10 Books I Devoured in Less Than 48 Hours
You know that rare, wonderful feeling when you pick up a book “just to read a chapter” … and suddenly it’s 2 a.m., you’re bleary-eyed, and you’re promising yourself just one more page? These are the stories that demand to be read quickly — and they’re some of my favorites.
Here are ten books I absolutely devoured in less than 48 hours:
1. Go as a River by Shelley Read
Lyrical, sweeping, and heartbreaking, this coming-of-age novel is about love, loss, and the natural world. It’s one of those quiet books that sneaks up on you, and suddenly you can’t put it down.
2. Broken Country by Paisley Rekdal
Part family history, part exploration of identity, this novel is rich in emotional complexity. Rekdal’s writing is immersive, and I found myself racing through it while also wanting to linger on every sentence.
3. A Man Is No Woman by Etaf Rum
Generational trauma, cultural expectations, and the voices of three unforgettable women. Rum balances tension and tenderness so well that I tore through the pages, desperate to know what would happen.
4. How the Light Gets In by Joyce Maynard
A sequel to Count the Ways, this book continues Eleanor’s story with Maynard’s trademark emotional pull. It’s about resilience, motherhood, and hope — and once again, Maynard had me reading into the night.
5. Nonfiction, A Novel by Julie Myerson
Meta, sharp, and unsettling, this novel blends autofiction with family drama. I couldn’t look away from the raw, intimate portrayal of motherhood, marriage, and betrayal.
6. Mercury by Amy Jo Burns
A family-run roofing business, small-town secrets, and a fierce female narrator — Burns’s writing hooked me immediately. I read this one in a single weekend, fully immersed in the characters’ tangled loyalties.
7. The Whispers by Ashley Audrain
Audrain’s sophomore novel delivers the same slow-burn tension as The Push, this time with neighborhood drama and motherhood at its core. Every chapter made me think, just one more, until I’d reached the end.
8. Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
Sharp, satirical, and unputdownable. Kuang’s story about envy, authorship, and the publishing world had me flipping pages at record speed. It’s uncomfortable in the best way possible.
9. No Hiding in Boise by Kim Hooper
A novel that weaves together the lives of strangers after a tragedy, this one is emotionally rich and beautifully paced. I read it in one long sitting, tissues close at hand.
10. The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller
Dual timelines, secrets, and a woman forced to make an impossible choice. The emotional intensity of this book had me glued to it — both dreading and desperate for the ending.
Why I Love Fast Reads
It’s not always about the shortest books — it’s about the ones that grab hold and don’t let go. These stories demand your attention and remind you what it feels like to be consumed by fiction. For me, that’s the best kind of reading experience.
Readers say my books are quick reads…that they can’t stop flipping the pages. Check them out here!
How to Host a Fun (and Stress-Free!) Book Club Event
There’s something magical about gathering a group of friends, pouring a glass of wine (or tea), and diving into the pages of a good book together. A book club isn’t just about the reading—it’s about the laughter, the connections, and the shared moments that turn stories into memories. Hosting a book club in your home can feel intimidating at first, but with the right touches, it can be as fun and relaxed as a cozy night in.
Here’s how to create an inviting, memorable book club event that your guests will look forward to month after month.
Set the Scene
First things first: your book club doesn’t need to feel formal. Think of it as creating a warm and welcoming space where conversation flows naturally. A tidy living room with comfortable seating is enough—but a few small details can make it feel extra special:
Lighting: Soft lamps or candles go a long way in creating a cozy atmosphere.
Background music: A gentle instrumental playlist can set the mood without distracting from conversation.
Themed décor: If your book is set in Paris, a vase of fresh flowers and some French pastries on the table can tie it all together.
Drinks & Snacks That Spark Conversation
You don’t need to serve a full dinner (unless you want to!), but a spread of light snacks or desserts keeps energy up and makes everyone feel cared for. A fun idea is to match the food or drinks to the book:
Reading an Italian family saga? Serve bruschetta, olives, and a bottle of Chianti.
Cozy winter mystery? Think hot chocolate, mulled cider, and spiced cookies.
Beachy summer romance? Mix up a pitcher of sangria and serve fresh fruit skewers.
These little thematic touches often become part of the night’s discussion and make the event more immersive.
Discussion Without the Pressure
One of the most common worries about book clubs is: What if someone didn’t finish the book? Spoiler alert: it happens all the time. Keep the pressure low by focusing your discussion not only on the ending but also on the themes, characters, and writing style.
You can prepare a few questions ahead of time to keep conversation flowing. For example:
Which character did you connect with most (or least)?
Did any scenes feel especially relatable or emotional?
If this book were adapted into a movie, who would you cast?
What would you ask the author if they were sitting with us tonight?
Sometimes the best discussions happen when conversation drifts beyond the book itself—into life, family, and shared experiences. That’s part of the joy.
Fun Extras to Make It Memorable
Adding a playful element to your book club night can take it from “gathering” to “event.” Here are a few ideas:
Bookish icebreakers: Ask each guest to bring their favorite childhood book and share why it mattered.
Creative activities: Print a quote from the book on pretty stationery for everyone to take home. Or make a simple trivia quiz about the book.
Photo moments: Set up a little “book club corner” with a stack of books, cozy blankets, and a cute sign—perfect for group selfies.
Keep It Simple, Keep It Joyful
At the end of the day, hosting a book club event at home isn’t about impressing anyone. It’s about community and connection. A few snacks, some comfortable seating, and the willingness to dive into conversation are all you really need.
So pick a book, set a date, and invite your fellow readers over. Who knows? Your living room may just become the most beloved chapter in everyone’s month.
Bonus Tip: Rotate hosting duties! It keeps things fresh, and everyone gets a chance to put their own spin on the night.
Not sure how to begin the conversation? Here are 10 discussion questions to get you started.
Fresh Christmas & Holiday Reads Published in 2024 and 2025
Whether you’re looking for cozy small-town romances, heartwarming family sagas, or even a little holiday mystery, there’s a holiday-themed novel to match every mood. New Christmas books are published every year, but sometimes the lesser-known ones are even better than the big names.
If you’re ready to settle in by the fire (or twinkle lights) with a book that feels like Christmas, here are four under-hyped gems released in the last two years to try this holiday season.
Murder Most Royal by S.J. Bennett (Sept 2024)
This installment in the Her Majesty the Queen Investigates series puts Christmas at Sandringham Estate under the spotlight — definitely ideal if you like royals + cozy mysteries with seasonal flair.Good Spirits by B.K. Borison (Oct 7, 2025)
A paranormal romance with holiday magic. The ghost of Christmas past shows up and forces the heroine to confront her past, which leads to sparks of romance. If you like your holiday with a touch of supernatural + feelings, this one’s right up your alley.I’ll Be Home For Christmas: A Novel by Jenny Bayliss (Sept 23, 2025)
This British tale follows a woman who, after a breakup and losing her home, returns to Pine Bluff to spend Christmas with family—including great-aunts, a mother who’s been distant, and an old love. Perfect for readers who love homecoming stories during the holidays.A Ruff Royal Christmas by Karen Schaler (Sept 2025)
A royal Christmas romance that also involves a mischievous dog, royal duties, lost pets, winter wonderlands, and that warm, chaotic holiday energy. Great if you like Christmas movies vibes in book form.
