From the bomb-shattered second floor window, Helga could see the gray sedan slowly creeping nearer, its slitted headlights piercing the rain and darkness as it weaved between the debris of fallen buildings. Trembling with fear, she turned to the old…
Blog Archives
The Civil War Monitor Reviews Scarred: A Civil War Novel of Redemption
The following review for SCARRED A Civil War Novel of Redemption appeared in The Civil War Monitor. Scarred is Michael Kenneth Smith’s emotional, fast-paced sequel to his debut Civil War novel Home Again. At the end of his first book,…
Posted in Uncategorized
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…
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…
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…
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…
