YA Books For Spring Break
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on February 27, 2024
Are your middle-grade or young adult readers looking for books to occupy Spring Break? Our Hidden Gems ARC readers recently loved the following titles, and we bet the middle-grade or young adult reader in your life will, as well. Who knows – you may find yourself a fan of the following titles, too. The Teenage Wealthypreneur by E.T. Mulloney With 100+ ratings and a 4.9 average star rating, The Teenage Wealthypreneur will help your teen learn budgeting and other money management skills. “I bought The Teenage Wealthypreneur by E.T. Mulloney for my grandchildren, and I’m thrilled to report that it not only met but exceeded all my expectations. What truly stood out for me was the book’s practical and hands-on approach, which effortlessly translates intricate financial concepts into easily digestible, actionable steps. Mulloney’s own journey from adversity to triumph added a deeply relatable and inspiring dimension to the book’s… Read More >
Has the Craft of Writing Improved?
By: Ginger | Posted on February 23, 2024
While some people believe the classics were the pinnacle of storytelling, this way of thinking overlooks how much writing has transformed and adapted over time to become more accessible, diverse, and better able to mirror our complex world. Just as visual art evolved from the simplicity of cave paintings to the sophistication of the Renaissance, the craft of writing has transformed in a similar way, adapting to new eras and technologies. That’s why today, Ginger is diving into the evolution of storytelling, celebrating the leaps from stone tablets to e-books and highlighting how these advances have made literature richer and more inclusive. It’s a journey through the past, present, and future of writing, proving that while the classics will always hold a special place in our hearts, the stories being written today are just as worthy of admiration. I studied History and English Literature at a Cambridge-founded university, and as… Read More >
Out of this world Fantasy Novels
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on February 20, 2024
If you are looking for an out-of-this-world escape from the cold of winter, this list is for you. We’ve got one for everybody on this round-up of recently top-rated fantasy novels that our Hidden Gems ARC readers raved about. Sword and Sorcery: Frostfire by Ethan Avery In the streets of Bogudos, scarred swordsman Erevan faces a dilemma when his friend lands in jail. A mysterious courier offers a chance to fix things, prompting Erevan to embark on a perilous journey. At the prestigious magical school of Darr-Kamo, Aireyal lacks magical abilities but uncovers world-altering secrets. The narrative intertwines the stories of Erevan, Aireyal, a Spiritualist, and a Scholar, all seeking help to achieve their desires amid adversaries and hidden truths. As their paths converge, the characters must grapple with the sacrifices they are willing to make in a world where assistance comes at a cost, revealing the intricate connections between… Read More >
Which Story Structure Works Best for YOUR Novel?
By: Ginger | Posted on February 16, 2024
Last week, Ginger examined a number of story structures in-depth, exploring the frameworks behind some of the most captivating tales in literature and cinema. It was a useful primer on why story structures are important, and provided great detail on a few of the most popular ones. Yet there still may be some question as to how to choose the structure that best fits your own story, or is most suited to the type of author you are. After all, a Tolkienesque epic and a spicy romance novel aren’t built the same way—nor should they be. In today’s blog, Ginger focuses more on the suitability of these story structures across different genres and writing styles. Storytelling is as varied as the human imagination, and not every structure will suit every narrative or writer. From epic fantasies and adventure tales to serialized television and dark comedies, each structure offers unique advantages… Read More >
Romance Novels to Spice Up Valentine’s Day
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on February 13, 2024
If you’re a regular on the Hidden Gems blog, you’ll know that romance is the most popular genre in the Hidden Gems ARC program. Our readers know that no two love stories are the same, so they scoop up new books every chance they get. If you’re looking for a new read to chase away the winter chill and get in the mood for Valentine’s Day, there’s something for every romance reader on this list! The Care of a Cowboy by Elsie Davis With over 50+ ratings and a 4.5 star average, The Care of a Cowboy is the fourth installment of the Crossroads Creek Cowboys series, which takes place in the Texas countryside. Christine P. raves in her five star Amazon review, “…Well-written story with lovable characters. Lots of humor, romance, family dynamics, and faith aspects…” “A clean romance that highlights the values of hard work, forgiveness, family, and… Read More >
Using Story Structures to Write Better Books
By: Ginger | Posted on February 9, 2024
Many non-authors believe that writing a book is as straightforward as jotting down a lengthy email or drafting a report. Yet, as any author who has actually written a novel can attest, there is a big difference between everyday writing and crafting narratives that captivate and entertain readers for hundreds of pages. Perhaps the misconception comes because, unlike the specialized skills required for performing surgery or practicing law, writing seems accessible to everyone and a part of our daily lives. However, this perception ignores the artistry and dedication that goes into weaving compelling stories from the simple thread of imagination. That’s why today, Ginger is shining a spotlight on the scaffolding behind the scenes of great storytelling—the story structures. Structures are the story frameworks that can help guide an author from the germ of an idea to a fully fleshed-out narrative. And just as there are many different ways to… Read More >
Bone-chilling Thrillers to Send Shivers Down Your Spine
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on February 6, 2024
As winter’s cold winds howl outside, there’s no better time to cozy up inside with a few bone-chilling thrillers that send shivers down your spine. Hidden Gems ARC readers were able to fully immerse themselves into a variety of highly rated thrillers over the past few months, and this is a round-up of some of the most popular and well-reviewed page-turners. The Art of Killing by C.R. Clarke In Gloucester’s provincial streets, a wave of media fascination surrounds the anonymous graffiti artist known as Tick-Tock for two years. However, the once-intriguing art takes a dark turn, each piece growing more perverse and contentious. DI Gutteridge is the lone detective who sees a disturbing pattern, hinting at a sinister force on the horizon. As the art transforms, a looming storm of shocking events threatens the city’s reputation. The clock is ticking, and only time will reveal the chilling truth. “The book… Read More >
Exploring the Fine Line between Inspiration and Plagiarism
By: Ginger | Posted on February 2, 2024
In the ever-evolving world of literature and digital content, the boundaries between drawing inspiration and committing plagiarism are increasingly blurred. Recent headlines have underscored this, spotlighting allegations of plagiarism against prominent academic figures and bestselling authors. In today’s blog, Ginger tackles this intricate and potentially contentious topic, hoping to provide some clarity on the question of what constitutes legitimate literary borrowing versus unethical copying. To achieve this, he will be exploring the “Somerton Scale,” a recently developed methodology designed to specifically grade the extent of plagiarism in creative works. By examining each level and providing examples from popular literature and film, he aims to make it easier to understand the subtleties surrounding intellectual property rights and the principles of fair use. Hopefully this exploration will help us all navigate the sometimes murky waters of this very complex issue. Recently, the headlines have been rocked with accusations of plagiarism – from… Read More >
