Winters’ Day In
Conversations on life, faith, stories, and creativity from author Talena Winters.
Pour a cuppa and stay awhile.
Beneath the Surface and the Amazing Suzy Vadori
Exciting news about The Waterboy going into audio, and an interview with Canadian author Suzy Vadori about her new young adult novel, Wall of Wishes.
Jessica Renwick on her new middle grade fantasy book and a Cover Reveal for Brandy Ackerley
Cover reveal for a new epic fantasy by Brandy Ackerley, an author interview with Jessica Renwick about her new middle grade fantasy The Bow of Anarchy (Starfell Book 3).
Three New Fantasy Books from Canadian Authors to Check Out
Check out these imaginative new titles from authors Suzy Vadori, Jessica Renwick, and Joshua Pantalleresco. Also, a little behind-the-scenes interview with Joshua about this upcoming release, Cloud Diver.
Can Someone Stop the World? I'd Like to Get Off.
Personal update about the current pandemic, The Sphinx’s Heart (it’s two books now!), our new dog, and more.
Knitting Book Review: Socks from the Toe Up by Wendy D. Johnson
Lovely photography and a variety of options in a clean, minimalist design as fresh as new snow.
Just Roll With It
The full story of my tour through the ditch, plus a few other quick updates on the state of things around here.
Becoming Healthier Through Better Time Management
An update on my progress toward getting fit, and what I’ve finally done that is working.
New Leaf, New Pattern, and New Story
My mission to get my weight under control and the books that inspired me to do so, plus the release of the Just Plain Gloves Knitting Pattern and an announcement about some short fiction.
7 Favourite Fall Things
Sweaters on Pinterest and other knitting geekery, books, writing, simple comforts, and other joys of autumn. Here’s what’s been inspiring me.
The Benefits of "Escapist Fiction"
Humans are made of stories. And, no matter the "world" that a story may be set in, at the heart of every good story is a character who is overcoming difficult situations that must be relatable to the reader in some way, or the story would not resonate with us. In this post, I talk about some ways that fantasy and other genres of fiction have benefited me, and why I think everyone should read or watch it.
Drawing the Line: 5 Loving Reasons to Say “No”
Saying "no" to trying to control things which are impossible to control anyways means saying "yes" to peace, tranquility, and more time and energy doing things I love with people I love to be with.
2-Minute Tutorial: Write a Good Book Review
Writing reviews is probably one of the very best ways you can help your favourite authors (besides buying their books). On sites like Amazon, once a book has a certain number of reviews the platform "rewards" it by showing it in the "Also bought" lists. Some readers and book newsletters won't even consider reading a book until it has 25, 50, or even 100 reviews. But what makes a good review? Here are the "3 Rs" of writing a good book review.
Could Your Story Change the World?
You might think your story isn't that special, that you have nothing to give. But if you think about it, you'll probably realize that you have already learned some life lessons that others would benefit from. Have you ever wondered how your story might be a powerful blessing to others?
7 Things: Books for Summer
Okay, so I know that summer is already almost half over. (What? I know, right?) But there are still six more weeks for summer reading--you've got plenty of time! (Six of the seven are indie authors or were published by small presses, and several are by Canadian authors. Can you guess which ones?)