Tonya writes fiction under the pen name Tia Marlee. Tia is the author of several sweet, small-town romances featuring all the swoon with low to no heat. Her series Piney Brook Wishes can be found on Amazon. Currently, you can find Tonya at her website www.anovelchoicellc.com or on Instagram @anovelchoicellc or Facebook. Find more about Tia Marlee at tiamarleeauthor.com Interview with Tonya SpitlerThank you, Tonya, for taking the time to chat with me. When did you know you wanted to become an author?I fell in love with reading very young, and shortly after I started making up my own stories. I'd handwrite or draw pages and pages of my own creation. I think I've always wanted to be a writer in some capacity, I just didn't always know it was possible. When did you first consider yourself a writer?Not until I published my first book. Even now, I sometimes deal with imposter syndrome. Who is your biggest inspiration?My biggest inspiration are the other authors I know! Their dedication to their craft is definitely inspiring. My daughter is my biggest motivator. She's always pushing me to be my best. How do you come up with your ideas?Sometimes, they are inspired by things I see or hear. Sometimes they come to me when I'm washing my hair. Just depends. Are your characters inspired by or based on real-life people?Some of my characters deal with things I've experienced or witnessed in real life, but the characters themselves are unique. What comes first, the plot or the characters?For me, it's usually the story line that comes to mind first, then the characters tell me all the ways I'm wrong. What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?I usually have at least two drinks beside me. How did publishing your first book change your writing career?It validated that I can do it! Gave me the confidence to keep pushing, even when it's hard. Have you ever gotten writer's block? How did you work through it?YES!! UGH! I will try and call an author friend and brainstorm or go on a walk. Spending time in nature is so essential for me. What are you working on now?I'm currently working on a sweet romcom with the multi author project The Coffee Loft. Next up, a brand new series featuring life on Apple Blossom Ranch What advice would you give aspiring authors?Never quit. Find a writing group and plug in. Work on your craft. Be a student of the industry. What do you like to do when you're not writing?I like to spend time with my family. I have three teenagers, and I'm soaking up the memories before they're adults and out on their own. What are three things that are unique about you?
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 Arielle Haughee Why do I sell fewer books |
 | Previously an elementary teacher, Arielle Haughee (Hoy) is a multi-genre author living in Florida. She has a serious reading addiction, fantasy romance her absolute favorite, and loves nothing more than good conversation paired with a good wine. She is surrounded by males at home—a husband, two sons, and an energetic dog—and tries to integrate as much purple and flowers in the house as possible. Arielle is an editor, speaker, and owner of a small press. Learn more about her at www.ariellehaughee.com or www.orangeblossombooks.com. She is also on Facebook and Instagram (@orange_blossom_books). |
 | Dawn Bourdeau Milstrey is the author and illustrator of The Stone Angel Society, an illustrated middle grade ghost novel (Orange Blossom Publishing, September 2022). First in a series, the book is a collection of spooky short stories with just the right amount of ghosts for young readers. Dawn has been illustrating picture books since 2008 and loves helping other authors bring their words to life with her art. |
When she isn’t writing and illustrating, Dawn enjoys painting large scale landscapes and teaching art and illustration at the local college. Dawn lives in a small town in rural New Jersey where she and her husband raised their three amazing daughters. The family shares their home with two cocker spaniels, a pair of birds, several fish...and a few ghosts!
Interview with Dawn Bourdeau Milstrey
Thank you Dawn, for taking the time to chat with me!
When did you know you wanted to become an author?
As far back as I can remember I was jotting down story ideas and drawing pictures to go with them. I wrote and illustrated my own book in elementary school and then bound it with a handmade hardcover. Holding that finished book in my hands was an incredible feeling!
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
The first time I sat down to write a story. You are a writer even if it is only for yourself!
Who is your biggest inspiration?
Young readers...I love the possibility that something I create could help a child to become a better reader. Books open up endless worlds to kids and help them grow healthy imaginations!
How do you come up with your ideas?
My imagination tends to run wild, so everything I see and hear triggers "What if..." and sometimes that blossoms into an idea!
Are your characters inspired by or based on real-life people?
They are inspired by the many ghosts in my life. I have lost people that I miss so much and it is a comfort to imagine that their "ghosts" are still hanging around.
What comes first, the plot or the characters?
The plot...I build on "what if" in outline form and then the characters sort of arrive on the scene and take their place.
What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
When editing a story, I like to read it out loud with emotion to feel the action in the words. My dogs are great listeners!
How did publishing your first book change your writing career?
Publishing gives you confidence. I had written for decades, only sharing my stories with very few people. Now, I feel good that everyone and anyone who wants to read my work is able to do so. It has opened me up to having some wonderful conversations about my characters.
Have you ever gotten writer's block? How did you work through it?
Oh yes, and the cure for me is to walk away. I go off and do something totally unrelated to the story and then I return to my work with fresh ideas!
What are you working on now?
