ADVENTURES IN KENYAPassport to Plotlines - Behind-the-Scenes Travel Before I published my first thrillers, I was a young pre-med student stepping onto Kenyan soil for the first time—wide-eyed, idealistic, and ready to help on a medical mission. That journey didn’t just shape me as a physician; it gave me the geographical authenticity I needed for Black Gold. In real life, I spent my days treating patients in urban Kibera and isolated rural. In fiction, Dr. Lillian Whyte does the same at a camp near the coast—until her world turns upside down, danger shadows her steps, and her humanitarian mission becomes a battleground for greed and power. Lucky for me, I simply came home and finished my book. Lillian? She… got kidnapped. (Sometimes being the author has perks.) Nairobi: Grit, Grace & Humanity Nairobi is a city of contrasts—glass towers and bustling markets rising alongside sprawling informal settlements. Walking into Kibera, the slums outside the city, is something I’ll never forget. Corrugated tin roofs rusting in the heat. Narrow dirt paths winding like veins through crowded neighborhoods. Children laughing and chasing makeshift soccer balls, despite hardship pressing at every corner, while a choir chorus can be heard from a nearby church. What struck me most wasn’t the poverty—it was the strength. The resilience. The sense of community and hope nestled in a place the world often overlooks. In Black Gold, Lillian sees that same mix of beauty and struggle. She steps into the heart of the country to help, but instead finds herself entangled in a deadly plot surrounding stolen oil and desperate criminals who see her mission not as mercy—but as opportunity. Where I carried stethoscopes and antibiotics, she carries determination and a dangerous secret someone is willing to kill for. Rural Kenya After Nairobi, our mission brought us to Lenana and Methega where the locals worked the land with limited to no access to healthcare. This beauty, this vulnerability, this reminder of how precious life is—those emotions wove themselves into the pages of Black Gold. For Lillian, Mombasa is not a peaceful coastline, but the backdrop to betrayal. Her medical camp is attacked. Lives are threatened. And instead of ending the trip sipping coconut water on a beach, she finds herself at gunpoint, learning that hope can be stolen just as quickly as relief can be given. The Safari I Took, and the One She Missed 🐘🦁🦓 When the mission ended, I traded my scrubs for binoculars and headed into the savannah. We spotted the Big Five—elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, and buffalo—moving across golden grasslands like scenes from a nature documentary come to life. Sunset painted the horizon in molten gold, and the earth felt ancient, untamed, and breathtaking. Meanwhile, in Black Gold, Lillian never makes it to the safari jeep… She’s busy escaping captors and uncovering a dark network of oil thieves threatening not just her mission, but lives around her. Fortunately, CIA agent Sean—a man as steady under pressure as he is secretly smitten—heads into Nairobi determined to track her down, expose the criminals, and save the woman who never wanted to be anyone’s damsel. Their love story ignites in the middle of danger and dust, because if you’re going to fall for someone, why not do it while taking down an international oil smuggling ring? 🖤🔥 Real Places, Real Emotion, Fictional Danger Kenya gave me more than memories—it gave me a story rooted in compassion, courage, and the clash between human need and human greed. It showed me beauty and hardship living side by side, and it showed me that even in the darkest corners, hope rises. I wanted Black Gold to honor that—through danger and devotion, heartbreak and heroism, and a journey that transforms both the character and the reader.
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...Where to Put Those Newsletter Sign-Ups (All Free!)Author2Author: Quill and GritI did a SoMeDoc presentation in 2024 about building your newsletter, so I thought I'd share some of these great ways in this forum.
