Author: Marissa DeCuir

St. Louis, MO–In the tradition of “The Paris Bookseller” and “Her Hidden Genius,” Joan Fernandez’s novel “Saving Vincent” (She Writes Press, April 15, 2025) is inspired by the true story of a woman overshadowed in history by the giant talent she saved: Vincent van Gogh.

How did a failed belligerent Dutch painter become one of the greatest artists of our time?

In 1891, timid Jo van Gogh Bonger lives safely in the background of her art dealer husband Theo’s passion for selling the work of unknown artists, especially his ill-fated dead brother, Vincent. When Theo dies unexpectedly, Jo’s brief happiness is shattered. Her inheritance—hundreds of unsold paintings by Vincent—is worthless. Pressured to move to her parents’ home, Jo defies tradition, instead choosing to open a boarding house, raise her infant son alone, and promote Vincent’s art herself. Her ingenuity and persistence draw the powerful opposition of a Parisian art dealer who vows to prevent her success, and so sink Vincent into obscurity. How will Jo overcome the forces working against her, and save herself along with Vincent?

“Saving Vincent: A Novel of Jo van Gogh”

Joan Fernandez | April 15, 2025 | She Writes Press | Historical Fiction 

Paperback | ISBN: 978-1-64742-870-9 | $17.99

Ebook | ISBN: 978-1-64742-871-6 | $9.95

Praise for the book…

“An intriguing art- and history-filled tribute to an oft-overlooked dynamic woman.” 

—Kirkus Reviews

“‘Saving Vincent’ is a luminous, captivating novel about a woman who was truly ahead of her time.” 

—Camille Pagán, bestselling author of “Good for You”

“You’ve probably never heard of Jo van Gogh, but were it not for her, none of us would have ever known there was a Vincent van Gogh. In this skillfully researched and propulsive story, Joan Fernandez shares the untold history of a true unsung heroine who saved her brother-in-law’s artwork and legacy. You will root for Jo van Gogh from beginning to end.”

—Renée Rosen, USA Today bestselling author of “Let’s Call Her Barbie”

“Fernandez brings Jo’s untold story to life with brilliant historical acuity. . . [her] portrayal of Jo as a strong, smart, and indomitable woman is both inspiring and empowering. . . Lovers of Van Gogh’s work will find this story intense, vibrant, and deeply moving.”

—Publishers Weekly, BookLife

“‘Saving Vincent’ is a captivating tale that weaves together themes of courage, ingenuity, and an unwavering belief in the beauty of art… Fernandez not only uncovers Jo’s significance but also enlightens us about the crucial role she played, weaving a rich tapestry of storytelling that underscores the profound importance of art in our lives.”

—Midwest Book Review

“Fernandez does an excellent job in her portrayal of Jo as a strong, determined woman ahead of her time in the male-dominated art world…[Saving Vincent] forces readers to become deeply invested in Jo as a woman, creating an unforgettable portrait of resilience and passion. Very highly recommended.”

–Readers’ Favorite

About the author…

Joan Fernandez is a novelist who brings to light courageous women’s brilliant deeds in history. She is a former senior marketing executive and general partner of the financial powerhouse Edward Jones. In 2018, she retired from a 30+ year career to be a full-time writer. Since leaving the corporate world, she’s become a member of the Historical Novel Society, the Author’s Guild, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association (WFWA). In April 2020, she founded a Historical Fiction affinity group within WFWA that grew from a handful of people to nearly two hundred authors. Her short story, “A Parisian Daughter,” was published in the American Writing Award-winning anthology, “Feisty Deeds: Historical Fictions of Daring Women.” Joan’s debut novel, “Saving Vincent” (She Writes Press), was also recognized by the American Writing Awards, winning their 2024 art award.

Joan is a sought-after public speaker, recently presenting “Top 10 Secrets for Forming a Vibrant, Lasting Author Community” at the Historical Novel Society UK Conference in May 2024. She also presented “How to Portray the Past Truthfully without Harm” at the Tenth Anniversary Conference for WFWA in September 2023. 

Additional memberships include the Missouri Writers Guild, Unite Against Book Bans, Right to Read Coalition and PEN America.

Joan calls both St. Louis, Missouri and Sedona, Arizona, home, where she enjoys foodie meals with her Cuban husband and antics with grandkids. Learn more about her life and work at: www.joanfernandezauthor.com

Follow Joan Fernandez on social media:

Facebook: @joanferndzauthor | Instagram: @joanfernandezauthor

In an interview, Joan Fernandez can discuss:

• How she discovered Jo van Gogh and what her story means to her
• How she approached blending fact and fiction in “Saving Vincent”
• The extensive research process that went into writing the book
• Why this story of one woman’s strength and resilience at the turn of the 20th century still matters today

An Interview with Joan Fernandez

1. Why did you want to write about Jo van Gogh, and how did you discover her story? 

I discovered Jo in 2016 when, on a girlfriend trip to Amsterdam, we visited the Van Gogh Museum. I spied Jo’s black-and-white photo on a small display about the Van Gogh family. When I read an accompanying note about her being the one to sell Vincent’s paintings, I remember staring into her eyes and thinking, “If not for you, none of this would be here.” It felt wrong that she’d been lost behind Vincent’s giant shadow. I felt she should be acknowledged.

2. What was the writing process like for this book? How long did it take to write?

Truthfully, I wrote two manuscripts! In the first one I reimagined Jo’s life, filling in the gaps I couldn’t find with research. My manuscript was completely done and ready to begin pitching to agents when a new biography was released about Jo by the Van Gogh Museum. I’d just spent two years learning writing craft, hiring book coaches and editors, and now had to decide whether to go ahead to publish this first version or to toss it and start over. I chose to begin again. When my book is published, it will be seven years.

3. What is the most surprising thing you learned from this story?

Van Gogh is beloved worldwide, so we all know that Jo was ultimately successful. Yet,  I am still awestruck by her conviction that Vincent’s artwork was worthy of greatness when so many told her she was wrong. Her conviction gave her the resilience to reach her true potential, which in turn drove the paintings’ value from worthless to priceless. 

4. Tell us about Georges Raulf. Is he a real historical figure? How did you write his character and why?

In real life Jo did not have a singular enemy, but rather lots of pushback from a number of forces. It was fun to create Georges Raulf as a composite of this headwind and also reflect the time’s political crosswinds and shaky, gradual acceptance of modern art. He reflects a patriarchal worldview, offended by Jo’s meddling in a man’s art-dealing world, but I also fleshed him out so that he’s not simply a caricature but has a human story behind his awfulness.

5. What are the ethics of writing about historical figures? Can you write about the past without doing harm?

Start with research, events and people in your subject’s life, and read your character’s diaries or journals, if possible. I read the 100-letter correspondence between Jo and her husband Theo, and 902 letters from and to Vincent. I believe you should write without the intent to harm, but rather to understand. If writing about heinous and violent historical events, avoid egregious details and show at least a few character’s faces, reactions and thoughts that they’re repulsed. Even this small signal of empathy goes a long way toward ensuring you don’t injure today’s reader.

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.

Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.

booksforward.com/about-us/marissa-decuir/

A Victorian tale of biblical, eye-for-an-eye revenge

SPRINGFIELD, VA – In “Fatally Inferior” (Level Best Books, December 10, 2024), award-winning author Lyn Squire delivers another gripping, period mystery.  When a member of Charles Darwin’s household goes missing and a former maid dies in childbirth (or so it seems), reluctant detective Dunston Burnett is thrust into a twisted web of deception, revenge, and murder.

Set against the backdrop of Victorian England, Dunston, a mild-mannered retired bookkeeper, must confront enemies with motives as complex as the theories of evolution themselves. The investigation takes him from the halls of Down House, Darwin’s home in Kent, to the shadowy streets of London, where every clue brings him closer to a chilling truth.

Squire masterfully blends fact with fiction, weaving a narrative rich in period detail while keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Fans of intricate plots, atmospheric settings, and richly developed characters will be captivated by this second Dunston Burnett mystery. With its tantalizing blend of real nineteenth-century figures and a devilish mystery, “Fatally Inferior” is a must-read for lovers of historical whodunits.

“Fatally Inferior”

Lyn Squire | December 10, 2024 | Level Best Books | Period Mystery

Paperback | 978-1-68512-783-1 | $16.95

Ebook | 978-1-68512-784-8 | $5.99

“A layered and fast-paced mystery that also takes time to explore the importance of Darwin’s work.”

– Kirkus Reviews

“Dunston Burnett is back for a second time, now pulled into an investigation of a missing person in the household of Charles Darwin. The intrigue becomes as thick as pea soup or English fog and Burnett desperately tries to track down a merciless killer bent upon revenge. ‘Fatally Inferior will leave you spent and exhausted and is not to be missed. Read the book.’”

– Matt Cost, award winning author of sixteen histories and mysteries, including the Mainely Mysteries, the Clay Wolfe Trap Mysteries, and the Brooklyn 8 Ballo Mysteries.

