She was never meant to be remembered. And yet, she refused to be forgotten. As I continue to reflect on The Exploress and the Pillars of Eternity being named a 2026 Firebird Book Award winner in Women’s Fiction, I find myself returning to the heart of the story—not the award itself, but the woman who inspired it: Sarah Banne Belzoni. History has a way of preserving certain names while quietly allowing others to fade into the background. More often than not, those forgotten vo

I’m incredibly honored and excited to share some wonderful news— The Exploress and the Pillars of Eternity  has been named a 2026 Firebird Book Award winner in the Women’s Fiction category  🏆 Moments like this are difficult to put into words. As writers, we spend so much of our time in quiet spaces—researching, imagining, writing, rewriting—never quite knowing how a story will be received once it leaves our hands. To see this novel recognized in such a meaningful way is both

When you find an author whose work truly resonates with you, it feels natural to want to support them. Buying books is one way, but there are many simple and free actions that can make a big difference for authors. These efforts help authors reach new readers, build their reputation, and keep creating stories you love. Here are ten practical ways to support your favorite authors without spending a dime. Share Their Work with Friends and Family Word of mouth remains one of the

Writing your first book is a huge achievement, but most first books don’t become bestsellers overnight. Success often comes in small steps, not giant leaps. Celebrating these small wins—your first sale, first review, or first reader email—can keep your motivation strong and help you build momentum. But how do you celebrate these moments without losing sight of your bigger goals? This post explores practical ways to recognize and build on your early successes while moving forw