I am relaxing after getting The Stone Angel Society Journal Three ready for its August 13th release.
What advice would you give aspiring authors?
Let your imagination run wild! Sit down, close your eyes and let your thoughts play out in your mind like a movie...your characters will take it from there.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Family is first of course, but I love to paint landscapes with expressive clouds. I also teach art classes at the community college.
What are three things that are unique about you?
1. I love to bake using old family recipes.
2. I have been a vegetarian since I was ten years old.
3. I believe in ghosts :)
2. I have been a vegetarian since I was ten years old.
3. I believe in ghosts :)
The Secret to Organic Storytelling
Writers are often told their stories need to be organic. Sounds like something that makes sense when you hear it. But identifying elements that are inorganic, and even more challenging, trying to fix them, can be elusive. It can also be frustrating when you need a certain plot point for the progression of your story and it sounds like someone is telling you that you can’t have it. Let’s back up and define what organic means in terms of storytelling. An organic story is one where the plot reads natural and realistically makes sense within the story world. Inorganic elements seem out-of-place, forced, or coming out of nowhere. The plot isn’t believable. It’s jarring for the reader and pulls them out of the story.
So how can we write organic stories? Or fix something when we’re told it’s inorganic?
Put on your nerd glasses and let’s dive into some literary theory to get these answers.
So how can we write organic stories? Or fix something when we’re told it’s inorganic?
Put on your nerd glasses and let’s dive into some literary theory to get these answers.
The Growth of a Story
The genesis of a story begins in the mind, long before words take shape on the page. Something comes to the mind of the creative, perhaps a character, an interesting setting, or even lines of dialogue. It is in this nebulous state that the seed of the story is planted. Now the writer must water it properly to make it grow. That means building the story world and the characters before starting to write. Taking the time to develop this “understory” that gets peppered into your plot gives firm ground for everything else to come.
Some people have a writing style where they go straight to the page without any planning (pantsers). Everyone writes differently. However, if you have issues with your stories flowing organically, take some time to try the method discussed below to see if it helps improve the overall flow of your storyline.
Some people have a writing style where they go straight to the page without any planning (pantsers). Everyone writes differently. However, if you have issues with your stories flowing organically, take some time to try the method discussed below to see if it helps improve the overall flow of your storyline.
Start with Character
Focus on your main character and go deeper than things like eye color and hobbies. Keep asking them why they behave a certain way or make specific choices. Jot down childhood events that formulated their beliefs about the world and themselves. Get to deep levels of motivation. For example, Lydia Bennet wants attention. If Jane Austin stopped there, it would just seem silly that Lydia flings herself at soldiers. Why does Lydia want attention? Because she doesn’t stand out in her family and get attention on her own. Why doesn’t she stand out? Because she has older sisters who are more beautiful and clever than she is. At this point, we realize it’s Lydia’s insecurity that drives her, so it is an organic event when she runs off with the questionable Wickham, trying to secure her place in the world.
Taking the time to keep asking why, why, why will allow you to build a complex character and make their choices genuine to their disposition.
Taking the time to keep asking why, why, why will allow you to build a complex character and make their choices genuine to their disposition.
Then Build Your World
It doesn’t matter what genre you write, taking the time to construct a layered setting is essential to having an organic story. Genuine conflict must arise from the world of the story you’ve created. This not only includes the physical location of the story, but the social norms and histories as well. What is this place, and who lives here? Drawing a map is one of the easiest ways to grow conflict from your world, even if it’s a contemporary setting. Think about things like: Who lives next door? What is considered the nice/not-so-nice part of town? What resources come from the river and who owns them? Include physical and human elements on your map. Pretty soon you’ll have tons of ideas for potential conflict. Another tip is to imagine the setting as a character itself—not only do characters react to the setting, but the setting reacts to the characters. It is a back and forth relationship where both shape each other.
Putting It All Together with Conflict
Organic storytelling occurs when conflict (1) is in direct opposition to a character’s motivation and (2) arises from the character interacting with the setting and the living beings in it. In other words, it is the interplay between authentic character motivation and natural circumstances arising from the environment. The character arc is the journey from old stasis to new stasis in the search for equilibrium in this world.
Another example with another classic: The Grinch despises Christmas and wants to take Christmas away from the Whos. Why? Because he wants everyone to be as miserable as he is. Why? Because he doesn’t know how to be happy. Why? Because he’s never experienced true joy. The world of the Whos is built, and they are Christmas enthusiasts, the happiest of happy people and the exact opposite of the Grinch. Think of all the wonderful worldbuilding with everything they have down in Whoville. This is excellent, organic conflict that is in perfect opposition to our character’s motivation. He interacts with the setting and people when he tries to steal Christmas with all the Who-pudding. He goes from old grouchy stasis while searching for equilibrium (stopping this whole thing from coming) to new loving stasis on his character arc. His revelation occurs when he witnesses the Whos experiencing true joy and realizes he can feel that way, too. That is from the deep dive of his motivation
Spending the time to build complex characters and a layered setting before writing is the key to having genuine conflict. When conflict, motivation, and setting interplay together, a story is organic. But what do you do when you’ve already written something and have been told an element is inorganic? Have no fear, you don’t need to toss your story out and start over. But you do need to go back to those roots of your story to justify why something is happening. You may need to add in more about the character’s past experiences, or a little about the social history of the area, or something else related to the character and worldbuilding. You may also need to adjust elements of an event to match the setting better and make the conflict come more realistically from the story world.
