I've got a serious treat for you guys today! Carson McKenna, the highly engaging and talented author of Misercordias, has graciously stopped by Booked J to discuss her use of astrology in writing. Each writer has a wit and process of their own, and McKenna masters hers beautifully--every word she pens sparkles against the page like the very stars she looks to. (Yes, Misercordias will be making my best of 2019 list come December.)

If you've yet to discover this gem of a novel for yourself, I highly recommend picking up a copy of Misercordias to experience it immediately. Carson McKenna has a voice that demands to be heard. Finding McKenna on Instagram was one of the highlights of my year in both reading and blogging--and I do mean that genuinely.

But, back to the topic at hand: her guest post.

As an obscenely curious person, I've always found that the best way to understand a person creatively is to simply ask. Or to wait a moment and listen as they speak. Er, write. As writers, we all have our own processes and sources of inspiration. It's what makes our prose as individual as our personalities. In the case of Carson McKenna, her biggest strength is in crafting a world that is as whole and lively as the one off page--this is, of course, due primarily to sheer talent and the use of astrology to better understand her characters.

With all that being said, I'm ecstatic to introduce to you Carson McKenna! 

Last December, I found myself in a bit of a slump for content. Especially after a good majority of my posts from Tumblr are now gone. And I knew that getting close to twelve years in this community, I needed something to revive my creativity. At the same time, the idea in my grasp was brewing for nearly three years—I wanted to spotlight my friends.

During this time, I knew wanted to give a platform to various people in my life who, I feel, have a great deal to share with my audience. Open up a bit of discussion via a series of guest posts and explore new ideas. That's what our community is about—embracing others creative outlets, careers and hobbies.

Look beyond, and within, the literary world bit by bit.

A couple of months ago, I read the fantastic debut novel Rise by Mark S. Moore. You can read my full review here. Since then the novel has been at the back of my mind. Because of this, I knew I had to give the author a platform and ask him to do a guest post for Booked J.

Special thank-you to Mark S. Moore for agreeing to stop by and discuss the different types of readers with us today. This was truly a fascinating topic choice and I love diving into the many archetypes of readers and reviewers. (And mostly anything in life, given how analytical I am.)

This week, I have a very special treat for you guys! Sayde Scarlett stopped by Booked J to chat about a topic I rarely see explored in the book community, but one that I'm ecstatic to share with you guys. Special thanks for Sayde for agreeing to be a guest poster here--without further ado, let's get down to business!

You ready for something new? Happy Monday, everyone! One of my best-friend's is here to chitchat about Hope Solo's book Solo: A Memoir of Hope, and why the athlete inspires her so deeply. And why you should be reading her memoir.