All About Rituals

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

Rituals are about creating space in time, in our surroundings, and in our own minds. They give us a sense of predictability while still leaving room for creativity and flexibility. Something I already understood during my teaching career, where routine was the backbone of every successful day. When I began my second act as a writer, I leaned on that knowledge and shaped it into something new.

I crafted a morning ritual of my own. Nothing too dramatic, just a simple structure that supported my daily work.

Continue reading on Debra Goldstein’s blog.

Movie Review: Song Sung Blue

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

Song Sung Blue is based on the true story of Mike and Claire Sardina, a real-life Milwaukee couple who find love and unexpected success as the Neil Diamond tribute duo “Lighting & Thunder.”

Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson deliver stellar performances as Mike and Claire. It is not surprising that Ms Hudson earned a Golden Globe nomination: her portrayal skillfully balances grit with vulnerability. Hopefully, Oscar nods will follow for both actors.

In the opening act, the two characters meet at a state fair. Claire, a divorced mom of two, delivers a solid impersonation of Patsy Cline. Mike, a Vietnam vet and twenty years sober, watches from the sidelines. Both are smitten, but what truly binds them is a shared passion for music. One of my favorite scenes finds them jamming in Claire’s kitchen, the room cluttered with everyday life as their voices rise together. Afterward, they talk about their dreams and hopes for the future.

Their tribute act—billed as a “Neil Diamond Experience”—starts small in local bars and garages but slowly grows into something extraordinary. Soon, they’re bringing crowds to their feet with classics like “Sweet Caroline,” “Forever in Blue Jeans,” and “Play Me.” A thrilling high point comes when they land a slot opening for Pearl Jam.

The film doesn’t shy away from hardship. Personal challenges and financial struggles follow when Claire is involved in a devastating car accident and faces a long, painful recovery. Their marriage and musical dreams take a back seat as survival takes center stage. Several poignant scenes between Mike and his stepdaughter Rachel (beautifully played by Ella Anderson) plunge this film into darker, deeper waters.

Overcoming these challenges strengthens this family’s bonds as they slowly bounce back from loss and tragedy. Inch by inch, they learn that resilience is less about triumph and more about staying present for each other.

Brimming with feel-good music and laughter through tears, this holiday pick-me-upper reminds us that it’s never too late to start anew.

A must-see film!


Welcoming the Winter Solstice

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

Known as the UK’s best-selling living poet, Donna Ashworth first rose to prominence during the 2020 lockdown, when her poem “History Will Remember When the World Stopped” went viral and helped raise funds for the NHS. In the years since, her work has continued to resonate, offering reflections on resilience, connection, and hope.

Here’s one of my favorites…perfect for the season:



Spotlight on Winter’s Embrace

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

I’m happy to feature the anthology, Winter’s Embrace, published by DCL Publications.

Blurb

Embrace the joy of Christmas and some yuletide cheer in this collection of five sweet holiday romances from four of today’s most entertaining authors! Featuring brand new stories from Pamela Ackerson, Jennifer Patricia O’Keeffe, Cindy Lewis Smith, and Jae El Foster, this anthology will help you hold the spirit of Christmas and the magic of true love in your heart the whole year round.

Meant to Be by Pamela Ackerson: Single and starting over in tiny Lorman, Mississippi, teacher Faith Anjos dives into home renovations with tools in hand and a boat from her late dad’s fishing Sundays. Realtor Gabriel White becomes her unexpected ally, sharing lunches, family barbecues, and stolen kisses under patriotic park lights. But when a sassy ex-roommate stirs trouble and life’s curveballs hit hard, Faith learns that true love thrives not just in perfect houses, but in the messy magic of Christmas cheer and forever promises.

Window Shopping by Jennifer Patricia O’Keeffe: Single and sentimental, Whitney dives into downtown’s dazzling displays—animatronic toys, frosted windows, violin carols—chasing Christmas cheer alone after helping coworker Chad remotely. Fate intervenes with a literal bump into charming Chad, leading to diner laughs, Santa’s lap shenanigans, and hand-holding revelations. As they embrace kid-at-heart traditions amid bustling streets and Santa’s sly matchmaking, a parade invite blossoms into dinner-and-movie dreams. Proving the season’s sparkle uncovers love when least expected.

