual for her classroom. It was a foreign and wonderful feeling to see my words shared like that and it made me feel like maybe there was more to my writing than I knew. 

As an adult the first time I felt like a writer was in 2020 when I hit “SEND” to submit my first essay to the Women on Writing contest. My essay did not advance past the first round but I was elated just to submit it and get feedback on it. Since that moment I have consistently moved closer to considering myself a writer. "Hiding Spaces" was my second submission to this or any contest and having it chosen as a runner up has certainly helped me get a little more comfortable with considering myself a writer. 

WOW: I think we should definitely start calling you a writer. Placing in the second writing contest you entered is quite the accomplishment! Although you are a long time writer, in your bio you mentioned feeling like you are starting anew as you change your outlook from writing as instrument to writing as craft. Can you share what you mean by this and how it has changed your writing life?

Leah: For most of my life I have used writing, mostly journaling, as therapy. It was the most effective and consistent tool for helping me work through issues. I would write creative pieces, poems, fiction and nonfiction essays and even songs once in a while, but for the most part I felt like I was writing for emotional survival.

WOW: I can understand that, writing is a coping mechanism for so many people. But what changed? 

Leah: About a year ago I started thinking about being more intentional with my writing, which was not something I had considered before then. I had hundreds of pieces started but none of them ever felt finished. This desire to focus on writing as a craft rather than therapy led me to sign up for the Spark Your Story creative nonfiction workshop, which opened doors. I realized there were so many interesting stories, including things I had journaled about for years, that I could approach as an intentional craft. I could look at a topic and figure out which genre I felt told the story the best, make choices about narration, setting, language, cadence, etc. I was ready for this shift and it’s been an amazing experience. Approaching some of these topics in this way has absolutely helped me grow creatively, but I have also noticed that telling stories about these issues or situations or behaviors (like hiding) as an intentional craft has helped me see them as something other than a problem I need to solve. They are just part of my story as a human being and I’m having a lot of fun writing them.

WOW: I'm so glad you're having fun with your new outlook on your writing. Do you have a writing tip you'd like to share with us?

Leah: Let your writing come out as it does, even if it seems like a waste of time. Some of my favorite writing has come from a single line after writing pages and pages of what feels like nonsense, and it often takes me in a direction I could not have imagined before I sat down to write. I think this is what I have learned to love the most about writing, how it flows out and reveals something I did not know existed. Also, when seemingly random ideas or words or sentences pop into your mind, write them down! I have mourned the loss of many great ideas over the years simply because I thought, “That one’s so good I’ll never forget it!” and I do, within five minutes. It’s maddening.

WOW: Oh yes, those ideas or snippets of dialogue that come to you just as you're drifting off to sleep. You wake up and they're gone and all you remember is they were so good! Aside from striving to write every idea down, what’s up next for your writing career?

Leah: I appreciate this question because it is one I have been asking myself. I have written a few essays that I really like that may need some final edits but are pretty much done. I’d like to submit some of these pieces to contests or for publishing consideration. I have also begun the process of looking back at some of my older writing and have found quite a few topics I want to rework into CNF (Creative Nonfiction) essays. I am not sure what is going to come of this and at the moment I honestly don’t have a specific goal or vision other than being open to seeing what develops from this exercise.

WOW: The life of a writer doesn't often have a clear blueprint. It seems there are always more questions about what we should do (and write) next.  We wish you all the luck finding homes for your work and look forward to reading more. 
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Scenes from a Small-Town Bookstore

Thursday, September 25, 2025


Last month, I took a job working part-time at the independent bookstore in our small college town. I’ve admired the female-owned bookstore from afar and as a customer, attending many author events there and meeting some of my favorite writers. But as we all know, writing can be a lonely business. Most of my days as an empty nester are spent talking to my dogs, researching and recording podcast scripts, working on essays, short stories, and longer lengths of work. It can be days before I leave my neighborhood and sometimes it feels isolating. 

