blogespresso

July 8, 2026

The Fire of a Dragon’s Eye

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Fire of a Dragon’s Eye 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: R. Peter Ubtrent ✍️
.
.

As the third installment in The Aurora Chronicles, the story immerses readers in a richly imagined world where kingdoms stand on the brink of destruction and powerful forces clash for survival.

Aurora’s emotional struggles and extraordinary powers make her a compelling protagonist. Her journey through grief, responsibility, and self-discovery adds heart to the fast-paced adventure, while the interactions with allies and enemies alike create moments of humor, tension, and genuine emotion. The dialogue feels natural, and the shifting perspectives help build a broader understanding of the world and its many dangers.

The Fire of a Dragon’s Eye is a captivating continuation of the series, offering thrilling action sequences, imaginative world-building, and meaningful character development. While its large cast and extensive lore are best appreciated by readers familiar with the previous books, the novel rewards that investment with an immersive and satisfying fantasy adventure. Readers who enjoy expansive fantasy worlds, magical battles, and emotionally driven heroes will find this to be an exciting and memorable read.

• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

Buy a book on Amazon

July 6, 2026

House and the Books

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: House and the Books 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Millard Hiner ✍️
.
.

The murder of wealthy developer Sterling Vance during the Humboldt County Fair is more than just a shocking crime, it is the result of escalating tensions involving threatened family farms, corrupt land deals, personal debts, and bruised community pride.

Watching Dr. Ann McBride piece together clues while balancing her work as a physician makes the investigation feel grounded and believable, especially since her observations come from experience rather than coincidence.

Elias Thorne’s desperate fight to save generations of family farmland, Ma Higgins’ fierce defense of her baking legacy, Jax Malone’s dangerous financial troubles, and the mayor’s suspicious obsession with protecting the town’s public image all create genuine uncertainty about who could have committed the murder.

What impressed me most was how every clue seemed to matter, from the torn VIP parking pass and hidden financial notes to House the cat’s surprisingly important discovery. Instead of relying on dramatic twists alone, the story rewards readers who pay attention to details.

• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

Buy a book on Amazon

July 6, 2026

Unconscionable

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Unconscionable 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Charles R. Butts, JR. ✍️
.
.

Unconscionable by Charles R. Butts Jr. is set against the backdrop of the American South. The novel immediately captures readers with the shocking discovery of a young man’s body and the unsettling investigation that follows. The gradual unveiling of the mystery keeps the suspense alive from chapter to chapter.

Beyond the crime itself, the story explores the devastating impact of loss on a close-knit family, particularly through the heartfelt portrayal of Gracie, a mother desperately searching for her missing son. The characters feel authentic, and their grief, hope, and determination make the story deeply moving. The novel also addresses themes of injustice, and the complexities of small-town relationships.

Unconscionable is a thought-provoking read that successfully combines suspense with genuine human emotion. Charles R. Butts Jr. delivers a well-paced story filled with memorable characters, unexpected twists, and meaningful themes that linger long after the final page.

Readers who enjoy crime fiction with emotional resonance and strong character development will find this novel captivating.

Author’s website

July 2, 2026

Interview with author Trevor W. Harrison

Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

A1. I’m a Canadian living in the western province of Alberta. I had a long and successful career as an academic, a political sociologist, until retiring in 2023. Earlier in life I dabbled in writing poetry and short fictional stories, and also kept diary notes of my many travels. After retiring, I returned to these interests and have since published a memoir and two poetry books. An academic book dealing with my journey across the Hippie Trail in the 1970s will shortly also be published.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “War and Other Inconveniences”?

A2. The key challenge was to balance outrage about current events and language that could be accessible and immediate to the reader so that they could feel the passion but not sense they were reading a mere rant or a newspaper headline.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

A3. W. H. Auden is a key influence. He was able in his poetry to use common words and phrases while writing in a directly political manner. But there are other poets, notably e. e. Cummings.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

A4. I grew up on the prairies and am drawn to the small towns and open spaces. But one of my favourite cities is Halifax precisely because, being landlocked as a youth, I am also drawn to seas and oceans, and ships.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘War and Other Inconveniences’?