Mr. Hollister’s Christmas by Cindy Lewis Smith: Thirty-three and resigned to spinsterhood in Goldfield, Josie channels her Georgia Christmas memories into a perfect Eve nuptial for Rose and Hank, footed by taciturn rancher Clint Hollister. Their prickly partnership blooms amid pine boughs, fiddle waltzes, and whispered regrets from a saloon-fueled mail-order mishap. When a wheel-wrecked ride home unveils Clint’s hidden role in her arrival—and his lingering loneliness—snowy revelations ignite a romance as timeless as the stars above the Llano River.

What the Snow Blew In by Jae El Foster: Snowbound in Deerborne, Connecticut, during a record-breaking blizzard, editor Carina Whitaker hunkers down with wine, her cat Tom Boy, and cherished Christmas ornaments—until a shivering mailman named Jerry delivers a package and seeks refuge from the storm. As power flickers out and drifts bury her home, candlelit evenings spark unlikely conversations, shared meals, and cozy traditions that warm more than the gas fireplace. Amid reading aloud by firelight and piano carols, holiday magic proves that what the snow blows in might just be the love she’s been waiting for.

The Magic of Mistletoe by Jennifer Patricia O’Keeffe: Sarah’s winter break turns into survival mode: dodging doll-throwing dollops, sweeping glass shards, and sacrificing her office sanctuary for peace between battling children. Amid cold coffee confessions and contract close-calls with hubby Thomas, festive fumbles—from runaway pillows to reluctant photos—test their bond. Yet as grilled cheeses soothe tears and starry-eyed surprises arrive post-midnight, mistletoe weaves its spell, transforming holiday havoc into heartfelt harmony and impossible dreams come true.

Excerpt from Window Shopping by Jennifer Patricia O’Keeffe

All around her, the sights, the sounds, even the childlike thrills of Christmas cheer filled her senses so strongly that Whitney actually squealed with glee. On the corner of the sidewalk across the street, a Santa stood next to a donation stand, ringing a bell and laughing his ‘ho ho ho’s’ while holding his big proud belly. Shoppers were everywhere, carrying bundles of shopping bags and wrapped packages with ribbons and bows. Outside of a bakery, a table was set up with a sign advertising hot chocolate and snickerdoodle gingerbread cookies. Despite the chill in the air, the woman manning the table seemed happy as she waved at those passing by.

Garland and colored lights were strung from the wires at the traffic stops, and each lamppost had a big wreath with a giant red bow attached. In the distance near the town square, she could see the peak of the city’s Christmas tree and the lighted star that glistened atop it.

Whitney was in a version of Christmas heaven and it was exactly what she needed at that moment. Her bored lonesome had vanished, and she felt alive and energetic.

“Oh!” she exclaimed, and took a breath. “What’s that I hear?” Looking to her left, she saw a group of carolers singing their hearts out in front of a bookstore. They were all dressed in classic Dickens’ period clothing, and her heart skipped a beat at the sight. “Carolers!”

“Would you move already?” someone shouted to her right. Looking back, she saw a plump old lady with her arms full of packages and a disgruntled look upon her face. “You’re blocking the path, missy. Now, move it!”

“Oh, I’m sorry!” she fretted and took a big step back. “I didn’t mean to be inconsiderate. I was just overwhelmed by Christmas spirit, I guess.”

“Nut job,” the old woman said and then literally growled at her as she walked by her and hurried down the sidewalk.

Whitney wasn’t going to let that woman’s ill temper get the best of her. Not with all of the Christmas magic that encompassed the town all around her. She turned in the direction the old woman went and followed behind, still attracted to the sounds of the carolers and their perfect melodies. When she reached them, she paused and listened, taking in every lyric they sang. Once the song was finished, she pulled a ten spot from her purse and dropped it into the top hat on the ground that they’d transformed into their tip jar. One of the carolers smiled at her and tipped his hat in thanks.

Social Media Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | X/Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon | Smashwords | Barnes & Noble | Apple Books

Giveaway

A print copy of ‘Winter’s Embrace,’ autographed by author Jennifer Patricia O’Keeffe. Find out more here.

Follow the authors on the rest of the tour here.

The Power of Training

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

On Wednesdays, I share posts, fables, songs, poems, quotations, TEDx Talks, cartoons, and books that have inspired and motivated me on my writing journey. I hope these posts will give writers, artists, and other creatives a mid-week boost.

I enjoy receiving weekly doses of inspiration and motivation from a British writer and blogger named Lucy Mitchell. She has a delightful blogging voice that brings a smile and a thought-provoking pause to my day. Here’s an excerpt from a recent blog post:

For years, my social media feed has been a stream of writing advice, trending writer quotes and hacks on how to write more words. I have followed countless authors and writing coaches. I have spent hours celebrating their book successes, admiring their book covers, and appreciating their writing practices.

