Book Review: The Witch Haven by Sasha Peyton Smith

The Witch Haven by Sasha Peyton Smith

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Synopsis: In 1911 New York City, seventeen-year-old Frances Hallowell is grieving the death of her brother and trying to survive her days as a seamstress. Everything changes when she accidentally kills a man who tries to attack her. Instead of being arrested, she is whisked away to Haxahaven, a school for witches that promises safety, guidance, and a new beginning. But the more Frances learns about magic, the more she realizes the school is hiding secrets about her past, her powers, and her brother’s death. What begins as refuge quickly becomes a search for truth in a world filled with dangerous alliances and hidden agendas.

Want a story with dark magic, secret societies, and girls learning to reclaim their power? This book might be right up your alley. Frances is a stubborn, grieving, determined protagonist who is tired of being pushed to the side. She wants answers and she wants control of her life, and honestly, same girl, same. Frances is trying to stay low-key, but life is like, nope, time to face who you really are.

So let us get right into it. Smith starts strong with a murder, tension, and a mysterious rescue, all within the first chapter. You are immediately tossed into Frances’s world, which is gritty, emotional, and so easy to visualize. Once she gets to Haxahaven, things slow down in a good way. We meet the girls who become her found family, and they keep the story grounded. I loved the friendships in this book. They felt real, protective, and complicated in the best ways.

This is a historical fantasy that does an excellent job at worldbuilding. Early twentieth-century New York mixed with witchcraft gives the book a unique vibe. The author does not dump everything on you at once. Magic is sprinkled throughout the story, and you pick things up as Frances does. As someone who loves fantasy, this worked perfectly. The school, the city, the magic circles, all felt layered and atmospheric.

As the story progresses, Frances grows too. She becomes braver, sharper, and more willing to risk everything for the truth. Her friendships help shape her, and those girls are truly the heart of the book. I love a strong female cast in fantasy, and The Witch Haven gave me exactly that.

So you may wonder, hey K, why not the full 5? A few parts in the middle slowed down for me, and there were moments where the story felt pulled between different plots. It did not ruin the experience, but it made me want a tighter focus at times. The ending was strong, though, and definitely set up for the sequel.

Overall, The Witch Haven is a magical, atmospheric, girl-powered fantasy that gives you mystery, emotion, and a gorgeous setting. If you love witches, sisterhood, and historical vibes, check this book out.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Welcome Back to Inksoaked Page

 Hey everyone, welcome back to Inksoaked Page! It has been a couple of years since my last post, and I am so excited to finally be back. When I first started this blog, it was all about sharing my love for writing, books, and photography. At some point, I thought I needed to “finish” it, but I’ve realized that creativity isn’t about finishing. It’s about exploring, learning, and sharing along the way.

For 2026, I want to focus on embracing hobbies, creativity, and the things that make me happy. On this blog, you can expect a mix of writing excerpts, book reviews, photography, and thoughts on the creative process. I’ll also share a bit about my doctoral journey and my future plans for creative writing.

This space is for celebrating stories in all their forms—books that inspire, writing that challenges, and images that capture moments. I hope it becomes a place where readers and writers alike can find a little inspiration, connection, and joy.

Thanks for being here, whether you are returning or new. Let’s make 2026 a year full of creativity, exploration, and storytelling.

Goodbye Inksoaked

 Welp! The title may throw you for a shock but yes I am closing this chapter of my life. This is a decision I made way back in January, and thought hmm it will be ten years since I started this blog and I think this might be the end. 

Currently, I am in a new chapter of my life where I am too deep in my career to focus on my hobbies. As much as my goal was to be a published author, that is a dream that can happen later in the future. Right now I am in a doctoral program, and I want to finish up my studies to earn my degree. That is my main focus besides my family and friends. 

After getting inspo from my best friend J, who told me Writing is my talent but it's no longer my dream, and that it's okay to let go. Which if you know me that is hard to do but I get it. He's an amazing singer but an even better Pediatrician.

