Newly published author begins series with ebook and its challenges

Marlene Urso’s first published novel hit the bookseller sites as an eBook. Under her nom de plume of Paisley Kirkpatrick, she released “Night Angel,” set in a fictional town patterned on her home of Placerville, California. The Desert Breeze publication is an eBook only release and as such, presents its own challenges.

So how does a new author market a book that she can’t display in stacks on tables? Urso uses a number of strategies. First, she networks like crazy. She is a member of several writing groups, including the Sacramento Valley Rose chapter of Romance Writers of America, From the Heart, Celtic Hearts and Hearts Through History. She has received mention on many of the blogs and websites of her fellow members. Some of those appearances include Cynthia Woolf’s blog, Fierce Romance blog, Sweet ‘N Sexy blog and Reviews and Opinions.

Read more from my interview with Marlene Urso here.

Love and reality clash - Review of 'Celeste' by Michelle Devon

Author Michelle Devon puts a new twist on the age-old question, “If a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear, does it still make a noise?” in her novella, “Celeste.” She does it with style and an intense atmosphere that will bring classic Alfred Hitchcock to mind.

Protagonist Kyle McRoy has a lot going for him: nice job in the accounting department of a big company, nice apartment, a beautiful girlfriend. He also has a brother who tries to keep tabs on him and a psychiatrist that he’s been seeing since a breakdown following his parents’ deaths. 

McRoy faces a lot of questions from his brother and the doctor. Mark wants to meet Kyle’s girlfriend, but Kyle resists. His relationship with Celeste is something personal and treasured, not for public consumption. Dr. Lower wonders why Kyle keeps coming back for sessions when he seems to be doing so well. And Kyle just wants to enjoy the gift of his life with Celeste.

So the new twist on the old question: “If a man falls in love with a beautiful woman but doesn’t bring her home to meet the family, does she exist?” Devon explores the nature of reality as she pursues the answer to the question. She presents a likeable protagonist surrounded by not-always-so likeable characters. Kyle’s gentle, logical approach to the rest of life doesn’t lessen the passionate relationship he shares with Celeste. Which world is the reality? Which Kyle is the reality?

Devon presents Kyle’s situation from all sides. The balanced story has some very sexy scenes, as Kyle and Celeste explore their relationship. It delivers a look at the working environment and the world of psychotherapy. Primarily, “Celeste” provides a thought-provoking examination of the nature of reality and how human beings judge it.

Readers who enjoy noir overtones will find plenty of them. Mystery and intrigue lurk in the story, as well as romance. The novella is available for purchase as an eBook here.

“Celeste” by Michelle Devon

Disclosure: This review is based on a review copy provided by the author with no constraints placed on its content. All opinions are my own.