“If you’re in the market for a good, old-fashioned mystery and you enjoy  traveling to different places and different times, you won’t do better than Lyn Squire’s latest, Fatally Inferior. Squire has gifted us with a fast-paced, historical crime novel set in England smack in the middle of the  Victorian Age. While sprinkling in actual historical figures like Charles Darwin and the controversy born of his seminal book, Origin of the Species, Squire draws us into a mystery filled with enough twists and turns that keeps us turning the pages.”

-Charles Salzberg, 3-time Shamus Award nominee and author of Second Story Man and Man on the Run

‘Lyn Squire continues his highly original Dunston Burnett mystery series with a tale worthy of Willkie Collins himself. Burnett investigates the strange disappearance of Charles Darwin’s daughter-in- law. There are some terrific twists and turns as the compelling plot unfolds. Beautifully written and populated with some great characters,  Fatally Inferior is a wonderful read!’

-Mark Ellis, author of the acclaimed Frank Merlin London wartime detective series.

Immortalised to Death (Book 1)

Ebook: 978-1-68512-359-8 $5.99 | Paperback: 978-1-68512-358-1 $16.95

Death strikes England’s foremost novelist Charles Dickens, his latest tale only half told. Was he murdered because someone feared a ruinous revelation? Or was it revenge for some past misdeed? Set in the Kent countryside and London slums of 1870, Lyn Squire’s “Immortalised to Death” reveals the ending to Charles Dickens’s unfinished “The Mystery of Edwin Drood”, while diving deep into Dickens’ evolving and ultimately tragic double life.

Debut author Lyn Squire kicks off his electrifying Dunston Burnett Trilogy with legendary Victorian novelist Charles Dickens dead at his desk, pen still in hand. The mystery unravels as Dickens’ nephew and unlikely detective Dunston Burnett, tries to find the solution of his uncles’ unfinished novel. Convinced that the identity of Dickens’ murderer lies in the book’s missing conclusion, Dunston becomes obsessed with investigating those closest to Dickens. A stunning revelation crowns this tale about the mysterious death of England’s foremost novelist, and the long-held secret hidden in his half-finished manuscript.

The deft plotting will remind readers of Agatha Christie and the evocative prose will have them questioning which parts of the book are fiction and nonfiction. Squire seamlessly reimagines Dickens’ untimely death and final unfinished story while tying it neatly into a thrilling whodunnit. Is Dunston Burnett, a diffident, middle-aged, retired bookkeeper, able to crack the case of his uncle’s murder, or does he only find buried secrets in his brilliant continuation to Dickens’ novel.

LYN SQUIRE was born in Cardiff, South Wales.  He earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Wales, his master’s at the London School of Economics and his doctorate at Cambridge University.  Lyn is now an American citizen living in Virginia. During a twenty-five year career at the World Bank, Lyn published over thirty articles and several books within his area of expertise. Lyn also served as editor of the Middle East Development Journal for over a decade, and was the founding president of the Global Development Network, an organization dedicated to supporting promising scholars from the developing world.

Lyn has always been an avid reader of whodunits and has reviewed scores of mysteries for the City Book Review (Sacramento, CA), but it was the thrill of solving Charles Dickens’s unfinished ‘Mystery of Edwin Drood’ that convinced him to put aside his development pen and turn to fiction. Finding a solution to the mystery has attracted massive interest since the author’s death in 1870.  A 1998 bibliography lists over 2,000 entries, with continuations ranging from the obvious (a Sherlock Holmes pastiche) to the absurd (The Mysterious Mystery of Rude Dedwin).  Lyn’s version of what happened to Edwin is revealed in his first novel, Immortalised to Death. The adventures of his protagonist, Dunston Burnett, a non-conventional amateur detective, continue in Fatally Inferior and The Séance of Murder, the second and third stories in The Dunston Burnett Trilogy. Find more about Lyn on his website. 

Praise for Lyn Squire and “Immortalised to Death”

“The novel is a delightful piece of reimagined history set against a backdrop of locations and characters that would make Dickens proud.”

 – Kirkus reviews 

“The writing style imitates Dickens’s, with frequent descriptive embellishments, exuberant wordplay, and rhythmic, alliterative phrasing…”

– Foreword reviews

“‘Immortalised to Death’s’ ingenious solution to fiction’s most celebrated unfinished mystery holds the key to the secret life, and murder, of legendary author, Charles Dickens himself.  This novel’s cleverly wrought combination of fact and fiction will grip fans of historical mysteries from the opening death scene to the last astounding revelation.”

– Herta Feely, award-winning author of “Saving Phoebe Murrow” and founder of Chrysalis Editorial

In an interview, Lyn Squire can discuss:

• The importance of historical accuracy when referencing real people, and the process Squire undertook to ensure the accuracy of his books 
• His decision to focus book two around Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution
• His upbringing in South Wales and how his childhood in the UK influenced his writing
• How book one in the series was inspired by a story contest of everyday readers and writers trying to finish / “solve” Dickens’ last mystery story “Mystery of Edwin Drood”
• The widespread fascination with Dickens’ death and last novel, and how Squire worked to uphold Dickens’ legacy with his book

An Interview with Lyn Squire

How did the thrill of reimagining the ending of “Mystery of Edwin Drood” lead you to the main idea for “Immortalised to Death”?

It was a process. Once the excitement of my Eureka moment had passed, my first thought was to write up my solution as non-fiction and be done with it. But then, the more involved I became, the more I saw that my ending to Dickens’s mystery, the only one he ever wrote, suggested an overarching story-line encompassing the author’s liaison with Ellen Ternan and the much-debated question about a possible offspring from that illicit union.

To what extent is historical accuracy important to you and your writing process? What did the research look like for “Immortalized to Death”? 

Historical accuracy is not a must for me. If one is writing fiction, then surely it is acceptable to adapt incidents and descriptions to fit a story’s needs. That said, I do try to stay close to the facts. For instance, I visited Gadshill Place, Dickens’s home in Kent, to make sure that the book’s description of his home was as faithful to the original as possible. For me, though, the goal is to provide readers with a convincing impression of place and time, and not overwhelm them with detail.

How did you decide to focus book two around Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution?

I built the book around two aspects of Charles Darwin’s life.  On The Origin of Species created a furor in England, pitting religious traditionalists against an emerging breed of empirical scientists.  Darwin was bombarded with scathing reviews in academic journals, blistering editorials in the leading newspapers and crude cartoons in the cheaper broadsheets.  It is this avalanche of disgust and hatred that prompted my inclusion of threats against his work and his family in Fatally Inferior.  The other aspect was his relationship with his wife, Emma.  They were first cousins.  In the nineteenth century, the offspring of marriages between such close relatives were thought to suffer from loss of vigour and even infertility.  This led to the idea of  a couple desperate for a grandchild but cruelly robbed by tragedy of any hope of a happy old age spent in the joyful company of their children’s children.

What did the research look like for book two compared to book one?

Much the same actually.  I followed a similar program: reviewing online material about Victorian England for background; reading Darwin’s major works, including his autobiography, and several biographies; and visiting Down House in Kent where he wrote ‘On the Origin of Species. 

What’s next for you as a writer? 

I’m two thirds of the way through ‘The Dunston Burnett Trilogy’.  The third book — ‘The Seance of Murder- — is nearing completion and will be published in late 2025 or early 2026.  It is a story of greed set against the spiritualist movement that swept through England and America in the late 19th century.

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.

Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.

booksforward.com/about-us/marissa-decuir/

“A folktale you’d find in the library of a gloomy seaside manor—haunting, ethereal, and lace-delicate.” –Hannah Whitten, NYT bestselling author 

Adelaide, South Australia– Renowned YA author of “flower-threaded horror”, Lyndall Clipstone returns in a moody, monstrously Gothic romantic horror. “Tenderly, I Am Devoured” (Henry Holt/Macmillan, July 1, 2025) follows a young woman who must bind herself to a dangerous chthonic god with the help of the son of a rival family to save her family’s legacy—and herself—from ruin.

Expelled from her prestigious boarding school following a violent incident, eighteen-year-old Lacrimosa “Lark” Arriscane returns home in disgrace to discover her family on the point of financial ruin. Desperate to save them, she accepts a marriage of convenience…to Therion, the chthonic god worshiped by Lark’s isolated coastal hometown.

But when her betrothal goes horribly wrong, Lark begins to vanish from the mortal realm. Her only hope is to seek help from Alastair Felimath: the brilliant, arrogant boy who was her first heartbreak, and his alluring older sister, Camille. As the trio delves into the folklore of gods, Lark falls under the spell of the Felimath siblings.

Ensnared by a fervent romance, they perform a bacchanalia with hopes the hedonistic ritual will repair the connection between Lark and her bridegroom. Instead, they draw the ire of something much darker, which seeks to destroy Therion—and Lark as well.