Writing organic stories takes time, practice, and most importantly, good feedback. Make sure your editor or critique partner tells you specifically what it is that seemed out-of-place to them so you can figure out how to address it. If you’d like more resources to help, check out these other articles below:
Creating Unforgettable Characters: Who Are They?
Place As Character
The Seven Types of Narrative Conflict
Another example with another classic: The Grinch despises Christmas and wants to take Christmas away from the Whos. Why? Because he wants everyone to be as miserable as he is. Why? Because he doesn’t know how to be happy. Why? Because he’s never experienced true joy. The world of the Whos is built, and they are Christmas enthusiasts, the happiest of happy people and the exact opposite of the Grinch. Think of all the wonderful worldbuilding with everything they have down in Whoville. This is excellent, organic conflict that is in perfect opposition to our character’s motivation. He interacts with the setting and people when he tries to steal Christmas with all the Who-pudding. He goes from old grouchy stasis while searching for equilibrium (stopping this whole thing from coming) to new loving stasis on his character arc. His revelation occurs when he witnesses the Whos experiencing true joy and realizes he can feel that way, too. That is from the deep dive of his motivation
Spending the time to build complex characters and a layered setting before writing is the key to having genuine conflict. When conflict, motivation, and setting interplay together, a story is organic. But what do you do when you’ve already written something and have been told an element is inorganic? Have no fear, you don’t need to toss your story out and start over. But you do need to go back to those roots of your story to justify why something is happening. You may need to add in more about the character’s past experiences, or a little about the social history of the area, or something else related to the character and worldbuilding. You may also need to adjust elements of an event to match the setting better and make the conflict come more realistically from the story world.
Writing organic stories takes time, practice, and most importantly, good feedback. Make sure your editor or critique partner tells you specifically what it is that seemed out-of-place to them so you can figure out how to address it. If you’d like more resources to help, check out these other articles below:
Creating Unforgettable Characters: Who Are They?
Place As Character
The Seven Types of Narrative Conflict
| | Arielle Haughee (Hoy) is a seven-time RPLA-winning author, editor, speaker, and publisher. She is the owner of the small press Orange Blossom Publishing and was previously the Executive Vice President and Marketing Chair for the Florida Writers Association. She was honored with the President’s Award from FWA in 2020, and in 2021 Pling’s Party was awarded Children’s Book of the Year. She is also the recipient of a Purple Dragonfly Award for Piper and a Moonbeam Children’s Book Award for Sixth Sunday. She has a serious reading addiction, fantasy romance her absolute favorite, and loves nothing more than good conversation paired with a good wine. She is surrounded by males at home—a husband, two sons, and an energetic dog—and tries to integrate as much purple and flowers in the house as possible. |
 | Carissa Turpin lives in Louisville, Kentucky where she teaches fifth and seventh grade language arts. Her first novel, Doomsday Dani, was published in March of 2023 and went on to win first place in the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards in the category of Best First Chapter Book. |
Interview with Carissa Turpin
Thank you, Carissa, for taking the time to chat!
When did you know you wanted to become an author?
I've been obsessed with storytelling for as long as I can remember. I loved books as a kid, of course, but I also loved stories on television, movies, stories I overheard my family telling at gatherings, etc. I don't know that I ever really made a conscious decision--storytelling is just a part of who I am.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I really struggled with imposter syndrome for a long time and, to be honest, I still do. I don't think it was until I was in the midst of my MFA program and actively writing and editing my work that I began to see myself as a working writer.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
Author-wise, I love Rainbow Rowell. To me, she can craft characters that worm their way into readers' hearts much better than any writer I've read. I miss her characters after I finish her books, which I think speaks to her characterization abilities. As a middle grade author, I'm always inspired by my middle grade students. It's such a pivotal but difficult age, and I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to guide them through this stage of life.
How do you come up with your ideas?
Much of my inspiration comes from my experiences as a teacher, especially if I'm writing for a younger audience. I also draw on my own experiences as a young person. Some of my ideas just come out of thin air--I'm not even sure how I thought of it, but once I get an idea, it's difficult to shake.
Are your characters inspired by or based on real-life people?
I mostly find that my characters are a hybrid of different people I've known--the guidance counselor in Doomsday Dani, for example, was a hodgepodge of me, teachers I've known and worked with, etc.
What comes first, the plot or the characters?