Dark Academia Meets Domestic Suspense: 6 Books You Won’t Put Down
Dark academia often conjures images of ivy-covered walls, secret societies, and obsessive pursuits of knowledge. Domestic suspense, on the other hand, thrives on secrets within families, betrayals among friends, and the tension of what happens behind closed doors.
But what happens when the two collide? You get the most deliciously chilling stories: campuses, friendships, or families wrapped in shadows, hiding secrets that refuse to stay buried.
Here are 6 books where dark academia meets domestic suspense — including one of my own.
1. Best Years of Your Life by Jen Craven (That’s me!)
Set on a fictional campus, my novel follows married college professors, Joss and Christine, along with their freshman daughter, Abbie. Christine crosses the line with a student, Abbie falls in with the wrong crowd to lead her to starting a college-wide cheating scandal, and Joss is keeping a secret of her own. All three lives collide in a way no one saw coming.
2. Bunny by Mona Awad
Strange, unsettling, and atmospheric, this novel about a scholarship student drawn into a clique of elite, eccentric MFA peers combines cult-like vibes with the claustrophobic world of higher education.
3. The Truants by Kate Weinberg
Set on a British university campus, this story blends obsession, betrayal, and a charismatic professor who manipulates her students. Think The Secret History, but with more intimacy and emotional unraveling.
4. Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout
A group of college friends bound by secrets face the ultimate test of loyalty as one betrayal changes everything. Domestic intimacy collides with the secrets-and-lies setup that defines suspense.
5. Our Kind of Cruelty by Araminta Hall
Though not set in academia, this novel carries the same cerebral, obsessive energy. It’s about the games people play in relationships, and how perception and power become weaponized. It’s a chilling look at what happens when intimacy turns destructive.
6. The World Cannot Give by Tara Isabella Burton
Dark academia meets gothic suspense in this novel about a boarding school, a choir, and a young girl drawn into the dangerous allure of belonging. It’s moody, atmospheric, and tinged with danger.
Why These Books Work
Both genres explore power, secrets, and obsession — just in different arenas. When you put them together, you get stories that are both intellectually intoxicating and emotionally devastating. These are books you’ll want to curl up with on a rainy day, pen in hand, underlining the lines that hit too close to home.
Spooky Season Reads Without the Jump Scares
You don’t need ghosts or gore to feel a chill down your spine. Sometimes it’s the secrets families keep, the betrayals between loved ones, or the subtle unraveling of ordinary lives that feels the most haunting. These novels deliver the perfect mix of cozy fall vibes and emotional suspense — no nightmares required.
1. The Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall
This beautifully written novel about two couples bound together by faith, friendship, and fracture isn’t horror — but it lingers. The quiet heartbreak and moral dilemmas make it an emotionally haunting read.
2. The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell
Part gothic mystery, part family drama, this novel is about an inheritance, an abandoned mansion, and the sinister secrets of those who once lived there. Perfectly eerie without being graphic.
3. Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
A teenage girl’s death unravels her family, exposing buried tensions and unspoken truths. The suspense isn’t in “whodunit,” but in the devastating emotional fallout.
4. Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka
A serial killer awaits execution — but the story is told through the women whose lives he’s affected. More meditative than violent, this book feels chilling because of its psychological depth, not gore.
5. The Lightkeepers by Abby Geni
Set on a remote island among eccentric scientists, this novel is atmospheric, tense, and unsettling. Nature, isolation, and human behavior combine to create a haunting, almost gothic vibe.
6. The Past by Tessa Hadley
Four siblings gather at their childhood home one last time before selling it. Old rivalries and buried secrets resurface, creating quiet suspense in an autumnal, atmospheric setting.
7. She Was Never Yours to Take by Jen Craven (That’s me!)
A controlling mother forces her teenage daughter to give up a baby, a secret that resurfaces more than a decade later. This isn’t horror, but it’s a haunting look at motherhood, betrayal, and the ways families can destroy themselves from within.
Why Emotional Suspense Works for Fall
Halloween doesn’t have to mean monsters in the basement. These books prove that the most haunting stories are about the people we trust the most — our families, our partners, our friends. For a cozy October night in, they’re the perfect blend of eerie and emotional.
So light a candle, pour some cider, and let these stories keep you company. Just don’t be surprised if they linger long after you’ve turned the last page.
6 Books About Families Who Look Perfect—Until They’re Not
From the outside, some families seem like they have it all together — the big house, the smiling holiday card, the enviable careers. But behind closed doors, there are often secrets, lies, and simmering tensions that threaten to break everything apart.
That’s exactly what makes domestic suspense and family dramas so compulsively readable: the tension doesn’t come from strangers, but from the people closest to us. If you love stories about families who look picture-perfect until the truth comes crashing in, here are five books to add to your list.
1. We Are the Brennans by Tracey Lange
The Brennan family has long been admired in their small town. But when Sunday Brennan returns home after years away, it sets off a chain reaction of revelations that force everyone to confront the truths they’ve worked so hard to bury. A novel about loyalty, guilt, and the price of keeping secrets, this one is pitch-perfect for book clubs.
2. Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane
Two families, two houses side by side in the suburbs — the Gleesons and the Stanhopes. At first, it seems like the perfect friendship, the perfect neighborhood. Until one shocking act shatters it all. This sweeping family drama explores forgiveness, love, and how the past shapes our future.
3. Little Cruelties by Liz Nugent
The Drumm brothers appear successful and enviable — one’s a filmmaker, another’s a journalist, the third a pop star. But beneath the sheen of fame and respectability lies years of betrayal, resentment, and competition that will eventually turn deadly. Dark, biting, and unforgettable.
4. Commonwealth by Ann Patchett
When Bert Cousins shows up to a christening party with a bottle of gin, he sets in motion a family saga that spans five decades. Blended families, complicated loyalties, and the unexpected ways lives intersect make this a masterpiece of quiet suspense.
5. All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin
A single photo at a high school party threatens to unravel reputations, marriages, and friendships in an affluent Nashville community. With themes of privilege, accountability, and parenting in the digital age, this book explores what happens when the façade of the perfect family collides with uncomfortable truths.
6. She Was Never Yours to Take by Jen Craven (That’s me!)
When Lois forces her teenage daughter Violet to give up her baby to her older sister Corinne, the secret unravels years later with devastating consequences. Loyalty, betrayal, and the lengths we go to protect the people we love — this domestic suspense novel will have readers asking: how far would you go to reclaim what’s rightfully yours?
14 Real Places That Inspired Famous Fictional Settings
One of the most magical things about reading fiction is how a good book can transport you somewhere else entirely. Maybe it’s a foggy moor, a seaside village, or a bustling city that only exists on the page—but it feels real because the author has breathed life into every corner. And sometimes? That’s because it is real—at least in part.
Many beloved fictional settings are rooted in actual places. Authors often draw inspiration from the world around them, reimagining landscapes, cities, and towns into something just a little more enchanted, a little more mysterious, or a little more dramatic. Whether they rename the location or simply heighten reality for the sake of the story, the connection between real and fictional worlds is part of what makes these books feel so alive.
Let’s take a literary tour, shall we? Here are a few real-life places that inspired famous fictional settings—and might just make you want to pack a suitcase.
1. Prince Edward Island – Anne of Green Gables
L.M. Montgomery’s charming and enduring series about Anne Shirley owes much of its beauty and spirit to the author’s real-life home: Prince Edward Island in Canada. The red cliffs, lush meadows, and quaint villages described in Anne of Green Gables aren’t just fiction—they’re based on the landscapes Montgomery grew up in and loved deeply.
