Lost Heart In King Manor by Celeste Fenton: Blog Tour & Giveaway

Monday, September 15, 2025
Lost Heart in King Manor by Celeste Fenton

I'm always excited to introduce readers to fun characters that seem to leap off the page like those in Lost Heart in King Manor. But it's even better because author Celeste Fenton is launching a series and her characters will stop by for welcome visits in subsequent books. Celeste has finally made that timeless question "What do I feel like reading?" unnecessary. Her debut novel gives us a pinch of everything: cozy mystery, suspense, romance, second chances, humor, beautiful settings.  Join us as we celebrate the launch of this book with a giveaway of the book and a $25 Amazon gift card and an interview with the author.

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

Lost Heart in King Manor is a thrilling story of love, passion, and determination. The plot has twists and turns that will keep the reader guessing all through. 

Because some secrets are worth killing for.

And some hearts don’t break quietly.

At 45, Gabby Heart isn’t looking for drama—just quiet days on Dost Island running her village gift shop, teaching art, and keeping her past tucked safely away. But when her mother suffers a sudden health crisis, Gabby is pulled into a storm of family secrets, betrayal, and a dark legacy buried within the walls of the once-grand King Manor. 

What was supposed to be a safe place for her mother’s recovery becomes the backdrop for a chilling mystery. Strange incidents begin to unfold, and it becomes clear: someone inside King Manor has a deadly agenda. As a hurricane traps Gabby inside the sprawling estate, she’s forced to work alongside two very different men—her maddeningly attractive officemate and a charming new neighbor, both hiding dark secrets. 

One man may want her heart. The other may want her dead. But can she trust her instincts before it's too late?

Publisher: Independently Published (April 15, 2025)
ISBN: 979-8280071773
AISN: B0F2ZML3M9
Print length:  347 pages

Purchase your copy on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.org. You'll also want to add it to your GoodReads reading list.

About the Author, Celeste Fenton

Celeste Fenton holds an M.Ed. and Ph.D. in education and has over thirty years’ experience in higher education. Her writing is fueled by a lifelong love of mystery, a fascination with the complexities of the human heart, and just enough real-world experience to keep things interesting. A widow, mother of adult twin sons, proud grandmother, dog lover, and semi-retired professor living in Florida, she weaves imagination with insight to create stories that are both emotionally rich and laced with suspense.

When she’s not writing, reading, or plotting her next twist, she’s often off exploring small towns across America—setting out solo for month-long adventures, much to the awe (and occasional alarm) of friends and family. Her latest obsessions include escape rooms, mastering the perfect miter cut for a DIY bathroom remodel, and making the impossible decision of where to travel next.


--Interview by Jodi M. Webb

WOW: Congratulations on your debut mystery, Lost Heart in King Manor. As a big fan of the mystery genre, I’m always eager to know why you chose to write in the mystery genre?

Celeste: Thank you! Even as a kid, I loved a good mystery—especially the kind that kept me up way past bedtime with a flashlight under the covers. Growing up, I read everything in our small-town library, from Nancy Drew to Victoria Holt, and eventually moved on to Agatha Christie, Sherlock Holmes, and romantic suspense. I was a huge Murder, She Wrote fan—still am, really. I think I fell in love with the idea that even in a chaotic world, a clever woman with a sharp mind and a stubborn streak could find the truth. Writing Lost Heart in King Manor felt like coming full circle—mixing suspense, family secrets, and a little romance with characters I’d actually want to have coffee with… or interrogate.

WOW: Tell us a little about your writing journey. When did you begin writing and what led to the decision to write a book?

Celeste: I’d been putzing around with writing ideas for years—jotting things down in journals, daydreaming about stories—but like a lot of people, life and work always seemed to get in the way. That was my excuse, anyway. Then in 2021, everything shifted. My husband passed away, both of my beloved dogs died, and I lost a dear friend to cancer. It was a season of deep loss. 

But in the middle of that grief, I realized something: life wasn’t going to wait for me to write a book. And when I really reflected on it, the truth was not that I had been too busy to write. It was deeper: I was afraid. Afraid of failure, of rejection. If I had a story to tell—and I did—it was time to get moving. I had to stop waiting for the “perfect time” and start now. I gave myself permission to let go of the fear and finally chase the dream. And once I did, the story poured out. 

WOW: Finding that elusive "perfect time" to write. Was that the most challenging part of writing?

Celeste: The most challenging part? Hands down—marketing. I didn’t even have a social media account when I started. I thought TikTok was the sound my clock made. Now I’m learning hashtags, filming videos, and figuring out how to post reels and tag folks! I’m terrible at it, but getting there!

WOW: And then, just when you feel like you've got a handle on marketing, something new pops up! That's how I feel, at least. So what's been the most rewarding part of writing?

Celeste: The most rewarding part is watching the story come to life. Seeing the characters evolve into people I care deeply about. And hearing from readers who love them too—or who yell at me because of something a character did. That connection is magic. Knowing something I wrote made someone laugh, or cry, or stay up too late reading? That’s magic to me.

WOW: Do you belong to a writing group or have a group of beta-readers that helped when you were writing your book?

Celeste: When I started writing… I really just dove in. Quite naively, to be honest. I wasn’t even aware of writing groups or beta reader networks—I just had a story I needed to tell and hoped for the best.

I didn’t belong to a formal writing group, but I had what I like to call my “squad”—four trusted friends who read early drafts and gave me feedback, kindly but honestly. And one especially dear friend who re-read and edited so many times, I’m fairly certain she could recite the book by heart at this point. They helped me see what worked, what didn’t, and most importantly, they kept me going when I wanted to toss the whole thing in a drawer.

Now that Lost Heart in King Manor is published—and the sequel, Captive Heart at Brantmar Castle, releases September 22—I’m exploring beta reader teams, ARCs, and maybe even a writing group. I’ve learned that writing might be solitary, but publishing thrives on community.

WOW: We hope you find a welcoming group here with the WOW community. Why did self-publishing appeal to you for your mystery series?

Celeste: At first, I thought I’d try the traditional route—but once I started researching, I realized self-publishing gave me something I really valued: creative control. I wanted to shape the series the way I envisioned it—everything from the cover design to the pacing of the release schedule to how I connected with readers.