I want to thank all my followers, readers, and friends for inspiring me to start this blog and support me over the last ten years. Maybe one day I will come back, maybe I won't, but this archive for work will live on in the interwebs for beyond me. 

Thank you!

 

Story Excerpt: Temptation - Chapter 1

It's been a while since I uploaded a story excerpt, almost three years! I thought it was time to update you guys one! Here is the first chapter of a story I wrote merely for fun and with no hopes to publish. Welcome to Temptation

______________________

        She didn't expect to be handcuffed to a table in a cold windowless room but there she was. Twenty-five, and now with a record that will follow her for life. She jiggled the handcuffed but it was no use, she was stuck. No officers had come in since the arresting officer but she didn't care. She just had to find a way to get out of there. However her thoughts were disrupted by a door opening, and she looked up to see a man that looked semi-familiar.

“Ivelisse Hernandez,” He drawled and threw a folder onto the table.

He slammed the door behind him, and Ivelisse recoiled slightly as he approached the table. 

He towered over her, and she could hear his labored breathing as he tried to intimidate her. Instead, she raised an eyebrow in question, and he sneered. He plopped himself into the other chair and it screeched against the floor. Normally, this would bother other people but not Ivelisse. Instead, she studied his moves and made her own mental notes. 

“25 years old, and now you're in a police station. It is not looking good for your Ivelisse, but your friends call you Ivy right?” He asked. 

“Sure Officer …” Ivelisse trailed off and assumed that working with the police would work in her favor. 

“Reynolds, Captain Reynolds,” He said. 

“Sorry, Cap'n,” Ivelisse said with a smirk. 

“You enjoy that? Making light of a serious situation? Do you even know why you're here?” Captain Reynolds asked and leaned forward. 

“Clearly I don't, I don't know why you thought having a bunch of cops break into my condo and pull me out of bed! It's like what four in the fucking morning. Don't I get a phone call, or is that just TV magic?” Ivelisse asked 

“You will get a call when I am done with you,” Captain Reynolds. 

“Shouldn't a detective be grilling me, and not the captain?” Ivelisse asked.

“I personally wanted to talk to you! I have had my team on you for a while now,” Captain Reynolds said and opened the folder. 

“Ivelisse Hernandez, twenty-five, Ph.D. student at NYU, very impressive for someone of your background,” Captain Reynolds said. 

“Was that a racial dig?” Ivelisse asked.

“Was it? I mean you are the Social Psychology major. With Carter Lucas?” He said with a smirk.

Ivelisse seized up at the mention of the name and glared at him.  

“Twin brother to Romeo Hernandez, daughter to Julian Hernandez, investor to Temptation Lounge, that's where you work right?” He asked. 

Ivelisse didn't answer him, he already knew the answer to that question. Clearly, he knew a fucking lot. Instead, she drummed her fingers onto the table and Captain Reynolds flipped through some more papers. He stopped on one and scanned through the words before he smirked. 

“Tell me about your mother,” Captain Reynolds asked.

“Look, why am I here? Why am I arrested? Do you have any legal right to keep me here?” Ivelisse asked but Captain Reynolds didn't say a word. 

“You have to tell me,” Ivelisse demanded.

“I don't have to tell you shit. I can keep you here for forty-eight hours with no word on what your next steps are, so let's talk about your mother,” Captain Reynolds gritted.

“I want a lawyer,” Ivelisse snapped. 

“I guess you said the magic words, but know this Ivelisse once somebody walks in here, we cannot work out a deal. You would be on your own, whereas we can work together and make some middle ground. Doesn't that sound like a smart idea?” Captain Reynolds said and leaned back in his chair. 

Ivelisse thought for a moment but she knew her answer wasn't going to change. He clearly had enough information about her, if he was serious about this threat. Something would have occurred, he wouldn't be pushing about her mother of all people. 

“I'll take my chances,” Ivelisse said. 

“Fine, have it your way,” Captain Reynolds said. 