Definitely characters. When choosing something to read, I'm always drawn to books with complex characters and quiet plots, and that's what I try to emulate as a writer, too.
What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
I need to write in complete silence--I am easily distracted, so noise from music or from the television will stifle the amount of writing I'm able to produce.
How did publishing your first book change your writing career?
It gave me confidence. I began to believe that I had stories to tell that people actually wanted to hear. It's also allowed me to meet and network with other authors. Honestly, there's just nothing cooler than seeing your name on the cover of a book!
Have you ever gotten writer's block? How did you work through it?
I have writer's block pretty frequently. Usually the most effective remedy is to separate myself from the work--take a couple weeks or months off and work on other projects and then revisit it feeling refreshed.
What are you working on now?
I am working on another MG novel about small towns and reality television. I'm also hoping to start a MG short story collection very soon!
What advice would you give aspiring authors?
Find a writing group to read and critique your work--if you're the only one who ever reads it, you'll never grow as a writer.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
When I'm not grading papers, I love to spend time with my family in Eastern Kentucky. I'm a big fan of drag queens, so I love attending brunches and drag shows. I also love to travel when I have both the time and the money to do so.
What are three things that are unique about you?
- I have a miniature schnauzer puppy named after my celebrity crush, Leonardo DiCaprio.
- As a former Arizona resident, I'm obsessed with cacti. If it has a cactus on it, I'll probably buy it!
- I'm a proud adult Swiftie--I've seen her in concert many times and I was lucky enough to attend The Eras Tour this summer!
Guest post by Samantha Blakney
The Root of All Evil:
How Not Having Money Can Destroy Us
Money is the one thing that almost everyone desires and strives for. It is the driving force behind many of our decisions and actions. We work hard to earn it, spend countless hours managing it, and constantly worry about not having enough of it. But have you ever stopped to think about the true impact that money has on our lives? Many believe that having no money is the root of all evil, but is it true?
Where did the phrase originate?
Let's first understand the phrase "the root of all evil." It comes from a biblical verse that says, "For the love of money is the root of all evil" (1 Timothy 6:10). This verse emphasizes the negative consequences of obsessing over money and valuing it above all else. It is not money itself that is evil, but rather the love and attachment to it that can lead to destructive behavior.
Having no money can certainly cause hardship and struggle in one's life. It can create barriers to necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare. It can also limit access to education and opportunities for personal growth. These struggles can lead to feelings of desperation and hopelessness, causing individuals to resort to unethical and even criminal actions to survive.
Having no money can certainly cause hardship and struggle in one's life. It can create barriers to necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare. It can also limit access to education and opportunities for personal growth. These struggles can lead to feelings of desperation and hopelessness, causing individuals to resort to unethical and even criminal actions to survive.
Is it accurate?
But is it fair to say that having no money is the root of all evil? The truth is that having money or not having it does not determine a person's moral character. Money, or lack thereof, is simply a tool that can amplify one's true nature. If someone already has malicious intentions, having more or less money will only provide them with more resources to carry out their desires.
On the other hand, those with kind and compassionate hearts will use their wealth for the betterment of society.
Having an excessive amount of money can also lead to negative consequences. The pursuit of wealth can consume individuals and blind them from seeing the value in relationships and experiences. It can create a sense of entitlement and superiority, leading to a lack of empathy towards those who are less fortunate. This is often seen in the behavior of the ultra-rich, who may hoard their wealth and refuse to use it for the greater good.
Moreover, the unequal distribution of wealth and the societal pressure to attain it can also lead to envy and resentment. This creates a vicious cycle of greed and competition, where individuals are constantly striving for more money, never feeling satisfied with what they have.
This can drive individuals to engage in unethical and immoral actions, all for the sake of achieving financial success.
It is also important to recognize that money itself is not the root cause of evil, but rather our perspectives and values. In a world where success and status are often measured by material possessions, it is easy to fall into the trap of valuing money above all else. We are bombarded with messages of consumerism and are led to believe that having more money will bring us happiness and fulfillment. However, this mindset only perpetuates the cycle of greed and corruption.
On the other hand, those with kind and compassionate hearts will use their wealth for the betterment of society.
Having an excessive amount of money can also lead to negative consequences. The pursuit of wealth can consume individuals and blind them from seeing the value in relationships and experiences. It can create a sense of entitlement and superiority, leading to a lack of empathy towards those who are less fortunate. This is often seen in the behavior of the ultra-rich, who may hoard their wealth and refuse to use it for the greater good.
Moreover, the unequal distribution of wealth and the societal pressure to attain it can also lead to envy and resentment. This creates a vicious cycle of greed and competition, where individuals are constantly striving for more money, never feeling satisfied with what they have.
This can drive individuals to engage in unethical and immoral actions, all for the sake of achieving financial success.
