I received a new review for FIRST COMES LOVE, Book 4: Friendship Heirlooms Series:
 
5 Stars! “Secondary characters in the Family Heirlooms Series are now getting their stories in the Friendship Heirlooms Series. Chad Feldman and Winnie McBride were left on a messy cliffhanger in GLASS ANGELS, Book 4: Family Heirlooms Series. A teenage pregnancy had them trying to do the right thing by getting married right out of high school to raise their daughter. Chad struggles with letting go of the career aspirations he’d always had when there’s a way for him to continue with them, and Winnie can’t see this as anything but selfish--not a noble act to better support his family--because any opportunity she had for a career was gone once she got pregnant. Who took the heavier load? She’s a strong woman, a good mother, but she’s only human and her shoulders can’t hold everything. In this story, the conflicts between this couple who face the consequences of choosing to have sex before they were ready to be responsible for what came of it are plentiful. I look forward to the next installment of the Friendship Heirlooms Series to find out what happened to other secondary characters from the original series.” ~Linda's Reviews
 
Find out more here: http://www.writers-exchange.com/friendship-heirlooms-series/

The final in my eight-part series is up now. This time I talk about coming to the end of a series. Starting next week, I’ll be posting a series of craft writing articles.
 
Karen Wiesner: The Stories Behind Classic Fairy Tales (Woodcutter's Grim Series), Part 8
           
Check it out here:
https://aliendjinnromances.blogspot.com/2021/10/karen-wiesner-stories-behind-classic_15.html

The seventh in my eight part series talking about my Woodcutter's Grim Series and the stories behind classic fairy tales is up now. This time I cover the myth behind phoenixes.
 
Karen Wiesner: The Stories Behind Classic Fairy Tales (Woodcutter's Grim Series), Part 7
           
Check it out here:
https://aliendjinnromances.blogspot.com/2021/10/karen-wiesner-stories-behind-classic_8.html

I received a new review for BRIDGE OF FIRE, Book 10: Woodcutter's Grim Series, Into the Sun, Part 3:
 
5 Stars! “Woodcutter’s Grim Series goes out with a bang in this final installment, Into the Sun, Part 3 of Bridge of Fire. I loved Will Gruff from the beginning, as far back as when his mom helped him break the blood contract their family was under so he alone could be saved. Yet he came back to the place that’s the least safe for him because he knows he’s the one who has to save those he cares for. I loved all the characters so much, I thought them as extended family. I admit I adored little Celee as a St. Bernard shifter most of all. The introduction of fairy tale creatures of all kinds in this three-part tale was an added bonus.” ~Linda’s Reviews
           
Find out more here: https://www.writers-exchange.com/woodcutters-grim-series/

Another review for CPR for Dead or Lifeless Fiction: A Writer’s Guide to Deep and Multi-Faceted Development of Characters, Plots, and Relationships:
 
5 Stars! "For plotting all my novels and novellas, I depend heavily on Karen Wiesner’s FIRST DRAFT IN 30 DAYS. Her books on writing can be invaluably helpful not only for dedicated plotters and outliners like me, but for the intuitive 'pantser' as well. This new book delves more deeply than any of her previous works into the intricacies of creating effective characters, plots, and relationships. After a comprehensive guide to recognizing and diagnosing 'dead or lifeless' writing, the book works through every stage in the planning and writing of a novel, with numerous examples from popular literature and other media. The step-by-step approach carries the reader along the path of conceiving, developing, and animating characters, from the initial inspiration to the ultimate goal of a cohesively plotted, vividly alive story. The organic imagery of living, dead, and 'zombie'  CPR woven throughout the text captivates the reader’s attention, as do the numerous concrete examples of how to apply the author’s instruction and advice. The appendix contains a collection of useful worksheets. As a bonus, the conclusion offers an eye-opening analysis of the current state of the publishing industry. You don’t need to be familiar with the author’s earlier books on writing to benefit from this one, since it covers all the highlights of her method. If you haven’t read them, though, you’ll probably want to get one or more after immersion in CPR FOR DEAD OR LIFELESS FICTION." ~award-winning author Margaret L. Carter http://www.margaretlcarter.com
 
Find out more here: http://www.writers-exchange.com/cpr/   

September 2021 Catchup
 
Karen Wiesner’s Karen’s Quill Newsletter
 
**NEW website!!** https://karenwiesner.weebly.com/
 
**NEW blog!!** https://karenwiesner.weebly.com/karens-quill-blog
 
http://www.facebook.com/KarenWiesnerAuthor
Creating realistic, unforgettable characters one story at a time…
 
In addition to being a popular writing reference instructor and writer, professional blurbologist and freelance editor, Karen Wiesner is the accomplished author of over 140 titles published in the past 24 years, which have been nominated/won 134 awards, with nearly 20 more releases contracted for spanning many genres and formats.
 