He shoved the chair back and it screeched across the floor. Ivelisse moved to cover her ears but she couldn't. She had to endure all the sounds that came with Captain Reynolds. As he stopped up, he leaned down towards her. 

“One last chance Ivelisse,” Captain Reynolds muttered. 

“Lawyer,” Ivelisse said. 

Captain Reynolds nodded and raised his hands out in defeat. He turned and walked out the door he came in. Ivelisse looked up at her reflection in the mirror, which she knew was two-way. She stared passed her reflection and at whoever was on the other side of the mirror. 

“Whatever you want from me, good luck,” Ivelisse gritted and glared.

She looked at her hands and leaned her head down on the metal table. 

On the other side of the mirror, stood Captain Reynolds with a grim look on his face. 

“She's one tough cookie to crack,” He muttered.

“I know,” 

“Are you sure you want to do this? Are you sure she knows more than you think?” Captain Reynolds asked. 

“I know her, I know her better than anyone, and she's lying,” 

“Are you sure because you know I got the feeling she isn't,” Captain Reynolds said. 

“She’s lying, I know it,” 

“I’m doing you a favor and-”

“I know my sister Reynolds, and she is a lot worse than you think, we are twins you know,” Romeo Hernandez said and sighed.

“My sister,” he whispered.

Winter 2021/2022

As I was thinking of something to post, I realized it had been a while since I posted one of my seasons of the year. Winter being my favorite, because I love snow, I thought I post the latest two snow storms we had in New York City. 

Seriously isn't it breathtaking? 

Blogger doesn't do this video justice, but here is a winter wonderland walk one morning! Sound removed for safety reasons.

Book Review: In the Midst of Magic by Christian Cura

 

In the Midst of Magic by Christian Cura

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Synopsis: Meet Kara Hartman, a young painter who is hiding her magic from the world. Traumatized by the loss of her brother, she wants nothing more to do with magic. But just as her art career takes off and she has found new love, it becomes apparent that the universe has other plans for Kara. When she discovers that an old foe has broken out of prison, hellbent on destroying her new life, Kara has no choice but to embrace the only power that can stop her.

Want a story with a strong female lead? This book may be just for you! Kara Hartman is a bonafide badass who is trying to keep it all together. She may be a badass but she is definitely trying to keep it under wraps and hold her shit together. Kara is trying to keep a major part of herself hidden which is proving to be harder than she expected since life is like Nah sis, this is who you are, embrace it.  

So let's jump right into the story, which is what Cura does. Within the first chapter, you are thrown right into a giant conflict between Kara, and her bestie or ex-bestie Charlotte. (I have a soft spot for that name). Charlotte is delving into the dark arts and playing with magic she shouldn't be. Kara just wants what is best for her, and tries to help her as a friend. However, shit goes left and all hell breaks loose. Cura does an amazing job at captivating you in those first 25 pages or so, and you just have to keep going. Especially since there is a time jump, and you're all like we need to unpack what the freak just happened. 

This was a great fantasy book, that does an excellent job at world-building. We are thrown into a world unlike our own, or at least my own. There is no magic over here my friends. Cura doesn't shove all of this new knowledge into your face but sprinkles it through so it's digestible for the reader. As someone who is a fantasy lover, it was pretty quick to understand and enjoy. If you read my other reviews, you'll know I am a sucker for worldbuilding, and if you do it right, A+ my friend. 

As the story progresses, so does Kara and that is just a selling point for me. Sometimes in fantasy books, you get all wrapped up in the world, and all the awesome things people can do. In this book, Cura makes sure we know this is Kara's story and we are growing with her. She is coming out of her shell and is friends with all these other amazing peeps. Seriously, they are awesome for her. 

So you may wonder, hey K why not a full 5, you are right there? Well, at some point the story felt as if it were two different storylines because of other characters. When that happens, it pulls me out of the story and makes me wonder which story is truly being told. While the other plotline doesn't still the limelight it is quite pulling. Another thing is the ending. It sets up to be another story, and when something like that happens, I want to be sure there will be another one. Not sure if there is. Is there Christian? I love stories to finish as if they are stand-alone, and if there is another great, but tie up those loose ends, please. 