Today, Green Gables Heritage Place in Cavendish draws fans from all over the world. Visitors can walk through the “Haunted Wood” and “Lover’s Lane,” both real paths immortalized in Anne’s adventures.
2. Oxford, England – His Dark Materials and Harry Potter
Oxford has long been a wellspring of literary inspiration, but one modern fantasy classic owes much of its atmospheric magic to this historic city.
Oxford helped shape the visual world of Harry Potter. While Hogwarts is fictional, parts of its design were inspired by real Oxford colleges—especially Christ Church, which served as a filming location and architectural muse. Wandering those halls feels a little like stepping into the Great Hall.
3. Forks, Washington – Twilight
Before Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series exploded into a global phenomenon, Forks was a sleepy, rainy logging town on the Olympic Peninsula. Meyer chose it purely because it was one of the cloudiest places in the continental U.S.—perfect for a vampire trying to hide in plain sight.
Today, Forks embraces its Twilight fame with gusto. Fans can visit Bella’s house, stop by the high school, or check out the “Forever Twilight in Forks” collection. Whether or not you’re Team Edward or Team Jacob, it’s fascinating to see how a quiet town became a literary landmark overnight.
4. The Scottish Highlands – Outlander
The sweeping romance and time-traveling drama of Outlander wouldn’t be the same without the haunting beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Author Diana Gabaldon had never been to Scotland when she wrote the first book, but her extensive research—and eventual visits—brought the land to vivid life.
From the standing stones that (fictionally) whisk Claire back in time to the battlefields and castles, Scotland is more than just a backdrop in the series—it’s a character in its own right. Today, fans can tour filming locations and historical sites across the Highlands, often with a copy of Outlander tucked under their arm.
5. New York City – Countless Novels
New York isn’t just a setting—it’s practically a genre. From The Great Gatsby to The Devil Wears Prada, NYC has inspired generations of writers with its mix of grit, glamour, ambition, and heartbreak.
What’s unique about New York in literature is how it shapeshifts depending on the lens. For some, it’s a city of reinvention. For others, it’s full of loneliness and longing. Whether you're wandering the Upper East Side in Gossip Girl or grabbing a bagel with a broken heart in One Last Stop, the city pulses through every page.
6. Savannah, Georgia – Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
While technically nonfiction, John Berendt’s Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil reads like a Southern gothic novel—and Savannah is its sultry, mysterious star. The moss-draped oaks, ornate mansions, and eccentric residents are all very real, and the book captures the city’s charm and strangeness with uncanny precision.
Readers who fall under the spell of this story can visit Bonaventure Cemetery, stroll past the Mercer-Williams House, or sit in Chippewa Square and feel like they’ve entered the pages themselves.
Want more? Okay, here you go:
7. Nantucket, Massachusetts – Elin Hilderbrand’s novels
Elin Hilderbrand is practically synonymous with Nantucket. Her beachy, character-driven novels—like The Hotel Nantucket and 28 Summers—draw directly from the island where she lives.
8. Dublin, Ireland – Normal People by Sally Rooney
Rooney’s minimalist yet emotionally charged prose brings Trinity College and Dublin’s city life into sharp focus. Readers familiar with the city recognize coffee shops, libraries, and neighborhoods that mirror real-life counterparts.
9. Delmarva Peninsula – Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Though set in fictional Barkley Cove, North Carolina, the landscape of marshes, waterways, and southern wildlife is closely based on the author’s real-life experiences in the rural southeastern United States—especially coastal Carolina.
10. Cambridge, England – The It Girl by Ruth Ware
This thriller unfolds in the hallowed halls of a fictional Oxford-like college. Ware, a master of suspense, channels the academic tension and class divisions of real-world institutions like Cambridge and Oxford.
11. Bar Harbor, Maine – A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (inspired aesthetic)
Though the world is fantasy, Maas has spoken about drawing visual and atmospheric inspiration for the Spring Court’s lush forests and seasonal magic from her time in Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.
12. Los Angeles, California – Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
While Malibu is a real place, Reid’s fictional Riva siblings and their family saga feel almost mythic. The surf culture, 1980s vibes, and beach-side drama are rooted in a very real slice of Southern California history.
13. Florence, Italy – One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
This magical realism-infused novel is set against the stunning backdrop of the Amalfi Coast and Florence. Serle captures the sights, smells, and emotional resonance of Italy in a way that feels both cinematic and intimate.
14. Alaska – The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
The wild, remote setting of Alaska is the perfect setting for Hannah’s story of a desperate family seeking a new beginning in the near-isolated wilderness, only to find that their unpredictable environment is less threatening than the erratic behavior found in human nature.
Final Thoughts: Fiction Rooted in Reality
When fiction and real-life places intertwine, something magical happens. Whether you’re an armchair traveler or already planning your next book-inspired trip, remember this: the line between fiction and reality is often thinner than we think. And that’s the beauty of great storytelling.
Have you ever visited a place because it reminded you of a book—or better yet, was the setting of one? I’d love to hear about your literary travels or the settings that live rent-free in your imagination!
A Day in the Life of an Author on Pub Day: A Slightly Unhinged Reality
Ah, publication day. The day every author dreams about, when your book baby is finally released into the world. You imagine it like a scene from a movie: you wake up to balloons and confetti, your inbox flooded with congratulations, and your phone buzzing with a request from Good Morning America. You casually sip coffee while watching your sales numbers skyrocket, basking in the glow of your literary genius.
But let’s talk about what really happens.
The Traditional Publishing Experience: "Where Are My Sales Numbers?"
If you’re traditionally published, pub day is an exercise in radical acceptance. You have no idea how many copies you’ve sold. None. Your book could be flying off the shelves at indie bookstores, or it could be stacked in a warehouse next to unsold Beanie Babies from 1997. You won’t know for months, and by then, you’ll be too busy obsessing over the fate of your next book.
Your publisher may send you a nice email that says something vague like, "We’re seeing some great momentum!" which could mean anything from "Your book is actually doing okay" to "We sold three copies but one was to your mom."
If you’re lucky, you might have an in-store sighting! That is, if you awkwardly loiter in the bookstore, stealthily shifting copies of your book to be face-out.
And let’s not forget the dreaded Amazon rankings. Oh, those mysterious numbers that seem to change every six minutes but offer no real insight into anything. You're #7,352 in Books, but #1 in Obscure Subcategory No One Knew Existed Until Now. What does it mean? What does it MEAN? No one knows. Not even Jeff Bezos.
The Self-Publishing Experience: "The Refresh Button of Doom"
Self-published authors, on the other hand, know exactly how many copies they’ve sold. Why? Because they’ve checked their KDP dashboard 347 times before noon.
KDP authors treat pub day like an Olympic sport, their mouse-clicking reflexes rivaling those of a day trader. Refresh. Refresh. Refresh. Every uptick in sales is a tiny dopamine hit. Every downward trend is a personal attack. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, but hey, at least you’re on the ride instead of sitting in the dark waiting for quarterly sales reports.
And let’s not forget advertising. While trad authors post vague messages like "So excited my book is out today!" self-pub authors are over here running A/B tests, tracking ad conversions, and debating whether their Amazon ad for "gripping domestic suspense" should target "psychological thriller" readers instead. Don’t forget self-promotion (a must) while trying not to sound desperate.
