Or How I Came Closer to Atheism While Living in a Christian Country I remembered that it was hot as hell. Women fanned themselves in futility against the onslaught of body heat and righteousness as they were dressed to the nines in their Sunday best. This ensemble included a broad hat, stately dress, gray pantyhose, and strappy white shoes with toes protruding so far out that they gripped the floor for mercy. This was […]
Read moreCategory: Notes From Palessa
9 Things That Happened To Me When I Lost My Mom
Those Phases of Grief Didn’t Quite Prepare Me For A Couple Of These It’s getting to that time late in the year when I remember “that day”. My mother died in December, not long before Christmas, and while I never was too fond of the holiday, I became more apathetic to it. It’s been more than 10 years, and I have no problem saying that Christmas is officially not my favorite holiday in part because of […]
Read more10 Unsolved Murders That Inspired Books, Movies & Music
I was listening to the radio about a murder that happened years before, and the men who perpetrated it were found not guilty after 15 to 20 years of their lives in prison. Now, the social justice part of this story is another post. As a writer, I had another tangent that I went off on: in popular culture, how have unsolved murders manifested in books, movies and music? Here are some of the more […]
Read morePalessa’s Ebooks Available at Local Libraries Worldwide!
That’s right! All of my books are on worldwide networks that make ebooks available to libraries. Patrons with access to their local libraries can borrow these ebooks just as they would print books. This makes it available to a wider variety of readers who are open to checking out new stories and newer authors. If you’re interested in borrowing any of my ebooks from your local library, ask the librarian how you can. Now, bear […]
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Whatever Happened to Rasputin’s Schlong? (Yes, I mean THAT part)
Unless you’ve lived a Happy Feet existence somewhere with polar bears, you’ll have heard of Grigori Rasputin. He was a trusted advisor to Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra after “treating” their son Alexei. He’s a mysterious figure, the holy lothario who’s the subject of much speculation, which makes him ripe for authors and writers. But did you know that his hefty schlong has its own story? Pull up a chair, and let’s take a […]
Read more#AmReading List: Little Women & Wench
One of the things I’m trying to get better at is reading more fiction. I read religiously anyway, but it’s usually blog posts and other learning material– which is never-ending. It’s not easy to read fiction when I’m so focused on the business side of being an author, including writing blogs/books/stories and editing. So, how do I sneak some fiction into my routine? By force, of course.
Read moreCharacter Theme Songs: Tobey Fine
Sacked & Tackled was this idea that come to me in a flash. I mean, I actually came up with the concept, the teams and some of the first characters I wanted to write about. It was exciting and I dove into it so heartily, I was a bit nervous.
Read moreSay Hello to Unchained Hearts 2018 with Extended Scenes
As I was writing Quinn’s story, book 4 in the Baxter Family Saga, I realized that I could extend some of the scenes in Unchained Hearts. Why the hell would I do that?
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Race & Interracial Romance: Why These 6 Tropes Annoy Some Readers
I’m no stranger to race, much less racial issues in interracial romance stories. I even wrote a post about why I have no hang-ups about writing about interracial love. But how much is too much regarding race and romance in ebooks? And what are some overdone turkeys that need to go the way of the Dodo? As a member of a few groups that discuss interracial romance with readers, I’m learning a lot from some […]
Read moreCharacter Theme Songs: Portrait of Gray
When I did the first character theme song post, it felt smoother. I’ve been living with the Baxter Family Saga for years now (and won’t stop anytime soon) but the story of Unchained Hearts, the characters and their drama have dug deep. I was able to really pin down the songs that were in my head. Portrait of Gray, the story of Grayson Baxter, is a bit more complicated because it’s so emotional. Which shouldn’t […]
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