Happy Fall and Thanksgiving!
I hope you and yours are doing well. Not only is it starting to feel like fall here in Santa Fe, we’ve already had a foot of snow!
This is the time of year where pumpkin is everywhere you turn – if you’d like to learn more about pumpkins and see a 1796 recipe for pumpkin pie (or pompkin as it was called then), check out “Delicious Delectable Divine Pumpkin Pie”.
The holidays are also getting near – I recently published “Ten Gift Ideas for a Published Author (or Yourself!) This Holiday Season”. One present I love is making holiday ornaments out of yours or a friend’s book cover. Read the piece to find out more.
And as I mentioned in the article, the best gift you could give an indie author is to buy their book on Amazon and leave a review. It’s becoming more and more difficult to get a review for a book, so your author friend would be over the moon if you helped them out.
And speaking of that, if anyone would like to help an indie author this holiday season, I could really use some reviews. I can’t seem to even get to twenty and am too busy with the next two books to devote a lot of time to it.
You can go directly to my review page for Fallen Spirits. Thanks!!
Hearth
Hearth is an event/experience that I’m creating. I won’t go into details, but it’s being designed for women thirty and older who seek personal growth, connection, and purpose through the lens of wellness, creativity, and food.
I’m currently taking a course at the University of New Mexico for entrepreneurs to help get it off the ground so thought I’d give you all a brief update. I’ve done dozens of interviews with women who fit into the demographic for the event and have gotten amazing feedback.
It’s hard to describe Hearth, but think The Omega Institute meets a Willy Wonka wonderland for women….
I’m putting something of a website up shortly, and have to give a pitch to investors and people in the business community on December 4th. I’m so nervous! Stay tuned for more.
International Review of Books
Another review has come in for Fallen Spirits:
“This imaginative and darkly humorous fantasy explores the poignant struggles of a woman grappling with despair and personal setbacks in New York City. Unemployed and heartbroken, she is drawn into an underground network dedicated to reconnecting with spirits and harnessing their energy.
The narrative masterfully weaves themes of self-discovery, materialism, and redemption, blending absurdism, satire, and dystopian undertones.
The result is a high-stakes, surreal adventure that challenges the protagonist’s beliefs and ultimately leads to a tragic yet thought-provoking conclusion. The story captivates with its bold creativity and sharp commentary, offering a fresh take on contemporary issues through a fantastical lens.
The novel’s exploration of materialism, societal decay, and redemption resonates deeply, amplified by its sharp dark humor and tragi-comic tone.
I highly recommend Fallen Spirits to readers who enjoy thought-provoking fantasy novels with satirical undertones and a touch of science fiction. Its blend of humor, imaginative world-building, and profound social commentary makes it a truly memorable read.”
Books Book Books
We Choose the Bear by Cyndi Coon and Kim Larkin.
Full disclosure – Kim is a friend of mine and also a skilled experience curator, futures strategist, and artist. How cool a career does she have?
The book explores the powerful symbolism of the bear as a protector and ally for women in the face of danger. Through a rich tapestry of stories, essays, poems, and artworks, authors Cyndi Coon and Kim Larkin bring to life a narrative that challenges conventional ideas of safety and personal power. More info at The Brave Thing.
Thank You
As we head into uncertain times, we all need to take good care of ourselves. Be kind to yourself this holiday season, and do what you want to do.
Until next month – be well.
Diane