Inevitably, some well-meaning relative will suggest you “just pitch it to Reese Witherspoon’s book club,” as if all it takes is a quick DM to Reese herself and—boom—you’re the next big thing.
Oh, and then there’s the ARC reviews. Self-pub authors brace themselves for that one inevitable review that reads, "This book was amazing but I’m giving it two stars because the package was slightly dented in the mail."
The Universal Experience
Regardless of publishing path (and I’ve done both), the emotions of pub day are a universal experience for all authors that I’ve talked to. A lot of email/dashboard/social refreshing, and a lot of carb-heavy comfort food. The reality is this: after months (or years) of writing, editing, marketing, and stress, your book is now officially in the hands of readers. And that’s both thrilling and terrifying. But guess what? You’re gonna do it again, because the life of a creative is equal parts thrill and torture. Congrats.
Rediscovering the Magic of Self-Publishing
When I first embarked on my writing journey, I started as a self-published author. Like many writers entering the scene, I had big dreams and a manuscript I believed in with all my heart. I wore all the hats: writer, editor (to the best of my ability), cover designer (with a lot of trial and error), marketer, and everything else in between. It was exhilarating, exhausting, and often involved Googling things at 2 a.m. while muttering, “How hard can this really be?” (Spoiler: pretty hard). I learned so much, not just about writing but about what it truly takes to bring a book into the hands of readers.
Later, I was fortunate enough to sign with a traditional publisher. Over the course of three books, I experienced the other side of the industry. My publisher handled many of the tasks I once had to juggle alone: professional editing, cover design, distribution, and much of the marketing. It felt a bit like getting upgraded from economy to first class—everything was smoother, and there were actual snacks. The experience was invaluable, and I’m deeply grateful for the team of professionals who helped shape those books into something I’m incredibly proud of.
But now, I’ve come full circle, getting ready to publish my newest suspense novel, The Skiers, on March 13, 2025. And let me tell you, there’s something uniquely rewarding about taking the reins of your own book project. Don’t get me wrong—both traditional and self-publishing have their pros and cons, and I wouldn’t trade my experiences in either realm. But self-publishing hits differently. There’s an unparalleled sense of ownership and accomplishment that comes with doing it all yourself.
When you self-publish, you’re not just the author. You’re the CEO of your own publishing company. You’re making decisions about cover art, formatting, marketing strategies, and distribution channels. You’re investing your own money and deciding how to allocate your budget. You’re figuring out how to connect directly with readers, whether that’s through social media, email newsletters, or just yelling about your book to anyone who will listen. It’s a lot to juggle, but it’s also incredibly empowering.
There’s a steep learning curve, but that’s part of the magic. Every challenge you overcome feels like a victory. When you see your book go live, knowing that you made every decision along the way, it’s a feeling unlike any other. You didn’t just write the book—you brought it to life, start to finish. You’ve poured your heart and soul into every aspect of the process. It’s not just a story you created; it’s a business you’ve built.
All that said, self-publishing isn’t for the faint of heart. It requires resilience, resourcefulness, and a willingness to laugh (and sometimes cry) at your own mistakes. You have to be okay with wearing many hats and sometimes making mistakes along the way. But for those of us who thrive on creative control and love the challenge, it’s worth every bit of effort. Returning to self-publishing feels a bit like coming home—if home came with endless to-do lists and a tendency to argue with Photoshop. It’s where I started, and it’s where I’ve rediscovered the joy of creating something entirely on my own terms.
Readers often ask me which of my books is my favorite, and I always reply, “That’s like asking me to pick my favorite child!” (Though, ask me on a certain day, and I’ll have one). I love all of my books, but the truth is, my self-pub books will always hold a special place in my heart.
I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to do both trad publishing and indie publishing going forward. For authors out there deciding which path to take, my advice is this: embrace the journey, wherever it takes you. Traditional publishing offers teamwork, resources, and reach. Self-publishing offers independence, creative control, and the chance to build something entirely your own. Neither is better or worse; they’re simply different. And having experienced both, I can say this with confidence: there’s room for every kind of storyteller in this industry. Choose the path that speaks to you, and don’t be afraid to pivot when the time feels right.
As for me, I’ll continue to write and publish in whatever way feels true to my stories. Because at the end of the day, it’s all about sharing those stories with readers. And honestly, isn’t that what makes this whole crazy, wonderful writing life worth it?
5 Most Memorable Twists I’ve Ever Read (And Why They Work)
As an author of domestic suspense and family dramas, I live for the thrill of a well-executed plot twist. The kind that leaves you in shock, rereading the last few paragraphs just to make sure you didn’t miss something. But the best twists aren’t just about surprise—they’re the ones that stick with you long after you close the book, the ones that deepen the story’s impact and illuminate its themes. I’ve read countless books with twists, but not all of them have that special, lasting quality. Here are five unforgettable twists that made me stop in my tracks and rethink everything I’d read—and the reasons why they work so well.
1. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
The Setup: Nick and Amy Dunne’s marriage has always been complicated, but when Amy goes missing on their fifth anniversary, Nick quickly becomes the prime suspect. His suspicious behavior and her carefully curated diary entries paint a picture of a marriage in ruins.
The Twist: The moment we realize Amy isn’t just a victim but has actually orchestrated her own disappearance to frame Nick is unforgettable. Not only does she survive, but she returns to him, manipulating their marriage into something far darker. This book is in a league of its own, and while it may seem like the obvious choice for a blog post on this topic…well, duh. I don’t think you can talk about plot twists without mentioning Gone Girl.
Why It Works: Having the book turn on its head halfway through was a new, fresh twist approach readers hadn’t seen (and which now is duplicated often). Introducing Amy’s POV at that point (when you thought she was dead) was jaw-dropping. Flynn is a master at revealing character flaws in shocking ways, and here, she uses a drastic turn to redefine everything we know about marriage, control, and manipulation. This book taught me that the best twists aren’t always about external events—they’re about revealing characters’ deepest, ugliest truths.
2. Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane
The Setup: Federal Marshal Teddy Daniels arrives on Shutter Island to investigate the disappearance of a patient from a psychiatric hospital. As he delves deeper, he’s plagued by visions of his wife and becomes increasingly paranoid, wondering who he can trust.
The Twist: In a gut-wrenching reveal, we learn that Teddy isn’t there as an investigator but as a patient. Everything he thought was real is a complex delusion constructed by doctors in an attempt to make him confront his past. (Truly one of the most mind-blowing reveals ever).
Why It Works: The twist is stunning because it completely recontextualizes the entire narrative. Lehane carefully sets up the story with clues so subtle that when the truth is finally revealed, it’s shocking but also inevitable. This twist showed me that sometimes, the most powerful revelation isn’t what’s happening to the protagonist—it’s what the protagonist is hiding from themselves. The layers of deception make this story linger, as readers (myself included!) replay the story in their minds, realizing they were in Teddy’s distorted reality all along.
3. Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney
The Setup: Adam and Amelia, a married couple with plenty of baggage, head to a remote getaway for what feels like a last-ditch effort to salvage their strained relationship. Their history is revealed through Amelia’s letters written on each anniversary, and Adam’s unusual face blindness adds a surreal layer.
The Twist: The narrative takes an unexpected turn when we realize that one of the two main perspectives we’re following is not who we thought it was. The letters reveal a shocking truth about the identities and motivations driving the story, turning the entire narrative on its head.