https://doctorsonsocialmedia.com/ If you want to grow your newsletter, the first step is simple: make it easy for readers to find your sign-up link everywhere. And yes, we’re talking everywhere. Think of it like scattering little breadcrumbs across the internet—and in real life—so your readers can’t help but follow them straight to your newsletter. Here’s your ultimate, zero-cost list of places to drop those links: 1. Your Author Website This is the obvious one, but don’t just stop at a small “Sign up for my newsletter” button on your homepage. Pop it in the header, the footer, and even a sticky sidebar if your theme allows it. You want your newsletter offer impossible to miss. 2. Author Bios Everywhere Your Goodreads, BookBub, and any other author profile you maintain are prime real estate. Toss your newsletter link in your bio and add a tiny teaser: “Get exclusive short stories, bonus scenes, and early book news—sign up here!” ⚠️ Note: Amazon doesn’t allow clickable links in author bios, so don’t waste your energy there. 3. Front Matter of Your Books Right at the beginning of your book, you can offer a reader magnet—a prequel chapter, deleted scene, or character dossier—in exchange for a newsletter signup. Sneaky, but in the best way possible. 4. Back Matter of Your Books You’ve already got your readers hooked—they finished the book. That’s the perfect moment to say: “Want more? Get exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox!” Include a direct link or again, tease a freebie reader magnet. NOTE: You need to put it right after the end of the book--not in a new section. Most reading apps will signify the end of the book with a rating pop up, and then you've lost their attention. I end my books with a symbol signifying the end, and the next paragraph is 'join my newletter' (the one after that is a link to the next book). 5. Your Blog Every blog post is a chance to capture emails. End posts with a call-to-action like: "Loved this post? Get more insider content, free short stories, and early book announcements by joining my newsletter!" 6. Podcast Notes & Guest Spots If you’re on a podcast—or hosting one—your show notes are a perfect spot for your link. Mention it in the episode too: “For behind-the-scenes stories and free content, join my newsletter at [link].” 7. TikTok, YouTube, & Social Media Put it in your bio and pin a video about your newsletter. Quick tip: offer a fun reason to join, like an exclusive character interview or sneak peek at the next book. 8. Physical Handouts Don’t underestimate the power of real-life connections! Add a QR code to bookmarks, business cards, or flyers. One scan = instant sign-up. Bonus: you can hand these out at book events, coffee shops, or even slip them in books you gift friends or fans. 9. More Ideas
... who does what whenAuthor2Author: Quill and Grit As writers, we all need a little help polishing our work before it reaches the world. But did you know that there are different types of readers and editors, each serving a unique role in shaping your manuscript? Knowing who to involve and when can save you frustration—and elevate your story to its full potential. 1. Alpha Readers – Your First Fans Who they are: Alpha readers are your earliest audience—often trusted friends, fellow writers, or critique partners who read your manuscript in its roughest form. What they do:
2. Developmental Editors – The Structural Architects Who they are: Professional editors specializing in story structure, pacing, and narrative mechanics. What they do:
3. Beta Readers – Reality Checkers Who they are: Beta readers are usually more varied—often avid readers of your genre who provide feedback from a reader’s perspective. They’re not editors; they’re your story’s first real audience. What they do:
4. Copy Editors – The Fine-tooth Comb Who they are: Professionals who focus on language, grammar, punctuation, consistency, and clarity. What they do:
Quick Tips for a Smooth Feedback Process
 ...AND WHY I HAD TO WRITE MY OWN MODERN SPINDeep-Dive Diaries Facts Behind the Fiction Growing up, I read Edith Hamilton’s book on Greek Mythology and a fascination bloomed. Ever since I devoured Percy Jackson with the kids, I’ve wanted to write a Greek-mythology urban fantasy for adults — one with high-stakes action, elemental magic, and romance that smolders hotter than Hephaestus’ forge. Rick Riordan gave us heroes discovering their powers; I wanted to go further: what happens when grown warriors with god-touched gifts battle ancient threats in the modern world?
That spark became the foundation for my Olympian-inspired adventure series — a blend of Greek myth, contemporary danger, found-family bonds, and heart-racing romance. Think: 🌊 Storm-born power 🔥 Fire-forged destiny 🐺 Shape-shifting rescue missions ⚡ An ancient titan waking with modern grudges I dove deep into mythology… and uncovered some fascinating facts. 🔥 5 Fun Greek Mythology Facts 1. The Olympians Were… a Little Dysfunctional Family drama didn’t start with reality TV. Cronus ate his children, Zeus overthrew him, and then the Olympians spent centuries bickering, feuding, cheating, and fighting to rule the world. 2. Titans Were the Original Power Players Before Zeus & company, the Titans ruled the universe. They weren’t just villains — many were creators, parents of gods, or forces of nature. In my fiction, that ancient rivalry still simmers beneath the surface. 3. Greek Monsters Came in Every Shape Forget just minotaurs and gorgons — mythology includes:
4. Heroes Had Flaws — Big Ones Achilles’ pride rivaled his power. Heracles couldn’t control his rage. Odysseus could outsmart anyone… except himself sometimes. Greek heroes remind us: strength means nothing without heart. (And in my stories, the strongest characters are the ones who love fiercely.) 5. The Gods Walked Among Mortals In myth, gods disguised themselves, guided armies, fell in love, and sought revenge — all across the mortal world. Myth wasn’t distant; it was personal, physical, and dangerously present. That’s the heartbeat of modern myth-touched fiction — ancient power hiding in our world, waiting to awaken. 📚 My Top 5 Greek-Mythology Books to Dive Deeper The Greek Mythology Bible — Mythology by Edith Hamilton A classic — elegant, thorough, and beautifully curated. If you want a foundation in the gods, heroes, and legends, start here. Circe by Madeline Miller A lyrical, character-driven masterpiece. Circe’s transformation from outcast nymph to self-forged goddess is feminist, fierce, and unforgettable. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller A tender, heartbreaking retelling of Achilles and Patroclus. Love, war, prophecy, and tragedy — prepare your tissues. Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe A modern graphic-novel-style retelling of Hades & Persephone. Stylish, emotional, dramatic — a perfect bridge between myth and romance. A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair Romantic, seductive, and immersive. Another Hades/Persephone spin — darker, steamier, and packed with divine intrigue. ✨ Final Thought Greek mythology isn’t just ancient history — it’s timeless, because it’s about power, passion, loyalty, betrayal, and destiny. All the things that make stories unforgettable. And in my worlds… the gods may be gone, but their power hasn’t disappeared — it’s waking up. Passport to Plotlines Behind-the-Scenes Travel Iceland has a way of making you feel small in the best possible way. Wide-open skies, jagged volcanic hills, and glaciers that seem to stretch forever—this is the land where The Shadow Guardians have their epic showdown. I was lucky enough to visit in August 2025, and standing there, I could almost feel the magic of Norse legend humming in the wind. A Battlefield of Fire and Ice In the series finale, six warriors—each wielding Norse powers—face the reincarnation of Hel and her genetically-brewed army of the undead. The volcanic hills provide a stark, molten backdrop for sparks to fly and battles to ignite, while icy peaks glimmer under a moody Icelandic sky, creating a chilling contrast to the fiery chaos. The terrain itself becomes a character: jagged rocks for tactical advantage, snow-dusted ridges for stealth, and geysers of steam that obscure both heroes and enemies at the perfect dramatic moment. The combination of fire and ice mirrors the stakes of the battle: life and death, past and present, love and vengeance. It’s urban fantasy romance with teeth—where every footstep could be your last, and every magic-infused strike counts. Trolls: Iceland’s Friendly Folklore Cameos While trolls didn’t make it into the book, anyone who’s visited Iceland knows how alive the folklore is here. Legends of hulking creatures hiding behind rocks and emerging at twilight feel almost tangible amidst the volcanic cliffs and shadowy ridges. In the spirit of trolls, I asked ChatGPT to give me a fictional troll name and backstory... Ljósvaka Lyfseiðr Pronunciation: LYOHS-vah-ka LEEF-say-thr Meaning: “Light-Breather, Spell of Healing” Origin story: A troll born from moonlight and glacier breath, Ljósvaka travels between worlds — writing in the air with her glowing staff. Each tale she writes restores the light of weary souls. It’s said she can summon auroras by whispering old poems to the wind. Godafoss: Waterfall of the Gods I also had the chance to stand in awe of Godafoss (image below), the “Waterfall of the Gods.” Even though it doesn’t appear in the book, being there gave me a visceral sense of Norse power—the relentless roar of water, icy mist on your face, and the way sunlight refracts into a faint rainbow. It’s exactly the kind of place that could inspire a dramatic magical showdown, and it helped me picture the energy Icelandic landscapes bring to a battle against otherworldly forces. Where Real Iceland Meets Fictional Magic Writing The Shadow Guardians, I leaned into the extremes of Iceland: volcanoes for fire, glaciers for cold, and hidden valleys for secrecy. It’s the perfect stage for six warriors with powers rooted in myth to clash with an undead army and shapeshifting wolves. Walking those landscapes in real life gave me a deeper sense of scale and danger—and a vivid picture of how love, courage, and magic can shine even in the darkest, most dramatic corners of the world. If you want to journey through volcanic hills, icy peaks, and face mythic powers alongside the Guardians, the adventure is just a page away…
Author2Author Quill & Grit: How I Do ItHey fellow writers! ✍️ I’m excited to share my “apps I use (my buddies) for writing” workflow—what helps me from first draft to final export. Whether you’re drafting your next thriller, urban fantasy, or romantic suspense (yes, I know you are 😊), these tools are the ones I lean on every time.
1. First Draft: Speech, Typed, or Handwritten For that raw, “get‑it‑out” stage I reach for either:
Once the draft is down:
3. Initial Line Editing: ProWritingAid Once the structure is solid, I move into the first round of editing with ProWritingAid.
4. Ongoing Edits in Scrivener After line editing with PWA, I focus on additional clean-up:
Once I feel the manuscript is solid:
The last stage: polish and publish.
Here’s the flow in bullet form:
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