 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.
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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Crafting Compelling Characters: The Evolution of a Prequel! Plus, a $0.99 Book and a New Release!7/8/2024  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!
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Synchronicities in Setting: The Magic of Finding Your Story's Perfect Place by Tina Wainscott6/10/2024 
The setting also came to me easily. Although I’m a Florida girl, I love Georgia and North Carolina. For many years, we’ve had a place in the NC mountains where I can escape the Florida humidity. I saw and felt the small southern town that the story would play out in, and I knew it was in Southern Georgia. I wanted to choose a place that I could pop off the interstate on the way up or back and easily explore the town and take pictures to inspire my story. But by then, I had mostly written the book, using my imagination and Google maps to guide me. Back then, Google Maps didn’t have all the user photographs, so I went by what I saw. Imagine my surprise when we drove into Clinton, Georgia and it looked exactly how I had seen it. I mean, eerily similar. Even down to the cemetery that I had totally made up. It was so cool and validating that this was a book of my soul. As a writer, it’s important for me to have a clear visual idea of my world so I can convey it to you, the reader. More importantly for me, I want to convey it with a few concise words and not paragraphs of description. Those classics and books of yesterday could go on and on about a settee and the drapes that framed it in the parlor, but not anymore. And thank goodness, right? I want to sink you into the town, the woods, the house, and pull you right along with the story.
Especially because it’s set at Christmas! Ahh, that most wonderful time of the year! Even when it’s actually May. Hot and muggy in Florida already, and I was playing my Christmas music and watching my favorite rom-coms to get in the mood. Not a hardship, let me tell ya. I love the holiday season. And it was fun to put in all those details (but not too many) that make that time of year so fun—the music, the tinsel, the Santas! Okay, I’m not actually into Santas, but since there’s a creepy and suspicious man in a Santa costume in my story, I had to put in a lot of Santas. Settings are incredibly important for a story, and I think they should play a significant role for the characters—and the reader. What are some of your favorite settings? I'd love to hear your thoughts as a writer and/or a reader! Tina  Follow Tina to stay up-to-date on New Releases and Specials!
 Writing my novels, In Search of the Cannibal King and Cannibal King, required more than just my knowledge of the stories; it also required the use of imagery to bring the stories boldly to life. My love for photography and the immense library of photographs I’ve created over six decades was the perfect tool to personalize the varied scenes and accurately describe the cast of characters.
As you delve into the pages of In Search of the Cannibal King and Cannibal King, you will find descriptions of these photographs interwoven within the text. The stories are not just tales of adventure and exploration; they are a journey through the landscapes and cultures of the Marquesas Islands, brought to life through the lens of my camera. In conclusion, the setting is a vital component of storytelling. It grounds the narrative in a specific time and place, provides context for the characters' actions, and enriches the overall reading experience. For me, the Marquesas Islands were more than just a setting; they were a source of inspiration, a character in their own right, and a gateway to a world of adventure. Through the power of imagery and personal experience, I endeavored to bring this world to life for my readers, inviting them to join me on a journey of discovery and wonder.
START YOUR ADVENTURE NOW! 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! Connect with Nanine to stay up-to-date on New Releases and Specials!
 "I’m going to write a book!" As a librarian, I hear that a lot. Hey, I was once that patron who said it! And a very knowledgeable librarian helped me. I checked out books on writing, and after a few months, I thought I had a really good story and gave it to a few trusted readers and waited for feedback. My new friends told me the story was dry and needed work. Talk about a reality check! After picking up my ego, I realized they were right and was determined to learn how to make it better. One of the things I learned was it takes more than likeable characters to tell a story. In order to grab a reader’s attention, your story has to reach their emotions in ways that make the story memorable. Part of that is done with a great setting. What is a setting? Dictonary.com defines setting as: the local or period in which the action of a novel, play, film, etc. takes place. In my opinion, the setting is another character in your story. It’s the location of your novel, the background of a scene. It is the catalyst for what motivates your characters. You need to know as much about your setting as you know about your characters’ backstories. After all, most small towns, cities, states, and countries have histories—good and bad. So, how do you use setting in a story? If you’re reading, does the setting stand out? In the Butterfly Memoirs, the setting for the first three novels is Los Angeles, California. Books 4 and 5 are set in Atlanta, Georgia, and book 6 is set in Miami, Florida. Writing the setting for four of those books was a challenge! Why? Because I am from Atlanta and have never been to Los Angeles! I did visit Miami once, though. For settings where I’ve never been, I trust Google a lot! I had a vision, of course, but then Google made it possible for me to research the locations. Searching for images helped me accurately describe a location such as the Santa Monica Pier and the Los Angeles Zoo in A Heart Not Easily Broken. Using places I was more familiar with in Nobody’s Business and Alone were easier because I live in Atlanta. That didn’t stop me from using Google to keep the details accurate even in Atlanta. The last thing you want is to write something that you see in your mind without fact-checking, and then have readers call you out on it. Beta readers help, too! Especially if you know someone from the area you set your story. Happy Reading and Writing! MJ Multicultural Romance with Heart and Soul!