Why It Works: Feeney’s twist is genius because it’s crafted out of unreliable narration, causing us to rethink every interaction and motive we’ve read. Her use of multiple points of view keeps the reader engaged, and when the twist finally arrives, it’s as if the story has been rewritten in an instant. This book demonstrated to me the power of playing with perspective and keeping readers just slightly off-balance.
4. The Whispers by Ashley Audrain
The Setup: Four women in a suburban neighborhood grapple with the challenges of motherhood, friendship, and marital strife. Each is hiding secrets that simmer beneath the seemingly perfect lives they present to the world. Their intertwined lives start to unravel when a tragedy involving one of their children brings their own fears and vulnerabilities to the surface.
The Twist: The twist is delivered in the very last line, a revelation that cuts through the heart of the story and redefines everything we thought we understood. Audrain’s shocking final sentence unveils an act of betrayal that is as stunning as it is haunting, forcing readers to revisit each mother’s actions and motivations throughout the story.
Why It Works: That last line is like a punch in the gut, a moment when the quiet tensions and whispers of the characters suddenly coalesce into a single devastating truth. Audrain shows how a well-placed final twist doesn’t just conclude a story—it lingers with readers, making them replay the book in their minds. This ending taught me the potential impact of a last line twist, one that turns a story’s themes and character arcs upside down and leaves readers breathless. When I finished this book, my hairs were standing on end.
5. Atonement by Ian McEwan
The Setup: Young Briony Tallis misinterprets a romantic encounter between her sister Cecilia and family friend Robbie, leading her to falsely accuse Robbie of a crime. Her accusation devastates their lives and results in an irreversible rift.
The Twist: Much later, Briony reveals that her attempt to atone for her actions has been in vain; Cecilia and Robbie never actually reconciled, as she led readers to believe. Her story was an act of fiction—an attempt to give them a happy ending that reality denied. (Excuse me while I SOB).
Why It Works: McEwan’s twist is powerful because it isn’t just a plot point—it’s a reckoning. This twist hit me because it makes readers reexamine the entire story as an act of wishful thinking, a layer of fiction over fiction that serves to deepen the emotional stakes. Atonement showed me that it’s not just psychological thrillers that have plot twists—and that the best ones are like a gut punch to the heart.
These five books are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to twists—I could have listed many more—but they’re the ones that have stuck with me years after reading.
Do you have a favorite twist? Or a book that made you stop and rethink everything? I’d love to hear about the stories that surprised you the most!
Embracing the Leap: Creativity Takes Courage
Creativity is often seen as a magical, effortless flow of ideas, but those of us who create know the truth: it takes immense courage to bring something new into the world. As a writer, the journey is filled with uncertainties and risks. It’s about taking a leap into the unknown and trusting that a net will appear to catch you.
The Leap of Faith
When I start a new project, I’m standing at the edge of a metaphorical cliff (I don’t like cliffs). The vision I have is clear, but the path to it is often obscured. A blank screen stares back at me. It’s in this moment that the courage to leap becomes crucial. It’s easy to stay in the realm of safety, where my ideas remain untested and unchallenged, but true creativity demands that I step off that edge.
Taking that first step is terrifying. What if I get permanent writer’s block? What if my book SUCKS? These fears are natural and, in many ways, a part of the creative process. (That doesn’t mean they’re fun.)
Trusting the Process
Once I’ve taken the leap, I enter a phase of uncertainty. This is where the real courage comes in—continuing to create even when I can’t see the net yet. I’m a plotter, so I always have an outline that I’m following. But outlines aren’t fool-proof. Plot holes can still pop up. My ideas might not come together as quickly as I’d like, or they might take a completely different direction than I anticipated.
Trusting the process means embracing these uncertainties and moving forward anyway. It’s about understanding that creativity is not a straight path but a winding journey with detours and unexpected turns….and so many revisions. But I try to remind m myself: every great work of art, every groundbreaking novel, has gone through this phase.
The Net Will Appear
As I continue to work and push through the uncertainties, something magical happens: the net starts to materialize. It might not be the net I envisioned at the beginning, but it’s there. It’s in the form of breakthroughs, moments of clarity, and the eventual completion of my project. This net is made up of the support from fellow creatives (shout out to my AMAZING beta readers!), the skills I’ve honed, and the persistence I’ve shown.
Looking back, I realize that the net was forming all along, even if I couldn’t see it. Each step I took, each risk I embraced, contributed to its creation. This realization empowers me to take future leaps with even more confidence.
Courage as a Continuous Journey
Courage in creativity is not a one-time act but a continuous journey. Each new project, each new idea, requires another leap, another trust in the process. The more I leap, the more I understand that the net will always appear, and the less daunting each jump becomes.
So, to all my fellow creators: embrace the leap. Let your courage guide you through the uncertainties. Trust that the net will form beneath you, and when it does, you’ll find yourself standing on a new platform, ready to leap again.
She Likes Me, She Likes Me Not: A Case for Unlikable Characters
When I dive into a book, I often form opinions about characters almost instantly. Some characters are charming, funny, or endearing, earning the label of "likable." Others might be flawed, conflicted, or even antagonistic, making them less likable but, perhaps surprisingly, more relatable. Still, I often see book reviewers give books low ratings because they disagreed with the protagonist or were turned off by his or her actions. Coming from someone who prefers creating realistic, three-dimensional characters—flaws and all—this is something I find frustrating.
I’ve received feedback from editors on more than one occasion that readers may not find my protagonist likable, or that I should “soften” the character, especially in the beginning of the book so that readers don’t give up and leave a bad review.
Grrrrrr…
To me, characters don’t have to be likable to be understood, and if readers would be more open to this, it would allow authors to enrich the storytelling, offering a more nuanced reflection of real human experiences.
The Pitfall of Exclusively Likable Characters
Relatability stems from the ability to see parts of ourselves or our experiences in a character. A relatable character mirrors the complexities of human nature, embodying strengths and flaws, triumphs and failures. These characters may not always be people we would want as friends, but they offer a reflection of reality that is both comforting and challenging.
While likable characters can make for enjoyable reading, I've found that relying solely on them can flatten a narrative. Fun fact: real people are not always likable. (I know you’ve got a picture of someone you know in your head right now!).
Because most of my books involve complex relationships, often centering on motherhood and/or marriage, it would be unrealistic NOT to show all the warts. Plain and simple, I won’t do it. To me, there’s nothing more boring than reading a character who comes across as too perfect, making all the right decisions, thinking all the right thoughts. Give me messy, give me RAW.
The area where I see the most pushback with this is when writing about parenting. Moms, in particular, are held at such a high standard to do all and be all, never complaining and certainly never daydreaming about life pre-kids. But is that real? Show me a mom who has never once had the thought, “These kids are driving me crazy,” or “OMG would they just leave me alone for ONE SECOND?”
I’ll wait.
Yet when put into writing—at least in my experience—I’ve had to be careful. Don’t offend the reader. Pull back a little.
I love writing characters who are unapologetically authentic. They make mistakes, don’t fit the Pinterest-picture mold. But they also learn and grow. And in many cases, their character arc in the story ends in a more positive place—perhaps a place readers feel more comfortable.