“Tenderly, I Am Devoured”

Lyndall Clipstone | July 1st, 2025

Henry Holt/Macmillan (US), Hot Key (UK), Penguin Random House (AUS/NZ)

Print | 9781250348906 | $19.99

Ebook | 9781250348913 | $11.99

LYNDALL CLIPSTONE writes dark tales of flower-threaded horror. A former youth librarian who grew up running wild in the Barossa Ranges of South Australia, she currently lives in Adelaide, in a hundred-year-old cottage with her partner, two children, and a shy black cat. Her debut novel, “Lakesedge,” was a Dymocks, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble bestseller, nominated for the 2021 Book Shimmy Awards, and selected as one of Better Reading’s 2022 top 50 kids’ books. “Unholy Terrors” was featured in Teen Vogue, and chosen as a Kids’ Indie Next Pick for Nov/Dec 2023. Her works have been published in over four territories, including multiple translations. Learn more about Lyndall and her writing at her website.

Follow Lyndall Clipstone on social media:

Instagram: @lkclipstone

TikTok: @lkclipstone

Substack: Magic Letters

In an interview, Lyndall Clipstone can discuss:

• Her departure from writing ‘romantasy’ to exploring ‘horrormance’ and why horror and romance make for the perfect genre-blending story 
• The importance of female-centric horror written by women with a thematic focus on empowerment for teen readers, especially young girls 
• The necessity of LGBTQ+ stories in horror and how her own queer identity has influenced her creation of a “soft-girl, flower-threaded romantic horror” story 
• The process of creating a fictional literary and artistic canon, and dead language, for “Tenderly, I Am Devoured,” loosely based on Pre-Raphaelite art, Classical Greek Literature, and Latin texts 
• How “Tenderly, I Am Devoured” was written after an intense creative burnout when Lyndall thought she might not return to writing 
• How Lyndall’s background as an artist and illustrator informed her writing and the creation of her own interior art for her book

Advanced Praise for “Tenderly, I Am Devoured”

“A folktale you’d find in the library of a gloomy seaside manor—haunting, ethereal, and lace-delicate.” 

–Hannah Whitten, NYT bestselling author of For The Wolf and The Hemlock Queen

“Equal parts romantic and horrifying, Tenderly, I Am Devoured, shimmers with aching loveliness and the deepest yearnings. Clipstone’s world-building is so sumptuous, I’m ready to pack my bags for Verse!”

–Erin A. Craig, #1 New York Times bestselling author of House of Roots and Ruin

“This is a shimmering fever dream of a story, replete with lyrical prose and all the haunting, passionate trappings of the feminine Gothic novel. Decadent and transfixing.”

–Claire Legrand, New York Times bestselling author of Furyborn

“Tenderly, I Am Devoured transported me to a gothic, dreamy, and sea-swept world that I didn’t want to leave. I was wholly enraptured by this story and the fascinating characters that populate it. This book is a dark delight and I can’t recommend it enough.” 

–Alexis Henderson, author of The Year of the Witching and An Academy for Liars

Praise for “Unholy Terrors” 

Kids’ Indie Next Pick for Nov/Dec 2023

“Lyndall Clipstone has woven a dark dream that ensnares all five senses. Fanged yet delicate, with its windswept moors, blood moons, and aching romance, Unholy Terrors is utterly spellbinding.”

—Rachel Gillig, New York TimesYT bestselling author of The Shepherd King duology

“As romantic as it is gruesome, this heart-stopping gothic fantasy explores what it truly means to be a monster.”

—Kelly Andrew, New York Times bestselling author of The Whispering Dark and Your Blood, My Bones

“A whirlwind journey, filled with heart-wrenching tension and sinister twists. This is the kind of dark romance you thirst for!” —Alexandra Christo, internationally bestselling author of To Kill A Kingdom

Praise for “Lakesedge”

“Brooding and atmospheric.” —Kirkus

“A linguistically lush fantasy.” —Publishers Weekly

“Bloody, sumptuous, and as timeless as a fairy tale.” 

—April Genevieve Tucholke, author of The Boneless Mercies

“Lakesedge is an intense tale of mystery and magic that will have lovers of gothic romance eager for the next installment.”

 —Juliet Marillier, author of the Blackthorn & Grim and Warrior Bards series

“Reminiscent of the romantically gothic atmosphere of the Phantom of the Opera.” —Dawn Kurtagich, author of And the Trees Crept In and The Dead House

An Interview with Lyndall Clipstone

1. Tell us about ‘horrormance’ and why you felt compelled to write a novel that departs from the popular genre, ‘romantasy.’ 

I think of horrormance as the goth sibling to romantasy; a genre-blend of horror and romance resulting in a wonderfully spooky, swoony read. I’ve always enjoyed writing character-driven stories, and after three fantasy books, I found myself wanting to lean even more inward with my storytelling. I wanted to intensely focus on the minutiae of character experience, with the interiority of the main character taking a central role in the plot. Horror is a perfect space for this, as the visceral nature of fear–for both the characters in-text and the readers of the story–creates a close-up, microcosmic atmosphere. With the addition of romance, everything is further intensified: much like horror, romance elicits a psychological reaction (desire rather than terror!) and there’s a similar loss of control, of being dragged out of comfortable familiarity. By interweaving a heavy romantic subplot through the main story, the characters’ emotional arcs gain an added layer of tension and depth. It’s absolutely my favorite genre as an author and as a reader, too.    

2. How have queer people historically impacted the horror genre? Why did you feel compelled to include queer storylines in “Tenderly, I Am Devoured”? 

I can only speak from personal experience, but for me, queerness has an inherent feeling of being remade, of exploring the liminal space of identity and forging your own place within the borders of an established world. Growing up in rural Australia during the 1990s, I didn’t have a strong frame of reference to understand my bisexuality. It was through books such as Poppy Z. Brite’s Lost Souls, one of my first encounters with romantic horror, that I began to make sense of my own emotions. Because of this, I have always strived to include queer storylines as an organic part of my work, for the readers who may see themselves in the experiences of my characters. 

3. What was the process behind creating a literary canon and dead language based on Classic Greek Literature and Latin? How were those aspects necessary for the themes and storylines of “Tenderly, I Am Devoured”? 

One of my major inspirations for “Tenderly, I Am Devoured” was Donna Tartt’s “The Secret History”. I love how she wove the mythos of Classical Greek Literature through the lives of her protagonists, and how their use of ancient language became emblematic of their insular world. I wanted to create something similar in my own work, but felt having real-world languages and literary themes in my second-world setting would be confusing. Hence: my invented canon. Tharnish, the fictional dead language I created, is formed of a mix of Latin and Cornish, as the setting for “Tenderly, I Am Devoured” is loosely based on the area of Cornwall where my ancestors are from. Alastair’s favorite book, the epic poem The Neriad, is inspired by Virgil’s The Aeneid, particularly Aeneas’s journey to the underworld.   

4. What about the horror genre feels so empowering to you as a writer? How does this story aim to inspire and uplift young, female readers? 

As a writer, horror is a space where I can explore themes of darkness in ways that are necessary–yet not always palatable. Horror is a genre where I can be truly weird as a creator, and delve into strange and subversive concepts which often provide a new angle to examine a character’s arc. As someone drawn to experimental, fever-dream storylines and prose, I love the freedom I feel when writing horror: particularly when it’s blended with romance. I am also very passionate about writing flawed, “unlikeable” female protagonists. It is my intention, in all my work, to explore the messiness of girlhood, to celebrate girls who are selfish and foolish, who make bad choices yet come out thriving. And I’ve found horror is the perfect genre for this. If readers take anything away from my stories, I hope it is that you have permission to be imperfect.

5. What is next for you as a writer? 

I am working on what I hope will become my adult debut: a sapphic horror which I like to pitch as Sierra Simone’s Thornchapel series by way of Mona Awad. I can’t reveal too much yet, but I’m deeply enthralled by this story and these characters, and can’t wait to share it with readers one day. 

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.

Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.

booksforward.com/about-us/marissa-decuir/

Tallahassee, FL – What does it mean to be different? From Mark Mustian, founder of the Word of South Festival of Literature and Music and award-winning author of the international bestseller “The Gendarme,” comes the new Southern gothic novel, “Boy With Wings” (March 15, 2025, Koehler Books).

About the book: Johnny Cruel is born with strange appendages on his back, frightening his neighbors and leaving him struggling to find a home. Johnny ends up in a “freak show” traveling the 1930s South, where he bares his back to onlookers who come to gape and fawn. Is he a horror or an angel? Should he hide himself to live his life? 

As Johnny comes to grips with his uniqueness, he embarks on a journey of love and finds the miracles that give our lives meaning. Mustian’s thrilling and emotional story of self-discovery is perfect for book clubs and fans of historical fiction. 

