August 2025

Author Update

Where Have I Been? Hint: Somewhere Between Demons and Deadlines.

I know, I know. I’ve been MIA lately. Like, vanished-into-the-shadow-realm levels of missing. Newsletters have been ghosted. Nothing but tumbleweeds in the book reviews section. Here’s the thing: I’ve been pouring every last drop of creative energy (and maybe a little leftover caffeine) into my paranormal romantic thriller, Blood of the Forgotten.

And let me tell you!!! It’s not just a book. It’s a whole experience. The kind you feel in your chest. The kind that leaves your brain chewing on what just happened, and your heart slightly offbeat.

One of the (many) perks of marrying someone who’s just as much of a perfectionist as I am is he’s deep in this project with me. We’ve been tag-teaming edits like possessed warriors on a mission to make sure this story isn’t one you read and forget.

Now… if you’ve been following along on my site, you may have noticed that the online serial Heart Box Amulet has temporarily vanished into the ether. Mainly because I refuse to give you half-baked chapters. That story (featuring our favorite chaotic trio Everly, Damian, and Rhett) deserves the same love and polish as anything else I write. So while it’s resting in the revision cave, just know it will rise again. And when it does, it’ll be amaze-balls.

There’s so much more in store. Blood of the Forgotten is just one portal into the worlds waiting for you. If you love it, you’re going to fall hard for what’s coming next. Guaranteed.

Keep your eyes peeled for future giveaways and updates. Because here at Turn Another Page, we’ve got so many bookish surprises brewing, not just in August 2025. And we’re thrilled you’re along for the ride.

1. SPOTLIGHT & SCRIBBLES

Today’s spotlight falls on Stephen Pravato, a fellow creative spirit and the brilliant mind behind Lethal Molt. On TikTok and YouTube (@svpwrites), he shares snippets from his story alongside interesting musings, sometimes purely for fun, sometimes to spark a thoughtful moment. With a curious mind and a storyteller’s heart, he’s venturing into new creative paths, so give him a follow and let’s get to know him!

Lethal Molt

Survival is a daily negotiation with death. Ethan Riley straddles a thin line between numbness and apathy as giant insects claw away the remnants of humanity’s world. Fleeing his unprepared village after a cricket invasion, Ethan faces new threats: a humanoid insect lurking in shadow, mercenaries who drag him into their violent ranks, and a sickly young man. Festering beneath the streets, each choice will harden him into a calloused survivor or push him to search for perspective among countless examples of deterioration.

What’s something about your day-to-day life that might surprise people who only know you through your art?

 I love running on hills near my house every morning before work. I feel like some struggle / discipline before the day starts preps me for the day and relieves some morning tension. We are ALL ABOUT that sort of discipline here at TAP (Turn Another Page). There's something about that sort of physical exhaustion that builds resolve and clarity for creative problem-solving! We commend you for your hard work, not just on paper, but for your physical and mental health! 

What’s been the most unexpected part of bringing this idea to life?

I didn’t expect this journey to lead me to a sequel. I have a bad habit of killing off my characters, so I’m currently writing. Ah, thank you for the warning. I'll be sure to bring tissues AND look out for more exciting adventures, all at the same time!

What’s something you’d love people to feel after experiencing your work, even if they don’t have the words for it?

I want them to resonate in the work’s atmosphere and find hope in struggle. There’s a calm that comes with my admiration for nature. It’s present despite the dangers. This is too real. Nature can indeed be beautiful and terrifying in the same breath. I love this outlook!

Thank you, Stephen, for taking time to introduce yourself and your work to fellow readers and writers in this community! We look forward to keeping up with you and watching you build worlds and lives from nothing.

Keep a look out, because next month we are putting another author in the hot seat!

If you are a creative spirit and also wish to share your talent, be sure to check out the Contact Me page on my website and book your spot!

2. SNACK ATTACK

   
   

 Brain Fuel Break: August Smoothie Edition 

Whether you’re elbows-deep in edits (cough, me) or just curled up with a good book (hopefully also me soon), sometimes your brain needs a little boost that doesn’t come from your seventh cup of coffee (or tea. I mean, pick your poison).

Summer time snack vibes

Strawberry Banana Brain Boost Smoothie: a creamy, dreamy, not-too-sweet treat that fuels your imagination and keeps you cozy while you're plotting fictional doom (or just vibing with your latest read).