So, when I saw the opening for a part-time bookseller, I jumped at the chance to apply. Fortunately, the owner knew me from my previous job as editor of a regional magazine. She hired me and I began my training last month. I work two or three days a week, which is perfect for my schedule. I work with a large group of women with very diverse backgrounds (the owner if a former high school biology teacher), the store manager writes in the romantasy genre, another co-worker studied data sciences, a member of the town’s historical society and a former archivist, and so on. You get the idea. We have a wide range of interests, which helps us assist our customers no matter what type of book they are looking for. Because there are so many of us, the job offers us the flexibility we need. 

One of the first things I noticed on the job was how happy the customers are. I never realized how busy the bookstore is, but it makes sense. It’s on the main street of a small college town, and we have a diverse group of customers walking into the store every day. They are so happy to find us, because we have a carefully curated selection of not only books, but stickers, journals, puzzles, and gift ideas. Children happily skip into the store to search for the next book in a series they are devouring, readers come in looking for their most current book club selections, and parents visiting their students at the college say they love visiting the store whenever they’re in town. Because our store is small, we can’t carry everything in stock but have created a system where customers can place orders with us with no shipping and the book are usually available within three to five days. 

With inflation on the rise and more people budgeting their money carefully, I’ve noticed books are a comfort item people are willing to splurge on. 

In the past few weeks, I’ve seen: 

  • A man with a National Parks employee patch on his polo shirt searching for a copy of Jack Kerouac’s On the Road so he could take it backpacking with him over the weekend.
  • A neighborhood mom and her friendly black lab, Scout, who visit weekly to pick up books or simply chat about what we’re all reading these days.
  • A middle-aged couple and their son picking up a copy of Yellow Face by R.F. Kuang because they are reading it for their family book club.
  • Children from the local elementary school stopping in to pick up a book for their grade’s new reading club.
The list goes on and on. With only one register, there are times I’ll look up and see a line wrapped around the front of the store, but people are happily clutching their books and have no problem waiting. It brings me joy to be surrounded by book lovers such as myself, even in these tumultuous times. 

Renee Roberson is an award-winning writer and creator/host of the true crime podcast, Missing in the Carolinas. In 2023, the bookstore she works in appeared in the movie, The Other Zoey.
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Interview with Rachel O'Cleary, 2nd Place Winner in the Spring 2025 Flash Fiction Contest

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

 

Rachel O'Cleary studied English with a creative writing emphasis at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, and then wrote mostly in secret for nearly 15 years before joining Writers HQ. She moves around quite a bit, but for the present moment lives with her family in the UK. Her stories have been printed in such wide-ranging publications as Smokelong Quarterly, Milk Candy Review, The Forge, and Reader's Digest, among many others. Her writing has been selected for the Wigleaf Top 50 and been nominated for the Pushcart Prize. You can find a list of her published work (and not much else) at https://rachelocleary.wordpress.com. 








 ----------Interview by Renee Roberson 


WOW: Congratulations, Rachel, and welcome! “Belly Full of Stones” explores family dynamics and the impending loss of a loved one. How did you first get the idea to write about this topic? 

Rachel: "Belly Full of Stones" is a story from a novella-in-flash that I spent quite a bit of time dreaming up and writing a while back, which I recently opened again to see if I still liked it! In the novella, the main character has always had a difficult relationship with both of her parents, but especially her father, the parent who ends up surviving in the story. I think a lot has been written about making peace with a dying parent, but less so with what you do with all the anger and hurt when the two people with a difficult relationship are suffering a loss at the same time. I really wanted "Belly Full of Stones" to explore that dynamic, and to imagine this challenging parent in a different light, if only for the space of one piece of flash. As a parent myself, I am painfully aware of how easy it is to get it wrong, even when you are trying to get it right, so I really wanted there to be some nuance to the story, something to show that the story you are telling yourself can look completely different with the slightest perspective shift, and that you can find small pockets of peace and understanding even in the midst of big losses, and even if you can't forgive completely. 

WOW: In addition to this entry, you’ve had numerous short stories published. What is your process for finding good markets to submit your work? 