And let’s be honest, I’m not twenty-five. I didn’t want to spend years waiting on gatekeepers to tell me yes or no. I’d already waited long enough to start writing. Self-publishing let me take ownership of the process, and while it’s definitely a learning curve, it’s also incredibly empowering. Plus, I’ve discovered a whole world of supportive indie authors and readers, indie bookstores, and resources  out there. 

WOW: After reading Lost Heart in King Manor, I want to visit Dost Island! Is it based on a real place? How do you think a great setting adds to a book?

Celeste: I love this question because one of my passions is traveling across America, especially through small towns. There’s something so charming about those little towns and villages—where the Main Street still has a neighborhood hardware store, and everyone waves at you even if they don’t know you. I’ve spent a lot of time in New England and absolutely fell in love with those seaside communities and postcard perfect charm. Dost Island was inspired by that—but with a touch of my own imagination and mystery stirred in.

For me, setting isn’t just a backdrop—it’s part of the story. Small towns create this illusion of safety, of community, of knowing everyone’s business. There’s a sense of tradition, fellowship, and comfort. But what I love about writing mystery is pulling back that curtain—asking, what’s really going on behind those white picket fences? That cute little shop? That contrast—the cozy surface and the darker undercurrent—is perfect for suspense.

A setting like Dost Island lets me play with that tension. It can feel warm and familiar one minute, and eerie the next. And in a mystery, that’s gold.

WOW: I definitely felt the contrast of the charming down and the secretive undercurrent in your book. Tell us more about your main character Gabby. Is she your literary counterpart? 

Celeste: Well… I think my curiosity, impatience, and a little spunk definitely found their way into Gabby. She’s not me—but she thinks fast, feels deeply, and sometimes blurts things she probably shouldn’t, and… well, let’s just say that felt familiar!

But honestly, there’s a little bit of me scattered across many of the characters—not just Gabby. Some of them carry my snark, some my passions or old wounds. Others reflect people I love. I’ve borrowed some of the best traits from my friends and family—kindness, wit, loyalty, that fierce protectiveness—and tucked them into the people on the page. I do think most writers weave themselves into their characters, whether they mean to or not. It’s like we crack open parts of ourselves and rearrange the pieces into someone new. That’s where the truth—and the fun—lives.

WOW: What would we find if we took a peek at your bookshelf?

Celeste: I think I’m kind of moody when it comes to reading. Depending on my mood, I’ll binge mysteries, or suspense, or romance (could be contemporary or historical), thrillers…when Game of Thrones was dominating HBO/Max, I binged George R.R. Martin. My bookcases are stocked with M.C. Beaton, Janet Evanovich, Charlain Harris, Linda Howard, J. D. Rob, C.J. Box, for romance Lisa Kleypas, Sarah MacLean, Eloisa James, Emily Henry, Elizabeth Berg, Elizabeth Strout…I could go on and on. 

I’ve always been inspired by authors who mix strong characters with a compelling sense of place. I love a story that’s a little mysterious, a little emotional, and makes you want to step right into the world they’ve created. Lord, I cried buckets over The Tale of Edgar Sawtelle.

Right now, I’m reading The Atomic City Girls by Janet Beard—a wonderful novel inspired by true events during World War II. I’m a sucker for historical fiction with heart and grit. Waiting in the wings on my nightstand are The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Rodham, and People We Meet on Vacation—so you can see I’m all over the map, genre-wise! 
  
WOW: But that's half the fun! Now you've gicven me a few books to add to my TBR list. What’s up next with your writing career?

Celeste: Well, the adventure continues! My second book in the Mysteries of a Heart series—Captive Heart at Brantmar Castle—releases September 22. Gabby and a few familiar faces journey to Scotland, where a remote castle, buried secrets, and an incoming snowstorm create the perfect storm for a twisty, emotional mystery. Meanwhile, back on Dost Island, loved ones are grappling with an unsettling crisis of their own—unraveling the truth behind a string of missing boys.

Following that, Broken Heart at Avalon Chateau is scheduled for winter 2026. Jay offers a much-needed escape to his newly inherited chateau in northern Canada… but let’s just say peace and quiet aren’t on the itinerary. As Gabby and the gang uncover danger and deception up north, their friends back on Dost Island are trying to solve the murder of the island’s beloved librarian.

And there’s more! Book Four—Wild Heart at Crest Edge Villa—takes Gabby and friends to Tasmania after Anna’s half-brother dies under mysterious circumstances. A cryptic letter leads them deep into the wilderness in a motorhome (what could go wrong?), where a wrong turn becomes a survival story with eerie twists, ancestral secrets, and a stalker in the shadows. Book Five—Rescued Heart at Water’s Edge—is also outlined. After barely escaping Tasmania, the group ends up shipwrecked on an uncharted island. 

It’s been a wild ride, and I’m loving every moment. I never imagined I’d be here, doing this, at this stage of my life—but I’m proof it’s never too late to chase a dream… or write yourself into a mystery.

WOW: I love that your characters are going to be popping all over the world chasing adventure - and danger. Thanks for giving us a sneak peek and sharing your inspiring writing journey with us.

Lost Heart in King Manor by Celeste Fenton Blog Tour and Giveaway


--Blog Tour Calendar

September 15th @ The Muffin
Join us as we celebrate the launch of Celeste Fenton's debut novel filled with romance and suspense: Lost Heart in King Manor. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of her book.

September 16th @ All Things Writing
Don't miss author Celeste Fenton's advice on Setting the Stage for Suspense.

September 17th @ Chapter Break 
Today's guest is Celeste Fenton, telling the story of Publishing at 69! It’s Never Too Late for a Story.

September 19th @ What Is That Book About 
The spotlight's on romance and suspense with Celeste Fenton's debut novel Lost Heart in King Manor.

September 22nd @ Lisa Haselton's Reviews & Interviews
Meet Celeste Fenton, the author behind Lost Heart in King Manor and the Mysteries of a Heart series.

