#Bookreview of Day Drinkers

By: Kitty Turner

Publisher: Daily House

Publication Date: August 26, 2025

ISBN: 978-1733668781

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: September 29, 2025

Kitty Turner’s Day Drinkers drops readers right into the messy, sunburned heart of St. Columba, where tourists, drifters, and locals collide in a haze of heat, booze, and uneasy history. At the center is Gemma, a young woman caught between two worlds - her Vermont upbringing and her Caribbean bloodline - and who’s trying to scrape by selling timeshares by day and drinking too much by night. She’s not a polished protagonist. She’s hungover half the time, defensive, insecure, and stubborn, but that’s what makes her real. Her life feels like a patchwork of contradictions: pitching luxury fantasies to tourists while dumpster-diving for food in the off-season, claiming island identity while still being looked at like an outsider, chasing money while worrying that every opportunity offered to her is actually a trap.

The plot is really pushed forward by two hooks that never quite let go - Vaughn, the local sailor who vanishes without a trace, and Cowboi Rivers, the island’s mythic country star whose shadow looms over everything. Gemma getting pulled into Cowboi’s orbit through the “water taxi” scheme - ferrying young women to his private island, Easter Cay - is where the book sharpens from just sweaty bar scenes into something heavier. Turner plays it smart. She never makes the job cartoonishly evil or the choice simple, instead she lets the moral grayness build as Gemma weighs survival against her conscience. The whole Easter Cay setup becomes less about boats and islands and more about how easy money bends people, especially when desperation is already eating at them.

What’s clever is that these two threads - the missing sailor and the shady side hustle - mirror each other in tone but together, they dig into themes of exploitation, complicity, and temptation without preaching, but rather just showing how ordinary people like Gemma stumble into extraordinary compromises. The prose is rich and sprawling, sometimes almost too lush with detail - long passages about the markets, the cruise ships, the yoga retreat, the dive bars - but it works because the island itself is a character, alive and contradictory, just like the people in it. The world-building mixes the raw and the polished: behind every glossy resort photo there’s a rusting shack, behind every beach party a darker rumor, behind every easy friendship a hint of exploitation. Turner doesn’t clean it up for the reader, and sometimes that unevenness in pacing feels deliberate, like life on the island: fast, intoxicating, and then suddenly bleak.

What kept me hooked was the tension between Gemma’s personal flaws and the wider story swirling around her. There’s a missing friend, shady offers from local power players like Boon, and the looming shadow of Cowboi Rivers’ private island - rumored to be glamorous, corrupt, maybe even sinister. Underneath all that plot is the constant hum of themes, among them: belonging, survival, compromise, and what happens when you drink away your choices until someone else makes them for you.

Quill says: Day Drinkers is less a clean, straight-shot novel and more a messy cocktail, that is, part mystery, part social drama, and part boozy character study and that’s exactly why it lingers. It is a richly atmospheric and character-driven novel perfect for readers who enjoy flawed protagonists, strong senses of place, and stories that live in the morally gray area between right and wrong. Fans of atmospheric literary fiction with elements of mystery and social commentary will find much to savor here. Additionally, readers who like their fiction flawed, sweaty, and morally gray, with a strong sense of place and characters who don’t always make the right call, will probably feel right at home under Kitty Turner’s tarp.

For more information about Day Drinkers, please visit the author's website at: kittyturner.media

 #AuthorInterview with Geoffrey R. Jonas

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Diana Coyle is talking with Geoffrey R. Jonas, author of Being Broken: Tales and Essays of Survival and Death from Narcissistic Parental Abuse.

FQ: One of the first things I do when I read a book by an author I’m unfamiliar with is read the author’s bio to get to know them better. Would you please tell us a few things about yourself so that new readers, like myself, can learn about you?

JONAS: Well, everything about me is already in the book since it is a personal memoir. I’m pretty down-to-earth. I’m retired and you can typically find me puttering around my yard, out on the lake I live at, or working on paintings and writing. I enjoy music, movies, and games. I’m not very social these days as my CPTSD is something I have to manage daily. I like my isolation but do get out socially once in a while. I like to keep my cards close to my chest.

FQ: Can you please tell our readers a brief synopsis of your book, Being Broken, and what specifically makes your book unique?

JONAS: The book is the story of the abuse my sister and I went through our whole lives, culminating in her death. It has been a hard journey of discovery for me. The later chapters show how I have been healing myself of my trauma and what I am still struggling with. I like to think that my inclusion of science and essays and showing the real-life consequences of the topics are reflected in my sister’s and my experiences are what stands out for my book. That and my honesty. I didn’t try to cover up or pad the truth about what we went through.

FQ: Your emotions are raw and very real on every page. Did you find writing Being Broken as a means of therapy in trying to heal your abusive past with your family members? Or did it rip the wounds open deeper for you?

JONAS: As a man of science and evidence, I needed to understand what happened. I had been writing essays about my own journey with SUD and it evolved into understanding trauma and child abuse. I needed to be able to let go of so much guilt and shame that I was carrying, to find the inner child that never was. It was healing in that sense as all the work I put in and the knowledge I gained gave me a better understanding of my experiences.

Writing this was difficult though. Writing about your own trauma, and that of my sister, could be very overwhelming. I would tackle a difficult topic, which may only be a couple of paragraphs, and I would have to stop for the rest of the day, or a couple, before I could get back to the keyboard. Sometimes it can feel like re-traumatization.

FQ: What made you decide to write your book and did it help you achieve whatever goal you set for yourself in wanting to write it? If you don’t mind sharing, what was that goal you set out for yourself?

JONAS: Simply put, the death of my sister. After her death, I began to research how such a thing could happen. I had already been studying Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and trauma for many years; however, this was the first time I started looking directly into my family. The writing began as essays, discussing the abuse and trauma and how it relates to SUD. Once I started connecting the dots between trauma and SUD, I wanted to incorporate real-life examples of our experiences to better communicate that relation.

I do feel like I achieved that.

FQ: What did you learn about your writing journey while writing this book?

JONAS: That I enjoy it. I have been writing for my whole life. Mostly poetry and lyrics, essays for school, and technical writing for my companies. I think with the positive reviews and some recent awards I am now encouraged to keep going on my writing journey.

FQ: Are you working on any other books at the moment? If so, please tell us something about that work.

JONAS: I am not currently working on another book. This book was very difficult for me to write. I do have some ideas rattling around in my head, perhaps a follow up called “Getting Fixed”, but most likely I will be trying my hand at fiction. I am an avid reader of fantasy and science fiction and have many character backgrounds, stories, and ideas written throughout the years that may come together into a science fantasy series.

FQ: Please tell us what is your writing routine like?

JONAS: That depends on how motivated I am. Sometimes I write all day, sometimes it may be days or weeks in between sessions. This book was hard to write, so sometimes I had to take time to recover after writing about very difficult events in my life. Also, summer is pretty short where I live in northern Canada, so writing is more of a winter activity since I want to take advantage of the summer months.

FQ: To wrap up our interview, is there anything you would like to add to tell our readers?

