What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes: Blog Tour & Giveaway

Monday, December 08, 2025
What Comes Next Blog Tour

I'm excited to announce that author Caitlin Forbes is joining us for a blog tour of her novel, What Comes Next. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy adult coming-of-age stories that deal with complex, emotional subjects. Join us as we celebrate the launch of her book and interview her about her writing journey. You'll also have the chance to win a copy for yourself.

Before we get to that, here's more about her book:

An empowering and heartfelt novel about the complexities of family, the power of sisterhood, and the bravery it takes to choose happiness when all seems lost.

What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes
"My life is perfectly fine."

Alex has pretended this for years―despite an emotionally absent father, a best friend drifting away, and a floundering dog-training business. At least Alex has her sister, Meredith, a driven polar opposite. But both their lives are upended when their estranged mother dies of a genetic condition that the sisters have a fifty-fifty chance of inheriting. For Alex, a world without her mother is uncomfortable. But a world without Meredith is unthinkable.

Alex suggests a pact to which Meredith tentatively agrees: In three months they’ll get tested. Until then they go after everything they’ve ever wanted. Alex is finally stepping out of her comfort zone and opening herself up to new relationships. Or maybe reconnecting with an old one. Nathan, a boy who once broke her heart, needs a trainer for his mixed-breed rescue. Alex can’t resist.

As sparks rekindle, and time passes much too quickly, Alex discovers more about herself, her sister, and her mother than she ever imagined. And that everything in life―especially happiness―comes with a risk worth taking.

Publisher:  Lake Union Publishing
ISBN-10: 1662528116
ISBN-13: 978-1662528118
ASIN: B0DZY6Q16W
Print length: 317 pages

Purchase a copy of What Comes Next on Amazon or Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.org. You can also add it to your GoodReads reading list.

About the Author, Caitlin Forbes

Caitlin Forbes is a Maine-based author who writes stories that explore the messiness of relationships—from sisterhood to romance to the tricky relationship we have with ourselves. When not writing, you can find her chasing after her toddler (or her dog) and exploring small-town New England life. 

You can follow the author at: 


--- Blog Tour Calendar

December 8 @ The Muffin
Join us at the Muffin as we celebrate the launch of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

December 9 @ Kaecey McCormick's blog
Join Kaecey's blog for a guest post from Caitlin Forbes about why she writes and what inspires her.

December 11 @ Knotty Needle
Judy shares her thoughts about What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes. 

December 12 @ CC King's blog
Stop by Caitrin's blog for a guest post by Caitlin Forbes on the struggle and process of publishing a debut novel.

December 15 @ Sarandipity's
Visit Sara's blog for an excerpt from What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes. 

December 18 @ Knotty Needle
Stop by Judy's blog again for her response to our tour-themed prompt about her own dog rescue story.

December 19 @ Nicole Writes About Stuff
Stop by Nicole's Substack for a contribution from Caitlin Forbes.

December 20 @ A Wonderful World of Books
Visit Joy's blog for an excerpt from What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

December 20 @ Author Anthony Avina's blog
Visit Anthony's blog for an excerpt from What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

December 21 @ Chapter Break
Visit Julie's blog for a guest post by Caitlin Forbes about the importance of fiction, particularly book club fiction, in this crazy time.

December 23 @ What Is That Book About?
Visit Michelle's blog for an excerpt from What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

December 26 @ Words by Webb
Visit Jodi's blog for her review of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

December 28 @ StoreyBook Reviews
Stop by Leslie's blog for a guest post by Caitlin Forbes on why she included dogs in her book What Comes Next.

January 2 @ Nicole Writes About Stuff
Stop by Nicole's Substack for a feature of What Comes Next in her weekly newsletter.

January 3 @ Seaside Book Nook
Visit Jilleen's blog for her review of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

January 4 @ Author Anthony Avina's blog
Stop by Anthony's blog for his review of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

January 8 @ Writer Advice
Visit B. Lynn Goodwin's blog for her review of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

January 9 @ Writer Advice
Stop by B. Lynn Goodwin's blog for a guest post by author Caitlin Forbes about the question of inheritance - of what we inherit versus what we get to choose.

January 10 @ Just Katherine
Stop by Katherine's blog for her review of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes. You'll also have a chance to read her response to our tour-themed prompt about whether if she had an incurable condition and if she would want to find out.


What Comes Next giveaway

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

THREE WINNERS! Our grand prize winner (first random draw) will win a print copy of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes and a $25 Amazon Gift Card. The next two winners will win a copy of the book. Fill out the form below for a chance to win. The giveaway ends December 14th at 11:59 pm CT. We will randomly draw the winners the next day and follow up via email. Good luck!

What Comes Next & Gift Card Giveaway
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Interview with Sherry Morris, Runner Up in the WOW! Q4 2025 Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest with "The Munlochy Clootie Well"

Saturday, December 06, 2025

Congratulations to Sherry Morris from Scottish Highlands, UK 

for her touching nonfiction essay titled: 

The Munlochy Clootie Well 


Check out Sherry’s submission, The Munlochy Clootie Well as well as all the other winning entries and then stop back here to read Sherry’s enlightening interview with Crystal J. Casavant-Otto from WOW! Women on Writing. 