September 25th @ Words by Webb
Jodi reviews a novel for reader that like a good dose of adventure with their romance: Lost Heart in King Manor.

October 1st @ Avonna Loves Genres
Start the month off right with a review of Lost Heart in King Manor & a book giveaway.

October 2nd @ Some Thoughts. Everything Creativity
Stop by for a review of the first book in Celeste Fenton's mystery series: Lost Heart in King Manor.

October 3rd @ Books R Us
Author Celeste Fenton is visiting today with the guest post From Barbie to Breakdown: Writing About Complex Women

October 4th @ Three Things on a Saturday Night
Searching for some Saturday fun? Lost Heart in king Manor made the list of Three Things on a Saturday Night! Check out the review.

October 7th @ A Wonderful World of Books
Enter to win a copy of Lost Heart in King Manor. Author Celeste Fenton also share a guest post: Cozy Mystery Doesn’t Have to be Cute: Grit and Grace in Your Cozy.

October 9th @ Knotty Needle
Stop by for a review of Lost Heart of King Manor by Celeste Fenton.

October 10th @ Some Thoughts. Everything Creativity
Novelist Celeste Fenton is posting about Using Weather as A Metaphor. 

October 19th @ Just Katherine
Everyone loves a romance! Find out how Celeste Fenton writes it with the guest post Second Chances, Slow Burn: Crafting the Romance in Lost Heart.


Lost Heart in King Manor and a $25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway


***** MYSTERY NOVEL & GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY *****

The giveaway is open to US residents for a print copy. Enter to win a print copy of Lost Heart in King Manor by Celeste Fenton and a $25 Amazon gift card! Fill out the Gleam form below for a chance to win. The giveaway ends September 28th at 11:59 pm CT. We will randomly draw a winner the next day via Gleam and follow up via email. Good luck!

Lost Heart in King Manor Giveaway

Read More »
9 comments , , , , , , ,

Interview with Karin Patton: 2025 Q3 Essay Contest Runner Up

Sunday, September 14, 2025
Karin’s Bio: Karin is a long-time West Virginia newspaper columnist who lives with her husband Don in a 120-year-old warehouse they are attempting to renovate, despite it being far beyond their skill set. When not covered in remodeling filth, she enjoys refinishing antiques that are one gasp away from the dumpster. Her day job involves managing a recycling center and re-use store in an area rife with old hippies and young back-to-the-landers. Her newspaper columns were once named Best in the U.S. by the National Society of Newspaper Columnists, a bittersweet win considering the stories were about the diagnosis and passing of her youngest daughter from Spinal Muscular Atrophy. She is currently working on a young adult novel about a girl who grows a tail. Her fiction and nonfiction have been published in Ladies' Home Journal, Writer’s Digest, Family Circle, Woman's World, and Atlanta Parent, among others. 

If you haven't done so already, check out Karin's award-winning essay "Pinned Hopes" and then return here for a chat with the author. 

WOW: Congratulations on placing in the Q3 2025 Essay Contest! How did you begin writing your essay and how did it and your writing processes evolve as you wrote? 

Karin: Years ago, while lying in a hospital bed after receiving heartbreaking news, I spotted a mostly deflated balloon hanging from a tack in the ceiling. I tried to distract myself from what was happening by imagining the scenarios for how that balloon came to be hanging there. The balloon was such a powerful image to me that I knew I would someday write about it, although it took years before I could. 

WOW: It’s so interesting to learn how a simple image or memory can be turned into a powerful piece of art. What did you learn about yourself or your writing by creating this essay? 

Karin: For much of my adult life, I have dealt with sadnesses by distracting myself. It’s become something of a superpower. Still, it wasn’t until writing this story that I realized where the distracting business might have begun. 

WOW: That’s a powerful realization. What connections, if any, do you see between your writing and your interests in remodeling, refinishing, and recycling? 

Karin: I don’t like anything to be wasted, including experiences. With both writing and refinishing, I’m not always wise enough to recognize the value of what I have until I can strip off the layers. The process of writing allows me to slow down what I have gone through and examine it in a way that isn’t possible as something is happening. I can spend time determining what is worth keeping and what can get tossed. What I start with and what I have at the end is often so different it’s nearly unrecognizable. 

WOW: Quite an apt metaphor for the writing process. Which creative nonfiction essays or writers have inspired you most, and in what ways did they inspire you? 

Karin: The writings of David Sedaris inspire me greatly. His beginnings and endings are exceptional. He will begin by causing a belly laugh and then get into something serious or tragic and then step back out again and cause another hard laugh. He can seem to be veering off subject, yet those offshoots always make his stories even meatier. I don’t know how he does it. I can’t think of any other writer as masterful as him. 

WOW: If you could tell your younger self anything about writing, what would it be? 

Karin: I used to believe I was being responsible when I put my writing on the back burner so I could work a second job or refinish a bunch of furniture or some other moneymaking endeavor. I wish I could tell my younger self to prioritize writing since that is where I find peace and a sense of pride and—please excuse the cliché—the things that money can’t buy. 

WOW: Excellent advice! Anything else you’d like to add? 

Karin: The story that placed first in this contest—"You" by Elizabeth Hoban—that is a must read. Perfectly told. Every word was exactly right. 

WOW: Thank you for the shoutout to fellow 2025 Q3 Essay Contest winner! And thank you for sharing your writing with us and for your thoughtful responses. 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. Engage on Twitter or Instagram @GreenMachine459.
Read More »
Leave a Comment , , ,

Too Many Tropes?

Thursday, September 11, 2025

 


I’ve been thinking about tropes a lot lately. That's because I’ve been noodling over a story idea that will be a mystery in a science fiction setting. So which tropes do I use? 

For those of you who may not be familiar with the term, a trope is an element of genre fiction. It can be a theme (corrupt corporations in science fiction) or a plot device (a fake relationship in a romance).

Although there can be overlap between genres, many tropes are fairly genre specific. Science fiction tropes include rogue robots, aliens come to eat all the humans, the dangers of space travel including worm holes, cloning, genetic engineering, and evil scientists with hidden laboratories. 

Among the mystery tropes are isolated locations, a closed circle of suspects, a missing person, blackmail, and a ticking clock. 