JONAS: Follow your heart and say what you want to say. We are often too concerned with how others will receive what we are trying to convey. We can’t please everyone. There will always be people who don’t like what we have to say. Don’t mind them. Know and trust yourself.

 #Bookreview of Pandemic Hacker 2: Time to Hunt

By: B.D. Murphy

Publisher: WorstAuthor LLC

Publication Date: September 25, 2025

ISBN: 979-8231023066

Reviewed by: Diana Coyle

Review Date: August 22, 2025

In Pandemic Hacker 2: Time to Hunt by B.D. Murphy, Sam finds herself planning her death in order to escape leaders of an extortion and trafficking group that she crossed paths with. Sam then becomes Martha, with the help of her AI companion, Zoe.

Martha then undergoes extensive reconstructive surgery to change everything about how she looks, from the features of her face, all the way to making her taller by extending her skeletal frame. Only a select few know exactly who Martha is and what her plan of action is against these criminal leaders that wreak havoc no matter where they go. She will stop at nothing to bring every member down, even if that means she’ll lose her own life. Is Martha successful in bringing these leaders down before they uncover her true identity?

This was one of those stories where right from the very first page you’re pulled into the storyline. Readers will eagerly find themselves turning the pages to understand why Martha went through such an extensive reconstruction of her features and her skeletal frame just to hide her true identity from these criminal leaders. One has to wonder why she went through all the blood, sweat, and tears to try to bring these individual criminals down.

Due to the intensity of the storyline, Martha had to continually be on the move if Zoe, her AI companion, felt her safety was at stake. Readers will literally have a first-class ticket to traveling the world as Martha continually moves around in order to keep her identity safe. B.D. Murphy eloquently described each location and made this reader feel as if she were visiting each place right alongside Martha.

It is necessary to mention that it would benefit you to read the first book in this series to better understand Martha’s drive to not only bring these criminals down, but her motivation to undergo such extensive reconstructive surgeries to hide her identity. Reading the first book in the series will enhance the reader’s experience continuing straight through to this second installment.

Quill says: Pandemic Hacker 2: Time to Hunt by B.D. Murphy is one mystery/sci-fi novel that will keep readers riveted to their seats as they eagerly turn the pages to see if Martha will be successful in bringing the criminals down. It has well created characters, beautiful scenery throughout the story, and a plot that will keep readers anxious to see what happens next.

For more information about Pandemic Hacker 2: Time to Hunt, please visit the author's website at: authorbdmurphy.com

 #Bookreview of The Canceled Life of Zander Wolbach

By: Alden Windrow

Publisher: Ethereal Leaves Press

Publication Date: May 20, 2025

ISBN: 979-8218593261

Reviewed by: Diana Coyle

Review Date: September 19, 2025

Zander Wolbach, a 25-year-old living in Folksport, thought his life would have been more fulfilled by this age in The Canceled Life of Zander Wolbach by Alden Windrow. Zander struggled with social anxiety and severe depression, along with digestive issues that caused him excruciating pain. Hoping to cure his digestive issues, he went in for surgery, but it only helped his problem slightly. Everything that he had hoped for seemed miles away from him. Even his love of singing and song writing seemed to cause issues for him, but he trudged through the hardships, hoping that one day his big break would come.

Unfortunately, Zander’s phobias, anxieties, and stomach issues continued weighing heavily on him even through his older adult years. He couldn’t find gainful enough employment in his degree of study, so he had to accept menial jobs that he did not really enjoy. No matter what he did to help his mental and physical status, nothing worked. By the time he reached 50 years old, Zander had tried everything he could have. He finally settled on one decision that seemed to work for him. What did Zander ultimately decide?

This turned out to be a heavier read than this reviewer originally anticipated. When readers meet Zander, they will immediately feel empathy for him because nothing seems to be going right for him in his life. He experiences a deep depression and social anxiety that seem to cripple him in all avenues of his life. Not only that, but he also suffers from severe digestive issues as well, and all of this together leads him to seem to hate life. The author Alden Windrow created Zander to be a person that people could not only relate to, but feel sorry for. As a reader, you will believe that you can offer Zander a lifeline and you will find yourself wanting to bring him out of his dark tunnel of daily life.

The emotions written within these pages were pure and raw at times. You will find yourself laughing at something silly that Zander was doing or saying, and in the next scene you will find tears welling in your eyes as you feel for a person who was so lost in life. Some readers may know someone like this in their own lives, or could even be the Zander in their own life. When you turn the pages, you grow more invested into what Zander is thinking and feeling as if you were him.

Quill says: The Canceled Life of Zander Wolbach by Alden Windrow will pull readers in from the first page, taking them on a journey of many emotions until the very last sentence is read. This is a powerful story not to be taken lightly.

For more information about The Canceled Life of Zander Wolbach, please visit the author's website at: aldenwindrow.com

 #AuthorInterview with Robin McMillion

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Lily Andrews is talking with Robin McMillion, author of The Children of the Children.

FQ: You've penned an exceptional book that captivates readers from the start and keeps them engaged. What inspired you to focus on character development over plot?

MCMILLION: Of all types of extremism, I think religious extremism is the most oppressive, because religion gets to the core of who we are as human beings. Religion offers answers to where we come from, how to live our lives, and where we go after we die. But religion can be used against you. Not everyone who joins a cult is “messed up,” had a bad childhood, or is on drugs. Some are just going through a bad time and get sucked in. I focused on character development so that the reader could see himself or herself in Danny, Deborah, Martha, and the others, so the reader might understand what drives a person to make the choices they make in life.

FQ: How did you manage to incorporate the historical and religious aspects that are central to your novel?

MCMILLION: The United States is infused with extremism, both religious and political, so incorporating that into my novel was fairly easy. In fact, Father Joseph’s Letters to his followers were the easiest part of the novel to write. There really is a Bible verse for everything! As for the historical aspects: The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 thrilled me. I wanted to set the coming of age of the second generation in my novel against that backdrop. East Europeans’ freedom is now very much in doubt, especially in Ukraine, but perhaps we can be inspired again, anew, by the yearning for freedom in all of us.

FQ: In what ways has your background influenced your writing perspective? 

MCMILLION: My parents were journalists, so conversations about politics and current events were common when I was growing up. I came to believe that national and even international events can shape decisions that people make about their personal lives, in ways we may not realize. Danny drops out of U.S. society at the height of the Vietnam War; years later, his son tries to escape a cult as East Europeans are escaping communism. Both The Children of the Children and my other novel, The Catchings Press, are set against a backdrop of world events. This was deliberate.

FQ: Do you think you would get along with your main character, Danny? What would your first words be if you encountered him in real life?

MCMILLION: One of the things I struggled with in this novel was to not get angry with my characters. I had compassion for Danny: Those last few weeks before he met the Fishermen were awful. But he also frustrated me: He had chances to leave the group and didn’t take them. If I were to meet Danny, I would say to him what his father, Sam, said to him in Munich: Don’t let the man you’ve chosen to follow lead you over a cliff.