A5. Anger. Anger and frustration with how, as human beings, we are destroying each other and the planet.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘War and Other Inconveniences’?

A6. Most of the poems were written over about two years. I am an inveterate editor of my own work so that some poems required reflection and working throughout until I felt I had gotten them right.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. The book is available on Amazon or through Friesen Press, or can be bought directly from me.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘War and Other Inconveniences’?

A8. I had an idea of the cover I wanted used. I worked with the editor at Friesen Press to arrive at a cover that incapsulated the books range of ideas.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself.

A9. I keep myself busy reading a variety of books, academic and non-academic, as well as newspapers and articles, both in paper and online. I also engage in activities that allow my brain to float free to think – exercising, walking, travelling, listening to music.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

A10. Write large, then edit. The secret of good writing is editing. This especially true of poetry. Ezra Pound said that poetry should be “hard as stone and white as bone” – that is, concise and clear. Good advice for all writing, but especially poetry.

Buy a book on Amazon

July 2, 2026

The Ardor of Devotion

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Ardor of Devotion 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: R. Peter Ubtrent ✍️
.
.

The Ardor of Devotion is an engaging continuation of The Aurora Chronicles, blending epic fantasy with coming-of-age themes in a richly imagined world. The novel opens with an intense and atmospheric prologue before shifting to Aurora’s personal journey, balancing large-scale conflict with intimate character development.

Aurora’s innocence, curiosity, and emotional vulnerability make her a refreshing protagonist, even as she grapples with immense magical power, haunting visions, and difficult moral choices. The interactions between Aurora and her companions provide humor, tension, and heartfelt moments, while the dialogue adds personality to each member of the group.

The novel’s detailed world-building enriches the story’s mythology. Readers who enjoy character-driven epic fantasy with intricate lore, magical adventures, and evolving relationships will find much to appreciate. The Ardor of Devotion successfully expands its fictional universe.

• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

Buy a book on Amazon

July 1, 2026

Interview with author Maria Jane

Q1. Could you please start by introducing yourself to our readers?

A1. Hi, I’m Maria Jane, award-winning and best-selling author of the Perfect romance series. This series follows a group of college friends as they graduate and launch their adult lives in search of their happily-ever-afters. I’ve been writing for almost twenty years and publishing for over ten.

Q2. In your view, what distinguishes a writer from an author?

A2. I distinguish an author as someone with a published work and a writer as someone who writes for their own enjoyment.

Q3. Which part of your book “Perfect Secrets” proved to be the most challenging to write, and why?

A3. The most challenging part of Perfect Secrets was the “how they got back together” script. As the name suggests, the characters discover many hidden secrets. I worried that the fissure created would be too much of a hurdle for the characters to realistically overcome. But so far, reviews seem to suggest I hit the mark with the happily-ever-after.

Q4. How do you typically celebrate once you’ve completed a book?

A4. Book writing is an adrenaline rush for me. So, after I finish a book, I’m usually pumped to start brainstorming the next one.

Q5. How do you leverage social media to connect with your audience as an author?

A5. I love connecting with readers. This is my favorite aspect of writing. Most of my readers connect with me via my newsletter. I create additional groups for ARC and BETA readers.

Q6. On average, how many hours a day do you dedicate to writing?

A6. My goal is an hour every day. Writing every day helps my writing move along easily as I’m in tune with the characters and their next moves.

Q7. What kinds of books did you enjoy reading during your childhood?

A7. The first series I remember loving is Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz by Frank L. Baum. I was that kid who didn’t like to follow fads, so when everyone else was reading The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, I resisted.

Q8. Is there an author within your genre whom you particularly admire?

A8. I love all of Abby Jimenez’s romances. For me she strikes the perfect balance between poignant and fun.

Q9. How has the experience of writing and publishing a book “Perfect Secrets” influenced your perception of yourself?

A9. My romances seem to be getting darker for lack of a better term. Maybe darker isn’t quite the right descriptor, maybe dramatic is fits better. This has me wondering why, is there some instinctual draw towards darker subjects?

Q10. If you had to describe yourself using just three words, which would you choose?