Overall great fantasy book, with some amazing women empowered characters. If you are into fantastical worlds check this book out! Also that cover? GORGEOUS!  

This book will be available in Summer 2022. 

I received this ARC in exchange for a review.

Goodbye My Friend!

Credit to PBS Kids

 Saying goodbye to my childhood happens today! Today, PBS Kids is ending the famous cartoon Arthur, and it simply breaks my heart! I’ve watched Arthur religiously since I was about six years old. Growing up without cable, watching PBS Kids was a common thing in my household. Something that was routine for me became my life. Even now at my older age which I will not mention 😂 I watch it with my daughter. We curl up, play a few episodes, and talk about what we learned. It’s a cartoon I don't have to worry about adult situations or inappropriate content. It does touch on some great topics, autism, gay marriage, different cultures, and worldwide events such as 9/11 (April 9th) and Hurricane Sandy (Shelter from the Storm). Lessons are a major aspect of the show and they’re great to teach kids. Why not explore this world with children, and begin conversations that would have been too hard before. 

After 25 years, the final season aired today! Four episodes and we are getting a flash-forward to see our favorite friends grow up. I’m simply excited, especially to see some of my faves (Fern, Arthur, and Sue Ellen). During the pandemic, it’s been great to watch something that doesn’t deal with that trauma. A reminder that there is hope still in the world. So escape to Elwood City and be reminded of what it’s like to be an eight-year-old! 

What a wonderful kind of day! 

Manifestations for 2022

Credit Kimberley Aguirre

Manifestation

man·i·fes·ta·tion /ˌmanəfəˈstāSH(ə)n,ˌmanəˌfesˈtāSH(ə)n/

Learn to pronounce

noun

1. an event, action, or object that clearly shows or embodies something, especially a theory or an abstract idea.

• the action or fact of showing an abstract idea.
• a symptom or sign of an ailment.

I am a big believer in manifestation! I write goals every year with my best friend. I mean, you guys can even check them out here. The point is, every year I work on some major goals for myself and I love to do it. I have been doing manifestation scripting, and vision boards my entire life (exaggeration) but I do think I have been doing them since the 7th grade. The idea of accomplishing something gives me a surge of energy, it's the Scorpio in me. Scorpios are known to be driven, passionate, and creative amongst other things. Getting back to the point, manifestation is real, and this year I am pushing it into hyperdrive. 

This year 2022, I will manifest some major goals I have had since I was a little girl. I am also going to push myself further out of my comfort zone, and take chances. The kind of chances that always scared me, but I can't be scared anymore. If I want to become the person I have always dreamt of, I need to go after those dreams. Some of those dreams will be educational, writing, and personal! Now, how will I accomplish that goal? 

Scripting is one way to do so. Scripting is a manifestation tool, that uses the acts of visualization and writing the life you want in the present tense. I always start with gratitude to the Universe and write out the goal in the present tense. It's that speaking it into existence, and if you say or in my case write it enough, then it will manifest. 

However, manifesting isn't just spiritual, and believing. You need to actually put the work in. One goal of mine, has been a dream goal, and I want it to come true so bad, however, if I never do the work on it, it will never come true. Like it will physically not be possible if I don't work at it. So that's a big thing to manifesting as well, putting in the work. 

Now you may be wondering, hey K why haven't you mentioned your goals. Well, in my culture we have something called Mal de Ojo (Evil Eye), and that is something I believe in heavily. Just like manifesting, I believe in negative energies, and people wishing downfall on me. I use to have friends, who envied who I hung out with or what I could accomplish, and never lifted me up. Instead, they would speak down about me, and cause drama in my life. I learned a lot over the years, and this time, those major goals, my dreams, I am keeping to myself, well passed accomplishment. 

So hopefully, this journey I am about to go on is one you will join in and hopefully get a glimpse of what is happening in my world. I am also sending positive vibes to those out there who are going for their dreams! Accomplish those goals, and know you have someone rooting for you! 