WHAT'S NEW
 
My new website and blog (streamlined and simplified with a gorgeous new logo created by my cover artist pro_designzz) is now up. I’d love feedback! https://karenwiesner.weebly.com/
 
You can find my latest Alien Romances Friday posts here:
 
Karen Wiesner: The Stories Behind Classic Fairy Tales (Woodcutter's Grim Series), Part 1
           
The first in an eight part series talking about my Woodcutter's Grim Series and the stories behind classic fairy tales is up now. In this introduction, I explore some favorite horror stories I read when I was young. Check it out
here: https://aliendjinnromances.blogspot.com/2021/08/woodcutters-grim-series-classic-tales.htmlaliendjinnromances.blogspot.com/2021/08/woodcutters-grim-series-classic-tales.html  
 
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Karen Wiesner: The Stories Behind Classic Fairy Tales (Woodcutter's Grim Series), Part 2
           
The second in my eight part series talking about my Woodcutter's Grim Series and the stories behind classic fairy tales is up now. This time I cover the stories behind "Hansel and Gretel", "Rumplestiltskin", "The Pied Piper of Hamelin", and "Rapunzel". Check it out here: https://aliendjinnromances.blogspot.com/2021/08/ar-woodcuttersgrimseriespt2.html 
 
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Karen Wiesner: The Stories Behind Classic Fairy Tales (Woodcutter's Grim Series), Part 3
           
The third in my eight part series talking about my Woodcutter's Grim Series and the stories behind classic fairy tales is up now. This time I cover the stories behind "The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse", "The Little Mermaid", "The House That Jack Built", and "Beauty and the Beast". Check it out here: https://aliendjinnromances.blogspot.com/2021/09/karen-wiesner-stories-behind-classic.html
 
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Karen Wiesner: The Stories Behind Classic Fairy Tales (Woodcutter's Grim Series), Part 4
           
The fourth in my eight part series talking about my Woodcutter's Grim Series and the stories behind classic fairy tales is up now. This time I cover the story behind Metamorphoses: The Story of Pygmalion and the Statue by Ovid. Check it out here: https://aliendjinnromances.blogspot.com/2021/09/karen-wiesner-stories-behind-classic_17.html
 
**
Karen Wiesner: The Stories Behind Classic Fairy Tales (Woodcutter's Grim Series), Part 5
           
The fifth in my eight part series talking about my Woodcutter's Grim Series and the stories behind classic fairy tales is up now. This time I cover the story behind "Snow White". Check it out here: https://aliendjinnromances.blogspot.com/2021/09/karen-wiesner-stories-behind-classic_24.html
 
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Karen Wiesner: The Stories Behind Classic Fairy Tales (Woodcutter's Grim Series), Part 6
           
The sixth in my eight part series talking about my Woodcutter's Grim Series and the stories behind classic fairy tales is up now. This time I cover the story behind "The Three Billy Goats Gruff". Check it out here: https://aliendjinnromances.blogspot.com/2021/10/karen-wiesner-stories-behind-classic.html
 
~*~
My newest writing advice article up on the Writers Exchange E-Publishing blog!
"Deep, Multi-Faceted Development and Progression of Romantic Relationships" by Karen S. Wiesner. Check it out here:  https://www.writers-exchange.com/development-and-progression-of-romantic-relationships-by-karen-s-wiesner/?fbclid=IwAR1Vlv7aKDd17nQhMjoXKEAGTMSZX5c-Z_t8jaKQsC6bZeUkY_2KzJP2ekI 

View all my articles on the Writers Exchange blog: https://www.writers-exchange.com/articles/
 
NEWEST AND UPCOMING RELEASES
 
HARD TO HANDLE, Book 8: Incognito Series reissue
Paranormal Horror
Available now in paperback and electronic formats
https://www.writers-exchange.com/hard-to-handle/
 
HIDDEN, Book 6: Bloodmoon Cove Spirits Series
Paranormal Horror
Available now in paperback and electronic formats
http://www.writers-exchange.com/hidden/
 
BRIDGE OF FIRE, Book 10: Woodcutter's Grim Series including: OUT OF THE ASHES, Part 1; A NEW BEGINNING, Part 2; and INTO THE SUN, Part 3
Fantasy Romance Novels
Available now in paperback and electronic formats
http://www.writers-exchange.com/woodcutters-grim-series/
 