Creating Three-Dimensional Characters
Three-dimensional characters are those who feel alive, with a mix of qualities that make them real. They have goals, fears, and flaws. These characters do not exist to be liked; they exist to tell a story and to reflect the spectrum of human experience. Oftentimes, it’s the character’s motives and background that help explain who they are as a person.
Breaking Bad’s Walter White or Amy Dunne from Gone Girl are quintessential examples. They make morally reprehensible choices and are wildly unlikeable—but does that make for a bad story? I’d say the 10.3 million people who watched the Breaking Bad finale in 2013, or the 20 million copies sold of Gone Girl prove that you don’t have to have a likable character to create a successful product.
In the end, the goal of storytelling is not to create characters that everyone loves but to create characters that everyone understands. By moving beyond the confines of likability, I hope to craft stories that resonate on a deeper level, offering readers a mirror to their own complexities and contradictions—if only they’re open to it. And so, I urge readers not to judge a character by the opening pages. You may still find you don’t care for a book’s protagonist, and that’s okay. Remember, books and reading are highly subjective. That’s one thing we can all agree on.
2023 Word of the Year: Trust
Here we are in the single-digit countdown of 2023, and I’m left wondering where the heck the year went. Not only did it fly by, but it also marked several big moments in my writing career. As I sit and think of a way to describe this past year, lots of words come to mind—exciting, evolving, fulfilling—but the one that takes the top spot is TRUST.
Trust [truhst]. noun. Confident expectation of something; hope.
As a writer navigating the intricate landscape of words and imagination, one of the most profound lessons I've learned is the importance of trust. The journey of a writer is often a solitary one, filled with self-doubt and the nagging question: "Is my work good enough?" Trusting myself means acknowledging my unique voice and being confident in the stories I want to tell. It means listening to my gut when it’s trying to tell me something. It also involves accepting the inevitable imperfections that come with the creative process. Writing is a craft that evolves over time, and being patient with myself allows for growth and improvement. I’ve had to learn how to silence my inner critic on many occasions, like when queries got rejected or a reader left a poor review.
When I finished The Baby Left Behind in January and was deciding which publishing path I wanted to take—Indie again? Small press?—I found myself struggling to choose. Each approach comes with pros and cons. I had to stop and think: What are my main priorities with this project? What am I hoping to get out of it? That led me to pitching Bookouture, who ended up offering me a 2-book deal in February.
So where does trust come into play here?
Well, signing with a publisher meant that I would be giving up a lot of creative control I’d become familiar with as an indie author. I wouldn’t be designing my own cover, and I wouldn’t have a say in the title or back cover copy of my book. These were hard things to give up! But, I TRUSTED the team at Bookouture and understood that their expertise would elevate my work.
Trusting my publisher meant effective communication and a shared vision for the book. It meant understanding that their insights, though sometimes challenging, were aimed at enhancing the overall quality and marketability of the project. The collaborative dance between writer and publisher is a delicate one, built not just on trust, but respect and a mutual commitment to success.
As I reflect on my writing journey this past year, I see how trust has become the driving force behind my creative endeavors. Trusting myself has allowed me to make the right choices for my books. Trusting my publisher has allowed my work to reach a broader audience than I could have imagined.
In the ever-changing landscape of the writing world, I’m learning that trust is not just a personal journey but a powerful tool for growth. It's the force that propels us forward, turning doubts into opportunities and challenges into triumphs. There is so much uncertainty in publishing, so much that is out of writers’ hands. But one thing you can hold onto is trust. From what I’ve seen, it rarely lets you down.
9 Holiday Books that aren’t romance
What better way to usher in the winter season than curling up with a holiday novel? There’s something special about immersing yourself in a story set against the most wonderful time of the year. I love this category because it captures the things I find most magical about the holidays: the joy of giving, the warmth of family gatherings, and the beauty of tradition.
Rom-coms are a popular genre for holiday books, but what if you aren’t a romance reader? (Nothing against the genre—it’s wildly popular and there are so many great picks!) Still, sometimes you’re looking for a little less Hallmark, and a little more of something else. Good news…
Whether you’re a fan of classics or lean more contemporary in your reading preferences, there’s a holiday book for everyone. Here’s a list of go-tos…some that might look familiar and others you might not have seen before.
Grab a cup of cocoa and a warm blanket, then dive in! Oh, and don’t forget some festive background music (I’m partial to Harry Connick Jr., Michael Buble, and Frank Sinatra).
The Toy Makers, by Robert Dinsdale: A toy emporium comes alive with spirit and secrets in 1917 London. For fans of The Night Circus.
2. The Christmas Bookshop, by Jenny Colgan: Reviving a neglected bookshop and healing a fractured family.
3. Marley, by Jon Clinch: A reimagining that explores the relationship between Ebenezer Scrooge and Jacob Marley.
4. The Deal of a Lifetime, by Fredrik Backman: The gift of giving, before it’s too late (a novella, only 85 pages!).
5. Seven Days of Us, by Francesca Hornak: Big family and a lot of togetherness under one roof, a la The Family Stone.
6. Hiddensee, by Gregory Maguire: Retelling of Drosselmeier’s creation of the nutcracker.
7. Once Upon a Wardrobe, by Patti Callahan: Uncovering the truth behind the Narnia stories. Magical!
8. Mr. Dickens and his Carol, by Samantha Silva: Another Christmas Carol reimagining about how Dickens found his inspiration.
9. A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens: The ultimate classic!
The Juggle is Real: Balancing Multiple Projects
Ask me for a hidden talent, and juggling won’t be one of them. Blame it on poor hand-eye coordination, or that clowns freak me out…either way, I’ve never been able to master those silly balls. But when it comes to my author career, that’s another story. I’ve had no choice but to learn how to juggle. Let me put it this way: It’s kind of like trying to pat your head, rub your tummy, and ride a unicycle at the same time (see where I’m going with this post?). Not exactly easy, but in the world of writers, it’s the juggle that keeps us on our toes. 🤹♀️
I like to compare it to a three-ring circus…
Ring 1: The Writing Tightrope
Cooking up fresh plot twists and new characters, tackling the highs and lows of writing a new, complete novel that hits all the marks. You’ve got moments of brilliance and times when writer’s block makes it all hell. There’s pressure to get it done, but also make it good. It’s a fine line, but don't worry, you've got your balance.
Ring 2: The Editing Spectacle
Meanwhile, you’ve got another project in late-state editing. Fine-tuning this work is like watching a high-wire acrobat – one false step, and things could tumble. Editing requires attention to detail, patience, and a steady hand….and often multiple attempts to get it right. By this point, you’ve read this book a million times and really just want to focus all your energy on the new, shiny project instead.
Ring 3: The Promotion Extravaganza
Hustling to get the word out about your book that’s already published – book signings, blog tours, social media, newsletters. It's exhilarating and exhausting, all at once. You're the ringleader, the performer, and the janitor sweeping up popcorn. But, hey, the show doesn’t stop once the book’s out in the world…it’s just getting started.
You know that phrase, “Not my monkeys, not my circus”? Well, this IS my circus and these books ARE my monkeys.
Here are some tips for juggling multiple projects and keeping all those balls in the air:
Schedule Your Time Wisely: Divide your day/week/month into designated blocks for each task. This helps prevent burnout and ensures that each project gets the attention it deserves.
Set Realistic Goals: Be honest with yourself about what you can accomplish in a day. Meeting an editing deadline might mean that social media posts take a backseat for a couple days, and that’s okay. Prioritize what’s most important.