“Boy With Wings”

Mark Mustian | March 15, 2025 | Koehler Books | Literary Fiction, Historical

Hardcover | ISBN 979-8-88824-429-6 | $28.95

Paperback | ISBN 979-8-88824-427-2 | $19.95

Ebook | ISBN 979-8-88824-428-9 | $7.99

Praise for the Author…

“In this propulsive tale of the magic lurking inside our mortality, Mark Mustian has conjured a surreal hero. Here is a translucent rendering of boyhood and aberration, of the fault lines of race and the frailty of religion. In sentences that are equally primal and poetic, Mustian transports us through the shacks, camps, circuses, and back alleys of the Depression-era South, asking a still-resonant question: what’s the price of belonging in a society that’s already broken?”

–Katy Simpson Smith, author of “The Everlasting,” for “Boy With Wings”

“Novelist Mustian writes relentlessly, telling [Ahmet’s] haunting story in brief bursts of luminous yet entirely unsentimental prose and reminding us that, when life gets bloody, we had better watch out for our own humanity.”

—Library Journal (Starred Review), for “The Gendarme”

“Every decade or so, I find a novel that I sense, just by reading the basic description, will become unforgettable; after reading only 20 pages of ‘The Gendarme,’ my impression was confirmed with great force. For this decade, and this reader, ‘The Gendarme’ is that extraordinary, unforgettable novel…”

—BookPage, for “The Gendarme”

“A well-plotted, well-told story with a powerful, moving message…”

—Baton Rouge Advocate, for “The Gendarme”

“A brilliantly conceived and carefully crafted novel…”

—Southern Literary Review, for “The Gendarme”

About the Author…

Follow Mark Mustian on social media:

Facebook: @MarkMustianAuthor | Twitter: @MarkMustian

In an interview, Mark Mustian can discuss:

• What being a Southern writer means to him, and why he founded the Word of South Literary Festival in Tallahassee
• How themes of ignorance, superstition and spirituality play into the novel
• How race and religion are portrayed in the novel
• How the 1930s setting for the novel reveals contemporary issues in society, both in the American South and beyond
• What “Southern gothic” means in 2025: its history and resurgence
• Why “weirdness” both fascinates and repulses people, and what our complicated reaction really says about us

An Interview with Mark Mustian

1. What inspired you to write “Boy With Wings”?

I’ve thought about writing this book for quite some time. I’ve started it, stopped it, begun again, made revisions. I wanted to dig into what it means to be different, and how that truly feels. 

2. Although there are no “freak shows” today as there were in the 1930s, do you believe there’s a contemporary equivalent?

There actually are still a few traveling freak shows, but oddities today are shown mostly on the Internet and TV. Just as in the 1930’s, there’s much that is fake, and some that is real.

3. What is the significance of ignorance and superstition in this book?

Ignorance and superstition are related in certain ways to belief (and religion). We tend to equate anything we don’t or can’t understand to God, but at the same time we fear it. Human oddities seem a perfect example—we’re fascinated even as we’re repelled.

4. What role does spirituality play in the book?

The main character, Johnny, struggles with his body and his belief. Is it God he believes in, or the Bible, or even something else? He struggles also with the role society seems to want him to play. I think those struggles are there for all of us, and spirituality is the path (with its many branches) that can lead us through.

5. As a Southern writer, how do race and religion connect to the book and reflect the region you call home?

It’s hard to write as a Southerner without addressing race and religion, or at least it is for me. Each so permeates life here, and arguments can be made that we’ve come a long way on both, or that we haven’t come very far at all (and don’t want to). Dichotomies are everywhere: the hypocrisies of the Church, the unwillingness to look past oneself, the tribalism that’s in our blood, the absolute beauty of the land and its people. All fertile ground for a writer.

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.

Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.

booksforward.com/about-us/marissa-decuir/

SEATTLE – Seasoned psychotherapist Carol Odell’s memoir “Girl, Groomed: A Therapist’s Memoir of Trauma” (She Writes Press, April 22, 2025) is an unflinching exploration of her journey to confront and heal from the complex trauma of childhood sexual abuse within the world of Virginia’s equestrian show-jumping circuit.

Raw and riveting, “Girl, Groomed” is an evolving story of coming to terms with the impacts of Odell’s own history of sexual abuse and violence at the hands of a predatory horse trainer who, for far too much of her young life, held all the reins. Set in the equestrian world of Virginia, this candid memoir details how, starting at ten years old, Carol falls under the spell of Clarentine, the charismatic—and explosively violent—owner of the stables just down the hill from her house. In tandem with that story, Carol examines the multi-faceted consequences of the complex trauma that resulted from the exploitative relationship Clarentine cultivated with her – including the resulting crisis she blindly imposes on her marriage. Chapters toggle back and forth between scenes of her childhood growing up jumping horses on the show circuit and the therapy sessions she later undergoes as an adult.

Using her own journey as an example, Carol demonstrates in this insightful memoir how unintegrated trauma limits us and our connection with others—and how the work of uncovering and reintegrating “what we do with what happens to us” can become the very source of our liberation.

“A powerful, quietly moving memoir of abuse that encapsulates one woman’s incredible resilience.” – Kirkus Reviews

“Girl, Groomed: A Therapist’s Memoir of Trauma”

Carol Odell | April 22, 2025 | She Writes Press | Memoir 

Paperback | ISBN: 978-1647428723 | $17.99 

Carol Odell, LICSW, grew up riding horses on the show jumping circuit in Virginia. She has been a practicing psychotherapist facilitating groups and working with couples and individuals since 1984. Married for 38 years and the mother of a grown son, her other passions include: squash, pickleball, partner dancing, mosaics, writing, hiking, traveling, and being in community with friends and family. She and her husband, Mark, currently split their time between Seattle and Cle Elum, Washington. Find out more about her at carolodellmsw.com.

Follow Carol Odell on Instagram @mosaicofthoughts_

“In ‘Girl, Groomed’ we are given the heartbreaking, and at times terrifying story of a young girl persistently and indelibly targeted by a sexual predator. Odell holds her story with the reverence of a survivor and the wisdom of the therapist she eventually became. Stirring, unputdownable, and ultimately a story of courage and hope, this book’s beauty lingers long after you have closed its pages.” – Meghan Riordan Jarvis, “End of the Hour: A Therapist’s Memoir”

“Through candid reflection and gripping prose, Odell examines the emotional toll of normalized abuse, the insidious power dynamics she faced, and her long, winding journey toward healing and self-compassion. This memoir offers a profound look at the lasting impact of trauma and the courage it takes to rebuild one’s life.” – Mary Catherine McDonald, “Unbroken: The Trauma Response is Never Wrong”

“This is a story of a violent man who relied on complicity and coercion to leverage—and eventually poison—a young girl’s love of horses, but it is, above all, the story of that little-girl-turned-woman who found the courage and support to take her confidence, agency and majestic horses, back.” – Courtney Maum, “The Year of the Horses”

In an interview, Carol Odell can discuss:

• The catalyst for healing – A personal crisis, like her husband asking her to leave, became a pivotal wake-up call for confronting unprocessed trauma and its ripple effects. Healing is not just about the self but also about repairing relationships and breaking harmful patterns.
• Understanding grooming and abuse – Grooming often involves a slow desensitization of harmful behaviors, making them harder to recognize in the moment. Predators exploit power imbalances and access to victims, emphasizing the need for oversight and accountability in these environments.
• Broader impacts and advocacy – Carol’s story aligns with the #MeToo movement, highlighting grooming, abuse normalization, and the courage to challenge cultural complicity. She advocates for creating compassionate spaces for survivors to share their stories on their terms, without pressure or judgment.
• Practical advice for therapy and self-work – Effective therapy involves observing resistance, challenging narratives, and staying present with discomfort as it arises. Healing requires balancing self-compassion with accountability, fostering growth without judgment.
• The process of healing and integration – Trauma cannot simply be “gotten over;” it must be understood, integrated, and reframed to prevent cycles of self-judgment and shame. Observing how trauma influences behaviors, like control and criticism in relationships, is key to developing agency and stopping the perpetuation of harm.
• Empowerment through rewriting narratives – Survivors can reclaim their power by untangling past trauma’s impact on their lives and crafting new, self-aware responses to triggers. Resilience is built not by avoiding triggers but by consciously responding differently when they arise.
• Personal and professional evolution – Sharing her story publicly represents a significant new phase in Carol’s healing journey, embracing vulnerability and connection. Looking forward, she envisions creating space for personal growth, connecting with horses, writing, and spending time with loved ones.
• The challenges and rewards of memoir writing – Revisiting traumatic memories through writing required confronting emotions long buried, which was both painful and liberating. Writing serves as a powerful medium for emotionally reconnecting with past experiences and integrating them into a fuller sense of self.

An Interview with Carol Odell

What inspired you to begin the challenging, yet ultimately rewarding, journey of confronting and unpacking the trauma from your childhood abuse? 

