There’s been a lot of talk about tropes and readers’ expectations, mainly enemies-to-lovers versus rivals-to-lovers, and while there is some crossover, there’s also distinct differences that writers and readers should keep in mind. So what makes these tropes successful? How do they stand apart from each other? Enemies-to-lovers: As it sounds, the love interests of… Continue reading Enemies to Lovers vs Rivals to Lovers: Meeting Readers’ Expectations
Tag: Book Review
What’s the Difference Between Romantasy and Romantic Fantasy?
It’s easy to look at the newly coined term and think “Romance” + “Fantasy” = “Romantasy” but it’s not that simple.
When a Book Finds You
Sometimes you pick books. Other times, books find you.
My Favorite Books of 2023
As per tradition, I am back from hiatus to share my favorite reads of 2023. Before I jump into it, though, I wanted to mention a few caveats. I’m hoping to return to my regular blogging schedule, but there's a lot going on in my life. Unfortunately, we had a loss in the family, and catching up on… Continue reading My Favorite Books of 2023
SATurdate: It Ends With Us, TikTok Cookies, & Love is Blind
Remember these? It’s been a loooonnnggg time since I wrote a SATurdate. (The last one was in 2016.) For those of you who haven’t been with me for that long, they were generalized Saturday posts just updating everyone with what I am up to in writing, publishing, and my personal life, like what I’m watching… Continue reading SATurdate: It Ends With Us, TikTok Cookies, & Love is Blind
My Favorite Books of 2022
As per tradition, I am back to share my favorite reads of 2022. Before I jump into it, though, I wanted to mention a few caveats. My original website template retired. (RIP, Bueno. You served me well–and for ten years!) I’m now using Button 2. I might be changing it intermittently as I try to… Continue reading My Favorite Books of 2022
Why We Need More Books Like Jennette McCurdy’s I’M GLAD MY MOM DIED
Controversy erupted in publishing last week when child star Jennette McCurdy released her memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died. Ever since, I’ve seen various discussions being bounced around online. Some supportive; some not. I get it. I do. There’s lots of folks out there who cannot imagine disliking their mother so much that death feels… Continue reading Why We Need More Books Like Jennette McCurdy’s I’M GLAD MY MOM DIED
Every Detail in Science Fiction and Fantasy Doesn’t Need to Make Sense
This is probably an unpopular opinion–and perhaps a less-than-stellar writing tip–but every detail in science fiction and fantasy doesn’t need to make sense. I’m talking about characters, world building, traditions, landscapes, magic systems, etc. Granted, of course most of your story needs to. Like 95% of it and certainly the most essential parts. But every… Continue reading Every Detail in Science Fiction and Fantasy Doesn’t Need to Make Sense
My Favorite Books of 2021
Every year I blog about my favorite reads, though I admit that this year was hard! I went really out of my comfort zone and read a lot of age categories and genres, but particularly adult romance, including the famous Ice Planet Barbarians series. This was also just a busy year in general for me.… Continue reading My Favorite Books of 2021
My Favorite Books of 2020
At the end of every year I like to blog about my favorite reads—the books I couldn’t put down, the books that shocked me, the books that will stay with me forever—and this year is no different. I’m going to be talking about my 2020 favs. If you’re interested in my previous years, here’s 2019,… Continue reading My Favorite Books of 2020
Shannon A. Thompson 