Cross-posted on Medium 

 

Preptober 2021 | Week #3

 

Another year down in the books, and NaNoWriMo is creeping back up! This Preptober is starting later than usual because life has been a whirlwind. I started a new job this year, I am also going back to school for yet another Master's degree (will update about my MFA), and the usual life roles of being a mom, wife, and friend. 

This Preptober will really be outlining different story ideas that have been in the back of my mind. I don't have a set idea of exactly what to do but I have a few story ideas. This year I feel like I am going to be a Pantser to the max, and as a Planner that doesn't sit right with me. However, life is kicking this writer's booty. I will write out in my newest notebook some ideas but I may definitely just be typing away. 

Do you have any ideas this year or will you too be a Pantser?

Book Review: A Wish Too Dark And Kind by M.L. Blackbird

 

A Wish Too Dark And Kind by M.L. Blackbird

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Synopsis: Among the immortals that inhabit our world, Arnaud Demeure is known as the man who can fulfill your one true wish or who can also conjure your worst nightmares.

Eight invitations are sent to eight immortals, and when Arnaud Demeure hosts a party, no one refuses his request. Why have they been summoned? Is it for a celebration or does a sinister fate await them? After all, in the ways of magick, a party can also be a ritual to end the world.

As the mystery deepens, the attendees must overcome their personal grudges to unravel the threads of Demeure's grand plan that has been centuries in the making. But, with one of the guests secretly working with their host to sabotage the group's every move, it seems impossible to look behind the curtain to learn Demeure's true intentions.

With each guest hiding dark secrets and darker intentions, will they be able to uncover Demeure's mysterious motives or will the party prove to be the deadly nightmare that they each fear?

What a synopsis, huh? As soon as I read it, I knew I had to read it. Just in time for spooky season aka Halloween. The book starts off ... interestingly and took me a moment to know what was going on before we switched characters. We are introduced to Alexandra, or Alex, who works at the School of Winchester (Is this a Supernatural reference? I hope). My feelings towards her were conflicting. I mean, she is a boss-ass chick but sis is also rude, but it could just be her ego. She's practically immortal. Then we meet Millard and Hermann, and there are mentions of dreams and Paris. Then we meet Daniel, and if you are not catching on, we are going to keep meeting new characters. 

That was one of the things that stopped this from being a 5 in my book. Almost the first 75 pages are introductions to these characters. They are getting invited to this event by Arnaud Demeure who we still kind of don't know. We get tidbits from his letters but not enough, and it frustrated me a bit because I wanted to know more sooner. 

Another aspect of this book that stopped it from getting a 5 was the back and forth between timelines. Personally, I am not a fan of them. One moment you're getting to the nitty-gritty with a storyline, but then you are pulled out with the other. Once I got pulled out, I was reminded I was reading a book and not getting lost in the story. Which this book does set up to be fantastical.

Finally, I feel like the book could have been edited more. What I mean by that is, some chunks I would remove. Have us start at the party, then learn more about the characters through conversations. Something to move it along quickly. As I mentioned, we spend almost a 1/4 of it just getting background.

However, Blackbird makes up for it in the second half of the book when we are all caught up to the party. These characters all with a connection in one way or another realize something is amidst. Having characters like Alexandra and Ioan helped me looked for clues. Daniel, oh sweet Daniel, was a good stand-in for the reader as he is learning just as we are. 

Another thing Blackbird has done well was building this magick system and world up. It's a world you want to get lost in and explore more. His description paints a vivid picture and you feel as if you are part of this world. While it is complex I think the beauty lies in that. You can tell that a lot of hard work went into building it, as it practically leaps off the pages. However, some descriptions may make you shiver but dammit it's so freaking good.  

As a murder mystery fan (I'm serious, that's what I am doing for my birthday) I was excited to get to the party. I wanted to Clue it up with the best of them, and figure out what the hell is going and why this party? Blackbird does a great job at that suspense and the whirlwinds of mystery that you just have to give it an A+. 