ADVENTURES IN AMETHYST TRIO OF HOLIDAY ROMANCES including: NEVER A BRIDE, Book 11; UNLUCKY IN LOVE, Book 12; and SHOTGUN WEDDING, Book 13
Contemporary Romance Novels
Coming November 2021 in paperback and electronic formats
http://www.writers-exchange.com/adventures-in-amethyst-series/
 
NEW REVIEWS
 
I received my first reviews for BRIDGE OF FIRE, Book 10: Woodcutter's Grim Series, Out of the Ashes, Part 1:
 
5 Stars! “In Out of the Ashes, the first part of BRIDGE OF FIRE, the 10th book in the Woodcutter’s Grim Series, I found the Gruff family intriguing. Will was the youngest son of three brothers. His father made a choice that both saved and doomed them for all time. Will’s mom didn’t want her children to be slaves to the evil that lived in Woodcutter’s Grim. She made a dangerous alliance to save one of her sons. Will was too young to have fallen under the sway of the magic in that town. Before she helped him escape, she told him not to trust anyone and to never come back. Will fled, ensuring his life in the years that followed was lonely. But, like his father before him, Will possesses a skill that transcends explanation. He can create magical bridges. I fell in love with Adaryn and her friends Torin and Celee right along with Will. But a happily-ever-after doesn’t seem likely with a centuries’ old creature hunting them. Unbelievably, the only place that seems safe for them is Woodcutter’s Grim! I can’t wait to see what happens next in Part 2: A New Beginning!” ~Linda’s Reviews
 
5 Stars! “This portion of Bridge of Fire seems to tell readers just what we need to know, breaking at a good point--not what I would consider a frustrating ‘cliffhanger’. I admire the way the author created an original mythos of her own using creatures from legend and lore. And I'll bet nobody else has ever written a love story between a phoenix and a goat shapeshifter." ~author Margaret L. Carter http://www.margaretlcarter.com/
 
I received my first reviews for BRIDGE OF FIRE, Book 10: Woodcutter's Grim Series, A New Beginning, Part 2:
 
5 Stars! “In the last part, Out of the Ashes, Liam, his wife Adaryn, and their two friends Torin and Celee travel to Woodcutter's Grim to escape the hunter who’s always a step behind them. Though Liam had promised his mother he’d never return when he fled the town, he has no choice but to come home now and complete the training that will allow him to save those he loves. But the evil in this place overtook his father when Liam was just a child and now his oldest brother is irrevocably under its sway.  How can he survive if he allows himself to wield the magic? The last place on earth they should go is their only option now. Liam’s love for Adaryn touched me. Torin, also, was easy to fall in love with along with his adorable little girl. Ember was a fascinating creature I enjoyed getting to know better. I can hardly wait to see how this story ties up in the third and final part of BRIDGE OF FIRE.” ~Linda’s Reviews
 
5 Stars! “Again, I think this book ends at a reasonable stopping point, avoiding the dreaded cliffhanger. I enjoyed the dialogue and character relationship development. I love the relationship between Celee and Ember. It's hard to imagine how this trilogy could end happily. Well, I'll find out soon. I'm looking forward to finding out what finally happens to these people, especially the hero and heroine Liam and Adaryn.” ~author Margaret L. Carter http://www.margaretlcarter.com/
 
I received my first review for BRIDGE OF FIRE, Book 10: Woodcutter's Grim Series, Into the Sun, Part 3:
 
5 Stars! “In the final part of Bridge of Fire, the characters are sympathetic, and the mythology of Woodcutter's Grim is richly developed in interesting depth. I like the way it pulls many fairy tales together. For me as a reader, the author’s note at the end provided a detailed explanation of the series order and was very helpful. It's the kind of thing I always enjoy reading after completing a novel. In fact, when a book doesn't have an author's afterword, I miss it. Ultimately, the conclusion of Bridge of Fire is quite satisfying.” ~author Margaret L. Carter http://www.margaretlcarter.com/
           
Find out more here: https://www.writers-exchange.com/woodcutters-grim-series/
 
I received a new review for MICHAEL'S ANGEL, Book 2: Friendship Heirlooms Series:
 
5 Stars! “Get out a big box of tissue for this story.  In the Friendship Heirloom Series, we meet secondary characters from the Family Heirlooms Series. LeeAnn had been introduced in GLASS ANGELS, Book 4. I couldn’t help loving Michael Fremont, who had such a sad and tragic childhood, yet he protected his next door neighbor LeeAnn, a shy girl bullied both at home and at school.  When they’re finally free to be together, the past still won’t let them go without a fight. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.” ~Linda’s Reviews
           
