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First Loves…

June 28, 2025 by Alina K. Field in category Quarter Days by Alina K. Field, Writing tagged as Books for children, Mystery and adventure, Mystery series for children, reading

What books kicked off your love of reading?

Welcome to my Quarter Day’s post!

If you’re a fan of A Slice of Orange, I have to assume you love books and you love reading. How did your romance with books get started? This topic came up in a recent discussion in the Belles Brigade Facebook Group.

My first book binge was the Little House on the Prairie series, by Laura Ingalls Wilder, somewhat relatable for me, being a Midwestern girl whose grandparents lived on a farm. My second that I can remember was the Trixie Belden mystery series. I still love detective stories.

Lots of horses and more mysteries

Author Rue Allyn remembers reading The Black Stallion series by Walter Farley. I’m not sure why, but these books never crossed my radar. Maybe my local library didn’t have them. Another favorite for her though was the Nancy Drew series of mysteries.

Author Deborah Williams Craton loved the Bobbsey Twins, a preference shared by author Caroline Warfield who also mentioned the Misty of Chingoteague series by Marguerite Henry. Another series about horses that I’d never heard of. (What did my librarians have against horses?) Caroline also binged on Louisa Mae Alcott’s Eight Cousins and the sequel.

Stepping outside the U.S., Janet, one of the British members of the Belles Brigade said that she started her love of books with the Famous Five series by Enid Blyton. The first book, published in 1942 must have been a great escape read for British children enduring the fighting of World War II. (Janet came to it later, being too young for WWII.)

Moving to the Southern Hemisphere, New Zealand author Jude Knight loved The Adventures of Hutu and Kawa, by Avis Acres. Hutu and Kawa are two pohutukawa fairies, “who lived in the bush with friends such as Willy Weka and various pixies and elves.”

Mystery, Adventure, and Lots of Books in a Series

Many of the books mentioned are mysteries and most have at least some adventure. And the publishers were prolific, if not the original authors. Some of the series books were written by multiple ghost writers over a span of decades.

One of the first mysteries I read after finishing all the Trixie Belden books I could get my hands on was The Murders in the Rue Morgue, by Edgar Allen Poe. It scared the bejeebers out of me! I think I’m old enough now to read it again.

Do you have a favorite reading memory that’s not on this list? Share it in the comments please!

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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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Down to Earth

May 30, 2025 by Dianna Sinovic in category Quill and Moss by Dianna Sinovic, Writing tagged as climate fiction, short fiction, writing

Lily pressed her flowered handkerchief to her forehead and wondered for the fifth time that day why she had signed up for the Festival of the Earth event. The May sun beating on the roof of her canopy turned it into a DIY heat lamp. Stacks of her ecological thriller sat ignored on her table. The crowd was more interested in the pastry shop’s tent next door, the line for lunch turnovers stretching down the mown pathway from the parking lot.

She’d hoped to sell at least several copies of her book Unplugged, a fictional tale about a full-off-the-grid society; after all, its theme aligned nicely with the festival’s. In fact, the vendor on the other side of her was hawking solar panels, and she considered flagging everyone who passed her up to let them know her book was relevant—her main character had four panels on the roof of her cottage.

It didn’t help that the cumin-and-coriander aroma of the turnovers made her stomach grumble. Her packed lunch of peanut butter and jelly had lost all appeal in comparison.

Another hour in, and one book sold, to the mother of a family of three littles ready, she said, for something “more mature than Sesame Street.” Lily tucked away the cash in her pouch and watched the family stream toward the kids’ crafts tent—a place where youngsters could launch gigantic bubbles to float elongated and short-lived across the nearby park field.

She sighed. Even with the sunny weather, the day was a bust so far. Not ready to give up yet, though, she left her booth long enough to introduce herself to the solar vendor. Networking was important at sales events. Busy in the full sun, the vendor was bent over the electrical hookup for the largest of his panels, muttering under his breath. He didn’t seem bothered by the heat, even as Lily fanned herself with an event program.

“Just wanted to mention that the novel I’m selling today is about folks who embrace solar.” Lily stuck out a hand, but withdrew it when the vendor ignored her. “That’s a nice fit with what you’re selling. You know, about being unplugged.” When he finally looked up, he squinted at her with a frown. “Nobody reads books any more.”

The hell they don’t. She stomped back to her table, threading her way through another wave of potential tire-kickers for the solar cells. “Stop by my booth next,” she called to them, with a friendly wave. “I’ve got free snacks!”