So it gets a 3.5, and I do want to say to Blackbird. You have a story with the School of Winchester! Alex, and whatever the hell is going on there needs its own book. I would love to read that story. 

Overall great book, with wonderful graphics here and there. If you are into gothic, mysteries, and/or the fantastical world check this book out! I do warn it's a dark story, and happy endings, ain't happening in this novel. However, if you want to feel chills and see morally grey characters curl up with a book just in time for All Hallows Eve. 

This book will be available in November 2021. 

I received this ARC in exchange for a review.

Book Review: Azygos (Tiber Series Book 1) by J.H. White

Azygos (Tiber Series Book 1) by J.H. White

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Synopsis: With two distinct paths, Azygos follows Marlowe's and Sloan's interweaving stories. Sloan and his family have been tracking his mother's killer for as long as he can remember. As time passes with no answers or closure, the resentment and hatred in his family grow to a breaking point. Marlowe and her family must return home to Portland after she recklessly commits a grave mistake while hunting. Her guilt and their judgment only intensify, but upon a chance meeting between the two, things begin to change. Finding comfort and warmth within each other, they forge a connection. But as people are murdered and secrets are told, their bond agonizingly twists towards its final challenge. With their lives colliding, the solace they find within each other may only be a disguise for their darkest nightmares.

If that synopsis doesn't throw you for a ride my review will! As the synopsis states, we follow two distinct paths in Marlowe and Sloan. Now, this will be a spoiler-free review but I think a fair warning should be given. So tighten those seatbelts, ladies, and gentlemen. The first person we are introduced to is Marlowe, and just by a few descriptions I already know she's a tough character with an exterior that may be hard to breakthrough. A contrast to her friend Lydia, who is bubbly and a bright light in Marlowe's life. I already love this friendship. They run into two gentlemen and shit gets real, real fucking fast. I might have to charge J.H. for a chiropractic appointment because the whiplash was real. The action just pulls you in and you have to just keep clicking through to find out what's next.

While Marlowe is cool, calm, and collected we meet Sloan later on. Dude is totally not any of those things. He is the epitome of tension, rigid and fear. His brothers are on the other hand are a bit more put together. He probably in my opinion connect with his sister the best. (AKA Jess deserves better) On top of it, his father tasks him with something that is life-altering. It's too big of a spoiler to reveal but ... all I have to say is shit, and Sloan deserved better. I have to say I wouldn't have been able to do it.  

By the way, these are just the first two chapters of the book! I told you to buckle in. Overall White does a great job at giving each character their time to shine, and their personalities complement one another. Additionally, I am a sucker for a good description, and White paints a beautiful picture. You instantly pulled into this novel and join these two adventures without putting it down. My fave thing about the novel is when Marlowe and Sloan meet. Their conversations about movies and a topic that spoils the book is funny to me. They both have opinions not knowing the real truth behind their words. 

So what stopped this from being a 5 in my book? We spend more than half the book in two separate worlds. I loved it but I wanted to connect more to the relationship with Marlowe and Sloan. I think I would have enjoyed the meeting happening earlier. The plot twist was something I figured would happen and it definitely set things in motion. Finally, the ending felt a bit rushed, but I personally believe it's because we didn't get enough time with Marlowe/Sloan's relationship. It just would have hit different if the relationship was fleshed out more. 

Overall it was an amazing book and it is part of a series. So more to come and I cannot wait! Grab this book if you want something short, dark, and full of the supernatural. 

I recommend this for 14+ for some mentions of sexual relationships. You can purchase the book on Amazon or Barnes & Noble in October 2021!

I received this ARC in exchange for a review.