My husband kicking me out of the house was a harsh wake up call for me to confront how my past unprocessed trauma was still negatively impacting my present life and those around me. I realized that despite a lot of work that I had already sifted through, there were other pieces of my history of abuse and constant exposure to violence that I was negatively paying forward with my husband in the form of control, superiority, contempt…Through what I discovered during this crisis and the freedom I experienced because of this work, I then wanted to share more broadly with others. 

What was the most challenging part of writing your memoir?

Putting myself back into the difficult scenes involving abuse was challenging as well as healing. It required me to write down the memories that I had emotionally disconnected from. By recreating these scenes, I had to dredge up those old fragmented away emotions and live into what I had been avoiding. The writing became a portal for me to feel my way back into what had happened to me. It was both painful and liberating.

How did you manage the difficult feelings that must have come up while writing painful scenes in your memoir?

I took regular breaks from my writing and during those I would kickbox while watching tennis on TV. The combination of moving my body in order to literally punch out the stress while watching tennis, which I find rhythmic and meditative, became a good destresser for me. Because writing is such a solitary activity I also made sure to balance this by spending lots of time with friends and in my various communities. Our nervous systems need movement and relationships with others to discharge and heal trauma. It is important that everyone customize whatever works for them.

How did you identify the efforts of your abuser to “groom” you? What signs should people look for? What should we understand about abusers? 

As a kid, I had no context or framework to understand that I was being incrementally groomed by a predator. Now looking back I can see how there was such a slow progression of transgressions that it became normalized – like a frog in boiling water. For me, I wanted to keep the relationship with the horses so my abuser’s increasing attention just became the price to pay. As a way of coping, I also created a narrative that made it seem OK and like I was handling the situation. The typical predator/pedophile will commit 117 acts of abuse over the span of their lifetime. They create situations where they have access to children and a power imbalance. In circumstances ripe for this, there needs to be extra accountability and oversight. 

Can you explain the importance of integrating trauma as opposed to “getting over it?” Why does this matter? What happens if you take a different approach? 

There is a strong cultural notion that the past and all traumatic events are something to “get over.” We all want this to be true. The result is that victims can end up negatively judging themselves and self-shaming when the impact lingers or when the nervous system gets retriggered. There is an honoring of self when we can see with clarity what has been lived through and that it isn’t our fault. The ways of coping were creative and helpful at the time even if they are also now limiting. This recognition of trauma informs our lives, but it doesn’t need to define us. Here is where the work can help rewrite our stories.

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.

Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.

booksforward.com/about-us/marissa-decuir/

A thrilling adventure for fans of the show “1883”

BLOOMINGTON, IL – In 1872, six hundred miles between Bismarck and Bozeman were to be surveyed for the Northern Pacific Railroad. But Sitting Bull is gathering strength to resist this incursion into the tribes’ hunting grounds. Citizens and politicians question the need for the rail line and doubt that it can ever be guaranteed safe from Indian raids. But financier Jay Cooke is willing to risk his financial empire to build it.

When Cooke summons Jubilee Walker to his mansion and presents a proposition for completing the survey, Jubil finds it impossible to resist. But the stakes are high, both financially and personally. How much will Jubil risk to turn his adventure travel tours into a major business? Can he do it without losing the respect of the people he loves? And will he even survive the attempt to complete the survey?

Book 3 in the Jubilee Walker series is based on actual events of the 1872 and 1873 railroad surveys, and the ensuing financial turmoil as investors lose faith in Cooke’s vision.

“The Northern Pacific Railroad”

Tim Piper | January 15, 2025 | Sunshine Parade Publishing | Historical Fiction | Coming of Age

Hardcover | B0DKB9PZR4  | $19.99 | Paperback | 9798988418672 | $13.99

Ebook | B0CYVH4D7X| $4.99

The Powell Expeditions (Book 1)

Ebook: B0CH1L9DG6 $4.99 | Paperback: B0CHVPBGNZ $13.99

Hardcover: B0CJ41X635 $19.99

After his mother’s death, seventeen-year-old Jubilee Walker asks to join a scientific expedition led by Major John Wesley Powell, a family friend. Powell initially refuses, but Jubil’s persistence and resourcefulness eventually win him a place on Powell’s crew. 

However, Jubil’s plans for a life of adventure are complicated by his deepening feelings for his best friend, Nelly Boswell, who is reluctant to spend her life with a man who insists on such a dangerous lifestyle. How will Jubil navigate the hardships and lawlessness of the American West? And will he be forced to choose between a life of adventure and the girl he loves?

Jubil’s story draws on the real-life adventures of naturalist, college professor, and one-armed Civil War veteran Major John Wesley Powell during his Colorado River Exploring Expeditions. Powell became the first explorer to summit Longs Peak in the Colorado Rockies and navigate the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, fixing his place in history as one of America’s great explorers. 

The Yellowstone Campaign (Book 2)

Ebook: B0CYVH4D7X $4.99 | Paperback: B0CZSBYPTG $13.99

Hardcover: B0D1JWYZY4  $19.99

Mountain men through the decades have told tales of the exotic geography surrounding the source of the Yellowstone River, and Jubilee Walker, to the dismay of his fiancée, Nelly Boswell, can’t resist the opportunity to see it for himself. When Jubil joins an expedition to explore the region, he and his companions brave an unforgiving wilderness to find that the truth is even stranger than the legends.

But a year later, when Jubil returns with a survey crew, he finds ruthless men exploiting the region for profit. Will Jubil’s commitment to preventing the despoilment of Yellowstone’s geographical wonders get him killed? Based on events of the 1870 Washburn Expedition and the 1871 surveys by Dr. Ferdinand Hayden and Captain John Barlow, the second installment of the Jubilee Walker series chronicles events leading up to the passage of the bill that designated Yellowstone as America’s first national park.

TIM PIPER is retired from a long career in Information Technology and has been a lifelong hobbyist musician. In his earlier days he was an avid hiker and backcountry camper, but his adventures these days are less strenuous and more comfortable. He began his education at Illinois State University as an English major, but life circumstances put him on a more pragmatic path, and he graduated with a BS in Business Admin, a degree he finds appropriately named. He lives in Bloomington, Illinois. 

Learn more at www.timpiper-author.com or follow him on Facebook.

2024 BookFest First Place Award for Young Adult Historical Fiction for “The Powell Expeditions”

2024 Goethe Book Awards Long List for Late Historical Fiction for “The Powell Expeditions”

2024 Independent Press Award “Distinguished Favorite” in Western Fiction for “The Powell Expeditions”

2024 BookFest Second Place Award for “Young Adult Historical Fiction” for “The Yellowstone Campaign”

Praise for “The Jubilee Walker” series

“I thoroughly enjoyed the novel “Yellowstone Campaign”. I had not read part one of the series, but now I will go back and read it. The character of Jubilee Walker was very compelling and real. It was interesting to think about how the first non-indigenous people felt when they encountered the wonders of Yellowstone. I have visited Yellowstone National Park and enjoyed being at many of the vistas that were described in this novel.. I thought this novel was a wonderful blend of interesting characters and events woven around historical fact.”

– Amazon review for “The Yellowstone Campaign”

“I enjoyed the first book in the Jubilee Walker series about the Powell Expeditions, and I enjoyed this one equally. I grew up being exposed to the West and it’s National Parks, and this book provides an eye-opening look at the early days of the establishment of Yellowstone as a protected piece of land. It has all the drama of that landscape, as seen through the eyes of young explorer Jubil who is torn between his yearning for adventure and his love for his fiancée. Based on the story being based on real people and events, it’s a good entry point for history buffs and National Park lovers alike.”

– Goodreads review for “The Yellowstone Campaign”

“Brace yourselves for a thrilling ride through the Wild West in 1867 with Jubilee Walker. From wagon trains to climbing mountains and riding the rapids of the Colorado River, this book is an adventure-packed gem!”

– Reviews Thick and Thin for “The Powell Expeditions”

“An engrossing and historically accurate fictionalization of the hardships and joys of the West in the 1860s … I loved Jubil’s all-too-human longings for adventure and companionship, and his practical nature that made him a valuable member of the expedition.”

– 5 stars from Page Appropriate for “The Powell Expeditions”

“From the beginning, you pull the reader in with simple prose, but you also show a glimpse of how life promises to change for Jubil.”

—YA Outside the Lines for “The Powell Expeditions”

In an interview, Tim Piper can discuss:

• How his hike in the Rocky Mountains inspired this adventurous series that started with Major John Wesley Powell, the first American explorer to navigate the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon
• The extensive research that went into writing historical sequels about the events leading up to the passage of the bill that designated Yellowstone as America’s first national park and the tumultuous railroad surveys of the 1870s
• Why he thinks the events and historical figures that he highlights are under-appreciated and why he feels more people should learn about them
• The importance of exploring the unknown and appreciating the everyday joys of life, and his personal inspiration in this area

An Interview with Tim Piper about “The Jubilee Walker” series:

1. How did you incorporate the true-life adventures of Major Powell into your fictional story?

The story adheres closely to the historical record of Powell’s 1867, 1868, and 1869 exploring expeditions and the people who participated in them. The events of those expeditions serve as the context for the formative years of my protagonist, Jubilee Walker, as he makes his way into adulthood in post–Civil War America.