Sherry’s Bio: Originally from Missouri, Sherry Morris writes prize-winning fiction from a Scottish Highland farm where she pets cows, watches clouds and dabbles in photography. She also presents Sherry’s Shorts—an online radio show of short fiction with Highland Hospital Radio. Her stories often stem from her Peace Corps experience in 1990s Ukraine or rural life. Feel free to visit Uksherka.com for her published work, check out Sherry’s Shorts using the Listen Again button, and follow her on social media. X: @Uksherka BlueSky: @uksherka.bsky.social Sherry’s Shorts radio show: sherry@hhr.scot 

interview with Crystal J. Casavant-Otto

WOW: Sherry - thank you so much for taking the time to sit down with me today! A special thanks for the great pictures that really highlight the beauty of where you live! That begs the question: Where do you write? What does your space look like? I imagine you don’t write in a fairy garden or surrounded by castle ruins however I’m confident that your living in the Scottish Highlands must mean your writing space is simply magical! 

Sherry: Thanks Crystal. And thanks for the opportunity to talk about my writing life. I feel very lucky to live in a place of such stunning natural beauty as the Scottish Highlands and I’ve no doubt the setting nourishes my creativity. You’re right, I don’t write in a fairy garden, but funnily enough there is one next door to where I live…in the grounds of a lovely boutique hotel here in our village… 

As for what my writing space looks like, I have a modern desk set up in the corner of the lounge (living room) of our 2-story flat which is part of a refurbished 18th century stone farmhouse. Two bulletin boards full of mementos (cards, photos, ticket stubs) hang on one wall, while art, a signed poster of the gypsy punk band Gogol Bordello, and various writing awards hang on the other wall. I suppose it’s a rather cluttered space with my laptop, three screens (I work from home) papers, idea journals, knick-knacks and of course, my ceramic frog scattered over the L-shaped desk. 

My desk is near the window and I have an amazing view that takes in the front garden where the paddock is and extends further on to green fields and then hills. (I’ve included a photo). My partner and I live on a horse farm—the farm and the horses aren’t ours, but we have the benefits of open space and horses without the costs or responsibility. Twice a day the horses are led from stables to fields through a cobblestone courtyard, clip-clopping along at 11am and 4pm—I can almost set my watch to it! 

I like to get up early to write and sometimes I’m so distracted by the sunrise view, I can’t resist grabbing my camera and heading out to take pictures. Morning light is magical light. 


WOW: Everything about what you describe sounds magical and quite conducive for creativity! You mention your partner and living together on a horse farm - but I hate to assume. Do tell us, who is your support - what have you found to be most supportive in your writing life as well as in life in general? 

Sherry: I’m lucky my partner is a writer too—a published playwright—and a big supporter of my work. Writing brought us together--we met on a week-long residential creative writing retreat here in the Highlands. As I mention in my story (The Munlochy Clootie Well), he was living here in the Highlands and I was living in London. I came up to attend a course…and the rest is happily-ever-after history. Writing literally changed my life for the better. 

It's super-helpful to have a partner who is a writer—he gets it—the need for time alone to write. And he understands how hard writing is. It’s also useful to have another writer available to give feedback at short notice and wonderful to celebrate writing successes together. We’ve experimented in writing in each other's genres… 

I’ve written a few short plays—or rather dialogue--only stories—and he’s started writing flash. It’s great to have someone to bounce ideas off of and ask if a piece of writing is working. When we watch films or tv dramas we talk about character development, story arc, dialogue, all those crafty writerly aspects. 

WOW: It sounds like you are great for one another; another layer of magic and joy! I love it! What’s next for you? What are your writing goals for the rest of 2025 and beyond? 

Sherry: That’s a great question…I think it’s important to set tasks and each month I give myself small achievable goals…like submitting x number of times in a month, or editing a specific piece of flash, finishing an in-progress short story or maybe just writing the tricky part of a short story—the part I’ve been avoiding. I write down a few things I want to accomplish that month in my journal, review it each week and at the end of the month, note what I’ve accomplished and what will roll-over to the next month. 

A year ago I started presenting a monthly spoken-word radio show on hospital radio called ‘Sherry Shorts’. This one-hour show features short stories and flash with a connection to the Highlands—either by their setting or because the writer has a link to the area, as well as music and chat. I love putting the show together. Finding stories that share a similar theme, pairing the story with music, talking about the story and the writer after listening to the story. It’s a lot of work producing the show--it means I have less time to write--but I think it helps me as a writer as I’m reading more to find stories for the show and I’m thinking about what makes a good story. I think all that helps my own writing and stories shine. I have a show page with all the episodes I’ve produced so far. I’d love for people to have a listen: https://www.hhr.scot/show/hhr-show/sherryshorts 

For 2026, I plan to continue my radio show and continue to work on writing short stories and flash. I have a number of pieces I need to fix or finish and then submit. If I finally manage to get some of these pieces published, maybe I’ll think about a collection…watch this space. 

WOW: You definitely haven’t been sitting still. Listening to all this, I’m getting tired - and let’s talk about your bio while discussing how ambitious you are! You have an impressive bio - could you tell us one other strange story about yourself that may surprise us? 

Sherry: Thank you! I like to think many of my stories are quirky, but I suppose it just depends on each person’s quirk! I have stories that range from a woman who falls in love with a chameleon to a daughter who has an escapologist dad. There are stories about evil sunflowers and a woman who believes she’s seen the face of the Virgin Mary in the cracks of her bathroom mirror. Sometimes I write about the past and my experience as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ukraine from 30 years ago and sometimes I write about a future Zombie Apocalypse where Dolly Parton features. My website has links to all my online published stories, so feel free to have a look and a read at Uksherka.com 

WOW: So interesting - if anyone describes you as boring, EVER… let me know so I can talk some sense into them! Speaking of other people, what role has journaling and/or writer's groups played in your life? 

