book lists
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Five Bookish YouTubers for Writers
We all need a little help sometimes. When you’re just getting started with writing, you may need more than a little. If you’re like me, you need a GRIP LOAD of advice, tutorials, and more. Here are five YouTubers that I turn to for guidance. I bet they can help you as well. Self-Publishing with Dale From uploading your manuscript to finetuning your keywords, Dale cuts through the haze of how to’s and helps writers become authors. Snarky and understanding, Dale has no qualms about bringing in experts and getting his hands dirty assisting his viewers. Check out his channel and subscribe if a jump start into publishing is what…
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Audio Edition: First Chapter Sneak Peeks
I love getting a sneak preview of new books. However, as a homeschooler and mom, I rarely get the chance to sit down and curl around stories in print. Most of my reading time is divided between teacher manuals and read alouds. I’m not complaining. It’s just a fact of this season of life. That’s why I’ve launched into audio reading and why I’m thrilled to offer you a free first chapter sneak peek of my mysteries- in audiobook. No download or sign up necessary. Just follow the links over to YouTube and take a listen. I keep my manuscripts clean- free of steamy scenes and swearing. (unless using food…
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Audiobooks that won’t Break the Bank
I lOVE me some audiobooks. They’re great when I’m too busy to crack a spine or scroll on an e-reader. Long ago, my mom got me into listening to novels. Back then it was uncommon for even the Library to have audiobooks. Actually, they were called Books on Tape as in cassette tapes. There were rental shops designed for reader’s ears. Even then one could rarely find a good listen for under $20. But here’s a way to score audiobooks for $5 or under. LibriVox My family LOVES librivox.org. They take public domain literature and bring them to life. Volunteer-based the quality of narrators is hit and miss. But there…
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Guess What’s Back?
After a long hiatus, my YouTube channel is back and active! – and in desperate need of subs. What will you find there? My favorite videos to shoot are heartfelt, candid, and honest, which means little to no edits from this mom. For you- that equals genuine encouragement and someone else to walk beside you in the homeschool – writer mom journey. Me! 🙂 And I’m there cheering you on! Here are a few of the playlists I have awaiting you. Verse of the Week Are exactly as they sound… raw, unpretenious, flawed Scripture readings and thoughts. Writer Life Yup- thier videos about this writer’s life Homeschool Life Again- it’s…
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Christmas Snuggles and Reads
Cold weather, steamy mugs, fuzzy blankets, and good reads go together like milk and cookies. Our family loves books. We love sharing adventures and learning about new and exciting lifestyles, together. We read to each other all year long. But no reading feels quite as magical as Christmas book reading. (This post contains affiliate links. Just thought you’d like to know.) Here are a few of our favorites: THE FAMILY UNDER THE BRIDGE- A family fallen on hard times meets a streetwise drifter. Along the way to becoming an unorthodox family, they meet Santa, hang out with gypsies, and discover all they need to feel rich is each other. Warning: …
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Missing On Main Street
Last year I published my first novel- a cozy mystery starring homeschool moms. And here it is with a new name and a new cover. So Another Cliche Christmas became Missing On Main Street. Missing On Main Street It started with one missing teen. Lydia Everett is the only who notices Ivy’s absence. She decides to put her worries to rest and hunt for her missing student. When she uncovers a stepfather who denies he has a stepdaughter and an exboyfriend with sinister intentions, Lydia begins to fear for Ivy’s life. She recruits her friends, Flora and Kat, to help her search for Ivy before it’s too late. Read Missing…
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Together Time Fall 2019
Update Fall 2019: The Hualdes have formally begun their homeschool year. This means books… a lot of books. Let’s investigate each “subject” one at a time. Starting with our Together Time Basket…. my favorite! I often get asked, “How do you keep together time going strong with older kiddos?” My answer? “Easy Peasy! Combine subjects!” I love combining subjects. It does several things: It makes the teacher’s workload lighter. (that’s me- mom, by the way.) It builds relationships… (How? see point 3) It creates a natural environment for discussion It gives us a time to recalibrate and recenter Plus: It keeps me more engaged which equals a better understanding of…
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Bridal Shower Books
I remember being a young, naive bride to be working the cash register at a local store. A newlywed customer rented a few videos and spilled the wisdom of six months of marriage. “It’s hard work” I remember rolling my eyes and uttering back in my wisecracking fashion, “If it is real love it shouldn’t be.” The wife huffed, returned my eye rolling, and left the counter shaking her head. Oh, the ignorance of inexperience and the wisdom of hindsight. Less than a few weeks into my own marriage and I was on my knees begging God and anyone who would listen for help. These are the books that guided…
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Reading with Your Mom
So you’re all grown up and growing with your girl. But learning happens for an entire lifetime. Don’t forget to read and grow with your own mother. Here are some books I’ve read with my Mom and some I’d like to read with her. Love Comes Softly In 9th grade I needed a book for a book report. I didn’t want just any book. This was the book my mother handed me. I loved it! It was romantic without being mushy and adventurous without being unreal. I still love this book and it still offers conversation starters for my mom and me. Helen’s Babies This heartwarming quick read demonstrates a…
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Books for the Almost Adulting
The ages between 17 and 21 are crazy with inner and outer turmoil. A girl is almost an adult. Perhaps she’s struggling with being single. Maybe she’s married or thinking of marriage. Perhaps she’s even as a little one of her own. That doesn’t mean she’s no longer your girl. She needs you more than ever, even if she won’t admit it. Books are great way to keep the dialogue going during this wild season. Fawkes Staring a year before the world meets Guy Fawkes, this historical fantasy is brimming with easy allegory and gentle conviction. Although fun and whimsical this book feeds the soul and not only the imagination.…