One day over the summer, I found myself spending more time scrolling through their feeds looking for motivation to write, but I wasn’t actually writing.

So, I made an odd decision. I started following professional athletes and filling up my social media feeds with their training vlogs. I still followed the authors, but I shifted my focus.

In my youth, I was a long-distance runner, so watching athletes train for the 800m and 1500m events felt like reconnecting with that younger version of myself. I started following GB athletes like Keely Hodgkinson, Georgia Hunter-Bell, Laura Muir and Jemma Reekie. I also followed American sprinters such as Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.

I began watching their training vlogs on YouTube and their Insta reels, where they discuss discipline and the mental battles they face. I admired their physical dedication, the way they tracked progress, and their calm acceptance of failure as part of the growth process. I admired them for showing up to train in the pouring rain, the suffocating heat, and the times when they faced personal issues off the track. They persevered through the training despite the challenges.

Soon, something shifted inside me.

Athletes made me view discipline in a new light. Watching athletes train reframed discipline for me. They don’t just “feel like” going to training, they go because that’s who they are. Their discipline isn’t glamorous; it’s about repetition, consistency, and patience, in all weathers. Writing is not glamorous. I write books, and they often feel like marathons. My books require me to show up regularly, not when I feel like it.

Progress became about progress, not about perfection. Athletes celebrate small milestones, such as shaving off a second or two, achieving a better sprint, overcoming the little things in the finish, and improving their running style. I started celebrating the little wins with my writing. It became less about the outcome and more about the process.

The Power of Training. I have started viewing my writing sessions as my own form of training with adequate periods of rest afterwards. Instead of searching for motivation, I have begun building discipline. Instead of waiting for creativity to strike, I have trained for it.

Writing is a sport of endurance and a test of patience and mental toughness. It’s about showing up every day and trusting that repetition makes us stronger.

You can follow Lucy here.

#TeaserTuesday: Hippie Mermaid

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

In this excerpt from my new release, Hippie Mermaid, Rosina begs the politician to take her with him.

Enjoy!

Lloyd gently released me. His dark eyes seemed lighter as they gazed at me. “You are troubled.”

I smiled, surprised by his unexpected empathy. “You are different from the others.”

He laughed. “Older, you mean.”

I shook my head. “You’re a better person. Kinder. Gentler.”

“Kind to a fault, according to Evelyn.”

He talked more about his sister than his wife. I found that unusual, but then these humans had many complex relationships. Chambers full of people, talking and laughing about the silliest things. And eating, constantly eating. Whenever she watched the moving images, Aunt Lina would cluck about the wasted food. All I could see was the camaraderie.

“I would have liked a sister.”

He winked. “You will have to procreate several times and surround yourself with a brood of baby mermaids.”

My lips trembled as I recalled my own predicament. The tears fell freely. As I sobbed, I felt him tighten his grip. When the tears subsided, I was able to release the pent-up anger and frustration I felt toward La Bella and Annabella. I focused on the kind human before me. He was the solution, the only solution to my dilemma.

“Tell me what is wrong,” Lloyd said as he detached himself. “And let me help you.”

“Please take me with you,” I said as I waved my hand toward the water. “I must get away before I’m punished—”

“Why would anyone want to punish you?”

He had given me the opening I needed. In a rush of words, I told him everything. Afterward, my tears returned. I had never cried so much before. Mama and Aunt Lina had been quick to chase away my tears. Their over-protectiveness had shielded me and kept me insulated from any strife.

I watched as Lloyd patted his upper garment and took out a small, white cloth. Gently, he wiped away my tears.

He frowned as he pointed to my tail. “How do I take you away?”

I managed a smile. “After I go through the transformation process, I will have legs and all the other body parts your female humans have. But I won’t be able to procreate.”

He muttered, “Thank God for small favors.”

“God? Who is God?” I wondered who else was in this man’s life.

Buy Links

Amazon CA | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU

Virtual Excerpt Tour: Arabesque

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

I’m happy to welcome back Portuguese-British novelist M G da Mota. Today, she shares her new release, Arabesque.

Blurb

A woman living alone in a coastal Sussex town in 1998 plants a copper beech sapling at 3 a.m. on a dark, cold night. Why?

A ballet dancer in 1960s East Germany is oppressed, longs for escaping with his little daughter but not his wife. Why? Will he make it?

In 2022 Karsten von Stein, widower and principal of the Royal Ballet, with two young children, meets Ivone Benjamim, a Portuguese, newly-arrived principal dancer. They discover a magical chemistry when dancing and soon it transfers to their private lives.