Looking at these lists, I can see several that would work well together. I’ve already decided that there will be a robot. Nope. You can’t talk me out of it. The robot is essential. Since I was thinking they would be in the midst of a spaceflight, I think I could layer in an isolated setting and a closed circle of suspects. 

But I was worried about another problem. Can you have too many tropes? 

I was doing some research, and no I wasn’t just avoiding writing. I found an excellent piece by Jane Friedman, Tropes: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. She wrote about a problem that she called trope stuffing. As she explained it, this happens when the writer includes every single trope they can think of. They often do this in an attempt to appeal to as many readers as possible. If they list the tropes as themes, this can also help their book come up on as many searches as possible. 

Hmm. I think that as long as the tropes work within my story, I can get by with four tropes – two science fiction and two mystery. There wouldn’t be any point in attempting to trope stuff, because I know my idea will not appeal to every single reader. It is for a middle grade audience, which eliminates an awful lot of people. And it is a science fiction mystery. I’ll have to give it a try to see if it will work. 

But before I can do that, there’s more research to do. 

--SueBE


Sue Bradford Edwards' is the author of over 60 books for young readers.  
  • Click here to find her newsletter.
She is also the instructor for 3 WOW classes which begin on the first Monday of every month. She teaches:
Read More »
Leave a Comment , , ,

Is Tech Stealing Our Dialogue?

Tuesday, September 09, 2025


Usually when I finish reading books, I'm faced with the question: Keep it, pass it on to a friend or donate it to the local library's used book sale? But recently, I reluctantly threw away a book. It had many shortcomings that might have been alleviated with the help of a good editor but the thing that drove me absolutely bonkers was the dialogue.


It didn't read like a person taking. It read like...a robot. It was a combination of super short sentences(sometimes missing a subject), no contractions, odd word choices that people don't often use when speaking. Obsessed with the dialogue I began reading it aloud and found it awkward and stilted. Something was definitely...off. It was as if this author had never heard people talk.


Suddenly it occurred to me that we don't hear people talk that much anymore. Can you remember being a teenager and spending hours on the phone with your best friend? Meeting an old friend for coffee and having so much to tell them? Trying to chat up someone at an event hoping you might end up with a date? 


Our phones have made all those scenarios a thing of the past. Our teenagers text(with mysterious abbreviations that seem to be constantly evolving) and seem intimidated by the idea of making an actual phone call, let alone staying on the phone for hours. Sure, we meet up with friends but thanks to social media they already know everything that's happening with us. Coffee might turn into showing each other photos or memes on our phones. And it seems there are a wide assortment of apps to connect us with romantic partners, no conversation needed.


No wonder this author had trouble with dialogue. Talking is on the decline. We may be communicating 24/7 but actually moving our mouths to make sound come out? Not so much. I used to spend time eavesdropping on people at the mall, in coffeshops, even in the office. It helped me get a feel for the give and take of conversations. Watching strangers I learned about when people lowered/raised their voices; how their body language changed depending on what they were saying, the words used by people in different age groups/geographic areas/professions. My poor author with the robot language probably never had a chance to eavesdrop to hone his ear for dialogue. There is no one to listen to anymore.


Despite many of us being introverts, I think as writers we have a responsibility to get out there and find places where people are talking. Join groups, attend events, start conversations with strangers. Anything to avoid writing robot conversations (unless, of course, your characters are actual robots).


I already have read many books set in the present that include texts, emails and other digital communications. But what about when we write something set in the pre-cellphone era? Will our cultural love affair with tech make it harder to write convincing language?


I have a habit of reading my dialogue aloud because my ear often has a better feel for authentic dialogue than my eyes. How do you check to see if your dialogue sounds like real people?


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.  


Read More »
1 comment , ,

Interview with Leslie Carlin, WOW! Q3 2025 Creative Nonfiction Contest Runner Up

Sunday, September 07, 2025
Leslie Carlin (she/her) has published short fiction in various journals including Reed Magazine, the Baltimore Review, the Ocotillo Review, and the Toronto Star. She writes personal essays on topics ranging from head lice to Hadrian's Wall, and is working on a creative nonfiction book, Asking After Alice. Leslie earned her certificate in creative writing from the University of Toronto's School of Continuing Studies in 2019, winning the Penguin Random House Canada Fiction Prize for Students and the Marina Nemat Award for Creative Writing. Leslie is a wife to one, a mother to three, and a servant to two cats and a dog. She is a medical anthropologist with interests in health, society, disability, and aging. Leslie posts her observations about living in and out of the United States, England, and Canada at Travails of a Transatlantic Transplant. Her website can be found at LeslieCarlin.com.

---interview by Marcia Peterson

WOW: Congratulations on your top ten win in our Q3 2025 Creative Nonfiction essay competition! Reading your entry, “Alice’s Grave,” I felt like I was there with you. What inspired you to write this particular story?

Leslie: I’m glad the story gave you that feeling. Over the past several years I have been looking for answers about my aunt, Alice, keeping track of what I learned in a journal. I expected to encounter many unknowns, and I have, but I thought locating her grave would be simple. It proved very much otherwise. When I finally managed to visit the cemetery and find Alice, such a mix of emotions followed me that I knew I wanted to write about it and mined the notes I had kept. The journey itself turned out to be an adventure, too.

WOW: You also write short fiction, personal essays and are working on a creative nonfiction book. Do you find form of writing one more challenging than the others? Are you drawn to one form more than the others?

Leslie: The most challenging form of writing always seems to be the one I am currently engaged in. I love to create (and to read) long, short, fiction, and non-fiction stories but as soon as I have set myself a goal or a deadline for one of them, I find myself inspired to work on a different one. In general I have several writing projects on the go at once. At the moment I am turning my notes into a book about my aunt (Asking After Alice), as well as keeping up my personal essays on Substack (Transatlantic Travails), and drafting both short stories and longform fiction (a detective novel).

WOW: What is your writing process like? Please describe a typical day.

