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<![CDATA[Written Musings - Blog]]>Fri, 09 Oct 2026 10:03:51 -0600Weebly<![CDATA[Free Audiobook! The Midnights Sons Series is complete! Get a Complimentary Audible Code. Listen. Review. Get More!]]>Sat, 12 Sep 2026 15:10:36 GMThttps://www.writtenmusings.com/blog/091226

It took a few years, but all six Midnight Sons audiobooks are now live on Audible—and I have FREE audiobook codes to celebrate!

New to the Midnight Sons? Start with Sam's Folly. Already partway through the series? Tell me where you left off, and I'll help you pick up with the next audiobook.

Want to know more about the series? Scroll to the bottom to learn more!

Here's the fun part: If you enjoy your free audiobook, share your thoughts on Audible, Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub—wherever you normally talk about books—and let me know where you posted, and I'll send you a code for the next audiobook in the series.

Listen. Review. Keep going. ❤️ There are six Midnight Sons waiting for you in Alaska!

Prefer the eBook? Great news! The first book in the series is free at all major book retailers!

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Codes are limited and available while supplies last. U.S. and U.K. Audible codes only. If you don't see the request form below, click HERE!

Fill out my online form.

The Midnight Sons ~ Men as Wild and Rugged as The Last Frontier Itself

From their father, Adam Belgarde—the original Midnight Son—came a legacy of grit, loyalty, and sacrifice. Now his sons carry that mantle into a new generation.

Bound by brotherhood, they risk their lives to rescue those caught in the death grip of Alaska’s wilderness...and find their hearts in danger of falling for women as fierce and untamed as the Land of the Midnight Sun.

The siren call of Alaska’s vast mountains and glaciers draws thrill-seekers from around the globe, but with more unsolved disappearances than anywhere else, the Alaska Triangle has an ominous reputation.

Enter the Midnight Sons, a team that puts everything on the line to save others—while battling secrets, scars, and the harsh reality that being a hero doesn’t leave much room for love.

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]]><![CDATA[Keep the Magic Going Year-Round with these Heartwarming Holiday Bestsellers!]]>Sun, 05 Jul 2026 06:00:00 GMThttps://www.writtenmusings.com/blog/070526

When single mother Maura moves to Chicago with her eight-year-old son, she teams up with fellow employee Rick to fulfill the Christmas wishes of children across the city. Will the spirit of the season bring their hearts together, or will secrets tear them apart? READ MORE

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Decker needs help pulling off a remodeling job before Christmas. His daughter wants a mother. Will the new woman in their home bring joy, or tear their world apart? READ MORE

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Still grieving her husband, Rose Pembroke never expected two lively nieces and a child’s Christmas wish to restore joy to her lonely life. But when trouble from the girls’ past arrives, she must protect the family she’s come to love. READ MORE

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Single mother Cathy Roussos gave up on love long ago, and Alex Rallis, a guarded veterinarian, has no time—or trust—for it, but one unforgettable Christmas on a charming Santorini farm might just change their hearts forever. READ MORE

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In 1870s New Bedford, a curious boy’s forbidden trip to the attic uncovers family secrets, lost love, and a hidden legacy—just in time for a heartfelt Christmas wish that could heal generations. READ MORE

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Silas and Katie's holiday is disrupted when Silas's empathic sense reveals a sinister vision of a Santa shadowing a boy. Racing against time, they pursue clues through Atlanta, battling Silas's traumatic past and fears. Can they find the boy and prevent a Christmas tragedy? READ MORE

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Her Christmas wish could change the balance between darkness and light. Carey can sense emotion—and compel it—but refuses to become the weapon her powerful father intends. Instead, she seeks the light. When a boy from the other side appears, Carey must risk everything to choose who she will become. READ MORE

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]]><![CDATA[Dragon Shifters. Magic. Hot. You betcha! Start The Hidden Series from New York Times Bestselling Author Jaime Rush Free!]]>Mon, 25 May 2026 06:00:00 GMThttps://www.writtenmusings.com/blog/052526

The world of the Hidden started very simply, as most story ideas do. I saw this sexy guy with an elaborate Dragon tattoo down his back.