FQ: Danny Calvert is a well-developed character that you skillfully use to advance the narrative and delve into the themes you wanted to express. Should readers anticipate seeing more of him in a potential sequel? 

MCMILLION: Danny is a prominent character in my second novel, The Catchings Press, which, as readers may recall, is the name of the newspaper that Danny’s parents own. The main character is his sister, Annette, who readers briefly met in The Children of the Children. Though not a sequel, The Catchings Press, like this novel, explores issues of agency and autonomy. If Children asks “Who owns your mind?” then Press asks “Who owns your body?”

FQ: You've tackled intricate themes like cultism, which some authors shy away from, offering deep insights into faith and the nature of existence. Did you find this challenging to write about, and if so, how did you approach it? 

MCMILLION: I found it very challenging to write this novel, especially the sexual abuse. In fact, I almost didn’t put it into the story. But sexual abuse in extremist religion isn’t just possible, it’s practically inevitable. If a religious leader’s followers believe, as many Americans do, that the Bible is infallible, then that leader can use nearly anything from the Bible to justify his actions. The first step to stopping this kind of abuse is to shine a light on it. I’ve tried to do that.

FQ: Which character in this book resonated with you the most, and why? 

MCMILLION: The characters who really resonated with me were Deborah and Japheth. Both were vulnerable, but Deborah recognized she was vulnerable, whereas Japheth didn’t recognize his own vulnerability until he was nearly abandoned on a snowy street. Both were clever and resourceful. But they differed: Deborah believed in the religion, whereas Japheth never believed. I think what resonated with me the most was that they were tougher than they realized, and, when push came to shove, they stood up for the people they loved.

FQ: How extensive was your research on the Cold War era? 

MCMILLION: Very. I’ve been paying attention to world events since I was a child and I remember, or have read about, most of the historical events depicted in the novel. Also, I lived in Europe during some of the years when this story takes place. As for specific books about the Cold War, I highly recommend former Newsweek reporter Michael R. Meyer’s The Year That Changed the World: The Untold Story Behind the Fall of the Berlin Wall. 

FQ: I noticed the thoughtful design of your book cover, which enhances its authenticity and appeal. Could you share your experience with the design process? 

MCMILLION: I found my cover designer, Peter O’Connor of Bespoke Author in the UK, through a simple Google search. Peter and I had a Zoom call to discuss the story and exchanged numerous emails. I immediately liked his idea of a silhouette. A silhouette effectively erases a person. Extremist groups erase who people are and a silhouette conveys that. This particular silhouette could represent either a parent and their child, or a child and the adult that the child grows into. Finally, whereas the silhouette and title are stark – black, white, and red – the background is layered and has texture. All in all, I think it works.

FQ: Your book raises many compelling ideas. What is the most important message you hope readers will take away after finishing it?

MCMILLION: The message I hope readers take away is that anyone can become susceptible to cults or to cult-like thinking. That includes you, dear reader. And me. And everybody we love. We have to keep our minds open. We have to think for ourselves. It’s damned hard to do, but is the only way to live free.

 #Bookreview of The Children of the Children

By: Robin McMillion

Publisher: Catchings Press Publishers

Publication Date: September 2, 2025

ISBN: 979-8992464405

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: August 4, 2025

The Children of the Children by Robin McMillion is a haunting and deeply layered religious-historical novel that follows the echoes of one young man’s desperate search for purpose, redemption, and belonging. It starts with a cliffhanger: he’s about to die as the lights of an oncoming truck are rushing toward him but at the last second, the truck swerves, and life, strangely, continues. Why?

At the heart of this story is Danny Calvert (who later goes by Jacob), a college dropout wandering through 1969 Austin, a period that adds rich historical and cultural texture to the story. He is on academic probation; he is failing classes and he's avoiding assignments like the history term paper. A heavy sense of guilt is building in him for dragging others down especially Joe Del, the scholarship athlete who dies by suicide in jail. When we meet him, he’s driving too fast down a twisting Texas road, haunted by threats and disappointment as well as a drug debt hanging over his head. He nearly dies in a car crash but somehow miraculously survives. The blinding lights coming at him, the weightlessness and the feeling that his soul was about to be ripped from his body have been written with such intense clarity that you will find yourself holding your breath for a full page.

And from there, things only grow more unsettling. That crash is the hinge of the book, the place where his life could go one of two ways. Unexpectedly, he ends up climbing into a van with strangers, people who speak in Bible verses and smile and who say things like "Jesus loves you" and actually, somehow, mean it. They call themselves "The Fishermen," and they don’t ask for much, not at first, just that you come with them and listen, maybe stay a while and perhaps give up your name and take another one. For Danny, this is a kind of a relief after so much chaos in his life. However, what he doesn't realize is that when you’re totally disoriented, when you’ve nearly died and can’t explain why you didn’t, even surrender can look a lot like salvation until one day, it isn’t.

As I picked up the book, I wasn’t exactly sure what I was getting into and to be fair, the opening pages felt almost too dramatic to me at first. It was as if I was watching some intense Cold War thriller unfold with this teenager trying to convince an embassy worker in Prague that he’s American even though he didn't have anything that would actually prove his claim. It was like a chill ran through the prose and suddenly I realized this story wasn’t going to be about governments, spies or even passports, but about something much more intimate and disturbing. At first, I wasn’t sure if I could follow Danny into that van, because I’ve read enough books about cults and communes to know where these stories usually go. But thanks to McMillion's brilliance, I quickly understood why Danny chose to stay, why he listened and why him as a lost boy would cling to a belief system that, while extreme, insular and sometimes frightening, also offered him the first true sense of belonging he had ever felt. One moment that really stayed with me was when he accepted his new name as well as the relief that washed over him. This was a moment that loudly reminded me that when someone finally says, “You’re loved,” and you’ve been aching for it your whole life, even the sharp edges of that love can feel like grace.

This book manages to say a lot without shouting, about the systems that fail us such as schools that care more about performance than people, governments at war with their own consciences and churches so tangled in power they forget about mercy. It never feels preachy, just deeply raw, like people telling you the truth, even when they’re not sure they believe it themselves. Although the story has a lot of characters, sometimes almost too many to keep straight, its emotional current will constantly pull you back. You may not remember every name, but you won't forget that ache of searching, the way belief can both anchor and drown, and how one man’s desperate need to be good can sometimes blind him to what goodness even is.

Quill says: If you’ve ever wrestled with belief in religion, in revolution, in your family or in yourself, this book will probably unsettle you and maybe comfort you at the same time. It asks some very real, very hard questions such as how far you would go to find meaning and what you would be willing to give up for emotional safety, as well as whether you would consider love as genuine even if it comes with conditions. The Children of the Children by Robin McMillion will stay with you like a hymn you heard as a child but didn’t understand until you were older and broken and finally quiet enough to listen. It is perfect for readers who love character-driven stories about identity, faith, and the quiet ways people lose and eventually find themselves.