Rachel: That's a great question. When I first started submitting stories, I would just send them off to magazines or online publications that I liked, hoping one of them would publish me. But I also read a lot, so as I got more and more into flash fiction, I found myself reading all the publications that publish flash. The more I read, the more I get to know the aesthetic of a particular publication, and the better I now am at matching a particular story to the publication that will be best for it. That said, I still get plenty of rejections from places that I thought would be a perfect match, so in part it really is just being resilient and playing a numbers game of sending out my very best work and then polishing it and sending it out again if it's rejected. It's best not to be too precious about rejections, as I think I probably average 9-10 rejections for every acceptance now, and I think that's a really good number - that ratio used to be much worse! 

WOW: One of your published pieces, "What She Would Rather Tell a Stranger,” appeared in Reader’s Digest as part of a 100-word story competition. Did you find it difficult to pare down an idea to such a brief word count? 

Rachel: Yes! But that's why flash is fun. It's all about trying to figure out how much you can leave out of the story and still expect the reader to fill in with their own imagination. Can I imply things without having to say them outright? Can I maybe even make my readers fill the gaps with their own ideas? And having good editors helps. That particular story I ran by a good writing friend of mine, Fiona McKay, and she helped me to cut it from its original 130-something words down to the precise 100-word requirement. Writing is a team sport! 

WOW: It really is! What advice would you give a writer just starting to explore the craft of flash fiction regarding finding story ideas? 

Rachel: The lovely thing about flash is that you can get your ideas from anywhere. They don't have to be  enough ideas to sustain multiple plots and sub-plots, and 300 pages of exposition, so this is a big question, but I guess I would say two things: 
1. Find other writers to support you and to share your work with. They don't have to live down the street from you - all of my best writer friends are people I've met online. I started doing flash during the pandemic when Writer's HQ had a weekly challenge called Flash Face-Off. I met so many amazing writers there. We were writing to themed prompts every week, and it was inspiring to see what other writers were doing and it really helped me to figure out what worked, what didn't, and why. I think they still do a monthly flash challenge at WHQ - my schedule is, unfortunately, not what it used to be, so I haven't joined in a while, but any way of finding writer friends to bounce ideas off of is a good idea. 
2. Remember that flash is small, so the ideas don't have to be huge. They can be, as very big themes are often tackled in tiny stories, but sometimes the best ones are also very simple. A tiny, but universal, thought that you have, that you have always wondered if other people feel, too. One of my favourite of my own stories, "Flight Reflex," published in Smokelong Quarterly, was based almost entirely around a conversation I actually had with my 6-year-old, where he said something silly, and I made it into a real story. 

WOW: We’d love to hear about some of your favorite authors. 

Rachel: Oh, no! Does anyone really know how to answer this? I have such a huge number of favourite authors out there in the world! I love, and have always loved, Gabriel Garcia Marquez for his magical realism which is both beautiful and brutal at the same time. Leone Ross is also an absolute marvel to me. Recently, I have been working my way through Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan novels, and am really enjoying them. For flash, I am in absolute awe of Jo Gatford, Kim Magowan, and obviously, Kathy Fish. That is not even mentioning all the amazing writers I have had the pleasure of workshopping stories with. I could talk about this all day, but I'll leave it there for now. Thank you for the lovely and thought-provoking questions, Renee, and I look forward to hopefully speaking with you again in the future.
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The Reckoning of Grace by Ron Chapman Blog Tour, Author Interview, and Book Giveaway

Monday, September 22, 2025
The Reckoning of Grace by Ronald Chapman

We here at WOW! Women on Writing are excited to launch the blog tour for The Reckoning of Grace by returning author Ronald Chapman. 

This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys mystery, action, and/or psychological thrillers. Read on to find out the author's inspiration behind this novel in an intriguing author interview, and enter to win a copy! 

Here's a bit more about The Reckoning of Grace: 

The Reckoning of Grace is an exceptionally timely novel that captures the deep spiritual reckoning behind America’s political and cultural unrest. This third installment in the Saga of Grace series showcases Ronald Chapman’s inspirational fiction at its finest—an exploration of post-traumatic growth, emotional healing, and spiritual courage.

