When children learn to read, they choose books based on their interests. Dinosaurs, super heroes, ocean life, fairies, and adventure stories are all fair game. As they grow, they develop a preference for certain story types. We know them as genres. What happens, though, if you branch out and read outside of your comfort level?
Author Archives: Alena Orrison
Writing Should Be Fun
An author friend and I recently created our own writing retreat. Neither one of us has had much time to work on our novels recently, so we spent the night at a local bed-and-breakfast and stayed up late drinking wine and writing. We both feel we got a significant amount of work done during this time. Continue reading “Writing Should Be Fun”
Avoiding Burn Out
I am an advocate for self-care. I don’t mean only bubble baths and special snacks. I’m talking about true self-care. Putting yourself first is something most people don’t do.
A Reflection on Aging by Sara Wright
In feminism becoming a ‘wise’ crone is acknowledged (it is certainly true that experience brings insight), but the vulnerabilities associated with … A Reflection on Aging by Sara Wright
Books vs. Movies
Ask any avid reader, and they will give you at least five instances where they think the book was better than the movie. I tend to agree. There are very few movies that did the book justice. Typically, people complain the movie didn’t show a certain scene that the reader felt was pivotal to theContinue reading “Books vs. Movies”
Be Kind
A quick and easy survival guide for dealing with stress.
The Grandfather Clock’s Secret
Evelyn’s red-lacquered fingertips glided over the surface of the grandfather clock. It was a beautiful piece of workmanship.
Opinion – Monitoring Children’s Reading
If you have not taught your child proper moral values that align with your family, whatever those values may be, then you may have cause to worry about what they’re reading. However, parents should lead by example, and give their children the tools they need to make good choices in all aspects of their lives. If you do that, then you should also be able to trust your child. Trust that they will put down a book that has content they are not ready to explore.
Make Memories This Holiday Season
The winter holidays, regardless of what you celebrate, can be focused on spending time with family and friends and not on spending money.
Book Review: These Toxic Things
I recently read These Toxic Things by Rachel Howzell Hall. I want to start off by saying this is not my usual genre. It’s billed as a thriller. I typically read fantasy of all types and some historical fiction. Every once in a while, I’ll delve into the world of mysteries (think Agatha Christie type) or gothic paranormal books. A “thriller” is not something I would gravitate toward.
Aléna Orrison, Author and Editor 