For more information about The Children of the Children, please visit the author's website at: robinmcmillion.com

 #Bookreview of Legacy

By: The Chronicler

Publisher: Legacy Archives

Publication Date: August 4, 2025

ISBN: 979-8991231404

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: September 17, 2025

Legacy by The Chronicler is an expansive and thought-provoking novel that weaves together history, philosophy, and storytelling into a remarkable literary journey. At its heart, it is a story of friendship, love, war, mystery, and tragedy—everything that shapes the human experience. The narrative begins on Utopia, a planet inhabited by a race resembling humans, where individuals are trained to be warriors, honoring both family and gods with the hope of one day serving the All Father. Among them is Dark Everlast, known as Angel, who forges an unbreakable bond with his friends Cory Ryker and Cogeta Fairway. Cogeta, the jovial class clown, was admired by many, in contrast with Cory, the quiet and intelligent observer. Together, the trio shares a deep camaraderie.

From the onset, the story transports readers to a world that is both ancient and eternal, inviting them to reflect on themes of heritage, sacrifice, and the lasting impact of their choices. The prose is elegant and at times poetic, encouraging readers to linger over its insights rather than rush through the action.

Dark Angelus Everlast, an enigmatic outsider, first rises to prominence after winning one of Utopia’s greatest martial arts tournaments. His destiny shifts when the Vampirian race descends upon the planet, unleashing destruction and staking its claim as a dominant force. With Utopia in peril, Dark is named Planetary General. Accepting the role, he shoulders the honor and responsibility of uniting fractured factions and earning the loyalty of hesitant allies. Alongside Cory and Cogeta, he is thrust into a galaxy of colliding civilizations and ancient powers, where the fate of his world hangs in the balance.

The novel’s structure is distinctive, unfolding through interwoven perspectives and timelines that eventually converge into a larger, cohesive vision. This layered approach keeps the pacing lively and prevents predictability, with each chapter enriching the overarching theme of what it means to leave behind a legacy.

The characters are multidimensional, each with their own struggles and triumphs. Their flaws and humanity make them relatable, while their journeys invite reflection on questions of morality, faith, destiny, and the ties of family. The narrative balances intense action with quieter, contemplative passages, creating a rhythm that is both thrilling and meaningful.

At its core, Legacy is a meditation on enduring themes: the weight of history, the tension between inherited obligations and personal choices, and the lasting influence of stories across generations. It is a novel that stays with readers long after the final page, urging them to consider their place within humanity’s ongoing story.

Quill says: Legacy by The Chronicler is a beautifully written, deeply philosophical, and unforgettable novel that blends epic storytelling with timeless themes.

 #Bookreview of Rosemary, Now and Then

By: Christina Larson

Publisher: Indigo River Publishing

Publication Date: January 7, 2025

ISBN: 978-1-9-6468619-6

Reviewed by: Diane Lunsford

Review Date: September 16, 2025

Rosemary, Now and Then by Christina Larson is a beautifully woven tale of a life’s journey that begins with lucidity, as much as it touches on the reality of decline dementia is so adept at delivering.

Christina Larson is the primary caregiver for her mother and why not chronicle how this ‘middle child’ arrived at that point in her life to be faced with navigating the uncharted waters of dementia her mother traveled. Rosemary, Now and Then is a well-thought-out story that Ms. Larson has penned with the obvious intention of sharing her experience. She witnessed her mother gradually step through her personal ‘looking glass’ of recognition and cognizant behavior and into the wonder and abyss of a place where distant memories are prevalent and current affairs are quite foreign.

Ms. Larson does an epic job of penning the roller coaster rides of ups and downs, ranging from facing the truth that her mother no longer has the capacity for long-term memory, yet in the next breath, she overrides her declining health with a demeanor to embrace life and its many moments. Rosemary has conversations with the afterlife. She’s had multiple (and debilitating) strokes that rob her of livelihood more and more with each one she experiences. Through the entire process, Rosemary embraces her dementia and defiantly projects a spirit that is incredibly giddy and positive. This is at the crux of Ms. Larson’s entire memoir: is dementia truly the mental disorder it has been touted by the medical profession for decades? Or is dementia a condition, if truly studied beyond the ‘tell-tale’ signs, a matter that is perhaps more baffling and perplexing and even more so, a ‘gift’ when one is on his/her last leg of the journey of life as we know it?

Ms. Larson deserves huge props for having the courage to expose herself to the world of struggles (as much as joy) she experienced while caring for her mother in her final years. She breaks down her accounts in see-saw fashion of this is ‘now’; that was ‘then’ in chapter upon chapter. There is a wonderful conversation quality to Larson’s work, and I applaud her for knowing her audience and speaking to them with vibrant description and first-hand experience (versus ‘telling’). There are many facets to her writing ability, and I thoroughly enjoyed her command of her pen in guiding it throughout what had to have been a ‘labor of love’ to write at times. Bravo Ms. Larson! Well done.

Quill says: Rosemary, Now and Then is a memoir that was written with great care and intention. It chronicles a tremendous journey that ends with a share of ‘what would Rosemary do’… she would share her signature cinnamon bun recipe for readers to share with their loved ones.

For more information about Rosemary, Now and Then, please visit the author's website at: linktr.ee/christinalarson

 #Bookreview of Deception: A Jack Ludefance Novel

By: Behcet Kaya

Publication Date: June 27, 2025

ISBN: 979-8289334961

Reviewed by: Nellie Calanni

Review Date: September 16, 2025

Behcet Kaya’s Deception: A Jack Ludefance Novel plunges readers into a world of intrigue and danger set against the uncertain backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Private investigator Jack Ludefance takes on one of his most unusual cases when Colonel Westerdam approaches him with a chilling claim: he has been poisoned and has only days left to live. With time running out, Jack must uncover not only who is behind the attempt on the Colonel’s life, but also what dark secrets are hidden within the hospital where the Colonel has been treated.

The pandemic setting adds a gripping layer of realism and urgency. Kaya captures the unease of those early days, when trust was fragile and fear lingered in every interaction. This tension heightens the stakes of Jack’s investigation, amplifying the themes of truth versus deception, isolation, and the consequences of hidden agendas.

Kaya’s writing style is clear, fast-paced, and cinematic. Each scene propels the reader forward, while carefully planted clues maintain suspense without spoiling the surprises to come. Jack remains a deeply compelling protagonist – clever and determined, but also empathetic, making his pursuit of justice feel as personal as it is professional.

More than just a mystery, Deception explores timely questions: Who can be trusted when lies abound? How far will people go to conceal the truth? And what does justice mean in a world already shaken by crisis?

Quill says: Deception is a taut, pandemic-era thriller that combines Kaya’s talent for suspense with timely reflections on trust, truth, and survival – a must-read for fans of intelligent, fast-paced mysteries.

 #Bookreview of Beyond Superhero School: Let the Games Begin!

By: Gracie Dix

Publication Date: April 25, 2025

ISBN: 979-8280000520

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: September 10, 2025

Beyond Superhero School: Let the Games Begin! by Gracie Dix is an exhilarating return to the world of teens discovering their powers, friendships, and responsibilities, all wrapped up in a story full of danger, fun, and heart.