But her mini-bags of pretzels were no match for the tasty turnover tent, and eventually Lily succumbed, taking a spot at the end of the long queue. She hoped the turnover supply would last until she arrived at the front of the line.

“You’re Lily Spruce, right?” The young woman at the turnover counter wrapped up a chicken turnover for her, but waved away the bills Lily offered. Her name tag read Rachael in precise hand-lettering. “I read your book on a friend’s recommendation. Really, really good. This is my contribution toward your authorial efforts.”

“Wow,” Lily managed to say. “Thanks.” Back at her booth, she savored the unexpected treat—from an unexpected fan. The day was worth it for that, if nothing else, she decided. And a breeze picked up, carrying away some of the tent’s stifling warmth and bringing with it the faint rumble of thunder.

It was then that she noticed the advancing cloud bank. Checking her phone, she skimmed the severe weather warning. As though one of the next-door solar panels had activated, the energy of the crowd changed to one of urgency. Already the wind increased, making the canopy tents pop and threatening to send them aloft. The line dwindled to nothing for Rachael, the turnover vendor. The kids’ craft tent emptied, and people hurried toward the parking area.

Lily packed away her books, wrapping them in plastic against the approaching rain, and pulled out her rain slicker. The smell of rain mixed with the lingering aroma of cumin and coffee.

In the next booth, Rachael struggled against the wind to take down her canopy. Lily sprang into action. “Let me help. And then maybe you can help me with mine.”

Rachael looked up, surprised. “Sure thing.”

Together they collapsed the canopy, working in a light mist. Then they tackled Lily’s, and slipped the tent into its sleeve just as the mist turned to rain.

The park stretched out beyond them, now empty. Only a few vendors remained; the rest had fled.

Rachael pulled her wheeled cart onto the pathway, heading for the parking area. “So much for a festival for the Earth,” she said. “A pity it’s rained out.”

Wasn’t that the definition of unplugged? Lily pictured her novel’s protagonist, facing whatever Mother Nature threw at her: storm, drought, flood, heavy snow. You were thankful for sunny skies when you got them, but the changing weather kept things interesting.

“It’s all part of life,” Lily said with a shrug. “But hey, we can make the most of it. Let’s go grab a beer and commiserate.”

Dianna Sinovic’s Books

THE DARKEN DOORSTEP

AN ELEMENT OF MYSTERTY: SWEET, FUNNY, AND STRANGE TALES OF INTRIGUE

UNTIL DAWN: A Supernatural Anthology

FUR, FEATHERS AND SCALES: Sweet, Funny, and Strange Animal Tales

UNTETHERED: SWEET, FUNNY, AND STRANGE TALES OF THE PARANORMAL

SEASON’S READINGS: More Sweet, Funny, and Strange Holiday Tales

Scream of the Silent Sun

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Updating Your Newsletter

May 5, 2025 by Tracy Reed in category Writing

There’s been a lot of chatter amongst indie authors about selling direct. Publishing is going through a strange time. I won’t single out where the blame lies. For me things haven’t been as I had planned, but there are still time left in the year to make some changes.

I made two writing goals for this year. Amongst the things were open my online store, upgrade my newsletter and release at least one audio book.

I will be honest, I didn’t think dipping my toe into audio books would be as involved as it is. I thought all I needed to do was select which book I wanted to bring to audio life, select a narrator and editor and upload it the audio platforms. Those steps are required. However, I discovered looking for the perfect narrators was a little more involved. Not only does the voice need to fit the story/characters, the narrator needs to have a following and be one I can afford.

To prepare for my journey into audio books, I went on an audio book binge. I also touched based with some narrators I met at Steamy Lit Con. The narrators have been very helpful explaining the ins and outs of doing audio books. Overwhelmed is an understatement. Once I processed the information, I realized I wasn’t as ready as I thought I was to jump into audio books. I also had no idea how expensive it is to do audio books. I say expensive, because I am choosing not to do royalty share and the size of my books. I write BIG books which translates to an expensive investment.

I’m also trying to figure out if I want to do different narrators for different series. This question is another reason why instead of releasing an audio book this summer, I’ve pushed this goal back to the end of the year.

What I have been able to accomplish, is my online bookstore and upgrading my newsletter. Upgrading my newsletter was a little easier than I thought. I use Flodesk which is creative friendly. I hadn’t been using it a manner that showed my creative style. After watching a Book Funnel newsletter webinar, I gained a little insight on how to make some changes.

