“The Wallace House of Pain” Wins American Fiction Award

gold seal for winners of American Fiction Awards contest

I don't usually post twice in a week -- that's why I call this blog a space for "semi-occasional" news. But it's been a good week for my novelette/play The Wallace House of Pain. A few days ago, I announced that the script for the play has been published in a literary journal. Today, I … Continue reading “The Wallace House of Pain” Wins American Fiction Award

Book Deal Update: Beautiful and Terrible Things

illustration of a Take 2 board

Maybe I should have called this post: Book Deal, Take 2: Beautiful and Terrible Things. Beautiful and Terrible Things is my next novel -- the story of six friends who remind us that friendship has the power to validate, destroy, transform and save lives. I have bad news and good news. And the bad news … Continue reading Book Deal Update: Beautiful and Terrible Things

It’s a Pitch Party in the 603

authors Susie Spikol and S.M. Stevens holding their books

Time to report in on two recent writing events I attended. NHWP 603 Writersโ€™ Conference I was thrilled to be one of five finalists in the "Pitch Party" competition at the 2023 603 Writers' Conference sponsored by the New Hampshire Writers' Project (NHWP) on June 3rd. My submission was for my work-in-progress, a novel entitled … Continue reading It’s a Pitch Party in the 603

If You Lived Through the 1980s…

If you lived through the 1980s with their "alcohol and drugs, the promiscuity, the inappropriate office behavior" as a new reviewer puts it, then you'll relate to Horseshoes and Hand Grenades! And let's not forget big hair, padded shoulders, and MTV -- all of which helped make the 1980s so special! That's me on the … Continue reading If You Lived Through the 1980s…

New Review: Bit Players, Has-Been Actors and Other Posers

3 Bit Players books on a shelf

Here's an excerpt from a new review of Bit Players, Has-Been Actors and Other Posers posted recently on Amazon: "As a lifelong Broadway theatre lover, I found myself enjoying Bit Players, Has-Been Actors and Other Posers fully! Great characters, a fast-moving story, and wonderful descriptions of the musical created and staged by the high school … Continue reading New Review: Bit Players, Has-Been Actors and Other Posers

A Little Book Problem Reviews “The Wallace House of Pain”

Graphic showing the masthead for the "A Little Book Problem" blog, a quote from the review, and the cover of The Wallace House of Pain

I'm pleased to share a new review of The Wallace House of Pain, this one from A Little Book Problem--one of my favorite book review blogs. Hop on over to Julie's blog, A Little Book Problem, for the full review. And here are a few snippets: "A great collection of vignettes which explores the relationship … Continue reading A Little Book Problem Reviews “The Wallace House of Pain”

Chat About Books Reviews “The Wallace House of Pain”

screenshot of the Chat About Books blog masthead and beginning of the Wallace House of Pain book review

Thanks to Kerry at Chat About Books for reviewing my novelette, The Wallace House of Pain, on her hugely popular book blog, and calling the story "A must read!" on her 5-star Amazon review. https://youtube.com/shorts/kDySb0WVKHw?feature=share She writes: "[Xander] is convinced his father wonโ€™t accept him for who he really is. Something we all know many, many … Continue reading Chat About Books Reviews “The Wallace House of Pain”

Book Giveaway: 15 Copies of “Horseshoes and Hand Grenades”

gif showing the Horseshoes and Hand Grenades book on a pedestal against a pink sparkly background

We are conducting a book giveaway contest to clear out inventory of my last novel, Horseshoes and Hand Grenades, and make way for the next oneโ€”Beautiful and Terrible Things, which is being released by TouchPoint Press very soon. Winners also receive a free novelette and other Bonus Materials. Fifteen copies of the paperback version of … Continue reading Book Giveaway: 15 Copies of “Horseshoes and Hand Grenades”

Reading Nook Features Wallace House of Pain

book cover blog masthead pink background

Thanks to Sarah at the Reading Nook for featuring The Wallace House of Pain on her book review blog today. I love how she sums up her book addiction: "So I love to read and you will usually find a book in my hand. Whether itโ€™s a new read or going back to ones I … Continue reading Reading Nook Features Wallace House of Pain