Find out more here: http://www.writers-exchange.com/friendship-heirlooms-series/
 
I received a new review for FOREVER AND ALL THAT JAZZ, Book 3: Friendship Heirlooms Series:
 
5 Stars! “In this next book in the series, we gain insight into the best friend of Ashley, the heroine of the previous story. Jazz had been with her throughout her childhood horror and they remain close in the present. In SHARDS OF ASHLEY, Jazz and Wesley broke up when he learned some disturbing details from her previous life. As a pastor, he’d had to make a choice about whether she was the wife God wanted for him. But it quickly became clear to him that she was. Married life is filled with joy neither could have imagined before, but there’s an elephant in the room never discussed. Even as an adult and married woman, Jazz continues to look out for her aging father, a characteristic that’s beautiful to behold. But forgiving herself for the past isn’t easy when closure about so many things is lacking. This story is a tear-jerker. I rooted for Jazz and Wesley to find a happily-ever-after the whole time. Can’t wait to find out what’s next in the series!” ~Linda’s Reviews
           
Find out more here: http://www.writers-exchange.com/friendship-heirlooms-series/
 
I received a new review for CPR FOR DEAD OR LIFELESS FICTION:
 
5 Stars! “I do not read, much less review, many nonfiction books because I normally read to escape the problems of everyday life. However, I have often wondered how authors managed to keep us (readers) engaged in their stories, especially if the story is more than one title in length. This book explains it all. If you an aspiring author, this book is crucial in making your story something that publishers would want to get out to the public. All writers know that a character must do more than walk and talk if readers are to care about them. The development is what causes readers to feel as though they know and understand a character. This book also explains ten ways to spot dead or lifeless characters, plots, and relationships. It also talks about the needed research that authors must do. Not only that, but good writers also take detailed notes on each of their characters. This book explains why and how. Even having said all this, it hardly touches everything that the book covers. This is a valuable resource for any author, published or not.” ~Huntress Reviews
 
Find out more here: http://www.writers-exchange.com/cpr/
 
MISCELLANY
 
Check out my Author Pages!
Writers Exchange: http://www.writers-exchange.com/Karen-Wiesner/ and http://www.writers-exchange.com/blog/
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Karen%20Wiesner
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/karenwiesner
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/karenwiesner
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KarenWiesnerAuthor
 
WHAT I'M WORKING ON
 
Look for my WIP Moments on my Facebook Author Page http://www.facebook.com/KarenWiesnerAuthor where I'll be posting about what I'm working on and the progress I'm making with each stage of my projects.
​ You can also follow my progress here: https://karenwiesner.weebly.com/works-in-progress.html
 
In September, I:
 
-Polished REKINDLED, Book 6: Peaceful Pilgrim Series (February 2022 release)
https://karenwiesner.weebly.com/peaceful-pilgrims-series.html
 
In October, I'll begin:
 
-Revising my writing reference titles for reissue in 2022
 
Find out what else I'm working on in 2021: https://karenwiesner.weebly.com/works-in-progress.html
 
Feel free to direct your friends to this newsletter!
http://www.facebook.com/KarenWiesnerAuthor
https://karenwiesner.weebly.com/
https://karenwiesner.weebly.com/karens-quill-blog

he sixth in my eight part series talking about my Woodcutter's Grim Series and the stories behind classic fairy tales is up now. This time I cover the story behind "The Three Billy Goats Gruff".
 
Karen Wiesner: The Stories Behind Classic Fairy Tales (Woodcutter's Grim Series), Part 6
           
Check it out here: https://aliendjinnromances.blogspot.com/2021/10/karen-wiesner-stories-behind-classic.html​

Here’s one more review I received for CPR for Dead or Lifeless Fiction: A Writer’s Guide to Deep and Multi-Faceted Development of Characters, Plots, and Relationships:
 
5 Stars! "Highly recommended new book to bring your novel writing *'ALIVE'! Karen S. Wiesner has yet again written a stellar book for writers at all stages looking for new energy in their storytelling with CPR for Dead or Lifeless Fiction. Every paragraph teems with good points to savor and use in planning a novel or revising a manuscript—or even resuscitating an author’s career if a series becomes stale. The list of ten ways to spot dead or lifeless characters, plots, and relationships is a book within a book and priceless. I also loved her thoughtful, useful *ALIVE acronym for 'Animated, Living, Interacting, Vitality & Voice, Engaged' plots and characters. She of course goes in-depth with tips on how to achieve every one of those letters in ALIVE. This is a book on writing that is alive with wisdom. In this well-researched and carefully crafted handbook, Wiesner uses plenty of examples, worksheets, and lists to create what amounts to a Master Class in writing a more satisfying novel.  Highly recommended." ~Christine DeSmet, mystery author (Fudge Shop Mystery Series) and Distinguished Faculty Associate in writing, University of Wisconsin-Madison Continuing Studies, and director, Write-by-the-Lake Writer’s Workshop & Retreat christinedesmet.com/
 