Sherry: Writer’s groups and journaling have played huge roles in my writing life. I love them both! I was in a writing group when I lived in London and I’m a member of one here in the Highlands—we meet monthly at the same creative writing centre where I met my partner. I am also part of an online writing group of terrific international writers I can call on anytime for feedback and we also have online workshops and cheer each other on. I rely on these groups for keep me accountable to my writing, to help ensure I write regularly and show up with something to share with the group and to give constructive gentle feedback that helps get the piece published. I also love the camaraderie of being in a group as writing is such a solitary activity. 

WOW: Thank you Sherry for the fabulous photos and candid discussion, 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 2026...or maybe 2027. 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! Sometime during 2025 Crystal decided a free moment simply wouldn’t do and she added even more hats! She went back to school to pursue a degree in education at Concordia University and dusted off her vocal chords and joined the local Chorale, so if you’re feeling festive, you can also listen to her sing with the Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra and the historic Capitol Civic Center later this month.
     
Check out the latest Contests: www.wow-womenonwriting.com/contest.php
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Friday Speak Out!: How Writing Helped Me Find My Voice Again

Friday, December 05, 2025

By Dani Moody


For a long time, I wrote only when I felt “ready.” When the pain wasn’t so raw, when I had the perfect words, when I finally felt like myself again. But healing doesn’t wait for readiness, and neither does writing.


I started journaling again during a season when my confidence was gone. My faith felt shaky, my purpose unclear, and my mind constantly cluttered. But when I began putting my thoughts on paper — messy, unfiltered, and honest — something shifted. Writing became the space where I didn’t have to be perfect to make sense. I just had to be present.


The more I wrote, the more I realized how much of my voice I’d quieted trying to fit into expectations — as a woman, as a professional, as a creative. Every sentence I wrote was a small act of rebellion against that silence.


If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that writing isn’t about waiting until you have it all together. It’s about showing up to the page anyway — shaky hands, tangled thoughts, and all — and trusting that your voice is worth hearing in every form it takes.


So if you’re a writer who feels stuck, unsure, or muted by life’s noise, here’s your reminder: your story still matters, even when it’s messy. Write your way through it. You don’t need permission to take up space on the page — just the courage to begin again.


 * * *

Dani Moody is a writer, poet, and blogger passionate about storytelling, healing, and personal growth. She shares reflections on authenticity, womanhood, and faith through her blog, Dani’s Desk, and across Medium, where her work has been featured in multiple publications. Dani is also pursuing her master’s in Professional Writing at New England College.

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Would you like to participate in Friday "Speak Out!"? Email your short posts (under 500 words) about women and writing to: marcia[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com for consideration. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Is Your Book Book Club Worthy?

Thursday, December 04, 2025

 


Recently I have been getting emails every week stating that this, that or the other book club wants to include my book on their list. The emails are all from bots or are some kind of scam,* but they do make me think. How do you know if your book is a good book club selection? 

I did a bit of research and talked to the members of my book club.  Here is the list I came up with.

Will it stimulate conversation? 
There are a variety of ways that books stimulate conversation. Usually they are complex in some way whether it is the plot or the characters. Or it might be a detailed and complicated piece of nonfiction.  Good book club selections encourage everyone to speak.

Will there be disagreement? 
Often the books that generate the best discussions are books that people disagree about. One book my book club read featured a protagonist who was a drug dealer. We aren’t talking corner deals. This guy had a speedboat and a South American village creating product. Some people adored this anti-hero. Those of us whose lives have been touched by addiction had a whole different set of opinions. The book did generate a lot of conversation. 

Is there a villain everyone can love to hate? 
Complete agreement can also lead to great discussion. My book club just discussed Cyanide Canary: A True Story of Injustice by Robert Dugoni and Joseph Hilldorfer. This book is about a major EPA case against a business owner who poisoned his workers. Everyone had something to say about him and his business practices. 

Is your book about current events?
Read a book that has something to do with current events and watch the conversation take off. These are frequently topics about which people have strong opinions. These books are also often educational and about topics that people are interested in learning more about. Because these books feel relevant, more people are likely to finish reading them which also helps fuel the conversation. 

Does your book have an open ending? 
Open ended books also lead to good discussions as people debate what the ending meant. Because the ending is open to interpretation, this makes the discussion personal, and more people are often interested in taking part. 

There are other things that can determine whether a title is a good choice. The more formats the better. My book club looks for books that are available in print, as ebooks, and as eaudio books. Why? Because we have people who prefer each of these formats. We also insist that the books we read be available through out local library. Why? Because we don’t want an inability to buy the book to keep someone from attending. The book also has to be a length that can be easily read between meetings. It helps if there are discussion questions but that isn’t a deal breaker for us. 

These are some things you might consider if you are trying to create a book that would make a good book club selection.  Whether or not that email you got last week was from a legit club?  It really is one of the most recent scams.*  

 *As is always the case when something isn’t genuine, the claims from scam book clubs are over the top. My book will be introduced to some inflated number of readers. My book is a masterpiece combining spectacular research and artful narrative. My favorite one complimented me on my use of mythology.  