Against the background of ballet and its dancers, a woman called Grace tells her story from a rehab centre. Obsessive, delusional she begins believing Ivone robbed her of the man of her dreams—Karsten. And then a skeleton is found in a garden…What connects all these people and their stories?

You’ll be the audience facing the stage of this balletic novel.

Exclusive Excerpt

Lacey and I took the tube from Sloane Square to Westminster. Lacey’s house was close to the square. She wasn’t happy about it. She employed a chauffeur who normally drove her into the city centre or out of town. Lacey could drive but didn’t like to. Her money allowed her to be driven. But I always felt awkward whenever I arrived somewhere with her in a chauffeured car. People stared. Possibly envious or just wondering who these two women could possibly be. I asked her to take public transport and, as it was my birthday, she agreed. So, from Westminster underground station we walked past Downing Street and the Horse Guards Parade to Trafalgar Square and from there along the Strand, heading to the Savoy where Lacey had booked a champagne afternoon tea for us. One of her treats for my birthday.

The day was cold but clear. Sunny. Well wrapped up in our winter coats, scarves, hats and gloves it was pleasant to walk in the sun though there was an icy bite to the air. The Strand bubbled with people. Crowds moved like waves along the pavements, occasionally surging across the road from one side to the other when the pedestrian lights turned to green and the cars stopped. Accidently I suddenly tripped on a flagstone bulging slightly from the others. It all happened very fast but for me it seemed as if I were acting in a slow motion movie. Abruptly I had no grip. My body was falling. Lacey was screaming. And a huge, enormous red bus approaching. I was in its path and unable to halt my fall. Impossible for the bus to stop in time. I tried desperately to grasp something or someone but failed.

‘Grace. Oh God, oh God.’

Lacey’s voice. She was still screaming. And at that precise moment a strong hand grabbed mine. A firm arm slid around my waist. I felt my body being lifted and pulled through the air. I landed on top of a person, not on the road in front of the bus but on the pavement. The safe side. The bus missed me by a whisker. Sitting on the ground I sensed someone was still holding me and lifting my eyes I looked up into the concerned face of the Stranger from the Strand, Karsten. He had saved my life or at least rescued me from certain injury. I couldn’t speak. Shock and surprise shook me in equal measure. His light brown eyes, speckled with tiny green dots, were warm. I wanted to kiss him. Lacey fell to her knees and hugged me, bringing me back to reality.

Author Bio and Links

M G da Mota is Margarida Mota-Bull’s pen name for fiction. She is a Portuguese-British novelist with a love for classical music, ballet and opera. Under her real name she also writes reviews of live concerts, CDs, DVDs and books for two classical music magazines on the web: MusicWeb International and Seen and Heard International. She is a member of the UK Society of Authors, speaks four languages and lives in Sussex with her husband. Her website, called flowingprose.com, contains photos and information.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Amazon UK Buy Link |
Amazon US Buy Link

Giveaway

The author will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Find out more here.

Follow the author on the rest of her Goddess Fish tour here.

Blurb Blitz: The Radical Realism of Jesus

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

I’m happy to welcome author and editor Jeyran Main. Today, Jehran shares her new release, The Radical Realism of Jesus.

Blurb

The Radical Realism of Jesus explores how Christ’s life and teachings confront the assumptions of our modern world. From rationalism and empiricism to pragmatism and nihilism, Jesus’ words intersect with philosophy, science, and contemporary culture—offering a lived, transformative faith that challenges, inspires, and equips readers to live fully in the 21st century

Excerpt

From the beginning, Jesus has consistently defied human expectations. He clashed with religious authorities, challenged societal norms, and even surprised his own disciples. Faith, as Kierkegaard emphasized, is a tension-filled encounter with the unpredictable claim of God. Jesus does not allow us to tame Him with neat definitions; He is the living Word who confronts our assumptions and stretches our understanding of God and the world.

In a modern age defined by scientific revolutions, technological advancements, and rationalist philosophies, many of us search for certainty, meaning, and moral guidance. Yet, the Gospel remains disruptive. Jesus is not an abstract ideal; He is historical, embodied, and relational. He experienced hunger, fatigue, betrayal, and hope. He engaged life fully, showing that realism and spiritual depth are not mutually exclusive. Even in a world governed by measurement, reason, and empiricism, Jesus challenges us to consider ethics, purpose, and human flourishing in ways that transcend material explanation.