It is also important to recognize that money itself is not the root cause of evil, but rather our perspectives and values. In a world where success and status are often measured by material possessions, it is easy to fall into the trap of valuing money above all else. We are bombarded with messages of consumerism and are led to believe that having more money will bring us happiness and fulfillment. However, this mindset only perpetuates the cycle of greed and corruption.
So, what can we do?
So, what can we do to break this cycle? The key lies in shifting our perspective towards money. Instead of viewing it as a goal, we should see it as a means to an end. Money can provide us with security and comfort, but it should not define our worth or happiness.
We must also learn to appreciate the things that money cannot buy – love, relationships, experiences, and personal growth. These are the true sources of happiness and fulfillment in life. When we prioritize these over material possessions, we can break free from the grip that money has on us.
Additionally, as a society, we must strive towards creating a more equal distribution of wealth. This means addressing systemic issues such as poverty, education inequality, and social mobility. By providing equal opportunities for all individuals to succeed, we can reduce the pressure and desperation that comes with the pursuit of money.
In conclusion, having no money can certainly cause struggles and hardships in one's life. However, it is not the lack of money itself that is the root of all evil. It is our perspectives, values, and actions that determine the impact of money on our lives. We must shift our focus towards valuing things that money cannot buy, and work towards creating a more equal society.
Only then can we break free from the destructive cycle of greed and materialism and find true happiness and fulfillment in life. As the saying goes, "Money may not buy happiness, but it can certainly make misery more comfortable." Let us not let our pursuit of wealth overshadow the things that truly matter in life.
We must also learn to appreciate the things that money cannot buy – love, relationships, experiences, and personal growth. These are the true sources of happiness and fulfillment in life. When we prioritize these over material possessions, we can break free from the grip that money has on us.
Additionally, as a society, we must strive towards creating a more equal distribution of wealth. This means addressing systemic issues such as poverty, education inequality, and social mobility. By providing equal opportunities for all individuals to succeed, we can reduce the pressure and desperation that comes with the pursuit of money.
In conclusion, having no money can certainly cause struggles and hardships in one's life. However, it is not the lack of money itself that is the root of all evil. It is our perspectives, values, and actions that determine the impact of money on our lives. We must shift our focus towards valuing things that money cannot buy, and work towards creating a more equal society.
Only then can we break free from the destructive cycle of greed and materialism and find true happiness and fulfillment in life. As the saying goes, "Money may not buy happiness, but it can certainly make misery more comfortable." Let us not let our pursuit of wealth overshadow the things that truly matter in life.
 | Samantha Blakney is a short fiction, non-fiction and poetry writer for different anthology, from Free Spirit Publishing. (This was a Mistake) and (The Zeitgeist Exists). She has also been published in Along the Shores of Grief by Orange Blossom Publishing, (The Loss of my Mother), A forthcoming anthology by, Wingless Dreamer Publisher, Christmas Cheerios. (The Burning of the Christmas Yule-Log) poetry. Also, by Wingless dreamer Publisher, My Sanskriti Teal (Diversity of the Dark Color of Women). |
 | Andie L. Smith is a Young Adult author from Central Florida. She writes coming-of-age stories sometimes set in our world, other times found in a futuristic society, but all involving an emotional journey for her characters. Her first novel LUCKY ENOUGH is set to be published in Fall 2023 with Evernight Teen. She is also a Junior Agent at The Booker Albert Literary Agency. |
Outside of the literary world, Andie is currently pursuing her Master's in Public Administration and works in International Education and Sustainability. She loves to spend time with her husband and two kitties or hang out at Disney World.
Interview with Andie L. Smith
Thank you Andie, for taking the time to chat!
When did you know you wanted to become an author?
Ever since I was a child. I was always off in my own world, writing short stories and coming up with all sorts of adventures in my head (like any other child). Only for me, I decided to write them down and turn them into something else. As I got older and enhanced my reading list, I knew it was a passion I wanted to pursue.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I was in middle school, my English class had to write a continuation story of Annabel Lee by Edward Allen Poe. A "what do you think happened next" sort of thing. That was the first time I pushed myself beyond fun little adventurous stories and wrote something heart wrenching and beautiful, the words just seemed to pour out of me. I'll never forget my conversation with my English teacher (shout out Mrs. Shumaker!) hyping up my talent and urging me to write something one day. That was the day I considered myself a writer and knew I wanted to be an author.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
Honestly, I have been and continue to be inspired by debut authors who kind of come out of nowhere but leave such a lasting impression for the rest of us. Anna Todd is one of my favorite authors, and her story is so inspiring to anyone looking to write--just do it, because you never know what will happen.
How do you come up with your ideas?
My dreams! Which I feel like happens to a lot of people, but my dreams get weird. They are so vivid, and it's almost as if I'm watching a movie of my entire book while I sleep. Then I usually wake up in the middle of the night, frantically writing everything down so I can start working on it and not forget a single thing.
Are your characters inspired by or based on real-life people?
