Ten years ago today, I did something terrifying. I published my first novel. My life has never been the same, though a first before that—the publication of my first poetry collection—let me touch this life.
When I was a teenage girl, I turned to poetry to make sense of my complicated emotions. It was only natural to write my first novel about a woman who was scared to share her poetry with the world.
It’s no secret I am the kind of writer whose real life, heart, and soul seep into every character I bring to life on the page. Sera’s journey was about more than writer’s block, a public breakup, and her attraction to a man seven years younger than her. It was about childhood abuse that made her feel unworthy, unlovable.
Writing is my therapy (though I have been to therapy and nothing can replace the real thing), and I can’t imagine my life without it.
Sera and Chace have my heart and forever will. Their story is one I wanted to read, one I was having trouble finding. I have never been the kind who desires to save a man, and instead gravitate toward stories where the woman is the one who feels fractured and too much in the eyes of the world. I yearn for stories with men who practice quiet devotion, a steady voice, and an open heart willing to let the woman they love crash into them—willing to let the woman they love be messy and vulnerable and real.
He’s vulnerable and I’m a soft cry in the low light of my bedside lamp. He bites my jaw and follows the map of my pulse. He tastes my tears and the pure passion I wrote about but never allowed myself to give into. I let him take control, something I never do. He lets me unravel. He reminds me that I am good.
It doesn’t matter how many stories I write, Burning Muses will always have my soul.
You can read Burning Muses for free everywhere books are sold. I also have a companion poetry collection titled Apus, written in Sera’s voice for Chace, available only in my shop. Pay what you want.
I am not ashamed to admit the tears fell hard and fast when I wrote this post. Thank you for ten beautiful years.
Tomorrow marks the Spring Equinox, a moment of balance—light and dark sharing the sky before days start to get longer again. It’s a season of renewal, quiet beginnings, and reconnecting with what feels alive.
I know I’m starting to thaw out of my winter blues!
Every year, I crave the stillness of January after the busy holiday season, and every year, I am shocked and appalled by the darkness winter brings. Maybe it’s our busy, busy world and the feeling that we need to stay productive even when Mother Nature is telling us to be still. Why do we rage against it? Do you? I love the promise of new beginnings and starting over. Next year, I’ll promise again to be still in the winter. Once again, I promise now to bloom as spring takes hold.
To celebrate the light FINALLY coming back to all of us, ebooks in my shop are 50% off for a limited time.
Whether you’re into poetry, romance, or darker stories that linger beneath the surface, this is an invitation to start something new, to begin a story.
To celebrate International Women’s Day, my shop is offering a 25% discount from now until March 10th. If you’ve been wanting to pick up a story, poetry collection, or novel, this is the perfect time.
I’m so excited to share that my books will be part of a special promotion on Smashwords in celebration of Read an Ebook Week — happening March 1 through March 7!
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to dive into one of my romance novels or poetry collections… this is it.
For one week only, you’ll find special promotional pricing on my books (mostly free…) alongside hundreds of other incredible indie titles. It’s the perfect excuse to load up your e-reader, discover new favorites, and support indie authors you love.
Whether you’re craving: Emotional, angsty romance Steamy second chances Romantic suspense Feminine rage and poetic healing
There’s something waiting for you! The promotion runs March 1-7.
From Preferences, scroll down to Personal Document Settings.
Under Approved Personal Document Email List, select “Add a new approved email address.”
Enter edelivery@smashwords.com and select “Add Address.”
On Smashwords:
Click on your profile picture in the top right corner, then click “Manage Account.”
On the right, click “Manage eDelivery.”
Add your Kindle email.
If my stories have been on your TBR, now’s the time to grab them at a deal.
And if you’ve already read and loved them? Sharing this promo with a friend, family member, or fellow book lover means more than you know. You can even forward this post to the avid readers in your life.
Your support makes this writing journey possible!
Thank you so so much for being here.
— Jen
Freebies & Sales:
Spring into Love: Free Romances to Warm Your Heart
The Smashwords End of Year Sale is here—and every single one of my ebooks is 50% off!
If you’ve been wanting to dive into my poetry collections, my romance novels, or my romantic suspense books, this is the perfect time to fill up your digital shelves before the year ends. From now through December 31st, you can find all my titles discounted as part of the Smashwords 2025 End of Year Sale.
Whether you love heartbreak poetry, dark romance, small-town love stories, or stranded-island suspense, you’ll find something to curl up with this winter. Happy End-of-Year Reading!
From Preferences, scroll down to Personal Document Settings.
Under Approved Personal Document Email List, select “Add a new approved email address.”
Enter edelivery@smashwords.com and select “Add Address.”
On Smashwords:
Click on your profile picture in the top right corner, then click “Manage Account.”
On the right, click “Manage eDelivery.”
Add your Kindle email.
Thank you for supporting my work, my words, and indie publishing. I hope you discover a new favorite book (or revisit an old one) during the sale. If you grab something, feel free to reply and tell me what you’re reading—I always love hearing from you.
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