A10. The three words I would use to describe myself are driven, obsessed, and dedicated.

Buy a book on Amazon

July 1, 2026July 1, 2026

Interview with John Goodwin

Q1 Could you please start by introducing yourself to our readers?

A1. JOHN GOODWIN BIO:

John Goodwin, President Galaxy Press, has been involved with book publishing since 1986, initially publishing all the works of bestselling author L. Ron Hubbard, and from 2002 focusing on his fiction works which includes the internationally acclaimed Writers of the Future anthology, now completing its 42nd year. He is host to the globally syndicated Writers and Illustrators of the Future Podcast, now in its seventh year. He has been a board member of both the Audio Publishers Assn and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

Q2 What would you say is your strength as an author?

A2. I am the publisher of Writers of the Future and host of the Writers & Illustrators of the Future Podcast and my strength is in continuing the legacy as first announced by L. Ron Hubbard in the opening essay in volume one, “A culture is as rich and as capable of surviving as it has imaginative artists….It is with this in mind that I initiated a means for new and budding writers to have a chance for their creative efforts to be seen and acknowledged.”

Q3 What is your favorite part from your book ‘Writers of the Future Volume 42’?

A3. As the publisher, it is meeting the writer and illustrator winners and hearing their story on how they created their story/art, and what it means to have won this competition. I have a better feel for the significance when I look at the art and read/listen to the story.

Q4 How do you handle literary criticism?

A4. I accept and appreciate honest criticism. Of course I prefer praise for the books. But if someone doesn’t like one of the stories, then as long as they are not hateful about it, I accept that they do not like that story or type of story.

Q5 What do you like about audiobooks?

A5. They provide a different dimension to reading a story. I usually have a print book, at least 2 eBooks, and an audiobook going at any given time. With my podcast, I read a book a week usually. The audiobook is strictly pleasure as I read much faster than listen.

Q6 How has the experience of writing and publishing a book influenced your perception of yourself?

A6. I feel good when I can help other writers and artists achieve their dreams.

Q7 What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?

A7. For fiction writing, story is king. A reader will forgive a lot of writerly sins if it is an excellent story.
If it is an excellent story and it is also well-written, then that is all the better. If you are going to present known technology in your story, make certain you are accurate.

And lastly, if you think you can simply put it out there and they will come, you are sadly mistaken. There were over 5M books published in 2025 and discoverability has become your second biggest challenge following having written a good book.

Q8 What is your work schedule like when you are writing?

A8. I am a book publisher and I only work half days – meaning 12 hours/day. 😉

Q9 What is the significance of the title ‘Writers of the Future Volume 42’?

A9. It is the 42nd year of publishing winners of the international Writers and Illustrators of the Future Contests. This year we surpassed the 1,000 writers and illustrators published in the series. We have had winners from 52 countries, entries from over 175, and thousands of entries each quarter. The podcast has over 4M listens per episode. The forum has been #1 the past 3 years in science fiction writers.

The Contest was founded and endowed by L. Ron Hubbard. So there is no entry fee, no age, ethnic, nationality, or any other requirement other than you can’t be a pro (defined on the website www.writersofthefuture.com) and it is judged blind by several of the biggest names in science fiction and fantasy writing and illustration. All the judges ever see (until the book is published) is the story/illustrations and a number assigned to it.

Q10 What did you want to be when you grew up?

A10. A fireman or cowboy, then when a bit older I wanted to be a city engineer. But then I found that helping people was the most fulfilling so have been doing that for most of my life.

Buy a book on Amazon

June 29, 2026

Interview with author Maria Gallucci

Q1. Could you please start by introducing yourself to our readers?

A1. My name is Maria Gallucci, and I’m a Colorado REALTOR®, author, and advocate. I’ve spent more than 30 years helping people buy and sell homes, but my story started long before real estate. I grew up as the hearing daughter of Deaf parents, and that experience shaped who I am. It taught me about communication, empathy, and seeing the world from a different perspective. Those life lessons became the foundation for my book, Raised in Silence, and they’re something I carry into everything I do.

Q2. In your view, what distinguishes a writer from an author?