Leslie: A typical week might be more telling! I have a day job as a medical anthropologist in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, where I conduct research related to health and society, disability, and aging. Thus some days are devoted to work. On writing days my favorite thing is to start typing immediately, before my feet touch the floor. When I finally get up, it makes me happy knowing that I already added words to my story. I also write in local cafés, and at my desk, often late at night. I belong to a couple of writing groups where we share what we have written, which is very helpful.

WOW: What are you reading right now, and why did you choose to read it?

Leslie: As with my writing I tend to read more than one book at a time, in different formats. In paper form I’m reading a fun memoir by Canadian journalist Cathrin Bradbury called This Way Up, because I have enjoyed Bradbury’s writing in the past. I’ve just started The Boy in the Moon by another Canadian, Ian Brown, about raising a severely disabled son. It makes me think about Alice. I also love audiobooks: I just listened to the suspenseful, evocative novel Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line by Deepa Anaparra, and I dip in and out of Six Poets by Alan Bennett, which brings me calm.

WOW: Thanks so much for chatting with us today, Leslie. Before you go, can you share a favorite writing tip or piece of advice?

Leslie: It has been a pleasure. Thank you for asking.

My writing tip is basic: always write. Anything you produce can be co-opted into something else. Sometimes I recount an anecdote in an email to a friend and then think “Gee, I can use that” and so I do, copying the words into a story or just into my writing journal. Also, as Nora Ephron’s mother advised, “It’s all copy.” Pay attention to everything. Write it down.

***
Read More »
2 comments

The Summer We Became Obsessed with a TV Show

Thursday, September 04, 2025

 




In our house, we all have a variety of tastes in what we consume. It’s difficult for the four of us to even agree on a movie to watch when we’re together. But somehow, miraculously, there is one television series we’ve managed to bond over this summer, and it’s taken me by surprise. 

I first started watching the Amazon series “The Summer I Turned Pretty” in 2023. My daughter was in her second year of college, and my son was a senior in high school, so I had more time on my hands to binge shows. I was looking for a “comfort” show and the first two seasons had already released at that point, so I dove in. The show is based on Jenny Han’s young adult romance trilogy about a girl, Isabel “Belly” Conklin and a love triangle between two brothers. Belly and her family grew up summering at a beach house in Massachusetts owned by her mother’s best friend, Susannah, and her two sons, Conrad and Jeremiah. After I binged the first two seasons, the writer’s strike in Hollywood delayed the third season from filming. I took that opportunity to read the books so that I could figure out which brother Belly eventually chooses. 

Amazon released the third and final season this summer, and to the dismay of all the fans, it’s only dropping one episode a week. In today’s world of binge television, it’s torture! 

While I’ve been sweet-talking my husband into watching the show with me the whole time, my kids were never really that interested. Until this summer. Thanks to the clever marketing by Amazon, the show is everywhere. American Eagle created a clothing line devoted to it, the hobby store Michael’s got in on the action after they were featured in one episode, and the principal actors have made appearances in commercials for Dunkin Donuts and Panera Bread. 

Then something strange happened about a month ago. My son began telling me to wait for him on the mornings the episodes dropped. As someone who is on Tik Tok and Instagram 24/7, he feels left out if he doesn’t know what’s happening in the show (this season is centered around a wedding) because plot points are featured all over the internet by mid-day. Then my daughter got interested because she saw us watching it. Their college social media accounts discuss the show. People are firmly in one camp or the other as they root for Belly to choose either Jeremiah or Conrad as her “endgame.” 

Another fun reason we like to watch the show is that most of it was filmed in North Carolina (despite being set in New England), where we live, in beach towns we’ve visited and on some of the local college campuses. We’ve enjoyed watching each episode and pointing out the locations. 

As I write this post, the latest episode has dropped and I’m waiting until this evening to watch it with my husband. Both kids have watched it between their college classes and promised to not share any spoilers with me, as there are only three episodes remaining before the series ends on Sept. 17. I don’t think we’ve ever all been this invested in a show before, and it’s made our group chats much more interesting. From what I can tell, the show has attracted a wide audience and I keep reminding my family that I’ve been talking about it for two years now. Glad they finally decided to listen. Oh, and #teamconrad. 

Is there something everyone in your family likes to consume together? I’ve love to hear your thoughts.

Renee Roberson is an independent podcaster and creator of the show, “Missing in the Carolinas.” Her essay, “Behind the Red Door,” recently received an Honorable Mention in this year’s Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition (Memoirs/Personal Essay Category) and addresses the topic of discovering a neighbor had been arrested for child abuse and neglect.
Read More »
Leave a Comment , , , , ,

Maybe Planning and Plotting Are Inspiring After All

Tuesday, September 02, 2025

 
Lately, my creative well has run dry. Yet, despite my strong belief in the power of a writing habit, I could no longer return to my usual creative processes. 

Usually, I start a short story based on a particular scene in my mind. I will keep writing, meandering about, hoping to discover the plotline, character, and overall theme along the way.

This is not something I can do anymore. 

To move forward in our writing, we must be willing to do some self-reflection on what is working and what isn't. 

For me, pantsing has only led to notebooks filled with short stories that go nowhere or never get done. I have countless stories that end up so scattered that rewriting would be like starting over.

And it's not like this hasn't been (eventually) successful for me. I have had stories published.

Yet, it's just too much work in the long run. My revision process is undeniably slow. Part of the hesitation to revise is that I'm going to a story with a lot of work to be done.

This has led me to often work on the same darn story for years. And they aren't even long stories or anywhere near novel length.

Lately, I decided to return to a short story of mine, "You Spelled Carrot Wrong," about a marketing company called "Hawk Eyed Advertising" and an unusual word that starts to go viral. I felt inspired to return and build up that story's "world."

I began by creating a Google Doc. I added all the characters within the story I wrote, what I knew about them, what I knew about the company, and any important scenes from the original story. 

Then, I started adding more characters. I added two more client service people who were in a prank war with each other. 

I also started adding goofy scenarios, such as someone hacking into the system to turn everyone's desktop background a glittery, safety cone orange. I also added a scenario where the same person is coming to the office to interview for a job, but just in different disguises and made-up names.

