Blog Archives
A Universal Understanding of Love
Unchained details your challenges growing up as an LGBTQ youth in a strict Nigerian community as a member of a Catholic family. Why was it important for you to share your story?
While Unchained isn’t a direct account of my personal experiences, it mirrors the struggles of LGBTQ individuals growing up in African societies, particularly where cultural and religious norms are deeply entrenched. When I moved to the UK, I witnessed a society where LGBTQ rights were respected and gay people were accepted as part of the social fabric. This stark contrast inspired me to use my writing as a medium to challenge the narrative back in Africa. I wanted to show that acceptance is possible and that being LGBTQ isn’t something to “pray away” or solve through religion. It was crucial for me to write this story as a call for change, urging African societies to move towards compassion and inclusion.
What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
One of the most challenging parts of writing Unchained was portraying gay relationships in the UK as equally valid and natural as heterosexual relationships. I wanted to vividly depict how love, commitment, and marriage transcend orientation, and I worked hard to normalize same-sex relationships for readers unfamiliar with such dynamics. Striking the balance between authenticity and sensitivity was tough because I aimed to connect these relationships to a universal understanding of love without alienating readers from more conservative backgrounds.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
I wish someone had told me that nothing is impossible and that I am my own limitation. Growing up in a restrictive environment, it was easy to internalize societal expectations and believe there were limits to what I could achieve. If I had understood earlier that with effort and self-belief, I could break barriers, I might have pursued certain dreams sooner. This advice would have empowered me to embrace my uniqueness and navigate life with more confidence.
What do you hope readers take away from your experiences?
I hope readers understand that societal norms are not fixed—they evolve, and they must make room for inclusion and acceptance. Africa is on the brink of a cultural shift, and the old ways of thinking must give way to new ideas that value the dignity and rights of every individual. I want readers, especially those from African backgrounds, to see that LGBTQ people are not asking for special treatment—they’re asking to live authentically and with the same respect afforded to everyone else. Above all, I hope my story inspires conversations, challenges prejudices, and sparks the cultural change we need to see.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
free from societal constraints to live authentically.
Hold Me (A Greengrove Novel)
Helen Kelly’s Hold Me: A Greengrove Novel is an intimate and touching exploration of life’s challenges, resilience, and relationships within the small-town setting of Greengrove. Through the intertwined stories of Dawn and Connor, the novel delves into themes of chronic illness, personal rediscovery, and community connection, all underpinned by the comforting yet dynamic rhythms of village life. Dawn’s journey with fibromyalgia and Connor’s commitment to balancing duty and personal growth anchor the story with realism and depth.
What struck me most about Hold Me was its emotional authenticity. Kelly masterfully captures Dawn’s struggles with her chronic illness, painting a vivid picture of her physical pain and emotional turmoil. The spoon theory—used to symbolize limited energy—was woven into the narrative with clarity and care. Dawn’s sister Debbie’s persistence to push her out of her comfort zone, particularly with the choir, was heartwarming.
The writing also shines when exploring the quieter yet equally profound moments of connection between characters. Connor’s warmth and sense of responsibility as he helps Jane and Dawn after choir practice, or when he reflects on his father’s legacy, adds layers to his character. His scenes often left me smiling, especially his banter with James about joining the choir. Kelly’s ability to balance levity with earnestness—as seen in Connor’s conversations—keeps the narrative engaging without feeling heavy-handed.
By the end, I felt uplifted and hopeful, which is a testament to Kelly’s skill in addressing heavy topics with grace. Hold Me is a book for anyone seeking a heartfelt story about perseverance and the power of community. It will particularly resonate with readers navigating their own challenges or those who enjoy character-driven tales set in charming, close-knit communities. Helen Kelly reminds us through Dawn and Connor’s journeys that vulnerability can lead to strength and that the smallest steps forward are often the most meaningful.
Pages: 288 | ISBN : 978-1739607463
Life Steps In
I Love That Girl follows four young adults navigating the emotional highs and lows of the complex relationships that evolve between high school and early adulthood. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I love this question, yet it’s also a tough one to answer succinctly: Back in 2012, I wrote a novel during NaNoWriMo. Actually, it felt like it wrote itself! That book was I Love That Girl. However, it was a different story with different characters. Those characters were grown-up versions of the teens in another one of my books that, at the time, was unpublished—Till It Stops Beating. Fast forward to 2018, and Till It Stops Beating is published by Black Rose Writing. In the years in between, I rewrote that novel from the 2012 NaNoWriMo with brand new characters and an altered storyline. The only thing that stayed the same was that it was told from 4 different points of view of 4 long-time friends. Not only that, at the advice of my agent at the time, I “spiced it up,” and it became a romance book. I parted ways with that agent and obtained a publisher on my own, The Wild Rose Press, who is publishing it on January 1, 2025. I like to think that I Love That Girl is the book that the main character of TISB would have written if I ever wrote a book about her as an adult. So it’s not a sequel but more of an “inspired by.” By the way, Till It Stops Beating is available on Amazon, as are the three other books in that series.
