More Than a Story

Last week, a BryonySeries fan sent me this message:

I was reading a book - can't remember the name of it. The protagonist woke up in a mental institution after attempting suicide. She had a voice in her head. It started out so well for about 30 pages. And then this "demon" breaks out of the walls somewhere. Totally ruined it. I said to myself, "Denise would NEVER pull that crap."

Back in my homeschooling, and even before my children were old enough for formal education, I wanted to instill in them a love for reading, which can be as natural to me as breathing, perhaps more so, because asthma can interfere with natural breathing.

I have since learned that the type of books and stories we've read have forever influenced the books and stories they now choose to read, which is pretty awesome.

It's humbling to even dare to ponder the books and stories I write can do the same.

Have a great Monday, readers, writers, and vampire fans! :)

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

A Reminder to Those Who Accepted a Review Copy (and an offer to everyone else)

Readers, writers, bloggers, teachers, students, librarians, and anyone who likes books: Just an FYI that I do provide free copies of (almost) any of my books to anyone who would like one to read and review.

Click on the book titles for descriptions/summaries.

This includes the three young/new adult books in the BryonySeries trilogy: Bryony, Visage, and Staked!

The first book in the Adventures of Cornell Dyer series (for third grade and up): Cornell Dyer and the Missing Tombstone.

The first book in the Bertrand the Mouse series (for young children and up): Bertrand and the Lucky Clover.

This does not include Snowbell or the official BryonySeries cookbook Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony."

That's because I'll email a free e-copy of Snowbell to anyone who requests it. HERE. Hard copies are available for free at select author events and for purchase HERE.

And because the cookbook is a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties, so this must be purchased. Buy one HERE.

One sample recipe from the cookbook is posted on the BryonySeries website each week. This week's recipe is posted HERE.

Mostly, I'm seeking reviews for the BryonySeries website, but you may post reviews on any site you wish, including Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Goodreads.

For those who have already accepted a review copy: I would love to hear your feedback: good, bad, and meh. Yes, bad reviews and meh reviews are welcome because there's no such thing as a book that's a five star readings experience across the board. And honest feedback is helpful to me as a writer and self-publisher.

To request a review copy or leave a review, message me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, the website or via email at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

New Reviews, BryonySeries Website Updated

A family emergency took precedence over many of my goals for this weekend, but I did get a little work on Henry's chapter nine accomplished, and Rebekah and I did update the BryonySeries website.

The Society page has a new review for Bryony as well as reviews for Cornell Dyer and the Missing Tombstone from students at Joliet Montessori.

Good reviews and bad reviews are both welcome. The books are meant to be read and enjoyed or not.

Read the reviews here: http://www.bryonyseries.com/society.