2. Describe the trip to the Rockies that inspired your novel.

During one of my early trips to Rocky Mountain National Park, I hiked the Longs Peak Trail. After the hike, I purchased a book on the history of the mountain and learned the first person to summit it was Major John Wesley Powell. Researching Powell, I was surprised to learn he had close connections to my hometown, Bloomington, Illinois. Much of Powell’s life struck me as something out of an adventure novel, but I did not find any fiction that had dramatized it. I carried the idea with me for years until finally deciding to make an effort to write the novel I wanted to read.

3. Why do you feel that Major Powell deserves more recognition?

Over Powell’s lifetime, his adventures, scientific expeditions, and geographic surveys of America’s developing western frontier led him to conclusions about land and water use that were far ahead of his time. Though he was very influential in scientific and academic circles, his recommendations were never fully adopted by politicians. The impact of failing to address his concerns was made evident by the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, and can still be felt today in terms of water use policy in the western states. He was one of the first to espouse conservation policy that still struggles to protect our natural resources against America’s drive to exploit them.

4. Where do you find your writing purpose and inspiration from?

Though I have always had an artistic nature and enjoyed music and writing as hobbies, I chose the more expedient path of making a living in the business world rather than the risky world of the arts. After I retired, my wife was taken ill and passed away, and I was lost for what to do with myself. I tried following my hobby of music but could no longer find joy in it. But writing provided me with a means to block out my internal dialogue and pass the days doing something constructive. These days, I follow my curiosity to research topics that appeal to me, and then weave those into fictional stories that I would like to read myself.

5. What kinds of research did you do for the story?

Major John Wesley Powell taught at Illinois Wesleyan University in my hometown of Bloomington, Illinois. I contacted the archive librarian at IWU’s Ames Library, and was allowed access to their John Wesley Powell Special Collection. These materials, along with other resources suggested by the librarian led me to a wealth of information about Powell. Other books and online newspaper articles provided insights into life during post–Civil War America.

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.

Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.

booksforward.com/about-us/marissa-decuir/

Washington, D.C. – For fans of Georgia Hunter’s “We Were the Lucky Ones” comes Iris Mitlin Lav’s “Gitel’s Freedom” (March 25, 2025, She Writes Press), a historical novel about the lives of Jewish immigrants in the early twentieth century and one woman’s journey toward personal freedom.

At an early age, Gitel questions the expected roles of women in society and in Judaism. Born in Belorussia and brought to the U.S. in 1911, she leads a life constrained by her Jewish parents. Forbidden from going to college and pushed into finding a husband, she marries Shmuel, an Orthodox Jewish pharmacist whose left-wing politics she admires. They plan to work together in a neighborhood pharmacy in Chicago—but when the Great Depression hits and their bank closes, their hopes are shattered. 

In the years that follow, bad luck plagues their marriage, leaving them in financial distress. Gitel dreams of going back to school to become a teacher once their daughter reaches high school, but finds her ambitions thwarted by an unexpected pregnancy. And when  a massive stroke leaves Shmuel disabled, Gitel is challenged to combine caring for him, being the breadwinner at a time when women face salary discrimination, and being present for their second daughter. 

An illuminating look at Jewish immigrant life in early-1900s America, “Gitel’s Freedom” is also a compelling tale of women’s resourcefulness and resilience in the face of limiting and often oppressive expectations. 

“Gitel’s Freedom”

Iris Mitlin Lav | March 25, 2025 | She Writes Press | Historical Fiction

Paperback | ISBN: 978-1-64742-858-7 | $17.99

Ebook | ASIN: B0D84DC7M5 | $12.99

IRIS MITLIN LAV grew up in the liberal Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. She went on to earn an MBA from George Washington University and an AB from the University of Chicago, and to enjoy a long career of public policy analysis and management, with an emphasis on improving policies for low- and moderate-income families. She also taught public finance at Johns Hopkins University and George Mason University, and in 1999 received the Steven D. Gold award for contributions to state and local fiscal policy, an award jointly given by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management, the National Conference of State Legislatures, and the National Tax Association. Her first novel, “A Wife in Bangkok,” was published in 2020 by She Writes Press. “Gitel’s Freedom” is her second novel. Lav and her husband now live in Chevy Chase, Maryland, with Mango, their goldendoodle, and grandchildren nearby.

In an interview, Iris Mitlin Lav can discuss:

• Why she began a writing career after retiring from public policy work
• What inspired her to write “Gitel’s Freedom”
• The difficulties faced by immigrants in the first half of the 20th century
• The consequences of the limited opportunities for women in that time period
• The huge effect that that Great Depression had on people’s lives
• Gitel’s resourcefulness and resilience in the face of limiting and often oppressive expectations

An Interview with Iris Mitlin Lav

1. Why did you decide to write novels after retiring from public policy work? What is your advice for others who might wish to begin writing?

I have always loved reading novels, and during the course of my work life I found policy writing easy to do. I also liked to tell stories, which often were well received. Despite the fact that my last creative writing course was more than 60 years ago in high school, I decided to sit down and see what would happen, which resulted in my first novel. I’d advise someone who wants to begin writing fiction to sit down at their computer, start writing, and decide whether what comes out seems like a viable novel. Then find a developmental editor to help refine it.

2. What was your inspiration for “Gitel’s Freedom”?

Gitel’s Freedom is fiction, but it is based on my family’s experiences. I always marveled at how strong the real Gitel–my mother–was, dealing with all forms of adversity that kept plaguing her life, while continuing to be the best mother she could be and also concerning herself with social issues through various organizations to which she belonged. I wanted to portray what her life was like. And also to portray how women’s freedoms changed through the generations.

3. What is the significance of the locations in the book?

The Hyde Park neighborhood in Chicago was, and still is a very special place. At the time at which the novel is set, it was the only racially integrated neighborhood in the city, and 

Hyde Park High School was the only integrated school. Unlike most places at the time, interactions and friendships between races was the norm. That contrasts with the Lawndale neighborhood where Shmuel grew up and Gitel and Shmuel first lived, which was in effect a Jewish ghetto.

4. Did you do any research to accurately convey the difficulties of the time, especially for immigrants in the United States?

I did a lot of research about the Great Depression; the statistics Gitel repeatedly cites to Shmuel in the novel about the declining economy are accurate, as are the events such as the bank closings. Shmuel clearly never understood how serious the economic situation was, nor did he understand the shaky Illinois banking system with its many small,  under-capitalized banks. He likely was typical of many immigrants in that respect. Gitel understood, but as a woman she couldn’t override her husband’s poor decisions.

5. Gitel is quite resourceful and resilient in the face of limiting and often oppressive expectations. What are the consequences of the limited opportunities for women during this time period?

In this time period, women–and particularly married women–had little freedom to make choices. If they wanted to leave a bad marriage, they likely would have difficulty supporting themselves because of pay disparities between men and women and the limited type of work for which women could be hired. (Note that the wage disparities between men and women at all education levels persist today.) If a woman had children, the Chicago Public Schools made it impossible for women to work because children below high school age came home for lunch every day. Most women were dependent on a husband’s income if they were married and had children, or on an inequitable employment and pay system if they were single.

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.

Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.

booksforward.com/about-us/marissa-decuir/

SAN FRANCISCO, CA –  How well do you really know the people you encounter every day? Award-winning author Robert Steven Goldstein’s gripping psychological thriller “Golda’s Hutch” (March 11, 2025, Deft Heft Books) explores what we hide from the world versus what we reveal, the lengths we’ll go to keep our secrets buried—and the unpredictable steps we take when our innermost lives are threatened. 

Craig Schumacher is not your typical executive. With a gentle spirit and a morning ritual that includes serene meditation alongside his cherished rabbit, Golda, Craig values connection over competition. Yet, beneath his calm, polished exterior lies a secret he’s worked hard to keep hidden—one that could change everything.

Enter Byron Dorn—Craig’s employee and chaos incarnate. Crude, impulsive, and driven by envy, Byron is elated when he and his wife stumble upon information that he believes could unravel Craig’s life. But when Byron ropes another couple into his schemes, things become a lot more complicated.

Because Craig isn’t the only one with a secret. And as the stakes rise, everyone will have to decide what they’re willing to sacrifice to get what they want—and when they’re willing to walk away.

Set against the dynamic backdrop of San Francisco, this gripping psychological novel weaves a complex tapestry of deception, envy, desire, politics, and power.