Book Review: Heart & Spears by Somto Jefferson Uwazie

 

Heart & Spears by Somto Jefferson Uwazie

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

The first thing that comes to mind as I think of Heart & Spades is its rawness and realness. This book of poems touches on subjects that many would shy away from but not Uwazie. The book breaks into four different sections, Anger and Grief, Women, Nature, and Happiness. Each section honing in on its critical meaning. Some of my favorite poems were in the Women section and I believe the strongest pieces. My personal favorite was "Unshackled". The subjects in this book touch on things that can make a reader uncomfortable. There is talk of racism, war, the current pandemic, and mental illness. Even each piece ends with a quote either famous or by the author himself. It was indeed a thought-provoking piece that can lead to deep conversations. One of the best things about the piece is Uwazie's voice. His reflection of modern times based on his background is well-informed and eye-opening. Those aspects cannot be replicated nor could they be more authentic. So why is it not 5 stars? Three reasons! One the actual formatting of the work was a bit difficult to get through. It could be just the way it was sent to me but it made some of the poems lose their flow. Another is simply the length of the book itself. Almost at 200 pages, the piece is lengthy and drags on a bit. Cutting this down to maybe into two books would be beneficial. Lastly, subject topics! While the book is beautiful there were no warnings about pieces of violence and sexual assaults. Some subjects touched on religious ideas that some may not agree with. Bits like this could be nitpicky could essentially turn a reader away. Do I recommend this book? Yeah, I do. Who do I recommend it for? Adults at least over the age of 18. Also, individuals who are willing to be open-minded and read about raw life and struggles. I would definitely warn there are mentions of sexual abuse, abuse, politics, religion, and war. If those topics you are willing to be open to, go get this book today!

The book could be purchased here on Amazon. 

I received this ARC in exchange for a review.

Camp NaNoWriMo 2021 - Week 1

Week 1

Just this week I wrote 8,330 words for Project G/Season 4! It has been awhile since I felt this inspired on a fic! I had given up on this fic a month ago but the rush for it came back full force. I had planned 30K for July but I can see myself reaching more than that! Fingers crossed! 

Happy 8th Birthday Inksoaked Page

 

Happy 8th Birthday Inksoaked Page! Another year down in the books and we have expanded well into Instagram and Twitter. This was a year of growth and I am ever so proud of this little blog! Fun Fact: This may be my last year running this blog as I am expanding into a different blog, one more on me, my writing journey and hopefully my world into publishing. 

We are half way done with 2021 and all I have to say is take the rest of the year to grow. I hope that in December 2021, I have accomplished more of my goals both writing and personal! 

Happy Writings! 

JuNoWriMo & Camp NaNoWriMo Updates

Credit to JuNoWriMo

This week I learned about JuNoWriMo from a fellow author friend Naley G. It follows the same format as NaNoWriMo, and I thought it would be the perfect time to start my latest novel. In November 2020, I wrote a novel that I thought was going to be the one. You know the one I would query and maybe get an agent. Flash forward, and it is not the one. For some reason, I hate the story. Okay, that might be a little tough. Honestly, I know what is wrong with the story but instead of revising it; I took bits and pieces of it for a brand new novel. 

Am I crazy? Yes! Will I accomplish a new novel in a mere few weeks? Hell no! 

I have some important dates coming up, one of my best friend’s weddings, one of my best friend’s major birthdays, father’s day, end of the school year for my daughter. Your girl has a lot going on, a lot! So I spanned my novel into July’s Camp NaNoWriMo and split it between these next two months. 

In July, my schedule will allow me more time to dedicate to my novel but also take some breaks from it! It is good to step back and look at what you are working on. These next few weeks will be packed but fun, and I am going to document it via video! Maybe I will get the courage and start my Authortube channel? We will see. 

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

Craft Book Haul

 

Small and short post today! Here is a bit of a haul, some of these books I had for years, but some are new. Here is a bit of a snippet of my craft books! They are definitely helping me polish my novels. 

Enjoy & Happy Writings.  

Camp NaNoWriMo 2021

 

It is that time where every April, I participate in Camp NaNoWriMo. For 2021, I will be focusing on a new piece of work that is going to be a short story. I usually do novels, but this year I decided to take a step back and work on something small. I am in the process of starting a new job, finishing up a graduate course and deciding if I want to continue with this degree. The class I ended up taking was a dud, and it is not making me feel like I should continue with the program. That is for another post in another time. 