The story begins with a group of best friends navigating their way through school, friendships, and, of course, their ever-growing superpowers. Their unique abilities put them in extraordinary circumstances, but at its core, this is a story about teamwork, courage, and learning to balance the ups and downs of growing up.

Determined to help his father and fight against a threat, Spencer makes the difficult decision to step away from school and his best friends. With VORK’s goal of exterminating every superpowered individual, his choice proves his bravery. At the same time, the world is becoming increasingly unstable. Nick’s father warns of a surge in drug dealers wielding strange and deadly weaponry, a clear sign of VORK’s growing criminal empire.

As the title suggests, this installment is brimming with challenges, competitions, and games, but these are not just any schoolyard contests. Instead, they are high-stakes trials that test the teens' strength, skill, and trust in themselves and each other. Readers will quickly discover that beneath the action-packed adventures lie important lessons about loyalty, responsibility, and the choices we make when faced with adversity.

Meanwhile, the Mackenzie twins stumble into an unexpected adventure. After watching a game show, they are invited to participate in a two-week survival challenge inside the Environmental Dome. With permission from their school, they invite their friends along, turning what should have been a unique learning opportunity into yet another battle for survival.

Inside the Environmental Dome, the true test begins. Not only must the friends endure grueling physical survival challenges, but they also face their darkest fears, laid bare before each other and a watching world. The emotional stakes are high, as all the characters risk exposing vulnerabilities they would rather keep hidden. Yet through these trials, their bonds of friendship and loyalty are tested, strengthened, and ultimately redefined.

Gracie Dix has a natural ability to capture the voice of her young characters, giving them authenticity and charm. The group of friends’ friendship feels genuine, their dialogue snappy and realistic, while their circle of friends adds both humor and heart to the story. Younger readers will especially enjoy the imaginative use of powers, while parents and teachers will appreciate the underlying messages about honesty, perseverance, and working together.

The pacing is fast and engaging, with twists and surprises around every corner. Just when readers think they have figured out the outcome of a challenge, Dix throws in a clever twist that keeps the pages turning. The blend of humor, excitement, and emotion creates a balance that makes the book appealing to both middle-grade and young adult audiences.

Quill says: For fans of superhero tales who want more than just battles and powers, Beyond Superhero School: Let the Games Begin! offers the best of both worlds: thrilling adventure and heartfelt storytelling. Gracie Dix delivers another winner for young readers!

For more information about Beyond Superhero School: Let the Games Begin!, please visit the author's website at: www.graciedix.com/

#Bookreview of The Demon: Book 2 in the Spirit Saga

By: Brian Thompson

Publication Date: October 1, 2025

ISBN: 979-8349540509

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: September 9, 2025

The Demon: Book 2 in the Spirit Saga by Brian Thompson follows Stephen, a spirit who has become a Demon and his internal battles, shifting alliances, and moral conflicts as he navigates the power struggles of spirits and Demons.

From the prologue onward, Stephen frames himself through anger. He says: “I am angry. It’s part of my curse. I am always angry.” That line sets the tone. In his world, Demons are defined by fury and can’t just let go of betrayal or injustice. For Stephen, it’s not just an emotion but his fuel and identity. But it’s also a chain. When he feels fleeting happiness, he realizes he can’t hold onto it because the anger always creeps back. That paradox — craving peace but being cursed to rage — is the tragedy of his character.

In life, Stephen thought he had a loving wife (Heather) and a loyal best friend (Nick). He also believed the boy he raised was his son. After death however, he learns the truth: Heather was unfaithful, Nick was the real father of the child, and eventually Heather killed Stephen herself. These betrayals are what made him a Demon. He can’t forgive them but instead relives the treachery and uses it to justify his cruelty. His revenge is gruesome but to his shock, he realizes that even after all that, he feels no release and instead of closure, the cycle of betrayal and anger just digs him deeper into hate. His entire afterlife is haunted by this sense of stolen love, insecurity and humiliation.

In the story, several themes stand out from his attempts to form and carry out dangerous plans. They include power and corruption where the reader is shown how ambition, when rooted in anger, corrupts rather than empowers, manipulation and betrayal where Demons are shown to thrive on breaking trust and betrayal as a survival strategy, isolation vs. alliance where his plotting show tension between wanting allies (for strength) and being unable to truly trust anyone- a paradox that isolates him further and cycles of vengeance where every plan he makes is fueled by anger from past betrayals, showing how revenge perpetuates suffering instead of ending it.

We also see themes from his fraught relationship with Rebekkah, which explore the push-pull of sibling ties. Their dynamic highlights the choice to either let anger define you or do your best to rise above it, with Rebekkah embodying what Stephen could become if he controlled himself.

The structure of The Demon jumps between Stephen’s ugly backstory and his current fights, with memories bleeding into the action so you never forget why he’s so angry all the time. The prose itself is raw and a bit messy in places, like Stephen’s own anger leaking into the writing — sometimes too detailed, sometimes almost ranting — but that actually makes it feel more like you’re inside a Demon’s head. The characters aren’t clean-cut heroes either; they’re bitter, jealous, insecure, and that messiness makes their clashes hit harder. The world-building is this strange mix of the cosmic (Gods, Elders, spirits battling on Mars) and the intimate (betrayals in marriages, dead children, broken trust), and even if it’s not perfectly smooth, it gives the sense of a big spiritual playground where human flaws just keep getting magnified.

Quill says: The Demon comes across like a revenge fantasy wrapped inside a spiritual war. The pacing can be uneven and the emotions often spill over the top, but that chaotic rhythm actually suits a story built on anger and payback. The world-building swings big, jumping from broken marriages to battles on Mars to schemes with ancient Elders, and even when it feels overwhelming, it gives the sense that Stephen’s personal rage is just one thread in a much larger, messy universe. Readers who like dark, character-driven fantasy with a lot of moral grayness, flawed characters and messy, intense storytelling will not want to miss this one.

For more information about The Demon, please visit the author's website at: brianthompsonwrites.com

 #Bookreview of Get Real, Lucille

By: Laura Petrisin

Publisher: Monarch Educational Services

Publication Date: August 5, 2025

ISBN: 978-1-957656-87-8

Reviewed by: Shrubaboti Bose

Review Date: September 3, 2025

Get Real, Lucille by Laura Petrisin centers around Lucille, a rubber chicken, who feels disappointed with her simple role as a circus prop. Every day, as showtime begins, Peaches grabs Lucille and tosses her in the air, juggling her along with juggling pins. When Peaches rides her bike, she squeezes Lucille so hard that she screams “Honk,” making the audience laugh out loud. When Lucille gets drenched by the funny flowers which splash water on her the minute Peaches hands them to her, people continue to enjoy the spectacle and start laughing even louder. Only, Lucille doesn’t find it funny. To her, it seems everyone keeps laughing at her expense.