A little of both! My first release was a Young Adult contemporary novel that was largely inspired by the event of losing my father at a young age. So a lot of those characters are based on important people in my life during that time. My upcoming Dystopian release, however, is full of fictional characters and I've had so much fun creating personalities and quirks from the ground up.
What comes first, the plot or the characters?
Plot! Most of my ideas come from dreams, and there are characters but it's mainly the plot I envision first and then create the characters from there.
What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
I have a weird thing with keyboards. I really have to love the way a keyboard feels/sounds as I'm "writing" or it will really throw me off my game.
How did publishing your first book change your writing career?
I think it showed people, especially my friends and family, that I'm serious about this. I've been "talking the talk" about being a writer for so long but once I had something out there in the world, there was this moment of "oh, she's really doing this!" which has been a wonderful time with nothing but support and love from everyone in my life. It's also propelled me forward in my writing, everything I've done since my first book I feel is so much better than the last and I'm constantly learning new things and looking to improve my work.
Have you ever gotten writer's block? How did you work through it?
I have, though I don't know if I would classify it as writer's block. For me, it's days when I feel a little burnt out, most often because I've been pushing myself from all different ends of the candle. Nothing good can come from a day when I'm like that, so I've learned to accept it and listen to my mind/body to take a break and know that it's okay if I don't write every single day.
What are you working on now?
I am working on the second book in my dystopian series, and also drafting a young adult sapphic romantasy featuring some fun legends and lore. :)
What advice would you give aspiring authors?
Put a pen to paper. Place your fingers on the keys and just type. However you write, just start! You never know what can happen and you might just impress yourself. Also, know that it's okay to hate your first draft. It's called a first draft for a reason, but it can only get better if you keep at it!
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I'm either reading, hanging out at Disney World, or rewatching The Vampire Diaries for the billionth time.
What are three things that are unique about you?
1. I married my high school sweetheart.
2. I'm very passionate about climate education and the environment.
3. I could eat Asian food for the rest of my life and be perfectly content.
2. I'm very passionate about climate education and the environment.
3. I could eat Asian food for the rest of my life and be perfectly content.
Guest post by Margaret Roblyer
My Favorite Things: The Movies
I’m a writer, so you’d think I’d claim the written word as my favorite medium. While I can name favorite books, poems, and short stories, I have to admit that their characters and imagery don’t make the frequent guest appearances on the stage of my everyday life that video does. Movie actors and great dialogue are most often cast in these leading roles.
I met my favorite film in 1961. My mother had given up her dream of making it on her own as a legal secretary in Jacksonville, Florida, and dragged me, aghast and protesting, from my beloved tropical paradise back to the technicolor-starved, rural village of Cresaptown, Maryland, where we had come from. Having spent the last five years in the former, I had few friends or acquaintances in the latter. A thoroughly miserable girl of 14 with nothing else to do besides seethe and cast lethal looks in my mother’s direction, I spent much of my time draped mournfully across a living room chair in front of our small, black-and-white TV, watching whatever appeared on its two channels. On one those splendid summer days before the school year began, when the sun shone like a spotlight outside and with the low whirr of lawn mowers
in the background, I shunned the outdoors, turned instead to the luminous screen, and saw the 1947 movie Stairway to Heaven.
I met my favorite film in 1961. My mother had given up her dream of making it on her own as a legal secretary in Jacksonville, Florida, and dragged me, aghast and protesting, from my beloved tropical paradise back to the technicolor-starved, rural village of Cresaptown, Maryland, where we had come from. Having spent the last five years in the former, I had few friends or acquaintances in the latter. A thoroughly miserable girl of 14 with nothing else to do besides seethe and cast lethal looks in my mother’s direction, I spent much of my time draped mournfully across a living room chair in front of our small, black-and-white TV, watching whatever appeared on its two channels. On one those splendid summer days before the school year began, when the sun shone like a spotlight outside and with the low whirr of lawn mowers
in the background, I shunned the outdoors, turned instead to the luminous screen, and saw the 1947 movie Stairway to Heaven.
Daytime programming in those days was sparse, which I imagine is why each station
featured at least one old movie a day. When I finished a movie on one channel, I’d switch to the other to see what was on. I fell in love with Charles Laughton and Alex Guinness, envied the slender forms and soigné, languorous slinks of Myrna Loy and Marlene Dietrich, and to my mother’s chagrin, began emulating the quick comebacks and snide remarks I heard in my favorite films. Without realizing it, I was not only collecting an anthology of movie memories but beginning a lifelong habit of applying their themes to my life and adopting their lines into my language.
Stairway to Heaven was the first post-war movie collaboration between American and British filmmakers; in England it had another title, A Matter of Life and Death. In its opening scenes, I heard British airman and burgeoning poet Peter Carter (David Niven) on the radio in a burning airplane, preparing to die as he quoted Andrew Marvel’s marvelous works. When I heard him exclaim, “I’d rather have written that than flown through Hitler’s legs!” I thought to myself, “Yeah, this is the way people should talk.”
