My background as a school guidance counselor, and degrees in Special Education and Psychology help me tell realistic stories–compelling dramas about how we respond when our dreams are shattered.
In Search of a Compelling Read?
Books on a Budget
As a kid, I often went to a thrift store to buy used books to read. Today, it’s still worth the trip to Goodwill or Salvation Army to find books for those of us who read a lot and/or are on a budget.
However, if you’re looking for new releases, you can find deals on websites such as Book Sirens, Goodreads, and Book Bub.
Most give readers free copies (usually e-books) in exchange for writing unbiased reviews. Authors furnish books to them in hopes of garnering reviews, which are “golden” to writers, increasing their rank on Amazon and other websites.
Think writing reviews takes lots of time and more skill than you currently have?
Next week, I’ll tackle that question.
Another Reason to Celebrate!
July 4th is a big day for our country. I’ll be wearing my 250th Birthday shirt and I intend to celebrate!
Another reason I’m looking forward to the 4th of July this year? The launch of Sunset Pointe: The Baby Between Us.
Set in the 1970’s, this novel is the first of a series of three books that will follow four families up to the present time.
Heartaches?
Sure.
Twists and turns?
Of course!
Moments to cherish and ponder?
That’s what it’s all about.
For the next few days, I will be sharing excerpts from my first editorial review . . . FIVE STARS!
Happy Fourth of July!
Answer These 10 Questions
Please give your opinion on current books vying for your consumer dollar.
Do you look for books which have:
1- A story spanning a number of years -or- a story that is more of a “snapshot” of an incident or brief period of time?
2- A mystery, suspense, emotion-packed, roller-coaster of a book -or a lazy, slow-moving, descriptive, “feel good” experience?
3- A book that has a moral or truth to be discovered and applied to the reader’s life?
4- A historical book, whether fiction or non-fiction?
5- A shocking read, the product of a writer’s imagination that will “blow your mind”? A funny, light-hearted read?
6- Non-fiction or fiction?
7- Having a satisfying ending -or- a conclusion that is left “up in the air”– to the interpretation of the reader?
8. Is about 250 pages -or- more than 250 pages?
9. Even though the story might be fiction, it contains real information about a topic you might be interested in. For example, you may want to read ROMANCE, but are intrigued to learn about the life of Olympic skaters (who are the main characters in the love story), the way they train, the role of coaches, the process of being “discovered”, and so on.
10. Inspirational, changing your thinking or the direction of your life . . . having emotional impact?
**Thank you for taking the time to respond. Your answers will help guide writers in their quest to give you the best possible choices in contemporary literature!
Writer Beware
Here’s a new twist on an all too-familiar scam.
For months now, authors have been receiving emails from scammers pretending to be people interested in helping a “select group” of up and coming authors. They claim to have read their latest book and are puzzled at why the author hasn’t sold more books. Their writing is “that good.”
They offer to help—for a fee.
Now, there’s a new twist to the scam. I know because it happened to me.
The writer of the email claimed to be a literary agent—one with ties to a great PR marketer. She asked if I’d like her to introduce me to this person. Maybe she could help me sell more books.
The so-called agent would monitor things and if everything went well with the marketer, the agent would be interested in talking with me about representation.
Sounds good, doesn’t it?
I googled the literary agent and the company she represents. There is a real agent by that name. Also, a real company.
However . . .
Come to find out, the scammer is impersonating the real agent and company.
A new twist on an old theme.
Writer beware.
Watch Out!
What a time it is for writers!!!
Although advances in technology have made our lives easier, it has also made us vulnerable to the deceptive practices of scammers. There isn’t a day that goes by that don’t I hear of some new way they have devised to take advantage of us.
Many times, they represent themselves as as marketers, publishers, or agents when, in fact they are not.
As much as we may want to hear that we have been “discovered” and are destined for stardom, we need to be careful to research many different sources in order to verify whether or not individuals are trustworthy.
I recently heard about a woman who was duped by someone impersonating a Hollywood producer. Even though she should have been skeptical, she signed a “contract” with him. She found out later that his “act” was a scam. Fortunately, not too much money had changed hands.
Do your homework and pass along warnings to your friends. We need to watch out for each other.
America Reads the Bible
Psalm 119:105- “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
From April 18-25. 2026, a week-long event, America Reads the Bible took place in our nation’s capital.
Lasting eighty-four consecutive hours, nearly five hundred people read scripture from Genesis to Revelation.
Pure Fix carried the reading into homes nationwide.
There was no commentary. Just reading from the Word of God.
Pastors, worship leaders, entertainers, and so on honored God in this reading of the entire Bible, hoping to see families awaken back to simple Christianity.
Tips for Writing Tiny Stories
My last blog was about micro-fiction.
Today I go a step further, with tips for writing your own tiny story.
As with all writing, begin with a hook—an attention grabber.
Then, focus on a single event or moment in time.
Use vivid imagery to stir the reader’s emotions.
Limit the number of characters.
Limit the number of words—somewhere around 500.
End your story with a statement that will leave a lasting impression.
The Tiny Story
I recently came across a term I hadn’t heard before.
Micro-fiction. Also known as Flash Fiction.
A few minutes of research later revealed the following:
Micro-fiction is a VERY short story, often 500 words.
Featuring strong imagery and emotional impact, this type of writing is often found in magazines and online platforms.
This type of writing forces writers to convey character, emotion, and plot in only a smattering of sentences.
Research You’ll Love
According to a 12-yr. research study (published in 2026) readers may live as much as 20% longer than nonreaders.
The study states that reading produces changes in “brain structure, emotional intelligence, and long term-health”.
Scientists say the human brain is capable of repeatedly reorganizing itself.
And one of the most powerful drivers of brain reorganization is reading.
These changes are mostly found in the brain’s left hemisphere, in which white matter pathways connect comprehension, visual processing, and language.
And guess what?
Reading fiction in particular, helps readers socially, in that they better understand how others feel (empathize).
All of these benefits can be due to reading only one chapter, or 30 minutes per day!
brenda poulos 