As Lucille discovers real chickens running about happily in a farm, she yearns to be a part of their community. Despite being painfully aware of her difference, she can’t help but wish she could be accepted by them. What follows is a journey of self-discovery and emotional growth. Lucille finally finds a purpose in her role at the circus and instead of feeling dejected for not being like the other chickens, she develops a greater sense of appreciation for who she truly is. With humor and sensitivity, this book encourages children to love themselves and to develop empathy for those around them.

Situations where children feel excluded from groups or shunned by other kids for being different can begin happening once they step into their school life. Although kids might not see any apparent harm in teasing their classmates, it can still be very upsetting for the one who gets mocked by others. Yet, differences are bound to be felt because no two persons are alike. When comparisons arise, it is also natural that there might be some who share common interests and who are then more likely to form a community. While we cannot prevent such instances, we can prepare our children for how to react to them. This is where Get Real, Lucille comes into the picture. It helps children learn to deal with such situations, while also grounding them morally and teaching them social-emotional thinking.

Accompanied by beautiful illustrations and color-coded words, reading this book is guaranteed to be as much a pleasure as a learning experience.

Quill says: Get Real, Lucille is perfect as a bedtime story for young children. Highly recommended!

For more information about Get Real, Lucille, please visit the author's website at: www.laurapetrisin.com

 #Bookreview of Be WHOO You Are

By: Kathleen Welton

Illustrated by: Nuno Alexandre Vieira

Publisher: Archway Publishing

Publication Date: July 16, 2025

ISBN: 978-1665776752

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: September 2, 2025

What does it really mean to be yourself? That’s the question at the heart of Be WHOO You Are by Kathleen Welton, a gentle and masterfully illustrated children’s story that aims to show young readers, as well as the grown-ups reading to them, that you don’t need to copy anyone else to have value and that sometimes the best gift you can give to yourself is just being you.

The story follows Ollie the Owl, who is perched in his tree looking at all the animals around him and marveling at the wonders of nature. Bees are buzzling through the air making honey, the beavers are working hard stacking branches as they build a dam, and the otters are splashing and playing in the stream. Each time Ollie watches, he wonders: maybe that’s who I should be, maybe I should do what they do. His question is simple but deeply disturbing to his mind- “Who will I be? WHOO?”- but it carries that deep ache we all know from looking around and comparing ourselves to others.

Things take a surprising turn when Ollie’s friend, Betty the Bunny, who is chasing a butterfly, gets lost. She needs to get home by the end of the day and thus asks for Ollie's help. Suddenly Ollie’s quiet wonder turns into a moment of decision: he can either stay safe or try to help. With the arrival of Fred the Firefly, glowing softly in the night, Ollie discovers something in himself he didn’t know he had, drastically turning his attitude and self-esteem around for good.

This whole book is written in rhyme, which gives it this sing-song feeling, almost like you’re half reading and half humming a tune. If you’ve ever read to kids at bedtime, you know how much they love that - words rolling off the tongue and the rhythm pulling you along and before you know it, you’re swaying with the story. It’s the sort of creativity that makes a group's story time feel lively as the listeners turn to guessing the next rhyme, which is exactly what you want with a book like this. The pictures, done by Nuno Alexandre Vieira, match that rhythm beautifully. They’re soft, colorful, and warm and feel like the forest itself is wrapping around you. You look at the pages and you can almost hear the bees buzzing and the leaves rustling in the trees.

The words and pictures together work like a lullaby, calm and filled with wonder, and the characters, while simple, are strong in their simplicity. Ollie feels like every child who has ever stopped to wonder if she is enough, Betty is playful and a little silly in a way children will recognize instantly, and Fred is such a lovely reminder that even the smallest friend can shine brightly and make a difference. They are likable, insightful characters and the wise ideas they offer the protagonist linger long after the book is closed.

Quill says: At its heart, this book is about identity, courage, and kindness. It shows children that they don’t need to be anyone else and that they already have what they need to shine. And honestly? That’s a lesson most of us still need to hear even as adults. Be WHOO You Are by Kathleen Welton is one of a kind - gentle, warm, and hopeful and it is a must-read story that reminds us all, young or old, that being yourself is more than enough.

For more information about Be WHOO You Are, please visit the author’s website at kathywelton.com

 #Bookreview of The Irish Yankee

By: Regan Walker

Publisher: Patriotic Books Publishing

Publication Date: September 3, 2025

ISBN: 978-1735438177

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: August 21, 2025

Historical fiction has to feel authentic but still pull you into a good story that will make you care about the people, not just the facts. Regan Walker seems to understand that instinctively. Her newest novel, The Irish Yankee, is the first in "The Dawn of America Series," and it’s an absorbing mix of early Revolutionary War tension, heartfelt romance, and small-town resilience. Set in 1775 in the rugged coastal village of Machias, Maine (then still part of the Massachusetts colony), the story follows Jeremiah O’Brien, a steady, big-hearted Irish-American lumberman who ends up becoming an early naval hero in the fight for independence. Alongside him is Elizabeth “Lizzy” Fitzpatrick, a young woman with a haunted past and a fierce loyalty to her family, especially her younger siblings.

Walker writes historical fiction with romantic threads woven in, and the balance in this book feels just right. Jeremiah isn’t just a patriot with sea salt in his blood. He’s a son, a brother and a man trying to protect his community. Lizzy is equally compelling, as she’s strong and you can feel the weight she carries - her grief, her responsibility, her protectiveness over her younger brother Sean. Her bravery isn’t about sword fights but more about holding things together.

The book opens with a kind of quiet urgency - smoky candlelit taverns, talk of rebellion, muskets tucked under pews - and that atmosphere never really lets up. But it’s not all fire and speeches either. There’s a real sense of daily life here: river mills grinding, fish being caught, stew being served. That grounded, day-to-day rhythm keeps the story from floating off into abstraction. It all feels lived in.

One of the things I appreciated most was how Walker handles the relationship between Jeremiah and Lizzy. They don’t fall for each other instantly, and there’s real tension, especially from Lizzy’s side. She’s wary of getting swept up in patriotic fervor when she’s just trying to keep her brother safe. Their connection builds slowly, out of trust and mutual respect. I wasn’t sure at first if the romance would feel like too much in the middle of a war story, or if the war would overshadow the romance, but honestly, it felt like both were supporting each other.

Walker’s prose is clean and confident. She doesn’t overdo it with flowery language, but she’s great at atmosphere creation. The river scenes in particular had this quiet strength to them, almost like the land itself was a character. And when the fighting finally happens, it’s not flashy or cinematic. It feels risky and tense, people get scared, and families are on edge.

I also really liked how the women were portrayed. Even though this is a story about mostly male-driven rebellion, the women are right there casting bullets, managing homes, and supporting the cause in their own way. Lizzy and her sister Annie aren’t passive. They have their own fire, and it’s believable.

If you haven’t read Regan Walker before, she’s known for her deeply researched historical novels that bring real historical figures into conversation with fictional ones. You can tell she’s done her homework, but she never lets the research drown the story. Her background in law shows up in how carefully everything is structured, but her heart is clearly in the characters. She isn’t afraid of tenderness or emotional complexity, and that’s what makes her stories stand out.