Embrace the Power of To-Do Lists: Organize your tasks and prioritize them. I’m obsessed with Post-It notes. Crossing items off my list feels efficient, even if they’re small victories.
Stay Adaptable: Life is unpredictable, and sometimes you'll need to shift your focus. Roll with the punches and adjust your schedule as necessary. Working ahead on things like social media posts and using a scheduler like Later or Buffer can be a great way to free up time.
Seek Support: Connect with fellow writers, authors, and friends who understand the juggling act. Sometimes you just gotta vent, and the writing community is the perfect place because every author is running their own personal circus just like you.
Sure, juggling multiple projects can feel overwhelming at times, but the rewards are worth it.
Seeing my books reach readers gives me the motivation to write the next one. All the necessary steps along the way are just part of the process to get me there.
Remember, the juggle is real, but so are your dreams and ambitions. Embrace the circus of creativity and hard work, and you'll find that the show must (and will!) go on. 🎪
Unmasking the Secrets of Suspense: Common Tropes that Keep Us Guessing
If you're anything like me, you love a heart-pounding, nail-biting suspense story that keeps you on the edge of your seat—it’s what I love writing too! But have you ever stopped to wonder why these stories seem so darn irresistible? It’s because suspense authors use common tropes to keep us guessing and coming back for more. How many of these do you recognize from the books you love? And which ones did I employ for The Baby Left Behind? Read on to see…
1. Unreliable Narrator: Can We Trust You?
First up, the classic "Unreliable Narrator." You know the type—the character who may not be entirely trustworthy. Maybe they've got some memory gaps, questionable motives, or just a penchant for telling little white lies. It's like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces, and it's an instant recipe for suspense.
2. Twists and Reveals: Expect the Unexpected
Ah, the art of the plot twist! Suspense writers are masters at dropping bombshells and revealing jaw-dropping secrets at just the right moment. It's like riding a roller coaster blindfolded—unpredictable, exhilarating, and occasionally stomach-churning.
3. Red Herrings: Don't Believe Everything You See
Picture this: You're sleuthing along with the protagonist, following every breadcrumb trail they leave behind, only to discover those "breadcrumbs" are actually red herrings—misleading clues that lead you down the wrong path.
4. Ticking Clock: Time is Running Out!
Ever notice how in suspense tales, there's often a countdown to catastrophe? Whether it's defusing a bomb or solving a murder before the next victim falls, the "Ticking Clock" trope amps up the tension like nobody's business.
5. Mysterious Letters or Messages: The Puzzle Unfolds
What's more suspenseful than deciphering cryptic messages from an anonymous sender? Whether it's a note slipped under the door or a chilling text message, it's a surefire way to keep readers—and characters—guessing.
6. Criminal Masterminds: A Worthy Adversary
Every great hero needs a formidable foe, right? In suspense, that means dealing with a "Criminal Mastermind." These villains are as cunning as they come, and watching them go toe-to-toe with our protagonist is a thrill in itself.
7. Amnesia: Memory Lane Blocked
Who doesn't love a good case of amnesia? Characters who can't remember a thing about their past or the events leading up to the story's present are a puzzle just waiting to be solved.
8. Kidnapping or Abduction: The Race Against Time
A classic in suspense storytelling, the kidnapping or abduction plotline sets the stage for a high-stakes rescue mission. It's a race against time, and the suspense is dialed up to eleven!
9. Unexplained Phenomena: Things That Go Bump in the Night
Sometimes, suspense takes a detour into the supernatural or the unexplained. Ghosts, psychic abilities, or mysterious happenings can add an extra layer of intrigue to the story.
10. Pursuit: On the Run
If your idea of a suspenseful read involves characters on the run, you're in good company. The pursuit trope, complete with relentless pursuers, keeps us hooked as we root for the underdogs.
11. Hidden Identities: Masks and Deception
Who doesn't love a good ol' hidden identity? Whether it's a secret superhero persona or a character masquerading as someone they're not, it's a trope that adds layers of complexity and suspense.
12. MacGuffin: The Elusive Prize
Lastly, we have the "MacGuffin." It's the object or goal that everyone's after, and nobody quite understands its significance. Think of it as the golden ticket in a literary treasure hunt.
These common tropes are the secret sauce that makes suspense novels so darn captivating. They keep us guessing, turning pages, and craving more heart-pounding thrills. A book can’t (shouldn’t) have *all* of these, just a strategic few. In The Baby Left Behind, you’ll find twists, a mysterious letter, and… oh nevermind, I can’t spoil it for you!
The Allure of Commercial Fiction
In 2022, over 404 million fiction books were sold in the United States. Read that again. Now let it sink it for a sec.
Yeah.
But “fiction” is a biiiiiig umbrella term.
Commercial fiction, often referred to as mainstream fiction, is a genre known for its widespread popularity and ability to resonate with a diverse readership. Unlike literary fiction, which sometimes prioritizes experimental prose and intricate character studies, commercial fiction focuses on compelling storytelling that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
Some describe it like this: whereas literary fiction is art, commercial fiction is entertainment* (major asterisk moment). Others say commercial fiction targets a mass audience and has the potential to sell a lot of copies. If you’re reading Dan Brown or Colleen Hoover or Gillian Flynn or Taylor Jenkins Reid, you’re reading commercial fiction.
I’m grateful to sit among so many amazing commercial fiction books published by Bookouture.
Some common conventions of commercial fiction include:
Engaging Premises. Commercial fiction often kicks off with intriguing premises that immediately pique readers' interest (this is the HOOK). These premises can range from high-stakes mysteries and romantic entanglements to thrilling adventures and family dramas.
Relatable Characters. Characters in commercial fiction tend to be relatable, possessing qualities and experiences that readers can empathize with. Their growth and development throughout the story are central to the reader's emotional investment. (In writer-speak, this is character arc)
Page-Turning Plot. Fast-paced and well-structured plots are hallmarks of commercial fiction. These stories are designed to keep readers turning pages as they navigate twists, turns, and unexpected revelations. That book you stayed up til 2 a.m. to finish? Probably commercial fiction.
Clear Writing Style. The writing style in commercial fiction is generally straightforward and accessible. It prioritizes clarity and readability, ensuring that readers can easily immerse themselves in the story.
Commercial fiction is widely accessible. Visit any library, bookstore, or check out the latest bestseller list and you’ll see commercial fiction books. Many of these books make great conversation points between friends and book clubs. Other reasons why readers are drawn to commercial fiction include:
Escapism. Commercial fiction excels at providing an escape from the routine of everyday life. Its immersive storytelling allows readers to step into different worlds and experience thrilling adventures without leaving their chairs. Takeaway: Life is hard. Read a book.
Emotional Connection. The relatable characters and well-crafted plots in commercial fiction evoke strong emotional responses from readers. Whether it's laughter, tears, or suspense, these stories tap into a range of feelings. The best ones hit ‘em all.
Entertainment Value. At its core, commercial fiction is entertaining. Its ability to engage readers, keep them guessing, and provide satisfying resolutions contributes to its wide appeal. I mean, who doesn’t love a book that’s so entertaining it makes you want to hide in your closet just so you can read unbothered? (Just me? Okay…)
Universal Themes: Commercial fiction often explores universal themes such as love, friendship, identity, and personal growth. These themes resonate with readers across cultures and backgrounds, creating a sense of shared human experience.