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 Sometimes when I choose my next read, I think about setting more than genre. For example, if I choose a book by Nicholas Sparks, I'm thinking about the Carolinas, about deep-rooted secrets and southern gents. If I'm feeling dark and moody, I'll go for a vampire book set in Washington State or maybe a Stephen King book set in the Colorado Mountains. When I was asked to write a romantic suspense with a diverse family element and search & rescue, there was no question that I was going to set my Midnight Sons series in Alaska. The wild, untamed landscapes not only serve as a stunning backdrop but also mirror the tumultuous, mysterious elements that define romantic suspense. Why Setting Matters In storytelling, setting is not just a backdrop. It's a character in its own right. It influences the story's atmosphere, molds its characters, and can even drive the plot. Take, for instance, the moody moors in Wuthering Heights. Could Heathcliff's brooding and tumultuous romance with Catherine have unfolded anywhere else but on those windy, desolate moors? I think not. Setting as a Reflection of Character In my writing, I use setting to reflect my characters' internal landscapes. For example, in my Creatus series, the old, hidden settings (I chose New England) parallel the secretive lives of the creatures they conceal. This intertwining of place and personality challenges the characters, shaping their paths and choices, much like our environments influence us. She Belongs to Me (the entire Southern Collection, for that matter) could not have been set anywhere other than the Carolinas. There's just something about old Southern families and country boys! I swear if Jordan wasn't so "country," his protective nature wouldn't have worked as well. How to Use Setting Effectively Integrate Setting with Plot: The setting should do more than just serve as a backdrop. It should interact with the plot, influencing outcomes and character decisions. Use Sensory Details: Vivid descriptions that engage the senses can make a setting feel real and tangible, pulling readers deeper into the world you’ve created. Reflect Themes and Moods: The setting can enhance the themes or shift the mood of a scene, adding layers to the narrative. The right setting can transform a story from good to unforgettable. It’s not just about where and when; it’s about making those elements work in harmony with every aspect of your tale. As writers, we wield the power to transport our readers, not just emotionally or intellectually, but spatially, into the heart of our stories' worlds. Kind of like the image I chose... While you might be sitting on a beach or in your backyard, my goal is to transport you to another location! For readers and aspiring writers alike, I encourage you to think about the settings in your favorite books. How do they enhance the storytelling? And for my fellow authors, consider how your next setting might just be the key to unlocking your story's full potential. Until next time, Happy Reading and Writing! Carmen Here are the FIRSTS in the three series I mentioned!
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 Hello, dear readers, It’s Jackie here, coming to you with a heart full of stories and a lifetime of experiences that I've poured into every book I’ve written. As I sit in my writing nook, surrounded by the quiet hum of life and the whispers of characters old and new, I'm thrilled to share one of my favorite stories with you. The Sheriff's Woman is a story that holds a special place in my heart, not just for the tale it tells but for the journey it represents. At eighty-three, I’ve seen the world change in countless ways, yet the essence of human emotion, the complexity of relationships, and the quest for love remain timeless. Set against the backdrop of the serene Ozark Mountains, The Sheriff's Woman is a narrative that unfolds the life of Rachel Cameron, a woman who chooses solitude in the wake of personal loss, striving to shield her children from gossip and shame. But her quiet life is challenged by the determined Sheriff Garrett Stark, a man who has long harbored feelings for Rachel. Garrett, an ex-Marine and a steadfast bachelor, believes it's time for Rachel to step out of the shadows and embrace life again, with him by her side. Their story is one of conflict, passion, and a deep-seated desire for connection. Rachel’s reluctance and Garrett’s persistence weave a tale that speaks to the heart's resilience and the courage required to open up to love again. This novel, dear friends, is for those who have faced adversity, who have sheltered their hearts, yet dare to dream of a love that reignites the soul. The reviews have been wonderfully heartwarming! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A Wholesome Hometown Tale to Warm Your Heart!" – A sentiment that echoes the essence of what I hoped to capture. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A beautiful, clean, lovely story of romance and life in a small town." – Indeed, it’s a celebration of life’s simplicity and the beauty of human connection. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Lively dialogue. Engaging plot. Endearing characters" – Each element carefully crafted to bring you into the world of Rachel and Garrett, making their journey yours. I believe in the power of stories to heal, to connect, and to uplift. The Sheriff's Woman is my invitation to you – to step into a world where love conquers, where the human spirit prevails, and where a second chance at happiness is just around the corner. Let yourself be carried away to the Ozark Mountains, to a small homestead where life’s complexities are met with courage and love. And when you turn the last page, I hope you carry a piece of Rachel and Garrett’s story with you, a reminder of the enduring power of love. With warmth and affection, Jackie Weger XoXo
Here are a few images I chose to go with the story. I hope they give you a feel for Rachel's life!