A2. I think a writer writes because they have something they want to say. An author takes that idea all the way to the finish line and shares it with the world. Writing the book is only part of the journey. Publishing it, putting yourself out there, and connecting with readers is what makes you an author.

Q3. Which part of your book “Raised in Silence” proved to be the most challenging to write, and why?

A3. The hardest part was writing about my family. Those memories are very personal, and I wanted to honor them while also being honest about my own experiences. Reliving some of those moments brought back a lot of emotions, but I knew they were important to tell because they’re what shaped me into the person I am today.

Q4. How do you typically celebrate once you’ve completed a book?

A4. Honestly, I don’t think it really hit me at first. It was more relief than celebration because writing a book is a huge project. Once I finally held it in my hands, I took a moment to appreciate how far I’d come. Then it was right back to work sharing it with readers.

Q5. How do you leverage social media to connect with your audience as an author?

A5. I try to keep it real. I share stories, behind-the-scenes moments, reader feedback, and pieces of my everyday life. I want people to get to know me, not just my book. Social media has been a wonderful way to connect with readers and hear how Raised in Silence has impacted them.

Q6. On average, how many hours a day do you dedicate to writing?

A6. It really depends. While I was writing Raised in Silence, I’d spend several hours at a time working on it whenever I could fit it into my schedule. Since I’m also a full-time REALTOR®, I had to write around my business. Some days it was a few hours, and other days I was simply jotting down ideas or memories so I wouldn’t lose them.

Q7. What kinds of books did you enjoy reading during your childhood?

A7. I’ve always loved a good mystery or suspense novel, and honestly, I still do. There’s something about trying to figure out what happens next that keeps me hooked. Even now, if I have time to pick up a book just for fun, chances are it’ll be a mystery or suspense story.

Q8. Is there an author within your genre whom you particularly admire?

A8. There are so many authors who tell meaningful personal stories, but what I admire most isn’t a specific person. It’s anyone who’s willing to be vulnerable enough to share their truth. Those are the books that stay with you long after you’ve finished reading them.

Q9. How has the experience of writing and publishing Raised in Silence influenced your perception of yourself?

A9. It gave me confidence in a way I didn’t expect. For years, people encouraged me to write my story, and I always thought, “Maybe someday.” Finishing the book showed me that I could do something that felt overwhelming. It also reminded me that our stories have value, even when we don’t realize it. Hearing from readers who say the book opened their eyes to the Deaf community has been incredibly rewarding.

Q10. If you had to describe yourself using just three words, which would you choose?

A10. Compassionate. Determined. Genuine.

Buy a book on Amazon

June 29, 2026

Interview with author Mandy Eve-Barnett

Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

A1. Hi, my name is Mandy Eve-Barnett and I am an expat from England living in Alberta, Canada. I came to the art of writing later in life and since then have embraced it with passion, some would say fanatically but hey. I write fiction as a way to get a multitude of stories out of my head, as well as write non-fiction in a variety of ways as a freelance writer. I love the natural world and spend as much time as I can in embracing the gloriousness of our world, whether walking in a local park, road tripping, or vacations throughout England or Canada and beyond. To date I have eleven books published and one more launching this September. I am a fierce writing community advocate and love helping new writers find their niche and style.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Willow Tree Tears”?

A2. As a new comer to the world of rodeos, ranches and especially barrel racing, I wanted to ensure I reflected the life correctly. I was lucky to connect with a champion barrel racer, who was kind enough to give me specific details on all the aspects of the story in relation to how Madison lived and reviewed the passages regarding the quarter horse, ranch and rodeo life and circuit. Without her help the narrative would not have been as authentic. Researching any story leads to gaining an abundance of knowledge and this story gave me a deeper understanding of how many Albertans live.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

A3. This is a tricky question as I write in multi genres and age groups, so my reading is as eclectic. My number one is Stephen King, he is the ultimate storyteller, but I also love Kate Morton, M.J. Arlidge and Felix de Palma to name a few. Apart from the famous, I also enjoy books written by authors I have come to know personally within my extended writing community. It is the diversity of style and imagination that is so captivating. In addition I am extremely lucky to have a wonderful local writing group who give constructive critique, support and encouragement. Without the Writers Foundation of Strathcona County, I don’t think I would have written so much, or indeed been published.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