I saw him and American servicewoman June (Kim Hunter) standing hand in hand before a celestial court, pleading that they deserved to live out their lives together even though the airman’s number was up, and I said to myself, “Love looks like this.” Long-dead American patriot Raymond Massey, serving as heavenly judge advocate, made his xenophobic case that this “minor British poet” didn’t deserve more time on earth with this girl of “good Boston stock.”
At the end, the heavenly judge quoted Sir Walter Scott’s poetry and decided in the couple’s favor, and I closed my eyes and understood how justice is larger than law and love more powerful than either. Then I opened them and said, “This is the way life should work.”
featured at least one old movie a day. When I finished a movie on one channel, I’d switch to the other to see what was on. I fell in love with Charles Laughton and Alex Guinness, envied the slender forms and soigné, languorous slinks of Myrna Loy and Marlene Dietrich, and to my mother’s chagrin, began emulating the quick comebacks and snide remarks I heard in my favorite films. Without realizing it, I was not only collecting an anthology of movie memories but beginning a lifelong habit of applying their themes to my life and adopting their lines into my language.
Stairway to Heaven was the first post-war movie collaboration between American and British filmmakers; in England it had another title, A Matter of Life and Death. In its opening scenes, I heard British airman and burgeoning poet Peter Carter (David Niven) on the radio in a burning airplane, preparing to die as he quoted Andrew Marvel’s marvelous works. When I heard him exclaim, “I’d rather have written that than flown through Hitler’s legs!” I thought to myself, “Yeah, this is the way people should talk.”
I saw him and American servicewoman June (Kim Hunter) standing hand in hand before a celestial court, pleading that they deserved to live out their lives together even though the airman’s number was up, and I said to myself, “Love looks like this.” Long-dead American patriot Raymond Massey, serving as heavenly judge advocate, made his xenophobic case that this “minor British poet” didn’t deserve more time on earth with this girl of “good Boston stock.”
At the end, the heavenly judge quoted Sir Walter Scott’s poetry and decided in the couple’s favor, and I closed my eyes and understood how justice is larger than law and love more powerful than either. Then I opened them and said, “This is the way life should work.”
I have mused much about this time over the years. While you should not think my entire life philosophy comes from movies, clearly some scriptwriters have been influenced by the best philosophers and the greatest books. So now I think that maybe the moment the right stuff rises up from these great works and lands on the pages of scripts is what makes movies really become magic. And maybe that’s why it’s okay that, with a nod to Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music, movies are among my favorite things.
 | M. D. (Peggy) Roblyer is a retired Professor of Educational Technology and textbook author who helped usher in the world of educational technology in the 1970s, becoming prominent for shaping this new discipline in the online era. In a career that spanned nearly 40 years, she authored a dozen textbooks, including Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching, which became the best-selling text in the field when published in 1996 and remains so today in its ninth edition. Since retiring in 2015, Peggy has focused on her love of language by joining the River City Writer’s Club, serving as founding editor for the Longleaf community newsletter and past webmaster for the Chattanooga Writers Guild. She is currently querying publishers for her memoir, Strong Glass: A Memoir of Escaping the Dark Mirror of Family History, and enjoys writing essays like those appearing on her website blog: http://www.mdroblyer.com. |
 | Some of Ree's earliest memories are with a book in her hand, and today, she still loves to read stories of all kinds, from children’s poetry to adult suspense novels. Before her love of reading turned into a love of writing, she took many turns in her life, some of which were an accountant, a retail clerk, and a volunteer worker for abused women. |
When she and her husband started their family, she became a stay-at-home mom to two boys. It was then, in a few solitary moments, she put a pencil in her hand and discovered a love of writing. Now, she spends her mornings in Eastern, PA creating stories of her own with her writing partner by her side, a sleepy greyhound. Quiet things inspire her: a word, a child’s desire, a tug in her heart. Afternoons and evenings are for family, friends, and lots of daydreaming. Visit her website at www.reeaugustine.com or follow her on Instagram ree.augustine.
Interview with Ree Augustine
Thank you, Ree Augustine, for taking the time to chat!
When did you know you wanted to become an author?
I'm not sure I ever wanted to be an author per se. I just wanted to write and have a story published. Being an author is so different than being a writer. So to answer the question in a different way, I wanted to be a writer when I started reading to my young kids.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
The moment I started to write stories, whether published or not.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
So many people inspire me in my life. With writing, I'm a huge fan of Kate DiCamillo. But there are many more.
How do you come up with your ideas?
My ideas come from all kinds of places. For Hangabout: Far from Home, I wanted to do a love vs. fear theme, and I thought a cat and dog would be a great way to illustrate that. Then the story took me on its own journey and wound up being an entirely different theme. For my current WIP, my character is based on a piece of artwork that one of my kids made when they were young.
Are your characters inspired by or based on real-life people?
Not really. But I might take something someone said or did and work it into a character. The other day I met someone at the train station, and they had something very interesting in their pocket. I definitely want to use that with a future character.