I thought, “What if the tattoo changed his very cellular structure, turning him into a full-fledged Dragon?” I usually get a character in some situation that begs me to open the writer’s “What if?” box. And this man/dragon was the most intriguing character yet. I had a lot of questions, as you can imagine. Who are you? Why are you? And will you play with me? This is the really fun part of writing for me, exploring all the possibilities. I got tantalizing bits and pieces. I knew he was commanding, controlling, and a warrior. And his name was Cyntag. Cyn for short.

Then the heroine made an appearance, and she in no way seemed to fit with him. She was, in the early version, a suffer-no-fools server in a rough bar. And very human. I knew her name was Ruby. (I love when their names come easily like that. Normally I have to troll through lists to find just the right one.) The television show, American Restoration, inspired a new profession for Ruby, who was desperately holding onto the resto yard she inherited from her mother. I knew Ruby was raised by her uncle after being orphaned, and he’d created a book about a fairytale world just for her.

But I was still stumped by how these completely different people fit together. Until I got the scene where Ruby finds her uncle pinned to the wall by a supernatural weapon, and the name he utters on his dying breath: Cyntag.

Ah, that’s how they’re connected. *Hands rubbing together in anticipation.* Then the scene where she confronts him rolled through my mind like a movie. Hot-headed, passionate Ruby and the cool, mysterious Cyn, who reveals that he is part of a Hidden world of Dragons, magick, Elementals, and danger. And so is she. Suddenly, her uncle’s fairytale world, with Dragon princes and evil sorcerers, becomes dangerously… real. As does the chemistry that sparks between Ruby and Cyn.

I loved creating the Hidden, which exists alongside modern-day Miami. Talk about opening the “What if?” box! I found lots of goodies inside: descendents of gods and fallen angels, demons, politics, dissension, and all of the delicious complications that come from having magical humans and other beings trapped within one geographic area. And a ton of questions that needed to be answered. It was quite the undertaking, but all of it a fun challenge.

We all have an imagination. Mine has always contained murder, mayhem, romance, and magic. Feel free to wander through the madness of my mind anytime via one of my books.

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]]><![CDATA[#1 Romantic Suspense Bestsellers!]]>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.writtenmusings.com/blog/012626

Free at all Major Book Retailers for a Limited Time!

When seasoned search-and-rescue expert Sam meets the determined woman he’s sworn to protect, he’s pulled into a dangerous wilderness—and an even more dangerous emotional battle. As threats close in, Sam faces his toughest challenge yet: trusting his heart. Sam’s Folly is a stand-alone story of survival, sacrifice, and the unexpected power of love. READ MORE

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Guilt ridden over his father’s death and his family’s failing business, pilot Alex Belgarde plans one final flight. Instead, he finds a wrecked plane and a stranded woman. Trapped in the frozen Gulf of Alaska with Irene Rose, Alex must face brutal weather, ruthless smugglers, and his own demons. Trust may be their only way home in this stand-alone story of love, redemption, and courage. READ MORE

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]]><![CDATA[It's always the right time of year for Christmas Magic!]]>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.writtenmusings.com/blog/012026

Her Christmas wish could change the balance between darkness and light. Carey can sense emotion—and compel it—but refuses to become the weapon her powerful father intends. Instead, she seeks the light she finds each year in an unlikely Santa. When a boy from the other side appears, Carey must risk everything to choose who she will become. READ MORE

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When two grieving hearts and one hopeful letter meet, Christmas magic just might bring a family together. READ MORE

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]]><![CDATA[Holiday Reading Selection!]]>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.writtenmusings.com/blog/120325Six heartwarming stand-alone holiday stories from bestselling and award-winning authors—each featuring children writing letters to Santa, hoping for the one thing they want most: a happily ever after for their family.

Women's Fiction, Humor, Family

Decker needs help pulling off a remodeling job before Christmas. His daughter wants a mother. Will the new woman in their home bring joy, or tear their world apart? READ MORE

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Contemporary Romance, Single Mother

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Contemporary Romance, Single Mother, Greek Culture

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Mystery, Supernatural Suspense

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Historical Fiction, Family

When two grieving hearts and one hopeful letter meet, Christmas magic just might bring a family together. READ MORE

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Historical Fiction, Family

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Disclosure of Material Connection: This site is managed by www.WrittenMusings.com. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe will add value to our readers. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

]]><![CDATA[New Release in the Midnight Sons Series! Plus, Start the Series Free!]]>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 06:00:00 GMThttps://www.writtenmusings.com/blog/070125

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The Newest Release in the series is a Prequel

Adam's Rising is a story of perseverance, love, and the birth of a legacy. Witness the genesis of a hero whose determination and courage light the path for future generations.