Golda’s Hutch

Robert Steven Goldstein 

March 11, 2025 | Deft Heft Books 

Hardcover | 978-0-98881165-2 | $27.99

Paperback | 978-0-98881163-8 | $15.99

Ebook | 978-0-98881164-5 | $7.99

Literary Fiction 

More about Robert Steven Goldstein

Robert is the author of five novels. His first, The Swami Deheftner, about problems that ensue when ancient magic and mysticism manifest in the twenty-first century, developed a small cult following in India. His second novel, Enemy Queen, a sexual comedy of manners set in a North Carolina college town, was a finalist in the category of cross genre fiction for the International Book Awards. Robert’s third novel, Cat’s Whisker, probes the perceived rift between science and spirituality; it was longlisted for the prestigious Chanticleer International 2021 SOMERSET Book Award for Literary and Contemporary Fiction. His fourth novel, Will’s Surreal Period, about the peripatetic machinations of a dysfunctional family, was longlisted for the Chanticleer International 2022 SOMERSET Book Award for Literary and Contemporary Fiction. 

Golda’s Hutch is Robert’s fifth novel. He and his wife Sandy live in San Francisco; over their thirty-six years together, they’ve shared their home with an array of dogs, cats, rabbits, turtles, and parrots, each of whom has displayed a unique personality, startling intelligence, and a profound capacity for love. Robert has practiced yoga, meditation, and vegetarianism for over fifty years. Find out more about him at his website.

In an interview, Robert can discuss:

• The duality of human nature and how hidden truths can influence relationships
• How he explores in his writing the lengths to which people will go to achieve their personal desires
• Morals and ethics in the business world informed by his long career as a corporate executive
• The examination of animal intelligence and ties to spirituality through Golda, and her representation of larger themes
• The categorization of BDSM as a sexual orientation
• Less “traditional” Eastern approaches to spirituality including yoga, meditation, and vegetarianism

An Interview with Robert Steven Goldstein

1. Your novels are primarily categorized as literary fiction, but you explore a wide variety of topics. Why do you think your genre is the best fit to explore the complexities of life? 

The category “literary fiction” can be tricky to define, but most readers probably agree that literary fiction tends to be character driven, with evocative and poetic language, and an approach to storytelling where thoughts and ideas are equally as important as action. But, although much literary fiction drills down into the depths of seemingly ordinary people, I don’t think it necessarily needs to be that way. I am driven to write novels whose characters are often dysfunctional, sexually divergent, interested in a wide variety of ideas, and prone to seek spiritual fulfillment through paths incongruent with traditional Western religions. I believe that if good fiction can depict characters of this sort, who are nonetheless sympathetic and endearing, it can promote tolerance and compassion among those exposed to such writing.

2. Why do you think so many people in society still largely view BDSM as taboo?

In some ways, this really is puzzling. People who identify as LGBT+ are now fully accepted in most socially progressive circles. Yet, people expressing a sexual orientation involving BDSM are often not at all accepted in those same circles. Perhaps this reflects the human tendency to fear anything “other”—anything distinctly different from what we are personally familiar with. Granted—it took a long time for many heterosexual individuals to get past the fact that gay people are involved with partners of the same gender—but once they were able to accept that, they found it easy to identify with a gay couple’s desire to love, marry, be faithful to each other, and raise children. For many people, BDSM still seems different and more foreign. It adds the element of power to sex, and involves psychodrama, pain, and bondage—these are elements that most people associate with criminal and non-consensual activity—and find it hard to accept that for some people, it’s their inherent way of expressing sexual love, and is safe and fully consensual in the way it’s embraced by those in the BDSM community.

3. How do spiritual practices and exploration of faith play into the themes of Golda’s Hutch?

Craig, the main character in the novel, is a deeply spiritual man, but is not religious in the traditional Western sense. His spiritual practice is built upon four components: yoga, meditation, vegetarianism, and a code of behavior that comprises compassion and harmlessness, a concept known to Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains as Ahimsa. Things get really interesting when Craig—a vice president in a company where attitudes toward staff and working conditions are becoming increasingly Machiavellian—presses his spiritual beliefs and his practice of compassion into the mix of management and productivity—engendering loyal and high-performing work teams—but infuriating his fellow executives.

4. How do you think sex scenes between characters help uncover their personalities?

Not all literary fiction includes sex scenes—and some readers may even think that such scenes preclude a work from being characterized as literary fiction. I disagree, but it’s important that such scenes are not presented merely as titillating erotica—but rather, that they add to the reader’s understanding of the characters involved. And this really should be a fairly straightforward concept. Good fiction shows rather than tells. So, if an author is offering readers an in-depth glimpse into the personalities of the characters by showing exactly how they go about doing things—then, certainly, sex is something that most people do, and the way they do it can be telling with respect to who they really are.

5. In a world where everyone wears a ‘mask,’ what do you think it means to be truly authentic, and how far do you think people are willing to go to uncover hidden truths within themselves and others?

We all have the “self” we want to present to the world—the mask or persona. For most of us, that represents the person we truly want to be—fair, kind, wise, and loving—but strong and successful. When things go our way, it’s not that hard to live up to our self-set expectations. But stress, and especially the pressure to perform and produce, can begin to eat away at those high aspirations, and force us to make compromises. Four of the main characters in Golda’s Hutch hold positions of responsibility in a corporation, and feel squeezed in precisely that manner. But the way each responds is quite different, and quite telling as to the kind of person they are at their core.

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Marissa DeCuir

A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.

Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.

booksforward.com/about-us/marissa-decuir/

ATLANTA, GA –“Here’s what you need to know about Kentucky girls – they’re all princesses.” Brimming with quick wit and juicy gossip, the latest novel from Brandi Bradley, “Pretty Girls Get Away With Murder,” reveals the hidden dark side of picture-perfect Southern charm.

When a young entrepreneur is killed, everyone in town points fingers at his New Age, neo-hippie, miracle-manifesting, smokeshow of an ex-girlfriend, Gabbi – including the victim’s best friend, Jenna. As detective Lindy D’Arnaud and her partner Boggs search for a motive, they begin to wonder if this is a case of jealous violence or shady business dealings gone sour.

In Lindy’s personal life, things aren’t much clearer. When Lindy’s wife’s ex-boyfriend–and sperm donor to their baby–decides to move back to town, she finds herself competing for her wife’s affection. Can they be postmodern in Western Kentucky where living as a queer person is tenuous enough already?

Told through the shifting perspectives of Lindy, Gabbi, and Jenna, “Pretty Girls Get Away With Murder” is a twisty page-turner for fans of Southern noir and NBC’s “Dateline.” 

“Pretty Girls Get Away With Murder”

Brandi Bradley | March 14, 2025 | Rumor Mill Press | Mystery, Crime Fiction

Paperback | ISBN: 979-8-9872612-2-4 | $16.99

Brandi Bradley is an indie author and educator who lives in the great city of Atlanta, Georgia. She writes short stories and novels about crime, family drama, flea markets, cowboys, rowdy girls, and gossip. She has had short stories and essays published in Juked, Louisiana Literature, Carve, and Nashville Review. She teaches writing at Kennesaw State University. “Mothers of the Missing Mermaid” (2023) is her debut novel of secrets by the sea in Destin, Florida. Bradley’s second book, “Pretty Girls Get Away With Murder” will be released in March 2025. Learn more about her life and work at: www.brandibradley.com 

Follow Brandi Bradley on social media:

Facebook: @brandibradleysboots | Twitter: @bebebradley | Instagram: @thebrandibradley | TikTok: @thebrandibradley 

In an interview, Brandi Bradley can discuss:

• The rise of “Southern noir” and why she sets her mysteries in the Southern states
• How the three female protagonists each face preconceived notions and prejudice in very different ways
• How writing after work or in the margins of your life can be rewarding rather than stressful
• Her experience with indie publishing
• Her creative process and tips to help anyone flourish with creativity
• The importance of libraries and the value they bring to communities

An Interview with Brandi Bradley

1. What inspired “Pretty Girls Get Away With Murder”? 

I often write stories that would make good gossip fodder. And for a while when I would research, I would be drawn to stories about dangerous women: femme fatales, crazy ex-girlfriends, ball busters, etc. This perception of danger because of how a woman looks is pervasive, and it’s not just pretty women, but also women who are considered strong, or in command, or smart. People love to talk about a dangerous woman. 

2. Who do you want to reach with your books?

I want to reach people who are interested in a really juicy story. That’s what so many people – including me – love about a good episode of Dateline. It’s juicy. It’s about lies, scandals, heartbreak, betrayal, and people who are a little ridiculous for thinking they could get away with something. I want to tell those kinds of stories for people who secretly love drama, but don’t actually want drama in their life.

3. Who are your top 3 favorite authors and why?

Janet Finch – I keep a copy of Paint it Black on my desk when I write. It’s not a crime story, but it’s definitely a family drama that is dark and vicious, everyone stewing in the grief of losing someone unexpectedly. 

Julia Heaberlin – We’re All the Same in the Dark is one of those books that made me think, Damn, I wish I had written that! I also loved Paper Ghosts. She writes these amazing crime novels rooted in community and place. 