Here is the usual info about the “Camp”

Camp NaNoWriMo is your virtual writing retreat. Every April and July, take four weeks to embrace your creativity and dive into your next great writing project.

At Camp, you can:

1.     Tackle any writing project, novel or not. Are you revising your next draft? Preparing to write the next great musical, a la Lin Manuel Miranda? Penning a collection of poems? Camp is fertile ground.

2.     Set your own writing goal. Warm up for 50K by setting a word-count goal of 25,000. Or track hours, lines, or pages… whatever works for you.

3.     Find your own, personal writing group. At Camp NaNoWriMo, you can be sorted into a public cabin with writers according to your preferences, or create a private cabin for you and your already-established writing buddies.

You can message me anytime! Name is Kimmyax3 and I will be checking in from time to time. 

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This year I hope people venture out of their comfort zone and do something different. Also read something new that you haven't before to inspire you. Other than that here is to a good April!

Happy Writings!

Road to Grad: Readmissions

If you have been following my blog for a while, then you will know back in 2019 I changed my graduate program. I was originally in an MFA program at the City College of New York, and while I loved the program I was juggling too many things at once. 

My daughter just started school, I was working two jobs and just took on an entire graduate program. Furthermore, the course loads felt unmatched but now with a new perspective, it's not. This semester I am just taking one course, testing the waters out before diving back into the program. I hope I get into my top choice of courses, it's a non-fiction course but focuses on digital publishing. I was very intrigued by the course description, and I am hoping to use what I learn in the course for Inksoaked Page. It also means that I am bringing Road to Grad back and hopefully I have some great content coming up.  

I was lucky to be accepted back into the program, and I hope this time around I get to branch out and make some friends. I am in dire need of writing friends and like-minded peeps. If you have any tips? Drop 'em below. 

P.S. check out my Medium page for pieces about Mental Health and Motherhood. I am trying to branch out to other publishing outlets/social media. 

Book Review: Fully Alive by Michael J. Surdyka

 

Fully Alive by Michael J. Surdyka

Rating: 5/5 Stars

It is very rare that I give a non-fiction book five out of five stars. Let's be real, yes I am biased, I am not a fan of non-fiction and it can be hard to connect with the work unless I am truly interested. However, to be a book reviewer you have to be open to all types of works and look at the work objectively. I would like to say that it was not too hard with Michael Surdyka's book Fully Alive.

Fully Alive is written by Michael as an action guide to overcoming addiction. Right away he tells the readers that this book isn't just about overcoming the addiction but finding a way to anchor yourself to a healthy recovery. He calls it The Sobriety Blueprint, a personalized battle plan that focuses on the individuality of each person. It is apparent that he does his research as data and interviews appear throughout.

Surdyka's voice is also calming within the work as he guides the reader slowly but surely. Furthermore, the inclusion of infographics helps break up all the information you are reading. These graphics are bright, simple but informative. So if you are a visual learner, this might help you out or if you are like me and enjoy brightly colored images, then this is a hit. This book does its job at opening every crevice to help one understand addiction, and how to combat it with assistance from within and around you.

Although I do not suffer from addiction, I have seen it in my personal life. Additionally, my Master's is in Criminal Justice, so addiction was something that popped up quite frequently in my research. So Michael, excellent job in breaking this shit down because let's be real folks it is not easy to understand. Addiction can stem from various things, and it can cause devastation. So why not pick up a book to undo that devastation and build a support system!

Do I recommend this book? Yeah, I do. Who do I recommend it for? That was the tricky part, so I would say it is best marketed to adults but also those interested in subjects such as psychology. Understanding the mind can be a bore but Michael, he makes sure that you are constantly learning with each flip of the page (or in my case screen?).

The book won't be ready until February 2021 but you can still view Michael's site for the book here and view his Goodreads.

I received this ARC in exchange for a review.

2020 NaNoWriMo Winner

NaNoWriMo 2020

One of my faves but one of the hardest.