--SueBE


To get a free copy of Sue’s book, What to Do When Your Book Is Banned, 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 Gabrielle Wanek, Author of Songs of Ash and Dawn, and Giveaway!

Wednesday, December 03, 2025
 
Songs of Ash and Dawn by Gabrielle Wanek

We're so excited to have author Gabrielle Wanek here with us to talk about her debut novel, Songs of Ash and Dawn. We'll be chatting with her about her journey to publishing her book, writing tips, and more. You'll also have a chance to win a copy of her book and a $25 Amazon gift card. 

Before we get to that, here's more about Songs of Ash and Dawn:

Songs of Ash and Dawn is the first book in an all-new epic fantasy saga, where dark magic, ancient gods, and mythic creatures collide.

Some truths change everything. Some destroy it.

After her grandmother's sudden death, Aidan Klein inherits a powerful magical artifact-one she barely understands, let alone knows how to control. All she wants is time to grieve. But witches are vanishing, and something ancient is hunting in the dark.

Cora Scholtz believes she knows who she is. But when secrets about her true heritage begin to surface, the life she's built starts to unravel. Someone has been pulling the strings all along-and she's about to break free.

As monsters emerge from myth into reality, alliances shatter and trust fractures. Aidan and Cora must face dangerous magic, hidden powers, and the weight of destinies they never asked for.

With its blend of dark fantasy, urban fantasy intrigue, and mythology-inspired worldbuilding, Songs of Ash and Dawn launches an unforgettable saga of friendship, betrayal, and survival. Perfect for readers who love strong female leads, supernatural adventure, and found family fantasy.

Purchase the book now on Amazon, Bookshop.org, and Barnes and Noble. You can also add the book to your GoodReads reading list.

About the Author, Gabrielle Wanek

Gabrielle Wanek
Gabrielle Wanek is a fantasy writer with a love for sharp-edged stories, complex characters, and mythologies that create new worlds. 

Her debut novel, Songs of Ash and Dawn, blends modern-day Midwest life with ancient power, exploring what happens when fate refuses to be controlled.

She draws inspiration from real-world folklore, family stories, and the quiet moments in life that carry unexpected weight.

She’s currently working on the next installment of the Songs of Ash and Dawn series.

When she’s not writing, Gabrielle can be found playing with her amazing miniature poodle, Cairo (pictured), training her new puppy Aro, running tabletop campaigns, or freeze-drying everything from meats to vegetables.

To sign up for three free chapters and exclusive content from Gabrielle, click here.

You can find her online at:


-- Interview with Nicole Pyles

WOW: First of all, congrats on your novel! What inspired you to write the Songs of Ash and Dawn series? 

Gabrielle: I’ve been writing stories for a long time. I started when I was around 13 as a moody hormonal teenager – writing helped me process all my many emotions. Fast forward to college, I was taking theater and video game creation classes, all the awhile binge-watching Game of Thrones, and I just got really inspired to create a world and story of my own.

What’s interesting is that I wrote a lot of pieces then that sometimes find my way into my work now. Like I’ll remember or find a character or something I wrote then and say to myself, I’ve got to find a place for that now. And end up writing a whole plot line around it.

WOW: I love how you weave in past writing into your present novel. What was your process to write this novel? Did you do any planning or even any research or did you write the first draft without plotting? What was your revision process like? Walk us through your writing process.

Gabrielle: So the way I write is I just sit down, I put on music from one of my Spotify playlists for each character in Songs of Ash and Dawn – and I just. . .  go. I write and write and just let it flow kind of stream of consciousness almost. Then the writing sort of really comes through in the editing process. That’s where things start to take shape, I look at what I wrote, see if any of it is usable.

It’s multiple, multiple revisions. I look at it and it’s like oh this is pretty good, then there are other chapters that are like – what is this? Then I keep going back over it, mostly to make sure the plot is moving correctly.

When I wrote Book One in the Songs of Ash and Dawn series, I had a rough outline – like, very rough. Literally a few bullet points. Then it slowly started to evolve over time and through writing drafts and revisions. At the time I didn’t imagine it getting off the ground, and now it’s like all consuming, and taking over my life but in a good way! I am on Book Three of the Songs of Ash and Dawn series – Book Two comes out in the Spring.

WOW: Music is such a great tool for creativity. You used mythologies in your novel. I love that! How did you decide which ones to be inspired by?

Gabrielle: Well I ended up deciding on using . .  all of them. I did an incredible amount of research into cross-cultural mythological creatures. Like there is a slightly different version of a werewolf from Japan to Norway. But every culture has mythological creatures – many of them versions of the same creatures.

Songs of Ash and Dawn as a series is really an exploration in many ways of genetics, how genetics get transformed or diluted across generations. And the concept of interspecies. Everything has its quirks and specific parameters. Like a sphinx with fire in her hair – but she looks majority human. That’s just one example of how I merged different mythologies and characteristics.

WOW: That's an awesome blend. Why did you decide to ground your book in the real world as opposed to a created fictional world?

Gabrielle: Originally it was going to be really fantastical – but I wrote it and didn’t like it and the more I tried the less I liked the world I was writing. So I ended up scrapping the entire fantasy based world and was like let’s put it in today’s day and age. I loved the idea of the Midwestern forests and world I grew up in being forever cemented in this world.

WOW: I've always enjoyed fantasy novels based on our real world. Makes for an interesting story! You've been growing your platform as an author, and finding amazing success especially on TikTok. Any advice you can share with us on your techniques or approach?