What comes first, the plot or the characters?
Character. Character. Character. I might have a setting in mind, but the character leads the way.
What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
I play three games of solitaire before I write each morning.
How did publishing your first book change your writing career?
I've gotten to meet readers and young people who want to become writers. It's been very rewarding.
Have you ever gotten writers block? How did you work through it?
I don't really get writer's block. I do have many stories that never see the end, though, because the story just isn't working.
What are you working on now?
A story about a lopsided gargoyle who is trying to find a world he belongs to.
What advice would you give aspiring authors?
I hate giving advice because everyone's experience is so different. What works for me is to write every day. I also had to keep making the decision to write every day, even if publication never happened.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I love to run. (I'm very slow, and it might look like I'm walking, but for me, it's a run.)
What are three things that are unique about you?
I'm pretty ordinary, but if there's one thing that's a little unique, it's that I drink celery juice every morning.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
This has been so fun. Thank you for doing author spotlights. OBP has been a wonderful place to call home for Hangabout: Far from Home. Thanks to all of you who work behind the scenes.
Guest post by Anna Franklin
Four Books Set In Central Florida that Every Orlando Native Needs to Read
Living in Orlando we hear plenty about all the tourist destinations and amusement parks, but sometimes we want to get away from it all... while also staying exactly where we are. It’s good to want to step out of your own head and away from your normal life. So why not read some fiction books? Some people use reading to get away from where they are physically, but sometimes reading about where you are can help you appreciate where you are at in life. This list is perfect for the reader who loves where they live and a good plot.
Paper Towns by John Green
Since John Green grew up in Orlando, it makes sense that some of his writing is inspired by his previous home. Paper Towns follows the main character, Quentin, while he has an obsession with finding his neighbor, Margo Roth Spiegelman after she goes missing. John Green has a habit of writing his female characters to be very “manic pixie dream girl”-esque. The book takes place at Winter Park High School where the main character then leaves to go pursue the girl of his dreams who, at the same time, doesn’t want to be found. As the reader, you can really see how the novel was influenced by John Green’s Orlando experience as a teen; the humid, sticky heat, and even a reference to Sea World. The plot seems like it’s going to focus on the love story, but the journey of discovering clues and the mystery of Margo’s disappearance is what captures the reader. Specifically, one plot point that made this book a favorite, is the cross-country road trip the unlikely friend group takes. Wait till you finish the book to make a decision on whether it’s your new favorite read!
Float by Kate Marchant
Recently, this novel has been made into a movie which will premiere on February 9th, 2024. It was originally published on Wattpad, which is a social media platform for publishing and reading original stories. The main character, Waverly Lyons, is shipped from her home of Alaska to Holden, Florida where her romance begins after meeting Blake. It’s a cold-weather-loving Alaskan girl meets a Florida lifeguard–it could not fit in more to the “opposites attract” book trope.
With Love, From Cold World by Alicia Thompson
This book is what made me want to write this list. It was the first book I read by Alicia Thompson and she did not disappoint. She’s a central Florida native who writes characters with such rich backstories; which is not so commonly found in romance books. This book is categorized as a contemporary romance book but it focuses on so much more than that- sexuality, the foster care system, the fear of vulnerability, and more. Two coworkers who are complete opposites who also work in a fake, run-down tourist attraction? Hilarious. The banter and interactions between the two love interests is what keeps the readers intrigued. Such a sweet, fun read while also shedding light on important subjects. I couldn’t recommend this novel more for my Orlando-native-romance-novel-loving-girlies!
Hoot by Carl Hiassen
Almost every person who was a kid in the 2000’s read Carl Hiassen. I feel like he’s one
of the staple authors that we were either forced to read or recommended to read. I know this recommendation is technically a children's book but this book is truly for all ages. The story of these young, Florida kids who are determined to not let the construction company hurt the native Florida owl. It’s such a great, empowering story that will make you feel for all the relatable characters. Especially if you grew up in central Florida, you will understand what these kids go through. I mean a construction company making a mistake in Central Florida? Yeah, the grownup version of that is the eyesore on I-4.
of the staple authors that we were either forced to read or recommended to read. I know this recommendation is technically a children's book but this book is truly for all ages. The story of these young, Florida kids who are determined to not let the construction company hurt the native Florida owl. It’s such a great, empowering story that will make you feel for all the relatable characters. Especially if you grew up in central Florida, you will understand what these kids go through. I mean a construction company making a mistake in Central Florida? Yeah, the grownup version of that is the eyesore on I-4.
 | Anna Franklin received her English literature degree from the University of Central Florida and completed the Summer Publishing Institute from New York University. Currently, she resides in Orlando with her three-legged cat, Hoagie. When she's not freelance writing or reading romance novels, she's working at the bookstore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaefranklin/ |
Author
Arielle Haughee is the owner and founder of Orange Blossom Publishing.
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