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 Dear Friends, I woke up this morning to an astonishing revelation that left me baffled, intrigued, and, I must admit, a little amused. It appears the characters from the Creatus series, The Southern Collection, and the Midnight Sons have chosen today, of all days, to go on strike. Yes, you read that right! My beloved characters have decided they deserve a day off until I give them what they want. As I tried to negotiate with them—a tricky feat, given their adamant stance on enjoying a bit of leisure—they've presented me with a list of demands. They're quite the imaginative bunch, as you well know. Here are a few of their requests: More Plot Twists: They're craving adventures that are even more labyrinthine and mind-bending. They want you, the readers, to be on the edge of your seats, guessing until the very last page. Exotic Locations for Future Stories: Our Southern charmers are looking to mix it up with the mystical beings from the Creatus universe in locations that span from the enchanting Land of the Noonday Sun in North Carolina to the Land of the Midnight Sun in Alaska. Crossover Cameos: In an unprecedented move, characters from The Southern Collection are negotiating cameo appearances alongside Sam and his team in Alaska to Derrick and the New England Creatus family, who will be soon gathering in Maine. Imagine the rich, Southern charm of Jordan and his friends and the tough Alaska rescue team meeting the secretive, supernatural world. The possibilities are endless! Okay, if you haven’t figured this out yet, this is definitely an April Fools' joke, started by Mike from the Creatus series. Only he would think up something like this. I let him go ahead with it because he’s so fun and lovable, but decided I better offer a peace offering and a treat for you, my dear readers. So, on this April Fools' Day, I am placing The Southern Collection in Kindle Unlimited for a Limited Time, which means that not only can you READ the complete series free, you can also listen to the audiobooks! Find the complete collection HERE! If you are unfamiliar with Kindle Unlimited subscriptions, you can read about them on Amazon.com! Until next time, Happy Reading, and, remember, today is a day for laughter, surprises, and, of course, a little bit of mischief. Warmest regards, Carmen DeSousa If you are new to my books, here are the FIRSTS in the three series I mentioned!
 For decades, I knew I had stories from the South Pacific that demanded to be told, stories so compelling listeners suggested they belonged on the big screen. Yet, the journey to share these tales began with a serendipitous meeting on a Thai riverboat in 1993, where a friend shared them with an English author intrigued by the South Pacific. This encounter led him to suggest I should be the one to write the stories. Embracing the challenge, I realized writing was akin to gourmet cooking: I needed the perfect recipe, the finest ingredients, and the right guests to appreciate the final dish. This realization sparked a thirty-year odyssey across the globe, gathering old letters, diaries, and firsthand accounts to infuse authenticity and depth into my narratives. In 1994, armed with determination and replacing an old typewriter with a word processor for efficiency, I began my writing journey. After eight years and countless hours, I had completed two novels but faced the daunting world of publishing as a novice. Initial attempts in 2002 to publish met with interest but also proposals to change my "recipe," leading to a pause in my quest. However, the pandemic in 2020 provided an unexpected catalyst. Secluded and reflective, I dusted off my manuscripts, feeling an urgent need to finally share my stories. Two revisions and nine months later, I reached out to a literary agent friend who knew just the right publisher. On my 80th birthday in 2021, I received the call that would change everything: my stories, written entirely by myself, were to be published. In Search of the Cannibal King and Cannibal King were released to the world in 2021, marking the beginning of a new chapter in my life and offering a testament to the power of perseverance and the fulfillment of a dream long-held. Please let my story be a reminder: never give up on your dreams, no matter how long it takes to realize them. Nanine Case Join Nanine in her adventures; jump into In Search of the Cannibal King FREE!!!! Then, buckle in for stories steeped in history, action, adventure, and even a hint of romance!  Connect with Nanine to stay up-to-date on New Releases and Specials!
 Immerse yourself in a story of resilience, hope, and unexpected love with our featured novel, Lonely Heart by M.J. Kane. As Kaitlyn Rodgers navigates the challenges of impending motherhood, a new job, and a rebellious sister all on her own, her life seems far from the fairytale she once dreamed of. Enter Antonio Rodriguez, an auto mechanic with a heart as large as his reluctance to repeat his father's solitary path. Their chance encounter sparks a friendship that promises a hint of joy in their tumultuous lives. But when the past returns, offering Kaitlyn a different future, she stands at a crossroads between the life she thought she wanted and the possibility of something more. Critics and readers alike have lauded this novel for its deep dive into the complexities of modern relationships, marking it as a journey through every conceivable emotion. It's a tale not of simple romances, but of the messy, beautiful, and sometimes painful reality of love. Celebrate this Valentine's Day by joining Kaitlyn and Antonio on their heartfelt journey, a testament to the power of love in all its forms. Read all the books in the Butterfly Memoirs Free with Kindle Unlimited! Connect with MJ via her Newsletter or Author Pages!
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