In a literary landscape rich with diverse genres, commercial fiction stands out as a genre that speaks to the heart of what readers crave: riveting narratives, relatable characters, and a chance to momentarily escape reality. As a reader, these stories offer a journey; as a writer, they offer a canvas on which to paint vibrant worlds and unforgettable tales. So, whether you're unwinding on a lazy afternoon or embarking on a literary adventure, consider the enchanting realm of commercial fiction your ticket to an unforgettable experience.
This article interviews several Bookouture editors about why commercial fiction is important, misconceptions about the category, and what makes a good commercial fiction novel stand out.
*I don’t agree. To me, all writing is art! Commercial fiction doesn’t mean you’re dumbing down your craft.
Pros and cons of a digital-first publisher
When my latest book, The Baby Left Behind, went on pre-order last week, I excitedly blasted the announcement and link on social media. Quickly, messages appeared in my inbox: Why can’t I preorder a paperback? Why is it only showing the Kindle version?
I had to explain. My publisher is considered a “digital-first” publisher, meaning its biggest push is for Ebooks. Bookouture was designed with the premise of getting digital books to readers fast and affordably. Unlike the traditional publishing model, which can take years from acquisition to pub date, digital publishers can put out books in a matter of months. In most cases, the author’s subsequent book is ready for preorder by the time the reader finishes the first—the perfect chance to turn readers into fans. Think something like this: “Did you like [Title A]? Good news! Click here to read the next book from [Author]!”
Boom. You’ve got another sale.
The quick turnaround and low Ebook pricing is great for readers… but what about from the author prospective? My experience so far with Bookouture has challenged me to shift some expectations and think about where my priorities lie. It’s a newer publishing model, but one that’s on the front of the technological curve.
Here are some of the pros and cons of going with a digital-first publisher:
PROS:
Books come out quicker
Publisher has extensive catalog of reader and market data
Publisher can adapt to early feedback (easier to make cover and content changes right up to pub date)
Often higher royalties for authors—electronic age allows authors to optimize earnings
Doesn’t require an agent (in many cases)
CONS:
Physical books only in print-on-demand format (readers can order from Amazon, but physical books won’t be in bookstores or airports)
Author receives very few author copies — harder to do in-person events
No advance (usually)
Coming from indie publishing where there is no advance anyway (ha!), this fact didn’t bother me. Would it be awesome to sell my book for a big chunk of change? Sure. But the digital-first approach lets authors see profits differently: not in a lump-sum advance, but in higher royalties the minute you make your first sale. It’s potentially lucrative for many authors, especially those who write fast and can put out more than one book per year.
Founded in 2012, Bookouture has grown from a startup to hitting $60 million in sales in just 10 years. It’s working. And I was excited to be part of it…just as soon as I got over the vanity of seeing my book in a smooth matte dust jacket on the front table of Barnes & Nobel and Hudson Books. (That’s reserved for massive successes such as The Housemaid, also pubbed by Bookouture and now in print all across the country. Maybe mine will be the next? A girl can dream).
So there you have it—the bird’s eye explanation of digital publishing and why The Baby Left Behind is currently only available for preorder as an Ebook. At the end of the day, my goal is to get my book out to readers. Digital-first is a growing distribution method—one that seems to be only on the upswing. The best way to help authors on this path is to purchase the Ebook even if you also plan to buy a physical copy. Most launch as low as $.99! It’s the easiest way to help Ebooks shoot up the rankings, increase visibility and make an author smile.
From indie to trad: A control freak learns to let go
It’s a common discussion point within the publishing industry: whether to self-publish or whether to seek out a traditional book deal. I can now say I’ve done both (well, almost…my first trad book comes out in two months). While there are certainly differences between the two experiences, one of the biggest adjustment for me has been letting go of creative control and sitting back with a hands-off approach. Here’s what I mean…
As an indie author, everything is on my plate—from editing to formatting to cover design and 100% of the marketing. It’s a one-woman-show situation. Even if indie authors hire professionals to help them along the way, they still have full say into what their book will look like, when it will come out, and so much more.
I love designing my own covers. It allows me to bring to life the exact vision in my head—colors, layout, fonts, you name it. I give my books titles that speak to me, that I feel represent the book and genre. Because of all this, my books are very much like babies to me—my wholly personal creations.
Fast-forward to earlier this year when I signed a two-book deal with Bookouture, I knew this creative license was going to change. Traditional publishers have the right to package and market their books how they see fit. And while many seek author input, that doesn’t necessarily translate into author approval. Meaning, publishers have the final say. They want their authors to like the cover and title… but not enough to let authors dictate everything.
Confession: This was hard for me.
Here’s the deal…publishers know what they’re doing. They employ industry experts who are highly skilled in design and marketing. They know what sells.
So when Bookouture sent me the first peek at my cover for The Baby Left Behind, I had a general expectation based on their catalog. My cover matched their style perfectly.
But did I love it?
That’s complicated. At first, I didn’t. It was okay, it was fine. It was very commercial. But as someone who’s created her own covers from scratch based on vivid images in my head, it wasn’t what I would have done if I’d decided to indie publish the book. I would have gone more literary, more vague. I would have given it a different title (I still love what I’d originally titled it when I pitched to Bookouture!).
I wanted to grumble. Okay, maybe I did grumble. But I also didn’t want to come off whiny. And definitely not unappreciative. This was a book deal that I signed.
It took me a few days of coming back to the cover image for it to start to grow on me. Little by little, the image in my head faded and the new cover settled in. The colors popped. The tagline gave me chills. And pretty soon, I was comfortable saying, “You know what, I do like it. They were right.”
Perhaps it’s still not what I would have designed, nor what I would have called it. But that’s part of traditional publishing, and my job is to sit back and let the experts do what they do. One of the things that impressed me most about Bookouture was the extensive data analysis they do for their titles in terms of sales. They’re constantly studying the market and readers to create book packages that sell.
And isn’t that the goal?
As I sit here just a few days after revealing the cover of The Baby Left Behind to the world, I’m reminding myself that part of the publishing process (in this case) is to let go of control. It’s both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it’s been amazing to write the manuscript and let others do the rest. On the other—the Type A in me—it’s a challenge.
Maybe it comes down to expectations. Adjusting expectations. Being flexible. Those are things I’m learning. I love the book I wrote and fully believe in the direction of my publisher.
I can’t wait for people to read it this fall.
What my publishing future holds is unclear. Will the advantages of traditional publishing outweigh the benefits of self-publishing? Will I continue down this road for more books? At the end of the day, I have to wait it out to see. For now, I can confidently say I love both, and perhaps that’s where I’ll end up: some indie titles and others with a publisher. One thing is for certain, there have never been more opportunities for authors than now…. and that’s incredible for everyone.
Best Books with Complicated Female Characters… and a Good Plot Twist
Once you read a book you love, chances are you’ll want to find something similar to read next. I recently stumbled across Shepherd, a site that compiles lists of books that are similar in theme, plot, mood or topic. When they asked me to create my own list, I jumped at the chance to highlight some great reads. Check out my list of novels with complicated female protagonists and surprising plot twists here.
It’s a site you can easily get sucked into, and a great place to discover new titles you will love based on your interests and taste. Since I love page-turners and surprises along the way, I’m a big fan of books with plot twists.
See what you’ll find to add to your TBR pile!