And I've also kept an eye out lately for inspiration. I start with my own day job and pay attention to any company or coworker quirks I can use, tweak, and add to my story. I browse Reddit for work scenarios, from the petty to the dramatic. 

These moments have become little nuggets that help create the world of Hawk Eyed Advertising.

I wanted the company and the people within to come to life before I started writing a word. 

The amazing thing is that it's inspired me. 

I recently got a scene in my head and jotted it down on my phone. I was cautious, though. I stopped before the scene became aimless. I reminded myself of my goal to make Hawk Eyed Advertising and the characters within more real. For me. And one day, for the reader. 

If you're struggling with inspiration lately, take a look at your own processes. Are you a planner? Try pantsing for a while. Are you a pantser? Try plotting. Are you a poet? Try fiction. Are a fiction writer? Try some essays.

We get stuck in our old ways sometimes. Sometimes this is okay, if they work, but sometimes it can dry up our creative well. I know we're not supposed to rely on inspiration, but sometimes we need more than a simple habit to grow as writers. 

I'm feeling cautiously optimistic that I'll somehow turn into a planner. And I hope I do. Because maybe one day a short story idea of mine will blossom into that elusive novel I've been avoiding.

Nicole Pyles is a writer living in Portland, Oregon. Her writing has appeared in Sky Island Journal, Arlington Literary Journal, The Voices Project, The Ocotillo Review, and Gold Man Review. A poem of hers was also featured in the anthology DEAR LEADERS TALES. Her short story, “The Mannequin of Lot 18,” was nominated for Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy for 2024. Since she’s not active on social media very much, stay in touch by following her writing blog at World of My Imagination or her Substack, Nicole Writes About Stuff.



Read More »
2 comments , ,

Interview with Sumitra Mattai, Runner Up in the Q3 Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest with "How to Write a Novel"

Saturday, August 30, 2025

 

Congratulations to Sumitra Mattai from New York, New York for her amazing nonfiction essay titled:
How to write a novel! 

Check out Sumitra's submission, How to write a novel as well as all the other winning entries and then stop back here to read Sumitra's enlightening interview with Crystal J. Casavant-Otto from WOW! Women on Writing. 


Sumitra's Bio: 
 Sumitra Mattai is a writer, storyteller and textile designer based in New York City. She holds a BFA in Textile Design from the Rhode Island School of Design and an MFA in Creative Writing from The New School. Her essays have been shared in Huffington Post, Scary Mommy and Lit Magazine, among others. For more information, visit her website, find her on Instagram @sumitramattai, or check out her newsletter, Clothbound, about textiles in art, design and everyday life.

WOW: Thank you for writing such a personal essay - I'm exciting to have today's opportunity to find out more! Let's dig in! What is the take-away you'd like readers to gain from How to Write a Novel? 

Sumitra: I hope that readers of this piece are encouraged to keep going, despite whatever obstacles are in their path. Being a creative is never easy - not at any age or stage in life. Showing up to do the work can be as challenging as the work itself. For me, scaling my goals has been critical to my practice. I would rather write 750 words than none at all. 

WOW: Well if that doesn't make me feel better about my daily writing goals lately - thank you! As I sit at the kitchen table sipping coffee wondering how to get back at it - let me ask you...Where do you write? What does your space look like? 

Sumitra: I usually write at night when my family is asleep in the living room on my laptop. Once I have a draft going, I write everywhere - on the subway (when I’m not holding coffee!), in line at Trader Joes, on the kitchen floor. I actually despise writing on my phone, but it’s useful for the in-between times. I just let go of my desk in the coworking space I mentioned in the piece because I wasn’t using it regularly enough. I would love to have more of a dedicated space to write, but for now, flexibility is key. If I wait for the conditions to be perfect, I would never write a word.

WOW: Again - that certainly speaks to me. My office has sometimes been the front seat of my car waiting outside a piano lesson or waiting to haul a sweaty football player. You're right - I should consider myself flexible (instead of messy which is how I usually talk to myself about my lack of a dedicated space). 

What’s next for you? What are your writing goals for the rest of 2025 and beyond? 

Sumitra: My main goal is just to keep writing. I always have a few ideas in the queue. I keep an eye on pitch all outs from editors (Amber Petty’s “Pitching Hour” is a great resource), and submission dates for literary magazines and competitions. I find it's helpful to have a deadline and/or a theme to work toward. If I’m feeling stuck, I sometimes use prompts from Poets & Writers “The Time is Now.” When I’m feeling isolated, I take a writing class. Last year, I took a class called “Bending the Genres: (re) Learning the Lyric Essay” with Hillary Leftwich. It really helped me to think about structure, and different ways of storytelling. I think that class probably informed my piece, "How to write a novel." My other goal is to keep my writing brain engaged. When I say writing brain, I mean observing the world around me, listening for dialogue, being open to inspiration. It’s a state of being, a door in my mind that’s always slightly ajar, even when I’m at work or on the playground. I would love to publish a book at some point in my life, but as long as I keep writing, I'm proud of myself. 

WOW: You have such a great outlook - thank you for saying that last part; you should definitely be proud! You have an impressive bio (and I mean seriously - your website is the bomb! - it begs the ask - tell us more about your professional goals? Long term aspirations? I know nothing about textiles - bring me into your world? 

Sumitra: Thank you for the kind words! Textiles are all around us, from the clothes we wear to the many soft goods in our home (towels, rugs, tablecloths, etc). In my work, I design fabrics, wallcovering and trimming for the luxury home furnishings industry. Together with my team, we collaborate with incredible weavers and printers all over the world to create collections used by interior designers and architects in high end residential and contract spaces. Practically speaking, my work life and my writing life are separate. To bridge that gap, I started a Substack newsletter called “Clothbound,” where I write about textiles in art, design and everyday life. This has been a great outlet for me to share aspects of my industry, art that I find inspiring, and personal stories, all through the lens of textiles. 

WOW: Well, when you put it that way I'm less intimidated - thank you! What is your history with writing contests? - tell us what prompted you to submit to this particular contest? What would you like to tell other authors concerning contests and submitting their work? 