In this compelling prequel to the Midnight Sons series, discover the origins of a hero forged from love, loss, and resilience... READ MORE!

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]]><![CDATA[New Release Christmas Mystery from NYT and USA Today Bestselling Author Tina Wainscott, "Whispers in a Silent Night!"]]>Wed, 11 Dec 2024 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.writtenmusings.com/blog/121124

From NYT and USA Today bestselling author Tina Wainscott comes a gripping spin-off Christmas story that reunites fans with Silas and Katie, the unforgettable couple from Unforgivable. If you fell in love with their story of resilience, redemption, and love overcoming the darkest of pasts, you won’t want to miss this next chapter in their journey. Even if you haven't read Unforgivable rest assured that Whispers in a Silent Night is a stand-alone story.

In Whispers in a Silent Night, Silas and Katie are ready to celebrate their first Christmas together, cherishing the hard-won peace they’ve built after the trials of Unforgivable. But peace is fleeting when Silas’s extraordinary ability to sense emotions pulls them into the mystery of a young boy in peril. As they navigate Atlanta’s festive, snow-draped streets, the couple is drawn into a chilling threat that reminds them—and readers—that sometimes the holidays bring both miracles and dangers.

Tina Wainscott has a knack for creating characters that resonate long after the last page is turned. Unforgivable, first published years ago, became a fan favorite for its blend of heart-pounding suspense and raw emotional depth. Silas, the deeply flawed yet fiercely protective hero, captivated readers with his struggle for redemption. Katie, with her unwavering strength and compassionate spirit, stood as his equal and partner. Their chemistry and resilience turned them into one of Tina’s most beloved couples.

But every great story leaves questions, and fans have long wondered: What’s next for Silas and Katie? Tina answers with Whispers in a Silent Night, a story that not only brings back the couple we love but also deepens their bond as they face new challenges together.

What Readers Are Saying
Early reviewers are calling Whispers in a Silent Night:

💬 “An emotional rollercoaster, packed with suspense and the warmth of Christmas spirit.”
💬 “Silas and Katie feel like old friends—it’s such a joy to revisit their world.”
💬 “A perfect balance of heart-pounding action and holiday cheer.”

Join Silas and Katie on a thrilling holiday adventure, and experience a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat while warming your heart. READ MORE!

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]]><![CDATA[Breathing Life into Words: Crafting Compelling Characters that Endure by Nanine Case]]>Mon, 19 Aug 2024 15:54:05 GMThttps://www.writtenmusings.com/blog/081924

The characters in my books In Search of the Cannibal King and Cannibal King were not simply born from my pen—though it was my description that breathed life into them. Each character emerged from the story, shaped by their culture and society into the multi-dimensional and colorful people they became. I dressed them in words, but they introduced themselves.

Take, for example, Joyce Walton, the 78-year-old who, despite her reluctance to share her father’s diaries, uncovered a long-buried secret when she mentioned his missionary trunk in the basement of the family’s old home. Even before I heard the trembling voice on the other end of the line, pausing between sentences with a fearful “Oh, dear,” I began to envision the complex personality behind those words.

As the author of a story filled with diverse, multi-dimensional characters from various societies and walks of life, it was my responsibility to present them as authentically as possible. My goal was to connect with you, the reader, on a deep level, so that you might find yourself immersed in a scene, seeing the world through the eyes of either the villain or the heroine.

When you read a book and feel equal passion for the characters as you do for the story itself, the author has succeeded in giving those multi-dimensional personalities their due—adding just enough salt and pepper to spice them up!

As an unknown writer once said, “A book is knowledge shared.” Another said, “A story told is a story that's never forgotten, but a memory of what was past and what will be." Both are true…yet the rest is subjective, as every reader’s experience of a story is unique.

