Read more about the article Kaja Isn’t Me: Writing a Character Who Shares the Author’s Background
On Writing

Kaja Isn’t Me: Writing a Character Who Shares the Author’s Background

When the main character in a story clearly reflects at least some of the author’s background, and on top of that, the book is written in the first person perspective, the question about the so-called “self-insert” seems inevitable. Did the author just write a better, more idealized version of herself? Is the main character a reflection of her imaginary self or a way to deal with some insecurities?

So how is it this time? How much of Joanna is in Kaja—or how much does Kaja resemble Joanna? (more…)

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May 15, 2023
Read more about the article Why My Books Aren’t Available in Kindle Unlimited
Personal Rants

Why My Books Aren’t Available in Kindle Unlimited

Last month, I shared this text with my newsletter subscribers (Are you a member of that club yet? If not, sign up here and receive an ebook!), but I thought it would be good to make it a public post as well as I know Kindle Unlimited is an option many readers choose, and I’d like to explain the reasons behind my choice to not put my books in the program. (more…)

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May 8, 2023
Read more about the article Humanborn Release Day
News

Humanborn Release Day

Humanborn, the first book in my new series, Shadows of Eireland, releases today! You can find it at all major retailers in ebook and paperback, and you can also request it through library systems such as Libby (formerly Overdrive) or BorrowBox, and read it in subscription services—Scribd and Kobo Plus. There’s also a Goodreads listing, so you can keep track of your TBR!

If you aren’t familiar with the series, learn more about it and read sample chapters.

(more…)

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May 6, 2023
Read more about the article My Most Unique Reads of 2022
Consuming all things SFF

My Most Unique Reads of 2022

Last week, I shared my favorite reads of 2022, and most of them were positive and uplifting books, offering entertainment rather than diving deep into human condition (though it’s not to say that they all lacked depth!), but it wasn’t all I’ve read throughout the year. There were some books that I found interesting and noteworthy that for various reasons didn’t make it to my favorite list, and today, I’d like to put the spotlight on them. (more…)

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January 16, 2023
Read more about the article My Favorite Reads of 2022
Consuming all things SFF

My Favorite Reads of 2022

For several years now, I felt like I was in a reading slump. I didn’t finish books, and I didn’t follow up on any series, even those where I enjoyed the first book enough. I missed my days of compulsive reading and series-binging, but nothing changed… until 2022 came. (more…)

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January 9, 2023
News

Demon Siege Release Day

It’s release day, and it’s double special to me as Demon Siege is the final book in the series: yes, after 2 years of publishing books, I completed Pacts Arcane and Otherwise, and they series can be now properly binged on. I’m delighted and excited (and a little bit anxious) to put “the Grand Finale” in the hands of readers.
You can find the final book at all major retailers, and there’s paperback available as well. (more…)

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January 7, 2023
Read more about the article Back When Witches Were Humans – On Birthright in Fantasy
Consuming all things SFF

Back When Witches Were Humans – On Birthright in Fantasy

Nowadays it seems that every other urban fantasy book I pick up has witches in it, and the blurb goes along the lines of “she’s a witch, but she helps humans” or “she’s a witch, and now humans are after her”, or it has some other iteration of “witches vs. them” theme. And that, sadly, is usually the reason I don’t even continue checking out the rest of the blurb, let alone reading the actual book.

It’s because I miss the witches of old. Or rather, to be more precise, I miss how they used to be portrayed in stories. (more…)

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September 27, 2021
Read more about the article Are Vampires Boring?
Consuming all things SFF

Are Vampires Boring?

By a chance, I’ve learned that World Dracula Day, commemorating the publication date of Bram Stoker classic, falls on May 26, and it sparked some thoughts about vampires in fiction and pop culture. They’ve been around in books since late 19th century (if we take Dracula’s release date as a marker), and had accompanied us for thousands of years in oral storytelling, folklore, and various myths. After such a long time, are they a little bit stale? Are they… dare I say it, boring? Or, perhaps, like certain pieces of clothing, vampire never go out of style?

(more…)

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May 26, 2021