Tag: relationships

What She Didn’t Know Gets Big Review

On By dotluvs2writeIn Beauty, Fiction Writing, humanity, Inspirational, Life, Marketing, Nature, News Events, Publishing, Reviews, Writing Techniques2 Comments

My gritty novel, What She Didn’t Know, has been reviewed by BookLife that is a supplement to Publishers Weekly Magazine that is shown both online and will be in print form May 29 of this year. I’m excited to see the review made by someone at PW/BL that has never read my work! This is a huge moment for me! Thank you, IngramSpark, for this opportunity!

PS: When I get the print copy, I’ll post a picture of my review in it!

Here’s the review via BL online (along with the grades for my story):

Blending aspects of romance, family, trauma, escapism, and spirituality, this novel from Anna (author of Passage of Promise) finds the Barstone sisters—Michaela, Gloria, and Seraphima—reunited by personal will and tragedy in a story set amongst city life and immersed in the natural beauty of Colorado. Years before, as Michaela watched a 13-year-old Gloria disappear from their family’s home after a horrid night of beating and fear, there was no certainty they would ever all be together again. But an entreaty from their ailing mother to “find her” sets Michaela (and eventually the others) on a journey back towards each other—and a past that’s still hard to face. Watching a family return, discover, accept, and heal can be a most astounding step-by-step process.

Anna’s empathetic novel takes on many difficult topics, yet it is still written with an inviting ease—with a featherlike touch—capturing the essence of pain and hurt but not dwelling too much on the details. Readers can infer just how much abuse Gloria endured, what horrid drinking bouts Michaela’s husband has started on, and how not-involved Seraphima’s boyfriend was in their relationship. Anna doesn’t give all of this away to us. Instead, she sets us into small spaces with each sister and paints their individual versions of escapism. Michaela escapes through denial and self-righteous blame; Gloria’s escape is physical (running away); and Seraphima’s is through world-building, a fantasy of marriage.

Gloria’s relationship with discovering spirituality stands out, reflecting her youth and naivety, though she later expresses what she learns in clear, direct terms: “Reality will always return. If there’s anything I’ve learned lately is you’ve got to face your problems, not run from them.” Fitting Ana’s admirably light prose, What She Didn’t Know offers a warm, simple message of allowing oneself to accept and heal. Readers will feel comforted even amongst the chaos and come from it hoping for continued healing for the Barstone sisters.

Takeaway: Touching story of a family’s step-by-step process of healing.

Comparable Titles: Annie M. Ballard’s A Heart for the Homeless, Karen McKenna’s Just Last Year.

Production grades

Cover: B

Design and typography: A-

Illustrations: N/A

Editing: A

Marketing copy: A-

Are You An Empath? Take the Test!

On By dotluvs2writeIn blogging, Cultural and Political, humanity, Life, Musings, Nature, Past Life Activities2 Comments

Friends, do you believe you’re an empath? How much of an empath do you think you are? This quiz comes from a coach, who works with people, who have survived the abuse of narcissists. She obtained the quiz from a Judith Orloff book on empathy.

Record your “yes” or “no” answers on a sheet of notebook paper.

Empath Questions:

  1. Have you been labeled too sensitive, shy, or introverted?

2. Do you frequently get overwhelmed or anxious?

3. Do arguments or yelling make you feel ill or uncomfortable?

4. Do you often feel like you don’t fit in?

5. Do you feel drained by crowds and need alone time to revive yourself?

6. Are you over stimulated by noise, odors, or nonstop talkers?

7. Do you have chemical sensitivities or you can’t tolerate scratchy clothes?

8. Do you prefer taking your own car to places, so you can leave early, if you need to?

9. Do you overeat to cope with stress?

10. Are you afraid of becoming suffocated by an intimate relationship?

11. Do you startle easily?

12. Do you react strongly to caffeine or medications?

13. Do you have a low pain threshold?

14. Do you tend to back off in large crowds?

15. Do you absorb other people’s stress, emotions, or symptoms as if they were your own?

16. Do you feel overwhelmed by multi-tasking and prefer doing one thing at a time?

17. Do you replenish yourself in nature?

18. Do you need a long time to recuperate after being with difficult people or energy vampires?

19. Do you feel better in small cities or the country than in larger cities?

20. Do you prefer one-to-one interactions or small groups, rather than larger gatherings?

Four categories for what level of an empath you are:

If you said “yes” to 1-5 questions, you are partially an empath.

If you said “yes” to 6-10 questions, you have moderate empathic tendencies.

If you said “yes” to 11-15 questions, you have strong empathic tendencies.

If you said “yes” to more than 15, you are a full-blown empath!

I came out 14 or 15 (I have “sometimes” on one of the questions). Share your results, if you’d like!

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An Amazing Read

On By dotluvs2writeIn Beauty, Fiction Writing, Inspirational, Life, Marketing, Nature, News Events, PublishingLeave a comment

Check out a couple of the reviews of my newly-released novel, What She Didn’t Know.

“This story is filled with heart-tugging moments as it takes the reader into the lives of three sisters who try to heal from their pasts and see hope for their futures. Touching on tough subjects, the author delicately unfolds a story that has the reader rooting for all the women to have their happily ever after. I loved the distinct and original characters, the emotional depth of the scenes, and the weaving of the three women’s stories together. Masterfully done! I highly recommend this novel.”

“Three sisters, each with their own unique traits and troubles. Each one of them on a journey of discovery. The beautiful prose takes us on the journey with them, sometimes unraveling what they believed was true, but ultimately bringing each of them to a greater understanding of who they are and their relationship with each other.The story will keep you engaged, turning pages to find out what happens next with these compelling, complex, and well-defined characters. Their voices are distinct, and you’ll find yourself relating to each of them in different ways.There are some serious topics explored, but the author handles them with sensitivity.You’ll find yourself pondering the story long after you turn the last page. I highly recommend.”

Meaty, gritty, moving, profound. Available on Amazon, B&N, and other online retailers. Order your copy today!

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