I used to publish a digital magazine, but it never occurred to me to use a similar style for my newsletter. I don’t like to overshare my personal life with readers. My reasoning is because I feel they want to hear about my books, not about what type of moisturizer I use or how I like my coffee. Instead, I’m trying out something I hope is welcomed, a who dunnit game. My upcoming release is the last book in a series and it reveals the answer to an ongoing question. So each newsletter installment features a possible suspect.

So far, I think this is the best newsletter style for me. I use different layout blocks with links that force readers to visit my website. I’ve discovered doing this generated some hits to my direct sales links. Side note…Have my direct sales increased or surpassed my other platform sales? No, but I haven’t really pushed direct sales, because it took so long to set up the direct links. (I’ll save conversation about direct links later). Plus I needed or wanted to make sure my print books were well stocked and that I had a POD (print on demand) source I liked. So far for me, the POD I’ll be using is BookVault. I love their work (more about them in another post).

Let’s be real, a newsletter can be difficult to master, but it is the best way to communicate with your readers. We have to remember, social media is good. However, you don’t own those followers. Social media decides which of your followers to share your posts with. But you control who on your mailing list, gets your newsletter.

Recap: Make your newsletter, informative, fun and a reflection of your style.

If you’re interested in trying Flodesk, clear the link https://flodesk.com/c/9APFWB and give it a try.

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The TITANIC set sail 113 years ago…with a Pig on board by Jina Bacarr

April 11, 2025 by Jina Bacarr in category Jina’s Book Chat, Reading, Titanic, Writing tagged as #Historical, 1912. historical romance, British, Confessions of a Podcast Goddess, countess, Downton Abbey, England, Ireland, Irish, pig, romance', ship of dreams, Southampton, Titanic, Titanic 104

Photos: Dreamstime.com — female passenger and of course, the little pig.

Hard to believe it’s 113 years ago today the grand ship Titanic left Ireland.

So in honor of the souls who perished that night and those who survived, here is a lesser known story about the Titanic.

And a little pig.

According to the New York Herald on April 19, 1912: Five women saved their pet dogs and another woman saved a little pig, which she said was her mascot.

The reporter goes on to say that she didn’t know how the woman cared for her pig aboard the Titanic, but she carried it up the side of the ship [the Carpathia, rescue ship] in a big bag.

How did the pig get into the lifeboat?

Was the little pig traveling first class?

In a word, yes.

More about this intrepid little piggy and the important part it played in the sinking of the Titanic later. First, it seems you can’t get away from pigs and the Titanic.

In the Julian Fellowes’ mini-series Titanic, a passenger in third class isn’t happy about traveling steerage to New York. She tells her husband that her daughter said their Irish Catholic family is like six little pigs packed into that cabin, all trussed and bound for market.

They’re not the only Irish aboard the ship with pigs on their mind.

Ava O’Reilly, the heroine in my historical romance, THE RUNAWAY GIRL nearly doesn’t make it on board the ship because of a pig.

Katie runs away from the grand house where she is in service after she is wrongly accused of stealing a diamond bracelet. The law is after her, but she has one chance to escape.

The Titanic.

Will Ava make it on board the Titanic before she sails? Only by the skin of her teeth.

Does she see the pig during the crossing?

Few passengers did because the cute little pig with the curly tail was the lucky mascot of Miss Edith Russell.

She loved to wind up its tail and it would play a lively musical tune similar to a two-step called Maxixe.

You see, the pig was musical pig.

The reporter on the Carpathia didn’t know the real story behind Miss Russell’s pig. How it was given to her after she survived a horrific motorcar crash. She promised her mother it would never be out of her sight. When she realized the Titanic was sinking and she’d left her mascot in her cabin, she sent the steward to retrieve her lucky pig.

Still, Edith was hesitant to get into a lifeboat. When a seaman tossed her pig into a boat (believing it was a baby wrapped up in a bag), Edith insisted on getting into the boat, too. Its nose was gone and its legs broken, but Edith and her little pig escaped in lifeboat no. 11.

Overcrowded with sixty-eight passengers (nearly one-third were children), Edith realized her little pig could comfort others as it had her. She wound up its tail so it would play music for the children. Most of the little ones stopped crying as the pig’s sparkling musical notes calmed their fears.

Its furry, white-gray body wet with sea spray.

Its cute grin giving them hope they would be saved.

It was the little Titanic pig that could.

Thanks for stopping by!

~Jina

The Runaway Girl

Buy Links:

Amazon:

US https://amzn.to/30yll8P

UK https://amzn.to/2NCqTty

Audible https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084MM1D4R

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/album/3A08bcsCeI6LHWRQTmAM30