A4. Well, there’s a question as I have ‘two’ homelands the list would be exceptionally long. I love the ancient sites and historical estates of England and visited many while I lived there. A couple stand out (well as I write, it may change) York Minster Cathedral, stayed in an old coach house above the entry arch in a huge four poster bed with a feather mattress. The room overlooked the cathedral which was lit up at night. And the Royal Albert Hall in London, where I experienced a superb evening concert of Beethoven. The domed building is striking and magnificent. As for Alberta, I have enjoyed numerous road trips from west to east, north to south and have discovered wonderful places, such as Spirit Island, the town of Jasper and Pyramid Lake in the Jasper National Park. Also the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, which has an incredible museum of Blackfoot culture and Elk Island Park, where bison roam free. For me anywhere there is water: a lake, a river, or a waterfall, I am happy, as Alberta is landlocked I miss the ocean a lot.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Willow Tree Tears’?

A5. On one of my road trips we came across an enormous ranch, the Bar U Ranch, which is the largest in the province. As we drove alongside the miles of land I spied a couple of cowboys. Now, as an English person the only cowboys I had seen up to that point were on the TV. So I was thrilled to be able to see ‘real’ cowboys looking after the cattle. In addition, when I experienced my first rodeo it added another layer to my story idea and the characters germinated from there. I wanted a character to struggle between her traditional ranch life and a nonconformist exotic one. I suppose it echoes the huge differences I experienced coming to live in Canada from England. The countries are so different.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Willow Tree Tears’?

A6. I actually began writing it as a National Novel Writing Month project back on 2013. Yes, that long ago. I wrote the qualifying 50K words for the challenge, but then I made multiple revisions for a few months until new ‘shiny’ stories caught and demanded my attention. I would return to it periodically during the subsequent years and refine the story, the characters and the plot. That is until I thought it really needed to be out in the world. So in 2025 it was published. I think it is better for the extension, as my craft improved year upon year.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. They are all available as print or e-books across all the online purchase sites, including Kindle, Amazon, Kobo, Smashwords, and more.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Willow Tree Tears’?

A8. The cover was actually an idea of mine to have willow trees present and the horse ranch in the background, with the three main characters positioned, however the publisher refined it somewhat and then commissioned the image as you see it today. The title was due to my wanting the weeping willow to reflect Madison’s previous heartache and her indecision and emotional struggle when faced with a choice, but also as a hint at the name of her family ranch.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself.

A9. I enjoy creating unexpected twists in my stories, so the reader cannot guess the outcome, or the journey toward it. Although, I write in many genres I do not want my narratives to be too generic to that specific genre, so modify them. My characters are always steering me in directions that are not only surprising but fun. When I begin writing I write to the story rather than the genre, or age group, that becomes evident as the narrative develops.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

A10. To write authentically, and ensure the story is yours alone. Each story is unique to you even if it is in a popular genre. Your life experiences and imagination make it special. You write like no one else.

Buy a book on Amazon

June 28, 2026

If I Were A Pony

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: If I Were A Pony 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Leonard I. Eckhaus ✍️
.
.

If I Were a Pony is a children’s picture book that celebrates the special bond between a child and a horse through playful imagination. Told in gentle, rhythmic language, the story follows a young dreamer who wonders what life would be like as a pony running through open fields, exploring nature, and sharing adventures with a caring companion. The vibrant illustrations bring every page to life, making the story engaging for young readers.

As the story unfolds, the child begins to understand that being a pony isn’t just about freedom and fun, it also comes with responsibility, care, and trust. The colorful artwork, expressive characters, and uplifting scenes create an immersive reading experience that parents and children can enjoy together.

If I Were a Pony is a delightful read that sparks imagination while nurturing empathy and compassion for animals. Its positive message, engaging storytelling, and beautiful illustrations make it an excellent choice for horse lovers, aspiring young readers, and families looking for a heartwarming bedtime story.

• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

Buy a book on Amazon