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My Visit with 5th Graders

June 15, 2025 by Renae Wrich in category Writing

There are moments in life that reaffirm why we pursue our passions, and my visit to my daughter’s 5th-grade class last month was one of them. (Don’t worry, I only caused her mild embarrassment.) Since my books might be a bit young for these almost-middle-schoolers (Also, how is my baby already on the brink of middle school?!!) I chose to focus on sharing my journey to becoming an author instead of reading from my work. I talked about how my love for writing took root at a young age and grew stronger through journaling, storytelling, and eventually studying English in college.

The students were very engaged in the conversation and their questions were thoughtful and curious. We talked about goal setting—how recognizing our interests early can shape the skills we cultivate. Seeing their excitement reinforced the power of storytelling and the importance of pursuing what sparks joy.

After my visit, the students surprised me with a heartfelt thank-you card, signed by each of them. Their words and appreciation put the biggest smile on my face—a beautiful reminder of why I love sharing my passion for writing.

A thank you card from my daughter’s 5th grade class.

I left with a renewed sense of purpose, hoping that my visit inspired even one future writer in that room. Because every story begins with an idea, and sometimes, all it takes is encouragement to bring it to life.

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And the Winners Are . . .

June 13, 2025 by marianne h donley in category From a Cabin in the Woods by Members of Bethlehem Writers Group tagged as 2025 BWG Short Story Contest, Illusive Worlds, Winners, writing

2025 BWR Short Story Award winners!

BWG is happy to announce the winners, chosen by their terrific guest judge, Adrian Tchaikovsky. They wish to express their thanks to all who entered and permitted them to read their excellent and interesting work.

1st Place: “Smiling Fish” by Avery Other of Lincoln, NE

2nd Place: “Missing Ingredients” by Natalie Bucsko of Cumming, GA

3rd Place: “A Fine Line in the Sand” by Mizuki Yamagen of Louisville, CO

Honorable Mentions (in alphabetical order by author’s last name):

“Delivering a New Perspective” by Mounir Derdak of Mississauga ON

“The Singer from Akrotiri” by Larry Ivkovich of Coraopolis, PA

“Peaches” by Avery Other of Lincoln, NE

“The Fish Man of Mahoney Creek” by Jess Simms of Pittsburgh, PA

Don’t forget, BWG will run another contest, starting on January 1, for the 2026 Short Story Award.

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A New Book Release and First Book is an Award Finalist

June 12, 2025 by Denise M. Colby in category The Writing Journey by Denise Colby tagged as Denise M. Colby, finalist, new release

I wanted to share my exciting book news – a book release AND an award final announcement! My first book become an award finalist and my second book released, all while on our three-week trip abroad (I will write another post about all the great research I did).

2025 ACFW Award Finalist

My debut novel, When Plans Go Awry, is a 2025 Carol Award finalist in the debut category. It is such an honor to be recognized in this way.

When Plans Go Awry is a 2025 ACFW Carol Award Finalist in the Debut category

I was so surprised. In fact we were at Disneyland, Paris when I started receiving texts early in the AM (think nine hours ahead). I might’ve made a few incoherant sounds as I reached for my laptop to find the website page and confirm before I said something to my family. Sure enough, my book was listed. I think I walked around the parks in a daze that day. As I said, such an honor. Winners will be announced at the ACFW conference gala on September 6.

A New Book Release

My second book, A Slight Change of Plans, released May 27^th. About midway through our trip. In fact, I was going through the final proof on the plane to London.

Which meant I didn’t have a book in hand with me on my trip. Instead I printed out the cover and glued it to cardstock and carried it around with me taking pictures against major landmarks.

It was my little way to celebrate the release of my book and be able to create this graphic for launch day, announcing it was released to the world.

Denise M. Colby's A Slight Change of Plans released May 27th, 2025

I took way more than what could fit on one graphic, so I thought I’d share them here. See if you can guess some of the places I visited. Once the book released, I stopped (and kindof wished I hadn’t).

big ben in the background with a slight change of plans book release

castle in background with book cover in front for book release announcement

Celebrating both a Book Release and becoming an Award Finalist

I was staying present for our trip, except to respond to all the well wishes on both announcements.

On release day it rained as we walked to find a coffee shop and breakfast. This is the one picture of me and the book cover that day. I was a little wet and tired (we had walked and walked and walked every day). But still celebrating. A Slight Change of Plans made it to the 7th spot in one of the new release categories on Amazon, and has received many lovely reviews.

Denise M. Colby holding a book cover on release day A Slight Change of Plans — Release Day!

A Slight Change of Plans released and landed in 7th spot in new releases — Release Day!

This week A Slight Change of Plans is on a blog tour. Click on the link to check out all the interviews, excerpts, and reviews being highlighted this week.