There is so much to be said about love in this book. What do you hope your readers take away from your story?
Love is love regardless of sexual preference and sexuality.
One of the main characters, Gwen, struggles with the fact that she has fallen for her best friend, Andy, who, way back when, was briefly her boyfriend and who, at that time, came out as gay and ended their relationship. Now, years later, they are reunited under interesting circumstances and find themselves falling for each other again. When Andy comes out as bi, Gwen struggles to fully understand what that means.
There is an old Yiddish proverb: “We plan, God laughs.” This applies to the other couple in the novel, Ethan and Nori. They each have a plan that will change the course of their relationship, and when they struggle to reveal their “secret plan” to each other, life steps in and changes everything. In love and life, we try to control things that we ultimately can’t. Ethan and Nori’s relationship is an example of that.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
What an interesting question! Overall, I allow my characters to have their own life, so to speak. I may not agree morally or values-wise with everything they do, but that’s okay. That’s art. Emotionally, I allow my characters to act out and behave imperfectly because that’s authentic. I write characters that people can relate to. Morally, I can’t have protagonists, the characters who drive the story, be abusive or sociopathic. That’s just not my jam as a writer!
Can fans look forward to seeing more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I am working on two projects. The first one is another New Adult romance influenced by some of the great first love stories I read as a young person—Forever by Judy Blume and Endless Love by Scott Spencer.
The second is a memoir, part romance story, and part self-help book. I know it sounds a little odd, but my life has been part romance story and part self-help book!
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Bluesky | Linktree | Instagram | Threads | Substack | Amazon
Follow the Rules
Adventures at Lake Omigosh follows two friends at summer camp who go point on the camp’s lake to try and find the mysterious creature that everyone claims lives there. What was the inspiration for your story?
As a youngster, my family would typically spend a week at Liberty Lake, just outside of Spokane Washington, where I was born and raised. The camp I described in Lake Omigosh was very similar to what I experienced. I was also a Boy Scout and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout at age 13, which was unusual. So I had plenty of experiences to draw upon, except of course, for the creature!
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The main lesson here is to follow the rules. The boys ignored all three rules about boating: Too late in the day, storm brewing, and no life jackets!!
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Bryan Janky?
Bryan Janky is very talented and was very open to suggestions and collaboration. He is a gem and is involved in another book as well!
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
The next book is called The Dancing Shoes and is being printed now and can be preordered on Mascot and should be available for distribution on Amazon as well in about two months. The next book is called How Flowers Got Their Colors and is in production. The fifth book The Lost Locket On The Golden Gate Bridge is undergoing editing and should be ready for the artwork shortly!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
For many years, people have claimed to have spotted a mysterious creature drifting on the surface of Lake Omigosh. One day, when Felix and Harry decide to go canoeing, a bad storm arrives, putting the two in real danger. Who will come to their rescue when their canoe flips over and the boys are left stranded in the middle of the lake? Fuel your imagination with Adventures at Lake Omigosh.
Ashes
Alice Reaper’s past clings to her like a shadow. Ever since the haunting night at the funeral home, her life has been consumed by nightmares and the oppressive weight of unseen terrors. Isolated from those she once loved, Alice resigns herself to a life devoid of joy or peace. But when Viviana enters her world, a glimmer of hope cuts through the darkness. For a moment, everything feels possible—until it doesn’t. Can Viviana pull Alice from the depths of despair, or will the shadows swallow her whole?
Ashes, by David Edgar Grinnell, is an evocative exploration of grief, despair, and the journey toward healing. Told in the raw, intimate perspective of first-person narration, readers experience Alice’s turmoil as if it were their own. Her father, Oscar, and other supporting characters add layers to the narrative, showing the different ways people live with—and sometimes succumb to—trauma. Grinnell doesn’t just present pain; he holds a mirror to it, reflecting its complexity and its power to shape lives.