Quill says: The Irish Yankee by Regan Walker isn’t just about a town on the edge of war, but also about loyalty, legacy, and the slow, stubborn kind of love that grows when people choose each other over and over again. I’ll definitely be reading the next in the series.

For more information about The Irish Yankee, please visit the author's website at: reganwalkerauthor.com

 #Bookreview of Andersen Light: A Meta-Normal Novel

By: Tanya D. Dawson

Publisher: Empower Press

Publication Date: October 7, 2021

ISBN: 978-1951694760

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: August 22, 2025

In Andersen Light: A Meta-Normal Novel by Tanya D. Dawson, Georgie Jones finds herself caught between two fractured worlds after her parent’s divorce. Living in Starkton with her mother, siblings, and new stepfather, Jack, whom Georgie calls “Jackass,” life is anything but magical. Starkton inspires no sense of magic, and the household holds a dark secret. Georgie’s stepfather has inappropriate tendencies, and she knows she needs to keep a close eye on her younger sister. Georgie assumes the formidable responsibility of protecting her younger siblings, often prioritizing their needs over her own. Despite the weight on her shoulders, her resilience keeps her moving forward, though the cracks in her spirit begin to show.

After Georgie finds Jack nearly hurting her sister, the already fragile family falls apart even more. As a result, Georgie goes to live with her father, Professor William Samuel Jones, in Mystic Creek, Oregon. Georgie is unaware that Luther Andersen, a gifted mentor, is closely monitoring her life. Born with extraordinary potential, Georgie is destined to become an inestimable force of good. Luther plants dreams and insights into her mind, teaching her ways to protect herself and accelerate her awakening abilities.

As Georgie begins to adjust to life in Mystic Creek, she forms friendships with Shawn and Josefina while navigating the usual hurdles of a new school, strange faces, and the feeling of being an outsider. Nevertheless, there is something about the town, particularly the old lighthouse on the rocky shore, that seems to beckon her. When she steps in during a bullying episode at school, her abilities unexpectedly surge, hurling a classmate across the playground and revealing a speed she had never realized she had. Questions mount until Luther explains that Georgie is a “meta-normal,” part of a hidden group with paranormal gifts.

Before long, Georgie finds others who share her experiences and embarks on a journey woven with trauma, healing, friendship, and a destiny beyond her wildest dreams. Her actions would send ripples through time, remaining etched in the memories of future generations. During her journey, Georgie uncovers not only the secrets of the lighthouse but also the bravery to face her past and forge a new path ahead, one brimming with hope, purpose, and the realization of her true potential. It would take years, if ever, for Georgie to grasp the profound influence her actions had on individuals and families.

Tanya D. Dawson expertly blends fantasy with genuine emotional truths in Andersen Light: A Meta-Normal Novel. Georgie’s journey is one of resilience and self-discovery, where she confronts profound trauma with honesty and a lack of embellishment. Dawson’s prose immerses readers in Georgie’s thoughts, skillfully balancing the intensity of her experiences with the solace found in her father and Luther, who provide stability during chaos. The narrative artfully connects the fantastical aspects of Georgie’s awakening to her emotional recovery, intertwining themes of hope, bravery, and transformation. The storyline is both sincere and unique, catering to readers who appreciate emotional depth in their narratives. It will resonate with anyone who has overcome hardships and enjoys tales of young individuals discovering their inner strength.

Quill says: A moving and magical tale of resilience, healing, and self-discovery, Andersen Light: A Meta-Normal Novel shines with both emotional honesty and fantastical wonder—a story that lingers in the heart.

For more information about Andersen Light: A Meta-Normal Novel, please visit the author's website at: tanyaddawson.com

 #Bookreview of No More To Lose: Till Death Do Us Part

By: Dr. Gregory Steinberg

Publication Date: July 22, 2025

ISBN: 979-8292760979

Reviewed By: Tripti Kandari

Review Date: August 20, 2025

In his spy-espionage thriller, No More To Lose: Till Death Do Us Part, Gregory Steinberg opens up a shadowy world of covert missions that set the stage for a constant tug-of-war between power and morality.

The story opens with high-level meetings in rooms where secrecy is an obsession, and there lies a potential for scandal with every matter discussed. In this backdrop, we see how a covert program revives, a program that does not exist in official orders; it is only in whispers and never on paper.

The work introduces readers to a dangerous and morally grave world, where an intelligence agency is set out to take a calculated gamble to carry out its missions. They plan to make vulnerable retired soldiers their covert assassins. The idea is simple: broken, retired soldiers who have lost everything in life are picked to carry out covert missions. But as the narrative unfolds, this plan transcends a mere cold strategy and becomes a risky moral gamble. And there begins a journey where trauma, covert politics, and human manipulation coalesce into a deadly mix.

What begins is a series of intense actions and covert missions where disguises, intelligence games, and close-call assassinations provide a cinematic edge. The parallel track weaves out a love story of a UN worker and a disciplined Secret Service agent. Yet, the seemingly calm surface turns out to bear an undercurrent of secrets and hidden motives, which waits to erupt at the slightest trigger...

The story presents characters that become more than agents, with their own struggles of trauma, memories, and inner conflicts, proving to be a narrative journey that exposes, in the background of thrill, the fractured psyche of humans.

The short story expands into three books, giving it the form of a trilogy. Each book sets out to portray different characters, locations, and missions, while an overarching thread is maintained through a covert NSA program. This approach offers depth and variety, though at times it risks diluting the reader’s emotional investment. A connection with a character in one book may break off with a shift in focus in the next. Since each book preserves its own independent arc, the transitions can feel abrupt, giving the impression of separate stories loosely connected within a single universe. Still, this challenging approach is promising and could benefit from the consistent presence of recurring characters, which would provide a stronger narrative spine and help shape a more cohesive trilogy.

Moral ambiguity, fragile trust, and the hidden human cost of covert operations become the story's core. There is a highlight of a silent war outside the battlefield — a war with conscience and decisions. The thin line between loyalty and betrayal becomes the battleground in the narrative, and the spy world turns into an emotional minefield where every choice holds the power to leave permanent scars.

Quill says: No More To Lose: Till Death Do Us Part amalgamates into a series of covert operations, political intrigues, and betrayals, opening up to a world that threatens to scar not just the body, but the very core within.

 #Authorinterview with Dr. Jane Sofair

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Katie Specht is talking with Dr. Jane Sofair, author of The Beauty World Through the Lens of a Psychiatrist.

FQ: Tell our readers a little about yourself. Your background, your interests, and how this led to writing a book?

SOFAIR: After completion of medical school, I trained to be a psychiatrist. Originally planning to enter the specialty of family medicine, I believe I was attracted to the study of the human personality and all its offshoots, in health as well as disease, thus the choice of psychiatry. Outside of medicine, I have always been interested in literature, the arts, and sports.

Author Dr. Jane Sofair

FQ: Have you always enjoyed writing or is it something you’ve discovered recently?

