Yearly Archives: 2016

A Civil War Christmas

December 22, 1864 A thin layer of clouds glowed silver and the nearly full moon provided enough light to see the opposing earthworks to the west. Goma vigorously rubbed the scars on his wrists trying to increase circulation. The light

Posted in Uncategorized

Gift an Audible Audiobook in Six Simple Steps

What do you get the person who has “everything?” How do you show your appreciation this time of year to the people who make your life easier? How do you survive a road trip to see far-away family with too many

Posted in Holidays, Home Again, Scarred

How to Gift an eBook in Five Easy Steps

It’s December! (What???) Time to get the holiday decorations out of storage and to start thinking about where you put those boxes, ribbons, and bows. Of course, you could skip some of those be-ribboned boxes this year in favor of

Posted in Holidays, Writing Life

Thanksgiving, His Birdship, and Godey’s Lady’s Book

Louis Antoine Godey began publication of Godey’s Lady’s Book in 1830 in Philadelphia. The magazine was aimed at the ever-expanding audience of American women, and was intended to educate and entertain. Over time, the publication would morph into an important

Posted in Holidays

Excerpted from SCARRED: A Civil War Novel of Redemption

In which we meet Zach, as he sets forth on his journey toward redemption. . . . Chapter 3 Late Fall 1863 A reddish-orange sun rose above the heavily-treed mountains to Zach’s right as he rode away from Knoxville. His

Posted in Excerpts, Scarred

One Kool Day

My school was three miles away. Just walk to Cheshire Road, turn left and keep going. I’d take the short cut, which supposedly lessened the distance by a full mile. I would climb the fence in our back yard—the fence that kept our

Posted in Short Stories, Writing Life

The Writer’s Dig with Novel Writing Advice: How to Write Battle Scenes

A battle scene in a novel can be a very powerful and important element that, if done correctly, will define your protagonist—which is why we all need novel writing advice on how to adequately accomplish write one. Your protagonist might

Posted in Guest Appearances, Scarred, Writing Life

The Quivering Pen: My First Time with Michael Kenneth Smith

My First Time is a regular feature in which writers talk about virgin experiences in their writing and publishing careers, ranging from their first rejection to the moment of holding their first published book in their hands. Today’s guest is

Posted in Beginnings, Guest Appearances, Scarred, Writing Life

Q&A with Audiobook Narrator, Jeffrey Hutchins

I had the opportunity to catch up with Jeffrey Hutchins this week, for a quick Q&A. You may recall, Jeffrey is the narrator of Scarred: A Civil War Novel of Redemption. Your voice is the perfect compliment to Scarred, how

Posted in Scarred, Writing Life

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Scarred Makes the Move to Audio

According to multiple sources, audiobooks are “the fastest growing segment in publishing”. Generating $2.8 billion dollars in 2015, the number of audiobook titles published this year has more than doubled since 2013. With these stats top of mind, and SCARRED:

Posted in Scarred, Writing Life