Through unforgettable characters and profound narrative arcs, the novel invites us into the heart of reconciliation, challenging us to become agents of grace amid turmoil. A powerful and thought-provoking read for anyone navigating transformation in uncertain times, this book—and the Saga of Grace series as a whole—is essential. 

The Reckoning of Grace
Book 3 of the Saga of Grace series
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-948749-89-3
Ebook ISBN: 978-1-948749-96-1
Library of Congress Number: 2025915402
Pub Date: September 14, 2025

The Reckoning of Grace is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org. You'll want to add it to your Goodreads list. 

About the Author - Ronald Chapman:

Ronald Chapman is owner of an international speaking and consulting company, Magnetic North LLC and a specialty company Leading Public Health. In addition to international accreditation as a speaker and national awards for radio commentary, he is the author of four novels, from the Saga of Grace Series: Book 1 - A Killer's Grace (2016), Book 2 - The Dark Side of Grace (2023), and Book 3 - The Reckoning of Grace (2025), and a spiritual allegory, My Name is Wonder (2016). He has also authored three works of non-fiction, Progressive Recovery through the Twelve Steps: Emotionally Sober for Life (2019), Seeing True: Ninety Contemplations in Ninety Days (2008) and What a Wonderful World: Seeing Through New Eyes (2004) and produced three audio sets, Seeing True: The Way of Spirit (2016), Breathing, Releasing and Breaking Through: Practices for Seeing True (2015), and Seeing True – The Way of Success in Leadership (2005). Ron provides a wide array of social media content at his Seeing True blog site, content for people in substance abuse recovery on his ProgressiveRecovery platform, and other content from his master Ronald Chapman site. He holds a Masters in Social Welfare from The University at Albany (New York.) Prior to his relocation to Atlanta, Georgia in 2008, he was a long-time resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico where much of his philosophies and practices came to life. He is also a wanderlust and adventurer, as well as a sculptor

Find Chapman Online:

 ----- Interview by Crystal Otto

WOW: Well Ron, I love that we find ourselves in this position again; thank you for contacting WOW, and trusting me to help with The Reckoning of Grace! As you know, I’m a huge fan of your work, but I have to ask: When do you sleep? You always seem to be doing and creating something or another. How do you do it?

Ron: Yes, Crystal, here we are again, and I’m pleased to have your support with The Reckoning of Grace. The truth seems to be that creativity has its own energies and its own timeline. The “muse” has its way with me, typically early in the morning. It’s as if a creation cannot be contained, though my initial reaction is to resist the urge. I remember reading that a number of creatives in the past routinely awakened in the middle of the night, so I guess I’m in good company. Resistance really does seem to be futile where creative energy is concerned.

WOW: You’re out there supporting everyone else—from nursing students, other authors, starving artists, orca whales if I recall correctly…and the list goes on. Who is it that is supporting you Ron Chapman? What helps you stay so positive?

Ron: Clearly you’ve been watching my social media feed … LOL! It’s interesting to have you reflect this back to me, Crystal. Like most of us, I just go about the business of my daily activities and don’t think too much about where my interests take me. Upon reflecting though, some time ago I realized that there is a lot that interests or attracts me, and that at times it would be a lot. So I do regroup and reprioritize with some frequency. More importantly, I discovered that going wandering in my car, or a visit to botanical gardens, or an art museum or gallery is really restorative for me. So too with yoga, sound baths, massages and other somatic practices. Broadly, I think of it as self-care, and a requirement for me to attend to my interests. At some point in time, most of my professional clients will hear me remind them: self-care, self-care, self-care. Apparently, I teach what I most need.

WOW: Where did it all start for you? When did you know that Ron Chapman was an author and did you ever feel like you were an imposter along the way? What advice do you have for others who are writing but maybe don’t have that confidence just yet to say “I’m an author”?