Gabrielle: I think it’s important to be really open and honest about how you work and what your work is about and also highlight different parts of the work. Like I did a whole series on TikTok just about the different kinds of mythological lore in the books, and then I did one on what it was like writing about grief which is a major theme in the series. We did one specifically on witches around Halloween because that seemed a natural tie-in of course, and one about evil and villains. I think people gravitate toward what they resonate with and fantasy fiction readers just love worlds, and villains and all of the fun spooky and magical stuff. They also love dogs, and I love my dogs so sometimes I just do a dog vid for fun. I also do a good old-fashioned email newsletter that is getting a lot of traction. I love to write notes to everyone who’s reading the book and supporting me, talk a little about my process or what the latest is and there’s no better way than email. Turns out people still read it!

WOW: You have such creative techniques! What was the importance of the villains in your novel?

Gabrielle: You cannot have a good story without a good villain – they’re the catalyst for everything. They kick off the storyline – because they made one mistake. Even the villains in the first book aren’t what they appear to be. Some of them screwed up trying to do good, then some are absolute psychopaths. Got to have that mix of both. One of my video game professors always used to say, “if you’re not running into enemies, you’re going the wrong way.” I could not agree more!

WOW: I love that tip! Let's talk covers! I LOVE yours. Who is the artist and did you have the chance to give any insight or guidance to its creation?

Gabrielle: Oh wow, thank you! I had finished the book and had tried to generate a few covers, but they just weren’t working. So naturally I headed to the place one goes when you need something that is cinematic and beautiful – Hollywood. I found this amazing illustrator Zelda Devon who does art for TV and movies. She had a really cool section of her website called soul work and it was all these really beautiful spooky illustrations and I was like ok this is my person. 

We worked back and forth for about a month and she put together a lot of drafts and we just kept refining until we got the cover you see now. She did all the lettering by hand and the art and the design. I absolutely love it.

WOW: You put together a beautiful cover together. What advice do you have for authors who are on their journey to writing their novel?

Gabrielle: Just do it. Literally just start writing. That’s your joy – so just do it.

WOW: Good tip! What advice would you have wanted to tell yourself before starting your novel?

Gabrielle: Don’t overthink it! That how you get caught in loops then get caught on things that don’t matter. Don’t think just write until you end then go back and re-do it.

WOW: So true! What does your writing space look like? 

Gabrielle: Honestly, most of my book was done sitting on my couch on my laptop with my fearless companion, Cairo. But I also have a desk with a big screen where I can go and look at things once they’re written or occasionally do edits. I also have all my mythological books for research in my office and crystals and things that kinda put me in the vibe of it all.

WOW: I love that. Tell me about your writing routine. Do you stick to a schedule? Or do you have any set daily word count goals? Anything in between?

Gabrielle: Every single day even if one of my many projects is going one, if I write a chapter a day I‘m good. Doesn’t matter if it’s for the book I’m working on at the moment or something else. I need to write about ten plus pages per day because that’s equal to a chapter roughly.

WOW: That's a great practice. What are you working on now that you can tell us about? 

Gabrielle: I’m deep into Book 3 of Songs of Ash and Dawn, Book Two is done and should be out soon. It looks like there’s going to be like 8 books in the series right now – of course I am always adding to it so that number could increase!

WOW: Thank you so much for joining us! Remember, you can get the first three chapters of Songs of Ash and Dawn free right here: www.songsofashanddawn.com

Songs of Ash and Dawn by Gabrielle Wanek - Giveaway

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

Enter to win a print copy of Songs of Ash and Dawn by Gabrielle Wanek and a $25 Amazon Gift Card. Fill out the form below for a chance to win. The giveaway ends December 16th at 11:59 pm CT. We will randomly draw the winners the next day and follow up via email. Good luck!

Songs of Ash and Dawn Giveaway
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What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes: Reader Review Event & Giveaway

Monday, December 01, 2025
 
What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes

I'm excited to announce our reader review event for What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy adult coming-of-age stories that deal with complex, emotional subjects.

We'll be celebrating the launch of the event by sharing reviews from our community and giving you a chance to win one of three copies of the book and an Amazon gift card!

But before we get into what our readers thought, here's more about the book:

An empowering and heartfelt novel about the complexities of family, the power of sisterhood, and the bravery it takes to choose happiness when all seems lost.

"My life is perfectly fine."

Alex has pretended this for years―despite an emotionally absent father, a best friend drifting away, and a floundering dog-training business. At least Alex has her sister, Meredith, a driven polar opposite. But both their lives are upended when their estranged mother dies of a genetic condition that the sisters have a fifty-fifty chance of inheriting. For Alex, a world without her mother is uncomfortable. But a world without Meredith is unthinkable.

Alex suggests a pact to which Meredith tentatively agrees: In three months they’ll get tested. Until then they go after everything they’ve ever wanted. Alex is finally stepping out of her comfort zone and opening herself up to new relationships. Or maybe reconnecting with an old one. Nathan, a boy who once broke her heart, needs a trainer for his mixed-breed rescue. Alex can’t resist.

As sparks rekindle, and time passes much too quickly, Alex discovers more about herself, her sister, and her mother than she ever imagined. And that everything in life―especially happiness―comes with a risk worth taking.

Purchase a copy now on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Bookshop.org. You can also add it to your GoodReads reading list.

