Fun Friday Photo: The Joy of Reading

cartoon by artist guada on the magic of reading

Thanks to fellow author Jane Risdon for this fun Friday photo on the joy of reading. I unapologetically borrowed this after seeing it on her Facebook page. And thanks and kudos to the artist, Guada. If this doesn't sum up the power of a book to transport us from everyday doldrums to somewhere fantastical, historical, … Continue reading Fun Friday Photo: The Joy of Reading

Reading: “Sullied at the Police Station”

What happens when an attempted rape is reported at the police station? This reading from my novel Horseshoes and Hand Grenades gives you an idea. The story is set in the 1980s but how much has changed since then? You be the judge. This reading, which I call "Sullied at the Police Station", was recorded … Continue reading Reading: “Sullied at the Police Station”

Reading: “Frenemies”

author s.m. stevens

Who doesn't love a good enemies-turned-friends story? That's what you get in Horseshoes and Hand Grenades. In this reading of an excerpt from the Contemporary/New Adult Fiction novel, our two heroes meet for the first time. Shelby and Astrid couldn't be more different, and they do not hit it off right away, to put it … Continue reading Reading: “Frenemies”

Reading: “Astrid in the Alley”

graphic slide for novel excerpt video

Hello everyone! Work on my new novel is keeping me from posting as much as I'd like, but we can't forget about Horseshoes and Hand Grenades, my modern coming-of-age novel for two young women building their careers and lives while dealing with demons from the past and present. The novel continues to garner glowing reviews. … Continue reading Reading: “Astrid in the Alley”

People Reading More Books in COVID-19 Pandemic

hand holding cell phone on beach near umbrella

Here's something fun I discovered while running a small survey in conjunction with the 30 Days of Free Books giveaway program: A majority of Americans are spending more time reading books since the coronavirus pandemic began. As those of you who entered to win books through 30 Days know, we asked entrants about their reading … Continue reading People Reading More Books in COVID-19 Pandemic