Month: August 2021

Posted in On Writing, Uncategorized

A Little Scare

Posted on by Randi-Lee Bowslaugh

It’s almost ready! This book deviates from what I have published in the past but horror has always been my favourite genre. I am happy to be publishing my first collection of short horror stories. Each story is unique with its own format and characters.

Peter Topside author of the Preternatural books has this to say:

“I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review (Thank you, Randi!)  Now it’s well known that I’m not a fan of short stories.  The only exceptions there are HG Wells’ The Invisible Man and his other well known sci-fi/horror type stories.  However, I read through the Little Scare collection, and really did enjoy these tales of the macabre a great deal.  They were diverse, and didn’t follow any type of generic formula or theme, which was refreshing.  Each tale was also long enough, without overstaying its welcome.  They were a bit gruesome at the right times, but it was more reserved and not overly graphic.  This is where the writing was done well, as it left certain things unwritten and just insinuated, which is much easier than going into excessive details on the terror at hand.  Aside from that, the writing was very easy-to-follow and the book as a whole just had this general creepiness and anxiety-producing uneasiness throughout.  My personal favorite here was A Scorched Letter, with Chookies being a close second.  If you want a quick read that’ll tickle your inner horror fan, give this a look!”

Stay up to date with release information by following RB Writing on facebook.

Posted in Blog, On Writing

Work in Progress

Posted on by Randi-Lee Bowslaugh

This year is getting exciting; and yes I realize that it is two thirds over. The beginning of this year was a bit of a struggle mentally, but it is turning out to be a great end of the year.

The YouTube channel Write or Die Show is going well and has been getting great feedback. When I first came up with the idea for the channel I didn’t know how I would find guests or if anyone would even be interested in listening to the interviews. However, I have already recorded nearly 80 interviews and have a waitlist of 20 guests for the next set of recordings.

From the interviews that have already been posted people are thanking me for talking about mental health. I am blown away by the encouragement that I have received. Not that anyone needs external validation but when my depression rears (which is was – and telling me this was a horrible idea) having that external validation helps to quiet those negative thoughts.

There will be lots more episodes coming and I hope you will share them!

In March I was able to publish not just one but two books! Diamond the Cat and Embracing Me came out that month. Again, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Thank you to everyone who has purchased the books and I am so glad that the messages are impactful.

As you know (if you have been keeping up on the blog) I have been diligently working on the audiobook for Embracing Me, and I am happy to announce that it has been sent into ACX and is now awaiting approval. Fingers crossed there isn’t anymore editing that needs to be done.

A Little Scare is almost finished the editing process as well and should be released by the end of September if all goes well. Just in time to make a great Christmas gift for the teen who loves horror. I am really excited about this book as it is so different from what I have published previously and I hope that everyone will enjoy the collection.

Don’t worry I have some more non-fiction books in the works as well.

The Crime Stoppers of Niagara history book is coming along. It is a slow process but involves much more research than previous projects I have worked on. I have learned so much about Crime Stoppers and it really is an interesting organization.

The newest book that I have started working on is my first collaboration with a another author. This will be his first published book and I am excited about the topic – mental health. Which we all know is a topic I love to talk about. In this book we are examining it in regards to biblical principles (if you didn’t know I am a Christian and this has been a book on my mind for many years). This is just getting started so it will be a few months before it is ready to publish.

And if all of that wasn’t enough I will be releasing a self-care journey journal. More on that as it gets more into production. Plus, a list of ideas to be written – more scary stories and more children’s books.

Wow, I have my work cut out for me. Thank you to everyone who continues to support me.

Posted in Blog, Reviews

Review – My Daze with the Dark Muse by DM Needom

Posted on by Randi-Lee Bowslaugh

This is not the type of book I would normally pick up but that’s the fun of having books sent to me to review. First off, if you have an aversion to harsh language this is not the book for you. Second, if you have an aversion to reading about sex, this book is not for you.  Other than that this book is an interesting read. B08PF8LXBN

The book starts with being written as if the main character is writing in his journal. I enjoyed this viewpoint as I don’t see it used much. It chronicles his struggle as a falling Rockstar with a drug addiction. The author does a great job in showing the internal struggle of being an addict but not wanting to be an addict.

As the book progresses the main character’s struggle progresses. Eventually, it ends him in rehab, but that is not the end of the story. The real ending (which I won’t give away) is a great twist. I didn’t see that coming and the author does a great job of building the suspense before revealing the twist.

 

Posted in Blog, Reviews

Review – I Forget to Stay Sober by J.T. Wahlberg

Posted on by Randi-Lee Bowslaugh

If I had to sum this book up in one word that word would be honest. There was no fluff, no pity party, no excuses; just pure vulnerable honesty.

Not only does J.T. share how stupid he was (his words not mine ; I think he was brave) but he shares why he got sober the stupid way. The stupid way was trying to do it alone. The body becomes so reliant on alcohol that withdrawing incorrectly can kill you. J.T. found that out the hard way (and I think we are all glad that it didn’t kill him). There are detox centers that will help you to carefully and safely get sober.

When J.T. did make it through the initial process of getting sober he had to get back to life – work. He shares how he was able to make it through the first shift, then the next and continuing in career in the hospitality business (where he had to be around alcohol nearly everyday). The system of counting to seven and forgetting to get drunk worked well for him; and perhaps it could help you as well.

Finally, one of the most interesting pieces in the book was when J.T. writes about having to decline a drink when socializing. Since alcohol is a normalized part of society when someone declines a drink they are often questioned. We need to normalize not drinking.

This book is definitely worth the read, whether you are struggling with your alcohol consumption or if you love someone who is struggling. This book not only talks about the process but the feelings that he had to deal with and why he continued for so long.

If you prefer to listen it is on audible (that is how I listened to the book) and J.T. reads it, which I find it extra special to hear his voice telling his story.

If you would like to read the book please consider using my affiliate link here.