About the Author, Caitlin Forbes


Caitlin Forbes is a Maine-based author who writes stories that explore the messiness of relationships—from sisterhood to romance to the tricky relationship we have with ourselves. When not writing, you can find her chasing after her toddler (or her dog) and exploring small-town New England life. 

Find her online at:


Review Event for What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes

What WOW Readers Thought

"What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes had a synopsis that hooked me. I love family-and life-oriented plots. It was immersive right from the start to the end. I liked the fact that Alex and Meredith are sisters but complete opposites. I was very sad about their mother. I felt they had already been through so much.

"The writing is captivating, raw and heartfelt. This is my first novel by Caitlin Forbes, and I would like to review more from her in the future.

"What Comes Next is an amazing, unforgettable book that I highly recommend." ~ Katherine Hayward Perez

"The book was good. I really enjoyed reading it. And it made me think about a couple of things. First, would I want to know if I had the potential to have a life-threatening genetic illness. Would I live my life differently if I knew?

"But on the other hand, what about my daughters?

"My mother passed due to breast cancer. I take after my dad's side of the family, not that it would stop me from being able to have breast cancer. I worried about them.

"Then there is Remy. Do we give up on an animal because of some trauma in their life which affects their lives? Do we give up on a person because of some trauma in their life?

"While the book may seem a bit bleak, it is actually very 'hopeful'. And who can't use 'hope' in their lives." ~ Judy Hudgins

"What if you knew that you and your sister might have inherited a debilitating disease from your deceased mother who disappeared from your life years earlier? What if she sent this news in a note to be mailed after she died? What if that made you afraid to get back into a loving relationship for fear of the hurt that might be headed your way? What if you were safest when you were training dogs that seemed incorrigible? These are only a few of the conflicts that Caitlin Forbes explores in What Comes Next a book that is well worth your time.

"With multi-faceted characters and increasing complications this is a story that will grab you. The narrator asks excellent questions of herself, and you may find yourself asking some of them about your own life. What are you afraid of? Why does commitment scare you? What are the costs of sharing a truth that cannot be changed?

"What does Alex, the narrator discover about herself, her sister, and her mother? And who turns out to be “perfectly fine” in the end? What Comes Next will answer these questions and many more." ~ B. Lynn Goodwin

"There are so many coming-of-age books with teenaged characters awkwardly teetering between childhood and adulthood. I think of What Comes Next as Coming-of-Age 2.0. It is a story of that time when you're paying your own electric bill but don't feel like a "grown-up" in the same way that your parents are "grown-ups." 

"This novel is a touching journey through that time with excellent lines drawn between Alex, a struggling 20-something, and the dogs she trains. One of the things I most admired was the intimate portrayal of the different couples in the book. You could feel their love and connection through tiny clues left in the text, much more powerful than any bedroom scene.

"I think we will all recognize ourselves in the characters and struggles of What Comes Next, either something we're going through now or something from our past. this is a great book for all adults, no matter what their age. Because aren't we all wondering, What Comes Next?" ~ Jodi Webb

"I just finished What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes, and I’m still sitting with the weight of it, because the story moves with a steady pull that kept me hooked from the first chapter to the last. The writing is direct, clear, and purposeful, which made it easy to slip into the narrator’s world and stay there without feeling pushed or nudged.

"I felt connected to the main characters almost right away, since their fear, hope, and slow steps toward change felt honest in a way that made me think about my own choices and the moments that shaped me. The pacing helped with that, because the chapters are tight and focused, yet they open up just enough space to let each moment land before the next one arrives.

"The themes stayed with me too. The book explores change, trust, and the uneasy process of letting go, and it does it with a kind of quiet clarity that made the emotional shifts feel earned rather than forced. I found myself pausing more than once to think about how people grow when the world around them refuses to stay still.

"I also appreciated how the small details gave the story depth. Tiny gestures, brief conversations, and subtle turning points all added layers that made the bigger moments feel richer and more grounded.

"If you want a story that feels human, steady, and reflective without becoming heavy, What Comes Next delivers, and I’m glad I picked it up because it stayed with me long after I closed the book." ~ Ellen Christian

What Comes Next giveaway

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

THREE WINNERS! Our grand prize winner (first random draw) will win a print copy of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes and a $25 Amazon Gift Card. The next two winners will win a copy of the book. Fill out the form below for a chance to win. The giveaway ends December 14th at 11:59 pm CT. We will randomly draw the winners the next day and follow up via email. Good luck!

What Comes Next & Gift Card Giveaway
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Interview with Leslie Cox - WOW! Q4 Creative Nonfiction Essay Runner Up

Sunday, November 30, 2025


Leslie Cox, a runner up in the Q4 Creative Nonfiction Essay contest for Ode to My Hands, is stopping by to tell us about the unexpected help she got with her writing from her grandmother, writing communities and some great memoirs to check out.


Prior to retiring from a career in health care administration in 2019, Leslie published articles and a guidebook for health care professionals, and then realized having become a published author, she could make the choice to write what she’s passionate about—her personal stories. Through her work, Leslie hopes to inspire readers by using her voice to speak her truth and maybe even make them smile. Her memoir is in editing phase, and she has a few more projects up her sleeve!


Leslie’s most recent work is published in Writer’s Digest Online, WOW! Women on Writing, two print anthologies, online literary journals and blogs. She enjoys continuous learning of writing craft by attending an abundance of workshops and events, online and in-person. Leslie serves on the volunteer leadership team of Phoenix Oasis Press, helping with community events and publishing of an annual anthology. When she is not reading or writing, you will find her enjoying nature, pets, and three grandchildren who are the loves of her life. 