Ron: Great question, Crystal. For me the first callings were to books and the local library, which were childhood refuges for me. So much so that to this day, I am fundamentally attracted to stories of all kinds. Given that, I suppose it was only a matter of time before I would begin to write. My first book, What a Wonderful World: Seeing Through New Eyes, was the result of the urgings of a book promoter who knew me from my interviews of authors on public radio. With the editing support of my daughter, I was able to shape that collection of vignettes. Then the “muse” had me in its grip, something just clicked within me. From that point on, I was always in the process of writing something, so in some ways, writing became habituated. Perhaps that’s the best guidance of all, and consistent with prolific work and advice of Stephen King, just write and the rest will take care of itself.

WOW: You’ve got a lot of published books under your belt now. What advice do you have for authors who are sitting on a book idea wondering where to go from here? What do you know now that you wish you had known at the very beginning of this journey?

Ron: Well, consistent with the last question, just write! Beyond that though, I was surprised that the publishing realm is so competitive. I recently heard that Amazon publishes more than 400,000 books every year. Perhaps the best advice is to check one’s expectations. Then to explore one’s motivations. In the end, I’ve been far more satisfied with the entire process by reminding myself that I write because I love it. I have a sometimes slightly expensive hobby, as one friend reflected to me. And our hobbies are passions or pastimes for us. The result of that mindset is to feel good about the books no matter what. As an aside, I do sometimes marvel that somehow seven books have found their way through me. As a favorite character from My Name is Wonder, Boboso the Bear says, “The way is made with every step."

WOW: What’s in the hopper right now? I feel like you already have something in the works for 2026; can you give us a sneak peak?

Ron: As a matter of fact, the day before this interview, I was dragged out of bed by my psyche at 3:30 am. By 6:00, after contemplations and journaling and time in stillness, the plot and content for the next book in the Saga of Grace series fell into my awareness. I’d had a general idea before, but literally, the structure just appeared in my thoughts. If ever I needed proof of the “muse,” this would be the kind of demonstration. So now I know how to proceed, and I’ve set aside time on my calendar after the promotional activities of The Reckoning of Grace. In short, Book 4 will be twenty-five or thirty years in the future, and I will re-imagine that future consistent with the storyline in The Reckoning of Grace and the psycho-spiritual development of the protagonists, Kevin Pitcairn, an investigative journalist, and his beloved Maria Elena, who has become the voice and face of a social movement. Their story is not done, so the author is not done. As an aside, I’ve been known to say that if something is your life’s work, it will take your life.

WOW: Ron, what have you read recently that you think everyone else should add to their TBR pile and why do you think it’s important?

Ron: Oh wow (pun intended)! I’m thinking of the incredible, contextual writings of Heather Cox Richardson. I find them to be powerful reflections that help me think about the world in which we find ourselves. Setting aside political implications, she is so very good at framing the history and timing of what’s occurring and unfolding now. It keeps me grounded and curious at the same time. Since that’s a daily affair, I balance it with the daily, spiritual contemplations from Father Richard Rohr. A daily does of reality, and one of the spiritual seems to be very useful to my own contemplations.

WOW: I know you talk about seeing the light and being optimistic especially with all the chaos that seems to be in our world today; how do you stay so positive and what do you do to bring yourself positivity when you just aren’t feeling it some days?

Ron: Rest assured, like most everyone, I have inner challenges that arise with some frequency. Interestingly enough, I use some of the practices that are in the plot of The Reckoning of Grace. Breathwork, meditation, journaling and somatic practices bring me out of the messiness of thoughts and into my lived experience in the moment. Probably more importantly though, the result of exploration into the psycho-spiritual realm reflected in the Saga of Grace series, I’ve come to experience the world as a place of wonder and adventure. That’s been a slow process admittedly, which began more than twenty-five years ago when my mentor suggested I might want to take a good look at my discontentedness. He’d seen that I was forever at odds with life and with living. After resisting his suggestion, I finally delved deeply. I discovered that my expectations of myself, others and my life were simply not realistic. It was actually a life changing awareness. Today, as one might hear in the rooms of recovery, “living life on life’s terms” is powerful practice. It turns out there is a kind of magic that is ever present. I didn’t know that previously. I’ve come to count on it now.