Find out more here: http://www.writers-exchange.com/cpr/  

I received another review for CPR FOR DEAD OR LIFELESS FICTION:
 
5 Stars! “I do not read, much less review, many nonfiction books because I normally read to escape the problems of everyday life. However, I have often wondered how authors managed to keep us (readers) engaged in their stories, especially if the story is more than one title in length. This book explains it all. If you an aspiring author, this book is crucial in making your story something that publishers would want to get out to the public. All writers know that a character must do more than walk and talk if readers are to care about a character. The development is what causes readers to feel as though they know and understand a character. This book also explains ten ways to spot dead or lifeless characters, plots, and relationships. It talks about the needed research that authors must do. Not only that, but good writers also take detailed notes on each of their characters. This book explains why and how. Even having said all this, it hardly touches everything that the book covers. This is a valuable resource for any author, published or not.” ~Huntress Reviews
 
Find out more here: http://www.writers-exchange.com/cpr/   

Here's a comprehensive review I received for CPR FOR DEAD OR LIFELESS FICTION:

5 Stars! "CPR for Dead or Lifeless Fiction: A Writer's Guide to Deep and Multifaceted Development and Progression of Characters, Plot, and Relationships is a writer's handbook that all of us will want on our shelves. Lucky for me, I received a review copy from Karen S. Wiesner, the talented author of a few writing craft books. So let's talk about why you may want this book on your shelf! "If you like writing craft books that make you feel like the author is in the room with you and teaching you how to make your stories and characters better, then this book is perfect. While reading it, I felt as if Karen was in my living room, giving me advice with her helpful and easy to remember acronyms to keep me from boring my readers into falling asleep instead of turning the pages. "Here's a great example: A L I V E, and those letters stand for: Animated (evidence of a spark of life in your characters), Living (not just existing, but living a life full of external and internal conflicts), Interacting (dynamic and believable relationships), Vitality and Voice (3-dimensional character attributes), and finally Engaged (characters with objectives and purpose in the story with defined goals and motivations). "So think of some of your favorite characters in the books you read. Are they ALIVE? Now think of your main character--does he or she fit those five characteristics? This is what Karen's book will do for you. Give you helpful tips, like how to diagnose if your characters are ALIVE, and then help you write better characters and plots.

"The book is divided into seven chapters, plus an intro and conclusion, and then something very valuable--an appendix full of worksheets. I know this is every writer's dream--at least it is mine. Karen includes worksheets for both plot and character development help. Then there are also worksheets on relationship development between your characters. If you are writing a romance, you'll especially want to check out the "Links in the Chain of Romance Relationship Development Chart." If you don't have those links, then your romance readers will not be happy with you!

"Back to the seven chapters--I think one of the most helpful chapters for any writer at any level is at the beginning of the book, chapter one, where Karen helps you with "ten ways to spot dead or lifeless characters, plots, and relationships." And by dead characters--she's not talking about the dead body on page one of a murder mystery. She means your character is just there, existing on the page. With chapter one, you receive 10 points to look for in your manuscript to diagnose what may be wrong with it.

"Then she goes on to chapter two, where she introduces you to three-dimensional writing and scenes. Karen has a previous book where she talked about those concepts more (Cohesive Story Building). But in CPR, she reviews these strategies for writers, as she gets ready to really dig into your characters (chapter 3), plot (chapter 4), and relationships (chapter 5).

"I like this book so much because of the relationships' sections. A lot of writing craft books about plot and characters don't spend as much time on examining the relationships in the book. But think about it--when you watch a movie or get hooked on a book series, aren't you very interested in the characters and their relationships? I'll just answer for you--Yes! Han Solo and Princess Leia, Ron and Hermione, and Katniss and Peeta...insert any of your favorites in here, and you'll see what I mean. You want the relationships in your plots to stick in readers' minds like these previous ones did for me.

"This writer's craft book helps you diagnose what's wrong with your manuscript, and then fix it with tips and advice from Karen. If you're a fiction writer looking to improve your craft as one of your 2021 goals, then CPR for Dead or Lifeless Fiction is for you!" ~Margo L. Dill of Editor-911.com

Find out more here: http://www.writers-exchange.com/cpr/