SOFAIR: I have always enjoyed writing, absolutely! Early on in my writing career, I participated in academic research and survey studies for peer-reviewed journals. But during the pandemic, I found a voice in columns of a humanistic nature- for instance the role of hope in healing, the importance of learning to wait for things as a life skill, and most recently a reflection on one of the most basic of phrases in the English language- "pause and reset."

FQ: Tell us a little about your book – a brief synopsis and what makes your book unique.

SOFAIR: The book is a hybrid memoir- it's a little about me and a lot about other surrounding issues and my perceptions. The memoir glimpses into the years 2012-2014 when I worked in Connecticut, and how, there, I randomly picked up a second business as a beauty consultant. Somehow, I felt that the combination of being a psychiatrist by day and beauty consultant by night, was simply too intriguing and unique to pass over as a writing opportunity.

FQ: What was the impetus for writing your book?

SOFAIR: When I signed on as a beauty consultant, my mind immediately flashed over to the late Barbara Ehrenreich who went undercover as an investigative journalist in her book, Nickel and Dimed. I never went undercover, but was, nevertheless, confronted with the task of integrating two very distinct cultures- that of psychiatry and of retail beauty- in a (hopefully) professional manner.

FQ: Please give our readers a little insight into your writing process. Do you set aside a certain time each day to write, only write when the desire to write surfaces, or …?

SOFAIR: I love this question! I have read that many great writers set aside a dedicated writing block each and every day. Since I also work a day job, it has made more sense for me to designate between 2 and 2.5 days per week for writing. If it felt like a chore that day, I would stop, never forcing anything during the writing process. I wanted the material to flow with spontaneity, lightness, and intention. But even before I first sat down to write, please know that there was lots of prep time, as I am sure is the case for all authors.

FQ: What was the hardest part of writing your book? That first chapter, the last paragraph, or something else altogether?

SOFAIR: No doubt the hardest was the very first chapter reflecting on my teenage years growing up in the greater Boston area. That was intense. I spent the most time refining the initial chapter, always balancing openness and humor with restraint.

FQ: The genre of your book is a hybrid memoir. Why this genre?

SOFAIR: The genre is a hybrid memoir- a personal story, my perspective on psychiatry and the beauty industry, and an encapsulated self-help guide. For me, the challenge is to balance enough self-disclosure to capture the reader's interest while sharing areas of expertise.

FQ: Which do you find easier, starting a story, or writing the conclusion?

SOFAIR: There is no question that I always find it easier to start the story. For me, nailing down the first paragraph is the key to setting up the whole book, any written work for that matter. It is from there, from the heart, that the narrative unfolds.

FQ: What is your all-time favorite book? Why? And did this book/author have any influence over your decision to become an author?

SOFAIR: I don't know that I have a single favorite book. A few of my favorites- A Little Life by Hannah Yanagihara- I thought it a brilliant epic novel and could not put it down. I really like everything of Dr. Abraham Verghese and I think Kristin Hannah is also a superb writer. I love all her work. I also enjoy Adriana Trigiani. Basically, I enjoy contemporary fiction.

FQ: If you were to teach a class on the art of writing, what is the one item you would be sure to share with your students and how would you inspire them to get started?

SOFAIR: I would have the students read William Zinsser's On Writing Well. And I would encourage the students to write about what they know and what they might have experienced. I would also encourage them to write with empathy for their reader. That means paying attention not just to content but the compositional aspects. One of the best inspirations for a writing project is to have a really interesting conversation with others.

For more information about The Beauty World Through the Lens of a Psychiatrist, please visit the author's website at: www.janesofair.com/

 #AuthorInterview with William R. Waddell

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Katie Specht is talking with William R. Waddell, author of Woven As One.

FQ: Tell our readers a little about yourself. Your background, your interests, and how this led to writing a book?

WADDELL: I grew up in a small midwestern town, went to college in New England, and gravitated back to the Upper South for law school. I had an incredibly rich life, centered on law practice, and the teaching of law. Along the way, my companion, lover, best friend and muse was my wife, Linda. After I lost her, when we were 80, I reflected on what was important to me in my journey, and she was the constant.

Author William R. Waddell

FQ: Have you always enjoyed writing or is it something you’ve discovered recently?

WADDELL: I have written throughout my life. Some of my earliest memories are of writing little stories or notes about this and that, sometimes to be given to someone, but sometimes just to be doing it. In seven years of higher education, of course, and in my career as advisor, advocate and teacher, I wrote constantly. I authored two professional books, one of which was, to some extent, more than just "legal" in nature. In later years, and presently, I came to enjoy creating more philosophical or political pieces.

FQ: Tell us a little about your book – a brief synopsis and what makes your book unique.

WADDELL: Woven As One is a memoir of my relationship with my late wife, Linda. About meeting her when we were 15 and losing her when we were 80. The book isn't, and doesn't pretend to be, a Shakespearean love poem. It's more of an accounting of how everyday shared experience, kindness and fun can add up, almost unexpectedly, to a profound love affair.

FQ: What was the impetus for writing your book?

WADDELL: Linda and I were not demonstrative people. Only those very close to us, and maybe not even they, knew what we meant to each other. Perhaps we even neglected to show it to each other as much as some. Even before I lost her, and certainly after, I found myself wanting to share, first with her and later with the world, the fabric we had created.

FQ: Please give our readers a little insight into your writing process. Do you set aside a certain time each day to write, only write when the desire to write surfaces, or something else?

WADDELL: I have sometimes needed discipline, i.e., setting aside time, etc. in other writings; some of course had actual deadlines. But Woven As One was a labor of love. I wrote when the spirit moved me, but it moved me pretty often.

FQ: What was the hardest part of writing your book? That first chapter, the last paragraph, or something else altogether?

WADDELL: It was hard to pick and choose from 65+ years’ worth of life those things that should be included. And re-living Linda's loss, even today, is emotionally hard.

FQ: The genre of your book is a memoir. Why this genre?

WADDELL: I have seen it characterized as memoir or family relationships or something else. I did not consciously try to fit it into a notch.

FQ: Which do you find easier, starting a story, or writing the conclusion?

WADDELL: This is a good question for a fiction writer, but not so much for me.

FQ: What is your all-time favorite book? Why? And did this book/author have any influence over your decision to become an author?

WADDELL: Future Shock, by Alvin Toffler. Genuinely original thinking, not just on a narrow topic, but on the sweep of history and societies. Still relevant and good reading after 55 years. So far above my pay grade that it would never occur to me to claim even to be influenced.

FQ: If you were to teach a class on the art of writing, what is the one item you would be sure to share with your students and how would you inspire them to get started?

WADDELL: Serious writing, whatever its "genre," is re-writing. There are those in the world who can produce a finished product in the first draft, a compelling and complete report on the first try. Some can even speak in paragraphs, paragraphs that are perfect and persuasive. God bless them. For the rest of us, reflection and revision are our friends. Don't be afraid of them. And remember, if you run into someone who is so rude as to criticize re-writes, throw the drafts away and claim you extemporized. No, kids, I didn't mean that. Lying is not good. Almost never.

For more information about Woven As One, please visit the author's website at: www.williamrwaddell.com/