Sumitra: I’ve been submitting to the “WOW Women on Writing” CNF contest for a few years now. To be honest, I never entered with any expectations. I used the contest as a deadline, and a safe space to try out ideas. The critiques are very helpful to get some perspective without having to take a whole class and weed through feedback. In many cases, I used the comments to improve the piece, and ended up publishing it elsewhere. This is the first time I’ve placed in the competition, and it feels great! Overall, I have conflicting notions about submitting my work. On one hand, I want the piece to be the best it can be, which sometimes means leaving it for a few weeks/months/years, and coming back to it with fresh eyes. On the other hand, I feel an urgency to continue building my portfolio of bylines. As long as you're putting out work you're proud of, I would encourage other authors to go for it. Learning to handle rejection is a necessary skill set, and being too precious or too much of a perfectionist about your work can also be problematic. Life is too short to hide our creations.


WOW: Thank you Sumitra 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! 


Check out the latest Contests: 







Read More »
Leave a Comment , , , , , ,

Public Writing: Yay or Nay?

Thursday, August 28, 2025
My "new" standing desk.

Recently someone on X asked if any of us actually write in coffee shops. “No one does that. It is purely performative,” responded one poster. 

Are any of you coffee shop writers? Or maybe you write in a local café? A friend of mine liked to write in a nearby café. She said that she was always more productive when she did this.    

I am not a café or coffee shop writer. I've tried it once. I have written in a meeting room at a retreat. And I’ve written in a public library while on retreat. I can pull it off if I can sit with my back to everyone. Coffee shop writing is much more problematic. Ooo. That looks yummy. I wonder what drink that is. That looks like a heated conversation. What is that amazing scent? Something must have just come out of the oven. Amount of writing accomplished? Next to nothing. 

When I write, I want to be at home. I prefer to write in my office. I can sit and work at my computer or stand and work at my new antique desk. When I get stuck, sometimes I sit on the patio or at the dining room table. 

Although I insist that I cannot write in public, I know I can write someplace other than my home office. I’ve done it! I’ve written in public spaces at retreats. I proofed Trench Warfare leaning against the wall in the emergency room. I revised American Life in the 1970s with my laptop perched on my father’s bedside cart in the hospital and The Evolution of Mammals in the dining hall of a lakeside lodge. 

How do I manage to pull this off when I insist I cannot write in public? 

First things first, I have to be on deadline to write someplace other than my office. When the need arises, it is possible. 

Secondly, I sometimes listen to music. I don’t know how any of you manage to wear ear buds. They are simply too uncomfortable which is even more distracting that being able to hear other people talk. But I do have a larger pair of noise canceling headphones. They fit over my ears and as long as I don’t get too warm, I’m okay. What can I say?  I'm picky!

Third, I try not to sit facing other people. Let’s face it. I am very easily distracted. 

Fourth, it cannot be someplace where a variety of food is served. See above about being easily distracted. 

Fifth, it cannot be a high traffic area. Haven't I already said that I'm easily distracted. If it is a high traffic area, it does not matter that I’m a nonfiction writer. I will soon be making up stories about the people I see around me. 

Writing in public does not come easily to me. I can do it if I have to. 

What about you? Are you a café or coffee shop writer? How do you feel about writing in public? 

--SueBE


Sue Bradford Edwards' is the author of over 60 books for young readers.  
  • Click here to find her newsletter.
She is also the instructor for 3 WOW classes which begin on the first Monday of every month. She teaches:
Read More »
4 comments , , , , ,

In Conversation with Regina Black, Author of August Lane

Wednesday, August 27, 2025
In Conversation with Regina Black, Author of August Lane

By Margaret Y. Buapim

Regina Black’s second novel August Lane (Grand Central Publishing, July 29, 2025) is a blistering love story about second chances. It dives into the lives of Luke Randall and August Lane and takes you through a history of Country Music through the eyes of Black Country Singers. But it’s not just for Country Music Fans. There are universal themes developed within the lives of the characters which hook the reader to the very end. WOW was able to catch up with Regina to ask about her latest novel and the writing process.

***

WOW: How did you get your start in writing?

Regina: I've been writing since I was nine or ten years old. I began with poems and short stories, then wrote my first full novel in 2006. I wrote eleven books before I wrote my debut, but never queried them. I shared them with friends and posted online. My debut, The Art of Scandal, was my twelfth completed manuscript.

WOW: That’s a lot of writing before beginning August Lane. Are you primarily a romance writer?

Regina: Both of my novels are romance, but I've written across genres—contemporary fiction, fantasy, thrillers. Most of what I write has a love story at its heart, though. Romance was my gateway into both reading and writing, and I suspect all of my books will include some sort of love story.

WOW: Romance has a way of pulling us all in. In your acknowledgements, you say August Lane is a second-chance romance inspired by the song "Belinda" by Ben Folds. Can you describe for WOW readers how you developed the main characters?

Regina: "Belinda" gave me the hook for the story. The song is about a man who has to perform his only hit, a song he wrote about a woman he betrayed. That situation stuck with me, and I started thinking about what that would do to a person psychologically. Then I started “what if” brainstorming. What if she's the one who actually wrote the song, and he lied about it? That's how the premise was born. 

I develop characters by figuring out what's wrong with them first. What happened in their past that brought them to where they are when the book starts? In romance, I focus on why they're alone and what's keeping them that way. Then I figure out why meeting their love interest matters. What is it about this person, in these circumstances, that inspires them to grow and change? My shorthand for this process is 'why this, why them, why now?'



“I develop characters by figuring out what's wrong with them first. What happened in their past that brought them to where they are when the book starts? ... What is it about this person, in these circumstances, that inspires them to grow and change? My shorthand for this process is 'why this, why them, why now?'”



WOW: When you read August Lane you can see how this writing process plays out fully. Two troubled souls who rescue each other. The story dives deep into country music and overlooked Black country singers, but it also explores alcoholism, family violence, grief, and self-discovery. What kind of research went into making those themes realistic?