Find Leslie’s writing here: 
Website: www.lesliesvoice.com
Instagram: @lesliecoxwrites
Facebook: Leslie Cox

WOW: Congratulations on being a runner up in the Q4 2025 Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest for The Work of My Hands. It seems you were also a runner-up several years ago. How do you feel your writing has evolved in the five years since your first win?


Leslie: One word describes my writing life over the past five years—Growth! I finally have the confidence to call myself a “writer” which I thought had to be earned. Learning the writing craft will always be part of my life, whether through workshops and webinars, writers’ groups, or just reading wonderful writers whose books inspire me. 


My last Muffin interview mentioned that I would be focusing on completing a memoir in 2020. Well, that goal was a little ambitious, but the manuscript is finally complete and in the capable hands of an editor/WOW instructor.


WOW: How exciting! It's always encouraging to see a fellow writer's big project come together. I'd like to think our contest (or at least promising us a memoir in your interview) gave you a nudge. Do you have any advice for any of our readers out there who are on the fence about entering the WOW - or any - writing contests?


Leslie: Absolutely enter writing contests, whether you have been writing for a long time, or just beginning your journey. I admit I was fearful in the beginning—I suppose it was mostly fear of rejection or just getting my words out there for others to read. I have since entered many contests and submitted my personal essays to several literary journals. The rejections do get easier with time, and then when an acceptance shows up, seemingly out of nowhere, the feeling of success is worth all the work and worry.


WOW: The magic of good news in our inboxes! Can you tell us a little about what inspired you to pen an ode to your hands?


Leslie: Well, I’m glad you asked! I initially wrote this essay for a course taught by WOW’s own Kimberly Lee, “The Body in Writing.” In that class, I wrote not only an ode to my hands, but also to my gut, my heart, and my whole body. I spruced up “The Work of My Hands” and got the courage to share it aloud with a writers’ club. The members seemed to relate with it, so on a whim, I submitted it to the WOW contest!


WOW: And to think it began with a WOW class. When you aren't in classes what does your writing day look like?


Leslie: I don’t have specific writing habits, but my head is constantly full of words and lines I eventually put on paper. I can write pretty much anywhere, at any time of day or night. 


When I started my current project (historical fiction based on documents, letters and photos left by my grandmother when she died), I secretly asked her to help me write her story, and that night I wrote the entire first chapter in a dream. Detailed scenes were played out repeatedly—in Spanish! Her native language, except I was the one speaking. A few years ago, a similar experience happened when I dreamed about a specific memory from thirty years prior, woke up crying, and wrote it into my memoir.


WOW: What a powerful connection with your writing self. I dream scenes or snippets of writing which is why I always have a notepad by my bed. You're very active with a local writing community Phoenix Oasis Press. Can you tell us a little about what you do? 


Leslie: POP is a small group of writers who love bringing writing experiences to the Arizona community through workshops, a book club, and supporting local authors at events or via social media. 


We are in the process of publishing our third anthology around the theme of “curiosity.” My role was to receive online submissions via Submittable to ensure all guidelines were met before sending poems or essays on to the review team. Once the final pieces were selected, my role was copyediting. 


POP leaders volunteer our time and energy simply because connecting with other writers is what we love to do!


WOW: Do you feel it is important for writers to find a community like Phoenix Oasis Press or WOW? Do you feel your volunteer work helps you with your own writing?


Leslie: In 2023, I wrote a blog for POP entitled, “How Giving Away Can Give You Back”—Generosity is key when it comes to building a writing circle. Writing can feel lonely at times, so having a community of friends who share their passion for writing is a gift that has not only improved my writing, but my life!


WOW: After retiring from a career that included writing for the healthcare industry, you've written everything from children's books to memoirs to essays to interviews. Can you tell us about a project?


Leslie: Well, this is a loaded question! I have several projects up my sleeve—at least two children’s picture books, a general nonfiction book, and the historical fiction novel I mentioned above. That is the project I’m most excited about because my grandmother had such an interesting life, as she would tell me—filled with intrigue, hardship, and love of family. I’m hoping she’ll help me (again from beyond), as I begin chapter two!


WOW: We're at the tail end of Nonfiction November Month. Do you have any nonfiction titles to recommend?


Leslie: Goodness, there are SO many great ones! I have a whole library of General Nonfiction books, but Memoir is my favorite genre, and my TBR list is stacked tall! This year, those I had a hard time putting down included: Heavy (Kiese Laymon), Solito (Javier Zamora), The Distance Between Us (Reyna Grande), This Story Will Change: After the Happily Ever After (Elizabeth Crane), and You Could Make This Place Beautiful (Maggie Smith). That last one I’ve read a couple of times.


WOW: Your enthusiasm for writing just can't be contained. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.


Leslie: Thank you for this opportunity to interview for The Muffin!

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Friday Speak Out!: Why I Started Writing: Finding My Voice After Marriage

Friday, November 28, 2025
By Dr. Farzeen Bano

Marriage changes a woman’s world in ways she rarely anticipates. For me, it wasn’t about giving up my dreams—it was about learning how quietly they can be reshaped.

