My Blog
In Praise of Memoirs by James M. Jackson
Are you aware Susan Van Kirk's first book-length published work was a memoir? Yup: The Education of a Teacher (Including Dirty Books and Pointed Looks). It's out of print now, but rumor has it that may change in 2026. Given that, I'd forgive you if you think this blog...
Review of “The Hidden City” by Charles Finch
I have enjoyed and loved Charles Finchs' Lenox series since the day I picked up the first one. His creation, Charles Lennox, is a Victorian detective from the upper class who investigates and solves cases, eventually creating a detective agency. It would be hard to...
The Investor Strategy by Jennifer Sadera
There isn’t one surefire way to promote a book. As a debut author, I’ve researched the many opportunities for book exposure, and they are as varied and far-reaching as authors themselves. Some writers swear by social media and spend hours each day online pushing their...
How I Use Beta Readers and ARC Readers by James M. Jackson
As authors, we know our manuscripts need fresh eyes before publication. When should readers see our work, and what should we ask them to look for? Here’s my system.. Let me begin by defining how I use the terms “Beta Readers” and “ARC readers.” Beta Readers are early...
A Review of John Grisham’s The Widow by Susan Van Kirk
I’ve loved many of John Grisham’s courtroom dramas, so I was delighted to hear he had a new one coming out. NetGalley, the author, and his publisher, Doubleday Books, allowed me to read it early for a fair review. It comes out on October 21. The Widow is a story of...
From 19th-Century London to 1925 Catalina Island by Susan Van Kirk
I have enjoyed and loved Charles Finchs' Lenox series since the day I picked up the first one. It would be hard to beat #14, "Extravagant Death." I thought that to be his very best yet because Lenox was feeling his age, was alone in a different country, and was coming...