While Ashes dives deeply into themes of sorrow and loss, it offers solace to readers who see their struggles mirrored in the characters. Tarot card readings and philosophical exchanges between Alice and Viviana provide moments of introspection and guidance, carving a path toward hope. The story is as much about finding light in the dark as it is about acknowledging the darkness itself.
Grinnell deftly weaves elements of Gothic tradition, paganism, and tender romance into the narrative, adding depth and dimension to the story. Viviana, with her Gothic charm and fascination with the dark arts, brings an air of mystery and intrigue. Though the spark between Alice and Viviana feels sudden, their unfolding relationship is both poignant and deeply satisfying. The romance balances the novel’s weightier themes, offering warmth and connection amid the bleakness.
One of the novel’s standout features is its cast of characters. Despite their youth, they carry a profound sense of wisdom. Their voices resonate with thought-provoking reflections, often quoting classic literature in ways that feel both meaningful and natural. These moments of insight elevate the story, offering readers not just entertainment, but inspiration.
At its core, Ashes, by David Edgar Grinnell, is more than a tale of grief—it’s a story of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of love. Readers drawn to Gothic themes, explorations of mental health, or heartfelt LGBTQ+ romances will find much to cherish in this beautifully crafted novel. It’s a reminder that even in life’s darkest moments, there’s a chance to heal and move forward.
Pages: 368 | ISBN : 978-1736867587
Ty
Brian Montgomery’s Ty is a compelling and emotionally charged novel that shines a stark light on the challenges of urban life while celebrating the power of community and the resilience of youth. The story centers on Ty, a 14-year-old navigating the harsh realities of a crime-ridden London neighborhood. A chance discovery of an abandoned baby with his friend Asha sets the stage for a profound transformation—one that propels Ty from being a victim of his circumstances to becoming a symbol of hope and change.
Montgomery crafts Ty’s character with raw authenticity, presenting the inner turmoil of a teenager caught between survival and the yearning for a better future. The novel’s gritty realism vividly portrays the struggles faced by at-risk youth in London, addressing gang violence, systemic racism, and other pressing issues such as rape, teenage pregnancy, and drug abuse. Yet, amidst the darkness, Ty radiates a powerful sense of optimism. The formation of the “Hay Patrollers,” a grassroots initiative against knife crime, underscores the strength of collective action and the transformative potential of individuals who work to uplift their communities.
One of the book’s greatest strengths lies in its balance between emotionally intense moments and uplifting themes of hope and redemption. Ty’s bond with Asha stands out as a deeply poignant element, illustrating the importance of friendship and mutual support during adversity. Moreover, the narrative’s exploration of identity, leadership, and personal growth offers readers valuable insights, though its mature themes may be more suited to older audiences. Despite its many strengths, the novel’s pacing occasionally feels uneven. However, this minor flaw does little to detract from the overall impact of the story.
Ty, by Brian Montgomery, is a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction that tackles social issues with nuance and empathy. With its gripping storytelling, inspiring themes, and unflinching examination of the power of community-driven change, Montgomery’s novel is both a deeply moving narrative and a call to action. Perfect for young adult and adult readers alike, Ty leaves a lasting impression that resonates far beyond its final page.
Pages: 234 | ASIN : B0DG64ZGG3
Gray Divorce
The Scarlet D follows a recently divorced woman who travels across the country to start a new life in South Carolina. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Long Enough to Love You (a Literary Titan Gold Book Award winner) was my last book. It delves into a marriage ending on a raw and emotional level and introduces love later in life. I heard a common theme from readers: there are not enough stories about “older” women protagonists writing their own narratives in life and love. The Scarlet D continues that theme but on a lighter note. She’s a woman wanting a fresh start in life even though conventional wisdom and societal stereotypes would say she’s too old and should be grateful for her life. Moving across the country was symbolic of owning her destiny. She’s also different in that she’s the anti-woman scorned. So often, women are portrayed as victims. She isn’t and refuses to wear the label. It’s a lighter telling of love, sex, desire, and finding a place to call yours.
Is there anything from your own life included in your characters and their experiences?