After completing my M.Phil. and Ph.D. in Political Science and Gender Studies, I imagined a life of teaching, research, and writing. But after marriage, reality took a different turn. My husband works in another state, while I live with my in-laws in Uttarakhand, where the expectation is simple: a woman may work, but only if she can return home by evening.

Each time I received an interview call from a university in Delhi or Uttar Pradesh, excitement mixed with guilt. My family would gently remind me, “It’s too far… Who will take care of your daughter?” I told myself that love requires compromise. Yet, as the years passed, I realized something had quietly faded—my sense of self.

When Silence Turned Into Words

There were nights when loneliness crept in. My husband was busy, and I never wanted to burden him with my worries. My parents were miles away. I found myself surrounded by affection that didn’t always understand me

So, I started writing.

It began with a few sentences scribbled in a notebook after putting my daughter to bed. Slowly, those lines became paragraphs, and paragraphs became blog posts and essays. Writing became my friend—someone who listened without judgment.

Each word I wrote was like reclaiming a piece of myself that I had lost in the process of fulfilling others’ expectations. Writing became more than expression; it became survival.

The Weight Women Carry

Many women I meet share similar stories—educated, capable, yet quietly confined by invisible boundaries. It’s rarely open opposition; it’s the soft resistance wrapped in care: “We just want what’s best for you.”

Statistics often show how women’s participation in the workforce declines after marriage, especially in traditional societies. But behind every number is a woman who once dreamed of a life beyond domestic roles.

For me, it wasn’t just about giving up a job—it was about giving up a version of myself I had worked so hard to build.

Writing as Healing

Writing offered me the courage to turn pain into purpose. Every blog post or research article became a step toward emotional healing. It connected me with other women who shared their struggles, and I realized I wasn’t alone.

Through writing, I found a way to live meaningfully within the life I already had. It reminded me that while our circumstances may limit us, our words can set us free.

A Note to Every Woman Writer

If you’re reading this and feel unheard or stuck between duty and desire—write.

You don’t need perfect conditions to start. You just need honesty and the willingness to express your truth. Writing doesn’t just record your experiences—it reshapes them.

For me, writing became a bridge between who I was and who I wanted to be And perhaps that’s what every woman’s story deserves—to be written, shared, and remembered.

* * *

Dr. Farzeen Bano is an Assistant Professor of Political Science and a researcher passionate about gender studies, digital literacy, and women’s empowerment. She holds an M.Phil and Ph.D. from Jamia Millia Islamia, where her doctoral research focused on “Women Prisoners and Their Rehabilitation: A Case Study of Jails of Uttar Pradesh.” Beyond academia, she writes on social issues, education, and women’s rights, aiming to bridge research with real-life change through digital storytelling and public engagement.

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Would you like to participate in Friday "Speak Out!"? Email your short posts (under 500 words) about women and writing to: marcia[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com for consideration. We look forward to hearing from you!
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Dr. Seuss is Back?

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Two things happened last week that have me thinking about posthumous publication. First, I received a press release about a new Dr. Seuss book being released in 2026. Dr. Seuss a.k.a. Theodor Geisel died at the age of 87 in 1991. It seems the manuscript was uncovered in the archives of the University of California. Initially, I thought "Great!" because I enjoy Dr. Seuss books which often straddle the line between fun children's book and deeper meaning even adults can appreciate.


But then I was  sorting through my own archives (also known as my laptop) searching for a particular essay. During the hunt I uncovered some of my writings that were much darker than my usual style. They were more therapy than writing for publication. I considered deleting them, but couldn't quite bring myself to do it. But that doesn't mean I'll be seeking out a market for them.


Which brings us back to Dr. Seuss and his upcoming Sing the 50 United States. I think we can all agree that Dr. Seuss was a powerhouse in children's literature. So why wasn't Sing the 50 United States published during his lifetime? It isn't as if his manuscripts were languishing in some editorial assistant's slush pile. So what happened? We can spin tales of him "forgetting" about it or becoming preoccupied with other writing. But what if he just didn't like it? What if he never meant for it to be published but couldn't quite bring himself to destroy it?


Sing the 50 United States isn't the first book to be published posthumously, in fact it isn't even the first Dr. Seuss book to be published posthumously (What Pet Should I Get? was published in 2015 after being written somewhere between 1958 and 1962).


Some books were well on their way to publication when the author suddenly died and the publishing house just carried on without them (Steig Larsson and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo trilogy). But others make you wonder what the author's intentions were, most recently Harper Lee's Go Set a Watchman. I don't know about you but to me it felt like a first draft that was abandoned for the major overhaul that became To Kill a  Mockingbird. But many other authors had their writing posthumously published: Agatha Christie, Ernest Hemingway, Louisa May Alcott, Ian Fleming, Jane Austen. Was that their intention or was that particular book hidden in a drawer for a reason? In some cases their work wasn't even finished and they never had the opportunity to share the meaning behind their writing. Instead experts spin their theories and best-guesses, perhaps totally misunderstanding the author's purpose.


Does the reading community's hunger for more of their writing overtake the writer's wishes? Would you want your writing published without your permission? 


And for all of our readers from the United States (and belated to those from Canada), have a Happy Thanksgiving full of friends, family, football and your favorite pie.



Jodi M. Webb writes from her home in the Pennsylvania mountains about everything from DIY projects to tea to butterflies. She'll be enjoying homemade apple pie for breakfast today.  She's also a blog tour manager for WOW-Women on Writing. In November, she's blogging about her nonfiction reads at Words by Webb. 

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