Megan Abbott – This is my noir queen. I love all her books, particularly how all the female characters in her books are physical beings in more ways than just sexual beings. They run, jump, leap, and fall. In her books, ballet is bloody, science is scandalous, and gymnastics is brutal.

4. What has been your experience with indie publishing? How do you manage your writing time?

As an indie author, I am in charge of all the decisions about what I publish: I pick the editors, the artwork, the release dates, the promotions, as well as attend writing conferences and meet up with other authors. I have to be mindful of what gets my time and attention. I’m a parent, so often I am writing around kid obligations like football practice, packing for camp, driving tests, and making birthday cakes. 

5. Tell us about your creative process. What advice do you have for aspiring writers to help them harness their creativity?

Because I often have to carve out time to write, it feels more like I “get” to write more than I “have” to write. It’s like being a kid who can close their bedroom door and play. When I make the time to write, I put on a playlist that inspires me (I make one for every book I write) and I will either sketch out ideas onto a legal pad or I type up the scenes I sketched the day before. 

My advice for aspiring writers is to give yourself permission. Give yourself permission to make that playlist that reminds you of what your characters would listen to. Give yourself permission to spend hours at the library or bookstore just looking around. Give yourself permission to turn your phone on Do Not Disturb for fifteen minutes to write down that poem that’s been rolling around your head all morning.  

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.

Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.

booksforward.com/about-us/marissa-decuir/

Southard gives female-centric perspective on Beecher-Tilton adultery trial

BROOKLYN, NY – Lust, infidelity, and betrayal centered the historically famous Beecher-Tilton adultery trial where Theodore Tilton, his wife Elizabeth Tilton, and Reverend Henry Ward Beecher are exposed for their extramarital affairs, embodying the new 19th century concept of “free love.” In her historical fiction debut, “Unruly Human Hearts” (She Writes Press, January 28, 2025), debut author Barbara Southard brings life to the one voice unheard throughout the infamous case–the adulteress herself.

During the Reconstruction era, the Beecher-Tilton adultery trial made headlines and shocked the nation. Elizabeth Tilton, the woman at the center of it all, is often portrayed as a passive victim of the scandal, but Barbara Southard proposes a different story–one where Elizabeth is the author of her own life. Using her skills as a historian, Barbara Southard’s emotional novel explores the impact that sexual revolutions have had on women, the challenge of upholding personal convictions in private life, and the power of finding your voice in a world that wants you to be silent.

Elizabeth Tilton, Theodore Tilton, and Reverend Henry Ward Beecher were 19th-century reformers who embraced liberal ideas, including “free love.” When Theodore confessed to an extramarital affair, Elizabeth expressed her feelings for Beecher, entangling them in a complicated love triangle marked by desire, jealousy, and the fear of public scandal. As Elizabeth’s passion for Beecher tested the moral boundaries of her time, she faced difficult choices that could cost her everything. In a society ready to condemn the slightest deviation from the strict code governing female behavior, she struggled to find her voice and define her own truth.

More about Barbara Southard: Barbara grew up in New York City, holds a PhD in history from the University of Hawaii, and has served as a professor of history, Chairperson of the History Department, and Associate Dean of Graduate Studies at the Río Piedras Campus of the University of Puerto Rico. 

She is the author of a book on Indian history, The Women’s Movement and Colonial Politics in Bengal, 1921–1936, and has also published numerous articles in history journals.  Barbara has also published short stories in literary journals, and she is the author of The Pinch of the Crab, a collection of ten stories set in Puerto Rico, exploring social conflicts of island life, mostly from the female perspective. 

Barbara has also been active in raising funds for the Shonali Choudhury Fund of the Community Foundation of Puerto Rico, helping local community organizations working to protect women from domestic violence. She does this work in honor of her daughter, a public health professor who died of a brain tumor. You can find more information about Barbara on her website:https://www.barbarasouthard.com/.

Follow her on Instagram @barbara.southard45

Find her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraSouthardAuthor

Advanced Praise for Unruly Human Hearts

“In Unruly Human Hearts, Barbara Southard has created a delightful and poignant novel about the Beecher-Tilton scandal in the Reconstruction Era. Focusing on Elizabeth’s internal struggle to cope with her husband’s public support for women’s rights while maintaining the double standard in private, this story will inspire readers to ask themselves how women should confront similar challenges today. Perfect for fans of well-researched and engaging historical fiction!” 

— Jacqueline Friedland, author of The Stockwell Letters and Trouble the Water

“This is not just the story of a woman who tried to be a good Christian wife while passionately in love with her pastor, it’s a revelation of her anguish as she struggled to protect herself, her children, and the two men she loved from the toll of escalating public scandal.” 

– Linda Ulleseit, author of The River Remembers and Innocents at Home

“In Unruly Human Hearts, Barbara Southard masterfully unravels the poignant story of Elizabeth Tilton, ensnared in a scandalous love triangle of the 1870s. Rich with period detail and emotional depth, Southard’s flawless reimagining brings to life a time when a woman’s desires and concerns were considered a fault. Elizabeth’s journey of resilience and self-discovery amidst societal constraints is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. As she bears the weight of public scrutiny, she delivers a timely message on the restorative power of honesty. With an eye for historical accuracy and a gift for heartfelt storytelling, Barbara illuminates the struggle of a courageous woman ahead of her time, whose fight for dignity and understanding serves as a stark reminder that the quest for gender equality and freedom remains as an ongoing challenge.” 

– Elba Iris Pérez, author of The Things We Didn’t Know

“Unruly Human Hearts”

Barbara Southard | January 28, 2025 | She Writes Press | Historical Fiction 

Print | 978-1-64742-830-3 | $17.99

Ebook | 978-1-64742-831-0 | $12.99

In an interview, Barbara can discuss:

• How her experiences with the women’s liberation movement of the 1960’s and ’70’s shaped her interest in Elizabeth Tilton
• How her interactions with students in a graduate course on US social history shaped her interest in the Beecher-Tilton scandal.
• Why the events of the book are still relevant today, especially with the modern concept of polyamory and nonmonogamy 
• Why she chose to write the novel from the perspective of Elizabeth Tilton instead of her two lovers, who were both prominent figures of the day
• How the characters in her novel reconcile the doctrine of “free love” with their religious beliefs
• Her career as a historian, especially as it pertains to how she has highlighted women’s struggles in both the United States and India

An Interview with Barbara Southard

1. How did your experiences with the women’s liberation movement in the 1960’s and 1970’s shape your interest in Elizabeth Tilton?

I was a schoolgirl when the conservative culture of the 1950s promoted the ideal of women as homebodies whose sole mission in life was to be a wife and mother. The women’s liberation movement and the sexual revolution of the 1960s and 1970s profoundly affected my journey to adulthood. Reading about the role of free love (the nineteenth century version of open marriage) in Elizabeth Tilton’s life propelled me to investigate the challenges she faced in an epoch even more profoundly sexist.

2. How did the views expressed by students in a graduate seminar you taught on the social history of the United States influence your decision to explore the Beecher-Tilton scandal more deeply?

I remember telling my students in a graduate course on US social history at the University of Puerto Rico that the Beecher-Tilton trial caused as much sensation in 1875 as the impeachment of President Bill Clinton in 1998 for alleged breaches of the law connected with the attempted cover-up of sexual intimacies with Monica Lewinsky.  These discussions with students inspired me to delve more deeply into historical sources in the hope of illuminating Elizabeth’s motivations and the unique challenges that she faced as a woman involved in the greatest sex scandal of the epoch. 

3. Why did you choose to write the novel from Elizabeth Tilton’s perspective, as opposed to that of her two lovers?

Elizabeth’s feelings and motivations were a greater mystery than those of her two lovers. How did she come to believe in free love?  Once the scandal broke, how did she cope with the danger of losing everything, her reputation, her marriage, her children? 

4. Tell us more about your career as a historian and your work to highlight women’s struggles in both the United States and India.

During my teaching career at the University of Puerto Rico, I created graduate seminars on women’s history in India and the United States. In the first chapter of my book about the emergence of the women’s movement in India, I explored the religious and social reform movements that were a prelude to the demand for women’s rights. When teaching courses about women in the United States, I noted that challenges to Calvinist beliefs were connected to movements to improve the position of women.

5. Do you feel that the issues posed in “Unruly Human Hearts” are still relevant today, especially in conversation with the modern concept of polyamory?

Elizabeth’s story is still relevant to issues of individual freedom and social ethics as well as the position of women today. The sexual revolution in the 1960s and 1970s raised questions about whether free love (or open marriage) is liberating for women. It’s difficult for women who are economically dependent on men to insist that men grant their partners the sexual freedom they claim for themselves. Although women have made progress toward economic independence, a gap remains. Hopefully, future progress toward gender equality will make it less likely that women who practice polyamory will undergo the heartbreak Elizabeth experienced.

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.

Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.

booksforward.com/about-us/marissa-decuir/