Here’s what one reviewer said after reading Cannibal King, “I miss its characters, and they stay with me now, alive in my mind, days after finishing the book. This is such a feat for this talented author! Her outstanding writing made every little detail of the tribes’ villages and customs come alive in my mind’s eye, as if I were on the Marquesas Islands, too.”

What that reader conveyed to me was that I had achieved what I set out to do—make the characters live on.

Until next time, happy adventuring!

Nanine

If you want to explore with me, start with In Search of the Cannibal King, which my publisher is offering FREE for a limited time.

If you want to dive right into the fast-action historical adventure of John Rumell, head right to the Cannibal King!

START YOUR ADVENTURE NOW!

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]]><![CDATA[Crafting Compelling Characters: The Evolution of a Prequel! Plus, a $0.99 Book and a New Release!]]>Mon, 08 Jul 2024 06:00:00 GMThttps://www.writtenmusings.com/blog/070824

Creating Multi-Dimensional Characters: The Story of Claire

One of the most rewarding aspects of writing is crafting characters that resonate deeply with readers. As a storyteller, it's essential to breathe life into your characters, making them as complex and multi-dimensional as the people we encounter in real life. In my Midnight Sons series, Claire, the mother of the five brothers, exemplifies this approach. She started as what seemed like a background character but evolved into someone readers demanded to know more about. Let's delve into how Claire's character was crafted and what you can learn from it.

Introducing a Character with Purpose

From the very beginning, I knew Claire wasn’t just going to be a passive presence. In the first book, we meet her sitting in a dive bar, celebrating the youngest Midnight Son’s 21st birthday. This introduction was intentional. It immediately paints a picture of a woman who is deeply involved in her sons’ lives, not just as a mother but as a friend and mentor. Sam mentions how she was a climber back in the day but now handles the business end of things. This tells the reader that Claire has had an adventurous past but is now the backbone of the family business.

Building a Multi-Layered Persona

Claire’s role in each book is pivotal. When Sam is upset, she’s there to encourage him. When a new woman enters the scene, Claire is the first to take her under her wing. She speaks truth into her adult sons’ lives, offering wisdom and guidance that only a mother can provide. This consistency in her character makes her a reliable and relatable figure for readers. However, what makes Claire truly compelling is the gradual revelation of her past.

Unveiling the Backstory

In every book, readers learn a little more about Claire’s previous life. This slow drip of information keeps readers intrigued and invested in her character. She even mentions to one of her son’s girlfriends that she shared a similar situation, hinting at a depth and complexity that isn’t immediately visible. This technique of revealing backstory bit by bit can be incredibly effective in maintaining interest and adding layers to your characters.

The Importance of Knowing Your Characters

When crafting a story, I make sure to know all my characters’ backgrounds intimately. Often, I find myself sharing a scene from a book with someone, going into more detail than what’s in the book. They often stop me with a, “Wait! I didn’t read that.” That’s because not all details make it into the final version, but they’re still a part of the character’s history—in my head. This comprehensive understanding of your characters’ pasts, motivations, and desires is crucial. It allows you to write them with authenticity and depth, even if all those details aren’t explicitly stated.

Readers’ Demand for More

The real test of a well-crafted character is how readers respond to them. Imagine my surprise when readers started demanding to see Adam and Claire’s story. I had included so much detail about what seemed like a background character that she became central to the narrative in readers’ minds. This demand led to the creation of Adam’s Rising, where I delve into the origins of the Midnight Sons and explore the rich backstory of Adam and Claire.

Until next time, Happy Reading and Writing!

Carmen

Grab Sam's Folly for $0.99 for a Limited Time!
Or...
If you've already finished the series, grab the new release for only $0.99!

After witnessing a murder, Nora goes missing in the Alaska wilderness. Expert tracker Sam and his search dogs are brought on to locate her. Stuck together during a storm, things start to heat up between Sam and Nora. . . until it’s clear someone wants them to stay lost—permanently. READ MORE!

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Before the Midnight Sons became a renowned search and rescue team, Adam's journey of love, loss, and resilience began. As a skilled horse wrangler, Adam's life changes when the woman he loves is kidnapped. His determination to rescue her sparks the origins of a hero, laying the foundation for the Midnight Sons. READ MORE!

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