Regina: I research extensively for every book. I read about southern history, musician memoirs, books about living with complex PTSD, alcoholism, and grief. I interviewed Black country singers about their experiences in the industry. I took online classes on songwriting and studied music theory. All this was ongoing. I didn't stop researching until I turned in the final draft. Some of the book is drawn from my personal experience. I'm a Black woman who grew up in a small town in Arkansas. I'm a mother. My family has experienced pain and trauma. The book isn’t based on my life, but a big part of writing for me is writing what I know emotionally and writing from a place of empathy.

WOW: Writing from a place of empathy. That’s big. Its palpable. The small town of Arcadia where much of the book plays out is so real but the characters are what make it come to life. How long did it take you to complete August Lane?

Regina: I began writing it in 2021 and completed three drafts before submitting it to my editor in 2024. 

WOW: Three drafts? I loved the final product. Pivoting a bit, It seems you have a full schedule daily. What is your writing process?

Regina: I spend considerable time developing a book before I start drafting. I write a logline first to ensure I have a high-concept, easily pitchable idea. Then I draft a longer pitch to ensure all the key elements are present—character, goals, motivation, conflict, and stakes. Next comes character development, which is when research begins in earnest. Once I have a decent idea of who the book is about, I do a broad outline of the story beats. Depending on the complexity of the book, I may start drafting at this point. If it has a lot of moving pieces (like August Lane), I'll create a document that's a cross between a detailed outline and a zero draft. Once that's done, I use it to start drafting the book. 

I have a full-time job, so I have to squeeze my writing into the margins of my day. When I'm drafting, I get up every day at 5:30 a.m. to write. My minimum is twenty minutes of uninterrupted writing every day. After twenty minutes, if I have some momentum going, I write more. If not, I stop there. On weekends, I do at least three twenty-minute sprints with the same rule: write more if the words are flowing, but stop if they’re not. This is how I avoid burnout. Eventually, I’ll have a finished book. I try to revise that draft at least once before sending it out for feedback.



“My minimum is twenty minutes of uninterrupted writing every day. After twenty minutes, if I have some momentum going, I write more. If not, I stop there. On weekends, I do at least three twenty-minute sprints with the same rule: write more if the words are flowing, but stop if they’re not. This is how I avoid burnout.”



WOW: So no excuses for our readers, even with a full time job, it can be done! But you are very detailed in your approach. That can lead to nothing but success. I’m sure you’ve learned a lot since the debut of your first novel. What has been the most eye-opening experience since you became a published author? 

Regina: How opaque the industry is. It's surprising how little an author knows about what's happening behind the scenes with their own book. Clear communication isn't a priority, which is unusual for an industry that relies so heavily on words.

WOW: That must have taken some adjustment on your part. What advice would you give to an unagented writer trying to get their work published?

Regina: Focus on three things: writing, reading, and networking. Writing is something you should always be trying to improve. I never stop reading craft books and pushing myself to become a better writer. Reading reminds me why I decided to do this in the first place. It keeps me inspired and fills my creative well. Networking is essential because this business is built on relationships. Find friends who will give you honest feedback and remind you of who you are when the business makes you forget.

WOW: That’s great advice to remember especially about honing your skills by reading craft books and networking. Wrapping up, what would you like readers to know about you as a writer?

Regina: I write stories for people who have made mistakes and had to figure out how to forgive themselves and move forward. If you've ever ruined a friendship, broken a heart, or forgotten to pick up your kid from daycare, my books may be for you.

*

My thanks to Regina Black for chatting with me about writing. To find out more about Regina and August Lane, visit her website, or purchase a copy of the book from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Bookshop.org. 

***

Margaret Buapim

Margaret Buapim is the author of Ring Envy, a Christian fiction adult contemporary novel. She has conducted several interviews for WOW! Women on Writing, including New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe, author Karen Brown Tyson, author Brittney Morris, and author Denise Williams. Connect with Ms. Buapim online at www.authormyb.com or Twitter @YBuapim.
Read More »
Leave a Comment , , , , ,

Interview with Laura Durkee, Runner Up in the WOW! Winter 2025 Flash Fiction Contest

Tuesday, August 26, 2025


Laura lives and writes in the heart of Midwest farm country. Her micro flash has been long-listed by Tadpole Press. “The Huntsman” is her first published piece of flash fiction. 















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

WOW: Congratulations, Laura, and welcome! "The Huntsman" is full of beautiful imagery and haunting prose. What made you decide to choose the retelling of a fairytale for this piece of writing? 

Laura: Thank you for your kind words. For me, the stories within stories have always beckoned. What if we could follow the thread of a background character's journey, or peek into the lives of familiar characters off-page? I feel we would find narratives just as compelling as their more familiar counterparts. 

WOW: This is such a great suggestion for any writer looking for their next story idea! Because the word count is so limited in flash fiction, figuring out how to end the story is one of the most important elements. How did you decide on the ending for “The Huntsman?” 

Laura: I count myself blessed to have in my life men of high caliber - my husband, father and brother among them. So often in fairy tales, we encounter men either as villains or bland P. Charmings. A courageous, self-sacrificial man is the one I want my daughter to find, both in life and in her fairy tales. 

WOW: I wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment! How did you first get started writing fiction and where do you find a lot of your ideas for new work? 

Laura: My late mother gifted a legacy rich in love of literature. She patiently nurtured my early literary foibles, introduced me to theater, and together we spent many nights watching film, discussing characters and ideas. I hope today she would be proud to read the fruits of her labors. 

WOW: It sounds like you had an amazing mentor and role model in your mother. Who are some of your favorite writers to draw inspiration from? 

Laura: I owe a great deal to those who walked before. Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre" profoundly shaped my idea of heroine. J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis opened the world of myth and allegory. More contemporary credit goes to Angela Barrett, whose illustrated fairy tales currently line the bookshelf next to my bed. 

WOW: Thank you for all those great suggestions! What are you working on now? 

Laura:  I'm dipping my toes into the world of flash humor. Perhaps a piece will tickle a judge in an upcoming season, and you will get to meet it here at WOW.

WOW: As a judge for both contests, I can tell you humor is always welcome! We can't wait to see what you come up with in the future. Thank you again, Laura!
Read More »
Leave a Comment , , , , , ,
Powered by Blogger.

Copyright WOW! Women On Writing Blog. Designed by Georgia Lou Studios

Back to Top