This book examines Jesus within contemporary frameworks of thought—from Rationalism and Empiricism to Pragmatism and Scientism—showing that His life and teachings remain radically relevant. The Kingdom of God is not abstract; it demands reflection, engagement, and action. Jesus remains aspirational and transformative, inviting each reader to wrestle with faith, reason, and the meaning of life in a modern context.

Author Bio and Links

Jeyran Main has spent years immersed in the world of books as an editor. She is the author of God’s Surprising Way: The Path to Lasting Joy, Healing, and Love and serves as Editor-in-Chief of Living in the Light of the Cross magazine. Through her platform, HeavenlyHarmonyHub.com, she shares resources that encourage thoughtful engagement with faith. Guided by a passion for seeking truth, Jeyran now turns to the radical teachings of Jesus, exploring how they confront cultural assumptions and invite us into a transformed way of living that endures beyond cultural trends.

Website | Heavenly Harmony Hub | Amazon Buy Link

Giveaway

Jeyran Main will award a $10 Amazon/Barnes & Noble gift card to a randomly selected winner. Find out more here.

Follow Jeyran on the rest of her Goddess Fish tour here.

In Ten Words or Less…

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

An early publisher of my novels issued what sounded like a simple request: “Send me a tagline.” It didn’t take long for me to discover that this was a daunting task. How could a handful of words successfully capture the essence of 60,000+ words? That task took me the better part of two days.

What is a tagline?

A tagline is often described as a short, catchy phrase or sentence that acts as a headline for a short story, novel, or film. It can hint at the genre, tone, core conflict, or premise without giving a plot summary. Appearing on the front cover or in promotional copy, a tagline works with the title and cover art to persuade a potential reader to pick up the book.

Ideally, the tagline should be under ten words. Between three and seven words is the sweet spot. But behind that brevity lies the challenge: finding the one line that fits after agonizing over dozens that don’t.

Here are five famous examples:

“Love rewrites the stories we tell ourselves.” Pride and Prejudice

“There’s no place like home.” The Wizard of Oz

“One ring to rule them all.” Lord of the Rings

“Growing up hurts more than staying lost.” The Catcher in the Rye

“When power takes everything, hope learns to whisper.” The Handmaid’s Tale

And here are thirteen taglines from The Big Book of Romance:

Sometimes an accident is just a plot twist.
“Writing Another Chapter” by Kate Flora

A heartsong is never silenced.
“No More Tears” by Viola Russell

A broken window lies in the most light.
“A Crack in the Glass” by Meredith Kazer.

Hope brews in winter’s chill.
“Chocolate Snowballs to the Rescue” by Joanne Guidoccio

You can’t run from your problems—but you can try.
“Runaway Lover” by Maggie Rose

When the drug expires so does your humanity.
“Gain of Function” by J. E. Prim

A single change will make or break their love.
“The Love That Could Have Been” by Raven Hudgins

Even death could not keep them apart.
“Paine’s Creek” by Carole Ann Moleti

A one-night stand that will last forever.
“Bealtaine Fires” by Janina Grey

Choose—The life of a king or lover.
“Caladrius Rescue” by Claire Davon

Cosplay was one thing – being burnt as a witch quite another.
“Marianne” by Cindy Tomamichel

Blasters – Diplomacy – Pirates and Romance
“Arrows and Laser Beams” by S.C. Mitchell

Her creator gave her a mission—her heart gave her a choice.
“The Blind Date” by G. S. Kenney

About the Anthology

Love across genres: A Romance Anthology

Thirteen established romance authors give us a tantalising glimpse into their book worlds with these compelling and enchanting short stories. A teaser – a quickie if you will – that will whet your appetite for more!

Contemporary Romance: explore the challenges of modern-day love with Kate Flora, Viola Russell, Meredith Kazer, and Joanne Guidoccio.

Small Town Romance: cosy up with cherished friends with Maggie Rose.

Suspense Romance: Thrills and love are a perilous combination, as told by J.E. Prim.

Paranormal Romance: delight to tales of love amidst things that go bump in the night with Raven Hudgins, Carole Ann Moleti, and Janina Grey.

Fantasy Romance: take a wild trip into the imagination of Claire Davon.

Time Travel Romance: travel back in time for some olde worlde action and adventure with Cindy Tomamichel.

Science Fiction Romance: leave today behind and explore what love looks like in the future with S.C. Mitchell and G.S. Kenney.

Ever read a story and wished the author wrote more? This anthology is for you.

Buy Links

Amazon CA | Amazon US | Amazon AU | Amazon UK | Universal Buy Link