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup frozen strawberries (fresh work too, but frozen = that thick milkshake magic)

• 1 ripe banana

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or a dairy-free alternative like coconut or almond yogurt)

• 1 tablespoon almond butter (peanut butter works too, but almond adds that wholesome earthy vibe)

• 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup if you’re feeling extra)

• 3/4 cup milk (or almond, oat, soy… whatever your dairy-averse heart desires)

• Optional: A handful of oats or a scoop of protein powder if you’re going for long-haul writing stamina

How to Make It:

1. Toss everything into a blender. (Easy enough)

2. Hit that blend button and let it whirl until smooth and creamy. (Patience is key)

3. Pour into your favorite mug, mason jar, goblet, or whatever vessel makes you feel like your best writer self. (Ugh, I seriously need a goblet, I’ve been saying it for years)

4. Sip. Sigh. Repeat.

This smoothie is packed with brain-loving goodness: potassium, fiber, protein, and a touch of natural sweetness to keep you sharp and satisfied through your next chapter or cozy afternoon reading sesh.

Warning: May cause excessive inspiration and spontaneous plot twists.

3. GIGGLE AND GROAN

What do you call a bee that travels the US?

A USB.

USB Bee

Thank you, @Lovesjackskellington !! (Tiktok)

4. WRITER’S WISDOM

   
   

Make Them Feel It

Let’s talk about writing those pivotal scenes, where the emotional stakes skyrocket, the air gets thick, and your characters are either about to crack or overcome.

And let’s just say, I’ve been in the thick of it! So how do we make sure readers aren’t just reading emotions, but actually feeling them?

Feeling is Physical

You want your reader to taste the fear, flinch at the heartbreak, sweat during the tension. Zero in on what’s happening inside and outside your character’s body.

Instead of:

“She was nervous.”

Try:

“Her stomach shriveled. Every breath felt too shallow, like her lungs had forgotten how to fill.” “She wiped her palms on her jeans for the third time.”

Tiny actions. Micro-reactions. That’s where the gold is, my friend!

Emotion isn’t Just Thoughts

A pivotal moment for your character is rarely quiet inside the mind. Let their thoughts spiral, interrupt, contradict each other. Because sometimes it’s not polished! Sometimes it’s a full-blown mess! 

“I should walk away. I should say nothing. But her soft apology was still in my ears, and I wanted to scream into the void.”

Bro, let them unravel a little. Your readers will cling to every word, I promise!

Bonus Pro-Tips:

• Contrast is king: calm surroundings + inner chaos = ugh, yes, PLEASE.

• Silence speaks volumes: sometimes what isn’t said screams the loudest. (Helloooo my MMC)

• Your character’s body knows before they do: if they’re in danger, their instincts will act first. Don’t be afraid to write the flinch before the reason.

• Avoid the cliché minefield: no heart “shattering into a million pieces,” or “released the breath she didn’t know she was holding” unless you’ve earned it with something unique beforehand.

So the next time you’re crafting that gut-punch scene, take a deep breath, sink into your character’s skin, and ask: What does this feel like? Where do they feel it? And what do they do with it?

How about it? Ready to demolish some hearts… and maybe put them back together. Depends on the genre you’re writing, I guess.

5. VERSUS & VICTORIES

Luke 17:14  “When He saw them, He said, ‘Go, show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were cleansed.”

Ten lepers yell to Jesus for help. He yells back, “Yo, just go show yourselves to the priests.” (slightly paraphrased)

By the way, in those days the only way to get your “all clear” stamp to rejoin society was by showing yourself to the priest, that you're healthy and “clean” as they called it. Kind of like getting your spiritual driver’s license reinstated.

The catch was, they weren’t healed yet. Their skin was still a mess. Heck, they might've had a few fingers missing. And yet, they walked. Every creaky, painful step screamed faith louder than any words could.

Sometimes Jesus says, “Go,” before you see anything change. No flashing neon miracle sign, no drumroll. Just… “Go.” And your job is to move your feet anyway.

What’s your “walk to the priest” moment right now? What step is He nudging you to take, even if the evidence hasn’t shown up yet? Faith looks a little foolish—right until it doesn’t!!