Of course, there is! I was going through a divorce when I started writing it and was a divorcee when I finished it. The feelings and emotions are real for me. I discovered love again along the way, too. I was able to take snippets of my old life and parts of my new life, sometimes giving voice or perspective to situations. But really, these are entirely fabricated characters with morsels of my own life baked in. It is fun to have people ask what parts are real or not!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The myth that we roll over and die in our fifties is so wrong! Gray divorce is front and center. Women are taking ownership of their lives. They are open to doing scary things like starting over on their own after marriages that lasted decades. We are allowed to challenge societal stereotypes and norms. Friendships are different as we age. Finding new friends is a challenging task. Scarlet is often uncomfortable in her own skin and finds herself in some awkward predicaments but finds a way to rise above it all. She is writing her own narrative, and that is huge! Everyone will not agree with how she does it, but we all have a path, and recognizing we have choices in the road we travel is a pivotal theme. I love being this age, knowing what I want and what I need, and no longer having to pretend to fit some mold. It’s liberating to come-of-middle-age!
Can we look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I have several books in the concept phase. I have considered making The Scarlet D a series. Some fun, quirky characters deserve their own stories. I know I should stay true to one genre, but I have too many stories to tell. I will likely write historical fiction based on my uncle’s family memoir next. My mom is German and their family story is remarkable. She is in her eighties now, and I’d like for her to be able to read it. The story is of a boy who turned ten on the day World War II ended. I look forward to having the creative license to write that story.
Author Links: X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Who said starting over in your fifties wasn’t complicated?
Fueled by the unrealistic expectations of Nicholas Sparks’ novels, Scarlet sets her sights on South Carolina as the backdrop for her new beginning. After a thirty-year marriage, divorce offers her a chance to start over, far from the reminders of a past life.
Scarlet begins life on Sullivan’s Island, seeking like-minded women as she joins a divorced women’s book club. She finds herself in a world of unexpected complexities. When she reveals her past, judgment is harsh.
On Sullivan’s Island, Scarlet’s dormant desires are awakened as she meets Ben, an attractive younger man. However, a chance encounter with the self-assured, age-appropriate Beau opens her heart to the possibility of love. But will the unexpected arrival of the man who nearly broke her make her reconsider her choices?
As Scarlet settles into her new life, she dissects her past, embraces second chances, and finds herself open to the complications of starting over in her fifties.
From award-winning author Kirsten Pursell, follow Scarlet as she navigates self-discovery, love, and friendship later in life in this coming-of-middle-age romance.
Everyone Deserves Love
The Secret Daughter follows a woman who discovers a letter from her late mother revealing family secrets involving Beethoven and giving her life a new purpose. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
After studying Beethoven’s life and music, I was fascinated by his personality and the trajectory of his life, especially the notion that he had a secret love whom he called The Immortal Beloved, choosing to never reveal her real name. I also felt a little sad for the great composer. His life was fraught with disappointment and rejection. The central theme of the book is that everyone deserves love, even those who are labeled as “others” because of some societal bias. I wanted to give Beethoven the love story he deserved. By creating a fictional lineage of descendants cumulating with Marie, his story unfolded.
Marie is a fascinating character who undergoes a great deal of growth and self-discovery in this story. What scene was the most interesting to write for that character?
I feel very connected to the story of Marie’s childhood. As she reflects on her life in the limo ride back to the winery, watching the lights of the city whir by, the couples kissing in cafes, this is where Marie begins to acknowledge her life is lonely, and that she is not happy. For me, this is a quiet moment of change for Marie. She longs to bring joy and love into her life and now, far away from Boston and the inexplicable loneliness of her childhood, she allows herself the freedom to shed the past and courageously begin a new chapter.
I felt that there were a lot of great twists and turns throughout the novel. Did you plan this before writing the novel, or did the twists develop organically writing?
I started with a rough outline of where I wanted the story to go and how it would unfold. But in truth, the characters led me to some of the twists and turns along the way. There’s magic in allowing a story to unfold without editing yourself. I like to get it all down and then go back in and edit, several times, filling in the gaps, and adding structure where needed. The challenge is finding a good balance of conflict and rest. I didn’t set out to write a suspense novel, but as I wrote the story, it organically evolved the way it was meant to do. There would have been no story without exploring Marie’s struggles to accept her extraordinary lineage and to find purpose and love in her life.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
My next book, The Enchantment of Elisha Gray, is something entirely different but still in the historical fantasy genre. It is an alternate take on the history of the invention of the telephone. I discovered a lot of controversy surrounding the true ownership of the design of the first telephone, and who got to the patent office first on Valentine’s Day in 1876. The gaps in the truth of what may have happened inspired me to write the story. With the addition of a bit of witchcraft and magic, it became a gothic take on the curious events surrounding the actual history. I have just begun to shop it to agents so there’s no telling when it will be out. Keep your fingers crossed it happens soon!
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