A Slight Change of Plans Blog Tour week graphic

It’s been an exciting month having a book release and become an award finalist. Thank you everyone for your support. I’m so happy to see readers enjoying the story and feeling encouraged. I love to write stories full of faith, hope, and love. If you are interested in learning what inspired and influenced my stories, I wrote this blog post a few months back about it.

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To L.A. With Love Release Day

June 10, 2025 by marianne h donley in category Apples & Oranges by Marianne H. Donley, Featured Author of the Month, Spotlight tagged as Charity Anthology, Ebook, new release, The Widow Next Door, to L.A. with love

❤️❤️ Get Your Copy Now ❤️❤️

To L.A. With Love is live June 10, 2025!

I can’t wait for you to read The Widow Next Door, Ellie Raynes’ and Neill Yates’ meet cute. The Widow Next Door is one of about 100 short stories in this charity anthology raising money for the Los Angeles and Altadena Public Libraries.

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B L U R B

When wildfires destroyed two beloved Los Angeles public libraries in January 2025, the romance community answered with heart.

In To L.A. With Love, 100+ local and international authors and poets weave tales filled with sexy contemporary passion, dreamy historical romance, and spellbinding magical encounters. From the sweetest kiss to steam between the sheets, these tales remind us why we fall in love with books—because like libraries, they offer refuge, inspire dreams, and bring people together.

This anthology celebrates the power of romance, and all proceeds from To L.A. With Love support the restoration of the Altadena and Pacific Palisades libraries, proving that love stories can heal more than fictional broken hearts—they can rebuild community.

Thank you to Kate Farlow for designing AND donating our gorgeous cover!

❤️❤️ Pick up your copy today, and join us in writing a new chapter for Los Angeles. ❤️❤️

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Featuring stories by:

Aarti V Raman, USA Today Bestselling Author
Alexa Santi
Alexis Roark, USA Today Bestselling Author
Alice Duncan
Aliza Mann
Allie Lasky
Amanda Richardson
Amy Award, USA Today Bestselling Author
Amy J. Hawthorn
Andrea Johnston
Anna Quinn
Anne Barwell
Arell Rivers, USA Today Bestselling Author
Aria R. Blue
Arianna Quinn
Ashley Erin
Ashley Olivier
B. Ryan
C.B. Noy
C.G. Burnette
Caitlin Loggins
Cecilia Rene
Christina Alexandra
Christine Ashworth, USA Today Bestselling Author
CJ Warrant
Claire Davon, USA Today Bestselling Author
Claire Marti, USA Today Bestselling Author
Crystal Perkins
Cynthia Diamond
Dee Lagasse
Jennifer Worrell
DL Gallie
Ella Braeme
Ellena Espejo
Gemma Snow
Gwen Galloway
Heather C. Myers
Heather Scarlett
HL Miller
J. M. Zuniga
J.C. Hannigan
J.l. Perry
JCC Downing
Jeannie Choe
Jeannine Colette
Jodi Chow
Juliet Gauvin
Karen Grey
Katherine Moore, USA Today Bestselling Author
Katrina Marie

Kelly A. Varner
Kelly Violet
Kennedy L. Mitchell
Khushi T. Saha
KL Hill
Kristen Elizabeth
Leesa Bow
Lena Cove
Libby Waterford
Lisa Rayne
Lyra Parish
M. Solis
Marianne H Donley
Marilyn Throne
Michelle Mars
Milly Gray
Monica Ross
Monique Stokes
N.J. Ember
Nanxi We
Natalie Tay
Nicole Sanchez
Nikki Prince, International Bestselling Author
Olivia Huxley
Pamela DuMond, USA Today Bestselling Author
R. Snow
R.L. Merrill
Rae Shawn
Ren Alexander
Rhian Cahill
Rose Bak, USA Today Bestselling Author
Roxie Noir
Samantha Shaye
Shana Gray
Shannon Myers
Shelley Kassian
Simran
SL Hannah
Sorcha Mowbray
Stephanie J. Scott
Stephanie Marie Whitson
Susannah Erwin
Tessa McFionn
Theresa Lambe
Tiffany Carby
Tori Mitchell
Tracy Reed
V. Walker
Vi Summers, International Bestselling Author
Victoria Ellis

❤️❤️Today June 10, 2025 is the ebook Release Day❤️❤️

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To L.A. With Love

June 7, 2025 by marianne h donley in category Apples & Oranges by Marianne H. Donley, Featured Author of the Month, Spotlight tagged as Charity Anthology, Pre-order, The Widow Next Door, to L.A. with love

❤️❤️ Pre-Order ❤️❤️

To L.A. With Love is coming June 10, 2025! I can’t wait for you to read The Widow Next Door, Ellie Raynes’ and Neill Yates’ meet cute. The Widow Next Door is one of about 100 short stories in this charity anthology raising money for the Los Angeles and Altadena Public Libraries.