Crystal - I wanted to add one more exciting surprise for all my WOW! friends - 

We’re celebrating the release of The Reckoning of Grace with a special giveaway! 

Three lucky winners will receive a Transformation Gift Pack that includes: 
 📚 A signed 3-book set of the Saga of Grace series (A Killer’s Grace, The Dark Side of Grace, and The Reckoning of Grace) 
 💳 A $25 gift card to any local bookstore of the winner's choice 
 🌟 A set of inspiring stickers 

 All you have to do is click this link to fill out a google form to enter. This contest is available for US and Canada participants only. The winners will be randomly selected. 

The giveaway closes November 15 - just in time for the holiday season! Don’t miss your chance to win this inspiring gift pack!

Check out this hashtag to stay up to date with this tour, the book, and it’s author: #reckoningofgrace #reckoningofgracechapman 

The Reckoning of Grace Blog Tour and Giveaway

----Blog Tour Dates

September 22 @ The Muffin
What goes better with coffee in the morning than a muffin? Join us at the WOW blog to celebrate the launch of author Ronald Chapman’s The Reckoning of Grace. You can read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book.

September 23 @ A Storybook World with Deirdra Eden
Deirdra Eden has fellow author Ronald Chapman in today's spotlight with his latest book: The Reckoning of Grace. Find out more about the third book in the Saga of Grace series!

September 24 @ What Is That Book About
Author Ronald Chapman finds himself in today's spotlight at What Is That Book About with his latest best seller: The Reckoning of Grace. You’ll want to run as fast as you can and snag this third book in the Saga of Grace series!

September 25 @ A Wonderful World of Words
Author Ronald Chapman pens today’s post at A Wonderful World of Words. Read this enlightening post titled: "Characters and Characters" and find out more about Chapman’s latest book: The Reckoning of Grace. You’ll want this third book of the Saga of Grace series on your nightstand today! 

September 26 @ Sarandipity’s
Sarandipity’s Spotlight today is shining on Ron Chapman and the third book in the Saga of Grace Series! Stop by today and learn about Chapman’s book, The Reckoning of Grace. This is a book and series you won’t want to miss!

September 27 @ Of History and Kings
Helen Hollick puts fellow author Ron Chapman in the spotlight today! Readers will delight in learning about The Reckoning of Grace, the third book in the Saga of Grace Series! Stop by Helen’s blog today and be sure to add The Reckoning of Grace to your TBR pile!

September 28 @ Bring on Lemons
Crystal Otto gives Ron Chapman’s The Reckoning of Grace 5 stars - stop by Bring on Lemons today and find out what Crystal has to say after reading this best seller, the third book in the Saga of Grace Series! 

October 04 @ World of My Imagination
Nicole Pyles reads and reviews Ron Chapman’s latest book: The Reckoning of Grace. This is the latest book in the Saga of Grace Series and Nicole gave the first two books 5 stars - will this one gain the highest ranking as well? Find out today!

October 8 @ Lisa Haselton
Lisa Haselton interviews Ron Chapman about his latest book: The Reckoning of Grace. This is the latest book in the Saga of Grace Series and you won’t want to miss an insightful fast paced interview between Haselton and Chapman!

October 11 @ Storeybook Reviews
Storeybook Reviews has Ron Chapman’s latest book: The Reckoning of Grace in the spotlight today! This is the latest book in the Saga of Grace Series and you won’t want to miss an opportunity to find out more! 

October 25 @ Words from the Heart
Stop by Words from the Heart as Linda reviews Ronald Chapman’s latest book: The Reckoning of Grace! This is the latest book in the Saga of Grace Series and you won’t want to miss an opportunity to find out more!

***** BOOK GIVEAWAY *****

The giveaway is open to US residents for a print copy. Enter to win a print copy of The Reckoning of Grace by Ronald Chapman! Fill out the Gleam form below for a chance to win. The giveaway ends October 5th at 11:59 pm CT. We will randomly draw a winner the next day via Gleam and follow up via email. Good luck!

The Reckoning of Grace Giveaway
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